Snorkeling tips

Sydney is blessed with dozens of beautiful beaches to swim, surf or simply sunbathe on the sand.

Costa Rica’s epic landscapes make it prime road-trip territory, from its wild Pacific coastline to the relaxed vibe of its Caribbean beaches, lush wildlife-filled forests, and still-smoldering volcanoes.

Bali is blessed with a full hand of beautiful beaches, but white sand isn't as common as you might think. Thanks to the island's volcanic past, most beaches are some variation of tan or gray, but they're still lovely places to relax.

Part tropical paradise and part aquatic playground, the northerly regions of Australia’s ‘sunshine state’ are ideal for family road trips. Take three weeks to discover the diversity of the northeast coast, from sailing the turquoise waters surrounding the Whitsunday Islands to exploring the rainforest country of the First Nations Kuku Yalanji people and learning about the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. As the changing landscapes unfurl along the way, keep an eye out for native wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas and prehistoric-looking cassowaries. Over 21 days, uncover the marvels of the vast tropical north.

Multi-generational travel has seen a 40% year over year rise with more and more families experiencing new destinations together. This trend takes family vacations to the next level as it typically comprises of grandparents, children, grandchildren, cousins, aunts, uncles and even great-grandparents. The recent rise in this trend is partly due to families not being able to see each other during the pandemic and tightened travel budgets. Larger families are now looking to find destinations where the lodging can accommodate bigger groups so that the costs can be divided amongst individual family units. While many destinations have recently altered their programming to accommodate multi-generational guests, Mauna Kea Resort was built on the intention to cater to diverse groups of families traveling together.

With its unique Hindu culture, dramatic tropical landscapes and long tradition of delightful hospitality, Bali is one of the most exciting places for activities on the planet.

Driving in Bali is not for the faint-hearted, but it does offer rewards. You can get off the beaten track and away from the crowds that besiege the southern highways, savoring soaring views over mountains and rice terraces, and pausing at simple roadside eateries for signature Indonesian meals of ikan bakar (grilled fish) and babi guling (suckling pig).

Famous for being the private island playground of the rich and famous (some resorts secretly pride themselves on being the place billionaires go to escape the millionaires), Fiji doesn’t typically come to mind as a budget-friendly destination. Fortunately, a trip to the islands doesn’t have to cost a pretty penny.

With more than 1100km of coastline in Fiji, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of paradisiacal beaches to throw down your towel.

White sand beaches, swaying palm fronds, colorful coral reefs: for many, the allure of Fiji is in its landscapes. Yet, this South Pacific archipelago is as much an experiential indulgence as it is a visual one.

Blessed with 240 days of sunshine a year, Cancún is a very popular vacation spot.

With over three hundred islands within its borders, Fiji seems like it's best seen by boat. But with your own set of wheels, you’ll uncover scenery and a way of living around the islands rarely seen by those who travel solely by sea and sky. 

Looking for the perfect winter escape? Well, welcome to Four Seasons Nevis, a luxurious oasis nestled on the enchanting, tiny West Indies Island of Nevis.

Bacalar has a seven-tone lagoon of blue that is one of the most extraordinary places to practice snorkeling and scuba diving. (Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism of Mexico, Sectur)

"The Manta Story" interactive app represents a groundbreaking collaboration between Four Seasons Maldives and The Manta Trust, a renowned environmental charity. This downloadable app offers users a captivating underwater journey into the world of manta rays, narrated by British actor David Oakes. In line with its ongoing commitment to environmental support and ocean conservation, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has partnered with The Manta Trust to create this exceptional interactive application, providing unique insights into the hidden marvels of these extraordinary marine creatures.

Disney movies can act as the perfect inspiration for family travel, highlighting lesser-known destinations as a possible location for the next trip — Colombia in the Oscar-winning Encanto, for example, and the South Pacific in Moana. With the studio marking its 100th anniversary this October, there are new ways to get inspired. Start with Disney100: The Exhibition, running at ExCeL London from 13 October 2023 and celebrating the centenary through 10 interactive galleries of memorabilia. It gives the whole family a chance to revisit their favourite Disney flicks — and, through them, some of the real-life destinations that inspired their beloved storylines. 

Fiji has an earned reputation as an island paradise. Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and private island resorts are found throughout the 333-island archipelago. 

It's hard to imagine that a mere five decades ago, Cancún was just a tiny fishing village. But when developers arrived on the scene in the late 1960s, they took a long look at the coastal region's mesmerizing jungles, wildlife-rich wetlands and impossibly turquoise waters, and the rest is history. 

While Thai islands such as Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Samui may be popular for their fly-and-flop beach scenes, there are dozens of others that cater to travellers seeking a more adventurous getaway. Scattered between the Gulf of Thailand to the east of the mainland and the Andaman Sea to the west, these jungle- and palm-cloaked islands are framed by deep bays, coral-rich waters and limestone karst cliffs riddled with caves ripe for exploration by water or on foot.

Ideal conditions await you in Lamu, the island off mainland Kenya, in January: skies are clear, waters are translucent for diving and snorkelling, and afternoon sea breezes keep temperatures balmy. It can be busy early in the month, but the archipelago has plenty of hidden corners where you can find solitude.

Is the northern hemisphere’s approaching winter chill making you shiver and crave a tranquil trip to the tropics? Look no further than Tahiti. French Polynesia is easier than ever to reach with more direct flights from the US and the destination’s incredible tropical islands are best explored on a small-ship sailing cruise with Windstar Cruises.