Holiday Type / Marine Biology Collection

One destination spread languidly across two islands, Niyama gives the luxury Maldives holiday an exciting twist. Recent stellar upgrades have given the resort more of everything that makes a getaway so special, from new culinary attractions to a poolside ice cream bar, photo studio and children’s club. Relax as never before in ultra-chic accommodation encompassing sleek suites, water studios and beach pavilions, the Crescent comprising five villas with private Thakuru butlers. No fewer than eight restaurants now tempt the taste buds; new BLU fe...

It takes little more than ten minutes to complete a circuit of reef-fringed Baros, Maldives. Welcoming staff lead the way along shady paths lined with hibiscus and bougainvillaea to a choice of serene accommodations. Beachfront Pool Villas feature a private plunge pool and outdoor garden shower, whilst Deluxe Water Villas line a curving boardwalk – perfect for dipping directly into the glistening lagoon. Beautifully appointed, each has a television concealed in an ottoman and a cushion-strewn daybed on the expansive deck. Two ultra-spacious Pre...

A scenic seaplane flight brings you to the remote Baa Atoll, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, where Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru is a hideaway offering unspoilt privacy in a pristine environment; the island’s 44 acre interior is flanked by white sand beaches and a two kilometre lagoon. Contemporary thatched accommodations are located here or on the beach: features include spacious gardens, private pools, outdoor living rooms and sea-viewing lofts. There are also dedicated Family Bungalows and Villas. Water Villas offer spellbinding views of t...

Set on a colourful garden island, Four Seasons Kuda Huraa is an international resort, reflecting all the charm and intimacy of a traditional Maldivian village. Beach and Water Bungalows fringe the island, with restaurants and recreational facilities arranged around a central promenade lined with borders of bougainvillaea, frangipani and hibiscus flowers. All accommodation comes with your own private pool, including the new all-villa overwater option. The Island Spa sits on its own island just a minute’s sail away by dhoni and features seven ove...

Refurbished to the tune of US$5.5 million and furnished in a style faithful to the island’s Portuguese heritage, this recently re-opened property is the perfect place to unwind after a dusty South African safari. Reached by helicopter from Vilanculos it features a mix of casinhas and cabanas overlooking the beach, each with a private rim-flow pool on the deck, wide doors and window, a four-poster bed and day bed. For families, the Casa Familia has three spacious en-suite bedrooms and pool. Freshly-caught seafood is the speciality at the Dhow Ba...

A long-time Maldives favourite, and for good reason; Huvafen Fushi does island escapology well. So much so that it is consistently voted one of the best island paradises in the world, mostly due to its ridiculously beautiful beaches and delectable dining options (a must is ‘On the Rock’). It is a barefoot paradise set within its own lagoon, sensitively developed to sustain the island’s unique ecosystems. Accommodation at Huvafen Fushi, Maldives is provided in enchanting contemporary bungalows and pavilions, all air-conditioned, with seven foot ...

Blessed with one of the finest locations in Africa and the creative talents of Liz McGrath, The Marine takes inspiration from its graceful architecture and wonderful cliff top setting. Indeed, Hermanus ranks as one of the world’s best places for whale watching on land, from the end of June until November. On the doorstep is Walker Bay, with its cliff paths and outstanding coastal scenery. After a day’s sightseeing, relax in the swimming pool or pamper yourself in the hotel’s spa. Guest rooms and suites are individually furnished, some boasting ...

Tenerife not only enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other part of Spain, it’s home to Carrier favourite The Ritz-Carlton, Abama. Sparkling with five stars, it gets our vote for all-round appeal. Picture a spectacular Moorish-style private estate atop a hillside flanking the island’s highest mountain, with exuberant gardens stretching down to the sea and looking out to La Gomera. All is as you would expect from Ritz-Carlton, with attentive service and luxuriously appointed accommodation - all rooms and suites having marble bathrooms, floor-...

Hidden away in a particularly scenic corner of Praslin named Anse Kerlan is the spectacular location for this luxurious all-suite and villa hideaway. Following an extensive refurbishment in 2016, it's new-look design incorporates both contemporary style and harmony with nature; one of its three beaches, Anse Georgette, has been acclaimed as one of the most beautiful in the world. The suites lie scattered amidst the palm groves and along pristine beaches whilst the villas have their own private swimming pools and face directly onto the beach of ...

Re-opened in 2015, idyllic Lizard Island lies right on the Great Barrier Reef, fringed with coral reef and twenty four powdery white beaches. Spectacular diving opportunities abound, whilst snorkellers are rewarded with coral gardens, brightly coloured tropical fish and giant clams. Enjoy a gourmet picnic for two on a secluded unspoilt beach made up with fresh salads, seafood and freshly baked sweets. Visit the Essential Day Spa for a signature treatment or enjoy a champagne sunset cruise. The lodge itself offers a relaxing mixture of style and...

The lodge lies on ruggedly beautiful Freycinet Peninsula, close to a national park that houses acclaimed Wineglass Bay. Immaculately appointed suites mix the traditional and contemporary, each having an outside courtyard and deck area – Premium Suites boasting their own plunge pool. The best of Tasmanian produce is showcased at Palate; indulgent therapies can be enjoyed in the exquisite spa. Feast on local oysters, mussels and olives; enjoy getting up close with Tasmanian Devils on Saffire’s purpose built, open range enclosure; 4W...

Visitor numbers are strictly limited to this enchanting sub-tropical island. Bordered by a reef-fringed lagoon, it’s a World Heritage-Listed site boasting an abundance of rare birds, plants and marine life. The lodge, which accepts a maximum of twenty guests, comprises contemporary suites with stupendous views of the ocean or surrounding volcanic peaks. Service is relaxed and the cuisine features fresh island produce, whilst recreations span snorkelling, rainforest walks and explorations with a naturalist. The Capella Spa is on hand with rejuve...

Stylishly designed with local woods and glass panels in the bungalows to view the marine life in the crystal clear waters below, ultra luxurious thatched Overwater Suites stretch out into the lagoon whilst Beachfront Villas are blessed with private pools. Four options for dining showcase a range of Polynesian delicacies including superb seafood, all enhanced by subtle French culinary influences. Meet up in the aptly named Sunset bar to sip champagne as the sun sinks low in a flashy display of colours. Overwater treatments can be experienced in ...

A secluded fishing village on the Sultanate’s northern Musandam Peninsula is the location for these stunning Pool Villas and Pool Villa Suites fronting an expansive sandy beach. The design is an authentic Omani village, bathrooms extend to an outdoor shower area, and all suites and villas have a private pool and butler service. Guests can choose one of three unforgettable arrival experiences: a scenic ten minute speedboat trip; a drive down from the mountains, or choose to travel as a companion passenger with the resort’s professional paraglide...

A tranquil island paradise just off the north east coast of Antigua, considered by many to be one of the Caribbean's finest islands, Jumby Bay boasts some of the best accommodation to be found in the region. Further paramount to its success, the luxury hotel received the AAA Five-Diamond Award and Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star Rating Award for 2017. Just steps from the palm-fringed sandy beach lie the Beachside Courtyard Suites, characterised by high, vaulted ceilings, light, fresh colours, dark wood furnishings and seductive bathrooms featuring e...

From its enviable location on Pinney’s Beach this world-class resort offers inviting accommodations in an authentic Caribbean setting. Clusters of two-storey cottages house the spacious rooms and suites, refreshed with soothing Caribbean colours and canopied by swaying palms. All are equipped with air conditioning, flat screen TVs, minibars, verandas and oversized bathrooms. Larger villas, most with private pool or plunge pool, line the golf course and are ideal for families. Dining experiences encompass sumptuous breakfasts at Neve, fine-dinin...

From its ultimate oceanfront setting between two spectacular beaches, this all-suite hotel offers the last word in contemporary style. Open-air architecture and artful lighting effects create a seamless union between nature and state-of-the-art design. Each suite features floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views, a spacious bedroom, marble bathroom, a step-down parlour with sofa, complimentary WiFi and in-room entertainment system. Two pool venues are reserved exclusively for guests at The Cove –The Cove Pool is a chic, adult-only pool ...

Nestling above Walker Bay, South Africa’s premier marine and botanical reserve offers a wealth of activities for lovers of the great outdoors. Complimentary land-based activities range from guided flower safaris through the ancient milkwood forests on open 4x4 vehicles to hikes on walking trails up fynbos-clad mountains or gentle horseback rides, with ponies available for children. Picnic on the beach or walk along the rocky shores and explore the ancient coastal caves. Whale watching from the coastline between Hermanus and De Kelders is a high...

Cognoscenti of the Far East need look no further than Song Saa, Cambodia’s first genuine luxury beach resort, set on a pair of exclusive private islands amidst the sapphire blue Gulf of Thailand and reached by speedboat. Meaning ‘the sweethearts’, Song Saa is surrounded by untouched islands with private beaches fringed by palms – a blissful backdrop for the selection of twenty seven Ocean View, Jungle Villas and Asia’s first overwater stilted villas complete with thatched roofs, an eco-conscious design inspired by Cambodian fishing villages. St...

Steeped in age-old Malay tradition and facing the South China Sea the architecture reflects the grandeur of 17th century Malay palaces. Accommodation comprises ground floor or first floor Serambi and Bumbung Rooms, with either sea view or tropical landscaped views or single-storey Anjung rooms set along the beach, each complete with day bed, an outdoor bath in its own private alcove and doors that open out onto a canopied veranda. Distinctive dining options encompass above-the-river eating at Di Atas Sungei, serving authentic Malay cuisine; fea...