Some bucket list destinations to dream about …
BORA BORA
Bora Bora, an island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, is an overseas collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean. The island, located about 143 miles (230 kilometers) northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, the highest point at 2,385 feet (727 meters). Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, famous for its aqua-centric luxury resorts. A pristine paradise complete with stunning views of the South Pacific, Bora Bora surrounds you with natural beauty. Explore history by visiting its military cannons and archaeological sites, and restore your body and mind by relaxing in its natural splendour. Discover why U.S. News named it “the best island in the world” in 2012.
ATLANTIS, PARADISE ISLAND BAHAMAS
From the moment you arrive, you’ll be immersed in a dazzling array of enchantments, luxuries and pleasures. You’ll be amazed by the spectacular events, epic concerts, and countless choices Atlantis offers to help you create the perfect vacation in paradise. And you’ll wonder how such a magnificent place exists…and how soon you can return. Prepare yourself for the most incredible vacation destination in the world. Prepare yourself for Atlantis.
OASIS OF THE SEAS
Experience the ship that revolutionized cruising, Oasis of the Seas®— its groundbreaking design introduced seven distinct neighborhoods built for ultimate enjoyment. Hop on a classic carousel on the Boardwalk®, then watch acrobats splash down in the AquaTheater, the first amphitheater at sea. Let imaginations soar in the Youth Zone—the largest kids’ area at sea—or at the Pool & Sports Zone, where you’ll find FlowRider® surf simulators and zip line views. Unwind with a stroll in Central Park®—a meandering garden lined with shops and fine restaurants—or melt away stress at VitalitySM Spa. Jazz up your evening with Tony Award®-winning Broadway hit Hairspray and soon, CATS, or hit the Royal Promenade for memorable moments with DreamWorks® Experience characters. Join us onboard the ship that changed cruising – a world where innovation rules.
ANGKOR
Angkor, the capital of the ancient Khmer Empire, is home to the majestic Angkor Wat, the largest temple in the world. This is one of the most majestic places to visit in Cambodia. For the photography buff, it seems like the jungle is taking back the temple for stunningly dramatic panoramas.
CABO SAN LUCAS
Cabo San Lucas Mexico began as a small fishing village; today it is one of the top tourist destinations. Filled with adventure, fantasy and plenty of sun, there’s no wonder so many people visit Cabo each year. Accommodations range from cute bed and breakfasts to the 5 star luxury hotels that put Cabo on the map. Cabo has been rated as one of Mexico’s top 5 tourist destinations; it is known for its beaches, scuba diving locations, balnearios, the sea arch El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, and marine life. The Los Cabos Corridor has become a heavily trafficked holiday destination for tourists, with numerous resorts and timeshares along the coast between Cabo San Lucas and San José Del Cabo.
PROVENCAL, FRANCE
France’s impossibly scenic southeastern region is filled with lavender fields, Roman ruins, sleepy villages, storied second cities, salt marshes, and so many bucolic vistas it’s hard to know where to point your camera next. Not surprisingly, its beauty has inspired a number of artists, from Cézanne and Van Gogh to Picasso. This is also the place for some of France’s best antiquing, wine tasting, and dining—whether at a family-run mas (farmhouse) restaurant, a Michelin-starred temple de haute cuisine, or a DIY picnic crafted from Provençal edibles purchased at a local farmers’ market.
ALASKA
Take the adventure you always dreamed of. Witness dramatic displays of ice-shelves breaking off into icebergs. Visit cultures that have lived and loved the land for thousands of years. Marvel at moose and bear on the land, bald eagles soaring above, and humpback whales peacefully rolling with the sea. And gaze upon the backdrop of a million stars showcasing the miracle of the Aurora Borealis. No journey stays with you, mind and soul, like an expedition through Alaska. From the blue ice of massive glacial fields to the stunning grandeur of the scenery and wildlife, everything in Alaska is big, bold and absolutely breathtaking; including the adventures.
KEY WEST, FLORIDA
Discover a city where real estate titles date back to the Kings of Spain. Stroll the palm-lined streets and discover gingerbread mansions, tin-roofed conch houses, the John Audubon House and Ernest Hemingway’s home. Walk in the footsteps of Thomas Edison, Lou Gehrig, Harry Truman, and Tennessee Williams. Marvel at the accomplishment of Henry Flagler, an oil tycoon whose Florida Keys Over-Sea Railroad train made its first journey to Key West on Jan. 12, 1912, literally connecting the previously isolated Florida Keys with the mainland for the first time, forever changing the face of the island chain. Gaze at the fabled treasure of the galleon Atocha. Discover tomorrow’s fine art treasures by Key West’s well-known and unknown artists.
PARIS
Paris, The City of Light draws millions of visitors every year with its unforgettable ambiance and deep romantic history. The divine cuisine and vast museum collections draw foodies and art lovers from all over the globe. The famous River Seine rambles through the city, flanked by stately museums, centuries-old churches, and ancient blocks of Rococo—and Neoclassic-design architecture that are further enhanced by charming foliage and glowing street lamps. Stroll along the Seine’s cobbled walks and graceful bridges along with chic Parisian style-setters, probably on their way to the market, café, or cinema.
MALDIVES
Maldives is just stunning—beyond picturesque. A private villa stands over crystal blue water with orange sunsets that make one hungry for locally-grown, luscious citrus fruits that complement the world-class cuisine. Gourmet room service and a masseuse are always available to keep things private and avoid any unnecessary trips from your secluded porch. The only thing that may make you want to leave your luxurious accommodations is the breathtaking coral reef and underwater creatures that insist you take a private scuba session for a proper introduction. Maldives is a magnificent backdrop for a replenishing respite from reality.
CAPE TOWN
Cape Town has it all going on. It’s sporty, stylish, stunning, with an eclectically interesting and hip social scene. Cape Town is one enviable destination that combines majestic nature with cosmopolitan urbanity. The Mother City is unlike any other destination in Africa. It’s separated from the rest of the continent by a ring of mountains and stands as a glittering, metropolis set against one of the world’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. This city’s khaki-colored beaches, rolling vineyards, sizzling cuisine, thriving nightlife, and the spectacular Table Mountain offers a fun-filled vacation adventure for all.
HONG KONG
Hong Kong has a curious history and is always evolving. This former British territory, made of multiple islands, was returned to China’s possession in 1997 after more than a hundred years of British occupation. Upon its reunification with China, Hong Kong added certain stipulations that provide a unique degree of autonomy. The official currency remains the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) and the shopping is fantastic! English and Cantonese are the official languages. Hong Kong is a unique destination where a traveler can enjoy unsurpassed exotic cuisines that range from an authentic English high tea experience to a formal Cantonese banquet and everything in between. Scones and fortune cookies, anyone?
HALONG BAY
It’s not the cliffs themselves that make Ha Long Bay unique, but rather their sheer number. A huge bay, dotted with nearly 2,000 mostly uninhabited limestone cliffs, the breathtaking scenery is very similar to that of the Andaman coast of Thailand, Vang Vieng in Laos and Guilin in China. Created over millions of years, tectonic forces slowly thrust the limestone above the water-line. In what constitutes one of the most fascinating cultural features of the area, some of these fisherman still live on the bay today—on floating fishing villages, where houses are set atop barges year round, the inhabitants catching and cultivating fish throughout.
