Visitors can swim in the warm tropical sea, go canoeing, boating, parasailing, horseback riding and fishing. Those who prefer a less hectic holiday can just lie beneath a shady tree at the beach and relax your mind. After working up an appetite, head over to Sungai Rengit village to try its fresh, succulent lobsters for lunch. Then you can go to the 100ha Desaru Fruit Farm to sample a luscious spread of local fruits. Golf aficionados will also be able to enjoy their game and tee off at the many golf resorts in the area. At night, enjoy the twinkling lights of the fireflies in mangrove swamp.

On the way to Desaru, you can stop by Kota Tinggi where there are several places of interest. At the Kota Tinggi Waterfalls Resort, you also can enjoy a dip in cool, crystal clear mountain water, said to be able to relax muscle knots caused by stress and tension. Kota Tinggi has recently been caught up in “Bigfoot fever”. A beast is said to be living in the forest near the town and some locals claim to have seen it. Just ask the locals in the area and they will certainly help you find a guide to take you on a day trip to locate the creature's lair.

How to get there :

Johor is located in the southern part of Peninsular Malaysia about 300km south of Kuala Lumpur. It is well connected to the rest of the country by expressways and railways as well as air links. The state is also connected to Singapore via the Causeway and the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link.

I could spend a lot of time telling you how to get to Europe and do it on the cheap; but frankly, I think most of us, even the Europe travel diehards, are planning to "do America first," this year; and perhaps for the foreseeable future.

Here are 5 spots to visit in our own hemisphere that will provide a pleasurable get-away. These 5 just happen to be in California.

image source

Whether you are an East-coaster or a west-coaster, a trip to California will provide a variety of vacation categories. If you like crowded freeways, smog and high temperature in summer, then Los Angeles may be your thing. But California is so much more than Hollywood and crowded L.A. beaches. I need to add a disclaimer here; I am a Californian, but there are some beautiful areas to visit, with lots of outdoor activities or city entertainment without having to cross into southern California, at all.

San Francisco Bay Area

image source

The San Francisco Bay Area is beautiful. The city itself is one of my favorite in the entire world, if I may say so myself. You could spend two weeks in the City by the Bay and never get to see and do everything on your agenda. From Golden Gate Park to world-class shopping, San Francisco has it all.

image source

I recommend a hotel near or on Union Square. From this point, you can walk to great restaurants, shopping venues, Theatres and more. Hotels here are a bit pricey. Forego the St. Francis; Try the Hyatt on the Square for a less pricey stay. The Hilton on O'Farrell is also not so pricey. Be sure you get a room in the main, or old tower. Some of these rooms offer views of the Bay and/or Golden Gate Bridges. Off-season, (not summer) rooms are reasonable for San Francisco. The Prescott is one of my old favorites in this area and a travel bargain for San Francisco. Wolfgang Puck's Postrio Restaurant is attached to the Prescott's lobby.

image source

A day spent in Golden Gate Park with a visit to the Japanese Tea Garden and the Steinhart Aquarium is a must. Have a picnic in the park, stroll to the Conservatory of Flowers where rare plants are housed in a glass building that is one of the most memorable of San Francisco's landmarks. The DeYoung Museum features world-class exhibits, visit the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco for information on all of San Francisco's museums.

Wine Country

image source

Napa Valley/Sonoma, Northern California Wine Country is a fabulous area to visit. From San Francisco, The northern wine country is just a 45-minute drive across the Golden Gate Bridge. We enjoyed our last visit so much that we plan to take the entire family this summer; a cottage rental, perhaps, will be in order...something with a pool because this area can be very hot in summer. The best times to travel to the Napa wine country would be in spring or in fall. But if you like warm weather, summers are very nice but hot.

image source

Most wineries have complementary wine tasting. The knowledgeable folks who pour will give you a real education in the science and enjoyment of fine wines. The California Wine industry is the world's largest, by value, according to the California Wine Institute. For my money, give me a good California Chardonnay and I'm a very happy girl. The French can keep their whites; except for the champagnes, of course.

Consider the Wine train for an unforgettable wine experience including meals on board, if you wish. Check their website for seasonal rates and event packages.

image source

Many of the Wineries, tasting rooms and their properties are so beautiful that the whole family will enjoy visiting. Bring your designated driver, however. The local police have very little tolerance for drunk drivers.

As in San Francisco, you can pay just about whatever you want to pay for accommodations in the Northern California wine country. The further you get from the wineries, the more you will spend for a hotel or inn room. Try Petaluma hotels for a bit of a bargain, in Napa, the New Meritage Resort and Spa Terra is very nice for a mid-range Hotel. The spa is fabulous. Check my review here.

The Central Coast

image source

I live on the Central Coast of California, and I truly believe I live in the most beautiful place on Earth. (It takes a really enticing out of town trip to get my husband and I off of our deck and away from Carmel; why leave when Carmel is so amazing?) Carmel is the focal point of the central coast. Once an artist colony, still an enclave of storybook cottages and a strip of white-sand beach that is drop-dead gorgeous.

image source

Just on the southern outskirts of Carmel is Point Lobos Preserve. Pack a lunch, hike, cycle or drive in for a small fee and spend the day with your camera shooting some of the most pristine and lovely coastline undamaged by human interference. Watch the sea lions and sea otters at play and hike the trails to get different views of the sea. You can scuba dive here, but nothing is to be disturbed or taken from its natural habitat. Looking only, no touching is the rule at Point Lobos.

Be sure to take a drive through Pebble Beach on 17-Mile-Drive. Stop off at the Lodge for a glass of wine and unobstructed views of Monterey Bay while standing in a landmark building that looks as if it stepped right out of "The Great Gadsby." If you love to golf, The Monterey Bay Area has a plethora of world class golf courses. I don't want to forget about Spanish Bay Resort. While in the "Forest," stop at Spanish bay for a beverage by the fire pits at Roy's at Spanish Bay.

image source

If you drive along the coast 40 miles south of Carmel on Highway 1, you will enjoy spending the day in Big Sur. From high on the cliffs, enjoy lunch at Ventana Inn or Nepenthe. Perhaps not the greatest restaurants, but the views and ambiance make up for it in spades.

In nearby Pacific Grove, a scenic path begins and stretches along the oceanfront for 20 plus Miles northward past beaches, the Monterey Wharf and sand dunes farther north in the Seaside/Marina area. Cyclists and rollerbladers, as well as walkers and joggers can use the path for a good day's worth of exercise combined with sightseeing. Check Monterey Bay Coastal Bike Trail for information on specific scenic path routes in Monterey County.

image source

You might also schedule some time to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium. This is no average aquarium. Watch sea otters, penguins, fish native to Monterey Bay and learn why The Monterey Bay is a protected sanctuary. Explore the Aquarium's website for specific information regarding hours and entry fees. Also, you may want to look into a sanctuary cruise or other educational opportunities available to you.

Santa Cruz

image source

Santa Cruz, about 40 miles North of the Monterey Peninsula, is actually considered part of the central coast but has a flavor all it's own. Santa Cruz and Aptos have warmer summer beach weather than does the Monterey Peninsula. If surfing or other water sports are more your thing, or if you want to sunbathe on the beach, you would have better luck in the Santa Cruz area. You will want to put aside time for a stroll through the little enclave of Capitola, as well.

A trip to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk will afford the entire family with a day of entertainment at an old-fashioned yet modernized, seaside park. There are rides as wild as the Big Dipper Rollercoaster to rides in the kiddy section for children as little as 2 years old. I'm not the theme park enthusiast, but once a year we do make a pilgrimage to the Boardwalk for the kids, and it certainly brings back memories of my own childhood with summer days spent there.

image source

With all of the first three vacation spots, consider the weather for the best time to visit; San Francisco and The Monterey Peninsula can be foggy in summer, especially during years when the central valley of California is scorching hot. Santa Cruz, however, has early morning fog but it lifts for sunny, warm summer afternoons.

The best months to visit San Francisco and The Monterey Peninsula are May and early June and also, September and Early October. These are rules of thumb; of course, I've been known to soak up the beach sun in Carmel in February, for instance.

The Sierras

image source

A summer vacation in Lake Tahoe will never be a disappointment. Lake Tahoe, in the Sierra Nevadas, spans two states, California and Nevada. It is a beautiful lake, clear, blue and seemingly untouched by human destruction. If you love to boat, fish, hike, mountain bike, party or just ride the lawn chair, as I love to do, you will fall in love with Lake Tahoe.

Be forewarned that North Shore and South shore are very, very different. South Shore offers Large Hotels, Harrah's and Harvey's, just to name two, with name talent in the showrooms and 24 hour gambling, or as we like to say, 24 hours worth of chances to lose your money! But, very entertaining as your pocketbook shrinks, I must admit.

image source

North Shore is much more low-key with little enclaves clustered along the lake from Incline Village to Squaw Valley. For the family who wants a family-style vacation, perhaps in a vacation cabin or a condo, North shore would be more to your liking. Also, consider the VERY quiet West shore. The West Shore is less crowded, more "woodsy" with lots of old "Tahoe-style cabins." If you want a quiet retreat away from crowds and you don't care that there isn't much to do at night but vege, (sounds great to me!) look into the west shore of Lake Tahoe.

I am not a gourmet or a gourmand; however, I love to taste. Being familiar with the areas I've listed, I will give you my favorite restaurant picks in each, if any.

Monterey Peninsula: Carmel: The Rio Grill Located in the Crossroads Center, Mouth of Carmel Valley Rib Eye steak to die for on nights when it is served. The best smoked chicken with baby artichoke hearts and baby red tomatoes. Penne pasta with grilled shrimp and Creole cream sauce ... yum! But, if you don't like really spicy foods, ask them to tone it down a bit!

Bahama Billy's, located in the Barnyard, Carmel Rancho, Mouth of Carmel Valley.

I usually don't care for Jamaican/island cuisine but Billy's food is excellent. Try the Sashimi if you like sashimi, this is served wonderfully different. Lightly seared, blackened and served with a unique wasabi sauce. The Lobster bisque is also fabulous. **Billy's also has a sunny, beautiful patio for lunch.

Tarpey's Roadhouse Located on Highway 68, just outside of Monterey on the highway between Monterey and Salinas. **They get the award for best outdoor lunch patio.
Joe Rombi's La Mia Cucina Located in Pacific Grove. Locals' favorite Italian food. The delicate, light, portabella mushroom raviolis are wonderful.

The Montrio Located in Downtown Monterey is another locals' favorite. If you love prime rib, on Thursdays only, The Montrio serves the most mouth-watering roasted, then fire flamed, prime rib ever. Sauce style and accompaniment s vary but all are excellent.

When in Napa:

Brix in Napa Located on the St. Helena Highway in Yountville. Brix' s ambience is very nice, the food is awesome! We loved the New York steak cooked just the way we ordered it, and the butter leaf salad.

When In Santa Cruz/Capitola/Aptos:

I'm sorry to say that this area is a bit gastronomically challenged, save the pub-style foods that the UC students love. However, Bittersweet Bistro is the exception. Bittersweet is a beautiful little restaurant with fabulous food and wonderful service. They have a fun locals tavern-style bar with a lively crowd on "events" days. Food is also served in the pub for a more casual dinning experience if you wish.

If anyone has other suggestions for this area, I would love to hear them because Bittersweet is the only place we have found that we return to each time we are in the Santa Cruz area. Located on Rio Del Mar Blvd. in Capitola, just off Highway 1.

I'm over spending unreasonable amounts of money for a room just because an area is thought to be posh or trendy. So, after searching a bit and asking some questions, I came up with Napa's Meritage Resort and Spa Terra. Our room, a King with terrace, was just over $200 per night.

The Meritage is not in one of the "cute" areas of the wine country like, for example,Sonoma or Yountville; and it isn't in the thick of the winery tasting rooms, but it is a pretty location and a beautiful property. It is supposed to be a renovated property, but the entire resort looks as if it was newly built yesterday, rather than renovated.

As you drive up to The Meritage, the beauty of the architecture and the demeanor of the resort are immediately apparent. The weather when we arrived was windy and chilly for the time of year, so we headed indoors to the roaring fire in the lobby's lovely rock fireplace, while the staff handled the car and bags.

The lobby is classic upscale,"country-home, " and beautifully appointed with couches and comfy chairs clustered in conversation groupings. We were greeted quickly; check-in was fast and simple and our bags arrived with us to our room.

My first impression of our room was that it was pristinely clean and newly decorated. The décor was tasteful and inviting; my eye was drawn to the far end of the room, to the French doors, which led to a small terrace. We did have to fight for a terrace room, as there are not many rooms with terraces at the resort.

I have to say that the King bed was very comfortable. Although not up to the standard of the Westin's "heavenly bed," the quality was very nice and the bedding was well done. The most apparent evidence of the Meritage's remodel is found in the bathroom. Although nicely remodeled, and beautifully clean and new, the only drawback is the tub/shower combination. Otherwise, the marble and tile bath was so well done that it would be difficult to find errors typical of a remodel.

The rooms offer a complementary bottle of wine, (a nice touch!) and Bare Mineral personal products. These products were a really wonderful surprise. As Bare Minerals/Bare Escentuels are my absolute favorite makeup products, I was pleased to be able to try out their line of shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.

Every room also has a small refrigerator and complementary bottled waters. After lots of wine tasting, a bit of food is a very good idea, so the refrigerator came in handy! Speaking of food; there is one restaurant on the property, and room service. I'm not sure what was up with the restaurant. It seemed to me to be understaffed and that, perhaps, since the tourist season isn't really happening yet, maybe the restaurant is not all that it will be once it is in full operation.

The people who served in the restaurant and the room-service folks try very hard to be accommodating, but the menu leaves much to be desired and they need more staff to be able to handle things more efficiently. I will look forward to seeing what improvements have been made in this department when I return next time. One staff member, a typical "guy," told us that the best thing on the menu was the burger. I was surprised, but when we did order the burger, it was FABULOUS! I'm not a burger-person, but this was Harris Ranch Beef, as I recall, and tasted more like ground steak than a burger. SO GOOD!

I have saved the best for last! My favorites of The Meritage were the Pool area, The Estate Cave Wine bar, and best of all, the Spa Terra. The pool was large, quiet and not crowded. The lounge chairs were super comfortable, and the hot tub, very nice. I did think the hot tub needed to be monitored a bit more; foam on top isn't a good thing! Management could be a bit more on their toes, here.

When I ordered lunch from the pool phone, the room-service staff seemed a little surprised. Although they did deliver my dry turkey sandwich rather quickly, it arrived wrapped in plastic wrap, not on a plate, and no condiments were on the tray. Again, management in the restaurant needs to get it together a bit more.

Directly across from the pool area is the Estate Cave and wine bar and Spa Terra. This is a beautifully done architectural achievement; the entire building which house the Spa and Cave is underground...sort of. As you look across to the Spa Terra and Estate Cave entrance from the pool, you see a huge "mount," topped with a vineyard. The designers built the spa under this vineyard mound. The design provides extra privacy for the resort as well as it is be stunningly beautiful.

As you enter the Cave, itself, through two, huge heavy oak doors, the spa entrance is to your right and the Estate Cave Wine Bar is to your left; under very, high arched ceilings that do indeed make one feel as if in an ancient wine cellar. The wine bar is lovely and the staff, friendly. You do pay, however, for a "run" of tastings. If you join the Estate Cave's wine club, tastings are complimentary.

The wine itself that is offered here is varied. Five wineries are involved and the products served here. Some are impressive, like the Trinitas, 2006, Pinot Noir, some, not so much. I'm not a wine pro, but I love and drink ONLY wines; I found the offerings nice, and after a few tastes, joined the wine club! OK, so I'm easy. I don't listen so well after a bit of the grape, so, it seems I signed up for delivery of wines with each new season. Again, I'm easy. I wondered why I gave them a credit card?....

On to the Spa Terra. The Spa Terra is fabulous. I've been to spas all over the country including Pebble Beach and the Boulders in Arizona.Spa Terra stands with the best of them and, in my opinion, much nicer than the spa at Pebble Beach.

You arrive and are checked-in and escorted to the locker room. The ladies locker room at Spa Terra was beautiful with all of the usual amenities; hair dryers, lotion, shampoos, etc. are all provided, but the showers and locker room are very, very new and sparkling clean. The robes are decadent and you are escorted to my favorite place where one waits to be picked up for one's treatments; the aromatherapy relaxation room. This room is so welcoming and relaxing in multi-shades of deep greens, that I didn't want to get out of my chenille, over-stuffed chair for my massage.

I'm so glad that I did get out of my chair, however comfortable, because the massage was wonderful...in fact, in the top two of my all-time best massages. This masseuse, David, I believe, was amazing. I was left feeling invigorated, not drained, as I sometimes do feel. I heard other people rave about their massages, also. The facial, however, out of the corner of my ear, I heard was not as wonderful. (Who gets facials on vacation, anyway? That's maintenance, far as I'm concerned!)

We were encouraged by a staff member to dine at a nearby restaurant, Brix just up the road a bit, in Yountville. It was an excellent suggestion and our meal was wonderful. Brix, it seems, is a locals favorite.

I would recommend The Meritage for those who like a nicely done resort with all of the modern amenities at a reasonable price.

 

Popular Tourists Attractions

Chocolate Hills

This is the most famous tourists attraction in Bohol consisting of 1,268 haycock hills with heights ranging from 40 to 120 meters, the Chocolate Hils is a wonder of nature. The Hills are considered as a Philippine National Geological Monument. During the summer, the dome-shaped, grass-covered limestone hills dry up and turn brown transforming the areas into rows and rows of chocolate "kisses

Diving Sites

Bohol is surrounded by a large number of coral reefs, which are very rich in life, and a delight to observe, and a prime tourist attraction. Bohol is blessed with white-sand beaches and serene dive spots. Panglao Island has a number of beach resorts for sun lovers where various watersports are available. Near Panglao are the island of Balicasag and Pamilacan. Balicasag is considered as one of the best dive spots in the country. The waters of Pamilacan are brimming with schools of tuna, snappers, groupers, mackerel and surgeonfish. Dolphins and pilot whales can also be viewed from a distance.

Beaches in Bohol

Kaingit Beach, Santa Fe Beach, Anda Beach, Laya Beach, Bikini Beach, Imelda Beach, Duero Beach, Canuba Beach, Claring Beach, Lintuan Beach, Alona Beach, Doljo Beach is ideal for scuba diving, and Momo Beach is another white sand beach.

Hiking and Cycling

Bohol's numerous hills, valleys and plateaus are ideal for hiking and cycling. In Bilar, a three-kilometer man-made forest is sanctuary to the province's endangered species including the tarsier.

Hinagdanan Cave

With its breath-taking symphony of stalactites and stalagmites jutting out of the earth, the Hinagdanan Cave is certainly a sight to behold. Bring a swimsuit if you want to swim its cool springs aptly lit from above by natural skylights.

Badiang Spring

An underground freshwater spring gushes from twin pipes near the sea. The large volume of water normally flows over a waterfall but can be diverted to fill an adjacent swimming pool.

Old Churches and Other Religious Institution

One of the earliest Spanish settlements, Bohol is home to one of the country's oldest stone churches, the Baclayon Church. The legendary Dauis Church, which is just a few minutes from Tagbilaran features a fresh water well at the foot of the altar. The waters are said to be blessed with healing powers. Still another religious must-see is the Panglao Church with its marvelous ceiling murals and intricately-carved antique confessionals.

Bohol Museum

One of the homes of former President Carlos P. Garcia and his family. On display are memorabilia, relics and samples of the island's flora and fauna.

Falls

There are three popular falls in Bohol, Busay Falls, Inambacan Falls and Tontonan Falls.

 

Cebu, Philippines

Famous Tourist Attractions

Lapu-Lapu Monument

Proudly standing at Mactan Island is Lapu-Lapu's bronze form. He is the first Filipino leader to resist Spanish attempt of colonization. His statue ironically stands across the street from that of rival, Magellan.

Magellan's Cross

In 1521, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross on the very spot where the first Filipinos were baptized People started chipping off parts of the cross because of supposed supernatural powers until the city government encased it in tindalo wood and housed it in a monument. It now stands at the corner of Magallanes and Burgos streets.

Mactan Island

A coral island and famous for scuba diving, where beach resorts of international standards are located.

Badian Island

South of Cebu - Located southwest of Cebu City, famous for beautiful corals and reefs, white sandy beaches excellent for diving.

Kawasan Falls

Located in Badian, one can feel the coolness of the surrounding lush greenery of this panoramic waterfalls.

Olango Wildlife Sanctuary

Olango Island supports the largest concentration of migratory birds found so far in the country. Migration starts from the breeding places of birds in Siberia, Northern China and Japan.

Religious Image of Santo Niño

It is considered as the oldest religious relic in the Philippines. It was on April 14, 1521 that Magellan gave the image to Queen Juana as a baptismal gift. Forty-four years later, on April 27, 1565 when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived, Fr. Andres de Urdaneta who formally Christianized the Cebuanos, found the natives hostile. Legaspi himself besieged the settlement and set the village on fire. It was on one of the burnt houses that Juan Camus, a soldier, found the image of Sto. Niño unscratched. Since then, the miraculous image has been venerated by the Cebuanos as its Patron Saint.

Basilica Minor Del Santo Niño

This church was built by Miguel Lopez de Legaspi and Fr. Andres Urdaneta on the site where the image of Santo Niño was found in 1565.

Mandaue- Mactan Brigde

Built in 1972 at a cost of P65 million. This 864-meter bridge connects the islands of Mactan and Cebu. The bridge is situated on top of Busay Hills, an excellent sight seeing spot which offers a breathtaking view of Metro Cebu and the islands of Mactan and Olango.

 

Mindoro, Philippines

Tourists Destinations in Occidental Mindoro

Apo Reef National Park -UNESCO World Heritage Center

Apo Reef National Park is acclaimed as one of the best diving sites in Asia. It is a 34-kilometer reef, with a narrow channel running east to west, dividing this reef into two lagoon systems, north and south. Apo Reef is the second largest contiguous coral reef in the world and the largest one in the Philippines.

Mt. Iglit-Bacu National Park- UNESCO World Heritage Center

Mt. Iglit is one of Mindoro's reservation areas, declared as a game sanctuary for tamaraws, wild animals found nowhere else in the world. The tamaraw bears a close resemblance to the Philippine water buffalo, commonly known as carabao.

Mamburao Beach Resort

This resort is within a completely secluded cove covering 14 hectares of developed beach resort amidst coconut trees. It has a four-kilometer long light grey sand beach. The place is ideal for swimming, boating, scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, and water skiing. Water sports facilities such as glass-bottomed boat, speedboat, hobbie cat, and outrigger boats are available.

Mina de Oro Beach Resort

This resort serves as a jump-off point to other attractions of the island of Ilin. There are ancient burial caves of early Chinese traders, ethnic fishing villages, and numerous dive sites from which to view many tropical fishes.

Ambulong Island

The 3,000-hectare Ambulong Island is one of the three islands found in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. It is characterized by white sand beaches, cliffs along pillars jutting out of the water, and underwater caves. Coral gardens and tropical fish are abundant in several coves.

Ilin Island

Ilin Island is the biggest among the group of islands located in San Jose. It lies between San Jose and Ambulong Island. The area abounds in shells which can be obtained inexpensively on the island.

Lubang Island

It was in this island where a Japanese soldier named Hiroo Onoda was found in 1974. He surrendered as a prisoner of war after 30 years of hiding in the mountains. Another Captain of the Japanese Imperial Army, Fumio Nakahira, held out for another six years before being discovered in April 1980 at Mt. Halcon in Mindoro.

Ambil Island

An interesting attraction of Ambil is the scenic Besay Falls.It features a series of waterfalls, each cascading into a crystal clear basin, about five meters in diameter.

Pandan Grande Island

Pandan Grande Island is a 30-hectare islet surrounded by a white sand beach. This beautiful little coral islet is located with snorkeling distance from a submarine drop-off, inhabited by schools of reef.

White Island

It has an almost mile-long beach with smooth and powdery white sand. The tranquil and peaceful island is an ideal place for swimming, scuba diving and fishing. Turtle eggs are occasionally found buried in the sand and visitors are cautioned to keep them undisturbed.

Enjoy your stay in these beautiful islands of the The Pear of the Orient-Philippines.

Luxury and the Caribbean are a perfect fit. No matter which Caribbean island is visited, vacationers are sure to find world-class service and amenities; everything needed to live in ultimate comfort and serenity. Below are the best of the best when it comes to ultimate luxury in the Caribbean:

The Atlantis Resort, Bahamas

This Caribbean luxury resort resting on the island of Bahamas is based on the mythical city of Atlantis that sunk in the bottom of the sea, and the mythology is incorporated in the making of the resort. The Atlantis comes equipped with fantasy underwater attractions; 15 underwater chambers, an aquarium where guests can view sharks, jellyfish and an array of aquatic and marine life.

The Atlantic Resort boasts 2300 rooms each with a view of the ocean. Many guests flock here every year to experience service like no other. Suites feature the latest in technology and opulence and the spacious layout of each suite makes the cost well worth it. Rooms at The Atlantis range between US$420 to US$2,693 per night.

Dining at the Atlantis Resort offers everything to tantalize your taste buds. Guests can choose from a selection of food that ranges from gourmet delights offered by Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill or the best eatery from renowned restaurant, Nobu, to an express food service. The Caribbean luxury resort has 22 restaurants, 20 bars and lounges and serves casual food as well as buffet style food.

For a little fun in the sun, this Caribbean luxury resort has two white sand beaches: Paradise Beach and Paradise Lagoon beach. Guests can also enjoy swimming, parasailing, snorkeling, gambling or hitting the Mandara spa for a little relaxation on their Caribbean luxury vacation.

Four Seasons, Nevis

The accolade of a five diamond rating doesn't come easy. The highest rating the AAA gives for resorts has been achieved by The Four Seasons on the beautiful island of Nevis. Guests to this Caribbean luxury resort are personally greeted by staff and escorted to their rooms upon arriving. Once in their rooms a spacious paradise greets them. Equipped with high tech gadgets and a decor that reflects European charm with flair of Caribbean elegance, each room comes with a view of the ocean or the mountains and starts at US$695 per night.

There is an award-winning spa, white sand beaches, and many water activities. This 196 room Caribbean luxury retreat boasts an 18-hole golf course, horseback riding on the beach, and succulent Caribbean dishes to die for.

Parrot Cay Resort and Spa, Turks and Caicos

This little slice of heaven is a sanctuary for vacationers who value their privacy. Known for its seclusion, this Caribbean luxury resort has played host to many VIPs and celebrities such as Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and Paul McCartney, and even to pirates who once used its seclusion as a hideout in the 17th century.

With three miles of white sand beach, Parrot Cay is perfect for basking in the sun, swimming and doing whatever you want. Everything you need to make your Caribbean luxury vacation a treasured experience.

There are 38 places of accommodation at Parrot Cay, from one to three bedrooms villas that can go to as much as US$10,000 per night, rooms starting at US$315 per night, beach house properties (US$1,800) or one bedroom suites starting at US$900 per night.

Enjoy fine dining at the Como Shambhala retreat where guests can also participate in yoga and other therapeutic treatments.

Winner of 2007's Ultimate Butler Award, Parrot Cay is as much as Caribbean luxury vacation spot as it is a real tourist magnet. With the various activities and resort facilities available, guests never want to leave this secluded beauty. Mark the Parrot Cay Resort on your map whenever you feel like taking a luxury vacation in the Caribbean.

Half Moon Golf, Tennis and Beach Resort, Jamaica

Sitting on 400 acres of perfectly manicured grounds, Half Moon in tourist hotspot Montego Bay is the ideal Caribbean luxury vacation spot. Half Moon boasts 51 swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course, a spa, six gourmet restaurants, shops, spacious accommodations and the best of Montego Bay's white sand beaches, so you can rest assured that there will be no shortness of luxury in this Caribbean resort.

Accommodations at Half Moon include 47 guest rooms, 174 suites and 32 villas, each decorated to reflect the architectural history of the island, blending old-world European charm with the bold prints and colors of modern Caribbean decorating. These luxurious accommodations come complete with a view of the garden or ocean and many other luxurious features. Rooms start at US$205 per night and villas start at US$1,175 per night depending on the season and the type of villa in which you choose to vacation.

Ritz Carlton, US Virgin Island

This Caribbean luxury resort found on the island of St. Thomas is east of Puerto Rico and rests on 15 acres of beautifully landscapes lawns. Accommodations at the 180-room Caribbean luxury resort start at US$1800 per night and may come complete with the latest technology, a king- sized or double bed, marble bathroom and even a telescope for stargazing, depending on the type of room you book.

The Caribbean luxury resort features haute cuisine, tennis, golf, sailing, scuba diving and an amazing spa service among countless others. This is definitely a place to visit on your luxury trip to the Caribbean.

Sandy Lane, Barbados

Sandy Lane is the ultimate Caribbean luxury resort found in St. James, Barbados. Resting on 800 acres of a former plantation, the driveway to this Caribbean treasure is often lined with the finest chauffeured cars. Sandy Lane features a state-of-the-art spa that offers hydrotherapy, meditation and yoga.

A non-stop amusement spot, Sandy Lane has myriad activities for adults and children that range from sailing to golfing

There are 112 luxury rooms and suites at the resort, averaging a spacious 900 square feet and boasting a plasma flat screen. A stay at this Caribbean luxury resort is least expensive in the summer with an average of US$1500 per night, but it increases to US$1800 and US$2000 in the fall and winter respectively.

So whenever you want to be treated like royalty in a setting that is a real class act to say the least, the luxury resorts of the Caribbean is where you need to be.

Only 40minutes drive either side of Queenstown and Wanaka, this quiet valley encompasses a prime position of being half way between two major holiday tourist towns and four popular ski resorts. Popular by name these resorts are Cardrona Alpine, Treble Cone, Snowpark NZ and Snowfarm NZ. This sleepy town could be easily missed but for those who are enlightened they will find it is worth stopping in at simply for its sleepy charm and peaceful surroundings.

This small village was originally a hustle and bustle of horse draw carts, gold mining activities, small Chinese stores, hotels and the center of trade for the butchery industry within the Central Otago area. Inhabited by settlers in the early 1860's the small town began to grow as gold was found in the meandering fresh water streams and extracted from within the hills. The town's population remained stable through five key gold mining phases eventually subsiding to a few local residents once the mining era was over. A lot of the town's buildings were collapsed leaving only a few original buildings remaining.

Cardrona Valley is now currently home to one of New Zealand's oldest pubs providing a historical focus for the valley and its people. The Cardrona Hotel is an iconic hotel that entails a rustic charm offering a warm open fire place and hearty cuisine. After going through extensive refurbishment in 2002 the Cardrona Hotel stands as a historical après destination offering modern facilities and traditional hospitality with quality and affordable accommodation. Accommodation prices ranges from between $135.00 - $185.00 depending on the time of the season. Popular throughout winter and summer the Cardrona Hotel is also a surreal and idyllic venue for wedding functions and events.

Situated behind New Zealand's highest highway via the Crown Range, it is the location of this valley that truly makes it a unique experience. Not only are you tucked into a winter wonderland during the snow season but you are also exposed to the tracks and trails that inhibit Cardrona's dry rural mountain range. This tussock and rock country is what gives Southern New Zealand its true rugged experience. To take you there are a number of options including tramping, 4wheel driving, hunting, gaming, mountain biking and horse trekking. A popular choice for families is the Back Country Saddle Expeditions located at the far end of the Cardrona Valley. The trail combines high alpine country views, fascinating small gorges and canyons and the ruins of mining huts, gold panning races and sluices and costs NZ $175.00 per person including lunch.

Cardrona Valley is not only surrounded with the ambience of the Central Otago Region but is also surrounded by wine country that entertains extravagant award winning vineyards and quality retreats and lodges. For those who wish to taste the local wines Queenstown Wine Trails offer relaxed daily wine tours for around NZ $120.00 per person leaving from central Queenstown.

For those who wish to wonder abroad there is the opportunity to experience the tranquil and breathtaking sights of New Zealand wetlands in Milford Sound. Scenic flight tours are a spectacular way to view the Milford Sound and Fiordland areas. Flight packages range from between NZ $350.00 to NZ $800.00 per person. If you wish to get out on foot and walk around you can take a day tour out to the West Coast to visit the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. The Glaciers offer a stunning and magnificent display of active ice that grows approximately 30 meters every year flowing into temperate New Zealand rainforests. The West Coast takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach by car or bus where as the Milford Sounds take approximately 5 hours.

For those who want to get involved the local area invites you to participate in a variety of activities for both the adrenaline seekers and the relaxed. Activities range from golf, fishing, camping, mountain biking, hiking, horse riding, snowmobiling, four wheel driving, paragliding, skiing and much, much more. The best part about participating in these activities is that you get to do all this whilst surrounded by magnificent mountain ranges and crystal blue glacier lakes.

The Cardrona Valley includes not only a destination but a place where you can create a magical experience from the time you arrive until the time you depart. There are a few ways of getting to Cardrona Valley and one of those is the beautiful scenic flight into Queenstown International Airport landing adjacent to the famous Remarkable Mountain Range. From there it is easy to catch an airport shuttle up into the valley climbing over 400m of rugged rural landscape via the mountainous Crown Range. The airport shuttle costs the average visitor around NZ $25.00 including luggage. Surrounded by snow and beautiful mountain scenery it is then time to settle into Cardrona for the night and plan the exciting and paramount activities for the days ahead. For entertainment head to the Cardrona Pub, the only original Cardrona Restaurant and Bar from the gold mining era. Here you can relax and enjoy the extensive wide range of local and imported beer and wine along with the innovative and tasty range of meals

Due to the popularity of the Hotel and its central location the Cardrona Valley is growing in demand and numbers. To cope with this demand it is currently on the path to re-designing itself towards an international ski village complete with accommodation, shopping, dinning and entertainment. Plans and visions are being put together by the local ratepayers association along with local investors and entrepreneurs.

The most recent edition to the Cardrona Valley and in harmony with the Cardrona vision is the luxurious Benbrae Cardrona Valley Resort. Complete in 2006 these modern studios and villas are architecturally designed for quality comfort with amenities that allow for a total retreat in comfort. Nestled amongst the stunning landscape is a beautiful outdoor pool and Jacuzzi with adjacent BBQ, fire brazier and bar. Accommodation prices range from NZ $150.00 to NZ $400.00 per night depending on the size of the unit.

There are numerous exciting features and attractions at Atlantis, however one of the most compelling is the art, which is found at every turn: in landscape designs, paintings, color schemes, architecture and sculptures.

The art of Atlantis is as much a part its mystique as the Marine Habitat, the Aquaventure or the Mayan Temple. And of all the art found on Atlantis, the artistic hand of the sculptor seems to have left one of the most lasting impressions.

Because the stunning public sculptures seem synonymous with Atlantis' theme, on this trip, that is where we will aim our focus.

The Architectural Sculptures

There are six residential towers and a resort at Atlantis that range from the Beach Towers, which is the oldest, to The Cove, the newest. The most lavish accommodations are found at The Royal Towers, which includes:

• The Great Hall of Waters

  Located off the lobby of The Royal Towers The Great Hall of Waters is characterized mainly by... water. An aquarium wraps around a part of the area; there are pools; and gushing fountains that soar up several stories.

• The Dig

  The famous aquarium is partly located on the lower level of the Great Hall of Waters and underneath the Royal Towers lobby. Connecting passageways and chambers wend through what are the simulated ruins of the city of Atlantis. Approximately 20,000 deep reef fish swim on both sides of the passage, and in certain areas, they swim in the waters above the heads of visitors.

• The Casino

  Lavishly designed as buildings representing a Mayan Temple of the Sun and a Temple of the Moon, all set to the music of about 1,000 clanging slot machines.

• The Bridge Suite

  Located in the connecting bridge of The Royal Towers this suite rents for $25,000 per night, requires a 4-night stay, and has a five year waiting list.

Aside from the sculpted pieces designed and built around and even into the architecture, The Royal Towers, when viewed from a distance, might be said to resemble a gorgeous sculpture.

The Royal Towers in Early Evening Light

And then, there are the massive doors opening onto the lobby of The Royal Towers with its bas relief figures and symbols.

Entrance Doors to The Royal Towers

The entire Royal Towers lobby is an unbelievable work of art. From the paintings to the sculpted posts, and a gold scalloped ceiling, there's a continuation of the marine theme.

The Royal Towers Lobby

Sculptures such as Sea Horses, the Dolphins and other sea creatures represent a marine life theme frequently and beautifully repeated in the architecture and almost every aspect of the property.

Sea Horse Sculpture

Twin Dolphins

The Casino

This is the only casino in the world built above a body of water. The lavish and elegant gaming area is designed around replicas of two Mayan temples representing a Temple of the Sun and a Temple of the Moon. The towering glass sun and moon radiate from atop the temples, which stands at key locations in the casino. A third piece, Crystal Gate stands impressively at the casino's entrance.

One of the world's greatest glass blowers, Dale Chihuly was commissioned to lead the team that crafted these massive and magnificent sculptures. The sculptures were commissioned at one million dollars each. Later, Chihuly would add a fourth piece, the Atlantis chandelier.

• Temple of the Sun

  More than 2,300 red, yellow, and orange elements radiates like a fiery sun.

• Temple of the Moon

  Cobalt blue and opalescent white glass globe glows as the light of a rising moon.

• Crystal Gate

  A tower of glittering crystal that rises 20 feet into the air welcomes visitors to the casino.

• Atlantis Chandelier

  An elegant chandelier in shades of gold, silver and amethyst displaying a wild array of glass that suggests figures of jellyfish, anemones, tentacles of squid , seaweed and more.

Temple of the Moon

Temple of the Sun

Dragon Statue at entrance to Dragon's Disco in casino

These are just a fraction of the many interesting and beautiful public sculptures that grace Atlantis. Not included are the sculpted fountains, and the many additional pieces located around the property. Next trip, a look at the incredible fountains of Atlantis.

Getting to the Great Wolf Lodge was easy. The Great Wolf Lodge is located next to King's Island amusement park, so my family was clearly aware of how to get there.

Upon arrival, we took delight in the whimsical look of the building. The Great Wolf Lodge appears to be created from enormous Lincoln Logs. My children were amazed by this fact.

As we entered the building, we saw stuffed animals hanging on the walls to achieve an authentic look of the lodge. A magnificent chandelier was in the main lobby. This fabulous light fixture was accentuated by antlers. The fireplace gave the Great Wolf Lodge a warm, cozy feel.

Starbucks were giving away free samples of products. The item tasted great. This vanilla frappuccino reminded me of a cool, refreshing vanilla shake. This really got us in the mood for summer.

Instead of the bone-chilling temperatures of outside, we shedded our coats and sweaters and traded them for our swimsuits. The entire family headed off to the indoor water park at the Great Wolf Lodge. The water was a little cooler than I personally preferred, but this warm atmosphere was beautiful compared to the flurries outside the window. The indoor water park at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Ohio was extremely clean. The staff were very friendly and helpful. I appreciated the fact that the staff kept safety first, but were not constantly hovering over shoulders blowing the loud whistles to get attention.

My only gripe about the indoor water park was that there was not much room to set down your towels or a bag of personal items in the area during the busy time. By the end of the evening, the towels were gone. A brief wait presented us with warm towels, but our family of six had to share and ration three towels. Guests may want to bring their own towels and store them in a locker for a slight fee to reduce this issue.

The hotel also offered shops, restaurants, and an arcade. The children loved the large arcade area. Of course, we played some games and cashed in our tickets for the usual prizes. One item I liked, was that the children could color a free page from the website to receive two free tokens to the arcade. The kids enjoyed the project and daydreaming about the vacation and parents get a couple of free tokens for the children to spend.

The hotel provided story time for kids at 8:00 PM and a movie at 8:30. My older children weren't too impressed with story time, but my five year old son was glued to the presentation. This was a nice way to end the evening for the little ones.

The movie was in the symposium of the hotel. At first, the projector was not working properly, but the staff quickly resolved the issue. We ended the evening before the Muppet movie was over and headed back to our family suite.

The room was spacious for a family of six. The large, comfortable beds were clean and cozy for all. The bathroom was spotless, but the toilet paper left something to be desired.

Our room was fully equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, safe, hairdryer, and ironing board. We appreciated the microwave and refrigerator feature. The refrigerator was perfect for storing leftovers from a nearby restaurant and the microwave made snacking easy and convenient. The hotel sells items such as candy and microwave popcorn for customer convenience.

The Great Wolf Lodge turned out to be a great place for the family. We all had a great time. We will not only cherish the memories of this fun trip to the Great Wolf Lodge, but already anxiously awaiting a return trip in the future.

Hard Rock Cafes, Beach bars, Banging Nightclubs, Irish Bars just every type of themed and intriguing pub and club you could think off!! Paceville neighbours Party Village Bay Street. This newly built Party Complex is a must for all party goers, live mixes, roaring nightclubs, busy restaurants, and a jam packed beach is the daily scene here. The Cinema Complex and Bowling alley making this area Heaven in many people's eyes. The newly built shopping arcade itself is a reason to visit this area.

And then you travel just 10 minutes down the road, finding amazing family orientated night scenes baring karaoke bars and games rooms to entertain the younger tourists whilst the older tourists can relax and have a refreshing drink. Maltese laws state that Children under the age of 16 are allowed to stay in bars, most clubs and restaurants till closing hours. This being an advantage as there is nothing restricting the family from having as much fun as possible whilst on the Islands. A big family resort area in Malta is Buggibba, Buggibba is ideal for all families for numerous reasons. To start off, Buggibba is situated near the sea-literally 20m away from most hotels in the area. The beaches are both sandy and rocky in the area, to tend to Everybody's needs. There are also many shops in the area, from local souvenir shops to clothes shops, jewellers and mini markets! All of these open till past 10pm daily.

The area is inundated with restaurants of all types, Indian, Italian, Mexican, Turkish, Maltese anything you desire. Many restaurants are made with children in mind, having games rooms, and child play areas. Then other restaurants are adult orientated. Games Arenas are scattered throughout Buggibba, featuring Pool Tables, Air Hockey Machines, and many Arcade games, All are supervised, and many have their own bars. The Pubs in Buggibba are Great places to meet new people or just have a quiet Drink. With or without Children. Music is always playing, many times being live acts. There is still the Nightclub scene in Buggibba, open till the early hours of the morning. Yet again appealing to all natures of audiences. Cinema Complexes and Bowling Alleys are situated 5mins away from the promenade. The Great advantage with this Town is that it is right next to Gozo, and numerous boat trips leave from Buggibba to Gozo, Comino, and St Pauls Island. These all being must do expeditions for the area. The area is ideal for walking, large pavements, for safety, pedestrian only areas. The People in Buggibba and throughout Malta in general always make you feel happy and welcome.-They do not understand the meaning of the word rude, or impolite.

For the More mature people there are towns like Sliema and St Julians. Quieter holiday resorts, still packed with everything you could need to have an amazing night out, just quieter, more relaxing, and the cherry on the cake being that this harbour town overlooks the capital city, and at both day and night, this stunning view itself, is one of a kind. St Julians is home to the Portomaso Resort, -The Hilton Malta. This is the home to numerous celebrities including Paul Scholes.

A new Complex that has been Built in Malta is the Malta Waterfront. This stunning complex is a restored Victorian fish Market, on the outskirts of the capital city home to many amazing new Restaurants and Bars including the Hard Rock Bar ,a quiet, elegant, yet moderately priced complex, walking the waterfront is yet again another beautiful view in itself. This area is where a hovercraft departs Daily for Trips to and from Sicily, taking you on excursions(if you wish) to Places like mount Etna, and the city of Taormina.-Which from my personal experience I can tell you are beautiful.

Maybe it isn't a drink that you want? Maybe you are looking for a game of bingo to play? Or some activities on the beach to finish of an amazing day? These are all typical activities taking place on nearly all beaches in Malta on a Daily basis. On every beach you will find numerous beach bars and open restaurants. These venues offer entertainment every night. And let's be Blunt, it's Cheap!!!! Not all children like playing Bingo though, and sometimes children just want to stand up, run around, play football; basically just entertain themselves in their own way .That's why beach bars are amazing. Long Golden stretches of sand, loads of space for children to entertain themselves, under your watchful eye, whilst enjoying the game of bingo, or the local performances put up for your entertainment. The beaches themselves have many events running, for example barbecues and beach sports. Sometimes local village groups organise barbecues on the beach that everyone can go to for a small fee in the range of £4 per person. Another experience lovely to be a part of on your holiday to Malta.

The amazing thing about all these resorts is that they are all different, this is a few of them only. There are tons, including Mellieha, St Pauls Bay, Bahar ic-Caq and Qawra. Some people want to relax on holiday, and get sleep at night, in Malta you can, without Vibrations through your Bed from the Nightclubs. The loud Party areas are divided away from the quieter resort areas, and the local villages; comfort always comes first in Malta.
For more information about Malta, please check out my other articles, regarding different aspects of Malta, from History, to beautiful beaches themselves.

When you talk about style, in the context of cities that fit best into it, there are definitely a good number that must not be left unturned, from the bubbly night life of New York, to the surreal seas of Malaysia.

Let's begin our little tour with the enchanting midnight sun, while sailing along the coast of Alaska. Watch thousands of seabirds spend most of their time searching for food, in a fairytale-like manner, in the marine waters, and come ashore only to rest and breed. Cruise the inside passages magnificently adorned with glaciers, rugged shore lines and abundant wildlife habitat featuring humpback orcas and sperm whales, sea lions and otters. Enjoy a river rafting adventure in Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve.A tour around the Alaskan coastline would not be complete without a long close look at the so many islands abound.

The forbidden city of China is a must see. For those that have doubts about one of the developing yet developed countries of the world, a visit to this ancient city will give you a feeling of something magical in the air. Standing within its 10meter high wall, and above its six meter deep moat, surrounded by some 9,999 buildings, reminds one of being a 'chess pun' placed in a "domino" town... awesome! The amazing colour diversity in this town, ranging from yellow, to bright red, to sky blue, to pale green and more, make the royal architectural wonders abound a beautiful and picturesque sight.

Take the warm and friendly scenery of the streets of Bangkok. As rural as it might seem, what more adventure could there be, without the warmness and hospitality of a people so rich in cultural heritage. They are so keen on advertising their variety of recipes, that as late as 9pm tourists flock round the food stalls, whether hungry or not. Try eating their chilli sauces on chicken and chips, and you will never go hungry again.

The Incredible India - a quick visit to the Delhi capital, and you might just once consider relocating. Armed with a camera the pictures you would take there, could land you a place on the "Times" magazine. Keep an eye on the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, Jantar Mantar, and of course, the ever beautiful, so domineering Taj Mahal. India the home land of Bollywood, also has a reputation of very fun filled and colourful night life.

Malaysia, the land of millions of colours, is another beautiful place to be.

Tour the countries island of Penang very popular for its great food and the 2 famous heritage trails which include beautiful sights like Fort Cornwallis, Khoo Kongsi and the Goddess of Mercy Temple, and for more fun and relaxation, asides the roads, head over to the Pasir Panjang beach, get your family together, and take part in the white water rafting adventures and feel the cool touch of nature as you bump along the clear river, with its cascading rapids.

Rome, is a land of history making in itself adorned with wonders and unfathomable beauty. Must sees are the Vatican museum and the Sistine Chapel, especially if you have a keen eye for the "arts", and St Peter's Basilica. Feast your eyes by indulging yourself in a 3 hour walking tour, and have the whole of history, written on the back of your mind.

Cities I must not fail to mention are London, with its rich and conservative prowess, the all bubbly never-ending night life and the well documented details of history, written upon every stone wall, Paris, the land of romance, Venice, and so many more.

Now, I begin to wonder, can the most stylish cities in the world be numbered? Oh no, they are everywhere, and I believe there still are lots more undiscovered.