Overview
By August, winter can begin to feel as though it's been dragging on forever. Some of us, like migratory birds, make an annual pilgrimage to our favourite Northern Hemisphere destination, avoiding the darker months altogether. Others dig in like grizzly bears, travelling no further than is necessary to obtain food and money.
Despite what the naysayers say, one of New Zealand's geographical benefits is its proximity to an abundance of eternally sun-kissed destinations. Whether you prefer the seemingly boundless expanse of the Pacific Ocean, or the monsoonal mystery of the Indian Ocean - the warmest ocean in the world - you're only ever a a few hours' flight time away from winterless climes.
So, if you're feeling as though you'd like a quick preview of summer before December ushers in the main act, here are ten destinations that could well have you digging out your long lost swimmers.
Eratap, Vanuatu
This view is just three hours and thirty two minutes' travelling time away. That's a three hour flight to Vanuatu's capital, Port Vila, and a twenty minute drive to the pier pictured above. Even though the exclusive resort of Eratap is comprised of just twelve villas, all located on the waterfront, it occupies an entire peninsula, incorporating eight acres of lush gardens and three lonely beaches. Plus, the resort's gardeners will drop you to one of several surf breaks just off the beach should you feel the inclination.
Semara Luxury Villa Resort, Bali
If you like your rooms over-sized, your ocean views panoramic and your gardens perfectly manicured, Semara is likely to tick all your boxes. Located on Bali's southernmost point, this resort features seven commodious, architect-designed villas, which overlook the Indian ocean from the spectacular heights of Uluwatu's stunning white limestone cliffs.
Zeavola, Phi Phi, Thailand
Encompassing an unspoiled stretch of too-white-to-be-true sand on Phi Phi Don Island's northern tip, Zeavola promises an indulgent experience based on sensual pleasure. The accommodation, modelled on island-style housing, is built of hand-hewn teak, and the landscaping features quiet gardens, romantic outdoor showers and hand-painted murals.
Wayalailai Ecohaven Resort, Fiji
One of the few 100% locally owned resorts in the Pacific Islands, Wayalailai offers a beach-side break in the heavenly Yasawa Islands that isn't quite as devastating on the wallet as other, more luxurious options. Run by nearby villages, Wayalailai features traditional-style bures (both doubles and dorms) and enables the visitor to experience Fijian society and culture as it occurs on a daily basis, rather than as a construction for the purpose of tourist entertainment. Prices start at $70, inclusive of three meals, and you can even pitch a tent for $55. All profits go to improving living standards and increasing access to education in local communities.
Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa, Cook Islands
Many a well-seasoned traveller has concluded that Aitutaki Lagoon is the most beautiful in the world. 'No artist's palette could ever conceive of a more perfect, more luminous turquoise,' Steve Daley wrote in Unforgettable Places to See Before You Die. The only resort in the Cook Islands to occupy its own private island, the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa, perched on the lagoon's edge, is renowned for its intimate, Polynesian-style over water bungalows.
Te Tiare Beach Resort, French Polynesia
Te Tiare Beach Resort - one of the smallest and most intimate in French Polynesia - is located on Huahine, one of the less visited and most tranquil of the country's islands. There's a local farmer's market, a strong traditional fishing culture and an abundance of fertile plantations and orchards - vanilla, noni fruit, taro, watermelon, mango, papaya, banana and breadfruit are all made for the South Seas. You can choose your bungalow according to your tastes - garden, premium garden, beach, lagoon overwater or deep overwater.
L'Escapade Island Resort, New Caledonia
Like French Polynesia, New Caledonia offers a little European je-ne-sais-quoi without the pain of a gruelling long-haul flight. In fact, it's less than three hours' time in the air from Auckland. Similarly to the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa, L'Escapade inhabits its very own private island, twenty minutes' boat ride from Noumea. Access to both inner and outer lagoon areas enables an array of sun-blessed activities, from swimming and snorkelling to windsurfing and kayaking. 69 bungalows - both over water and terrestrial - comprise the accommodation.
Fregate Island, Seychelles
With 2000 free-roaming Giant Aldabra Tortoises, hundreds of Hawksbill Turtles' nest and an indigenous forest rehabilitation plantation, Fregate Island is not just one of the world's most prestigious holiday destinations, it's also an important conservation project. Visitors can rent one of 16 spacious private pool residencies, a five-building estate or an entire island.
Niyama, Maldives
The world's first underwater live music club and a 24-hour spa mean that Niyama offers more than your regular beachside vacation. Located forty minutes by seaplane from Male, it features over water pavilions and stand alone studios with unimpeded views of the horizon. The onsite restaurant serves meals just five hundred metres from the water's edge.
Sila Evason Hideaway and Spa, Thailand
Found on the northern tip of Koh Samui, Sila Evason is famous for is its 41 pool villas, each of which comes with its own private infinity edge pool. They're set in twenty acres of native forest, on a sloping headland, and offer panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding scenery. There's also a Six Senses Spa on the premises.