Romantic Honeymoon Island: November 2010

The Manila Ocean Park is an oceanarium in Manila,

The Manila Ocean Park is an oceanarium in Manila, Philippines. It is owned by China Oceanis Philippines Inc., a subsidiary of China Oceanis Inc., a Singaporean-registered firm that has operated four oceanariums in China. The Manila Ocean Park (MOP) is currently under construction behind the historical Quirino Grandstand at the Rizal Park.
MOceanPrk.JPG

Still incomplete, the Manila Ocean Park nonetheless is now partly open, as of March 1, 2008. In terms of floor space, the 8,000 square metres (86,000 sq ft) oceanarium is larger than the Sentosa Underwater World oceanarium in Singapore; its 25 metres (82 ft) underwater acrylic tunnel is far shorter than Sentosa's 83 metres (272 ft) tunnel which includes a moving travellator.

The Manila Ocean Park is an oceanarium in Manila,

Manila Ocean Park

Top Caribbean Beach Destinations

The Caribbean is one of the most popular destinations for vacationers from around the world. From the many independent islands to the coasts of Mexico and Central America, there are a wide variety of choices for travelers to choose between when planning their beach vacations. Among the options, however, are some gems that you should consider when making your travel plans.

Beach Destination # 1: Barbados

Barbados was once an English colony but is now a thriving independent nation. Located in the southern Caribbean, nearby islands include Trinidad and Tobago as well as St. Lucia. Because of the upscale air the island exudes, Barbados is considered a prime choice for honeymooners. Travelers can find everything from simple motels to all-inclusive resorts to timeshare condos when they book travel to Barbados. With a dry and temperate climate, Barbados is also known for its white sand beaches and the abundance of water sports made possible by the terrific waves of the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Beach Destination # 2: The U.S. Virgin Islands

If you want to plan the ideal Caribbean beach vacation without even technically leaving the United States, then the U.S. Virgin Islands is the perfect destination. Three islands comprise the U.S. Virgin Islands. They are St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. The smaller Water Island is also a part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. All part of the same territory, each island offers its own unique destinations and amenities. The U.S. Virgin islands are located just to the east of Puerto Rico.

St. Thomas is home to the famous Blackbeards Castle. Although it is unknown if the pirate known as Blackbeard ever visited St. Thomas, this tower was used as a vantage point to spot incoming ships and is now a part of a hotel on the island. St. John is a very wealthy island which benefits from restrictive development laws, making it a highly exclusive destination within the Caribbean. For the well heeled traveler, this is the perfect destination. St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin islands and is home to several environmentally protected areas including the beautiful Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge as well as the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. Water Island was long used by the United States government for various testing programs. Although it is primarily a residential island, visitors may venture there for a more personalized U.S. Virgin Islands experience.

Beach Destination # 3: The Cayman Islands

Known as the most famous tax haven in the world, the Cayman Islands are also home to some of the most beautiful beaches and some of the most upscale accommodations within the Caribbean. One of the biggest draws is scuba diving, which is made possible by the impossibly clear waters that surround the island. A British Territory, the Cayman Islands include three islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Many cruise ships choose the Cayman Islands as a port of call, most commonly going into Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman is also home to the famous Seven Mile Beach. Topped by coral sand and bounded by many upscale resorts, this is a must-visit part of the island. If you visit the Cayman Islands, make time to visit the two smaller islands instead of just Grand Cayman. There are many beautiful attractions throughout this destination.

Beach Destination # 4: The Bahamas

Easily the most well-known destination in the Caribbean, the Bahamas are visited by millions of tourists every year and are also visited by cruise ships on a regular basis. The Bahamas truly caters to the tourist trade, with events organized throughout the regions popular travel season, which lasts from December to April. Yet thanks to its temperate climate, you can visit the Bahamas at nearly any time of the year, however, and experience great weather and a terrific atmosphere. Whether you are looking for a couples-only resort, an all-inclusive resort, or a family-friendly time share, the Bahamas has cost-effective options to suit any need. Several hundred islands comprise the Bahamas, but only several are inhabited and used as tourist destinations. The popular destinations that you may consider include Grand Bahama, New Providence, and Harbour Island. Be prepared for adventure in the Bahamas as the pace can be fast and the variety of opportunities endless.

Top Caribbean Destinations for 2010

We have the hottest Caribbean Destinations

Welcome to paradise. We're counting down Caribbean resorts with crystal-clear waters, powder-soft sands, sumptuous settings and world-class accommodations. These aren't your average cookie-cutter beachfront hotels either. These Caribbean hot spots rank among the most luxurious and lavish in the world.

Hyatt Regency, Aruba Resort & Casino
Aruba, Netherland Antilles
Set just 15 miles off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is the westernmost island of the Netherland Antilles. Here Spanish, Dutch and Caribbean culture blend as comfortably as your beachside cocktail. The Hyatt Regency Aruba is one of the region's premier resorts, because it has a lot of casual elegance and the staff combine that attribute with an incredible array of really fun activities.

Caneel Bay
St. John, US Virgin Islands
The island of St. John is a treasure trove of tropical jungle and enticing enclaves. It was once the playpen of gazillionaire Lawrence Rockefeller, who fell in love with this lush land in the 1920s. Facilities here include 166 elegantly understated rooms, 3 restaurants, a 20,000-square-foot spa and a state-of-the-art tennis facility.

Parrot Cay Resort & Spa
Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos Islands
Located 575 miles southeast of Miami, the 8 major islands and more than 40 keys of Turks & Caicos cover only a combined 196 square miles of sun-drenched shoreline. Stars like Paul McCartney, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis and David Copperfield have all said ahoy to this place. And unlike super-accessible mega-resorts, the exclusive 5-star Parrot Cay Resort and Spa can be reached only by small boat.

Little Dix Bay
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Set 90 miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, Virgin Gorda is 8 1/2 square miles of lush greenery and stunning crescent bays; it truly is a tropical wilderness. The huge sprawling property includes an amazing number of hiking trails and amazing snorkeling.

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
A visit to these beautiful islands will often cost you a pretty penny, but not if you stay at the Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort and Spa. Opened in 1997, this popular spot is an all-inclusive resort.

Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
St. Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands, just east of Puerto Rico. Blessed with breathtaking views, it's no wonder this island attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. Combining Old World Colonial charm with a tropical setting, the 152-room Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas sits on 15 acres of impeccably manicured grounds and its stately elegance attracts guests from all around the world.

Four Seasons Resort
Nevis, West Indies
The tropical island of Nevis sits a balmy 19 degrees north of the equator. While it's only separated from other islands in the West Indies by 2 miles of warm water, go there and you'll feel a world apart. One of the most remarkable aspects of the Four Seasons, Nevis, is that it has attained a 5-diamond rating. Getting a five-diamond rating from AAA is hard enough in the United States, but to get this rating on a relatively remote Caribbean island is a testament to the resort's commitment to service.

Atlantis
Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas
Rising up majestically from the Caribbean is Atlantis, a resort based on the mythical city that sank without a trace 11,000 years ago. Along the 3 miles Cabbage Beach's sugary sand, guests can snorkel, parasail, jet-ski or just lounge to their hearts' desire. Then there is the Leap of Faith: a 60-foot drop down a Mayan temple water slide that takes you to 1 of the resort's spectacular family attractions -- the aquarium.

Sandy Lane
St. James, Barbados
Fresh off a $200-million renovation, the stunning Sandy Lane is just what any Caribbean connoisseur is looking for. This 800-acre resort features an 18-hole golf course, a 7,000-square-foot pool, state-of-the-art tennis facilities and museum-quality art. In fact, Sandy Lane has become not only the premier luxury resort in Barbados, but also 1 of the premier resorts in the world.

Hotel Maroma
Maroma, Mexico
Thirty miles south of the crowded Mexican resort of Cancun, in the heart of the Mayan Riviera, you'll find the pristine, quiet area of Maroma. The Hotel Maroma has a mere 36 suites decked in handmade mahogany and bamboo furniture. A stay here is worth every penny.

Vacations in Seychelles are considered as most exciting one

When advertisers and filmmakers need to find a perfect beach, they head for Seychelles.

More than a hundred islands are scattered across the tropical Indian Ocean, a thousand miles from anywhere, and form a lush wilderness of pristine palm-fringed beaches and unspoiled coral reefs. When you’re in search of a holiday with a feeling of isolation in an unspoilt paradise, this is the ultimate choice. More than half the land-mass is protected or in national parks, and the scuba diving and snorkelling is world class.

The hotels are generally small and sensitive to their surroundings with the main emphasis being on relaxation, informality and simplicity. Ideal for a romantic getaway, the Seychelles can be appreciated in a long relaxing holiday at a single resort, or explore further island-hopping by plane or yacht.

wedding seychelles, destination weddings & honeymoons seychelles

Seychelles Vacations

Seychelles White Beach

Seychelles Island

Vacations in Seychelles are considered as most exciting one. Only three of the 115 islands are inhabited whereas on all other you can find amazingly beautiful resorts.

Holidays in Manuel Antonio , Costa Rica

Between the main town and the national park, there are several world-class beaches in the area. Here, you can enjoy the wide variety of activities such as swimming, hiking the Manuel Antonio National Park, surfing, or simply relaxing while watching a vibrant sunset.

Manuel Antonio is one of only two locations in Costa Rica where you can see all four types of monkey; spider, howler, white faced and the endangered squirrel monkey, many of which can be visible from your hotel window. The area is also a prime destination for spotting sloths, both in and outside of the national park

This once tiny town has blossomed into the most popular Costa Rican beach destination. Available are all the amenities you would come to expect as well as a jumping nightlife.

Access to the area is possible along Coastal Highway 34 from either the north or south. The drive itself is popular among tourists as pronounced steep cliffs crash into the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. There is also a domestic airstrip in Quepos, just 7km away.

Be sure to keep an eye on your valuables at all times. Theft is a significant problem on the beaches, not just by humans but also by white faced monkeys looking to steal a quick snack.

Seychelles Island the Paradise On Earth

For those looking to "get away from it all," the Seychelles may be the perfect get-away. After all, the most important feature of the Seychelles is their isolation. This 115-island archipelago is located about a thousand miles off the eastern coast of Africa, smack dab in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The islands are scattered over 150,000 square miles (400,000 sq km) of the Indian Ocean and range from granite rock islands with lush vegetation to coral atolls that barely rise out of the sea.

This geographical isolation has manifested itself in nearly every aspect of life here. The Seychelles history, for example, has been relatively tame, as the islands were uninhabited until modern times. Though the French and English maintained colonial control until 1976, there was no bloody revolutionary to speak of. This geographical isolation has also had ecological consequences, as much of the Seychelles flora and fauna cannot be found anywhere else on earth. Most visitors are drawn to the scintillating beaches and turquoise waters that dot the sea like an exquisite pearl necklace. The coral atolls are home to giant lagoons chock full of marine wildlife.

Aldabra—a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to over 150,0000 giant land tortoises—happens to be the second largest atoll in the entire world. Aldabra has been billed as one of the wonders of the world by prominent naturalists due to its pristine coral reef ecosystems and is still protected from full-scale tourism. Mahé, home to the international airport, the capital city and a vast majority of the country's inhabitants, is surrounded by coral reefs, making its powdery white sandy beaches optimal for a dream island vacation.

Nearby St. Anne National Park, a short boat-ride away, is one of the best places in the Indian Ocean to view marine life. Terrestrial fans will want to visit Praslin, which is home to Vallée de Mai, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tropical forest is the best place to check out the coco de mer, which is the famous palm that yields the world's biggest fruit (and one of the most interestingly shaped ones at that).

Desroches, the main island in the Almirantes Group, is renowned for its scuba diving. Other islands are even more off-the-beaten-track, such as La Digue: with ox-carts dominating the streets and an easy-going spirit, visiting La Digue is like taking a trip back in time. These islands are also a favored destination of migratory birds who travel thousands of miles to frequent these spectacular islands. Drawn to the idyllic surroundings and ideal weather, they also endure punishing long flights, except they don't pay for airfare. With nearly half of the country's land preserved as natural parks, the Seychelles are an ecologists dream.

Seychelles Island the Paradise On Earth

Seychelles Island

If you want some exotics and magnificent sandy beaches, then the best of all is to go to Seychelles in September. Besides the traditional tropic fairy-tale, this is the time when you can observe the whales, sharks and cramp-fish in one of the national parks.

Explore the sites and history of Ruby Falls

The cave which houses Ruby Falls was formed with the formation of Lookout Mountain. About 200 to 240 million years ago (in the Carboniferous period, at the end of the Paleozoic era) the eastern Tennessee area was covered with a shallow sea, the sediments of which eventually formed limestone rock. About 200 million years ago, this area was uplifted and subsequent erosion has created the current topography. The limestone in which the cave is formed is still relatively horizontal, just as it was deposited when it was below sea level. The Lookout Mountain Caverns, which includes Ruby Falls Cave, is a limestone cave. These caves occur when slightly acidic groundwater enters subterranean streams and eats away at the relatively soft limestone, causing narrow cracks to widen into passages and caves in a process called chemical weathering. The stream which makes up the Falls entered the cave sometime after its formation.

Ruby Falls Cave features many of the more well-known types of cave formations (or speleothems) including stalactites and stalagmites, columns, drapery, and flowstone.

The Falls are located at the end of the main passage of Ruby Falls Cave, in a large vertical shaft. The stream, 1120 feet underground, is fed both by rainwater and natural springs. It collects in a pool in the cave floor and then continues through the mountain until finally joining the Tennessee River at the base of Lookout Mountain.

While Ruby Falls Cave combines with Lookout Mountain Cave to form the Lookout Mountain Caverns, the two caves were not actually connected by any passage. Ruby Falls Cave is the upper of the two and contains a variety of geological formations and curiosities which Lookout Mountain Cave does not have.

Ruby Falls Cave features many of the more well-known types of cave formations (or speleothems) including stalactites and stalagmites, columns, drapery, and flowstone.

Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls Cave

Explore the sites and history of Ruby Falls

Perhentian Islands

Located on the eastern coast of Malaysia, the Perhentians are two islands. Both are stunningly covered with a lot of palm trees, wide beaches, and crystal blue water. There’s not much to do here, and visitors typically lay on the beach all day, resting from the night’s drinking before. It’s the perfect place to put up a hammock. A strong monsoon season limits when to go to between March and October. During the other times, it’s best to head to Thailand where the weather is nicer.

Perhentian Islands

The crystal clear water and bright white sand beaches of the Perhentian islands in Malaysia for many years captured the hearts and imaginations of backpacking tourists and travelers. But recent years have seen a different type of travelers who arrives at Perhentian Island, like his reputation as a diving destination of the first has slowly between the diving communities. Actually, it would be fair to say that a large part of the success of the Perhentian Islands as a dive site should be in neighboring countries Thai country, diving resorts and Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Phuket.
A large number of travelers have learned to dive in the major Thai resorts are often gravitating to the natural beauty of the islands of Perhentian. Looking for a last dive before the bustle of the city Kuala Lumpur and Singapore! Perhentian Kecil islands Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Perhentian Besar, and are located about 20 kilometers off the coast of Malaysia. With what can only be described as a piece of paradise, the beaches lined with palm trees with these tropical islands, while the clear blue waters hide a wealth of coral and marine life below. Perhentian diving in Iceland is a highly, and a large number of dive sites has meant that the islands have become a popular destination for people looking for a diving course.
Some ten largest dive sites, regularly visited by diving centers Perhentian Islands According which Tokong (Temple of the Sea) is widely considered the best dive site on the islands. A large rock boulder directly off the North West coast of Perhentian Kecil offers some of the best examples of soft coral formations in the region. This impressive carpet of soft coral provides a home for a wide variety of marine creatures, including Kingfish, barracudas, nurse sharks and black tip sharks.
For fans of shipwreck diving, there are two excellent dive sites Perhentian Islands. The decline of sugar, 90-metre ship that sank in 2000, and the Vietnamese are still possible wreck diving inside the wreck. If you plan to go diving in Perhentian Islands, the best time to visit is from April to October, when the visibility and weather conditions are more favorable. November to March, the monsoon season, when the weather is poor and access to and from the islands is limited by rough seas.
Perhentian islands offer excellent diving, and the superficial nature of the dive sites here, this is a good choice for most beginners or inexperienced divers. But what makes the islands so special is its breathtaking natural beauty and landscape underdeveloped. You really feel as if you were diving into own piece of paradise!

Favorite US Beach Destinations

A beach vacation offers everything from fun in the surf and sand to breath taking sunrises and sunsets, great for a summer vacation or escaping winter doldrums.

Here are two of my favorite beach vacation spots:

Myrtle Beach South Carolina
I love renting a condo right on the beach, it's well worth the extra cash. I also try to find a condo or rental that always features a swimming pool that comes in handy for taking breaks from the pounding surf. With a night walk along the beach you will find others enjoying the evening on the beach as well so it is very easy to meet new people and friends. The beach does tend to be a bit crowded at times but still worth the trip. For those into saltwater fishing you will find many fishing charter options available to you.
There is plenty of night life and good restaurants for great dining during the evening hours. If your into golf make sure to bring your clubs, Myrtle Beach has numerous world championship golf courses for your enjoyment. I usually stay on the southern end of what is referred to the Grand Strand. If you would like to avoid the crowds consider visiting after labor day when the crowds have diminished and the kids are back in school.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands Florida
A couple of years back I was lucky enough financially to be able to rent a luxury home for a month on Sanibel island. If you like a relaxed laid back casual atmosphere this is the place to be. The two islands offer plenty of great beaches with Sanibel being a haven for seashell lovers and collectors. There are only a handful of hotels on the islands but a quick search on the web will find you plenty of vacation rentals.
The two islands located right off the coast of Fort Meyers have plenty of restaurants that offer everything from pizza to gourmet meals and the dress is casual. There are miles and miles of bicycle and walking paths on the islands so if you love walking, jogging or cycling you can enjoy this uncrowded option. Florida is ver hot and humid in the summer months so consider it an option for a winter or spring vacation. The island temperatures are usually a few degrees colder than the main land. If you like breathtaking beach sunsets Sanibel and Captiva Islands have plenty of them.

Curacao Island

Located in the Caribbean Sea, this Dutch owned island is perfect. Voted one of the best in the Caribbean, Curacao is like being in tropical Holland. The town is built in the Dutch style, but the surrounding areas are all tropical. Hit the beaches, lay in the sun, and party the night away. This may not be Gilligan’s Island, but what it lacks in privacy, it makes up for in romance and fun. The weather is pretty stable here year round. It’s always hot and usually sunny. If it rains, it’s between November and January. Don’t worry about hurricanes- it’s below the hurricane belt!

The Cook Islands

View Of The Cook Islands

nother south pacific island group (see a pattern here?), the Cook Islands are pretty far off the map. OK, not too far, but they are considerably less visited than some of its neighbors. These tiny islands are named after James Cook, the intrepid man who discovered them. With few amenities, this is the best place to find your inner cast away and escape modern life. The islands see similar weather to the rest of the area with temperatures hot and humid all year round.