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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

Barbados, Caribbean, Dominican Republic, Florida, Hawaii, Islands, Maldives, Maui, Mexico, Plan

Best Places to Travel in March 2023

February 14, 2023

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March is one of those months that can fly below the vacation radar. It’s just past the end of winter getaways, and a bit before the mad crush of spring break. This means travelers who time it right can enjoy an ideal combination of mild weather, fewer crowds, and great shoulder-season rates. Here are seven good choices for a March getaway.

Panama

Just a few miles from downtown Panama City, Somberania National Park is an oasis of rainforest greenery. And March is a great time to visit because – well, it isn’t raining all the time. Visiting the park during the dry season means plenty of sunshine and mud-free hiking trails. Paths lead through impressive stands of cotton, mahogany, and guayacan trees, crossing streams and swaying bridges on the way to waterfalls and swimming holes on the Chagres River. The 55,000-acre park is a favorite destination for bird watchers, who have tallied 400-plus species including exotic finds like toucans, trogons, flycatchers, and tanagers, along with rare birds such as the red-bellied woodpecker, yellow-eared toucanet and ground cuckoo.

Sunrise over the Chagres River in the Soberanía National Park of Gamboa, a 55,000-acre protected tropical ecosystem in Panama. Photo: Bkamprath/iStock

Mexico

March breezes usher in one of Mexico’s premier sailing events in the blue waters of Puerto Vallarta. 2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the Banderas Bay Regatta. This international nautical get- together draws an eclectic mix of serious sailors and casual competitors to compete in a week-long series of around-the-buoy races and shoreside celebrations. Headquarters for the event is the Vallarta Yacht Club, but don’t expect blue-blazers and bloody marys, because the club has a more laid-back flip-flop and Corona vibe. After watching the races, head to the quiet fishing village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle for some old-school Mexican hospitality.

Racing unfolds during the 2022 Banderas Bay Regatta, an annual event attracting sailors from Mexico and North America. Photo: John Pounder/JL Digital Media.net

Maui

Each year thousands of humpback whales from all corners of the Pacific gather in the warm, shallow waters off the coast of Maui to mate, give birth, and raise their young. The action takes place in calm water not far from shore, making it one of the most relaxing places in the world for whale watching. And in addition to on-the- water viewing sessions, anyone who’s really into whales should mark their calendars for the Lahaina Whale and Ocean Arts Festival. Held on the first week of March at Lahaina’s Campbell Park, this event combines ocean-themed art exhibits with food, games, live music, and family activities.

A humpback whale fluke during a sunset whale watching in Lahaina on Maui. Here, the whale-watching season runs from March to November. Photo: Manuel Balesteri/Shutterstock

Maldives

There’s really not a bad time to visit the stunning islands of the Maldives, but March gives you a chance to slip in after the end of the winter rush while still enjoying some balmy weather and plenty of sunshine. This is also a favorite date for divers and snorkelers, as waters are particularly clear at this time of the year. March also marks the beginning of the surfing season. There are beginner- friendly waves ideal for anyone who has ever thought about taking up the sport, and some legendary breaks to challenge experts. With more than 100 islands offering stunning beach resorts, there are options to suit all tastes and budgets.

Aerial view of a seaplane approaching an island resort in the Maldives where over-the water-bungalows are ubiquitous. Photo: Sven Hansche/Shutterstock

Florida

Florida’s theme parks and beaches can get crowded once spring breakers arrive, but there are still plenty of quiet places to enjoy in the Sunshine State. For a truly wild adventure, head to the Everglades National Park and sign up for an airboat tour into the heart of America’s largest wetlands. These specially-designed flat- bottomed boats glide through sawgrass meadows and shallow waters that aren’t accessible to other types of boats. For added enjoyment, combine a boat trip with a visit to the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation for a cultural immersion into the history and traditions of the Seminole tribe.

Blue skies are reflected in the still waters of the Florida Everglades as tourists take airboat rides to visit alligators and other wildlife. Photo: allouphoto/Shutterstock

Dominica Republic

Each year, as many as 2,000 humpback whales visit the Dominica Republic’s Samana Bay, and March is an ideal time for a whale- watching trip that has the added bonus of visits by resident pods of dolphins. Plan your trip early in the month and you can also take in the National Carnival Parade. This event is the culmination of weeks of regional carnival competitions, all leading to the big finale when the best carnival troupes from across the country converge on the Santo Domingo Malecón for a weekend of pageantry, dances, and parades. And if you miss that party, there’s still time after your whaling trip for a road trip to the Cabarete district to watch the action at the World Surf League and get in on the final carnival of the season.

The Bay of Samana is ideal for watching humpback whales as they come to mate, give birth, and nurse their young in these warmer waters. Photo: Judith Lienert/Shutterstock

Barbados

It’s fitting that the island that has been called “a little piece of England” delivers echos of The Royal Ascot with the staging of the Caribbean’s most prestigious horse racing event. The Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup is a highlight of the island’s sporting and social calendar. The race draws an international field of jockeys and thoroughbred trainers. The Gold Cup is the culmination of a tradition dating back to 1845 when officers of the British Regiment stationed in Barbados staged impromptu horse races on the parade grounds of the Garrison Savannah. Today, it is much more than a race, as it has become the centerpiece for a weekend of social events and celebrations.

Any escape to Barbados involves some beach time. With more than 80 white strands on the island, there is plenty to explore. Photo: Barbados Tourism Marketing

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

Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Greece, Hawaii, Islands, Kauai, Maldives, Oceania, Plan, St. Lucia, Tahiti, Thailand, Trip Ideas

7 of the World’s Most Beautiful Islands

January 27, 2022

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While no longer well-kept secrets, the following isles continue to engage with charm and scenery. Read below to see our picks for the most beautiful islands in the world to see in 2022.

Moorea

The Islands of Tahiti include over 100 islands within five archipelagos. The most photographed and visited are the Society Islands, which include Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea. You’ll find barrier reefs and cobalt blue lagoons, powdery soft sands and emerald volcanic peaks. Among the dramatic mountain ridges lies volcanic Mount Rotui, the second-highest mountain on Moorea. The five-mile round trip hike to the top is challenging even for experienced hikers but rewards with scenic views of the entire island.

The mountains of Moorea are some of the most rugged in the world. Mount Rotui is the easiest to climb and offers views of Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay. Photo: Ugur Ozden/Flickr

Santorini

Certainly, Santorini has been on many a bucket list. For decades it has been the most popular Greek destination but it’s still worth joining the crowds to see this crescent moon-shaped island. Cruisers head to the picturesque village of Oia for the views and sunsets amidst the stunning architecture of whitewashed buildings dotted with cobalt blue dome roofs. Be sure to wander through the stone-paved alleys stopping at a café to taste the local wine paired with tomatokeftedes a patty made with local feta cheese and the famous Santorini cherry tomato.

After visiting Oia village take the hike along the caldera to Fira, the largest town on the island. Drop by a tavern or two along the way. Photo: Gene Tobia/Flickr

Kauai

While tropical rainforest covers much of the island’s interior including ribbons of trails favored by hikers, the Garden Island offers 111-miles of coastline with 50 miles of glistening white sand for beach lovers. The Na Pali coastline with its intensely colored dramatic cliffs, pinnacles and canyons beckon photographers from around the world to capture its glory from air or sea. A helicopter tour from Princeville takes visitors over the 65 miles of lush roadless terrain showcasing the waterfalls, valleys and crevices.

Kauai has several small towns to explore. Hanapepe is known for art, Koloa dates back to the sugar era of 1835 and locals favor Hanalei. Photo: Karsten Winegeart/Unsplash

Bali

The land of elaborate temples, Hindu ceremonies, terraced rice paddies and monkeys, the island of Bali is not known as much for its beaches as for its lush landscapes. Sure, you can find white and black stretches of sand with cliffs looming above hidden shores. Dubbed the most popular beach in the world of Instagrammers, Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida Island is mostly viewed from above. Getting to its shore involves a precarious hike and most will find the scene from above to be equally mesmerizing.

Kelingking Beach AKA T-Rex Beach is the claim to fame for the island of Nusa Penida. From above the shape resembles the neck of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Photo: felfin05 evin on Unsplash

Maldives

This archipelago of 1,200 islands and atolls stretches across the equator and lies within the Indian Ocean. The collection is comprised of fine white sands formed from coral, crystal waters and palm trees; and it’s the world’s lowest country reaching four feet above sea level. Here, over-water bungalows are prevalent. Rasdhoo Atoll is uninhabited topside but beneath the surface, the surrounding ocean is populated with hammerhead sharks, manta rays and stingrays as well as the more docile sea turtle.

Divers find Rasdhoo’s underwater world to be some of the best. Shallow water lagoons are great for beginners while deep walls and channels appeal to the advanced. Photo: Maahid Photos/Unsplash

St. Lucia

A visit to St. Lucia isn’t complete without a glimpse of the Pitons, the Caribbean’s most distinctive landmark. Often seen from the winding mountainous roads when approaching Soufrière, the views are ubiquitous. Even more captivating are the twin volcanoes seen from the water. These twin peaks that rise up from the sapphire blue sea are connected by an inland ridge that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

A visit to the Pitons might include a rigorous hike on the Gros Piton trail or a relaxing soak and mud bath in the Sulphur Springs. Photo: David Dale/Flickr

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands National Park is comprised of six islands skirting Maya Bay, which was made famous in the 2000 film The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The two larger islands Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi were so popular among day-trippers and snorkeling boats that the officials of Thailand closed the bay, not so much due to Covid but to restore the damage done to the once pristine spot due to over- tourism. Today visitors are allowed back but with imposed new rules to protect the area.

While the Maya Bay draws with its natural beauty there hundreds of gorgeous islands between Phuket and Krabi. Take a longtail boat and explore the area. Photo: Miltiadis Fragkidis/Unsplash

Asia, Islands, Maldives, Stay, Trip Ideas

Wellness and Watersports in the Maldives

March 20, 2018

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For some, a vacation is about relaxing and refreshing. For others, it’s about creating memorable experiences. And don’t forget the meals and the accommodations, because fine dining and a memorable setting can be equally important. The best resorts bring all these elements together, and in the islands of the Maldives, there are three properties that deliver an ideal mix of comforts, diversions and private relaxation.

Lily Beach Resort & Spa

The all-inclusive resort experience is taken to the next level at Lily Beach, where all guests enjoy Platinum Plan amenities and premier accommodations. A quick seaplane from the Malé airport brings guests to pristine Huvahendhoo Island, which is set within a turquoise lagoon fringed by the best snorkeling and diving reefs in the Maldives. Waterfront accommodation choices include beach and lagoon view villas, with some two-bedroom units available for families. Upscale touches include private gardens with day beds and soak tubs, outdoor shower rooms, and top-line entertainment electronics and fully stocked mini bars. The premier over- water villas add elements such as glass floor viewing panels and private decks with plunge pools. To keep all guests happy, there is a family pool and activity center, and a separate infinity edge “quiet zone” pool with a hot tub. Dining options are similarly accommodating of all tastes, and range from a kid’s buffet to fine dining option with premium wines and spirits.

The deck of a sunset water suite at the Lily Beach Resort includes all the amenities; from a private plunge pool to a sun deck, outdoor dining area and entry into the lagoon. Photo: Lily Beach

The tantalizing waters of the lagoon provide the setting for spa treatments at the Tamara Spa. Here, a collection of six over-water pavilions perch on stilts above the turquoise shallows. Each pavilion can accommodate couples or individuals, and is lavishly equipped with sauna and steam chambers, outdoor showers and Jacuzzi baths suspended on the edge of a private water view balcony. Guests looking for a rush rather than a relaxation can engage in a wide range of included water sports, from windsurfing and wakeboarding to the high-flying thrills of a jet blade ride, where water jets propel riders high above the waves. More serene water sports include sailing, paddleboats, standup paddleboards and snorkel excursions. Divers have access to more than 50 world-class sites that include wrecks, fish laden underwater walls and seasonal sightings of manta rays and whale sharks. After a full day on the water, guests can enjoy a variety of nightly entertainment programs from live music and DJ sessions to Maldivian cultural shows, group games and family-friendly variety shows.

The Tamara Spa at the Lily Beach Resort sits on pilings above the lagoon, providing guests with water views from treatment rooms, and an inviting open-air soak tub. Photo: Lily Beach

COMO Cocoa Island

Understated luxury is the theme at this boutique five-star resort. COMO Cocoa Island includes just 33 over-water villas; each built to resemble a traditional regional boathouse, and finished with soothing, all white interiors and teak floors. Villa floor plans include intimate one-bedroom units; spacious suites and airy split-level loft suites, all are fitted with private water-access sun decks, walk-in showers and roll-top bathtubs. Touches such vintage-style ceiling fans and exposed beam ceilings add an out island ambiance, but guests also enjoy modern comforts such as air conditioning, a private bar, in-room Wi-Fi and a full suite of electronics. Plank boardwalks connect villas to the private island, which is ringed in white sand beaches, and clothed in garden-like greenery. Nestled among the palm trees are the resort’s restaurant, infinity-edge pool and the Shambhala Retreat, which incorporates elements of a spa, yoga retreat, and fitness center, and includes a steam room and hydrotherapy pool.

At the COMO Cocoa Island resort, over-water bungalows stretch outward from the island’s oasis of green. These dwellings are built in the style of a traditional Maldives boathouse. Photo: COMO Hotels

At the Shambhala Retreat, programs go beyond the usual range of massages and treatments, and focus on holistic wellness with programs that combine movement, relaxation, nutrition and Asian-based therapies. This philosophy extends to special raw food menu choices at the waterfront Ufaa dining pavilion, though guests may choose to expand their palate with the chef’s South Indian-influenced cuisines and Mediterranean favorites, or savor fresh regional seafood dishes such as tandoor-roasted lobster. For the more adventurous, the ocean awaits. Cocoa Island is located within South Malé Atoll, which is home to some of the best coral reefs in the Maldives. Snorkelers can explore right from their over-water villas, or go by boat to nearby reefs. Divers can explore sites such as the famous Kandooma Caves, and an underwater cleaning station where small fish pick parasites from the skin of waiting sharks. To further enhance these adventures, the resort’s resident marine biologist often leads the dive. The water sports center also maintains a fleet of kayaks, paddleboards and windsurfers, and to cap off a special day, guests can arrange for a private lantern light dinner in a beachside tent.

There are just two COMO Villas At the COMO Cocoa Island, one offering sunrise views, the other showcasing sunsets. Both have two bedroom wings connected by living and dining areas. Photo: COMO Hotels

Constance Halaveli

This private island resort caters to couples and families with equal measure. If it’s just the two of you, the overwater villas are a great choice, as these open-plan rooms offer private decks with plunge pools that encourage relaxation and reconnection. Ashore, there are 28 beach villas, some with second-story master bedrooms and separate children’s bunkrooms, others with second bedrooms having separate outdoor access suitable for older children and teens. A range of dining options allows guests to choose anything from a convenient family sit down at the Jahaz buffet to an intimate dinner on the sand at Meeru, or an over-water dining experience at Jing, which has received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its innovative fusion cuisines.

The over-water bungalows at the Maldives Constance Halaveli use subtle screening to provide full guest privacy on waterfront decks and plunge pools, without marring the view. Photo: Constance Hotels

Situated on stilts over the lagoon, Le Spa de Constance is a centerpiece of the resort. Facilities include four couple treatment rooms, with one dedicated to Ayurvedic treatments, six single treatment rooms including one for Thai massages, a beauty salon and a relaxation area. The spa also provides anti-aging treatments by Valmont and Ila organic products. Also on site are a fitness studio offering stretching, yoga and personal training. The sheltered lagoon surrounding the resort is ideal for a range of on-site water sports that includes wakeboarding, water skiing, windsurfing, kayaks and catamaran sailing. The PADI dive center can provide snorkeling and scuba instruction, and offers a unique shark awareness course. A short boat ride away from the resort is many of the premier dive sites of North Malé Atoll. Special adventures include dolphin watching cruises and snorkeling encounters with whale sharks. One amenity that makes Constance Halaveli especially attractive for families is the Kid’s Club, which operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., free of charge, offering supervised free play and structured activities including treasure hunts, face painting and hermit crab racing.

At the U Spa by Constance, day beds in the lounge and relaxation area face opening glass doors that usher in panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the lagoon. Photo: Constance Hotels

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.

Asia, Belize, Cabo San Lucas, Caribbean, Central America, Islands, Maldives, Mexico, St. Lucia, Stay, Thailand, Trip Ideas, Turks & Caicos

Dream Sleeps: Resorts with Water View Bedrooms

October 13, 2017

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Imagine falling asleep to sea breezes and the sound of the surf. Or waking to a sunrise over the water. A select number of resorts around the world have elevated the bedroom into a showroom, rewarding guests with spectacular one-of-a-kind views that make water and sky star attractions to create a slumber like no other. Here at the One & Only Reethi Rah Maldives resort sunset’s afterglow sets the mood for relaxation on a cabana bed perched on the deck of an over water villa.

Asia, Islands, Maldives, Stay, Trip Ideas

Best Snorkeling Resorts in the Maldives

October 2, 2017

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There are more than 1,000 islands in the Maldives. Most are small and set within the encircling lagoons of coral atolls. So it’s not surprising that there are a lot of places to snorkel. But some reefs are better than others, and not all are easy to reach. The best snorkeling venues combine stunning coral growth with close proximity to a premier beach resort. At these special places, fantastic underwater landscapes are found just a few fin kicks away from the shore.

Six Senses Laamu

As the only resort located within the waters of the Laamu Atoll, Six Senses provides guests with exclusive access to pristine reefs that see little to no human traffic. The shallows surrounding Six Senses offer several hundred acres of sand flats and patch reefs to explore. As the slopes transition into deeper water, crevices in the coral walls hold lobster, eels and octopus. Green sea turtles and colorful parrotfish patrol the drop off, and eagle and manta rays are sometimes seen gliding in from deeper water. A special attraction is the remote sandbar on the far edge of the shallows, where an expanse of dazzling white sand rises from the surrounding lagoon waters.

Snorkelers explore the shallow waters that surround the Six Senses Laamu resort. Coral reefs teeming with marine life lie just beyond the sand, on the edge of blue water. Photo: Six Senses

As compared to many small island resorts in the Maldives, Six Senses has more green space. This allows land-based accommodations to spread through a tropical hammock, with bike trails and footpaths to connect the various areas of this sprawling resort. Guests who are serious about snorkeling should opt for an over-water villa, with numbers 11 to 20 being closest to the prime snorkeling area. All accommodations are constructed from sustainable materials, and at several of the resort’s restaurants, chefs from East and West create dishes using produce grown in the island’s organic gardens. Those looking for some added water sports thrills can paddle a board to the edge of the reef to take on Yin Yang, which is the Maldives’ most famous surf break.

Beach villas at the Six Senses Laamu resort are spread out across the island and surrounded by greenery in order to provide each guest with maximum privacy. Photo: Six Senses

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

The name tells the story. In the Maldivian language, the word Vabbinfaru refers to a round island encircled by a coral reef. Banyan Tree’s upscale island retreat certainly fits this description, as its circular land mass is ringed by sand beaches and vibrant reefs. From any point on shore, snorkelers can wade in to the sand bottom shallows and discover coral heads that attract colorful tropical fish. A bit farther out, gardens of hard and soft corals cover a slope that leads downward into the blue waters of the lagoon. To save the swim, guests can also reach the edge of the drop-off from the resort’s long pier, or sign up for a boat trip to other nearby reefs.

From the air, it is easy to see the ring of coral that surrounds the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru resort. Snorkelers can access this reef from any point on the island. Photo: Jason Lang/Banyan Tree

Ashore, each of the Banyan Tree’s 48 pool villas sequesters guests within a screen of foliage and attractive privacy fencing that spirals inward like a nautilus shell toward the central living space. Each circular villa provides a king-sized, four-poster bed set under a vaulted thatch roof and draped in white netting. These personal oases of relaxation are surrounded by French doors that look out on private pools, outdoor patios, shaded day beds and personal whirlpools. Decor elements within the villas draw inspiration from ocean life, with motifs that incorporate starfish, manta rays and reef fish. The ocean connection continues at the spa, where treatments take place in an open-air cabana suspended over the water. Guests can also arrange for starlight dinners on a private beach, or on an isolated sandbar in the lagoon.

The circular villas at the Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru sit in beachfront palm groves, and are fitted with French doors that create an indoor/outdoor living environment. Photo: Felix Hug/Banyan Tree

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

On pristine Kihavah Huravalhi island, guests of the Anantara resort can begin their snorkeling adventures right from the private deck of their over-water villa. The island is ringed in reefs that lie within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and are within easy swimming distance of the shore or the villas. Boat trips add the excitement of dolphin encounters and a chance to swim with manta rays. But swimmers need look no farther than the pilings of their dwellings to discover a new generation of corals growing in the clear, shallow water. During the construction of the villas, the resort’s resident marine biologist created new coral gardens by attaching these reef-building organisms to iron frames that allow the growing corals to harvest nutrients from flowing water. Guests can visit this reef in the making by following a marked snorkel trail, and can even sponsor new sections of the project by making a donation to Anantara’s reef adoption program.

Anantara Kihavah’s Sunset Beach Villas open onto private pools and outdoor living spaces, where it is just a few steps from covered hardwood decks to the beach and the coral reef. Photo: Anantara

Anantara includes 79 private pool villas that are poised over the water or set along private beaches. The resort provides all the luxuries and amenities expected of a premier vacation property. The water sports and dive center offers a range of water sports, and guests can be active with tennis, volleyball, and bike trails, or opt for more relaxing programs such as beachfront yoga and meditation classes. In addition to massage and spa treatments, the wellness center specializes in Ayurvedic programs. Dining at Anantara is not just about the cuisines, but also the setting. Four signature restaurants—Salt, Sky, Fire and Sea—place guests in open-air settings on the beach, over the water and in a unique underwater dining room and wine cellar, where passing marine life can be seen through glass walls.

The coral reefs that surround Anantara Kihavah provide shelter for hundreds of species of fish, and are among the most pristine marine ecosystems in the Maldives. Photo: Ananrara

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.

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

Panama

Mexico

Maui

Maldives

Florida

Dominica Republic

Barbados

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

Moorea

Santorini

Kauai

Bali

Maldives

St. Lucia

Phi Phi Islands

Lily Beach Resort & Spa

COMO Cocoa Island

Constance Halaveli

Six Senses Laamu

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

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