Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Islands on the Must Visit List

Are you someone who hasn’t been taking vacation risks like you hoped you would? Now’s the time to change that, because CNN compiled a list that’s sure to get you thinking about a tropical getaway. Instead of booking a simple package to a standard island all your friends have been to, you can combine a luxury setting with thrilling natural surroundings.

Maldives
Marco Polo called the Maldives the “Flower of the Indies,” and this name still rings true. The Maldives will suit anyone looking for a pristine view of blue-green water and white, white beaches--but it’s not just the sunning that makes this location a vacation “wonder of the world." As you talk to other visitors of the Maldives, you’ll discover that a large number of tourists come to the Maldives again after their first visit.

Lodging Suggestion: Soneva Gili by Six Senses is situated in one of the largest lagoons located in the Maldives, with roomy villas dotted along the shore of a tiny island. There are 45 villas here, but if you are looking for something extra-unique, consider the Private Reserve, only reachable by boat.

Easter Island
Going to Chile? Consider a visit to Easter Island, still one of the most fascinating places in the world. With Chile an amazing 2,200 miles away, Easter Island is as isolated as it is shrouded in mystery as to why its inhabitants constructed such gargantuan monuments--and why the island became deserted. One of the most fasinating spots on the island is Rano Raraku, where 400 stone statues lie, unfinished. 900 stone monoliths pepper this island and entertain--stone-faced, I might add--a stream of interested visitors each year.

Lodging Suggestion: Explora en Rapa Nui, Posada de Mike features 30 rooms, all with views of the ocean, and is located on the southeastern part of the island, the most populated zone.

Paraty
This island has been named one of the most beautiful in the world by many travel sources, but it’s a must-see for reasons beyond amazing tourist pics on websites. Paraty’s Brazilian setting, landscape, and surroundings have inspired a great deal of writers, painters, and explorers, and it could do the same for you. Breathe in the salty air and stare into the foamy sea from a prime location in Rio, and then visit Paraty’s exclusive shore on a day trip.

Lodging Suggestion: Try going to Paraty via helicopter, staying in Rio de Janeiro for the night at the Hotel Fasano. Located right in front of Ipanema Beach, the Fasano also features a rooftop swimming pool with great views.

Maui, Hawaii
Aloha! You’ll want to hit the shore running in Hawaii, where healthy living feels much more attainable, and you’ll get some of the best fish-spotting ops in the world, too. If you’re a snorkeler, you’re in luck, because Papalaua Wayside Park offers a great deal of pretty coral heads sans the stress of crowds. Green sea turtles and butterflyfish are two favorite sighting along this beach just a few miles from Lahaina.

Lodging Suggestion: The Hyatt Regency Maui is situated near 40 beachfront acres and the West Maui Mountains.


Got your island picked out after featuring some of the best in the world? We do, too. It’s time to explore and tick another grand destination off the bucket list, while taking enough photos to leave anyone who views your album both envious and rushing to the nearest travel agent for their own trip. Perhaps you should direct them to this and let them pick for themselves?

No comments:

Post a Comment