Introduction



  I set up my Dream Vacation as a restaurant menu with choices for Appetizers, the Main Course, and Dessert. The Appetizer will set the palate for the Main Course: It is where I will get a "taste" of a specific region. The purpose of the Main Course is to build off my Appetizer and enjoy one of the three regions in more depth: to linger, embellish the senses, and lose oneself in the experience. Finally, the Dessert compliments or completes my dream vacation.





Where? I organized my Dream Vacation as a menu so that my partner and I can choose the destination and type of vacation that we want to have. The menu consists of regions that I dream of visiting: The South Pacific, French Polynesia, and the Caribbean. All locations are in exotic tropical climates and have gorgeous beaches...a combination that is essential for my Dream Vacation!

With whom? My significant other

When? Ideally, I will go on my Dream Vacation in the next 10 years, before I settle down and have children. The exact time will depend on when we can get time off work and the availability of the funds!


How to get there? In my vacation Appetizer we will take an airplane to the port of departure. From there, we will take a luxury cruise to tour either the French Polynesia, the South Pacific or the Caribbean. For the Main Course, we will take a plane from the the city of the port of departure back to the Island that we choose to explore in more depth.

 

Accommodation For the first part of my Dream Vacation, we will sail on a luxury cruise in order to see as much as the region as possible in a two week period. The second component of the Dream Vacation, the main menu, will consist of a week-long stay at a luxury resort. 

Budget The total maximum budget for my Dream Vacation will be approximately $15000/person. This will account for an Appetizer budget of $10,000/person and a main course budget of $5000/person. This budget will account for our travel, accommodation, food and activities. The budget for Dessert is unknown!

Appetizers


The first step in my dream vacation is where I will get a "taste" of a specific region. I will use a luxury cruise as a mode of transportation to efficiently experience multiple dream destinations. 
The purpose of the appetizer is to set the palette for the main course. My choice depends on when I can travel, my mood, who I am with, etc. It will allow me to choose what kind of vacation I want to experience: A romantic getaway in the French Polynesia, an exciting Caribbean quest, or an South Pacific adventure.

Choose one of three Appetizers:
 
Tahiti and Society Islands

On this two-week cruise, you'll first call at the breathtaking isle of Bora Bora. This could be easily be described as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows, thatched-roof villas, and fabled ambience. 

Then it's on to the Tuamotus, specifically Fakarava, an atoll known for its pristine beaches, rare wildlife, and exceptional diving. The island is a sanctuary for rare birds, plants and crustaceans.

Next, explore the mist-covered Marquesas, where you'll discover the islands of Fatu Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Huka, and Nuku Hiva. On these wild islands you'll find waterfalls, wild stallions, tiki sculptures, and an arboretum, among other delights.  

Fatu Hiva is wild and spectacularly beautiful. The jungle greenery begins at the water's edge, with narrow ravines, deep gorges and luxuriant valleys briefly open to view as the boat glides past, close to the sheer cliffs that plunge straight down into the splashing surf. 

Hiva Oa is an island marked by wild beauty and a somber bearing. You might visit the village of Puamau to see the largest stone sculptures of Marquesas. 

Home to the only arboretum in French Polynesian, the people of Ua Huka have a commitment to the conservation and the preservation of their culture that is palpable. The oldest ruins in the Marquesas are located in the Hane Valley and date back to AD 254-300.

Known as the “wild” Society for its untamed, verdant forests, Huahine remains relatively untouched by modern development. Explore some of the abundant archaeological treasures – ancient homes, buildings, and marae (stone platforms that served as places of worship) – excavated and preserved throughout the island. Or dive in Huahine's crystalline lagoon, which teems with over 450 species of fish.

The island of Moorea's scenery is like a dream. Try out some exciting optional watersports like scuba diving among a host of interesting sea creatures – including sea turtles, a staggering number of fish species such as barracuda, tuna, jackfish, red snapper, moray eels, trigger fish, various sizes and shapes of rays and more.  
 








Cruise total: $6,000/person
Flight details
  • Toronto (YYZ) to Los Angeles (LAX) via Air Canada
  • Los Angeles (LAX) to Papeete (PPT) via Air Tahiti 
    • Paul Gauguin offers free airfare from Los Angeles! 
  • Papeete (PPT) to Bora Bora (BOB) via Air Tahiti 
  • flight total: $5,286 (round trip)


Barrier Reef & Gold Coast


On this 16 day luxury cruise you will depart from Benoa, Bali which features calm waters and beautiful white sand beaches that are prime for water sports.






Next you will visit Gili Trawangan, Indonesia which due to its size, mainly produces relaxation and beach-induced bliss.





At Komodo Island you find an authentic ancient culture. The Komodo National Park is home to the iconic Komodo dragon found nowhere else on earth. Apart from dragon spotting, there are some good walks, viewpoints and game viewing. You can also board a glass bottom boat
cruising the local waters, and there's a good chance to see large sea mammals, such as whales and dolphins.




In Darwin, Australia you will explore its beautiful coastline, as well as numerous parks and gardens. This sociable hub is where non-Aboriginal meets Aboriginal (Larrakia), where urban meets remote, and where industry meets idleness.






On Thursday Island you can experience one of Australia's Indigenous cultures, local art, community markets, relics of the pearling industry, colonial architecture and tours of significant sites from World War Two.




Next you will explore Cairns which is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda, and the Daintree rainforest, a World Heritage protected area.




 Azure sea, white sand and endless sunshine are the appeal of the Whitsunday Islands off the Queensland Coast. 74 Island Wonders, located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, on the tropical coast of Queensland, Australia.  A visit to the Whitsundays is a feast of the senses, surrounded by natural beauty, dotted with secluded beaches and friendly towns from which to explore.  The hardest part is choosing how to fit it all in.

As the capital of Queensland, Brisbane is Australia's "most livable city". Brisbane City is a hive of activity for shopping, dining, culture and nightlife. Striking historic buildings contrast beautifully with modern architecture contributing to the fantastic cityscape, best viewed by night. Home of the cultural precinct featuring galleries, museums, theatre and festivals Brisbane is also the gateway to the sun, surf and beaches of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

You will finish off your adventure in Sydney which is a cosmopolitan, multicultural city surrounded by golden sand beaches, World Heritage areas, lush national parks and acclaimed wine regions.

Cruise total: $8,000/ person
Flight Details
  • Toronto - Pearson International (YYZ) to Vancouver - Vancouver Intl (YVR) via Air Canada
  • Vancouver - Vancouver Intl (YVR) to Seoul - Inchon International Airport (ICN)via Air Canada
  • Seoul - Inchon International Airport (ICN)to Denpasar Bali - Ngurah Rai (DPS) via Korean Air 
  • flight total:   $3373 (round trip)

Caribbean Holiday Quest





Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US you will embark on an 18 day tour of some of the most beautiful islands in Caribbean. 


Aruba's beaches are world renowned for their sugary white sand, cooling trade winds, secluded coves lively sunbathing and a myriad of watersports. Aruba is one of only a few Caribbean islands where the indigenous Indian population was not decimated by invading Europeans. 



Kralendijk (Bonaire), Antilles is lined with delightfully pastel stucco houses, in pinks, oranges and lime greens. Famous for its diving - the island is surrounded by a Marine Park. Bonaire also offers such treats as flamingos, hiking and the only barefoot casino in the Caribbean.



In Mayreau, Grenadines you can relax on a perfect beach with powder white sands and crystal clear seas. Sail to the Tobago Cays, snorkel or scuba dive beautiful coral gardens. Take a stroll to the village, enjoy scenic views, a quaint old church and lovely people.

Barbados is one of the most diverse and active destinations, offering more attractions per square mile than any other Caribbean island. Activities range from submarine tours to helicopter rides; jeep safaris to heritage tours; exciting Caribbean nightlife to fine dining.
                                                                     Rodney Bay is located in northwest St Lucia. With numerous restaurants, beautiful resorts, thrilling activities and a historically notorious marina (a bay treasured by pirates in the early 1700s and 1800s), it is the area with the most tourist activity. 



Terre-de-Haut is unhurried and feels like a small slice of southern France transported to the Caribbean.


                                                                                                           In St. John's, the capital city of Antigua, farmers markets, candy- colored architecture and the ruins of sugar plantations vie for attention with a kaleidoscope of coral reefs and sailing adventures. 



Gustavia (St. Barts), France features include steep, green, once-active volcano hills, deep valleys, and beautiful beaches. Explore cafes, restaurants and boutiques that are housed in old buildings of Swedish colonial and French Creole architecture. 



Less is more on St. John. It's the smallest, quietest, least populated and most secluded of the three U.S. Virgin Islands. St. John's unspoiled beauty is its main draw -- two-thirds of the island is made up of the Virgin Islands National Park. Sailing, snorkeling and diving are top attractions.


San Juan, Puerto Rico;  Remnants of colonial architecture stand side by side with the most modern high rises in this city of contrasts. Mountain lakes, waterfalls, teak forests, and three magnificent phosphorescent bays offer the visitor a variety of diversions


 


Half Moon Cay is considered by many to be the most beautiful of the cruise lines’ private islands. This is truly a nature preserve as Holland America takes great strides to maintain the ecosystem of this pristine island

Cruise total: $9,000/person

Flight Details
  • Toronto (YYZ) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) via Delta 
  • flight total: $657 (round trip)

Main Course

In the main course, I will choose a country, region or city that I want to experience in more depth. It's purpose is to linger, embellish the senses, and lose oneself in the experience. I will expand on my previous experience in this location by exploring wildlife, going off the beaten path and/or looking beyond the cultural curtain!
The choice for my main course will depend on my luxury cruise destination (my appetizer), and ultimately who I am traveling with. The main course of my vacation will either be a romantic getaway in Bora Bora, the ultimate Caribbean experience in the Bahamas or an Aussie adventure in the Gold Coast.

Sides: things to add to my main course
excursions
tours
activities
day-trips

Choose one of the following for the Main Course:


South Pacific:  Le Meridien Bora Bora
                                                                               

 Le Méridien Bora Bora is a Polynesian paradise offering extraordinary views of the island and overlooking Mount Otemanu as well as the Bora Bora lagoon.


    Situated on one of the finest beaches in the South Pacific, the resort is an ideal retreat for anyone seeking exclusive and ultimate privacy. There are no roads and no traffic – just peace, tranquility, and eye-catching tropical beauty.  


    The over-water bungalows are ideal for travelers seeking romance and privacy. With Mount Otemanu vistas, these signature bungalows boast some of the best views in Bora Bora. 



    The inner lagoon at Le Meridien Bora Bora is a sanctuary for hawksbill turtles, and has a programme that raises young turtles and eventually releases adults into the wild. Guests can learn about the turtles, but also have the opportunity to swim among them in their natural habitat, the lagoon.

    Sides: jet-skiing, a catamaran cruise, a lagoonarium, para sailing, water-skiing, shark and ray feeding, deep-sea fishing, an aqua safari, and more!

    Cost: 5 nights from $1490/person
     







    Caribbean: Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, Bahamas

    The Paradise Island mega-resort is more than a resort inspired by the lost city of Atlantis. It's an unbelievable playground built for couples, families and friends. Everything you need – dining, entertainment, accommodations – Atlantis delivers on a grand scale.


    A unique ocean-themed resort destination, Atlantis offers a variety of accommodation choices, from the relaxed tropical ambience of the Beach & Coral Towers, to the iconic Royal Towers, to the sheer luxury and contemporary all-suite style of The Cove. With its enviable location directly on Paradise Beach, The Reef features all the comforts of home in spacious studios and one-bedroom suites. Regardless of where you choose to stay, you will enjoy full access to the wonders of Atlantis.

    Atlantis provides a unique opportunity to explore a truly extraordinary collection of marine habitats and aquarium exhibits—lagoons, caves, coral formations and breathtaking underwater ruins designed to showcase exotic marine life ranging from dolphins and sea lions to sharks, rays, barracuda, to piranha, eels and even endangered alligator!



    Guests can dive in and snorkel amid the sunken artifacts of the lost city of Atlantis in the Ruins Lagoon, in the seven-acre Paradise Lagoon or in the crystalline Caribbean waters off of Cove Beach. Better yet, they can hop aboard a custom Blue Adventures boat and travel to a colorful coral reef for an amazing snorkeling experience.





    Atlantis has over 40 restaurants, bars and lounges to satisfy any palette. The Atlantis LIVE concert series brings in top performers from every music genre constantly providing resort guests with unforgettable performances.





    Cost: 6 nights from $1370/person









    Barrier Reef & Gold Coast: Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa




    A secluded tropical hideaway in North Queensland set on 38 acres of lush botanical gardens this private beachfront resort provides the ultimate Australian vacation experience.



    Situated amongst a natural oasis of coastal lagoons, and surrounded by swathes of tropical palms and endemic rainforest - a rich habitat that provides a home to dozens of native species - this resort has its roots firmly grounded in sensitive eco-tourism.




     




    The property is perfectly located to explore the region's quiet, pristine beaches, its unspoiled coastlines, and northern Australia's rugged outback.



    Activities near the Resort:
    • Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef
    • Explore the rainforest at Cape Tribulation
    • Cairns Tropical Zoo
    • Kuranda Koala Gardens
    • Enjoy a bird's eye view on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
    • Hot air balloon over the Cairns Highlands
    • Get up close and personal with a crocodile at Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
    • Raft the mighty Tully or Barron Rivers
    • Learn about Aboriginal heritage at Tjapukai Cultural Park












    Cost: 6 nights from $1250/person

    Dessert


    The final component to my dream vacation will be the dessert. Dessert may be something that compliments or completes my dream vacation. It could represent something that results from my experience in the main course. It will be the icing on the cake, the unexpected, the lasting, the memory, the extra risk. 
    • life experience/bucket list
    • passion/hobby
    • personal relationships
    • further vacation plans
    • vacation home