Appreciation of Dubai properties grew rapidly between 2004 and 2006 due to the government deciding to change from the trade based economy to a services and tourism based economy. This had led to huge and groundbreaking skyscrapers so synonymous with Dubai today. Dubai property is so innovative. They have the tallest building in the world that is used solely as a hotel, the Burj Al Arab. This crown is soon to be taken from this iconic building with the completion of The Rose Tower. This tower was completed in 2007 but is yet to open as a hotel. Vying for the tallest building in the world is being undertaken by a number of developments which are still in construction and due to be completed around 2009. Approximately 50km away is a proposed 200 storey tower with a projected height on 1,200 metres!
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The New Forest is located in South East England, namely South West Hampshire and some of South east Wiltshire and is the newest National Park in England.

Named by William The Conqueror the ‘new hunting forest’ in 1079 the landscape of the New Forest has hardly changed since then. The woodlands and heaths are looked after today using the same ancient systems implemented by William The Conqueror mainly in the form of Commoners which are the local inhabitants who farm cattle, pigs, donkeys and ponies. These areas are called pasture woodland are left open for the cattle and pigs, also deer. The Ancient and Ornamental woodlands cover 3,692 hectares of the open forest. There are also a number of other workers who manage the forest from rangers and keepers to skilled woodsmen, all of which work full time to look after the forest.

The New Forest is a popular location for all ages and interests. All year round there are activities such as guided walks, historic and geographic talks and traffic free cycle tracks with many New Forest bed and breakfast establishments to stay in. There are now a wide ranging selection of New Forest accommodation venues available, from 5 star country house hotels and bed and breakfasts to stunning New Forest self catering cottages.

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Dancing in the Dark, based near Penrith in Cumbria have been providing professional Lake District mobile disco entertainment throughout Cumbria since 1988. Whilst Lake District wedding discos are their speciality they provide entertainment at a range of other functions and events including corporate entertainment, office parties, birthday celebrations, christmas parties and karaoke nights. So whether you are organising a birthday party for a friend or relative, looking to keep your delegates entertained during a corporate event, or trying to arrange the best Christmas Party in town, Dancing in the Dark will make your event a roaring success.

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Popular with a broad clientele, this stretch of coast was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty in 1959. Compromising of a total of 171 square kilometres, the North Devon AONB spans from Marsland Mouth on the Cornish border to Combe Martin and the edge of the Exmoor National Park.

The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status means the area is nationally protected for the beauty of its landscape. It is made up of several distinct landscape types, each with its own special habitats and geology, including the most vulnerable and beautiful parts of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve centred around the village of Braunton and its estuary.

Due to the fantastic beaches, plentiful attractions and distinct landscape, Devon holiday homes are a popular choice. Excellent transport links mean travelling to North Devon is quick and easy. The M5 motorway takes you right down to the junction with the main link road, the A361 leading to Barnstaple and then even Exeter airport is only 40 miles away.

The area hosts a wide variety of gardens and houses, family attractions, theatres and leisure facilities. Sea and coarse fishing are accessible nearby and there are three top golf courses including two championship courses at Saunton. For golfers, second homes in Devon are the ideal choice. Holiday Lodges in Devon will provide much welcomed relaxing accommodation after a hard round of golf but with the space to store golf clubs and other kit.

Sarah and Alan Ayres, proprietors of Woodlands in Windermere, are pleased to announce the award of a fifth star by the AA, which has been awarded for their exceptional standards of quality guest accommodation and service.

Woodlands Hotel in Windermere is a handsome Edwardian Villa situated between the villages of Windermere and Bowness in Cumbria – the Lake District, just a few minutes away from the shores of Lake Windermere. Guests will enjoy the luxury, stylish and contemporary Boutique accommodation being offered at Woodlands, which has now been formally recognised as being one of the finest hotels in the Lake District. There are a total of fifteen luxury and en-suite guest bedrooms including a choice of single, double or twin bedded rooms. The resident’s bar and lounge is an exciting space for guests to relax after a long day’s site seeing and exploring.

According to the AA, a five star Guest House needs to demonstrate an awareness of each guest’s needs with nothing being too much trouble. All bedrooms must be en-suite or have a private bathroom, with excellent quality beds and furnishings. Breakfast must include specials/home-made items, high quality ingredients, and fresh local produce.
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Combining a spa treatment with a holiday or weekend away is becoming more and more popular. With the stresses of work and family life, the ability for total relaxation and making the most out of a much deserved weekend break is a must. Spa’s located within Lake District hotels are the most convenient and give the most relaxation as the guest can simply come down from their room and within a matter of seconds be in having a spa treatment, no need to get in a car or walk for miles.

One such example if The Lodore Falls Hotel situated on the edge of one of the most beautiful lakes in the English Lake District, Derwentwater. It is a very popular area with lovers of all activities and it is one of the few pieces of water in the Lake District that has retained its peaceful atmosphere despite being right in the heart of the most popular area for walking. Lake District spa treatments can be anything from a variety of massages to facials, tanning, waxing, manicures, pedicures, anti-ageing, eye treatments, facials, sunbed and bridal treatments. With the popularity of getting married in the Lake District, a Lake District spa offers ultimate pampering for the bride.

Elemis is a high rated brand of facial, massage and body therapy treatments. The Lodore Falls Hotel offer Elemis Spa Therapy which is developed by a specialised team, with extensive clinical & scientific studies. Elemis professional spa-therapies are world renowned for their powerful massage sequences combined with the most dynamic activities, available in the world today. Lake District pamper days are also available in some of the Lake District spas. Locals can then use these facilities or guests who just want a full day of relaxing.

Windermere in the English Lake District is the longest natural lake in England. Set in the middle of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, Windermere and its surrounding areas have been a favoured holiday destination since 1847. Windermere the lake is 10.5 miles long and ranges from a quarter of a mile to one mile wide. The northern end is Waterhead, a mile from Ambleside town centre, the middle being Bowness-On-Windermere and the southerly end bringing you to Newby Bridge.

The town of Windermere is located on the east bank of the lake and is in actual fact one and a quarter miles from the lake. With a population of approximately 2,295, Windermere is one of the larger towns in the South Lakes. Many businesses have offices and shops in the town due to its location to the many smaller villages in the area. It has a supermarket, many local independent shops and the flagship Lakeland Limited store right next to the train station.

Surrounding the town and all the way down to the lake are a plethora of hotels in the Lake District and Lake District hotels. The choice really is endless. Boutique and niche hotels have begun to pop up making Windermere a quality destination suitable for young and old.

The lake offers many activities from Windermere lake cruises to fishing and water sports. Of course, if being on the water is not for you, the walking along the shore taking in the scenery and landscapes is equally as enthralling. The town of Bowness-On-Windermere sits right by the lake too. Again, a very busy town but a greater focus on tourism.

The name “Ullswater” is believed to have come from an early Viking settler but due to a stone circle called The Cockpit at Barton Fell, some say it could have been earlier. The valley has many farms which is now the main economy of the area along with tourism. Some of the farms which are still working today, date back to as early as the sixteenth century.

Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District at a length of 8 miles. The lake is surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery in the area and is a very popular place to stay for walkers wanting to tackle Helvellyn, Highstreet and Fairfield. The Coast to Coast walk goes through Patterdale with the Patterdale YHA situated on the route. For less adventurous walkers, there are many lower level, less strenuous walks such as the lovely Hallin Fell walk. It is approximately 3 miles long and of the same distance, the Aira Force Walk. Aira Force is the most spectacular waterfall in the Lake District and the beautiful walk through a leafy glen is wonderful.

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Many people are fascinated and often puzzled at the thought of life in Dubai. From looking at the images of the architecture of the spectacular buildings and the length the developers in Dubai go to achieve them, it really is beyond belief.

One such ground breaking example is the Ski Dubai, 400 metre indoor ski slope constructed at a cost of 272 million US dollars. The artificial ski slope holds over 6000 tonnes of artificial snow which is made through revolutionary methods. Due to the amount of sunshine, Dubai is becoming a centre for sports. Dubai Sports City is growing by the day with high profile developments within it such an Ernie Els designed golf championship golf course called,”The Els Club”. Launched in January 2008, the course was opened by the creator and golfer himself, Ernie Els, ranked 5th in the world and the former Open and US Open champion. “The Els Club” was the first completed venue at Dubai Sports City and also the first in The Els Club brand in the world. This course has then led to residential developments being built with the focus on golf with many properties having views of the golf course. Further major sports choosing Dubai for large tournaments if Cricket. The ICC will be moving their headquarters to Dubai with planned projects such as a global cricket academy at an expected cost of 25 million US dollars.

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Heads In Beds is your one stop accommodation resource from Gary Lowthian. Recommendations on great value accommodation across the north and east of England.

Having worked with many tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses to help improve their profitability, I thought it was high time that I pulled together a website highlighting the ones I really enjoyed working with. The result is www.headsinbeds.co.uk.

The site is far from an exhaustive list, neither is it only a list of the ‘finest quality’, as Gary believes that ‘value’ is something important to everyone whether staying at a bunkhouse or penthouse. Value is simply the relationship between what we pay and the type of experience we have and Gary feels all of the businesses listed on www.headsinbeds.co.uk site offer good value to their customers.

Why not consider using this site when looking for a short break or holiday in the North and East of England, where the majority of Gary’s work has taken place. The areas covered include Northumberland, Yorkshire including the North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales and North Yorkshire, East Anglia including Norfolk and Suffolk, Lancashire including Forest of Bowland, Blackpool and Cumbria - The Lake District.

The site includes different types of accommodation including hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, inns, farm b&bs, cottages, self catering agencies, caravan sites, camp sites and hostels, as well as a few restaurants and places to visit.

Dubai is a fast growing country and fast becoming known all over the world for investment property. The following FAQ’s should answer the key questions about purchasing property in Dubai.

Can I purchase a property in Dubai?
Anyone can purchase a property in Dubai. In 2002 H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and U.A.E Defence Minister, announced freehold ownership was now available to all nationalities Worldwide. 

Can I get residency in Dubai if I purchase a Dubai property?
Freehold property owners in Dubai and their family have the right to apply for a resident visa in accordance with the latest immigration regulations. 

What extra fees do I have to pay on top of the purchase price ie, tax?
There are no property taxes to pay in Dubai as Dubai is a tax free country. Therefore the price you see on a pricelist is the total property price for new Dubai property. 

How do I pay for a Dubai Property?
All Dubai Properties are purchased in UAE Dirhams, at Find Me A Property In Dubai we will assist you in this process. We advise you open an account with a foreign exchange company, this way you secure the best possible exchange rate. 

Can I get finance in Dubai to purchase Dubai Property?
Yes. Finance is available from 50% up to 70% for non residents. However this process and application is specific to each individual development. Speak to a member of our team for more information concerning finance for Dubai properties. 

What is the weather like in Dubai?
Dubai enjoys all year round sunshine!

Flamingo Gifts stock a varied and unique range of gifts to suit everyone and all occasions. From kitsch to traditional, from adults to children, we have everything your heart desires. So much so you’ll find it easy to treat yourself and your loved ones.

Flamingos are always on the lookout for new and interesting gifts to add to their Aladdin’s cave of treasures. They cater for any budget, and offer the lowest price possible for extremely high quality goods and pride themselves on providing a top class service. They stock a large selection of cards and wrapping paper so your whole occasion can be sorted in one easy shop.

Many of Flamingo’s products were gifts of the year, which shows we buy only the best, and are guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Such gifts include grow your own chilli plants, cushions, candles and lip glosses good enough to eat. You could even become a laird or lady, or own a share in playboy if you so desire.

Choose from an assorted array of mugs, from monopoly designs to vimrod and many more.

Edible banana slugs and build your own Lamborghini are perfect gifts for the jack the lads. Door mats, teapots, tasteful photo frames and personalised eye-catching clocks are ideal for mother dearest.

Where as young fillies in the family will adore the simply stunning make up bags, ice cream lip balms, and momiji dolls. 

Flamingo gifts are perfect for every occasion, whether you are looking for Valentines Day gifts, Birthday gifts, Wedding gifts, Christening gifts, Christmas gifts or just treating that special someone.

There are many hotels in the Lake District and many beautiful areas making the choice of where to stay endless. One of the most popular areas in the Lake District is Keswick and the Borrowdale Valley. Not only is the scenery and the nearby lake, Derwentwater giving spectacular views, but the fells are some of the best in the county for walking. The most famous fell being Scafell Pike, the largest mountain in England standing at a stagering 978 metres (3209 feet). This dominates the panorama for miles around.

There are many Lake District bed and breakfast establishments in the area ranging from small b & b’s to luxury Lake District hotels with leisure facilities. One such hotel is the Borrowdale Hotel which is Nestled at the foot of Shepherd’s Crag in the beautiful valley of Borrowdale. This hotel has a totally unique atmosphere enveloping the visitors from the moment they arrive. Warm and welcoming fires in Winter and cool drinks and strawberry teas on the lawns in the Summer served with a smile.    

Built in 1866 the Borrowdale Hotel has an interesting history and many charming artifacts adorning the walls, such as old hotel prints, Victorian coffee grinders and silver salvers, plate warmers and brass bedpans - not forgetting the original 41 room bells, which, although no longer working, are still proudly displayed outside the reception area.

Here are some key facts relating to the purchase of investment property in Dubai outlining the distinct advantages in investing in this high growth area.

Capital Appreciation
Dubai properties have risen by more than 20% in the past 2 years – Dubai property is still set to see estimated growth in excess of 12% per annum

Tax Free
No Capital Gains Tax, No Income Tax or Inheritance Tax

Dubai Property Prices
Dubai properties are still far cheaper than most major cities – if you could invest in London Docklands 10 years ago would you? Yes

Demand vs Supply
85,000 Dubai Properties are being built per year – 52,000 Residency permits are applied for every month! The supply of Dubai properties is not expected to meet the demand for years to come.

Dubai property Rental Rates
Rental rates in Dubai have increased vastly year on year with increases between 20% - 40% in the last 2 years alone

Attractive Exchange Rate
The UAE Dirham is pegged to the US Dollar

Dubai’s Business District
Dubai is the business hub of the Middle East, with a 24 hour stock exchange and Business Bay under way, Dubai’s Manhattan! Offering prime commercial & residential investment opportunities. And then to top it off of course, year round sunshine and a cosmopolitan lifestyle with an array of entertainment options to suit every taste.

It has been thought in the past that staying in hotels with children is a bad idea, not places geared up for children. Parents however, want a bit of luxury and do not always want to camp or go self catering. Times are changing and hoteliers are waking up to the idea that families are a large market hardly targeted. There are some hotels that operate  strict “no children” policy but many hotels who are quite happy having them stay are adapting rooms and creating fun things for children to do to entice families to stay.

An area full of activities and stunning scenery is the area of Keswick and Bassenthwaite. There are many Keswick hotels that offer child friendly rooms with excellent leisure facilities on site. These facilities include heated swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts, putting greens and some even have games rooms with both board games and computer games such as Wii consoles installed. The practical facilities within these hotels come in the form of flexible meal times for children, the use of complimentary high chairs and cots, bed time books and stocks of essential items such as nappies, baby milks and food and dummies.

The Bassenthwaite Lake area encompasses some of the most well equipped hotels Lake District. The lake is one of the largest in the English Lake District situated at the foot of Skiddaw and in such close proximity to Keswick, it is a great location. The lake is 4 miles long and is the shallowest of all the lakes with its maximum depth just 70 feet. For parents interested in bird watching, it is one of the best places to spot an Osprey.