TRAVEL

Travels with Mel: ULDUM

COLUMNIST: Melanie Abernathy

Do you love adventure? Beaches? Luxurious oases? Well then, can we say “Welcome to Uldum”? Yes, we can!

Uldum is an ancient desert located on the southern most tip of Kalimador, lovingly nestled between the lands of Tanaris, Silithus and Un’goro Crater. It is a land of vast sandy dunes, beautiful oases, and open skies. But, it is so much more than that! We had the good fortune to travel to the enchanting desert capital of Ramkahen, a historic location rich in culture and mystery, for the World’s Faire Carnival The carnival is a week long event held each year to bring the world of Azeroth together. Traveling back and forth is simply not logical so we decided to try our luck at some of the local resorts and we are here to say that we were not disappointed

In the capital city of the Tol’vir people, we discovered a little gem of a resort located right at the edge of the water overlooking breathtaking view of the majestic Vir’naal dam and desert beyond Ramkahen Resort provides one with luxurious accommodations with affordable prices Affordability like this is a definite pro for those on a working man’s dime but the con is, the resort is on the smaller side with only ten suites in total. We were ably to reserve it for the first night which gave us the opportunity to explore all that Ramkahen had to offer from local food fare to a tour of the majestic dam. The suites are large, open and airy featuring beds with light netting to keep the bugs away giving one the capability to get a good night’s rest Each suite features a bathroom with large sunk in tubs and sitting rooms with handcrafted furniture of wicker and plush cushions lovingly wrapped in rich jacquard. Luxury and affordability give it a five star rating but the lack of available rooms knock it down a four

After day one, we crossed Vir’naal lake to visit the sight in the harbor town of Mar’at where we opted to stay at the local hotel, Lakeside Hotel&Spa. Like the Ramkahen Resort, it provides luxury but with an elevated price given the amenities provided With twelve rooms and ten suites, it can accommodate twice the number of guests Like the former, it also provides the best of food and beautiful vista views of the dam and desert So why stay there when the other is less expensive? One word. Spa. This is the place to go if you want to be treated to expert pampering ranging from massage to kelp wraps When one books a room, they are given a complimentary visit to the massage parlor If you are looking to relax and rejuvenate, then this is the place for you. We give it a five star rating.

For the more adventurous type, we suggest a visit to the Oasis of Vir’sar, nestled at the edge of a lovely little lagoon Those with daring spirits will certainly be drawn to this location Camping, correction, glamping is available here as well as a deep dive into the ancient Obelisk of the Moon. The waters of the lagoon sparkle at night and create an atmosphere of beauty and romance Well so long as one can ignore the crocolisks during mating season

Luxury tents provide comfortable goosedown mattresses elevated from the ground with low rise platforms and netting to help keep the pests out Each tent provides a privacy screen and copper tubs to bathe in after a long day of exploring all that the oasis has to offer. While don’t recommend it for those who aren’t looking to explore ancient locations, we give it a solid four stars for those who seek just that kind of atmosphere

In conclusion, we not only recommend Uldum, we encourage anyone and everyone to give it a visit as it makes a great get away for just about any reason Be sure to bring plenty of airy clothing and check out all it has to offer Other locations not mentioned above are the Akhenet Retreat surrounded by exotic gardens, Neferset City, Orsis, Sunstone Terrace, and Sunwatcher’s Ridge, each with their own accommodations and sights to see. Uldum is a place one can visit over and over and never be bored Go on and book your vacation today!

Fighting

Enthrall in the Brawl WINNERS

1st Place: Borris Nyberg

2nd Place: Eloise 'Ella" Earp

3rd Place: Junihan Mistpas

The Rusty Nail's Anniversary Brawl WINNERS

1st Place: Pazi Rustygear

2nd Place: Anna Fairbanks

3rd Place: Tazciar Lareth

Month's End Brawl WINNERS

1st Place: Victoria Sorrowsong

2nd Place: Cake Skybreeze

3rd Place: High Speaker Dimitirou

The Racket Rumble WINNERS

Luck

Fester Claus

The Rusty Nail's Anniversary Drinking Contest WINNER

Joseph Morton

Playoffs

WEEK 1:

Westfall Warriors vs Duskwood Duckies

WINNER: DUSKWOOD DUCKIES!

WEEK 2:

Deadbeat Dads vs Dalaran Diviners

WINNER: DEADBEAT DADS!

Grand Azure Tournament WINNERS

1st Place: Peregrin Denholm

2nd Place: Gabriella Gray

3rd Place: Finnegan Cayden Quill

4th Place: The Flying Fae

5th Place: Jimothy Honeyjoy

WEEK 3:

Dalaran Diviners vs Westfall Warriors

WINNER: DUSKWOOD DUCKIES!

WEEK 4:

Dalaran Diviners vs Westfall Warriors

SCHEDULED 4/6

WEEK 5:

Westfall Warriors vs Deadbeat Dads

SCHEDULED 4/7-4/9

WEEK 6:

Dalaran Diviners vs Duskwood Duckies

SCHEDULED 4/14-4/16