Ahhhhhhhh. That feeling of your body going into relaxation mode as you lay back to doze in the tropical sun, listening to the water lapping gently on the white sandy beach. How nice it is. But trying to decide where that perfect place should be might not be so relaxing. With so much to choose from, you can be left a little overwhelmed and confused. Below are just a few close to home(ish) destinations to think about
The Great Barrier Reef
Australia is blessed with beautiful island with luxury resorts dotted along the Great Barrier Reef. Think Lizard Island Resort, Qualia on Hamilton or the brand new One & Only on Hayman. For a quick get away these are ideal. You’ll dive into a private paradise, surfacing only to dine on fresh local produce and fine wines.
The pros – they’re only a short domestic flight away meaning you don’t need to deal with time wasting immigration and can be relaxing in your hammock much sooner.
The cons – if you like your holidays with a dash of foreign culture and language, this won’t be the holiday for you.
Bali
With so many Australians in Bali these days you could be forgiven for thinking it’s just another state but there is a reason everyone is flocking there. It’s fantastic. In Bali you get everything in a neat little affordable package. Gorgeous private pool villas, great service, a huge range of dining options, adventure for those that wish and fabulous sunset cocktail bars. If you’ve been avoiding it due to it’s reputation for drunken bogans that’s fair enough, we did too for many years – but it’s time to see it for yourself. Try the Alila Villas in Uluwatu and you’ll see what we mean.
The pros – Great value for money, all of the above reasons, only a short flight from Perth.
The cons – The traffic, some of the more uncouth Australians (easy enough to avoid), Shapelle Corby!
Alila Villas Uluwatu
Fiji
Fiji is one of those destinations that seems to have been around forever and that’s because it’s exactly one of those frangipani-scented tropical paradises you dream about. Coconut palms, sand, crystal-clear water. Plus for those of us on the West Coast of Australia it’s a convenient 4 hour flight away. Fiji has several resorts on the mainland but most people only stop overnight at them before heading to one of the small single resort islands.
The pros – It truly does resemble paradise. Try LikuLiku for a romantic rendezvous.
The cons – Unlike Bali or Thailand, you’ll be on a very small island which means you will be limited for dining and activity choice. You also tend to get less value for money.
Thailand
Who can go past Thailand? Sumptuous food, picture perfect scenery and friendly people (when there’s not a coup). You’ve got such a choice – from islands in the Gulf of Thailand to those on the west. Thailand has been in full tourist swing for quite a while now and as such, some of the original issues (such as open sewers) seem to have been resolved in some places.
The pros – a plethora of resorts and regions to choose from.
The cons – As tourism has developed it’s lost a bit of it’s charm. Scammers still abound so stay alert.
Tahiti, Maldives, Mauritius, New Caledonia, Tonga, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Caribbean… we haven’t even begun to touch the sides of amazing tropical destinations so call us on +61 (08) 6382 5000 to find out which one is right for you.
Article by Nicola Billens
Nicola Billens is an experienced traveller, having visited all the continents (except Antarctica) over the last 20 years. She’s lived in France, England, Austria and New Zealand and spent many years and many dollars experiencing what this wonderful world has to offer.