Thursday, August 24, 2006

27. Coco Palm Resort, Maldives
Dunikhou Island in the Maldives' Baa Atoll is a private island, north-west of Male. It has just one resort — Coco Palm. Its 86 rooms and 14 over-water villas, including two suites, form a semi-circle on the lagoon. There are splash pools with private terraces, sunken and spa baths, crafted wood and rattan furniture and soft cotton furnishings.

The island can be walked around in 30 minutes and its underwater world is virtually untouched. PADI and SSI-certified dive courses are available. Meals of amazing variety are served in three restaurants.

28. Moorea Beachcomber, French Polynesia
The 118 islands and atolls making up the five archipelagos of French Polynesia are sprinkled over four million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean. Moorea is the most popular after Papeete and has a slow and easy lifestyle.

Hotel Moorea Beachcomber is a classic island resort. The 143 rooms were inspired by the traditional Polynesian fale with balcony, ceiling fan and air conditioning. Fifty over-water bungalows are set around a series of green islands and have private terraces with direct access into the lagoon. Beaches are white and sandy and there are plenty of shady coconut palms.

29. Manihi Pearl Beach, French Polynesia
Manihi is an atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago, 520 kilometres north-east of Tahiti. Its lagoon is clear and has a navigable pass through the reef, sheltering black pearl farms. The Manihi Pearl Beach Resort has been created with a mixture of local materials — wood, bamboo, shells, pandanus and palm fronds.

There are 14 over-water bungalows with wide sundecks over the lagoon. Soft light bathes the bungalow and you are able to feed the fish below.

30. Coral Palms, New Caledonia
Here is some of the South Pacific's finest over-water accommodation. I'llot Maitre is an enchanting islet at the heart of an 80-hectare marine reserve just 15 minutes from Noumea. Modern and stylish décor, marble, exotic wood blend to produce luxury and comfort. Large terraces overlook the emerald water and sunsets are special.

For further information:

27. Coco Palm Resort and Spa
Ph: 0011 960 23 0011
Fax: 0011 960 23 0022
Website: www.cocopalm.com.mv
Email:cocopalm@sunland.com.mv

28. Moorea Beachcomber
Ph: 0011 68 955 1900
Fax: 0011 68 955 1955
Website: http://mooreaintercontinental.com Email: www.traveltotahiti.com.au Email: info@traveltotahiti.com.au

30. Coral Palms Island Resort
Ph: (02) 9668 9024
Website: www.newcaledoniahotelsresorts.com Email: