The majority of Florida villas are situated in amazing destinations such as Sarasota, Fort Myers and Orlando. The list can go on…..these magnificent cities encompass plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities including some of the state’s beaches.

Going on holiday to Florida doesn’t mean just staying in one location. You can have multiple experiences with cruise and stay and spend time in Florida villas. Many independent UK tour operators such as Ocean Florida can guide you to the best deals with multi centre holidays in 2012. Your holiday will be in safe hands and protected 100% by ATOL.

Explore the US states from end to end and still have an amazing opportunity to cruise and stay on the world’s best cruises such as Freedom of the seas eastern Caribbean, Carnival Dream and Royal Caribbean, a feel of heaven only a step away! You’ll be entering the world of palm trees and endless blue waves and perfect climate. You can visit a variety of islands, each boasting beautiful beaches and distinctive cultures. Discover the local cuisine, sample the local rum punch, and soak up the sun and that relaxed Caribbean vibe.

After the relaxation that cruising has to offer, take it up a gear on the thrills and spills of Orlando. Holidays to Orlando in 2012 have infinite activities to discover from dining with the bonafide authentic cuisines to travelling around the Magical parks and attractions; you will be surged with excitement at every turn.

Florida guarantees to leave a smile on your face at all times.

Tanglin Core
Tourists from all over the globe come to the Singapore Botanic Gardens to see the beautiful Sun Garden and Swan Lake, located in the Tanglin Core. The garden is full of grass trees, agave and yucca as well as other succulents like cactus. The sculptures that are nestled in the core should not be missed, and don’t forget to stop by the Ball Fountain which was donated by Switzerland in 1991.

Central Core
Next to the Orchid Garden sits the Ginger Garden. You will also find prayer plants, bananas, heliconias and cannas. You will not want to miss the rain forest which once covered the entire city. This area of the Core is part of the original Botanical Gardens. Most Asian countries practice alternative medicine which is based on traditional plants. The Healing Garden is a healing retreat that produces over 425 medicinal plants and is also located in the Central Core.

Bukit Timah Core
There are over 1250 bamboo species growing in the Bukit Timah Core. The area is also home to the Herbs and Spices garden. Here you will find pepper, nutmeg, lemongrass, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. One of the most popular flowering plants in the garden is Bougainvillea. With more than 50 different hybrids flourishing in the cove, it has become one of the most popular gardens in the entire park. Bukit Timah Core is also home to the nut and beverage crops, which include coffee and Brazil nuts.

Heritage Trees
The entire garden is filled with Heritage Trees that are centuries old. Here you will find Saga, Laurel Wood, White Silk Cotton, Tembusu, and Sepetir trees.

The Singapore Botanical Gardens is constantly adding to the park, and some of the newest attractions include the Learning Forest, which is an extension of the gardens on the west side of the park. Also new is the Marshland. This diverse wetland tropical area features amphibians and birds, as well as wetland plants. Before you take your trip to Singapore, you might want to compare the best credit cards in Singapore as you could earn rewards points while you spend.

Few islands rival Sicily for natural beauty, including a live (yes, live!) volcano. Don’t worry though, Mount Etna is very closely monitored, with no eruption since 1928.

You can fly to Sicily from the UK in under three hours, with fantastic cost-saving extras, such as airport hotels and airport parking, try Gatwick parking for a stress-free option, with shuttles direct to the terminal.

With its typical Mediterranean climate, hitting 40 degrees in summer, azure sea, stunning views and pretty landscape, Sicily drips in varying cultural influences, including European, Asian and African. The island is quite hilly, so comfortable shoes are a must!

The landscape varies from rugged, rocky coastline in the north, to sandy beaches in the south, with imposing Mount Etna in the east. Etna is Europe’s biggest volcano, and sits within a national park – 100% must visit!

Etna is near the main resorts, making it quite accessible. A cable car runs up the side, and the volcano regularly puffs out clouds of smoke – an awe-inspiring sight, demonstrating the strength of nature. The volcano is closely monitored, and you’re perfectly safe to visit, as long as no warnings are in place. There is a regular bus, which is particularly scenic. Feeling energetic? You can hike up the sides, just remember the usual safety and fitness precautions, as the weather can change rapidly.

The south delivers in terms of UNESCO world heritage sites, begging to be visited. The Necropolis of Pantalica contains over 5000 tombs from BC. The Valley of the Temples houses remains of seven historic temples, and examples of ancient architecture.

So onto the main resorts. Catania is located close to Mount Etna, evident by the dark lava-stained hue of several monuments, from a previous eruption. There are many bars, restaurants and shops, including ancient monuments to explore, and the Fontana Dell’Elefante (fountain of the elephants), is the town’s symbol. The centre of town is Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by stunning baroque buildings.

The largest city on the island – Palmero. Brimming with activities, and something for everyone. Palmero cathedral showcases different influences from years gone by, from gothic to Muslim, and many museums to explore. For something different, head underground to Catacombs of the Capuchins, showcasing more than 8000 mummies. If mummification isn’t your thing, Mondello beach is 10 miles away by public transport.

There are many shopping opportunities, including an outdoor market for haggling. Of an evening, you’re spoilt for choice, with plentiful bars and restaurants. For an entertainment treat, Teatro Massimo is the largest theatre and opera house in Italy, hosting events all year.

Of course, Sicily is famous for fresh cuisine. Seafood is available in abundance, freshly caught from the surrounding waters. Particularly delicious are the desserts, and a favourite is cannoli – a tube-shaped pastry, filled with creamy ricotta. The lifetime on the hips is totally worth it!

A holiday here really is something different, purely for the amount of stunning scenery. The island can be reached via low-cost airlines, saving you precious Euros, and even more can be saved by booking Birmingham Airport Parking, with no need for expensive taxis. Flying from a smaller regional airport? No need to miss out, you can now book Luton Airport Parking, saving petrol money travelling to larger airports. All in all, a money-saving excuse to jump on the next summer flight to Sicily!

The Florida keys are a string of natural coral islands connected by roads and bridges. Key West is the most southern and popular in the line of islands. Drive halfway between Miami and Key West and prepare yourself to be amazed by all there is to do on Islamorada. This Key’s main lagoon is a sanctuary home to bottlenose dolphins, California sea lions, sea turtles, tropical and game fish, sharks, stingrays and more. The seventeen-acre garden is home to exotic birds, lizards and crocodilians. You and your family can wade in and swim with dolphins or sea lions, but do avoid the crocs!

If dining on fish is more your style, then not far away on the same Key will you find outdoor restaurants built to lounge and savour the sunset. Wicker chairs and umbrellas with a backdrop of the sea or the ocean make for a perfect setting. You can enjoy five star dining or a pizza and beer. Anything you want tastes better in the setting sun and salt air of this Floridian hotspot.

If Key West is your destination, then complete leisurely ocean driving over coral islands and smooth arching bridges, with billowing sailboats in the distance. Upon your arrival, you know you can’t go home without saying you reached the well-publicised and most photographed spot on Key West, signposted ‘The Most Southern Spot in the 48 States’. Here you can book a half-day deep sea fishing trip with experienced sea captains. For the more faint of heart, a tour of the Ernest Hemingway home, complete with the descendents of his family heirs, in the form of cats, might be more to your liking. Warning: step carefully.  For the active, I can only begin a list of how to spend the day, the week, the season: snorkelling, diving, boating, eco-tours, kayaking, golfing, swimming (both in pools and beaches), and flat path hiking. For those who want peace, a full range of spas, both day and with hotels, are there to pamper. In the evening, Key West comes alive with theatre, art galleries, nightclubs, and the full range of dining experiences from candlelit elegance to marina casual. Top it all off with a slice of the world famous Key Lime Pie, noted for its unique tart and aromatic flavour. There’s nothing else like it in the world.

As you head back North, take heart in that the drive back is as beautiful and breathtaking as the drive there. The peace you will feel from a combination of excitement, activity, culture, and fine food all packaged in a small peaceful village existence will stay with you till the next time. Trust me, there will be a next time.

Diane Pfister is a duel citizen of the USA and UK, who has spent the last thirty years travelling, writing and painting her way across Europe and the United States. Diane is a regular contributor to Carpe Noctem, a travel and lifestyle blog published by Best Loved Hotels. Diane welcomes responses to both her art and her writings.

Family Beaches
Tourists travelling to Lanzarote with the family have a huge choice of safe beaches to enjoy. The main resorts of Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen all boast fantastic beaches for families that are patrolled by lifeguards and are nearby many bars and shops. The calm waters are great for paddling in and the vast sandy expanses are ideal for playing games, building sandcastles or simply lying on a sun lounger and soaking up the rays.

Picturesque Beaches
There is nothing better than chilling out on a beach, looking around and taking in the beautiful surroundings and tourists on Lanzarote holidays will be able to do just that. To the north of Playa Blanca is the region of Costa Papagayo, made up of six secluded beaches with several small coves. Known as one of the most picturesque areas in the Canary Islands, the scenery around Papagayo is breath-taking and it’s a beautiful place to sit and chill out in. Because the area is so remote, facilities are limited, although there is a lovely beach/cliff café that sells food and drink at reasonable prices and also provides spectacular views out to sea.

Beaches for Water Sports
From wind surfing to scuba diving to water skiing, active holidaymakers who want to enjoy some fun and energetic water sports will not be disappointed in Lanzarote. Caleta de Famara on the north-western coast of the island is the place to go for surfing in Lanzarote. Set between majestic mountain ranges, huge waves come in from the Atlantic making it an ideal place to surf. The windier region of Costa Teguise is a hot spot for windsurfers, while diving is incredibly popular in Puerto del Carmen. Many diving schools are located in the area, allowing tourists to have expert tuition with qualified instructors, before heading out under the sea.

Naturist Beaches
Brave travellers who like to lose your inhibitions on holiday should head to one of the several naturist beaches on the island. Charco del Palo in the north west of Lanzarote boasts a beautiful stretch of coastline and is full of holidaymakers who are not afraid of getting their kit off. Topless sunbathing is generally allowed on many of the beaches on the island, but be prepared to cover up at short notice and don’t forget to add a little extra sun cream to those areas that are not usually exposed to the sun!

Island Cruises offers all the amenities you have come to expect from a top of the line cruise ship. Spacious comfortable state rooms, sumptuous meals, exciting entertainment and superior personal service make a journey on Island Cruises a memorable one. Many similar cruise ships charge ridiculously high prices for the services they deliver. Island Cruises allows guests to enjoy a premium cruise experience for a price most people can afford. You can pay more but you cannot top the amenities this cruise ship provides. A trip to the islands is something many people dream about. Most defer their dream because they feel they cannot afford it. With Island Cruises you can bring your dream to reality.

The islands are a great place to spend your holiday. With Island Cruises your holiday starts as soon as you get on board. The staff takes special care to make sure each passenger is happy and satisfied. The friendly, professional staff cleans the rooms, provides any information the passengers need and makes them feel right at home. Aside from the food available to all passengers, the kitchen staff also creates dishes specially requested by the guests. It is all done in an attempt to make their stay on the Island Cruises something they will long remember fondly.

The view from aboard the Island Cruises is spectacular. As you cruise among the islands you will be afforded the opportunity to enjoy the stunning view of the regions natural beauty. Once on the island you can sample the local culture. The islands are known for flavourful exotic dishes, unique music and excellent beaches. You can explore the quaint villages, snorkel and scuba dive in amazing locations, shop for unusual items created by talented local artists and interact with the people. Be sure to bring your camera. There will numerous chances to take pictures of idyllic island scenes.

Island Cruise wends its way through some of the most incredible holiday locations. You can party aboard the luxurious ship, relax on its decks, create friendship which will last a lifetime and feel closer to your loved ones than you ever had before. It is an amazing experience. One you will never want to end. A holiday on the Island Cruises is your opportunity to spend some time in a relaxing tropical paradise.

Click here for great deals and offers on island cruises and a cruise in general.

Bali, Indonesia is home to many spectacular beaches. There’s also a variety of water sports available, such as snorkelling, sailing and fishing. Many tourists favour Dreamland Beach which is on the Bukit Peninsula. This beach has easy public access and sports beautiful views from the hillside cliffs. You can find Bali delicacies at five star restaurants along the boardwalks or opt for the some simple dining of warungs. You’ll find the prices very reasonable and certainly have enough left over to stop at one of the many souvenir stands. Another popular beach in Bali is Padang Bai Beach. With great prices, Padang Bai is a great choice for adventurers on a budget. Small bamboo dwellings, called losmens, are available for rent along the beach. Since Bali is a diver’s haven, marine dives are offered off of Padang Bai. Swim with the Oceanic Sunfish and search for seahorses in these beautiful waters.

For seclusion in unspoiled waters, Bai Dai Beach on Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam is said to be the up and coming “Phuket”. This beach is a hidden gem of the Asian waters, at least for now. Long Beach is located on the west side of the island and stretches for five miles from Doung Dong Town. Some areas are empty while others are crowded with hotels. The road to Long Beach is narrowly lined with the shade of banana trees that lead to the clear blue sea. The coconut lines and villas add a quaint feel to the beach. This beach is known as a sleeping beauty, so don’t expect a lot of activity. The locals are quiet and dozens of fishing boats anchor there to sell their seafood. The best place to shop is the local market in Duong Dong. It’s a busy market with boats loading and unloading their good. Here you’ll find the locals in their conical hats selling everything from fruits to pearls.

There can be little doubt that Asia has an incredible range of beautiful beaches.  As an added bonus, travellers to these resorts can earn rewards points on an American Express card while they spend.  At the Amex India official site, you can find out which card best suits your requirements and start earning points today. ]]> http://www.besttropicalislands.com/the-tropical-beaches-of-asia/feed 0 http://www.besttropicalislands.com/tropical-perth-australia http://www.besttropicalislands.com/tropical-perth-australia#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 13:46:43 +0000 admin http://www.besttropicalislands.com/?p=194 People visiting Western Australia normally land at Perth and travelers have a wide selection of accommodation to choose from the many hotels in the city. On the other hand, family members arriving there may have to difficult time choosing from one of the top Perth hotels, as each member has their own interests at heart.

Some of these hotels may welcome the family cordially though there are a few that will go out of their way to make sure that each member of the family, especially the younger folk, enjoy their stay there. Here are a few suggestions which will help you choose from the best hotels in Perth to ensure that everyone needs are met:

A great option is the penthouse in Mount Street Perth. This is a luxury 143m² luxury sub-penthouses that is ideal for families who are not constrained with a budget. Families will enjoy this apartment that is privately owned as this street is home to many affluent executives and is strategically located with many interesting attractions.

The Quatro Resort Complex is another excellent choice for families who wish to avail of this two bedroom apartments that is self-contained in a complex that is built hotel style. Families will find the ambiance relaxing and enjoy this home-away-from home comfort which includes a modern kitchen. This hotel is ideally located in the heart of the Perth CBD and close to various tourist attractions.

Located 500m away from the CBD, is the City Lifestyle, which is a comfortable complex in Northbridge that is one of the top 5 Perth Hotels for the best family holiday. This place has an open place that is ideal for relaxing after a great day of travelling in the city. You can choose one that has up to 3 bedrooms and take advantage of the beautiful balcony that overlooks the tree-lined street.

For those who are keen race goers, the Ascot Village is the place to stay due to the proximity. The racecourse is just a kilometer away and children will enjoy the large outdoor pool and can take advantage of the entertainment area. Five people can easily be accommodated here.

The Mountway Holiday Apartments is a collection of several apartments in Mount Street which is about 400 m away from Kings Park and the city. The apartments are self-contained units, with a kitchen, full-length bath and air-conditioning. Families who wish to take advantage of home comforts will enjoy the atmosphere and teenagers can make use of the wireless Internet facilities.

You do not have to try to make arrangements for any special requests to ensure that each member of your family’s needs is met. You will find that you will have everything here that will make each member of your family satisfied, when you choose from these top Perth hotels for the best family holiday. Privacy is guaranteed and you can enjoy the self catering facilities if you wish to avoid eating in expensive restaurants. Enjoy the advantages of living in family-style accommodation that will make you return to these memorable places when you next visit Perth.

Hamilton Island
In the heart of the stunning Whitsunday Islands, the group of 74 islands found between the Queensland coast and the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is the largest in the archipelago and even has its own airport. Boasting year-round warmth, it is on the same tropical latitude as Mauritius and Honolulu. Coral-fringed beaches, inviting azure waters, incredible sunsets – Hamilton Island is just beautiful. Being the largest of the Whitsundays it perfectly combines relaxing days spent soaking up the sun and snorkelling in the sea with a whole range of options for the evening – over 20 restaurants and 6 bars and nightclubs.

Daydream Island
At just one kilometre long and half a kilometre wide, Daydream Island is tiny but still offers a lot of activity options. Wander through the central rainforest along shaded walkways, snorkel from one of three beaches, test out your putting skills on the 19-hole themed mini-golf course, or chill out in the spa. Popular with children is the island’s unique ‘living reef’, a man-made outdoor aquarium featuring 50 types of coral and teeming with colourful fish, stingrays, and sharks.

Hayman Island
For pure luxury, you can’t beat Hayman Island, Australasia’s most awarded nature resort. Beachfront villas, floodlit tennis courts, a botanical garden, scenic seaplane flights, word-class cuisine, sailing lessons, and even an ‘ocean massage’ administered whilst floating on the calm Coral Sea waters – Hayman is all about going that little bit further to provide their guests with that little bit extra. Of course, nature provides the biggest reason to visit Hayman Island. Palm tree-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters alive with coral and marine life, wildlife-rich rainforest, and perfect weather make Hayman Island one of the most beautiful tropical islands in the world.

Wilson Island
If all you want is total relaxation and an escape from the hustle and bustle of life, Wilson Island is for you. This tiny coral cay feels utterly remote and totally removed from everyday life. There are no TVs or phones and accommodation consists of just 6 luxury tents on raised platforms spread far apart from each other. Days are spent drift snorkelling on the reef (normally accompanied by an inquisitive turtle), dozing in a hammock, and soaking up the sun on the fine white sand. Nights begin on the beach with canapés and cocktails, followed by innovative dishes cooked by the island’s chef.

The great news is that there are dozens of beautiful tropical islands across the globe that offer an incredible holiday and cater to all, from young honeymooners, to seniors looking to kick back. Here, we’ve picked our top tropical islands so that all you have to do is choose one, pack your sunglasses and book your travel insurance (oh, and don’t worry, if you are thinking of embarking on a holiday-of-a-lifetime in your twilight years, it isn’t impossible to get seniors travel insurance).

Gili Islands, Indonesia
Maybe it’s the magic ring that local lore tells circles the islands, making it impossible to leave, or perhaps it’s simply the pristine beaches and crystal-clear water that allows for fantastic fishing and snorkelling, but stay on the Gili Islands and you will want to stay forever. Of course, the budget prices and complete lack of motor vehicles on the three islands, northwest of Lombok, helps too.

Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tourists have flocked to Tahiti in search of tropical paradise for decades and the island is still synonymous with bungalows on stilts on the water, snorkelling from your room and palm trees gently swaying in the breeze. Perfect for honeymooners wanting to splash out on the holiday of a lifetime or those simply wanting a little more luxury than a beach shack – five-star resorts rule.

Turks and Caicos Islands, Caribbean
For total seclusion you can’t get much better than the Turks and Caicos islands in the sunny Caribbean. With 40 islands to their name, only eight of which are inhabited, it is easy to throw your anchor down on an island that you will have all to yourselves. Simply hire or charter a yacht and choose which of the 32 empty ones you fancy exploring. With one of the longest reefs in the world, the islands also make for fantastic snorkelling, diving and fishing.

Palawan, the Phillipines
Boracay and Cebu attract more attention but because of this they are incredibly touristy – hardly the peaceful tropical idyll. Palawan still hasn’t quite made it onto the tourist radar and benefits hugely from that fact. Set your towel down on one of the island’s snow-white sand beaches, backed by dramatic limestone karst cliffs and emerald forest, and chances are you’ll be one of only a few in sight. If wreck diving’s your thing, the dozens of sunken WWII Japanese warships and planes off Busuanga have attracted a plethora of marine life and provide incredible opportunities for deep-sea exploration.