We seem to be attracted by high class casinos for a reason. Not only gambling buildings look gorgeous but there are a lot of people with high spending limits, and despite the fact that the chances to win are almost nonexistent, it’s a mix of rich and richer. I don’t think someone with loads of money is going to a casino for profits. Winning at least once, smoking a quality cigar and having a glass of old brandy is what everyone wants. Here are the most beautiful casinos in the world where VIP gamblers get to spend their time, and of course, money.

Mandarin Oriental Casino

It’s located in a luxurious resort 40 km away from Hong Kong on the Macau Peninsula, inside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and though it’s not the biggest in the area, it is very luxurious. With a 12,140 sqf gaming area, two VIP rooms, 59 slot machines, 12 table games including baccarat, blackjack, boule and roulette, you may not want to miss this one while you’re in Macau.

St. James Club Casino

For four consecutive years the St. James Club was selected as the best hotel in the Caribbean. Located on the plush Mamora Bay grounds with crystal-blue waters and white sandy beaches it’s a great choice for your vacation. If during the day you’ll do all sorts of water sports or sun bathing, the Las Vegas-styled casino is the perfect place to spend your night.

Casino Metropol

They call it the noble’s casino mostly because it’s one of the most elegant casinos in the world. Inside Hotel Metropol in Moscow and close to the Red Square and the Kremlin, you will have to dress up in your finest tuxedo to be allowed inside. Built over 100 years ago, it has had an illustrious history always gathering the best of Moscow’s society.

Atlantis Resort Casino

Oh Bahamas! The Atlantis Resort is located on the Paradise Island in Nassau close to a seven acre lagoon and has a beautiful architecture. The casino has a very nice history, it was built as a homage to the lost continent of Atlantis and is the only one in the world to stand above a body of water. The gaming area has 850 slot machines, a race and a sports book, 78 tables for blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and Caribbean stud poker and is split between the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon.

The Bellagio

What could you expect from a casino in Las Vegas? Lots of lights, nice architecture, lakes and beautiful surroundings. Inaugurated in 1998, the Bellagio is a five diamond rated luxury hotel and casino. The casino is renowned for its (smoke free) poker rooms where lots of pros come for the high-limit tables. 2400 slots, a race and sports book, 124 tables to play all sorts of card games and 10,000 employees are all there to make it a beautiful experience.

Sun City Resort

The best place and one of the first choices for a holiday in South Africa is probably the Sun City Resort with four world-class hotels, a few golf courses, a wave pool and lots of green surroundings. Did I mention that it is considered the gaming Mecca of South Africa? 852 slot machines and 38 gaming tables playing roulette, blackjack, craps, stud poker, baccarat, and punto banco are expecting you (and your money).

Baden Baden Casino

Baden Baden is a city in Germany at the foothills of the Black Forest mountains and is well known for its thermal springs and of course for the casino. It was built in 1824 and is the oldest in the country. I am not sure if these words and one picture are enough for you to see the real beauty beneath but I will have to give it a try.

The Baden Baden casino has always been the domain of the rich and famous as you can probably see. Looks like a small palace with a white marble facade and lots of sculptures, stunning murals and massive gilded chandeliers inside. I guess this is why Marlene Dietrich once said it’s “the most beautiful in the world”.

The Venetian

Opened in 1999 in Las Vegas, The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino is the largest five diamond luxury hotel and casino. Inspired by Venice with marble floors, lots of frescoes and lengthy gondola rides you get to prepare for spending time at one of those 100 gaming tables with almost every game imaginable and 2,500 slot machines. For serious poker players The Venetian opened in 2006 a 10,500 sqf poker room.

Casino Monte Carlo

What is Monte Carlo known for? Royalty, nobility and wealth, a Formula 1 race, and I was about to forget the casino. It’s not just a casino, it’s more like a complex that includes gambling facilities, the Grand Théâtre de Monte Carlo, the Opera or the Ballet house.

It was built in a Baroque style in 1878 by architect Charles Garnier, the same that built the Paris Opera. It has 316 slot machines and 35 game tables including different kinds of roulette, stud poker, blackjack, trente et quarante, craps, baccarat or video poker. And for extremely wealthy people, they also have a private poker room.

Don’t forget your expensive suit when you want to gamble in Monaco.

The Ritz Casino, in London

The crème de la crème. Elegant, luxurious, sophisticated, stylish, the essence of fine gaming. I’m talking about the members-only Ritz Club Casino in London which they call “the world’s most exclusive privately owned gaming club”. The first time I took the virtual tour I was charmed. Everything seemed perfect and every inch was screaming luxury.

Images courtesy of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-7, 8-9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-16-17-18

It’s no secret that Americans have a serious obesity problem and that’s no surprise if we take a look at the kind of foods they’ve managed to come up with over the years. Here’s a look at some delicious-looking foods you can only enjoy on American soil:

Buffalo wings

Buffalo Wings

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If you’re a food fanatic or simply have a stronger sweet tooth than the rest of us, you’d naturally want to experience all that gastronomy has to offer in terms of sweets. And you’re not going to settle for the cheese cake you find around corner, you know you want to try something refined, exotic and luxurious. After taking a look at the most expensive and exotic cocktails, it’s time to see what the rich and famous have for dessert. Forget about pie, pudding or fruits, here are the 10 most expensive desserts in the world:

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As quiet as the sea may seem, you should keep in mind the dangers lurking beneath the surface. Here’s a look at the deadliest creatures living in the water.

Lionfish

Lionfish

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Steve McQueen did it. The Singing Von Trapp Family did it. Andy Dufresne of “The Shawshank Redemption” did it. And so did we. What am I talking about? The greatest of escapes, of course. Although we made it back safely, it could’ve been so different.

After completing our Inca trek, we journeyed from Cusco to the backpacker-filled town of Copacabana, on the shore of the world’s highest lake. Located on the Peruvian border, Lake Titicaca is so picturesque, even the world’s worst photographer could take snaps that would look absolutely Lebowitz.

Buses were leaving for La Paz, packed with Gringos ready to experience the world’s highest capital city. We were in no hurry and instead, would enjoy a few quiet nights here before we headed over to nearby Isla del Sol. Upon our return, we realised La Paz (and indeed the rest of Bolivia) was in the midst of major, civil unrest. Otherwise known as a Coup d’etat, I was blasé as to the actual extent of what was going on. Who honestly takes these things seriously?

What initially seemed like a minor distraction to our travels, quickly escalated. It seems the Campesinos (peasant class) were angry with the government, in particular El Presidente, about selling natural gas reserves wholesale to overseas interests. Poor Bolivia was, once again, being exploited by a neighbouring country. Long ago, they even had a Pacific coastline until this was whittled away from them by Chile.

After returning from Isla del Sol, “Copa” had become a ghost town. Only a few pockets of Gringos remained. Like a scene from “High Noon”, with eddies of dust rolling down the main street. Roadblocks set up by the Campesinos ensured No-one could enter the country. A handful of people had escaped from La Paz with disturbing stories of having been in the firing line of tear gas and harrowing taxi rides from the capital through roadblocks, reminiscent of a Jerry Bruckheimer production.

We had the entire town, normally bustling with Gringos, to ourselves. How did we manage to escape? Well, we didn’t steal a motorbike and jump over a fence. Nor did we stage a concert and sneak out by the exit door. We certainly didn’t chisel through the wall of our hotel room, covering up the passageway with a poster of Rita Hayworth. Nothing like that I’m afraid.

Instead we met another stranded couple and decided to make our way by boat for the eight kilometres to the border. I strolled down to the lake shore and awaited “The Boy” to approach. It was like a drug deal going down. I waited by the lake shore, observing the view, when The Boy came over and asked me if I was looking to “get off the island”. “When”? I asked. “How much?” and “what time”? Deal was done. For 200 Bolivianos (less than $22), we hired a rowboat, an oarsman and space for four of us and our heavy packs to the Peruvian border.

It was still dark at 7am, extremely cold, and the thought of being in a very small boat on a very large lake, did not inspire much confidence amongst the four of us, but we had no choice. Either escape or apply for Bolivian residence. Our oarsman was our saviour. This poor guy was probably 65 years old and must’ve only had six teeth. He was so strong and focused, even pointing out some sights on the lake as he rowed by. Think, “Groundskeeper Willie” from “The Simpsons”. I’m sure that if this guy had ripped off his three layers of clothing, a six-pack and shoulders like tree trunks would have been revealed. Narrowly avoiding rocks hurtled by some Campesinos witnessing our escape efforts at the helm of a traitor, we safely rounded the point. Our freedom came into view in the distance. Suddenly, the old guy paddled the boat to shore and disappeared into the bushes, turning his back on us out of humility. A swell had developed and waves splashed into the boat. Still our hero persevered, and after more agonising moments of rough paddling (well, not for us), we finally arrived at the border.

Fearing a Campesino ambush, we quickly disembarked, negotiated a bog and made our way through a furrowed field full of cud-chewing cows and local farmers with bemused looks on their faces. Carrying a heavy backpack, over rock walls at 3,800 metres above sea level is great for improving your fitness at sea level, but at altitude, you feel like a weight belt is on your chest. Then we caught sight of it. The border control post. Cries of relief were heard, we made it. We had escaped Bolivia during a coup. It was sad to leave Copacabana behind, I was slowly getting used to the “music and passion, being the
fashion”, but it was great to be back in Peru.

It was a shame that we did not make it to La Paz. We had heard such great things about it
At least we were safe and now have a story to tell our Grandchildren.

Have you got a story about a “great escape” from your travels? We’d love to hear about your own narrow escapes from danger whilst on holidays, whether they be escaping a coup or simply getting away from an annoying travel partner, send us your story in a comment.

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After taking a look at some of the weirdest foods several countries have to offer, it’s time to find some drinks that might go with what’s on the menu. Since most of us are sick of too much Cosmopolitans or Apple Martinis, we have gathered some of the most intriguing, creative or downright odd cocktails around the world. And if you haven’t heard it yet, bartenders that do cocktails are now called mixologists. Be that as it may, here are 10 must-try cocktails on your vacation:

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