The title is not exactly the type of slogan that would be appreciated by travel agents. It's also not a phrase people usually associate with the islands of Hawaii -- we're all accustomed to hearing about their spectacular views, pristine beaches, and magical natural wonders. During the past year, however, these small "map dots" in the middle of the Pacific have experienced more than their share of Mother Nature's wrath, and a significant amount of the corresponding press has been focused on its repercussions. To anyone that's been paying attention to the news, 2006 seemed like it would inevitably be a down year for Hawaii's tourism industry.

The opposite, in fact, proved to be the case. The relief effort following the flooding in February and March was nothing short of remarkable, and the recent earthquakes in July and October were met with a spirit of resilience and rejuvenation. The island lodging industry has enjoyed one of its more successful seasons this past spring, summer, and fall. Despite some expectations, there were no inflated numbers of cancellations for a Poipu Beach condo; no shortage of visitors interested in a Maui condo rental; no empty parking lots and lobbies in the enormous Honolulu resorts. Hawaii has faced a few challenges in the past several months, and its citizens have met them head on.

Love sports? Then Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is the place for you. With world-class sport fishing; half a dozen golf courses; a 30-kilometer coral reef for good snorkeling and diving; powerful winds for parasailing, wind-surfing and kiteboarding; and turquoise waters for boating, Punta Cana offers something for sports enthusiasts of all ages. And the Paradisus Palma Real Resort can help Punta Cana visitors get the jost out of their active vacations.

The five-star, $120 million all-inclusive Paradisus Palma Real Resort, that held its grand opening on December 23, 2005, and is located on Bavaro Beach—caters to the discriminating, energetic traveler, by offering bicycle excursions, exclusive golf privileges at the 27-hole Cocotal Golf & Country Club, horseback riding and every imaginable water sport.

Cocotal Golf & Country Club, with its par 36/72 World Class Championship Golf Course designed by José Pepe Gancedo, provides professional golf guidance with the international team of the Sol Meliá Golf Academy. Each stay includes unlimited green fees per person, and Calloway golf equipment is available for rent. Duffers and scratch players alike believe you haven’t golfed until you golf Dominican Republic.

25 great reasons to visit

The beautiful islands of Antigua and Barbuda celebrated their 25^th anniversary of independence on November 1. With this in mind we have come up with 25 reasons to visit the islands:

1. Sailing Week! If you love yachts, regattas and boat shows, this is the event for you. Usually held in April, this should give you ample time to make your reservations for this phenomenal event. Picture the beautiful waters, luxury yachts, fine foods and fine company.
   2. A visit to English Harbor. This is Antigua's graceful and evocative historic district, which is focused on the fifteen square miles of Nelson's Dockyard National Park.
      3. The 365 beaches! Imagine that; there is a beach for each day of the year in Antigua… the largest English-speaking Leeward Island. Pictures miles and miles of white soft sand beaches… need I say more.

As the world counts down the months before the first game of the Cricket World Cup (CWC) 2007 slated for Caribbean, all are busy getting the islands ready to accommodate the magnitude of fans that will come out to support this major and historic event. Roads are being completed, highways are being erected, security is being beefed up and everyone is in a flurry to make it happen. Of course, hotels and other accommodations are among the top entities that are preparing for this enormous event.

One of the premier accommodations is the Starfish Trelawny Resort and Spa, Trelawny, Jamaica, which is in proximity to the newly built Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium where the opening games are scheduled to take place. Startfish Trelawny is the family resort that anticipates their visitors’ needs and work assiduously to fulfill them. Starfish is also realistically priced to offer a fabulous all-inclusive vacation.

Picture three miles of shimmering beach and azure waters stretching crystal clear to the horizon. Nearby, a bewitching “illuminated lagoon,” four freshwater pools and six bars plus a well-stocked mini-bar in every room, and when it’s time to dine – what’s your fancy? Scotch Bonnet Jamaican fare in a casual poolside setting or snacks at the Seashell Bar and Grill on the Beach. Feeling more formal, eat at Giuseppi’s Italian dining room or at Munasan, serving Japanese cuisine.

Grand Lido Braco Hotel and Spa, one of the prime accommodations for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, is strategically placed in the Parish of Falmouth, minutes from the venue of the newly constructed Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium where the opening ceremony for the CWC 2007 games are slated to be held. For those who can’t wait for CWC 2007, this is the place to be.

When you enter the property of Grand Lido Braco, you are bowled over by a replica of an old-fashioned Jamaican village with gingerbread architecture, a town square, skilled craftsmen and coconut vendors selling their treasures on the cobblestone streets. Needless to say, the old-world setting has been wedded to today’s luxury amenities to create the world’s first Super-Inclusive Jamaican Village. If architectural grandeur is your pleasure then this hot spot is definitely a treasure.

At Grand Lido Braco, anything's possible and everything's included. Luxurious accommodations, in-room dining, sumptuous cuisine, premium brand bar drinks, championship golf and tennis, sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving, scintillating nightlife, perfumed gardens and separate au naturel facilities -- all to give you your ultimate lavish Super–Inclusive vacation! And let’s not forget the 24-hour bar located right by the beach. It creates the perfect setting for the prelude to a steamy or quiet night – depending on what you are into.