PESTANA BAZARUTO LODGE- Mozambique
You may think you know beaches, but something different comes over you after you experience one in Mozambique. Perhaps it’s the feeling that the miles upon miles of untouched beaches evoke, making you feel like an accomplished explorer with every step you take as you pretend to stake claim to so much that looks so undiscovered. Perhaps it’s the easy, lazy lifestyle that does it, or just the intoxicating beauty.

One of the best places to take this all in is the Pestana Bazaruto Lodge. 40 charming bungalows…some beachside, some in the midst of a luxurious tropical garden, and all decorated with charm and brightly-colored ethnic island style. Days begin here with incredible sunrises, move to watersports or beach indulgences, and round up with platters full of gorgeous, freshly caught seafood served while dining in the open air to the soft sounds of African drums and rhythms.

Why Mozambique?
There are parts of this intriguing country that are among the most visually stunning in all of Africa. It sits contently off the mass tourist radar and quietly guards some incredible treasures like some of the world’s most spectacular beaches, world-class diving, fishing, cultural experiences, handicrafts and more. Bazaruto Island, where the lodge is located, is part of an archipelago that’s been designated as a national park, sustaining a diverse ecosystem across its relatively unexplored wetlands, thick forests, and turquoise waters.

Mozambique is located on the southeast tip of Africa. Portuguese is the official language, though English is spoken in the more touristic areas. It’s capital, Maputo, is serviced frequently by South African Airways with easy connections from Johannesburg and then onto Vilanculos (the airport to use when traveling to Bazaruto), making it an ideal side trip option.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Special savings on 4 night packages at both Inhaca Lodge, and Bazaruto Lodge including meals and select watersports activities and welcome drink on arrival. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

CALLING ALL TRAVEL SITES!
Each year, BestTravelWebsites.com holds a Web Award Competition for world's Best Travel Website. All sites that enter are judged upon 5 criteria: design, ease of use, interactivity, innovation and content. The 2010 Call for Entries is now underway! This is your opportunity to win the recognition you deserve. Entering is easy. Simply submit your travel website and let the visitors and the judges do the rest. BestTravelWebsites.com offers the perfect platform from which leading industry travel brands can maximize their world-wide exposure and capitalize on the potential that association with the prestigious BTW brand provides. Don’t waitm enter your website today and win the recognition you deserve! You might have the Best Web site in the travel industry! http://besttravelwebsites.com

PEDALERS PUB & GRILLE- Specialty bike tours in unique locations
Itching to put the bike pedal to the metal in an exotic land, but haven’t the faintest idea yet where to start? Then you’re the perfect candidate for a Pedalers Pub & Grille cycling exploration. Why? Well, because they offer an award-winning collection of thoughtfully-created itineraries across Asia, Alaska and the South Pacific that leave no stone unturned, yet leave the path wide open for an incredible, unforgettable adventure.

Their journeys are designed for all types of levels, from beginner to elite…taking care to ensure a “”no pressure” scenario no matter which you choose. They all include a delightful selection of unique accommodations, off-the-beaten-path restaurants, and ample time to explore your surroundings as opposed to simply just passing on by. Their expert team has been cultivating relationships with local guides and experts in all of the destinations they serve, which means you get to explore a myriad of hidden wonders beyond the surface, to places far and wide not commonly found in guidebooks.

Destinations far and wide include Alaska, Japan, Bhutan, Nepal, Thailand and Tibet…and if you really want to challenge yourself, consider the Once In A Lifetime Tour in 2012. 8 months, 6 continents, 25 destinations, and one heck of a lifetime bank of memories. http://www.pedalerspubandgrille.com/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- $150 Tour Credit on any cycling journey for 2011. Book by 30 Nov 2010 to take advantage of this great savings. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

PAPUA NEW GUINEA TRIBAL JOURNEY- Baobab Expeditions

Years and years ago, a then-mini-Explorateur sat in front of an Apple II-E computer, apprehending Carmen Sandiego in a faraway place called Port Moresby. It was at that moment when the fascination with Papua New Guinea began. Where is this land, known as one of the last great frontiers on the planet? This intriguing place of diversity, with over 850 indigenous languages, complex blended history, and miles upon miles of undiscovered terrain… if you’ve ever wanted to know, now’s the time to find out.

Baobab Expeditions now offers visitors an opportunity to discover the culture of the Bainings and the Tolais tribes, snorkel in the waters of the Duke of York Islands, and camp in the shadows of the active Tavurvur Volcano in one complete tribal journey exploration package that includes just about everything. You’ll sleep in jungle camps, trek through rustic villages, experience the exciting cultural traditions, feel the powerful emotions of tribal singing and dancing, and dine on authentic local fare throughout the jaunt.

Very few people in this world understand how to travel through this unexplored land, we recommend to stick with the experts in this case. Get preppin’ for Papua New Guinea.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Save $250 on this incredible expedition! Departures available on select dates in April, July, September and November, 2011. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

LOST IGUANA RESORT & SPA- Costa Rica
There are hundreds of ways to experience Costa Rica, but we find being smack dab in the middle of a rainforest, and right on the side of a lava-flowing volcano is certainly one of the most exciting (and let’s face it, pretty cool too).

And since we’re on the subject of cool- how about a double pool with waterfall and hot pool just above it, eclectic rooms infused with locally-designed touches, and even a “Madman’s Maze” made from hibiscus with enough twists and turns to make you crazy. At Lost Iguana Resort & Spa, when you’re not busy staring in amazement at nature’s best display of fireworks from your private balcony, you’ll be kept blissfully busy with hot springs, nature trail explorations, moments of pure relaxation at private hot springs, and incredible wildlife sightings.

Something not to be missed here is their Balinese-style Golden Gecko Spa. Each romantic thatched bungalow has its own fireplace, and incidentally, they’re the only ones in Costa Rica to use YonKa products, masterful blends of all natural extracts designed to soothe, revive and rejuvenate skin. Come on, you know you’re craving some Costa Rica… http://www.lostiguanaresort.com/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Incredible “Pura Vida” package savings including:
-7 Nights in a Standard Deluxe Room
-Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner at the resort’s Blue Hibiscus Restairant
-Guided hike on Arenal Volcano and guided Nature Trail tour
-Evening at Tabacon Hot Springs including dinner
-$300 worth of spa credits per person
Prices starting at US $995 per person, double occupancy & valid for travel by 15 Nov 2010. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

COTTON TREE- Grand Cayman

Craving a bit of Cayman? We’ve got just the thing.

The Cotton Tree Grand Cayman is an authentic, hidden haven which embraces all that’s beautiful in the Cayman Islands. We’re talking 400 feet of beachfront bliss, 4 lavish plantation-style cottages with designer living spaces outfitted in Caribbean Chic décor, set amidst lush gardens full of tropical flowers, avocado, guava and cotton trees, and naturally warm hospitality just about everywhere you turn. Beautiful touches such as a private freshwater pool, fitness center, yoga pavilion and open-air spa nestled among Seagrape trees surprise and delight around every corner while your personal chef resides on hand to whip up gourmet meals accompanied by wines selected by a sommelier.

Get soothed by the rhythmic sounds of the sea and get completely carried away Caymanian-style. http://www.caymancottontree.com/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book a stay and receive a complimentary welcome gift basket of wine, cheese, locally-made fresh banana bread and more, on top of already-fantastic savings with their Complimentary Night Promotion and Early Booking Special. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

MATAKAURI LODGE- New Zealand

When you’re born into a family that is synonymous with elegance and style, you’re pretty much a shoe-in on the perfection scale and New Zealand’s newest jewel, Matakauri Lodge, is no exception. This latest acquisition by the Robertson family of award-winning Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers fame is set on the South Island, and complements the portfolio beautifully.

This luxury alpine-style private retreat is set on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, just minutes from Queensland but feels miles away from just about everything. 11 luxurious suites and villas, all bearing the signature crisp, fresh style of celebrated designer Virginia Fisher are complete with sleek amenities, open fireplaces, grand-scale windows, and private terraces proffering spectacular lake and mountain views.

The cuisine- superb. The spa- blissful. The vibe- serene. The activities- endless…from horseback riding to trout fishing, day trips to nearby wineries to hiking, white water rafting to paragliding just to name a few. Best of all, it’s just a few days old…so it’s the ideal time to come across and be one of the first to visit this spectacular hideaway. http://www.matakaurilodge.com/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book a stay and receive pre-dinner drinks with hors d’oeuvres, seasonal gourmet dinner, full breakfast, complimentary mini-bar including domestic beers, and a bottle of New Zealand wine en-suite upon arrival- for travel by 31 Oct 2010. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!