About the Golden Isles of Georgia The Golden Isles of Georgia run alongside the 100 mile long coast of the US state of Georgia. The isles include: Seas Island, St. Simons Island, Jekyll Island, Historic Brunswick and Little St Simons Island. The isles are all located in the Glynn County, Georgia, The average annual temperature is 66.5F, with August high temperatures of 91F and January low temperatures of 42F. As a result of the year-round mild temperatures, Northern Americans from states like New Jersey and New York are attracted to the Golden Isles. The good weather on all the islands combined with the natural beauty has made the Golden Isles of Georgia an exclusive place to live as much as to visit. Visitors to the Isles are impressed with the beaches, water recreation, wetlands and sub-tropical forests. Leisure Activities in the Golden Isles of Georgia Since the time period after the American Civil War, most of the islands have become homes to elite resorts that are frequented by some of the country’s wealthiest families and are popular islands for leisure and relaxation.
Jekyll Island is about seven miles long and one and a half miles wide. Jekyll Island features a paved causeway so that the island can be accessed by cars. The north end of Jekyll island is the main part that has been developed. In total, the island has about eight miles of wide and flat beaches on the east shore. The sand on these beaches is hard packed so that visitors can easily walk or bike on the beaches. There is also about twenty miles of hiking trails. It is suggested that visitors take a leisurely stroll through the Landmark Historic District on Jekyll Island. Guided tours are available as well. This attraction is among the largest restoration projects in the US that is ongoing and the work has received numerous awards for its historic preservation.
Sea Island is a well-visited island with two luxury resorts – The “Sea Island Beach Club” and “The Cloister”. The island is owned by Sea Island Acquisitions and they operate the two resorts so public access to the island is fairly limited. The island sits about 60 miles south of Savannah and 60 miles north of Jacksonville, FL.
St. Simons Island is the largest island of the Golden Isles of Georgia. It was cultivated by the English colonists for its cotton and rice plantations that were worked by African slaves. This created a unique culture and has more recently been developed into a resort community. While it has many seasonal residents, there are also many year-round residents. There is a causeway for traveling to the island by car and there is even an airport located on the island. One of its main attractions is the St. Simon Lighthouse which underwent significant restoration work in 2010. Leisure Vacation Packages in the Golden Isles of Georgia The Golden Isles of Georgia offers ample leisure and relaxation activities. On Sea Island, the two resorts are The Beach Club which lies by the ocean and provides visitors with plenty of beaches and water activities; and The Cloister which is on the south-west part of the island along the Black Banks River. This is considered the main hotel of the whole resort island and contains restaurant, a pool plus on-land activities. Both resorts are luxury five star resorts; the difference between them is what you are looking for: beach and ocean or pool and land activities (golf etc). Both resorts offer accommodation packages for golf, spa, and racquet. There will definitely be a relaxation package for you! The King and Prince on St. Simons Island offers different leisure and relaxation packages, depending on what type of package you are looking for. The “Just Beachy” package is for those who love the beach and enjoys catching a nap in the sand under a beach umbrella or soaking up the sun. The “It’s All About WE” package is an island escape for couples whose priority is just being with one another. The “Royal Golf” package includes green fees and more for each day of stay at the resort. The “Royal Treatment” package includes some spa treatments along with accommodations. The “Kayak Adventure” package allows you to discover the island on a 3 hour kayak adventure with an adventure tour group. How much will the Golden Isles of Georgia cost? The Golden Isles of Georgia can be relatively expensive compared to other destinations in the United States however, compared to some international destinations, it can be more reasonable. St. Simons Island is the most affordable of all the islands. The average household that sells on St. Simons Island is about $300,000. Compare that to the average single-family dwelling on Sea Island which is $3.4 million. So if you are budget-conscious, St. Simons might be the better of all the islands to visit. Accommodations on St Simons Island is a little cheaper than the other islands and there are more to choose from. The two resorts on Seas Island can be fairly expensive and often does not include any meals and extras.
About Fiji
Fiji is well-known for its beautiful cloudless skies and gorgeous white sand beaches. Fiji is comprised of more than 332 islands (110 of them are permanently inhabited) and 500 plus islets. Most of the Fijian islands were formed by volcanic activity more than 150 million years ago. Fiji is separated into four major divisions and these divisions are then further divided into fourteen provinces.
Fiji has a very well-developed economy compared to other countries in the Pacific Islands. It has an abundance of mineral, fish and forest resources. The main sources of foreign exchange are Fiji’s sugar exports and its tourist industry. Fiji has a significant amount of tourism, with the majority of travelers coming from the US, New Zealand and Australia. Fiji has beautiful underwater scenery that offers some of the finest and most accessible dives in the Pacific.
Leisure Activities in Fiji
The main attraction to Fiji is its postcard perfect islands with their white sandy beaches and year-round tropical weather. Fiji is the perfect spot for a relaxing and leisurely vacation!
The Mamanuca Islands are made up of twenty islands, although seven are covered at high tide. These islands offer palm-fringed sandy white beaches, crystal clear water and live coral reefs. There are plenty of villages to visit, resorts to stay at and places to snorkel and swim.
The Yasawa Islands consist of 6 main islands and many smaller islets. Transportation to get to the Yasawa Islands is limited but chartered sea planes, helicopter charters and the Yasawa Flyer (a catamaran) are all available options. The Yasawa Island Resort and Spa is a very exclusive retreat, found upon a remote and unspoiled island of Fiji. There are only 18 bungalows hidden among palm trees, offering complete seclusion. Visitors can dive on the coroals, swim in the clear water or experience the Fijian culture.
Viti Levu is the largest Fijian island and therefore has the largest population. It is an island that offers everything for a restful and relaxing vacation, including friendly local people, nightlife, beautiful beaches, quaint villages and sightseeing experiences.
Teveuni is an island that is also known as the Garden Island. It has beautiful mountains and abundant tropical growth. On this island, one can wander through an orchid garden, lazily raft down a river, leisurely soak in a hot spring or take a stroll through a village.
Leisure Vacation Packages in Fiji
As tourism is such a large part of Fiji, there are plenty of relaxation packages to choose from.
Islands in the Sun offers vacation packages to five popular destinations in Fiji, all in different areas. Some of the packages are geared more for families, or leisure sports (ie golf), or spa activities but all of them have one goal in mind: to provide rest and relaxation.
Namale Fiji is Fiji’s top all-inclusive resort and spa. Unwind and disappear into complete relaxation inside a gorgeous bure or villa, share a blissful and private dinner, relax during an award-winning spa treatment, ride on horseback to a hidden waterfall, trek through a glorious rainforest or scuba dive in the breathtaking Koro Sea. The Spa and Sanctuary of Namale Resort is located on a volcanic rainforest and features luxurious treatments that are inspired by healing traditions and ancient wisdoms.
Another top resort for relaxation packages is the Taveuni Island Resort & Spa. This is a fairly small but exclusive resort and offers the ultimate tropical island experience. It operates for all visitors that are over the age of 15. It is a five star luxury accommodation with 10 acres of immaculately manicured tropical gardens. The resort only accommodates 12 couples so it can provide the ultimate service to guests.
How much will Fiji cost?
In general, a relaxation package in Fiji will be mid-ranged priced, unless you are looking for a world-class five star resort which will cost quite a bit more. There is limited budget resorts however, more and more are popping up, especially in remote areas.
Fiji is cheaper than most of the other Pacific countries but it does not provide visitors with the same value as other international destinations, ie Southeast Asia. If you are a backpacker, you might be surprised to learn that Fiji is not a destination where you can travel on $20. Regardless of the budget you have in mind, your accommodation will be your greatest expense. Shops, transportation and restaurants will offer extremely good value unless you are in a tourist location – that is far more expensive. For travelers who are solo and looking for a mid-range vacation, they can expect to pay about $180 a day, whereas couples can expect costs of about $120 per person per day. These costs include comfortable transportation, three meals and transportation.
About Bali
Bali is a province of Indonesia. Bali itself is an island and also includes a few of the smaller islands that surrounds it. It is about eight degrees south of the equator and the central mountains have peaks that are over 3000 meters in elevation. Bali has more than 500 reef-building coral species – about seven times as many that there are in the whole Caribbean.
Bali is the largest tourist destination in Indonesia and it is easy to see why. Bali is surrounded by colorful coral reefs and beautiful beaches. The beaches in the south end of Bali typically have white sand whereas those beaches in the west and north usually have black sand. Approximately 80% of the economy in Bali depends on tourism . In 2010, Bali received the award of Best Island from Travel and Leisure.
Leisure Activities in Bali
Leisure and relaxation is paramount in Bali. It’s won awards for its attractive surroundings, excellent restaurants, friendliness of local people and the tourist attractions. There are many places to relax and un-wind in Bali.
If you are looking for culture, then Ubud is an ideal spot. A bicycle ride is a great way to see this town and the artistic villages surrounding it. Ubud is home to Goa Gajah, one of the most unique holy places in Bali. The village of Petulu is a small village that offers holy scenes and is worth taking a bicycle ride through.
Tanah Lot is a special place in Bali. It encompasses many things that makes it so special: magic, romance, strangeness and magnificence. It is a rock formation and is home to the pilgrimage temple Pura Tanah Lot. It is a cultural icon and popular tourist location.
Menjangan Island is quite the departure from the busyness of the south. It is a fairly small island about five miles away from the main island. If snorkeling is your idea of relaxation then Menjangan Island is the perfect spot for you. It is full of bright coral reefs and strange but gorgeous fish.
Leisure Vacation Packages in Bali
As Bali bombards you with its beauty, culture and beaches, what better place to relax and un-wind? There are plenty of leisure and relaxation packages to choose from in Bali.
International Expeditions offers some different kinds of tour packages in Bali. You can see the wildlife of Bali including large Komodo dragons and carnivorous lizards. You can also take snorkel excursions to see the fantasy world below the waves. On all tours, experience the everyday life of villagers and see the intricate and complex temples that are the backbone of the Balinese Hinduism.
The Conrad Bali offers highly personalized luxurious relaxation packages. At this award-winning resort, you can experience its timeless style and beach of beautiful golden sand. It has a “Luxury of Being Yourself” package that begins before even the check-in starts. CHoose from bathroom amenities, vegan-friendly dishes, spa treatment and so on.
How much will Bali cost?
Bali can be considered reasonably priced in comparison to other top vacation destinations across the globe. Hotel rates range from about $20 a night for a basic but clean room with air-conditioning, private bath and small terrace to well over $2500 a night for a one bedroom cottage or villa including a private pool in a walled tropical garden with stunning views and spectacular 24/7 5-start service.
For transportation,the rates are fairly reasonable. In all the tourist areas, drivers will offer “transport, transport” but keep in mind that the rates will be negotiable. Sometimes it is more relaxing to have a guide show you the sites while driving you to your destination. This can be a very affordable option – just be sure that the gasoline is included in the fare.
About Easter Island
Easter Island is a Polynesian island that is part of Chile. It is located in the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean, at the most southeastern point of the Polynesian Triangle. It is a volcanic high island that houses 3 extinct volcanoes. The island is classified mainly as a tropical rainforest climate however it borders on a humid sub-tropical climate.
Easter Island is one of the world’s most remote inhabited islands. The closest inhabited island to Easter Island is Pitcairn Island, which is 1289 miles away. It is home to 5800 residents. History says that Easter Island’s inhabitants have been through many precipitous declines in its population due to: famines, civil war, epidemics, slave raids, near deforestation and slave raids.
Leisure Activities in Easter Island
There are many places to see on Easter Island that would fall into the leisure and relaxation category of vacations.
Easter Island is most famous for its 887 monumental statues that are called moai. Most of these moai come from the volcano Rano Raraku. In this unique location, hundreds of artists and sculptors over hundreds of years worked to produce gigantic statues of the volcanic stone. Visitors can walk through the internal and external slopes of the extinct volcano and witness these impressive statues.
Hanga Roa is the capital city of Easter Island. This is an impressive town to walk through and experience its culture. There is a beautiful church to see as well as the ceremonial complex of Tahai. This complex includes the remains of old houses and well-known boathouses where notable islanders lived along with their families.
Anakena Beach is a popular beach for visitors to experience. It is blessed not only with two significant archeological sites but it also has beautiful soft white sand and lapis lazuli-colored water. It is the perfect beach for some leisurely diving in the gorgeous water or some relaxation on the perfect sand.
Leisure Vacation Packages in Easter Island
Considering the size and remoteness of the island, vacation packages are not plentiful on Easter Island as they are on other islands across the globe. The Explora Rapa Nui is a five star hotel on the island that offers fifteen exploration tours to be interspersed through relaxation periods. Each afternoon a tour guide will meet visitors in the lobby and enlighten them with the explorations that will be held the following day. The Explora hotel houses only 30 rooms but provides amenities such as a swimming pool, bar and solar-heated jacuzzi. It offers relaxing massages in the Hare Taheta. Luxury is imperative when it comes to the food the hotel serves.
The Tupa Hotel offers forty rooms in different categories (depending on price). It is away from the bustle of Hanga Roa and visitors will experience quiet and calm. Their packages include daily breakfast, private bathrooms, free wifi in common areas and free transportation to and from the airport.
Hare Noi is one of the top-rated hotels on Easter Island. Hare Noi offers only a few rooms but plenty of opportunities to see Easter Island.
How much will Easter Island cost?
Easter Island is somewhat known for its higher costs. Lan is the one and only airline to fly in Rapa Nui on Easter Island and therefore there are a limited number of flights. Roundtrip airline tickets for economy class can range between $500 and $900. However, on the flight, travelers will be served good food, their own tv screens and entertainment options.
Accommodations can be expensive, depending on what you are looking for. The Explora Rapa Nui is expensive at well over $2000 for accommodations alone for a week. Other hotels are more reasonable at $700 plus for a weeks accommodation. Food can typically be more expensive as well. There are many little supermarkets in the larger towns and the prices in each differ quite a bit. It is advisable to check around at different stores before making a purchase.
About Maldives
The Maldives is located in the Arabian Sea – Indian Ocean are and is an island nation. It encompasses a territory that is spread over about 35,000 square miles, making the Maldives one of most geographically dispersed countries in the world. It has a population of almost 350,000 residents. The Maldives is made up of 1192 islands of which only 192 of the islands are inhabitable. The capital city, Male has a population itself of about 105,000 people.
The Maldives’ average ground elevation is only 4 feet 11 inches above sea level, making it the lowest country on the planet. It is a grave concern of the people of Maldives that the land will eventually sink into the water, due to the rising sea levels. There are plans to look at purchasing new land in other countries because of this possibility. The Maldives also faced a natural disaster in 2004 that caused significant damage across the country – more than $400 million of damage. A tsunami destroyed 6 islands, caused 14 islands to be evacuated, and seriously damaged critical infrastructure on 57 islands.
Leisure Activities in Maldives
For many people in the world, the Maldives is considered to be the best place to relax from the chaotic lifestyle the modern world provides and the premier beach destination. There are over 100 island resorts to choose from; each resort having its own distinct character. Regardless of the island you select, you will be presented with a perfect coral beach, warm waters, lush tropical vegetation, outstanding service at a fantastic hotel.
On the North Male’ Atoll you can find an ultra-luxe resort called “One & Only Reethi Rah“. This private island resort is very glitzy and very cool. The accommodation and spa treatment facilities are the absolute in luxury. Of the 130 villas, most of them are over water, along with the yoga pavilion and some of the spa treatment rooms. This island resort is the ultimate in leisure and relaxation.
The resort on Makunudu Island features a total of thrity-six deluxe bungalows set in lush tropical vegetation. For the utmost relaxation, you can have exotic room service for breakfast on the beach, while the sun rises in front of your room. This resort also offers the Makunudu Diving School for those looking to have a leisurely dive. This international diving school is of the highest standard. Other opportunities include picnics on a desert island and full moon barbecues. With the palm trees swaying, the sandy white beaches and warm tropical breeze , Makunudu Island offers a haven from the modern world’s endless pressures.
Leisure Vacation Packages in Maldives
As there are only a handful of places in the world that offers such a unique combination of powder white sand and turquoise sea along with a “never- ending summer” for the whole year, the Maldives offers the ultimate package of leisure and relaxation – regardless of which island you choose to visit.
One relaxation package that can be found in the Maldives is at the resort Angsana Ihuru. Besides the wonderful hotel and its luxury services and amenities, the spa places a special emphasis on aromotherapy and touch in order to fully pamper the whole body, mind and soul. The spa was created and is now managed by the Banyan Tree Spa – the world-renowned and award-winning spa. Spa packages are designed for different budgets and wants.
Cocoa Island by COMO is a very intimate island resort that offers relaxation packages. They have 33 over-water suites which allows you to slip into the turquoise lagoon from your suite, powder white sand and holistic wellness treatments for the utmost offering in relaxation. Cocoa Island resort offers 2 different dive packages (depending on diving experience) for those seeking a leisure vacation package.
How much will Maldives cost?
For many people, a vacation to a Maldives island will be the vacation of a lifetime. It is not a cheap destination and is not budget-friendly in any way. Although the vacation may be well worth the money considering the luxury you will receive on any of the astounding islands. It might be possible to get a deal on flight and accommodation on one of the islands however, you will spend at least that amount or even more on food and drink while you are staying there. As a very rough estimate, per day expenses range from $100 a day for the most basic stay, between $200 and $500 for a mid-range stay and for a luxury stay, expect to pay well over $1000 per day. For those with a somewhat modest budget, choose an all-inclusive package – you will pay plenty up front but will spend very little while on your vacation.
