November 9, 2004 -- We all dream of the elusive perfect paradise location -- pristine beaches, crystal clear water, sunsets behind swaying palm trees, exotic food and few people. Once "discovered", these idyllic destinations are slowly swallowed up by large hotel chains and overrun by sun-chasing tourists.
There are still a few places left on this vast planet where you can go and experience all the charm and romance of paradise lost. It may come at an inflated price or take you a few extra hours of traveling -- but it's definitely worth it.
The Maldives
One such location is the archipelago of the Maldives, made up of some 1,190 individual islands, many only a few miles in area or smaller, forming atolls along coral reefs in the Indian Ocean off the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. From the capital, Male, boats or seaplanes transfer you to the 200 or so inhabited islands, most of which only have one or two resorts -- so privacy, isolation and tranquility are assured. There are no high rises, no cars, no shopping malls and no fast food. In fact, all you get is sand, sun, palm trees, ocean, fresh seafood, scuba diving, snorkeling, spa services, relaxation and, undoubtedly, romance.
If you plan to get there independently, flights are relatively frequent from the US east coast (mainly New York) via Singapore or Dubai. Travelocity (www.travelocity.com) has roundtrip airfare to Male in November and December on Emirates at $1,393 plus taxes.
Although accommodations on these islands are generally found in villa or bungalow form, luxury is almost always on the menu. In late 2005 Starwood Hotels & Resorts is opening its first resort property, the W Maldives-Fesdhu Resort, which will feature 80 over-water and beachfront villas on the totally exclusive private island of Fesdhu. Until then, here are a few other options:
- Bandos Island Resort (www.bandos.com)
- Banyan Tree (www.banyantree.com)
- Kanuhura Resort and Spa (www.kanuhura.com)
- Sun Island Resort (www.sunislandmaldives.com)
- Soneva Fushi Resort and Spa (www.sixsenses.com/soneva-fushi/index.php)
Rates range from $200 to well over $1,000 per room/villa or presidential suite per night.
Asian Affair Holidays (www.asianaffairholidays.com) has a luxurious Maldives vacation, which includes roundtrip airfare on Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) to Male, roundtrip speedboat transfers to the island of Ihuru, five-nights' accommodation at the Angsana Resort and Spa and all meals. Priced from $2,280 to $2,860 per person based on dual occupancy, these rates reflect departures from Los Angeles or New York with taxes of approximately $120 additional. Valid until March 31, 2005.
For further information about planning your Maldives escape, visit www.maldives.com.
Lakshadweep, India
Located in the clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea off the west coast of India is a group of 36 coral islands of unparalleled beauty known as Lakshadweep (which literally translates to "100,000 islands"). Access is quite remote with only one airport, located in Agatti. Six flights per week come in and return to Cochin in India. Roundtrip fares on Indian Airlines (www.indian-airlines.nic.in/scripts/index.asp) are approximately $340 roundtrip in high season (November to March). From Cochin, a cheaper, but longer, alternative is by boat. The boats run four times daily between Cochin and Lakshadweep; the journey takes between 15 to 20 hours and prices range from $80 to $150 for a roundtrip fare. Boats do not run during the monsoon season from May to September.
Air India (www.airindia.com) has flights to Cochin via Mumbai from New York from $1,511 including all taxes. Be sure to check the airline schedule closely as many flights to Cochin arrive or depart at approximately 3am.
Lakshadweep islands are government regulated and controlled so a tourist entry permit is required and can be arranged by your hotel or tour operator. Although not as luxurious as other destinations, Lakshadweep makes up for it in its affordability, uniqueness, remoteness, excellent scuba diving and exquisite beaches. Dive courses start as low as $65 per day per person (for foreign nationals -- Indian nationals pay less) or individual dives from an unheard of $30 (these do not operate between May and September). Accommodations in air-conditioned comfortable cottages on the islands start at $88 for a double room.
Akshaya Tours (www.akshayaindia.com/HotelPackage-Lakshadweep.htm) has a number of land-only packages to Lakshadweep resorts (including the Agatti Island Beach Resort that boasts that it is a two-minute walk from Agatti Airport). Prices start as low as $390 for three nights' accommodation at the Bangaram Island Resort with all meals included or $430 for three nights at the Agatti Island Beach Resort.
For further information about the Lakshadweep region, visit www.lakshadweeptourism.com or www.frommers.com/destinations/lakshadweep. Note the section on "dos and don'ts" especially the rule about picking coconuts, which is considered theft.
The Seychelles
Just thinking of a getaway in the Seychelles conjures up images of star-filled nights walking on remote beaches as waves lap at your feet and you digest your lobster dinner. Once thought to be the original Garden of Eden, this archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean off the east coast the African continent, has 50% of its land designated as a nature reserve, making it a flora and fauna paradise.
Getting there can be an adventure as there are no direct flights from the US, however Air Seychelles (www.airseychelles.com) has regular direct flights from a number of European cities, including London, Rome and Paris. Fly before December 12, 2004 and a roundtrip flight is $797 plus taxes per person (base on two people traveling together). Add to that a discounted flight to London from Boston from &179 plus taxes from 1800Fly Europe (800/359-3876; www.1800flyeurope.com) or out of New York from $233 through Airfare Planet (888/204-8869; www.airfareplanet.com), and you will have a relatively inexpensive trip to paradise.
In between sailing, fishing, diving and exploring tropical rainforests, you still have to sleep occasionally, so the Seychelles offers a variety of accommodations on 16 islands, including private retreats, five-star resorts, moderate hotels, house rentals and guest houses. Most tour companies offering packages and accommodation deals in the Seychelles are UK-based so you may find yourself making a reservation and being charged in English pounds. For a concise listing of accommodations and pricing to plan your own stay visit www.seychelles.com where you can search by island name and accommodation type to come up with an accommodation choice that suits your needs and budget. Prices start as low as $80 per night at some of the smaller guest houses and there are often special deals for honeymooners and advance bookings.
Boracay, Philippines
Last but not least, we have the island of Boracay in the Philippines, consistently voted one of the most beautiful islands in the world by travel magazines. Several airlines including Philippine Airlines, Asian Spirit and Pacific Air service the routes from Manila to Caticlan for approximately $70 and from there a short inexpensive boat ride takes you to Boracay (hotels often include the boat transfer in their rates).
For flights to Manila, check out Cheapflights (www.cheapflights.com) where roundtrip flights from New York range from $777 plus taxes on Emirates via Dubai to $1107 on Japan Airlines via Tokyo.
The island makes an ideal beach destination throughout the year, although June, July and September are considered low season so prices are generally considerably lower. The third week in January celebrates the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival, the Philippine Mardi Gras, which makes a splash in Boracay with events, parades and festivities.
There are over 30 resorts and hotels on the island with varying degrees of luxury and accommodation styles from beachfront bungalows to traditional hotel rooms. Prices can be incredibly low. For example two nights during low season at the Red Coconut Beach Hotel (www.redcoconut.com.ph) including roundtrip guided transfers from Caticlan airport and breakfasts start at $84 per person. Even in peak season (December and January), this rate only goes up to $125. Or at the Pink Patio Resort (www.pinkpatio.com) two nights accommodation in a deluxe room with airport/boat transfers and breakfasts is only $94 until December 16, 2004. At the Paradise Garen Premier Resort (www.paradise-garden.com) beachfront Mabuhay cottages are only $65 per person per night or take advantage of their stay for four-nights and pay for three deals for stays from Wednesdays to Sundays in deluxe rooms -- $80 per night in low season and $110 in high season.
For more information and hotel listings visit www.boracaytrip.com.