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You’ll need to hire your own boat to get here, so it’s not the sort of pub you can simply stop into for a drink. But adventurous travelers seeking an offbeat drop and stay should look no further than this charming speck of an island in the middle of the Adelaide River. Yep, that’s the same Adelaide River that’s famous for jumping crocodiles. Kai Hansen (you’ll quickly understand why he’s been nicknamed “Happy”) is the sole inhabitant of Goat Island, unless you count his pet: an 11-foot, 770-pound saltwater crocodile named Casey. The bar is named after the joint’s toothy friend and serves burgers, hot dogs, fresh-caught barramundi, local crayfish and Kai’s famous croc balls. Don’t tell Casey what they’re made of. The place has long been a haunt of local fishermen, but the word got out. Call Jim at Arafura Boat Hire (+61 8-8988-1265) and tell him Happy sent you.

Set in a huge tree just south of Nanuki, about 3 hours drive from Kenya’s capital Nairobi, is the Trout Tree. It’s a spectacular place with a series of decks jutting out from the enormous tree, monkeys swinging through the branches and giant ponds filled with trout below. There are only a couple of vegetarian options available, but for character alone this place is worth a visit, even if you don’t eat fish.

This cenote’s name, which means “Two Eyes” in Spanish, refers to its two separate pools that lead into a large cavern of incredibly clear water. At more than 40 miles long, Dos Ojos is the largest underwater cave system in the state and among the most popular and adventurous dive spots on the entire Riviera Maya. Snorkelers of all ages are welcome to take in the amazing scenery and gaze at divers as they explore far below. The cenote lies just a few minutes north of Tulum, a little over a mile off the main highway.

What about a walk around the private lake or woods, admiring the parterre gardens and terraces, before retiring to one of the drawing rooms for afternoon tea in front of the open fire? At historic private country houses like Hilton Park in County Monaghan, you can sleep in a four-poster bed, bathe in a freestanding bath or explore the walled garden — before tasting the garden’s produce in the dining room (lavender ice-cream anyone?). There’s also lake swimming, boating, fishing and cycling (bikes are provided) and for the indoors types, there are books everywhere. Best of all, as the house has been in the Madden family for many generations, the owners will tell you lots of stories of the house and the area’s fascinating history. See www.hiltonpark.ie and see www.hiddenireland.com for more historic private houses like this that you can stay in.

Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo, a romantic anniversary or the fact that it’s Wednesday and you’re in Bermuda, Rosa’s Bermuda makes a great lunch or dinner spot. Located on Front Street, above the Docksider Pub & Restaurant, Rosa’s overlooks Hamilton Harbor. Rosa’s features all of the traditional Mexican menu staples you would expect: tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, burritos, and the like. A signature margarita menu offers 10 different tequilas from which to choose as well as wine, beer, and cocktail selections. Gosling’s Black Seal rum is, of course, on the list of libations. Not in the mood for Mexican? No problem. Rosa’s also serves wings, wraps, burgers, ribeye steak, seafood, and the recently awarded number one fish sandwich in Bermuda. Photo by Jeffreyw/Flickr/CC

Bermuda’s most famous beach sits on the island’s south coast, in the parish of Southampton. In the summer, Horseshoe Bay is the number one destination for many visitors to Bermuda, drawn by the crescent of pink sand and clear blue water. In the winter, however, visiting the bay has a different appeal. Mike heads there most mornings to start his day with a walk along the sea accompanied by his dog, Harley. “While in the summer this is one of the island’s most popular beaches,” Mike says. “In winter, it’s all mine. There are a few joggers and maybe some paddle boarders but it’s a very quiet place. It’s like having your own private beach though one that’s massive and gorgeous.” Photo by Robyn Fleming, https://flic.kr/p/5WqJXz

Merida’s main market, Lucas de Galvez, covers 156,000 square feet and has over 2000 vendors that sell fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, seasonings, pots, baskets, animals, shoes, clothes...the list goes on and on. Roughly 100,000 visitors flock to the colorful stalls on a daily basis. It’s a great market to explore on your own, but if you’re curious about some of the unusual fruits, vegetables, herbs, ingredients and prepared foods you’ll likely find here, and may not be familiar with, sign up for a market (and cooking) tour with a chef like David Cetina. It is fun to walk the different food halls with a local-in-the-know. We got to see, smell, and taste tons of things, and we got a good inkling of what makes the Ycatean cuisine so darn delicious. MARKET HOURS: –everyday from 8am-6pm >>>A heartfelt thank you to Yucatan Tourism for an unforgettable 4 days in the Yucatan, my new favorite place in Mexico! @YucatanTourism #TravelYucatan

Don’t let the cozy, unassuming atmosphere of this place fool you—all of the food is simple, seasonal, and elegantly prepared with a light hand. It captures the essence of a chic, neighborhood Parisian restaurant where the service is warm, the wine list well-curated, and every dish feels thoughtful without being fussy. It’s one of my favorite spots in the city for beautifully cooked fish, always fresh and expertly seasoned. The kind of place you’ll want to return to again and again.

You know you’re in Southern California when you have your own “beach bonfire concierge” who brings you warm drinks, blankets, and fresh marshmallows under the stars. Distinctive and without pretense, the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach creates seamless only-in-Surf City experiences for its guests. Its on-site outfitter, Toes on the Noes, rents surfboards, cruiser bikes, and even GoPros to guests. The hotel also offers private surf lessons and yoga classes. The sprawling Spanish-style property has several pools—for serenity, hit the lagoon-style Mankota’s; with kids, make your way to the water playground—as well as a spa where treatments incorporate ingredients from the sea. Of the five restaurants, Watertable is the one not to miss, especially in the fall and winter months when it hosts its California-fied version of Sunday supper, a family-style feast that includes sumac-crusted branzino and whipped goat cheese tartlets along with innovative cocktails. The 517 rooms and suites were recently reimagined in Andalusian style, with grass cloth–covered walls, coral sculptures, and hand-painted tiles; opt for one on the ground floor to have your own private fire pit. Pro tip: On Saturdays during the summer, the sandcastle concierge—yes, there’s one of those, too—gives tutorials on building architectural wonders by the surf.

To satisfy your conch craving, stop at Bugaloo’s Conch Crawl on the south side of Providenciales, just a few minutes from Chalk Sound. The beachfront restaurant in Five Cays has indoor and outdoor seating, with some of the tables set right along the waterline, lapped by the rising tide. You’ll find a great selection of seafood, including plenty of conch dishes, along with fried chicken and burgers. In the evenings, Bugaloo’s hosts local bands, fire dancers, and other entertainment.

Katara Beach: It’s only one mile long, and you must pay an entry fee, but this beach is located right in the middle of the city. This beach in the Katara Cultural Village features one of the highest concentrations of water sports that Qatar has to offer. There is a strict dress code precluding women from showing elbows and knees, but Katara remains a very popular weekend spot for locals and expats. The space offers a variety of activities, including fishing trips, parasailing, water skiing, wake-boarding, kneeboarding, and windsurfing. You will also find a bouncy castle in the water, along with banana boats, kayaks, sailing dinghies, and canoes.

Umm Tays Beach, located at the northernmost point of Qatar near Fuwairit Beach, has been named the most beautiful beach in the country by members of the Qatar Natural History Group. Umm Tays Beach is surrounded by forts, mangroves, an old abandoned fishing village, and a few run-down vacation homes that look like they’ve been empty for years. When the tide is low, you can walk or wade to a little peninsula that is popular with picnickers. You don’t need a tour operator to access the beach. Rent a car and drive north on the main highway until you reach the end of the road, approximately 90 minutes from Doha. You should arrive at Al-Jumail, an abandoned fishing village surrounded by mangroves and a few old forts. Follow the signs from the village to Umm Tays Beach.

While it can get busy, Chileno Bay and its beach of the same name—considered by many repeat visitors to be the best all-around beach in the area—offer a calmer vibe than the party-hearty Medano Beach. Those who want to experience Los Cabos underwater should head here for snorkeling or scuba sessions. Expect to see colorful fish, sea turtles, manta rays and sea fans.


There’s a lot to recommend the tourist-corridor beach known as Chileno Bay, or Playa el Chileno. It’s consistently ranked as one of the cleanest beaches in all of Mexico and has earned coveted Blue Flag status multiple times (the award goes to sand stretches that boast excellent water quality, safety, and services). Here you’ll find ample parking, handicap access, restrooms with showers, and nice palapas for free shade. It’s easy to understand why it’s one of the most popular weekend escapes for locals. The swimming and snorkeling conditions are great, especially the farther out you go. During the winter, take a moment to hold your head underwater. You might hear gray whales’ melodic songs in the distance.

Kimball House is one of Atlanta‘s top rated restaurants and it doesn’t take long to learn why. Every detail is impeccable, from the excellent service to the carefully crafted cocktails to the meals themselves. Set in an old train depot in Decatur, dinner at Kimball House is a splurge you won’t soon forget. Start with a few oysters, their main attraction, and a cocktail in a vintage glass. If your group is feeling adventurous, try the bottled old fashioned, which serves 4, or the full absinthe service, complete with sugar cubes and all the fixings. Beer and wine are also options. The menu changes seasonally, but always offers some form of fish, meat and vegetables, as well as steak and caviar. They don’t take reservations, so you’ll have to be patient or go early. They also have outdoor seating for when the weather is nice. Named for the former Kimball House Hotel, the interior of the restaurant is the star, so don’t forget to look up from your meal.

This little private church is probably the most photographed stop in Oia. Our rented house was right next to it but lower on the steps so we could see lots of people getting lots of photos. Married couples would take their photos next to it, photographers were offering workshops that included this spot. I woke up at 5.30AM to wonder when nobody else was around. Best time of day to walk around this very busy tourist destination.