The Ultimate To Do List
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Australia, New Zealand & Fiji
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. Roughly equivalent to the 48
mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe. New Zealand is a
landscape of vast mountain ranges, steaming volcanoes, sweeping coastlines,
and lush rainforests.The Fiji Islands in the South Pacific
are an archipelago of over 330 islands packed with attractions that can be found
no where else.
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Indian Ocean
The Maldives is a group of nearly 1,200 small coral islands that form an archipelago of 26 atolls. The Seychelles is composed of an archipelago of 115 granite and coral islands. Mauritius is a volcanic island with large rocky peaks almost completely surrounded by coral reef. A city of alluring contrasts, Dubai is a combination of old and new, ancient and modern traditions.
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Ultimate to do list HOT SPOTS!
The following indicates the places where the Ultimate to do list is currently available.
Australia
Wide Open Spaces
Australia is the sixth largest country in the world. Roughly equivalent to the
48 mainland states of the USA and 50 per cent larger than Europe, yet has the
lowest population density in the world – with just two people per square
kilometre.
Abundant Beaches
Australia boasts over 10,000 beaches - more than any other nation.
Kangaroo
The kangaroo is unique to Australia and one of its most easily recognised
mammals. Kangaroo numbers are now great than when Australia was first settled.
Estimates suggest around 40 million.
Heritage
and thrived amongst a unique and challenging natural environment. Australia’s
rich vegetation and native wildlife helped them establish their presence on the
land. Today Australia’s aboriginals are believed to be the world’s oldest
civilisation.
Unique Wonders
Opera House, Blue Mountains, 12 Apostles, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree
Rainforest, Fraser Island, Uluru, Kangaroo Island, Tasmanian Wilderness, Kakadu,
Bungle Bungles to name a few.
Climate
With the reverse seasons of the northern hemisphere, Australia enjoys a largely
temperate climate. Most of Australia receives more than 3,000 hours of sunshine
a year or a wonderful 70 per cent of the total possible hours. Grab a hat,
sunscreen and enjoy the delightful climate!
Native Animals
Australia’s landmass separated from the other continents over 50 million years
ago, with indigenous animals developing a range of individual and unusual
characteristics to survive and prosper in a unique habitat. The result wealth of
wildlife is not found anywhere else in the world.
Lifestyle
Australians are renowned for their love of life and enjoyment of the great
outdoors. Aussie culture is articulated through their food, wine and lifestyle.
Wherever you go in Australia, you’ll find a passion for getting the most out of
life.
New Zealand
Sweeping Contrasts
New Zealand’s stunning landscape includes vast mountain ranges, steaming
volcanoes, sweeping coastlines, inspirational fiords and lush rainforests.
Whilst equivalent in size to Great Britain, Colorado or Japan, New Zealand has a
population of only 4 million - making it one of the world’s least populated
countries.
Climate
The south of New Zealand is temperate and the north subtropical. The warmer
months are December, January and February and the cooler, June, July and August.
In summer, the average maximum temperature ranges between 20-30ºC and in winter
between 10-15ºC.
Heritage
The Maori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa - Land of the Long White Cloud -
arriving 1000 years ago and they now make up 15 percent of the population.
Native Animals
New Zealand’s separation from other land masses about 100 million years ago
allowed many ancient plants and animals to survive and evolve in isolation. A
land of unique birds, the most well known being the flightless Kiwi, New
Zealand’s unofficial national symbol.
Lifestyle
New Zealanders enjoy a relaxed, easy going, outdoor orientated lifestyle that
celebrates a land blessed with exceptional natural beauty.
Fiji
The Fiji Islands in the South Pacific are an archipelago of over 330 islands
packed with attractions that can be found no where else.
The population has been voted as the world’s friendliest. Fijians will hail you
with “Bula” (Fijian for Hello) on the streets of Nadi and Suva and towns and
villages in between, they will invite you to their native villages and they will
welcome you to their churches where song and music ring out.
Fiji is still very much untouched by the outside world and in places, life has
changed very little for centuries.
Maldives
Located southwest of India, the Maldives is a group of nearly 1,200 small coral islands that form an archipelago of 26 atolls spread out over the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. The geography of the islands is such that they are completely fl at, which makes them ideal for effortless scenic strolls. Powder-soft beaches lead to beautiful lagoons and beneath the water, the coral coastline forms an intricate underwater paradise resplendent with marine life.
Each resort is set on its own island, offering seclusion and privacy, and many are well-known for having some of the largest and most luxurious over-water villas of any island destination. The Maldives is in the forefront of resort development, and there are a unique variety of superb resorts offering luxury’s finest trappings. Several features of note include spectacular over- and underwater gourmet restaurants, underground wine cellars, and some of the most expansive spa facilities – even with underwater spa treatment rooms.
Options for transferring to resorts are based on distance, and short jaunts from the airport are achieved via speedboat or yacht, while resorts further out are reached by seaplane or domestic flight. Flights to the Maldives most often go through Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Qatar and London, though there are flights from other cities in Europe and Asia as well.
Seychelles
Approximately 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa, just south of the equator, the Seychelles is composed of an archipelago of 115 granite and coral islands that span miles of azure Indian Ocean. The inner islands of the Seychelles are of the spectacular granite variety, bursting from the turquoise sea with tall rugged peaks and lush green vegetation. Rimmed by pristine white sandy beaches dotted with large granite boulders, the islands’ sublime beach scene is unlike anywhere else. With an abundance of rare indigenous animals, plants, and birds, conservation and preservation are top priorities in the Seychelles and almost half of the land is protected, including two U.N.E.S.C.O World Heritage Sites.
Island hopping is a great way to explore the Seychelles, particularly the three main islands: Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Home to the capital city of Victoria, the international airport, and the majority of the population, Mahé is the largest island in the Seychelles and offers several amazing beaches such as Anse Intendance and Anse Louis. A short 15-minute fl ight from Mahé, Praslin is the second-largest island in the Seychelles and boasts spectacularly gorgeous beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, as well as Vallée de Mai, an ancient palm tree forest home to the erotically shaped Coco de Mer coconut.
One cannot talk about beaches in the Seychelles without mentioning the famous gem of La Digue Island – the silvery Anse Source d’Argent. With huge granite boulders spread across the sand, Anse Source d’Argent is the most photographed in the Seychelles.
A number of unique luxury resorts have been developed on smaller private islands and can be accessed via helicopter, domestic fl ight, or speedboat. These islands are ideal getaways to relax, dine, and dive at some of the most secluded and luxurious island resorts in the world.
Seychelles is often visited as a single destination, though a holiday can also be combined with a stop in Paris, London, Dubai, a safari in Africa, or with neighboring Mauritius. Flights to the Seychelles are via Paris, London, Dubai, Singapore, Johannesburg, Nairobi, and a few other cities.
Mauritius
Situated in the Indian Ocean approximately 560 miles east of Madagascar, Mauritius is a volcanic island with large rocky peaks almost completely surrounded by coral reef, an exotic composition that yields beautiful views both above and beneath the water. Considered the quintessential tropical paradise, Mauritius invites visitors to experience crystal-clear lagoons that flow into silky beaches dotted with casuarinas and coconut palm trees. Higher up, waterfalls cascade over the ancient volcanic rock – perfect for a post-hike dip, or a memorable holiday snapshot. A unique combination of natural elements, Mauritius is also a fusion of cultures with Indian, French, African, Asian and British influences. This amazing diversity is apparent not only in the island’s architecture and people, but also in the variety of exceptional cuisine.
Many marvelous five- and six-star resorts are located on the island and thus, competition has bred even better quality, service, and amenities. With its breathtaking views and posh resorts, Mauritius is a romantic hideaway perfect for tropical weddings, honeymoons, or anniversary celebrations. Or, visitors can take advantage of the resorts’ fantastic kids clubs for family vacations to remember.
While sunbathing on white sandy beaches is a favorite pastime of visitors to Mauritius, there is a huge range of indoor and outdoor diversions for those looking for more active pursuits. From championship golf courses and superb hiking to an array of water activities – including diving, snorkeling, and deep sea fishing – there is almost no limit to how one can fill the time. If relaxation is the main quest, there are several heavenly spas where guests can choose from world-class treatments in luxurious surrounds.
Mauritius is easily accessible from many global locations and serves as an excellent destination on its own or in combination with trips to Dubai, Seychelles, or a European stopover. The island is also a very popular add-on to African safaris as flights from South Africa are frequent. Flights from Europe to Mauritius are quite common with Paris and London being the most popular originating cities, in addition to regular service from Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Australia.
Dubai
A city of alluring contrasts, Dubai is a combination of old and new, ancient and modern traditions, deserts and beaches, and blended cultures that create an exciting, cosmopolitan metropolis. Its elevation as a business, travel, and economic hub of the Middle East has also inspired a fun, safe, and lavish environment.
Dubai is a great destination for those seeking a unique, luxurious experience with several options to relax and play. The Jumeirah beach area boasts stunning resorts that take full advantage of the gorgeous white shoreline. A bustling downtown area offers gold-and-spice souks, high-end shopping and exciting nightlife. Inland, the salt-crusted coastal plains give way to a north-south running line of dunes where premium resorts offer guests a more tranquil experience amidst desert beauty. There are also notable resorts just outside of Dubai such as in Abu Dhabi and across the border in Oman that make the greater Dubai area a truly one-of-a-kind destination.
The city prides itself on offering guests a bigger and better experience than its luxury-playground counterparts: Accommodations are unparalleled, service is outstanding, meals are a gastronomic delight, and the activities are endless. Dubai is home to the tallest building in the World and some of the most extravagant hotels anywhere. It also hosts one of the world’s richest golf tournaments, the Dubai Desert Classic, and the Dubai World Cup – the world’s richest horse race.
Dubai offers many other unique activities, including desert treks incorporating camel racing, sandboarding, exhilarating dune rides, and falconry. Additional diversions include marvelous duty-free shopping, excellent golf, a water park, an indoor ski facility, and scuba diving. For adventure after dark, Dubai’s large number of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs provide entertainment and refreshment in a variety of truly rich settings.
Long thought of as a stopover city, Dubai is now easily a destination in itself but can be combined with any number of cities and islands as flights arrive into Dubai from many places around the world including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Atlanta, New York and Washington, DC in the U.S.