Posts Tagged ‘Island Destinations’

When you simply want to escape, unwind and experience the finer things in life, there is no better place hideaway than Bedarra Island. Australia’s most exclusive resort, an indulgent tropical private haven lying off the coast of Cairns in tropical Queensland.

At Bedarra, guests can do as they wish when they wish. Here, a maximum of just 32 guests are accommodated in 16 secluded Villas, each hidden in the rainforest, only minutes from the beach. Superbly appointed, each have a separate living area, spacious bathroom and king size bed. On the balcony, guests can relax in a hammock and contemplate the beauty and calm of this elegant retreat.

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Environmentalist Steve Hill (left) and Managing Director Marc Aeberhard (right)

Seychelles — October 14 2009 - Over the past 11 years, Frégate Island Private has proven itself to be one of the hotel industry’s foremost entities in ecological reform. This past September, Frégate Island Private crossed yet another milestone when it planted the 100,000th tree in its endemic hardwood program. This major step is yet another achievement for Frégate’s reforestation efforts. In addition to the endemic hardwood program, Frégate Island Private plants two trees for every guest who arrives at the resort. This is one of the many facets of a concerted effort to become a carbon neutral enterprise.

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A line up of Dhows sailing in perfect sync, Tanzania. Photo: flickr member Eric Leffrogue

Pemba Island has been separated from the mainland and Zanzibar for decades, leaving an untouched and pristine island of great beauty and fertility. The mosaic of forests, swamps, mangroves, hidden beaches and lagoons is scattered with the ruins of mosques and tombs mostly reclaimed by the forest – sites that date back to Arab domination when Pemba Isalnd was seized by the Sultan of Muscat (Oman) in the 17th century. He loved the Spice Islands and established his court in Zanzibar and ruled Muscat from there.

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Pangkor Laut Resort is an ultra luxe resort that’s attracted the world’s celebrities and A-listers. The late Pavarrotti helped inaugurate it with an Operatic on its official opening day. Voted as best romantic hotel, best spa, best hotel in Malaysia – Pangkor Island Resort is the ideal romantic getaway.

This hotel on stilts was fashioned after Malay floating villages where fishermen live. For a truly outer-worldly experience, book yourself any treatment from the Spa. The Spa is situated in one of the over-the-water Villas. Close your eyes, it will just be you and the ocean, and the aroma of frangipani, lavender and jasmine wafting through the air. Pure Bliss!

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By Dian Hasan | October 3, 2009

Peponi Hotel, a small family-run hotel on the unspoiled Swahili island of Lamu just off Kenya’s coast.

Sitting at the entrance of the Shela channel that runs between Manda and Lamu Islands, to the south of the hotel lies a 12km stretch of beach open to the full force of the Indian Ocean. Traditional Arab Dhow sail boats still ply the waters, as they have for hundreds of years. The sight of these boats leaving the harbor at dusk, with their sails’ silhouette against the sunset is simply magnificent. To the north is Lamu town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits in a time warp, where the streets are just wide enough for a fully laden donkey to pass, the perfect place to explore Swahili culture and the town’s rich history as a spice trade hub.

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By Dian Hasan | October 4, 2009

Rising majestically above the 600 acre beach front resort of Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain is a cornucopia of organic architecture celebrating St Lucia’s stunning scenic beauty.

Architect and owner Nick Troubetzkoy has expanded upon his philosophy of building in harmony with Caribbean nature in his creation of Jade Mountain. The bold architectural design – individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool sanctuaries and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky – makes Jade Mountain one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences.

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By Dian Hasan | October 5, 2009

Seemingly just around the corner from the bustling Waikiki Beach, yet world’s apart, Kahala embraces every visitor with tranquility and sheer luxury.

An iconic building form the the mid 1960s that started life as Kahala Hilton, it was the hub of Hollywood glitter in its heyday through much of 1960s and 70s. Today the name Kahala is back as a top address of Honolulu’s hotel scene.

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By Dian Hasan | October 5, 2009

As America’s premier island destination, Hawaii has had a tradition of luxury even during turn of century  steamship travel days. But it wasn’t until Halekulani entered the market that the luxe bar was raised to a entirely new level. Luxe for a modern Hawaii that celebrates its glorious culture and Polynesian heritage.

Halekulani is acknowledged as one of Hawaii’s most luxurious hotels. Set on five oceanfront acres on the Honolulu end of Waikiki Beach, within walking distance of shops, recreation, restaurants, and Honolulu nightlife. Halekulani means “house befitting heaven,” an apt choice as the majority of the hotel’s guest rooms overlook the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu’s majestic Diamond Head in the distance.

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By Dian Hasan | October 5, 2009

Kona Village Resort is located on the western coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. Kona Village Resort offers 125 individual halé (Polynesian-style thatched-roofed bungalows) spread out on 82 tropical acres.

Each halé is in a different style, size and view, and the resort caters to a range of markets, from couples seeking romance, to families wanting to spend time together. True barefoot luxury greets you from the moment of arrival, as these Polynesian-style cottages have no phones or TV sets. Guests spend their days trying out new activities, exploring rich Hawaiian marine life in the bay, or just relaxing on the beach.

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The Datai, Langkawi, Malaysia

A string of 99 islands south of Phuket in the Andaman Sea make up Langkawi, Malaysia’s favorite island destination. The island is a Duty Free Island, and was recently given Geopark status by UNESCO.

Langkawi is the easiest to access of all the islands (40 mins direct flights from KL) with gorgeous sandy beaches. Boasting some of the most luxurious hotels, such as The Four Seasons, The Datai, Westin, The Andaman, Casa del Mar, and others. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

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