Rabu, 09 Juni 2010

Best 10 Most Romantic Tropical Beaches

Whether you are a fresh couple or you are celebrating your 50th anniversary, beaches are an ideal destination for romantic couples. Escape with your sweetie to an intimate island getaway like Hawaii or the spectacular Bora Bora. Take a walk on the beach or the shoreline at sunset or in the moonlight. Cuddle on a blanket with candles all around, while you stare at the stars and listen to the waves crash.... Magical

borabora_lemeridien_waterbungalow_01 Whether you decide one of our picks on most romantic beaches or choose somewhere else, feeling the breeze on you skin, relaxing in the sand will sure heat up your relationship or marriage.





1.Hawaii - Truly paradise

Hawaii - Truly paradise

Hawaii is one of the biggest honeymoon destinations in the world. Whether you are in Kauai, Maui or Big island, Hawaii offers excellent options for couples. Here you will find blue lagoons, lush rainforests, hidden gardens, cascading waterfalls, wild rivers running through rugged canyons, and soaring volcanoes. And oh, those beaches, you can enjoy some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world.The possibilities for adventure -- and relaxation -- are endless.. The last, but definitely not least, thing that should be on your list of things to do is a luau. You cannot visit any Hawaiian island and not enjoy a luau. Hawaii is truly paradise.

2.Bora Bora - Unforgettably stunning

Bora Bora - Unforgettably stunning

Bora Bora is known as the most famous island in the world and remains the island of all dreams. Don't think you can't get here. The view of Bora Bora from the airport is truly breathtaking, and as you travel across the spectacular lagoon you will soon understand why it is the main area of attraction for most visitors. Of course, the lagoon is the centerpiece. The colors are simply breathtaking. Some say there are more than five shades of blue/turquoise as you are coming over the lagoons and reefs. You can wade in it, swim, snorkel, scuba, jetski, windsurf, or just take it in as the most wonderful piece of nature it is. It's really up to you. And believe us when we tell you, your vacation to Bora Bora will never be forgotten.

3.Aruba – Bonbini

Aruba – Bonbini

Bonbini, in the native language of Papiamento, means "Welcome". Welcome to Aruba. When you land in Aruba, you just have to admit there's a part of paradise located here. This tiny island in the Caribbean Sea, north of Venezuela, is huge with contrasts. And if its true that opposites attract, then this could well be the most attractive island of them all. One shore of Aruba is shallow with pristine white sand beaches, while the other side is rocky, deep and rough seas that open to the sea. As you explore and get to know Aruba, you'll soon begin to notice the smiling faces everywhere and as any traveler here will tell you, must surely be among the most welcoming places on Earth. So, sit back, relax or explore, there are many things to do, places to go and see.

4.Barbados

You have dreamt of relaxing on a beautiful sandy beach under the warm afternoon sun without a care in the world..... You have decided you need a break from the burdens of everyday life and that it is time for a trip to a tropical paradise.... OK, now all you need to know is where is Barbados. If you look at Barbados on the world map you will see that this Caribbean island is shaped like a pear with the stem end pointing towards the north, standing slightly outside the arc of the Lesser Antilles. Barbados is one of the most visited of the Caribbean islands. Along the west and south coasts resorts abound sheltered from the turbulent Atlatic Ocean and the easterly trade winds taking full advantage of the white sands and crystalline waters. What many people are unaware of is the spectacular beauty that lies beneath the surface of the sea where coral reef snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles are just some of the myriad recreational pursuits available. Warm clear Caribbean sea, rolling hills and valleys, and those beautiful white sanded beaches. A touch of British charm, great food, lots of activities, and everything else that you would need for a romantic vacation in the sun.

5.Saint Thomas

Saint Thomas is an island in the Caribbean Sea, part of the Virgin Islands along with St. John and St. Croix. St. Thomas is famous for its beaches and shopping, bed and breakfasts, an island that caters to couples and families. There is a limited party scene so you will get peace and quiet as you stare into your lover's eyes. What could be more romantic than a Caribbean sunset, a secluded Caribbean beach, a candlelight dinner or dancing under the Caribbean stars ?

6.The Bahamas

If gorgeous beaches, bright sun, sheer white curtains blowing in the breeze, beautifully designed contemporary rooms, elegant meals are your cup of pina colada, check out Bahamas. Whether you want resorts that are in the midst of the action or removed from it, they have your choice in the Bahamas -- after all, there are some 700 islands in the archipelago. Ample places to kick back, order a pina colada, and let the sun and the sunsets work their magic. The Bahamas has the perfect conditions for romance and love. With breathtaking panoramic views, the softest sandy white or pink beaches, the sunsets that slow dance with the sea and the musical waves lapping on the shore around your ankles, so happy to greet you. You feel like you are the only two on the beach. No footprints but yours. No crowds, no reservations for dinner.

7.Jamaica

Find the perfect romance In Jamaica for your next vacation. A country whose motto is "One Love", Jamaica is the perfect place for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Jamaica has hundreds of miles of beautiful coastline. The beaches of Jamaica are some of the finest in the Caribbean. Some beaches are lively, fun-filled places, packed with young sunbathers listening to loud reggae music, other beaches in Jamaica are serene, secluded stretches of white sand perfect for relaxing and unwinding. So a couple could be forgiven for spending their entire heavenly vacation basking in the seductive warmth of the ever-present sunshine, while sipping exotic tropical drinks and gazing out at the endless expanse of aquamarine sea. Jamaica is so much more than just a beach, it's the perfect couples getaway.

8.The Seychelles - Tropical heaven

Conveniently located at the intersection of heaven and earth, these Indian Ocean islands are a place with picture-perfect stretches of powder-white beaches, lagoons that sparkle like diamonds and sunsets to die for. It's exotic; out of the way location makes it a great place to get to know your loved one. There are golf courses, spas, fishing trips, and tropical drinks. Honeymoon here and you'll never want to leave.

9.The Maldives

Locate on the equator, southwest of Sri Lanka, these islands are one of the most awesome destinations. A thousand breathtaking islands with sun, sand and sea, huge lagoons with different depths and infinite shades of blue and turquoise. It is a perfect natural combination for the a tropical island wedding, honeymoon or holiday destination. The most inviting part of Maldives is the Maldives Islands and beaches, which offer relaxed atmosphere to calm your mind and soul. The soft white Maldives beaches, the clear blue waters, the lush green plantations, the glittering sands and the stimulating palm lined walkways offer a different ecstasy to all tourists. Winter is the best time to enjoy vacation in Maldives. Visit Maldives during December to March to enjoy a dream vacation.

10.The Belize

The islands out in the reef give couples a chance to get away from everyone on private beaches and explore the fish filled waters. The rain forests, reefs and ruins of Belize abound with natural and cultural diversity create an exotic backdrop for romance, adventure and relaxation. Explore the inland rain forests and ancient Maya ruins, take the plunge into the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere are only few of the attractions. A tropical romantic vacation adventure set in distinctive luxury ecolodge and a collection of private, thatched-roofed bungalows provides sultry comfort. A breathtaking destination for couples wanting a different kind of romance.

Best 13 Scuba Diving Spots in the World

scuba1 Scuba Diving is one of the best activities to do when you are on a nice tropical island. Under the sea, down where it’s wetter, you’ll find coral reefs teeming with life, Nemo’s cousins, lots of fish, plants, and beautiful colors. Whether you are looking to start or looking for new places to go, here’s a list of some of the best places to go diving in the world:






1. Bali, Indonesia

Giant ray in Bali, IndonesiaLush, exotic Bali is the jewel of Indonesia and a haven for a variety of tourism pursuits. From luxury resorts to spas, recreation to wild nature, the island is a complete destination. That certainly is the case for avid scuba participants, who flock here for some of the best marine biodiversity in the world, first class instructors and a plethora of elusive, secret dive spots.

2.The Blue Hole

The Blue  Hole Scuba Diving
The Blue Hole in Belize is one of the most famous dive sites in the world. This site was made famous by Jacques Cousteau who declared it one of the top ten scuba diving sites in the world. You can dive in crystal clear water and see several types of reef sharks as well as the bull shark and hammerheads.

3.Thailand

Thailand  Scuba Diving
Thailand has a number of famous dive sites: Phuket, Ko Tao, Similan Islands, and the Surin Islands. In fact, you can pretty much dive anywhere in the country, though the best diving is near Ko Tao and up near the Similans. Moreover, Ko Tao is a cheap place to learn to scuba dive.

4.Gili Islands

Gili  Islands Indonesia Scuba Diving
The Gilis in Indonesia is the new hot spot, with people flocking here in ever increasing numbers. With good reason- the reefs and waters here provide some amazing visual sights. And with the island cheaper than its neighbor, Bali, there is even more reason to come here.

5. Palau, Micronesia

Jellyfish in Palau, Micronesia

With a 90 mile coral lagoon, well over 1,000 types of fish, from barracuda to jelly to shark, the islands that comprise Palau in Micronesia are a splendid spot for scuba. A paradise above water as well, Palau is one of the few places left on Earth where you feel a million miles from civilization and are grateful for it.

6.Sipadan

Sipadan  Malaysia Scuba Diving
Located in Malaysia, Sipadan is possibly one of the best five dive sites in the world. The place is teeming with life. You will see turtles, cave systems, sharks, dolphins, schools of fish, bright coral, bright fish, and everything in between in such sheer volume, your head will explore.

7. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Great Barrier Reef, AustraliaOne of the superlative wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is without rival when it comes to natural awe and splendor. There are several ways to see and explore Great Barrier but for insiders, the only way to appreciate the behemoth is to scuba dive. The coral reefs are famous as a preeminent spot to observe kaleidoscopic aquatic life.

8.Great Barrier Reef

Great  Barrier Reef Scuba DivingThe Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction. Everyone knows about it. Located off Australia, the world’s longest reef has all the tropical sea life and coral you could ever imagine. No visit to the country is complete without a visit to the reef.

9.Hawaii

Hawaii  Scuba Diving
Hawaii has some great scuba diving. The islands are ringed with reefs and wildlife. The area north of the islands was just made into the largest marine reserve in the United States, ensuring great diving for years to come.

10.Micronesia

Micronesia  Scuba Diving
Tropical islands as beautiful as Micronesia always have one thing in common: they are encircled by vibrant coral reefs. Sites like the Blue Wall make Micronesia one of the top destinations in the South Pacific. It’s out of the way, inexpensive, and pristine.

11.Boracay
Boracay  Scuba Diving
Located in the Philippines, this tropical paradise is also diving paradise. You’ll find all the usual suspects here, as well as abundant reef systems. When you are done swimming below the sea, you can enjoy the beaches above the water.

12. Papua New Guinea

Clown fish in Papua New Guinea

Once a secret gem for divers in Australia and the South Pacific at large, Papua New Guinea is now fair game as a prime scuba destination. The area has it all. No matter what your taste, from deep drops and shallow reefs, private lagoons and atolls and perhaps best of all, pristine wrecks – a contradiction but nonetheless – that harken back to World War II.

13.Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de  Noronha Scuba Diving
This off the beaten path place is in Brazil. Here you will find lots of life among the blue waters that circle these islands. You’ll be able to swim with turtles, dolphins, and much more.

Best 10 Most Beautiful Canyons of the World

canyonsCanyons or gorges are one of nature’s natural wonders carved out over eons by fast moving rivers. Most canyons were formed by a process of long-time erosion from a plateau level. The cliffs form because harder rock that are resistant to erosion and weathering remain exposed on the valley walls. Canyons offer some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, not only for the sheer size but also for the beauty that often lie hidden beneath the ground.



1.Todra Gorge

Todra Gorge

Todra Gorge is situated on the remote east side of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The final 600 meters of the Todra Gorge are the most spectacular as the canyon narrows to a flat stony track as little as 10 meters (33 ft) wide in places with sheer and smooth rock walls up to 160 meters (525 ft) high on each side.

2.Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon

King’s Canyon is one of the major tourist attractions in the southern desert region of the Northern Territory in Australia. Enigmatic domes formations, sharp cliffs, and good views of the surrounding desert reward the visitor talking the rim walk around the canyon. Part of the canyon is a sacred Aboriginal site and visitors are discouraged from walking off the walking tracks.

3.Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge

Situated near the rocky east coast of Taiwan, Taroko Gorge is one of the island’s biggest tourist attractions. The canyon is 19 kilometer long and offers a number of different hiking trails through breathtaking scenery of spectacular cliffs and white-water rapids.

4.Copper Canyon

Copper Canyon

The Copper Canyon is in fact a network of canyons which together are several times larger than the Grand Canyon. The most popular way to explore the Copper Canyon is on the “Chihuahua al Pacifico” Railway. The track passes over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, rising as high as 2,400 meter (7,900 feet) above sea level featuring spectacular views of the canyons below.

5.Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is a canyon of the Colca River, in the Andes mountain range, in southern Peru. It is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, but the canyon’s walls are less steep. The big attraction here, in addition to the awesome sights, are the Andean condors. The condors can be seen at fairly close range as they float on the rising thermals.

6.Samariá Gorge

Samariá Gorge

The Samariá Gorge is a 16 km long canyon in southwest Crete. Walking the Samariá Gorge is extremely popular and more than a quarter million people do so each year. The walk takes 4-7 hours and passes through forests of ancient cypresses and pines, then cuts very deep between vertical cliffs through the mountains to emerge at Agia Roumeli on the Libyan sea, at which point tourists sail to the nearby village of Hora Sfakion.

7.Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon, located on the western side of Kauai, is the largest canyon in the Pacific and one of the most colorful in the world. The canyon is 16 km (10 miles) long, 1.6 km (1 mile) wide and 1,100 meter (3,600 feet) deep. It was carved thousands of years ago by rivers that flowed from Mount Waialeale at the center of the island.

8.Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon

With its graceful curves in the rock and glowing orange and purple colors, the Antelope Canyon is one the most-photographed sandstone slot canyons in the world. It includes two separate photogenic canyons – Upper and Lower Antelope. Both canyons are so narrow in places that one can stretch out his or her arms and touch both sides. Although the canyons are beautiful, they can sometimes be dangerous. In 1997 a flash flood swept into Lower Antelope and killed 11 tourists.

9.Gorge du Verdon

Gorge du Verdon

The Gorge du Verdon is a river canyon in south-eastern France that is considered by many to be Europe’s most beautiful. The canyon is about 25 kilometers in length and rises a spectacular 700 meters (2,300 feet) from the Verdon river below. The river, which is named after its startling green emerald color, is one of the canyon’s most beautiful features. The area has become a magnet for walkers, climbers and lovers of water sports which includes rafting, kayaking, sailing and water skiing.

10.Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is situated on the Yangtze River in southwestern China. About 15 km (9 miles) in length, the canyon passes through a series of rapids surrounded by mountains on both sides that sharply rise 3,000 meters above the river. It is believed to be the deepest canyon in the world – depending on the criteria applied. The canyon’s narrowest point is just 30 meter wide.

Best 10 Most Beautiful Canyons of the World

canyonsCanyons or gorges are one of nature’s natural wonders carved out over eons by fast moving rivers. Most canyons were formed by a process of long-time erosion from a plateau level. The cliffs form because harder rock that are resistant to erosion and weathering remain exposed on the valley walls. Canyons offer some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth, not only for the sheer size but also for the beauty that often lie hidden beneath the ground.



1.Todra Gorge

Todra Gorge

Todra Gorge is situated on the remote east side of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The final 600 meters of the Todra Gorge are the most spectacular as the canyon narrows to a flat stony track as little as 10 meters (33 ft) wide in places with sheer and smooth rock walls up to 160 meters (525 ft) high on each side.

2.Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon

King’s Canyon is one of the major tourist attractions in the southern desert region of the Northern Territory in Australia. Enigmatic domes formations, sharp cliffs, and good views of the surrounding desert reward the visitor talking the rim walk around the canyon. Part of the canyon is a sacred Aboriginal site and visitors are discouraged from walking off the walking tracks.

3.Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge

Situated near the rocky east coast of Taiwan, Taroko Gorge is one of the island’s biggest tourist attractions. The canyon is 19 kilometer long and offers a number of different hiking trails through breathtaking scenery of spectacular cliffs and white-water rapids.

4.Copper Canyon

Copper Canyon

The Copper Canyon is in fact a network of canyons which together are several times larger than the Grand Canyon. The most popular way to explore the Copper Canyon is on the “Chihuahua al Pacifico” Railway. The track passes over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, rising as high as 2,400 meter (7,900 feet) above sea level featuring spectacular views of the canyons below.

5.Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon

Colca Canyon is a canyon of the Colca River, in the Andes mountain range, in southern Peru. It is more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, but the canyon’s walls are less steep. The big attraction here, in addition to the awesome sights, are the Andean condors. The condors can be seen at fairly close range as they float on the rising thermals.

6.Samariá Gorge

Samariá Gorge

The Samariá Gorge is a 16 km long canyon in southwest Crete. Walking the Samariá Gorge is extremely popular and more than a quarter million people do so each year. The walk takes 4-7 hours and passes through forests of ancient cypresses and pines, then cuts very deep between vertical cliffs through the mountains to emerge at Agia Roumeli on the Libyan sea, at which point tourists sail to the nearby village of Hora Sfakion.

7.Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon

Waimea Canyon, located on the western side of Kauai, is the largest canyon in the Pacific and one of the most colorful in the world. The canyon is 16 km (10 miles) long, 1.6 km (1 mile) wide and 1,100 meter (3,600 feet) deep. It was carved thousands of years ago by rivers that flowed from Mount Waialeale at the center of the island.

8.Antelope Canyon

Antelope Canyon

With its graceful curves in the rock and glowing orange and purple colors, the Antelope Canyon is one the most-photographed sandstone slot canyons in the world. It includes two separate photogenic canyons – Upper and Lower Antelope. Both canyons are so narrow in places that one can stretch out his or her arms and touch both sides. Although the canyons are beautiful, they can sometimes be dangerous. In 1997 a flash flood swept into Lower Antelope and killed 11 tourists.

9.Gorge du Verdon

Gorge du Verdon

The Gorge du Verdon is a river canyon in south-eastern France that is considered by many to be Europe’s most beautiful. The canyon is about 25 kilometers in length and rises a spectacular 700 meters (2,300 feet) from the Verdon river below. The river, which is named after its startling green emerald color, is one of the canyon’s most beautiful features. The area has become a magnet for walkers, climbers and lovers of water sports which includes rafting, kayaking, sailing and water skiing.

10.Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is situated on the Yangtze River in southwestern China. About 15 km (9 miles) in length, the canyon passes through a series of rapids surrounded by mountains on both sides that sharply rise 3,000 meters above the river. It is believed to be the deepest canyon in the world – depending on the criteria applied. The canyon’s narrowest point is just 30 meter wide.

Best 10 Beautiful Gardens From Around The World

Are these really "The 10 Most Amazing Gardens in the World"? Well, they may not be the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, but they are sure each an amazing sight. Hopefully they can at least provide some Travel Inspiration, if not some landscaping and gardening inspiration. Please let me know what gardens I missed by commenting in This Thread.




1.Versaille Versailles, probably the world's most famous garden, was built for Louis XIV and designed by André Le Nôtre.


2.The Garden of Cosmic Speculation Strange landforms abound in Charles Jencks' Garden of Cosmic Speculation.

3.Boboli Gardens The Bobobli Gardens, behind the Pitti Palace in Florence, Italy were groundbreaking in the early 18th century for their open design.

4.Rikugien Gardens "Rikugien literally means 'six poems garden' and reproduces in miniature 88 scenes from famous poems."

5.Claude Monet Gardens in Giverny The pool with nympheas, in Claude Monet's garden at Giverny.

6.Butchart Gardens, Victoria, B.C. The Butchart Gardens at Todd Inlet, which lie around 14 miles from Victoria B.C., covers more than 55 acres of the 130 acre Butchart Estate.

7.Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Table Mountain looms in the distance of this vista from Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in South Africa.

8.Yu Gardens - Shanghai The 400-year-old Yu Gardens were built in the Ming Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Jia Jin, and restored in the 1960s.

9.Exbury Gardens - New Forest, England Amazing colors reflect on the calm waters of Exbury Lake.

10.Mirabell Garden in Salzburg The world-famous Mirabell Gardens were built along a north-south axis and oriented towards the Hohensalzburg Fortress and the Salzburger Dom cathedral.

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