Honeymoon Magic In The Maldives
It0s a hard life. I0m sipping champagne on board a traditional Maldivian dhoni and watching the most beautiful colours hit the sky as the sun sets. For lack of better words, a perfect end to the day. After four days of tropical honeymoon bliss it0s easy to see why the Maldives is a favourite destination for honeymooners. You can0t beat the tropical climate, clear blue waters and laid-back lifestyle. I0m headed for the South Male Atoll, about a 30km boat ride from Male. Naladhu and Anantara Resorts are set on separate private islands and their lights twinkle a welcome at me as I0m dropped off at my first stop, Anantara Resort. Anantara Spread across five acres of tropical oasis, Anantara has generous beachfront villas and over-water suites designed to complement the surrounding seascape. The beachfront villas are elegantly furnished in soft tones that work with the custom-made teak cabinet and king-size bed. The attention to detail is amazing, and the first thing I notice as I0m shown into my villa are the rose petals on the bed with 0welcome0 spelt out in grass letters. From high-speed internet to a ready-made selection of island tunes to download on your iPod there0s nothing that hasn0t been thought of. Anantara is host to a myriad of water activities including snorkelling, diving, kayaking, skiing and sailing. One of my favourite water sports, apart from snorkelling, is sailing a catamaran around the lagoon. It0s easy to learn and once you0re confident enough you can explore the surrounding islands with just the two of you. Spa life Both resorts boast a luxurious spa menu. The ayurvedic massages are pure heaven, and the well-trained staff ensure you feel like a goddess (or god) while you relax. Anantara Spa0s range of services range from traditional Thai massages and Indian therapies, to exotic body wraps and soothing facials. The hour-long White Sesame Body Treatment is pure bliss after a day in the sun to hydrate and calm sensitive skin. Over at Naladhu, the spa experience is set in the comfort of your own villa. If your stay is long enough, try the Naladhu five days spa journey that is inclusive of accommodation, breakfast and five days of pure indulgence. Naladhu If all you want is peace and quiet, some tropical sun and the company of two, then Naladhu is ideal. Just a two-minute boat ride from Anantara, Naladhu has been created for honeymooners with sophisticated tastes and high expectations. Naladhu means 0pretty little island0 which it certainly is, but what impresses me most are the 19 ocean houses dotted around the island0s perimeter and facing the lagoon. Each house also has a private cabana on the other side of the island so you can enjoy a different view in peace. Each house is huge, with all the mod cons you would expect from a luxury resort. The flat-screen TV, surround-sound Bose stereo system, private wine cellar and espresso machine are cleverly hidden behind brightly coloured curtains and antique wooden furniture. From the king-size bed and generous glass-panelled doors to the outdoor veranda, dining pavilion and personal plunge pool, the complementary design of interior and outdoor spaces is genius. You can basically roll out of bed and into the pool. As an added luxury there are his and hers vanities complete with L0Occitane products, and an interior steam room to relax in after a long day of kayaking. One of the best aspects of my Naladhu experience is my personalised 0house master0 Asif who ensures I0m comfortable, settled in, and I know how to use all the facilities. He also organises room service, outdoor activities, private yoga sessions, restaurant bookings and spa visits with finesse. A culinary journey Executive chef Ashley Coleman is responsible for the comprehensive menus at both resorts. His experiences throughout Asia, Africa, Europe and Australia ensure a wide range of international fare is offered and reflects his obvious passion for quality cuisine. The Living Room is your only stop at Naladhu. The seafood platters and fish in particular are so fresh they melt in your mouth. You are spoilt for choice at Anantara with three restaurants; the Italian-inspired Terrazzo with impressive wine cellar and Fuddan Fusion Grill which combines contemporary dining and fusion cuisine. If you0re looking for something a little more secluded, Terrazzo has a small outdoor terrace that is perfect for two. Baan Huraa offers outstanding authentic Thai cuisine in its over-water restaurant. If you0re at either Anantara or Naladhu resorts, a visit here for lunch or dinner is a must. Fact file Getting there: Singapore Airlines flies from Melbourne to Male via Singapore, and direct from Sydney to Male. Prices from $995 one-way. Accommodation: Naladhu Maldives and Anantara Maldives Climate: Warm and tropical with little seasonal variation, averaging 250320C. What to take: Insect repellent, sunscreen, light and comfortable clothing, US dollars. — Find out more about wedding dresses at www.bride.com.auRead more honeymoon planning articles here: www.bride.com.au/Content.asp?Document_ID=33
Source: KnowHow-Now.com
Commercial Espresso Machines
This article is aimed at commercial caterers to help them decide which type of espresso machine to go for.A properly commissioned and maintained traditional commercial espresso machine will be an asset to any catering establishment and keep customers contented and coming back for more.One of the most convenient ways of supplying this insatiable demand is with a traditional espresso machine.Unlike bean to cup machines, the use of a commercial espresso machine in the making of espresso-based drinks is a more elaborate, time consuming and skilled process. This however adds to the charm and uniqueness of the drink as the customer can usually see each stage of the process and the care taken to produce it.Watching a skilful and experienced barista operate an espresso machine can be entertaining as they go through the process of making the final delicious beverage.There are basically two main things to consider when buying an espresso machine; how many group heads and whether to go for semi-automatic or automatic.Machines come in two, three or four group head varieties (sometimes just one) with associated increase in cost. As each group head is capable of producing two drinks at a time (by using a double spout filter basket) machines are capable of producing 4,6 & 8 drinks correspondingly at the same time. This enables different operators (baristas) to use the machine at the same time and with training several operators could keep an almost continual supply of coffee flowing at busy periods although this is a very labour intensive process.Generally the busier you expect to be at peak periods then the more group heads you should consider on the model of machine. Bear in mind though that if you only have one operator then they are unlikely to be able to operate more than two groups at a time.Semi-automatic machines require more operator attention as they will need to press the button to start the brew cycle, monitor its progress and press the same button again to stop. Obviously a longer drink (more water) takes longer than a standard espresso and the operator will need to monitor and react according.Automatic espresso machines have buttons calibrated to pre-set drink brewing times enabling the operator to simply press the button once and the brew cycle is taken care of. Buttons are easily programmed in advance for different cup sizes and drink lengths for extra convenience and flexibility. Obviously the barista still has to pre-load and tamp the basket in the usual manner before executing the brew cycle.Depending on the number of group heads most machines come with a suitable number of steam wands for frothing milk and perhaps a hot water arms for dispensing hot water for making tea.Since a high percentage of drinks served will likely contain frothed milk it will be a good investment of your time to master the technique of frothing milk. It takes practice and some skill, but once learned it will enable you to produce fantastic looking and tasting drinks and allows you to train others.It is possible to buy third party semi-automatic milk frothers that attach to the steam arm of the espresso machine to facilitate easier frothing but we feel that these should be avoided (though many might disagree). Add-on milk frothers can be clumsy and not function to a consistent basis as well taking some of the charm and sophistication out of the coffee producing process.Whilst a traditional espresso machine looks fabulous and attracts attention, the sight of a plastic milk frother attached to the machine can have be detrimental!Traditional espresso machines are big business. There are now a large number of manufacturers of such machines and the number is growing all the time.It is best to choose a manufacture that they have been producing espresso machines for a number of years and are familiar with the industry.Only consider plumbed models as some single group machines are available with an integral water tank but these can cause problems with ’stale’ water.Make sure the machine is made of high quality metal and not hardened plastic. Smaller, cheaper machines are available but should really be restricted to the domestic kitchen and never used in a commercial environment. You may make great savings initially but unless you are only serving a few cups a day you will very likely wish you had bought a more durable model in quick time.Operating a commercial espresso machine does require expert trainning. Most reputable supply companies will provide onsite training to all relevant staff when the machine is installed and commissioned.Staff should practice many times producing different speciality coffees before ‘going live’ with real customers. Particular attention should be paid to the tamper and milk frothing techniques.Even the best and most reliable espresso machine will break down from time to time. Despite careful maintenance an espresso machine could still malfunction at least once a year to the extent that that an engineer is required.It appears that the majority of engineer call outs to mend espresso machines are due to inadequate cleaning routines or user error. Problems can arise from bean contamination resulting in grinding errors, failing to empty the used grounds tray regularly and inadequate cleaning of the apparatus.Most new espresso machines are sold with a 12 months parts and labour service included in the price. However this type of agreement only covers genuine machine faults, and NOT faults caused by user error or improper cleaning practices. Such engineer call outs are chargeable even if they fall within the 12 months guarantee period!Boiler inspections ‘ All commercial espresso machines are required to have annual boiler inspections. This is due to the high pressures involved and is a health and safety issue. This is required under UK law.It is recommended that a calcium treatment unit is installed close to the machine to eliminate limescale build-up. For the average use medium volume machine a 18-23 litre calcium treatment unit is recommended that will last for approximately 6000 cups.A quality traditional espresso machine can be a real asset to any catering establishment. It offers a personal, time-honoured and successful way of producing high profit speciality coffee drinks.Don’t forget to pay particular attention to the servicing costs and water treatment systems.However a reliable and well-maintained espresso machine should give many years of profitable service and provide excellent quality delicious drinks for your customers.—Visit www.cafebar.co.uk for more information about commercial espresso machines and other coffee making equipment
Source: KnowHow-Now.com