Travel Inspiration: Fiji’s Underwater Sights

From the Travel Editor:

Of Fiji’s myriad attractions, those located underwater rate pretty high on the must-see list: volcanic terrain, colorful coral, thousands of different kinds of fish, sharks, and rays patrolling the reefs. If you ask us, you can’t visit and not go snorkeling or scuba diving.

Fortunately, our super-romantic Fiji trip this week puts you in prime snorkeling territory, among the western island chain known as the Mamanucas. Even better, Tokoriki Island Resort’s dive shop is one of the best in the Mamanucas. To help you make the most of your time in Fiji, we’ve put together our checklist of the top five must-see diving and snorkeling spots. Enjoy!


Gotham City
This advanced dive centers around a few pinnacles in the outer part of the Malolo Barrier Reef, which surrounds the islands. Encounter a huge variety of sea life, from the batfish (which give the site its name) to diverse corals, giant moray eels, and barracudas.

The Supermarket
Located not far from Mana Island, this advanced dive rivals Gotham City in its fame. Swim with—and perhaps even feed—sharks of all kinds and sizes, including white- and black-tip reef sharks up to six feet in length.

Blue Coral Reef
Not far from Tokoriki Island, divers of all levels can swim along a reef inhabited by the rare Heliopora Caerulea, a type of blue coral that was believed not to exist in Fiji until this reef was discovered in 2005. Swim with hawksbill turtles as you explore this unique site, the only of its kind in the country.


Tivua Island
When you tire of snorkeling the same reefs every day at Tokoriki, head to the tiny islet of Tivua, where you’ll be one of only a handful of daytrippers. Here, nesting turtles, colorful corals, and fish fill the protected coves, making for a perfect, secluded excursion.

Monuriki Island
The expansive, shallow waters surrounding stunningly beautiful Monuriki Island — think blindingly white sands and a towering mountain — gained international acclaim as the filming location for the movie Castaway. We’d go, though, for the island’s ideal snorkeling attributes, from sheltered bays to countless different shapes of coral.

Don’t just take our word for it — find out for yourself with our airfare-inclusive trip to these idyllic islands. Dates are available throughout the spring and fall.

Where to Go: Tulum, Papaya Playa-Style

From the Travel Editor:

As the weather turns warm, we’re craving a real beach getaway—you know, the kind where you have absolutely no obligations except tanning. When the crew at Design Hotels’ pop-up Papaya Playa Project (located mere feet from the pristine beaches of Tulum) suggested we offer a discount on their newly extended dates through November 2012, we knew this would be the perfect beach for us.

For decades, Tulum has been a destination for those looking to unwind and decompress—think daily yoga on the beach, no electricity, and a sleepy pace of life. (It’s worlds away from the luxury all-inclusives further up the Riviera Maya.) Even though the once sleepy town has become more popular and developed in recent years, it still retains its low-key, eco-conscious attitude—meaning it’s still our destination of choice for a true “leave it all behind” getaway.


Our favorite activities, you ask? Daily yoga (pretty much every hotel, spa, and hippie in town offers a class), massages, beach- and hammock-lounging during the requisite afternoon siesta, and exploring the surrounding jungle. Just outside town, go swimming at the Grand Cenote (a large sinkhole popular with day-trippers) and hike around the ruins of the Mayan city, perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. A few miles south of town, visit the mangrove swamps and colorful wildlife of the 1.2-million-acre Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on a boat tour.

If it’s water sports you’re after, then you’ve come to the right place. You’ll find everything from swimming and kayaking to snorkeling and scuba diving along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest of its kind in the world.


Whether we spend our day on the beach or in the jungle, the evenings are reserved for exploring some of the best restaurants the Riviera Maya has to offer. Scenesters savor fresh, Italian-influenced dishes at Posada Margarita, while those in search of fresh seafood with a gourmet bent head to Hartwood. Sip cocktails and cold beers overlooking the beach at Papaya Playa’s bar, while a rotating roster of international DJ’s spin in the background.

It’s no wonder that Tulum has recently been touted as the next St. Bart’s or Goa. We’re crossing our fingers it won’t get flooded with visitors anytime soon. But we’d suggest going now, just in case. And with our Papaya Playa rates starting at $85 per night, you have no excuse not to.

Where to Go: NYC, Ace Hotel-Style

From the Travel Editor:
Whether you’re a foodie or a fashionista, there are a million and a half reasons to escape to New York City. Unless you’re springing for an iconic spot like The Plaza, though, the hotels aren’t usually one of them. Meet the Ace Hotel, which has become a destination in and of itself, with its quirky vintage-chic style attracting both discerning locals and in-the-know visitors, alike.

If you take our advice and decide to book this trendy design property, you’ll want to make the most of your stay, so allow us (we are New Yorkers, after all) to point you to a collection of destinations that will help further your stylish, slightly-hipster, and definitely NYC-original experience.


Before even leaving the hotel, you’ll be spoiled by your choices. Pop into Portland-based Stumptown Coffee for a quick cappuccino and cookie before heading out for the day. Or enjoy a leisurely brunch in The Breslin Bar & Dining Room , a wood-paneled gastropub with a morning menu that features pumpkin pancakes and frittatas. Come back in the evening to grab drinks in any of the three bars, and especially to sample The John Dory’s oyster-and-champagne happy hour.

Just a few blocks south on Broadway, you’ll find Madison Square Park, one of the city’s best-maintained green spaces. If you can brave the line, get burgers and shakes at the iconic Shake Shack. Then, after a day of exploring, escape the hustle and bustle of Manhattan’s streets and make a reservation at Eataly’s Birreria to experience a one-of-a-kind beer garden perched on a roof overlooking the park.

Still need to get some shopping in? Head south on Broadway to ABC Carpet & Home. You could spend hours wandering its ten floors of unique home textiles, antiques, and furnishings. Then move along to Fishs Eddy, the iconic New York kitchenware boutique, before finding yourself at Union Square, where the year-round farmers and local artisans market draws everyone from college kids to chefs to Bill Cunningham.

We could gush for hours, but we’ll stop for now. If you’re still looking for tips, check out our previous post on some of our favorite NYC spots. Or just explore for yourself—through our sale, rooms at the Ace start at $219, with dates available into July.

Travel Inspiration: NYC's Stylish Streets

From the Travel Editor:

Whether it’s the sunny middle of summer or the snowy depths of winter, there’s really no time we don’t want to explore the vibrant streets, trendy boutiques, and endless number of delicious restaurants of New York City. After all, it’s the city that never sleeps, an ever-changing metropolis where we could return to the same street over and over again and discover something new each time.

Which means that this week’s sale on Madison Avenue’s sleek MAve hotel gives us an excuse to talk about this wonderful city we know and love. We confess to being true New Yorkers, so here are a few of our local, insider tips to help get you inspired for your next trip.

Where to Dine: Balaboosta
New York is home to so many excellent restaurants that you almost have to work to get a mediocre meal. That said, all those options can be overwhelming, particularly when you’re in a neighborhood with such fine dining options as ABC Kitchen and Eleven Madison Park. Head south to the tiny neighborhood of Nolita, packed chock full of super-trendy establishments, and try this stylish Eastern Mediterranean restaurant with a not-uncommon NYC story; gourmet falafel shop and food truck Taïm did so well that the owner was able to open a real restaurant.

Where to Market: Union Square Greenmarket
Sure, it’s right in the midst of bustling Union Square, but where else are you going to put the city’s largest farmers market? It’s the perfect place to spend a couple hours on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Saturday – rain or shine – sampling local wines and artisanal pickles. Pick up a baguette, some fresh ricotta, and organic apples for a picnic lunch. Plan your outfit, though: Bill Cunningham has been known to swing by on Saturdays.

Where to Wander: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Don’t worry, we’re not sending you out of the city. In fact, you’re going to a neighborhood closer than most of Manhattan; go about five minutes east and find yourself on hipster haven Williamsburg’s main drag, Bedford Ave. What started out as a gentrifying warehouse area has since become one of New York’s hippest neighborhoods, lined with vintage shops, trendy boutiques, stylish bars, and organic, farm-to-table restaurants.

Introducing Editor’s Picks from ideeli Travel

From the Travel Editor:

When we choose an Editor’s Pick, the offer goes above and beyond the usual high standards we require of all of our travel deals. While every ideeli travel deal meets most of the following criteria, Editor’s Picks rank exceptionally high in at least five of them:

Value for money: A distinctive offer for the lowest currently available public price
Singular travel experience: Distinguishing factors like perks, service, location, and atmosphere
Accolades: Awards and high ratings from professional and real traveler sources
Prime availability: Wide range of key available dates
Desirable destination: The places you want to go, when you want to go
Accessible: Location is easily reachable from most major US cities

When you see the Editor’s Pick stamp, you can trust that this is one extra-ordinary offer. Click here to check out this week’s travel sales and see what we’re talking about!