Bay-utiful The Most Stunning Bays In The World

Historically, bays have had an incredible impact on the evolution and socioeconomic architecture of the modern world. In an age when the globe was ruled by oar and by sail the calm waters and safe anchorage offered by natural harbours were pivotal to establishing trade links and founding colonial communities.

It is no wonder then that today some of the most recognised metropolises in the world were originally developed at these strategic sites. Not only that but there is something about the juxtaposition of land and sea that awards an individual with a sense of perspective and peace; as well as beauty and grandeur. Although peering out across the shimmering waters and past the horizon may not invoke the same sense of pioneering and mystery that once inspired the adventurers of the history books there is still an incomparable resonance of freedom and wonder associated with coastal living that has in recent decades seen tourists flock to these areas.

Bay of Islands - New Zealand

Combining history and beauty the bay features an archipelago of 144 islands and was the first part of New Zealand to be colonised by European settlers. The area’s geography is defined by several ‘arms’ of land that extend out into the waters to form its distinctively irregular coastline. Home to fashionable townships such as Russell and Paihia; the bay is the epitome of picturesque. Visitors can explore the local communities, take a private yacht ride out and tour the beautiful islands and formations or visit the famous Waitangi Treaty grounds where modern New Zealand was born. Accommodation includes the boutique Cavalli Beach House in Mahinepua; the peerlessly chic Bird’s Nest, in Russell and for the no expenses spared treatment how about Cavalli Island Retreat & Spa; a private island which accommodates only 6 guests at a time and offers complimentary use of its own luxury yacht.

Victoria Harbour - Hong Kong

An icon of South East Asia, the glimmering skyline of Hong Kong Island is made even more impressive at night when a striking spectrum of glowing neon reflects off the waters of Victoria Harbour in brilliant columns of light. Often regarded as the gateway to South East Asia Hong Kong has one of the highest population densities in the world; the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s busy shopping districts and traditional markets is a sight to behold and a real insight into spirit and vibrancy of the culture and people of this proud city-state. One of the most spectacular views afforded visitors to Hong Kong is from Victoria Peak or just ‘The Peak’ as it is locally known; a mountain located in the west of the island. With accommodation available such as the Landmark Mandarin Oriental and its sister property Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong as well as the Grand Peninsula Hong Kong you will have no problem finding a refined and relaxing oasis of calm to unwind from the bright lights of the big city.

Bay of Kotor - Montenegro

A land once troubled and quite understandably ostracized by the global political community let alone by the tourism trail; today Montenegro is tipped by many as the new Monte Carlo. A small but friendly and very proud people the 620,000 or so Montenegrins that call this land home are distributed throughout this mountainous area with almost a third of the entire population residing in the capital of Podgorica. The country shares a coastline with the Adriatic Sea, and it is in this narrow strip in the South West of Montenegro that the beautiful Bay of Kotor can be found; itself a World Heritage Site. The area has been inhabited since antiquity and evidence of its ancient heritage can be observed in the surviving medieval architecture that still can be readily seen. The beautiful submerged river canyon boasts dramatic winding mountains and crystal clear waters and over the past few years the townships of Kotor, Risan, Tivat and Perast amongst others have become popular tourist attractions.

Hạ Long Bay - Vietnam

Legend has it that this stunning formation of rock islets was formed when during a war with the Chinese the Gods sent a family of dragons to defend Vietnam from the foreign marauders. The dragons spat out jewels that formed the islands and islets that today make up the bay, forming a wall of rock to safeguard the community. Whether or not you believe in its divine inception, it is certainly undeniable that there is something quite ethereal about Hạ Long Bay. Found in the North East of the country, around 140km due east of Ha Noi this once quiet fishing community is today one of Vietnam’s most popular attractions. The 1,600 permanent inhabitants are distributed amongst four floating communities of fishermen and their families who quite astonishingly can sometimes spend their entire lives on open water without ever stepping foot on terra firma. Is your favourite landmark missing from the list? Let me know about it!

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