Lazy beach days

"Kia Orana", or welcome to the Cook Islands, considered among the most striking islands in the South Pacific’s already brimming crown. Each island has its own unique beauty, stories and incredible landscape only matched by the friendliness and grace of its people. Brilliant, sparkling white sandy beaches, clear blue lagoons and fertile rainforests harbouring exceptional wildlife are just a few of the treasures waiting to be discovered.

Often called the 21st arrondissement of Paris, Deauville has been the go-to destination for the upper crust of French society for decades. Today it is a spectacular seaside resort town sporting grand promenades, glamorous casinos, a pair of thoroughbred horse race tracks and plenty of chic visitors.

The narrow, cobbled streets of Alghero’s medieval citadel, packed with boutiques, bars and restaurants, slope towards the harbour and sweeping bay. Built in a buttery sandstone that glows a soft apricot shade in the setting sun, it’s Sardinia’s most picturesque Old Town. Spanish-style palazzos and street signs in Italian and Catalan reflect its proud heritage: 300 years of Aragon rule. Fringed by pine forests, long sandy beaches, hotels and bars curve away towards green headlands. It’s an idyllic setting.

“Bula!” or “Welcome!” is the greeting you will most commonly hear throughout Fiji. It comes as an unreserved invitation to enjoy the hospitality of the Fijian people. Whether staying on one of the country's numerous resort islands or exploring Fiji's towns and cities, the visitor will encounter this legendary hospitality at every turn.

The low-rise Gambian capital might not be as advanced of a visitor hub as one would, perhaps, expect from a city of such national significance, but it certainly boasts some raw appeal contained within its pulsating and – at times – rather hectic streets. Beyond Banjul proper lies the sprawling Serekunda – Gambia's most populous area – and the vacationer-favoured coastal settlements of Kololi, Bakau, Koto and Fajara.

Capistrano Beach's charming small town atmosphere and a myriad of recreational opportunities have christened it a viable vacation destination. Branching off from the city of Dana Point, “Capo Beach” is also bordered on by the vivacious Laguna Beach to the north and San Clemente to the south. As one of the few remaining "beach towns" in the busy Orange County area, Capo Beach has (impressively) avoided much of the commercialization common to the area. This makes for a great, uncongested stay.

Once only a small fishing village, Ayia Napa has become one of the world's best travel destinations, known as a cosmopolitan resort area. Located on the eastern coast of Cyprus, it is a town of great beauty, full of history and culture, with friendly and hospitable people. Nearby Protaras is a popular resort area with some of the world's best golden beaches, crystal clear waters and lively entertainment. Whether you are looking for fascinating history, vibrant culture and nightlife, astounding natural beauty or a relaxing beach vacation, together these areas make up one of the Mediterranean's most desirable destinations.