Places I Would Like To See Before I Die - My Idea of Heaven (8/8)

For a better understanding of this blog, please see the INTRODUCTION by clicking this!

My Idea of Heaven is composed of 8 places on earth where I believe one could discover or rediscover romance. Aptly subtitled: Romantic Escapes, Paradise Found!

Willemstad, Curacao (Photo Credit: Not Mine)

CURACAO, the hidden Dutch country, is a charming vacation destination. While many of us may not have heard of it, we have likely seen pictures of Willemstad, a pastel-painted waterfront, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered as the best-kept secret in the Caribbean, and the only concern you’ll have is how to spend your holiday in a paradise.

Though the island is small, it boasts of a lively environment. It has numerous coves that conceal a pristine blue sea; ruggedly stunning landscape; colorful underwater world; multicolored sunsets; among others.

Curacao was chosen as one of the Top 10 Destinations for 2012 by Frommer’s, Favorite Caribbean Destination for 2012 by the readers of About.com, and a 2012 Honeymoon Hot Spot by Conde Nast Traveler.

This concludes the destinations in "My Idea of Heaven". Next and last in my category of "Places to see before I die" are 8 places on earth where I could completely surrender to the "The Enchanting Silence".

Note: Photos are not mine.

Places I Would Like To See Before I Die - My Idea of Heaven (7/8)

For a better understanding of this blog, please see the INTRODUCTION by clicking this!

My Idea of Heaven is composed of 8 places on earth where I believe one could discover or rediscover romance. Aptly subtitled: Romantic Escapes, Paradise Found!

Kerala in India, dubbed as God’s Own Country is considered as India’s most advanced society, with the following boasting its prominence among Indian States:
     • Highest Human Development Index (HDI),
     • Highest literacy rate of 93.91%, 
     • Lowest infant mortality and the highest life expectancy rates, 
     • Least corrupt state (Transparency International Survey, 2005), and
     • “Cleanest State” in India.

Coupled with being the most advanced society, Kerala also enjoys unique geographical features, which makes it as the most sought tourist destinations in Asia. It is often described as peaceful and pristine that offers a unique experience to every visitor. 

A holiday in Kerala involves the following:

Cruising in a houseboat along the winding networks of canals, lagoons and rivers; 

Reveling the scenic views of stunning cliffs, and vast plantations of spices and teas;

Swimming, sunbathing or simply wandering in the tranquil stretches of beaches; 

Discovering exotic wildlife.

Experiencing an Ayurvedic healthy life; and

Participating or witnessing magical festivals!

After a self-discovery in Kerala, what would be the place on earth as my 8th and last destination in ‘My Idea of Heaven’?

(Note: Pictures Not Mine)

Places I Would Like To See Before I Die - My Idea of Heaven (6/8)

For a better understanding of this blog, please see the INTRODUCTION by clicking this!

My Idea of Heaven is composed of 8 places on earth where I believe one could discover or rediscover romance. Aptly subtitled: Romantic Escapes, Paradise Found!

NEVIS, a sombrero shaped island in the British West Indies was named Oualie “Land of Beautiful Waters” by the Caribs and Dulcina “Sweet Island” by the early British settlers, is a paradise for nature lovers. The name, NEVIS, is derived from the Spanish, Nuestra Senora de las Nieves, which means “Our Lady of the Snows”. 

NEVIS is of great historical significance to Americans since it was the birthplace and early childhood home of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States of America.  It has also a brushed with the limelight when Royal eyebrows were raised more than a decade ago when the then Princess Diana came to Nevis with the young Princes, turning away from a holiday with the in-laws. This was also the place where some of the New York’s fighters came to recuperate after 9/11. And when a US Presidential candidate dropped out of the race, Nevis was his secret escape. 

Charming, tranquil and green, Nevis is one of the few remaining un-spoilt places on earth. Discerning travellers would truly experience a dream tropical island escape. It is constantly visited by the rich and famous, wanting to have a perfectly serene and peaceful place.  

After experiencing the beauty and tranquility of NEVIS, where in the world is my next idea of heaven?

(Note: Pictures Not Mine)

Places I Would Like To See Before I Die - My Idea of Heaven (5/8)

For a better understanding of this blog, please see the INTRODUCTION by clicking this!

My Idea of Heaven is composed of 8 places on earth where I believe one could discover or rediscover romance. Aptly subtitled: Romantic Escapes, Paradise Found!

MEGEVE in France can be described as mystical, charming and captivating. Everyone falls in love with it, and it only takes a while before anyone notices that they are under the magical spell of Megeve – the rush of a cascading mountain stream, the frosty air, and the sparkling white snow falling from heaven, transforming the place into a setting of pure enchantment.

The town is one of the most famous and fanciest ski-resort in the world. Created by the Rothschilds as a French alternative to Saint-Moriz in the 1920s, it was the first purpose-built resort in the Alps. Initially, it was a prime destination for the French Aristocracy. 

Today, it attracts more and more visitors. It has 232 square miles of ski terrain, a number of prestigious ski schools, and a scenic trail for hiking, climbing and biking. A sublime view awaits every paragliders as well. The most prominent luxury hotels and spas in the world can be found in this place.

After skiing in the style of world champion and enjoying the best spa in the world in this charming place, where would I go next to experience another heaven?

Note: Pictures not mine.

Places I Would Like To See Before I Die - My Idea of Heaven (4/8)

For a better understanding of this blog, please see the INTRODUCTION by clicking this!

My Idea of Heaven is composed of 8 places on earth where I believe one could discover or rediscover romance. Aptly subtitled: Romantic Escapes, Paradise Found!

In 1997, the AMALFI COAST in Italy was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape.  It lies in a Mediterranean climate which features warm summers and mild winters.  The Coast has a very picturesque landscape – warm pastel painted houses perched on a natural slope; captivating coves and cliffs; enchanting pebbled beaches; and magical sea and mountain views. 

I think everyone is familiar with ‘The Cross of Malta’. Well, the cross is octagon in shape with Byzantine origin, probably from the sixth century.  This cross is used by the People of Amalfi as the symbol of the Republic since eleventh century. Historical antecedents showed that this cross was used also as symbol of military order. Many claimed that the cross should have been called as the ‘Cross of Amalfi’ instead of ‘Cross of Malta’.

After enjoying a Mediterranean climate, where is my next destination?

Places I Would Like To See Before I Die - My Idea of Heaven (3/8)

For a better understanding of this blog, please see the INTRODUCTION by clicking this!

My Idea of Heaven is composed of 8 places on earth where I believe one could discover or rediscover romance. Aptly subtitled: Romantic Escapes, Paradise Found!

 SEYCHELLES, the smallest country in Africa, dubbed as the ‘islands of love’, is the oldest mid-ocean island on Earth and the only one built from the stuff of continents: granite. All other mid-ocean islands are made of coralline or volcanic rock.

 

It has 115 islands that host 12 species of birds found nowhere else and harbor the world’s largest population of giant tortoises. It is also the home of one of the smallest frogs in the world, the Gardiner’s frog, a reddish brown amphibian about the size of a fingernail.

A divinely magical experience awaits everyone who wishes to visit Seychelles. ‘Vallee de Mai’, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a nature reserve in Praslin, Seychelles.   ‘Valle de Mai’, as claimed by many to be the original site of the Garden of Eden, is as close as one gets to heaven.

Seychelles is a place of sensual and magnificent islands with exotic beaches, where an amazingly surreal beauty combined with a dreamy backdrop for a romantic experience. One of the most photographed beaches in the world, the pale pink sands of Anse Source d’Argent can be found in the island of La Digue.

The islands of Seychelles offer unique coves and beaches combined with breathtaking scenery. Everywhere you go, there is constant beauty and serenity.

I was enjoying the ‘Garden of Eden’, when I was lured into biting the Apple of Steve Jobs. As such, ‘My Wandering Feet’ was forced to find another place on earth!..... Off to another piece of paradise.

Notes: Pictures not mine.

Places I Would Like To See Before I Die - My Idea of Heaven (2/8)

For a better understanding of this blog, please see the INTRODUCTION by clicking this!

My Idea of Heaven is composed of 8 places on earth where I believe one could discover or rediscover romance. Aptly subtitled: Romantic Escapes, Paradise Found!

Corfu is one of the islands in the Ionian Sea. Its Greek name ‘Korkyra’ is the name of a beautiful nymph to whom the God of the Sea, Poseidon fell in love. According to legend, Poseidon abducted ‘Korkyra’ and brought her to an unnamed island, and named it in honor of her. The name ‘Korkyra’ has evolved into what is known today as ‘Kerkyra’.

The history of the island is burdened with heavy struggles, battles and conquests. This is evident on the strategic locations of the castles, with two of the castles enclosing its capital, which is uniquely different from any Greek cities. The Greek Government has named Corfu’s capital as Kastropolis or Castle City.

Today, Corfu is the most popular among the Ionian islands. It is rich in Byzantine churches, Venetian frotresses/castles, and homes of the rich and famous. 

Kidnapped by Poseidon, the God of the Sea, he brought me to this enchanting island. Did we live happily ever after?…… All fantasy stories should end happily, but in my case, would I be contented to be trapped in an island?..... ‘My Wandering Feet’ is now itching to travel to another place on earth that I believe I will experience complete bliss! 

Note: Pictures not mine.

Places I Would Like To See Before I Die - My Idea of Heaven (1/8)

For a better understanding of this blog, please see the INTRODUCTION by clicking this!

My Idea of Heaven is composed of 8 places on earth where I believe one could discover or rediscover romance. Aptly subtitled: Romantic Escapes, Paradise Found!

1/8 The Pacific Islands, lying south of the Tropic of Cancer comprise of about 25,000 to 30,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean.  It is divided into 3 groups: Polynesia means “many islands” (including Easter Islands, Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga); Melanesia means “black islands” (Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands), and Micronesia means “small islands” (Guam and Palau).  The Islands’ charms include swaying palms, balmy breezes, white-sand beaches, underwater wonders, techni-color sunsets, etc.

Almost all the islands comprising the Pacific can be described as pure and magical, with their environments remain untainted or uncontaminated with development. Any of the islands can be a romantic getaway with intimate accommodations, isolated beaches, relaxing atmosphere, and vivid landscapes.

Drifting from island to island….. getting stranded in  a remote island….. what’s next?