All of us have different reasons to travel. Some people prefer the excitement of travelling to new places to explore the unknown or to immerse themselves in the culture. Others want the adventure and can’t wait to try out white water rafting, hiking the Annapurna Circuit, or going bungee jumping. I am the kind of person who prefers to relax on a beautiful tropical beach without a lot of activities planned. If your motivation is to seek relaxation and to get away from the hectic pace of everyday life, some of the islands of the South Pacific are perfect to serve your desires, preferences, and personality.
Below are five of my favourite destinations in the South Pacific that are perfect for just plain relaxing:
Australia’s Islands of the Great Barrier Reef: Relax, unwind, and discover yourself and a natural beauty beyond compare on the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Experience glorious weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, awe-inspiring coral reefs, and fascinating flora and fauna. Time spent on a Great Barrier Reef Island is time out in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. From the world of privacy and luxury of five-star resorts to the back-to-nature simplicity of tented accommodations in sublime natural settings, the reef’s islands offer a retreat from the demands of everyday life.
Hayman Island - Photo courtesy of Hayman Island
Bora Bora: Home to one of the Pacific’s most desirable destinations and claimed to be “one of the most beautiful islands in the world,” Bora Bora is truly an experience worth having. With your first sight of the barrier reef that encloses a lagoon resembling an artist’s pallet of blues and greens, the pristine white beaches, and the two magnificent peaks, Pahia and Otemanu, you will fall in love with this captivating island. Life here is casual and relaxed. You will find this a place of dramatic beauty, warm waters, and a gentle climate. From the extraordinary scenery to the privacy and amenities of the overwater bungalows, Bora Bora is unquestionably the most romantic of the Pacific Islands.
Photo courtesy of Viajes Mundoparaiso
The Cook Islands: The Cook Islands are the perfect choice for singles, couples, and families who are looking for a laid-back, safe, and unhurried vacation where the local islanders will welcome you with their warmth and hospitality. Comprised of 15 lovely islands in the South Pacific, these stunning islands are wonderful places to unwind with palm-fringed, white sandy beaches, spectacular turquoise lagoons, clear water, and a relaxed pace of life. Your biggest decision of the day will be whether you want to relax by the beach and soak up the sun’s rays, go on a lagoon cruise to explore the numerous small islets and enjoy the marine on the way, or swim, snorkel, or scuba dive and get close to the wildlife in the spectacular lagoons. A visit to the Cook Islands is not complete without experiencing the stunning island of Aitutaki, with the world’s most beautiful lagoon.
One Foot Lagoon – Aitutaki - Photo courtesy of Paolo Motta
Fiji: Beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts will love Fiji. From a tranquil afternoon on the beach to snorkelling in fabulous coral gardens and azure lagoons, or a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach to a leisurely stroll along the pristine white sand beaches, Fiji epitomizes an idyllic tropical island. The genuine friendliness and hospitality of the people is legendary and their infectious smiles and the gentle pace of life are irresistibly seductive. To take your mind and body to a deeper state of relaxation, enjoy a soothing massage in a spectacular setting open to the sea breezes and the sounds of the waves.
Photo courtesy of David Grant
Tahiti: The islands of Tahiti, officially known as French Polynesia, are a gorgeous selection of volcanic islands and atolls strewn across 4 million square kilometres (1.5 million square miles) of the grand South Pacific Ocean. For hundreds of years, explorers, travelers, and lovers have been consumed with a passionate desire to seek and experience the magical beauty of Tahiti and her islands. Do you consider relaxation to be sipping a cool drink on a secluded beach as you stroll for seashells on white sand beaches overlooking breathtaking turquoise lagoons? If so, Tahiti and her islands are your haven.
Whether you dream of a romantic hideaway far from the stress of everyday life where you can blissfully relax in the arms of your loved one as you gaze at the blue horizon or whether you dream of discovering an ancient culture entrenched in South Pacific legends, Tahiti can help fulfill your own personal dream of discovering Paradise.
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Muriel MacRae plans exciting getaways and customized vacations for honeymooners and families. As the owner of Del Sol Travel, she offers romantic vacations with personalized service and unique itineraries. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their customized vacation. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her at travelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.---------------------------------------------------------------