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The Best Places to Dive in the Cook Island

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Love diving? Of course you do! That’s why you’re reading this blog. You want to find the best places to go scuba diving on the breath-taking Cook Islands in the South Pacific. With the information pollution online today, making the right choices can seem impossible. That’s why we at Asian Paradises have done the homework for you. So, let’s take a look at the best places to dive in the Cook Islands, according to our careful research!

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The Cook Islands is a dreamy location set against a cinematic background. It’s love at first sight for divers from all around the world who travel here for some peace, quiet, and of course, epic underwater action. But – before booking a dive, there are a couple of facts you should know about. The island is circled by gorgeous coral reefs, underneath which you’ll find deep oceanic bliss.

The 15 Cook Islands cover around 93 square miles, spread across 850,000 square miles of sea. Naturally, there are plenty of opportunities to make unforgettable memories under the sea!

Rarotonga is the area’s primary activity centre, with a range of dive centres and resorts. Apart from various airports, restaurants, and accommodation opportunities for every budget, you’ll also find easy and beginner-friendly diving excursions in and around Rarotonga.

Seeing as the island is nestled within a protected lagoon, you’re safe to explore the ocean freely. Currents can be swift at the passes, so some experience may be required. Rarotonga is home to around 40 dive sites, with numerous drop-offs, caves, famous shipwrecks, and exquisite coral gardens that have to be seen to be believed.

Aitutaki is another popular diving location on the Cook Islands, with a stunning reef profile in the lagoon and at the passes. Divers come here to enjoy a more relaxing and intimate diving experience. Aitutaki is the less-visited diving area of the Islands, but it’s not one to be missed.

With the chance to encounter spectacular humpback whales passing by during autumn and summer, avid divers can’t visit this part of the world without checking Aitutaki off their bucket list. From rare sharks to eagle rays, oceanic manta rays, barracuda, snappers, and fusiliers, you’ll be blessed with must-see sights when diving in the Cook Islands. You’re guaranteed a colourful adventure with a visual feast of every colour under the rainbow!

The Best Sites to Dive in the Cook Islands

The Mataora: A popular wreck sunk especially for divers in 1990 as a stunning artificial reef. This 45m ship has weathered its fair share of tropical cyclones, and today lies at around 18m below sea level.

Black Rock: Massive coral plates and delicately hued walls give divers a warm welcome. Explore all the creatures Aitutaki has to offer, from green turtles to fish, bass, and more.

Edna’s Anchor: Divers from all around the world love to explore this sandy reef sitting at 22m. A dynamic drop-off plummets to over 65m, bringing you up close and personal with cute reef characters you won’t believe exist in real life.

Bluewater Diving: Diving in crystal-clear blue waters like these feels like a dream come true. You’ll explore deep off-shore waters peppered with Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). These floating objects are deeply-anchored, attracting various fish big and small.

Avaavaroa Passage: Perfect for the more experienced diver, this adventure course of strong elements and endless excitement is the perfect place to spot white tip reef sharks. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter the odd grey reef shark from April to August – a magnificent sight to behold. You’ll also likely catch eagle rays, massive morays, and turtles cruising along.

Training

If you lack prior experience, we strongly recommend you take an underwater course to prepare you for everything you’ll be seeing and doing underwater in the Cook Islands. If you’re considering capturing some ocean snaps, consider an underwater photography course online. Both ideas will be well worth your time and money, so you can embark on this exciting adventure with confidence.

When to Go

While the Islands are blessed with an abundance of sunshine all year round, the rainy season is from November to March – even though these months have some of the hottest days of the year. Be sure to check the weather forecasts before booking your trip! Rest assured that you’re almost guaranteed great visibility in the Cook Islands, as well as incredible water temperatures of 24-27ºC. With an average air temperature of 27ºC throughout the year, the Cook Islands really are like a slice of paradise on Earth.

Where to Stay

Asian Paradises has partnered with the Cook Island’s most luxurious and super-friendly hotels offering the personal touch to guests from all over the world. If you’re considering booking a diving trip for a few days and are looking for the best places to stay, here are our personal favourites:

Aitutaki

Pacific Resort Aitutaki

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Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort

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The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
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Sunset Resort

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Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach

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Royale Takitumu

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Palm Grove

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Pacific Resort Rarotonga

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Muri Beach Club Hotel

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Moana Sands Lagoon Resort

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Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel & Villa

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Little Polynesian Resort

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Lagoon Breeze Villas

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Crown Beach Resort

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Club Raro

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Aro’a Beachside Inn

ezgifNow that you know the best places to explore the ocean in the Cook Islands, it’s time to get booking! Asian Paradises is the only Australian travel publication to have maintained such high service standards. We dig deep to source the best hotels to partner with on your behalf. Oh, and best of all, we don’t take commission from bookings, meaning our clients save big time!

When you book your diving excursions through Asian Paradises, you won’t be treated like a number on booking-websites-that-shall-not-be-named. We greet our guests, old and new, like personal friends, taking pride in introducing you to our trusted hotel partners and tour operators. These people are also dear friends of ours.

 

Excited to join the Asian Paradises inner-circle? Make your first booking today!

Welcome to The Paradise of The Cook Islands

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A place where time stands still so you can enjoy an unparalleled experience. Formed of 15 islands and atolls scattered over two million square kilometres off the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find the Cook Islands in the Polynesian triangle, so named due to its connecting points of Hawaii, New Zealand and the Easter Island.

When you visit the Cook Islands you’ll want to make sure you check out the two main hubs; Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Rarotonga International Airport is where you’ll touch down and begin to be blown away by the mesmerising natural beauty around you. Where one minute you’re admiring sparkling white beaches and aquamarine lagoons and the next it’s lush green fields and vast mountainous peaks. Put the wind in your sails with endless experiences to choose from, diving deep underwater or delving further into the lush tropical landscape.

Avarua is the main town on Rarotonga and the capital of the Cook Islands. This is where you’ll find a great selection of shops, cafes and restaurants and a laid-back vibe that is quite contagious. You’ll also find the main market Punanga Nui Market as well as the island’s twin harbours and a host of cultural sights to explore.

Sister island to Rarotonga, Aitutaki is the Cook Islands’ answer to your romantic dreams. Translating to “a little paradise”, you’ll have access to one of the most beautiful lagoons and begin to understand why this destination has proved so popular with honeymooners. Trust us, you won’t get sick of these tranquil surroundings.

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Pay a visit to the more remote northern Cook Islands, Manihiki, Rakahanga and Tongareva, the very places where the treasured Avaiki pearl lies. Translating to ‘spiritual homeland’, there is a story of rich heritage and determination etched into every Avaiki pearl which is why these islands are well worth exploring.

The Cook Islands offer more than just their heavenly aesthetic you’ll find plenty of activities and experiences to craft your ideal itinerary. Snorkel and kayak in the crystal clear waters, go hiking in the dense rainforests of Rarotonga, hire a moped to explore the islands, or try a spot of whale-watching off the coast of the warm South Pacific waters. Lagoon cruises are a great choice on your visit to the Cook Islands and are available on two of the world’s most beautiful lagoons, Muri Lagoon on Rarotonga and the world famous Aitutaki Lagoon.To fully experience the beauty and enchantment of Aitutaki, there’s no better way than taking a 6 hour Vaka cruise along the lagoons where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere. If water activities are your thing, the Cook Islands are perfect. Whatever kind of holiday you desire, the Cook Islands has it all.

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From first-class hotels and resorts to backpacker accommodation and even family friendly resorts and self-catering villas and bungalows, the Cook Islands offer stunning stays for every kind of budget. All of the major inhabited islands can be reached by flying Air Rarotonga and there are more than three daily flights between the main hubs, Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Where to stay:

 

Sponsors:

Islands of Hawaii

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The Island of Hawai’i is the youngest, the most diverse and the grandest of all the Hawaiian islands.

Aptly nicknamed “The Big Island” it is larger than all the other islands put together. It’s a land of amazing contrasts with lush rainforests, monolithic cliffs, spectacular ocean vistas, white, black and even green sand beaches, plunging waterfalls, deserts, plains and active volcanoes.

First discovered more than a millennium ago, the Island of Hawaii is where Polynesian mythology says Madame Pele, goddess of fire, dwells. She is said to live in the firepot of Halemaumau in Kilauea crater on the slopes of Mauna Loa, from where she actively pours new lava almost daily.

Hilo is the seat of government and near it are rainforests and black lava rocks hugging a serrated shoreline that is expanding thanks to Kilauea Volcano, the world’s most active volcano.

Volcanoes National Park is best accessed from Hilo. You can safely explore lava tubes and hiking trails around this amazing site. Nearby is Punaluu Beach Park with picturesque black sand beaches. North of Hilo the highway snakes between mountains and sea to Waipi`o Valley and Waimea through kilometres of fields where sugarcane once grew. Hidden amongst the mountains are a multitude of waterfalls including the impressive Akaka Falls.

A must is a visit to the Hawai’i Tropical Botanical Garden where you can see more than 2000 species of tropical plants. Across the island, near Kawaihae, is Heiau, built by King Kamehameha, which is now an historical site.

In Waimea, the Parker Ranch’s historic homes house a magnificent collection of Italian and French period pieces and more than a hundred original paintings by masters such as Renoir and Degas. In this region you can learn about a different side of Hawai’i that is also home to paniolos, or Hawai’ian cowboys. Lapakahi State Historical Park, north of Kawaihae, was once an ancient Hawai’ian fishing village. A short drive from the park is King Kamehameha’s birthplace and Mookini Luakini Heiau believed to have been constructed about 480 AD.

The Kohala Coast is home to magnificent resorts with breathtaking views of lava flows. Anaehoomalu Bay, with its picture postcard beach, curves between the shallow bay and an ancient Hawaiian fishpond once used by royalty. Once home to Hawai’ian royalty, Kailua-Kona is now a vibrant resort and shopping precinct with a rich cultural heritage. It is also a great base from which to explore Kona coffee country and the unique Painted Church where columns form the trunks of painted palm trees.

The Island of Hawai’i produces 39 percent of the world’s macadamia nuts and Kona is the only place in the US where gourmet coffee is grown commercially. It also has the world’s largest anthurium and orchid flower industries. There are 20 golf courses on the Big Island, many with green fairways carved from ancient lava fields. Activities include fishing for marlin, a helicopter or small plane ride over red flowing lava and diving at night with giant manta rays.

Getting around the Island of Hawai’i is convenient and easy. The most popular mode of transport for international visitors is to hire a car and explore the island at leisure. There are also bus tours, shuttles and taxis.

There are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation on the Island of Hawai’i. From charming bed and breakfasts to hotels, condominiums, lodges and five-star resorts, there’s something to suit every traveller and budget.

Palau Royal Resort

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Along the east coast of Malakal Island, famed for spectacular dive sites teeming with aquatic life, sits the luxurious Palau Royal Resort.

On its own private beach, this resort offers world class service and facilities spread across 30,000 square feet of property.

The resort offers 157 elegant guestrooms and suites designed with comfort in mind. Each is equipped with modern facilities and amenities including airconditioning, ceiling fans, safety deposit box, flat screen LCD television, telephone and a private balcony overlooking the ocean and Rock Islands.

Revitalise and relax

A wide range of facilities are available, including a gym, children’s game room, table tennis, billiards, putter golf field, tennis court, dive shop, private dock, and a lagoon with tropical fish. Revitalise and relax with breathtaking views of crystal blue water and enjoy snorkelling and kayaking on the resort’s private beach.

Within the hotel, guests can take time to rejuvenate at the famous Mandara Spa, where only essential oils and treatment creams of the highest purity and quality are used. An assortment of relaxing massage treatments are available in one of the private tranquil treatment rooms onsite featuring spectacular ocean views.

The resort also features a gift shop, that specialises in local Palauan items and handicrafts, as well as jewellery, apparel, food and beverages. Other facilities include an internet library, travel and tour desk, taxi service, complimentary laundry room, 24-hour security and car parking. For business travellers, special services are available such as meeting rooms that cater to both small large events. There is also a full-service centre complete with audio / visual equipment for hire.

Sumptous cuisine

Waves all-day dining restaurant offers guests hearty and sumptuous international cuisine with uninterrupted views of the Rock Islands. Also available is an array of delectable homemade pastries and treats. Inside the restaurant is Coral Bar where guest can unwind and enjoy an intimate ambience along with a wide range of wines, spirits and cocktails. Outside, the Breeze Bar, situated by the ocean is a place to enjoy a retreat of casual wining and dining with light snacks and beverages under the moonlight.

Experience the luxury of modern facilities and delight in Palau’s pristine and untouched nature at Palau Royal Resort, an ideal place to enjoy a well deserved vacation for the whole family.

Guam Plaza Resort & Spa

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In the heart of Tumon, Guam Plaza Resort & Spa offers a selection of modern rooms complemented with five-star service and facilities.

Locally owned, the resort was opened in 1983 and has since expanded to include retail shops, restaurants and a water theme park.

Conveniently located in Tumon, the resort offers easy access to the beach plus a range of shops, bars and restaurants.

The resort offers exceptional value for money with a selection of cosy, modern rooms, equipped with everything needed to make your stay enjoyable and comfortable. Families will especially appreciate the child friendly rooms. In room amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, safety deposit box, telephone and television.

Guests will delight in the vast dining options available at the resort. Perfectly located on the beach, Sails BBQ offers a sumptuous breakfast menu and in the evening, is the best place for outdoor grilling. Each table is fitted with a pit of burning coals and a platter of quality seafood and meats, plus a salad bar and all-you can drink draft beer.

The perfect place for a romantic lunch or dinner, Nana’s Cafe is located on the oceanfront of beautiful Tumon Bay. The interior is decorated with the cool colours of Guam’s tropical waters and sea life motifs.

Rootz Hill’s Grillhouse has an openkitchen concept where you can watch an orchestra of chefs create mouthwatering dishes at the robata grill, teppanyaki grill, pizza oven and the chef ‘s work table. The new Cafe at Rootz, located in the lobby offers light meals and refreshments.

At Tarzana it’s all about convenience with grab-and-go meals including chicken and rice curry bowl, bento boxed lunch, hot dogs, fresh salads and fruit bowls, assorted sandwiches, chips and beverages.

Relax and refresh while sipping your favourite drink at Kumukumu Coconut Bar next to the swimming pool and surrounded by lush gardens.

For further indulgence, sit back and luxuriate in the pampering of well trained therapists at Spa Bali. The spa features an array of authentic Balinesestyle massages and wellness treatments.

The resort’s Tarza Water Theme Park offers fun for the whole family with a range of slides and pools plus a lazy river. Package deals with accommodation and waterpark passes are available for added value.

Hotel Nikko Guam

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Set in lush grounds, nestled between Tumon Bay and Gun Beach, the deluxe paradise of Hotel Nikko Guam offers breathtaking views of the Pacific.

Spacious rooms feature a private balcony with ocean views. Modern conveniences include complimentary Wi-Fi and cable TV. Extra-spacious suites boast the luxury of the best ocean views.

Serene haven
The semi-private beachfront provides a peaceful haven. Lounge on the beach or by the pool, sip a cocktail in the cabanas, or relax in the gazebos. Pamper yourself at Spa Ayualam with a selection of massages and beauty treatments.

Dine in style with three exceptional restaurants. Toh Lee offers Chinese cuisine with panoramic ocean views, and a Wednesday to Sunday lunch buffet plus a highly awaited opening for dinner. In the lobby, Benkay features authentic Japanese favourites and includes a sushi bar while Magellan offers a sumptuous buffet for any meal. Enjoy light bites and beverages at the Fountain Lobby Lounge, relax with a refreshing drink at the Bougainvillea Pool Bar, and view breathtaking sunsets at the Sunset Beach Barbecue.

Discover a vibrant, underwater world snorkelling in the sea, or choose from a number of activities including kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool, kids’ pool, waterslide, and kids’ playroom.

For that special social or business occasion, Hotel Nikko Guam also offers perfect event and conference facilities. Escape to your Eden in the Pacific. With breathtaking views and unprecedented hospitality, there’s no place like Hotel Nikko Guam.

Is the Maldives a family destination?

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Famed for its crystalline waters and soft sandy shores, the Maldives is widely regarded as one of the top romantic destinations in the world. However, in recent years, this tropical nation has reinvented itself as quite the family destination. Offering sociable activities, all-inclusive packages and an abundance of sea life in a pristine and safe location, this once-in-a-lifetime island environment offers a space for children to be free and immerse themselves in the inspiring programmes and outdoor activities available.

For a stunning location and an unforgettable family travel experience, we’ve reviewed some fantastic family resorts and hotels in the Maldives.

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Robinson Club Noonu, Noonu Atoll

Robinson Club Noonu, Noonu Atoll

Offering an all-inclusive package with three restaurants and two bars, Robinson Club Noonu boasts a free kids club and playground, as well as availability for supervised childcare at the Roby Club. For slightly older children, there are plenty of excursions to keep them occupied; try snorkelling, lagoon kayaking, dolphin hunting or boat tours, or how about a plethora of social games at the bar to wind down in the evenings.

Best Features

  • Family room: a sea view villa with plunge pool, two terraces, 24-hour room service, air-conditioning and WiFi
  • Underwater experiences
  • Free pack for infants and all-day childcare for 3-12 year olds
  • 20 minutes from Male Airport

 

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Emboodhu Finolhu

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Emboodhu Finolhu

With 64 beautiful ocean-view villas and suites to choose from, this luxury resort is certainly lavish, located in one of the largest coral-rich lagoons in the Maldives. The service here is impeccable, with child-friendly staff catering to every unique need and desire for you and your children during your stay. If you want some time for your own adventures, child-minding services are readily available. Offering a kids club and various water sports, Taj Exotica is probably one of the most convenient resorts to access, with transfer available from

Male Airport via private ferry, but it certainly comes with a hefty price tag.

Best Features

  • Offers ‘Taj Kids’, a fun learning program based on adventure and discovery
  • Close to public beach
  • On-site activities include windsurfing, canoeing and volleyball
  • Cribs and babysitting available
  • 40 minutes from Male Airport

 

Cocoon Maldives, Ookolhufinolhu, Lhaviyani Atoll

Cocoon Maldives, Ookolhufinolhu, Lhaviyani Atoll

Often recalled as one of the best family resorts and the first design hotel in the Maldives, Cocoon Maldives offers child-friendly accommodation without compromising on the luxury factor. Allow your children to spend their days building sandcastles and enjoying the beauty of the beach with direct access from the 100-square-metre Family Beach Villa. Staff are attentive to your needs with a 24/7 service ensuring a memorable trip for the whole family. The resort’s Cultural Club makes it easy for both you and your children to make the most out of the wide array of activities available; from dolphin cruises and island tours to daily entertainment in the form of a live band, disco and Maldivian cultural show. This is affordable luxury at its best in the Maldives.

Best Features

  • Dedicated kids club
  • Safe location with no other resorts nearby
  • Children’s pool
  • 30 minute seaplane ride from Male Airport

 

Sun Island Resort & Spa, South Ari Atoll

Sun Island Resort & Spa, South Ari Atoll

Formed of 462 stylishly furnished rooms, the Sun Island Resort & Spa is the largest resort in the Maldives. Extremely good value, there are an assortment of facilities to meet every possible desire and nine dining options to satisfy even the fussiest of eaters. Enjoy daily excursions, from whale-shark watching to diving trips to following the mesmerising dolphins on their travels.

Accomodation-wise, the Sun Villas are perfect for small families, with 28-square-metres of space, with a large garden area and sun beds. Hidden in the dense foliage of the resort, it’s great for those seeking privacy and a relaxed atmosphere.

Best Features

  • Children’s playground
  • Babysitting/child services
  • Nature-friendly initiatives for the whole family get involved in
  • 17 minute seaplane ride from Male Airport

 

Reethi Faru Resort, Filaidhoo Raa Atoll

Reethi Faru Resort, Filaidhoo Raa Atoll

Offering a more secluded option in the Maldives, but still exceedingly spacious, Reethi Faru Resort is both a romantic spot and a family friendly stay. Whilst younger children are wholly welcome, children over twelve-years-old will surely create unforgettable memories and have the trip of a lifetime here, owing to the variety of designated kids activities; paddle-boarding, sunset dolphin trips, private snorkelling trips and a whole host of other excursions to direct their energy towards. With two family-oriented villas on offer, ranging from 126 to 147-square-metres, each is meticulously designed to cater for the needs of both adults and children.

Best Features

  • Family-friendly accommodation
  • Babysitting and equipment available
  • Children’s menus in restaurants
  • 45 minute seaplane or 20 minute domestic flight

 

Niyama Private Islands Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll

Niyama Private Islands Maldives, Dhaalu Atoll

Grow accustomed to the daily flow of dolphins swimming by and gloriously vibrant sunsets here at Niyama. The island offers the kind of calm and wellbeing you should feel when spending time with your family, so guests can enjoy relaxation and a wide selection of activities. Split into two adjoining islands; Chill Island and Play Island, the first focuses more on solitude and the second on a wonderful dedication to the enjoyment of spending time together. The Family Beach Pool Villa provides an oasis that leads onto a charming soft-sand beach where your children can while the day away rollicking in the sun, as well as enjoy a private family-sized plunge pool.

Best Features

  • Unique kids club timetable for each age group
  • Surf lessons for children 8+
  • The ability to switch between Chill and Play islands
  • 45 minutes by seaplane from Male Airport

 

Hideway Beach Resort & SPA, Dhonakulhi, Haa Alifu Atoll

Hideway Beach Resort & SPA, Dhonakulhi, Haa Alifu Atoll

A playground for children and adults alike, Hideaway offers the best of both worlds with a wide range of excursions and activities available. True to its name, this is about as remote as the Maldives resorts get. At this resort you’ll be able to open your child’s eyes to the wonders of the Maldives; go dolphin spotting, snorkelling with turtles or take a trip in the penguin semi-submarine. With a watersports centre and a kids club, Hideaway seems to be one of the best resorts in the Maldives, ensuring your children are having the holiday of a lifetime. The two-bedroom family villa with pool offers an abundance of space and privacy – 575-square-metres to be exact, with an infinity pool and amazingly close proximity to the white sandy beach.

Best Features

  • Children’s splash pool
  • Water sports centre and park
  • Spacious villas
  • 50 minutes by seaplane from Male Airport

For 7 nights for a family of 4: £2355

 

Bandos Maldives, Banos Island

Bandos Maldives, Banos Island

Earning a reputation as the island of hospitality, you’ll certainly feel wholly catered for at Bandos. Every experience and excursion that is put together for guests all seek to allow you to live the Maldivian lifestyle to the fullest and discover the true magic of the Maldives. From island hopping, sunset dolphin cruises and water sports for parents to a kids club that offers arts and crafts, cooking lessons and treasure hunting for the children, Bandos makes your holiday as carefree and memorable as possible.

Best Features

  • Free stay for 2 kids
  • Kids club
  • Dive centre
  • Babysitting services
  • 20 minute speed boat transfer from Male Airport

Who knew the Maldives were so family-friendly? Gone are the days when the atolls were regarded solely as a couples destination; we’ve found that the Maldives is a place that offers endless opportunities for exploring, learning and having fun, all in a safe and mesmerisingly beautiful location. Whilst some are more affordable than others, all of them allow you to experience the surreal nature of the Maldives, and create memories you’ll look back on for years to come.

The Westin Hapuna Beach

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Hapuna Beach has been consecutively ranked “Best Beach” in the world and is home to The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort, the Island of Hawaii’s premier destination and a hidden oasis offering recently renovated rooms and award-winning restaurants.

The resort boasts some of largest rooms on the Kohala Coast, 17 new suites that complement 232 guestrooms, each redesigned for maximum relaxation with enhanced Westin signature amenities including the luxurious world-renowned Westin Heavenly Bed.

The thoughtfully-designed lobby connects guests with the hotel’s unique sense of place with its jaw-dropping ocean views, custom living walls and vertical garden bringing the island’s flora and fauna indoors.

The resort also features new dining options including its signature venue, Meridia, serving up Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, some of which are hand-picked daily by Meridia’s executive chef at the on-site garden.

Begin each morning at ‘Ikena Landing, an open-air breakfast spot with a delectable breakfast buffet and a menu of taste-tempting and healthy à la carte options.

Poolside, Naupaka Beach Grill is ideal for a midday respite from the sun or to enjoy an evening cocktail with a casual dinner at sunset. Piko Coffee+Bar kicks off the day with Kona coffee, grab-and-go snacks all day and sunset cocktails.

An exclusive adults-only infinity edge pool offers a sophisticated and serene poolside experience that includes private cabanas, chaise lounges and pool ledge loungers for premium relaxation or enjoy the resort’s newly enhanced family pool.

Idyllic leisure
The idyllic resort also features the Westin Family program, with a reinvented Kids Club concept, the Hapuna Golf Course, a CrossFit studio as well as the brand’s signature WestinWORKOUT® fitness studio, featuring state-of-the-art exercise equipment and the RunWESTINTM program.

Guests easily access and experience the many attractions offered by the island’s surrounding areas and natural diversity, from cascading waterfalls and volcanoes to pristine beaches.

The white sands of Hapuna Beach, frequently ranked among America’s best beaches, are the perfect place for swimmers and snorkellers to explore at their leisure.

Warwick Le Lagon – Vanuatu

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Discover South Pacific charm at Warwick Le Lagon. Situated on 75 acres of tropical gardens on the edge of the pristine Erakor Lagoon, the resort is a five-minute drive to Port Vila and 15 minutes from the airport.

The resort has an established reputation for appealing to couples and families with its variety of 142 guestrooms, bungalows, overwater villas, Lagoon Pool Villas and the Erakor Residence. Incorporating Melanesian-style furnishings and local art, accommodation boasts furnished balconies and patios with amenities that include refrigerators, satellite TVs, safes and minibars.

Discover new levels of luxury
Enjoy being spoiled with individual attention in the elegant surroundings of the private villas with individual plunge pools. Pacific Pool, Shefa Pool, and Efate Pool Villas, cocooned behind high walls, promise seclusion. They boast luxurious interiors with spacious living areas and bedrooms, a private deck as well as an individual pool.

The latest addition to the Luxury Collection are the Overwater Villas. Offering picturesque views of Erakor Lagoon, each features premium interior furnishings and a private balcony.

Guests can enjoy three restaurants that offer delectable South Pacific, Asian and fusion cuisine, including the renowned Santo beef of Vanuatu. Enjoy the BBQ Pool Grill at lunch, the renowned Wild Ginger for fusion cuisine, or visit Lagoon Terrace for themed buffets or the á la carte menu.

Impressive facilities
A host of impressive facilities are designed to make your stay in Vanuatu relaxing and memorable. Complimentary activities include non-motorised watersports such as kayaks, catamarans, tennis and the 12-hole resort course with a driving range. Lagoon boat tours are available at a fee.

For relaxation, the Oasis Spa has five therapy rooms providing individual treatments and special couples’ packages. The kids’ club boasts a comprehensive activity program to keep the little ones busy. The gym is open from sunrise to sundown.

Surrounded by fragrant gardens and the clear blue waters of Erakor Lagoon, the spectacular resort offers an idyllic setting and gorgeous indoor and outdoor event spaces for corporate meetings, conferences, special events, and banquets for up to 880 guests. The eight different venues are also available for wedding celebrations.

For a relaxing holiday, overseas wedding, vow renewal or corporate incentive trip, experience Warwick Le Lagon on your next
Vanuatu holiday.

Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu

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Located just minutes from town, with exclusive lagoon frontage, Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu truly is an oasis in Port Vila, and has become one of the South Pacific’s resort of choice for island holiday makers.

Tucked away among tropical palms and nestled in the embrace of a secluded lagoon, Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from charming garden rooms to fabulous suites and well-appointed overwater villas.

Each room features a private balcony or patio that overlooks landscaped gardens and are superbly appointed to ensure you enjoy a relaxing holiday in an island paradise.

Perfect balance
Discover the perfect balance of relaxation and activity whilst experiencing a true Melanesian ‘welkam’.

If you’re looking for fun and adventure or to simply relax and soak up the tropical atmosphere at one Vanuatu’s foremost resorts, the combination of fun zones and secluded quiet zones at the resort makes for an ideal island escape.

The adventures are endless at the Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu, from rainforest and waterfall hikes to underwater adventures and beach sports, just to name a few. The little ones can play at the kids’ club which offers non-stop fun the whole day long with arts and crafts, games and an on-site play area. While parents can visit one of the sparkling pools or sink a few holes at the adjacent golf course.

Relaxation & adventure
Relaxation awaits at the resort’s Namele Day Spa, a haven for pure self-indulgence, offering a variety of rejuvenating massages, body treatments, holistic therapies and more.

Experience a variety of culinary delights. Guests can choose to dine at the relaxing Verandah Restaurant or soak up the sun with small bites and a cocktail at the Pool Bar.

Enjoy a fun and delicious themed dinner on the beach, or relax and have a drink or a snack in the Lobby Bar.

All of the dining outlets combine local flavours and the freshest produce to ensure delicious, appetising fare, making them a sought-after choice amongst Vanuatu’s restaurants.

Holiday Inn Resort Vanuatu has something for everyone. Whether your Vanuatu holiday is a peaceful romantic escape, a perfect holiday getaway for the family or a trip to mix business with pleasure, discover everything you need to make your stay a memorable one.