DUBAI United Arab Emirates With a mix of traditional architecture and glittering modern buildings, Dubai is a place of fascinating contrasts. It is also the home of sand, sea and sun. Designed to resemble a billowing sail, the famous Burj Al Arab hotel stands at a height of 321 metres, now small in comparison to the 828 metre high Burj Khalifa, Dubai’s newest icon and the world’s tallest building. Don’t miss the Spice Souk and the glittering Gold Souk – overfl owing with exquisite jewellery. The nearby emirate of Sharjah, with its captivating architecture and spectacular souks, was selected by UNESCO as the cultural capital of the Middle East and is well worth a visit.
Haifa Ko Samui
DUNEDIN New Zealand Argued to be one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere this ‘Edinburgh of the South’ is well deserving of its title. As you wander through this warm-hearted and captivating city, there are Scottish infl uences throughout, including a statue of the famous poet Robert Burns, and the impressive Flemish Renaissance- style Dunedin Railway Station is a fi ne example of the ornate architecture found throughout the city. The city is also home to New Zealand’s only true castle – Larnach Castle.
COLOMBOSri Lanka Colombo is a world away from the peace and tranquillity of the country’s tea plantations, but don’t be fazed, it’s an easy city to explore. For international shopping and restaurants, head for the Fort District in the north of the city and then catch some local colour in the Pettah Bazaar District, a warren of streets rich in mosques and Buddhist and Hindu temples and lined with shops selling everything from exquisitely worked gold jewellery to herbs for Ayurvedic treatments. To the south of the city, enjoy lush scenery and watch a cricket match at the lovely seafront park of Galle Face Green, before a stylish afternoon tea at the historic Galle Face Hotel.
COQUIMBO Chile Boasting one of the best harbours on the coast and beholding some of the country’s most interesting historical structures, Coquimbo is also the main gateway to the attractive city of La Serena – capital of the Norte Chico. Here you’ll fi nd elaborately crafted wooden architecture built by its early British and American settlers. The attractive esplanade of Plaza Prat offers great views of the waterfront, with other points of interest including the Plaza de Armas, San Pedro church and the Museo de Sitio.
CURACAO
Curacao is home to more than 50 nationalities so has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Its lovely capital, Willemstad, is full of 17th, 18th and 19th century Dutch and Spanish Colonial architecture. The two sides of the city are divided by Santa Anna Bay, a narrow channel fl anked by pastel-tinted, gabled houses and spanned by the spectacular swing-aside Queen Emma pontoon bridge.
FORTALEZA Brazil Fortaleza, is capital of the Ceara region which boasts nearly 400 miles of superb beaches and four of the fi nest run along its front. The centre of town, which lies above the old quarter, has a Central Market (Mercado Central), an impressive cathedral (Se) and an excellent anthropological museum as well as several long shopping streets, but the beaches are defi nitely the highlight. Avenida President John Kennedy links the two glitziest – Praia do Diario and Praia do Meireles. These are lined with smart hotels and good places to eat or enjoy a drink overlooking the ocean.
GRENADA
Horseshoe-shaped and set in a volcanic crater, Grenada’s capital and port, St George’s, is fl anked by two forts, with colourful French colonial style buildings ranged along the front. It is the perfect entrance to one of the Caribbean’s most scenic islands. Only 12 miles by 21, Grenada is awash with waterfalls, mountain valleys, rainforests, lakes and volcanic craters. The beaches are exceptional, especially Grand Anse – a two-mile stretch of pure white sand just around the bay from St. George’s.
HAIFA Israel Haifa, Israel’s third largest city and one of its prettiest, is fl anked by the Mediterranean Sea and crowned by Mount Carmel. From here you can visit the Holy Land and the Sea of Galilee. Those who choose to explore Haifa itself can ascend to the top of the mountain by cable car, wander the Carmel Nature Reserve, known for its year-round greenery and intoxicating beauty, or visit Gan ha’Em (‘Mother’s Park’) and walk along the Louis Promenade with its spectacular views. There are also lots of museums including the National Maritime Museum and the Haifa Museum of Art.
HILO Big Island, Hawaiian Islands Hilo is situated on the eastern coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. This spectacular tropical paradise is blanketed in diverse and beautiful scenery, with breathtaking waterfalls and exotic gardens alive with Hawaii’s unique fl ora and fauna. It also boasts two active volcanoes – Kilauea and Mauna Kea. Travel to 4,300 feet above sea level and visit the unique Hawaii Volcanoes Natural Park. In Hilo itself, you’ll fi nd excellent shopping and fi rst class restaurants – ideal for a bit of retail therapy and a spot of lunch.
HONG KONG Hong Kong may boast some 236 islands but most of the seven million inhabitants of this former British Crown Colony are concentrated on just one, Hong Kong Island, and one city, Kowloon, on the facing peninsula. Either stay and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city or take the tram to the top of Victoria Peak, 395 metres above the harbour, to witness a spectacular view of the city. Alternatively take the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island and experience one of the world’s busiest crossings.
HONOLULU Oahu, Hawiian Islands If you associate Hawaii with fl ower garlands, grass-skirted hula dancers, fabulous beaches and spectacular volcanic scenery, a call at the capital, Honolulu, will more than live up to your expectations. You can spend a perfect day ashore browsing the designer boutiques before retiring to the soft sands and warm waves that surround the island. Alternatively, join a tour to historic Pearl Harbour or embark on an underwater submarine adventure to learn about the exotic Hawaiian marine life.
HUATULCO Mexico Beach-lovers are spoilt for choice at Mexico’s fi rst eco-tourism resort, Huatulco, for there are 22 miles of pristine sand stretched across nine sparkling bays, each hidden from the other. Even within these, there are secret coves and hidden lagoons to discover. On the Mexican Riviera coast, southeast of Acapulco and where the foothills of the Sierra Madre meet the Pacifi c Ocean, Huatulco is in the state of Oaxaca, an area of great natural beauty three-quarters of which has been designated as ecological preservation areas by the Mexican Government.
KO SAMUI Thailand With its white beaches and inviting seas, Ko Samui has become a bustling island resort. Journeying inland from Na Thon, you can discover the two scenic waterfalls of Na Muang, meaning purple – named after the coloured rocks at their base. Coconut plantations can be found on the coastal plains, where monkeys scale the palms to pluck coconuts for their handlers. North east lies the remarkable Big Buddha statue at the top of the ceremonial dragon-steps of Wat Phra Yai.
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