To the average golfer, the phrase “World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses” might not mean much, but for a lot of us it is the annual reminder that Golf Digest has done all the work in creating the ultimate bucket list. When you scroll this marvelous celebration of international designs and see the photos from No. 1 Newcastle, Northern Ireland, to No. 100 Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland, it’s impossible not to want to book a trip so you can cross one off.

However, for many of us, one might be it. With courses in Japan, Dubai, New Zealand, and many other exciting destinations, we must accept the fact that our budgets and schedules will make choosing a truly difficult task. But what if a course is located near a resort community that is an ideal destination for any type of vacation? That could certainly make it easier, if it means convincing the family, that special someone, or your best friends that you know just the place for the big getaway.

For me, that place was Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf and Spa Resort, a terrific property that is as luxurious as it is entertaining. It is also home to the No. 87 entry on Golf Digest’s 2022-23 list: Quivira Golf Club, a Jack Nicklaus design that opened in 2014 and instantly became a dream course for players of all skill levels. Even having heard of its reputation, I wasn’t prepared for this masterpiece.

And things are only getting better here, as Nicklaus is working on a second course and he’s promising that it will be “stunning and equally as spectacular” as Quivira G.C. Is that even possible? I can’t imagine so, but I do know that no matter how wild his first design may be, it shouldn’t scare away the average golfer.

Prepare to Make a Day of It

Quivira Golf Club is as much an epic journey as it is a round of golf. This is a sprawling course with large gaps between holes, like the long ride between holes 4 and 5, 6 and 7, and especially 15 and 16, as those last two are set on the west side of the property like they’ve been shunned from the rest. I like to think Nicklaus left so much room over here so frustrated golfers can shout their profanities all at once without disturbing the local wildlife.

In all seriousness, though, the expansive layout is my favorite thing about QGC because it allows for magnificent views at every turn, and some of the holes even feel like they’re not even on the same course. I’ve heard other golfers say they want the most bang for their buck when they’re playing golf on vacations, and this one is worth every penny and then some. So, sit back and enjoy the ride… even if you’ve lost a dozen balls by the turn.

Don’t Sweat the Tough Stuff

No matter how good the player, this is not an easy course. In fact, I’d love to see a PGA event held here so we can all watch and marvel at how the pros would play it. But don’t let the challenge scare you away. The key for golfers of any skill level is to treat a round here like a vacation in general: leave the stress at home (or in the clubhouse) and just appreciate the opportunity to play one of the best courses in the world.

When you’re below average or a beginner, a difficult design can be a deterrent for continuing, so it is crucial not to let the lost balls bother you. And there will be a lot, especially when you’ll want to hit at least three shots on the Par 3 13^th hole, with its breathtaking gap between the tee box and green. So, once you’ve stepping into that first tee box, take a deep breath, do a 360-degree twirl to take in the first sights, and repeat after me…

“It’s Time to Be Creative”

Once I put the frustration in my rearview, I realized the best course of action is to spend a little more time examining the layout of each hole and finding ways to take advantage of the designs. You know, what good golfers do. Granted, there are plenty of obstacles you won’t be able to avoid and the curves run wild on many of these holes, but common sense might actually trump talent at Quivira.

For example, one of my favorite holes on the planet is the Par 4 5^th, which the better golfers in my group Bryson’d to try and make the green in one. With a slower swing speed and a tendency to hit low runners for safer shots, I focused on sticking to the right side, keeping it on the fairway, and running it down the remarkable slope. A medium chip and two putts later, I had my only par of the round.

I more than earned my phenomenal paloma at the first course snack shack.

Shorten Your Game

While most of the rest of my game was lowlighted by double bogeys and replies of “I forget” when pressed for my actual score, I was at least able to keep the ball on the fairways by playing shorter. Three-quarter and half-swings might’ve put my ball well behind those of my cohorts, but nobody wants to hit out of the rough or sand here. Hell, the sand is at least manageable—I should know as I spent enough time there to use Shooter McGavin’s Hasselhoff joke multiple times.

The rough, though, is especially bad, and the stuff beyond that is no man’s land. Even very good golfers will be spotted kicking out of the thickness, so don’t be too hard on your buddies when you catch them picking a friendlier spot to hit from. Save the heavy roasting for when you catch them doing that tossed ball trick from a bunker.

Prepare to Storm the Shores

At most courses I play during my travels, I’m usually teamed with strangers, which is awesome because I love having someone else’s perspective, not only for golf tips, but also seeing the courses through their eyes. But with my professional mindset, I’m too often caught up in the moment of enjoying the scenery, so I feel like a broken record when I say things like, “Can you believe this is real?” and “How amazing is this view?”

On this course, however, that’s all anyone in my group of eight said. The elevation allows for the best photo opportunities, so be prepared to take selfies and group pics on every tee and green. One element that people might miss without a proper heads up from the staff is that the sprawling beach that’s best seen from the green on the 10^th hole is the spot where the battle for the Trojan beach was filmed for the movie Troy.

So, at the very least, you can tell people you’re the Achilles of scoring 110.

The post 5 Things You Need to Know Before Playing Quivira Golf Club in Los Cabos appeared first on Islands.

Four Seasons Explorer is setting sail to one of the world’s last remaining frontiers beginning later this year. Hidden in a remote part of the mighty Pacific, discover Palau—home to more than 340 emerald islands, an astonishing spectrum of marine life, and a 4,000-year-old culture still sustained by the local knowledge of 20,000 traditionally minded people – the most vital element of the unique Palauan culture.

Four Seasons Explorer operates like a floating resort, offering daily embarkations and disembarkations, allowing up to 22 guests to explore as deeply—and for as long—as they wish. With the freedom to focus on personal areas of interest among Palau’s many bucket-list wonders, both underwater and on land, all adventures are entirely bespoke.

Referred to as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World, with 193,000 square miles of protected marine territory, Palau offers bucket-list opportunities for divers and snorkelers. With only nine of the country’s 340 islands inhabited, opportunities for raw natural adventure abound, while deep cultural immersions range from insights into the rich Palauan dance tradition—awash with powerful chanting, storytelling and vibrant colors—to the intriguing exploration of WWII sites, symbolic bai meeting houses, and centuries of Spanish, German, Japanese and American influences.

Guests on the Four Seasons Explorer can also look forward to a variety of on-board experiences, from connecting with Palauan people, chefs and musicians to learning from expert marine biologists and indulging in wellness experiences with spa therapists and yogis.

Four Seasons Explorer will also be available for fully customizable private yacht charters in Palau for groups of up to 22—including dedicated charters for surf enthusiasts with the experts from Tropicsurf, from uncrowded “best-kept secret” breaks on the east and west coast reefs to adventurous “surfaris” off the country’s fringing islands during the winter months.

Four Seasons Explorer is a 128-foot luxury catamaran built by Image Marine of Perth, Australia. Its three decks accommodate 10 staterooms with king beds bathed in natural light from large windows, and the lavish Explorer Suite featuring an indoor dining area, walk-in wardrobe and private sundeck with panoramic views across the vessel’s bow. Complete with its own PADI 5-Star Dive Centre, recreation desk, restaurant, bar, lounge and library, Four Seasons Explorer features a dedicated team primed to create customized experiences, including a marine biologist, chefs and spa therapist plus dive, snorkeling, freediving and water sports experts.

“The core Palauan value of omengull—respecting all and everything—deeply aligns with our values at Four Seasons,” notes Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin. “Right from the Palauan Pledge that all visitors are asked to sign upon arrival, visitors are immersed in one of the world’s most unique cultures, founded on tradition and respect. It’s a thrilling paradise for anyone seeking harmony with nature, and the opportunity to learn and embrace the unique Palauan way of life.”

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Fiji’s beaches are for more than sinking your toes in the sand and getting a nice tan. This amazing destination’s best beaches compete in beauty with the Seussian array of marine life below the water’s surface and the candy-colored coral reefs fringing the over 300 islands here.

Check out Turtle Island and its Honeymoon Beach for ultimate privacy. Looking to indulge in awe-inspiring sunsets? Liku Beach is the place to be. Namale Private Beach garners celebrity attention, as stars like Russell Crowe and Edward Norton frequent this Vanua Levu spot, and Natadola Beach is the place to be for anyone who enjoys a nice swim.

Follow our lead to the best Fiji beaches that can only be called the makings of South Pacific dreams.

Castaway Island

Soft, white-sand beaches and easy snorkeling access to the technicolor hard coral gardens just offshore make the beautiful stretch of shoreline at Castaway Island a Fijian favorite. Officially named Qalito Island, Castaway Island lies between the 20-island Mamanuca Chain, a volcanic archipelago to the west of Fiji’s capital. The four-star resort here is surrounded by rainforest, beaches, and more beaches.

Honeymoon Beach

One of 14 best beaches on the exclusive private Fijian island resort of Turtle Island, Honeymoon Beach is a postcard-perfect crescent with white sands framed by rocky headlands and languorously leaning palms. You’ll likely have this beach to yourself, too. Turtle Island has accommodations for only 14 couples and the same number of beaches to seduce them.

Horseshoe Bay

We ranked Matangi Private Island Resort among our “100 Best Private Islands Resorts,” and there’s no denying our love for the horseshoe-shaped beach here with its powder-soft sand and pristine reefs right offshore. The beach is such a stunner that it’s even been named among the world’s must-sees in the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Spend your days sunbathing along its shores, or request that the concierge arrange a romantic picnic on the sand a deux.

Liku Beach

There’s something Jurassic about the verdant and vertical backdrop of this west-facing beach in the Mamanuca Islands, whose Fijian name means “sunset.” Liku Beach stretches for 3,000 glorious feet along Tokoriki Island. From the middle of the beach, ascend a staircase to heaven of sorts, up to fabulous (and adults-only) Tokoriki Island Resort.

Namale Private Beach

With three staff per guest at the uber-luxe Namale Resort & Spa on Vanua Levu’s south coast, you’ll hardly have to struggle to get a waterside cocktail at this spectacular private beach bathed with the shade of coconut palms. Russell Crowe and Edward Norton are among Namale’s celebrity fans. Be prepared for temptations such as scuba diving trips in the Koro Sea and hikes to a hidden waterfall nearby to tempt you from your beach chair.

Natadola Beach

It’s just a 30-minute ride from Nadi to this little slice of heaven along Fiji’s reef-rich Coral Coast on the main island of Viti Levu. And Natadola Beach is known for being perfectly swimmable no matter what the tide happens to be doing. For the most luxe digs here, book a room at the Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, the only five-star property on Natadola Bay. Head to either end of the sweeping beach for excellent snorkeling.

Seagrass Bay

You’ll have to be bedding down at one of the decadent residences at Como Laucala Island to access this private beach with a reedy name that hardly hints at its crystal-clear waters. Seagrass Bay is the 3,000-acre island’s most dazzling beach, boasting a long stretch of sand and Laucala’s best snorkeling. Splurge on the peninsula residence, and you’ll have a private section of the bay just for the two of you.

Yasawa Island Beaches

It’s well worth the trek to Fiji’s western edge and the remote beaches in the Yasawa Island group. Covered in blowing grasslands, the islands reach toward the sky and plunge onto white-sand shores. There’s a beautiful stretch of sand fronting Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, where just 18 luxury bungalows and Fiji’s first beachfront spa await.

Vomo Island

It’s back to the Mamanucas for the kind of beaches you only ever see on screensavers — unless you head to Vomo Island, of course. The sand is chalk white, and the water is the hue of Easter egg dye at the beach fringing Vomo Island Resort. Ask the concierge to help you plan a hike to the top of Mt. Vomo for 360-degree views of paradise.

Mana Island

The stunning beaches and coral gardens of Mana Island, just 15 miles from the main island of Viti Levu in the Mamanucas, are enough to make you want to miss your flight home and live in Fiji.

The post 10 Beautiful Beaches that Will Have You Dreaming of Visiting Fiji appeared first on Islands.

Almost any slice of Oahu that comes available for purchase is one worth crowing about, as the real estate options on the most populated island in the Hawaiian Islands are always slim. 

But the magnificent home at 380 Lama Place occupies a stratosphere all its own in a destination already known for being otherworldly. On the market for the cool sum of $14.8 million, the listing by Hawaii Life takes design sense to new heights and stands out from anything else currently on the market on Oahu. 

The private compound has an idyllic position in the beach town of Lanikai, looking directly out on the surrounding ocean and Mokuleia Islands. And renowned Honolulu architect James McPeak is behind its intuitive layout. 

Renowned Los Angeles designer César Giraldo Design is responsible for the home’s exceptional interior aesthetics and the firm’s philosophy was simple: “Create a bespoke architectural gem that evokes form and function, emotion and exclusivity.” The overall design was informed by the surrounding landscapes’ rich and vibrant colors, with a focus on maximizing the spectacular ocean and island views. 

The home is all about blurring the borders between island views and sublime and relaxing interior spaces, giving a real indoor/outdoor feeling from nearly every vantage point while maintaining timeless craftsmanship. 

Set on more than 13,000 sq. ft. of beautiful land, this four-bedroom home boasts 4,450 sq. ft. of living space that will be ideal for entertaining friends and family, be it for annual vacations or the everyday elation of living in paradise.

Among the many lifestyle amenities the new owner(s), whomever those lucky ones might be, can look forward to here are the covered private rooftop bar, an outdoor pool and jacuzzi, a Tesla power wall, and climate controlled wine cellar. 

The home is even fitted with a commercial elevator in case residents are in a hurry to move from one spectacular level to the next to enjoy every possible angle of these epic views.

The post A Rare Oahu Dream Home Awaits its New Family appeared first on Islands.

You’ve seen the pictures, you’ve dreamed the dream and now you’re ready to book a trip and stay in an overwater bungalow. To help you get the most out of your bucket-list trip, we’re sharing our top know-before-you-go tips about what it’s like to stay in an overwater bungalow.

1. Ia orana loosely translated means good morning, good afternoon, good day, or hello. Maururu means thank you. English is widely spoken on the Islands of Tahiti, but the locals love when guests give basic Tahitian words a try.
2. In 1967 the original overwater bungalows cost $34 per night and included meals. Today, room only rates start around $600 per night, depending on the time of year, but take your time looking because there are always great deals available.
3. There are no true all-inclusive overwater bungalows in the Islands of Tahiti, but some resorts offer half board (breakfast and dinner) packages that can help you manage your costs.
4. Overwater bungalows are typically located on long piers that stretch away from the island and they’re usually very close together. Bungalows are not totally soundproof, so you may hear honeymooners, um, honeymooning. Be sure to pack a nice set of headphones.
5. Bungalows also look alike, especially at night when you’ve had a cocktail or two, or when you’re swimming back to the ladder on your porch. To make sure you’re going into the right bungalow, leave a brightly colored towel or shirt on your deck so your room is easy to locate.
6. Yes, you can walk or stand on the glass windows built into the floor. They’re made to withstand the weight of an average adult male.
7. Splurge on breakfast delivery by outrigger. It will cost a pretty penny, but the moment a staffer in traditional Tahitian garb paddles up to your deck and sets out a perfect morning feast, you’ll realize it’s worth every cent.
8. Air Tahiti offers multi-island flight passes that allow you to affordably island hop. Compare the bungalows on Moorea and Bora Bora to those on Taha’a and Rangiroa.
9. Ten nights is the average stay for travelers from North America, with about half of those nights spent in bungalows. The majority stays on Bora Bora, with shorter stays on Moorea and Tahiti. With flight times of around 16 hours from New York and eight hours from Los Angeles, a week just doesn’t feel long enough. And, let’s be honest, you’ll never want to leave.
10. Each of the Islands of Tahiti has its own unique vibe. Lush Huahine, the endless lagoon of Rangiroa, and the vanilla island of Tahaa are all magical in their own right, and often overlooked in favor of Bora Bora and Moorea. Visit multiple islands during your trip to see their distinct character or plan a return trip to experience different islands.

The post 10 Things to Know About Overwater Bungalows appeared first on Islands.

The warm waters that fringe the fabled islands in the South Pacific offer some of the best visibility on the planet, and the reefs are a treasure trove of charismatic creatures waiting to be discovered by adventurous travelers. This is where you can swim beside dolphins, whales, or sharks, giving your bucket list a few major checks.

Plus, these islands offer white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and villages to explore between underwater expeditions. Below are five top places to snorkel to see the South Pacific’s most impressive marine wildlife.

Moorea, French Polynesia

Dive with dolphins, stingrays, and blacktip reef sharks in the sandy lagoon encircling Moorea, a laid-back, mountain-clad island just 10 miles from Tahiti. Try your luck at finding the animals yourself by snorkeling in waist-deep water over a sandbar on the northwest tip of the island, or book an encounter at the Moorea Dolphin Center where you’re guaranteed 15 minutes of hands-on interaction with these playful mammals.

How to get there: Take a quick flight via Air Tahiti, or a 30- to 60-minute ferry ride from Papeete.

Vavau, Tonga

Tonga’s Vavau island group is one of the best places in the world to swim with humpback whales. Females migrate north to the warm waters of the South Pacific each June to give birth, hanging out in the shallows with their newborns through October. Tour operators like Encounters Travel offer eco-friendly, intimate whale encounters, and mamas will often nudge their babies up to play alongside the visiting humans, giving you a once-in-a-lifetime chance to dance with a whale.

How to get there: Take a direct flight from Nadi, Fiji, via Fiji Airways.

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Glide next to manta rays as they weave through Bora Bora‘s famous blue-green lagoon. With a wingspan reaching up to 23 feet, the resident mantas look like giant birds as glide through the water. Snorkelers can watch them scoop up zooplankton with their wide-open mouths, or see them hovering at a coral reef “cleaning station,” where fish pick parasites off their black-and-white skin. Schools of spotted-eagle rays, stingrays, and blacktip reef sharks are also common sights.

How to get there: Take a 45-minute flight via Air Tahiti from Papeete.

Niue

Not only is it one of the largest raised coral atolls in the world, the tiny island-nation of Niue is also the only place where you can swim with the katuali, a sea snake that grows up to three feet long. Its tiny mouth makes it harmless to humans (children wear them as necklaces on Niue’s beaches), but this snake is one of the most venomous creatures on the planet. Watch the beautiful striped snakes stream through clear water as they dive down to the reef to feed, then resurface to breathe. The best place to snorkel with katuali is in Snake Gully near Avatele Beach.

First-time visitors should book a discovery tour to experience the most of this special destination.

How to get there: Air New Zealand offers twice-weekly three-hour flights from Auckland.

Fakarava, French Polynesia

Drift over hundreds of blacktip reef sharks as you ride the current through Fakarava‘s lagoon. This atoll’s south pass is nicknamed the “Shark Wall,” and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to up the ante on your encounter with sharp-toothed predators, visit on the June solstice when Fakarava’s pass turns into a full-on feeding frenzy. Tens of thousands of grouper spawn in the shallows, drawing in large oceanic sharks and schools of big fish, all of which are clear as day in the gorgeous tropical water.

How to get there: Air Tahiti offers 75-minute flights from Papeete.

The post 5 of the Best Places to Snorkel in the South Pacific appeared first on Islands.

Planning a trip to South Island, New Zealand? Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature-lover or a fan of The Lord of the Rings, our guide to Middle-Earth is chock-full of things to do.

Hokitika Gorge

Wander through the hardwood forest to reach the viewing platform of Hokitika Gorge to catch a glimpse of the stunning, milky-blue waters. A walk over the swing bridge leads to amazing views of the Hokitika River spilling into the Gorge. For the best viewing spot, continue on to the large rocks at the base of the Gorge. Be sure to bring insect repellent to ward off the pesky sandflies.

Lake Wanaka

Breathe in the fresh mountain air while strolling along the tree-lined lakeshore trail of Lake Wanaka. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way, including That Wanaka Tree (#thatwanakatree). Growing out of the water, the lone willow is one of the most photographed trees in South Island, New Zealand. To close out the evening, toast the sunset with a glass of local vino at a restaurant or wine bar in the vibrant lakeside village.

Milford Sound

Often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, thanks to Rudyard Kipling, the amazing scenery of Milford Sound includes jagged cliffs, waterfalls, and sea life. After a rainstorm, hundreds of waterfalls cascade down the mountain walls into the deep ocean water below. Explore the fjord by boat with Cruise Milford.

Tip: opt for a smaller boat to get closer to the waterfalls and seals sunbathing on the rocks.

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

Punakaiki‘s weathered limestone rocks and cliffs were formed 30 million years ago from fragments of marine life along the coast. Over the years, the rocks have taken a beating from the wind, rain, and water, giving a stacked pancake appearance. Arrive during high tide and watch as the water explodes from the blowholes just a few feet in front of you.

Haast Pass

Take in the majestic landscapes of the Haast Pass (verdant rainforests, an abundant wilderness) on a scenic drive from Wanaka to the West Coast. The highway is also a gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park where you can see the magnificent Blue Pools.

The walking track leads you through a silver beech forest to a suspension bridge that crosses the Makarora River. Perch on the bridge to watch the rainbow and brown trout glide through the water below. After crossing, head viewing platform above the pools, names for their have-to-see-it-to-believe-it hue.

Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers

The full scope of these two glaciers should be seen from up above, and a helicopter tour with Fox & Franz Josef Heliservices does just that. Bonus: get even closer with a snow landing. The chopper touches down on the snow for photo ops, and you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world with unobstructed views of the Southern Alps. The glaciers are melting at a rapid pace, so don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Shotover Canyon Swing

Take a deep breath and jump, dive, pin drop, or fall backwards from a 360-foot rugged cliff overlooking the river at Shotover Canyon Swing. After this 200-foot free fall descent, you’ll feel the exhilaration of flying as you swing across the canyon several times, taking in the view of the towering canyon walls. This is an adrenaline rush that won’t be forgotten anytime soon. Tarzan’s got nothing on you!

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Step into the foothills of the Southern Alps at the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Aoraki/Mount Cook is the highest mountain in New Zealand, and the park offers stellar hiking—or tramping, as Kiwis like to call it. The cloud-capped mountain trails are filled with pebble-bottomed streams and awe-inspiring glaciers. If the mountain looks familiar, it’s because it served as a filming location for The Lord of Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Lake Tekapo

Along the shore of Lake Tekapo, sits the quaint, charming Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935. During the day, the teal blue lake water with snow-capped mountains frame the church. At twilight, watch the sky come alive as the moon rises behind the church. Free from light pollution, Lake Tekapo is one of the best locations for astronomy and stargazing in the world.

Arthur’s Pass

Spend a leisurely afternoon driving from coast to coast on New Zealand’s South Island along Arthur’s Pass. If you head west, the snow-capped mountains of the Southern Alps come into focus. Around every curve, spectacular sights await from sparkling riverbeds to tussock valleys to ancient limestone boulders.

You could make the crossing in only a few hours, but one full day is worth it to take advantage of the rewarding panorama from the scenic overlooks and hiking trails.

Shotover River Canyons

Hold on tight to the handlebars as the Shotover Jet boat zig zags through the canyon, coming within inches of the angled rock walls. To let you catch your breath, the boat’s captain makes brief stops pointing out notable spots along the way. Your adrenaline will start pumping again when the boat does its signature 360-degree spin. The passengers squeal with excitement and applaud the captain for such a thrilling ride.

Best Time to Travel to New Zealand

September through May is the best time to visit New Zealand: December through February is the height of summer, and also the height of tourist season. Avoid the winter months of June through August, unless you want a snowy adventure.

The post 11 Ways to Make New Zealand’s South Island the Vacation Experience of a Lifetime appeared first on Islands.

When it comes to planning a trip to Fiji, it is borderline impossible to experience boredom. In fact, the only problem a person might encounter is not having enough time to do everything on the wish list. However, even if time is at a premium, there is one thing that everyone should try to do when visiting this spectacular destination: spend a day at Cloud 9 Fiji.

This floating restaurant off the coast of Viti Levu is arguably the coolest base from which travelers can snorkel, swim, and sunbathe, all while sipping creative cocktails and eating amazing wood-fired pizza. And even if all you want is a morning and afternoon spent resting and relaxing, this is undoubtedly the place to do it.

Don’t believe us? Cloud 9’s perks speak for themselves.

It’s basically a private island

Cloud 9 is a two-level floating platform just a 45-minute boat ride from Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu. A limited number of people are allowed to visit Cloud 9 each day, which makes it exclusive and private.

Delicious cocktails

Cloud 9 features a well-stocked bar featuring international spirits as well as local favorites from The Distillery Co. Fiji, as well as cold brew from the South Pacific Coffee Company when guests need their morning pick-me-up ahead of the adventure.

Social media bragging rights

Jump off the side for a swim. Don your snorkel gear and explore the underwater surroundings. Just be sure to snap plenty of shots and use the onboard Wi-Fi to make your friends back home jealous.

You’re due for some relaxation

After you’ve got your splashing and swimming in, take a nap on deck and catch some rays. You’ll have to make a difficult choice though: a reclining day bed or a comfortable hanging chair.

Killer tunes

Cloud 9 often brings in international DJs to liven things up. Traumer, Pepperpot, and Bar’el are all spinning at Cloud 9 this month.

Because … pizza

Who doesn’t love pizza? Cloud 9 serves Italian wood-fired pizzas handmade by their Fijian chef. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

And local beer

You’ll have to decide for yourself if Fiji Gold or Fiji Bitter is the better local beer. We suggest lots of taste testing in between snorkeling and snoozing.

Snorkeling

Located on Ro Ro Reef, Cloud 9 has ample snorkeling opportunities and gear can be rented when booking your trip from Port Denerau.

Did we mention the view?

With a 360-degree panoramic view of the ocean, Cloud 9 truly feels like an island oasis.

The post 9 Reasons to Make Cloud 9 Part of Your Fiji Vacation appeared first on Islands.

If you’ve never heard of Lord Howe Island, you’re not alone. (We weren’t familiar with the Australian outpost until we visited, either.) But there’s so much to know — and love — about this far-flung paradise.

Located 500 miles off the coast of Sydney (just a two-hour flight), this far-flung volcanic remnant was first settled by accident in 1788 by the crew of a British ship transporting convicts to nearby Norfolk Island. Today, the remote rock is home to just 350 people who welcome a limited number of lucky visitors (only 400 at a time) to experience its awe-inspiring landscape and marine life, as well as its small-island charm.

Still need convincing? Here are five reasons why Lord Howe Island belongs on your bucket list.

You Want to Get Away — Really Far Away

For sure, if you’re traveling from the United States or Canada, getting to this 5.6-square-mile gem is a haul and a half. First, we flew into Sydney from San Francisco, a 15-hour trans-Pacific odyssey on Qantas (Australia’s national carrier). Then from SYD it’s about a two-hour prop plane flight to Lord Howe Island (LDH) on the regional airline QantasLink.

But 500 miles and a 30-minute time difference later, as you glimpse the island’s rugged emerald-green landscape rising from the sapphire Tasman Sea, you instantly feel a world apart from the city you left behind. And with no landlines (residents use satellite phones) and no public Wi-Fi on island, you can be completely disconnected from your cares, too. Let the digital detox begin.

Exclusivity is Your Thing

Want bragging rights for having been somewhere no one else in your social circle has? Then you need to start planning a Lord Howe stay. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1982 for its diverse landscape, species of birds and thriving coral reef (the island is second only to The Galapagos for endemic flora, fauna and fish), the 6-mile-long by 1-mile-wide isle has found a novel way to limit the impact of tourism on its environment.

Lord Howe’s governing board issues annual “bed licenses,” each of which allows a hotel or guesthouse owner to accommodate one person. And since the pricey licenses (they can cost up to $100,000 each!) are limited to 400 each year, you’ll only ever share this remote rock with a maximum of 399 other visitors. And in reality, Lord Howe is so secluded, sparsely populated and untrammeled that it’s easy to feel as if you have it entirely to yourself, high season (December to April) or not.

You Like To Be Pampered

Lord Howe may not be spoiled but that doesn’t mean you won’t be while you’re here. There are about 20 places to stay on island (mostly bed-and-breakfasts and self-catering cottages) but only three hotels. We split our stay between two, and were impressed with the amenities and the service at both.

Twelve-room Arajilla Retreat, located on the island’s northern end, is an intimate family-owned all-inclusive opposite Old Settlement Beach. Even more than the spacious two-story villas, we enjoyed the food, which was superb and surprisingly sophisticated when you consider that most ingredients must be imported and arrive via ship from the mainland only twice a month. Do yourself a favor and even if you’re not staying here reserve a table for dinner.

Located on the southern part of the island, Capella Lodge is fresh from a four-month-long renovation. The vibe is relaxed yet sophisticated and its nine contemporary-style suites are completely in sync. Some have sleek fireplaces perfect for cozying up together; others boast private decks with stainless steel hot tubs cantilevered over palm trees; and four people can share the two-story Catalina Suite, which has a pebble-shaped outdoor bath tub and views of Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird from the deck.

You Love Hiking

Even if you think you won’t want to hike, take our advice and pack sturdy shoes because Lord Howe’s landscape is so stunning you’ll want to explore its beaches, mountains and byways. You can see a lot of the island by bike (there are 600 of them here, and only 30 cars) but nothing beats being on foot. “Bush walking,” as they call it here, is made easy via a network of 13 marked and well-maintained trails, ranging from easy sea-level strolls (Class 1) to steep and exceptionally challenging adventures (Class 5).

The island’s signature hike summits its highest point, 2,871-foot Mount Gower. It takes about eight hours round-trip, includes steep drops and requires use of assistance ropes (gulp!). Less intrepid explorers will be content to explore the island’s interior (and enjoy panoramic coastal views) on shorter, less strenuous jaunts such as the walk from Malabar to Dawson’s Point.

You’re A Beach Bum

Touching down on a sunny and warm day, our first impression of Lord Howe was that it looked like Australia’s Caribbean. Groves of Kentia palms punctuated the hilly landscape and coastal roads wound past zinc-roofed bungalows with wraparound verandahs. But it was the postcard-perfect beaches that sealed the similarity.

More than two dozen strands fringe the coast, including the broad and popular sweep at Lagoon Beach, which has views of Rabbit Island in the distance. Old Settlement Beach, invisible from the road, is perfect for a beach day, and at high tide you might even spot Green and Hawksbill turtles. At Ned’s Beach, a dollar inserted into a dispenser buys you a handful of fish food. Wade knee-deep into the water and you can hand-feed the wrasse and mullet that quickly surround your feet.

Want to do more than just sit on the sand? There’s good surfing at Blinky Bay and superb snorkeling in the water around Ball’s Pyramid, a rocky spire about 12 miles offshore. You won’t need to get wet to see the island’s marine life on Lord Howe Environmental Tours’ two-hour glass-bottom boat excursion, which reveals the jellyfish, parrotfish, wrasse and sergeant majors that thrive amid the sub-tropical reef, which is the world’s southernmost.

The post 5 Reasons to Visit Lord Howe Island appeared first on Islands.

Ever since I was a boy, I’ve watched the world’s best golfers tee it up on tropical Maui at Kapalua Golf’s Plantation Course, host of the PGA Tour’s year-opening event each January. I’m always cozied up near a furnace, of course, 4,000 miles away in a heated Missouri basement as the onset of a long and frigid winter begins to rear its head. More years than not, I gawk at the paradisaical setting of Hawaii’s oft-considered top golf course on a big screen alongside my dad. Clubs comfortably stowed for the season, save for the flat stick we use to roll ProV1s across the carpet during commercial breaks, the broadcast is the closest we get to warm temps and green fairways until The Masters has come and gone.

The star-studded Sentry Tournament of Champions has called the Plantation Course, a superb Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design in the West Maui Mountains, home since 1999. Never short on fireworks is its famous 18^th hole, one of the most beautiful drives in the game. In 2002, Tiger Woods hit the longest drive of his career—a 498-yard blast—on the titanic downhill par-5, which drops 150 feet in elevation from tee to green. Catch the speed slot on the firm and fast mountainside fairway and your ball will be on a nonstop flight to the Parking Lot/Gravity nuptials, a match made in golfing heaven.

Fast forward 20 years and I’m staring down the Plantation Course’s postcard finishing hole atop the gold tees, 587 yards from the pin. Before settling over my soft-covered Callaway golf ball, emblazoned with Kapalua’s trademark butterfly logo, for a few reasons, I take a deep breath and collect myself.

Backdropped by towering pine trees and a Pacific Ocean panorama that stretches to Molokai, the surreal scenery demands a pause for both photography and admiration. Secondly, on a hole I’ve admired from afar for so many years, where the game’s greats have produced so much Sunday night TV drama, I’d love nothing more than to import a birdie—maybe even an eagle, a la Tiger and Ernie Els on the 72^nd hole at the venue’s thrilling 2000 edition—back to the mainland. That, certainly, begins with my tee shot, which breeds the most pressing matter of the moment: where on Earth do I aim my ball?

“Third chimney on the right,” John, one of my playing partners, tells me, pointing at the distant clubhouse, cocktail in hand. I know everything funnels to the ravine on this dogleg left, but the direction feels more dramatic than the landscape around us, as if I’m trying to hit my ball out of bounds. Nevertheless, I trust John’s tip, backed by some 20 rounds of golf here, and pound one up the right side, pushing it ever so slightly. There goes birdie, I think silently. “That’ll be perfect,” he promises me. Sure enough, I find my ball, center-cut of the fairway, 368 yards closer to the hole. Bar none, it’s the longest drive of my life.

Well before I watch my second shot dart 250 yards through the green into a gnarly back bunker, I knew 5-iron was too much stick. Maybe the grandstand and gallery and post-round interview I envisioned got to me. Or maybe, like my friend John, who Texas wedges his 80-yard eagle putt to two feet (veteran move!), I should have clubbed down and fed one up there. No red number for me on this go-at-it, but I do bury a slippery 10-footer to save par—and my pride. Fortunately, my round began on Hole 10, so there’s plenty of time to chase down the imaginary leaderboard in my head.

At the turn, I pop inside the clubhouse for a tropical refreshment, where the PGA Tour’s imprint can be felt all the more. From Vijay Singh to Jordan Spieth to Justin Thomas, photo plaques of past winners line the walls. Be sure to snap a selfie in front of the whale-shaped championship trophy on display, currently held by Aussie Cameron Smith, who set a tournament record earlier this year with a ho-hum 35-under par. After your round, tally up your scorecard over a Majestic Mai Tai or Bikini Blonde from Maui Brewing Co. at the Plantation House, the club’s open-air restaurant overlooking Hole 18. Like the course, it’s open to the public, and worth hanging around for the local cuisine—ahi poke, macadamia nut mahi mahi, and pineapple upside down cake highlight its menu.

Down by the ocean (courtesy of a five-minute complimentary shuttle), Kapalau also offers a fun waterfront golfing option at the Bay Course, renowned for its 17^th hole, which plays straight over Honokahua Bay’s crashing surf. The track rubs shoulders with The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, where the pros and their families overnight for the annual event, thanks to the Tournament of Champions package.

The sprawling, 466-room resort, built adjacent a Native Hawaiian burial site, recently unveiled the results of a $100 million refresh, underlined by an infinity-edge lobby lanai, renovated 10,000-sq. ft. pool, and new club lounge armed with a personal concierge. It’s the ideal luxe basecamp at Kapalua, especially when booking its Golf in Paradise package, which includes breakfast and daily golf for two.

Back up the mountain, Coore and Crenshaw’s 30-year-old gem is not only the pearl of golf in Maui, but a high-ranker across the board, sitting in 40^th position on GOLF magazine’s lauded “Top 100 Courses You Can Play” list. It was laid out on a former pineapple plantation three decades ago and recently restored with new grass, fresh sand, and reshaped greens. Despite its tropical coordinates, the Plantation Course is technically a “mountain” golf course, peaking at 510 feet above sea level. There aren’t any water hazards out here, but its unforgiving slopes, forced carries over jungle chasms, and blind tee shots (pro tip: book a forecaddie in advance to optimize your round) make posting a respectable number a tall task, burly trade winds aside. 

From the tee on No. 5, do yourself a favor and gander across the steep, verdant canyon beneath you to where you’ll be putting from on the sixth green. The fall-off marks one of the best spots to appreciate the wild topography and masterful routing of this Coore/Crenshaw design. On paper, both risk-reward holes offer birdie opportunities, but you can easily make a mess of things with an unlucky bounce.

I miss a long birdie attempt on the fifth, before three-jacking my way to a careless bogey. At the sixth (my favorite hole on the course), once again, the gods of the greens derail my aspirations for that ever-elusive scorecard circle, lipping me out from 7-feet in cruel fashion. Corey, the starter, was right to spend the bulk of my warmup honing my pace on the practice green. I did make it up there but opted to use it as a perch to whale and birdwatch with my binoculars instead.

For anyone, not just golf purists, the Plantation Course at Kapalua must be seen to be believed. Challenging are its holes, unforgettable are its views. At some point in your round, you’ll hit the bomb of your life down its volcanic fairways. Above all, you’ll have the time of your life, no matter what you shoot, from first tee to last.

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