Holiday Places

Ibiza

2012-01-24T19:30:00.003+02:00

Ibiza is part of the Balearic Islands of Spain. The area of the island is only 570 square kilometers, but that does not mean it cannot be a place for entertainment of the highest quality. Full of nightclubs and large beaches, Ibiza offers an unforgettable experience that every dancer, beach lover or cocktail drinker will never ever forget. You can get there by plane, which will land on the island’s only airport, located at 7 kilometers from Eivissa town.

Do not miss Cafe Mambo in San Antonio, because there you will witness an incredible sunset. Also, Platja d’en Bossa, the largest beach of the island waits with fine sand and clear water, great for splashing. When the night falls, the dancing starts. The wonderful clubs are transforming the island into a great, big party. Familiar names such as Kiss, Space and Bora Bora are enjoyed by every party junkie that respects it. Finally, if you still have time and energy, do not miss the UNESCO protected archaeological sites. Cova de Can Marca (Can Marca Cave) is certainly a place that should not be overlooked.

To get in Kavos, nothing simpler: fly to Corfu, namely the airport in Corfu, where you can handle easily by public transportation to reach any corner of the island, including Kavos. You can relax on the beach or in the perfectly blue water, with a very hot sun over you, so do not forget the UV protective lotion. In the evening, you can choose between a good restaurant, the one that we recommend being The Barn, even if it is small and offer street food, is very popular and it offers quality services. Another option would be the clubs, where you can dance until the morning. Popular places are Snobs and JC’s.

Our top ends with something else from Greece: Ios. The island has the capital town of Chora, which is built almost entirely of beautiful white houses. The island is part of the Cicladi and the transfer is made from Santorini, which can be reached by plane or coach.

The island is full of good quality hotels and the price for accommodation is as high as the stars out front. Restaurants and bars are also numerous, but better are the night clubs. The best known is Amadeus, but as it is rather small and usually quite populated, you can choose Blue Note, Disco 69 or Scorpio. The wonderful drinks and snacks they provide and the best quality music is making Ios the official site of Greece’s fun and partying.

Boracay Island – Philippines

2012-01-21T19:26:00.000+02:00

Boracay is a tropical island located approximately 315km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Its long white sand beaches rival the best beaches of more popular destinations such as the Caribbean, the South Pacific as well as neighbouring Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Accommodation standards vary, with top of the line hotels and resorts to a simple bed rented from a resident. As such, whatever your budget, you could easily find a suitable place to stay. During peak periods such as Holy Week, Christmas and New Year, rooms are more difficult to find and more expensive, so book in advance. Staying along White Beach gets you closer to the bars, lounging and food, while staying closer to Bulabog beach gives you better access to the popular wind and kite-boarding areas.
TIP: Avoid making reservations in the low season, just go to White Beach or the region you want to stay and negotiate deals with the places you want to stay at. Many street touts will offer to show you the rooms first and then you can negotiate. This way you will avoid paying more then you should to notorious travel agents (many of them located in Manila) passing themselves off as the resorts, often through websites.
Because of its wide draw of international travelers, Boracay has a wide variety of places to eat, including a surprising number of bakeries. You must try :

Blue Jade Cafe is in D’Talipapa and offers Asian and European cuisine. Customers can also shop in the market for fresh sea food and have it cooked for them at the restaurant.
D’Talipapa The best and cheapest place to eat. Around the place are a variety of food stores that offers to cook for you, you could just buy Fresh sea foods/ etc (located just near the stores) then have the stores cook it for you with what ever way you like it.
Smoke , located down one of the alleys opposite Lemon cafe in D’mall is a very good budget eatery. Local dishes, meat and seafood dishes, omeletes and excellent sandwiches are on offer.
Zuzuni, near boat station 1, is the island’s best Greek restaurant, serving excellent cuisine in a romantic, beachfront setting. The service is friendly and extremely efficient.

Since you are on an island is always interesting to try new stuff like the availble seafood (the stranger it look, the better it tastes) and something with lemons to get you fresh for the rest of the days activities.
If you’re into cliff diving, snorkeling, and boating in an unspoiled setting comprised of volcanic caves, mangrove forests, turquoise coves, and remote beaches you definetly need to go to Ariel’s Point.

Take a para-sailing tour around the island, to explore quiet beaches and snorkel sites. Ask your crew to organize a romantic BBQ on the beach with fresh grilled seafood. Cruise back at sunset to experience breathtaking views.
Horse riding is a fun activity in Boracay. Get off the beaten path and experience native villages and scenery most other visitors don’t get to see. All levels of experience are catered to. Ask a tricycle to take you to the Boracay Horse Riding Stables.

Boracay’s Bulabog beach is known as the best kitesurf destination in Asia. The season runs from November to April with onshore winds varying between 12-30 knots.

Boracay is the site of a world-class 18-hole par 72 golf course designed by Graham Marsh.
In case non of the above draw the energy out of you, try scuba diving and skimboarding. And if you’re tired check any Spa availble as all are amazing and will put you back on your feet in no time.
You have two options to get to this amazing place, by plane or by boat.
The nearest domestic airport to the island of Boracay is Caticlan or Godofredo P. Ramos Airport. Flights to and from this Caticlan are bounded by sunrise and sunset limitations. Airlines with flights to and from Caticlan are South East Asian Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, and Air Philippines. The second airport near Boracay is the Kalibo International Airport which is served by bigger planes with early morning and late evening flights. The airport is at least 90 minutes away by land to Caticlan Jetty Port. Airlines with flights to and from Kalibo are Cebu Pacific Air, Philippine Airlines, and Zest Airways.
The “Nautical Highway” is a combination of overland highways and roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels that allow you to bring your vehicle up to Panay Island and visit key cities like Kalibo. Taking your car all the way to Boracay, though, is not possible. Public transport also operates on the same route, and is the most cost-effective way of traveling between Manila and Boracay. Assuming good connections, the total journey time is around 12 hours.

The Canary Islands

2012-01-20T21:56:00.000+02:00

Spanish Canary Islands are an archipelago located 100-300 km of the west coast of Africa and to 1,100 km from the Spanish city of Cadiz, which consists of seven larger islands and several small islets. They stretch over 500 km from east to west and about 200 km from north to south.

The main Canary Islands are Tenerife-the capital Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Fuerteventura-the capital Puerto del Rosario, Gran Canaria-the capital Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Lanzarote-the capital Arrecife, La Palma-the capital Santa Cruz de La Palma, La Gomera-the capital San Sebastián de La Gomera, El Hierro-the capital Valverde, La Graciosa, Alegranza and Montaña Clara.

In the Canary Islands you will not find large mammals, and no poisonous snakes or scorpions. Regarding the flora, is unique in that it includes so many species found all over the world, but great many unique endemic species. Canary Islands are an ideal destination to relax on the idyllic beaches of golden sand and black, away from pollution and commotion.

Bahamas

2012-01-20T21:07:00.001+02:00

About 130 miles southeast of Nassau and Paradise Island near the Tropic of Cancer lies Cat Island. There are only a few towns on the island; the largest ones are Arthur’s Town, Orange Creek and Port Howe. The entire island is somewhat hook-shaped and is only 48 miles long and between 2 to 4 miles wide. Cat Island also happens to be the sixth largest island too – and like all the other islands of the Bahamas, it is surrounded by gorgeous secluded beaches.

This island’s distinct virtue is that it is home to the highest point in the Bahamas – Mount Alvernia – an astounding 206 feet (63 meters) above sea level. On it’s peak is a monastery called The Hermitage, built by Monsignor Jerome Hawkes, who came to The Bahamas as an Architect and an Anglican priest to repair Anglican churches on Long Island.

Cat Island is most probably named for the pirate, Arthur Catt. This 18th-century pirate supposedly came to the island repeatedly to hide his treasure. One alternative theory claims that 18th-century English settlers on the island were astounded by a large number of wild cats, presumably descended from those left behind by earlier Spanish explorers. Some also say that the island resembles a cat when seen from the air.

The amazing and spectacular beaches, caves, ruins and coral reefs are unspoiled by modernization, and provide a unique vacation for those who want to get away in a private, relaxing, laid-back environment.

Malta

2012-01-13T21:42:00.002+02:00

The island of Malta is a small independent nation state in the centre of the Mediterranean, just 93 km South of Sicily-Italy in Southern Europe. Malta is an island nation that consists of three islands: main island Malta, Gozo and Comino. The country’s official languages are Maltese and English. Malta’s capital city is Valletta, which is centrally located on the island’s North coast and has the island’s largest harbor.

The island of Malta is definitely one of the top holiday destinations in the Mediterranean Sea. The pearl of the Mediterranean Sea, being at the crossroad between Italian, Arabic and North African cultures, can offer a unique mixture of East and West through its language, landscapes and gastronomy. This tiny microcosm has been influenced by Spanish monarchs, French rulers, and then colonised by Britain. So this island has a unique charm that will satisfy any dream holiday you have in mind.

Caribbean Islands

2012-01-13T20:27:00.002+02:00

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean, and it became an independent nation in 1962. It is an island of wonderful beaches, mountain jungles, and waterfalls. Kingston, the capital city, is on the south shore of the island.

Home of reggae music, spicy food, and Blue Mountain coffee, Jamaica offers a host of retreats and activities for vacationers. Popular beaches are found near Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, and Negril, where luxury mega-resorts draw many tourists. Get special spa treatments, such as a massage, sugar-cane body scrub, or papaya-banana facial, or get your hair braided into cornrows. Dine on cuisine developed from various countries' products and seasoned with "Jamaican spice," or try local food such as cow foot stew, goat head soup, or jerked meat.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are popular water sports, and divers will especially want to explore Port Royal, the city that sank into Kingston Harbor after an earthquake in 1692. Other water activities include swimming with dolphins, sailing, windsurfing, parasailing, and fishing. On land, watch cricket and polo matches or enjoy horseback riding, downhill biking, golf, or bird-watching. Art lovers can visit Kingston's National Gallery of Jamaica or watch artists at work in Ocho Rios.

The Maltese Islands

2012-01-09T20:59:00.001+02:00

Megaliths, medieval dungeons and Calypso's Cave – The Maltese Islands are positively mythic. The narrow meandering streets of their towns and villages are crowded with Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque palaces. As the countryside is dotted with the oldest known human structures in the world, the Islands have rightly been described as an open-air museum.
The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Africa. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of 400,000 inhabitants over an area of 316sq km and a coastline of 196.8km (not including 56.01 km for the island of Gozo).
Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre. Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture while Comino is largely uninhabited.
With superbly sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. With a little help from any guidebook, captivating places of interest are immediately identified – the world famous Hypogeum selected as a place of World Heritage by UNESCO, prehistoric temples and grand palaces are but a few.
The long relationship between the Islanders and the various nationalities that occupied Malta over the centuries has created a marriage of styles and traditions, giving the Islands a fascinating eclectic culture.

Hawaii Island

2012-01-08T17:31:00.000+02:00

It’s easy to feel awed on Hawaii Island. From the molten magma flowing from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the green rainforests of the Hamakua Coast to the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach; Hawaii Island is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature.
To avoid confusion with the name of the entire state, the Island of Hawaii is often called the “Big Island,” and what an appropriate name it is. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined, its sheer size can be inspiring. You’ll find all but two of the world's climatic zones within this island’s shores.
The dramatic size and scope of the largest Hawaiian Island create a microcosm of environments and activities. On this island’s vast tableau, you’ll find everything from extravagant resorts and incredible golf courses to modest local towns and sacred Hawaiian historical sites, from the birthplace of King Kamehameha I to Hawaii’s first missionary church in Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona). With so much to see, it’s best to experience the island in small pieces. There’s plenty of room on Hawaii Island for your return.

Santorini, Greece

2011-12-07T23:30:00.002+02:00

Santorini, Greece

When you think of Greece, the first thing that so often comes to mind is beautiful white-washed stone houses with bright, electric blue roofs. Although there are many places in Greece that offer these views, none does it better than Santorini.

On the several small islands that make up Santorini, the majority of them line their cliff edges with these buildings, which when coupled with the fantastic beaches that the area offers, make for a picture perfect postcard image.

Meteora, Greece

2011-12-07T23:07:00.002+02:00

Meteora, Greece

The area of Meteora on the Greek mainland is a collection of six monasteries that were constructed on limestone rocks many centuries ago.

Beautiful to look at both up close and from afar, each of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries are still inhabited to this day.

The area of Meteora on the Greek mainland is a collection of six monasteries that were constructed on limestone rocks many centuries ago.

Beautiful to look at both up close and from afar, each of the six Eastern Orthodox monasteries are still inhabited to this day.

Seychelle

2011-11-23T22:12:00.002+02:00

Seychelles comprises 115 islands occupying a land area of 455 km² and an Exclusive Economic Zone of 1.4 km² in the western Indian Ocean. It represents an archipelago of legendary beauty that extends from between 4 and 10 degrees south of the equator and which lies between 480km and 1,600km from the east coast of Africa. Of these 115 islands, 41 constitute the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on earth while a further 74 form the low-lying coral atolls and reef islands of the Outer Islands.

The granitic islands of the Seychelles archipelago cluster around the main island of Mahé, home to the international airport and the capital, Victoria, and its satellites Praslin and La Digue. Together, these Inner Islands form the cultural and economic hub of the nation and contain the majority of Seychelles’ tourism facilities as well as its most stunning beaches.

Seychelles is a living museum of natural history and a sanctuary for some of the rarest species of flora & fauna on earth.

Nowhere else on earth will you find unique endemic specimens such as the fabulous Coco-de-mer, the largest seed in the world, the jellyfish tree, with only eight surviving examples, the Seychelles’ paradise flycatcher and Seychelles warbler.

Seychelles is also home to two U.N.E.S.C.O World Heritage Sites: Aldabra, the world’s largest raised coral atoll and Praslin’s Vallée de Mai, once believed to be the original site of the Garden of Eden.

Pitcher Plant - © Raymond SahuquetFrom the smallest frog to the heaviest land tortoise and the only flightless bird of the Indian Ocean, Seychelles nurtures an amazing array of endemic species within surrounds of exceptional natural beauty.

Greece Islands

2011-11-18T21:04:00.001+02:00

The Greek Islands are a collection of over 6,000 islands and islets that belong to Greece. Only 227 of the islands are inhabited, and only 78 of those have more than 100 inhabitants.

The seas of Greece are sprinkled with over two thousand islands and islets.
The Greek islands have been a popular tourist destination for a long time, and each island of Greece with its unique forms, history, and culture attract thousands of visitors from around the world every summer.

Tourists visiting the Greek islands each year enjoy warm weather, unique architecture and character of Greek hospitality. Greece has so many islands it is impossible not to find a favorite island for your holiday, return after year the same island.

Given the beautiful weather and the amount of sunshine that bathes the Greek islands in the summer, they have become the favorite destination of millions of Europeans and who choose the Greek islands to spend their annual vacation. Needless to say, several of the most popular islands of Greece are overrun by tourists in the summer, but depending on one’s taste, being among so many people who are there just to have fun together is not a bad place to be.

Alongside the most touristy islands of Greece are the quiet holiday spots with sleepy villages, picturesque promenades, endless sunny days, and crystal cool waters.
The major industry these days for most of the islands is tourism, but the remnants of the yesteryear activities of fishing, diving, commerce, and small-scale agriculture are everywhere. Greek islanders have a strong sense of tradition, and despite the considerable development of tourist infrastructure, they retain the unique cultural character of their individual island.

The unique topography, the long history of invasions, and the long tradition of commerce imprint each island with unique characteristics. Once you experience one Greek island, you will want to see them all. Searching for the perfect island is half the fun and might entice you to Greece annually for life.

Greece Island Groupings

Greece is surrounded by three seas: the Ionian Sea to the west, the Aegean sea to the East, and the Sea of Crete to the south. They are all northern extensions of the Mediterranean sea that touches the south of the Crete and Peloponnese.

Accordingly, the islands of Greece are divided into Ionian and Aegean Islands and they in turn are separated into smaller administrative groupings or prefectures.

The Ionian Sea

The islands of the Ionian Sea all belong to the prefecture of Eptanisa. Eptanisa means “seven islands” and the grouping is comprised of

Corfu

Paxi and Antipaxi

Lefkada

Kefalonia

Ithaki

Zakynthos (Zante)

Kythira and Antikythira

The Aegean Sea

The islands of the Aegean Sea are divided into several administrative regions:

Saronic Gulf Islands (Islands of the Saronic Gulf and the vicinity)

Salamina

Aegina

Poros

Hydra

Spetses

Sporades (Islands of the northwest Aegean Sea)

Skiathos

Skopelos

Alonnisos

Evia and Skyros,
despite their proximity to the Sporades, these two islands administratively belong to Sterea Ellada

Souther Aegean Islands that include

Cyclades

Andros

Tinos

Syros

Mykonos

Delos

Paros and Antiparos

Naxos

Little Cyclades

Iraklia

Shinousa

Koufonisia

Donousa

Amorgos

Santorini (Thera)

Anafi

Sikinos

Folegandros

Milos

Kimolos

Sifnos

Serifos

Kythnos

Dodekanese

Rhodes

Halki

Karpathos

Kassos

Kastellorizo (Megisti)

Symi

Tilos

Nisyros

Astypalea

Kalymnos

Leros

Patmos

Lipsi

Arki

Agathonisi

North-Easter Aegean Islands

Ikaria

Fournoi

Samos

Chios

Inousses

Psara

Lesvos

Agios Efstratios

Samothraki

Thassos
Despite their position in the northeastern Aegean, Thassos and Samothraki islands belong administratively to the Easter Macedonia & Thrace prefecture.

Crete

Venice. Italy

2011-11-11T19:04:00.001+02:00

Venice lies somewhere between dreams and reality. It is hard to believe that this town was built by man, and not by some magical creatures. Marcel Proust once said: "When I went to Venice, I discovered that my dream had become-incredibly but quite simply- my address."

This is Venice - the town of magic, dreams, fairy tales and beauty.

The canals of Venice were constructed on an archipelago that comprises 118 islands. Around 400 bridges connect the town and therefore Venice is also called "the City of Bridges". The canals serve as roads for the gondolas and their modern version - motorbuses- to be used as the main means of public transportation.

Vatican City, Italy

2011-11-05T19:44:00.001+02:00

Situated in the middle of Rome is the smallest official country in the world, Vatican City. Covering a mere 0.44 square kilometres, whilst Vatican City may be known to many because of its size, being home to the Pope and centre of the Catholic religion, it is the buildings that are encompassed within the country that are the reason for its inclusion within this list.

The Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and St Peter’s Square will all take your breath away themselves, without taking into consideration the amount of famous artwork that is on display within them.

Paris, France

2011-11-05T19:29:00.001+02:00

Paris, France

As with Manhattan, it would be possible to compile half of this list with beautiful sites of interest in Paris alone, hence why it’s been grouped together under one, albeit substantial, heading.

The capital city of France has long been known as one of the romantic cities in the world and whilst the French language is one of the reasons for this, the wonderful buildings that grace the capital city, most notably the Eiffel Tower, certainly assist with this saying.

The Musée du Louvre is the largest national museum of France, the most visited museum in the world, and a historic monument. It is a central landmark of Paris, located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the 1st arrondissement (neighbourhood). We see a long Historical Axis, which starts at the Louvre in Central Paris (rue Rivoli) and continues along the Champs-Élysées, well beyond the Arc de Triomphe (where the photo was taken) .

London, England

2011-11-03T23:06:00.000+02:00

London, the iconic capital city of England, is the largest metropolitan area in the European Union, with an estimated population of around 14 million people. Once the most populous city in the world, London is now a hotbed of cultural and historical richness, with countless museums, galleries, libraries, and important sites. Some popular tourist stops include the British Museum, the National Gallery, Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Big Ben, Kew Gardens, Palace of Westminster, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge, the historic settlement of Greenwich, and much more. Important historical religious sites include Westminster Abbey, St Margaret’s Church, and St Paul’s Cathedral. London is also home to the oldest underground railway network in the world, known as the London Underground. London is a major air transportation hub so getting there is a breeze. The city is also a major tourist destination, so finding a place to stay and things to do is even easier!

Sydney

2011-11-03T23:01:00.000+02:00

Sydney’s laid-back outdoor lifestyle and physical allure make it one of the world’s easiest and most pleasant cities to visit. The people who live here are a friendly, energetic bunch with a tell-it-like-it-is approach to life as visitors to the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games found out for themselves..
When it comes to which city is Australia’s true global city, there’s no argument. It’s Sydney – with its sense of style, its love of sport and exuberant celebrations including New Year’s Eve and Australia Day. All of its attributes lie within easy reach of the city centre. Sydney’s harbour is its natural playground, the dominant factor in so much of what the city has to offer. The city has a wide-ranging cultural life, dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture. Iconic beaches and five major national parks deliver unforgettable experiences.

Sydney has an average life expectancy of 80.73 years with a population of 4,504,469. Sydney is known for tourism, entertainment and outdoor sports because this city has a temperate climate with mild winters and also warm winters.

Mauritius

2011-11-01T19:53:00.002+02:00

Mauritius brings to mind a tropical paradise, an island of dreams with a landscape so alluring. It ripples with volcanic skylines and pulsates with crystal clear streams and gushing waterfalls. This melting pot of various cultures lends itself to a fusion of the past and the present. The result is a smooth blend of a relaxing and calming ambience that is distinctively Mauritian. A Holiday in Mauritius offers you an incomparable beauty that beckons you to kiss its pristine shores time and time again for your holiday.

Begin your holiday with a glimpse of Mauritius’ colonial history in the resplendent Port Louis, the capital and main port of the country. Introduce yourself to the island’s most famous bird, the Dodo, now extinct but forever remembered at the Port Louis' Natural History Museum. Then, amaze yourself even further with a glimpse of the rarest bird in the world, the Mauritian Pink Pigeon, along with over 140 varieties of birds, 2500 in all, in the Casela Bird Park set in the district of the Rivière Noire, and stretching over 20 acres of land.

Glide through the Domaine Les Pailles nature park in a horse-drawn carriage, where a natural spring, a spice garden, a replica of a sugar mill and an old rum distillery await you. Or let the island’s mysteries unfold as you enjoy your walk on some of Mauritius’ beautiful parks, Réserve Forrestière Macchabée and Rivière Noire National Park. At the Domaine des Grands Bois of Southern Mauritius, lose yourself in parkland so magnificently rich in lush and exotic fauna, providing a backdrop for stags, deer and other wildlife. Or test your courage with a visit to the Nile crocodiles in La Vanille Crocodile Park.

Another thing of particular interest that one just have to see is the talipot palm found amongst the large collection of indigenous and exotic plants, including the Victoria regia lilies, of the Pamplemousses Gardens. The talipot palm is said to flower once after 60 years.

Mauritius's stunning East coast boasts some of the best diving spots on the island. A scuba diving holiday in Belle Mare offers the ideal opportunity to explore turquoise lagoons and channels, all of which are teeming with diverse and rich marine life.

Mauritius' Eastern region is wilder and less commercial than other parts of the island but it has so much to offer. As well as being renowned for its beautiful beaches, this area of coastline hosts some of the best dive sites around the island. Belle Mare is an excellent base from which to explore the highlights of this magnificent underwater world.

The coastline around Belle Mare is scattered with sparkling lagoons and channels that provide easy access to the open sea and a host of some of the most exciting dive sites in Mauritius. The high winds and rougher seas can be challenging for divers, so dive centers in Belle Mare carry out organized dives by professional instructors in certain parts of the East coast only.

The current of the Belle Mare lagoon is one of the best and most popular areas for scuba diving and snorkeling. Ranging from depths of 12-30m, divers can expect to see a rich diversity of sea life here such as kingfish, reef sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, tuna fish and jacks.

La Passe De Bella Mare is stunning, but scuba diving here is subject to tidal flow and currents, which can be particularly strong. This beautiful drift dive will take you from the lagoon through a natural pass in the barrier reef, passing an exciting array of marine life on the way.

Dive sites within La Passe De Bella Mare include Sea Fan Valley, where a huge variety of giant sea fans can be seen growing amongst the coral along the cliff face, resulting in spectacular underwater scenery for photographers to capture. Other popular dive sites here are the Castle, which comprises a maze of channels and gullies, and Shark Point, where divers can spot various shark species such as bull sharks and black-tip reef sharks, as well as a wide variety of fish.

The Aquarium site, situated in the main channel of the pass, is another dive not to miss if you get the chance. This features a series of rocky outcrops which are inhabited by a multitude of fish of all colors, shapes and sizes. The diversity here is incredible!

This beautiful, lesser known area of the Indian Ocean is certainly worth exploring, and a scuba diving holiday in Belle Mare provides the ideal opportunity to do so.

Bora Bora

2011-11-01T19:41:00.001+02:00

Bora Bora island is possibly the single most famous island in all the world. The legends, mysteries, and romance associated with the words "Bora Bora" bring an almost mystical presence to the island.

People from around the world have laid claim to Bora Bora where the castle-like Mount Otemanu pierces the sky above the crystal lagoon with its unique over the water bungalows that offer a magical oneness with this extraordinary environment.

Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the lagoon like a delicate necklace. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where impossibly colored fish animate the coral gardens. So much has been written about Bora Bora, and yet it is hard to find the right words to describe the magic that emanates from this island.

Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, the highest point at 727 metres (2,385 ft). The original name of the island in the Tahitian language might be better rendered as Pora Pora, meaning "First Born"; an early transcription found in 18th- and 19th century accounts, is Bolabolla.

Today the island is mainly dependent on tourism. Over the last few years several resorts have been built on motu (small islands) surrounding the lagoon.

The island is actually a volcanic caldera, and its stunningly beautiful lagoon is well protected from the outside waters by the surrounding motus. The unusual shape of Mount Otemanu (728m), and its smaller neighborh Mount Pahia combined with the spectacular water color variations of the lagoon guarantees some breathtaking scenery.

The final approach to the airport is particularly impressive. Try to sit on the left side of the plane (seats are not reserved).

The abundant tropical underwater life of the lagoon is also a major attraction. A mask, a snorkel and two fins is all you need, and most hotels will provide them free.

Very few go to Bora Bora for the historic relics. However, if you have seen enough of the lagoon, you might want to take a peek at the few WWII remains and the archeological polynesian relics in one of the tours of the island.

Chek out for more updates on the history, must see and must do on Bora Bora.

The Mentawai Islands

2011-10-30T16:30:00.000+02:00

The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about 70 islands in the Indian Ocean, at about 150 km from Indonesia. The major islands (Siberut, Sipura, North Pagai and South Pagai) are located on the edge of a continental shelf where deep water surges up onto the coral reefs that surround and protect them. The settings from the beach and through the forest are breathtaking, as well as those underwater.

The largest island is called Siberut and in the past few years it has become a popular destination not only for holidays, but also for surfing and diving. The Mentawai Islands are recognized as having some of the most perfect surfing breaks in the world. However, because most waves break over very sharp and shallow coral reefs, only experienced surfers should attempt them.

The Maldives

2011-10-29T22:24:00.003+03:00

The Maldives lies in two rows of atolls in the Indian Ocean, just across the equator. Maldives has deep blue seas, turquoise reefs, white sandy beaches and palm trees. It is also a peaceful place where you can meditate, relax and feel the tranquility.

The Maldives Islands are already well known and considered by many to be one of the best locations in the world for diving and under water explorations. The islands are also known to offer a wide range of water sports activities.

The liveaboards offer many activities including diving, excursions to both uninhabited and inhabited islands and fishing trips.The liveboard gives you the opportunity of visiting many islands and experiencing the local way of life.