For quiet beaches and Berber villages: Essaouira, Morocco
If peace, tranquillity and winter sunshine is on your mind, look no further than the laidback coastal town of Essaouira, which sits majestically on Morocco’s Atlantic shores.
Behind the whitewashed walls, the postcard setting and deep blue seas is a city that has been influenced by a veritable melting pot of cultures including Berber, Portugese, English and Bambara that helped Essaouira become Morocco’s most prosperous city during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Today, that mix of world influences can be seen through the creativity that bursts through in the form of the craftsmen and artists that can be seen on every corner along with street poets and musicians. Many world famous creatives have fallen in love with the city, most notably Orson Welles who filmed Othello here in 1949 and Jimi Hendrix who frequented the city to get in touch with his spiritual side.
The city itself lies on a vast bay, decorated by an almost endless run of superb sandy beaches that seem to stretch into the hilly backdrop, which creates a heady mystical setting when combined with the medina and its honeycomb of souks.
Undeniably, Essaouira is one of the most inspirational and individual resorts you are ever likely to visit.
For open roads and stunning scenery: New Zealand
Where to start with New Zealand? The country is a truly inspirational land of breathtaking scenery that can take you from wondrous coastlines and dense rainforest to snow-capped alpine mountains, volcanic pools, glacier lakes and smoking volcanoes – all under a beautiful blue sky. Couple this with the country’s thriving indigenous culture and bustling cosmopolitan cities and you begin to understand just why New Zealand has one of the most rapidly growing numbers of tourists visiting every year.
The country is spread over two main islands with the North Island being the more developed of the two due to its main cities, whilst the South Island is characterised by vast expanses and little population. To truly escape the crowds and get an idea of how the country looked before the arrival of the human race, simply go to the largely uninhabited Stewart Island to see for yourself.
Whilst in New Zealand, you will find that every moment of your time will be taken up with cramming as many activities and sightseeing opportunities in as possible. However, whilst there you must take time to witness some of the exquisite wildlife found on the islands, with rare birds, seals, dolphins and whales all native to New Zealand’s shores.
Outdoor pursuit enthusiasts are also well catered for, with New Zealand famed for being innovators of some of the world’s most cutting-edge adventure activities, with bungee jumping, cave exploring and white-water rafting all popular.
If that sounds like too much, go and soak up New Zealand’s immense culture and awesome museums found in the country’s satellite towns of Auckland, Christchurch and the capital city Wellington.
New Zealand also has a particularly long coastline indented with many coves, bays, harbours and fiords. If you’re looking for beautiful beaches then head for the white sands of the Karikari Peninsula – lapped by warm azure waters, this is the ultimate antidote to today’s busy lifestyle. More fantastic beaches can be found in the Abel Tasman National Park or, alternatively, the country’s longest beach (Ninety Mile Beach) can be found in the north west of North Ireland.
Although the Lord of the Rings films can be partly credited in attracting more interest in this unbelievable land, no cinematic depiction of this incredible country can ever match the true wonder that astounds all visitors to New Zealand’s shores.
For sunshine and shopping: Dubai
The first thing anybody notices on arrival in Dubai, apart from the heat which hits you the moment you step outside the airport, is just how big everything is. Here you will see the world’s tallest building, the world’s largest man-made island, the world’s most expensive (and biggest hotel), enormous shopping malls and now the world’s most elaborate entertainment complex (Dubailand).
Anyone that lives there can also vouch for just how rapidly Dubai is changing. As soon as a large-scale project is finished, dozens more are either being planned or are already in construction. In fact, this burgeoning metropolis never seems to halt in its desire to become the ultimate holiday destination.
All these man-made structures, however, should not detract from the fact that Dubai is also a place where you can enjoy a wonderful coastline and fantastic beaches – that’s if you can summon up the energy to venture further than your hotel pool!
Dubai is awash with formidable coastal hotels that can be enjoyed even more when the soaring heat gives way to a more forgiving temperature from September through to May – making it the perfect option for those looking to catch some winter sunshine.
For laid back beaches and family friendly atmosphere: Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
The island of Fuerteventura lies just 60 miles from the shores of Africa and therefore enjoys the same hot, year-round climate that makes it so popular for those in pursuit of some winter sun.
Fuerteventura remains a relaxed holiday destination, boasting 150 beautiful beaches. Therefore, even at its busiest, there is always somewhere to head for to escape the crowds.
If you are looking for an activity-packed holiday, then Fuerteventura probably isn’t for you. However, if you are merely looking to kick back and forget about the outside world, then Fuerteventura is just the place as there is little to distract you from that well deserved rest.
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