Tongatapu is Tonga’s main island, and the location of the former British protectorate’s capital, Nuku’alofa. The second city of Mu’a is also there, along with most of the commercial activity and grandiose official residence of the king. Nuku’alofa is full of Victorian buildings, churches, old graveyards, bustling markets and a classic Pacific waterfronts. Most of the island’s hotels are there, though this is very mush a shabby working town. Photo by: msdstefan

Indeed, most visitors make Tongatapu a stepping stone to the offshore coral islands of Fafa, Atata and Pangaimotu, which offer excellent beach holidays. Along with a number of other islands in the main lagoon off Nuku’alofa, they are very like the ever popular Manamuca Islands in Fiji, but without the same tourist pressure. Photo by: fabvirge

But Tongatapu itself is not resort island. It is a combination of history and natural beauty. Much of this largely island is covered in plantations, the eastern end is relatively undeveloped, with deserted sandy beaches, coves and caves. The south coast is wild with dramatic scenery and high cliffs, punctuated with sandy coves. Photo by: fangie2000

When to go: Any time – the tropical climate is even all year round and Tongatapu is milder than Fiji or Samoa, with less rainfall. Population: 71,000. Getting there: Various international flights serve the airport at Fu’amotu. Photo by: richkaro

Photo by: forcefeed:swede

Yasawa Islands sits majestically to the north of the Mamanucas Archipelago, and are much less commercially orientated than their southern cousins. They are consisting of 16 larger islands and dozen of smaller ones. They are impressive islands, with breathtaking beaches and enchanting fishing villages, which provide an opportunity to observe the traditional way of life. These islands offer plenty for everybody, from fabulous beaches and clear lagoons to exclusive resorts for the well-heeled. Photo by: msdstefan

The islands have been a popular cruise destination from the 1950s, but land-based tourism was forbidden. Since then the popularity of the islands has been growing and they moved from back-packer heaven to mainstream destination. New development is unavoidable, but the wonderful island scenery has not been touched and there is more than enough coastline to go around. Resort are tend to be isolated. most of the island villages are without electricity or running water. But there is fresh water everywhere, so the locals know how to survive. Photo by: ryanocerous1979

Indeed many of the resort are owned and operated by friendly islanders, retaining a rustic charm that combines with the majestic scenery to ensure the visitors Yasawas feel because they discover the real ‘South Pacific’. Photo by: Alasdair Milne

When to go: Any time, there is no specific period hot and dry conditions predominate, with cool nights. Population: 6,000. Getting there: From Lautoka by fast catamaran (2-4 hours) or seaplane (20 minutes). Arrange it all upon arrival at Nadi International Airport. Photo by: ryanocerous1979

BMW Central Building in Leipzig, Germany, was built between 2001 and 2006. Designed by Zaha Hadid, the building already received several awards: Deutsche Architekturpreis 2005, Leipziger Architekturpreis 2005, Deutsche Architekturpreis Beton 2005, Best-Office-Award 2006 and a special award at Italian Premio Internazionale Dedalo Minosse architecture event. The exterior is not as interesting as its interiors. Among the signature elements are the 600 m long galleries where body-in-whites are transported to and from the paint shop. There a car production line passes over multilevel floor plates with platforms that function as open office spaces.

One of eight provinces in Andalucia, Malaga is home to the prestige holiday resorts of the Costa del Sol. It includes about 300km of the Mediterranean Coast and is one of Spain’s most popular tourist destinations. Due to averaging 300 days of sun shine each year, the Costa del Sol is the Mecca for those seeking sea side funs. The most popular resorts in Costa del Sol is like Benalmadena and Marbella.

This beautiful coast consists of a series of coves half-hidden among cliffs and sports harbors. The Costa del Sol offers an exciting selection of entertainment and relaxation options. The best sports and activities in Malaga are: golf courses, marinas and football. The nightlife is lively offers a huge variety of bars and restaurants. Other attractions include zoos and water parks, casinos, bullfights and amusement parks.

The mild climate is a major factor in enjoying the beaches and a wide variety of outdoor and water activities year round. Evidence of the area’s popularity is the fact that there are more jet skis per capita than anywhere else in Europe.

If you approach Porto Santo by air, the whole island seems a glorious-golden yellow against the glistening cobalt blue sea. The island is known as ‘painting made by god’ and is 46 km to the northeast of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. The island tending to remind of North Africa, rather than Europe – a starkly beautiful desert landscape of palm trees and cacti, dotted with pine groves and small wheatfields. Photo by: Tiagoto

The island is only 14 km long and 5 km wide with an incredible golden san beach, stretching 9 km along the south coast. Photo by: fernangar

The islander survive largely by fishing, subsistence farming and goat-herding, using donkeys for transport and oxen to tresh the grain. The main town Vila Baleira on the sout coast is a beautiful cluster of white-washed houses with medieval monuments, and small cafes, where you can hide in the shade of palm trees watching the fishing boats. This is one of the least developed beach resort in Europe – an unspoilt island paradise. Photo by: ctcsherry

When to go: February to October but if you taking children avoid July and August when the island is invaded by families. Population: 4,474. Getting there: Daily car ferry or fly from Madeira. You should know: The golden sand of Porto Santo is said to have therapeutic treatments. Photo by: f_araujo_abreu

Photo by: PLSeabra

Built on the slopes of the Toros mountains, by the seaside and among a 50,000sqm pine forest, the Gloria Verde Resort  is a 5 -star establishment that embodies the Mediterranean spirit of relaxation. Gloria Verde is the smallest one among Gloria Family Hotels and offers a peaceful and comfortable retreat. This area is paradise for golfers, but cut off from everywhere within walking distance.

The hotel is  5 floored main building and there are family rooms in the 3 blocks in the garden. Guestrooms have fireplaces, balconies, and sofa beds; bathrooms include jetted tubs, shower/tub combinations, and bathrobes.

Room Facilities: Hairdryers Available, Mini Bar, Television with Cable, Air Conditioning, Balcony/Terrace, Key Card System, Direct Dial Telephone, Wireless Internet Acess, Central Heating/Cooling System.

Activities: Sauna,  fitness service, Slides, Pools, Animation programs, 1 Tennis Court, Table Tennis, Aerobic, Open Carpark and Water sports.

Theraphy: Massage, Spa,  Doctor Services, Thalasso Centre, Theraphy Pool , more..

There are and three different bars that offer delicious food to the guests.

The Chausey Islands are located in the English Channel, south of Jersey, but are not generally included in the geographical definition of the Channel Islands, though geologically they join with them to form a larger archipelago. The islands are popular with French visitors and almost ignored by the English – there is no ferry Chausey and other islands. Photo by: asalha

This archipelago is little more than a cluster of grey granite lumps just above the sea surface. Subject to one of the highest tidal variation in the world, it is said that there are 365 islands at low tide and 52 in high tide. Awesome! Fierce sea currents create a multitude of rocky inlets, linked by vast sandy stretches. Photo by: vatch2006

Only the island, Grand Ile support any population. Cars and bicycles are banned, so the pace of life is pedestrian in the best sense of the word. Even in summer time the facilities on the island are limited, so the best way to enjoy the ever changing landscape is with a good pair of boots and a packed lunch. A coastal path encircled the island and formed good beach access. Photo by: monsieurson

When to go: June to September. Population: Winter 10, Summer, 100. Getting there: By ferry (summer only) from Saint – Malo or Granville. You should know: The local seafood is fantastic and fresh, try the lobster, mussels and oysters. Sailing through the archipelago many islets. Photo by: Naonerd

Photo by: ninifantasy

Rugen is the largest of Germany’s islands, nearly 1,000 sq km with 570 km long wiggling coastline of steep cliffs and broad, shallow inlets. It is a picture-book paradise of white cliffs, wide sandy beaches, wood and moorland with romantic castles, old churches and old-fashioned towns of fin de siecle villas. Photo by: mario_65

The main town is called Sassnitz, the ‘Gateway to Scandinavia‘. It is a colourful port with the longest seawall in Europe, a 1,450 m long mole where you can spend hours watching the boats come in – from passenger liners to fishing skiffs. Nearby is Jasmund National Park where the sheer chalk cliffs with their extraordinary charm, plunge dramatically into the sea. Behind the dense beech forest, there is unusually diverse woodland including wild apples and pears. There are several idyllic resorts dotted around the coast in the south east – old spa town with incredible clean beaches. Photo by: rhewson630@rogers.com

In contrast to the woods and hills of the eastern site, is a low-lying area of saltmarsh wetlands, tidal flats and peat bog with an incredible variety of flora and fauna. The lagoons there are heaven of thousands of migrating cranes. Photo by: nahaase

When to go: Rugen is beautiful at any time of year. The tourist season is April to October. Population: 73,000. Getting there: By boat – either across the Strelasund on the car ferry from Stahlbrode to Glewitz, or across the Baltic from Scandinavia. Photo by: eagle-ffm

Photo by: elpolam

Hallstatt is a small picturesque village around 80 km away from Salzburg and is one of the most visited towns in Austria (beside Salzburg and Vienna). Surrounded by steep mountains, situated on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, it is described as one of the most picturesque towns in all of Europe. Since more than 7000 years people are living here. It’s a major archeological landmark and since 1996 is recognized by the UNESCO as world heritage.

 
Visitors to Hallstatt and vicinity will find ancient salt mines, ice caves, culture museums and more. Hallstatt can be walked end-to-end in about 15 minutes, so choices of restaurants are limited, but for a traditional meal of schnitzel, knudel, and local bier try the Hetthaler. There are many Things to do: visit the Salt mine and Ice caves, see the bone chamber, go for hikes, enjoy a quiet night in a pension beside the lake.

Pristine white beaches, breathtaking views overlooking the blue waters of the warm Indian Ocean, natural beauty, sandy dunes, solitude…this is a true island paradise. Indigo Bay is an exquisite resort, situated on the largest island in the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. The resort offers world-class island accommodation providing the perfect island holiday. All resort’s chalets are constructed of natural materials to blend harmoniously with the surroundings.

Bazaruto is one of premier scuba diving destinations in Africa. The coastline is home to five of the world’s seven marine turtle species and the world’s largest roseate terns. Divers are able to see over 100 species of coral, thousands of tropical fish species, five kinds of dolphins, four whale species and sharks. Activities include island walks, horse back riding, and islands drives in a Land Rover to explore this intricate eco system. The water sports including: diving, fishing, snorkeling and sailing.

Noorderlicht is an old dock place, used by 250 artists working in the fields of theater, film, media, architecture and design. The place is both cafe & restaurant and also a little getaway from the city. Especially when the weather is holding up, it’s a perfect way to spend a late afternoon contemplating your day in Amsterdam on the terrace overlooking the IJ and part of the city center.

The staff is very informal, laid back and friendly, but not particularly speedy when it’s busy. The food is always fresh, healthy and delicious. The menu changes with the seasons and offers a variety of prices, so you can decide if you want to stay on a budget or splurge a little. The desserts are to die for, especially the plum tarte tatin and hangop pudding with rhubarb sauce.

Getting there: An absolute must! From the new Aanmeersteiger behind Central Station, where the big ferry to Amsterdam Noord-establishes, leaves a NDSM ferry to the wharf. Hence it is five minutes walk to Northern Lights. Over 50 more after arriving straight and then turn right at the NDSM. Walk 300 meter straight to the sheds on your left. At the end you see right to a transparent dome ‘t IJ. Just make sure you don’t miss the last ferry back to civilization. Ferries operate daily at 12:00 till 22:00.

The Museum of Quai Branly is a hybrid museum mixing post-colonial and postmodern. The museum is an attempt to merge art and ethnography. It is neither the Louvre nor the Musée de l’Homme. Quai Branly plays a role in transmission not only of knowledge, but also of testimony and emotion, offering visitors a choice of possibilities for taking part in a dialogue of cultures.

The museum boasts with an unusual profile from Jean Nouvel’s sienna-toned cubes piercing the postured exterior to the anti-gravitational plant wall by Patrick Blanc,. Entering through a Jurassic garden, the visitor commences on a winding tour through Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas.

Shows, music salons, master classes… the museum of Quai Branly is ready to transport you to all four corners of the world, from Morocco to Brazil, from India to Mexico, to discover other cultures and unique artists. As well as a school for documentary filmmaking in the tradition of the direct cinema of Jean Rouch, Richard Leacock and Fred Wiseman, Varan proposes an evening of screenings every three months at the museum.

The gallery installation (one critic dubbed the spotlit cases “monster lighting”) can be disorienting, swiftly shifting between tribes and continents with hidden text panels and interactive stations. That said, the 3,500 objects (out of a total 30,000) on permanent display are incredible. With a little perseverance, you might actually learn about them.

Getting there: The location of the museum Rue 37 Quai Branl 75007 Paris and there is easy access to the museum, by car/metro/bus. Entry to the museum is via rue de l’Université or via Quai Branly.

Suomenlinna or Viapori (Finnish), or Sveaborg (Swedish), is an inhabited sea fortress built on six islands, today within Helsinki, the capital of Finland. The Sea fortress Suomenlinna is a unique architectural monument, a popular recreation area and museum. Although the island is located off the coast of Helsinki, it is part of the city. The Fortress was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1991!

Suomenlinna Sea Fortress was built over 250 years ago and once had a population of 4600, larger than the population of Helsinki at the time. The Swedish crown commenced the construction of the fortress in 1748 as protection against Russian expansionism. All the effort didn’t hinder the Russians taking over in 1808. Finally in 1918 the Fortress became Finnish. Nowadays it is a popular park with museums, interesting flora and beaches.

Today, the island is inhabited by 1000 residents and so you will see some kids biking around. There is a big Visitor Center, which has a 25 minute “multi-vision show” and computers about the fortress.

There are plenty of nice spots for a picnic and you can also swim and sunbathe in various locations on the island – be prepared to walk a bit though. The trip to the fortress in Suomenlinna could be carried out by using the inter-island connecting motor boat from the Port in Katajanokanlaituri.

Atzaro is a century old family finca converted into luxurious accommodations with a cutting edge gastronomical restaurant and a blissful spa. It is nestled secretly in its own orange grove stands with an oasis of rest, where the flavours of orange blossom, rosemary and lavender mix to indulge your senses. It’s a luxury getaway for anyone looking for the more natural side of Ibiza.

The Atzaro offers a wide range of facilities and services as well as it’s wonderful landscaped gardens, with many fountains and private chill-out corners which make this 10 hectare estate and grove an ideal venue for self indulgence and an outstanding setting for any event.

There are reatment temples, couples or individuals, feature beautifully hand crafted ceilings and decor exquisitely accented with rich tropical woods, reflecting an Asian design philosophy carefully blended with Arabian and Ibizencan influences. The Spa facilities features Sauna, Hamm am (Turkish bath), gym, and a 43-meter lap pool. In a separate temple guests may exercise open classes or private sessions offering fitness at its best.

The cuisine has great respect for using the finest and freshest ingredients and produce, a combination of vibrant, cutting edge flavours, great ambience, friendly but yet professional service, an extensive wine list and exquisite surroundings make the restaurant a truly memorable experience.

Their rooms are divided between the old finca with it’s classical Ibizencan architecture. Both mix a sanctuary of open spaces and beauty where one can enjoy peaceful moments. All rooms have their private terraces (some have romantic fireplaces and skylights) with private plunge pool, fountains and outside daybed.

The Los Roques Archipelago is one of the world’s biggest National Marine Parks, and lies 145 km due north of La Guaira, the mainland port for Caracas. About 50 coral cays and sand bars are arranged in a huge lagoon, but it’s only from the air you get true idea of its scale – it covers the same area as the whole of Virgin Islands. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

The isles are shielded from eastern currents by a 24 km coral reef running from north to south and the second reef, running 32 km from east to west. They form a pristine environment that attracts only the most discerning visitors, who come in their own boats or yachts in search of solitude and tranquility, or in small groups by light aircraft, often just for a day, from Caracas or elsewhere on the Venezuelan mainland. The islands residents came from Isla Margarita and are descendants from 110 families. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

They will welcome you as temporary family members, and you will find that, along with the old style of manners, they still use the old ways of fishing to catch lobsters, king conch and Spanish mackerel. Los Roques is a countless transmutations of blue and green beauty and sharing the natural vibes of a totally unspoiled ecosystem. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura

When to go: Year-round. Between July and September storms makes the water less suitable for scuba-diving. Population: 1,500. Getting there: By light aircraft from Caracas or by boat from Isla Margarita. You should know: There are no words to describe the sense of peace you get in Los Roques. Photo by: Márcio Cabral de Moura