1. Closer Than You Think

Nonstop flights aboard Fiji Airways leave every evening from Los Angeles and seasonally from San Francisco, arriving at Nadi International Airport on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu.

2. A Natural and Unspoiled South Pacific Escape

Fiji’s 333 breathtaking isles are allow you to disconnect and rejuvenate, with shallow lagoons ideal for snorkeling among colorful tropical fish and jungle hikes leading to waterfall-fed natural pools. Many of the islands remain largely uninhabited, allowing travelers to spend the day on secluded beaches, enjoying the solitude with a picnic, paddle board session or swim. Each island has its own must-see natural wonders, from Fiji’s premiere coral reef of Cloudbreak off Namotu Island to the manta rays that congregate around the Yasawa Islands March through September.

3. A Culture of Song

Most evenings end with song, anchored by the guitar and ukulele. A bowl of kava— a local root-sourced drink consumed during social gatherings — is shared among the group, easing everyone into the easy rhythms of song and storytelling. It’s a tradition that is brought to most resorts, and still occurs nightly at most local homes.

4. Truly Welcoming People

For most Westerners, one of the most memorable and striking cultural differences is how welcoming the Fijian people are. Checking into a resort feels more like arriving at a family reunion. Travelers are welcomed with song, followed by friendly conversation. In most resort areas, travelers can visit schools and villages to meet the local schoolchildren and, of course, be treated to more music and dancing.

5. Retreat to romantic island escapes

From overwater bungalows and boutique resorts to villas and stand-alone beachside bures (traditional Fijian-style houses), Fiji offers everyone from honeymooners to families an authentic island experience. A handful of private-island resorts also exist throughout the islands, where guests can spend their days soaking in the sun and natural splendor in the most peaceful setting imaginable.

For more information, visit www.fiji.travel or click here for exclusive getaway packages.

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The Main Island

Every Fiji getaway begins on the biggest island, Viti Levu, home of the international airport at Nadi, and for travelers equally in search of action as relaxation, it’s also the final destination. On Viti Levu’s southern “Coral Coast”, white-sand beaches lead to colorful, fish filled reefs making it a perfect destination for families. Adventure abounds along the Coral Coast, offering everything from Eco Parks to Zip Lining. At the eastern edge of the Coral Coast lies Pacific Harbor, the jumping-off point for divers headed to see Fiji’s famous bull shark Nearby, the upper Navua River flows over steep, rainforested terrain to create a thrill ride for white-water rafters. Along the Sigatoka River, visitors can thrill to a river jet-boat tour of this verdant countryside including visits to remote inland villages.

Vanua Levu and Taveuni

To the north lies Fiji’s second and third largest islands, Vanua Levu and Taveuni, accessible by small plane. Vanua Levu is roughly the same size as Maui and enjoys a similar tropical climate — think rainforest hiking and waterfalls galore. That lush landscape and the area’s remoteness are reasons it’s a favorite among honeymooners, with a number of romance-focused resorts dotting the beaches near the small township of Savusavu, including the boutique Namale Resort & Spa.

Taveuni, also called the Garden Isle, is known for that same flavor of rainforest-meets-white-sand paradise. From Taveuni, a handful of small-luxury private-island resorts can be reached, among them the romantic favorites of Matangi Private Island Resort and Qamea Resort and Spa.

Divers flock to Vanua Levu and Taveuni for quick access to Rainbow Reef, one of the most famous underwater destinations, and one of the best examples of why Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world. Here, find forests of these pink, red, purple and orange tiny trees that sway with the current and provide sanctuary for schools of fish in hues as vivid as the reefs themselves.

Western Islands

Off the West coast of Viti Levu, extending to the north like the tail of a kite is a string of 50 or so islands known as the Mamanuca and the Yasawa group of islands. They offer that ultra-remote escapism that travelers have come to expect from the South Pacific. In addition to a scattering of private-island resorts, many of the islands are uninhabited, allowing for afternoons of picnicking and relaxing on a private white sand beach. Travelers can spend hours with just each other, a lobster lunch and a bottle of Champagne, not seeing another soul until they summon the resort for another bottle.

The Mamanuca Islands are home to the island nation’s most famous surf spot, Cloud Break, as well as Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji’s only resort with overwater accommodation. The Yasawa Islands, the northernmost islands in the line, are as remote as it gets. Reachable by ferry, heli or seaplane, these islands recharge the soul with their calm waters, seaside caves and empty white beaches.

Visit www.fiji.travel for more info or click here for exclusive getaway packages.

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You’ve just come back from your vacation to a tropical paradise where you snorkeled, lazed on the beach or poolside, and did some sightseeing. You took countless pictures with your camera or cell phone, but now that you’re home, you’re disappointed in the results. Some are underexposed and others are overexposed. The snorkeling images are hazy and monochromatic. Some of your fun sightseeing images are tilted. Before you drag your photographic memories to your computer’s trash bin, discover the magic of the LAND & SEA photo-editing software from Vivid-Pix.

Applying patented image technology, LAND & SEA provides a one-click fix to photos that need color improvement, are too dark, too light, backlit, hazy, and tilted; easy-to-use sliders allow you to fine-tune. Whether you enjoy taking pictures of beaches and cityscapes, your loved ones having fun in the pool, marine life on snorkeling excursions, but find your end results look nothing like the colorful, sunlit vistas you saw on your vacation, this software rescues your pictures.

And best of all? It’s incredibly fast for any photographer to fix land and shallow-depth snorkel photos — even from mobile devices.

LAND & SEA improves the same basic things that you can do in Photoshop, but without all the extra complexity or expense. It can help to bring back color lost from shooting in water, improve contrast, reduce haze, increase sharpness, and rotate and crop images.

Here’s how it works. First, select an image from your computer that you want to fix. In the upper right-hand corner, select either Land or Sea. The software gives you 9 options showing the image with color, contrast, brightness, and sharpness improvements. Select the one you like best.

Now your original image will be displayed on the left, and the improved one you selected is on the right. If you’re happy with the result, just hit save; otherwise, you can adjust a few settings to fine-tune the image even more. We promise you — it’s that easy!

Your vacations are priceless memories to treasure with your friends and loved ones. Don’t plan another without LAND & SEA.

MSRP: $25 (there is a free trial, so you can see how it works on your pictures, and it allows you to save 3 images too) Contact: vividpix.com

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If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle and escape into a world of uninterrupted relaxation, the newly renovated Pineapple Beach Club Antigua is the place for you. Sitting on nearly 30 scenic acres with a quarter-mile of white sand beach, it’s no surprise that this Adults-only All-Inclusive has been named Antigua’s “Most Laidback Resort.”

Famous for its friendly staff and outstanding location, the Pineapple Beach Club has accommodations perfect for any type of traveler. Want to get in touch with nature? Try a Garden View Room and be transported into a tropical paradise. If you’re looking for a more romantic setting, try a Waterfront Room and watch the sun set over the crystal clear waves. Each room includes a balcony or terrace allowing you to cool off inside in the air-conditioning, or sip cocktails in the warm sun whenever you please.

If your ideal vacation goes beyond sun worshiping and rum sipping, this resort offers a wide variety of activities, including kayaking, windsurfing and snorkeling the reef just offshore. If you’re in need of pampering, visit the Tranquility Body & Soul Spa. The resort also features four tennis courts, a fitness center and much more. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, dine in one of the five on-property restaurants and enjoy a diverse menu of Caribbean specialties.

With its pristine beach, laidback atmosphere and incomparable natural beauty, the Pineapple Beach Club Antigua is the perfect place to escape and rejuvenate.

Take advantage of 50% savings with All-Inclusive rates starting at just $149 per person, per night. Book here now Nov 15, 2016 and travel through January 2, 2018.

For more information, visit: pineapplebeachclub.com

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One of the most distinctive and beautiful places on earth, the five square-mile island of Saba, the smallest in the Dutch Caribbean, soars 5,000 feet from the sea floor of which 3,000 feet are above water. Known as The Unspoiled Queen, the lush tropical landscape is punctuated by extraordinary views of the surrounding sea from every vantage point. The island’s natural beauty is enhanced by the unique architecture, with clusters of cottages all designed in variations of the Saban vernacular: white wash or stone exteriors, red zinc roofs, charming Caribbean gingerbread trim and green shutters. Visitors can stay in one of these charming cottages, some have been luxuriously renovated, or choose an intimate boutique hotel, guesthouse or eco-lodge.

Saba is low key, but never boring, and a true paradise for nature lovers. Today, the old stone “roads” established by early settlers are the perfect way to explore the island’s rain forest and mountainsides filled with lush, and often rare, tropical foliage. Considered one of the top dive spots in the world, the views below sea level are equally spectacular. Conservation and preservation are very much part of the island’s ethos and this is evident in the magnificent Marine Park, one of the most prolific underwater spawning grounds for brilliantly colored fish, lobster, turtles, corals and more.

And while Saba has so much to offer, visitors can also do absolutely nothing. Saba is a perfect place for those seeking spiritual beauty, inspiration and relaxation. It’s off the grid, yet civilized. There is a gorgeous simplicity to this remarkable island that is as satisfying as any adventure. Life here is gentle, peaceful, friendly and safe, a place of authentic Old World Caribbean charm and unspoiled natural beauty.

For more information, visit www.sabatourism.com.

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Mahe Island, Seychelles

Proteas Bay, Samos Island, Greece

7 Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Borocay, Philippines

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The breathtaking Palm Island Resort & Spa allows you to take advantage of luxurious amenities while soaking up all of the natural beauty the Grenadines have to offer. Accessible only by boat, your unforgettable adults-only Palm Island experience begins dockside with a welcome cocktail. From the first moment you step onto shore, the flawless beaches and impeccable hospitality captivate you. Whether you’re on a romantic honeymoon or simply in need of some relaxation, this award-winning, 135-acre resort comes equipped with endless amenities.

The brand new Spa at Palm Island Resort allows you to treat yourself without leaving the beach. With two double treatment rooms and a private soaking tub right on the sand, you’ll never want to leave. Don’t miss out on an extensive aromatherapy session from Aromatherapy Associates with industry experts from Bali and the Caribbean. Want to try something new? Experience their signature package that uses all-natural Caribbean Blue products with Hibiscus and Frangipani flowers to brighten and tighten your skin.

If your interests lie with something a bit more adventurous, Palm Island is home to some of the finest diving and snorkeling locations in the world. Stay on the island or take a day trip to Tobago Cays and experience lush reefs and abundant marine life. The resort also offers an array other excursions, including a romantic sunset champagne cruise, picturesque nature trails and deep-sea fishing. After you’ve worked up an appetite, arrange for a private dinner under the resort’s famous heart-shaped palm tree or visit one of the property’s many restaurants that incorporate the Caribbean’s best flavors.

If your ideal getaway involves an award-winning resort with world-class accommodations, a wide variety of amenities, and breathtaking beaches – Palm Island Resort is the place for you.

To book your dream vacation, visit palmislandcaribbean.com or call 866-237-2157.

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1. ADOBE LIGHTROOM

Adobe Photoshop is so synonymous with photography that it has even become its own verb — just Photoshop it! But it’s also a massive (and costly) program that’s far too robust for the basic user. Enter Adobe Lightroom, whose sleek interface and deep image-processing capabilities are ideal for every level of shooter. Within its “develop” module (where the image manipulation occurs), you’ll find slider bars for everything — from basic contrast and saturation adjustments to advanced camera calibration options. The free Lightroom mobile app (with much less functionality) can sync with your Adobe account, allowing for seamless cloud editing on the go.

2. PHOTOGENE

Available for both iPhone and iPad, this photo editing app truly shines on the latter. Photogene has the standard contrast, color balance, saturation and effects you’d expect, but it also gives users metadata editing, export resizing and options to remove noise. It can sync your files directly to Flickr, Dropbox, Facebook, Picasa and more, ensuring you won’t miss a beat between snap and share. Unlike most mobile apps, Photogene supports RAW files as well as JPEGS.

3. PIXLR

This photo editing app for both Apple and Android devices boasts over 2 million combinations of free effects, overlays and filters. Its robust adjustment and effects program also allows users to create collages with multiple images. Text effects and a selection of image borders and frames help polish your photo before posting. Amazingly, this gem of an app is free, but you can pay to expand its database of filters and effects.

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Take a look at some of the renderings of the Floating Seahorse and get more info on these homes here.

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Thatch Caye Resort
In the Caribbean, overwater bungalows are nearly as rare as snow days. But this nine-acre resort set on its own island has five of them (as well as land-based cabanas and an overwater villa). The vibe is vibrant and familial, but exclusive experiences await at Thatch Caye Resort. Spend your days fly-fishing, stalking conch and lobster for a seafood feast or just sipping tropical cocktails with your toes in the translucent water. All-inclusive rates include kayaks, paddleboards, fishing poles and snorkeling gear, making it easy to settle in and explore your surroundings.

For more information, visit www.thatchcayebelize.com

Belize Ocean Club
The quintessential Caribbean luxury property, this Maya Beach resort is ideal for couples or families in search of beach and pool time. With one or two bedrooms, the 60 modern suites all have water views as well as living rooms and full kitchens. But what you’ll really love is what’s just outside. On select dates in spring and summer, you can snorkel alongside the whale sharks that migrate offshore from Placencia. And top dive sites on the world’s second longest barrier reef are easily accessible with the resort’s dive operation. You’re in a prime location here, too, for inland tours to see jaguars in the highlands or Mayan ruins.

Book your next stay at www.belizeoceanclub.com

Hopkins Bay Resort
Family fun is what it’s all about at this beloved beach resort in Hopkins. Instead of standard hotel rooms, many of the accommodations are two and three-bedroom beach houses with private decks and full kitchens. The setting feels more like a friendly neighborhood than a resort, and you’ll feel free to let the kids roam and explore. World-class snorkeling and diving awaits on the colorful reefs nearby. And zip lining, caving and waterfall hikes in the jungle are all within a short ride. There’s a restaurant onsite and meal plans are available, too, if cooking isn’t your thing on vacation.

Learn more at www.hopkinsbaybelize.com

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