The Amazing La Quebrada Cliff Divers of Acapulco, Mexico

By Dian Hasan | September 2, 2009

La Quebrada (Spanish for “gulch” or “ravine”) is a leading attraction in the resort town of Acapulco, Mexico. Divers entertain tourists by jumping off the 45 meter (148 ft) high cliff.

Alila Villas Hadahaa, The Maldives ~ where chic & luxe meet green

By Dian Hasan | August 12, 2009

The Alila hotel brand has become synonymous with style and a certain cool across South East Asia. Innovation has become Alila’s driving force, being among the first in the region to offer modern design, Spa, and Organic Dining, long before it was trendy. As it spreads its wings further afield, with the newest Alila Villas Hadahaa, on the Gaafu Alifu Atoll in the Maldives, it brings along new ideas. Raising the bar on eco-luxury. A welcome addition indeed to the Maldives’ staple of luxury-studded hotel scene, as they say “good things come to those who wait”.

Green & Chic ~ Las Alamandas, Costalegre, Mexico

The background story seems surreal – straight out a Roger Moore-era James Bond movie. Don Antenor Patino, the Bolivian tin magnate, plans a beachfront mega-resort, but does not live to complete it — so his granddaughter Isabel Goldsmith (English financier father, long story) takes over. In the interest of preserving the land (and the dolphins) so dear to her, she revises her grandfather’s plan and erects a tiny, exclusive resort, where a maximum of 28 guests have, at their disposal, 1500 acres of pristine beachfront land and close to 100 staff members.

Eco Rustic ~ Danzante Resort, Baja California, Mexico

Danzante Resort, is an exquisite small eco resort that is unlike anything in Baja. Firstly, the location sits atop a volcanic outcrop overlooking a nature reserve and private bay, with spectacular views of the 5 craggy islands of Isla Carmen, Isla Coronado, Isla Danzante, Isla Monserrat and Isla Catalina that make up the Parque Nacional Bahia de Loreto marine park. And it’s an all-inclusive hotel where the rate includes meals, to minimize stress.

Derawan Island: Turtle Sanctuary off the Eastern Coast of Borneo

By Dian Hasan | July 9, 2009

Photo: Cipto Aji Gunawan

As the world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia has long been on any diving aficionado’s must-do list. Home to some of the most amazing dive sites in the world, with a rich marine life to match. And considered by many to be the best place to see turtles, and experience your own personal close encounter with this sea creature that carries its dwelling with them wherever they go. Here’s a look at the prime turtle watching spot in Derawan Island, off the coast of eastern Kalimantan (Borneo).

Eco Rustic ~ Nirvana Laut Resort, Karimun Jawa, Central Java, Indonesia

The moment you set foot on Nirvana Laut Private Island Resort and observe the lush green rainforest overhanging the wide open beaches, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to find this place. Very few places in Indonesia can match such harmony with nature. Karimun Jawa is an archipelago of 69 islands in the Java Sea, Indonesia, approximately 80 kilometers Northwest of the coastal city of Jepara, just outside the state capital of Central Java province, Semarang.

Eco Rustic ~ Kri Eco Resort, Kri Island, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

By Unique Travel Destinations | July 7, 2009

There are still places in the far corners of the world where one will find nature at its glorious best, unspoiled and untouched by modern civilization. Kri Eco Resort is one such place, where few travelers venture and those lucky few who do, are afforded some of nature’s most amazing underwater sights. West Papua is, after all, one of the wildest and least explored dive areas in the world. And for avid divers familiar with diving in Indonesia, diving in West Papua is far superior to Wakatobi, Bali, Komodo, Kalimantan, Manado, and other areas of Sulawesi.

Green & Chic ~ Kima Bajo Resort & Spa, Manado, North Celebes, Indonesia

By Dian Hasan | June 10, 2009

Kima Bajo Resort and Spa is a small luxury resort in North Sulawesi (Celebes), minutes away from Bunaken National Park where divers and snorkelers enjoy the diversity of the underwater world. Conveniently located just 25 minutes from Manado airport and in close proximity to the Minahasa Highlands and Tangkoko Nature Reserve.

World’s Best Kept Travel Secrets: Diving Spots, Indonesia

By Dian Hasan | June 3, 2009

Any avid diver would tell you that there is one country on serious divers’ radar: Indonesia. And it’s only fitting, that the world’s largest archipelago would also have the most diving spots. Only a few are known outside the diving community, and even fewer that only a select number of divers have discovered.  It’s like exploring a new terrain for the first time. Here’s a look at a list of the best.

World’s Richest Marine Life in Raja Ampat, West Papua

Underwater photographer, Sterling Zumbrunn of Conservation International, takes you to one of his favor marine destinations, Raja Ampat, Indonesia. Explore the rich marine biodiversity with someone who knows this underwater world inside and out.