We’ve put together 5 Up and Coming Travel Spots for 2017. Starting with the easy breezy beautiful beachy coasts to mystical locales with deep cultural histories. Let us know about your journeys to these special destinations.
For a serious beach getaway El Nido, Philippines is your new go to! El Nido is located in the southwestern island of Palawan. The area is home to crystal white beaches, limestone cliffs shooting into the sky and coral reefs magnifying out of the turquoise ocean water. El Nido is one of the most magnificent travel destinations, with miles of seascapes that are breathtaking. For a superior experience in El Nido, The Lagen Island Resort offers four very different types of accommodations: water cottages, beachfront cottages, Forest rooms as well as Forest suites. The resort is nestled in a lush rain forest and a lagoon offering panoramic views of the cove. Be sure to catch the island-hopping tour excursion that includes visits to Big Lagoon, Seven Commando Beach, Secret Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Zimizu Beach.
A must see ‘Tropical’ travel destination is: Kihei, Hawaii. Kihei is in South Maui, Hawaii, and has a long history of whaling. Although the regions climate varies greatly, sunny weather is present on the coast with cooler weather in the upcountry do to the many glorious rainforests and waterfalls. The Mana Kai Maui Resort boast elegance and unmatched amenities, which overlooks Keawakapu Beach where guests can swim and snorkel in the ocean just outside their doors. In addition, the hotel has condos instead of rooms and maintains the upscale Five Palms restaurant. A once in a lifetime excursion should be at the top of your to do list! Through, Maui Flight Academy a day trip that lands on several different islands and includes visitors taking the helm in the small plane taken during one of the stops. This is an awesome experience! Beach excursions can also be had with the Molokini sail and snorkeling adventure. Make sure you experience the Kamaole Beach Park, and the humpback whale sanctuary.
Although Jericoacoara, Brazil is quite difficult to reach, the moment you arrive you are transfixed through its natural beauty and gripped with the relaxed vibe; it is apparent this is not going to be an ordinary journey! The indigenous Tupi-Guarani people have inhabited this region of Brazil called Jericoacoara (Jeri) for millennia, building their villages on its lush landscape. The region was declared an Environmental Protection Area in 1984, and by 2002 it had become a National Park. Jeri has the steadiest wind on their sea (South Atlantic), combined with consistent waves, the region holds the title of the best location for water sports in the world. An exciting and rare excursion can be taken by kayaking through mangroves to discover Mangue Seco. This village is completely isolated from the world. Mangue Seco is located between the mouth of the Real River (Royal River), the ocean and large sand dunes that move with the wind. The only way into the village is through water, its difficult access makes Mangue Seco a special treasure, surely unique to the world.
For the travel explorer there is Easter Island, Chile. Easter Island, which sits in the South Pacific country of Chile, and has unique historical intrigue. Yes, the Island is small, but exploring Easter Island gives travelers a rich experience! The area of Rano Raraku, is home to ‘The Grand Statues’ monolithic human figures carved by the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island in eastern Polynesia between 1250 and 1500 A.D. The mystery surrounding these statues lives on because the ancestors of carvers still populate the island today. Apart from the deeply rooted culture, Easter Island has many impressive 5 star properties, The Hangaroa Eco Village and Spa, is one of the most prestigious on the Island and offers two restaurants, a pool, and a full pampering amenity; the spa is world renowned. You can’t miss exploring Easter Island’s treasures, including: the archeological museum ‘Hanga Roa’, the Rano Kau crater, the Orongo ceremonial village, as well as a viewing of the southern fur seals.
Another destination wrapped in culture is Baku, Azerbaijan. Baku is known as the ‘Paris’ of the middle east and is a unique rare city by the sea, the Caspian Sea to be exact. The city is made up of a few different cultures: (Europe, Asia, Russia and the Middle East), but European culture is felt. The ‘Palace of the Shirvanshahs’, a vast royal complex, is a wonder to be seen. The medieval walled old city houses the iconic stone Maiden Tower; an incredible history to be surrounded by. After you the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a vast royal complex, and the iconic stone Maiden Tower. There is a lot of fun to be had in Baku as well; the day can begin with scuba diving in the city and end with snow skiing in the north. The Fairmont Baku at the Flame Towers has an exemplary property in the center of the city.
