Clear blue vision in Samoa: 2020
Considered one of Samoa's most photogenic spots, the To Sua Ocean Trench is an aquamarine lagoon fed by the sea through underwater rock tunnels and exotically fringed by drooping vines and lush moss. Access the lagoon by carefully climbing down a giant wooden ladder to a small pier, then take a dip and look up at the sky and the birdlife in the cliff-face foliage that encapsulates the lagoon. Five-night Samoa holidays are priced from $919pp from Auckland or from $1079 for travel from Wellington or Christchurch. Airport transfers and tropical daily breakfasts are included. Book by August 26. Travel between February4and March 31. Flights are with Air New Zealand.
Contact: FlightCentre, 0800 427 555 or flightcentre.co.nz
Australia: The best of the West
Check into Mantra on the Murray — one of Perth's most central hotels — and revel in the tastes and smells of the 10-day-long Western Australia Gourmet Escape food and wine festival. This foodies' delight is highly anticipated every year and brings together chefs, sommeliers and food critics to host more than 50 events in locations throughout Perth, the Margaret River and Swan Valley. Experience the Gourmet Feast in the Valley portion of the festival, priced from $249pp, double-share, which includesageneral admission ticket for November 9 and two nights' accommodation. Packages valid for travel between November 8 and 18. Book by September 26.
Contact: helloworld Travel, 0800 303 132 or helloworld.co.nz