We can’t help it—between the stresses of work, school, family and everything in between our go-to escape and safe haven, for the most part, usually involves sandy beaches, crystalline oceans, panoramic views of the sunset and a large cocktail in hand. Islands tourism and vacationing has become the modern-day professional’s own reward for working hard. It’s a combination of the islands’ natural beauty, seclusion, serenity, freedom and sometimes, even spirituality that gives the body the much-needed mental and physical break, and well, simply getaway.
Not all islands are created the same! Not all islands can recreate and package the sense of escape, nature and luxury in one, and believe us, it’s a tough task to accomplish.Thirteen islands stand out from the crowd and comprise our list of the Ultimate Island Getaways. Covering the Great Barrier Reef to the Caribbean, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, the Pacific and the Atlantic, there’s not a single island short of mesmerizing. Fall in love with the islands’ history, culture, sunsets, and even charming cafes where the act of simply observing people is well worth the trip. Each island offers something different, so here’s thirteen islands that will either make your bucket list or finally get you on an airplane and go.
Lined with high-rise apartment blocks and countless bars along the coast, happy hours turn into happy days in Mallorca,the largest island in the Balearic Islands archipelago in Spain. Although a vacation retreat to Mallorca can consist of nightlong parties followed with lazy mornings relaxing in the beach, the island as a travel destination is much more complex
Mallorca’s lineage of hosting Europe’s elite is merited by the fact that the island is only a 2 hour-flight away from London,Berlin, Frankfurt, Paris,Milan and Zurich. Along with accessibility, Mallorca’s ‘it’ factor lays within its regional diversity. Mallorca’s Northeast is home to the island’s culturally rich history where one can explore remarkable castles, ruins, cathedrals and monasteries, grand manor houses, gardens and host of art galleries and museums.
What is Mallorca without its beaches? The northeast is covered with stretches of golden sand from Puerto Pollensa through to C’an Picafort. Our top three beaches for this region include Playa des Muro,Cala Torta and Cala Mesquida. Moving towards the Eastern region of the island, one finds 1.5 kilometers of the exquisite Cala Millor beach full of secluded and breathtaking coves and inlets. Cala d’Or and Cala Varques are two of the eastern region’s hidden gems since so few people know about them.In fact, getting to them requirescrossing through a private and rural pathway situated between Porto Colom and Porto Cristo.
Although Mallorca is a yearround vacation spot, winter provides especially good weather for hiking, cycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, mountain climbing,sea-fishing and sailing in Mallorca’snorthwest. The western region of Mallorca is the home to the Tramuntana mountain range where the villages of this area cling to rocky outcrops.The few beaches along this coast are hard to get to,small and pebbly, but once you arrive to the hidden beaches of Sa Cabora, Torrent de Pareis and Cala Deia, the trek is well worth the effort.
Places to Stay:
Can Cera Hotel, La Residencia, Melia De Mar luxury Hotel, Cap Rocat Boutique Hotel..
Home to arguably the most beautiful sunsets,Santorini is continually ranked as one of the most romantic islands in Greece. Strangely enough,Santorini is the remains of a devastating volcanic eruption that destroyed the earliest settlements nearly 3,500 years ago. Santorini is now settled in Greece’s southernmost region sloping downwards on the Aegean Sea.
Santorini’s clamor is credited to its quaint, yet beautiful villages constructed on the edge on the world-famous caldera.Oia, pronounced, “Ia” is arguably the most famous of the villages with its narrow streets and blue-doomed churches. A visit to Santorini is incomplete without a tour of Fira, Santorini’s most important city. Fira is perched on a 260-meter cliff offering a spectacular panoramic view over the submerged volcano.To experience Fira’s beauty,simply step back and look at the view of white, venetianinspired houses with blue windows and doors separated by narrow, paved streets. The neighboring villages of Imerovigli,home to the island’s most beautiful balconies and Firostefani show a different perspective of the stunning caldera. Santorini’s views are ever changing and the village of Pyrgos, which is perched on top of a hill, offers yet another distinct panoramic view.
Santorini’s second act consists of its enchanting beaches. Red Beach is located a few steps from the ancient site of Akrotiri,the volcanic Greek island from the Minoan Bronze Age settlement. Red beach is comprised of beautiful red and black volcanic rock—the perfect destination for snorkeling and sailing. Kamari Beach is located on the main road to Fira and is famous for its black sand beach and the Mesa Vouno,an iconic rock that rises from the ocean and shimmers at night. Kamari hosts beautiful open-air cinema screenings as well as a beautiful road that leads up to the mountain to Ancient Santorini. Perissa Beach extends for 7 kilometers on the southeastern side of Santorini and is adorned with black sand and crystalline waters making the perfect destination for relaxation.For those who prefer privacy, Cape Columbo is a must-see destination—surrounded by cliffs and one of the most active volcanic craters,Cape Columbo is one of the most secluded beaches in Santorini.
Whether or not you complete your itinerary, be sure you experience an authentic donkey ride through Santorini, the delicious cuisine and an authentic excursion.
Places to Stay:
Tholos Resort, Mystique Santorini, Andronis Luxury Suites,CSky Hotel, Katikies Hotel.
Located in the Indian Ocean, Maldives is home to white sandy beaches, deep blue seas, turquoise reefs and palm trees.It’s the backdrop to everyone’s daydream of lying on the beach, excelling in doing nothing while watching the beautiful sunset. All together,Maldives is spread over 90,000 squared kilometers and its’ Atolls’ structure is formed upon a sharp ridge rising from the ocean, which contributes to Maldives’ unique factor of luxurious seclusion and privacy.
Diving in the Maldivian waters is a definite bucket list experience. In fact, the near perfect conditions of the island have created one of the world’s richest coral reef areas and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Maldives’ best diving spots include Banana Reef in North Atoll, perfect for night diving and exploring the bottom of the sea, Manta Point and HP Reef in North Male Atoll. Maldives is the Mecca for surfers. North and South Male’ Atoll has the most famous surf breaks. But if you want to try something more private and less known, explore surf breaks offered by cruises which can be booked through most resorts.
Fishing is in the blood of Maldivian natives, so take the opportunity to arrange a night fishing excursion and live the satisfaction of catching and cooking your own dinner. Never fished before? Not to worry,the boat crew teaches you how to use the lines, hooks and sinkers.The best places to go night fishing are Alimatha Island in Vaava Atoll—which is also great for night diving—and Hulhumale located in Kaafu Atoll.
Exploring the Virgin Islands will give you an opportunity to experience uninhabited land.The unadulterated experience of nature provides physical and mental therapy for some, however Maldives is also highly acclaimed for its traditional healing methods: Maldivian coconut oil has been used for generations for its hydrating and healthful powers, the native Gandhakolhi leaf is used to treat headaches and even the Maldivian sand is used to cure muscle and joint pains.
Vacations today are summarized in one line: pictures or it didn’t happen. Maldivian scenery is definitely one to treasure—and show off—so capture it through a seaplane; the aircraft’s high wings, large windows and untainted glass create the perfect birds’ eye view pictures. Once you’ve landed and are looking for relaxation, be sure to visit Biyadhoo Islands, Veligandu Island Beach, and Bodu Mora.
Places to Stay:
Taj Exotica Resort& Spa, Park Hyatt, Jumeirah Dhevanafushi.
Maui, The Valley Isle,is the second largest island of Hawaii and is perfect for visitors looking for a sophisticated approach to diversion and amenities.Vacation in Hawaii is comprised of sightseeing and enveloping oneself in outdoor activities. Maui’s number one attraction is, Haleakala National Park, which stretches across Maui’s southern and eastern coastlines. Haleakala offers Maui’s ecologically diverse terrains including volcanic landscapes, backcountry trails and subtropical forests.The best ways to make the most out of Maui’s geological diversity is by watching the sunrise and sunset, participating in ranger-guided tours,hiking, drive-up camping or backcountry camping. Maui is not complete without a road trip to the sleepy coastal town of Hana whose road takes you around 620 curves and past 59 bridges. To maximize your voyage down the Hana Highway here’s a shortlist of the most iconic stops along the way: Twin Falls, Garden of Eden, Bamboo Forrest,Waianapanapa State Park,Black Sand Beach, Hana Bay and the Seven Sacred Pools.
Whether you surf or enjoy watching surfers, Ho’Okipa Beach offers a world-class surfing experience with a powerful north shore and a gorgeous reef. Moving towards the center of the island, we encounter Iao Valley State Park, encompassing a total of 4,000 acres, home to Maui’s natural and historical landmark,the 1,200-foot high, Iao Needle— a hikers paradise. For a sightseer’s paradise, you can’t miss the Seven Sacred Pools (Ohe’o Gulch Pools), a string of pools and waterfalls cascading from East Maui Mountain Valleys to the blue Pacific Ocean Coastline. This is an extremely well known attraction, so if you want to experience privacy and seclusion, be sure to get there early.The perfect way to experience Seven Sacred Pools is by planning a camping trip to Hana.
For the relaxation portion of your vacation stop by two of our favorite beaches, world renowned for their beauty: Oneloa Beach “Big Beach” and Pu’u Olai Beach “Little Beach” in Makena State Park. These beautiful beaches are south of Wailea and composed of 165 acres. Oneloa Beach’s is the perfect setting for body boarding, skim boarding and optimal relaxation. Pu’u Olai Beach is a small beach cove, just north of Oneloa. Access between beaches is provided by a 5 minute hike over a steep rocky outcropping. Its quaint atmosphere is a hotspot for afternoon fire dancing and drum circles.
Places to Stay:
Andaz Maui at Wailiea, Fairmont Kea Lani Resort,Ritz Carlton Kapalua, Four Seasons Maui at Wailiea.
Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the Sorrentine Peninsula on the southernmost gulf of Naples,lies the charming island of Capri. A successful vacation in Capri requires you to spend quality time in the Mediterranean Sea since most of the enchanting stretches of the Capri coastline are inaccessible by land. Take advantage of all the boat rides to the best hidden,unique sunbathing and swimming spots the island has to offer. Definitely pencil-in a tour around the entire island,which surprisingly will take two and a half hours. The tour can include a quick dip in the sea and try scheduling a full day excursion to get to see the most out of the island. One of the main attractions on the sea is the “Legendary Trios of Sea Giants”, Faragolini Stella,Faragolini di Mizzo and Faragolina di Fuori.
The three Faragolini are 80-100-meter high stacks of rock, remnants of erosive action of the wind and sea. Stella is still attached to the coastline, di Mezzo rises up, out of the water and di Fuori (also known as Scopolo)is the furthest from the shoreline. Other magnificent sites to experience are the Pizzolungo,the remains of a large grotto that once penetrated the cliffs, the Grotta Azzurra,the Villas of Tiberius and Viila Jovis. If you like the idea of spending a day on a beach with the view of the Faraglioni,you’ll love the little bay of Marina Piccola, which lies directly opposite Capri’s giant sea stacks. On the sunny south side of the island, sheltered from the wind, the bay is almost always warm.
To immerse in Capri’s culture, visit Piazetta known as “The Heart of Capri’s Social Life”.Piazetta received its title in 1938 when Raffaele Vuotto opened a bar, which quickly gained foot traffic and its title as Salotto del Mundo meaning “World’s Sitting Room”.Enjoy historic bars, leisurely meals and indulge in people observation—the best way to really understand a foreign destination’s culture. For a more textbook approach to Capri’s history take a stroll though the Historic Center of Anacapri filled with peaceful piazzas and bougainvillea and geranium adorned lanes.
Places to Stay:
Capri Palace Hotel & Spa, JK Place , Hotel Caesar Augustus, Grand Hotel Quisisana.
Sicily is one of the Pearls of Southern Italy, imbedded within the Ionian,Tyrrhenian and Mediterranean Sea. Sicily’s unique factor is its endowment of all the natural wonders: mountains, hills, volcanoes and of course, the beautiful sea beds.In fact, its geologically complexities have been driving foreign fascination with the biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea. When visiting Sicily, it’s a must to take advantage of the sea—whether it is relaxing on the coastal beaches, exploring sea beds or windsurfing and kite surfing.If the beauty of the Sicilian waters calls your attention,make sure to stop by San Vito Io Capo, Modello, Celafu,Marina di Ragusa, Taromina,Aeolian Islands and Ustica.Sicily also provides a great opportunity for exploring the island’s natural parks by trekking, horseback riding or mountain biking. For golfing connoisseurs, it’s important to note that Sicily has recently become a prominent golfing destination.
Spa & Wellness is imbedded in Italian culture, especially the use of thermal cures as a form of natural medicine dating back to the Roman times.Sicily’s geological composition of volcanoes and its proximity to the ocean make it the perfect destination for this practice.Thermal cures are thought to have regeneration, therapeutic and beauty benefits. One of the most renowned spa retreats in Sicily is Sciacca, famous for its Stufe Di Calogero Caves where temperatures reach up to 40 degrees Celsius and the Thermae of Acrieale.
Cultural tourism is abundant in Sicily specializing in philosophy,history, art and culture. Sicily was home to some of the most inspired writers including, Salvatore Quasimodo, Giovanni Verga,Luigi Pirandello, Leonardo Sciascia and Tomasi di Lampedusa.Today, tourists can have a look into these writers’ lives by touring their homes and places that fueled their creativity, social, political and historical perspectives.For an authentic experience of traditional Sicilian culture watch the Opera of Marionettes in Acireale.Other cultural experiences include events held at Taormina’s Ancient Theater, festivals dedicated to the Patron Saints of Sicily,the Festival of Saint Rosalia in Palermo and the Festival of Saint Agatha in Catania.
Places to Stay:
Grand Hotel Mazarro Sea Palace, San Domenico Palace Hotel, Villa Sant’Andrea, The Verdura Golf & Spa Resort
Comprised of 115 islands,Seychelles is the archipelago located in the Indian Ocean approximately 1,500 kilometers east of Southeast Africa’s mainland and northeast of Madagascar. Fascination with Seychelles is greatly due to the fact that the archipelago was uninhabited until the later part of the 18th century. Half of Seychelles’ 445 squared kilometers is occupied by the national parks and reserves in support of the government’s various environment and ecosystems protection policy.Preservation of the islands’ natural ecosystem is a priority because of Seychelles’ endemic species, which include: paradise flycatchers and the world’s largest and heaviest nut, the Coco de Mer.
Vacationing in Seychelles can’t be done right without experiencing its incredibly beautiful and warm waters—usually between 24 to 30 degrees Celsius—Mahé, Seychelles’largest island. The water’s perfect temperature makes it nearly impossible to say no to a night diving, snorkeling and various other water sports. If the warm waters can’t convince you, the white sand beaches are the perfect backdrop for playing volleyball,tanning and even horseback riding. The beauty of traveling is the exposure and understanding of other cult ures,so if you’re visiting Seychelles, be sure to try game fishing or deep-sea fishing. These services are offered at the majority of resorts around the islands. For the best fishing experience be sure to sail to La Digue, Praslin and Silhouette Islands. Exceptional scuba diving and snorkeling experiences can be found in the Praslin Island perfect for both experts and beginners. Praslin shows off Seychelles’ acclaimed bird variation, offering a unique experience for birdwatchers. The home of Seychelles’ Black Parrot,Seychelles Bulbul, and the Fruit Pigeon can all be spotted in Praslin’s Valle de Mai Reserve.
Seychelles’excitement lies in its natural diversity,which can be overwhelming.In order to make the most out of your vacation and actually experience the uniqueness of the island,the Amical Charter provides services to help you schedule sea expeditions.Similarly, Boismare Nature Guide allows one to experience the natural environment via walks and tour guides. To experience the island’s elite nightlife, the Casino des Iles is perfect way to unwind, enjoy a few drinks and gamble a little if you’re feeling lucky; keep in mind that no sandals or shorts are allowed after 7:00 p.m. so dress to impress. A vacation wouldn’t be complete without the relaxing luxuries of classic golf.One of the most beautiful golf courses in Seychelles is the world renowned Constance Lémuria Resort Golf Course.
Places to Stay:
Maia Luxury Resort & Spa, Four Seasons,Banyan Tree, Fregate Private Island, North Island.
The image of perfection when you picture the Caribbean summarizes Saint Lucia: small and private,lush, tropical, covered in white sand, encircled by clear blue seas. Part of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles lies the 27 mile-long island of Saint Lucia; on the eastern shore the Atlantic Sea floods its beaches and the west is graced by the warm, calm Caribbean Sea. Saint Lucia’s “wow” factor is its ecosystem and placement: it looks like some place that was removed from the south pacific and placed in the Caribbean. The island is home to beautiful,flourishing rain forests where wild orchids, giant ferns and birds thrive. Saint Lucia’s ecosystem is also able to sustain habitats for endangered species such as the Saint Lucia Parrot. Biodiversity isn’t all that the island has to offer—Saint Lucia has been inhabited since pre-colonial times contributing to its current rich diverse mixture of traditional and modern culture.
Definitely take advantage of Saint Lucia’s amazing coastlines and exquisite coral reefs for world-class snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing and water skiing. Besides the island’s warm, clear waters,Anse de Cochon River and Anse Chastanet Beach provide underwater adventures that are waiting to be explored.Saint Lucia provides intermediate and advanced windsurfers with challenging options in Cas en Bas and Vieux Fort. Beginner windsurfers,don’t be discouraged, the west coast waters provide same the beauty but calmer waters. Moving inland, Saint Lucia’s mountainous center provides the best hiking and bird watching destinations.Saint Lucia is the perfect backdrop for yachting and sailing that consists of visiting quaint villages, secret coves and many of Saint Lucia’s signature dips over the horizon
So you’ve viewed the island by foot, sea and maybe even horseback, what’s next? Jump on a helicopter for a panoramic view of the island. The most extraordinary aerial views include those of the steaming cauldron of Soufriere Volcano and the emerald carpet of the National Rain Forest. A tour of the Castries, Saint Lucia’s capital, gives great insight to both the present and historical culture of the island.Some of Castries’ historically prominent sights include La Toc Battery, Catherdral,and the Central Library. A beautiful and important view of the city can be found from above a Morne Fortune,meaning Hill of Good Luck,a key battleground during the period of colonization.The Marigot Bay is another significant army base that has since been turned into “yacht haven” and is one of Saint Lucia’s signature destinations.
If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, be sure to check out the Anse-La-Raye and Canaries, two fishing villages that give tourists great insight into the locals’ traditions. Named one of Saint Lucia’s newest towns,Gros Islet is becoming one of the fastest tourist destinations in the island. The charm of the island is its ability to turn from a seemingly fishing village to one of the most sought after nightlife destinations in Saint Lucia. A little ways north from Gros Islet lays Pigeon Island, a natural park that truly reflects Saint Lucia’s history. Solo travel is an exponentially growing trend, so if you’re one who like seclusion, Pigeon Island is home to two secluded beaches and the annual Jazz Festival.
Places to Stay:
Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort, Ladera St Lucia, Sugar Beach, Jade Mountain Resort.
Based in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, Bora Bora is nothing less than perfect. With ravishing views of the South Pacific and the luxury of the immaculate beaches Bora Bora alleviates all stress. Bora Bora provides an intimate and romantic experience for couples with its overwater bungalows and lush scenery. To top it off Bora Bora is home to restaurants with delicacies,which are nothing short of mouthwatering.
Bora Bora history is vast and rich ranging from its original name Bora Bora, which means first born. Bora Bora’s existence can be linked to the mythological story of the Ta’aroa, the God, who fished the island out of the deep waters.To be fully encompassed in the history of Bora Bora one should ponder the wonders of the stone temples and pursue visitation to the military cannons.Bora Bora sets the scene for aquatic based activities ranging from wave running to jet skiing. Scuba diving is conducted in the southern region of Bora Bora located in the Leopard Ray’s Trench and provides the chance to swim with the gentle stingrays and marine life.
Matira Beach is considered the pinnacle of beauty in Bora Bora providing a platform for tourists to roam freely.Bora Bora visitors flock to the hiking and 4×4 mountain tours that provide a once in a lifetime chance view of the majestic Mount Otemanu.Mount Otemanu is one of the two extinct volcanoes on the island and visitors are dazzled by he beauty of clear skies and rain clouds. Another must see while in Bora Bora are the Coral Gardens,which provide a peek into the exorbitant biodiversity provided by the coral reef. The Lagoonarioum provides the opportunity to participate in shark feeding and the chance to swim with the turtles.
Places to Stay:
Four Seasons Bora Bora, St Regis Bora Bora, Intercontinental Le Moaana , Le Meridian Beach Club.
In this day in age there are only a few places left on this Earth that are so exorbitant in its beauty, but one is exemplified by the natural wonder: The Great Barrier Reef. To further embellish the greatness of the Great Barrier Reef it is the only living system that can be seen from space. The reef provides three breathtaking points of view:from underwater, from sea level and from the sky. The underwater abyss can be explored through scuba diving allowing you to be up close and personal with the schools of fish. The sea level is no less of a paradise as you can sail with peace of mind. The scenery provides a unique view while touring the reef from a helicopter that departs from Port Douglas. The beaches of Cairns are pristine and are in contrast with powerful blue hue of the sea.
The Great Barrier Reef is home to the world’s largest coral reef and often leaves tourists awe-struck. The setting is perfect if you want to experience a life changing diving experience.The coral reef measures in a whopping 2,600 km in length and is located just off the coast of Queensland, Australia.The Great Barrier Reef accounts for approximately three thousand reefs with over a thousand species of fish.
The beautiful colors and biodiversity makes for a sea lover’s utopia. The Great Barrier Reef surrounds 900 individual islands each more beautiful than the last. The reef is a safe haven for fishes such as the surgeon, parrot, trigger and butterfly.In 1981 the Great Barrier Reef was selected as a Word Heritage Site and by this order considered a global treasure that needs be preserved. In the region one can stumble upon the Daintree Forest,which is considered to be one of the most ancient and untouched reaming forests in the world.
This luscious environment sets the mood for popular aquatic activities such as diving,sailing, kayaking and swimming.Whitewater rafting is a specialty in the Cairns area as the crystal-clear rivers provide compliments to the rough and active nature of the activity. To experience a hybrid romantic aquatic adventure one should enlist in the Low Isles Sailing Cruise which sets sail aboard a decadent catamaran.
Located north is Lizard Island a popular destination for campers who wish to be enveloped by the cool and heat-free silica sand covered beaches. The Great Barrier Reef is so vast and large that there will always be something new and refreshing to explore even for the most veteran of travellers.
Places to Stay:
Bedarra Island, Green Island, Hayman Island, Lizard Island, Paradise Bay Eco Escape.
About six hundred miles West of the Ecuadorian peninsula lays the Galapagos Islands in the mighty Pacific, just as beautiful as they are important to Science and History. In 1835 the young Charles Darwin took the long and tiresome voyage from England to this island chain where he spent five weeks cataloging species of plants, insects and birds.He ultimately concluded that a person was able to tell from which Galapagos Island a tortoise came from simply by looking at its shell. Darwin’s observations in the Galapagos eventually inspired his revolutionary theory of evolution in his publication The Origin of Species in 1859.
Today, people from all over the world flock to the “bird island” to visit the beautiful geologic sites of the Galapagos as well as to see the rare collections of species in the world. You could be on your way to the Los Gemelos or “the twin” craters and come across a Galapagos tortoise that can easily weigh over 500 pounds and outlive any human and array of pants and birds that are as unique as this sight. The awe of this island chain carries over into the water as well. During you trip to the Galapagos, make sure that you pack your snorkeling gear and take a boat over to The Devil’s Crown.
This volcanic crater has been eroded by waves of the Pacific,leaving an opening that flooded its basin allowing a coral reef to form. As a result when you submerge yourself into the water, you are taken far away from anything that you have ever known and engulfed by a sea of rock formations, tropical fish, rays, and sharks. If you’re lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the Galapagos fur sea lion, which is the smallest among the world’s seven fur sea lion species. Also, for all you penguin lovers out there, the Galapagos are home to the only breed of penguins that can be found in the Northern Hemisphere!
With such geologic and biologic diversity on these islands, the government has gone to great lengths to protect this gem.Beginning in 1959 the Ecuadorian government realized the significance of this island declaring all uninhabited parts of the islands as a National Park.It later became recognized as the first World Heritage site in 1978 by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization) and in 1998 its Marine Reserve similarly gained the same title.Often when people go away on vacation they speak about how to “immerse” oneself into a culture much more different than their own. The beautiful thing about the Galapagos is that you are able to lose yourself in nature and experience a diverse array of animals on an island chain that seems to be frozen in time.
Places to Stay:
Travel & Stay in Cruise.
Bali has set the stage for many movies whose plot revolves leaving a monotonous life, in search of happiness—don’t let this cliché commercialization of Bali dissuade you from traveling to the island. For many years, Bali has been seen as the destination for quality soul-searching. Foreigners allude to having a sense of connection to the beauty and to the kindness of the locals that cannot be matched in their homes or daily routines. “The Island of the Gods”, as many call Bali, is comprised of rugged mountain ranges, pristine beaches, and even volcanic remains; did we mention the perfect year-round climate?
Much of Bali’s clamor has come from the spiritual fulfillment it brings its guests, therefore it’s no surprise that island’s main attractions consist of the Besakih Temple, Tanah Lot Temple and Uluwatu Temple. The Besakih Temple,also known as the “mother temple” is one of the island’s largest and holiest islands.Within Besakih Temple there lay 86 smaller temples, which provide perfect locations for one to view Bali’s signature panoramic views. The Tanah Lot is arguably one of the most iconic temples in the island. History has it, the Tanah Lot temple is a Hindu shrine that was created as homage to the Baruna, the god of the sea.upon his arrival on the island. Today,the temple is nothing short of this spiritual and mystical visualization;the temple is perched on an outcrop constantly being adorned by crashing waves as well as the majestic views from the sun set and sun rise.
Bali’s second act is comprised of its traditional festivals and performances. In fact, at sunset the Uluwatu Temple is the perfect destination to watch Bali’s famous Kecak dances. Although Bali is a year-round vacation destination, for our summer tourists, be sure to pencil-in Bali’s kite festival, which occurs during July and August. Although the abundant kites definitely create beautiful scenery, beware the traditional festival has become a competitive activity among Bali’s youth. Another must-see summer festival is the Bali Arts Festival, which showcases the island’s native performing arts held at the Denpasar Art Centre.
Bali’s aesthetic beauty lies within its collection of signature, secluded beaches. Karma beach ranks as one of our favorite private beaches,in fact Karma beach is only accessible by a ride down a sheer cliff. Padang Padang is proof that every nook and cranny of Bali is filled with beauty, as you need to cross a bridge situated in a limestone crevice to access the beach. However, seclusion isn’t even its wow factor—over the years Padang Padang has become one of the world’s best surfing destinations. If exclusive and exotic beaches are your reason for travel, visit Green Bowl beach,located on the southern coast of Bali. Green Bowl is actually located down a cliff face where the base of the cliff is home to bat caves. For those who don’t love the idea of interacting with bats,simply stand over the top of the cliff, camera in hand, and enjoy the panoramic views.
Places to Stay:
Alila Villas Uluwatu, Viceroy Bali, Intercontinental Bali,Anantara Uluwatu.
Paradise is just a plane ride away in Aruba where you can “get there fast and then take it slow” as the Beach Boys famously sang in their song Kokomo.Right off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is a Dutch owned desert island. Deserted is the last word to describe this vibrant yet relaxing get-away destination. It is likewise the perfect blend of unwinding at one of its breathtaking beaches during the day and a little bit of light gambling and barhopping at night.
After landing at Aruba International Airport and checking into one of the beach resorts,paradise is just a walk away.Racing over the hot Aruban sand, your pains are paid off when you arrive at the gentle waves of the Caribbean wash over your sun scorched feet.As you make your way knee deep into Aruba’s clear blue waters you are sure to enjoy the feel of the white sand in between your toes as your feet slowly sink into the sand.The island has other equally beautiful beaches that you must check out such as Eagle Beach, Hadicurari Beach and Baby Beach.
For those who don’t like to sit by the beach all day, Aruba also offers thrill to people who like to have a little adventure in their life. In Arikok National park you can do a little spelunking Aruba’s caves and explore its sand dunes and limestone cliffs, but watch out for the rattle snakes, iguanas, goats, donkeys and various birds that you are bounds to see. Making your way off land and into the water you can go scuba diving at the wreckage of the SS Pedernales which was sunk by a German u-boat during World War II. Situated about 25 feet below sea level the eerie ship is now home to a variety of tropical fish,eels, and even octopi.
After getting back from a long day of sun bathing or exploring the SS Pedernales and Arikok National Park you may want a change of pace from island’s sights. Aruba is fortunately home to the Casino at the Hyatt and Stellaris Casino where you can unwind with a drink while enjoying a quick game of Black Jack. You can board the Kukoo Kunuku party bus that brings you bar hopping around the Island to its hottest spots. By the end of your trip you’ll be leaving Aruba with a desire to return to its white sand beaches, relaxing on a lounge chair with an ice-cold Balashi in hand.
Places to Stay:
Westin Resort & Casino, Radisson Aruba Resort & Casino, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
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