Sleep Over and Under the Ocean at These Five-Star Maldives Resorts

”Hong Kong is a photographer’s dream,” says Geraint Rowland. “It’s got impressive architecture and the busy streets teem with life, day and night.” The Wanderlust Travel Photo of the Year winner was blown away by the territory. As part of their dual-destination photo commission, the four winners of the UK’s biggest travel photography competition were first guided around Hong Kong and its many islands. They soon discovered there were plenty of opportunities to point their lenses, whether the neon skyscrapers, the old neighbourhoods from which the city evolved or one of the 260 outlying islands, whose slower pace of life, unusual wildlife and natural landscapes offer a contrast to that famous urban bustle.

As a family sat vigil over a coffin containing the body of an elderly relative, the wooded hills around their apartment building in Palermo burned from wildfires. Winds blew the blazes closer, torching cars, dumpsters, sheds and electricity poles. Then the flames licked the apartment building, forcing its inhabitants to flee.

Bad news for beachgoers in southern China this summer: Many Hong Kong-area beaches are now covered with thick blankets of garbage that are making them unusable and environmental hazards.

Dream tips like sailing around the Greek Islands or along the Amalfi Coast are only for the rich and famous, right? Not anymore.

The esteemed Dr. Beach has released his annual list of America’s top ten beaches, and you’ll want to visit all of them this summer—doctors orders.

America’s newest wicked-long flight is the Boston-to-Honolulu route from Hawaiian Airlines, which is now the longest flight in the country at 5,095 miles. And it’s not a fluke—the new Hawaiian flight is the longest nonstop route in the United States ever. The journey takes a whopping 11 hours 40 minutes when flying to the islands, but it will only take 10 hours and 15 minutes to get back to reality.

The Maldives has become an increasingly popular destination for those seeking a luxurious tropical getaway. Grand Park Kodhipparu is the epitome of this experience. Set on a private island just 20 minutes by speedboat from the capital city of Malé, Grand Park Kodhipparu is the perfect destination for those who want relaxation, comfort, and natural beauty.

The most iconic structure in the United States is not the Empire State Building, but like the emblematic skyscraper, it’s located in New York. The Statue of Liberty, known throughout the world as a symbol of the United States’ most important values: freedom and democracy, remains mysterious to many. From its color to its origins and its weight, there is plenty people want to know about Lady Liberty (a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984) before they pay it a visit.

It may be hard to believe, but there’s a place in England where the sand is fine and white, the sea is turquoise blue, and the sun shines more than just about anywhere else in the country. In this dream-like place, you can surf, you can sunbathe (and even get a tan), you can hike coastal paths, valleys, and moors, and you can stuff you face with cream teas and pasties. You guess it, Cornwall, England, is a must-see when in Britain. Lucky for you, it’s only a direct train ride away from London.

The Maldives is known for luxury, but the Muraka Suite at the Conrad Hotel takes it to another, even more impressive level. The luxury underwater hotel suite is located 16 feet below sea level and features a unique design that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding marine life. This suite is perfect for those who want to experience the Maldives from a whole new perspective.

From the comfort of these luxurious hotels near the Statue of Liberty, you can marvel at the grandeur of the iconic statue bathed in the golden glow of sunrise or under the twinkling stars right from the comfort of your accommodation. These hotels not only provide an unforgettable visual treat but also place you in the heart of New York City, where you’re just steps away from other major attractions such as the Empire State Building. Visiting the Statue of Liberty should be planned in advance — after all, it is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Opting for a hotel on or close to the water means you can roll out of bed at sunrise and get a little head start before the crowds hit. The hotels here have been selected for location, but also five-star amenities, service, and an overall exceptional rating from guests.

When your wanderlust kicks in but there’s no time to travel, you need a quick fix from the comfort of home. Try these ten simple, savvy do-it-yourself cocktail recipes from some of the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts. Each one takes you on a summer vacation to an incredible destination with every sip.