Exclusive Magazine is delighted to have award winning travel writer Paul Knowles as our in-house Travel Editor. Each season, Paul ensures that Exclusive readers remain at the forefront of the hottest destinations, emerging travel trends and undiscovered locations. In every issue, he reviews a premium choice of destinations to suit everybody, which span across the globe. Paul hand-picks a selection of hotels, resorts and exciting places which will capture the imagination and take you on a journey of discovery. Whether you want a relaxing beach holiday in a far flung location, or an exciting city break with plenty of sightseeing to do, the choices on
offer in our Travel Section will give keen travellers plenty of insight. The readership of Exclusive is over 1 million people due to our distribution across top hotels and businesses, and we know that our readers want to be at the forefront of current travel trends. Paul delivers you in-depth reviews of the best places to go, and look out for his Exclusive Recommendations at the end of each review, where he gives you the hottest tips on what to do at each destination. With the Exclusive Travel Section, you will never again be stuck for an idea of where to go on holiday, instead you will be spoilt for choice as to where to visit first!
Exclusive Travel
EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL
The Mandarin Oriental S i n g a p OrE
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rom the moment you walk in to the five star Mandarin Oriental, it is clear to see why this is regarded as one of the most opulent hotels in Singapore. î “e hotel entrance is adorned by a beautiful sculpture by Antoine Poncet titled Fleur Marine, and an antique Mandarin fan made circa 1860 which
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL depicts a court scene makes another focal point. e hotel is chic and modern with a stylish interior design aesthetic and facilities which offer unparalleled luxury. is is the perfect place to stay when you wish to soak up the local culture and experience the delights of South-East Asia. Situated in the heart of Marina Bay just minutes from the business district, this hotel is the ideal base whether the purpose of your visit is business or leisure. is is a haven of relaxation where your every need is taken care of by the hotel team who are on hand at all times to help with every request. Should you wish to relax by looking at some art, the third floor of the hotel boasts a collection of artworks, known as “e Art of the Orient”. e hotel has everything guests could possibly need, such as a selection of premium restaurants, a luxurious spa and WiFi throughout so that keeping up with business whilst you are away is easy. ere is a variety of accommodation on offer in the hotel to suit the needs of every guest from comfortable rooms to spacious suites with sea or city views. e rooms are decorated with guest comfort as the utmost priority, with spacious bathrooms, comfortable beds and pleasing views and the interiors combine modern comfort with signature touches of oriental style. Each room is furnished with every possible amenity guests could wish for including flat screen televisions and desk area. When you are ready to explore the local area, there is so much to do; a stroll around Marina Bay is a lovely way to relax and enjoy the beautiful views. If you enjoy shopping, there are many places to purchase something nice from designer boutiques to high street stores. ere are plenty of cafés in the area where you can stop for a coffee and at night there are many bars where you can sip an iconic Singapore Sling. e hotel is located in Marina Square, with the famous fan shaped design which was created by esteemed American architect John Portman. e hotel affords guests stunning views of the Singapore skyline, which is particularly striking at night when illuminated. Fine dining is paramount at the Mandarin Oriental and there is a selection of delicious dining options on offer and if you are feeling indulgent there is of course an extensive room service menu so that you can relax in your room for the evening. e stunning pool area is the ideal place to soak up the sun and enjoy a refreshing dip before retiring to the spa for a few relaxing treatments. From meetings and events to sightseeing trips, the hotel can help to arrange every element of your visit with the utmost courtesy and efficiency. is really is a home away from home and you will not want to leave!
EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS
Visit Singapore Botanic Gardens to see incredible plants and flowers. Take high tea in the Tiffin Room at the iconic Raffles Hotel. Visit the Tiger Sky Tower, Asia's tallest free standing observation tower, for unparalleled views.
5 Raffles Avenue Marina Square, 039797 Singapore +65 6338 0066 www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL
The Yas Viceroy a b u D h abi
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he United Arab Emirates are famous all over the world for their luxurious and decadent hotels. One such hotel is undoubtedly the Yas Viceroy in Abu Dhabi which boasts 499 rooms and spacious suites, decorated with stunning design features such as floor to ceiling windows and suites fitted with surround sound.
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL is is without a doubt a luxurious hotel to stay in during your trip to Abu Dhabi, there is everything you could possibly need to facilitate a relaxing trip and every request is accommodated by the hotel concierge team. You can spend a day relaxing on the beach or for those in need of restorative treatments and some time away from the stress of daily life, the hotel has an ESPA spa which offers a host of healing and rejuvenating treatments. e spa includes the Viceroy Presidential Treatment Suite which offers a full hammam, rain showers, steam room and fitness equipment. is is a world away from the ordinary, where you can relax and enjoy restorative treatments in the comfort of the hotel. Sightseeing trips can easily be arranged by the front desk at the hotel reception, and if you work up an appetite after your daily activities there are many restaurants to please you. e local produce in the area is all of an exceptional quality and the hotel has eleven restaurants offering exceptional cuisine from around the world, choose from Italian, Indian, sushi and more all cooked and prepared in the most exquisite way. If you are in the mood for a lighter bite, you can relax poolside and enjoy something delicious as you recline. ere are several bars and lounges to relax in at the hotel and guests can enjoy the amazing LED canopy which radiates colours, or watch high-speed races or practices at the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit. is is a hotel which offers something for everyone and I highly recommend it as the perfect base for your stay in Abu Dhabi. EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS
Try colour therapy at the hotel spa to feel awakened and restored. Indulge in cuisine from many countries during your stay, with Mediterranean, Asian and Far-Eastern cuisine all on the menu in the hotel restaurants. Ask the hotel concierge for shopping recommendations, there are many stores nearby offering everything from luxury goods to affordable souvenirs.
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL
hilton bomoti hotel i S Ta n b u l, TurkEY
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stanbul is renowned as one of the most vibrant cities in the world, where visitors can enjoy a wealth of sightseeing and cultural activities whilst marvelling at the magnificent views and the buzzing ambience of the city. î “e Hilton Bomoti Hotel has an excellent reputation and it is an ideal place to stay during your visit to Istanbul.
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL e 34 storey hotel has a stylish and contemporary interior design throughout; it is centrally located in Sisli which makes an ideal starting point to explore the city and enjoy a wealth of activities. e shopping in the area is superb, with an enormous selection of boutiques and traditional markets in the city and there are plenty of bars and coffee shops nearby to rest in after a long day of sightseeing. e hotel staff are ready to oblige your every request and they could not be more helpful, the host of facilities on offer at the hotel is very impressive with everything from a 24 hour gym to a traditional Turkish bath on offer. ere are both indoor and outdoor swimming pools where you can take a refreshing dip and then relax poolside with a book. In the evening, I suggest unwinding in the rooftop bar which commands a spectacular view of the city and the Bosphorous, before retiring to the hotel restaurant to enjoy a leisurely dinner. EX C LU S I V E R E C o M M E n dAT I o n S
For a taste of history, visit the Museum of Archaeology. Visit the Topkapi Palace, to marvel at one of the most beautiful Ottoman buildings in Istanbul. Make a trip to the Hagia Sophia, a former basilica and mosque which is now a museum, to be amazed by the stunning architecture such as the great marble courtyard and the domed gallery. Ask the concierge for recommendations where to dine locally; there is every imaginable cuisine on offer in the city including the famous traditional Turkish flatbreads and exceptional seafood restaurants.
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL
The Cunard MS Queen Victoria
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he Cunard Line has a formidable history and fans across the globe who follow the every move of the Cunard ships avidly. e MS Queen Victoria is an awe-inspiring ship of elegance and grace, with 12 passenger decks and sumptuous facilities. e £290m ship is an incredible 90,000t and it was the first Cunard ship to have been built in Italy, constructed near Venice. It made
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL its maiden voyage in December 2007 from its home port of Southampton. Travelling on the Queen Victoria 2 is an experience like no other, with a selection of amazing on board features to make your holiday truly unforgettable. ere are seven on board restaurants, thirteen bars, a theatre, a ballroom, three swimming pools and four whirlpools. Life on board is never dull with so many wonderful activities on offer every day, the Royal Court eatre hosts amazing productions and there are activities as varied as book clubs, watercolour art lessons and sporting pursuits all on offer. As you would imagine on a Cunard ship, dining options on board are astounding and there is food to accommodate every possible taste inspired by every corner of the globe. e fine dining on offer at the Todd English à la carte restaurant is renowned and the 450 seater Lido restaurant offers a more casual style of dining. ere is a casino and the Hemispheres nightclub on board for evening entertainment as well as a selection of bars. For those in the mood for a little culture you can visit the Cunardia museum with company memorabilia and a souvenir shop. When it comes to relaxation, there are many places on board to unwind; relax in e Golden Lion Pub over a few drinks or visit the exceptional on board spa. A voyage on a Cunard ship is a holiday like no other and it is an unforgettable experience with so much to see and do on board as well as during excursions when the ship docks. A world of refinement and elegance, the Queen Victoria is like a floating palace with everything you need to make your voyage truly special.
EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS
Browse some art whilst on board at e Clarendon Fine Art Gallery Pick up some reading material at the on board book shop, which also sells souvenirs Enjoy fascinating talks by guest speakers on board, covering a wide range of topics.
www.cunard.co.uk
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL
kivotos luxury boutique hotel M Y k O n OS, grEECE
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deally located close to the stunning Ornos Bay with the glittering azure blue water stretching in front of you, the five star Kivotos Luxury Boutique Hotel is a tranquil haven where you can enjoy a relaxing stay. î “e hotel has played host to many illustrious guests and famous faces, who are attracted by the feeling of secluded luxury and sophistication and there is a private beach which further
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL adds to the sense of escapism. e beautiful architecture of the hotel is second to none, and it is situated on a rocky slope enabling guests to enjoy elevated views of the phenomenal scenery. e climate in Mykonos is warm and sunny, so guests can wake up to blue skies most mornings before enjoying a delicious breakfast and setting off in to nearby Mykonos Town for a day of sightseeing. e 39 rooms and suites at the hotel all offer every amenity you could desire during your stay and the Deluxe Jacuzzi Rooms feature a bedroom and an opulent bathroom with a personal Jacuzzi to make your stay even more luxurious. e hotel spa can cater to your every need with a variety of treatments. e hotel is lavishly furnished with art and antiques and it even has its own private yacht, e Prince Neufchatal, with full crew and skipper which is anchored in the tranquil waters of Ornos bay, and available for day cruises and private dining. e luxurious spa has a hammam decorated with beautiful mosaic tiles, where guests can enjoy an array of deluxe spa treatments including massages. For over twenty years, this hotel has been at the forefront of the scene in Mykonos due to its unrivalled service and emphasis on guest satisfaction which is paramount. e concierge is available to arrange tailor made trips and excursions around Mykonos Town and beyond. e hotel exudes elegance and sophistication and for those seeking seclusion there is a private villa with its own private beach area and swimming pool which you can reserve for the course of your stay prior to arrival. e facilities at the Kivotos Boutique Hotel are excellent with four restaurants and bars, two swimming pools, a well-equipped gym and a boutique. is is a luxury retreat which offers world class accommodation and facilities, and it is an amazing place to stay during your holiday in Mykonos. EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS
Take a sightseeing boat tour whilst on the island. Look out for local artisan crafts on sale in town. Take an evening stroll through the pretty streets of Mykonos and stop for some traditional Greek food in one of the many restaurants. Kivotos Boutique Hotel Ornos Bay 84600 Mykonos Greece www.kivotosmykonos.com
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL
Fergus Style Suites M a l lO r Ca, Spain
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ocated in Santa Ponsa Bay on Costa de la Calma, the Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites is one of the few four star hotels in Majorca. î “is designer style hotel has a pleasingly contemporary aesthetic, focusing on cool colours and stylish interiors. î “e hotel prides itself on providing guests with an optimal experience from the second they check-in to the moment they leave, and many
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL guests return year after year to enjoy the exceptional location and superior service. is is a place which offers a beautiful seaside escape right on the Mediterranean coast; all rooms are comfortable and well-equipped, with free WIFI to make your stay even better. e hotel can arrange several interesting trips and activities nearby and there are many sporting activities on offer for those feeling more energetic, with cycling and water sports amongst the many pursuits available. e nearby Santa Ponsa golf club is only a five minute drive away from the hotel, making this an ideal place to stay for golf enthusiasts. ere is a variety of accommodation on offer to suit every budget at this hotel, from guest rooms with sea views to the extravagant suites which offer luxurious accommodation with pretty verandas affording views of the sea. is is a lovely hotel to stay at when you want a break from the stress of everyday life as it allows guests the opportunity to relax and unwind in the lap of luxury. Recline and top up your tan at the swimming pool area or visit the Cala Blanca beach or one of the many picturesque coves nearby to take dip in the blissful sea and enjoy a relaxing beachside stroll. What makes the Fergus Suites even more superior is its central location; you can reach the centre of the busy Santa Ponsa resort after just a short walk, allowing you to explore the local shops, restaurants and cafés in the thriving resort town. Food and drink is always an important part of any holiday and the Fergus Suites does not disappoint, with a variety of delicious dining options available including both an à la carte restaurant and a buffet style restaurant serving cuisine inspired by places all over the world. e Fergus Suites is a pleasant place to stay during your Majorcan holiday, where you can rest assured that you will be well looked after. EX C LU S I V E R E C o M M E n dAT I o n S
Request a sea view room for an even better stay. Try the vast array of fresh seafood at local restaurants. Take an evening stroll on the beach to enjoy spectacular sunsets. Fergus Style Cala Blanca Suites Huguet de’s Far, 27 07180 Santa Ponça Balearic Islands Spain www.fergushotels.com
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL
The plaza hotel n E w YO rk
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here are so many hotels all over the world, but few can aspire to achieve iconic status. î “e New York Plaza Hotel is however one hotel which can definitely claim to have achieved such status, regarded worldwide as a landmark and an integral part of New York City.
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL e grand five star hotel has played host to numerous celebrity guests over the decades and it has played a part in several movies, including Home Alone 2: Lost In New York. ere is arguably not a hotel in New York which can surpass e Plaza in terms of luxury, opulence and service. Indeed, guests can even enjoy the services of a personal butler during their stay if they wish and the accommodation on offer at the Plaza is a world of elegance with luxurious rooms and vast suites on offer. Dining at the hotel is an amazing experience, a dream come true for gourmets with several places to dine including the renowned Todd English Food Hall which offers a varied menu inspired by Pan-European influences. ere are several different stations on offer in the Food Hall which serve a diverse selection of epicurean delights such as sushi, pizza, pasta, charcuterie and patisserie. You could easily spend hours sampling all of the delights on offer, but of course there is so much to explore in New York itself. Whilst in the city, don’t forget to explore Central Park, to take a ride on the world famous Staten Island Ferry, spend a day browsing the magnificent collections at e Guggenheim or MOMA and stop off at Serendipity III, which is famed worldwide for its frozen hot chocolate and cakes (not to mention its role in the eponymous film starring Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack). No visit to New York would be complete without a visit to the Empire State Building and of course the shopping on offer in the city is incredible, with famous department stores such as Bloomingdales and Macy’s to be found, along with more quirky vintage stores in Soho and e Meat Packing District where you can easily find one of a kind items. After so much shopping and sightseeing, you can unwind back at e Plaza Hotel with a trip to the spa followed by a drink in e Champagne Bar which overlooks Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain. e Plaza Hotel is a hotel which redefines luxury and there is so much to do, you will not want to leave at the end of your stay! EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS
Visit the Plaza Food Court where you can find every type of food from chocolate to noodles. Enjoy live jazz in e Plaza Hotel’s Rose Club every Wednesday. Visit the Warren Tricomi salon located within the hotel, to give your locks some pampering. e Plaza Fifth Avenue at Central Park South New York NY 10019 www.theplazany.com autumn 2015
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL
prince de galles hotel pa r i S
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aris is always a good idea, so they say, and there is so much to see and do in this cosmopolitan whirlwind of a city. Art, architecture, shopping and fine food are just some of the highlights of any trip to the city and ideally you would need several months to soak up everything this incredible place has to oer. î “ere is no doubt that a trip to Paris can be made even better by
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL touch of pampering you can even request in-room spa treatments, enabling you to luxuriate as you unwind in total seclusion. Paris is famed for its fine dining and there is of course an amazing array of excellent restaurants close to the hotel, but you can enjoy exceptional dining within the hotel with a choice of options available. La Scène restaurant has been awarded one Michelin Star with Chef Stéphanie Le Quellec at the helm, whilst the Les Heures bar is a tranquil escape which serves delicious cocktails and a selection of food. e hotel concierge can arrange transport around the city for you, or of course you could make like the Parisians and use le métro. However you decide to travel, there are several stops I suggest you make whilst in Paris. Visit the legendary Shakespeare and Co bookstore for a great selection of reading material, browse the luxurious boutiques of the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré which is lined with designer boutiques and stop off at Ladurée for a delectable selection of Macaron. I would recommend a trip to the Musée Eugène Delacroix which is located at the great artist’s former apartment on Rue de Furstenberg. You can take a tour of his home which is now the museum, including his studio located within the private gardens and marvel at the works of art on display.
staying in a lavish hotel. Although staying somewhere luxurious may be more expensive, it is worth it for a special occasion or when you just need to treat yourself. Located on the iconic Avenue George V, just a short walk from e Arc de Triomphe and e Eiffel Tower, e Prince de Galles is a five star hotel dating back to 1928 and furnished in an Art Deco style with marble floors, mosaics and bespoke wallpaper. It is renowned as a sumptuous hotel with stylish interiors and excellent facilities and its location close to tourist attractions and the legendary Champs Elysées makes it a superb central place to stay during your sojourn in the city of love. e hotel has 115 well-appointed rooms as well as 44 luxurious suites if you really want to experience decadence. e hotel exudes sophistication and glamour and there is a wellness spa offering personalized treatments using Unique Elixir Paris products, soothing massages and a hammam for when you need to relax. e spa is a tranquil space decorated with white accents and green mosaic tiles, but for that extra
e Prince de Galles definitely offers a sense of old-world Parisian refinement and grandeur and every aspect of your stay at the hotel is luxurious and pleasant. e hotel team is on hand to oblige your every request, from small things such as delivering a newspaper to your room every morning or greater requests such as arranging tailor-made sightseeing trips. Everything about this hotel is decadent and it is definitely a super place to stay if you want to take Paris in style! EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS
Whilst in Paris take a sightseeing cruise along the Seine. Enjoy delicious hot chocolate and patisserie at the legendary Angelina tea rooms on Rue De Rivoli. Make a trip to e Louvre to witness the staggering collection of priceless works of art including the world famous Mona Lisa. Dine at the stylish and laid back Michelin Star awarded restaurant Septime (80 rue de Charonne, 11th arrondissement) where you can discover the innovative cuisine of Chef Bertrand Grébaut who is celebrated for his creative cookery style. Prince de Galles 33 Avenue George V Paris 75008 France www.princedegallesparis.com
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL
luX* ari atoll M a l D i V ES
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here is nowhere on earth which can rival the Maldives in terms of sheer mind-blowing beauty and tranquillity. Turquoise waters lap at the white sandy shores of the archipelago of tiny islands or atolls which are spread across the Indian Ocean. From the moment you arrive at the Lux Ari Atoll it is like you have been transported to a fantasy world, where picture perfect
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EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL turtles, dolphins and whale sharks. You are in safe hands as the 5-Star PADI IDC Dive Centre offers a selection of options which suit all abilities from novice to advanced level. Gastronomes are well taken care of at the resort, with dining options which are many and varied. You can get every delicious food you could imagine, from fine dining to street food inspired dishes encompassing a fusion of different influences from traditional Maldivian to Japanese and Italian. e pizzas at the resort are said to be some of the best available in the Indian Ocean and there are a total of seven restaurants and bars to choose from so you can dine out every night with plenty of options! ere are always surprises on offer at the resort and there are often open air film screenings and live music to enjoy during your stay, whilst strolling along the unspoilt beaches never gets tiresome as the views are simply astounding. Holidaying on the Lux Ari Atoll is an experience which you will remember for the rest of your life, with the blissful beaches and azure blue waters creating a dream world which you will not want to leave. e service at the resort is impeccable and the accommodation contemporary and stylish. is is the perfect place to while away your holiday and create memories which last a lifetime, from scuba diving with whale sharks to relaxing on the beach, every moment of your stay is wonderful. EXCLUSIVE RECoMMEndATIonS
Try some of the locally caught fresh fish during your stay, which is an experience not to be missed. scenery is visible everywhere you turn. e Lux South Ari Atoll is the only settlement on the stunning island of Dhidhoofinolhu and the resort offers a world of luxury with accommodation ranging from suites to ocean side villas where you can wander on to the idyllic beaches at any moment. ere are two swimming pools at the resort where you can have a dip or relax poolside beneath the shade of coconut palm trees and the waters of the Indian Ocean are naturally warm and clear, so swimming in the sea here is an experience not to be missed.
Explore some of the resorts ‘secret’ bars, ask your concierge for recommendations which to visit first! Take a relaxing stroll through the herb gardens to unwind and relax. LUX* South Ari Atoll South Ari Atoll Maldives www.luxresorts.com
When you get tired of reclining on the stunning beaches, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during your stay which can be arranged by the resort. You can also book a whale shark day whilst staying here, which comprises a snorkelling trip, whale shark spotting, presentations and lunch on a nearby island. is is a true playground for diving enthusiasts, as there is a lagoon on the island which is the ideal location for scuba diving where you can see many species such as manta rays,
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