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.

The cuisine is exquisite, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and fine quality tropical produce with a change of menu daily. A popular lunch option is a beach picnic with a gourmet hamper. Children under 16 years of age are not catered for.

While the emphasis on Bedarra Island is on peace and relaxation, there are also a number of activities available, such as catamaran sailing, paddle-skiing, fishing, snorkeling and diving day trips in the Great Barrier Reef, as well as motoriszed dinghies for exploring the island’s picturesque, private beaches.

And for more indulgence? Enjoy a relaxing therapeutic massage on the beach or in the privacy of your Villa.

Bedarra is not just a place one visits, it is a very personal pleasure to be savored.

The Pavilions
The ultimate indulgence. Removed from the main resort area, the two Pavilions are set in exclusive, private locations with stunning views over Wedgerock Bay. An open plan layout, featuring extensive use of timber and glass, is designed to take full advantage of the spectacular views and create an inviting indoor/outdoor ambience. Interior details are of a superior quality including an surround sound system.

The spacious sleeping area features a custom designed ‘floating’ bed with a separate oversized bathroom with shower and deep bath, overlooking the rainforest as well as a walk-in robe. An expansive and beautifully appointed living area with a bar stocked to your choice, offers contemporary banquette seating, a large screen TV, video and work desk with phone and computer. The large outdoor area and deck incorporates a private plunge pool, large sun lounges, a daybed and a dining setting. King Bed Room Capacity 2.

Accessed by walking a private rainforest path, The Point is located in a superb elevated beachside position. The floor plan and room inclusions are similar to those of the Split-Level Villa with design features maximizing the panoramic views. The large outdoor deck, perfectly positioned to ensure complete privacy, features a luxurious daybed, sun lounges and a private plunge pool.

The Villas
Designed to blend in with the beauty of their natural surroundings, each spacious villa is nestled into lush tropical rainforest, providing total privacy. Interiors are contemporary and comfortable with polished timber floors and furnishings in neutral colours with subtle marine accents. Bathrooms, including deep bath, are oversized and well stocked with signature Bedarra bath treats. A hammock is one of many special details villa accommodation offers, perfect for lazing the day away whilst enjoying sweeping views of Hernandia Bay and neighbouring islands.

Double Storey Villa
Double Storey Villas are situated close to the beachfront and central resort facilities. Set amongst the rainforest and offering tree-filtered water views, the double storey layout provides sleeping area and bathroom at ground level and the upper level featuring a living area with comfortable banquette seating, entertainment facilities/mini bar and a second toilet. Double Storey Villas offer private balconies on each level. King Bed Room Capacity 2.

Split-Level Villa
Located on the hillside, offering stunning views over Bedarra Bay, the layout is split level with the sleeping area located on the upper level and a living area, with comfortable sofa and armchairs, entertainment facilities (TV, Video, CD) and a fully stocked mini-bar on the lower level. A private balcony offers enticing beach and bay views. King Bed (twin beds available on request) with rollaway. Room Capacity 3.

Restaurant
An open terrace restaurant overlooks the cascading pool in an intimate setting for a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu is varied and changes daily. Breakfast is available from 8.00am, lunch from 1.00pm and dinner from 7.00pm. Gourmet picnic hampers for beachside outings are available on request daily. Please advise of any special dietary needs in advance.

Bar and Lounge
The resort’s relaxed lounge features a comprehensively stocked bar with Australian and imported beers, along with champagne, a quality selection of Australian wines, spirits and liqueurs.

Massage
A massage therapist is available 5 days per week, prebooking is recommended

Recreation & Activities
While the emphasis on Bedarra Island is on peace and relaxation, there are a number of activities available including catamaran sailing, fishing, paddle skiing, motorised dinghies for exploring the island’s picturesque beaches or enjoy a relaxing therapeutic massage on the beach or in the privacy of your Villa.

Some of the complimentary activities included in your nightly tariff are: Catamarans, sailboards and paddle skis , Fishing, Snorkeling, Motorized dinghies to explore beaches and neighbouring islands ,Guest video, book, games & CD library, gourmet picnic hampers for beachside lunches, self-guided island walks and nature trails, tennis – day & night, salt-water swimming pool & Spa.

Location
Covering 100 Hectares, Bedarra Island is part of the Family Group of Islands, located off the tropical North Queensland coast, midway between Townsville and Cairns, to neighboring Dunk Island.

Climate
Tropical, with average year-round temperature of approximately 29° C (85° F).

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.

Giant Seychelles tortoise

Your own private haven of tranquility

Sumptuous luxury to complement the lush natural surroundings

When the Seychelles was colonized, much of the natural forestation was destroyed and coconut trees were planted in their place. Frégate Island Private has boldly led a campaign to replenish their island’s supply of natural trees and is well on its way to becoming the largest nursery of hardwood trees in the Indian Ocean. The 100,000th tree planted was an endemic Ficus tree, a genus that prospers in the rocky underground of the Seychelles islands. The Ficus grows at a remarkable rate and can reach heights up to 50 – 65 feet. Reforestation is but one of the many conservation practices executed at Frégate Island Private. With buildings and infrastructure occupying only 5% of the island, the remaining 95% is in a restored natural state which has allowed for several endemic species of wildlife and flora to avoid extinction.

Exclusivity in every respect is the maxim of Frégate Island and the preservation and protection of the island’s unique flora and fauna is one of its proudest achievements. With 16 villas, only a selected number of guests have the prestige to fulfill their dream of a stay in paradise. The island remains private to Frégate guests only, making it an ideal refuge for the discerning traveler, ensuring the rare feeling of a truly tropical island paradise.

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.

Cloves from Pemba Island, Zanzibar. Photo: The Manta Resort

Pemba is still the world’s major clove producer, around 70% of all cloves deriving from there, but now plays its more traditional role of being an Island Paradise with small inter-island trade. Pemba Island also has a strong reputation as a ‘magic’ island, a centre for ju-ju traditions of medicine and wizardry.

How can such a beautiful place be so devoid of visitors? On an island with a population of 300,000 there are rarely more than a couple of dozen foreigners. It is as though the people of Pemba have a secret that they refuse to share.

Local Pembian girls. Photo: The Manta Resort

Traveling in Pemba is discovering untouched territory. Villagers are eager to talk to anyone that passes and small children will give you their biggest and whites smiles as the yell bye-bye as you pass them by. You will be called over in markets by the stallholders to sit you down to try their fruits, waiting paitiently for your reaction.

ChakeChake harbour is mainly used for swimming & fishing. When the Western Colonial powers came to East Africa the British forced the Sultanates of Muscat and Zanzibar to separate and then administered the Spice Islands in the name of the Sultan.

Dhow traditional vessel. Photo: flickr member Eric Laffrogue

Historically the huge traditional trading vessels, the dhows, followed the monsoons, down from the Arabian Peninsula toEast Africa. Following the winds they transported cloves to India, textiles to the Arab countries and silver and wood back to the Spice Islands of Unguja and Pemba.

Dhows coming back home, Nungwi Village, Tanzania. Photo: flickr member id_germain

The Dhows have remained a constant throughout the history of Pemba. To this day they ply the run from Wete to Shimoni in Kenya and, when the winds are favourable they plough through to Northern Mozambique.

Pemba is a magical island. Unlike Unguja, Pemba is hilly. Gentle, undulating hills and deep verdant valleys are all covered with a dense cover of clove, coconut and mango plantations. A more fertile land is difficult to imagine.

Inspecting the cloves from the tree, Pemba Island. Photo: The Manta Resort

Pemba offers a good range of accommodation beachfront resort that make an excellent base to enjoy the island’s beaches, the superb diving and game fishing. Most resorts are small and eco-oriented, luckily the island’s pace of development has stayed minimal, with no immediate plans to attract large-scale resort development. Recommended beach resorts: from the top of the heap Fundu Lagoon the epitome of barefoot luxury, the rustic and The Manta Resort & Spa and the Kervan Saray Beach Resort that takes its eco credentials seriously. All are beach-front properties and offer full PADI diving operations. All are wonderful in their own right, and take full advantage of Pemba Island’s natural tropical beauty.

The pool at Fundu Lagoon Resort.

Fundu Lagoon Resort guest room.

Outdoor dining area, Fundu Lagoon Resort

Kervan Saray Eco Resort. Rustic bungalow accommodation.

Kervan Saray Eco Resort, guest room

Tha Manta Resort & Spa. Pool Area.

The Manta Resort & Spa. Beach Lounge Area

The Manta Resort & Spa. Dining Area

Inspiration: The Manta Resort, Pemba Island & Enchanting Eden

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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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.

Peponi is simple, fresh, friendly and cheerful, distinguished with a reputation for delicious cuisine. Accommodation is in 24 rooms, a mix of standard and superior rooms all with a sea view. Optional activities include windsurfing, water-skiing, scuba diving & snorkelling, dhow trips & deep sea fishing.

Peponi is not only proud of its heritage as a long-standing quality lodging, but also for its pioneering efforts in conservation, long before it was fashionable. The hotel started Lamu Marine Conservation Trust (LAMCOT) in 1992. The project began with the translocation of a turtle nest to the hotel grounds for protection. Since then the project has been growing every year and has now become an established trust. It has been managed by Carol Korschen of Peponi Hotel from the start. See the their LAMCOT Website and LAMCOT Blog.

Lamu Island has a relaxed and sleepy atmosphere, making it a wonderful place to relax and make the most of the stunning scenery, sweeping beaches, rolling sand dunes and warm Indian Ocean. The ocean continues to play a vital role in the life and livelihood of Lamu, and traditional sailing dhows abound. A trip on one of these wooden boats offers a highly relaxing way to explore the area, travelling to neighbouring islands and fishing villages.

Snorkeling is excellent in the waters off Lamu and the surrounding archipelago, which teem with vibrant marine life. Diving is becoming increasingly popular here, and many superb sites remain relatively unexplored.

Over a thousand years of East African, Omani, Yemeni, Indian, Portuguese and Victorian British influences have all left their mark on Lamu Island, in the architecture, the language and the very essence of the place. In bustling Lamu, winding alleys lead past the intricate carved doorways of white stone houses –some of which are truly majestic and still home to the very wealthy. And, because the alleys are too narrow to be negotiated by cars, the modern world has had little visible impact on this historic town.

Life appears little changed since Lamu was a busy port town in the 14th century, donkeys remain the preferred local mode of transport, and the streets are lit by lanterns after nightfall. Spices and the smell of grilled food scent the air around the markets, mosques, museums, fort and ancient houses, and exploring Lamu on foot –or donkey –is a treat for all the sense Sitting at an open-air restaurant by the water and watching the world go by is an irresistible past-time. Fishermen haul their catches ashore, locals walk or ride by, donkeys carry their cargo. Shopping for local woodcarvings and batik is another ‘must’

Source: Unique Travel Destinations

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.

Expect grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living area and an extravagant private infinity pool glide into one another to form extraordinary platforms floating out into nature. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s sanctuaries are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of St Lucia’s Pitons UNESCO World Heritage Site, and of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea.

Wrapped around an infinity pool with a dazzling kaleidoscope of colors, the Jade Mountain Club caters exclusively to resident guests, celebrating James Beard Award winner, Chef Allen Susser’s “Jade Cuisine.” Hovering in space above the Jade Mountain Club is the Celestial Terrace, perfect for sunset cocktails or star-gazing.

A wide range of spa services can be enjoyed in the privacy of the Jade Mountain sanctuaries or at Kai en Ciel, Jade Mountain’s boutique spa and fitness studio.

The Jade Mountain sanctuaries are deliberately techno-free; there are no telephones, radio or television. Internet access is available at reception for those who simply cannot let go of the outside world as the resort encourages you to! The resort major domos and a dedicated resort team ensure outstanding service around the clock.

Enjoy the exclusivity and privacy of Jade Mountain with all of Anse Chastanet’s restaurants, bars, boutiques, art gallery, spa, scuba, bike and watersports facilities as well as 2 soft sand beaches available to Jade Mountain guests at all times.

Source: Unique Travel Destinations

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.

The hotel changed hands a few years back and through a complete head-to-toe makeover was transformed into the Kahala. Today, it is a a hub of a different kind these days, lapping in a luxury of amenities and high standard of service.

A private lagoon with dolphins that entertain guests, a serene, sparkling blue pool with valets to attend to your every need and, just beyond, there is an unblemished 800-foot crescent of beach with its own tiny island just offshore. Guest accommodation is usually spacious, with luxurious bathrooms featuring a “his” and “hers” dressing area, and feature views of the beach, golf course or the mountains.

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.

Halekulani is an oasis of gracious hospitality, exemplary cuisine, and personalized service. It’s a reputation Halekulani never takes lightly, continuing to push the envelope and perfect the art of hospitality. Over the years, the hotel has garnered numerous awards for its excellent service.

This tranquil, 455-room resort has a 3,772-square-foot oval swimming pool overlooking the beach; surrounded by a terrazzo deck, the pool has a signature orchid design on its floor, comprising 1.125 million glass mosaic tiles.

Stylishly built around one of the original colonial, island homes this beautifully maintained hotel is a calm and opulent retreat where the rich colors of natural wood and lava rock tempt you to unwind in the cool, al fresco terrace lounges. The five buildings which make up the Halekulani are surrounded by open courtyards and lush gardens.

Facilities abound to spoil yourself:

3 Restaurants; 2 Bars; Expansive Pool; Fitness Center; Spa; Watersports Equipment Rentals; Bike Rentals; business center; top-drawer shops; salon; room service; in-room massage; babysitting; same-day laundry and dry cleaning. About 90% of the rooms face the ocean, each with a separate sitting area. Each bathroom features a deep soaking tub, a separate glassed-in shower, and a marble basin.

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.

More than a century ago, before a volcano seared the land, a fishing village stood on the beach where Kona Village Resort is today. Now Kona Village Resort is about the most civilized outpost from civilization you can find, providing vacationers with a tropical experience in a plush yet authentic setting. Without phones, televisions, or radios, the Kona Village is a time warp — the perfect place to get away from it all in your own thatch-roof hale near the resort’s sandy beach. Built on the grounds of an ancient Hawaiian village, the modern bungalows reflect styles of South Seas cultures. The extra-large Royal rooms have private hot tubs. Rates include all meals, an authentic Polynesian Friday, ground tours, tennis, sports activities, and rides in the resort’s glass-bottom boat.

The expansive beach and crescent shaped bay offer a refreshing balance of fun and privacy. A marine sanctuary, our bay is rich with ocean life including yellow butterfly fish and blue tangs as well as Hawaiian green sea turtles. Exploring comes naturally at Kona Village Resort.

Guests enjoy complimentary unlimited use of non-motorized water sports equipment such as snorkels and masks, kayaks, sailboats and body boards. There are a number of activities to choose from, including snorkeling, kayaking and sailing right off the beach. The resort organizes daily volleyball games and glass bottom boat tours. There is also tennis, fishing and scuba diving.

During the day, gentle pursuits at Kona Village Resort can include lei-making, coconut-leaf crafts, and Hawaiian quilt-making. The village historian may lead interested Kona Village Resort guests to a petroglyph field, on botanical walks, and on tide pool explorations.

Twenty tree oceanfront hale offer private whirlpool spas for added romance and comfort. The spa is located on the lanai, perfect for a romantic evening under the stars or whale watching. The massage rooms in the Fitness Center feature open-air lanai with waterfalls to add a soothing, tranquil sound.

For dinner, guests have a choice of two oceanfront restaurants. The cuisine is light with emphasis on fresh island-grown vegetables and fish. On Fridays, the resort hosts the legendary Lu`au which has been their tradition for almost 30 years. Following a delicious feast, the evening features hula dances of Hawai`i, the Samoan fire knife dance, New Zealand’s Maori warrior haka and the Tahitian tamure.

Kona Village is a luxury resort on the Kohala Coast, on the west side of Hawaii’s Big Island. Hammocks beckon beneath the shade of towering coconut trees. The clear, azure waters of Kahuwai Bay reawaken every sense. No telephones, radios, or televisions disturb the serenity nor disrupt the sense of place.Kona Village Resort is barefoot luxury and truly Hawaii, as it was meant to be.

Inspiration: Wayfaring

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!

The Four Seasons Langkawi

The soothing waters at The Four Seasons Langkawi

Taking a respite at The Spa at Four Seasons Langkawi

Traditional Malay pavilion in the lagoon at The Four Seasons Langkawi

Looking out toward the beautiful beach. The Andaman Resort.

Malaysia's favorite playground for the rich and famous. Langkawi Island.

Four Seasons Langkawi

The sumptuous Spa at the Four Seasons Langkawi

Four Seasons Langkawi

Inspiration: Frog & Princess

Lobby Area, The Andaman Langkawi

The Andaman Langkawi

The Spa at The Datai, Langkawi

Langkawi's premier boutique resort, The Datai

The Datai Langkawi

The Four Seasons Langkawi