Hainan is China’s Hawaii. It’s on the same latitude, with a highly developed agricultural economy, roads and infrastructure. It’s China’s smallest province, divided by a 1.5 km strait from Guangdong, and nestled between the Gulf of Tonkin and South China Sea. Like Hawaii it has the beaches, hills, forests, wildlife, and recreational roster. 

In the central highlands, the descendants of the Li, Miao and Han wear tribal dress in the villages, and ancient Chinese poetry proclaims the beauty of the waterfalls, gorges, lush forests with chattering monkeys – and the same coconut, banana, pepper and fruit fields you can see, if on a different scale. This is where to join the annual Water-Splashing Festival. 

Sanya, Hainan’s second city in the south, is the centre of beach life, and focal point of all tourism. Xiao Dongtian, to the west at Yazhou Bay is spectacularly pretty, with beauty spots alongside regular beach and countryside facilities. 

When to go: Year-round. Population: 8,200,000. How to get there: By air from mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore or Japan, to Haikou or Sanya; by train and rail-ferry, from Guangzhou in Guangdong, to Haikou; by boat from several Chinese ports, to Haikou or Sanya. Photos by: Alfred(??) in Shanghai

Only 20 km wide and 15 km long, Iriomote’s infrastructure is limited to a single coastal road between its northern and eastern hamlets. 80 per cent of the island is protected by the state, and a third of it forms part of the Iriomote National Park, which includes Japan’s biggest coral reef – the lagoon between Iriomote and its near neighbour, Ishigaki. Iriomote is covered by dense subtropical jungle and mangrove swamps, threaded through and around a dozen peaks over 420 m. Photo by: kaori

The island has seven kinds of mangrove, including what is said to be Japan’s biggest and oldest, the Sakishimasuou tree. A short walk from the Urauchi brings you first to the exquisite Mariyudo waterfall and then to the Kampire, descending rapids so fast and turbulent they can create a spectacular veil of mist. Part of the thrill is that you are walking in the buffer zone of virgin territory: 30 sq km of Iriomote is closed to all forms of human intervention. Photo by: Internet-Okinawa.com

This is the only home of the Iriomote wildcat, one of the world’s most endangered species. It looks deceptively cuddly, like a large house cat, but has the attitudes of leopard, its nearest relative. It is the highlight of Iriomote’s extraordinary ecology: tourists willing to reach such an isolated outpost find rare and pristine terrestrial and marine environments. Photo by: jsleeuw

When to go: Year-round. Come for the Yamaneko Marathon in February, or the Festival of Shitsumatsuri in November. Population: 2, 251. How to get there: By air, from Japan’s main islands or Taiwan via Okinawa, to Ishigaki Port to Funaura and Uehara. You should know: The after-party of the Yamaneko Marathon starts with a free-for-all grab for two boatloads of sashimi, ans ends in compulsory group dancing. Photo by: ajari

Photo by: twiga_swala

Atlantis Submarine offers an underwater experience unique to Hawaii – carrying guests to depths well beyond 100 feet – to place where schools of brightly colored fish frolic, where green sea turtles flourish, and beautiful coral grows. An Atlantis Submarine tour is an ideal way to gain first-hand insight into the value and importance of reefs and to observe how mankind can contribute to the development of reefs and associated ecosystems. In the comfort and security of one of the world’s most technologically advanced passenger submarines, you will view remarkable reefs of this unique underwater tour through areas pulsating with marine life. Each of the three Atlantis Hawaii tour locations (Waikiki, Kona, and Maui) feature distinct characteristics enabling to explore their unique underwater habitats. It’s a world unseen by anyone except scuba divers and fish.

Waikiki
Atlantis Submarines’ initiatives have helped reenergize the marine environment off the coast of Waikiki with the introduction of seven man-made reef developments that have increased the biomass of fish, coral and other marine life. During the past 100 years, the natural reefs off the coast of Waikiki have been disappearing. Atlantis has helped reserve this situation through its innovative reef initiatives. The Waikiki dive site is Atlantis’ largest artificial reef. The site consist of two sunken ships: the USA Navy vessel, the YO-257, and a 111 foot Korean fishing vessel, the St. Pedro, along with four reef structures designed in Japan, a series of concrete “pyramids” built in collaboration with The University Of Hawaii Sea Grant program, and remnants of two sunken airliners. The Atlantis artificial reefs provide a rare opportunity to study Hawaii’s undersea ecology.

Maui
The Lahaina, Maui tour highlights to guests the ongoing partnership between Mother Nature and Atlantis Submarines. As a means of improving the marine environment and enhancing its tour experience, Atlantis created an artificial reef in December 2005 by placing the Carthaginian, a 19th – century replica whaling brig, at the bottom of the ocean where it is attracting fish and other marine life. This intriguing ship was in poor condition and due to be scuttled. After thoroughly cleansing the ship in preparation for its new home on the ocean floor, the Carthaginian was carefully positioned for optimal artificial reef development and incredible viewing by submarine tour guests. Atlantis helps scientists understand the undersea during submarine excursions.

Kona
In 1988, Atlantis Submarines opened its first Hawaii location in Kona, and the tour has been delighting guests ever since. Tour participants explore a 25-acre natural coral reef formed 18,000 years ago on lava that had flowed into sea. The reef is also a popular spot for scuba divers because of hundreds of species of tropical fish and other sea life inhabiting the area. The Atlantis Kona site has been enhanced to include opportunities to observe two sunken ships located near the coral reef. After close to a decade underwater, nature has transformed the two vessels into artificial reef habitats that are now teeming with marine activity.

Color Absorption
As you submerged, the sea water filters each color of the sunlight. Red is the first color to break down. The color orange is the next to break down as you move into deeper water and beings to look yellow. At 60 feet, the color yellow begins to break down and appears green. The color red has disappeared. At 90 feet, the color green breaks down and begins to look blue. The color of blue is more vibrant.

Tokyo’s nightlife is one of the best in the world. Ageha is the biggest club in Japan. It’s  opened in December, 2003.

There are free shuttle busses running from Shibuya and Roppongi all night and the venue is a five minute walk from the last stop, Shin Kiba.

There are a few bar counters that sell beer and cocktails, as well as vending machines for those looking to stay hydrated.

It has a swimming pool outside with shack-style DJ booth, creating something of an Ibiza atmosphere. Several bars and an outdoor terrace overlooking a river.

From multiple dance floors to colorful light displays to big-name DJs like Junior Vasquez, DJ Dan, and DJ Tiesto

Each Orange Sea Pen (Scientific Name: Ptilosarcus gurneyi) is a colony of polyps  working together for the survival of the whole. The primary polyp loses its tentacles and becomes the stalk of the sea pen, with a bulb at its base. They can generally be found in temperate waters of northeastern Pacific.

The Giant Japanese spider crab (Scientific Name: Macrocheira kaempferi) is the largest arthropods known to man. Fully grown, it attains a leg span of about 4 m and a weight of about 20 kilograms. They generally have a dark orange body, with white spots on their legs and can live up to 100 years is considered to be a living fossil. The width of their body usually grows to about 37cm and they are covered with little nodules called tubercles. The Giant Japanese spider crab can generally be found in the Pacific Ocean around Japan. They are found in depths of 150m to 800m, but mainly these crabs go to depths of around 200m. If the female Japanese Spider Crabs need to lay their eggs, then they even go to shallow depths of 50m.

Known of the movie “Finding Nemo”, Clown Fish (Scientific Name: Amphiprion Ocellaris) are commonly found in the warm waters in the Pacific Ocean, the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Clownfish belong to a group of small, brightly colored fish called damselfish. The largest reach a length of 18 cm, while the smallest barely reach 10 cm. They are not eaten by other fish because they are kept safe by the stinging tentacles of the Anemone.

Ghibli Museum is located in Mitaka Inokashira Park, Tokyo and features the wonderful art of Miyazaki’s hand-drawn animation. Studio Ghibli is one of  most famous animation studios in Japan. Founded by Hayao Miyazaki in 1985, they have produced many feature length films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Castle in the Sky, Princess Mononoke and the Academy Award-winning Spirited Away – amongst the most prominent exports of Japanese culture. The museum is one of the most attractively placed art space in Tokyo and is a must-see for fans of the films.

Fans of these fantastical works will smile as they wander past the old wooden structures hidden away at the end of the lake or make their way through the almost pathless woods-classic Miyazaki territory brought to life. The first floor of the museum has a permanent exhibit on the history and techniques of animation. On the bottom floor is an exhibit room showing the history and science of animation.

The second floor houses special exhibits that change yearly. Previous exhibits include Laputa: Castle in the Sky; Pixar Animation Studios (Toy Story, Finding Nemo) and Aardman Studios (Wallace and Gromit). The museum also has a The Straw Hat Coffee; children’s play area, a rooftop garden and gift shop.

The Pearl of Oresund is a tiny dot in the spirit between Sweden and Denmark, 8 km off the Danish coast and just 4.3 km from Sweden. It is only 7.5 sq km, a shelf that slopes downward south to north from its highest point at 45 m just 5 m above sea level. The island is incredibly fertile farmland with rich clay topsoil on layers of shifting sand and clay. Photo by: bjaglin

When you go ashore from the ferry at Backviken, the grassy slopes of the celebrated Backfall cliffs rise straight out of the sea 40 m high, giving amazing views over the Oresund to the Danish and Swedish coasts. Kyrkbacken, the oldest and largest harbour with yachting marina, is a pretty village with a fish smokery. There are sand beaches near both harbours. Photo by: joningic

Ven is lovely island for camping and cycling holidays. Paths cut through the fields and copses so that you can wander freely everywhere. Coastal walks take you along some hair-raising cliff tops where you will see dramatic landslips and down to curious rocky shores full of marine life. Artists and craftmen have been attracted there by the inspiring anture and peaceful atmosphere. The bucolic surroundings, sea views, lively harbours, and sense of history make it an ideal palce for anyone seeking a relaxing island break. Photo by: WanderingJapanese

When to go: May to September. Population: 371. How to get there: Ferry from Landskrona on the Swidish mainland several times a day, and from Helsingborg and Copenhagen in the summer only. You should know: Bikes can be hired on the island, so there is no need to travel with one. Photo by: michal_kozlowski

Roughly 300 km southwest of Okinawa, a low plateau sits above the translucent, turquoise sea. This is Miyako, centrepiece of a small archipelago of the same name, and of the coral reefs, raised from the seabed thousands of years ago. Miyako’s fame in Japan’s main islands is based on its gorgeous white sand beaches, its golf courses and its reef dive sites. Two long bridges unit Miyako with its seven satellite islands, making their coral reefs and wildlife easily accessible. The islanders are proud of their status as a mainstream tourist destination. Photo by: * Yumi *

Most visitors remain oblivious to Miyako’s indigenous culture, a variant developed from ancient Ryukyu kingdom centred in Okinawa. Over 15,000 islanders speak Miyako, a Ryukyu language and four of its settlements have their own dialect, even though they are so close. Photo by: * Yumi *

They are 15 surviving Gusuku sites scattered round Miyako, shrines sacred to a history and way of life veiled to beach holidaymakers. During the years, each district conducts its own sacred rite. Shimajiri district’s Pantu rite consists of three local men daubed in grass and mud, and carrying sticks and a grotesque face-mask. They represent gods and chase people to smear them with mud. Being caught and muddied -up guarantees a year of protection by the deities. The Karimata district has its Uyagan rite, a form of harvest festival.In the sugarcane fields not yet claimed for new tourist facilities, these rites are the public face of Miyako’s cultural soul, and like the island itself, they have a rare and profound beauty. Photo by: * Yumi *

When to go: Year-round. Population: 55, 914. How to get there: By air from Naha (Okinawa), Haneda or Kansai, to Miyako. Photo by: okiraku_diver

Photo by: headpipe

Danai Beach Resort is one of Greece’s premier luxury spa hotels. The resort overlooks pine fringed shores white sandy beaches and the clear azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Its beach is about 2.5 km long and it is attractive not only for its extensive golden sands, but also for the way the pine trees grow right down to the water’s edge. A world-class Wellness & Spa center“St Barth” in Moroccan-style design offers huge variety of professional therapies and health treatments.

SPA Treatments include: massages of all types, traditional Indian Ayurveda, Thalasso and purifying. Other fantasy treatments include specially designed stunning Turkish-tiled steam bath for inhalation therapy, green and pink clay packs, body peeling, the Laconium circular bio sauna, holistic trilogy steam rituals, rainwater treatment beds, balancing chakra tables, aromatherapy, Adventure showers with rain and tropic settings, classic Finnish hot detoxification sauna, treatment with calming oil massages on Tatami Japanese-style bed,

Guide price
A 60 minute full body massage costs 155 Euros. A 50 minute body peeling massage with coconut oil and papaya costs 105 Euros. Prices between June and September start from £1800.00 per person, based on 2 adults based on return scheduled flights to Thessaloniki, return airport private transfers and 5 nights B&B in a Double room.

Dividing Australia from Papua New Guinea, the Torres Strait is one of the frontiers on earth and is sprinkled with stepping-stone islands. Of these islands, 17 are inhabited and Thursday Island is seen as the ‘capital’. This tiny speck of an island, just visible from the Australian mainland, was once called the ‘Sink of the Pacific’, reflecting the sheer variety of people who have passed through since its pearling heydays – Aboriginal, Malay, Chinese, Japanese, Melanesian and Anglo. In this now lies its charm. Photo by: bauplenut

In the 19th century, Europeans quickly discovered the Strait’s rich pearl beds and Thursday Island was once a thriving centre for pearl diving. For decades this was the only job on the island and Japanese pearl divers tragically lost their loves there, and are buried in the local cemetery. Most died of compression sickness. Photo by: ailanpair

Many foreigners have influenced the island’s history. In the late 1800s the London Missionary Society landed on Darnley Island – and the advent of Christianity stabilized the community, but also led the demise of traditional life. South Sea Island teachers also came, and brought with them a new dance culture and crops, and intermarried with the locals. Photo by: ailanpair

Access to the smaller more remote islands is limited, but a few are little gems. Badu is fringed by mangrove swamps and is the centre of the Straits burgeoning crayfish industry. Saibai, just 16 km from New Guniea mainland is the only one place in Australia from which you can see another country. In many ways Thursday Island is the easiest and most interesting island to visit with the laid-back attitude and multifunctional mix. Here the hotel clock has no hands – paying homeage to the leisurely pace of life. Photo by: philippe_wt

When to go: Avoid the monsoon season. Population: 8,089 (2001). How to get there: Ferry from the mainland to Thursday Island. Access to other islands limited and more expensive. Flights form Cairns to Thursday Island via Horn Island – a few minutes by water taxi from Thursday Island. Small airlines operators service other islands. Photo by: ailanpair

Micronesia consists of some 600 small islands spread across nearly 2,900,000 sq km of the Western Pacific just above the Equator. For all that Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) can only muster around 700 sq km of terra firma. The four states are Pohnpei, Chuuk, Kosrae, and Yap. Each consists of one or more high volcanic islands. Photo by: martylaycock

Pohnpei is the FSM’s largest island with a margin of 130 km. It hosts a mixed population – as home to the national government it has attracted employees from other states to join a hotch-potch of different Pacific islanders, Japanese, Americans, Australians and Europeans who have settled over the years. In addition to Pohnpei itself, whose reef encloses 25 islets and has eight atolls, the state consists of another 137 wide atolls. Kolonia is the island’s commercial centre and capital. Photo by: zuccarelliphoto

Most of the Pohnpei’s shoreline is covered with mangrove swamps, but artificial beaches have been created on the mainland and the reef atolls have excellent natural beaches. The island is rich in coral reefs that delight divers and snorkelers, while the Palikir Pass Reef has a reputation as a surfing hotspot. Rugged mountains and beautiful rain forests cover the inner side of the island. There are some fine nature trails and trekking opportunities with lots of rushing steams, waterfalls and cooling pools. Photo by: ctsnow

This is an island where guest are welcomed by very friendly and kind people, that retains much original character, simply because it has not yet become a well-known international resort destination. Photo by: tropical.pete

When to go: The very rainy season (July to October) is best avoided – otherwise the warm tropical climate doesn’t vary much. Population: 35,000. How to get there: By air, considerable expense, flying Continental Micronesia from Guam Or island-hop from Hawaii. You should know: Waterproof clothing is obligatory – Pohnpei is one of the wettest places on earth with annual rainfall of 1,000 cm (400 in). Photo by: tropical.pete

Kurl Islands is a chain of 56 volcanic islands stretches for 1,300 km like stepping-stones all the way from the Kamatchka Peninsula to Hokkaido, Japan. They form the boundary between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean and the summits of undersea stratvolcanoes, part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Offshore is the Kuril trench, one of the deepest ocean regions in the world, 10,5 km deep. 

The Kuril Islands are breathtakingly beautiful with dense greenery except at the highest levels and an amazing variety of spectacular scenery ranging from dramatic volcanic ridge and craters to alpine tundra, meadows and wetland. There are broadleaf woods, coniferous forests, crater lakes circled by trees, lush narrow valleys and fast running steams with coast of steep cliffs, volcanic sand beaches and rocky shores. Many millions of seabirds congregate on every available hammock and cliff ledge. Baird’s whales, fin and sperm whales, sea otters, sealions and fur seals.

Forty of the islands are volcanically active with hot springs and frequent eruptions. A combination of distance from the mainland, the depth of the ocean and strong currents have been major barriers to plant and animal dispersal so the each island had its own self-contained ecosystem and natural history. The Kurils are in one of the least scientifically explored regions of the world – and eco adventurer’s paradise, full of unique biological and geological wonders.

When to go: June to October. Population: 16,800. How to get there: You need a lot of determination to get to Kurl Islands. By boat to Kunashir (the southernmost island), from Kushiro, north Japan. Irregular ferry services to the other inhabited islands and a once monthly boat from Korsakov, the southern port of Sakhalin Island, Eastern Russia. To explore the Kurils on max, you must charter a boat or join an eco-expedition.

The Kurils were discovered in 1634 and first charted in 1739. They were seized by Japan in the 19th century and only returned to Russia at the end of the World War II. Photos by: sophieatkinson

In the far north of Japan off the north-west coast of the island Hokkaido, lie two smaller islands famed for their natural beauty, abundant wild flowers and hiking trails. The island of Rebun and Rishiri form part of national park, along with the island of Sarobetsu and part of Hokkaido. Photo by: k_yamamoto

Rishiri Island has the Mount Rishiri a 1,721-m dormant volcano. Most of the tourists went there to climb the volcano, an enjoyable hike which takes about 12 hours. There is a small shrine at the summit and the views from the neighboring islands from which you can appreciate the wonderful scenery, including a lovely three-hour trail from the lake at Himenuma, crossing the lower slopes of two smaller peaks. Photo by: Rex Missen

Another way to enjoy the scenery is by bicycle. A 20-km cycle track follows the northern coast of Rishiri from Hime Pond to Kutsugata, a lovely route offering stunning views of the volcano. Bicycle can be hired or borrowed from your hotel. The coast of Rishiri is peppered with small fishing villages and the islands is famous for its sea urchins and konbu seaweed. Photo by: yuou

In contrast Rebun is low-lying island.It is most famous for its rich flora, particularly its alpine flowers, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world. The flowers bloom between June and August, so this is good time to visit. Look out particularly for the Rebun Usuyukiso, rather like and Edelweiss. It’s one of the several protected, rare plants found on the island and can be seen in the Rebun Usuyukiso Area, place with a relatively high number of them. Photo by: yuou

When to go: June to August, when the wild flowers are in bloom. Population: Rebun 3,400, Rishiri 6,200. How to get there: travel by air or ferry from Wakanai to Rebun and Rishiri. You should know: Garota Beach is a sandy beach on the western coast of Rishiri, popular with wind surfers. The islands are known in Japan as Rishirito and Rebunto. Photo by: rangaku1976

Riu Palace Riviera Maya is located on one of the most exotic Caribbean beaches. 1.5 miles from Playa del Carmen and 35 minutes from the airport. Surrounded by 35,000 m2 /42,000 sq. yards of lush gardens.

The resort is so well maintained and absolutely spotless in cleanliness. The rooms were very nice and spacious. This spectacular hotel boasts 400 elegant junior suites. 400 stylish rooms, beautifully appointed with dark wooden furnishings and details in tropical colors. All rooms have balconies, flat-screen TVs, minibars, and liquor dispensers.

Hotel amenities include the beach access, continental breakfast room service, outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, children’s swimming pool, children’s playground, hairdresser, fitness center, sauna, spa, beauty salon, shop and tennis courts.

Magnificent spa that features a variety of treatments, beauty salon and relaxing massages.

The restaurants cater to international tastes and include Japanese fare at Yashimi, Brazilian specialties at Botafogo and a new a La Carte restaurant called the Krystal Dining Room.

At the southern-most tip of Japan in the Pacific Ocean near the Tropic of Cancer lies the island of Hateruma, part of the Yaeyama Island group. This enchanting coral island is clothed in banyan trees, Indian almonds, bamboo orchids and colourful hibiscus. There is a blissful feeling of remoteness in this beautiful rural backwater, with no man-made noise and the exotic decent of frangipani perfumes in the air. Photo by: ippei + janine

Tourism is virtually non-existent on Hateruma – there are no big hotels or coach parties making this the perfect place to unwind. The island is best explored by bicycle, at a slow pace fitting the pace of life here. The empty roads lead to endless reaches of sea and sky. There is one just village in the centre of the island, with most of the inhabitants involved in fishing, growing sugarcane or producing Awanami, a highly-priced alcoholic drink. Some of the wooden houses are plain and weathered, others are painted in pretty shades of green or blue, with traditional orange tiled roofs. Photo by: 703

The clear blue waters around the island make this a good place for diving and snorkeling. There is plenty to explore, featuring coral reefs, rock arches and brilliantly colourful tropical fish. In the spring migratory fish, such as hammerhead sharks,can be seen. If you want to relax, the beach at Nishi, edged with pandanus trees, the most beautiful beach in Japan. Photo by: hokipoki

Hateruma is also famous for its astronomical observatory, as this is the only place in Japan from where you can view the Southern Cross. Of the 88 constellations, 84 can be seen from there, and the clear skies and lack of light population make this a great place to view the night sky. Photo by: Akira ASKR

When to go: Mid-December to June to view the Southern Cross. Population: 600. How to get there: By air to Ishigaki Island and then take a ferry to Hateruma. Photo by: kozyndan