MALDIVES

By Gisel Habibnejad WHETHER YOU WANT TO TRAVEL OVERSEAS OR STAY WITHIN THE BORDERS, RARE LOCATIONS ARE WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED BY YOU. THIS LIST CONTAINS A SPOT FOR THE TROPICAL TOURISTS, CAVE-DIVERS, UNDERWATER-DINERS, BRIDGE EXPLORERS, AND MORE. MAKE 2015 YOUR YEAR OF TRAVEL WITH THESE SIX UNIQUE AND UNDER-THE-RADAR DESTINATIONS! MONT SAINT-MICHEL. Located in Normandy, France, the island is home to ancient monasteries and religious culture. However, the main attraction of the historical landmark is the Mont Saint-Michel castle. The divine monastery was first built on dry land, many centuries ago. The small island, of only 240 acres of land, has a population of 44. Besides the spectacular architectural structure and magnificent details the castle holds, the most unique attraction is the tide that surrounds the castle. The castle offers the beauty of both land and sea; normally surrounded by sand, twice a day, the tide comes in and virtually separates the castle from the mainland to form its own little island. The tides come in quickly, measuring up to 46 feet high! For more information, please visit www.saint-malo-tourisme.com TROLLSTIGEN, NORWAY. If you’re a mountaineer, Trollstigen, Norway is one place you don’t want to overlook. Opened in 1936, Trollstigen, meaning “troll’s footpath,” takes its name from its steep incline of 10% and a 656 ft drop on its highest platform. The breathtaking landscape encourages hike routes with stunning scenery everywhere you turn. You can also make your way through Geiranger Road which takes you through Trollstigen’s mountainside and valleys. For more information, please visit www.visitnorway.com ESPIRITU SANTO, VANUATU. Looking to take a refreshing dip in natural cool waters? The magnificent Blue Holes in Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu are made of fresh, crystal blue waters through layers of limestone and coral. A blue hole can be considered as an inland cave or sinkhole that is naturally-formed with freshwater containing sea life unique to the ocean. Besides the awe-inspiring factors and views of the natural swimming pools and green forest, you will fall in love with the crystal clear water surrounding you. Other activities provided here include: rope swinging, wooden water slide, boardwalk, picnic area and more. For more information, please visit www.espiritusantourism.com ITHAA UNDERSEA RESTAURANT, MALDIVES. The Conrad Hotel, located in the Maldives, features first-class amenities and suites you would expect from a luxury hotel. Still, what sets this lovely resort apart is none other than its underwater restaurant! Prior to this, one could only dream endlessly about such a marvelous experience. Now, visitors can enjoy fine dining at the Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. Rightly so, it was rated as “the most beautiful restaurant in the world” by the New York Daily News last year. Diners will relish the view of various species of ocean life (including sharks!) surrounding the restaurant while marveling at the coral gardens within eye sight. On the menu, you’ll find six- course contemporary European cuisine items. For more information, please visit www.conradhotels3.hilton.com CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE, CANADA. At the heart of rain forests filled with evergreens and charming wildlife, you can find the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Located at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in Vancouver, Canada, the bridge leads visitors through the enticing park 230 feet above the Capilano River! Tourists have been exploring through since 1889, but a lot has been added to the park since. The most recent addition, Cliffwalk, allows visitors to walk to the granite cliff just above the Capilano Canyon. Another popular attraction, Treetops Adventure, takes you 100 feet above the ground through 7 suspension bridges! For more information, please visit www.capbridge.com WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES, NEW ZEALAND. Feed your adventurous spirit with a visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand. You may never find these glowworms anywhere else in the world as they are unique to this destination. Enter the two-story cave to view the astounding guiding light provided by thousands of glowworms hanging from the cave ceilings. The cave was formed over 30 million years ago from an earthquake fault creating adornments of limestone crystals, so you can imagine the intense history this alluring cave is filled with! For more information, please visit www.thlonline.com & www.waitomo.com WHENEVER YOU FIND YOURSELF WITH A BAD CASE OF THE “TRAVEL BUG,” DON’T MISS OUT ON THESE UNIQUE TRAVEL SPOTS! Click here to view post on the 2015 March/April issue.