1. Have a multigenerational holiday in Fiji
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Private and pristine, Vomo is part of the Mamanuca island group and the views across the infinity style pool to the Yasawa islands will have you in total relax mode in no time. The multi-award-winning focus of the all-inclusive Vomo Island Resort is family, and the care of children that Fijian culture has long been famous for. A full range of family activities on water and land offer unique options such as hiking to see the sunrise at Mt Vomo, with a raft of unsurpassed opportunities to create special memories. Choose from stunning family-size beachfront retreats or Taleitaki, the ultimate tropical vacation house, with stylish luxury for up to eight, with butler service, cleansing island cuisine and every desirable entertainment facility and service thrown in.
2. Surf trip in Indo
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A surfer’s Mecca, surfers are spoilt for choice in Bali. Some of the more popular beaches are on the Bukit Peninsula, with the iconic Uluwatu the main drawcard with its clifftop viewpoint and long rollers. If Ulus is too challenging, Balangan, Bingin and Dreamland are other options, where you can sit in a warung dining on local fare and have a massage afterwards. Canggu and Keramas are other renowned breaks in Bali, while the island of Sumba, between Komodo and Sumbawa islands in East Nusa Tenggara province, offers legendary surf as well as a fascinating culture. A different sort of adventure can be found in Ubud, where you can go whitewater rafting on the Ayung River.
3. Island hop on a cruise
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Why go to just one island when you can go to several on one luxurious cruise? Croatia has a picturesque coast with the main islands of Hvar, Korcula, Vis, Brac, Losinj, Rab and Mljet popular with travellers eager to enjoy the culture and beauty of the islands. Luxury yachts and smaller boats can slip into secluded harbours and tender boats can be used with bigger ships. Greece with its whitewashed cobble-stoned villages and blue-domed churches, rocky beaches, tavernas and gorgeous scenic views will always be a drawcard for cruise lovers and you won’t be disappointed. Ever since Mamma Mia hit the big screens, the Greek Islands have been even more popular. Luxury cruise lines including Silversea, Seabourn, Viking, Windstar Cruises and Oceania Cruises cruise around these iconic islands including stunning Santorini with its huge caldera and Mykonos with its windmills and oh-so-trendy beach clubs.
4. Swim for it in French Polynesia
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French Polynesia is an aquatic wonderland, above and below the surface. Cruise around the turquoise blue waters of Bora Bora or Rangiroa and the underwater world will come alive. Swim with sting rays and sharks in Bora Bora’s idyllic lagoon, and in Rangiroa, go for a drift snorkel or dive in the famous Tiputa Pass, with a natural aquarium alive with fish of all sizes and colours. The islands of Fakarava and Maupiti are other aquatic treasures, with eye piercingly beautiful scenery and sea life to swim with. Above the water, surfers will want to carve it up at legendary Teahupoʻo, a gnarly break that strikes fear into the hearts of all but the best surfers. If the swell is up, jump on a boat from the village and sit in the perfect spot to watch surfers tackle the beast.
5. Flop and drop in Thailand
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Thailand has long captured the hearts of Australians and this enduring love affair shows no signs of fading. Thanks to direct flights from Australia to Phuket, you’ll find yourself immersed in the soothing embrace of the Andaman Sea in no time. Alternatively, if Koh Samui entices you, you'll be floating in the cerulean blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand, off golden-sand beaches fringed with swaying palm trees. Thailand's allure extends far beyond its picturesque beaches. Its incredible cuisine, rich historical tapestry, captivating culture, and an abundance of luxurious five-star resorts, many offering world-class wellness experiences, ensure that Thailand never fails to send you back home feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and revitalised.
6. A Hawaiian feast
Hawai'i doesn’t immediately spring to mind as a foodie destination, but any Hawaiian holiday will definitely include some of these traditional favourites. Food trucks are a thing in Hawai'i, with O‘ahu boasting the most of all the islands. Some of the favourites include Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck, Elena’s Lunchwagon, Mike’s Huli Chicken and Sunrise Shack for acai bowls and smoothies. Leonards Bakery is known for its malasadas, and for a traditional shave ice, try Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha. Not to be outdone, the food trucks of note on Maui include Dino’s Gourmet-on-the-Go, Geste Shrimp and Nui’s Garden Kitchen. Chefs like Peter Merriman are doing great things with Hawaiian food, going back to traditional foods in a sustainable, respectful way. As for cocktails, any trip to Hawai'i must include a Mai Tai. Here’s cheers!
7. An R & R vacation
Picture this. You’ve flown somewhere warm, like Thailand, the Maldives, the Cook Islands, Bali, Fiji or Hawaii, and you are craving to do … nothing. Days will be spent reading by the pool, dipping in the sea, eating good, healthy food (or not), and dozing when you feel like it. That sounds like bliss. The icing on the cake would be staying at a place with a world-class spa, so you can have daily massages to further unwind your body into a state of total relaxation. Add yoga on the beach should you want to something, and maybe allow yourself an activity or two. But don’t overdo it, as that sunbed is waiting for you.
