Napa Valley (California)
If you’re tired of thronging to Disneyland and have had enough already of corporate America, Napa Valley is the place to go. Huddled into a canyon, this cozy enclave is a haven for those wanting large doses of seclusion and fine wine. Lush forests and majestic mountains rise out of the mist to cradle 2,000 kilometres of valley land.

Vineyards and lodges co-exist peacefully. So, in case you and your family fancy a midnight stroll amongst tree-drenched estates, it’s literally a step away. Napa’s tropical summers are more conducive to varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon. Wine is of course, at the heart of this land and the local cuisine complements it.

This is also your chance to brush up on your knowledge of wines — become a viticulturist for a day and learn the ins and outs of winemaking with the experts. Try it at the Napa Valley Reserve; a club where you can get as involved as you wish with the running of a winery. But be prepared to dig deep into your pockets — at USD 1,25,000 a year, the privilege doesn’t come cheap.

Do take some time off from your sightseeing to spend time at Calistoga Ranch in Calistoga. Cuisine is paramount in Calistoga and the gourmet in you will appreciate The Lakehouse, the Ranch’s gracious dining room. Steeped in the wine country traditions of France and Italy, Calistoga Ranch offers humble American cuisine that makes use of organic ingredients that farmers from Napa Valley and Northern California cultivate.

Whitsundays (Australia)
Plunge into the balmy waters of the Great Barrier Reef at Australia’s newest holiday destination — Whitsundays. A smattering of more than 70 islands, most of which are uninhabited and pristine national parks, Whitsundays offers a slew of resorts, both for hectic family getaways or for romantically-hedonist holidays.

Abhilasha Jain, Manager, Tourism Australia (India) says, “If you’re looking for a holiday where you can relax on sunny beaches, or for some place with a cosmopolitan feel, this is where you’ll find it all. Whitsundays is one of the most fascinating places where you can involve yourself in some of the most fun experiences here — you’ll definitely enjoy the rich Aussie spirit. Whitsundays is the place you must absolutely visit, for it is an experience to be truly enjoyed!”

It’s easy to fall deeply in love with this land. Close to some of the most spectacular diving spots along the tepid waters of the Great Barrier Reef, it is mired in stylish resorts and islands. One of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef embraces all, from the enthusiastic snorkeller or scuba diver, to the supine snoozer. The less adventurous can explore the waters from the comforts of a semi-submersible and then unwind their tortured bodies by chartering a helicopter to a forgotten beach.

Honeymooning couples take note! It is more than probable that an entire island will be yours for the taking. Or perhaps you can share it with a flock of reef heron. The more audacious can go snorkeling or scuba diving through the coral gardens. Or book a Reefsleep tour and enjoy the Great Barrier Reef from the comfort of your marine chamber any time of the day or night!

Spend a day at Hayman Island, north of the Whitsundays, renowned for its elegance, service and superior location. According to Whitsundays.com, “It is the only Australian island to be accepted as a member of the prestigious organisation, The Leading Hotels of the World.”

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