International Destinations and Culture Articles

Owning a luxury Bahaman villa doesn't always have to mean staying on the beach all day. Those who enjoy spending time on the urban side of town may be happy to hear that downtown Freeport is being revitalized, according to the Bahamas Weekly. Full Article

For those looking at luxury villas in Thailand, one of the premier draws is the stunning Pacific beaches the country has become known for. Local agents say the Surin Beach area on the island of Phuket is quickly becoming a popular retreat. Full Article

For many of those considering purchasing Seychelles estate lots, the question they often ask themselves is, "Will I get enough use from this to make it worth the cost?" Island tourism officials say that's definitely the case for one Italian couple. Full Article

At 12,530 feet, climbing Cerro Chirripo, Costa Rica's highest peak, may seem like a daunting task. Full Article

Jazz lovers who own a St Lucian villa are in luck. Full Article

While Portugal is known for its temperate weather, nightlife and seafood, this small country is also famous for its world-class wine. Full Article

While many people do not associate food from the Caribbean Islands with much more than tropical cocktails and jerk chicken, there are a variety of delicious foods from this region that will impress even the most fanatic foodie. Full Article

For those with luxury villas in the Algarve region of Portugal, it's no secret that the area has become a bit of a melting pot, with people from around the world flocking to the area's warm beaches. The International Algarve Festival offers a chance to take in many of those flavors. Full Article

Some food lovers would want nothing more than to eat what they want, whenever they would like. According to India Today, Vietnam is a country where having a sweet dessert in the morning is an acceptable practice. Full Article

Many own second homes or luxury villas in areas that offer up-cVilla-owners in the Bahamas will soon have the opportunity to participate in a wild dolphin swimming experience, while limiting their impact on the dolphins' habitat. Full Article

When the Burj Khalifa opened in 2010, it became the tallest building in the world. However, though this title made it an obvious attraction for visitors nationwide, it also enhanced the Dubai experience for those with luxury villas in the area. Full Article

Jamaica was recently all abuzz with the news that Andrew Zimmern of the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods was on the island, sampling unique culinary offerings, according to the Jamaica Obeserver. Full Article

The St. Lucian island is known for its excellent cuisine and fresh, sweet fruits, in addition to beautiful beaches. However, the island filled with mangos, bananas and sugar cane may soon be getting sweeter, according to the Cayman News Service. Full Article

For Americans owning luxury villas or Brazilian estate lots, traveling to their second homes may soon become easier. According to Reuters, the U.S. has signed an 'open skies' agreement with Brazil, which may result in increased fight options between the two countries. Full Article

Silhouette, the third largest island of the Seychelles chain, is a natural paradise that, according to Afrol News, nobody has been able to successfully tame, despite numerous attempts. Full Article

A committee, chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister, Suthep Taugsuban, has approved a draft Memorandum of Understanding which sets up the framework for the future high speed rail between Bangkok and Nong Khai, according to Rail.co. Full Article

Vienna, Austria has been ranked the third most livable city in the world for 2011 by the Economist Intelligence Unit, in its annual livability ranking. Full Article

Though weather and beaches may be one of the main reasons people buy property on the island of St. Lucia, according to Hello Magazine, the food may be one of the reasons why people keep their luxury villas. Full Article

Rio de Janeiro is often thought of as an exotic escape with hot sun, beautiful beaches and lively music. Huffington Post columnist Karin Badt's recent visit incorporated many of these rich cultural and geographical aspects of Rio. Full Article

As eco-friendly lifestyles become more common, some interested in buying luxury villas may desire a location that is known for preserving and respecting the environment. According to the Huffington Post, Costa Rica may offer this type of "green" living. Full Article

Vietnam has much for residents to discover, and even years after purchasing property there, some owners of Vietnamese villas may realize there are still many areas that have yet to see. Full Article

For those who place a lot of value on sustainable, eco-friendly practices, Curtiba may be an excellent place to look into Brazilian estate lots, as the Mother Nature Network has named the city its destination of the week. Full Article

Despite the popularity of many of the luxury villas dotting the Vietnamese coastline, a recent survey finds that most people still feel much of the country remains undiscovered. Full Article

Dubai has frequently taken the spotlight when it comes to advanced and futuristic developments in the United Arab Emirates. However, according to the Mirror, Abu Dhabi may be a more accurate representation of the "the next decade and beyond." Full Article

Mauritius is known as a beautiful English and French-speaking island off the Southeast coast of Africa. It has become a popular destination and many have bought Mauritian villas to enjoy the area's warm, sandy beaches, located on the Indian Ocean. Full Article

Those who own Vietnamese villas, but want to see what nearby countries have to offer, may soon be able to do so through a more streamlined process, according to AFP. Full Article

As Easter quickly approaches many are making plans to take advantage of the excellent skiing conditions that the world has to offer. Those who own Austrian estate lots or luxury condos may be in luck, as they'll have some of the best ski slopes in the world within their grasp. Full Article

Anguilla, a small British-owned island in the Leeward chain, has much to offer, both on the main island as well as the smaller islands and cays. Full Article

Many professional or recreational surfers sometimes desire to invest in property in an area that can provide opportunities for the perfect surf at any time of day. According to the International Surfing Association, purchasing a Panamanian villa may be the perfect solution for achieving that goal. Full Article

Dubai, known world-wide for its innovative construction, may soon have a new unique addition to its infrastructure, according to Limo Broker. Full Article

Costa Rican foods offer all the zest and spice of cuisine in other Central American destinations. However, the special eateries in the Costa Rican city of Alajuela may be enough to keep diners coming back for more, according to The Republic. Full Article

An exotic location that can cater to those whose definitions of "fun" seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum is Abu Dhabi. The location has excellent attractions for both beach lovers and culture buffs, according to the Los Angeles Times. Full Article

The Mayan Riviera has long been touted for its beautiful beachside resorts. Full Article

The Revelstoke Mountain Resort in British Columbia, Canada, has garnered a great deal of attention because it has the longest life-service vertical which is continually run in North America. Vancouver Sun columnist says the resort's reputation is well-earned. Full Article

The city of Abu Dhabi's close proximity to the water, and the beautiful beaches that have been created, is one of the main reasons people may look to buy a United Arab Emirates penthouse. However, the water can also provide a unique view of the city's beautiful sights. Full Article

With white sand beaches and the constant presence of the warm Caribbean sun, the island of St. Lucia is a refreshing escape from the rest of the world, writes Metro World News columnist Amanda Hyde. Full Article

While most of those looking to purchase Portuguese estate lots in the Algarve are looking forward to the warm beaches or varied golf courses of the region, there are also a number of gastronomical attractions as well. Full Article

While it generally gets much of its interest because of world-class beaches and relatively relaxed property ownership rules, Panama has also earned a great deal of acclaim for its other natural features. Full Article

The government of Panama has made it easier and more attractive for travelers to visit, by offering 30 days of health coverage, regardless of their healthcare situation at home. Full Article

The Grand Travel Award has been awarded to the Kingdom of Thailand for the ninth-straight year by the Swedish travel industry, in the "Best Tourist Country" category, defeating seven other countries. Full Article

Mauritius is projected to have an arrival boost of 4.8 percent in 2011, which looks to help one of the country's most important industries - tourism. Full Article

Having studied market trends in India, tourism representatives from the Seychelles have begun a campaign to raise awareness of their islands as vacation destinations, the country's tourism board said in a statement earlier this month. Full Article

British Airways announced recently that it would push back the departure time of its flights from Mauritius to the U.K., allowing visitors to spend an extra day lounging on the beach beside their luxury villa if they so choose. Full Article

Embratur, Brazil's official tourism board, and Travelocity will partner on a marketing campaign to highlight some of the country's biggest coming events and tourist attractions, according to a joint statement released earlier this month. Full Article

Villas at a new line of exclusive resorts are being prepared in Mexico, United Arab Emirates, Costa Rica, and other countries, according to a statement released earlier this month by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Full Article

A doubling of the company's booth space and a generally higher level of involvement in this year's ITB Berlin event demonstrates that Luxury Travel Vietnam is confident their country is set to become even more popular as a tourist destination. Full Article

A new version of the famous Las Vegas Strip could be headed to one of several areas in Spain, according to the company's CEO, Sheldon Anderson. Full Article

Costa Rica's Liberia airport saw a record number of foreign visitors enter the country during the month of January, according to a report from Inside Costa Rica. Full Article

Relaxing on the beach or outside one's luxury villa can be a fulfilling vacation in and of itself, but those who want to experience a little more excitement could find themselves right where they want to be in Tanzania, according to a report in the Dallas Morning News. Full Article

The Panama Golf Club will play host to the Professional Golfers Association Nationwide Tour's first event of the 2011 season next week, the organization announced. This will be the seventh time in eight years the PGA has kicked off its year at that location. Full Article

Whether one's going to simply watch the event from the balcony of a luxury condo in Barra de Tijuca or actually participate, the Rio de Janeiro marathon has something for everyone, according to Steve Nelson, writing for Gringoes.com. Full Article

While the southern coast of Portugal may be primarily famous for its beaches and dramatic coastline, the Independent newspaper's Cathy Packe says there's a lot more there that many travelers could be missing out on. Full Article

When they think of Panama, most people probably think of the eponymous canal that links Atlantic and Pacific sea trade, or even deposed strongman Manuel Noriega. Comparatively few probably think about the country's mountainous interior, however. Full Article

Golfers looking to travel the globe in style should plan for a stopover in the Caribbean, according to the Toronto Star's Ian Cruickshank, since numerous countries in the area offer excellent courses. Full Article

Those stuck in the record-breaking winter currently affecting the eastern U.S. could find numerous diversions - and a much warmer climate - in Oman, the Boston Globe reported recently. Full Article

Luxury villas and other property in Spain are still comparatively affordable, but a report in the International Business Times said recently that values may be getting ready to recover. Full Article

Two Ryder-Cup-worthy new golf courses along the Alentejo Coast of Portugal are in the works, and experts Tom Fazio and David McLay Kidd have been commissioned to design them, according to Golf Inc. Magazine. Full Article

While the excellent skiing in and around Bad Gastein is the primary tourism draw for the Austrian city in the Alps, the Salzburg Times reports that there's more to the place than meets the eye. Full Article

Picturesque villages, historic and exciting Vienna and a myriad of other high-end Austrian destinations for the well-to-do can all be reached from the comfort and convenience of Eurail, the company said recently. Full Article

While the image of traditional Vietnamese cuisine seems fixed in many peoples' minds, Sydney Morning Herald contributors Terry Durack and Jill Dupleix say that their experiences in the country show that there are distinct culinary styles in different parts of the country. Full Article

Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Daily Mail columnist Victoria Gooch says that the famous Riviera Maya area in Mexico, containing Cancun and a number of other destinations, has developed quickly into a Caribbean paradise. Full Article

With a culinary culture very different from that in many Western countries, QMI contributer Pam Davies says that eating in Thailand is a very delicious experience. Full Article

While the white sand beaches and warm Caribbean sun often define the island of Jamaica, Daily Mirror contributor Chris Granet says the culture of the island also makes a distinct impression. Full Article

St. Lucia is known as a Caribbean beach-side paradise, and CapeCodToday travel columnists Walter & Patricia Brooks agree with that assessment. But they also say that the quality and variety of the island's cuisine is impressive. Full Article

Mauritius is home to a great deal of cultural diversity, and the Défi Media Group says that the village of Quartier Militaire can give those who buy a villa in Mauritius a glimpse into the area's rich past. Full Article

The Seychelles continues to gain popularity for its warm beaches and blue waters, which continue to draw people looking to buy a villa. Full Article

As one of the most modern countries in Latin America, Panama has a great deal to offer for those looking at vacation homes. U.S. News and World Report columnist Kathleen Peddicord says the country has a number of attractive aspects. Full Article

The third-largest island in Thailand, Koh Samui has become a well-known location among those looking to beach villas in Thailand, due to its calm and peaceful oceanside culture, which has allowed it to challenge Phuket as the top destination in the country, writes Suite101 columnist Mari Nicholson. Full Article

As one of the centers of Middle Eastern culture, the many souks - or markets - located in Oman give those who buy a villa in the area insight into Arab traditions. Full Article

The island of Jamaica is well-known for its sandy beaches and warm sunshine, those who buy a villa on the island will likely need to get out of the sun - if only for a little while - from time to time. There are a number of different attractions within a short drive of Ocho Rios. Full Article

Even though it's located in France, the Independent says that Montgenèvre features a distinctive Italian influence, which isn't surprising, given that the town is located just a mile or so from the border. Full Article

Those looking to buy a villa in Jamaica are generally drawn by the warm sand and sun of the island's beaches. However, its tradition of jerk cooking, along with reggae music is one of its most significant cultural points, the Star reports. Full Article

While the seaside area surrounding Nha Trang and many of the other popular locations for those looking to buy a villa are dominated by smooth beaches and sun, the Herald Sun reports that the city of Dalat offers residents a interesting location to escape the beach atmosphere. Full Article

Already known one of the most modern cities in Latin America, Irish Times contributor Carolyn McCarthy says those who buy a villa in Panama will find the country also has a great deal to offer in terms of culture and natural features. Full Article

Generally, when people buy a villa in the Seychelles, they don't imagine crowds will be much of an issue. However, when tourist season heats up, many of the country's beaches become more populated. In those times, the Financial Mail reports people may want to take a short trip to Desroches Island. Full Article

Long known for its sandy beaches and warm climate, the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles create a calm and relaxing escape, providing a peaceful location for those looking at beach villas. Full Article

While the Middle Eastern country of Oman is best known for its warm sun and smooth Indian Ocean beaches, Telegraph columnist Kate Humble says that the country's more rugged regions can also present an exhilarating adventure. Full Article

While the Tyrolean Alps represent one of the premier skiing escapes in the world, those who buy a villa in Austria may also want to spend a great deal of time in Innsbruck, the capital of the region and one of the most elegant cities on the continent, the Independent reports. Full Article

While it's billed as "paradise on Earth," Daily Mail contributor Catherine Eade says that those who buy a villa in Costa Rica will find that the country lives up to its reputation. Full Article

While Portugal's southern Algarve region has long been known as a popular location for those looking to buy a villa on the Mediterranean, officials say there remain many relatively undiscovered sections that show off the region's natural beauty. Full Article

Phuket is generally the place people think of when looking for villas in Thailand, and rightfully so, with its abundance of smooth beaches and other attractions. However, GlobalPost reports that Kanchanaburi can be an intriguing - and less discovered - place to live. Full Article

With a tropical climate, the island of Mauritius has some of the most diverse and interesting wildlife in the world. However, some of the most unique wildlife can be found in the Vanille nature preserve, creating an fascinating diversion for those who buy a villa on the island. Full Article

Since first being settled, the islands of the Seychelles have been exposed to cultures from throughout the world, and has developed into a small melting pot as the years have gone by. Full Article

As one of the premier cities in the world, Madrid has a lot to offer those looking to buy a luxury apartment in Spain. Reuters says its restaurant scene, nightlife, old-world style and other attractions make it a top destination in any season. Full Article

While there are a great deal of different attractions for those looking to buy a villa in Vietnam, Suite 101 columnist Ma. Aleah Taboclaon says that the county's unique cuisine is definitely among them. Full Article

While many new ski areas have popped up around the globe, the Alps remain the standard for top-flight skiing. As Washington Post columnist Steve Hendrix writes, the Tyrol region of Austria is home to some of the best amenities both on and off the slopes. Full Article

Those who buy a villa in Portugal can find a great deal in terms of sand, sun and nightlife throughout the country. As the Malibu Times reports, a quick trip north to the Douro River Valley provides some of the region's finest wineries. Full Article

Located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Madagascar, the island of Mauritius has developed an unique blend of the many different cultures that have inhabited the island throughout history. Full Article

Nearly every tropical island destination in the Caribbean offers pristine white sand beaches and stunningly clear blue waters, but Metro columnist Darren Parkman says that St. Lucia's Pitons help set the island apart. Full Article

The white sand beaches and crystal clear waters of Cancun have always been one of the area's main attractions for those looking to buy a beach villa in Mexico. But many are now finding that what lies beneath the waves is also well worth the trip to the ocean. Full Article

Jamaican cuisine plays a central role in the culture of the island and its inhabitants. So those who buy a villa in Jamaica should expect to sample on some very spicy dishes during their time there, accentuated by the annual Curry Festival held each December. Full Article

Darren Parkman, a columnist for Metro Canada, says that those who buy a luxury apartment in Canada may find that the Revelstroke ski resort surpasses many of the standards set by nearby Whistler. Full Article

While it was once the center of Vietnam's communist regime, the Daily Mail reports that Hanoi has now embraced many aspects of capitalism, making the area an attractive place for those who buy a villa in Vietnam. Full Article

Located just off of the Caribbean coast of Panama, the Archipelago San Blas - a chain of hundreds of small islands - allows those who buy a villa in Panama a way to escape from the sometimes crowded city atmospheres. Full Article

Costa Rican food has a way of separating itself from many other countries in the Caribbean, giving a great deal of variety for those looking at Costa Rican villas. Full Article

As one of the premiere skiing regions in the Alps, the Savoy region allows those who buy a villa in France to take advantage of some of the finest ski slopes and natural scenery that Central Europe has to offer, according to the website Travelbite. Full Article

While many other Caribbean countries have lost some of their culture and traditions as foreign visitors have come in, real estate agents tell USA Today that those who buy a villa in Jamaica are doing so because it has held onto its identity. Full Article

Located in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, Mauritius remains one of the top destinations in the world for those looking for a beach villa, with white sand beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. Full Article

Those who have chosen to buy a villa in Mexico may be becoming increasingly aware of the country's growing emphasis on its cultural heritage, International Living reports. Full Article

Much of Brazil is filled with the lush and watery rainforests of the Amazon, which provide an amazing ecological range of wildlife. However, the northeastern city of Natal remains one of the country's ideal beachside locations, according to the Sunday Tribune. Full Article

For an escape from some of the more crowded locations in Thailand, Expedia says that Ao Nang Beach in Krabi represents one of the real hidden treasures for those who buy a villa in the Asian paradise. Full Article

As the temperatures start to cool and the snow begins to fall, many people start looking for a warm place to spend the colder months of the year. Those who buy a villa in St. Lucia will be able to spend their winters - and springs, summers and autumns - in the warm Caribbean sun. Full Article

While the general perception of Oman is of a dry and desert-like country, National Geographic Traveler says that those who buy a villa on Oman's Batinah Coast will be vacationing in one of the top waterfront destinations in the world. Full Article

Those who buy a villa in Jamaica, or any other portion of the Caribbean, are generally interested in peaceful white sand beaches where they can relax by the ocean. But as the Telegraph reports, the country's famous musical tradition can take that relaxation to a new level. Full Article

Long known as beach destinations, local officials say they are seeing increased interest from golfers looking to buy a villa in Vietnam, Thailand or other countries in Southeast Asia. Full Article

For years, the Austrian Alps have been one the premier locations in the world for those looking to buy a villa at a ski resort. But for those looking for a location where the action doesn't stop off of the slopes, Ischgl also offers sizzling nightlife amid the snow. Full Article

While those looking to buy a villa in the United Arab Emirates have generally pointed to the country's popular beaches as a major draw, the country is also working to reshape its image through the construction of a number of museums and other attractions, the New York Times reports. Full Article

While much of the Caribbean allows travelers to enjoy nature, relax and recharge from the rest of the world, as the Independent writes, the culture of Costa Rica takes that to a new level. Full Article

As one of the lesser-known countries in the Middle East, Oman is sometimes overshadowed by two of its neighbors - Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. But as the Independent reports, the country has a great deal to offer both in the water and on dry land. Full Article

While the island struggled to get back on its feat after getting hit by severe weather six years ago, visitors say that those who buy a villa on Grand Bahama Island will find that the island still has the beaches, golfing, cuisine and culture that first made it a draw for so many. Full Article

While those looking for a vacation home have often looked to buy a villa in Portugal's Algarve region - along the country's Southern coast - officials say that parts of the country inland from the coast also have a lot to offer travelers who want to take a break from the beaches and golf courses. Full Article

While the country has gained a reputation as a popular destination for those looking to buy a villa as a vacation home, Vietnam is also home to a varied and unique culture which extends far off of the country's many warm beaches. Full Article

As the cold winter months continue to take hold in many parts of the country, the motivation to buy a condominium in Costa Rica or another warmer locale grows somewhat stronger, especially when one learns that Costa Rica has been named the best winter travel destination in the world. Full Article

Costa Rica's many natural parks - there are a total of 68 protected areas - and untouched landscapes make a continued impact on the local cultures, and provide a welcome escape from the rest of the world. Full Article

Those looking to buy a villa in Mexico may want to focus their attention on Riviera Maya, USA Today reports, as the 80-mile stretch of beach-filled coastline offers an ideal ocean escape. Full Article

Local officials say that the large number of attractions are a big draw to those who buy a villa in Brazil, because it takes multiple visits to experience all that the country has to offer, from the nightlife of São Paulo to the iconic Copacabana beaches in Rio de Janeiro. Full Article

For those looking to buy a villa in Austria, many locations offer close proximity to some of the best skiing in the world. However, a recent poll finds that those who call the area home feel that the Tyrol region is the best in the country. Full Article

For those interested in purchasing a ski chalet or luxury villa at a ski resort, France's Chamonix valley remains one of the most famous ski areas in the world, with the legendary alpine atmosphere and the towering Mont Blanc providing a beautiful vacation option. Full Article

Phuket has earned a reputation as a beach paradise - a title that is well-deserved. But, as the Bangkok Post reports, the island also has a number of other attractions for those who need something to do between times spent relaxing on the beach. Full Article

While miles of beaches remain a significant draw for those looking to purchase luxury villas in Brazil, officials say that it's also the country's varied and unique culture that brings people to the country. Full Article

While those who purchase luxury villas on St. Lucia are generally doing so mainly for the gorgeous white sand beaches that the island is known for, the area also has numerous other activities to take part in, such as swimming, snorkeling and hiking. Full Article

For many, the Alps are the pinnacle in terms of the best skiing conditions in the world. However, veterans of the slopes told the QMI that the mountains of British Columbia, Canada, have enough to offer Canadian luxury penthouse owners a wondrous escape. Full Article

For Omani luxury villa owners, the souqs - local markets - found in many cities in the Middle East offer people a way to understand the local culture as well as the past, Middle East Online reports. Full Article

Luxury villa owners in Seychelles who arrived at Seychelles International Airport over the past week were greeted with live local musicians, as a way to celebrate the arrival of the 25th Annual Creole Festival, which is held each October, eTurboNews reports. Full Article

While nearly every island in the Caribbean offers a wealth of beaches on which to relax, the island of Anguilla may have some of the best in the world, allowing those with Anguillan luxury villas the opportunity to enjoy the soothing waves and sunshine. Full Article

While many of those who buy luxury villas in Vietnam choose locations such as Danang, many of the country's other, more untouched destinations can go overlooked. CNNGo says that Monkey Island, off the country's eastern coast, is the most overlooked island in Asia that's worth seeing. Full Article

While Dubai gets much of the attention from those looking to purchase luxury villas in the United Arab Emirates, a number of new developments are helping the capital of Abu Dhabi grow as a luxury destination. Full Article

Those who buy luxury villas in Portugal's Algarve region have a wealth of recreational opportunities that await them. But one of the things that helps set it apart from many other areas is a wealth of top-tier golf clubs in spectacular settings, Golf Monthly reports. Full Article

While much of the Mauritian coastline is fairly similar, the local Defi Media Group says that the southeast cost sets itself apart from the rest of the island, in part because of the wide beaches of Blue Bay. Full Article

While Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula has gained much of its reputation as an ideal luxury travel destination, PostMedia News says that those who buy a villa in Mexico will also have many opportunities to soak in the region's idyllic and unique culture. Full Article

For those looking for a luxury villa in the Carribbean, the island of Jamaica offers a relaxing destination filled with elegant culture, sunshine and white sand beaches. Full Article

While luxury homes in the European Alps are known for their world-class skiing and other winter sports, City AM reports that the area also offers a number of other attractions for those who have the ability to visit year-round. Full Article