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Saving Coral Reefs

July 13, 2023

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Diving or snorkeling on a coral reef is a magical experience. It’s unfortunate that reefs in many parts of the world now face threats from human impact, but there is hope. Governments around the world continue to establish and expand marine preserves that protect coral reefs. And there’s a growing movement to move beyond mere protection and focus on restoration.

Currently, there are more than 100 international organizations dedicated to rebuilding coral reefs, and the leading method is the replanting of corals. Much like tree saplings, small fragments of living coral can be nurtured in a controlled environment, then replanted in the wild to revitalize natural reefs. This is a labor- intensive process, and many of these programs rely on volunteers to do the planting. If you are a diver or snorkeler who wants to get involved in coral reef conservation, here are nine resort destinations where you can make a difference during your vacation.

Four Seasons Bora Bora

The island of Bora Bora is surrounded by one of the world’s most scenic lagoons, and the Four Seasons Resort plans to keep it that way. Set within the lush landscaping of this premier property is the Sanctuary, a sheltered body of water that’s home to a marine research station and a coral nursery. The guests of the resort are invited to snorkel in this natural aquarium to witness or participate in ongoing coral seeding and planting work. During a half-day immersion session, participants learn how to harvest and graft corals into donut-shaped rings. These structures will later be placed in open water to form new reefs and disperse millions of coral spawn to help ensure Bora Bora’s reefs remain spectacular. For more info: https://www.fourseasons.com/borabora/

Coral fragments planted by divers at the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort are thriving and continue to grow and provide habitats for fish and other marine life. Photo: Four Seasons

Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire

Bonaire has some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Caribbean, thanks to decades of protection. But even healthy and well- protected coral colonies can benefit from an infusion of new growth, and that’s the mission of Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire and Buddy Dive Resort. The resort offers a range of coral replanting programs ranging from an afternoon session to a full week of volunteering. A Reef Renewal dive takes place on the nursery located in a shallow section of Buddy’s Reef, right in front of the resort dock. Participants learn the basics of assessing nursery health and tending to the corals. Full-day programs have divers helping foundation staff with nursery maintenance and out-plantings at a number of different sites. Buddy Dive also offers a Reef Renewal Week Package that includes 12 dives devoted to foundation activities. For more info: https://buddydive.com/

Newly planted staghorn corals in Buddy Dive’s coral nursery will grow into dense clusters that support a wide variety of marine life. Photo: Buddy Dive

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

The Ozone – AKA Outrigger Zone – is this upscale resort group’s conservation initiative to protect coral reefs through awareness and restoration. At Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island, guests are encouraged to visit on-site coral nurseries and learn what can be done to protect the world’s coral reefs. Anyone who wants to take it one step further is encouraged to join the resort’s dive team and resident marine biologist in an ongoing replanting program. These programs include the creation and deployment of unique “fish houses” made from cultivated coral fragments. When placed in local waters, these structures transform into new marine life habitats as the corals continue to grow. Both snorkelers and divers can view the coral nursery and take part in the replanting program. For details: https://www.outrigger.com/fiji/fiji-beach- resort

A collection of new corals is readied for placement on one of the fish house formations at Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. Photo: Outrigger Fiji

Sandals Resorts, St. Lucia

Protecting and restoring the coral reefs in the Soufriere Marine Managed Area in St. Lucia is a project headed by CLEAR Caribbean in collaboration with the Sandals Foundation. As part of the project local communities and schools are engaged and educated on the value of reefs. While guests at Sandals may enjoy windsurfing and wakeboarding as part of the activities now scuba divers can add one more endeavor to the list by learning the art of coral planting. This activity is available to certified divers staying at any one of the island’s three Sandals properties – The Grande St. Lucian, Halcyon Beach, and Regency La Toc. The program begins with land and in- water practice sessions that culminate in a special dive trip where participants will attach corals to new reefs. Once these new corals are established, they provide shelter for fish and lobsters, along with coastal protection from storms and swells. For more info: https://sandalsfoundation.org/environment-project-coral- restortation https://www.clearcaribbean.org/

At the Sandals St. Lucia coral nursery volunteer divers can help transplant newly grown coral fragments to area reefs. Photo: Sandals

Anantara Dhigu, Maldives

Anantara’s Dhigu resort sits on a stunning private island ringed by white-sand beaches and colorful coral gardens. To ensure the future health of these sites, guests are encouraged to adopt a rope. This program, which was launched more than a decade ago, embeds coral fragments onto ropes that are then positioned to provide optimum sunlight and water quality. Guests can adopt a rope by donating, while those who want to get hands-on can participate in attaching corals to their rope with the help of a resident marine biologist. As the rope transforms into a living piece of reef, it will be moved to the resort’s snorkel trail and other area reefs. Along the way, the nursery staff provides updates and photos so participants can witness the results of their work. For details: https://www.anantara.com/en/dhigu-maldives

At Anantara’s Dhigu resort, a diver checks the status of corals planted on a new snorkel trail. Photo: Anantara Dhigu

Four Seasons Seychelles

This premier Four Seasons property created the Petite Anse Reef Restoration Project to protect and nurture corals. A key element of the program uses divers to collect pieces of broken coral damaged by natural events such as wave action. These rescued corals are placed in the resort’s coral nursery for later replanting, and in the first two years of the program, more than 16,000 coral fragments were replanted on the reef. A unique element of the program is known as the Love Grows Beautiful Things experience, which gives couples a chance to use rescued corals to create a heart-shaped coral formation that will be placed on the reef. For info: https://www.fourseasons.com/seychelles/

At the Four Seasons Seychelles, coral fragments are placed on frames that will allow them to grow into heart-shaped formations. Photo: Four Seasons Seychelles

Xbalanque, Roatan

The Roatan Marine Park is always looking for volunteers to help keep the island’s coral reefs healthy. You don’t have to be a diver to participate in the various educational and outreach programs at the foundation’s coral nursery. Divers can take their experience to the next level with a Coral Restoration Certification Course to learn the skills needed to participate in coral restoration. Once qualified, divers can become coral farmers for a day. Those with a true passion for the reefs can take the next step with a longer-term internship program. The foundation works with a number of local hotels and resorts, and a favorite with vacationing divers is the Xbalanque, which is a luxury boutique property located within easy walking distance of Marine Park headquarters. For info: https://www.xbalanqueresort.com/

Divers surface after relocating corals to a reef in the Roatan Marine Park. Photo: Roatan Marine Park

El Cid La Cieba, Cozumel

In 2023 the Cozumel Reef Restoration Program will mark its tenth year of research and action to protect and restore coral reefs in the waters of this favorite Mexican scuba diving destination. Founder Dr. German Mendez remains hands-on with both educational programs and volunteer diving activities. A unique aspect of this restoration project is the use of underwater platforms that become recovery stations for damaged corals. Volunteer divers help by scouring the seabed for coral fragments, which are then placed on the platforms and allowed to grow until they are large enough for replacement on the reefs. One to five-day programs are offered by the foundation, which is based at the El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel. For info: https://www.elcid.com/cozumel/el-cid-la-ceiba-beach- hotel/

Divers attach rescued coral fragments to a concrete platform as part of the Cozumel Reef Restoration Program. Photo: Cozumel Reef Restoration

Zeavola, Thailand

Set on a scenic beach at the northern tip of Koh Phi Phi Island, Zeavola is one of Thailand’s leading Five Star PADI dive resorts. The resort combines luxury accommodations with diving adventures that offer an opportunity for guests to get involved and make a difference in the marine environment. The volunteer program begins with instruction and practice on the methods used to reconstruct and replant coral structures. These skills are then put to work during dive trips that restore corals in the surrounding waters. Non-divers can also help, as the resort schedules regular snorkel excursions that remove fishing gear and plastic debris from the reefs to prevent corals from suffocating. For more info: https://www.zeavola.com/

A free diver participates in a coral reef cleaning session at Thailand’s Zeavola resort. Photo: Zeavola

Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Greece, Islands, Maldives, Oceania, Plan, Tahiti, Thailand, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Islands From Above

February 7, 2023

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Tropical islands present an endless range of photographic opportunities. But one perspective that is rarely shown is the view from directly overhead. A look down at these favorite places reveals a new dimension to the destination and showcases the incredible clarity of the water. It’s a phenomenon these talented photographers have discovered and shared.

A Royal Legacy

Pierre Lesage flew a drone over blue Pacific waters to capture this panoramic image of The Brando Resort, which sits on the private French Polynesian island of Tetiaroa. As director of sales and marketing for the resort, Pierre had a unique opportunity to document this iconic property, which is set in a sparkling lagoon some 30 miles northeast of the island of Tahiti. Tetiaroa, which was once the playground of the royal family of Tahiti, was bought by Marlon Brando in 1965 when he was filming the Mutiny on the Bounty. His goal when purchasing the island was to preserve it for future generations.

Aerial coastline of Tetiaroa. Photo: The Brando/Tim McKenna @timmckenna

Down Under From Above

Photographer Will Turner waited until sunset to launch his drone above the rocky shoreline of the Shelly Beach headlands, which sit at the edge of Australia’s Sydney Harbour National Park. “The water was crystal clear and the trees were red as fire,” he writes, “making this awesome composition.” The sheltered waters of Shelly Beach are popular with swimmers and snorkelers, while surfers favor nearby Manly Beach, which was the site of the first World Surfing Championship in 1965. A favorite day trip to Manly from downtown Sydney begins with a half-hour ferry ride that takes in famous sites such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Bird’s-eye view of rocks at Shelly Beach, Manly, Australia Photo: Will Turner/ Unsplash @turner_imagery

Worth The Effort

When prepping for a trip to the Islands of Fiji, Jay Daley wasn’t sure he wanted to go through the hassle of packing his favorite photo drone. “I was jetting off to the little tropical island to relax,” he says. “Lugging a large drone through checked luggage, and customs, and getting it to and from the resort didn’t seem like a relaxing idea.” But in the end, the drone came along, and Jay was glad it did. “There was a huge coral reef right at my doorstep and kayaks ready to go.” The drone flew, and the result was this evocative image of a snorkeler dwarfed by huge coral formations.

Coral reef from the Islands of Fiji. Photo: Jay Daley/Flickr

A Liquid Gem Set In Stone

Falassarna Beach is considered one of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline on the Greek Island of Crete, and it’s been the subject of countless photo shoots over the years. So when Athens-based multi-media producer Filippos Sdralias set out to create some aerial images of the coast, he wanted to show a different facet of Falassarna. Instead of focusing the lens on the warm sands of the beach, he flew his drone above a rock-strewn area at the edge of the strand to document the enticing turquoise waters of this shallow, boulder-lined pool.

Rocks of Falassarna, Greece. Photo: Filippos Sdralias/ Unsplash @filippos_sdr

Flight To A Distant Haven

This bird’s eye view of the coral reefs surrounding Laysan Island comes from U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander (ret.) Kevin Cooper. This remote outpost is located in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands, some 900 miles from Honolulu. The photo was taken during an overflight of the island in 2016. It shows the reefs to be in good health, but this wasn’t always the case. Laysan was historically exploited by guano miners and overrun by invasive species. Decades of reclamation efforts by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have since restored most of the island’s natural order, and it is now protected under the Hawaiian Natural Life Act.

Laysan Island overflight, Northwest Hawaiian Islands. Photo: Kevin Cooper/Flickr

Phuket In Mid-Day Light

The crystal-clear waters of Thailand’s most famous island, Phuket, draw visitors from around the world. It’s easy to see the allure in this overhead view by Giuliano Di Paolo, who focused on the rocky shoreline near the island’s southern point at Promthep Cape. The cape is one of the most photographed locations in Phuket, but most shooters wait until sunset to visit. By shooting in mid-day sunlight Di Paolo brought out the full vibrance of the water. He is a Milan-based media creator who is fascinated with Thailand and often turns his lens to subjects such as elephants, temples, and local people.

Phuket, Thailand. Photo: Giuliano Di Paolo/Unsplash @giulianodipaolo

Sailing A Coral Coast

The Maldives is a nation of 1,200 small islands set in 3,500 square miles of coral reef. To capture the impressive scale of these formations, Hassan Ishan took a high-altitude look at a traditional dhoni sailing vessel making its way along the edge of a massive ridge of coral that’s visible in the clear water. Dhonis are the workhorses of Maldivian maritime commerce, serving as everything from fishing boats to cargo vessels and inter-island ferries. Ishan is a self-taught Maldivian photo pro known for creating surreal images that capture the unique beauty of his homeland. His work has inspired many younger photography enthusiasts to get into the field.

Sailing boat in the Maldives. Photo: Ishan/Unsplash @seefromthesky

Lighting The Way

Mariners in the Turks &Caicos have learned to navigate the extensive network of channels and shoals that surround these islands based on water color. Sapphire and aquamarine waters signal “go ahead,” while light green or tan warns of shallow depths that could spell trouble. Filmmaker Romello Williams perfectly captures this phenomenon with an overhead shot of a speedboat transiting a tidal creek set between a sandbank and a seagrass meadow. A native of Grand Bahamas now living in the Turks & Caicos, Williams says his work is heavily influenced by his island upbringing.

Turks & Caicos Islands. Photo: Romello Williams/ Unsplash @romello

Islands, Oceania, Stay, Trip Ideas

Fiji’s Top Nature-Friendly Beach Resorts

May 21, 2018

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It would be a shame to mar the view of a perfect, palm-shrouded beach with a high-rise hotel. Fortunately, the developers of some of Fiji’s most sought after beach resorts thought the same thing. And instead of going big and going up, they chose to insert a limited number of regionally appropriate guest accommodations into the landscape, using ecologically sound building principles, and operating in a manner that honors local cultural traditions.

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

It’s not surprising that a resort bearing the surname of the world’s most prominent marine conservationist is dedicated to sustainable practices and ecological initiatives. The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort is set within a former coconut plantation on the shores of Savusavu Bay, just minutes away from Fiji’s premier coral reefs. Each of the property’s 25 traditional Fijian bures is designed in an environmentally friendly style, with natural ventilation provided by louvered hardwood windows that capture sea breezes, and vaulted thatch roofs that create cooling convections. There are no in-room electronics to distract from the natural ambiance and direct ocean views. The resort hosts an in-house marine biologist, sponsors a reef protection program and a giant clam breeding project, and grows most of its own organic produce. Guests can engage in a wide range of cultural and ecological experiences, including guided nature hikes and mangrove tours, traditional Fijian medicine walks, Fijian storytelling and Kava ceremonies.

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort includes just 25 one- and two-bedroom luxury garden and oceanfront bures, each offering upscale amenities, spacious floor plans and private decks. Photo: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Each bure blends authentic traditional design with luxurious touches such as deluxe king beds, over-sized bathrooms, and private decks with hammocks and ocean views. The resort caters to both families and couples. The Bula Club children’s program engages youngsters with exploration, educational games, and activities that encourage discovery of the natural world. The restaurant’s award-winning menu is inspired by Fijian, South Pacific and Asian cuisines, with an emphasis on fresh, locally caught seafood, prime meats and organic produce grown on-site. Couples can take in alfresco water views in the adults-only dining area, while families are welcomed at a poolside venue, which also offers youth centric choices. There are four pools, including a family pool with water slide, and the adult’s only Serenity pool, which is flanked by a bar and day beds. Daily yoga and spa services provide relaxation, while the range of available activities includes sailing, snorkeling, diving, paddle sports and beach activities.

Guests at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort can enjoy private oceanfront dining on elevated decks set on the beach, or reserve a private overwater table on the pier. Photo: Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Nanuku

This upscale beach resort is proof that tourism development doesn’t have to come at the expense of nature, and need not eclipse local values. Sitting on a two-mile stretch of pristine beach on the south coast of Fiji’s main island Viti Levu, Nanuku blends contemporary luxury and traditional Fijian culture to create a sanctuary for relaxation and discovery. Guests can partake in a range of unique indigenous and cultural activities such as food safaris, where participants learn how to prepare unique regional dishes. Other programs visit a waterfall stream to catch local prawns, harvest coconuts, and demonstrate how spices such as vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom are cultivated and cured. Guests can sign up for overnight camping at a deserted island, take part in a medicine walk, help restore reefs with coral planting, explore a local market and taste organic seasonal produce, see how kava is grown, and learn about its medicinal properties, and the ancient cultural traditions.

Sitting on a pristine section of Viti Levu Island’s south coast, Nanuku Beach Resort is designed to blend into the natural surroundings through traditional design and construction practices. Photo: Nanuku

The resort includes 24 traditionally styled beachfront pool suites, Two- bedroom villas and three-bedroom residences. Some have private pools, and all have direct ocean views and beach access. Families will enjoy complimentary nanny services and the Adventure Club with zip lines, climbing wall and many other activities for youngsters. Adults can find relaxation with a traditional Fijian Bobo massage at the Lomana Spa and Wellness Centre, and participate in daily yoga practices, or schedule private wellness seasons for asana yoga, pranayama breathing, meditation or Reiki energy work. The Kanavata Restaurant is considered one of the finest in Fiji, and the chefs can create private dining experiences. A full range of water sports activities is available, with a highlight being boat tours to a private two-acre island for snorkeling and beach picnics.

Guests at Nanuku Beach Resort can participate in a wide range of cultural activities that includes everything from basket weaving classes to traditional lovo feasts and village visits. Photo: Nanuku

Vomo Island

Set on a private island in the heart of Fiji’s Mamanuca archipelago, VOMO resort offers an understated, organic alternative to the usual luxury resort. With just 28 villas and four premium residences set next to white sand beaches, or on wooded hillsides, this five-star property showcases a contemporary design that is sophisticated and luxurious without infringing on the island’s stunning natural surrounds. Fresh from a recent makeover, each villa features polished wood interiors, chic handcrafted furnishings, deep bathtubs, outdoor dining decks, and sun lounges. The Kui Spa offers Thai and Balinese therapists and there is a fully equipped fitness center. VOMO’s Reef Restaurant is considered one of the finest in Fiji, with a focus on fresh seafood and produce grown in the resort’s organic herb, vegetable and fruit gardens. The resort staff can also arrange private dinners on the beach, or chef prepared dinner parties in private residences.

A view from the beach at Vomo Island resort takes in the nearby uninhabited island of Vomo Lai Lai. Resort guests can schedule day trips to this island to experience true solitude. Photo: Vomo

The majority of 225-acre Vomo Island is left in an undeveloped state, and in recent years, the resort has propagated more than 50,000 indigenous plants to restore the native flora. Among the ecological initiatives established by the resort are recycling programs that generate revenue to support local communities. The island is ringed by nature trails, and surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. A short distance to the west is the small, uninhabited island of Vomo Lai Lai, where guests can enjoy some of Fiji’s finest snorkeling and diving, or be dropped off on a deserted beach for a private Robinson Crusoe experience. Water sports include stand up paddleboards, kayaks, sailing catamarans and windsurfers. Ashore, there is a 9-hole pitch and putt golf course that meanders through a coconut grove.

The premium residences at Vomo Island resort include private pools and ocean view decks. These five-star properties are widely considered to be the finest guest accommodations in Fiji. Photo: Vomo

Islands, Oceania, Plan, Tahiti, Trip Ideas

Fiji or Tahiti?

April 2, 2018

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So you want to escape to a tropical island in the South Pacific. But which one? Tahiti seems amazing, but you’ve also heard good things about Fiji. To help you start packing, here’s the low down on what to expect, and some of the differences between these two idyllic destinations.

The Islands

For starters, neither of the destinations known as Tahiti or Fiji are a single island. There is an island named Tahiti, but it is just one of a number in the group of islands also known as Tahiti, and sometimes called French Polynesia. In addition to the “big island,” the two that attract the vast majority of tourism are Bora Bora and Moorea. All of these are mountainous, volcanic islands ringed by lagoons. The country of Fiji includes more than 300 islands, ranging in size from 4,000-square-mile Viti Levu to small and in some cases uninhabited islands—like the one Tom Hanks landed on in the movie Castaway.

The barrier reefs that ring many of the Islands of Tahiti also include small outer islands known as motus. Visitors can arrange to make day trips to islands like Tikehua by boat. Photo: Grégoire Le Bacon/Tahiti Tourisme

Getting There

If you are starting from North America, both Fiji and Tahiti are a fairly long hop across the Pacific. A direct flight from Los Angeles takes 8.5 hours to Tahiti, and a bit more than 10 hours to Fiji. Both destinations are served by a single international airport, which are located on the largest islands. From there resorts are a shuttle bus, ferry ride or an inter-island flight away. In many cases, the transition from airport to resort will be shorter in Tahiti, as you’ll either be taking a ferry or short flight to Moorea, where hotels are ten minutes to a half-hour from the runway, or a flight to Bora Bora, with similar transfer times once you land. Travel in Fiji is a lot more variable. Resorts on the west and north coasts of Viti Levu can be less than a half-hour away, while properties to the south will require a two-hour-plus van ride. There are a number of resorts scattered across the smaller islands, and getting there could involve a single flight and a boat ride, or a series of transfers that take the better part of an afternoon.

A number of the Islands of Tahiti are ringed in barrier reefs that create calm water lagoons ideal for snorkeling. Stingray encounters are a favorite activity at many resorts. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme

The Resorts

Tahiti is famous for it’s over-water bungalows. This style of resort originated in these islands, and the shallow lagoons of Bora Bora and Moorea are home to dozens of resorts with over-water accommodations. These offer wow factors such as glass floor panels, plunge pools and over-water hammocks on private terraces, and steps that lead directly from rooms into the water. There are no such resorts in Fiji, where the usual resort scenario is a group of cottages known as bures, which are set in garden-like settings on the shore. Another difference is the usual size of the resorts. Tahiti has a number of 200-plus room properties that deliver a full range of amenities that include multiple dining options and some of the most opulent spas on the planet. A stay in Fiji more likely means a small resort with a few dozen rooms or less, with a central dining hall and a boutique spa.

The Islands of Tahiti are famous for over-water bungalows. Islands such as Bora Bora and Moorea are home to a number of resorts that offer this type of iconic accommodation. Photo: Alice Izal/Tahiti Tourisme

On the Water

With warm Pacific waters washing the shores of both island groups, it’s no surprise that water sports are a central focus in both Tahiti and Fiji. That said, the experiences can be different. The aforementioned over-water bungalows of Tahiti immerse guests in an aquatic panorama, and the lagoons that surround these resorts offer calm conditions and clear water for snorkeling right form the beach. The corals aren’t as colorful as in Fiji, but there’s plenty of tropical fish, plus the thrill of seeing rays and even sharks swimming by. Fiji also offers snorkeling, but more often on near- shore reefs that could be either a swim or a boat ride away. Scuba diving is what puts Fiji on many travelers’ list. The destination is known as the soft coral capital of the world, and reefs explode in vibrant growths of red, yellow, purple and indigo sea fans. Above the surface, both destinations will please paddlers, sailors, fishermen and even surfers at certain times of year. In Tahiti, these activities are more likely to take place within the lagoon, while Fiji offers sheltered bays that open to blue water channels.

Fiji is world famous for its colorful soft coral formations. Some of the most spectacular are growths found off the island of Taveuni at Rainbow Reef. Photo: Paradise Taveuni Hotel

On the Land

You can hike across wooded valleys and climb to elevated overlooks on the islands of Tahiti, but there are more chances for land-based adventures in Fiji, which offers more waterfalls, taller mountains, bigger rainforests and even a white water river. From a cultural aspect, there are also significant differences. Tahiti is more cosmopolitan, and permeated with elements of French culture. English is fairly widely spoken at the resorts, but a visit to the capital of Papeete is bit like a trip to a tropical version of Paris. Get outside the few major towns on Fiji’s big island, and you’ll discover an authentic slice of traditional island life. For many, a highlight of their vacation is an invite to a traditional lovo feasts, or a kava ceremony.

The kava ceremony is a mainstay of tradition Fijian culture. Visitors are invited to share a beverage made from the root of the yaqona plant, which creates a sensation of mild relaxation. Photo: Chris McLennan/Tourism Fiji

Antigua & Barbuda, Asia, Cancun, Caribbean, Islands, Jamaica, Maldives, Mexico, Playa del Carmen, St. Kitts, Stay, Thailand, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Superior Soaks: Amazing Resort Bathtubs in Tropical Garden Settings

February 1, 2018

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Whether it’s a cleansing dip after a day of adventures in rainforest and reef, or a relaxing immersion in preparation for a private candlelight dinner on the beach, a bathtub can become more than just a way to get clean. Here’s a sampling of amazing bathing experiences from around the world. So sink in and relax. A marble tub is the perfect place to refresh with a flower and herb scented bath after a massage at the award-winning Fern Tree Spa at Jamaica’s Half Moon resort.

Asia, Belize, Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Cozumel, Florida, Guatemala, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Islands, Jamaica, Kauai, Key West, Maldives, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta, St. Lucia, Stay

Outdoor Showers: 15 Top Resorts with Amazing Private Open-air Cascades

December 4, 2017

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There’s nothing like standing under the cool, cleansing flow of an outdoor shower set amid natural surroundings. While lathering up in bubbles, you might hear the songs of birds, monkeys chattering in the trees or the sea rolling ashore. Bringing you closer to nature and pictured here is a close up of a private courtyard outdoor shower at the Blancaneuax Lodge in Belize.

Barbados, Caribbean, Florida, Hawaii, Islands, Key West, Oahu, Oceania, Plan, St. Kitts, Tahiti, Trip Ideas

Christmas, Island Style

November 14, 2017

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If your idea of a white Christmas involves ivory colored sands, accented by palm tree green and ocean blues, then you need to head for the tropics, where islanders celebrate the holiday season in unique ways that combine familiar traditions with elements of the local culture and setting. To help you start planning, here are six idyllic destinations where you can experience Christmas island style.

Hawaii

Christmas is a big event in Hawaii, but they do things island style. Santa sheds his polar garb in favor of board shorts and an Aloha shirt, and trades his sleigh in for an outrigger canoe pulled by dolphins. Locals decorate palm trees with lights and sing carols in the Hawaiian language accompanied by ukulele, but they also cue up for the arrival of the Christmas ships that bring more traditional pines from the mainland. You may see locals adding a Santa hat to their swimsuits, and call out “Mele Kalikimaka” as they head to the beach. Christmas dinner is served luau-style, with a roast pig as the centerpiece. The best place to catch all the tropical traditions of the season is at Waikiki Beach, with a stay at the Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, where the trees are decorated with tiny flip flops and surfboards, and hula performers replace Christmas carolers. This is also where Santa paddles his outrigger canoe ashore each year to have breakfast with hotel guests.

At Oahu’s Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort, the lobby Christmas tree provides a traditional reminder of the season, while ukulele tunes and bare feet proclaim: “you are in the islands.” Photo: Outrigger Waikiki

St. Kitts

Forget the twelve days of Christmas. On the island of St. Kitts, the holiday season lasts from late November through the first of January. This is the time of the Sugar Mas, an island-wide celebration that combines elements of Carnival with English Yuletide traditions. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, streets are filled with a series of colorful parades and processions. Clowns, stilt-walking moko jumbies and troupes of street performers dance to the rhythms of soca and calypso music, while pageant contestants showcase elaborate costumes. Christmas provides a brief respite as families and friends gather for special holiday meals, then the party returns with J’ouvert, when costumed dancers fill the streets of Basseterre on Boxing Day. The six-week celebration culminates with the Grand Parade on January first. All are welcome at these street parties, but guests who want to mix revelry with relaxation might want to choose a quieter setting for their home base. A favorite is Belle Monte Farm, where cottages sit within a 400-acre farm on the foothills of Mount Liamuiga. This setting provides an authentic sense of local culture, while also reward palates with exceptional dining opportunities.

In St. Kitts, Christmas is a time to enjoy the island’s national dish, which showcases flavors of the island with stewed salt fish and spicy plantains, seasoned breadfruit and coconut dumplings. Photo: St. Kitts Tourism Authority

Fiji

In the Islands of Fiji, the Christmas season is about family, fellowship and food. Beginning several weeks before Christmas Day, homes are decorated with candles, lamps and ribbons, and entire communities come together to sing and perform traditional dances. Christmas Eve is the time for traditional lovo feasts, and a special holiday dish is palusami, which is spiced mutton wrapped in leaves and cooked in coconut cream. On Christmas Day, most islanders head to church in the morning, then head to the beach for more food and fellowship. The best ways for visitors to tap into the community spirit is with a stay at a small property such as Navini Island Resort, which is located on a small coral cay near Malolo Island, and accommodates just 20 guests in ten traditional villas. On Christmas morning, the staff begins Christmas Day by singing carols outside of guest villas, and all are invited to partake in a Christmas service. In the evening, the kitchen also serves a traditional western Christmas dinner complete with plum pudding.

Singing is a core element of Fijian culture. At Christmas time, traditional choirs may perform a mixture of Polynesian folk tunes and European carols. Photo: Chris McLennan/Tourism Fiji

Bora Bora

In the two weeks leading up to Christmas, the island of Bora Bora is humming with preparations. The town of Vaitape becomes the site of Le Village de Noel—the Christmas Fair. Here on the town’s central square, vendors set up stalls that offer a wide variety of local products that includes shell and mother of pearl jewelry to hand-made clothing, colorful pottery and traditional musical instruments. The market overflows with local fruits and flowers, and crowds browse to the sounds of ukuleles and guitar music. An island-wide party takes place on the Saturday before Christmas, beginning with a parade of colorful floats, followed by a night of dancing and dining from ‘roulottes‘, the island’s iconic mobile restaurants. On Sunday, crowds gather once again for Christmas caroling, with performances from island choirs. Visitors can complement these public events with a private holiday celebration at the Four Seasons Resort, where the first class festive package begins with an arrival by private chartered jet and a stay at a premier over-water bungalow. Participants are treated to a special five- course dinner on Christmas Eve, and an even more sumptuous nine-course New Year’s Eve feast, followed by fireworks on the beach.

At the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, the deck at the Sunset Bar becomes the setting for memorable celebrations at Christmas time and New Years. Photo: Timothy Joyce/Flickr

Barbados

On an island where Caribbean and British cultures blend with seamless ease, holiday traditions dating from the old country still hold sway. Radio stations play traditional carols, homes and businesses are decorated in festive arrays, downtown Bridgetown glows under red and green holiday lights, and even the traffic roundabouts are transformed to depict Christmas themes. Locals don their seasonal best to attend the annual Christmas morning service at Queen’s Park, with music performed by the Royal Barbados Police Force Band. Christmas dinner is another cherished tradition, and centerpieces of this meal are great cake, jug-jug and clove-studded ham. Jug-jug is a traditional dish inspired by the Scottish dish known as haggis. The Barbados version is made with pigeon peas, guinea corn flour, herbs and salted meat. Great cake is a seasonal favorite made with dried fruits and generous quantities of liquor. Visitors can sample this traditional fare on the Christmas day luncheon at The Crane. This landmark hotel embraces the spirit of the season with lights, nightly caroling and special holiday menus.

The Barbados Royal Police Band ushers in the Christmas season with traditional Christmas tunes during the annual Caroling on the Green concert in St. James, Barbados. Photo: Andrew Browne/Barbados Tourism

Key West

The town of Key West lights up for the Christmas season—literally. There is the lighted boat parade, the lighted bicycle parade, the City Lights tour aboard the Old Town Trolley, and the Harbor Walk of Lights, featuring whimsical Christmas trees created from lobster traps, fishing floats and other nautical paraphernalia. Organized walking tours of the historic district visit festively lit inns and take in private homes decked out for the season. And not all the events are visual, as there are also performances of Christmas music, The Nutcracker Ballet, Handel’s Messiah, and more. And as expected from a town that loves its parties, Christmas celebrations meld into the island’s legendary New Year’s pageants and parades. Most festivities take place in the downtown district centered around Duval Street. The best place to stay for a Key West Christmas is the Pier House. Here, guests can enjoy a private swath of beach and spectacular sunsets yet are just a few blocks away from the action.

Like many of Key West’s downtown inns and guesthouses, the Dewey House Bed & Breakfast celebrates the holiday spirit with Christmas decorations and lights. Photo: Florida Keys News Bureau

Islands, Oceania, Stay, Trip Ideas

Taveuni’s Most Charming Beachfront Resorts

November 14, 2017

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The Fijian island of Taveuni is the epitome of a tropical paradise. Known as the garden island, it is a land of lush forests and flowers, where waterfalls cascade from a mountain lake, and the shores are surrounded by some of the most colorful coral reefs in the world. Much of the island remains pristine and protected within national parks, and the lush forests and mountains contain palms, ferns, orchids and other plants found nowhere elsewhere on earth. There are no large resorts on Taveuni, and guests are instead housed in intimate beachfront properties that take pride in delivering the highest levels of warm and personal service. Here are three of the best places to stay on the island.

Paradise Taveuni Resort

When new owners acquired a popular backpackers hostel in 2006, they began a sweeping upgrade that transformed this waterfront property into an upscale boutique resort. A year later, Paradise Taveuni opened for business with its existing rooms upgraded, and two new luxurious Fijian- style bures added to the resort’s five-acre oceanfront grounds. Paradise Taveuni is located on the southwest corner of Taveuni, where it is close to the world-famous dive sites of Rainbow Reef. Don’t expect sandy beaches; because this area of the coast features volcanic shores that quickly transition to deeper water. This is good news for divers and snorkelers, who can step right from the resort’s pier into some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. The resort also offers fishing, paddle sports and other watersports, while land activities include hiking, horseback rides, guided tours, cultural excursions, spa services and more.

Thatch-roofed Fijian-style bures at Paradise Taveuni are set in a palm grove perched on the edge of a volcanic shoreline. Just offshore are the soft coral gardens of Rainbow Reef. Photo: Paradise Taveunui

Each of the resort’s traditional thatch-roofed bures combines traditional Fijian architecture with contemporary design and standards. Five oceanfront bures have uninterrupted water views from the spacious decks, and also provide Jacuzzi tubs set in private gardens. Five more bures sit in lush South Pacific landscaping with partial ocean views. All are hand-built from local coconut and rain tree woods, with glass doors that open to a spacious deck completed with a Fiji daybed. The grounds also include five air-conditioned rooms, which can be configured for couples with a king-size bed, or connected into a two-bedroom suite with bunk beds to accommodate families or groups. Accommodation plans include three meals a day.

The deluxe oceanfront bures at Paradise Taveuni Resort feature king-size beds, outdoor shower and Jacuzzi in private gardens. Photo: Paradise Taveuni

Taveuni Island Resort and Spa

The premier features of this five-star property can be summed up in two words: views and service. Taveuni Resort and Spa is located on the island’s west coast, set against a backdrop of lush mountain slopes, while sitting on pristine sand looking out into the crystal clear blue waters of the Somosomo Straits. Each of the resort’s private villas is positioned to take full advantage of these world-class views, which includes magnificent sunsets. Fijian hospitality is some of the warmest in the world, and for the ultimate in attentive service; each guest of Taveuni Island Resort is assigned a personal staff member, and can enjoy 24/7 service through the front desk.

A table at Taveuni Island Resort and Spa sets the standards for waterfront dining, with the waters of an infinity-edge pool mirroring the colors of a sunset over the Somosomo Straits. Photo: Taveuni Island Resort

There are just 12 luxury villas spaced across the ten-acre grounds of the resort. Save for one garden villa, all have partial or full ocean views, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides. The bure-style villas are open plan, with lounge areas that open to a spacious outdoor living area that includes rainforest-style showers. Each villa has a small kitchenette for in- room snacks and drinks, while all meals are included in the accommodation plan. The resort’s chefs create a true farm-to-table dining experience, making extensive use of local seafood and meats, and incorporating organic ingredients picked from an on-site garden. Guests can enjoy relaxing treatments at the on-site spa, or enjoy a massage on their villa deck. Other signature activities include a day trip and picnic to a remote out island, and a guided excursion to Lavena and Bouma Heritage Parks.

The Grand Matalau Villa at the Taveuni Island Resort and Spa can accommodate up to six guests in bedrooms that open to ocean views. Perks include in-room massages and daily fresh flowers. Photo: Taveuni Island Resort

Tides Reach Resort

With just four beachfront villas, the Tides Beach Resort is able to offer a truly personalized, all-inclusive vacation experience. All villas are set on a private beach that faces the waters of the Somosomo straits. Included in all stays are meals, daily snorkel excursions, water sports and traditional Fijian cultural events. Guests have access to paddleboards and kayaks, and can arrange for diving and fishing trips, horseback rides and guided island tours to sites such as Lake Tangimouci, Bouma waterfalls, or the Lavena coastal walk. The spa provides both traditional Fijian and international treatments, using all-natural Pure Fiji products. For the ultimate vacation or wedding experience, the entire resort can be hired for groups of up to 12 adults.

Tides Reach Resort sits on a private section of beach on the northwestern coast of Taveuni. With just four beachfront villas, each guests is ensured the highest levels of personal service. Photo: Tides Reach

Tides Beach Resort’s standard beachfront villas are a generous 800 square feet, with king-size beds, oversized bathrooms and wrap-around decks. The deluxe beachfront villa is 1,200 square feet, and includes a separate sitting area, which can accommodate a family of four with additional twin beds. The designer-chosen furnishings showcase a mixture of European, South African & Indonesian styles, with touches such as stand-alone soak tubs, Belgium lines and designer bath amenities that create an atmosphere of pampered luxury. The staff is always available for special requests such as in-room dining, though most guests prefer to take their meals in the open- air dining pavilion that also enjoys uninterrupted ocean views. Meals are created from the resort’s own organic farm and garden, with dishes showcasing freshly picked herbs, organic vegetables and tropical fruits as well as free-range meats. In true Fijian style the food is artfully presented as a feast for all the senses.

The Luxury Beachfront Villa at Tides Reach Resort includes a personal plunge pool and a second bedroom, making it an ideal choice for families or two couples traveling together. Photo: Tides Reach

Islands, Oceania

Fiji’s Premier Private Island Resorts

September 18, 2017

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Who hasn’t dreamed of escaping to a small island in the South Pacific? Just you and that special someone on white sand beach, with no interruptions from work, family or even a ringing telephone. Fiji is the place to make this dream a reality, and these three resorts are top choices for a barefoot-luxury lifestyle.

Tokoriki Island Resort

The staff of this private island retreat considers themselves a family, and treat guests with the same personal attention one would likely lavish on a favorite relative. And as any good family member knows, there are times when you want attention, and times when you want to be left alone. This attitude of total yet appropriate service makes Tokoriki a favorite with couples—and especially honeymooners. The island’s natural beauty takes center stage in an environment where there is no cell phone reception, no televisions, Internet service or even in-room clocks. Free from the distractions of the outside world, guests are able to fully relax and enjoy each other’s company, enjoy some spa time, or engage in a variety of water sports such as fishing, diving, snorkeling or kayaking.

A combination of privacy and personal service make Tokoriki Island Resort a favorite destination for couples celebrating weddings and anniversaries. Photo: Madeleine Mary/Tokoriki Resort

The property includes 36 freestanding beachfront bures and villas showcasing rich polished woods styled in a fusion of contemporary and Fijian design. All are air conditioned, enveloped in lush tropical gardens and feature both indoor and outdoor showers. The premier sunset pool villas boast a separate living area, infinity edge pool, cabana and double daybed, with lawns sloping down to the water. Tokoriki is a favorite with foodies, both for the fare and the setting. The chefs present a tempting array of Continental and regional cuisines, pairing locally sourced ingredients with an extensive international wine list. Diners savor these offerings in an open-air setting, with white linen dressed tables bordering the palm-shaded infinity pool, and the ocean just beyond. Dinner is an especially memorable affair, with starlight and torchlight setting the mood. For added variety, the staff can pack gourmet picnics for beach getaways, or arrange authentic Teppanyaki and traditional Lovo feasts.

The sunset pool villas at Tokoriki Island Resort provide multiple areas to relax and take in ocean views, including an infinity edge pool, sun lounges and a cabana with a double daybed. Photo: Tokoriki Resort

Matamanoa Island Resort

Active vacation or relaxing retreat? Whatever the plan, Matamanoa Island can accommodate. If you are looking to get away from it all, there are powdery white sand beaches to walk, tropical gardens to wander and secluded coves to discover. Distress with a foot massage, catch up on your reading at the library, or relax in a private plunge pool with a view of the ocean. Ready for some cultural immersion? Learn how to wear a traditional Sulu, try hand line fishing, or practice husking. Sit in on a Fijian cooking class, take a basket-weaving lesson, and attend a kava ceremony or a Sunday church service. Active pursuits range from tennis lessons and hikes to the top of the island to beach volleyball, catamaran sailing, big game fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

Beachfront bures at Matamanoa Island Resort open onto private lawns that are just steps from the beach. Each features a super king bed facing the ocean, and private plunge pools. Photo: Matamanoa Resort

Matamanoa Island is just a 10-minute helicopter ride from Nadi International Airport. The resort spreads across the entire island, and offers several different guest experiences. A collection of rooms with private covered verandas is nestled into a garden setting near the central facilities. Also nearby are groups of beachfront bures, which are just steps from the sand, and include private plunge pools. The island’s most secluded accommodations are the beachfront villas, which are set apart on the island’s north beach, and accessed by walkway or chauffeured golf cart. Villas have split-level floor plans, with bedrooms located on the upper level overlooking the ocean, and a lounge on the lower level. They also feature an expansive outdoor deck with comfy furnishings, a private plunge pool and a thatched gazebo with day bed. At the Vale Ni Beau Restaurant, every table has panoramic views of the ocean. Other amenities include an outdoor pool located on a private beach and the Dominion Spa, which pairs holistic treatments with ocean views.

A collection of nine beachfront villas sits on the north side of Matamanoa Island. These spacious accommodations provide split-level living, with bedrooms on the upper floor. Photo: Matamanoa Resort

Royal Davui Island Resort

Eco consciousness takes a luxurious turn at this intimate resort. When a fifth generation Fijian family set out to create a high-end boutique resort on the small island of Ugaga, they meticulously positioned each of property’s 16 Fijian villas on sites that did not require any old growth trees to be removed. All aspects of construction were undertaken with the goal of preserving the natural habitat, which includes jungle foliage, white sand beaches lined with towering palms and a living barrier reef. The resort’s eco-suites feature pitched thatched roofs, natural woods, native artwork, white linens, and net draped beds facing floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead out to wraparound balconies and ocean views. They are air conditioned, but free of electronic distractions. Pathways traverse the 10-acre island, leading to the multi-level main house, which includes a pool, bar, restaurant, boutique, library, and a recently completed spa.

The eco-friendly cottages of Royal Davui Island Resort cover a small island within Beqa lagoon, a body of water known for its vibrant coral reefs and rich marine life. Photo: Royal Davui

The Davui Island Resort is located southwest of Naceva Bay on Beqa Island, which is known as the home of the fire walkers – men who walk on white-hot stones unharmed. Their fire walking ceremony is performed on special occasions, and guests of the resort can experience a number of additional unique cultural experiences and nature-based adventures. Beqa Lagoon is known as one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the Pacific, and is home to unique shark feeding dives that attract seven different species. Other onsite water sports include catamarans, paddleboards, sea kayaks, swimming, sailing, water skiing, and deep-sea fishing, and island activities include volleyball, croquet and island hikes. Royal Davui is also a short boat ride away from Pacific Harbor, which is known as Fiji’s soft adventure capital. Resort guests can plan day trips for white water rafting, surfing, fishing, golfing, zip lining and take eco tours via a four-wheel buggy through the rainforest. Royal Davui also offers a number of activities and events that focus on this ancient culture, including cooking and coconut demonstrations, village visits, village church services, kava ceremonies, Fijian Meke nights, local string bands and shopping at native markets.

Private cottages at the Royal Davui Island Resort perch on a low cliff amidst old growth trees. Open floor plans provide majestic views of the surrounding waters of Beqa lagoon. Photo: Royal Davui

Bahamas-Out Islands, British Virgin Islands, Cancun, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Islands, Maui, Mexico, Oceania, Play, Playa del Carmen, St. Lucia, Tahiti, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Supermodels and Sand: 10 Top Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Locations

March 21, 2017

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Sports Illustrated invented the swimsuit issue more than 50 years ago, tempting readers with images of bathing beauties vamping in some of the most scenic locations on earth. The supermodels may take center stage, but the resorts and beaches that provide the backdrop also draw oohs and aahs from readers and viewers. Here are some of the featured locations where you can indulge in an amazing beach vacation and maybe convince your mate to help recreate a few iconic poses from spots like the Pitons on St. Lucia. Photo: Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

Four Seasons Bora Bora

Buddy Dive Resort, Bonaire

Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort

Sandals Resorts, St. Lucia

Anantara Dhigu, Maldives

Four Seasons Seychelles

Xbalanque, Roatan

El Cid La Cieba, Cozumel

Zeavola, Thailand

A Royal Legacy

Down Under From Above

Worth The Effort

A Liquid Gem Set In Stone

Flight To A Distant Haven

Phuket In Mid-Day Light

Sailing A Coral Coast

Lighting The Way

Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort

Nanuku

Vomo Island

The Islands

Getting There

The Resorts

On the Water

On the Land

Hawaii

St. Kitts

Fiji

Bora Bora

Barbados

Key West

Paradise Taveuni Resort

Taveuni Island Resort and Spa

Tides Reach Resort

Tokoriki Island Resort

Matamanoa Island Resort

Royal Davui Island Resort

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