World's 7 most dangerous and remote islands

 Idiotic TV shows and all the latest apps bumming you out on the 21st century? Ready for some "me time" on the world's remotest islands?

Forget golden sands and swaying palms -- the reality of solitude is different as these terrifyingly distant landfalls demonstrate.

Tristan da Cunha 
1,750 miles from South Africa

The British island group of Tristan da Cunha stands profoundly alone in the South Atlantic. The nearest landfall is South Africa, 1,750 miles east, and to the west, South America is more than 2,000 miles.

It's the world's most remote inhabited island chain -- so precariously occupied that when a volcanic vent erupted in 1961, the whole population was evacuated to England.

Reaching Tristan da Cunha: This is no easygoing excursion.

To quote the official website, "There are no package tours for independent travelers, no hotels, no airport, no holiday reps, no night clubs, no restaurants, no jet skis nor safe sea swimming."

All visitors need to clear their arrivals in advance through the Island Council, and they also need to obtain a police certificate. (A 40-day wait is typical.)

There are around 10 sailings a year from Cape Town, South Africa, and Namibia, each taking five to six days to reach the islands; it costs $800-$1,500 for a round trip. A list of available ships can be found on the official website: www.tristandc.com.

Bear Island 
400 miles off Europe's north coast

Bjornoya, better known as Bear Island, is the southernmost island in the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard, 400 miles north of mainland Europe -- but only on paper, given that it's almost 150 miles south of the Norwegian island chain with which it's lumped.

It's been a nature reserve since 2002 and has a lively history of failed occupation -- hard to believe for a place of barren cliffs, near-zero precipitation and risk of leaks of radioactive material from thenearby wreck of a nuclear submarine.

Reaching Bear Island: Getting to the heart of Svalbard is a relatively simple matter -- there are daily flights from Oslo and Tromso to Svalbard's capital, Longyearbyen, on the west coast of Spitsbergen.

Now it gets tricky. Research vessels infrequently call on Bear Island (the Norwegian Polar Institute makes an occasional appearance), while individually chartered boats and the occasional adventure cruise (such as this one from Polar Quest) haul in the remaining visitors.

Bouvet 
1,000 miles from Antarctica

Tristan da Cunha is the remotest inhabited island in the world -- now, welcome to its uninhabited, far bleaker counterpart.

Its cliffs are sheer. It's almost entirely covered by a glacier. In winter, its seas are pack ice.

And its nearest neighbor is Antarctica, 1,000 miles to the south. In short, idyllic.

Reaching Bouvet: The entire island is a nature reserve -- so unless you can make a compelling case for visiting, you'll be blocked by Norwegian authorities.

Get permission, and it's now a simple matter of finding a research vessel, quickly mastering a valuable skill such as arctic geological surveying or marine biology and then getting someone to land you via helicopter. (There are no ports or harbors.)

If all else fails, try becoming an amateur radio enthusiast: In 1990, a multinational expedition of operators spent 16 days on the island.

Bishop Rock 
30 miles from England

Regarded by Guinness as the world's smallest island with a building on it, Bishop Rock stands at the end of Britain's Isles of Scilly, where coastal waters give way to the fury of the Atlantic.

In 1847, engineers started building an iron lighthouse there -- and it washed away in a storm. Its extraordinary successor, first lit in 1858, stands to this day.

Reaching Bishop Rock: Visiting the most southwesterly point in Britain is surprisingly easy -- the St. Mary's Boatsmen's Association runs day trips.

But as Martin Hesp notes, even on a "calm" day you're in for serious chop.

Boreray 
60 miles off mainland Scotland

Love the Scottish islands, but want something with a little more bite? Head west of the Outer Hebrides, and you'll find the archipelago of St. Kilda, 40 miles into the Atlantic.

It's one of Scotland's five World Heritage sites, with a main island that was abandoned in the 1930s when crops failed. Imagine the surprise of archaeologists when they found that one of the least hospitable islands, Boreray, was occupied in prehistoric times.

Reaching Boreray: Since Boreray comes under the protection of the National Trust for Scotland, you need its permission to visit.

Then? Lots of time and lots of luck -- with a rugged shoreline and savage sea swell, this isn't an island built for landings.

According to one guide, more people have reached the summit of Everest than have landed at Boreray since the National Trust took ownership in 1957.

North Sentinel Island

400 miles from Myanmar

North Sentinel is one of the 572 islands making up the Andaman chain in the Indian Ocean's Bay of Bengal.

It's surrounded by dangerous reefs, but North Sentinel is intimidating because of its inhabitants. The Sentinelese want nothing to do with the modern world and have repeatedly rebuffed attempts to make peaceful contact.

Reaching North Sentinel Island: You're kidding, right? If the above description didn't put you off, this article about a pair of fishermen who strayed onto the island certainly should.

Rockall 
270 miles from Ireland

If you think Boreray sounds forbidding, try sailing 187 miles west of it. Rockall is the tip of an extinct volcano reaching 20 meters (about 65 feet) above sea level, in seas with waves recorded as high as 29 meters (95 feet).

In 1955, the British Empire, in its final territorial acquisition, seized Rockall -- allegedly due to fears the Soviets would build a missile battery on it.

Reaching Rockall: In the words of the recently minted Rockall Club, "visiting Rockall is difficult, completely weather dependent and not cheap."

Your best bet is contacting Kilda Cruises and arranging a tailor-made excursion. Or you could sail there, lash yourself to the rock and claim it as your very own micronation -- but you wouldn't be the first.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/30/travel/most-remote-islands/index.html?iref=obinsite

7 REASONS YOU SHOULD BE HAVING MORE SEX

1. Sex Reduces Stress

Feeling stressed? Some sexual healing may be just the relief you crave. According to a study conducted at the University of Paisley in Scotland and published in Biological Psychology in 2006, when subjects had sex, their blood pressure reacted less to stressful activities (public speaking and mental arithmetic) than when they engaged in other sexual activities or none at all.

Among the possible reasons: “It’s a pleasurable, enjoyable activity and many people sleep better after sex,” says Robin Milhausen, assistant professor of human sexuality and family relations at the University of Guelph.

2. Sex Burns Calories

Okay, we can’t claim that sexercise burns as many calories as running or an aerobics class, but getting between the sheets for an hour will burn about 275 calories (for a 150-pound person). Now, don’t expect it to affect the scale that much—you need to burn 3,500 calories to lose a pound. But every little bit helps; and it’s a heck of a lot more fun that sit-ups.

Additionally, when you’re physically active during sex, says Milhausen, your cells, muscles and organs are getting fresh oxygen, which is good for your body.

3. Orgasms Can Help Reduce Pain

If you’re thinking of laying on that old excuse, “Not tonight, honey, I have a headache,” maybe you should reconsider. In her latest book, The Science of Orgasm, co-author Beverly Whipple, explains that at orgasm, the “love hormone” oxytocin surges and there is a marked reduction in sensitivity to pain, to about half that of the resting level. And although relief of migraine through orgasm is less reliable and effective than relief through prescription drugs, the analgesic effect is more rapid.

That said, any effects would be limited, cautions Milhausen. “During the time of orgasm and directly thereafter, it can increase your tolerance to pain, but it’s not a long-term solution. You can’t run a marathon and avoid pain because you had sex hours before the race.”

4. Sex Can Boost Your Immunity

In the book Feeling Good Is Good For You, co-author Carl J. Charnetski mentions a study he and other scientists conducted at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., where they asked 112 men and women about their frequency of sex and measured the level of an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA), which can protect against colds and flu. People who reported having sex once or twice a week had higher IgA readings than those who had sex less than once a week or not at all. They also had higher measurements, however, than those who had sex three or more times a week.

As to why IgA decreased after a certain point, Charnetski speculates it may be a case of too much of a good thing, or perhaps the more sexually active group was using sex to cover up for uncertainty or anxiety over the state of the relationship.

5. Sex Can Make You Look Younger

Forget lotions and potions. The secret to the fountain of youth lies between your thighs. David Weeks, a clinical neuropyschologist at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Scotland and co-author of Secrets of the Superyoung, conducted a 10-year study involving 3,500 people and found that men and women who reported having sex an average of four times a week looked approximately 10 years younger than they really were.

Weeks proposes that hormones such as the growth hormone are partially behind the effect. However, he also cautions that casual sex with multiple partners may be stressful and lead to premature aging.

6. Sex Can Help Lower Men's Risk of Prostate Cancer

In 2003, a research team led by professor Graham Giles, director of the Epidemiology Centre at the Cancer Council Victoria in Australia found that the more frequently men between the ages of 20 and 50 ejaculate, the less likely they are to develop prostate cancer. Men in their 20s who ejaculated on average seven times a week or more were one-third less likely to develop aggressive prostate cancer when compared with men who ejaculated less than three times a week at this age.

The findings were consistent with an American study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2004, involving approximately 29,000 men, which also found that high ejaculation frequency was related to a decreased risk of prostate cancer. One possible reason may be that frequent ejaculation prevents carcinogens from building up in the prostatic ducts.

7. Sex Can Strenghten Your Relationship

Maybe sex can’t fix everything, but the oxytocin released during orgasm brings about pair bonding, explains Milhausen. Data in a study Milhausen conducted also shows that sexual satisfaction and relationship satisfaction are interconnected.

“If things are going really well for you in the bedroom, that will likely filter into other areas of your relationship.” InFeeling Good Is Good for You, Charnetski says couples in good marriages or other intimate relationships are healthier than their unattached peers. They live longer, and good relationships buffer them against a variety of illnesses.

THE 10 MOST ROMANTIC PLACES IN CANADA

1. Whistler, British Columbia

Imagine following up an afternoon spent sashaying down snowy mountain slopes, soaking in a steamy hot tub with your Valentine. Or perhaps you’d rather curl up together beside a roaring fire? In Whistler, you’re not only in luck, but you’re spoiled for romantic choice. The town famous for its exhilarating outdoor pursuits is also the west coast’s headquarters for seduction. The mix of cold outdoor activity and cozy indoor relaxation provides all the ingredients for an affectionate escape. Choose from a wide array of sumptuous inns, resorts and hotels to tickle your fancy.

2. Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario

Popular for weddings, and romantic getaways, Niagara-on-the-Lake is famous for its quaint beauty, world famous wineries and the Shaw Festival. Populated with colourful gardens and heritage buildings - many converted into inns, charming boutiques and celebrated restaurants –this pretty town lives and breathes romance. Take a horse drawn carriage ride through the town, enjoy a wine tasting tour, or canoodle after a spa break – whatever your heart’s desire, Niagara-on-the-Lake is ready to play Cupid.

3. Newfoundland

When a province is home to communities named Heart’s Desire, Heart’s Content, and Cupids, Valentine’s Day is in the air 365 days a year. Couples longing for somewhere to let their hair down, and step back from the frantic pace of the day-to-day will be smitten by these delightful coastal towns. Experience local cuisine, peruse artist studios, and immerse yourself in the down-to-earth hospitality that makes Newfoundland such a heartwarming destination.

4. Hotel Le St-James, Montreal

L’amour is the top priority at the Hotel Le St-James in Old Montréal. Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, or another heartfelt occasion, the hotel’s hospitality experts will give you a first class experience. A restored former bank building, the Hotel Le St-James and its acclaimed XO Le Restaurant exude style, grandeur and romance, and will help you reconnect as a couple. Indulge in the hotel’s special packages designed for an passionate escape: welcome cocktails, a Swedish massage pour deux, and late check-out will soothe your soul, and let your senses take over. 

5. The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Alberta

What could be more romantic than cuddling up to your sweetheart in a four-star retreat deep in the Rocky Mountains? Welcome to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodgewhere Alberta’s natural beauty will make your stay truly memorable. Open year-round, the Lodge plays host to a variety of outdoor adventures including skiing, skating, snowboarding, kayaking, and golf. When relaxation beckons, your cozy guest room, spacious suite (some feature fireplaces!), or luxury cabin awaits. And be sure to check out the special romance package complete with wine and chocolate truffles on your arrival, a $300 spa credit, breakfast in bed, and a decadent dinner.

6. Quebec City, Quebec

With its old world charm, breathtaking architecture, and French-Canadian je ne sais quoi, Québec City is the ideal setting for a storybook romance. Stroll arm in arm along the city’s 18th century walls, browse in its stylish shops, and indulge in a candle-lit dinner in one of its many exquisite restaurants. Cobblestone streets, hidden passageways and the imposing Chateau Frontenac hotel all add to Québec City’s European allure.

7. Love, Saskatchewan

Less than 100 people live in the tiny prairie village of Love, Saskatchewan, but come Valentine’s Day, the community is one of the most popular places on the planet. Every February, letters from around the world arrive at Love’s post office in the hopes of receiving the village’s famous stamp cancellation – a teddy bear holding a heart. With the postmark in place, the Valentine’s cards and letters continue on their journey to their intended recipients around the globe. Requests have flown in from China, France, Germany, Hungary, Turkey, Australia, Russia and many other countries.

8. Fort Garry Hotel, Winnipeg

Elegance and romance go hand-in-hand at Winnipeg’s historic Fort Garry Hotel. Opulent yet welcoming, the Fort Garry – celebrating its centennial this year – continues to provide the best in hospitality, comfort and cuisine. Enjoy cocktails and live jazz in the Palm Lounge, tuck into the famous brunch buffet, and don’t forget to explore one of Canada’s most lavish spas on the hotel’s top floor. The Ten Spa will leave you feeling pampered, relaxed and ready for an evening of romance with that special someone.

9. Kingsbrae Arms, New Brunswick

Nestled in the picturesque resort town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, the Kingsbrae Arms is the only Maritime hotel to be awarded the prestigious Relais & Chateaux shield for excellence. Guests seeking a calm, romantic hideaway will fall in love with this perfectly appointed country house. Built in 1897, Kingsbrae Arms prides itself on its luxurious comfort, scrumptious dining and fine wines. Relax, recharge and rekindle your relationship in this beautiful setting where seaside golf courses, whale watching excursions, and art galleries await on your doorstep.

10. Nova Scotia

Want to be swept into the mood for romance? Oysters are famous for their aphrodisiac qualities, and there’s no better place to indulge in their magic than Nova Scotia. Gathered locally from the chilled waters of Eel Lake, the award-winning Ruisseau oyster is a particularly succulent treat. Fresh, juicy and packed with romance-boosting nutrients, you’ll swoon over this Valentine’s dining experience. Most Nova Scotia restaurants serving seafood swear by the Ruisseau oyster – the 2012 winner for the Taste of Nova Scotia, and the best in the province!

http://www.readersdigest.ca/holiday/valentines-day/10-most-romantic-places-canada?id=9

TOP 10 ALL-INCLUSIVE VACATION RESORTS

1. Lighthouse Bay Resort, Barbuda

Situated amidst 27 uninterrupted kilometres of pink sand beach on its own private island, Lighthouse Bay’s nine spectacular, spacious suites, reachable only by boat—or helicopter—are truly a place apart. $3,700 per night gets you lovely accommodations in the grand suite, which includes 950 square feet of space, an outdoor shower and a private hot tub. The cherry on top? The pampered, personalized service, including made-to-order gourmet meals that integrate seafood caught just offshore, plus copious amounts of beach chairs and cabanas and miles to spread out—perfect for napping away a big lunch on the beach.

2. Southern Ocean Lodge, Australia

Known as the Galapagos of Australia, Kangaroo Island teems with life, from seals and mountain lions to Great White Sharks and literally thousands of wallabies and kangaroos. Built upon a cliff with stunning views of the Southern Ocean—looking out on a rolling, blue expanse all the way to Antarctica—Southern Ocean Lodge offers sumptuous luxury (starting at about $1,000 per person, per night, twin share). Explore the island, toast sunset surrounded by marsupials, then settle in for a gourmet meal and all you can drink from the giant, self-serve bar.

3. Westin Conchal, Costa Rica

Set on the rugged, Central American Pacific coastline and surrounded by lush rainforest, the luxe Westin offers giant suites, surfing, and a diverse assortment of eco-adventures. Zipline, hike or bike in one of the neighbouring national parks, take an ATV ride through the jungle, then come back and enjoy everything provided on the Westin’s vast 2,400-acre property, including a giant lagoon pool, tennis courts, four kilometres of beach and a championship golf course.

4. The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii

An oasis of lush green palm trees, blue pools, flowing waterfalls and white sand amidst a black, volcanic landscape, the Orchid delivers a picture-perfect Hawaiianparadise. Although not an all-inclusive in the truest sense, $600 a night gets you an ocean view room and a breakfast package, and once you arrive, you need not leave the property — indulge in a Champagne picnic, then get a massage at their Spa Without Walls, which offers the choice of a hale (hut) next to a waterfall or an open-air cabana right next to the rolling Pacific waves.

5. Viceroy, Anguilla

Set against the blue of the Caribbean Sea, the Viceroy is a sanctuary of refinement and haute design on the shores of Barnes Bay in Anguilla, a tiny island nation reachable only by private jet or by ferry from nearby St. Maarten. Take the all-inclusive package, which runs around $900 per night, and includes a King room and three meals (for two) every day at one of three restaurants (all of which boast stunning ocean views), or go all out and stay in one of the resort’s villas. True, a four-bedroom bluff top unit runs more than $3,500 a night, but it comes with your own private pool, personal butler and more than 4,000 square feet of living space.

6. Idyllic Concept Resort, Thailand

Located on the remote island of Koh Lipe, Idyllic requires guests to slip off their shoes before they check in. Visitors reach the resort by wooden, long-tailed boat via the warm, clear waters of the Andaman Sea, then land on the sands of lovely Sunrise Beach. The island, which has no roads, was named by National Geographic as an essential place to visit (calling it the “perfect beach”), and is the ultimate “no shirt, no shoes, no problem” destination. Once you check in, explore this small, modern resort that offers great meals, a beautiful pool and a fully stocked bar. Best of all, you can leave those shoes off, or perhaps swap them for flippers, as the surrounding waters are preserved as a national park, and contain 25 per cent of all the world’s tropical fish.

7. Excellence Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

This adults-only resort offers romance, a full slate of activities designed for couples, and one of the very best spas in the Caribbean. For those who prefer to spend their time in a bathing suit, Excellence offers hot and cold hydrotherapy pools (in the spa), as well as a dramatic sweep of beach and some excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. Those whose interests that range beyond the sea will enjoy the private, guided horseback rides, cooking, dance, or Spanish lessons, as well as the disco. Indulge at one of the resort's eight restaurants, then head back to one of the lovely suites — some of which include a private rooftop terrace.

8. Melia Cayo Coco, Cuba

Set on the paradise island of Cayo Coco, this is the perfect place to sink your toes into the powdery white sand, Cuba Libre in hand, and just relax. And the Melia Cayo Coco is a great place to do it, with superior suites built on stilts over a natural saltwater lagoon, a giant pool flanked on all sides by swaying palms and more than a kilometre of prime beach. In addition, four restaurants, including Las Caletas — located next to the water, with classical guitar and flute played tableside, is one of the most romantic restaurants in the Caribbean.

9. Dream Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

In the fabulous beachside city where Richard Burton famously romanced Elizabeth Taylor back in the 1960s, this resort — named one of the finest in all of Mexico by Conde Nast Traveler — brings together the charm of Puerto Vallarta with fine barefoot luxury. Guests enjoy six restaurants (and four lounges), a world-class spa, complimentary greens fees at a number of nearby championship golf courses, a 24-hour concierge and a private beach on a secluded cove. It’s enough to make anyone feel a bit romantic.

10. Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Located on a dramatic, 100-acre peninsula, Round Hill gained its genesis as a sugar plantation but has since been transformed into a five-star, ultra-luxe resort. Opt for their Platinum Plan, which includes all meals and alcoholic beverages, and settle into one of their villa suites, complete with semi-private pool, verandah living room, and the option of having your breakfast cooked in your own kitchen and served in bed. Better yet, go all out for a full-size villa, the largest of which offers six bedrooms, a plunge pool and separate game room. There’s plenty to do on site—including water sports, tennis and a spa housed in the 18th century plantation house, but with accommodations like these, you may never want to leave your room.

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5 stunning places to see penguins

Hankering to see some happy feet? Antarctica is far from your only option.

From the windswept beaches of Tierra del Fuego at South America's tip to sunny Cape Town, South Africa, and Melbourne, Australia, penguin colonies exist in many strikingly beautiful destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.

There's no denying it: Penguins are among the most charismatic creatures. Their notorious curiosity, waddling gait and comical body language seldom fail to charm. But these flightless sea birds have evolved over 15 million years to become strong, nimble swimmers that often migrate long distances in pursuit of fish following seasonal ocean currents.

7 prime spots for wildlife viewing

Today, most of the 18 species of penguins are in decline because of climate change, habitat destruction, pollution and overfishing -- in fact, more than half are considered endangered. You can support their survival by visiting carefully managed colonies where tour operators respect penguin habitat and educate visitors about conservation efforts.

Penguin viewing etiquette

To minimize disruptions to penguins and their habitat, follow these common-sense guidelines: 

Pay close attention to your guide's instructions about body language and maintaining a safe distance from penguins 

Do not approach or touch penguins 

Move slowly and speak softly 

No flash photography 

Keep clear of nests and chicks 

Stick to designated paths 

Leave no trace 

November through March -- when it's the warmest in the Southern Hemisphere -- is prime time for viewing many penguin species. During the warm season, they spend more time on shore to breed, nest and raise their young.

Check out these amazing penguin spots:

Tierra del Fuego (Argentina and Chile)

Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world, boasts several tour operators offering day cruises to view penguins and other marine life. But only one, PiraTour, gives visitors the chance to walk among the penguins.

PiraTour runs two six-hour tours daily from the port of Ushuaia. Tours are limited to 20 people, so be sure to make reservations well in advance. A 90-minute minivan ride takes visitors through Patagonian forests and along secluded pebbly coves before arriving at Estancia Harberton, a charming family-owned farm and marine center. From there, visitors transfer to a boat for a short ride to Isla Martillo, a research station that monitors the 3,000 pairs of Magellanic penguins and a small colony of gentoo penguins that nest here between September and April.

Visitors will spend up to an hour observing the very vocal Magellanic penguins, which bellow and strut along the beach by the hundreds. The tour guide will instruct you to maintain a safe distance from the birds, but be prepared for them to approach you as penguins can be extremely curious. After a few minutes on the beach, you'll be led up a bluff to see their nesting ground, where the birds often return to the same mate and same nest year after year.

Back at Estancia Harberton, you'll have time to grab a hot drink at the tea room or explore the farm's on-site marine research center. There is also a guest house and camp sites; contact Harberton directly if you want to extend your visit to this peaceful haven. Otherwise, Ushuaia offers a wide range of accommodation options, from backpacker hostels to luxury hotels perched on glacial mountainsides overlooking the city.

PiraTour, U.S. $95 for a six-hour tour (50% discount for children under 12), plus $13 entry fee to Estancia Harberton

Phillip Island, Australia

Since the 1920s, tourists have flocked to Phillip Island to witness the smallest penguin species, known as little penguins or fairy penguins, return to shore each evening to feed their young after a long day of fishing. Only 12 inches tall and weighing less than 3 pounds, the little penguin is found only in Australia and New Zealand.

For decades, the penguins on Phillip Island were largely unprotected from the throngs of sightseers, but today most visitors observe the evening penguin "parade" from elevated boardwalks and viewing platforms to minimize disturbances to the birds.

For those who want a more up-close-and-personal experience, a limited number of tickets are available each day for small group, ranger-guided tours where you can walk among penguins on a secluded beach. The ticket price helps support conservation work on the island, including habitat restoration and research focusing on how penguins are affected by climate change, development and invasive species.

Phillip Island is a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, but plan on spending at least a couple of days here to enjoy all its wildlife, including koalas, wallabies, elusive anteaters, seals and whales.

Phillip Island Nature Park, prices start at U.S. $23 for evening viewing from a platform, $46 for close-up viewing and $82.50 for a private, ranger-guided ecoadventure in a part of the penguin colony that's closed to the general public.

Cape Town, South Africa

The southern tip of Africa offers numerous opportunities to view the African penguin, previously known as the jackass penguin because of its distinctive donkey-like bray.

African penguins have declined by 80% in the past 50 years because of pollution, development, climate change and irresponsible tourism activities. The Boulders Beach colony, about 24 miles from Cape Town, was only established in 1983, but it's now an important habitat for the endangered bird.

As its name suggests, the beach is strewn with granite boulders, which create an impressive backdrop for photographing the penguins. Today, boardwalk viewing areas help protect the birds from excessive human contact, although you may encounter penguins while swimming and should take care not to approach them if possible.

A ride on the wild side in Tanzania

Boulders Beach is part of Table Mountain National Park, situated at the convergence of the Atlantic and Indian oceans on the Cape of Good Hope. Hiking, mountain biking, wind sailing and wildlife viewing are just a few of the activities here that offer impressive views of Cape Town and the surrounding countryside. The nearby village of Simon's Town, with its historic cottages and cobblestone streets, provides numerous accommodation and dining options.

Table Mountain National Park, visitors to the park pay a daily conservation fee of U.S. $5.30 per adult and $2.50 per child.

Otago Peninsula, New Zealand

Even in a country known for its dramatic scenery and amazing wildlife, the Otago Peninsula stands out. Located on New Zealand's South Island, the peninsula was born of volcanic eruptions that created steep mountains and rugged sea cliffs. It's a hot spot for marine wildlife viewing -- seals, sea lions, elephant seals and, of course, penguins. Here it's possible to see both the little penguin and the rare yellow-eyed penguin.

A number of tour operators on the peninsula are committed to environmental education and sustainable ecotourism. Nature Guides Otago offers naturalist-led tours as well as lodging that emphasize sustainability and support penguin habitat restoration and conservation.

Another option is Penguin Place, a conservation reserve on a private farm. Visitors begin the tour by learning about penguin conservation efforts before proceeding to a series of trenches and observation huts. From these vantage points, they are treated to up-close views of a yellow-eyed penguin colony while minimizing disturbances to the birds, which live in coastal forests and have suffered significant habitat loss from logging.

Nature Guides Otago, a sunrise tour of a yellow-eyed penguin colony, maximum six people, runs U.S. $75 per person. Nature packages, which include two nights at a B&B cottage, sunrise penguin tour and a daylong tour of the Otago Peninsula, run $540 per person. Note that tour priority is given to those staying at the cottage.

Penguin Place, penguin tours run throughout the day. Price is U.S. $41 for adults and $10 for children. Budget accommodations are available at the Penguin Place Lodge for U.S. $22 adults, $8.50 children

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

It comes as a surprise to most travelers that a trip to the Galapagos could include the chance to see penguins. But in fact, the islands are home to the only penguin that lives in a tropical climate. Unlike other species that migrate according to the season, endangered Galapagos penguins live here year-round, especially in the colder waters of the western islands such as Isla Isabela.

Almost any tour of the Galapagos includes the chance to see an incredible variety of wildlife, but some operators specifically offer penguin tours. More likely than not you'll be observing the birds from a boat, but if the tour includes snorkeling in an area frequented by penguins, there's a chance that you could end up swimming with the birds.

Southern Exploration, a member of the International Ecotourism Society, is one tour operator that offers the chance to see penguins at close range. However, since the Galapagos National Park Service restricts tourists to specific areas and may limit access depending on conditions, it's best to contact tour operators directly to confirm that you'll be able to see penguins on your trip. Talk through the options carefully with the booking agent to make sure your expectations will be met.

Southern Explorations, four to 15-day Galapagos cruising tours with an English-speaking guide, start at around U.S. $3,000 up to about $6,000, including the flight from Quito to the Galapagos. Ask to speak to a Galapagos expert and tell them you are interested in seeing penguins so they can find an appropriate tour during your travel dates. Avoid holiday travel unless you book a year or more in advance -- tours around Christmas and Easter fill up fast.

http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/14/travel/penguin-viewing/index.html?hpt=tr_mid

9 modern architectural wonders of the Mideast

In the first decade of the 21st century, the Gulf region, particularly Dubai, became an architectural playground, with project approvals for insanely expensive and fanciful projects seeming to come almost weekly.

When the financial crisis hit, however, plans for megaprojects, such as the US$68 million Dubailand park (a Tiger Woods golf course was to be a feature) and the US$1.3 billion Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia, were shelved for good.

Now, project design and financing in the Middle East are picking up again.

As Qatar prepares to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and Middle Eastern economies rebound, future projects in Qatar alone are valued at US$230 billion, according to U.S.-based Deloitte Research.

The United Arab Emirates' construction industry counted US$28.84 billion worth of projects in 2011, with projections for US$33.84 billion in construction spends in 2012 and US$37.98 billion for 2013.

"Things are definitely picking up, more interesting buildings are coming out, both from the government and private developers," says Simon Fraser, managing director of Hopkins Architects Dubai.

"Hotels are full, businesses seem to be making profits again and clients are making fees. After 2005, the architecture industry surged up until 2008 when the financial crash happened. Now, it's a return to normal times, similar to 2005 days, across the Gulf."

No one knows exactly what mammoth projects will be on design screens in coming years, but they'll have to be pretty spectacular to match the best Middle East construction projects from recent years. 

1. Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar

A lit birthday cake? Maybe so, if that cake is filled with the world's largest collection of Islamic art.Resembling cubes stacked on top of one another, the Museum of Islamic Art, which houses one of the largest collections of Islamic art in the world, is itself a masterpiece.

Architect I.M. Pei, 91 at the time, came out of retirement and traveled across the Middle East for six months to draw inspiration for designing this simple, futuristic building.

The result is a nearly 46,450-square-meter structure on its own little island in Doha, Qatar. 

Construction began in 2005 and ended in 2008.

Total cost, including museum, peninsula and surrounding park: US$47.7 million.

Doha Port, Doha, Qatar; www.mia.org.qa

2. Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates  

Flash and function. Just like its Ferrari namesake.In the middle of the U.A.E. desert lies a gargantuan, bright red, triangular structure that happens to be home to the largest indoor theme park in the world.

The sprawling Ferrari World is about magnitude and flash -- witness the world’s largest Ferrari logo.

Equal in size to seven football fields, the massive, red UFO-like structure contains 21 rides. 

Construction began in November 2008, was completed in two years, and cost US$40 billion.

That’s double what it cost to build the entire Downtown Dubai complex, including Burj Khalifa.

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

More on CNN: 6 incredible luxury hotels in the Middle East

 

3. Infinity Tower, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 

No internal pillars provide support for the Infinity Tower.

The 80-story Infinity Tower is like an urban twister frozen in time.

Of the many ambitious plans that cropped up in the pre-crisis heyday of Dubai (underwater hotels, Fendi-branded buildings), this is one that actually made it to completion, albeit after delays.

The highest spiraling tower in the world (330 meters high) has no pillars anywhere in the building, lending it an almost impossible sense of light and space.

Construction began in 2006 and is meant to finish late this year, at a cost of US$190.5 million. 

Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Marina, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; www.infinitytower.com

 

4. Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Sure, you can BASE jump off Burj Khalifa. But the elevators are easier.

From a distance, the Burj Khalifa appears to tear a hole in the sky.

Inspired by Tower Palace Three, a residential building in Seoul, the 163-story Burj Khalifa is a tourist attraction in its own right, as well as a popular destination for (mostly unauthorized) BASE jumpers.

It’s also got one of the highest bars in the world -- At.mosphere Bar and Lounge on the 122nd floor.

At 830 meters high, the US$1.5 billion Burj Khalifa project is at the center of a US$20 billion mixed-use complex called Downtown Dubai. The complex includes Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world, and residential units.

Construction began in January 2004 and the building was officially opened in 2010, after delays created in part by the financial crisis.

Downtown Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates; www.burjkhalifa.ae

More on CNN: Contemporary architectural wonders of Australia 

5. Abraj Al Bait Towers, Mecca, Saudi Arabia

The Abraj Al Bait hotel's clock tower stands watch over Mecca.The complex known as the Abraj Al Bait Towers (aka Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower) stands guard in front of the Kaaba in Mecca, Islam’s holiest location.

The main tower is larger than London’s Elizabeth Tower (home of Big Ben) and has an observation deck beneath the clock, as well as a prayer room that can hold up to 10,000 people.

The 18th-century Ottoman Ajyad Fortress was torn down to build the complex, a move that initially led to public outcry.

Funded by the Saudi Ministry of Religious Endowments, the US$15 billion project has become a part of Mecca’s fabric, complete with the inscription “God is the greatest” engraved above the clock.

Construction on the 600-meter-high, 120-floor clock tower complex began in 2004 and was finished in 2012.

Mecca, Saudi Arabia

6. The Chedi Muscat, Muscat, Oman

Expansive gardens are a feature of the seaside Chedi hotel.Compared with all the hotel skyscrapers competing for "wows" in the Middle East, the Chedi Muscat scores points for blending in with the local surroundings.

Not just another gleaming spire, the seaside hotel is made up of several buildings spread across expansive gardens.

The center of the hotel is a 12-meter-high tented lobby, which gives the impression of a giant Bedouin tent in the middle of the desert.

The reception area resembles an Omani fort. Interior designs are minimalist and modern.

The 160-room hotel cost US$25 million to build and occupies an area of more than 8,360 square meters. Construction began in 2003 with a redesign in 2007 and final renovation in 2010.

North Ghubra 32, Way No. 3215, Al Khuwair, Muscat 133, Oman; www.ghmhotels.com

7. Bank Muscat, Muscat, Oman

The kind of bank you want to give your money to.Oman’s largest bank has a stunning headquarters, a fusion of modern and Islamic architectural influences. It was designed by award-winning engineering and design consultancy Atkins with both aesthetics and functionality in mind.

Decorative white screens encase the building. A geometric floral pattern allows natural light to come in while keeping the building cool.

The interior design is meant to change the way people work, with colorful seating areas and glass walkways that make it look more like a trendy university campus than a bank.

The 32,500-square-meter office building cost US$57.2 million and took two years to construct, beginning in early 2009.

Building No. 120/4, Block No. 311, Street No. 62, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman; www.atkinsglobal.com

8. World Trade Center, Bahrain

If you ever wondered what US$57.2 million buys, here's your answer.

The tiny kingdom of Bahrain is home to one of the region’s most impressive structures. Composed of two towers linked by three sky bridges, the World Trade Center is the world's first skyscraper with wind turbines incorporated into its design.

The sail-shaped building is able to generate electricity using wind.

Ground was broken in 2004 and it took four years and US$150 million to build. With 50 stories, it stands 240 meters high.

Manama, Bahrain; www.bahrainwtc.com

More on CNN: Coolest green buildings in the Gulf 

9. King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Nope, not a sketch from Hollywood's latest sci-fi blockbuster.The futuristic King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center was designed by award-winning Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid.

Its gray, cellular outer shell emerges as a crystalline form in the middle of the desert. The design is meant to be fluid, making the building open to continual expansion and transformation.

Beneath the massive steel cover, sheltered courtyards offer protection from the heat.

The estimated cost of the project is US$11.5 billion and began construction since 2009. The structure covers more than 65,000 square meters and was developed by Aramco, the largest energy company in the world.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; www.zaha-hadid.com 

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