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

In parts of this island, it seems that time has stood still for a thousand of years – many villagers still wear traditional costumes, follow the customs of their ancestors and shun all the trappings of modern life. Tanna is a small but interesting island in Vanuatu. Photo by: Tony_Rush

Captain Cook was the first European to arrive in 1774, attracted by a glowing volcano in the night. Cook was followed by traders and missionaries, but the latter had little success in weaning the islanders off their old beliefs. Even today outsiders are only welcome in rural villages if traveling with a local guide. Photo by: canvas of light

Tanna Island is trying to encourage tourism to supplement the traditional farming and fishing activities. There are a limited number of low-key resorts and bungalow accommodation on the west and east coasts, with wild trekking a majoractivity in the south around the island’s highest mountain. Tourists can approach the world’s most accessible active volcano. It is near Sulphur Bay and one-day volcano tours are the most common tourist activity. Photo by: volcanodiscovery

Tanna also has beautiful white beaches and tropical vegetation of many Pacific islands, but retains an atmosphere that will delight the traveler who dislikes wholesale modern development. There are still places in the world, that still allow adventurous travelers to feel that they’re discovered the idyllic back of beyond. Photo by: jo-jo-jo

Tucked into the native maritime forest, you will find the sanctuary of Bahia Beach Resort  and Golf Club. Bahia Beach Resort and Golf Club, Puerto Rico located on Puerto Rico’s northeastern coast where the Atlantic Ocean blends with the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea. The community will boast a magnificent two-mile crescent of Sandy Beach.

139 magnificent rooms, where private terraces lead to spectacular ocean views.

The pool is beautiful.
 

It’s unique location in the salt flats of Cabo Rojo, also offers tourists the opportunity to bike, go scuba diving, boating, kayaking, deep sea fishing, jogging, trekking, even golfing.
18-hole championship golf course – with spectacular holes along the ocean, scenic lakes, undulating fairways and gentle ocean breezes.

The resort is home to a variety of animal inhabitants including snook and tarpon, frigate birds, pelicans, palm trees, golden leather ferns, whistling ducks, iguanas and many species of songbirds.

‘Macca‘ rests at the ends of the earth. The remote wilderness is tucked away in the southeast corner of the Pacific, halfway between Australia and Antractida. A tiny fragment of land, it is of huge significance on a world scale, yet was only discovered by accident by Frederick Hasselbrorough in 1810 while he was looking around for new sealing grounds. Photo by: ailsa45

Under Tasmania’s wing, the only human inhabitants on this extraordinary wildlife sanctuary are from the Australian Antarctic Division, based on the north of the island. Over the centuries scientist have been endlessly drawn to this unsung wonder of the natural world. Each spring, around 3.5 million seabirds, mostly penguins, and 80,000 elephant seals pull themselves up on to the rocky shoreline to breed. There are pinguins galore – rockhoppers, kings, royals and gentooes. Rabbits are a less welcome sight and are literally eating away at this World Heritage Site. Photo by: cmg099

You have to work extremely hard to get to this island, but the rewards for true lovers of wildlife and wilderness are unparalleled. It’s cold inhospitable place at the best of times, but you don’t go there for the weather. Photo by: ailsa45

When to go: In the breeding season – over the summer months and early autumn. Even then the weather can be challenging. Population: Uninhabited ( expect 20 – 40 members of the Australian Antarctic Division who are based here every year). How to get there: Very unlimited access. Most visitors spending up to two days on the island and tourist boats. Photo by: esjohnson

Kia Ora Sauvage is a little heaven of peace on a private “motu” islet. On the atoll of Rangiroa, just an hour by plane from Papeete, the capital of Tahiti. Created with traditional, natural, Polynesian materials – each bungalow is a work of art. For the visitor who truly wants to get away from it all!

It only has 5 beautifully decorated beach bungalows bordering white sand beaches. Each thatched-roof bungalow has been hand-crafted from native wood, bamboo and palm. The bungalows equipped with Mosquitoes net, shower (hot water). Rooms with a king size bed and a single bed.

Simple, healthful meals emphasizing fresh seafood; a cocktail and snack bar.

Activities: canoes, snorkeling and skin diving, deep sea fishing, swimming, windsurfing, sailing, glass-bottom boat excursion, boat rental with pilot, bicycles, table tennis, volleyball, petanque.

Offers outdoor tables, with  views of the lagoon by day and stars arching overhead at night.

This beautiful alpine village is located in a thermal region and is popular holiday and conference destination. Situated 372 m above sea level it is one of New Zealand’s major health retreats. The Hanmer Springs has seven open air thermal pools suitable for therapeutic treatments as well as relaxing bathing.

Hanmer Springs is the New Zealand alpine playground for all seasons. There’s a great variety of peaceful outdoor activities such as walking, mountain biking, a game of squash, tennis, picnic area, fishing, hunting and jet boating. You can relax in the famous thermal pools with its health and fitness centre. Hanmer Health & Fitness Centre wraps, relaxation, sports massage, spa pedicure and gym facilities.

Hanmer Springs has a great selection of pubs and restaurants to choose from. The local restaurants serve a wide variety of traditional and a la carte cuisine for any budget.

The Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Resort are located just steps from the Tamarijn Aruba at Dutch Village. The Tamarijn Aruba family vacation getaway is perfect for families.

Hotel offer 97 suites, all with fully-equipped kitchenettes, jetted bathtubs, and furnished balconies with pool or garden views.

Rooms with 1 king or 2 queens include balcony, Mini Refridgerator, Color Satellite TV, In Room Video on demand with Internet Acess, Ironing board/Iron and Hairdryers.

The resorts new optional amenity, the Indulgence by the Sea Spa, features pampering treatments from massages to facials to body .

A 65-foot freshwater swimming pool and fitness center are also on site.

Water sports including kayaks, floats, sunfish sailing, beginner’s windsurfing, volleyball, tennis courts, snorkeling equipment and snorkel clinic and tour.

There are nine great dining choices, seven bars to choose from, live entertainment every night and the nearby Alhambra Casino.

A bunch of New Zealander’s interpreters  has created a human-powered monorail system, known as the Shweeb. Their creation does double duty, acting not just as an innovative transportation system, but also an amusement ride.

The technology of the Shweeb is remarkably simple – the only infrastructure required is a network of interconnected single rails. A number of pods are hung from this these lines, which are powered by the people sitting inside them. In principle, these pods are no different than recumbent bicycles – they can achieve close to 25 mph, are comfortable to use, and can be used by nearly anyone.

Shweeb is a World’s first and New Zealand’s newest adventure activity. You pedal it yourself and tt a given speed you are using around half the energy of a racing bike and 1/3rd of a mountain bike. You race against friends or the clock, one to four people can Shweeb at any one time and you need to be at least 1.4m tall. SHWEEB abides by its “green and sustainable business charter” for NZ and any offshore locations.

The Shweeb’s prices are: $45 per adult rider, $35 per child rider (under 15 years old). The Shweeb Racing Circuit can be found at Agroventures Adventure Park, Rotorua, New Zealand. For more information go to shweep.com

The famous Seven Mile Beach,The Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa is in the heart of Grand Cayman. The Resort is a 4- star hotel built in 2005. With easy access to Grand Cayman’s best attractions, including scuba diving, shopping and golf.

Most of the bedrooms have French doors that open onto private balconies, and conservative and uncontroversial but very comfortable furnishings.

Each room has cable television, coffeemaker, iron, hairdryer, and data port.

Enjoy casual dining at the Beach Bar, Lobby Bar, and Courtyard Cafe. Also the Casa Havana Restaurant offers elegant, oceanfront dining.

Amenities: Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Wheelchair Accessible, Spa/Massage, Babysitting, Broadband Access, Hot Tub, Tennis, Golf,  Scuba Diving, Snorkeling.

Somerset on Grace Bayis situated directly on Grace Bay Beach approximately 5 miles from Providenciales Airport. This Resort includes an infinity swimming pool with underwater audio, a current lap pool and a fitness center with steam room.

This luxury resort comprises several accommodations: Estate Suites, Stirling House and English Cottages. All have plasma-screen TVs, premium bedding, and marble bathrooms.

The apartments are outstanding spanning over 3000 square feet with three baths, kitchen, dining room and living room.

The Standard Rooms include kitchenettes with mini-bars, but does not have a balcony or terrace.

Central to the resort is the beautiful infinity pool with underwater surround stereo system and lap current for swimming.

The  Hotel offers romantic dining for two at the restaurant as well as informal family dining around the pool. The restaurants always make for an unforgettable affair.

Attractions: Golf Club, 2.5 miles; Smith’s Reef, 3 miles; Conch Farm, 4 miles

This 5-star hotel is located a short drive from Ubud, Bali’scultural center. The Estate is a 15-minute drive from Ubud, and a one-hour drive from Denpasar, Bali’s international airport. It provides private suites and villas and the pampering spa, COMO Shambhala Retreat.

40 rooms, including 20 suites grouped in secluded ‘residences’, and five private villas.

Rooms have LCD TVs and DVD players, free Internet access/WiFi, minibars, tea/coffee, and Como Shambhala spa products.

There are two restaurants at the luxury resort. Kudus House serves breakfast and dinner and showcases the diverse influences, flavours and spices of Indonesia’s regions.

The massages with traditional oils are some of the most sublime in the world.

There’s Pilates, yoga, forest walks, white-water rafting and mountain biking to do.

Other facilities include a Vitality pool, treatment area beside the River Ayung, a climbing wall, outdoor gym, tennis.

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

Frazer Island is a World Heritage Site and much emerged as one of the Australian’s great natural treasures. From the Queensland coast, it appears cloaked in lush, deep green forest. But for all rainforests and lakes, Frazer Island is in fact the largest sand island in the world – 120 km by 15 km – with more sand than the Sahara Desert, and with dunes up to 224 m high. There is no where like it on planet Earth. Photo by: geoffman4242

The Buchulla tribe, who called the island K’gari, or Paradise, lived in harmony with their environment for thousands of years. In 1991, the island become part of the Great Sandy National Park and its future was secured. The east coast form the main highway, and other tracks criss-cross the interior and pierce the island’s wooded heart. Towering kauri pipes and cycads encircle the blue and even tea-tinted lakes. Lake turtles are joy to encounter, and will sometimes pester you for bread. The west coast is given over to mangrove swamps and, with its more treacherous soft sand, is pretty inaccessible. The real Fraser experience can only come with walking – and a three day hike, with camping overnight, reveals the hidden depths of this paradise island. Photo by: vogm@i

Fraser Island is one of the few remaining strongholds for a pure race of wild dingoes. Sadly, in recent years these dingoes have gained something of a reputation, but some of the blame for their aggression seems to point back to tourism. Visitors are just asked never to feed them and admire them from afar – to be ‘Dingo Smart’. Photo by: petes_pics

When to go: Anytime, but the whale watching months are rightly busier (August to October) so book ahead. Population: 1, 378. How to get there: Flights from Brisbane to Harvey Bay, then boat to the island. Day trip – fast ferry from Urangan Marina to Kingfisher Bay Resort. Or barge from Urangan Harbour for more serious exploration by vehicle. Photo by: shotleyshort

Unpolluted and untouched Lord Howe Island is the ultimate eco-destination. There is only one road, and everyone tends to get around by bicycle, boat or on foot. Just 11 km long this boomerang shaped beauty is topped by rainforest-clad Moun Gower and Mount Lidgbird and dips down into the cool Tasman Sea. Born of a volcanic eruption, it has the southernmost coral reef in the world – safe heaven for 500 species of fish and 90 species of corals.

The locals are laidback and often barefoot, and set the tone for any visit. On the more popular northern end of the island, there are endless walks and lookouts, an ideal places for a picnic along Old Settlement Beach. Bushwalking apart, there are fabulous swimming, snorkelling and diving spots. The insanely beautiful island never appears crowded – and if it is, with exotic flora and fauna not humman life.

Lord Howe Island was discovered in 1788 by Lieutenant Henry Lidgbird Ball of HMS Supply, while on his way from Botany Bay to Norfolk Island with convicts on board. Many government ships, whaling and trading vessels stopped there but a permanent settlement wasn’t established until 1834, at an area now known as Old Settlement. Photo by: gregba1

When to go: Cheapest to get there out of season but it can be wetter and windier and some places may be closed. From September to April huge numbers of exotic seabirds nest here. Population: 300. How to get there: By air from Sydney or Brisbane. You should know: Some rare mushrooms on the island grow in the dark. These growing mushrooms appear after heavy rain in the palm forests. If picked they glow for a number of days. The glow is so brigt that you can read by it in the dark.

Photos by: dexodexo