Airlie Beach mainland accommodation includes motels, resorts, units, luxury town houses, caravan and camp grounds, on site vans, resort style luxury apartments, fully self contained suites, bungalows, villas, ocean front, lodges and flats.

When making an accommodation enquiry please indicate your required dates, number of guests, how many adults and/or children, any special requirements (access, in-house restaurant etc...) and expected price range.





We will then access the entire Whitsundays availability and locate the most suitable options at today's latest discount rate, and send you photos, layout, prices and availability that is best suited to your request.

If your group or family is looking for self-contained house style accommodation in Airlie Beach then a holiday house rental may be your best option. Our selection of properties varies greatly so you are sure to find one that meets you needs.


HOLIDAY ACCOMODATION
Everyone deserves a relaxing break now and again, and the best getaways in Australia can now be found in northern Queensland. The Whitsundays are a particularly scenic region that caters to a variety of travellers. Whether you are visiting the area on a budget or are searching for the very best five star hotels, there is definitely an extensive range of choice suitable for all. The mainland boasts a number of different facilities from resorts and motels to van leisure parks. There are also deals on apartments suitable for student accommodation for those who are searching for a place to lay their bags that will not cost a fortune. From campgrounds to self contained suites, the choice is really up to you. Regardless of where you wish to stay within the Whitsundays area, we can help you out. Our site is aimed at making holiday organisation that much easier, as everything that you need is right here in the one location. Our range of options is listed within our webpages and we recommend that you take a look at our holiday apartments, caravan parks and resort choices today. Once you have found what you are looking for, you can make your booking over the phone, by email or through the instant messenger application found here on our website. Our employees are currently on hand and are more than willing to help you make all of the necessary arrangements for you, your family and friends to experience the ultimate Queensland getaway.


EXCITING HOLIDAY PACKAGES
Apart from simply allowing you to book where you are staying, we also offer a number of getaway deals in which everything is arranged for you to experience the best of what this sunny region has to offer. Not only will your hotel, resort or motel be organised for you, but everything else will be prepared as well. This includes activities such as seaplane rides, sailing trips and buffet lunches. How does that sound for an easy holiday? Not only will you stay at some of the best luxury accommodation in the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island and Queensland, but you will also be given the chance to go out and experience some of the most exciting, natural wonders that Australia has to offer. If this sounds tempting, you will be pleased to hear that you can book all of this directly through our handy website. Forget about paying your local travel agency a visit and simply make all of the necessary arrangements from the comfort of your own home. Before you know it, you will be setting foot on a plane to one of the most remarkable tourist destinations that this country has. Whether you simply relax at your holiday accomodation or go out and explore the beaches and islands in the area is completely up to you of course. It is your time and your holiday and you should definitely spend it as you see fit. Fortunately, the Whitsundays is a destination suitable for travellers of all types and personalities.

Airlie Beach is a locality in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, Australia.[2] At the 2011 census, the suburb of Airlie Beach itself had a population of 7,868.[1] Airlie Beach is one of many departure points for the Great Barrier Reef. Near latitude 20 degrees south, Airlie Beach, Proserpine and the nearby Whitsunday Islands enjoy a tropical climate and lifestyle.[3]




The Whitsunday Islands, named by James Cook in 1770 are a sailors' paradise. Cook named the islands as he believed he passed through the area on the Christian festival day of Whit Sunday. It is now widely accepted that he didn't actually pass through on this date, as he had failed to take into account the yet to be brought into existence International Date Line à la Phileas Fogg.





Each year the residents of Airlie Beach celebrate The Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday or Pentecost Sunday.

Airlie Beach is a tourist destination, extremely popular with backpackers. Its beach is small and the sea is inhabited by marine stingers, the box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) from November to May. In order to provide somewhere for the visitors tourists to swim, the local council, has built a small – medium sized swimming lagoon on the foreshore, similar to the lagoon found in Cairns. The Airlie Beach Lagoon is 4,300 m2 and 4.5 million litres of fresh, self chlorinated water.

The Great Barrier Reef is easily accessible from Airlie Beach, with an array of different types of tours available. Majority of these tours depart from Abell Point Marina but a few depart from the recently completed Port of Airlie. The Abell Point Marina contains 507 berths.



It is almost certain that the town was named for the parish of Airlie, in Scotland, as the name was suggested by the chairman of the former Proserpine Shire Council, Robert Shepherd, who was born in nearby Montrose, Scotland. The official name was Airlie from 1936 until 1987, when it became Airlie Beach.


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Airlie Beach Post Office opened on 2 November 1959.

Dubai is the equivalent word of business and extravagance that turned into a heaven for visitors. Known as the city of superlatives and the surprising, it has changed its horizon with innovative and enlivened structural planning.






Home to the absolute most astounding cutting edge uber extends on the planet, Dubai has the world's tallest building, the tallest lodging, the biggest shopping center, the notable Palm and World Islands, furthermore offers a sprouting arrangement and a ski resort amidst the desert. So how about we wonder us with the marvels of Dubai:




1 – Burj al Arab

Burj al Arab

Burj Al Arab is the main "7-star" inn on the planet, offering a Skyview Bar, a submerged restaurant and an open air tennis court. It is additionally a standout amongst the most notable images of Dubai and a standout amongst the most captured landmarks on the planet. Intended to look like the sail of an Arabian dhow transport, the building ascents out of the Persian Gulf, connecting a stature of 321 meters. Around evening time, it is lit up by choreographed shading models of water and flame.

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2 – The Palm Islands

Jumeirah Palm Island

The Palm Islands are the biggest manufactured islands on the planet and a standout amongst the most driven advancements on earth. Their interesting palm-tree shapes help to add 520 kilometers to Dubai's coastline. These astonishing man-made islands are viewed as the eighth miracle of the world. The Palm Trilogy, which involves the Palm Jebel Ali, the Palm Deira and the Palm Jumeirah, houses extravagance inns, elite beachside homes, water amusement parks, marinas, and in addition recreation and excitement focuses.

3 – Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa

Extending to 828 meters, Burj Khalifa is perceived as the tallest building and synthetic structure on the planet. The tower likewise contains the world's most elevated mosque on the 158th floor (of 160), the world's most elevated swimming pool, on the 76th floor, and the world's most astounding survey stage, on the 124th floor. The pyramid-formed high rise houses fine 900 homes, office suites, and also the prestigious Armani Hotel.

4 – Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is the biggest man-made marina on the planet. It is a counterfeit channel city, where the waters of the Persian Gulf were brought into the 3 km site. Its waterfront gives safe house to several yachts, furthermore incorporates a 7 km long passerby walkway, with a string of outside bistros, bars and restaurants. The marina was produced to make a substantial open space fit to oblige a populace of 120,000 in its private towers and manors on a passerby amicable urban group.

5 – Infinity Tower

Interminability Tower Dubai

Interminability Tower is the world's tallest elevated structure with a spot of 90˚. The extraordinary, just about finished, high rise spirals by an astonishing 90 degrees from its base to its crown, 305 meters (1,000 feet) over the ground. The 80-story high private tower has dynamic waterfront sees, which depend of its height. Amazingly, there is not a solitary structural column anyplace inside the building.

6 – Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is the biggest strip mall on the planet by territory. Its 1,200 retail outlets, retail chains, more than 160 sustenance and drink outlets, and gigantic excitement zone, pull in more than 750,000 guests consistently. The shopping center has likewise a 250-room extravagance lodging, and even a huge aquarium in it, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, with the world's biggest survey board. Outside the shopping center, there's the fantastic Dubai Fountain with its moving waters.

7 – Jumeirah Beach Hotel

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

With its striking wave-like outline, the five-star Jumeirah Beach Hotel is one of the structural marvels that graces Dubai's horizon. Standing 93 meters high and 275 meters in length, the 26-story building is bended both in arrangement and on height, speaking to a shocking breaking wave. It offers 20 restaurants and bars, its own private shoreline, and boundless access to the celebrated Wild Wadi Water Park. The lodging is neighboring the sail-molded Burj Al Arab and this mix emulates a sail exploring against a wave.

8 – Dubai Fountain

Dubai Fountain

Dubai Fountain is the biggest moving wellspring on the planet. It is lit up by 6,600 lights and 25 shading projectors that make a visual range of more than 1,000 unique attractions. Its light emission can be seen from more than 20 miles away, and is obvious from space, making it the brightest spot in the Middle East. This astounding 275 meters-in length (900 ft.) wellspring can spread 83,000 liters (22,000 gallons) of water and shoots water flies as high as 152 m (500 ft.) into the air in a state of harmony with traditional, Arabic and world music.

9 – Atlantis The Palm Hotel & Resort

Atlantis The Palm Hotel & Resort Dubai

The indulgent Atlantis The Palm Hotel houses 2 submerged suites that give sees from carpet to-roof windows into a tidal pond loaded with 65,000 marine animals, including sharks. Significant attractions incorporate the Aquaventure Waterpark, where riders experience close vertical drop down before being launch through a shark-filled tidal pond – the Lost Chambers, a maze of submerged passages loaded with marine life and displayed on the structural engineering of Atlantis – the sizable Ambassador Lagoon, which is loaded with 65,000 marine creatures – and the Dolphin Bay, in which visitors can swim and collaborate with dolphins. With more than 1,500 visitor rooms, the complex likewise emphasizes a 1.4 km unblemished white shoreline, world-class cooking and extravagance boutiques.

10 – Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is a 22,500-square-meter indoor ski resort (equal to 3 football fields) that offers the unfathomable chance to appreciate genuine snow in the desert throughout the entire year. Placed inside the Mall of the Emirates, it offers a 85-meter-high indoor mountain with 5 runs that fluctuate in trouble, tallness and angle, including a 400-meter-long run with a fall of more than 60 meters and the world's first indoor dark run. It additionally has a 3,000-square-meter Snow Park play territory: the biggest indoor snow stop on the planet.

11 – Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Spotted at the inside of the huge Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium is the biggest suspended aquarium on the planet. This miracle gives interesting perspectives of 33,000 submarine creatures behind the world's biggest acrylic survey board and the 48-meter long aquarium stroll through passage. It additionally offers a scope of extraordinary relaxation encounters, for example, glass-base pontoon rides, shark jumps and pen snorkeling.

12 – Princess Tower

Princess Tower Dubai

The Princess Tower is perceived by the Guinness World Records as the world's tallest private building following 2012. Towering over Dubai Marina horizon at 414 meters (1,355 ft.), the 101-story high rise houses 763 extravagance lofts, a standout amongst the most extravagant properties in the city, and also eight retail locations.

13 – The World Islands

The World Islands Dubai

The World or World Islands is an accumulation of 300 synthetic islands built fit as a fiddle of a world guide, arranged 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) off the shore of Dubai. Made from huge amounts of sand shake, the whole improvement is a zone that covers 6 by 9 kilometers (3.7 by 5.6 mi) and is encompassed by an oval-formed jetty island. Every island is available to be purchased and prepared for improvement. Its Earth's shape is unmistakable just by satellite or from the highest point of the world's tallest building, the Burg Khalifa.

14 – JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

The rich JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Hotel is the tallest lodging on the planet. The 72-story, 355 meter (1,165 ft.) high rise complex spreads over two famous towers and gimmicks 14 sustenance and drink outlets, roof bars, a business focus, a 3,700 m2 (40,000 sq. ft.) spa and wellbeing club, and retail outlets, a swimming pool, and a gym.

15 – Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden

Is it a wonder or a delusion? Unbelievably grew amidst the desert, Dubai Miracle Garden is the biggest common blossom cultivate on the planet. The 72,000-square-meter vivid enclosure has more than 45 million blooms formed into the states of hearts, stars, igloos, pyramids, blossom decked vintage autos, bend molded walkways etc, which will change every season. It has entered the Guinness Book of Records with the world's greatest bloom clock, furthermore wants to be perceived as having the longest mass of blooms

THE SCENERY

Queenstown is a remarkable New Zealand destination for universal travelers settled on the shores of the clear as can be Lake Wakatipu and underneath the superb New Zealand Alps.




Lake Wakatipu Queesntown

The apparently calm and beautiful town is a high resort spotted in south west of New Zealand's South Island is in the heart of probably the most wonderful landscape in the nation. It offers awesome and excellent perspectives of the close-by mountain extents, including one of the Queenstown's postcards, The Remarkables.

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The Remarkables - Queenstown

The Remarkables | Photo by: Xtine [alter ego]

Individuals say that the spot got its name after a neighborhood gold digger announced that this town was ideal for Queen Victoria, because of its dazzling landscape.

The Remarkables Queenstown

Queenstown and the encompassing territory view is so "Out of this World" that it contains numerous areas utilized as a part of the taping of the Lord of the Rings film set of three, and also the 2009 film X-Men Origins: Wolverine and a few others.

Heaven - Queenstown




Heaven

THINGS TO DO

Widely acclaimed for its enterprise tourism, Queenstown acquires the title of "Experience Capital of the World", and this is advocated by the amassing of adrenalin-built exercises in light of offer and the way that it is the place current bungy hopping was created, despite the fact that it is getting to be ordinary all as far and wide as possible.

Bungy Jump Queenstown

The Ledge Bungy – Queenstown

The town gives a great scope of fascinating vacation destinations and exercises to do no make a difference what the season, on lake, land or noticeable all around. The vast majority of them can be encountered lasting through the year in Queenstown, and in winter and early spring (June to October) the locale has a percentage of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions on the planet and offers four principle mountain skifields (Cardrona Alpine Resort, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Treble Cone).

Queenstown Skiing

Mountain Ski Field – Queenstown

There you can bungy bounce, gorch swing, ski or snowboard, skydive, paraglide, plane pontoon, kayak, white water flatboat, jetski, mountain bicycle, drive quadbikes, stallion ride, trek and take a grand flight.

Plane Boat - Queenstown

Shotover Jet – Jet Boat Queenstown

Furthermore, in case you're into a more casual pace, simply appreciate the wine taste visits, eat in some widely acclaimed restaurants, play golf on some beautiful fairways, or unwind on nature strolls, the grand flights and travels, taking in the endless lakes, hurrying waterways, and dazzling elevated view.

Golf Field Queenstown

Millbrook Golf Course

Offices

In case you're wanting to do a few exercises, Queenstown has a wealth of visit administrators and travel specialists that can consolidate them in bundles, making it less expensive.

The residential area has a decent choice of lodging, running from hiker inns up to extravagance resorts, and a fine scope of shops and restaurants also. There is some extraordinary nightlife, because of the measure of vacationers, which are around the local area throughout the entire year. During the time Queenstown plays host to various occasions, including the Queenstown Winter Festival and Central Otago Wine and Food Festival.

Queenstown is additionally an incredible base area to investigate the marvels of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, the vivid noteworthy mining town of Arrowtown, and to have a flight encounter around the Southern Alps and the close-by ice sheets.

Lake Wakatipu Queenstown

Lake Wa

Airlie Beach is a 23 km. drive east off the coastal Highway and is a colourful holiday town looking out over Pioneer Bay and the perfect mainland base to explore the Whitsunday islands.



You will find a wide range of accommodation here, from budget backpackers hostels to camping and tropical luxury resorts, and also Airlie Lagoon which provides stinger free safe swimming with lifeguards on duty and a pool for the kids.
On Saturday the weekly markets are held where you'll find local arts and crafts, fruit and vegetables etc.
There is a huge choice of restaurants and cafes and a lively bar scene to party the nights away.
Airlie Beach Lagoon in the centre of town provides year round stinger free swimming and cooling off in a large man-made lagoon.
Between June and September, giant humpback whales migrate up the coastline which you will be able to view from one of the many cruises that run from Airlie Beach.





There are attractions on land too; Conway and Dryander National Parks have water falls for a refreshing swim and walking tracks through rainforest.
Or catch a helicopter ride to a deserted island for a champagne picnic, go parasailing, fishing or sky diving, the choices are endless.
.If you're in Airlie Beach and you feel like something different or need to cool down then head for the Conway National Park. Take the Conway Beach Road off Shute Harbour Road to the west of Cannonvale and only a short drive south of Airlie Beach you will find the Cedar Creek Falls surrounded by rainforest in a beautiful and mountainous area on the edge of the Conway National Park. The waterfall drops 12 metres into a stream which is perfect for swimming.

Also some of the bars in Airlie Beach organize cane toad races, you can place your bet on which poisonous South American frog will cross the line first, very entertaining!

The Whitsunday Islands are surrounded by a Marine Park and most of the 74 islands have National Park status. The islands are remnants of a coastal mountain range that was submerged when sea levels rose at the end of the last ice age.
The beaches of the Whitsunday Islands are simply spectacular, and Whitehaven beach has often been named as the most beautiful beach in the world.
Most of the islands have National Park status, while a 35,000 sq. km marine park stretches from around Sarina in the south to Cape Upstart to the north. Most of them are uninhabited but eight of them have the ten island resorts that made this destination world famous, such as Brampton Island, Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, Hayman Island, Long Island, South Molle Island.

The Whitsunday islands cater for all types of holidays; family holidays, action-packed holidays, sailing, lazing on the beach, romantic getaways, and this is also a popular destination for weddings.
Sailing is a very popular activity here, even a total beginner can rent a sailing boat and with the abundance of islands navigation is a breeze and there are plenty of choice in good sheltered anchorages, or you can take it easy and book on a charter where someone else will do the sailing for you while you relax with a glass of champagne.

Hamilton Island is the largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays and the only island with its own airport catering for direct commercial and charter flights, otherwise you will fly in to Whitsunday Coast Airport at Prosperine, which is only a short drive from Airlie Beach. Lots of activities can be enjoyed on Hamilton Island, including fishing, helicopter rides, scuba diving, parasailing and much more. There is heaps of accommodation on the island and a good choice of restaurants.

Daydream Island is a very small island with a resort orientated to familes named the Daydream Island International Resort. Heaps of activities here too.

Hayman Island is a small island of only 4 square km. and the northernmost of the Whitsunday Island group, it has a very exclusive resort too. Some great views and beautiful scenery is to be found along the walking trails on this island and great snorkelling and scuba diving is found in the little coves and along the coral beaches of this island.

Hook Island is the second largest island of the Whitsunday Island Group, and is filled with spectacular National Park and fabulous beaches. You can stay at the Hook Island Wilderness Resort or at the camping ground on the island.

Lindeman Island is one of the most southern Whitsunday Islands. There is a Club Med Resort and the rest of the island is National park.

Long Island is mostly National Park with bush walking tracks through rainforest. You will find three resorts on this island, Club Crocodile Resort and Long Island Palm Bay Hideaway at the north end of the island and South Long Island Nature Lodge at the south end.

South Molle Island houses the South Molle Island Resort and has some good walks around the island's National Park and of course, like any island here, fantastic beaches.

Whitsunday Island is the biggest of all of the Whitsunday Islands and has fantastic beaches, but the entire island is National Park and there is no accommodation on the island. You can camp at several camp sites on this island with Dugong, Joes, and Sawmill Beaches offering water supplies.

Annual events in Airlie Beach and Whitsundays

If you get to Airlie Beach at the right time of year you may be able to witness, or participate in, some of these annual events:

Whitsunday Fantasea Reef Festival - usually held first half of November, a non-profit community festival that has been held since 2001 and celebrates one of nature's most amazing creations - the Great Barrier Reef! Many activities are held, plenty of food and drinks are available and fireworks on the foreshore close it off.

HOTFM Great Whitsunday Fun Race - usually held early September since 1977, this is a huge weekend for Airlie Beach when 200 yachts of all kinds run in this fun race.

Hahn Premium Race Week - usually held in August at Hamilton Island, this is Australia's largest offshore yachting event. Large numbers of Aussie and international yachts converge on Hamilton Island for a week of sailing and partying.

Airlie Beach Triathlon - usually held in September, superfit competitors from far and wide flock to Airlie Beach. The Whitsunday Triathlon Club was formed in 1999 and ever since has organized this annual event. Activities include a sprint distance, 750 metre swim, 20 kilometre cycle, five kilometre run, beach volleyball and sport expo.

Airlie Beach Food & Wine Festival - in April the restaurants of Airlie Beach get together for a great evening filled with fine food and Australian wines. Proceeds from the event go to the Whitsunday Police Citizens Youth Club.


Airlie Beach weather: from April till October the daytime temperatures vary from 20 to 24 degrees C in the day and from 14 to 18 degrees at night. During the summer from November to March the daytime temperatures run between 24 to 30 degrees with nights from 18 to 26. The ocean waters remain at a constant 20 to 22 degrees throughout the year.


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Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s great fishing, sailing and holiday destinations located in the beautiful east coast of the Northland region. It has one of the best maritime parks in New Zealand, featuring an amazing range of marine life, such as whales, penguins, dolphins and much more, in an area with 144 islands and bays.




The bay itself is an irregular 16 km-wide inlet. It is a natural harbour, which has several arms that extend into the land. The area has several towns scattered around the coast, each one with unique culture and lifestyle, combining both great outdoor experience and significant historic sites. The main centres include Kerikeri, Paihia, Waitangi, Opua and Russell.




Paihia is the main visitor centre for Bay of Islands, with friendly locals and happy cafés, and is where many sightseeing cruises by both land and sea begin.

Kerikeri is a fertile orchard town on the northern extremity of the Bay. The district, the earliest permanent settlement in New Zealand, bears some of the country’s oldest buildings, bush walks, several arts and crafts galleries and local cuisine.

If you arrive in Bay of Islands by sea, Opua is your port, with cosmopolitan marinas and anchorages with full chandlery, lively cafes and bars. It is where a number of charter companies offer yachts you can sail yourself.

There are plenty of recreational activities to do in this area, whether you’re seeking for thrilling adventure or just to rest. Try skydiving, parasailing, quad biking, horse trekking, scuba diving, kayaking, paddling a waka or taking one of the many well-maintained walking tracks that provide breathtaking views throughout the bay.

If you want to relax and marvel at the majestic scenery, spend your time on a secluded unspoilt beach with clear turquoise coloured waters on some of the 144 stunning islands, taking a walk or just lazing around listening to the songs of seabirds.

Charter a yacht or launch, cruise uninhabited islands with lagoons and natural rock caves, take a scenic flight, take a guided tour through historical sites, go fishing or swim right up close with the dolphins in their natural habitat.

With the warmest water in New Zealand and the friendliest dolphin species (Bottlenose), Bay of Islands is the best place to experience swimming with dolphins.

One of the most popular attractions in Bay of Islands is the Hole in the Rock, in the beautiful Motukokako Island, off Cape Brett. You can take a boat trip through the hole in a huge rock and explore deep into the spectacular Grand Cathedral Cave.

Some tours travel at speeds of up to 100kms, the most thrilling way to see this famous icon. Here you can also swim with the local common and bottlenose dolphins.

The beautiful Cape Brett Lighthouse can be reached by walking a coastal track or seen by taking a boat to the hole in the rock.

Urupukapuka is the largest of over 140 islands in the bay. It is a unique place to visit and relax the whole day enjoying time on the stunning beaches. There are many clear water sand beaches and diving is particularly good on the east coast where there is plentiful reef life. This island is also full of historic and archaeological sites, ideal to explore both Maori and European local history.

Another attraction in Bay of Islands is the Motuarohia (Roberton) Island. The most photographed scene in the Bay is distinguished by its two glorious lagoons. There is a track that leads to the top of the island, where you can get spectacular aerial views of the narrow strip of land and sand with the twin lagoons.

The Kerikeri Mission House, the country’s oldest house built in 1821, and the wonderful Mission’s Stone Store dating from 1832, New Zealand’s oldest stone building, are regarded as the “Cradle of the Nation”, and are a must for all visiting this region.

Just a few kilometres from Kerikeri centre and Kerikeri Mission House, it’s the Rainbow Falls, a beautiful 27m waterfall where the water tumbles into a pool surrounded by native bush.

Bay of Islands is a great base for exploring all of the Far North. You can travel north to Cape Reinga – the lighthouse where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea, Tepaki Sand Dunes and Ninety-Miles beach, which is actually 55 miles (88 km) long.



The rich history of Bay of Islands makes it the perfect place to find out why this region is considered to be the birthplace of New Zealand as a bi-cultural nation. It was where the famous Treaty of Waitangi became the founding document for the new nation.

In Waitangi, visit the Maori Whare Runanga (Meeting House), which is a fully carved construction with carvings representing the major Maori tribes, and the largest Maori War Canoe in the world, the Ngatokimatawhaorua.

The North Island was among the first islands in the Seychelles archipelago to be discovered, in 1609. Now, more than 400 years later, the island has managed to keep its absolutely amazing look and all of those who had the chance to visit it agreed that it can’t be far from what we usually call Heaven on Earth. And if you think their reactions are exaggerated, just look at the photos below and think again.




From 1826 to 1970 the North Island belonged to the Beaufond family from Reunion and all this time the island was used for different plantations of fruits and spice plants and also as a source of guano, fish oil and coconuts. However, in 1970 the island was sold and the new owner completely neglected it, the island becoming invaded by wild plants and animals, many of them not original from this area. In 2003 things have changed and the island was bought by Wilderness Safaris, a South African company focused on eco tourism, whose management decided that the island’s initial beauty is what must be drawn into tourists’ attention.

North Island Seychelles Luxury Resort

The plant and wild life preservation program paid off immediately and the 11 luxury villas placed in this wilderness oasis is everything a tourist who just wants to relax is looking for. And it’s no coincidence that in the past 8 years, since the island has been completely transformed, it became an attractive destination for newlyweds looking all over the world looking for a perfect place to spend their honeymoon.

As you probably know by now, the United Kingdom’s capital will host the 2012 Olympics, one of the most important sports events in the world. And since the games’ debut is getting closer and closer, preparations in London are also getting more frantic. In the year when London will host the Olympic Games for the third time (after 1908 and 1948), 10 impressive projects will be inaugurated, signed by famous architects, that will change the city’s face forever.



Shard London Bridge
Shard London Tower

Previously known as the London Bridge Tower, the “transparent” 72-story (95-story if we include plant floors) sky scraper was designed by famous architect Renzo Piano and when it will be finished, this year, will break all of London’s records. With its 1,017-ft height (310 meters), The Shard will become the tallest building in Europe and will feature 44 elevators, offices, apartments, restaurants, shops and a Shangri-La luxury hotel. A real vertical city, that cost more than 2 billion Euros ($2.6 billion) and where 10,000 people will work.
London Aquatics Center

The impressive swimming facility was designed by Zaha Hadid specifically for the Olympics and it was inaugurated last year. The roof is 11,200 square feet and the entire project’s cost was $385 million, three times more than initially estimated. But we have to admit, it’s worth it, because it looks absolutely amazing, the giant curved structured having a total capacity of 17,500 spectators.
The Pinnacle (Bishopsgate Tower)
London The Pinnacle

The 945-ft (288 meters) 64-story building was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox and it will stand right in the middle of London’s “heart”, between Bishopgate and St. Mary Axe. The aerodynamic façade will be made of two glass layers, one on the exterior (protects the structure from wind) and one on the interior (sealed, waterproof and thermal isolation). Unfortunately, even though construction began in 2008, the financial crisis seriously affected building schedule, and after several delays, it looks like the building won’t be ready by Olympics, the inauguration being scheduled for January 2013.
BBC Broadcasting House
BBC Broadcasting House London

The facility’s “piece de resistance” is a 43,000 sq.-ft. “newsroom”, designed like a movie set. The new building will be home to BBC News, Music, Radio and World Service and is currently being built besides the broadcaster’s historical headquarters built in the 1930s. The new Broadcasting House was designed by MJP Architects, features 861,000 sq.-ft. of studios, editorial and offices and when completed will become one of the most advanced production centers in the world.
Tate Modern 2
London Tate Modern 2

After Tate Modern, the old power station on the River Thames, became a world symbol of contemporary art, the same architects, Herzog & de Meuron also designed Tate Modern 2, an extension of the existing facility. The new futuristic building, an eco-friendly jewel will rise where the power station’s fuel tanks used to be. While the original project was designed as a glass stepped pyramid, it was modified and now features a brick façade, to match the original power station’s appearance. The project cost almost $350 million and is scheduled to be opened before the Olympic Games.
Seal House London
London Seal House

This building featuring offices and shops is located on the Thames’ bank, close to the London Bridge, and its evolution has been quite difficult, especially after the architect working on this project, David Chipperfield, had to rearrange the four upper floors. Despite these drawbacks, the building will be ready until the Olympics.
W Hotel Leicester Square
W Hotel Leicester Square

The five-star W Hotel in Leicester Square opened its gates in 2010. Located right in the “heart” of London, the “curved” luxury hotel features 192 rooms and was designed by architecture firm Jestico&Whiles. The building has a cement structure and is covered in transparent glass and according to chief architect John Whiles, it is a “jewel in the necklace of light that defines the West End.”
One Hyde Park
One Hyde Park London

The most exclusive area in London will get this new two-pavilion glass and steel complex featuring 86 ultra-luxury apartments. The residential area will be connected through four other pavilions (with different heights) with three street-level areas containing stores, located across the street from Knightsbridge. The $1.5 billion project was designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour&Partners and among its most notable residents there are the Prime Minister of Qatar, Kylie Minogue and Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov.
King’s Cross Station
London King's Cross Station

Last month, the modernized London’s King’s Cross station was opened to public as part of one of the most ambitious and expensive projects going on in the city, the King’s Cross Central. Designed by John McAslan&Partners, the new King’s Cross station combines the original Victorian façade with a modern atrium featuring a curved semi-transparent roof.

Dubai Holidays

Dubai has transformed itself from a desert outpost to one of the most important economic centres in the Middle East. As a result, the city has become an increasingly popular tourist destination. Holidays in Dubai offer a mix of old world markets and contemporary architecture, sunny beaches and sprawling shopping centres, imposing skyscrapers and world class museums.

What to See

Much of Old Dubai has vanished with the move towards modern towers of glass and steel. Some remnants remain, including the Bastakiya District where buildings have been reconstructed in traditional styles. The district is home to many lively cafes and art galleries. The Dubai Museum at the al-Fahidi fort shares the history of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, while a guided tour of the Jumeirah Mosque, the largest in Dubai, allows you to explore breathtaking architecture.

To experience modern Dubai, a visit to the iconic Burg al-Arab can be arranged with a tour or by staying at the luxury hotel. Admiring the Burg Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, can be done from many places in Dubai. You can also visit the tower’s observation deck for a unforgettable view of the surrounding landscape. The tower is also home to the 1,200-shop Dubai Mall. For additional shopping adventures, seek out the historic Gold Souk and Spice Souk markets at the mouth of the Dubai Creek, or the Satwa textile market.








What to Do

Visiting the beach is a great way to relax while on vacation in Dubai. With picturesque white sandy beaches and warm waters, the city’s beaches are idyllic. Water sports are a popular activity in Dubai, including diving and snorkelling to see colourful coral reefs and wrecks. You can also ski in the desert at a well-equipped snow skiing centre at the Mall of the Emirates. Alternatively, you can explore the desert itself with a tour on four-wheeled drive vehicles. Tour operators take visitors across and over sand dunes, which are particularly beautiful close to sunset. For a taste of the unusual, you can see camel races at the Camel Race Track during winter months. Families will enjoy the Wild Wadi Park and its entertaining water slides and rides, tidal pool, waterfalls, and secluded lagoon.

Travelling to Dubai

Dubai is a five-hour flight from many cities in Europe. With Emirates Airline, British Airways, and many other European carriers serving the city from destinations across Europe, Dubai is relatively easy to get to. Although summer months can be extremely hot, fall and winter months are cooler, with temperatures ranging between 20˚C to 25˚C. Getting around the city itself is made easy with a new metro system, although exploring the city by car or taxi is still the best way to experience.

Tiger Sky Tower of Singapore

Singapore Island offers a panoramic view of the traveler’s paradise. Tourists can find the calming and exotic atmosphere. Singapore creates a powerful combination of all a person wants as a place to stay. Since, earn a lot of money into the Singapore of the tourists. Democratic government authorities and ensure tourists have easy access to their country.
This does not mean that they are less secure; Singapore is well equipped to handle any situation. Government ensures that despite the security checks, the tourists do not face problems because they will be warmly welcomed in the island.

One of the most preferred tourist rides in Singapore is tiger sky tower in Sentosa Island. Singapore's tallest observation tower that formerly known as the Carlsberg Sky Tower.
It’s suitable to be enjoyed with your family while you go to Singapore. The tower is located in the central zone of Imbiah Lookout on Sentosa Island. The tower has a height of 110 meters (360 feet) above ground level, or about 36 floors and a height of 131 meters (430 feet) above sea level. Tiger Sky Tower is the tallest in Asia Tower Observatory. This tower is a great place for a panoramic view of Singapore, Malaysia and even you can see Indonesia as well. For those who have a phobia of heights, do not worry. You will not feel afraid because the movement is very slow until it was suddenly was on top.







Get a panoramic view of the whole of Singapore, Sentosa Island and other islands in the southern part of the free-standing tower observatory which is the highest in Asia. Day or night, the view from the tower promises beautiful scenery. On the ground floor, visitors will enter the cabin air-cooled with large disc-shaped glass windows all around. The cabin will spin slowly to present a view when climbing the tiger sky tower.
From the top of tiger sky tower, you can see the entire length of the horizon of Singapore and panoramic views of the island. On a clear day, you can even see part of Johor Bahru and horizon of Indonesia. Slowly rising as high as 131 meters above sea level, relaxing in the cabin air-cooled in the Tiger Sky Tower and enjoys a panoramic view of the entire Sentosa and the islands of the southern part of Singapore, and Malaysia and even Indonesia. In the morning and during the day you can see a very beautiful view of the city. At night you can enjoy the beauty of the lights of tall buildings.

Raffles Landing Site - Statue Memorial Founder of Singapore

Singapore is known by the nickname of "Little Red Dot". For your information, Singapore has a large existence in the world today, with free trade economy and highly efficient workforce. Moreover, its strategic location in the region allows it to become a hub port along the main shipping route. Although the Singapore government to promote the use of Chinese for their Chinese population, there are still a handful of residents speak more fluent in the dialect of each such as Hokkien, Cantonese, Tiochiu and others. However, the use of dialect is more concentrated to the population that has been aged. Over 60% of Singapore's population is Indian which uses Tamil language spoken as a mother tongue, Indian languages including Hindi, Malayalam and others. And now Singapore is renowned as a "Fine City". Fine term is used because Singapore is known as a city that is clean, neat and strict enforcement of rules and for all citizens. You should not be surprised if your arrival in Singapore saw no uniformed officers conduct "spot checks" or unannounced inspections for cleanliness of the city and catch people who throw garbage out of place.

The founder of modern Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles, has two statues to his memory in Singapore. This unique sculpture given by Thomas Woolner in 1887 where he was seen standing outside the Victoria Theatre, whereas there is a mock-up position in the North Boat Quay, behind the Parliament. The statue is made of poly which appears in clean white marble and it is known as the Raffles Landing Site, this location was first thought to be a foot in Singapore Raffles landed on January 29, 1819. The first landing place Governor Sir Stamford Raffles Singapore. In this area overlooking to the Singapore River, there is a replica of Raffles statue, which is white. The original statue made of black bronze is located at the Victoria Concert Hall, about 500 meters away from this place. Places of interest around are Omar Kampong Malacca Mosque, Clarke Quay, Tan Si Chong Su Temple, Merlion Statue Esplanade, sailing the Singapore on the river and the Asian Civilizations Museum Empress Place.
Raffles Landing Site is visited by tourists and local people especially during weekends. In addition you can capture the moment while in Singapore. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery Singapore city with a background of the river. Here also you can learn more about the history of Singapore because in the area of Raffles Landing Site there are also some dioramas depicting the history and culture of Singapore.

When you visit this place, you can also take a few moments to climb River Singapore River Cruise to discover using traditional boats and enjoy the scenic beauty of Singapore's city along the river while listening to stories about the history of the river directly.

Merlion Park: A Welcoming Symbol for Visitors

Merlion Park is a must-see if you are flying to Singapore. In the park is located in Marina Bay, a statue of a lion's head which became the mascot for the country of Singapore. The Merlion was first designed as an emblem of the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board in 1964. Merlion and children, "Cub", originally located in front of the Singapore River, just across from the Elizabeth Walk, only 120 meters from its present location. The area is also known as the Merlion Park has become a popular tourist attraction in Singapore and became one of the famous places in the cities of the world.

Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s great fishing, sailing and holiday destinations located in the beautiful east coast of the Northland region. It has one of the best maritime parks in New Zealand, featuring an amazing range of marine life, such as whales, penguins, dolphins and much more, in an area with 144 islands and bays.





The bay itself is an irregular 16 km-wide inlet. It is a natural harbour, which has several arms that extend into the land. The area has several towns scattered around the coast, each one with unique culture and lifestyle, combining both great outdoor experience and significant historic sites. The main centres include Kerikeri, Paihia, Waitangi, Opua and Russell.

Paihia is the main visitor centre for Bay of Islands, with friendly locals and happy cafés, and is where many sightseeing cruises by both land and sea begin.

Kerikeri is a fertile orchard town on the northern extremity of the Bay. The district, the earliest permanent settlement in New Zealand, bears some of the country’s oldest buildings, bush walks, several arts and crafts galleries and local cuisine.

If you arrive in Bay of Islands by sea, Opua is your port, with cosmopolitan marinas and anchorages with full chandlery, lively cafes and bars. It is where a number of charter companies offer yachts you can sail yourself.

There are plenty of recreational activities to do in this area, whether you’re seeking for thrilling adventure or just to rest. Try skydiving, parasailing, quad biking, horse trekking, scuba diving, kayaking, paddling a waka or taking one of the many well-maintained walking tracks that provide breathtaking views throughout the bay.

If you want to relax and marvel at the majestic scenery, spend your time on a secluded unspoilt beach with clear turquoise coloured waters on some of the 144 stunning islands, taking a walk or just lazing around listening to the songs of seabirds.

Charter a yacht or launch, cruise uninhabited islands with lagoons and natural rock caves, take a scenic flight, take a guided tour through historical sites, go fishing or swim right up close with the dolphins in their natural habitat.

With the warmest water in New Zealand and the friendliest dolphin species (Bottlenose), Bay of Islands is the best place to experience swimming with dolphins.

One of the most popular attractions in Bay of Islands is the Hole in the Rock, in the beautiful Motukokako Island, off Cape Brett. You can take a boat trip through the hole in a huge rock and explore deep into the spectacular Grand Cathedral Cave.

Some tours travel at speeds of up to 100kms, the most thrilling way to see this famous icon. Here you can also swim with the local common and bottlenose dolphins.

The beautiful Cape Brett Lighthouse can be reached by walking a coastal track or seen by taking a boat to the hole in the rock.

Urupukapuka is the largest of over 140 islands in the bay. It is a unique place to visit and relax the whole day enjoying time on the stunning beaches. There are many clear water sand beaches and diving is particularly good on the east coast where there is plentiful reef life. This island is also full of historic and archaeological sites, ideal to explore both Maori and European local history.

Another attraction in Bay of Islands is the Motuarohia (Roberton) Island. The most photographed scene in the Bay is distinguished by its two glorious lagoons. There is a track that leads to the top of the island, where you can get spectacular aerial views of the narrow strip of land and sand with the twin lagoons.

The Kerikeri Mission House, the country’s oldest house built in 1821, and the wonderful Mission’s Stone Store dating from 1832, New Zealand’s oldest stone building, are regarded as the “Cradle of the Nation”, and are a must for all visiting this region.

Just a few kilometres from Kerikeri centre and Kerikeri Mission House, it’s the Rainbow Falls, a beautiful 27m waterfall where the water tumbles into a pool surrounded by native bush.

Bay of Islands is a great base for exploring all of the Far North. You can travel north to Cape Reinga – the lighthouse where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea, Tepaki Sand Dunes and Ninety-Miles beach, which is actually 55 miles (88 km) long.

The rich history of Bay of Islands makes it the perfect place to find out why this region is considered to be the birthplace of New Zealand as a bi-cultural nation. It was where the famous Treaty of Waitangi became the founding document for the new nation.

In Waitangi, visit the Maori Whare Runanga (Meeting House), which is a fully carved construction with carvings representing the major Maori tribes, and the largest Maori War Canoe in the world, the Ngatokimatawhaorua.

Sea arches are a spectacular phenomena created by Mother Nature with a little help from oceans. They are usually composed of a soft rock that eroded over millions of years as waves hit land, carving caves and tunnels in the rock. Some arches are accessible by beachcombers at low tide, while others can be reached only by boat Some arches are big enough to drive watercraft through. All will provide a field day for photographers, too.




15Kleftiko Beach
Kleftiko Beachflickr/Visit Greece

Kleftiko Beach, on the Greek island of Milos, offers an opportunity to see multiple sea arches, some of which are big enough to navigate boats through. These elaborate arches are located off shore, and come in all sizes and shapes. They are accessible only by boat. Most boats include a stop for swimming and snorkeling in the cruise. Local legend says that pirates used to hide out in the on- and offshore caves.

Greece Guide



14La Portada
La Portadaflickr/Marcos Escalier T.

La Portada (The Gateway) arch stands 43 meters (140 feet) high in the Pacific Ocean in the Antofagasta region of Chile. The arch is made of andesite stone, sedimentary rocks and sandstone, as well as fossils that are millions of years old. The arch is not too far from the shore. An overlook on the shore offers great views of this much-photographed Chilean phenomenon. Visitors may want to bring binoculars, as it’s a popular place to view seals, vultures and other marine life as well.

Chile Guide

13Pigeon Rocks
Pigeon Rocksflickr/Aline Mayard

The Pigeon Rocks are two huge rock formations situated at Beirut’s western-most tip. The gigantic sentinels are a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. The seaside promenade, or corniche, directly in front of the rocks is an excellent viewing point, but far more interesting is to take one of the tracks down to the lower cliffs.

Lebanon Guide

12Great Pollet Arch
Great Pollet Archflickr/leppre

The Great Pollet Arch sits close to the shore of the coast of County Donegal in Ireland. Located on the Fanad Peninsula, the Great Pollet Arch is a massive rock formation that photographs well in all sorts of weather and any time of the day. The arch was carved out of the rock by the motions of the Atlantic Ocean. It is considered a prime example of marine erosion. The arch is surrounded by smaller rocks and tidal pools.

Ireland Guide

11Batu Bolong
Batu Bolongflickr/alex hanoko

Pura Batu Bolong is a small temple located just a stone’s throw from Bali’s famous Tanah Lot temple. It is perched at the end of a rocky promontory that leaps seaward into the surging Indian Ocean. The rock has a natural hole, hence the name, as batu bolong literally means ‘rock with hole’.

Indonesia Guide

10Arch Rock
Arch Rockflickr/NOAA Photo Library

The 12 meter (40 foot) Arch Rock is one of several natural bridges on Anacapa Island, one of the Channel Islands archipelago off the coast of California. It’s a true natural beauty and is often used as the face of the Channel Islands. Besides the arch, the island offers two more iconic features. These are Inspiration Point, offering breathtaking views, and the Anacapa Island Lighthouse.

United States Guide

9Hopewell Rocks
Hopewell Rocksflickr/Brendan J Ross

Hopewell Rocks is a good place to get up-close and personal with sea arches. Located on Canada’s Bay of Fundy, this New Brunswick Province’s arches are on shore, which means that visitors can walk through the arches and picnic beside them at low tide. The bay has the highest tides in the world, so when it’s high tide, travelers can paddle through the arches by canoe or kayak.

Canada Guide

8Honopu Arch
Honopu Archflickr/wallyg

Honopu Arch is the tallest arch in Hawaii. It can be found on the Na Pali coast on the island of Kaua’i. It is in an isolated part of the island, reachable only by boat and then swimming to shore as boats cannot dock here. It is more like a natural bridge, as there’s a waterfall on the landside that drains through the arch’s tunnel. There’s a small beach area on each side of the arch. The area appeared in the 1976 remake of King Kong and in the 1998 movie Six Days Seven Nights.

United States Guide

7Azure Window
Azure Windowflickr/Ben124.

A breathtaking natural limestone arch with a flat top, the Azure Window is one of Malta’s top attractions. Situated on the island of Gozo, the arch has been featured in movies and television shows, and is a famous icon of Malta. The tourist village of Dwejra is nearby to serve the needs of visitors who scuba dive, swim and boat around the arch where it drops into the Dwejra Bay. The arch is visible from a great distance. Most people hike there, enjoying the extraordinary view as they go and then cooling off in the water.

Malta Guide

6Cathedral Cove
Cathedral Coveflickr/macronix

Accessible only on foot, boat or kayak, Cathedral Cove is one of the top attractions on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. The area features two beautiful beaches separated by a huge rock arch. The cathedral-like arch gives the whole area an air of grandeur. The beach is sandy with shady pohutukawa trees along the foreshore; a perfect place for a picnic and a swim.

New Zealand Guide

5El Arco
El Arcoflickr/D&S McSpadden

El Arco is a golden-colored sea arch found at the tip of the Baja Peninsula near Cabo San Lucas. It is also called Land’s End because if one draws a straight line south, the next land it hits is the South Pole. El Arco is visible from all over Cabo, but travelers may also want to approach it via a boat. El Arco is where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez meet.

Mexico Guide

4Playa de las Catedrales
Playa de las Catedralesflickr/Tuscasasrurales

Playa de las Catedrales, or Beach of the Cathedrals, near Ribadeo, Spain, is also known as the Playa de Aguas Santas (Beach of Holy Waters) because the rock formations of these multiple sea arches resemble the spires on cathedrals. Some of the arches and caves can be seen only at low tide. Located on the Bay of Biscay, it’s possible to walk through the area at low tide. During high tide, the water isn’t as friendly to visitors.

Spain Guide

3Wharariki Beach
Wharariki Beachflickr/Chris Gin

Wharariki Beach is considered the gem of Tasman. Located at the northernmost edge of New Zealand’s South Island, it doesn’t get as many visitors as other Kiwi beaches, perhaps because it requires a walk through forests and over sand dunes to reach from the parking lot. Those who make the trek, however, will be rewarded with spectacular beaches and sea arches that sit out in the ocean. The beach is a good place to go horseback riding and see marine life, such as seals.

New Zealand Guide

2Legzira Beach
Legzira Beachwikipedia/Mb-world

Legzira Beach, south of Agadir, is considered Morocco’s most unique beach, probably due to the gigantic sea arches that dot the beach. They are so big that a person standing underneath one at low tide will seem like a small doll. The arches glow red at sunset, making a very picturesque scene. The beach is popular with hang gliders and parasailers, but it’s also a good place to sit and enjoy the spectacular sea arches.

Morocco Guide

1Durdle Door
#1 of Sea Archesflickr/Saffron Blaze

Durdle Door is a sea arch that juts out from the Jurassic Coast of Dorset, England. It is privately owned, but is open to the public. Made of limestone, the arch is joined to land by a 120-meter (390-foot) long isthmus. This sea arch is accessible by foot, though it involves walking a steep path with steps from Lulworth Cove. The 140-million year-old Durdle Door is one of the most photographed spots on the Jurassic Coast.

A visit to Mexico is a popular choice for many reasons. It is a country of great ruins, culture, food, and especially beaches. In fact, beach lovers usually find that the beaches are enough of a reason to visit Mexico all by itself. Its extensive coastlines include the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Depending on the region of Mexico that you choose, the beaches and the water around it will be different. Some of the species of whales, turtles, and other large animals also differ between the Atlantic and Pacific sides of the country. Here is the lowdown on the best beaches in Mexico:




10Playa de Akumal
Playa de Akumalflickr/guillenperez

This fabulous snorkeling region near Playa Del Carmen has a reef that stretches from 20-300 feet offshore, offering views for all different levels of swimmers. Turtles, tropical fish and more are common sights here, and the water is safe and calm enough for even the young snorkelers to enjoy. For those who aren’t into snorkeling, the sand is white and the water has no waves, so it is lovely for swimming and relaxing too.

Where to Stay near the Playa de Akumal



9Bahia Balandra
Bahia Balandraflickr/charleschandler

This is the premier family beach in the Baja region of La Paz. Perhaps best known for the rock formation called Diamond rock, Bahia Balandra is a mix of sand and beautiful wind and water-worn rock formations. It is sheltered in almost every direction for safe swimming, and the location is shallow enough that the chilly Pacific water warms early here. Because amenities are not beachside, it is often not as busy as other local beaches.

Where to Stay near the Bahia Balandra

8Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmenflickr/rbrands

The beach here is lovely- for those who like to relax, the sand is clean and the water calm. Though often jammed with Europeans, in many ways Playa del Carmen still feels like the sleepy fishing village it once was. A mixture of large resorts and small hotels, cruise ship visitors, and easy boat access to Cozumel and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef make this a favorite location to be able to venture to other ports, while still enjoying the best of the Mexican water, sand and hospitality.

Playa del Carmen Guide

7Zipolite
Zipoliteflickr/mripp

A remnant from the hippie days, this beach was known as a free love center from the 60’s to the 80’s, and a huge counterculture destination. It gained notoriety as one of Mexico’s few nude beaches, although the majority of sunbathers remain clothed. Today, it attracts an international class of sun lovers, shirtless yoga gurus and surfers. While there are still plenty of budget lodgings, a number of midrange hotels and classier restaurants have appeared at the west end of the village. The rocky headlands against red-tiled round architecture is an impressive sight, and the pounding surf is great for more vigorous water activities.

6Puerto Vallarta Beach
Puerto Vallarta Beachflickr/ernestvr2001

This Pacific oceanside resort town is nestled along a string of beaches that can please almost any visitor. Protected coves make great snorkeling destinations while there are also opportunities for whale watching and deep-sea fishing. This is one of the most popular resort towns in Mexico, and one look at the coastline makes it abundantly clear why this is true. The town is an interesting mix of large resort areas, and a central Zona Romantica, where the old town, quaint shops, and smaller hotels lie. Much of the older architecture and old-town charm is found here, flanked on the edges by larger, newer resort regions and “Gringo Gulch”, a residential area with large, foreign-owned homes.

Where to Stay near the Puerto Vallarta Beach

5Playa La Ropa
Playa La Ropaflickr/Ted

The “Beach of Clothing” got its name when a Spanish galleon wrecked, and its cargo of colorful fabrics washed ashore along this beach. Today, this is the main water sport beach for Ixtapa. Parasailing, jet skis and hobie cats are all available for rent here, and there are a large number of restaurants to enjoy after a good outing on the water. Steer clear of swimming in the river at one end of the beach, however, as it is known for crocodiles.

Where to Stay near the Playa La Ropa

4Cancun Beach
Cancun Beachflickr/PriceTravel pictures

The vacation destination of Cancun is well-known for its gorgeous beaches and turquoise waters. This strip along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico is full of many different resorts, restaurants and shops that are great places to stay and play. The region is reminiscent of the Vegas strip, with all of the resorts being close together in a line, with miles of sand around them. There are a dozen nearby beaches to check out as well, with turtles, whale watching, snorkeling and much more to do here.

Where to Stay near the Cancun Beach

3Playa del Amor
Playa del Amorflickr/cplbasilisk

Nestled at the meeting between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, the secluded two-sided Playa del Amor (Lover’s Beach) is one of the most famous beaches in Mexico. The beach is easily accessible by water boat from the marina of Cabo San Lucas. It is well worth a visit- with the towering Land’s End rock formations, endless ocean views, and great snorkeling on the sea of Cortez side, the place is exquisite. Travelers should be warned though that tides can get extremely rough on the Pacific end.

Where to Stay near the Playa del Amor

2Playa Norte
Playa Norteflickr/Aurimas Adomavicius

Isla Mujeres off the coast of Cancun is popular for relaxing and wildlife watching. Sea Turtles and Whale sharks are two of the most popular species to see here. The northern end of the island is Playa Norte which has a wide swatch of sand that is lined with palm trees and also a few beachfront restaurants and bars. While some come here to get away from the spring break hot spot in Cancun, it needn’t feel isolated here. This is a great beach for partiers and wildlife watchers alike, and just a short hop from the mainland.

Where to Stay near the Playa Norte


1Tulum
#1 of Best Beaches In Mexicoflickr/CasaDeQueso

For the history-lovers, this beach sits in the shadow of the famed Tulum Mayan ruins. Though this alone would make this a tourist destination, the wide sandy beaches here have gained their own fame as well. Situated at the southern end of the Riviera Maya, the beach at Tulum has the pristine white sand, palm trees and turquoise water that creates the quintessential beach vacation that everyone dreams of on a snowy day. Located about two hours south of Cancun, the region has great beach hotels to stay and relax while enjoying the beaches.

Perhaps the ultimate luxury destination, the Maldives has become a synonym for paradise whether it is for honeymooners, sun worshipers or scuba divers. Aside from the capital Male, there are no hotels in the Maldives, only resorts. Most resorts take up their own island, so the ratio of beach to guests must be one of the best in the world.

This list presents the best luxury resorts in the Maldives, as rated by visitors. Resorts in the Maldives are not cheap even at the bottom end, and these luxury resorts definitely come at a price, but they do offer the best the Maldives has to offer.




10S oneva Gili Resort *****

Soneva Gili Resort *****flickr/juzblurbs

The Soneva Gili Resort offers 45 luxurious over-water villas, including several villas that can only be reached by boat. Every villa has been designed and built with the utmost attention to detail. Each has its own private water garden and sun decks. The bathrooms have a separate shower accessed along an open-air walkway. Guests have the option to dine on the villa deck under moonlight and enjoy the sunset.

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9Lily Beach Resort & Spa *****

Lily Beach Resort & Spa *****


The Lily Beach Resort & Spa offers piece, serenity and beautiful natural surroundings combined with excellent resort facilities. After an extensive renovation the resort was reopened in 2009 as an all-inclusive 5 star luxury resort.

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8Naladhu Resort *****
Naladhu Resort *****
Naladhu is a small Maldives Resort with just 19 villas. The villas feature lavish floor to ceiling glass sliding doors and a large living and bedroom area. Rooms are equipped with bathrooms that have their own outdoor area with both a rainshower and infinity edge terrazzo bathtub.

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7Veligandu Island Resort ****
Veligandu Island Resort ****flickr/oder345nn

The Veligandu Island Resort is the only 4-star hotel on this list of luxury resorts in the Maldives. The designs of the resort’s architecture, right down to the final touches, are authentically Maldivian. The resort offers 76 rooms, including 54 Jacuzzi Water Villas, 10 Water Villas and 12 Jacuzzi Beach Villas.

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6Mirihi Island Resort *****
Mirihi Island Resort *****flickr/KAZ2.0

Perhaps the most affordable on the best luxury resorts in the Maldives, The Mirihi Island Resort offers 36 villas that are equipped with the standard amenities of a 5 star-hotel. Blessed with white beaches, turquoise blue waters and one of the most amazing house-reefs, this is truly a great resort.

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5Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa *****
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa *****

The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa contains several thatch-roofed bungalows stretching over a pristine beach. The resort offers several swimming pools, water sports, restaurants, lounges, a library, and spa facilities. Many of the guest bungalows at the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa offer glass floors for observation of the sea below. Each guest room boasts a balcony or terrace with views of the Indian Ocean.

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4Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru *
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru *

The Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru offers 44 acres of unspoiled wilderness in the heart of the Baa Atoll, the only UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Snorkel with turtles, manta rays and whale sharks in one of the Maldives’s largest natural lagoons. Guest accommodation is in thatched beach villas and over-water villas. Resort facilities include 3 dining options, an infinity pool and a serene spa located on its own island.

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3Taj Exotica Resort And Spa *****
Taj Exotica Resort And Spa *****flickr/pyjama

Most of the Taj Exotica Resort And Spa’s luxurious villas are perched over the lagoon with nothing but blue ocean waters and glorious sunsets to block the view. All the villas are palm-thatched, and the interiors are designed in classic Maldivian style. The villas offer sun-decks, and some offer private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and verandas with day beds and private spa rooms.

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2Baros Maldives *****
Baros Maldives *****flickr/nattu

There are 75 wooden villas at the Baros Maldives Resort which are comfortably styled and all offer a variety of amenities. Guests of the hotel will have many amenities offered to them, including an on-site spa that offers Swedish massage, body wraps and tropical fruit facials, waterfall plunge pools, in-house restaurants and bars and scuba diving lessons.

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1Cocoa Island Resort *****
#1 of Luxury Resorts In Maldives

Rated as the best luxury resort in the Maldives, Cocoa Island Resort is ideally located along crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches and breath-taking sunsets. Most of the rooms are uniquely inspired by dhoni boats, the style of vessel used by local fishermen in the Maldives. They are adjoined by simple wooden walkways built above the shallow lagoon. The view from the wide platform bed is directly out to the ocean. The bathrooms share the horizon views.