Lizard Island (A place of timeless natural beauty rich in history and spirit)

This boutique Island resort is ‘one of one’ with a stylish and relaxed charm that is set to captivate and delight.

Dining is one of Lizard’s many pleasures… Share the panoramic coastal views while dining seated on the broad sweeping verandah, or enjoy an intimate dinner beachside in a private marquee. The menu is fresh, creative and contemporary – appealing in every respect.The Pavillion at Lizard Island holds ancient secrets and embraces a total harmony between health, beauty and nature. Allow yourself to be captivated by the pavillions earthy ambience… Indulge in the serenity of the spa and delight in total relaxation or enjoy the gym for active workouts.
Imagine beaches so pristine, so untouched, that yours are the only footsteps in the sand…. You’ll discover the beaches of your dreams on Lizard Island and delight in exploring them on foot or by motorised dinghy. Take a gourmet picnic lunch and find a private beach to enjoy. White sands meet crystal clear waters and below the surface a myriad of colour and life awaits discovery. Snokellers are rewarded for little effort, coral gardens, brightly coloured tropical fish and giant clams are a few of Lizard Island’s magical underwater sights.

Discover the variety of diving and snorkelling attractions that have made Lizard Island an international favourite. From coral gardens to the dramatic channel drop-offs and the famous ‘Cod Hole’ with its friendly residents, the Great Barrier Reef offers beauty beyond belief.

Hotel Amenities
-Overview
This premier resort off the coast of North Queensland is also a national park that features an idyllic lagoon and numerous vanilla sand beaches. Asian-influenced accommodations bespeak serene coastal chic
- stylish villas, suites and guestrooms all offer a private deck, balcony or veranda and superb sea views. Here you’ll be treated to full-spectrum hospitality as you enjoy a true reef encounter. The ocean calls with snorkeling in a garden of giant clams and renowned scuba diving at the world famous Cod Hole, where you’ll come face to face with a massive potato cod that swims right up to inspect you. Learn the true meaning of “seclusion” with a picnic lunch on a private beach. Set out on a magnificent walk and glimpse a monitor, the lizard after which the island was named. Explore the surrounding waters in a catamaran, then be touched by a massage at the Azure Spa.

-Restaurants and Amenities
-Osprey’s Restaurant, breakfast, lunch, dinner, local seafood, tropical fruits, menu changes daily, picnic hampers available
-Bar, lounge, Austrailian wines, liqueurs, spirits
-Beach, , water sports, surfing, glass bottom boat trips, catamarans, motorized dinghies, deepwater diving, snorkeling available
-Guided nature walks
-Freshwater pool
-Book, games room
- Azure Spa, range of treatments, massages, gymnasium
-Tennis court, night/day
-Island boutique
-Guest departure lounge, television, Internet access
- Meeting rooms
-Concierge, laundry service, safe deposit boxes, fax, currency exchange, postal service, first aid clinic
-Child Policy
Children 13 and older are allowed
Location
- Lizard Island is the northernmost Great Barrier Reef resort, 27 km off the Queensland coast, 240 km, north of Cairns
- Regular flights are available from all Australian capital cities to Lizard Island (LZR) daily via Cairns, CNS
Room Amenities
-Room Descriptions
Anchor Bay Room: Located in a tropical garden setting with easy access to Anchor Bay and the beach, Anchor Bay Rooms have a private balcony with hammock. Interiors are compact but comfortable. Family Rooms offer two separate sleeping areas.

Anchor Bay Suite: Set in a broad sweeping arc along Anchor Bay, with easy access to the main Lodge, Anchor Bay Suites offer captivating sea views and each has a pathway leading directly to the beach. Seamlessly blending indoors and out in an elegant and spacious open plan design, a large verandah with daybed is one of the many designer comforts.
Sunset Point Villa: Sunset Point Villas are set high on Sunset Ridge amongst native eucalyptus bushland. Providing filtered sea views over Anchor Bay or Sunset Beach, these Villas offer privacy and easy access to a string of secluded beaches. Each Villa has a private deck with comfortable Australian timber squatter chairs and a hammock. Inside, the mix of colors and textures creates a calm retreat with the surrounding coastal bushland the inspiration for the understated and elegant design.

Perched high above the Coral Sea and set on the point of Sunset Ridge, The Pavilion combines complete privacy with a spectacular 270 degree panorama of Anchor Bay, Osprey Island and Sunset Beach. Extensively refurbished mid 2003, a new expansive decking area incorporates a private plunge pool, sun lounges and a daybed area, inviting guests to relax and take in the stunning views. Leaving the balcony to stroll down a private path, guests will discover another secluded area where chairs and a table have been perfectly positioned to make the most of sea breezes and gorgeous views. Inside, the Pavilion offers every comfort. Bollinger champagne and a deluxe fruit bowl greet guests on arrival. A laptop computer for downloading and sending emails and high powered binoculars are among some of the special features.

Includes
-All meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
-Motorized dinghies, paddle skis, sailboards
-Glass bottom boat trips and many island activities
-Packages and Promotions
-5-night minimum stay required, Sunset Point Villa
-4-night minimum stay required in Apr 2007-Mar 2008, Anchor Bay Room or Suite, Sunset Point Villa, or Pavilion
-All meals, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Mortorized dinghies, paddle skis, sailboards

Bedarra Island (an indulgent tropical private haven)

When you simply don’t wish to be found, when you need to escape, unwind and experience the finer things in life, there is no better place to disappear to than Bedarra Island. This is Australia’s most exclusive resort, an indulgent tropical private haven lying off the coast of Cairns.

 At Bedarra, guests can do as they wish when they wish. Here, a maximum of just 32 guests are accommodated in 16 secluded Villas, each hidden in the rainforest, only minutes from the beach. Superbly appointed, each have a separate living area, spacious bathroom and king size bed. On the balcony, guests can relax in a hammock and contemplate the beauty and calm of this elegant retreat.
The cuisine is exquisite, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and fine quality tropical produce with a change of menu daily. A popular lunch option is a beach picnic with a gourmet hamper. Children under 16 years of age are not catered for.
While the emphasis on Bedarra Island is on peace and relaxation, there are also a number of activities available, such as catamaran sailing, paddle-skiing, fishing, Great Barrier Reef snorkelling and diving day trips as well as motorised dinghies for exploring the island’s picturesque, private beaches. Feel like more indulgence? Enjoy a relaxing therapeutic massage on the beach or in the privacy of your Villa.
Bedarra is not just a place one visits, it is a very personal pleasure to be savoured.
the pavilions

The ultimate indulgence. Removed from the main resort area, the two Pavilions are set in exclusive, private locations with stunning views over Wedgerock Bay. An open plan layout, featuring extensive use of timber and glass, is designed to take full advantage of the spectacular views and create an inviting indoor/outdoor ambience. Interior details are of a superior quality including an surround sound system.
The spacious sleeping area features a custom designed ‘floating’ bed with a separate oversized bathroom with shower and deep bath, overlooking the rainforest as well as a walk-in robe. An expansive and beautifully appointed living area with a bar stocked to your choice, offers contemporary banquette seating, a large screen TV, video and work desk with phone and computer. The large outdoor area and deck incorporates a private plunge pool, large sun lounges, a daybed and a dining setting. King Bed Room Capacity 2.
Accessed by walking a private rainforest path, The Point is located in a superb elevated beachside position. The floor plan and room inclusions are similar to those of the Split Level Villa with design features maximising the panoramic views. The large outdoor deck, perfectly positioned to ensure complete privacy, features a luxurious daybed, sun lounges and a private plunge pool. King Bed Room Capacity 2.
Features: Air Conditioning ,Ceiling Fans ,TV and video ,Satellite TV Channels ,Complimentary minibar ,Tea & Coffee Making Facilities ,Iron & ironing board ,CD Player ,Hair Dryer ,Evening Turndown Service ,Beach Towels ,Aromatherapy Oil Burner ,Bath and Bath Oils ,Private Balcony ,Direct Dial STD/ISD Telephone ,Bathrobes ,Deskvillas

Designed to blend in with the beauty of their natural surroundings, each spacious villa is nestled into lush tropical rainforest, providing total privacy. Interiors are contemporary and comfortable with polished timber floors and furnishings in neutral colours with subtle marine accents. Bathrooms, including deep bath, are oversized and well stocked with signature Bedarra bath treats. A hammock is one of many special details villa accommodation offers, perfect for lazing the day away whilst enjoying sweeping views of Hernandia Bay and neighbouring islands.
Double Storey Villa

Double Storey Villas are situated close to the beachfront and central resort facilities. Set amongst the rainforest and offering tree-filtered water views, the double storey layout provides sleeping area and bathroom at ground level and the upper level featuring a living area with comfortable banquette seating, entertainment facilities/mini bar and a second toilet. Double Storey Villas offer private balconies on each level. King Bed Room Capacity 2.
Split Level Villa

  Located on the hillside, offering stunning views over Bedarra Bay, the layout is split level with the sleeping area located on the upper level and a living area, with comfortable sofa and armchairs, entertainment facilities (TV, Video, CD) and a fully stocked mini-bar on the lower level. A private balcony offers enticing beach and bay views. King Bed (twin beds available on request) with rollaway. Room Capacity 3.
Features: Air Conditioning ,Ceiling Fans ‘TV and video ,Satellite TV Channels ,Complimentary minibar ,Tea & Coffee Making Facilities ,Iron & ironing board ,CD Player ,Hair Dryer ,Evening Turndown Service ,Beach Towels ,Aromatherapy Oil Burner ,Bath and Bath Oils ,Private Balcony ,Direct Dial STD/ISD Telephone ,Bathrobes
restaurant: An open terrace restaurant overlooks the cascading pool in an intimate setting for a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is varied and changes daily. Breakfast is available from 8.00am, lunch from 1.00pm and dinner from 7.00pm. Gourmet picnic hampers for beachside outings are available on request daily. Please advise of any special dietary needs in advance.
bar and lounge: The resort’s relaxed lounge features a comprehensively stocked bar with Australian and imported beers, along with champagne, a quality selection of Australian wines, spirits and liqueurs.
massage

A massage therapist is available 5 days per week, prebooking is recommended
recreation & activities

  While the emphasis on Bedarra Island is on peace and relaxation, there are a number of activities available including catamaran sailing, fishing, paddle skiing, motorised dinghies for exploring the island’s picturesque beaches or enjoy a relaxing therapeutic massage on the beach or in the privacy of your Villa.
Some of the complimentary activities included in your nightly tariff are: Catamarans, sailboards and paddle skis ,Fishing ,Snorkelling , Motorised dinghies to explore beaches and neighbouring islands ,Guest video, book, games & CD library ,Gourmet picnic hampers for beachside lunches ,Self-guided island walks and nature trails ,Tennis – day & night ,Salt water swimming pool & spa
Other Activities available on the island where charges apply include: Scheduled snorkelling and scuba diving trips to the Great Barrier Reef (via Dunk Island) ,Therapeutic Massage and limited body treatments in the dedicated massage room ,Private reef fishing and sailing charter
location
Covering 100 Hectares, Bedarra Island is part of the Family Group of Islands, located off the tropical North Queensland coast, midway between Townsville and Cairns, to neighbouring Dunk Island.
climate

Tropical climate, average year-round temperature of approximately 29 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit).

St. Barts (the dream destination, a good choice)

  St. Bart- otherwise known as St. Bart, St. Barth, St. Barths, or St. Barthelemy.
You are looking for quiet, nice place just for relaxing under the gigantics palm trees. Well, St. Barts is one of the most magnificient places in the world with lots of these trees. It has beautiful beaches, so take off your shoes, take a walk on the beach and find your palm tree.
One thing is for sure – You’ll never have an experience as pleasant and romantic as what you’ll find on this miraculous French-owned Island.

Out of a crashing, volcanic explosion, came St-Barts, the pearle of the Caribbean. 25 square kilometers of land, 22 beautiful beaches, many luxurious boutiques, hundreds of traditional Creole houses and secret gardens for your dreams of avoidance. Nonchalance, happiness, calm, luxurious, warm – St. Barts has it for you. Your stay will leave you with the elegant souvenir of balmy tropical evenings swayed by the local biguine music, flavored with vanilla and peppered with Caribbean spices. Lazy days, sporty days, the sea is the king, the excellent restaurants, the refinement of the hotels…everything you need to spend a good vacation.

The Eiffel Tower (The most famous tower on the Earth)

The Eiffel Tower, an immense stucture of exposed latticework supports made of iron, was erected for the Paris Exposition of 1889. The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII of England) officiated at the ceremonial opening. Of the 700 proposals submitted in a design competition, one was unanimously chosen, a radical creation from the French structural engineer Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (b. Dec. 15, 1832, d. Dec. 28, 1923), who was assisted in the design by engineers Maurice Koechlin and Emile Nouguier, and architect Stephen Sauvestre.

 
However, the controversial tower elicited some strong reactions, and a petition of 300 names — including those of Maupassant, Emile Zola, Charles Garnier (architect of the Opéra Garnier), and Dumas the Younger — was presented to the city government, protesting its construction. The petition read, “We, the writers, painters, sculptors, architects and lovers of the beauty of Paris, do protest with all our vigour and all our indignation, in the name of French taste and endangered French art and history, against the useless and monstrous Eiffel Tower.”
Nature lovers thought that it would interfere with the flight of birds over Paris. But the Eiffel Tower was admired by Rousseau, Utrillo, Chagall, and Delaunay. It was almost torn down in 1909 at the expiration of its 20-year lease, but was saved because of its antenna — used for telegraphy at that time. Beginning in 1910 it became part of the International Time Service. French radio (since 1918), and French television (since 1957) have also made use of its stature. In the 1960s, it was the subject of a wonderful study by semiologist Roland Barthes.


Built to celebrate the science and engineering achievements of its age, soaring 300m / 984 ft. (320.75m / 1,052 ft. including antenna) and weighing 7000 tons, the structure consists of two visibly distinct parts: a base composed of a platform resting on four separate supports (called pylons or bents) and, above this, a slender tower created as the bents taper upward, rising above a second platform to merge in a unified column.
This unprecedented work, the tallest structure in the world until the Empire State Building was built about 40 years later, had several antecedents. Among them were the iron-supported railway viaducts designed by Eiffel, an arch bridge over the Douro River in Portugal with a span of 160 m (525 ft), and a design for a circular, iron-frame tower proposed by the American engineers Clarke and Reeves for the Centennial Exposition of 1876. Eiffel knew and publicly acknowledged this influence; he was no stranger to the United States, having designed the wrought-iron pylon inside Frederic Bartholdi’s Statue of Liberty in 1885. Later in the same year, he had also begun work on the cupola of the Nice observatory.
Eiffel was the leading European authority on the aerodynamics of high frames (he wrote “The Resistance of the Air” in 1913). In the construction of the Eiffel Tower, the curve of the base pylons was precisely calculated so that the bending and shearing forces of the wind were progressively transformed into forces of compression, which the bents could withstand more effectively. Such was Eiffel’s engineering wizardry that even in the strongest winds his tower never sways more than 4-1/2 inches. The superskyscrapers erected since 1960, such as the World Trade Center, were constructed in much the same way.
However difficult its birth may have been, the Tour Eiffel is now completely accepted by French citizens, and is internationally recognized as one of the symbols of Paris itself.

Facilities and Views

 

In the basements of the eastern and western pillars, one can visit the gargantuan 1899 machinery which powers the elevators, an astonishing spectacle reminiscent of a Jules Verne novel. From the Tower’s three platforms — especially the topmost — the view of Paris is superb. It is generally agreed that one hour before sunset, the panorama is at its best; don’t forget to bring your camera, and experiment with the f-stop settings to capture a dazzling sunset on the Seine. If you can’t be there in person, then check out a Live Aerial View of Paris with TF1′s webcam online: from the top of the Eiffel Tower, you can see Paris in real time, 24 hours a day, whatever the weather conditions in the French capital. To get the most out of this view of Paris, we suggest you surf their web site between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM GMT (1:00 AM and 3:00 PM Eastern Time in the U.S.), when the City of Light is at its best.
First level: 57.63 meters (189 feet). Observatory from which to study the movements of the Eiffel Tower’s summit. Kiosk presentation about the mythic painting of the Eiffel Tower. Space CINEIFFEL: offers an exceptional
panorama of sights from the Tower. Souvenir shops (yes, every tourist MUST have a miniature replica). Restaurant “Altitude 95″ . Post office, with special stamps “Paris Eiffel Tower “. Panoramic gallery displaying the Monuments of Paris.

-300 steel workers, and 2 years (1887-1889) to construct it.15,000 iron pieces (excluding rivets).
-2.5 million rivets.
-40 tons of paint. 1671 steps to the top.
- Maximum sway at top caused by wind: 12 cm (4.75 inches).
-Maximum sway at top caused by metal dilation: 18 cm (7 inches).
-Total height in 1889: 300.51 meters (985 feet, 11 inches).
-Total height with television antenna: 320.755 meters (1052 feet, 4 inches).
-Height varies up to 15 cm depending on temperature. Size of base area: 10,281.96 square meters (2.54 acres). -Weight of foundations: 277,602 kg (306 tons).
-Weight of iron: 7.34 million kg (8092.2 tons).
-Weight of elevator systems: 946,000 kg (1042.8 tons).
-Total weight: 8.56 million kg (9441 tons).
- Pressure on foundation: 4.1 to 4.5 kg per square centimeter, depending on pier (58.26 to 64 lbs. per square inch).Dates of construction: January 26, 1887 to March 31, 1889.
-Cost of construction: 7.8 million francs ($1.5 million).
-Total number of visitors during 1889 Exposition: 1,968,287. Total receipts during 1889 Exposition: 5,919,884 francs ($1.14 million).
-Total number of visitors during 2002: 6,157,042.During its lifetime, the Eiffel Tower has witnessed a few strange scenes, including being scaled by a mountaineer in 1954, and two Englishmen parachuting off it in 1984. In 1923, the journalist Pierre Labric (who was later to become mayor of

 

Montmartre) rode a bicycle down from the first level; some accounts say he rode down the stairs, others suggest the exterior of one of the tower’s four legs which slope outward.
Politics have also played a role in its life. During World War II, the Germans hung a sign on it that read: “Deutschland Siegt Auf Allen Fronten” (“Germany is victorious on all fronts”). In 1958, a few months before Fidel Castro’s rise to power, Cuban revolutionaries hung their red-and-black flag from the first level, and, in 1979, an American from Greenpeace hung one that read: “Save the Seals”. In 1989, the Tower celebrated its centennial with music and fireworks (the show lasted 89 minutes).

The Cook Islands (a paradise)

The Cook Islands are a Polynesian paradise consisting of fifteen islands scattered over some one million square miles of the Pacific Ocean. They lie at the center of the Polynesian Triangle of the South Pacific with Tonga and the Samoas to the west, and Tahiti to the east. They are in the same time zone as Hawaii and are the same distance south of the Equator as Hawaii is north. The Cook Islands are self-governed, but their benevolent big brother, New Zealand, watches over them and takes care of the mundane necessities of life—banking, post offices, medical facilities, communication, hotel managing, etc. The New Zealand dollar is the official currency and although Maori is the local language, everyone speaks English. The Kiwi laid back philosophy prevails throughout the islands.

Most of the Cook Islands population resides on Rarotonga, the main island. Its capital town of Avarua is the heart of the Cook Islands. Polynesian heritage is evident in the dance and drama performed at various events throughout the year, particularly during the Constitutional Celebration on August 4th. The people are simply lovely—warm, friendly and welcoming of island guests. The climate of the Cooks is pleasantly warm and sunny all year round. From April to November are the cooler and drier months, while November to March marks the warmer season with occasional tropical showers. Severe weather is very rare in the islands. The Cook Islands are a great stopover on the way to New Zealand or Australia or if you are island hopping around the South Pacific.

 

Crown Beach Resort, the newest 4-star property on the Cook Islands, is located on the sunset side of Rarotonga. Combining genuine island hospitality, gorgeous surroundings and excellent accommodations, the resort is an exclusive tropical getaway for divers, honeymooners and families. The resort`s gardens are beautifully kept, the lagoon safe to swim at any tide, and there is a large freshwater pool. Relax by the pool with drinks from the pool bar, have a game of beach volleyball, windsurf, kayak, rent a motorcycle and explore the island, or swim and snorkel in the lagoon. Golf is available nearby, and scuba diving is excellent here. For children there are escorted children`s activities, and baby-sitting can be arranged. The resort`s tour desk is able to organize village visits, island tours, game fishing, island treks, horseback riding and many other activities. And after a fabulous active day, enjoy a romantic dinner at the resort`s Windjammer

 

Atauro Island (is a wonderful spiritual place)

Atauro Island is a wonderful spiritual place situated almost at the end of the world, to be more specific it lies on the extinct Wetar segment, 25km north of Dili, East Timor. Its lush mountain interior hemmed by uninterrupted beach and coral reef. This is pure escapism: you’re free to do a lot or a little, with excellent walking trails and snorkelling opportunities (off the pier at Beloi and in front of Tua Koin), and seemingly endless beaches to prop on and watch passing outriggers.

Atauro’s isolation made it a natural prison, and it’s been used by both the Portuguese and Indonesian governments as a place of exile. The community today comprises around 8000 people, mostly subsistence fishers and farmers, living in a few villages spread across the island. The main centres are along the east coast: Makili (a carving centre), Vila (with leafy lanes and a few colonial vestiges) and Beloi (where the public ferry docks), with Macadade in the mountains. However, you truly adventure will begin of you take take the 90 minute trip via Water taxi from Dili Harbour to Atauro across the 30 km Wetar Straight. You may see dolphins in the water taxi as you head to Atauro. Upon arrival at Atauro, you will be greeted by joyful Timorese smiles of the locals. The boat will drop you off right at your accommodation, in most cases situated right on the beach.

Relax on the beach or in a hammock and soak-up the glorious views of the crystal clear water. As I mentioned in the upper lines snorkelling is a must, so find those superb coral reefs that extend along most of the northern stretch of the west coast of the island and dive into the water with grace!

If you wish, stroll through the villages sitting on the coast around the island, including Vila, the biggest village with an underground prison that was built by the Portuguese. On Fridays, you will find a local market where the locals gather to buy and sell their wares. To the south, you will find the village of Makili, where local people create wooden statues and handmade baskets that can be purchased. Not far from your accommodation is Ekmonu, where you will find a mountain spring and if there is enough water you can take a dip. For the energetic, you can climb Mt. Manucoco (995m) which is approximately a three hour trek from Vila. Vila is 6km from Barry’s Place and a local truck transport costs 3 USD each way.

The hideaway resort (the most luxurious resort in Hawaii)

Located on a secluded beach in the exclusive Kahala area of Honolulu, only 10 minutes drive from the world class shopping and entertainment of Waikiki, the Kahala Hotel & Resort is the most luxurious resort in Hawaii. As a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the resort is a favorite with presidents, international royalty and celebrities’ guests. Overlooking an 800ft stretch of beach, the Kahala welcomes its visitors with impeccable service that will make your vacation unforgettable.

The hotel has 343 rooms for guests and sumptuous suites furnished in traditional, turn-of-the-century Hawaiian style with a modern twist. With mahogany furnishings, hand-woven Tibetan carpets, teak floors and 550 thread count linens and offering balconies with views of the mountains or the ocean, the suites have coffeemakers, mini bars, in room safes, DVD players, 40-inch flat screen TVs, and bathrooms.

This luxurious oceanfront resort features five stylish restaurants each offer their own unique ambiance and style including authentic Japanese cuisine, beachside restaurant, where guests can enjoy seafood with their toes in the sand, open-air restaurant, ideal for casual dining and cocktails at sunset and an award-winning restaurant, known for its innovative culinary style for contemporary island cuisine. The Kahala Spa is one of the finest spas in America. Each enjoys 51 sq m of space and features a personal relaxation area, a changing area, a private shower, a signature infinity-edged soaking bath and a landscaped courtyard of native Hawaiian flora. Guests at the Kahala can swim and interact with the hotel’s dolphins, who share residence with exotic fish and sea turtles in a 26,000-square-foot saltwater lagoon.

Utila Sunsets (a wonderful paradise)

Utila is a wonderful paradise in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System of Honduras and the second-largest island in the world. It has been documented in history since Columbus’ fourth voyage, and currently enjoys growing tourism with emphasis on recreational diving. More than sixty diving sites are located around the island among its extensive reefs teeming with marine life, including the elusive whale shark. Unique local cuisine includes white bread made with coconut milk, mango jam, conch meat, and crab. Utila is also home to the yearly party known as Sunjam. Sunjam has a set date every year, the first Saturday in August. Sunjam was the brainchild of Alun Gordon, who brought DJs in from around the world to play house music on the paradise desert island of Water Cay. The first parties were charity events, with any monies raised being put towards Utila’s garbage truck.

Moreover, Utila is legendary for its macro creatures. Utila rewards the diver that perfects their buoyancy and is willing to slow down and spend time to find the hidden little creatures of the reef. While Utila is not known for its beaches, there is some excellent snorkeling available right offshore- especially towards the Blue Bayou area. It is possible to snorkel either right off the few small beaches, or with most of the dive boats. Snorkel equipment rental ranges from $5-$15 USD Utila also has fantastic waters for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. The island is split east/west by a canal that you can kayak through; kayaks can be rented from Coral View Hotel near the southern canal entrance or from several dive shops. Guided kayaking trips (see Kayak Utila to the North Shore through the Mangrove Channel and down to the Cays are a great option to safely explore these waters as well.

On the land, as a tourist you will also have a variety of things to do like spending a day of hiking to. A crashed drug runner airplane in the jungle north of the airport is an interesting sight. Freshwater caves on the eastern shore can make for good swimming or exploring, but be very careful if you plan to go deep into them as people have gotten lost and died inside (take 2 waterproof flashlights). The view from the top of pumpkin hill is not to be missed. Similarly panoramic is the view from the top of the water tower.

The island has a wide variety of fruit, seafood meals, pasta, vegetarian and breakfast fitting for a king with fresh and full-bodied coffee. Many establishments offer a discount for larger groups, so be sure to round up a posse at your hostel before you go out to eat. There are also many small grocery stores and corner stores to buy food for cooking. Almost all the hotels have shared public kitchens. Bush’s is the largest grocery store, similar to a north american supermarket, but is considerably more expensive than everywhere else. At time of writing, the cheapest grocery stores were Mermaids and Tiende del Pueblo. However, sometimes goods do not arrive every day, so not everything will be available all the time. The ATMs sometimes run out of money, produce not grown locally is often only available for a couple days after it has arrived, etc. Internet costs 30-50 lps ($1.50-$2.50 USD) per hour. There are several internet cafes, such as Annie’s (right when you get off the ferry) and Mermaids (east of the ferry dock and just before the cinema). Lots of dive shops and restaurants have free wi-fi, and some dive shops have a computer that guests can use.

Notten’s Bush Camp (one of most treasured natural sanctuaries)

Notten’s Bush Camp is part of the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve, Mpumalanga. The region is privately owned, situated within the greater Kruger National Park ecosystem, which is one of South Africa‘s most treasured natural sanctuaries. It’s neighbours are the south western side of the Kruger National Park, Mala Mala on the eastern boundary and Sabi Sabi on the western boundary. The Big 5 Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo, Lion and Leopard all roam the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve one therefore has an excellent chance of a close encounter with these animals. As there are no fences between the private game reserves and the Kruger National Park, the animals can move unhindered between the two areas.

Notten’s prides itself in having highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers who ensure that their guests experience an informative and enlightened exposure to the area. Virtually all of the large mammals that occur naturally in the area are resident in the reserve as well as many of the smaller mammals.

Notten’s prides itself in having highly qualified guides and Shangaan trackers who ensure that their guests experience an informative and enlightened exposure to the area. Virtually all of the large mammals that occur naturally in the area are resident in the reserve as well as many of the smaller mammals.

If it’s exclusivity, comfort and an intimate experience that one is seeking, away from the hassles of city life. Notten’s is the answer. All game drives are undertaken in an open four-wheel drive Land Rover with an experienced game ranger and Shangaan tracker. The tracker has an innate and instinctive attunement to the environment of the African bush. He uses his acute senses of sight and smell to navigate easily and swiftly through the bush in order to locate game. Night drives begin in time to experience the spectacular lowveld sunsets. On these one sees the nocturnal bush creatures as well as other game under spotlight. The tracker is able to spot the eyes of the animals in the pitch dark night. Cool off next to the sparkling pool with refreshments from the fully stocked bar, or relax in the shade of the Marula trees on the wooden deck overlooking the waterhole.

Accommodation consists of beautifully appointed suites with open-plan bedroom and en-suite bathroom. Two of the chalets have both indoor and outdoor shower facilities. All windows and sliding doors are fitted with screens and insect coils are provided. Each suite leads onto a private wooden deck with a beautiful view of the bush. The Tulbagh Hotel now has a conference facility for up to 35 delegates. All chalets have hot showers but no electricity, paraffin lamps and candles are used for lighting. All the rooms are cooled with an overhead ceiling fan. Facilities are available for the re-charging of video machines and camera batteries in the reception area. A main line telephone facility is also available.