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The island closest to the African continent, Boa Vista, covered with peachy dunes, stark plains and small oases, appears like a lunar landscape. In contrast, the island has fifty-five kilometres of stunning white beaches and emerald green water.
Though the island offers incredible windsurfing, it’s the desert like interior attracting visitors who are keen to go off-roading.
The island of Fogo west of Santiago, translated as Fire, dominates every view. The volcanic cone rises from plateau about eight kilometres in diameter and is called Cha Das Caldeiras. Below a scenic, cobbled road, punctuated by small hamlets, built in lava blockhouses, completely encircles the island.
Petite, unambiguous and undulating, the island of São Vicente, remained practically uninhabited until the mid-nineteenth century. Of volcanic origin, it is semi-flat, Monte Verde, the island’s highest peak. Cabo Verde's prettiest city Mindelo, complete with cobblestone streets, candy-coloured colonial buildings and yachts bobbing in a peaceful harbour, resembles the French Riveria.
Ancient ruins and tropical forest amidst palm fringed golden beaches, Tayrona National Park is simply breathtaking and a fitting end to any trip to Colombia! Close to Santa Marta where the Sierra Nevada coastal range plunges into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Tayrona covers some 150km² of Colombia’s most spectacular coastline.
Magnificent golden beaches fringed with tropical rainforest, Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula in the north-west corner of the country was once the destination of choice for hippies and surfers. Today, large resorts dot much of the coastline yet travel away from the towns and you will find gorgeous boutique hotels tucked above miles of unspoilt beaches.
The coastal town of Marsa Matruh is a top-rated summer resort. The town founded by Alexander on his way to the oracle at Siaw served as a port for Anthony and Cleopatra's doomed fleet. West of the town, is Cleopatra’s Beach, though rocks and a sudden drop in the seabed make this a difficult place to swim, the royal queen herself is said to have bathed nearby.
As the home of Fiji's international airport, this multicultural town links Fiji to the world. It is also your transition port to other parts of Fiji. Whether you are stopping off here at the start or end of your journey or staying nearby or in transit, you are encouraged to explore the region if you have more than four hours between flights.
Outer Islands City is squeezed between two harbours, Manukau Harbour on the west coast and Waitemata Harbour on the east coast. Take a cruise on Hauraki Gulf out to Rangitoto Island, or Waiheke Island. Around the coastline, there are many great beaches, bays and islands made for the boating enthusiast, a favourite past time.
The heartbeat of French Polynesia emanates from a special place in Raiatea, the sacred Taputapuatea marae. The expansion of Polynesians throughout the Pacific began on Raiatea from this exact site. After offering blessings through sacred ceremonies and celebrations, outriggers with original settlers ventured north to Hawaii and west to New Zealand.
Welcome to the Island of "Pere," goddess of fire and passion, a place so untouched and pristine that visiting this romantic atoll Located 10 miles North of Bora Bora, the islet of Tupai. Viewed from the sky, the Island appears heart-shaped and hosts a double lagoon and motu covered with coconut trees.
The ancient city of Safed is considered one of the Four Holy Cities of Judaism. The Old City has changed little in recent centuries, but its ancient lanes lead to several small and medium-sized historic synagogues each more beautiful than the next. Safed’s altitude at 3,000 feet, is highest in Israel and experiences crystal bright light making this place a haven for artists.
Tel Aviv-Jaffa is a city interweaving a dozen cities into a sprawling metropolis home to more than four million Israelis, and is one of the world’s few cities that is also a major Mediterranean beach resort, with nine miles of beaches, and a fourteen-mile long promenade lined with umbrellas, umbrellas, lifeguard towers, cafes, pubs, bars and restaurants.
An outstanding natural wonder the Dead Sea is a mix of beach living and religious history. Here you can soak up the sun while Biblical scholars get their daily dose of religious history. The leading attraction is the warm, soothing, super salty water. Ten times saltier than seawater, but rich in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others.
Resting gently on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Batroun built by the Phoenicians is well known for its famous lemonade, beaches, pubs, fish, architecture, and numerous historical ruins. Wander the streets between the old houses, enjoy well-tended gardens, peek into ancient churches and delight at archaeological and historical landmarks.
Also known as Nosy Ambariovato, meaning the island surrounded by rocks. Nosy Komba is known for its many small and inhabited beaches as well as for its emerald like water and is a small jewel of nature, increasingly visited like its big sister Nosy Be. The island also has a diverse range of flora and fauna with over 188 species of tropical flora.
Chintheche is a settlement in the Nkhata Bay District of the Northern Region of Malawi. It is on the shore of Lake Malawi and is approximately 40 kilometres south of Nkhata Bay. A concentration of small lodges, each having their own beaches, is found around Chintheche. These are some of the best beaches on the lake.
Off the eastern shore of the Lake is Likoma Island: a Malawian territory in Mozambican waters. Historically it was the setting for the headquarters of the University Mission to Central Africa (Livingstone’s mission) in the 1880s; This caused it to be retained by Malawi when the Lake was divided politically after World War II.
One of the world’s most beautiful islands, namely Langkawi, is situated just off the North Eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It is one of a cluster of 99 islands with many of the worlds’ most beautiful beaches, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends.
Many experienced travellers argue that Pulau Perhentian, meaning 'stopover islands', are the most beautiful of Malaysia’s many islands. Covered by unspoilt jungle, windswept palms, powdery white beaches and surrounded by sapphire blue waters, Pulau Perhentian is a sanctuary for fishermen, migratory birds and of course, discerning holiday-makers.
Redang is located 45km off the Northeast coast of Peninsula Malaysia and is the biggest of a group of nine protected islands scattered in the South China Sea. The island offers crystal lucid waters and numerous dive sites. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life.
The East coast with its succession of beaches is undoubtedly one of the island’s most beautiful coastlines set alongside emerald coloured lagoons. Punctuated with numerous luxurious hotels and authentic villages, this coast has the particularity of being exposed to the constant south-east trade winds. The several kilometres long Belle Mare beach is its main attraction.
The wildest and most beautiful landscapes of the island are in the South: sandy beaches bordered by cliffs carved by waves, rocky shores, sugar cane fields as far as the eye can see, and mountainous terrains offering magnificent panoramas. The integrated tourist area of Bel Ombre is also a model of its kind.
The largest seaside resort in Morocco, located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean near the foot of the Atlas Mountains, destroyed and then rebuilt following an earthquake in 1960, is the most modern of the country’s cities. Hike to the Kasbah a set of fortifications perched up atop a hill in the city’s oldest districts, and relish in the breathtaking view across the city
The Bazaruto Archipelago consists of five idyllic islands: Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina and Bangue. The Archipelago is genuinely one of the most beautiful destinations on the African continent. The area is now protected as a conservation area and national park, including the coral reefs surrounding the islands, making it the only official marine reserve in the country.
The island has interesting historical and fascinating sites, hosting one of the most ancient settlements in Mozambique, after Ilha de Mozambique. As early as AD600 Arab traders had established contact with the local inhabitants and subsequently found fortified trading posts along the coastline. Via these trading posts slaves, gold and ivory were shipped to the Arab world.
Lake Niassa is the 9th largest freshwater lake in the world, the third largest in Africa and one of the world’s most bio-diverse. Though utterly stunning it is still only visited by a handful of tourists heading to Malawi with the lake forming the border between the two countries. It has been declared a reserve and Ramsar site, protecting its abundant species and natural habitats.
Punta d’Ouro, located 120 km South of Maputo and just 30 minutes from the South African border.
The coastline from Ponta do Oura to Inhaca Island is saturated with the most beautiful and pristine hard and soft coral reefs, home to a bewildering variety of game and reef fish, turtles, dolphins, whales, sharks and rays.
The beautiful Ngapali Beach stretches for over 3 km along the northern coast. During the dry season from October through May Ngapali becomes a popular beach resort for locals and visitors alike, offering clean sand and clear water and peace and quiet for all. Easily reachable via daily flights from Yangon, you can fish, swim, horse ride, play golf or just relax on the fantastic beach.
Myanmar’s newest beach resort is located a 5 hour drive through the Ayeyarwady Delta from Yangon. Despite the long journey to get there it is well worth the effort as a 15 kilometre stretch of pure white sand and clear waters await you. There a couple of boutique resorts here but not a lot else, making Ngwe Saung one of those few places in Asia a true beach escape.
The ‘Skeleton Coast’ is renowned for being isolated, inhospitable and steeped in a spooky history. Over the years, many ships have run aground on this coast and these ships or ‘skeletons’ can still be seen lying deserted and corroding along the beaches forming a dramatic landscape.
Towering sandstone cliffs, dinosaur footprints, mysterious rock engravings and some of Namibia’s most rare and valuable game species are synonymous with the Waterberg Plateau Park.
The Bay of Islands was proclaimed when Captain James Cook stopped here on his round the world journey in 1769. Anchoring at Roberton Island, Captain Cook made contact with the local Maori People and immediately started trading with them. Waitangi Treaty Grounds is a half-hour walk along the beach from Paihia.
The whole island is dotted with a myriad of caves, sheltered rocky coves and secret beaches, some of which have yet to be explored. The Huvalu Rainforest is home to some fantastic indigenous trees. It has been designated as a Conservation Area to protect and conserve the islands primary rainforest and natural Flora and fauna.
Strolling the wiggling alleys home to half-derelict townhouses, washing lines strung between window shutters with peeling paint, and the occasional strutting rooster, here the scent of yesteryear is evoked towards the centre, watched over by the Gothic pile of the Selimiye Mosque and the Ottoman bulk of the Büyük Han.
Thirty-Five kilometres from Sur at the easternmost point of the Arabian Peninsula, lies a unique natural landscape, of golden deserts, unspoiled shorelines, lush green oases and rugged mountains. Ras Al Jinz is world renowned for the nesting of the endangered green turtle-Cheloniamydas and has the most critical nesting concentration on the Indian Ocean.
Sixty kilometres from the city in the south-eastern corner of the country lies one of Qatar’s most impressive natural wonders. A sizeable tidal embayment, the ‘Inland Sea’ or Khor Al Adaid, is recognised by UNESCO as a natural reserve, its ecosystem is one of the few places in the world where the sea encroaches deep into the heart of the desert.
Located on the islands west coast, the small town of Saint-Leu not only appeals to holidaymakers in search of leisure and relaxation but also attracts lovers of cultural heritage.
Boasting a pleasant sandy beach with shade provided by Australian pines, a peaceful lagoon in which to enjoy a swim and a renowned surf spot.
Príncipe, with a port capital in the north, and a vast uninhabited forest in the south, you will discover on your arrival, nature rules here. Santo António, its delightful small capital, and pretty location sits astride a river that empties into a narrow bay, creating an emerald isle accented by fantastic beaches.
On the larger island, São Tomé is on the Lagoa Azul lagoon. Oval in shape, the island lies one hundred and forty-five kilometres, northeast of its sister island. Distinguished by Pico Cao Grande, a skyscraper-like volcanic rock, the Ôbo Natural Park, a biodiverse jungle preserve, covers much of São Tomé.
An archipelago of 176 coral islands, 40 kilometres offshore from Jizan in the Red Sea, the Farasan Islands are considered one of the crown jewels of Saudi tourism. The sea and reefs surrounding the Islands are a diver’s paradise in which precious marine life remains mostly unaffected by tourism or divers.
Alphonse, the principal island of the Alphonse Group, is a small triangular island barely 1.2km wide, sheltered by a spectacular coral reef.
Located 400km southwest of Mahé, Alphonse was initially developed around the coconut industry and was also mined for guano (decomposed bird droppings). The island remains an important nesting ground for turtles and colonies of seabirds.
Chauve Souris is a private island only a few hundred metres from the dream beach of Côte d’Or at Anse Volbert on Praslin, which at low tide is merely a walk away.
Leased from the government by a Count Spani in the 1960's, this granite outcrop takes its name from that of the flying fox but was also once known as Jeanette Island.
Of all the islands in the Amirantes Group, Desroches is the closest to Mahé (230km southwest) and the only island in the group offering accommodation. This coral island measures 5km long and 1.5km wide, boasting 14km of immaculate beaches that fringe a lush grove of coconut palms interspersed by casuarina trees.
La Digue is a close neighbour to Praslin and to its satellite islands of Félicité, Marianne and the Sisters Islands, La Digue is the fourth largest island in Seychelles.
La Digue takes its name from one of the vessels in explorer Marion Dufresne's fleet, sent by the French to explore Seychelles' granitic islands in 1768.
The Arabs used Silhouette as a base for their dhows, probably as early as the 9th century, a fact attested to by the ruins of Arab tombs at Anse Lascars.
Silhouette, together with North Island, was the very first Seychelles' island to be seen by the ships of the Sharpeigh expedition of 1609. It would have to wait until the early 19th century for a permanent settlement.
The Cederberg region is only two hours from Cape Town, and yet the landscape is entirely different: wilder, warmer with raw, dramatic beauty.
Clanwilliam and Citrusdal with its towering mountains, brilliant purple and orange sunsets, is laden with the scent of orange blossom in the spring.
Tsitsikamma National Park is a place of abundance and sparkling water stretching from the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, Bloukrans River in the west to the Tsitsikamma River in the east. The indigenous forest made up of ancient yellowwood trees, magnificent fynbos plants, native flora and abundant birdlife.
Once the chief port of Ceylon, Galle is a city rich in history and oozes colonial charm. It is heavily influenced by the Dutch who controlled the city during the 17th century. Galle has both old and new parts with the old dominated by the majestic Galle Fort which spans over 90 acres and is home to many churches, mosques, temples as well as both residential and commercial buildings.
Originally a popular traveller’s hangout, Hikkaduwa has transformed over recent years and experienced much regeneration to its beaches and coral gardens. More luxurious resorts and boutique hotels have spring up alongside the restaurants, bars and shops that line the main streets.
Mafia Island and its chain of small islets lie approximately 120 km south of Dar es Salaam and 20 km offshore from the eastern extent of the Rufiji is one of the largest delta systems in Africa. To the east of Mafia Island is the Indian Ocean. The main island of Mafia is about 48 km long and 17 km wide at its widest point.
Zanzibar is the semi-autonomous part of Tanzania in East Africa. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 kilometres off the coast of the mainland and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja.
Remote but accessible aptly describes the Thai island of Kood, on which Soneva Kiri is set amidst the lush tropical rainforest, off the south-east coast of the Gulf of Siam. International guests are personally met on arrival at Bangkok’s airport and transferred to the resort’s own airplane for the one-hour flight to the Soneva Kiri airfield.
Nestled halfway between the busier resorts of Phuket and Krabi are the Koh Yao islands. Located in Phang Nga, world famous for its distinctive limestone formations and unspoiled beaches the bay has achieved global acclaim through the James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun" and the more recent movie "The Beach" staring Leonardo DiCaprio.
Situated on a peninsula, Bodrum is one of the most chic and European resorts in Turkey, with its historical architecture, fantastic beaches, fishing villages and trendy nightclubs.
Bodrum is also the yachting centre of Turkey and its world class marina is a favourite destination for yachts that cruise the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
This 87square kilometre desert island in the country's remote far west, with craggy interiors, swoops down to acacia-studded plains formerly the private retreat of UAE founding father Sheikh Zayed. His resolve and love of animals have inspired him to turn it into a wildlife reserve and bring together native species back from the brink of extinction.
Port Vila, the capital, is on the main island of Efate, where most of the commerce and tourism takes place and is the international gateway to Vanuatu.
Located within 10 minutes, two international airports, are set around a magnificent natural harbour offering stunning views of Iririki and Ifira islands, and a clear view all the way to Malapoa Point.
Tanna’s drawcard is Mount Yasur volcano. The world’s largest and most accessible active volcano. Swim in underwater caves, snorkel on some of the best coral in the South Pacific, visit untouched waterfalls, see the islands wild horses, and experience an ancient culture that remains unchanged to this day.
With its cobbled back streets full of small tailor shops, cafes, old merchant houses and temples Hoi An is quite simply a must see on any itinerary to Vietnam! So many towns in Vietnam were destroyed in various wars but the ancient town of Hoi An, in the past also referred to as Faifoo, Faicfo or Hai Pho, managed to remain largely in tact.
The quiet fishing town of Phan Thiet has a colourful harbour full of boats and a bustling market but the main reason to visit this area is for the fine beaches on the Mui Ne peninsula, which stretch for more than 16 kilometres. Situated just a four drive from Ho Chi Minh City, the peninsula is host to a number of small, quiet, charming resorts.
Located around an hour’s drive south from Nha Trang airport in the spectacular conservation area of Vinh Hy Bay, the Amanoi is a very welcome addition (Sep 2013) to Vietnam’s luxury hotel scene. Backed by a national park and overlooking a marine nature reserve, Amanoi embraces nature while providing a serene beachside retreat.
At the edge of the vast Atlantic Ocean, Laayoune called the City of Sand, welcomes sightseers into a natural and relaxed setting. In less than a century, Laayoune has set itself up as the capital of the Sahara region, and developed rapidly, taking on the economic and administrative role of the Saharan Provinces.
Lagouira, a tiny village on the Atlantic coast, is located at the extreme south of the Sahara, sharing a border with Mauritania, and has one of the most beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Coast.
Tarfaya, a jewel along the Atlantic coast between the ocean and desert is a perennial small fishing port that faces the Canary Islands, with a history dating back to more than two and a half centuries.
Lucy was absolutely fantastic to work with in planning our holiday and everything worked very smoothly. Thank you!
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