Tag Archives: Swimming

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Great Spots for Swimming and Snorkeling in Sydney

When choosing from Australia‘s spectacular snorkeling spots, destinations such as the Great Barrier Reef are usually the first to come to mind. However, many do not realize that snorkeling in Sydney is actually a fantastic opportunity, with some of the best sites in the entire country.

Little Bay
With dramatic rocky headlands that provide great protection from the waves of the Pacific, the water at Little Bay is always calm and quiet, making it ideal for those who are new to snorkeling, as well as a perfect swimming spot with one of the cleanest beaches in the city. When it comes to marine life here, you will see a range of quite delicate creatures, such as black urchins to squid to huge schools of tiny colorful fish.

Clovelly Beach
Clovelly Beach
Clovelly Beach feels almost like a giant ocean pool, with concrete platforms and staggered steps that take you deeper into the water. This is a great spot for both swimmers and snorkelers, as it has gentle waves and feels almost like swimming in an aquarium. One of the marine highlights here is the blue groper fish, which is known for befriending snorkelers, so if you are lucky, you may find yourself accompanied by one.

The Basin
The Basin, which lies within the shelter of Pittwater, is only accessible by water, meaning that snorkeling and swimming happens from the boat itself. The main appeal of this area is the fact that seagrass beds lie beneath the water, which creates an underwater wonderland that is so different from other parts of Sydney. Everything from sea horses to cuttlefish to starfish can be found here, as well as a few tropical species during the warmer months, making it the perfect spot for those who want a sighting of something slightly more unusual.

Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach
A family friendly north-facing beach, Shelly Beach is perfectly sheltered, so the water here is always clear and calm. Swimming, as well as floating on lilos, is a popular activity here, and there are many lilo rental vendors to be found along the beach. In terms of snorkeling, the right hand side of the beach is home to a spectacular reef that is just waiting to be explored.

Cabbage Tree Bay
Cabbage Tree Bay, which is located right next to Shelly Beach, is an aquatic reserve that spreads out for about 20 hectares, and because of all of its natural diversity, makes for a gorgeous swimming spot. In terms of snorkeling, the range of creatures that you will see beneath the water is definitely impressive, with everything from sharks to flounder to goatfish to fiddler rays. Due to its location near Shelly Beach, it would be well worth planning a trip that combines both of these top snorkeling spots.

Sydney has some incredible swimming and snorkeling sites, with different areas suitable for each ability level. With over 500 species of creatures roaming around the harbor and its surrounding areas, you never quite know what you will see on each snorkeling trip, with this selection also changing with the seasons, making each trip even more exciting than the last.

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Exploring “Rock City” Beaches

The tropical Caribbean island of St. Thomas, often referred to as Rock City, as it is made up of one big mountain, is the most developed of the US Virgin Islands, but still has a number of spectacular natural sights that are worth visiting. Among these are its beaches, with over 40 different stretches of sun-drenched sugary sand to choose from.

Magens Bay

Little Magens
Magens Bay is the most popular beach on St. Thomas, but it is also one of the busiest, which can often be frustrating for those seeking out some peace and tranquillity. Fortunately, along Magens Bay’s Peterborg Peninsula, there are a number of sandy coves to be found, with Little Magens being the largest of them all. With no road or parking available, Little Magens may be harder to access than Magens Bay, but the way in which it is so sparsely populated makes the effort worthwhile.

Vessup Bay
Vessup Bay is one of the island’s less developed stretches of coastline and features a long stretch of glimmering white sand, as well as calm waters that are ideal for swimming. Since this area is less developed, there is a great variety of local plants all along the shoreline, from cacti to sea grape trees, as well as plenty of sea grass that gets washed up onto the shore.

Bolongo Bay
A beautiful beach that is lined with coconut palm trees, Bolongo Bay is often quiet, meaning that you can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing day. Since there is a fantastic restaurant and bar located on the beach, it is quite easy to spend the whole day here, snacking away on local dishes and sipping on tropical cocktails. For those who want some more action, Bolongo Bay also has a watersports concession stand, where you can rent out water bikes, kayaks, and other equipment.

Brewer's Bay

Brewer’s Bay
Lying adjacent to the University of the Virgin Islands, Brewer’s Bay is an exceptionally clean beach, and this is largely down to the fact that it is regularly maintained by students of the university. The beach is filled with beautiful sea shells and other treasures, while the road in front of it is lined with food trucks that sell a range of local street snacks, from Johnny cakes to salted fish to burgers.

Secret Harbour
Secret Harbour is home to one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, with turquoise waters and a coral reef that are simply teeming with fish. There are palm trees scattered across the beach, giving it quite the tropical vibe, and a large floating raft anchored in the middle of the bay, which is perfect for soaking up the sun, and plenty of fun for children to play on. This is another beach that has a highly rated beach bar and restaurant, making it another popular spot for those who want to spend the day lounging on the pristine white sand.

The beaches around the Caribbean are known all over the world, and St. Thomas is home to several spectacular ones. From the intimacy of Little Magens to the tropical marine life in the Secret Harbour, these beaches are all worth exploring when visiting Rock City.

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Luxury Activities in Hawaii

With long stretches of white sandy beaches, warm turquoise waters, dramatic coastlines and lush scenery all around, Hawaii is a natural paradise, and it is no surprise that it is considered to be one of the most luxurious destinations in the world. From dining at the finest restaurants on the islands to exploring secret coves on a private boat cruise, these are some of Hawaii’s most luxurious activities.

Women in a yacht

Charter a Yacht
Chartering a luxury yacht for the day is a VIP experience like no other, and is an intimate way to explore the parts of Hawaii that you are most eager to see. Luxury charter yacht Drumbeat, provided by Charter World, is the ultimate in decadent boats and is one of the largest leisure crafts ever built, coming complete with en-suite cabins, a formal dining area, and a spacious, polished wood interior. One of the most popular private charter routes in Hawaii is across Kaneohe Bay, to see one of the most incredible sandbars in the world. Protected by a barrier reef, this is also a great spot for some snorkeling and swimming, making this activity one that you can spend the whole day enjoying. Most of the luxury yachts in Hawaii will come with full staffing on board, including a chef that will be able to whip up tasty treats for you and your guests throughout the day.

Luxury Spas
Hawaii has quite the history when it comes to healing, leading to a huge number of spas opening up around the island. The spa at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel is one of the best in Hawaii, with its paths and facilities lined with real lava, while the Kona Village Resort spa offers outdoor oceanfront treatment huts and an old-Hawaii atmosphere. Spa Grande at the Grand Wailea Resort is absolutely massive, and sprawls out across 50,000 square feet, while SpaHalekulani specializes in Polynesian treatments, which is always worth trying when in Hawaii.

Fine dining restaurant

Fine Dining
Hawaii’s gorgeous scenery also makes for extremely fertile land, on which locals grow a wide range of fresh, organic, non-GMO produce, providing all of the necessary components for some truly indulgent fine dining experiences. Alan Wong’s, which can be found just outside of Waikiki, was one of the early pioneers of the farm to table movement, and his restaurant makes full use of these native ingredients, mixing them with Asian flavors to produce a harmonious five-course menu. La Mer is another one of Hawaii’s most popular fine dining restaurants, with its strict dress code, requesting jackets and evening attire, already lending it quite the formal ambiance. The cuisine is Hawaiian, but the culinary techniques used are classically French, resulting in exquisite dishes just steps away from the beach.

If you are trying to decide where to go the next time you want to really treat yourself, you will not go wrong by picking Hawaii, which offers up such a fantastic range of luxury activities. In addition to the ones mentioned above, Hawaii is also home to some magnificent luxury resorts that you can stay at, offering everything from private beaches to individual gardens, adding another element of decadence to your visit.

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World’s Most Beautiful Rooftop Pools

Rooftop swimming pool

Rooftop pools have become quite the trend in the last decade, and are usually at the top of a towering city hotel, offering fantastic skyline views while you relax with a swim. OROGOLD takes a look at some of the world’s most beautiful rooftop pools.

Hotel Fasano, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
While Rio de Janeiro may have its share of world famous beaches, it is sometimes nice to take in the view from above, and this is where the rooftop pool of the Hotel Fasano comes in. The hotel is a favorite amongst many celebrities, including Beyonce and Madonna, with its sky-high infinity pool seeming to flow endlessly onto Ipanema Beach. The panoramic view offers a perspective of Rio that many do not get to see, making it quite the exclusive spot.

Grand Hotel Central, Barcelona, Spain
The 1920’s Grand Hotel Central in Barcelona is a building that combines old world charm with modern design influences, and is located in the city’s central Gothic Quarter. At the top of the hotel is the rooftop pool, offering a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hotel’s Skybar makes the experience even better, as you can enjoy a delicious Spanish cocktail while taking in Barcelona’s iconic landmarks beneath you.

Marina Bay Sands pool.

TILT Photography / Shutterstock.com

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
The rooftop pool at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is not only the largest in the world, but is also considered to be one of the most stunning. The pool sits 650 feet in the air, at the top of the 55 storey building, and is held up by three iconic skyscrapers. This is one of the best views that you will find in Singapore, as the whole city is stretched out beneath you. However, OROGOLD reminds you that only hotel guests have access to this pool, so it may be worth booking yourself in for a couple of nights to make the most of it!

InterContinental, Hong Kong
The InterContinental Hotel has one of the largest outdoor pools in Hong Kong, and overlooks Victoria Harbour. This rooftop pool is actually made up of three separate infinity spa pools, each of which is maintained at different temperatures – hot, warm and cold. This means that you can have an enjoyable swim even at night, taking in the colorful Hong Kong skyline from one of the best hotels in town. OROGOLD recommends taking a seat in the whirlpool to enjoy Victoria Harbour’s Symphony of Lights show, a nightly multimedia show that involves more than forty different buildings on both sides of the harbour.

Most of these beautiful rooftop pools that OROGOLD has mentioned require you to be a guest of the hotel in order to use them. However, some of the hotels do offer spa packages to non-guests, and this will usually grant you access to a swim in the pool, making this an ideal choice for those who want to take in the views without staying at the hotel.

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Most Beautiful Beaches in the World – OROGOLD Reviews

We all love the beach for different reasons, whether it be the ideal place to relax in the sun or for the many diving and water sport opportunities. Not only do the most beautiful beaches in the world offer sparkling water, a gorgeous climate, and clean sand, but they also provide a peek into the culture of the country that they are located in, ensuring that they stand apart from the thousands of other beaches in the world. OROGOLD reviews some of the best beaches that you must visit.

View of the Bahia do Sancho Beach in Brazil.

Baia do Sancho, Brazil
Baia do Sancho, otherwise known as Sancho Bay, has been officially voted as the best in the world for two years running, and it is not hard to see why. The beach is located on a secluded bay on the main island of Fernando de Noronha, with the whole archipelago being protected by UNESCO. It is known to be the best diving spot in Brazil, with turquoise water that is packed with healthy coral reefs. In addition to the amazing diving and snorkeling opportunities, you can also trek to see the dolphins, and, if you are visiting between January and July, you will be around for the turtle spawning season.

Pink colored umbrella in the Providenciales island Beach, Turks and Caicos

Providenciales Island, Turks and Caicos
This island, commonly known as Provo, is surrounded by one of the largest coral reef systems in the world, attracting divers from all over the globe. With miles of white sandy beaches, and tropical fish swimming at the surface of the clear water, it is obvious why the beaches on Provo are considered to be some of the best in the world. Unlike many other beaches around the world, where the sand contains sediments of soil and clay, the beaches on Provo are made up of broken down shells and coral, giving them some of the most powdery white sand that you will find anywhere. For the widest beaches, head to the north of the island, where you will find deep sandy ocean floors.

OROGOLD-Most-Beautiful-Beaches

Curaçao, Venezuela
Curaçao is a small Dutch island, just off the coast of Venezuela. Although it is only the size of about a sixth of the area of Rhode Island, there are over 50 different nationalities that live there, making it one of the most culturally cosmopolitan places on the planet. Curaçao is a must for diving enthusiasts, with diving schools catering to every experience level, as well as offering certified courses for those who want to improve their skills. When visiting Curaçao, take advantage of all of the different cultures by trying the local cuisine and shopping at some of the local stores.

The Hidden Beach, Marieta Islands, Mexico
The Marieta Islands is located in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and as it has always been uninhabited, the Mexican government used to use that area for target practice in the early 1900s. Now, it has become one of the most idyllic bomb sites in the world, as a secluded paradise formed decades ago, giving the island an isolated hidden beach rather than miles of devastated land. The only way to reach this underground beach is via a small tunnel, which visitors need to swim through, but once you are there, you will never want to leave!

The world is full of amazing top-class beaches, but many can often end up overrun with tourists during peak seasons. If you are looking for something quieter, have a look at some of the luxury resorts in these stunning locations, as many of them offer private beach access to their guests, giving you the best of both worlds.