Desroches Island is the main island of the Amirante Islands, part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles. Few places on earth can be described as paradise until you come across destinations like Desroches Island. Pristine fine sand beaches, unique wildlife, and unspoilt vegetation all make up a part of this jewel in the Indian Ocean.
Royal Belize is a seven acre private island, the entire staff works for you and only you, located in beautiful Central America on the western Caribbean coast. With every comfort and amenity you can conjure, Royal Belize is a true retreat for the mind, body and soul. Every single spot is reserved for your private use, and you also get the privilege of being right near the second largest coral reef in the world!
Laucala is a private island in the Fijian Pacific archipelago and the site of the exclusive Laucala Resort. Icing sugar-like beaches, dazzling turquoise lagoons, rich green mountains, scenic panoramas, swaying palm trees, and continually smiling people greet you at this secluded private island.
For the small price of $54,500 a night, Necker Island can be all yours! A small island in the British Virgin Islands, it is owned by Sir Richard Branson, famous for his Virgin brand. Accommodating up to 28 guests the island has two private beaches, private pools, tennis courts, breathtaking views, a personal chef, a team of about 60 staff and a multitude of water sports equipment.
Tetiaroa is a private island in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, in the Pacific. Once the vacation spot for Tahitian royalty, the island is famous for having been purchased by Marlon Brando. The only permanent resident is Simon Teihotu Brando, Brando's 48 year old son and the island's caretaker.
Musha Cay is an exclusive private island resort over 4 islands owned by illusionist David Copperfield. Located in the Exuma chain of southern Bahamas, this little slice of paradise boasts 700 acres of lush natural beauty. Copperfield's site is proud to say "Surely it's one of the most secluded spots on earth, yet everything you want is provided... then quietly, unobtrusively replenished."
Parrot Cay is a private island, and is part of the Turks and Caicos. It combines nature – 1000 unspoilt acres, including a mile-long powdered beach – with understated style, cosseting service and smiling staff. The island has eight private houses owned by Christie Brinkley, Keith Richards, Bruce Willis, and Donna Karan just to name a few...
-Tracy Smith
Ruins; impressive structures made by man and destroyed by time, have always fascinated me. There is something truly interesting about walking around ancient ruins and imagining what life must have been like at the time. Below are just a few of my favorites and quite frankly all ruins and the stories behind them interest me.
Timgad was a Roman colonial town in North Africa founded by the Emperor Trajan around 100 AD. It is located in modern-day Algeria, about 35 km east of the town of Batna. Located at the intersection of six roads, the city was walled but not fortified. Originally designed for a population of around 15,000, the city quickly outgrew its original specifications and spilled beyond the orthogonal grid in a more loosely-organized fashion.
Palenque was a Maya city state in southern Mexico that flourished in the 7th century. The Palenque ruins date back to 100 BC to its fall around 800 AD. After its decline it was absorbed into the jungle, which is made up of cedar, mahogany, and sapodilla trees, but has been excavated and restored and is now a famous archaeological site attracting thousands of visitors.
The Ayutthaya Historical Park covers the ruins of the old city of Ayutthaya, Thailand, which was founded by King Ramathibodi I in 1350 and was the capital of the country until its destruction by the Burmese army in 1767. According to historians the city rivaled even Europe's capitals at the time. So prosperous was the kingdom that Burma burned and sacked the city in jealousy.
Palmyra is in the heart of the Syrian desert. An ancient Syrian city, it played an important role during the age of antiquity. It had long been a vital caravan city for travelers crossing the Syrian desert and was known as the Bride of the Desert. The most striking building in Palmyra is the huge temple of Ba'al, shown here, and the theater.
Tikal in Guatemala is one of the largest archaeological sites and urban centres of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya.The ruins lie among the tropical rainforests of northern Guatemala that formed the cradle of lowland Maya civilization.
-Tracy Smith
