Tag Archives: Islands

Islands, Oceania, Plan, Play, Trip Ideas

Indonesia’s Living Reef

August 8, 2017

Jason deCaires Taylor first grabbed the attention of the art world when he created an underwater sculpture garden on a shallow coral reef near the island of Grenada. He has since gone on to create a number of iconic submerged exhibitions in the waters of Mexico, Spain, the Bahamas and England’s Thames River. His latest creation, known as NEST, will be his first work to reside in Indo-Pacific waters, near the island of Bali.

A water-level view of the coral reefs surrounding Indonesia’s Gili Islands. These waters are considered to be among the most bio-diverse and pristine in the world. Photo: BASK

NEST is a circle of 48 life-size human figures set in an interconnecting ring on the sea floor. The work sits in 12 feet of clear water, a short distance from the island of Gili Meno, where it can be easily viewed by snorkelers. NEST is described by Taylor as a nucleus of protection and support, evoking the circle of life. The interlocking figures are situated upon the edge of the reef in a nutrient-rich current. It will offer a platform for soft corals, sponges and other filter feeding organisms to colonize and inhabit. Over time, as marine life takes hold, further layers of growth will accumulate, naturally creating a complex symbiotic artwork.

The NEST sculpture is located just 40 yards from the shore of the BASK exclusive beach club. The formation is designed to attract corals and fish and create a living work of art. Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor

The NEST sculpture was commissioned by luxury resort developer BASK, which recently completed a collection of unique beach villas on Gili Meno, the most pristine of Indonesia’s Gili islands. BASK’s upscale villas are set between a sunset-showcasing beachfront and a natural salt lake, delivering water views from all rooms. The property’s award-winning contemporary design is intended to provide a relaxing personal retreat, while also respecting the local environment, customs and culture.

BASK’s 87 villas usher in water views, and provide a full range of contemporary comforts. The resort property also includes a five-star spa and a private beach club. Photo: BASK

Gili Meno is home to just 500 permanent residents, and is surrounded by pristine beaches and clear water. The island can be reached by boat or helicopter from Bali or Lombok Island. The Gili Islands are famed for their turtle population and are known as one of the world’s richest marine ecosystems.

Africa, Islands, Seychelles, Stay, Trip Ideas

The Seychelles Most Romantic Resorts

July 25, 2017

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It would be hard to imagine a more romantic destination than the Seychelles. Water doesn’t get any bluer. Sand doesn’t get any whiter. And nowhere else on Earth will you find ancient granite monoliths rising from garden-like settings of palms and flowering trees. Often lauded as the most scenic islands on the planet, the Seychelles are also a sanctuary for rare and exotic plants and animals. And then there are the beaches, which always make the “top-ten” and “best of” lists. This truly is the once-in-a-lifetime destination, ideal for honeymooner, second honeymooners or any couple looking to celebrate and share a special event. Such experiences are worth a splurge on a truly world-class resort. There are a number of premier and utterly romantic properties to choose from, and here are the three we consider the best of all.

Banyan Tree Seychelles

On the island of Mahe, Intendance Bay is known as one of the most breathtakingly beautiful beaches in the Seychelles. And considering the competition, that’s saying something. With emerald green slopes rising above powder fine white sands, and imposing granite formations to accent the surf washed shoreline, it’s understandable why actor Peter Sellers and Beatles member George Harrison once chose this location for private retreats. In the years since, their bay front properties have been transformed into the Banyan Tree Seychelles resort, with 60 Creole-style villas spread across a landscape of palms and takamaka trees, offering both privacy and spectacular water views. The resort’s central buildings are styled to resemble a colonial plantation, with a spectacular beach view pool, award winning spa and the chef-acclaimed Au Jardin d’Epices restaurant, which pairs Creole-fusion culinary innovation with glamorous views of the ocean.

The granite boulders and rock formations that line Intendance Bay at the Banyan Tree resort are more than 750 million years old. They are thought to be the remains of an ancient super continent. Photo: Banyan Tree

There is 24-hour cart service to connect villas to the resort’s central amenities and the beach, but once guests settle in to their private oasis of calm, they may not want to leave. Each villa is tucked into the jungle but also positioned for water views. Private terraces and pavilions include outdoor living and dining areas, and personal infinity edge plunge pools. Interiors are finished in a contemporary colonial style, feature floor-to– ceiling windows that add sense of spacious drama, and include couple centric features such as an indoor sunken bathtub and a king-sized bed. For the ultimate stay, guests can choose one of the resort’s five Intendance pool villas, which are located high on a rocky outcrop at the northern end of the beach.

The Creole-Colonial style villas at the Banyan Tree blend indoor and outdoor spaces, and place personal pools on the outer edge of elevated decks to create an additional element of drama. Photo: Banyan Tree

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

On the west coast of Mahe Island, the expansive grounds of the Four Seasons Seychelles spread across more than 170 hillside acres, and overlook the calm waters of a private cove. Here, the island’s iconic granite formations are scattered across a landscape of cinnamon trees and frangipani. To take full advantage of the setting, the resort created a collection of unique villas that combine the fantasy of tree house living with unforgettable vistas of a tropical island paradise. These villas deliver plenty of private personal space for couples, with terraces that include outdoor showers and a large plunge pool. Creole-inspired interiors are studies in elegant simplicity, with plush white bedding providing a counterpoint to the warm tones of natural wood. Even more spectacular are the resort’s two and three-bedroom suites and residence villas, which blend large outdoor areas with opulent furnishings.

The staff at the Four Seasons Seychelles resort can fulfill personal requests and organize a range of special events. Here, the beach becomes the memorable backdrop for a destination wedding. Photo: Four Seasons

In addition to powder fine white sand, the beach at the Four Seasons is blessed with calm waters ideal for swimmers and snorkelers. The resort offers a variety of water sports, and unlike some other high-end properties in the Seychelles, the Four Seasons is a family-friendly resort, with dedicated youth programs. With or without the youngsters, couples can indulge in pampering treatments at the hilltop spa, which commands the best views on the property. Sunset views of Petite Anse beach and the Indian Ocean can also be enjoyed at the Zez Lounge. Memorable dinners for two await at the adjacent restaurant, or at the oceanside dining room of Kannel, which serves premier seafood, Creole and Asian cuisines. The Four Season earns top marks for service that is both personal and unobtrusive. Guests often comment that though the property is expansive, the amenities and staff create an atmosphere with the feel of an intimate boutique resort.

With balconies suspended on stilts to rise above the surrounding landscape, the hillside villas at the Four Seasons resort were created to evoke impressions of living in a tree house. Photo: Four Seasons

Le Château De Feuilles

Small, secluded, spectacular and utterly romantic. With just nine rooms, and a fully attentive yet low-key service ethos, this boutique retreat has the feel of a good friend’s vacation home. And that friend has immaculate taste and a flair for the dramatic, as the Château De Feuilles perches high on the granite peak of Point Cabris, delivering panoramic views the Bay of St. Anne below. The garden-like grounds brim with oleanders, frangipani trees and bougainvillea, all sculpted to accentuate the unique forms of the island’s iconic rock formations. Villas continue the nature first theme, with exposed stonewalls, driftwood accents and furnishings, and palm-thatched rooms. The true wow factor is the view, and each room takes maximum advantage of the elevated surroundings with floor plans that blend indoor and outdoor spaces with a seamless flow.

Seychelles Le Chateau De Feuilles Bungalow

The main pool at Le Château De Feuilles sits high on a hillside, providing guests with a relaxing garden-like setting along with unobstructed views of island and ocean. Photo: Le Château De Feuilles

Le Château De Feuilles is located on Praslin Island, near the Vallée de Mai. This UNESCO Heritage site is home to the rare coco de mer palm. The island is reached by short commuter flights from the international airport on Mahe, or by helicopter directly from the hotel. The relaxed and discreet setting makes the hotel a favorite with celebrities, but all guests are treated like stars. Complimentary car service gives on-call access to the beach, and the front desk can arrange activities such as diving, fishing, golf and day trips to Grande Soeur, which is a private island available only to hotel guests. The hotel’s Balinese spa sits at the peak of a hill, and includes an outdoor soak tub with 360-degree views of the island. As would be expected from a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux brand, the chefs at Le Château De Feuilles take dining to an art form. Fruits, vegetables and eggs come from onsite organic gardens, and local meats and seafood are incorporated into an innovative international cuisine that pays homage to local flavors. Dinners are particularly memorable, as four- and five-course meals are served by candlelight in an open-air setting that takes in sea and sky. It would be hard to imagine a more romantic setting anywhere.

Islands, Oceania, Stay, Tahiti, Trip Ideas

Bora Bora’s Top Snorkeling Resorts

June 26, 2017

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The sparkling waters of Bora Bora’s lagoon are a paradise for swimmers and snorkelers. Entering this aquatic paradise is as easy as wading in from a beachfront room, or dropping in from the deck of an overwater bungalow. But some locations are better than others, and we’ve found three resorts that offer the best underwater scenery and fish life, along with the easiest access to the water.

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

A stay at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui begins with a boat ride, because the resort is located on Motu To’opua, an unspoiled islet off the west coast of Bora Bora. This 114-room resort, formerly known as the Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, underwent a multi-million dollar renovation before reopening in March of 2017. Much more than deco update, this renewal includes room enlargements, new decks, the addition of floor-to-ceiling windows and new bathrooms with oversized soak tubs. The over-water bungalows are among the largest and most luxurious in the Islands of Tahiti, and range up to a two-story presidential suite with 3,000 square feet of living space. The property now includes a full-service spa, kids club, mini-golf course, fitness center and several dining options.

Many of the recently renovated overwater bungalows at the Conrad Bora Bora Nui now include private plunge pools and catamaran decks suspended over the lagoon. Photo: Adam Bruzzone/Conrad Bora Bora

Unlike some over-water properties, which perch over stark sand bottoms, many of the bungalow rooms at Bora Bora Nui follow the contours of a reef line that provides shelter for a range of marine life. Guests can get a preview of what awaits below through glass floor panels, then enter right from their private deck. Insiders say the best snorkeling is from bungalows in the 300 wing. There are more reefs awaiting discover at points all around the resort’s private island, along with regular excursions to nearby sites where snorkelers can swim with stingrays and turtles, or participate in a shark encounter. Families with younger children may want to schedule a trip to the Bora Bora Lagoonarium, which is a private snorkeling park where marine life encounters take place in a controlled environment.

The Conrad Bora Bora Nui is located on a small island to the west of Bora Bora, where guests can enjoy a private white sand beach, or follow trails into the island’s wooded hillsides. Photo: Adam Bruzzone/Conrad Bora Bora

Le Méridien Bora Bora

Water is a key element of this landmark resort, which straddles a barrier island between the blue Pacific Ocean and Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon. The property can only be reached by boat, and rooms perch over the water, or overlook a white sand beach, with sunset views of iconic Mount Otemanu. The setting is that of a traditional Polynesian village, with plenty of thatched roofs and native woods, but the amenities are fully modern. The resort’s signature Le Tipanie restaurant sits on the banks of a sheltered interior lagoon, while the Le Te Ava restaurant allows guests to dine with their feet in the sand. The water sport center’s range of water sports includes kayaks, wave runners, parasailing, waterskiing, deep-sea fishing and excursions in traditional outrigger canoes. An on-site spa and wellness center offers a range of relaxing and therapeutic treatments.

At Le Méridien Bora Bora, the Le Tipanie restaurant sits on the banks of the resort’s private lagoon, which is a natural body of water that is home to a wide variety of fish and marine life. Photo: Ben Thouard/Le Méridien

Le Méridien has a reputation as one of the best resorts for snorkelers in Bora Bora. As expected, there are things to see right below the over-water bungalows, but that’s just the beginning. The property’s sheltered lagoon is filled with colorful tropical fish, and home to a turtle sanctuary and coral nursery. Guests are able to explore these calm and sheltered waters with mask and snorkel, which is an especially good option for novices and children. Highlights include a school of resident eagle rays and several colonies that house colorful clownfish. More experienced snorkelers can venture to a more exposed reef line on the ocean side of the resort, and the truly adventurous can ask directions to an area known as shark hole, which is a nursery where black tip reef sharks give birth.

Sea turtles are a common sight in the waters around the overwater bungalows at Le Méridien Bora Bora. The resort has created an on-site sanctuary where rescued and injured turtles can recover. Photo: Le Méridien

Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort

It’s not surprising that the setting has a cinematic quality, because this beachfront resort was originally built by filmmaker Dino de Laurentiis as a set for his film Hurricane. Today, the property includes 37 traditional French Polynesian bungalows with pandanus leaf thatched roofs, each tucked into a lush tropical garden fronting a stunning white-sand beach. Another 13 bungalows sit on pilings in the lagoon, and a ferry connects guests to a nearby private island that holds an additional 20 overwater rooms. Rich woods and bright colors set the tones in the overwater bungalows, where glass panels in the floor reveal tropical fish swimming below. Each offers a king size bed, luxurious bathroom and a private terrace, where breakfast can be delivered by outrigger canoe.

The overwater bungalows at the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort are just a short swim away from a colorful reef, where snorkelers can see angelfish, butterfly fish, eagle rays and turtles. Photo: Sofitel

Marara Beach is located within a sheltering cove on Bora Bora’s southeast coast. This location ensures calm waters for snorkeling on scattered coral heads that begin less than 100 feet from shore. Guests staying in garden bungalows can wade in directly from the beach or enter from the resort’s dock. Access is even easier from over-water bungalows, which include entry ladders on waterfront decks. The greatest numbers of tropical fish are found on the more defined reefs at the eastern end of the beach, and in the area between the resort and Sofitel’s private island. For more snorkeling adventures, guests can paddle a canoe or kayak to the reefs surrounding a nearby deserted island.

Wood tones and warm accents provide a counterpoint to views of turquoise waters in the bedroom of an overwater bungalow at the Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort. Photo: Sofitel

Europe, Islands, Plan, Play, Trip Ideas

Art Under the Waves

May 10, 2017

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The latest creations of underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor lies under 40 feet of clear water in the Canary Islands. In recent years, Taylor has created iconic underwater sculpture displays in Grenada, Cancun and the Bahamas. The Museo Atlántico exhibition is located in the Bahía de Las Coloradas, just off the south coast of the island of Lanzarote.

The work known as Crossing the Rubicon shows a group of figures walking towards a gateway in a 100-foot underwater wall. This is said to represent the absurdity of creating barriers. Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor

The submerged gallery includes 12 tableaus with more than 300 life-size human figures. Taylor says that the collection is designed to provoke environmental awareness and social change. As an added element, the collection also serves as an artificial reef that attracts and shelters marine life. The exhibition can be toured by scuba divers and snorkelers, who follow a trail to discover the site’s narrative.

The work known as Los Jolateros depicts a group of children paddling a type of small skiff that island youth traditionally fabricate from oil drums and scrap metal. Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor

Among the noteworthy pieces is a Wall to Nowhere sculpture created to emphasize that notions of ownership and territories are irrelevant to the natural world. The final piece on the swimming tour is The Human Gyre, which is a large circle of over 200 life-size human figures representing all ages and all walks of life. The site can be visited by excursion boats departing from the island’s Marina Rubicón. More can be seen at www.cactlanzarote.com.

The Raft of Lampedusa is dedicated to a group of sailors who drifted to the island of Lanzarote on a life raft after being lost at sea when their ship sank off the coast of Senegal. Photo: Jason deCaires Taylor

Africa, Islands, Plan, Seychelles, Trip Ideas

50 Shades of Blue: Seychelles Most Spectacular Beaches

May 3, 2017

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The granite islands of the Seychelles showcase a unique combination of ancient rock formations, soft sands and coral reefs. These juxtapositions make for some stunningly beautiful beach settings. Here, the palm-shaded shoreline of Anse Patates creates a postcard-perfect scene. A short swim into the waters of the sheltered cove leads to fish-laden coral gardens, where dolphins sometimes join snorkelers exploring the reef.

Belize, Central America, Florida, Guatemala, Islands, Oceania, Stay, Tahiti, Trip Ideas

The Best Celebrity Owned Resorts

April 20, 2017

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Fame has its perks, but even sophisticated jet setters may appreciate a bit of home-style comforts when they travel. For a select few stars, this wish has translated not just into favorite stays, but actual ownership where they are able to put their personal stamp on every detail of the property’s ambiance, décor and services. Here are five premier resorts formed and transformed by star power.

Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

When film director Francis Ford Coppola discovered an abandoned jungle camp deep in the jungles of Belize, he transformed it into a family retreat. A decade later, he opened the Blancaneaux Lodge to the public as a 20-room luxury hideaway. Here, nestled in the lush foliage of the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, a collection of thatched roof cabanas perch above a rushing jungle creek where waterfalls tumble into turquoise pools. Each cabana is finished in a regional Guatemalan décor, with unique native art and local textiles. Some offer private plunge pools, outdoor showers and open-air living rooms with kitchens.

The dining terrace of Blancaneaux Lodge’s Montagna Ristorante serves classic southern Italian fare and surrounds guests with lush rainforest vegetation. Photo: Coppola Resorts

The lodge’s Montagna Ristorante features classic Italian cuisine with a special focus on Coppola family recipes drawn from the Basilicata region. Daily activities include hikes into the forest reserve, horseback rides, orchid hunts, mountain biking and tours of Mayan archeological sites. The Waterfall Spa specializes in the art of Thai massage, and features a professionally trained staff that has studied ancient techniques in Bangkok.

Deep in the rainforests of western Belize, a hillside cabana at the Blancaneaux Lodge sits on a cliff above the flowing waters of a jungle stream. Photo: Coppola Resorts

Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, Vero Beach, Florida

The décor says Miami-modern, but this beachfront retreat is far removed from the hustle of South Beach. Music icons Gloria and Emilio Estefan lent their personal touches on every aspect of Costa d’Este, from the sea grass furniture and teak paneling to the iconic porthole windows. Sitting on 1,000 feet of golden sand in the heart of the quiet central Florida town of Vero Beach, this waterfront retreat is designed for unpretentious luxury. Each of the property’s 94 guest rooms and suites feature outdoor patios and balconies that usher in sea breezes and ocean vistas. The resort’s oceanfront pool deck takes a page directly from Collins Avenue properties, with manicured palms and market umbrellas shading parallel lines of chaise lounges.

Guest rooms at the Costa d’Este feature state-of-the-art electronics and are decorated in Miami modern style, with subdued warm tones that complement ocean views. Photo: Costa d’Este

Fine dining is a keystone of the Costa d’Este experience, and the acclaimed Wave Kitchen & Bar takes a creative approach to the culinary arts, utilizing fresh seafood and locally sourced produce in a range of original creations and select Cuban specialties. Another signature of Chef Armando Galeas’ menu is a special emphasis on premium wines and hand cut steaks. There is a full-service spa on site, and a range of water sports to enjoy, including ocean kayaking, paddleboards and snorkeling.

At first glance, you might think you were chilling poolside on South Beach, but the Costa d’Este Beach Resort sits well to the north in the quiet town of Vero Beach. Photo: Costa d’Este

Turtle Inn, Belize

This intimate beachside inn is a world away from high rises and tourism corridors. It sits on a narrow peninsula in the wilds of southern Belize, flanked by the Caribbean Sea and the calm waters of the Placencia Lagoon. Francis and Eleanor Coppola acquired this beachside hideaway in 2001 and transformed it into a relaxing refuge that could also become a base for adventures on land and sea. The Belize barrier reef lies just offshore, offering coral gardens for snorkelers and divers to enjoy, and expansive flats for exploration by fishermen and kayakers. To the west, the Maya Mountains and Victoria Peak rise above wetlands and rainforests that is home to monkeys, tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles and jaguars.

The palm-lined beach at the Turtle Inn provides a quiet and secluded setting on Belize’s unspoiled southern coast, with coral reefs just offshore. Photo: Coppola Resorts

After a day of adventure, guests can relax in thatched cottages decorated with handcrafted Balinese furnishings, Japanese baths and outdoor showers. Open floor plans usher in the ever-present sea breezes, and white sand beaches are just steps away from private decks. For those seeking the ultimate escape, the Inn also offers a private island villa that can only be reached by boat. The Turtle Inn is also home to the Mare Restaurant, which serves traditional Italian cuisines with an emphasis on fresh-caught local fish and vegetables from the on-site organic garden. For local flavors, guests also have the option of Auntie Luba’s Kitchen, the resort’s authentic Belizean diner, which serves regional fare in a setting overlooking the waters of Placencia Lagoon.

The chefs at the Turtle Inn’s Mare restaurant pair local seafood with fruits and vegetables grown at the resort’s on-site gardens and groves. Photo: Coppola Resorts

The Brando

The island of Tetiaroa is home to one of the world’s most idyllic resorts. Once the exclusive retreat of Tahitian royalty, this private enclave delivers all the elements expected of a South Seas paradise, from swaying coconut palms to white sand beaches and a sparkling lagoon. Tetiaroa first caught the eye of Marlon Brando while scouting locations for his iconic movie, Mutiny on the Bounty. Years later, he would return to fulfill his vision of creating an eco-friendly resort that would both showcase and protect the island’s biodiversity and pristine environment.

Beachfront villas at The Brando are spaced around the island for privacy. Each offers separate bedrooms and social areas with high ceilings and large windows. Photo: The Brando

A 20-minute flight from Tahiti brings guests to the all-inclusive grounds of The Brando, where a collection of 35 beachfront villas are spread out across the island to provide serene privacy for each guest. Each 1,000-square foot villa includes separate sitting rooms that merge indoor and outdoor spaces, along with a private media room, pool and large windows that frame lagoon views through a screen of pandanus, miki miki, and coconut trees. A pair of signature restaurants showcases Polynesian inspired dishes, East-West fusion and classic French cuisine. Amenities include an on-site spa, tennis courts, library and cultural center, two bars, a large infinity pool and an environmental research station with guest programs.

On the private island of Tetiaroa, villas at The Brando feature private pools, outdoor living areas and secluded settings where lush landscaping frames beach views. Photo: The Brando

La Lancha, Guatemala

A stay at La Lancha is akin to an invitation as a houseguest at a treasured family retreat. In fact, most every detail of this intimate 10-room lodge, from the furniture and fabrics to the locally sourced carvings that adorn each room, was personally selected by the Coppola family. The property sits on a rainforest-clad bluff above the sparkling waters of Guatemala’s Lake Petén Itza. Just across the lake are the cobblestone streets of the colonial- era town of Flores, and the area is home to a number of significant Mayan sites, including the expansive ruins of Tikal, where ancient temples rise above jungle green.

At La Lancha lodge, locally sourced materials, traditional Guatemalan architecture and handcrafted accents create a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Photo: La Lancha

The area’s rainforests offer a wide range of eco-experiences, from relaxing hikes and birding tours to adventures such as aerial walkways, zip lines, and jungle horseback rides. The lake can be enjoyed by canoe, kayak, or tour boat. Each of the lodge’s Casitas is furnished with pieces sourced from Guatemalan producers, and feature locally made arts and crafts. Covered decks feature hammocks and lake views. An open-air restaurant situated under the thatch roof of the main lodge provides dramatic views of the forest canopy and Lago Petén Itzá. The menu features authentic Guatemalan dishes. In the evening, the lake itself becomes a source of entertainment, with dramatic color changes that shift from cobalt blue to turquoise, and then take on the warm glows of sunset.

A path leading from hillside rooms at La Lancha lodge brings guests to a private deck on the inviting shores of Guatemala’s Lake Petén Itza. Photo: La Lancha

Cabo San Lucas, Hawaii, Islands, Maui, Mexico, Oceania, Play, Trip Ideas

The World’s Most Amazing Places to Kayak with Whales

April 20, 2017

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There are a number of places around the world where you can observe whales from the deck of a tour boat. Far rarer are opportunities to paddle a kayak up close and personal to meet one of these magnificent marine mammals at eye level. And rarest of all are locations where these kayak encounters take place in warm tropical waters. Here are three places where paddlers and whales mingle.

Maui, Hawaii

The world’s number one destination for kayak whale encounters is the island of Maui. Each year, as many as 10,000 humpback whales travel south from the arctic to breed, birth and nurse newborns in Hawaiian waters. The greatest numbers of whales are often seen off the western shores of Maui, where calm seas and warm water prove a comfortable habitat for whales, and relaxing surface conditions for humans.

Maui’s western shore is sheltered from prevailing trade winds by the island’s tall mountains, creating calm kayaking conditions for whale watching. Photo: Pixaby

Whale watching tours are offered aboard all types of sail and powerboats, but also allowed within this whale sanctuary are more personal encounters aboard self-powered craft. Several outfitters lead guided kayak trips into the whale sanctuary, where encounters can begin less than a mile from shore. As is the case with tour boats, kayakers are not allowed to approach within 100 yards of whales. The whales are free to approach humans, and are much more likely to swim close to a small, silent kayak than they would a tour boat with engine idling. Whales visit Hawaiian waters from November to May, with February and March being prime time for almost guaranteed interactions.

A whale tail breaks the surface in the calm waters off Maui’s western shore. This is a prime area for whale watching by kayak. Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority

Loreto, Mexico

Some 200 miles north of the resorts of Cabo San Lucas, the historic port town of Loreto is the launching point for day trips and extended tours along the rugged coast of the Baja Peninsula. With dramatic cliffs, deserted islands and inviting blue waters, this is a bucket list paddling experience at any time of the year. Winter brings the added bonus of whales, which migrate along the coasts, and find shelter in the protected waters of the Loreto Bay National Marine Park.

The Sea of Cortez attracts seasonal migrations of grey and humpback whales, and is home to many more species of smaller whales and marine mammals. Photo: Pixaby

Gray whales are the most frequent visitors to these waters, but they are sometimes joined by the world’s largest animal, the blue whale. There’s always a chance of seeing a spouting whale on a day trip, but more popular are the multi-day paddling tours that transit the coast. These fully guided and supported excursions not only provide ongoing chances for whale sightings, but also bring dolphins and sea lions into the mix. Best of all, you don’t have to be a grizzled kayak veteran to participate, because many tours set a leisurely pace, and are shadowed by a support boat. At days end, paddlers stop at waterfront lodges or are treated to beachfront cookouts while guides do all the work of setting up a camp by the ocean.

In the coastal waters of the Sea of Cortez, a kayaker is treated to a once in a lifetime encounter with a 30-foot whale shark. Photo: Marie Humphrey/Flickr

Vava’u, Tonga

The islands of Tonga are off the beaten path, but that doesn’t deter travelers who come from around the world for a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with humpback whales in clear Pacific water. A majority of these encounters take place in the sheltered waters of the Vava’u Island group, which also happens to be a world-class kayaking destination.

Paddling safaris through the islands of Tonga may include overnight camping stops on uninhabited beaches or day breaks for lunch and beach barbeques. Photo: Friendly Island Kayak Company/Flickr

Paddlers sign up for island hopping itineraries that include snorkeling on coral reefs, camping on uninhabited islands, and visits to local villages. And in the months between July and October, there’s a good chance of seeing whales while paddling. This is Tonga’s dry season, when seas are calmest and temperatures are mild. Anyone making the trip should certainly sign up for a swimming encounter. Adding a kayak tour will increase the chances to see humpbacks in the wild, without the time limitations that are placed on in water encounters.

Kayaks sit ready on a sandbar in the islands of Tonga. This area is one of only a few in the world where paddlers can come face to face with whales. Photo: Photo: Friendly Island Kayak Company/Flickr

Africa, Asia, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Curacao, Dominica, Florida, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Islands, Maldives, Plan, Seychelles, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Tahiti, Trip Ideas

Earth Day Images From the Tropics

April 20, 2017

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On April 22, the natural world takes center stage as humans around the globe pause to reflect on the importance of protecting and enhancing the ecosystems we share with all other living creatures. Here, a colorful little red-eyed tree frog from the rainforests of Costa Rica serves as a visual reminder of the diverse, beautiful and sometimes-fragile nature of the planet Earth and its inhabitants.

Bahamas-Out Islands, Caribbean, Central America, Costa Rica, Florida, Hawaii, Hawaii-Big Island, Islands, Maldives, Mexico, Oceania, Puerto Rico, Tahiti

Earth Day in the Tropics

April 20, 2017

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From a simple observance in 1970, Earth Day has grown into the world’s largest secular civic event, involving more than 17,000 environmental groups and drawing support from more than 190 countries. Events are staged in major cities around the globe, but small islands and other tropical destinations also get in on the act.

1. On the Bahamian Out Island of Eleuthera, the One Eleuthera Foundation will sponsor a daylong celebration of the earth and ocean that includes musical performances, dance, art, cultural events and environmental education programs, plus plenty of good food.

2. Each year on Earth Day, the Sandals Foundation, which is sponsored by the Sandals Resort group, partners with environmental organizations across the Caribbean to help volunteers plant more than 1,000 trees.

3. The month-long Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival will kick off on Earth Day. At dozens of islands throughout the region, organizers from the Birds Caribbean foundation will stage presentations, bird walks, art competitions, clean ups, and more.

4. On the big island of Hawaii, volunteers will head to Ke‘ei Beach to remove trash that could pose a hazard to turtles and other marine life. The cleanup is sponsored by the Kona Brew Pub, and will end with a beach barbecue.

5. In the Puerto Rican beach town of Rincon, the Liga Ecologica will stage an Earth Day Fair. Here, forums and talks with an ecological theme mix with a street fair offering local arts, crafts and foods. A highlight is the human-powered shaved ice machine.

6. The Florida-based Xtreme Adventures group will stage their third annual Earth Day Adventure Race, which will send participants biking, trekking and paddling across the central part of the state to spread the message: “reuse, recycle, and repurpose.”

7. If you can’t make it to Costa Rica’s Sloth Sanctuary to participate in Earth Day observances, you can sponsor a sloth with a donation to restore its natural habitat, and plant more of these animal’s favorite almond trees.

8. The Maldives are revered for their natural beauty, and a number of resorts across the island chain stage special Earth Day activities such as tree plantings and reef cleanings. Kurumba Resort will follow their annual lagoon cleaning with a party, while the Constance Resort has created a “Low Carbon Foot Print Menu,” and will observe an hour- long power shutdown.

9. On Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Merida Verde is staging a series of free cultural and musical events for Earth Day, including a slow foods festival and street dances in the historic district of Merida.

10. In the South Pacific, citizens of the small nation of Kiribati will come out in force to restore the mangrove forests that are essential to protecting their coastlines from erosion.

Islands, Oceania, Plan, Tahiti, Trip Ideas

Tahiti: 10 Reasons to Go

March 31, 2017

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The mere mention conjures romantic visions of blue lagoons, emerald peaks and bronzed bodies with flowers in the hair. These are The Islands of Tahiti, a collection of green jewels in the blue Pacific where volcanic peaks rise above bright lagoons, and surf washed coral atolls are filled with colorful tropical fish.

1 Blossoms

Bright hued tropical flowers have long been one of the most iconic symbols of Tahitian culture. Blossoms are woven into necklaces and tiara-like crowns, while both men and women wear single flowers behind the ear. When worn on the right, it symbolizes that you are seeking romance, while a shift to the left side indicates that you are already spoken for.

Crowns of fresh flowers adorn women participating in a singing festival on the island of Rurutu. The blossoms are mirrored in the floral patterns of their traditional parau dresses. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme

2 Towering Peaks

Green clad volcanic peaks dominate the landmarks on the major islands of Tahiti. The view of craggy Mount Otemanu from across Bora Bora’s lagoon is one of the most iconic images from the South Pacific. Some peaks can be summited by dedicated hikers, but most visitors opt for overlooks half way up the slopes that can be reached by road, and provide sweeping views of island and ocean.

3 Waves

Neophytes and champions alike descend on Tahiti when the surf is up. On the island of Tahiti, long Pacific swells create rider friendly breaks at sites such as Papara, Papenoo and Taapuna. More challenging are the big swells that break on the southwestern coast at Teahupoo. In peak season, these expert-only waves crest to heights of 25 feet, and the world’s best riders gather to compete in the Billabong Pro surf competition.

The island of Tahiti draws surfers from around the world with warm, clear waters and some of the best waves in the Pacific, plus a number of beginner friendly breaks. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme

4 Singing

In traditional Polynesian culture, legends and histories were often passed down through song. With the arrival of Europeans, these traditional melodies melded with religious hymns to create the a cappella styles known as himene ru’au and himene tarava, which mix soaring solo performances with complex choir harmonies and vocal percussion. These styles, first brought to the world music scene by the performers of the Tahitian Choir, can be heard at festivals and worship services across the islands.

5 Tattoos

Body art has long been considered a symbol of beauty in Polynesian culture. In ancient times, woven tatua patterns were applied as a rite of passage to adulthood. The practice was banned by Christian missionaries in the 1800s, but has since enjoyed a revival. The intricate patterns of traditional Tahitian designs now inspire tattoo artists around the world.

The ancient Polynesian’s created an intricate form of body art known as tatua. European sailors later adopted the practice, which evolved into the modern day tattoo. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme

6 Waterfalls

When the rains that fall on the soaring volcanic peaks of the major islands of Tahiti tumble towards the sea they create thundering cascades and wispy waterfalls. Some are hidden deep in the jungle, reachable only by strenuous hikes or four-wheel-drive excursions. Others are just a short walk away from towns and roadways. Among the most spectacular is towering Fautaua Falls on the island of Tahiti, where waters plunge more than 400 feet over a cliff in a remote hanging valley. Also popular is Vaipahi Falls, which is a classic jungle clad cascade that feeds a cool pool ideal for swimming.

7 Overwater Bungalows

Few images from The Islands of Tahiti are as compelling as the vision of a thatch roofed bungalow set on pilings above the sparking turquoise waters of a lagoon. Overwater bungalows were first introduced to the world in the 1960’s on the island of Moorea. In the decades since, a number of these idyllic structures have spread to other islands in the group, gaining features such as glass floor viewing panels, decks with private plunge pools and hammocks suspended over the water.

The island of Moorea saw the construction of the world’s first overwater bungalows in the 1960s. These iconic resorts have now spread to the other islands of Tahiti. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme

8 Heiva

The biggest celebration in The Islands of Tahiti is a month-long festival originally inspired by French Bastille Day observances. Today, Heiva is a showcase of traditional island culture that includes lavish dance performances, singing competitions, outrigger canoe races and displays of physical prowess that include stone lifting, fruit carrying races, coconut cracking, and palm tree climbing. The festival also includes arts and crafts, with displays that feature works from across French Polynesia.

9 Snorkeling

Islands such as Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea are ringed in reefs that enclose clear water lagoons, while atolls such as Rangiroa and Manihi enclose expansive coral gardens. This creates ideal conditions for snorkelers, who can immerse in shallow, sheltered waters to discover colorful corals and abundant fish life. Reefs often begin right from resort beaches or at the steps of an overwater bungalow, while more sites can be reached by relaxing boat rides across lagoon waters.

Small uninhabited islands such as this one in the Moorea Lagoon are known as motus. These become favorite destinations for sailing excursions and outrigger canoe trips. Photo: Tahiti Tourisme

10 French Connections

The Islands of Tahiti have long been associated with France, first as an overseas territory, and more recently with the added autonomy of an affiliated overseas country. This relationship has created a blended and cosmopolitan island culture, where ancient Polynesian traditions of hospitality and reverence for nature combine with a French appreciation for the good life. The result is a people who are among the happiest and most welcoming in the world.

Banyan Tree Seychelles

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

Le Château De Feuilles

Conrad Bora Bora Nui

Le Méridien Bora Bora

Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort

Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa, Vero Beach, Florida

Turtle Inn, Belize

The Brando

La Lancha, Guatemala

Maui, Hawaii

Loreto, Mexico

Vava’u, Tonga

1 Blossoms

2 Towering Peaks

3 Waves

4 Singing

5 Tattoos

6 Waterfalls

7 Overwater Bungalows

8 Heiva

9 Snorkeling

10 French Connections

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