Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is one of the best places to go in New Zealand for fishing, sailing, and other watersports. The Bay of Islands is about three hours by car from Auckland. This gorgeous region is made up of 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula.

What’s there to do in the Bay of Islands? Get on or in the water! Try scuba diving with Paihia Dive‘s intro-to-diving course. You will be ferried far out into the bay to explore a whole new underwater world.

Or get up close and personal with the marine life in the Bay of Islands on a Fullers GreatSights Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise. On a good day, you’ll see both whales and dolphins on this cruise.

The cruise will take you to one of the Bay of Islands’ most famous sights, the Hole in the Rock. You can sail through this unique opening in a rock formation when the tide is right.

Where to stay: Spend a night at the historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel, which has the distinction of holding the oldest pub license in New Zealand and is located on a peninsula that sticks straight out into the middle of the bay.

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Milford Sound, New Zealand

Rudyard Kipling called Milford Sound the “eighth wonder of the world,” and if you visit this region of New Zealand, you’ll see why. Formed by glaciers during the Ice Age, the landscape around Milford Sound still bears evidence of its creation in the form of epic scenery: Cliffs rise from fjords crowned by mountains and waterfalls.

The best way to see Milford Sound is via boat. Take a sightseeing cruise on the fjord to see waterfalls and wildlife such as dolphins and penguins. Or navigate the waters under your own steam on a kayaking tour.

Once you’ve experienced the water from the surface, go underneath with a visit to the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory. This is the only floating, underwater observatory in New Zealand, and visitors can go more than 30 feet deep (while staying dry) and get 360 degrees of the underwater environment.

Where to stay: There are not a lot of places to stay close to the Sound, but if you’d rather not drive the three and a half hours from Queenstown, consider The Milford Sound Lodge. The lodge offers several packages for hiking and boat tours, and there really is no beating this spot in terms of access to the Sound.

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Auckland, New Zealand

As both the largest city in New Zealand and its international air travel hub, Auckland is one of the best places to go in New Zealand. Many international flights arrive in New Zealand through Auckland Airport, which makes it an ideal city from which to start your exploration of New Zealand.

Spend at least a day or two in Auckland to get over your long flight and explore the vibrant metropolis before venturing farther afield in New Zealand. Here are our suggestions for what to see and do in Auckland:

• Get some culture by visiting one of the many museums in Auckland, such as the Auckland Art Gallery. This is the largest art institution in New Zealand, featuring more than 15,000 works of historic, modern, and contemporary art.
• If the weather is nice, take a stroll through the 185-acre Auckland Domain park. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, include a stop at the nearby Parnell Farmers’ Market, which sells fresh produce in the morning.
• Auckland is also home to a host of multicultural bars and restaurants serving up all types of cuisine, so be sure to dine in downtown Auckland (and go out for a cocktail or two to check out the nightlife).
• If you’re looking for adventure activities in Auckland, consider the Auckland Bridge Climb. And if you’re really brave, try the Auckland Bridge bungee jump.
• If you’re looking for guided trips in Auckland, book an Auckland City Tour or an America’s Cup sailing experience on Waitemata Harbour.

Where to stay: Just a 10 minute drive from many of the city’s main attractions, Poenamo Hotel is a great option for travelers who value their peace and quiet but still want to stay in a central location.

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Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Just a little more than 30 minutes by boat from downtown Auckland is Waiheke Island, one of the best places to go in New Zealand for wine lovers. For a small island in the middle of Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island sure is home to a lot of vineyards. To sample as many of them as you can on your visit to Waiheke Island, you’ll want to find someone else to drive. Our pick is Waiheke Island Wine Tours, whose expert local guides will shuttle you around to three vineyards to sample several different wines.

All that wine from the vineyards of Waiheke Island will make you hungry. When it’s time to eat, book your lunch or dinner at the Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant, a gorgeous eatery with sprawling views of the vineyard and the sea. For a really special meal, book the Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant’s tasting menu, a seven-course event with wine pairings.

Of course, there’s more to do on Waiheke Island than just drink wine! Waiheke Island is also famous for its vibrant art community, beaches, forests, and olive groves. We recommend booking a culture tour, scenic flight, or hiking trip while you’re there to really see why Waiheke Island is one of the best places to go in New Zealand.

Where to stay: It’s definitely worth staying overnight on Waiheke Island, too. Choose the Delamore Lodge, one of the best-reviewed Waiheke Island hotels on Tripadvisor. The hotel also offers some great packages featuring everything from wine and food to spa treatments for couples.

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Christchurch, New Zealand

Despite being rocked by four large earthquakes between September 2010 and December 2011, Christchurch has made a true comeback. Visitors to Christchurch will see evidence of the city’s rebirth everywhere, including new buildings made out of old shipping containers and other unique materials like the Cardboard Cathedral.

Of course, many of Christchurch’s original attractions are still standing. One of the best places to visit is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a sprawling network of conservatories, walking tracks, and horticultural displays. The gardens also feature some of the largest, tallest, and oldest trees in New Zealand.

Take in the new and the old of Christchurch from above with a journey on the Christchurch Gondola. This cable car lifts you on a scenic ride to the top of Mt. Cavendish.

Where to stay: Peppers Clearwater Resort Christchurch overlooks Lake Kaikainui, offering a glimpse of the beautiful nature the rest of the region has to offer. Located under 10 minutes from Christchurch Airport, resort amenities include an 18-hole golf course, on-site bar and restaurant, and conference rooms available for large events.

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Queenstown, New Zealand

Located on the southwest side of the South Island, Queenstown has a well-deserved reputation as the adventure capital of New Zealand. During the winter and spring months (June to October), Queenstown is known for world-class skiing. Of course, there’s plenty to do in Queenstown year-round. Adventure activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, jet boating, and river rafting will let you experience the region from dizzying heights and at breathtaking speeds.

Queenstown is also home to the world’s highest cliff jump, the Shotover Canyon Swing, where you can hurl yourself off a cliff in a number of different ways—including backward or tied to a chair.

If you haven’t lost your appetite (or your lunch) on these adrenaline-pumping activities, enjoy the dining scene in Queenstown—it’s one of the best in New Zealand. As locals and tour guides alike will tell you, one of the best places to eat in Queenstown is Fergburger, which CNN says “may be the best burger joint on the planet.”

Where to stay: Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel is located on the edge of town, giving easy access to the restaurants and other shops but also letting you sleep in relative peace away from the hub of activity.

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Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, New Zealand

No list of the best places to go in New Zealand would be complete without mentioning Te Puia, the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute located in Rotorua’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. At this Maori heritage center, you can learn about the nature and rich cultural history of the valley with a Te Rā Guided Experience during the day and experience a Maori welcome ceremony and traditional song and dance performance in the evening.

The Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley is also home to a number of active geysers, including Pohutu, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere. Mud pools are another natural attraction in the geothermal valley: These boiling pools reach temperatures of more than 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where to stay: Located close to the city center and near the Whakarewarewa Forest, the Distinction Hotel Rotorua is a great jumping off point for your Rotorua vacation. Amenities include free WiFi, a heated swimming pool, on-site spa, four dining options, and a hotel bar.

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Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves, naturally illuminated by thousands of glowworms, are among the most unique places to go in New Zealand—and a visit to the caves is one experience you’ll be hard-pressed to duplicate anywhere else. You can take a boat ride through the caves to learn about the history and science behind the phenomenon.

Or, if you really want a unique adventure, try black-water rafting with The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company, which will float you on an inner tube down a subterranean stream. It will be pitch-dark (except for the glowworms), and you’ll get to do everything from jumping off waterfalls to rappelling down cave walls. Choose your own adventure when you book the tour.

There are other (non-glowworm) caves in Waitomo, too. Aranui Cave features ancient cave decorations; Ruakuri Cave has an awesome spiral entrance and unique limestone formations—and, okay, more glowworms, but in this cave, you can do a walking tour rather than a water-based excursion.

Where to stay: The Waitomo Caves Hotel is minutes from the famous glowworm caves. It offers a spa as well as cave tour reservations through its website.

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Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand

You can hike an actual glacier in New Zealand. The Franz Josef Glacier plays host to both guided walks and jaw-dropping helicopter tours. Tours offer everything from ice climbing to a more relaxed hike on the 6.8-mile-long glacier.

Won’t you be freezing on top of a giant glacier? Nope! The Franz Josef Glacier receives a lot of sunlight, and temperatures on the ice are usually only a few degrees colder than in the nearby town.

Cap off a day touring the Franz Josef Glacier with a soak in the Glacier Hot Pools. The pools are fed by the waters from the Franz Josef Glacier, and you can use one of the three warm pools or get a private pool.

Where to stay: Franz Josef is a small enough town that the precise location won’t make too much of a difference (you’ll be close to everything no matter where you are). Consider the Aspen Court Franz Josef, which has received some of the best ratings in the area.

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Aoraki Mount Cook National Park

See New Zealand’s highest mountains and longest glacier in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. There are plenty of opportunities for hiking here, no matter what your skill level. For experienced climbers, there are 23 peaks over 9,800 feet. For those looking for something a little more low-key, there are lots of walks along paved trails or boardwalks that still offer spectacular views.

Make sure you stay past sunset for a visit to the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, where light pollution is strictly controlled for amazing stargazing opportunities.

Where to stay: Located inside the national park, The Hermitage Hotel will put you close to everything you want to see and do. Splurge on a room with a view of Aoraki/Mt. Cook—it’s worth it.

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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2014. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

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Table of Contents

Click to explore the most beautiful places in each region.

1. Alberta
2. British Columbia
3. Manitoba
4. New Brunswick
5. Newfoundland and Labrador
6. Nova Scotia 
7. Ontario 
8. Prince Edward Island
9. Quebec
10. Saskatchewan
11. Northwest Territories
12. Nunavut
13. Yukon 

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Alberta 

Banff National Park     

Perhaps the most obvious place to start when discussing the most beautiful places in Canada is Banff National Park and its magnificent Lake Louise. Take the gondola up Sulphur Mountain for an incredible view of some of the world’s most dramatic mountain scenery, then explore the park’s stunning waterfalls, forests, and glacier lakes, including vibrant Lake Louise, an unlike-anywhere-else oasis in the Canadian Rockies. 

Where to stay: Elegant Mount Royal Hotel has a Banff-themed library, rooftop hot tubs, a lobby museum, and modern decor that echoes the destination.  

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Jasper National Park   

Jasper is the Canadian Rockies’ biggest national park, and it’s packed with snow-covered peaks, translucent lakes, roaring waterfalls, inspiring highways, and large populations of wildlife including moose, caribou, wolves, and grizzlies. Step out onto the kilometer-long, 918-foot-high, glass-floored Columbia Icefield Skywalk—if you dare. 

Where to stay: Airy Glacier View Lodge opened in summer 2019 and offers tours of the Athabasca Glacier, tall windows with views of icefields and steep mountains, gourmet dinners, and live musical performances every evening.  

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Abraham Lake  

When considering beautiful places to visit in Canada, don’t overlook Abraham Lake, on the Kootenay Plains’ North Saskatchewan River. Peer into its crystalline surface to see eerie methane bubble formations trapped in frozen bright blue water. These underwater oval towers of gas turn the manmade reservoir into a bucket-list destination for any Instagrammer worth his or her salt.  

Where to stay: It may be about 80 miles from Abraham Lake, but the epic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is worth the drive. This gilded resort showcases one of the prettiest places in Canada by way of lovely accommodations right on Lake Louise. Guests get to borrow bikes and canoes for a discounted rate.  

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British Columbia 

Victoria  

Victoria is British Columbia’s fairy tale-like capital—easily one of the most beautiful cities in Canada—and Butchart Gardens is the jewel in its flowery crown. Besides touring these enchanting gardens, things to do in Victoria include visiting the expansive Royal BC Museum, strolling salty Fisherman’s Wharf, and exploring idyllic Beacon Hill Park.

Where to stay: Victoria’s stately Fairmont Empress is famous for many things, its classic afternoon tea chief among them. Service and accommodations are as regal as you’d expect.  

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Vancouver Seawall 

The 17-mile Vancouver Seawall allows for one of the most exhilarating bike rides you’ll ever take. Ride (or walk) the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path for wide, glittering views of the Pacific and plenty of entry points into dynamic Stanley Park. Stop to enjoy the beaches and other fun surprises along the way. While in Vancouver, you may as well visit a couple more of the prettiest places in Canada: the immersive Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and 4,100-foot-high Grouse Mountain.

Where to stay: At the impressive Fairmont Waterfront, service is so bespoke that even your shampoo bottle is personalized with your name on it. 

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Whistler 

If you’re aiming to see the most beautiful places in Canada, you could do far worse than Whistler in winter. It’s got sheer white mountain peaks, world-class skiing and snowboarding, an inviting apres-ski village, zip-lines through snow-covered trees, and fantastic places to eat and sleep.   

Where to stay: For magical views, book Nita Lake Lodge, which has luxurious guest rooms, a spa, three restaurants, and a shuttle that takes you to the base of Whistler Mountain.  

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Glacier National Park  

Amid the massive Canadian Rockies is Canada’s own Glacier National Park and its jaw-dropping beauty. The namesake geographical features take the form of icefields, waterfalls, and brightly hued lakes, making for some of the most resplendent natural scenery on Earth.  

Where to stay: In the park, you can camp, use an RV, or book a hut or cabin. There are no hotels in Canada’s Glacier National Park, although the town of Revelstoke is nearby, and its Poppi’s Guesthouse hostel gets high marks for coziness, friendliness, and affordability.  

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Great Bear Rainforest 

Into wildlife adventures? The Great Bear Rainforest is one of the best places in Canada to see grizzly bears catching salmon in wild rivers, whales breaching, eagles soaring, and wolves roaming. In Klemtu on the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, you’ll find mossy forests, untamed fjords, and natural hot springs. As the name implies, ursines frolic everywhere, including the rare white “spirit bear.”

Where to stay: The indigenous-owned Spirit Bear Lodge offers exclusive access to wildlife-viewing areas and cultural sites within the Kitasoo Xai’xais territory. Accommodations are homey and dinners are communal.  

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Okanagan Valley

It seems like no list of beautiful places would be complete without a wine country. Okanagan Valley lies to the east of Vancouver is home to over 100 wineries, and accounts for more than 80% of the wine produced in British Columbia. Gorgeous lakes, vibrant green landscapes, and warm temperatures make for ideal scenery and climate for grape growing. Mission Hill Family Estate Winery, Covert Farms Family Estate and Silver Sage Estate Winery.  

Where to Stay: Rather than the usual hotel, Poppi’s Guesthouse is a boutique guesthouse with the coziness of a home—prepare your meals in a communal kitchen, relax on the second floor balcony, or borrow a bike to take a scenic ride along the river.  

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Yoho National Park 

The Kootenay Rockies’ Yoho National Park is named for the Cree word meaning “awe,” and it’s easy to see why—its imagery seems out of a movie. You’ll see intense blues and greens, dramatic peaks, the immense Takakkaw Falls, and gem-colored Emerald Lake, making this park one of the most beautiful places in Canada. Hiking trails and scenic drives let you take in the full force of this stunning wilderness. Don’t miss Yoho’s Burgess Shale, a paleontological jackpot containing 500-million-year-old fossils of more than 120 types of marine animals.

Where to stay: The historic, cabin-style Emerald Lake Lodge has balconies and wood-burning fireplaces right on the shores of the famous lake, amid towering mountains.  

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Manitoba 

Cape Churchill  

Cape Churchill, Manitoba, is the polar bear capital of the world. If your idea of impressive scenery involves endless stretches of ice and dozens of polar bears striding across it, head up to the Arctic to experience one of the most beautiful places in Canada. In October and November, Hudson Bay freezes over and thousands of polar bears migrate to its ice, although climate change is already taking effect. Local tour guides in tundra rovers get you up close to see the endangered white creatures.  

Where to stay: At Churchill’s Lazy Bear Lodge, accommodations are simple but comfortable. It’s a rustic log cabin with a huge stone fireplace and a location that’s walking distance from town. The lodge’s beluga whale tour is highly recommended.  

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New Brunswick 

Fundy National Park  

Fundy National Park, on the Bay of Fundy, has the world’s highest and lowest tides. This means that you can walk out onto the ocean floor during low tide, then kayak alongside landforms like the must-see Hopewell Rocks when the Atlantic refloods the bay. Elsewhere in the park, hike through the Acadian Forest to see dozens of lovely waterfalls, explore sea caves, attend festivals and outdoor concerts, or drive Fundy Trail Parkway to see some of the prettiest places in Canada.

Where to stay: Fundy National Park has three hip campgrounds, as well as Fundy Highlands Motel, which offers simple, comfortable, dog-friendly chalets right on the bay.  

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Newfoundland and Labrador

Gros Morne National Park  

The iconic image of Gros Morne National Park is Western Brook Pond, whose name makes it sound small. It’s actually a massive freshwater fjord around which dramatic cliffs plunge into a glacier-formed gorge. Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also home to the Tablelands, a geological rarity where earthquakes have forced the earth’s mantle up for all to see. There’s also Green Point—sheer cliffs full of ancient sea fossils—as well as waterfalls, dwarf forests, moose and caribou, and Gros Morne Mountain, which is among the planet’s oldest peaks.

Where to stay: Neddies Harbour Inn, a boutique property in the national park, provides unbeatable views over the Bonne Bay fjord, as well as a peaceful atmosphere and an excellent restaurant.  

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Nova Scotia 

Cabot Trail  

Nova Scotia’s 185-mile Cabot Trail loops around Cape Breton Island, making for one of North America’s most memorable drives. In addition to providing gorgeous coastal views, the highway takes you to small fishing villages, the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, golf courses, museums, galleries, and artisan boutiques. It also passes through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where moose, bears, and eagles roam, and where autumn’s vivid colors secure Cabot Trail’s spot among the prettiest places in Canada.

Where to stay: Keltic Lodge is a historic, well-appointed resort right on the Atlantic in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Amenities include in-room fireplaces, verandahs, a golf course, a heated swimming pool, and a satisfying restaurant.  

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Ontario 

Niagara Falls 

Niagara Falls isn’t just one of the most beautiful places in Canada—it’s one of the most beautiful places in the whole world. And though Americans tend to think of it as a U.S. attraction (of course), the Canadian view of the famous falls is actually even better. Come in summer to be treated to nightly fireworks over the mist.

Where to stay: The city around Niagara Falls is pretty touristy, so it’s worth the effort to drive about 13 miles north to a charming little town called Niagara-on-the-Lake and its elegant Charles Hotel, where guest rooms have fireplaces, private verandahs gaze over Lake Ontario, gardens bloom with flowers, and service is superlative.  

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CN Tower 

Those in search of Canadian urban wonders can look no further than the CN Tower, the defining feature of Toronto‘s skyline, punctuating postcards all over Ontario. The tower’s observation deck has glass floors, its 360 Restaurant rotates, and its heart-pounding EdgeWalk lets you strap in and hang off a five-foot-wide ledge more than 1,000 feet high. This iconic structure is prettiest when it illuminates after dark.

Where to stay: The Shangri-La Hotel, set in a 66-floor glass-encased skyscraper, epitomizes modern luxury with its artistic decor, high-tech amenities, and hammam-inspired spa. And it’s within easy distance of the Canadian Opera Company and the National Ballet of Canada.  

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Prince Edward County  

Prince Edward County, a detached peninsula on Lake Ontario’s north shore, is ideal for both beach lovers and oenophiles. The region’s limestone bedrock makes for great wine grapes, which is why there are more than 40 vineyards here. There are also expansive fields of sunflowers and lavender, more than a dozen breweries, hundreds of farms, and plenty of talented chefs who put all this local bounty to good use. PEC was relatively unknown until recently, when it gained something of a buzz among urbanites, artists, gourmands, and hipsters.  

Where to stay: The colorful Drake Motor Inn opened in spring 2019, full of whimsy and modernized nostalgia. Its 12 rooms are all retro-chic, and the entire property pays playful tribute to the bygone days of road travel.  

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Prince Edward Island 

Prince Edward Island National Park  

Prince Edward Island National Park is easily one of the most beautiful places in Canada, especially its windswept Greenwich section. Visitors can explore red sand beaches, wavy dunes, mystical forests, boardwalk trails, and the idyllic places that formed the setting for L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables.

Where to stay: Dalvay by the Sea, a national historic site on the north shore, was built in 1895 in Queen Anne Revival style. Its 25 rooms—each one unique—remain furnished in antiques from that ornate era.  

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Victoria-by-the-Sea  

Victoria-by-the-Sea is a storybook village full of small-town seaside charm, including a photogenic lighthouse, red sand beaches, and artisan shops and galleries. Historically known for its fishermen, it’s now more populated by artists and creatives who leave an inspired mark on their lovely municipality.  

Where to stay: The historic Orient Hotel is an inviting bed and breakfast that provides wonderful views of the water from almost every guest room. 

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Quebec 

Old Montreal  

Montreal is one of the most beautiful cities in Canada—and one of the most interesting, too, what with its amalgam of European and North American culture and engaging attractions like Olympic Park’s Biodome and Botanical Garden. The prettiest part of the city, however, is Old Montreal, founded as a French colony in 1642, with intricate architecture to match. If you ever feel like going to Europe without crossing the Atlantic, visit Old Montreal’s resplendent Notre-Dame Basilica, browse its stately Bonsecours Market, gawk at its colonial-era mansions, and watch the St. Lawrence River’s dynamic Old Port at work. 

Where to stay: The newish Four Seasons Montreal puts forth its brand’s usual level of service and comfort—which is to say, it’s an excellent place to stay. Adding to the appeal is its central location in the Golden Square Mile, its fine cuisine, and its proximity to high-end shopping at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy.  

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Quebec City  

Ask Canadians which is the most beautiful city in Canada, and most will respond the same way: Quebec City. It’s hard to overstate how magical this French-speaking town is—its fairy-tale charm pervades every cobblestone street. Quebec City, the only fortified city north of Mexico, also features colonial-era architecture, the bustling St. Lawrence River, and a rich, palpable history. It boasts four distinct seasons, each more beautiful than the next. Just outside of town, Montmorency Falls is almost 100 feet taller than any of Niagara’s three falls, making for a truly underrated natural wonder.

Where to stay: The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is the world’s most photographed hotel for good reason: Its legendary castle-on-a-hill look makes it an icon of Old Quebec. The elegance continues inside, in terms of both decor and hospitality par excellence.  

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Mont-Tremblant 

A popular ski destination, Mont-Tremblant has a European flair that, outside of Europe, you can only find in Quebec. Eighty miles northwest of Montreal, Mont-Tremblant is one of the top ski destinations in North America. There is something for everyone at Mont-Tremblant, you can shop, ski, ride a gondola, ice skate- all while taking in the glorious scenery around you. You must be sure to visit le P’tit Caribou, which is considered one of the best apres ski spots in the world. 

Where to Stay: Le Grand Lodge is a Scandinavian-style log hotel that has everything you need for the perfect vacation to enjoy the mountains: a restaurant, bar and spa for when you want to wind down, a free shuttle to the ski village, ski rentals, and more. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate daily from 4-5 after a day of skiing. 

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Saskatchewan 

Grasslands National Park  

Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Canada, but in a bit of an unexpected sense: The grandness here isn’t so much village charm or even distinctive nature attractions. It’s more the vast golden prairies, the open country, the huge skies, and the roaming herds of bison that provide their own type of wild gorgeousness. One great way to take it all in is via a brand-new scenic road called the Badlands Parkway. Perk up your Instagram feed with photos of the park’s iconic red Adirondack chairs, or scour the hoodoo spires for dinosaur fossils.

Where to stay: Sky Story Bed & Breakfast in nearby Val Marie earns high marks for its warm hospitality, delicious breakfasts, and friendly cats.  

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Northwest Territories 

Great Slave Lake  

If seeing the northern lights is on your bucket list, plan to visit Yellowknife and Great Slave Lake, in the Northwest Territories. In winter, this remote Arctic region transforms into one of the most beautiful places in Canada, thanks to its position north of the 60th parallel, placing it firmly inside the aurora oval. This, plus a flat landscape far from the ocean, makes Yellowknife one of the world’s best places to see nature’s most spectacular light show. Prepare to see deep, glowing greens and purples dominating the skies over North America’s deepest lake.  

Where to stay: Blachford Lake Lodge is an eco-conscious wilderness resort where you can see the auroras from your bed, the hot tub, or the dining room. You can also take igloo-building workshops.  

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Nunavut 

Baffin Island  

Baffin Island, above the Arctic Circle, is Canada’s largest island—it’s bigger than Great Britain. But it’s among the prettiest places in Canada because of Auyuittuq National Park, where icy fjords and glaciers dominate the landscape with their intense blues and bright whites. This surreal expanse of tundra is home to wildlife like you’ve never seen: narwhal, ringed seals, snow geese, Arctic foxes, caribou, and, yes, polar bears.  

Where to stay: The Frobisher Inn is the largest full-service business hotel in the Eastern Arctic, and is also the perfect family hotel—with two restaurants, a cafe, and a fitness center. 

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Yukon 

Whitehorse Region  

The Yukon is full of beautiful places to visit in Canada, and the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad is a thrilling way to take them in. This scenic narrow-gauge railway was built in the late 1800s for the Klondike Gold Rush. Today, it still connects Skagway, Alaska, to Whitehorse, Yukon’s capital city. The memorable ride takes passengers, many of them on shore excursions from Alaska cruises, into wide expanses of rugged scenery, over and through impossible bridges and tunnels, and past wildflower-packed meadows, waterfalls, and glaciers at a speed that allows appreciation for the sheer magnitude of it all.  

Where to stay: Northern Lights Resort & Spa, true to its name, is well positioned to see the winter aurora borealis. Book a glass chalet or a log cabin and enjoy this much-loved B&B’s saunas, warm hospitality, and highly personalized service.  

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When you’re ready to start packing, download our editable Essential Caribbean Packing Checklist.

What to Pack for the Caribbean: The Suitcase

If you’re staying put on one beach resort or island, I recommend traveling with a hard-sided spinner, like the 20-inch Samsonite Omni PC. However, if you have multiple transfers or will be on a boat for part of your journey, I’d recommend a water-resistant hybrid bag, like Helly Hansen’s Duffel.

What to Pack for the Caribbean: The Personal Item

For my trip to the Caribbean, I brought my Dagne Dover carry-all tote as my personal item. I knew I’d need some extra space for my electronics and spare clothing items, so I opted for a bag that would give me some extra space.

What to Pack for the Caribbean: In-Flight Essentials

• Headphones: For backseat entertainment. Most direct flights to the Caribbean average around four hours, so you have plenty of time to watch a few movies.
• Collapsible water bottle: This model from Hydaway saves packing space when not in use. Depending on the island you’re visiting, you may be able to drink the tap water, too.
• Tablet: This comes in handy for work and/or reading.

What to Pack for the Caribbean: Shoes

• Casual slip-ons or sneakers: This pair from Rockport was great for travel days, casual dinners, and walking around town.
• Water shoes: You’ll want water shoes for water activities in the Caribbean.
• Flip-flops: For the beach and walking around resorts.
• Stylish sandals or heels: If you’re planning on going out or to fancier restaurants, bring along a pair of low heels or sandals.

What to Pack for the Caribbean: Clothing

• Shorts: Pack a few pairs of both casual shorts (jean or chinos) as well as athletic shorts for any hikes or water activities.
• Quick-dry layering tops: Bring a few pairs of a tank and/or short sleeve style for excursions.
• Lightweight sweater: I packed one lightweight sweater for travel days and to cover up when needed.
• Swimsuits and cover-up: Mandatory beachwear.
• Maxi dress or long skirt: For night’s out and dinners. For men, bring one pair of chino pants if you’re going to a resort or more formal restaurant.
• Lightweight shawl: I always travel with a neutral-covered shawl that can double as a scarf, travel blanket, or cover-up.

What to Pack for the Caribbean: Toiletries

• O.T.C medication: I always travel with anti-histamines, anti-acid, and a pain reliever.
• Basic toiletries: Depending on your accommodations, you may want to bring travel-size versions of your essentials.
• Bug spray and anti-itch cream: Mosquitos are common in the Caribbean, with some areas at risk for Zika, so you’ll want heavy-duty spray and relief.
• Sunscreen and aloe: Always travel with a natural and reef-friendly sunscreen. In case of burns, pack aloe or aftersun cream.
• Lotion wipes: I like traveling with one pack of these to cool down during the day and for a quick refresh after a day at the beach.
• Facial hydration mist: My go-to during hot days in the sun.
• Lip balm with SPF: During the mountain summit, you’ll definitely want this handy.
• Reusable plastic storage bags: These are great for wet swimsuits, dirty laundry, extra toiletries, or to double as a dry bag for your phone.

What to Pack for the Caribbean: Gadgets

• Backup phone charger: If you’re going to take a lot of photos and videos on your phone that will drain your battery, bring a backup charger.
• Fitness tracker or waterproof watch: So you don’t have to rely on your phone for the time when you’re swimming at the pool or beach.
• Adapter: If you’re going to a non-U.S. island you may need an adapter. Check with your accommodations beforehand if you’re unsure. Travel with an adapter that also has USB ports for multi-use charging.

What to Pack for the Caribbean: Accessories

• Sun hat: A brimmed hat is a good idea for sun protection.
• Collapsible tote bag: Pack a simple style that can double as a market tote, beach bag, or to hold your camera bag.
• Sunglasses: Pack a sportier and affordable pair in case something happens to them.
• Cross-body bag: For nights out or day tours.

What to Pack for the Caribbean (That I Didn’t)

• Books or card games: You’ll want some form of entertainment, whether it be a hard copy of the book you’re reading or playing cards for downtime at the beach.
• Snorkel gear: If you have your own snorkel gear, weigh your options of renting vs. bringing. Gear is readily available to rent, but if you want your own fins and mask and will be enjoying the water almost every day, you may want to bring your own.
• Dry bag or phone protector: You’ll definitely want this if you’re at the beach or on boats and island hopping. I used plastic baggies, but wish I had brought a dry bag.
• Travel insurance: If you’re traveling during hurricane season, purchasing travel insurance with a TCI-clause is advised.

What Not to Pack for the Caribbean

• Warm clothes: The beauty of the Caribbean is that it’s warm year round. You won’t need warm clothing or rain gear unless you’re traveling during hurricane season.

Download Our Editable Packing Checklist

Everything you need to pack for your Caribbean vacation in one editable checklist.

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The post What to Pack for the Caribbean: 35 Essentials appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Looking for a cheap cruise? Find the best deals at Avoya Travel.

What to Pack for a Cruise

According to Cruise Critic: “As you may not have access to your cabin for a few hours after boarding and your luggage can show up anytime throughout the afternoon and evening … the items in your carry-on might be the only possessions you have on your first day onboard.”

Having a change of clothes and a few day-to-day necessities in your carry-on can also be a lifesaver in the case of lost or delayed luggage. If you find yourself with no idea where your bags are or waiting to have them shipped to your next port of call, you’ll be glad to have a few extra items on hand to hold you over.

What to Pack for a Cruise: At Sea

Once upon a time, almost all cruise ships were pretty dressy, including some events calling for full formal wear. Now only a few upmarket ships still require a bit of fussing, but most of the mass-market ships, like those in the Royal Caribbean and Princess stables, are about as casual as you like. In any event, as long as you’re not out on deck, you’ll be in a comfortably air-conditioned space virtually all the time.

The first job of your cruise packing list is to determine just where on the formal-casual scale you want or have to be in, or if you want to prepare for both ends of the scale. Luckily, business casual attire (pantsuits, maxi dresses, khaki pants, and button-up shirts tend to fair just fine these days). And for those cruise lines that do have more formal nights, there are typically still buffet options for meals if you want to avoid fancier dress.

Then, decide how you want to play your wardrobe. I pack the minimum I’ll need to comply with the lowest degree of dressiness required. On the other hand, other couples I know are fully engaged with dress: The wife doesn’t want to be seen in the same outfit at dinner on any two different days, and the husband even packs his tux for the “Captain’s Dinner” event. But that’s not how everyone travels. Ultimately, it’s your call what’s most comfortable for you to wear on vacation, and therefore to pack.

Do you need to pack for the full cruise, or can you have your clothes washed or dry cleaned during your sailing? Although most big ships provide some kind of service, the specific answer to that question varies wildly among different ships: Some charge for laundry the way hotels do, some set a fixed price for a laundry bag full, some sell laundry packages prior to sailing, and a few offer self-service washers and dryers.

But no matter how you do it, you’ll definitely pay more for doing laundry while cruising than you pay at home. In general, large ships offer more options than small ones, and 200-passenger river cruises may provide only limited services. Again, check what your cruise ship offers before you decide how much you need to pack. Beyond the basic daily wear, pack whatever special recreational wear and accessories you’ll need. Even if you never leave the ship, you will probably want swimwear, and possibly some other specialized clothing and equipment as well.

What to Pack for a Cruise: In Port

The situation here is obvious: You need to pack for the climate in your cruise destination—and, for most people, being active in each port. You’ll be walking around during shore excursions, and many call for specialized equipment. That means you need to pack comfortable walking shoes and clothing on your cruise, even if you won’t need them on the ship itself. Make sure you pack appropriately for any off-shore excursions.

As to how heavy/light to travel, the Caribbean is hot and steamy pretty much all the time, and the Mediterranean in summer can come close. But weather in other popular areas such as Alaska, New England, and inland European rivers is a bit more variable. Your best bet is to check the weather forecasts just before you pack for your cruise, and always be prepared for rain. For Europe and Bermuda, you should more resort-causal clothing (fair warning: Golf courses in Bermuda have strict dress codes). Some other cruise itineraries that are more casual than the norm include Hawaii, the Mexican Riviera, the Caribbean, and French Polynesia.

What to Pack for a Cruise: Everything Else

Travelers sometimes forget that they don’t need to pack a full closet full of personal-care products and accessories in their travel toiletry kit. You can buy toothpaste, batteries, and tissues in most places around the world—and also on the cruise ship, albeit at stiff prices. Ships vary in what toiletries they offer onboard.

The latest packing challenge is with gadgets. I, for one, would have withdrawal symptoms if I couldn’t get online every day, so I would select a cruise ship with the latest internet connectivity and pack my laptop. On the other hand, if you want to get away from it all, a cruise ship is the ideal place—and you don’t have to pack any devices, converters, and such. Don’t forget your camera, and a travel extension cord can also come in handy.

Alcohol policies vary by ship (so do your research with your cruise line directly), but you may find it useful to pack a champagne corker or bottle opener.

When packing for your pre- and post-cruise flights, figure out what goes in your carry-on and what gets checked. If you’re big on collecting souvenirs and buying local handicrafts, leave room in your suitcase for what you bring home. You don’t want to get hit with paying for another checked bag or hauling both your regular carry-on and a shopping bag of loot on your flight home.

My most essential recommendation for what to bring on a cruise: Don’t get obsessive about it. Do your best and plan to cope with whatever problems you encounter along the way.

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Need a place to stay the night before you set sail? Search SmarterTravel Hotels for great accommodations in your port of call.

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Download Our Cruise Packing List Before You Set Sail

Click on the below image to edit and download the SmarterTravel cruise packing list:

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2016 by SmarterTravel’s Ed Perkins. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

Consumer advocate Ed Perkins has been writing about travel for more than three decades. The founding editor of the Consumer Reports Travel Letter, he continues to inform travelers and fight consumer abuses every day at SmarterTravel.

The post The Ultimate Cruise Packing List: What to Pack for a Cruise appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Editor’s Note: The airfares, hotel rates, and vacation package prices in this story are sample prices only, and may vary depending on your specific travel dates.

The Dominican Republic

The beaches of the Dominican Republic are as beautiful—and as safe—as any in the Caribbean, and round-trip flights to the island can cost as little as $250 from New York or Miami.

Choice Hotels’ Ascend collection includes two all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic with incredibly low nightly rates: Travel during the off seasons—spring and fall—and you can nab a stay at Emotions by Hodelpa Juan Dolio for as little as $65 per person per night, or at Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata from $54 per person per night.

Both are beachfront properties with a variety of all-you-can-eat restaurants, as well as outdoor pools, in-room fridges, microwaves, an on-site fitness center, and a location that’s within easy distance from the airport and major attractions. Members of the Choice Privileges Rewards Program also earn points by staying at either resort.

Pick the right dates, book a few nights, and do the math, and you’ll have gotten yourself a Caribbean vacation that includes airfare, hotel, food, and beverages (yes, even the alcoholic kind) for under $500.

Jamaica

Round-trip flights from Florida to Montego Bay can cost as little as $200, and room rates at the beachfront Royal Decameron, an all-inclusive property on Montego Bay’s lively strip, can dip as low as $90 per night per person for travelers willing to travel in the off-season, between mid-April and mid-December.

The Royal Decameron is within easy walking distance of the city’s best hot spots, shops, and restaurants, though all your food is already taken care of on-site. To stick to your budget, you can also stick to admission-free attractions in Jamaica—including Negril Cliffs and Castleton Gardens—and use local buses and taxis instead of renting a car.

Puerto Rico

You can often find round-trip flights from Miami to San Juan for around $100, and flights from other parts of the east coast are usually under $200 thanks to budget airlines like Spirit that fly there. 

Vacation rentals are the most affordable route as far as accommodations go, and you can find several cheap options that are right on the beach – like this studio in the  Condado Lagoon Villas that costs just $67 per person a night. Companies like CampoMar Van let you rent a camper to explore more of the island, at about $90 per person per night- giving you not only the accommodations for your stay but transportation as well. Park it near the beach for a beachfront property! 

Oahu, Hawaii

Budget airlines like Southwest and Alaskan have made trips to Hawaii affordable. Several times a year, these airlines have sales that bring flights to Hawaii down to less than $300.  (Airfare sites such as Airfarewatchdog, SmarterTravel’s sister site, will alert you when fares drop.)

If you’re lucky enough to snag one of these low fares to Honolulu—or if you’re the lucky owner of a Southwest Companion Pass, which is actually fairly easy to get if you keep an eye out for associated credit card offers—Oahu has worthwhile low-budget lodgings that could help keep your tropical vacation total under $500, including the Coconut Waikiki Hotel, where rates start from just over $50 per person per night. Another option is the Shoreline Hotel Waikiki, where rates start around $65 per person per night.

Once you’re there, Honolulu doesn’t have to be expensive, since the city has plenty of cheap street food and affordable restaurants—Moose McGillycuddy’s is a favorite for low-cost breakfasts—and bus transportation is easy and much less expensive than renting a car. Plus, many of Oahu’s most worthwhile attractions are free, including hiking up Diamond Head, paying tribute at Pearl Harbor’s USS Arizona, and sunbathing on Waikiki Beach.

The Bahamas

It’s always a good time to cruise to the Bahamas. And if you’re setting sail from Florida, you can, without too much effort, find a four-night cruise for about the cost of a single hotel night in any major American city.

A quick Expedia search brings up plenty of three- and four-night sailings from Florida that start under $300 per person, while Cruises.com offers a similar list. Cruise prices typically include all the food you can eat, live entertainment, and calls at ports such as Nassau, Freeport, and, often, private islands belonging to that cruise line. We even found an 8-day cruise departing from Baltimore, Maryland going to the Bahamas for $411 per person! 

US Virgin Islands

Believe it or not, the US Virgin Islands can be affordable! Thanks to budget airline Spirit, you can fly to St. Thomas for under $200 from Fort Lauderdale. 

With about $300 left in your budget, you’ll be able to stay at Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas for about four nights with rates averaging about $70 per person each night. The hotel is right on the water and features a pool and restaurant. 

If you can’t leave from Florida, a quick search on Expedia’s vacation packages search shows packages including airfare and hotel for under $500 from New York City, Atlanta, and more. 

Florida

Americans looking to keep their tropical vacations under $500 don’t actually have to leave the contiguous part of their continent to laze on the beach while shaded by palm trees. Orbitz’s list of vacation package deals under $499 usually offers some worthwhile all-inclusive deals to Orlando. Likewise, Travelocity has a dedicated Flight + Hotel Deals Under $400 page that includes various packages to Miami and Orlando, with stays at properties like the Hilton Orlando and the Westgate South Beach Oceanfront Resort.

If you’d rather book airfare and lodging separately, check out Expedia’s round-trip fares to Orlando for less than $100. Couple that with affordable lodgings, like the family-friendly Grove Resort Orlando—around $160 per night for a four-person suite—and you’ve got yourself a memorable tropical trip with the kids that won’t break the bank.

Budget travelers could also opt for a Panama City Beach vacation, to enjoy that destination’s perpetual sunshine, Southern charm, and 27 miles of white sand beaches. Average round-trip airfare into Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport from Atlanta costs $218 per person. And rates at the condo-style Origin at Seahaven, across the street from the beach, can drop as low as $99 per night, making a two-night getaway here cost less than $500.

Tips for Finding All-Inclusive Vacations with Airfare Under $500

Wherever you choose to book your affordable tropical vacation, one key strategy to keeping it under $500 is to understand what average prices look like for where you want to go—and to be ready to buy the minute you see fares that are listed well below that.

“If you’ve been watching for a good fare and you find one, don’t hesitate,” says Jeff Klee, the CEO of CheapAir. “When you go away for a few days or hours to consult with friends, or just continue to shop around, you may be surprised to find that the fare has disappeared while you mulled it over.”

One other tip for keeping vacations under $500, from Klee: “Flexibility is your friend. Unless your trip is for an event tied to a specific set of dates, often just shifting your search dates by a few days can offer big savings. Remember that mid-week flights—Tuesdays and Wednesdays—are usually a much better value than those on the weekend.”

The post 7 Tropical Vacations Under $500, Including Airfare and Hotel appeared first on SmarterTravel.

HyperGo Body Wipes

After a long day at the beach, you’ll have sand, salt, and sweat on your body. Quickly refresh before heading back to your car—or the closest bar—with HyperGo Full Body Wipe. These biodegradable, hypoallergenic wipes come in a variety of sizes—and they don’t leave a sticky residue. Bonus: The wipes are alcohol-free and also have a moisturizing component.

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ALVABABY Waterproof Wet Bag

These water-resistant pouches by ALVABABY are amazingly multi-functional—marketed as a convenient diaper bag for cloth diapers, you can also use them for a wet swimsuit, to separate dirty items from the rest of your beach bag, or to protect your phone or any other valuables from water and sand.

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Sun Bum Texturizing Sea Salt Spray

Throw this sea salt spray into your beach bag to maintain those windswept waves before and after you hit the beach. It will complement your artfully tousled hair and protect your locks from damaging UV rays so your hair won’t dry out. I recommend using it on damp hair and reapplying after swimming.

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Icy Cool TSA Approved Neoprene Caddy

Keep those beach bag essentials that you don’t want to be exposed to the sun shaded and cool with these bags. Whether it’s your phone, a snack, medications, or toiletry items, these pouches are a great alternative to a cooler. Simply freeze the inserts and place them in the lining of the bag.

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Vitrix Kitchenware Bottle Caps

Throw this bottle stopper in your beach bag so you can close and save your drink on the beach. Each bottle stopper comes in a different color, so you know whose bottle is whose. The stopper fits on bottles like beer, wine, water, juice, or sports drinks, and is a must-have for serious beach days.

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Takeya Actives Water Bottle

Stay hydrated at the beach with a Takeya water bottle. These babies will stay cold for 24 hours, and come in sizes as large as 40 ounces. Whether it’s water or something stronger that you want to keep discretely chilled, this bottle will be one less thing to pack in a cooler.

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Beach Sandy Sand Remover 

This miraculous brush set removes sand from your body and belongings after a long day at the beach. It wicks away any excess moisture and sand so you won’t track anything back to your car or house. The lightweight beechwood brushes come in a portable microfiber towel bag.

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Dock & Bay Towel Microfiber Towel

Dock & Bay makes roomy quick-dry towels that are easy to transport and perfect for the beach. The extra-large size is great for more than one person to use, and the lightweight material makes it easy to shake any excess sand off.

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Blue Lizard Sport Sunscreen

Obviously sunscreen and sun protection are beach bag essentials, but I especially love Blue Lizard Sport for its environmentally friendly formula. The formula is also mineral-based and paraben-free. This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen also packs up to 80 minutes of water resistance.

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INSMY Portable Bluetooth Speakers

This portable speaker is perfect for the beach: It can float and has a long-lasting battery of up to twenty-four hours for days spent relaxing on the sand. Amazon reviewers love the sound quality, and the speaker doesn’t take up too much room in your bag.

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Beach Reads 

Nothing beats relaxing on the sand with a good book or magazine. Whether it’s a new, juicy novel or your favorite classic, a book is always one of my top beach bag essentials.

I’m currently reading Book Lovers by Emily Henry, and highly recommend it as a beach read this summer. Check out some of our readers’ choices for top beach reads on Amazon.

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GoPro HERO11 Waterproof Underwater Camera

If you don’t trust a waterproof case to fully protect your smartphone against the waves, the GoPro HERO11 is the perfect solution. This powerhouse camera can capture 5.3K video (that’s 91% higher resolution than 4k!), high-resolution images, and offers slo-mo playback. At almost $500, this camera is certainly an investment. If you’d rather leave the high-tech gear to the photography enthusiasts, this waterproof digital camera from YISENCE will capture your beach memories perfectly in up to 10 feet of water and at a price point below $100.

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Wallaroo Hat Company Crushable Hats

For more beach bag essentials that will protect you from the sun, you’ll want a stylish hat for the beach. The Wallaroo Hat Company makes crushable hats for men, women, and kids, plus the fabric is UPF 50+ protective. The Catalina Cowboy Hat in particular is great for its style, lightweight material, and easy reshaping.

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REKS Unbreakable Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a must-have item at the beach, and REKS Unbreakables are one of the ultimate beach bag essentials because they won’t break or scratch, and still have UV 400 protective lenses. Available in a variety of styles for both men and women, just add on floating croakies and you’ll never lose or damage your sunglasses at the beach again.

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Zesica Beach Cover Up

A cover-up is a classic, but often one of the more neglected beach bag essentials. I love this light and airy dress from Zesica because it’s more like a blanket, and you can adjust it to cover only the areas you don’t want to be exposed to the sun.

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All of the products featured in this story were hand-selected by our travel editors. Some of the links featured in this story are affiliate links, and SmarterTravel may collect a commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

The post 15 Beach Bag Essentials You Need for Summer appeared first on SmarterTravel.

The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

Just because you’re on an island doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in the same luxuries you would find at hotels back on the mainland. Take The St. Regis Bora Bora, for instance, where you’re catered to around the clock by the brand’s signature butler service, as well as by pool attendants, who will happily whisk smoothies (or something stronger) straight to your chaise. Celeb chef Jean-Georges is behind the menu at Asian-fusion eatery The Lagoon, where you can watch a show of sharks swimming beneath the glass-paneled restaurant floor. The resort stretches across three “motus,” or islands, with jagged Mount Otemanu rising as a beacon in the distance, and the sparkling turquoise water is on full display from the transparent floors of the overwater villas—the largest in the South Pacific.

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Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Most of the hundred-plus bungalows at Four Seasons Bora Bora stand proudly on stilts over the lagoon (and the few that don’t make up for it in size). Modeled after a traditional Polynesian village, the design—dreamt up by a local architect, with the help of Paris- and San Francisco-based design firms—plays on the natural beauty of the lagoon with an indoor-outdoor concept. Think mother of pearl-accented light fixtures (a nod to Tahiti’s infamous black pearls), tattoo- patterned pillows, and sleek teak furnishings. Named No. 1 in French Polynesia in TripAdvisor’s 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards, the Four Seasons Bora Bora is the quintessential vision of Tahiti: plunge pools and private ladders leading straight from water bungalows down to the tropical fish-filled lagoon—plus lavish spa treatments like a tailored-for-you massage experience.

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InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

When deciding between InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa’s 84 overwater villas, the main choice you’ll have to make is the view: lagoon, beach or mountains? Traditional architectural touches (bamboo, carved mother of pearl, weavings) remind you you’re in French Polynesia, but the state-of-the-art in-room technology feels as cosmopolitan as New York. A glass-bottomed coffee table doubles as a porthole to the al fresco aquarium below, and sundecks feature outdoor freshwater showers perfect for cooling off in between sunbathing and dips in the lagoon. You can also soak up the views while soaking in your private plunge pool. Another reason to book a stay here: the thalassotherapy center, the first seawater therapy spa in the region that weaves nutrients extracted from the depths of the South Pacific into its ancient Polynesian rituals (performed in glass-bottom treatment rooms, of course). The InterContinental is also home to four new satellite suites with the largest private plunge pools in French Polynesia courtesy of Tahiti’s most exclusive resort—The Brando.

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Conrad Bora Bora Nui

The majority of the high-end resorts in Bora Bora sit on the opposite side of the lagoon, so you won’t have to worry about sharing space—or views. Set on its own private atoll, across from Bora Bora on the southwest end of Motu To’opua, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui offers the largest stretch of sand in the area (spanning nearly half a mile), plus some of Tahiti’s best coral reefs—so snorkeling here is top-notch. Lounge on the pool deck of your overwater private bungalow on a hammock suspended over the sea—or in the sauna if you’ve opted for the presidential villa. Sporting the only two-story, overwater villas in French Polynesia, rooms here feature butler service, three terraces, an infinity pool overlooking the horizon, and a bar area, so you don’t have to go too far to find refreshments for sunset.

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Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts

French Polynesia is home to six archipelagos, but one of the lesser known (and less crowded) is Tuamotu, 220 miles north of Tahiti. White- and pink-sand islands dot the 177-square-mile lagoon surrounding the Tikehau atoll (population 500), an hour’s flight from Tahiti’s capital. You won’t find modern luxuries at Le Tikehau by Pearl Resorts (sorry, no air-conditioning). But the cool, marine breeze and views of the crystal-clear lagoons make up for it. With only 24 overwater suites and bungalows (which span over 1,000 square feet), you’ll practically have the lagoon all to yourself. If you really want privacy, go for the premium bungalows at the far end of the pontoon, which feature chaise lounges, glass floors, and easy access to the lagoon below.

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Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

Why choose between sunrise or sunset views when you can have both? That’s the luxury of a stay in one of Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa’s overwater bungalows, which dot the two bays bordering the island of Moorea. The W-shaped string of bungalows offers picture-perfect views of both the lagoon and mountain-lined island, and while the style is still very much classic French Polynesian in design, inside is the complete opposite. Marble-clad bathrooms sport rain showers, claw-foot tubs, and flat-screen TVs loaded with films. The best show is right below your feet, though, thanks to the glass-floor viewing panel.

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Honolulu Resorts Right On the Beach

For stays with spectacular views, endless options for water sports, and morning walks on soft white sand, here are 20 options for gorgeous Honolulu resorts right on the beach or just a quick trip away.

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The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort

Honolulu’s iconic pink palace, The Royal Hawaiian not only enjoys a prime position right on the beach in Waikiki, but also has a rich history to go with it. A place of celebration for King Kamehameha I when he conquered Oahu, its Coconut Grove garden is also the former site of Queen Kaahumanu’s Summer Palace. With gorgeous, distinctive Spanish Moorish architecture, this landmark 528-room property boasts 18 oceanfront suites, a full-service spa, three restaurants, and a bakery. A stay at this Honolulu beach resort puts you right in the heart of all the Waikiki action, with endless photo ops for that perfect Instagram moment.

Amenities: Direct beach access, swimming pool, fresh flower lei on arrival, Italian brand-name Frette bathrobes, free Wi-Fi, turndown service, Malie organic toiletries, in-room tea, and Kona coffee.

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Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach

Built in 1901, the Moana Surfrider, located right on Waikiki’s famous white sand beach, is the grand dame of Honolulu beach resorts. Known as the “The First Lady of Waikiki,” this landmark Victorian hotel has been synonymous with luxurious Waikiki stays for more than a century. Completely refurbished in 2014, the 793-room property has 36 oceanfront balcony suites, a 18,000-square-foot oceanfront spa, a wedding chapel, a freshwater pool, and dreamy Heavenly beds. Nightly live entertainment, performed underneath tea lights strung across the property’s 100-plus-year-old banyan tree, is an attraction unto itself.

Amenities: Beach bar, workout facility, free Wi-Fi, 32-inch LCD flat-screen TV, robe and slippers, mini refrigerator, and 24-hour laundry service. 

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Halekulani

The epitome of luxury Honolulu beach resorts, Halekulani (which means “house befitting heaven”) occupies five acres of prime oceanfront real estate right in the heart of Waikiki. With spacious rooms decorated in the hotel’s calming, signature seven shades of white, the hotel is an oasis of island refinement within Waikiki’s generally bustling domain. Renowned for exemplary features like its three restaurants and two cocktail lounges, as well as its iconic heated pool made with an orchid-shaped mosaic of 1.2 million pieces of glass tiles on its floor, it doesn’t get any better than the Halekulani.

Amenities: Marble vanities, soaking tubs, premium toiletries, plush bathrobe and slippers, balcony, free Wi-Fi, on-site laundry facility, florist, complimentary fitness center with free fitness classes, and complimentary admission to local museums. 

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Kahala Hotel & Resort

Set away from the main Waikiki drag in the affluent Kahala community, the Kahala Resort is one of the most prestigious Honolulu beach resorts. With its own secluded beach and a lagoon where guests can swim with the dolphins, this resort provides luxury oceanfront accommodation with appeal for families and couples alike. The spacious rooms feature a private balcony with incredible views of the ocean and Diamond Head. Bathrooms feature large, sunken tubs, magic toilets and separate showers. Guests also receive free access to the fitness center, steam room, and sauna, with free shuttle service to nearby attractions.

Amenities: Bathrobe and slippers, luxury toiletries, free Wi-Fi, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, iHome clock radios, refrigerated mini bar, bedside USB charging stations, free access to the fitness center, nightly turndown service, daily newspaper, tea & coffee in lobby, and 24-hour business center.

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Sheraton Waikiki

A sprawling 31-story Honolulu resort occupying prime real estate on Waikiki Beach, the 1,636-room, fully renovated Sheraton Waikiki is a veritable beachfront playground for families and couples alike. Contemporary furnishings and comfortable rooms aside, the main draw at this resort are the pools. Kid-friendly Helumoa Playground features two large freshwater pools, two whirlpool Jacuzzis and a waterslide.

For adults, the clincher is the gorgeous, adults-only infinity pool, a spectacular vantage point from which to watch the sunset. A spa, gym, and free internet in public spaces, not to mention a mini on-site shopping mall and several restaurants, round out the package.

Amenities: Beach access, club level, kids’ activities, spa, fitness facility, and cultural activities such as lei making and hula lessons.

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Kaimana Beach Hotel

A recently completed, seven-year, multimillion-dollar renovation makes this Honolulu beach resort one of the best value properties in Waikiki. Located on the Eastern edge of Waikiki, this 122-room Honolulu beach resort is fronted by the very swimmable Sans Souci beach. A mid-range hotel that’s perfect for families, the contemporary rooms are light, bright, and feature balconies with incredible views of the ocean and Diamond Head. Though there is no pool, the resort’s Hau Tree Lanai Restaurant is excellent. And since it’s walking distance from Kapiolani Park, Honolulu Zoo, and the Aquarium, there’s plenty to see and do.

Amenities: Beachfront, free Wi-Fi, HDTV with cable, private balconies, daily housekeeping service, full-service spa, and onsite coffee shop.

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Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort

Stepping out the back door of this beach resort puts you directly onto Waikiki Beach’s famous soft, white sand. A lively, bustling Honolulu beach resort with easy access to surf lessons and all manner of water sports, this is one of those places where everything is designed to make you not need to leave the property. In addition to a spa, swimming pool, and Hawaiian cultural activities on-property, this resort is also home to Duke’s Waikiki, one of Honolulu’s best restaurants for drinking mai tais barefoot while watching the sunset.

Amenities: 24-hour fitness center, laundry facility, self-service business center, free Wi-Fi, Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony, on-site retail shops, and restaurants.

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Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort

With more than 90 retail shops, 20 bars and restaurants, five swimming pools, a spa, as well as a Friday night Starlight Luau and fireworks show, “village” is an apt description for this massive 3,386-room Honolulu beach resort. Perfect for families with children where convenience is key, there’s something here for everyone: waterslides, a koi pond, a fitness center, Hawaiian cultural activities, live music, and more. The best part, of course, is that it’s right on the beach. And, it has its own saltwater lagoon for paddle-boarding.

Amenities: Mobility accessible room options, children’s activities, water sports, live shows and entertainment, an outdoor luau, and on-site convenience store, and Ali’i, a boutique tower with upgraded amenities and privileges within the resort.

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Outrigger Reef Waikiki Beach Resort

Situated on the quieter end of Waikiki Beach, this family-friendly Honolulu beach resort checks all the boxes. The location is excellent. You’re right on the beach. There’s a pool with three Jacuzzis and Honolulu’s best shopping and tons of restaurants are within a block of the hotel. Most rooms feature balconies with spectacular ocean views. Though the rooms could use an upgrade in terms of decor, the onsite activities (which include free hula and ukulele lessons, as well as access to activities like snorkeling, hiking, and helicopter tours) make for a memorable stay.

Amenities: Valet parking, private poolside cabanas, event space, free Wi-Fi, Outrigger Waikiki Connection Trolley (included with resort fee), Hawaiian vow renewal ceremony, spa, and on-site retail shops and restaurants.

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Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

Alohilani (previously known as the Pacific Beach Hotel) offers chic, spa-like rooms, each with its own private balcony and expansive views of the ocean and/or Diamond Head. Across the Kalakauha street from the Kuhio beach section of Waikiki, a main feature of the hotel is the 280,000 gallon Oceanarium. But it also comes with other creature comforts, including a full-service spa, a saltwater infinity pool, a Kid’s club and kiddie pool, and a fitness center complete with tennis courts and yoga classes. Foodies will also love the two restaurants— one casual, one fine dining—by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. Bonus: Alohilani Resort is powered by 100% renewable electricity, and has pledged to plant 100,000 indigenous trees with the Hawaii Legacy Reforestation Initiative. So don’t be surprised when you see a $5 “tree fee” on your bill.

Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, a private lanai, free Wi-Fi, refrigerators, 50- or 55-inch HD flat-screen TVs, in-room safe, a gym facility with locker room, tennis courts and group fitness, and eco-friendly water bottles.  

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Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village

Part of Hawaii’s largest self-contained beachfront resort, Hilton Grand Vacations Suites at Hilton Hawaiian Village is the perfect spot for your Honolulu vacation. There is so much to do and see within the resort that you will have no reason to leave while staying there. Try your hand at scuba diving, take a hula dancing class, or learn how to play the ukulele—all within the resort grounds! 

Amenities: Kitchenettes, full kitchens, four pools, paddle boarding, twenty restaurants, weekly fireworks, fitness center, spa, yoga, hula dancing, and ukulele lessons.

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Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa Waikiki 

Not only does the Hyatt Regency Waikiki house some of the biggest hotel rooms in Waikiki, but every room features a private lanai to sit on and enjoy the views of Honolulu. Choose from a variety of suites and guestrooms, all with stunning scenery from the windows. You’ll have plenty to do, from shopping, dining by the ocean, or getting a treatment like the Champagne Body Scrub or a massage at the spa. 

Amenities: Fitness center, restaurants, shopping, pools with cabanas, pet-friendly, spa, weekday classes in lei making, ukulele, and hula, beach chairs and towels. 

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Prince Waikiki

Immerse yourself in luxury when you stay at Prince Waikiki. Relax on their signature pool deck before taking a dip in the adults-only infinity pool. You can take in the artwork throughout the resort, commissioned and created specifically to “perpetuate the history and story” of the location in a “sophisticated and authentic” way. Participate in one of the many activities offered at the resort, including their Cocokealohi Workshop, where you will make your very own pāpale nui—a hand woven coconut palm hat. Choose from a variety of rooms and suites to cater to your needs during your stay. 

Amenities: Fitness center, library, pet-friendly, resort shops, Biki Bike and Go X Scooter use, Sheer and blackout remote control blinds, children 5 and under eat free, spa, golf, four restaurants. 

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The Twin Fin

Steps away from the beach, The Twin Fin is located across from Kuhio Beach Park, which features a calmer, relaxing reef on one side and a wavier oceanside for surfers on the other. The modern accommodations feature suites and regular rooms to fit whatever needs you have. Have breakfast while enjoying 180 degree panoramic ocean views at the Coconut Club, located on the 21st Floor. During your stay, earn Beach Candy credits, which can be used towards beach rentals including umbrellas, surfboards, paddleboards, and more. 

Amenities: Beach rentals, reef safe sunscreen, fitness center, five on-site restaurants, complimentary reusable water bottles, and pool.

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Modern Honolulu 

Located at the gateway to Waikiki Beach, the Modern Honolulu has all you need for the perfect Honolulu getaway. During your stay, if you spend $125 in food and beverage, you will get an all-day cabana for free. Your stay at the Modern will feel truly unique, as all of the furnishings and designings of the hotel are custom and unique—they use no stock furnishings. The hotel was named winner of the American Resort Development Association Award for Best Resort Interior Design in 2021.

Amenities: Pool, fitness center, on-site restaurants, and spa. 

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Hyatt Centric

Relax with gorgeous views atop the Rooftop Splash lounge with private cabanas on the 8th floor of the Hyatt Centric, or enjoy the evening around the firepit—no matter how you choose to spend time outside, you will feel taken care of during your stay. Participate in morning yoga, lei making, or get a bite to eat at one of the hotel’s three restaurants. For extra space during your stay, choose from one of the thirty-three suites, which include a separate sitting area for some extra space during your stay. 

Amenities: Fitness center, splash lounge, cabanas, on-site restaurants, business center, and pet-friendly. 

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The Laylow

Your comfort is at the forefront during your stay at The Laylow, where “midcentury modern style meets present-day Hawaiian charm.” Spend the day lounging by the saltwater pool, or cozy up by the fire pit on a lanai in the garden— whatever you choose, you are sure to not regret “laying low” during your time at this Marriott Autograph Collection hotel. Enjoy live music without stepping foot outside of the hotel grounds. On days you feel like leaving, there is plenty to do in the surrounding area, from beaches, and tours, to shopping at the international marketplace with your special discount booklet you can obtain by showing your hotel key at the customer service kiosk. 

Amenities:  E Komo Mai Basket upon arrival, nightly live entertainment, cruiser bicycles, fitness center, pool, on-site restaurants. 

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Queen Kapiolani Hotel

Just a ten minute walk away from Waikiki Beach, this 315-room, 19-story hotel offers guestrooms and suites with ocean and city views. Guests are welcome to unwind on the third floor terrace lounge, complete with views of Diamond Head, a large swimming pool, and their DECK Restaurant & Bar. Take advantage of their on-site yoga classes, just $10 for guests, and follow it up with a drink and a snack at Knots Coffee Roasters and Wine Bar.

Amenities: Fitness center, event space, room service, high speed Wi-Fi, yoga gear, free reusable water bottles, in-room refrigerator

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Bamboo Waikiki

The Bamboo Waikiki has 96 guest rooms, from studios with kitchenettes to luxury 1-bedroom suites, all featuring private balconies. Only a five minutes walk from Waikiki Beach, this hotel is a little slice of paradise in its own right, with tropical gardens, waterfalls, and poolside dining.

Amenties: Laundry facilities, in-room coffee maker, in-room microwave, flat-screen TVs, private balconies, picnic tables available for use

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The Equus Hotel

Not one for enormous resorts? Book a more intimate stay at The Equus, a family-owned and operated hotel with just 67 rooms and suites. Enjoy local live music Fridays or Saturdays at The Paniolo Bar & Cafe in the lobby or take a stroll to nearby Kahanamoku Beach. The Equus is also just under 25 minutes via public transit from Waikiki Beach and the Honolulu Zoo, as well as just a five minute walk from Ala Moana Beach Park.

Amenities: Welcome drink upon arrival, VIP tickets to Hawaii Polo Club, high speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, in-room mini-fridge, biodegradable bath amenities

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The post 20 Gorgeous Hotels & Resorts in Honolulu appeared first on SmarterTravel.

Escape with us to thatched-roof hideaways where colorful reefs await at the bottom of your ladder and glass floor panels and outdoor showers remind you that there’s no vacation quite like this.

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Overwater Bungalows to Add to Your Bucket-List

South Pacific

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Number of Bungalows: 108

What’s Unique: The classic magazine cover shot, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora‘s picturesque string of bungalows arcs over turquoise South Pacific waters at the foot of Mt. Otemanu. The bungalows, fanning out from a lush private island, are some of the most luxurious in French Polynesia. Most thatched-roof bungalows have glass floor panels that look into the lagoon and some have private infinity-edge pools. The resort’s own marine biologist grafts coral and offers tours of the lagoon sanctuary.

Over-the-Top Services: Breakfast is delivered to you in a ceremonial Polynesian canoe and served with fragrant bouquets of flowers. As your table is being set, you can take a short canoe ride with a rower and wake to the sounds of Tahitian song.

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Sofitel Moorea Beach Resort

Number of Bungalows: 38 overwater, 110 in total

What’s Unique: On the northeastern coast of Moorea overlooking Tahiti, Sofitel Moorea occupies a coveted spot on one of the island’s most beautiful white-sand beaches. Snorkeling is popular here, and overwater-bungalow guests often have to shoo aside fish when climbing into the water from their private terraces. The bungalows—with glass floor panels, daybeds, stunning stone-tiled rain showers, and lavish bath amenities—define modern luxury with the French sophistication the Sofitel brand is known for.

Over-the-Top Services: Twice a week the resort’s K restaurant, with views of Tahiti and the peaceful lagoon, presents a Polynesian showcase—an evening of celebration, Polynesian food and drink, and a traditional dance performance.

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Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Number of Bungalows: 10

What’s Unique: The first and only resort in Fiji with overwater bungalows (called bure in Fijian), Likuliku is built on the edge of a protected coral reef. Between the overwater bures and the shoreline is a tidal lagoon that fills at high tide and dries at low tide, which makes for interesting seabed exploring. Since there are only 10 overwater bungalows here, foot traffic on the boardwalk is minimal. The experience feels exclusive in this remote part of the Mamanuca archipelago, making the five-star resort especially popular with honeymooners.

Over-the-Top Services: The chef delivers a complimentary daily canape plate at sunset, exclusively to overwater-bure guests. Planning an engagement or vow renewal? Check Remarkable Honeymoons or Likuliku’s wedding page for packages that include everything from a candlelit wedding dinner for the couple to a Fijian-warrior guard and escort.

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Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

Number of Bungalows: 54

What’s Unique: These bungalows perch above the wide, shallow lagoon that surrounds the island of Moorea, a seven-minute flight from Tahiti. Located on Moorea’s north side, Hilton Moorea Lagoon‘s bungalows are perfectly positioned for taking in views of sunrises, sunsets, and the island’s mountain ridges. Bedrooms feature a glass floor panel, and large Italian bathrooms include marble flooring, rain showers, claw-foot tubs, and dual vessel sinks made of stone. You can snorkel right off your deck. At night, sharks are occasionally sighted beneath the boardwalk at the resort’s Toatea Bar.

Over-the-Top Services: Head over to the Moorea Lagoon spa, where you can opt for their anti-jetlag massage to refresh after a long flight or enjoy a couple’s treatment with a view of the lagoon.

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InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

Number of Bungalows: 84

What’s Unique: This eco-friendly hotel in pumps ice-cold seawater from depths of 3,000 feet to power the air-conditioning in overwater bungalows and throughout the resort. InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is also home to the South Pacific’s first thalassotherapy center and uses the deep-sea waters in spa treatments. In the overwater bungalows, very little separates you from spectacular mountain and lagoon views. There’s a glass wall in the bedroom, and the living room features a glass coffee table that opens up so you can toss pieces of bread to the colorful fish below. Even the bathtub offers a picture-perfect view of the water.

Over-the-Top Services: During a treatment at the Deep Ocean Spa, you can watch marine life pass below glass floor panels.

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COMO Laucala Island

Number of Bungalows: 1 Overwater, 25 total. 

What’s Unique: The overwater bungalow at Fiji’s COMO Laucala Island is a split level villa with two bedrooms, and a pool carved into the rock cliff. Enjoy your meals in the outdoor dining “bures” (huts), or relax on a daybed or sun lounger, all with your private swimming pool and deck. The bungalow has room for up to four guests, has a fully stocked bar, and stunning views of the ocean. 

Over-the-Top Services: The onsite spa, COMO Shambhala Retreat transports you to an oasis of peace and calm. The wellness center is surrounded by lily pads floating in still ponds, and features a hot stone heater, outdoor bathtub, body scrubs, scalp treatments, and more.

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Asia

Joali Maldives

Number of Bungalows: 73

What’s Unique: Designed as a luxurious art-immersive island retreat, Joali Maldives prides themselves on helping guests find joy during their stay. Throughout the resort there are one-of-a-kind art installations, which you can explore freely during your stay. The state-of-the-art mood control lighting in your room will ensure peace and rest during your stay. Book their Wellbeing Programme to get an inside look at what holistic approaches you can take for full mind, body and spirit wellness. 

Over-The-Top-Services: Joali Maldives partners with “visiting practitioners” to provide curated experiences for guests throughout the year, from elegant champagne dinners to gin tasting sessions to tennis tournaments.

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Park Hyatt Maldives

Number of  Bungalows: 14 Overwater

What’s Unique: Although Hyatt is a familiar name, the services and experiences you get at Park Hyatt Maldives are far from usual. Whether it’s a floating breakfast while relaxing in your pool, a candlelit beach dinner, yoga on the beach, relaxing with a singing bowl meditation, or having an adventure snorkeling, your stay will be filled with wonder. 

Over-The-Top-Services: Dine in the Chef’s Garden Treehouse, with vegan cuisine prepared with organic vegetables grown within the resort. 

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Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas

Number of Bungalows: 42

What’s Unique: Book a stay at the Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas resort in the Baa Atoll region and you’ll arrive via seaplane from Male, the Maldives’ capital. Set out over crystal-clear waters are the resort’s one-bedroom and two-bedroom overwater villas, each with its own private infinity-edge pool. From your sunken glass-bottom bathtub (built for two) you can watch tiny fish swim beneath you while you soak. Other luxuries include his-and-hers walk-in wardrobes, a wine chiller, a hammock, a rain shower, an outdoor shower, and a personal villa host who is on call 24 hours a day.

Over-the-Top Services: Dine at the Anantara Kihavah’s underwater restaurant, then return to your villa for the Slumber Guru experience: a luxury essential oil bath by candlelight, a massage, and a perfect night’s rest in your 1,000 thread count sheets. It sure beats the standard “Do Not Disturb” door hanger.

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St. Regis Bora Bora 

Number of Bungalows: 77 overwater

What’s Unique: Touted as the South Pacific’s “most spacious” overwater bungalows, St. Regis Bora Bora has six different types of overwater bungalows to choose from. From an overwater superior, your basic over water bungalow, to the Overwater Royal Otemanu, a 2 Bedroom Villa, with views of Mt. Otemanu. You’ll have everything you need, thanks to St. Regis’ acclaimed butler service. 

Over-the-Top-Services: Three words: Outdoor Candlit Massage. A service that seems too luxurious to be true can be yours when you stay at St. Regis. Find bliss while you receive a massage under the gazebo on the beach, at sunset, surrounded by candles. 

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The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives

Number of Bungalows: 115

What’s Unique: While relaxation is typically on your mind when you book an overwater bungalow, The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives offers a unique blend of tranquility with a fun social scene. Swim with the Manta Rays,  try waterskiing, enjoy happy hour at Todis Bar, or enjoy a Maldivian feast at Guduguda the overwater restaurant. 

Over-The-Top-Services: Book a chartered boat to your own private island, Kuda Vilingilli. Housed with a pergola with blankets, cushions, and a picnic basket, you can do as you please for as long as you like, without anyone else around to interrupt. Simply call the resort on the provided cell phone when you are ready to return. 

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Song Saa Private Island

Number of Bungalows: 9

What’s Unique: This resort is the first to be built on Cambodia’s mostly untouched islands in the Koh Rong archipelago. Song Saa spreads across two islands which are connected by a footbridge over a marine reserve, and with any luck, you’ll spot one of the protected sea turtles or seahorses during your stay. The resort’s ultramodern overwater villas have an air of always-been-here authenticity thanks to the reclaimed wood from retired fishing boats and local driftwood incorporated into the architecture and furnishings. The organic design manages to effortlessly blend luxuries like private infinity-edge pools, outdoor showers, and sunken bathtubs into the surrounding rainforest.

Over-the-Top Services: Indulge in a Buddhist-inspired treatment at the resort’s rainforest wellness center or have local monks perform a traditional blessings ceremony for you. Staff can also turn your villa into a private cinema with a screen and projector for movie night.

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COMO Cocoa Island

Number of Bungalows: 33

What’s Unique: Just a 40-minute speedboat ride from the Maldives’ international airport, this luxurious COMO resort on the private Cocoa Island (known locally as Makunufushi) is like no other. Cocoa Island by COMO‘s overwater-bungalow suites are built in the style of traditional Dhoni, the wooden boats used by local fishermen. They might look like mini Noah’s arks, but these suites don’t actually float. They’re fixed to stilts over the Indian Ocean and include private sundecks, luxurious bathrooms, and large windows with gorgeous views.

Over-the-Top Services: Wellness is a major focus at the resort, with therapies at the Shambhala Retreat center and Shambhala raw-cuisine options. Take a yoga or meditation class in the retreat center’s open-air pavilion, or experience India’s holistic Ayurvedic therapy in one of four massage-treatment rooms. Cocoa Island butlers often arrange intimate dinners and guided snorkeling tours for guests.

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Misool Eco Resort

Number of Bungalows: 8

What’s Unique: On a private Indonesian island inside a protected No-Take Zone, this dive resort and conservation center treads lightly. Not a single tree was felled to create Misool, a Secret Retreats-member resort. It was built entirely of driftwood and naturally fallen timbers milled onsite in the presence of cockatoos, parrots, baby sharks, and sea turtles. Surrounding Misool are some of the richest reefs on Earth, in the waters of the Coral Triangle region. When you’re not diving, read a book on your verandah’s hammock or soak in the tropical vibe while showering in a Balinese-style bathroom that opens up to the sky.

Over-the-Top Services: Excellent service is a hallmark here. The resort’s maximum capacity is only 40 guests and the staff-to-guest ratio is four to one. Book the spa’s after-sun skin-rescue treatment, complete with a banana-leaf body wrap right on your verandah.

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North/Central America

Cayo Espanto

Number of Bungalows: 1 overwater

What’s Unique: Cayo Espanto, on a private four-acre island in Belize’s Ambergris Caye area, is the next best thing to having your own Caribbean island. There are no more than 18 guests here at any given time, and the overwater bungalow and six beachfront villas are situated so that you need not see another soul during your stay if you don’t want to. As overwater bungalows go, Cayo Espanto’s one-bedroom is huge at 1,000 square feet. It sits alone at the end of a 150-foot dock. A glass floor panel looks onto the silvery bonefish below, and one of the world’s largest barrier reefs is nearby.

Over-the-Top Services: The chef customizes a menu based on the preferences you indicate in a pre-arrival survey. While you’re here, a personal butler is assigned to you.

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Royalton Antigua Resort and Spa All Inclusive

Number of Overwater Bungalows: 6

What’s Unique: This all-inclusive resort has everything you need for the ultimate Caribbean vacation, complete with their adults-only overwater bungalows. Fitted with a king bed, seating area with a sofa bed, dining room, and a swim-out infinity plunge pool, you’ll experience Caribbean luxury like never before. To add to the experience, the bungalows feature an over-water hammock and glass floors to peep at the ocean below. 

Over-The-Top-Services: At Antigua’s first overwater bungalows, you will enjoy a complimentary romantic dinner served in your room, sparkling wine served upon arrival, a personal butler, and jacuzzi. An added specialty: when you book at least one day in advance, you can have your very own on-site mixologist service on your private terrace. 

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Sandals South Coast

Number of Overwater Bungalows: 12

What’s Unique: Sandals has introduced overwater bungalows at three of their caribbean resorts: South Coast in Whitehouse Jamaica, Grande St. Lucian, and Royal Caribbean in Montego Bay, Jamaica. While Caribbean overwater bungalows were less common, they have started to pop up more around the islands.  Touted as the “Honeymoon Bungalow,” South Coast’s twelve overwater bungalows are in situated over the sea in a heart shape, ideal for a couples getaway (honeymoon or not!) An outdoor shower, private Tranquility Soaking Tub, and hammocks over the ocean so you can lie and melt all your worries away. Enjoy gazing at the water through the glass floor panels with lights even when you are tucked away inside. 

Over-The-Top-Services: Scuba lovers will be thrilled with the scuba diving that is included in your stay. Learn how to scuba dive with PADI certified teachers, and after your 3-hour lesson, it will be time to start exploring. Your top-of-the-line equipment is included as well, so you will be all set for your scuba adventure. 

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Europe

Hotel Palafitte

Number of Bungalows: 24

What’s Unique: For a less traditional overwater bungalow stay, Hotel Palafitte in Neuchâtel, Switzerland has several bungalows situated on Lake Neuchâtel. Built on stilts for the 2002 Swiss National Exhibition, it was designed by architect Kurt Hofmann in collaboration with students from the hotel management school l’Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, and is truly a work of art. Enjoy views of the Alps while you take a dip in the lake, or explore it by paddleboard or kayak. 

Over-The-Top Services: Service is key at Hotel Palafitte, and your every need will be taken care of. Whether you book a massage at the onsite spa, or book a tandem paragliding day through the concierge, you can create whatever type of vacation you choose while staying at this distinctive hotel. 

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Stella Island Luxury Resort

Number of Bungalows: 9

What’s Unique: While not over ocean water, the overwater bungalows at Stella Island Luxury Resort are over a giant pool, for a truly unique overwater experience. Located on Crete, this adults-only (ages 15 and over) resort is the perfect spot for complete relaxation- choose their all-inclusive option so all you have to worry about is booking your spa treatment while you are there. There is plenty to explore around the island, or you can easily spend the day doing various activities or simply unwinding by the pool. 

Over-The-Top Services: For the ultimate overwater bungalow experience, book their Grand Overwater Bungalow. Larger than the regular bungalows, the Grand Overwater Bungalow features a jacuzzi for ultimate relaxation. You can jump right  into the infinity pool, or lounge in an overwater hammock. 

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The post The 19 Best Overwater Bungalows in the World appeared first on SmarterTravel.

From now through April 28th, book any of the following hotels at up to 50% off with SmarterTravel Hotels’ Spring Break Sale! Discounted properties will automatically display (no promo code required). 

Cozumel

This small island off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is known for its white-sand beaches, colorful marine life, and the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio. While you can fly directly to Cozumel from a handful of U.S. airports, including Dallas and Charlotte, you can often save hundreds of dollars by flying to Cancún instead and then taking a ferry to Cozumel from nearby Playa del Carmen.

Flights to Cancún from most major U.S. airports can be found in the $300-$400 range regularly throughout the year, with many fares falling below the $300 mark.

You’ll likely find cheaper hotel nightly rates between August and November. (Note that this falls within Caribbean hurricane season).

Where to Stay: Find private beach access, tennis courts, an on-site spa and salon, and even children’s activities at InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa with prices starting at around $300 per night. If your seeking an adults-only resort, Ventanas al Mar offers standard rooms for a low as $160 per night.

Jamaica

Eco-adventurers will find plenty to do in Jamaica, from swimming in waterfalls to zip-lining through the rainforest. Only-in-Jamaica spots to visit include the Bob Marley Museum and the Rastafari Indigenous Village. And, of course, there are plenty of beaches to relax on between excursions.

With three main tourist areas—Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril—you can price-shop for the best rates for your Caribbean vacation. Again, travel between May and October may offer lower rates because of hurricane season.

Where to Stay: For an all-inclusive stay, try Riu Negril, with rates starting at $146 per night.

Puerto Rico

Editor’s Note: Puerto Rico continues to feel the impacts of the recent hurricane season. Travelers should be mindful of rebuilding efforts and, if they would like to assist, focus spending on local economies and/or donate to local charities such as these.

In Puerto Rico, you can split your vacation between the lush El Yunque Rainforest, the island’s wide sandy beaches, and the vibrant streets of Old San Juan. A boat trip into one of the island’s bioluminescent bays is another must-do.

Fares from major East Coast airports to San Juan are consistently low, with many round-trip options coming in at less than $200. Fares from departure airports further west remain reasonable, with options below $300.

It’s easy to budget for expenses in Puerto Rico, as the local currency is the U.S. dollar. Bonus: You don’t need to pay for a passport to get there. And with a variety of hotel options all over the island, it’s not hard to find one in your price range.

Where to Stay: The laid-back, beachfront San Juan Water and Beach Club is a convenient jumping-off point for trips to El Yunque or San Juan, with rates starting around $200 a night.

Dominican Republic

Editor’s Note: The Dominican Republic continues to feel the impacts of the recent hurricane season. Travelers should be mindful of rebuilding efforts and, if they would like to assist, focus spending on local economies and/or donate to relief organizations such as The American Red Cross and Project Hope.

The Dominican Republic is probably the cheapest Caribbean island to visit if you’re looking for affordable all-inclusive deals. You’ll find dozens of packages in Punta Cana on CheapCaribbean.com, with prices such as $940 per person for air and three nights’ accommodations. Activities in the area include snorkeling, zip-lining, and off-road ATV tours through the jungle. You can also go hiking and swim in clear lagoons at the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park & Reserve.

You’ll have plenty of popular resort areas in the Dominican Republic in which to compare prices, including La Romana, Puerto Plata, and Samana.

Where to Stay: The Tropical Deluxe Princess All Inclusive offers a beachfront all-inclusive experience for as little as $198 per night.

Curaçao

You can’t go wrong with a visit to the “C” of the ABC Islands, especially during the spring or fall shoulder season, when you’ll find even more savings. And since Curaçao falls outside of the hurricane belt, you can book a trip here without worrying about the storm season. Whether you visit for the numerous festivals or the pleasant beach weather year-round, on a Caribbean visit to Curaçao you’ll fall in love with the local food trucks, colorful Dutch architecture, unparalleled snorkel spots, and secret beaches.

With nonstop flight options from major U.S. cities like Newark, New York’s JFK, and Miami, Curaçao is highly accessible from the East Coast.

Where to stay: The island has plenty of hotel inventory with competitive nightly rates. Check out ACOYA Curaçao Resort, Villas, & Spa in downtown Willemstad, which starts around $114 per night. Or try the Sunscape Curaçao Resort, Spa, & Casino, also located in Willemstad with nightly rates starting around $230.

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Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2019. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Ashley Rossi contributed to this story.

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