Islands, Beaches, & Reefs Category Archives

Whitsundays Gem: A retreat for couples

Hi everyone, this is Candice. I wanted to tell you about this wonderful resort I stayed in while traveling to Australia. Elysian Resort, located on Long Island in the Whitsundays, caters to couples seeking an intimate escape. Getting there is straightforward, with boat/helicopter access from Airlie Beach or a scenic helicopter ride from Hamilton Island. Read More…

French Polynesia – A Diver’s Paradise

Hello everyone; this is Shannon. As a scuba diver, I am always looking for places to add to my list for diving. While I have been to French Polynesia twice, I have yet actually to get underwater there! So as you can imagine, I am really hoping to go back to dive in both the Read More…

Costa Rica, it should be on your bucket list

Hi everyone, it’s Shannon. Recently I had a chance to travel to Costa Rica for two weeks. Costa Rica is a newer destination for Down Under Endeavours, and it will not disappoint! Costa Rica is a wonderfully safe country with multiple ecosystems to explore. Here are some top points you should know: With a two-week Read More…

Four Things You Need to Know about Aruba

Hi everyone! It’s Shannon! I just returned from a lovely four days on the beach in Aruba. And yes, before you ask, we can book a trip to Aruba for you. Aruba is part of the ABC islands in the Netherlands Antilles, which means they are outside the hurricane belt in the Caribbean, and that Read More…

Best Places in Fiji: Island Guide

When is the last time you tasted the salt on your lips after a dip in the ocean…  Drifted off to sleep, watching the clouds roll by a cotton candy sky…  Or sipped cocktails and had an amazing outdoor star-lit private dinner… These are just a few of the amazing experiences you will find on a Read More…

Traveling to Mexico during a pandemic

Hi everyone! It’s Shannon. I am happy to report that I just returned from my first trip to Mexico. I can’t believe it took me this long to visit our neighboring country, but I am so glad that I had the chance to experience travel during the height of the pandemic. This trip was a Read More…

Things to consider when booking holiday travel

Since the pandemic shut down most countries across the world, most Americans have had planned trips canceled or postponed for the year. We know that holiday travel is on your minds and that a lot of you really just want to travel again. With places in the Caribbean and Africa opening up to Americans, the Read More…

Traveling on Election Day

Election Day is just around the corner! Voting is your chance to have some control over what happens to your family and community. As citizens, it is our right to weigh in on the issues that affect our country and the people who lead it. Can you still register to vote? Voter registration deadlines are Read More…

Why renting a Caribbean villa should be on your travel wishlist this winter

If you are like many of us who migrate to the warmer climates in the south for the winter, traditionally to states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona, this is the year to switch things up by renting your own private villa in the Caribbean. Exclusive Use and a Pool all to yourself! There’s something truly Read More…

Where to Travel in 2020: 10 Bucket List Destinations for the New Year

As the new year approaches, so does the possibility for fresh starts, exciting goals, and new adventures. Whether you have the urge to explore a new city, relax on a white sand beach, reset from the hustle of every day, or reconnect with your true self, 2020 is your year! We’ve curated some inspiration to Read More…

Best Things to Do in French Polynesia

Wondering what there is to do in French Polynesia? This stunning island chain, also known as the Islands of Tahiti, is world-famous for brilliant blue lagoons, 5-star resorts, and overwater bungalows. It’s also home to some of the world’s most fascinating and ancient cultures and plenty of adventures! Here are 8 of our favorite things Read More…

Islands of Australia: 7 Jaw-Dropping Vacation Spots

Australia is fringed by more than 8,000 islands, each of them unique and filled with unbelievable wildlife! That’s a whole lot of beautiful islands to choose from, so our Australia specialists have curated this list of the best ones to explore on your next trip. Whether you’re looking to explore or completely relax, we are Read More…

What to Do in Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia, has a seductive outdoor lifestyle and great natural beauty. The iconic Sydney Opera House is well worth a visit, and if you have a head for heights, take the Sydney Harbour BridgeClimb for stunning views and a great adventure. Be sure to see the city from the water, explore hidden beaches on beautiful Read More…

Best Beach Vacations of the South Pacific

Hello there, mates! The dreary February weather here in the Midwest has us dreaming of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Below is a list of some of our all-time favorite best beach vacations and destinations. Australia: Whitehaven Beach Private picnic on Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. Image courtesy of Ellen Hoffman Whitehaven Beach is Read More…

Top 5 Most Romantic Getaways

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and Down Under Endeavours is in the know when it comes to the most romantic spots in the world to take your significant other. From overwater bungalows in Bora Bora to grand country estates in New Zealand, we’ll help you plan the perfect romantic getaway! Below are some of our top Read More…

Top 10 Wildlife Tours in Australia

An Australian wildlife tour is the highlight of any trip down under! Australia is packed with unique wildlife, with an average of 7,500 total animals calling the country home! But, did you know that 90% of animals in Australia are found nowhere else in the world? Seeing wildlife down under is truly a magical experience, Read More…

St. Regis Bora Bora Resort is Heaven on Earth!

I knew as soon as we had hit Bora Bora; that stunning lagoon is impossible to miss! I looked out my window on the 60-seater plane and watched the water change from Persian blue to brandeis to cyan and fade into a celeste blue so sheer I could see straight to the bottom through a Read More…

Best Overwater Bungalow Destinations

Not all overwater bungalows are created equal! From the deep azure waters of the Maldives, to the famed Bora Bora lagoon in the Islands of Tahiti, to the laid-back Cook Islands, here are our favorite overwater bungalow destinations in the South Pacific and beyond. 1. Islands of Tahiti An iconic view of Mt Otemanu in Bora Read More…

Bora Bora: Perfect Island Getaway

A Bora Bora island getaway is perfect for honeymoons, special occasions, and anyone looking for some relaxation and sunshine. Bora Bora is world-famous for its luxurious overwater bungalows, where you can see colorful fish swimming beneath your floor and lounge on your outdoor terrace surrounded by a bright turquoise lagoon. Here are just a few of Read More…

A Little Slice of Island Paradise: Plan Your Trip to the Cook Islands!

Hello, all! I have recently returned from a quick trip to the Cook Islands, and my only complaint is that I had to return to the real world too soon. The Cook Islands make you feel like you’ve been transported to not only a beautiful destination, but a simpler time: No one is in a Read More…

Top 10 Natural Wonders of Australia

Australia is full of mind-blowing landscapes and natural wonders that are perfect for outdoor adventures. The most famous, of course, is the Great Barrier Reef—but there are also dramatic mountain ranges, bubblegum pink lakes, and tropical islands filled with unique wildlife. Our team of Australia experts have traveled far and wide across this amazing country, Read More…