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Destination Tips

You Will Love Visiting The Jewel Of The South Seas

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is a small island located on the western side of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. A beautiful lagoon and a breath-taking coral reef surround the picturesque island, giving that turquoise colored water that makes Bora Bora so famous. In the middle of the island, there is an extinct volcano with two massive peaks that reach up more than 2,000 feet; they are Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu.

Bora Bora’s population is numbered fewer than 10,000 inhabitants, more than half of the living in Vaitape, the largest settlement of the territory. The island’s economy is mainly based on tourism and most products come from fishing the sea. English is widely spoken around the island with the main language being French and Tahitian.

The original name of the island was “Pora pora mai te pora” which means, “created by the gods” in the Tahitian dialect. The name used to be abbreviated to “Pora Pora” which in itself meant, “first born”, but the pronunciation of Bora Bora is also accepted and has been used since the first European explorers landed on the island back in 1722.

Bungalows on stilts are everywhere to be seen in Bora Bora, and it has become somewhat representative of the island to see these beautiful constructions sticking out of the clear blue waters. These types of buildings accentuate the beauty of the beaches and the relationship between man and nature that co-exists here in such harmonious balance.  

There is no public transportation on the island. To travel around you can rent a car, or better yet, rent some bicycles and start pedaling. One of the best things about Bora Bora is that no matter if you are coming here with friends, on your honeymoon or visiting with your entire family, there are activities for everyone to enjoy according to their interests.

What to do in Bora Bora

Most things to do on the island are outdoor activities, so you may want to bring a book to keep yourself entertained in the off chance that it rains too much.

Bora Bora is world famous for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and amazing dives. Scuba diving and snorkeling are something you have to do while you are here or you’ll be missing out on some of the most amazing underwater views in the whole world.

Image courtesy of gengish skan at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of gengish skan at Flickr.com

Matira Beach is Bora Bora’s favorite public beach and with good reason. This mile-long stretch of white sand is a great spot to enjoy the waters of this tropical paradise. Matira Beach looks like something taken out of a postcard, the contrast of colors in magical and the views are to die for. You can walk along the strip and find many cafes and restaurants where you grab a bite and enjoy the views if you are not in a mood to get in the water, but for those who want to swim, they are in for a treat. Matira Beach offers great access for scuba diving or snorkeling right off the beach, you do not need a boat nor to venture far out to see some of the most beautiful coral and fish species you can imagine; no wonder people call this beach the aquarium. There are venues on the island that rent equipment for snorkeling or scuba diving, but we recommend bringing your own mask and snorkel, as you will not regret investing in a good quality pair.

Matira Beach has been voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and they are not exaggerating. The west side of the beach is a great spot to watch the sunset, there are few things more romantic in this world than a Bora Bora sunset and this spot is perfect to witness this marvelous sight.

Land tours are also quite popular in Bora Bora and many companies offer to take you around the island and show you the sights. Bora Bora was used as a strategic base for the allied forces during World War II, so many remnants of the occupation still remain today and can be visited by tourists. There are also many places that were once ancient villages of the local population. Ceremonial sites and sacred locations are excellent places to visit and just a few hours away walking. The Sacred Cave of Anau and the Valley of the Kings are some of the most culturally rich and beautiful locations to visit inland. Many services offer guides to lead you there and talk to you about the rich history of the island.

Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu are both popular destinations for those who like trekking and even climbing. The view from above is wonderful and well worth the walk.

For more amazing destinations, islands and the best tips for your next cruise, visit our blog at Royal Holiday Cruises today!

 

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3 Of The Most Beautiful Beaches To Visit In Latin America

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

Latin America is lucky not just to have some of the greatest geographical and biological diversity in the planet, but also some of the most amazing beaches, mostly due to its beautiful natural rivers, crystal-clear waters, fine sand and jungles that meet the ocean in the most amazing way. Thanks to the mix of different tropical and warm climate that can be found in different beaches and tourist locations, one may spend entire weeks getting to know more about these remarkable places.

Tayrona National Park

The beaches at Tayrona have plenty to offer visitors being a natural reserve where one can find landscapes of white sands and crystalline water. The park is located on the Atlantic coast of Colombia and about 34 kilometers away from Santa Marta. The place is known for its quiet beaches, tropical weather, lagoons, mangroves and coral reefs. The coastal mountain range forms bays like Chenge, Gayraca, Cinto, Neguanje, Concha and Guachaquita; all of them with unbelievable white sandy beaches, luscious vegetation and the clear waters of the Caribbean. The ocean is of a deep blue color and meets the densely wooded areas, making the beaches a private oasis for visitors. Those who love trekking will greatly enjoy all the jungle paths the park has, full of amazing fauna and vegetation characteristic of the region.

There are also archaeological sites displaying remnants of the ancient Tayrona city, where four different ethnic groups dwell in the past: The Kankuamo, Kogui, Wiwa and Arhuaco. The area is no longer home of the indigenous people and can be visited by those who wish to learn more about this World Heritage Site.

The park was established in 1964 and it has an area of fifteen thousand acres, at an elevation between 0 and 900 meters above sea level with an average temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Park hours are from 0800 to 1700. It is important to be informed and know which beaches are accessible to the public, because some of them are extremely dangerous due to currents and strong undertow.

Monte Rico

This beach is located in Santa Rosa in the south of Guatemala in the pacific coast. It has an area of 7 square miles and at a height of 3 meters above sea level. The place is known as the best beach in Guatemala due to its great restaurants, lively nightlife, the conservation of turtles and its beautiful sights. One of its distinguishing features is a black sand beach made of volcanic material. This beach offers perfect spots for tourists with great prices on food, lodging and a great atmosphere to rest. Another amazing thing about Monte Rico is the opportunity to witness the turtle arriving to lay their eggs on the beach, to watch the whales as they cross on their way to warmer waters and horseback riding down the shore. Other nearby places of interest are Santa Lucia and La Democracia, where you’ll find stone sculptures and archaeological digs.

It is important to keep in mind the conservation of turtles at this place, since they are at their most vulnerable when they hatch. People usually unearth the eggs during the months of August through November to avoid dogs and other animals from getting to them. After gathering the eggs up, they are usually taken to special nursing facilities to ensure the turtles survive.

Baia Do Sancho

Image courtesy of Almir de Freitas at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of Almir de Freitas at Flickr.com

Located in Brazil on the Atlantic Ocean and 545 kilometers from Arrecifes. The archipelago belongs to the state of Pernambuco. The place is shaped like a half-moon with a high rock wall that allows to oversee an amazing white sandy beach with clear waters where you can sight many species of fish, rays, sharks and all kinds of sea life that gathers there.

Arriving to Baia Do Sancho can be done on foot by means of a stairway located on the wall or by boat. During the rainy months between February and June, something amazing happens due to the water creating amazing waterfalls down the cliffs that mirror the beach.

The average temperature of these beaches is of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. There are two established seasons, one dry period from September through March and the rains that can sometime extend all the way to the end of August.  

These and more beautiful places wait for you to come and discover them. Take a trip by yourself; with friends or family and rest assured you will experience the time of your life. For more information about promotions and destinations, please visit us here.

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Destination TipsRoyal at SeaRoyal Holiday

Here are 10 of Thailand’s most beautiful islands

by Royal Holiday
written by Royal Holiday

If you happen to be in Thailand, why not take a few days to enjoy some its tropical beaches and a wonderful weather? White sand and clear waters, that’s what you can expect.

  1. Koh Chang: Elephant Island

Koh Chang is the second largest island in the country and a good destination for backpackers or families who want to do more activities -other than being on the beach- and do not want to be in a very crowded environment. Koh Chang is a quiet island with lots of jungle and peaks up to 744 meters tall, you can go on excursions, visit waterfalls, hop on elephants and there’s even a small adventure park to jump from one tree to another.

Image courtesy of JP Newell at Flickr.com

Image courtesy of JP Newell at Flickr.com

  1. Koh Mak: The small and quiet one

Koh Mak is a very tiny island near Koh Chang, so it close to Bangkok but it is farther from the coast. You can walk from one side to another of the island in just over an hour, and it is quite flat. Perfect for families, couples or people who are only interested in going to the beach, snorkeling, kayaking and relaxing on a hammock. Beware of mosquitoes, though! Protect yourself with coconut oil and you’ll be fine.

  1. Koh Phangan: Ibiza, Thai style

Koh Phangan is where the famous Full Moon Party, a sort of rave on the beach that is quite well known in the backpacking world, takes place. The party happens monthly, of course, under the full moon. If you’re not there by then, don’t worry: there is also the Half Moon party and many others. The main party is on the beach of Haad Rin, so if you want peace and quiet you should run away from there! Some beaches in the northeast of the island are quiet and perfect for family tourism.

  1. Koh Samet: Bangkok’s Beach

Koh Samet is a small island only 2-3 hours by van from Bangkok and just 20 minutes from the coast via boat. Therefore it is quite exploited, even though some beaches are still quite well preserved. It’s perfect if you go during the rainy season because it is one of the least monsoon-affected islands. The food at the beach is affordable, and it is particularly good at the beach restaurants of Hat Sai Kaew.

  1. Koh Tao: The one with diving courses

Koh Tao is an ideal place for those who want tranquility and a diving destination. The beaches around the island are perfect for diving. You will find several agencies that offer all kinds of courses.

  1. Koh Lanta: The one for family tourism

Koh Lanta is a zone of ​​several islands, so when we talk about Koh Lanta, generally we’re referring to Koh Lanta Yai. This is an escape for those who find Southern Thailand (Phuket) too agitated. Koh Lanta has long and quiet beaches, perfect for strolling through them while the watching the sun set on the horizon.

  1. Similan Islands: The best diving experiences in the country

The Similan Islands is a natural park often labeled as the best place to dive in Thailand and probably the best in the world, because of its corals, marine life and white sand beaches. You can visit this park on daily excursions organized in Phuket or Khao Lak, or in cruises that last about 4 days.

  1. Koh Phi Phi: A movie setting

There are six islands in the region of Koh Phi Phi, all considered some of the most beautiful islands on the planet. The island of Ko Phi Phi Leh was where the famous movie about backpackers who created a paradise in a secret beach was filmed. The beauty of this beach wowed spectators, and since then thousands of tourists have visited Maya Bay every year. In this part of the country most of the inhabitants are Muslims.

  1. Rai Leh in Krabi: A paradise for climbers

Rai Leh (or Railay) is not an island, but a bay which is only accessible by sea because of the high cliffs that surround it. It is one of the best beach destinations in the country. The cliffs also make it an ideal site for climbers. There are not many places for beginners, so if you decide to come to climb here note that you must have at least some experience. There are also several caves to explore and they’re accessible to everyone, and there are other activities such as trekking, kayaking or diving.

  1. Koh Samui: The most popular one and the third largest in the country

    Image courtesy of JIN at Flickr.com

    Image courtesy of JIN at Flickr.com

    Koh Samui is an island with over 40,000 inhabitants. Famous for the beauty of its landscapes and nature, it is highly developed and can be reached by plane from Bangkok. Koh Samui offers a bunch of activities and it’s perfect for renting a motorbike and going from one beach to another. However, the best beaches are on the islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park, a protected natural park that will leave you speechless. You can also get there from Koh Tao or Koh Phagnan.

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