Travel

ESCAPE TO 10 OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN THE WORLD RIGHT NOW!

Frozen Wings by Kris Williams. Jökulsárlón, Iceland.

by Kris Williams. Frozen Wings. Jökulsárlón, Iceland.

Sometimes we forget what we need the most – time off. Luckily, we’ve curated a list of gorgeous and unexpected escapes that will help inspire you to take the “you time” you deserve.

1. JÖKULSÁRLÓN -- ICELAND

Escape to the otherworldly landscapes of Jökulsárlón, Iceland! There, you will find a giant glittering lake, formed by glaciers that receded from the Atlantic Ocean. It is Iceland’s deepest lake, measuring over 248 metres deep.

Jökulsárlón has been a beautiful “escape” setting for four Hollywood movies: A View to a Kill, Die Another Day, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Batman Begins, as well as the "reality TV" series Amazing Race.

2. MOERAKI BOULDERS -- NEW ZEALAND

Escape to Koekohe Beach, New Zealand! There you can view a unique wonder. The area is scattered with spherical boulders, called the Moeraki Boulders, that each weigh several tons, and span up to 3 meters in diameter. Formed by ancient sea floor sediments from around 60 million years ago, the boulders provide an intriguing window into another place and time.

In addition to its beautiful landscape, the exquisite seaside region is known for its interesting wildlife. Spend your day communing with exotic creatures, from the spectacular Northern Royal Albatross to magnificent penguins.

3. CATHEDRAL COVE -- NEW ZEALAND

For your next diving getaway, escape to the beautiful crystal waters of Gemstone Bay. The bay is dotted with buoys that mark the underwater habitats of rare species. Dive to the bottom of the reserve to revel in the wonders of the reef, including the enchanting sponge gardens.

Head to the majestic Cathedral Cove, a naturally-formed white rock arched cavern, that joins two secluded coves. The archway lends an air of grandeur to the area, and is the perfect setting to snap a selfie.

4. ŠOLTA -- CROATIA

From pebble beaches, to turquoise seas, the Croatian island of Šolta is a study in beachy beauty. Home to 24 bays, this pine-covered island offers an abundance of unusual attractions that make it a beautiful escape destination.

Check out the island’s tiny fishing village, and the art studio of a local painter, who uses landscapes and donkeys as his muse. At night, recover in a suite at the Martinis Marchi, a castle-turned-hotel, dating back to the 18th century.

5. FLORES -- AZORES, PORTUGAL

Flores, one of 9 beautiful islands that make up Portugal’s Azores, is covered in flowers (hence its name). An escape to this place will reward you with breathtaking views of mountains, crater lakes and waterfalls.

Check out the city of Horta’s marina, which showcases art made by sailors from around the world. Or just lay back and have a real chill time.

6. LUMMI ISLAND -- WASHINGTON

Looking for an escape with a culinary theme? Head to the Willows Inn, in the woodsy Lummi Island, in Washington State. Its restaurant was named one of the 10 Restaurants Worldwide ‘Worth A Plane Ride’ by the New York Times.

Beyond glorious dining, fill your days with some of the area’s most alluring spots and activities, including energy healing sessions at the Tree Frog Farm, eclectic artist open studio showcases, exquisite seascapes, and windy hiking roads.

7. SPITSBERGEN -- NORWAY

Fall off the grid at snowy Spitsbergen Island. Situated between northern Norway, and the North Pole, the island provides a stunning place for you to retreat and recharge all year long.

Enjoy the region’s dramatic views of snow-topped mountains, electric blue ice, and crystal seas. The island also offers several unconventional activities for the entire family, including dog-sledding, sledging, snowmobile-riding, and glacier treks.

From mid-April to late August, the sun shines 24/7, but then flickers to a total darkness, that resides over the region from mid-November to February.

8. LAKE FRYXELL -- ANTARCTICA

Escape to a frozen wonderland! Lake Fryxell, a frozen lake measuring 4.5 kilometres (2.8 mi) long, located in Victoria Land, Antarctica, gets its indigo hue from the melting water of the Canada Glacier. The bright blue water gets trapped underneath the ice, as the top layer freezes.

During warmer seasons, the water unfreezes, and breathtaking whales swim and dance throughout the seas.

A short helicopter (or dog cart!) ride from the lake will take you to the Dry Valley, Canada Glacier, and Commonwealth Glacier, regions noted for their variety of rock formations and drastic changes in landscape. The area will stun and impress you with a profound silence that stretches over the entire region.

9. SHARK BAY -- KO TAO, THAILAND

For your next vacation, set your sights on the beautiful island of Shark Bay, Koh, Thailand. A site once harboring political prisoners, the breathtaking island now makes for a luxe diving—and resort—experience. Get up, close and personal with sharks and rays amid neon reefs; or opt for some downtime, sipping cocktails atop a white sand beach.

Ko Tao was named after the island's turtle-like shape. It also happens to be an important breeding ground for hawksbill and green turtles.

10. JÁVEA -- COSTA BLANCA, SPAIN

Often called the jewel of the Costa Blanca, Jávea beckons with seaside attractions: romantic coves, beautiful beaches and excellent dining. Love history? Gaze back at the past in Jávea’s old town, lined with 14th to 16th century buildings and a gothic church.

Need another great reason to escape to this place? According to the World Health Organization, Jávea has one of the healthiest climates in the world.

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IMAGE CREDITS:

Image: by Kris Williams. Frozen Wings. Jökulsárlón, Iceland.
Image: by Kenneth Muir. Jökulsárlón Sunset. Jökulsárlón, Iceland.
Image: by Moyan Brenn. Iceland. Jökulsárlón, Iceland.
Image: by Chris Gin. Creatures of the Sea. Moeraki Boulders, New Zealand.
Image: Tom Hall. Cathedral Cove. Cathedral Cove, New Zealand.
Image: by Joadl. The Port of Maslinica on the island Šolta / Croatia / Adriatic Sea. Šolta, Croatia
Image: Courtesy of ecoTours Portugal. Flores. Azores, Portugal.
Image: by Warren In the Weed. Untitled. Lummi Island, Washington.
Image: by ashokboghani. Bravery. Spitsbergen, Norway.
Image: by Joe Mastroianni. Courtesy of National Science Foundation. The Blue Ice Covering Lake Fryxell, in the Transantarctic Mountains. Lake Fryxell, Antarctica
Image: by Robert Simmon for NASA. McMurdo Dry Valleys. Dry Valley, Canada.
Image: by irumge. Shark Bay. Koh Tao,Thailand.
Image: by Marina Sanz Biendicho. Cala Ambolo, Jávea. Jávea. Costa Blanca, Spain.
Image: by ser_is_snarkish. Day 14 - Alkhornet. Spitsbergen, Norway.
Image: by Rowy. Moeraki Boulders, New Zealand.
Image: by BN App - Download now!
Image: by Diego Delso. View of the beach of Granadella. Jávea, Costa Blanca, Spain.