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).

Shwedagon (The mountain of gold)

The origins of Shwedagon are lost in antiquity, its age unknown. Long before the pagoda was built, its location on Singuttara hill was already an ancient sacred site because of the buried relics of the three previous Buddhas. According to one legend, nearly 5000 years had passed since the last Buddha walked the Earth, and Singuttara hill would soon lose its blessedness unless it was reconsecrated with relics of a new Buddha. In order that such new relics might be obtained, King Okkalapa of Suvannabhumi spent much time atop the hill, meditating and praying. A series of miracles ensued and eight hairs of the historical Buddha were, somewhat magically, brought to the hill. To enshrine the relics, multiple pagodas of silver, tin, copper, lead, marble, iron and gold where built one on top of the other to a height of twenty meters. During the following centuries, passing from myth to historical fact, the pagoda grew to its present height of ninety-eight meters. Much of the continued construction of Shwedagon was actually reconstruction following disastrous earthquakes. During the 17th century the pagoda suffered earthquake damage on at least eight occasions. A particularly bad quake in 1786 brought the entire top half of the pagoda to the ground and its current shape and height date from the reconstruction of that time.

While much of the pagoda’s beauty derives from the complex geometry of its shape and surrounding structures, equally mesmerizing is its golden glow. The lower stupa is plated with 8,688 solid gold bars, an upper part with another 13,153. The tip of the stupa, far too high for the human eye to discern in any detail, is set with 5448 diamonds, 2317 rubies, sapphires, and other gems, 1065 golden bells and, at the very top, a single 76-carat diamond. Surrounding the pagoda are a plentitude of smaller shrines housing pre-Buddhist spirits called Nats, miracle working images, and even a wish granting stone. The entire temple complex radiates a palpable sense of beauty and serenity.

The perimeter of the base of the Pagoda is 1,420 fee and its height 326 feet above the platform. The base is surrounded by 64 small pagodas with four larger, one in the center of each side. There also are 4 sphinxes, one at each corner with 6 leogryphs, 3 on each side of them. Projecting beyond the base of the Pagoda, one on the center of each side are Tazaungs in which are images of the Buddha and where offerings are made.

There are also figures of elephants crouching and men kneeling, and pedestals for offerings all around the base. In front of the 72 shrines surrounding the base of the Pagoda, you will find in several places images of lions, serpents, ogres, yogis, spirits, or Wathundari (Recording Secretary Angel).

On the wall below the first terrace of the Pagoda at the WSW and WNW corners, you will see embossed figures. The former represents King Okkalapa who first built the Pagoda. The latter is a pair of figures; the one above represents Sakka who assisted in foundation of the Pagoda, and the one below, Me Lamu, consort of Sakka and mother of Okkalapa.

 

In order to make the gilding stand the weather, the Trustees after the year 1900, decided to cover the bulbous spire, called the plantain bud with gold plates, each plate measuring 1 foot square and weighing 5 ticals of gold (0.18 pound). Subscriptions were called for and the work commenced in 1903, when the whole plantain bud was covered. It is on record that 4 such gold plates were donated by the late King George, V (then Prince of Wales) and Queen Mary when they visited Myanmar in 1906.
Open from 4am-10pm everyday.
Admission Fees – US$5.

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 Rimondi Grand Hotel and Resort (an excellent point to explore)

The Rimondi Grand Hotel and Resort is located in a serene and exclusive setting on a hilltop of an Olive Tree plantation. Overlooking the Agean Sea, this 4 star deluxe hotel is one of the best hotels on Crete. Situated in the coastal Stavromenos village and near the Venetian town of Rethymno, the hotel’s location guarantees you a tranquil and peaceful vacation.

This luxury all-suites vacation village, offer spacious accommodation ranging from studios, 1 bedroom suites, 2 bedrooms suites with private pools to 3 bedroom suites, all with private balcony. The spacious rooms, suites and villas at Rimondi Grand come with air conditioning, flat-screen TV, blackout curtains, telephone, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities, and safe. Some units include a fully equipped kitchen or a private pool. Wi-Fi is available in public area. Hotel Rooms: 122.Prices start from 94 euro.

The Rimondi Grill restaurant serves authentic Cretan Cuisine, as well as international famous dishes and includes a wide selection of domestic wines. The facilities and services include an outdoor pool and indoor pool, spa treatments, kids club 24 h reception, concierge service, gift shop, lounge bar, event facilities, conference rooms, sun terrace with a pool bar and gardens.

The spellbinding Santorini Island (the perfect place for your romantic getaway)

Sitting on the cliff of the Caldera, Tholos Resort is nestled in the wonderful area of Imerovigli on the island of Santorini – considered as one of the most beautiful villages on the island. Built in 2006 and boasting panoramic views of the sea, this exclusive resort comprises 2 buildings of typical Cycladic architecture. Nearby points of interest include: Naval and Archaeological Museums, Petros M. Nomikos Conference Centre, Museum of Prehistoric Thira and Catholic Cathedral.

Overlooking the sea, this Santorini resort offers only 12 guestrooms. The air-conditioned guestrooms rooms include separate sitting areas, desks and balconies with spectacular sea views. All rooms feature complimentary wired high-speed and wireless Internet access, satellite television, refrigerators, direct-dial phones, safes and bathrooms equipped with bathrobes, slippers, and hair dryers. Room service is available during limited hours.

Tholos Resort offers numerous amenities, such as an outdoor swimming pool with poolside bar where guest guests can relax with a coffee, soft drink or cocktail, 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities and fantastic restaurant with ocean view where guests can savour while they enjoy lunch and dinner. Spa amenities include massage/treatment rooms and beauty services.

Bali Island (For upscale traveler)

Located in Ubud Bali, Komaneka Resort is designed in contemporary Balinese style. Considered as a sophisticated and contemporary lifestyle destination, Komaneka Resort is carefully created to fulfill upscale travelers expectation for a comfortable stay. Surrounded by natural Ubud’s beauty, the resort offers you elegant villas, each with its private pool.

The resort comprises 10 elegant villas, each with a 12-metre private swimming pool, and 34 spacious suites. Bisma Residence with three bedroom pool villa, two bedroom pool villa, family pool villa, and one bedroom villa. The staff are always respond promptly and discreetly to meet everything the guests need. There is a luxurious spa consists of 4 single treatment villas and 2 double treatment villas, a hot Jacuzzi and a steam room offering traditional Indonesian beauty and massage treatments.

There is also a fine dining restaurant, with a capacity for 90 persons, specializing in contemporary Indonesian and international cuisine, a lobby bar, and a pool bar which serves light lunches and is perfect for early evening aperitifs. Other facilities at the resort include a boutique and gift shop, free wireless internet connection, a convention hall, a gym centre, and a 500-metre jogging track.

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.

Four Seasons (offers its guest an idyllic getaway)

If you have taste of a high class level like Hollywood celebrities – this is your place. Perched on top of a cliff above a beautiful beach with one of the most spectacular views of the ocean, the Four Seasons resort offers its guest an idyllic getaway on the southern part of the island of Bali. Built in traditional Balinese style with crafts, antique artifacts and exotic fabrics typical of the island, Four Seasons Resort Bali awaits you to enjoy your luxury holiday at the idyllic Bali Getaway.

To enter the hotel you need to walk along a wooden bridge to a massive lotus pond, under which the main part of the hotel is situated. Four Seasons Bali features147 beautifully appointed villas and seven private residences. All villas feature walled tropical gardens, private plunge pools, fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes, premium bedding, wired and wireless Internet access for a fee, an twice-daily housekeeping.

Guests of the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay can enjoy a private beach, which is just steps away. A number of waterfront activities and water sports are available for guest use. A resort style accommodation offering a variety of modern amenities including thirty five acres of gardens; four restaurants, serving a number of delicious Asian dishes; two outdoor pools, overlooking the ocean; a spa, which features some of the best treatments; a tour desk; a hair salon; a currency exchange facility; a fitness centre and tennis court; and a cooking school, where one can learn the secrets of Balinese cuisine. Prices range from U.S $680 to $1,815 per night.

Leadwood Lodge (an extremely exclusive accommodation)

Leadwood Lodge is an extremely exclusive accommodation in South Africa, and offers the ideal self-catering bush lodge in a secure and secluded bushveld setting. The lodge is tucked amongst large indigenous trees overlooking a non-perennial riverbed where game such as impala, giraffe and zebra roam freely, and guests can enjoy listening to the calls of abundant bird life.

he lodge boasts with two spacious bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and comfortable king-size beds in the main lodge, and there is a separate self-contained room with a double bed, an en-suite bathroom and a kitchenette. Indulge yourself in a unique open-air shower experience. Take your sirit on bush walks, game drives, mountain bike rides or simply relax.

The right location of the lodge is in the area of the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate which is a mere 40-minute drive from the Kruger National Park. The town of Hoedspruit offers various restaurants and supermarkets where you can stock up on personal food supplies. Visit the surrounding areas such as the Panorama Route, Bourke’s Luck Potholes and God’s Window.

The staff at the lodge will made your experience very enjoyable. The lodge even had a very romantic dinner set up and Mack, which is the safari guide, is an excellent one. He really knew his stuff and will manage to find everything you want to see. The intimacy of the lodge is great and it will make the personalized service so much more enjoyable. You will feet like you were visiting a family. You can’t wait till the next safari.