Top 3 Luxurious Casino Resorts and Hotels in the…

Over 67 million people reside in the United Kingdom as estimated in 2020. The United Kingdom is one of the most economically developed countries in the world with the fifth largest GDP (nominal gross domestic product) and the tenth-largest PPP (purchasing power parity). Back in the late nineteenth century, the UK became the very first fully industrialized country in the world, and today, it remains one of the world’s cultural, scientific, technological, and of course, political centers.

The most developed industries in the United Kingdom by revenues are general insurance, management consultation, motor vehicle dealership, construction contracts, and pension funding. The United Kingdom is also one of the biggest, most important producers of chemicals and textiles while aircraft, locomotives, and automobiles remain its most valuable industrial products. Tourism is also highly developed and on a yearly basis. According to reports from 2018, over 37 million tourists visited the United Kingdom.

The highly developed tourism industry contributed over £213 billion to the country’s GDP back in 2017 and this number is expected to reach £265 billion by the year 2028. Some of the top-rated tourist attractions in the United Kingdom include the Lake District National Park, Tower of London, the British Museum, Big Ben, Chester Zoo, Stonehenge, Canterbury Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo, and St Paul’s Cathedral among many others.

Gambling Industry in the United Kingdom

Another industry that is highly developed in the United Kingdom is the gambling industry. As estimated in 2020, the United Kingdom gambling market is worth around £14.3 billion yearly and the industry has been growing at a rapid pace. Gambling activities are extremely popular among UK residents. More specifically over forty-seven percent of Brits have engaged in some form of gambling in the last four weeks. Over thirty percent of UK residents have taken part in the UK National Lottery. On average, UK residents spend around £2.60 weekly on gambling activities which totals to £135.20 invested per year.

The main piece of legislation in the UK that regulates the entire gambling sector is the Gambling Act that has been in force since 2005. According to the act’s laws and regulations Individuals under the age of eighteen cannot gamble while those who are at least eighteen can legally engage in various gambling activities. Both land-based and online casino gaming activities are legal in the United Kingdom. Today, numerous iGaming operators offer their services and products to residents of the UK and if you want to find the best online casinos reviewed, go to this page.

The main regulatory agency responsible for granting gaming licenses, monitoring land-based and online gambling activities, and ensuring that every operator complies with the act’s laws and regulations is the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. The United Kingdom Gambling Commission is also responsible for providing guidance to the gamers and businesses which offer gambling services and products in the country including the UK National Lottery.

When it comes to the land-based casino gambling industry in the United Kingdom, it is highly regulated. While the online gambling industry is the biggest, most profitable sector of the United Kingdom gambling industry, there are many renowned land-based casino venues operational as well and further, we take a look at the top three luxurious casino resorts and hotels, and these are:

  • The Genting Hotel Birmingham
  • The Ritz London
  • The Z Hotel

The Genting Hotel Birmingham

Located within the iconic Resorts World Birmingham, the Genting Hotel has the largest casino floor in the country. The Resorts World Birmingham entertainment complex opened its doors in October of 2015. The entire complex is owned and operated by the Genting Group.

Besides the biggest casino in the UK, the entertainment complex features fifty shops, eighteen bars, a cinema, a spa, many different restaurants, and a hotel with over one hundred and seventy rooms and six luxurious suites. The Genting Group responsible for the Genting Hotel within the Resorts World Birmingham was granted a casino license back in June of 2011. If you are going to London for the first time, The Genting may be your place to stay.

The casino that takes up around eleven percent of the entertainment complex is open every day twenty-four hours and features a great selection of games including all traditional table games such as Roulette and Blackjack alongside slots and separate poker rooms. Needless to say, the Genting International Casino offers the most luxurious gaming leisure and entertainment for both seasoned and beginner gamers.

The Ritz London

When discussing the most luxurious casino resorts and hotels and in the United Kingdom, we have to mention the Ritz London facility. Located at 150 Piccadilly London, the Ritz London is a five-star resort. It opened its doors a long time ago in 1906 and since these times, the venue has been associated with luxury and high class. The hotel has one hundred and eleven rooms alongside twenty-three suites and every room is decorated elegantly to suit the venue’s glamourous interior.

When it comes to the venue’s casino, it is located within the Ritz Club and as expected, the casino is also very luxurious and glamourous. In addition to boasting an amazing selection of traditional table games, the Ritz Club located in the basement of the hotel also features several VIP private salons perfect for high rollers.

Originally, the basement of the hotel was the Ritz Bar and Grill before it was completely remodeled and renovated in the 1970s. The Ritz Club opened its doors in 1978. In 1998, the Ritz Club was acquired by the London Clubs company that at the time formed a new business named the Ritz Hotel Casino Ltd and this is the same company that owns and operates one of the most luxurious casinos in the world, the Ritz Club.

The Z Hotel

Last but certainly not least on this list of the most luxurious casino resorts and hotels in the United Kingdom we have the Z Hotel. The 7 Hotel is one of the latest establishments of this kind to open its doors to the public. The new one hundred and forty-nine room Z Hotel is part of a fully integrated entertainment complex located in the city of Saw Close.

The entertainment complex is also very near to one of the oldest and most famous theaters in the world, the Theater Royal Bath. The Z Hotel is a three-story venue with every single room luxuriously decorated. Other lavish facilities that guarantee maximum comfort are also included. Visitors also appreciate that the Thermae Bath Spa in the city of Baths is also very close.

Visitors to the venue’s casino floor have loads of games to enjoy as the gaming floor is packed with over thirty slot machines, eighteen gaming tables, and twenty-four live gaming terminals. Other than the luxurious casino floor, the Z Hotel facility has a number of other amenities to explore including a bar with VIP lounges and a first-class restaurant.

Visit These Suburban Hot Spots Outside Dallas

A lot of people might think that Dallas is all about oil and gas. But there are so many other things to do in Dallas, like visiting the museums or theatre districts. There’s also a ton of great food here!  For example, you can find some really good tacos at Tacos y Salsas on Greenville Avenue, just off Mockingbird Lane. If you’re looking for some more upscale dining options, head over to Uchi on McKinney Avenue. It has an awesome sushi bar with tons of different rolls and fish choices. You could even take your date out there on Friday night because it stays open until 1 a.m. every day!

Those are just a few of the hot spots within Dallas, but what about those just outside of Dallas that are still within driving distance. Places that if you rent a Dallas apartment, you can take your family and friends to when they visit. Let’s take a look at some of those.

Hamilton Pool

The Hamilton Pool is a natural spring-fed pool located near Dallas, Texas. It is so stunning and beautiful that locals and tourists alike flock to the water before it evaporates for the year.

The Hamilton Pool is a popular place to visit so you might not want to miss out on this amazing spot if living in Dallas. The nightlife and the hike at nearby Cedar Creek Lake make this a perfect destination for friends and family looking for a vacation or just a cool spot to hang out.

Enchanted Rock

Enchanted Rock is located within the city limits of Dallas, Texas. It is a popular tourist destination with an observation deck and the Laubins Sculpture Garden.

If you are looking for a place to visit at night, Enchanted Rock is the perfect place to go. The best time to come for this is between November and April.

Palo Duro Canyon

The Palo Duro Canyon is one of the most popular places to visit near Dallas, Texas. It is a natural haven for those who enjoy the outdoors as it offers some of the best views of the city.

The canyon has been an important part of Texas culture and economy since its creation, and today it is still a place that people flock to. There are a lot of activities that people can do near the canyon including horseback riding, camping, hunting, fishing and biking.

The Palo Duro Canyon is a natural wonder with almost two million acres to explore. It has been designated by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve since 1973. In addition to all these things, it boasts the second largest recreational area in Texas which makes this place an excellent destination for outdoor lovers or those looking to get away.

Choctaw Casino

The Choctaw Casino is one of the largest casinos in the state of Oklahoma. It has a variety of options for visitors to choose from, including slot machines, table games, live poker, and live roulette. The casino also has an award-winning buffet restaurant, gift shop, and hotel rooms.

Choctaw Casino is considered one of the best casinos in Oklahoma because it provides a wide range of service for its guests.

It is an entertainment destination that everyone can enjoy.

With its many options for gambling or visiting with family or friends, it’s easy to see why this casino is so busy all year round. The Choctaw Casino offers more than you can ask for at a casino!

The Best UK Road Trip Locations

There are few better ways to see what the United Kingdom has to offer than via a road trip. You’ll tour some of the most spectacular scenery, and ideally cram in as many attractions as possible along the way. Since the British Isles are relatively small, it’s easier than you might think to create a worthwhile itinerary. With the help of a leased vehicle, you’ll be able to plan a perfect trip that doesn’t make any compromises on style or luxury.

But exactly where in the UK makes for the best, most scenic road-trip? Let’s take a look at some of the options.

North Coast 500

If you want to see some of the world’s most amazing scenery, then you need only venture up to the Highlands of Scotland. This spectacular winding route will take you through the heart of the highlands, and along the rugged north coast, too. Not a day (or indeed, an hour) will go by where you’re not confronted by a jagged cliff edge, a sweeping beach, or an unassailable fortress. Along the way you’ll run into the famous Loch Ness, and if you’re willing to detour slightly you’ll be able to include the Hebrides, including Skye and Islay.

Norfolk

For an entirely different experience, why not head to Norfolk? The landscape here is altogether flatter, with picturesque little farmsteads abound. Perhaps the county’s most iconic features come in the form of its long, sandy beaches. There are more Blue Flag beaches here than in any other county in the UK – making it a must visit for fans of surf and sand.

Giant’s Causeway

This incredible route extends from Derry to Belfast. If you’re looking to visit the country’s most famous physical landmarks, then the chances are they’re to be found along here: there’s the Causeway itself, along with Carrick-a-Rede and its famous hanging rope bridge. Not for the faint-hearted!

Atlantic Highway

This long stretch of the A39 runs through Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, making it an ideal way to soak in the Southwest. Along the way there’s plenty of bays, lighthouses, and nicely remote tourist towns waiting to soak up your attention. The road’s reputation for wildness and spectacle does attract some reckless driving, however, so make sure that you keep an eye out, and that you aren’t tempted to put your foot down.

Yorkshire Moors

The North York Moors National Park encompasses sprawling tracts of moorland, and it’s replete with quality B&Bs, should you wish to extend your stay. If you’re looking to take your dog with you, then you’ll be pleased to learn that this part of the country is particularly accommodating – provided that you don’t let it disturb the livestock that graze throughout the park.

Food Trail Road Trips You Won’t Want to Miss…

Home to a variety of cuisines and delicacies, the USA really is a dream destination for food-lovers and adventurous amateur chefs. When you take a food trail road trip, you’ll have the chance to explore the spectacular scenery and stunning attractions while sampling a range of epicurean delights.

Whether you’re heading to the USA at the height of summer or you’re planning a winter break, you’ll want to ensure that you’re fully prepped for your trip. From completing your visa waiver application with esta-america.com to booking your flights and arranging car rental, there are lots of things to do before you start packing your bags. With the right amount of preparation, however, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

To start planning your next American adventure, take a look at these six food trail road trips you won’t want to miss:

  1. Pacific Coast Highway

Starting in San Diego and ending in San Francisco, this road trip will take you along the Pacific Coast Highway and through some spectacular locations. In San Diego, you’ll find top-class Baja-style Mexican restaurants, while Santa Cruz is home to the Love Apple Farm, where you can learn more about how locally sourced food is grown. When you reach San Francisco Bay, be sure to experience a fantastic array of local foods. Well-known local foods proponent, Alice Water, has a restaurant here, Chez Panisse, which is well worth a visit.

If you’re a fan of wine, a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway will also give you the opportunity to stop off in the iconic Napa Valley. With more than 1,700 wineries in Napa and one of the world’s best restaurants, French Laundry in Yountville, it’s the perfect location for foodies!

  1. Bayou Bounty Trail

Known for its Creole and Cajun heritage, it’s not surprising that the food in Louisiana is about as good as it gets, and the Bayou Bounty Trail is the ideal way to explore the area. Starting out at Houma and taking you through to Lafayette, the trail itself isn’t too long but you’ll want to leave plenty of time to stop off at the mouth-watering eateries you’ll find along the way.

To be featured on the Bayou Bounty Trail, every restaurant must serve genuine Louisianian cuisine, so you’ll be treated to gumbo, jambalaya, étouffée, crawfish, shrimp, catfish and much, much more!

  1. New England Coastline

Head to the east coast and you’ll find an array of tantalizing dishes and local specialities, which is why the New England Coastline is a great choice for a foodie trail road trip. Acadia National Park is a great place to start, as you can combine spectacular surroundings with exquisite local fare. There are plenty of places to stay within the Park, so it’s a great location for an overnight stop.

Travelling along the US-1 to York Harbour, you can take in the Atlantic coast and sample regional specialities from local stands and food bars along the way. Clam chowder, lobster rolls, Maine Black Bear ice cream and whoopie pies are must-try foods here, so don’t leave until you’ve tried them all!

  1. Great Wisconsin Cheese Trail

Producing more than 600 different varieties, Wisconsin is the place to go if you want to treat yourself to some of the most delicious cheeses in the U.S. A trip along this trail usually takes 2-3 days to complete and there are plenty of things to get involved with.

Start out in Madison and visit the local artisan stores to try regional specialities and take a stroll around the largest producer-only farmers market in America. Then, move on to Green County where you can take part in lessons on cheesemaking or tour the factories. Taking in Prairie du Sak, Sauk City, Plain before finishing up in Spring Green, the Great Wisconsin Cheese Trail is a fun – and delicious – trip.

  1. Texas BBQ Trail

Head to Texas and you’re sure to find delectable BBQ food nearby. Known for its slow-cooked meats, dry rubs and barbacoa, Texas is a carnivores’ paradise! What’s more – its endless roads and scenic views make it the perfect place for a road trip, so buckle up and get ready for everything the Lone Star State has to offer.

Depart from Taylor and finish your road trip in San Antonio if you want to visit some of the most popular BBQ eateries in the state. Along the way, you’ll drive through Elgin, Austin, Driftwood and Lockheart, all of which are home to acclaimed restaurants and food stores. From brisket and pork shoulder to racks of ribs, spices, seasonings and homemade marinades, a trip along the Texas BBQ Trail is one you won’t forget.

  1. New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail

If you have a sweet tooth, the New Hampshire Ice Cream Trail is probably at the top of your bucket list. With plenty of dairy farms still operating in the state, there are endless options if you want to sample locally sourced desserts and ingenious flavours.

The Trail takes you to 42 ice cream shops but there are even more stands and stores that sell your favourite flavours too. As well as satisfying your sweet tooth, you’ll have the opportunity to see ice cream being made and be able to visit some of the dairy farms that produce the milk and cream used to create New Hampshire’s iconic ice cream.

From black raspberry, Wild NH Black Bear, cotton candy and coffee to grapenut, maple walnut, pumpkin, ginger and ‘moose tracks’, you’ll find an array of exciting flavours to enjoy.

Planning Your Food Trail Road Trip

Like all road trips, you’ll want to plan your food trail excursion in advance to get the most of your adventure. Whether you’re heading out overnight or spending a few days on the road, be sure to take all the essentials with you. Similarly, do your research in advance and ask the locals where to eat if you want to find the best dishes and delicacies.

Sedona Arizona guide

What to Do on Your Sedona Vacation 

Sedona Arizona guideAre you looking for an exciting, unique, and beautiful spot for your next vacation? If so, look no further than Sedona, Arizona. This beautiful town is nestled high up in the mountains near Flagstaff and is known for its spiritual and artistic vibe. 

But if you plan on visiting this beautiful town, how exactly do you decide what to do on your Sedona vacation? With so many options, it can quickly become overwhelming when choosing how to spend your time here. But don’t worry—we’re here to help. 

In this article, we’re taking a closer look at Sedona and some of the sights, activities, and experiences you won’t want to miss. Known for its natural beauty, local cuisine, artistic expression, and unique spiritual vortexes, Sedona is truly a hidden gem in the high Arizona desert. 

SEDONA’S OUTDOOR RECREATION

 IF you love the great outdoors, Sedona should be at the top of your list of travel destinations. Nestled up in the mountains just south of Flagstaff, Sedona is surrounded by red rock formations, canyons, and lush forests. For anyone thinking that Arizona is just flat desert all around, visit Sedona to show you how diverse the high desert can really be.

Surrounding Sedona are beautiful mountains and countless red rock formations that will truly take your breath away. Explore Red Rock State Park or Slide Rock State Park for endless hiking trails and options for outdoor fun. 

A TASTE OF THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST

Foodies from all over the country flock to Sedona for its unique and authentic cuisine. When you’re packing for your Sedona vacation, don’t forget to bring your appetite. While the region is known for its Mexican-American cuisine, there’s so much more available on the Sedona food scene. Here are some of the top Sedona restaurants:

  • Tii Gavo
  • Elote Café
  • Cowboy Club Grille and Spirits
  • Creekside American Bistro
  • Heartline Café
  • The Golden Goose American Grill

ANNUAL FESTIVALS IN SEDONA

It’s no surprise that Sedona is a town that likes to celebrate. As a haven for artists, spiritualists, and creatives of all types, Sedona naturally has a wide array of annual festivals and celebrations. Locals and tourists alike can enjoy their local events, such as Sedona’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Sedona Food Truck Festival, Pumpkin Splash, and their Celebration of Spring. Even better, most of these celebrations are free to enjoy.

Some of the larger annual festivals in Sedona include the Sedona Marathon, Sedona Hummingbird Festival, their two solstice festivals (one in the summer and one in the winter) and the Sedona Miracle Annual Charity Fundraiser. No matter when you choose to visit Sedona, there’s a good chance that there’s a celebration of some sort going on. 

CHAPEL OF THE HOLY CROSS

Going to church doesn’t sound like the most adventurous vacation activity, but Sedona’s Chapel of the Holy Cross might just change your mind. Opened to the public in 1956, this creative church is built right into the surrounding red rocks and looks nothing like your traditional church. Famed for its creative architecture and sense of peace and beauty, visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross (which is free to visit) can allow you to slow down on your vacation and take a few moments to reflect while basking in the beauty of the Coconino National Forest. 

SEDONA VORTEXES

Last but not least, we couldn’t guide you through a visit to Sedona without mentioning the vortexes. If you’ve never heard of a vortex, you’re not alone. These unique spots surrounding Sedona are thought by many to be swirling centers of spiritual energy that can enhance meditation, healing, and self exploration. 

While many believe that all of Sedona is one massive vortex, there are certain spots renowned for their healing energy. If you’re looking to experience a Sedona vortex, consider checking out one of the main four vortexes: Cathedral Rock, Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Boynton Canyon. Spend some time at any of these spots (yoga and meditation are common activities here) and let yourself rejuvenate. 

FACTS ABOUT SEDONA

If nothing else, Sedona is a unique town that offers a creative vibe, access to amazing natural wonders, and a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience. There truly is no other town in the country (or perhaps the world) that is quite like Sedona.  

To help you get a better idea of what Sedona has to offer, here are some fun facts about the town: 

  • Elevation: 4,350 feet
  • Population: 10,031
  • Founded: 1902
  • The Sedona Arts Center is the oldest arts center in northern Arizona
  • Sedona has the only McDonalds with green—not yellow—arches
  • Close to 100 movies have been filmed in Sedona
  • Sedona has been inhabited since 9,000 B.C

SEDONA VACATION HOME RENTALS

Unless you plan on camping out for your entire Sedona vacation, you’ll need to secure some type of lodging. While Sedona offers some of the area’s top hotels, spas, and resorts, more and more people are choosing to stay in vacation home rentals when visiting Sedona and other cities in the Southwest. 

Why is this? A vacation home rental can make you feel more at home while on vacation as they offer a plethora of amenities (fully functional kitchens, for one) that a hotel simply can’t provide. Vacation homes are a lot more flexible, too. Since they come in a variety of sizes (from quaint condos to multi-level homes) you’ll be able to find one that suits the size of your party perfectly. Don’t worry about dividing your group up into multiple hotel rooms anymore. By staying in a vacation home rental, you’ll truly be able to experience all Sedona has to offer and find that relaxation you desire. 

CONCLUSION – WHAT TO DO ON YOUR SEDONA VACATION

Sedona is a truly unique place that has something for everyone. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, foodie, spiritualist, or someone simply looking to explore a beautiful corner of this country, Sedona is the vacation spot for you. 

When planning your trip, don’t just settle for the first hotel you see. Consider going through a vacation home rental agency to transform how you travel. Staying a vacation home rental offers more housing options, an array of amenities, and features like a fully functional kitchen that can help you save time and money on your vacation. Don’t wait any longer. Come see what Sedona can offer you. 

Racing into Saudi Arabia

A new racing sensation has just seen its first season take place in Saudi Arabia. This is not Formula One, but more Mad Max and the Thunderdome. The vehicles look very futuristic, and indeed they run on electricity, and there is more to this racing than just the thrill of the sport. This desert-based racing is set to save the environment so let’s find out a little more.

Mother Nature at Her Finest

It is interesting to be racing in the desert, with sand, scorpions and snakes featuring as the backdrop. The track winds its way through this fantastic natural setting amongst the sandstone rocks while camel skeletons and other such delights lay off to the side. Known as Extreme E, this new motorsport focuses on the planet, and the creators have vowed that each location will be left in better condition than they found it because not only do you have the racing but the creation of legacy programs. In Saudi Arabia, the focus is on the endangered Hawksbill Sea turtle (which may surprise many in an area that is primarily desert). The XE team has established conservation programs that will run over the next 12 months to look after these fantastic creatures.

Green Racing

Of course, the vehicles being electric makes them better for the environment. It is certainly no secret that transport is one of the most damaging problems we face when it comes to carbon emissions. Cars and other vehicles account for 30% of the problem, so cleaning this up, as Professor of Climate Science at Oxford University Richard Washington explains, will give us a big step forward. The cars are certainly like nothing we usually see on the roads. It is hoped that it will challenge people to think differently about the way they use vehicles and show just what a positive impact clean energy can have on the environment. Each racing vehicle has a 400-kW battery electric motor, and the design of the car is the same for everyone and known as the Spark Odyssey21. Charging is fast using hydrogen fuel cells, and this water which is needed for charging can also be reused locally wherever the teams are racing as an agricultural water source.

 

A Floating Home

When the teams move between events, they will also not be flying, as this has a large carbon footprint too. Instead, a former Royal mail ship, St Helena, has been upgraded to provide a floating hotel/home-from-home that can transport logistical equipment, cars, drivers, and other staff within the 62 cabins. To be more environmentally friendly, the ship has been converted to use only low sulphur marine diesel, as sadly, an electric engine in about the size was not practical. Every time the boat docks for racing, various local scientists are invited to hold a residency and give presentations and information to groups of people. There is also a research laboratory on the ship, and it is certainly attracting a lot of attention from environmental campaigners.

No Gender Stereotyping

It is also a very diverse group of people, and each team must have both a female and male driver. This is the first time it has ever been clearly mandated. There are still not many women competing at top level racing events, but there are certainly a lot of up-and-coming drivers who need the chance to show their skill. Both Jamie Chadwick and Catie Munnings, who are female drivers for Britain, will be taking part in this new championship. You may also recognise some of the male drivers, with Jenson Button, the 2009 Formula One champion owning a team and driving. Sir Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, who are also Formula One legends, are team owners, although not drivers at this stage. It is indeed likely to be a scheduling issue for Hamilton as he is still competing in Formula One himself and trying to take yet another championship. There is no doubt that as this sport gains popularity, fans of the racing heroes are going to want to see them drive as well.

The Course

The course is pretty dangerous and has ten gates which create narrow sections of the course, so it is reasonably likely, given the conditions and dust that flies, whoever crosses through that first gate will remain in the lead unless accidents and car failure take them out. There is every risk of knocking off a wheel or flipping a car when it hits deep sand. There are already some spectacular crashes from Claudia Hurtgen and Stephane Sarrazin, which have been sent viral on YouTube. Extreme E has all the makings of becoming huge, with its quirky courses that are laid down by camels repeatedly walking the track. If you enjoy motorsport, this is certainly something to keep an eye on.