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Following in the footsteps of the lovable hero from Up, the double Oscar-winning computer-animated film, we travel to the land of the tepuis – Venezuela's Canaima National Park, a spectacular Eden-like haven that surrounds the world's tallest waterfall. Strikingly beautiful and bursting with vibrant culture, HELLO! Online brings you five of the most exotic, exciting destinations to visit in 2012 Still thinking of where to jet off to this summer? Here are a handful of havens within reach that might tempt you... French Polynesia is the real-life setting of one of the best-known sea-faring adventure stories – the real paradise of spectacular scenery and welcoming people that lay behind the discontent of the crew and caused the mutiny aboard the 'Bounty' in 1789. Shakira, Stephanie of Monaco and Mariah Carey are just three of the celebrity names to have enjoyed the comfort of the Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque in Tenerife. Check out why the resort is one of the havens of the moment for A-listers. New York, Las Vegas, Santo Domingo... it'd take more vacation than most of us have in a decade to visit all the locations associated with 'The Godfather'. But, as fans of the trilogy will know, the roots of the story are to be found on the Italian island of Sicily. Sunsets and music, almond blossom in the moonlight, exploring on horseback... we've got a handful of marvellous experiences for you on the beautiful Spanish island of Ibiza. Every destination is unique, and every traveller is an individual. So we've chosen five very different options to see the New Year in in style - whatever your own particular style is. If you fancy spending New Year in the British Isles, we suggest Dublin or Edinburgh; for snow-lovers, there's the Pyrenees; relax on a cruise, or venture farther east to Jordan... there's something for everyone. Everything you need to know about the Monarch butterfly Life on the Thai island of Phuket is clearly shaped by the warm seductive waters of the Andaman Sea. Here, where the turquoise waves lap at the white edge of Nai Yang beach, set amid the lush green of a plantation, lies the Indigo Pearl, one of the most unique resorts on these tropical shores. Gateway to the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a clear favourite with Johnny Depp, who filmed 'On Stranger Tides' there as well as his newly-released movie, 'The Rum Diary'. With palm-lined silver beaches, misty mountains and beautiful Spanish colonial architecture, the tropical archipelago has more to offer than rum and pirates. History and legend meet and mingle on Crete, the largest of the Greek isles. This is the land where the baby Zeus was kept safe from Kronos, and where later, disguised as a white bull, he brought his beloved Europa. It is a land at the very roots of European civilisation. Today, the island, with its beautiful natural scenery, warm hospitality and delicious cuisine pays witness to this ancient heritage. The islands themselves are practically hidden among mangroves and rainforest, but the coastlines of dazzling white coral sands lapped by turquoise waters are the perfect setting for pirates to have buried their treasure chests long ago. In fact, the real jewels and gems are the lesser known islands that lie off the south western coast of Thailand. Colours, perfumes, sun sets, palaces, palm trees, gardens and squares... Marrakesh is a fascinating city and a must-see destination. All around there are unique and special experiences awaiting the traveller; we've selected just a few of the best. Almost like a theatre backdrop, the row of colourful houses curve around a bay dotted with little fishing boats and glamorous yachts to create the perfect setting to see and be seen, with the focus on good taste rather than ostentation. If you're looking for something a little out of the ordinary for your next trip, Thailand's coastal town of Hua Hin is celebrating the tenth King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, and it promises to be mammoth fun. About a 100 kilometres from Barcelona, southwards along the Mediterranean coast, lies Tarragona, a seaside city with an ancient heritage. Once a favourite with the Roman emperors Augustus and Hadrian, now, the modern city boasts clean beaches, fine dining and plenty of architectural and cultural attractions for visitors. Brac, Corfu, Formentera, Djerba... The Mediterranean is dotted with beautiful islands boasting secluded, beaches, picturesque harbours, unspoiled coastline and cities steeped in history. We've selected just a few of the most spectacular spots in this paradise of blue.
