There are the notable beaches in the Bahamas, a famous tourist destination for people who seek clear waters and hospitable accommodations. There are also the notorious beaches in the Philippines, most famous of it is Boracay. It is the ultimate beach and party destination that most travelers would enjoy. Usually it is one of the main reasons why tourists visit the Philippines. The fine white sand and the clear blue sea mixed with the party atmosphere differentiates Boracay from any other place in the world. Yes indeed, these places define the beauty and experience of how a beach should be. These characteristics of beaches make them so uniquely special for travelers and locals alike.

For others, mountain ranges are what they prefer instead of taking a dip in the sea. For some travelers or tourists, there is nothing more remarkable than reaching a high place. These travelers prefer to make a long and challenging climb to the top of mountains than just swimming or sunbathing in beaches.

There is a wonderful feeling when one reaches the top of a mountain. The air is different and the accomplishment is more spectacular than any other usual accomplishment. Some prefer the mountains because there is more peace on the top. The sight of being on top of almost everything that surrounds the place, somehow creates a feeling of fulfillment. One of the most infamous mountains that presents such a delightful is the Alps.

Another mountain that defines everything and seems to be figuratively and literally as the top of the world is Mt. Everest. Reaching the peak of this mountain is one of the rarest accomplishments that a man can ever accomplish.

For tourists, whether be it mountain or beach, the purpose of traveling is to find enjoyment in places that bring out the beauty of nature. Travel the world, seek the beauty in nature and appreciate it, there is a lot to the world that people take for granted.

That's when we discovered the British West Indies and a fabulous group of eight Caribbean islands called Turks and Caicos. Covering some 193 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean and located 575 miles southeast of Miami in the Bahamas, these islands boast sugar white sandy beaches complimented by crystal clear waters, one of the longest coral reefs in the world and are renowned as one of the world's best diving destinations. We decided on the island of Providenciales, affectionately known by those who know, as “Provo”. Flying from Miami, we picked up a twin prop “puddle jumper” and in one short hour, arrived in paradise found.

Our first destination was the Beach Club, a family oriented establishment in various stages of apparent disrepair and teaming with squealing children on a mission. Maybe, if you're looking for a family vacation, this is perfectly adequate. We were relieved that our cottage was clean, insect, lizard and rodent free, and there was a decent family style beach front restaurant. But you would have to know Heather and I to understand why it just wasn't up to our expectations. I know that one shouldn't judge the quality of their vacation by their hotel room; you're not going to be there most of the time anyhow! But there's something just wrong about coming “home” to a less than charismatic vacation place, especially when it wasn't exactly inexpensive!

On the second morning of our Provo adventure, we had gone for a 2 mile run up the beach. We came upon a beautiful palm thatched beach front bar, and stopped in for something tall and cold. It turns out, the bar was attached to a luxury condominium resort called “Grace Bay Villas”. This was where things got interesting…

I have to admit, my daughter is a knockout. A 23 year old college student, blonde haired, blue eyed, long-legged, outspoken, and a part time model, she immediately attracted the attention of the attendant concierge, or as he liked to be called, the Real Estate Manager. He offered to take Heather on a guided tour of the facility, and of course, I tagged along for good measure. The first stop was the lobby, where we were immediately offered some rum punch as we browsed their brochure. Just then, the REM was summoned off to take care of a pressing business issue, so what the heck, would we have another glass of rum punch? Sure, OK! And yet one more glass of that delicious rum punch, a small measure of patience and 45 minutes later, we did get “le gran tour” and it was well worth the wait.

The villas at Grace Bay have a fabulous ocean front location and are well appointed and well maintained. Each villa is equipped with a full gourmet kitchen, cable TV, internet access, room service, daily cleaning and linen service and of course, the snap-of-your-fingers and anticipatory “whatever you think you may need or want” concierge service, which is part of the package as well. There are two beautiful pools, lush tropical gardens, tennis courts and beach front massage kiosks. While the villas are for sale and many of them are occupied by full time residents, there are others that can be rented on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. So you have to know what our next question was, right?? And as fate would have it, there just so happened to be one villa available, beach front and ocean level - I swear I wanted to sell my house back in the states and just buy it and never go home! More rum punch anyone? We moved in that afternoon having finally found an appropriate home away from home - for the next 8 days, anyhow.

The on-site restaurants are five stars, offering a complimentary full course breakfast bar each morning, pasta, sandwiches and salads at lunch, and an excellent selection of steak, seafood, specialty dishes and premium wines on the dinner menu. The bar is beach front and beautiful, and the bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly. There is live entertainment each evening and there was a fabulous New Years Eve party on our last night. Despite all this, it was NOT the best part of our stay at Grace Bay. The very best part was being absolutely spoiled rotten by the friendly and attentive staff, who greeted us by name on sight. There was no activity we could dream up that they couldn't accommodate. The drill was: think of something you want to do, call the front desk and tell them, come up to the lobby and have a glass of that famous rum punch while they bring the car around, and voile, they whisk you off to your destination in one of their new Lincoln town cars! They are actually insulted if you call a taxi! The clincher for me was the day we went on a conch diving trip, got off the boat wet and sandy and toting our conch shells, and there was a driver waiting to take us home, no shower necessary. Let all those other guys take the bus, right? Yeah!

Now that you know where to stay while on Provo, there are many activities on the island, ranging from the more adventurous hiking, snorkel or dive trips, an ecotour of the estuary, a boat trip to Iguana Island, horseback riding on the beach, beachside sailboat rentals or parasailing, and lots of shopping in the quaint local stores. Or, you can always venture over to the famous Palms Hotel for a day at their world class spa where, for $550.00 give or take a few, you can get an early morning yoga class, an amazing massage with a banana leaf wrap and a salt scrub plus a manicure, and a pedicure (believe it or not this takes most of the day). There are also many great local restaurants and pubs within walking distance of Grace Bay. The locals speak English, are friendly and helpful, and the crime rate is virtually non-existent. Then there is one of my personal pastime favorites, reading a book in a lounge chair, on your very own beach front veranda. The very thought of it brings a smile to my face.

Is there a downside to this secluded and amazing vacation spot? I guess that depends on your budget. Our villa was $1000.00 per night, but when you weigh that against the $5,000.00 tab for the same stay at The Beach Club, it doesn't seem so unreasonable. After all, how often do you go on vacation? And, oh yeah, if you're looking for a mega-mall, you may have to wait until you get back to Miami.

Bon Voyage!

Special features:

• Private Jacuzzi
• Internet Wifi connection
• Mini bar
• Plasma Tv
• Soundproof

The Penthouse suite at Hotel Martinez is located in Cannes, France. For $37,200 per night, guests can have a luxurious stay at Hotel Martinez. The penthouse suite has very beautiful views of the Mediterranean. Famous celebrities who have stayed in this suite were Elton John and Elizabeth Taylor.

PRESIDENT WILSON HOTEL: Royal Penthouse Suite for $35,000/night

Special features:

• Private Elevator
• Bulletproof doors and windows
• Mini bar
• Internet Wifi service

The Royal Penthouse suite at President Wilson Hotel is located in Geneva, Switzerland. It has spectacular views of Lake Geneva and the alps. Not every one can stay in this royal floor because it is only reserved for Head of states and celebrities. For $35,000 a night, they will enjoy a contemporary style hotel suite and full security. The famous politician who stayed here is former U.S President Woodrow Wilson.

GRAND RESORT LAGONISSI: Royal Villa for $34,088/night

Special features:

• Private Coastline
• Indoor Pool
• Outdoor heated pool
• Billiard table
• Private Gym
• Equipped Kitchen

The Royal Villa at Grand Resort Lagonissi is located in Athens, Greece. The picture says it all. It has spectacular views of the mountains and sea. The resort villa is definitely exclusive for the rich and famous with a whopping rate of $34,088 per night.

BURJ AL ARAB: Royal Suite for $ 28,000/night

Special features:

• Private Cinema
• Private Elevator
• Marble and Gold Staircase
• Rolls Royce BMW or helicopter as transport

Burj Al Arab is located in United Arab Emirates. There are no rooms in this hotel, just suites. It is the world's tallest hotel and is already an international landmark. For as little as $2,274.05, one can already stay for a night in one of their suites. The most expensive suite is the Royal Suite with a rate of $28,000 per night / 4 adults and 2 kids only. Former U.S President Bill Clinton has stayed here.

THE ATLANTIS: The Atlantis Bridge Suite for $25,000/night

Special features:

• Kitchen
• Lots of gold decors
• Bar lounge
• Entertainment center

The Atlantis Bridge Suite at The Atlantis is located on top of a bridge that connects the two Royal Towers buildings at Paradise Island, Bahamas. It overlooks the entire marina and resort. It is definitely a one of a kind hotel suite experience. Some famous guests in the suite included Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Donald Trump and Michael Jordan.

The island of the Bahamas was first inhabited around 600 and 800 ad by the Lucayans which arrived from Cuba and Hispaniola. These Indians called this area Baja Mar which means shallow seas in Spanish.

The Lucayans met with Columbus on his first voyage in 1492, on the island of San Salvador. This is where Columbus traded foods and native spices.

After Columbus's landfall in the New World, slave traders captured the Lucayans to work at gold mines in Hispaniola. The other Lucayans died from disease by the European's measles and influenza, and by 1515 the entire population of the Lucayans had deceases.

The islands where then uninhabited until 1647, when Englishmen from Bermuda settled on Eleuthera.

The Bahamas were eventually crowned by Brittan in 1718 and where inhabited by loyalists from New York, Florida, and the Carolinas.

The country of the Bahamas is an independent country that is part of The Commonwealth of the Nations.

The commonwealth of the nation is an organization that shares economic background and has equal interaction with each other. The president of this organization is The Queen of the United Kingdom.