All posts tagged: islands

VIDEO: MY GUIDE TO THE COOK ISLANDS

Published by Nicole Isaacs

  BEST things to do in Rarotonga & Aitutaki! This was my 2nd experience in the Cook Islands and I visited the islands of Rarotonga & Aitutaki. If you’re looking for things to do in Rarotonga Cook Islands, then you’ve come to the right place! I’ll share some info on snorkeling in the Cook Islands, (snorkeling in Rarotonga) and you’ll also learn about Aitutaki Cook Islands! When it comes to “what to do in Cook Islands,” we did it all! We got to try some snorkeling, whale watching, island/sandbar hopping, and tried the best local foods on the islands. :::: Connect With Me: www.nicoleisaacs.com www.instagram.com/NicoleIsaacs www.twitter.com/NicoleIsaacs

COOK ISLANDS

Published by Nicole Isaacs

I just got back from the Cook Islands. When I tell people I went there, I pretty much get a lot of blank stares. I think a lot of people don’t really know where that is, and I admit I didn’t either when I was pitched to visit. WHERE IS COOK ISLANDS? Cook Islands is a bunch of small islands in the middle of the South Pacific ocean northeast of New Zealand between French Polynesia and American Samoa/Hawaii. There make up a compilation of a several small islands, and I visited the largest  island of Rarotonga and a smaller island called Aitutaki. FLIGHTS TO COOK ISLANDS: I went with the Cook Islands Tourism Board for one week. I flew direct on Air New Zealand from Los Angeles into Rarotonga, which is a 10 hour flight. There is only 1 direct flight a week on Air New Zealand. We took an 11:30pm flight on Saturday night and arrived in Cook Islands early Sunday morning. Because it was a sponsored trip flights were covered, but I got …

IBIZA + FORMENTERA, SPAIN

Published by Nicole Isaacs

I chose Spain as my summer destination, so had to make a stop in Ibiza to see a few of my friends that were also there for the summer. This was my second time in Ibiza, but I had gone in 2010 when I was a lot younger and had no idea what I was doing back then lol. Now I know how to do it right- a bunch of my friends go every summer and I was with a good group this time who knew all the places to go. We rented an AirBnB villa and also rented a car to get around the island. We stacked up with groceries and booze for the week and spent the days at the villa, and nights out. To be honest, I’m not the biggest drinker or partier anymore, so going out five nights in a row in Ibiza sounded like pure torture to me lol. I went out three of the five nights which was more than enough for me. The clubs there aren’t really my …

MY GUIDE TO MAUI, HAWAII

Published by Nicole Isaacs

If I could choose to move one place in America (besides maybe New York), it would hands down be Maui, Hawaii. I had the opportunity to spend six days in Maui and was able to really explore the best the island has to offer. Below is a full break down of my MAUI MUST SEE’S: WHERE TO STAY The Four Seasons Resort Maui Wailea is one of my new obsessions. With an extensive and stunning new renovation recently unveiled at the end of 2016, the newly designed resort takes perfection to a new level. With floor to ceiling transformations of its luxury guest rooms and suites, the resort is in even a better place than ever before. The new aesthetic honors the nature and beauty of the island while still maintaining a contemporary feel. I stayed in one of their luxury suites with a beautiful garden and ocean view. With a spacious living and dining room, bathroom, bedroom and two large balconies, it really gave you the feel of being in your own private home …

HAWAII VIDEO

Published by Nicole Isaacs

Hey guys! Check out my video from my recent trip to Hawaii. Be on the look out for my full Hawaii travel guide where I share the best things to do and see on the islands in my next post. Would love your feedback on the video! Video Produced by: HungryApe | @HungryApe Directed and Edited by: Solmaz Saberi | @SolmazSaberi -Nicole    

CROATIA

Published by Nicole Isaacs

I spent two amazing weeks traveling throughout Croatia and was in constant awe of the country’s beauty. It’s by far one of the most breathtaking countries I’ve been to and now understand why it’s become a major hotspot and popular tourist destination. Island hopping is a must when visiting Croatia, especially in the summer months. I spent time on the islands of Hvar, Vis and Brac and all were worth visiting. I also went to Split which is not only the main port city for getting to the islands but also full of cute restaurants and bars. Gem-colored water alongside forest trees make up the coastlines—the vibrant greenery combined with the traditional orange colored European rooftops and royal blue water makes for a truly unique landscape. The entire country is breathtaking and worth exploring, but the old city of Dubrovnik is what made my Croatia experience completely magical.  SPLIT Where to stay: Vestibul Palace HVAR Where to Stay: Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort DUBROVNIK I’m a huge Game of Thrones fan, and Dubrovnik is one …

BERMUDA

Published by Nicole Isaacs

A quick flight from New York and anywhere on the East Coast is the island of Bermuda. I often visit New York and have always wanted to make the trip to Bermuda because it’s so close, and I finally did. Bermuda is a happy and beautiful island. I was blown away by how genuinely friendly and happy the locals were. I found in all my travels that the local people have such an impact on your experience. My most magical travel experiences are in places where the local people have good energy. The energy of a place is highly affected by the energy of the people there. Unfortunately out of the three days I was in Bermuda, it rained two of those days. I only had one sunny day to experience the island and its beaches and that was not enough. I was definitely not ready to leave. Because it was raining, we had to figure out other things to do besides lay by the pool and go to the beach. We decided to visit …

MYKONOS, GREECE

Published by Nicole Isaacs

After spending a few days in Santorini, I spent the last few days of my Greece trip on the island of Mykonos. Mykonos has a very different vibe than Santorini. It’s considered the “party” island, and is very lively and fun while Santorini is a bit more quiet, laid back and romantic. I stayed at the Myconian Villa Collection/ Utopia Resort which was a bit of a drive from Mykonos Town but on a more exclusive part of the island located above Elia Beach. It was absolutely beautiful and I loved the architecture and interior decor. I loved taking pictures of the property because the designs were inspo and everything was so photogenic. I was in absolute heaven. I definitely recommend heading into Mykonos town for eating and shopping, as well as Nammos beach for a “trendy” social scene and beach party experience. I was told by many that you haven’t experienced Mykonos unless you’ve been to Scorpios beach club. I didn’t get a chance to go but it came highly recommended by several people …

EL NIDO, PHILIPPINES

Published by Nicole Isaacs

El Nido was so beautiful. I took so many great pictures I want to share with you! El Nido is great because it doesn’t feel touristy. I felt like I was on an island by myself with the locals. It was peaceful and quiet, and its a bunch of small islands close to one another so we did a day of island hopping and went to lagoons, caves, private beaches and went snorkeling. It was so much fun. Also if you haven’t yet, check out my El Nido zip lining video I posted in the previous post! Take a look at some of my favorite pictures and video from El Nido…