Cocos Islands are discovered in 1609, they were settled and owned by a single family from 1872 until the Australian Government acquired them in 1978. A pristine white beach is so typical of the beautiful Cocos Islands. The 27 coral islands are formed into two large, heavily vegetated atolls. They are the only atolls that Darwin ever visited but the coral ecosystem remains intact – and you can still see in their pristine conditions, exactly why they played such an important part in his theory of evolution.

North Keeling, set apart from the other islands, isn’t even inhabited, but you can come across extreme rarities like the Cocos buff-banded rail, robber land crabs, and both green and hawksbill turtles among other wonders, under its protection as Pulu Keeling National Park.

The Cocos islanders live on Home and West Islands, both given over to copra and coconut plantations that only add to their tropical glamour. There is no tourist industry at all. Wild place populated with divers and kite-surfers. However there are facilities for visitors, sponsored by the islanders who take in personal interest everyone who come. If you happen to be there, you are welcome to participate in the school fete, sports day or concert night. The tradition of hospitality is both, Australian and Malay.

The islanders, as much as the islands themselves, have retained a form of unpolluted innocence, and share a mutual respect that visitors immediately respond to. These islands are a dreamscape worthy to travel for.
When to go: Year-round. The winds last from April to September. But between that period the islands is second home for professional kite maniacs. Rain is most intense between March and July and usually falls in the evening after long sunny day. Population: 446. Getting there: By air, from Perth, to West Island, Cocos Islands. Photos by: Christian Bartens

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

The 26 natural atolls, which make up the Maldives, contain some 1200 coral islands, infinite sandbanks and reefs that stretch 820 kilometers across the equator from North to South, and 120 kilometers East to West. Covering a total area of 90,000 square kilometers in the Indian Ocean, only 200 of these islands is inhabited, while an additional 90 have been converted into resorts.

One & Only Kanuhura, Maldives, opened in February 2000, is a luxurious five star hotel, offering the highest standard of accommodation, service and culinary experience. Accommodation is in villas either on the island’s coral sand fringe or in a little village on stilts at the end of a wooden pier. Close by are some of the world’s best diving sites, with the outer reef dropping down nearly two thousand metres. Only one third of the island surface has been used for buildings, leaving a feel of spaciousness and tropical slendour. Kanuhura offers a choice of pure relaxation, or for the more sports oriented, an active holiday experience. It is home to the largest state of the art spa in the Maldives, the first disco and an excellent kids club, along with some of the world’s best diving, as the outer reef here drops to 2000m.

On a kilometre-long island on the eastern of the Lhaviyani atoll, this attractive luxury hotel dedicates itself to offering a very high standard of beach and Overwater villa and suite accommodation – all in a relaxing environment where the skilful use of local water sports and spa facilities are the ingredients of a very special welcome and hospitality. The island is blessed with white powder beaches, coconut and palm trees, and crystal clear turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. To ensure that every guest is made to feel extra special, personal villa hosts are assigned to cater to all their needs.

108 Garden, Beach and water Villas, 5 Beach Duplex Villas, 2 Beach Suites and 2 water Suites – all offering very spacious accommodation. The pretty villas and suites blend in with their natural surroundings, so as not to detract from the riot of tropical colour, with thatched roofs and private gardens outside and rich dark wooden furniture and stone baths within. They use natural materials throughout, are appointed with quality timber furniture, and feature air-conditioning, four poster bed, private verandah, natural stone free-shaped bathtub (shower in Garden Villas). Outdoor shower deliver an extra touch of the tropics, some with the water spilling from the mouth of a quirky carved stone effigy, minibar, television and CD player, stereo system and safe. Duplex Villas consist of two villas joined together with a private garden – ideal for families. Families can share two connecting villas for maximum space and luxury. Strung out on a wooden jetty in the lagoon like a little village are the Water Villas, set over the water on stilts, where you fall asleep each night to the ocean’s own lullaby.
The Resort has a large fresh water swimming pool, volleyball area, 2 floodlit tennis courts, an air-conditioned squash court, table tennis, and games room, library, and a lifestyle boutique. A tennis/squash instructor is available as a playing partner or for coaching sessions. Guests can also enjoy darts, table soccer and billiards in the games room, or just relax with a cozy read in the library. The Lava Lounge has state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment, which makes the room ideal for karaoke, conferences and presentations. Music and video CDs are also available at reception for in-villa use.
The resort of Kanuhura boasts the Maldives biggest spa “Veyoge Spa” – pronounced “vay-yo-gay”, which means “Bath House for Royalty” in Dhivehi (the national language).
A diverse range of treatments, and a comprehensive array of facilities within beautifully designed wooden interiors, provide guests with a sanctuary for relaxation and overall body care. Offering a complete selection of treatments, such as aromatherapy, reflexology, Thai and Indonesian massages, herbal scrubs, facial & hair treatments, steam sauna, dry sauna, hot and cold plunge pools. Signature massages like the Manawa and Maldivian Theyo Dhemun is a “must-try”. In addition, the Spa’s beauty salon features the famous Bastien’s pedicure from France. The spa also has a fully equipped fitness centre, aerobics studio, spa boutique, and separate steam bath, dry sauna, cold plunge pools, and Jacuzzis, for ladies and gentlemen.
Sun Dive Center – Lhaviyani Atoll is known for its stunning underwater fauna and marine life, offering some of the best diving sites in the world. Over 40 dive sites, including 2 shipwrecks and a manta point are accessible within minutes from the Resort. The PADI
Gold Palm certified dive centre offers newcomers a first-class introduction to diving and unique excursions for experienced divers. Nitrox diving is also available.

Thin Rah main restaurant with themed menus. Olive tree a la carte Mediterranean restaurant specialising in fresh pasta and offers Mediterranean cuisine and a wide selection of fine wines, grilled seafood and steaks. Classic tropical island dinning by the sea at Beachfront Veli Cafe for lunch barbecue dinner (Halfboard guests receive daily US$30 dinner credit). On private, “Robinson Crusoe” island Jehunhura, provides al fresco lunch with your feet in the sand. Enjoy cool drinks, cocktails and snacks all day at the Handuvaru bar. At night indulge in your favourite cocktail; enjoy soft music entertainment, liqueurs and cigars at the Havana Lounge with piano music and fine wines. Or dance the night away at the discreetly sited Nashaa Club.

The island setting is breathtaking and provides a beautiful, tropical backdrop for a world of easygoing elegance, blissfully free of schedules, routines and cares. One & Only Kanuhura is possibly one of the most romantic settings in the world. Resort Weddings coordinators are at hand to make arrangements specific to the couple’s requests and preferences. It should be noted that this is a ceremonial, rather than legal wedding: couples exchange vows in front of a Maldivian master of ceremonies and celebrate with the feast of their choice.

Tropical in climate with two significant seasons – the north-east monsoon (from December to March) is light and fairly dry, while the south-west monsoon (from June to November) occasionally brings brief downpours followed by sunshine. Prices from £1,788 per person…

Crystal clear waters, beautiful beaches, spectacular natural wonders and great hospitality: This is the Land Down Under. Whether you`re a snorkeler, trekker, opera fanatic, thrill seeker, scuba diver or just like to take life at your own pace, you will find the perfect holiday. There`s an amazing and confusing array of choices. Talk to our experts to figure out the best itinerary for you to see the most of this great country at a mellow pace.

This island country/continent offers incredible dive opportunities. The Great Barrier Reef (approximately 1,240 miles in length) stretches along the Queensland coast. A variety of liveaboards ply the waters up and down the coast and there are four resort islands that sit on the outer barrier reef. Many other resorts rest in the inner reef, offering diving by day boat to the outer barrier reef, plus an enjoyable island vacation. With so many deserted cays (atolls), turtles are a common sight in the waters and beaches of Queensland. Tiger sharks, as well as various other types of sharks, are always there for the thrill seekers. There`s more to Australia than the Great Barrier Reef—also check out Western Australia`s Ningaloo Reef and Rowley Shoals. Dive with the world`s largest fish at Ningaloo Reef in March and April each year when whale sharks come to feed. Rowley Shoals remains very untouched by divers offering virginal diving with large schools of fish and vivid corals. Adrenalin seekers should check out the great white shark dive expeditions offered from Adelaide with Rodney Fox on the Falie.

Lying in the southern hemisphere, south of the South-East Asian continent, Australia covers 2,966,200 square miles, which is almost as large as the continental U.S., and with a total population of 19 million. Its nearest neighbors are Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to the north, Solomon Islands, Fiji and New Zealand to the east. The capital, Canberra, is the seat of Government but gets only few tourists. Sydney, which is the commercial, tourist, and population capital, is the most popular tourist city in Australia. The population is 94% European origin, 4% Asian origin and 2% Aborigines. English is the most common spoken language. Because of its European ancestry the religious groups in Australia are fairly evenly split between Anglican, Protestant and Roman Catholic. Australia`s main products are iron, steel, textiles, chemicals, wheat (leading export), coal, copper, iron, lead, tin, uranium, zinc, opals, wool (30% of the world`s output), cattle and sheep.

An island continent, Australia has many small islands that wrap around the mainland adding variety to its lure. The mainland has the Great Dividing Range running along the eastern coast, with Mt. Kosciusko standing at 7,310 feet, and the western plateau rising to 2,000 feet with arid areas in between of the Great Sandy and Great Victorian Deserts. The mighty Murray river rises in New South Wales and flows 1,600 miles to the Indian Ocean while in the center of Australia, the Fink river rarely sees rain yet has left its mark on the landscape.

The climate is generally pleasant without extremes in temperatures. There are two main climatic zones. In the north, above the Tropic of Capricorn, about forty percent of Australia is in the tropical zone. The remaining areas lie in the temperate zone. However, because of Australia`s vast size, there are variations within these zones. The temperate regions have all four seasons, while those in the tropical zone have two (summer “wet” and winter “dry”). Australia`s seasons are the opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere with spring from September to November, summer from December to February, fall from March to May and winter from June to August. In New South Wales and Victoria the high peaks offer skiing in the winter months while in Queensland and the Northern Territory the weather over Christmas and the New Year are hot and very humid with monsoon rains a regular occurrence.

Sunny, sexy, sophisticated – Sydney basks as the shining star of the southern hemisphere. The stunning Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbor Bridge are the pride and joy, but there`s much more on offer.

Sydney is also an architectural dream. Many homes overlook the water or nestle in the bush, and are cantilevered over cliffs or dug back into the scenery (featuring light and space, layers of texture and looking outwards to the environment). This Australian architectural idiom was pioneered by Sydney architect Glenn Murcutt. It has been translated and adapted by many who have followed him.

The six main islands of Choiseul, Santa Isabel, Guadalcanal, Malatia, Makira and New Georgia make up most of the 28,000 square kilometre land mass. Hundreds of smaller islands and atolls are scattered throughout the group.

The Solomon Islands are a uniquely, beautiful environment, wild and untamed. The landscape is mountainous with 80% of the islands covered in dense rainforest.

Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, there are several active volcanoes and numerous uplifted atolls and coral islands.

The nation is largely untouched by tourism. Most of the population live in small villages and follow traditional cultures and lifestyles with hunting, fishing, carvings, handcrafts and subsistence farming being their main activities. The Solomon Islanders are a friendly, warm and generous people who make visitors to their Islands feel most welcome.

During World War II the Solomons became the key turning point in the desperate struggle by the allied forces to repel the Japanese advancement in the South Pacific. Most of the heavy fighting was concentrated in the Guadalcanal area with one of the fiercest encounters in naval history taking place on 13th November 1942. The “Battle of Guadalcanal” extracted heavy losses on both sides. Hundreds of ships and aircraft litter the ocean floor, providing divers with a wide range of wrecks to explore. The machines and relics of destruction now form spectacular, artificial reefs that attract masses of fish and an incredible variety of coral life.

Note: All wrecks in the Solomons are National Heritage and the pilfering of these wrecks is not permitted.

Tahiti’s Teahupoo is essentially a glorified closeout – a hideous, deadly barrel promising a heap of trouble for even the most capable of surfers. No other surf spot extracts a higher toll than Teahupoo, the heaviest wave in the world.

The quiet town of Teahupoo rests along the southwest corner of the smaller of Tahiti’s two dormant volcanoes, Tahiti Iti, separated from the larger by the Isthmus of Taravao. Literally translated as “the hot head,” King Teahupoo’s son once avenged his father’s death by feasting on the fresh brain of the son of his murderer. The town of Teahupoo has vehemently retained its native culture, despite the influx of tourists, who are confronted with an array of local crafts but not a single McDonald’s (which is goood:) ). Recognized as a surf destination since the ’60s, the island is ringed with coral atolls receiving abundant swell via the roaring 40s. No land stands in its way, so Tahiti enjoys Hawaiian power during our summer months, providing an off-season challenge comparable to the North Shore. Finding a suitable reef pass is the only job you need to do if you want to surf.

Ages ago, freshwater from the mountains flowed into the ocean, eroding the reef and creating what is known today as Passe Havae. The pass is located where the town’s paved road ends, thus its early name, “The End of the Road.” The channel at Teahupoo isn’t actually a channel at all, as the wave bends and races along into a below sea level dry reef closeout. A 15-minute paddle from land, Teahupoo’s severe shape results from a drastic change in gradient as powerful swells leave a gently sloping bottom and are hurled forward by the reef. The lip, as thick as it is tall, pitches with such velocity that one must take off under it to avoid being launched. Guts alone may cut it at some big-wave venues, but here they’ll get you killed. An iron sack must be accompanied by finesse in negotiating a wave that has relegated Pipeline to mere warm-up status.

Tahitian Thierry Vernaudon claims he was the first to ride Teahupoo in 1985 with a few other locals, but the small waves they surfed were hardly the beasts we’ve come to know. Bodyboarders Mike Stewart and Ben Severson stumbled upon the End of the Road the following year, and it soon became something of an underground spot for psychotic bodyboarders.

I suggest you to watch to video below and think again is Teahupoo is your location for next excursion or not…

… and remember that there are mermaids there…