French Polynesia is the real-life setting of one of the best-known sea-faring adventure stories – the real paradise of spectacular scenery and welcoming people that lay behind the discontent of the crew and caused the mutiny aboard the 'Bounty' in 1789.
Shakira, Stephanie of Monaco and Mariah Carey are just three of the celebrity names to have enjoyed the comfort of the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque in Tenerife. Check out why the resort is one of the havens of the moment for A-listers.
New York, Las Vegas, Santo Domingo... it'd take more vacation than most of us have in a decade to visit all the locations associated with 'The Godfather'. But, as fans of the trilogy will know, the roots of the story are to be found on the Italian island of Sicily.
Sunsets and music, almond blossom in the moonlight, exploring on horseback... we've got a handful of marvellous experiences for you on the beautiful Spanish island of Ibiza.
Every destination is unique, and every traveller is an individual. So we've chosen five very different options to see the New Year in in style - whatever your own particular style is. If you fancy spending New Year in the British Isles, we suggest Dublin or Edinburgh; for snow-lovers, there's the Pyrenees; relax on a cruise, or venture farther east to Jordan... there's something for everyone.
Life on the Thai island of Phuket is clearly shaped by the warm seductive waters of the Andaman Sea. Here, where the turquoise waves lap at the white edge of Nai Yang beach, set amid the lush green of a plantation, lies the Indigo Pearl, one of the most unique resorts on these tropical shores.
Gateway to the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a clear favourite with Johnny Depp, who filmed 'On Stranger Tides' there as well as his newly-released movie, 'The Rum Diary'. With palm-lined silver beaches, misty mountains and beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, the tropical archipelago has more to offer than rum and pirates.
History and legend meet and mingle on Crete, the largest of the Greek isles. This is the land where the baby Zeus was kept safe from Kronos, and where later, disguised as a white bull, he brought his beloved Europa. It is a land at the very roots of European civilisation. Today, the island, with its beautiful natural scenery, warm hospitality and delicious cuisine pays witness to this ancient heritage.
The islands themselves are practically hidden among mangroves and rainforest, but the coastlines of dazzling white coral sands lapped by turquoise waters are the perfect setting for pirates to have buried their treasure chests long ago. In fact, the real jewels and gems are the lesser known islands that lie off the south western coast of Thailand.
Colours, perfumes, sun sets, palaces, palm trees, gardens and squares... Marrakesh is a fascinating city and a must-see destination. All around there are unique and special experiences awaiting the traveller; we've selected just a few of the best.
Almost like a theatre backdrop, the row of colourful houses curve around a bay dotted with little fishing boats and glamorous yachts to create the perfect setting to see and be seen, with the focus on good taste rather than ostentation.
If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary for your next trip, Thailand's coastal town of Hua Hin is celebrating the tenth King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, and it promises to be mammoth fun.
About a 100 kilometres from Barcelona, southwards along the Mediterranean coast, lies Tarragona, a seaside city with an ancient heritage. Once a favourite with the Roman emperors Augustus and Hadrian, now, the modern city boasts clean beaches, fine dining and plenty of architectural and cultural attractions for visitors.
Brac, Corfu, Formentera, Djerba... The Mediterranean is dotted with beautiful islands boasting secluded, beaches, picturesque harbours, unspoiled coastline and cities steeped in history. We've selected just a few of the most spectacular spots in this paradise of blue.
For many it is the most enchanting of the Greek Islands; for some, a favourite across the entire planet. On the island of Santorini, man and nature live in harmony. Born from the fires of a volcano, today it is a land of sea and wind with picture-postcard villages dotted on its rocky cliffs.
Even if you've never visited Spain, you may well recognise some of the views and landscapes of Cabo de Gata-Nijar from scenes on the big screen. With its hidden coves, peaceful farm houses and fishing villages all bathed in the unique Mediterranean light, it's the perfect location for a relaxing family holiday.
Secluded coves with crystalline waters, unspoiled islands, medieval villages with winding cobbled streets, and of course, charming fishing villages. The Costa Brava treasure chest is overflowing with natural, cultural and historical gems.
If you enjoy your seaside holidays, why not take the idea one step further and try a floating hotel? From glass-floored bungalows set over the crystal waters of the South Seas, to chic ships at anchor on the banks of canals, rivers, and lakes, there's bound to be one that floats your boat!
With over 1,000 islands dotting the beautiful clear waters of the Adriatic off the coast of Croatia, the area offers a stunning setting for a sailing holiday. Spend the day island hopping and exploring rocky coves, then return to harbour and enjoy an evening meal in one of the many picturesque villages that even in summer offer an escape from the crowds.
The quiet golden beaches and ancient landscapes of the small island of Djerba are a haven of calm and beauty. According to legend, this land, where the air is full of the rich fragrance of the Mediterranean, inspired Homer when he wrote the Odyssey, and over 400 archaeological sites pay witness to the land's long history.
The elitist fame of this beautiful little island in the Gulf of Naples dates from way back, but in the Fifties it was catapulted into the limelight as a haven for jet-setting stars and celebrities. Balancing its exclusivity with its bustling summer holiday alter ego, Capri continues to enjoy the simple things in life that southern Italy knows how to do so well.
With medieval towns set atop verdant hills, and ancient fishing villages scattered along an unspoiled coastline, the Istrian Peninsula is a picture postcard world in greens and blues.
Never mind global warming, the world economic recession and the conflicts and catastrophes across the planet. All around the world people are letting their hair down at carnival, the year's biggest party.
Corsica, the birthplace of Napoleon, is an island paradise set amid crystal clear waters, where the spectacular natural setting is enhanced by the historical and architectural legacy.