Westwood wraps up Thailand title

Lee Westwood displays the winning trophy at the inaugural $1 million Thailand Golf Championship.

• Lee Westwood seals seven-shot victory at Thailand Golf Championship
• Westwood was claiming second win in three starts
• Fellow Englishman Ian Poulter takes Australian Masters title
• Poulter dons gold jacket after final round 67 in Melbourne

(CNN) -- Lee Westwood will move to number two in the world after completing a front-running victory at the inaugural Thailand Golf Championship Sunday.

Westwood held his nerve in the face of a determined challenge from U.S. Masters champion Charl Schwartzel to win by seven shots at the Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok.

Westwood's second tournament win in three outings came after Ian Poulter secured a three-shot victory in the Australian Masters in Melbourne, capping superb year for English golfers, with the rankings topped by Luke Donald.

The 38-year-old Westwood carded a final round three-under-par 69 for 22-under 266.

He had led by a staggering 11 shots after his two opening rounds of 60 and 64, which he described as "the best golf of my life."

But stablemate Schwartzel had closed to four shots overnight and the outcome remained in doubt until Westwood rolled home a pressure birdie putt to match the South African on the 12th and followed with another at the next.

Westwood, who has rejoined the U.S. Tour for 2012, has stepped up his efforts in pursuit of a first major title.

I'll go into the winter with a lot of confidence and I'll try to come out next year playing the same kind of golf as I played this week
Lee Westwood

"I'm going to continue to work on my fitness and all aspects of my game. I'm going in the right direction, I can see a lot of improvement and I'm happy with the way I've finished the year, I've won two of my last three events," he told Sky Sports.

"I'll go into the winter with a lot of confidence and I'll try to come out next year playing the same kind of golf as I played this week, a little bit leaner and well rested."

American Michael Thompson took third and another Englishman, Simon Dyson, finished in a tie for fourth at 12-under with Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol.

Earlier, Poulter came from two shots behind overnight leader Geoff Ogilvy to card a four-under-par 67 at the Victoria Golf Club for a 15-under aggregate of 269.

It was his second victory of an otherwise difficult season for the flamboyant 37-year-old, who already has his eye on qualification points for the 2012 European Ryder Cup team.

"To win this is the second highlight in what has been a tough year for me," Poulter told gathered reporters.

"To do this in a Ryder Cup year and move inside the top 20 on the world rankings means a heck of a lot."

Australian Marcus Fraser finished second with Ogilvy a further shot back in third.

Donald, who topped the money lists on the European and PGA Tours, could not round out a triumphant year as he finished with a 72 and a four-under total of 280.

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Australian named head of men's tennis

Previously head of the ATP International Group, Brad Drewett is now the ruling body's CEO.

• Former player Brad Drewett promoted to head of the ATP Tour
• Australian had previously run the tour's season-ending championship
• His appointment is welcomed by players' president Roger Federer

(CNN) -- Brad Drewett is the new head of men's tennis after being appointed as the ATP Tour's executive chairman on Thursday.

The London-based Australian, 53, will have a three-year tenure starting January 1 as successor to American Adam Helfant, who decided to stand down after a similar term.

"I am honored to have this opportunity to lead the ATP, an organization that I am proud to have been a part of since the beginning of my professional playing career," said Drewett, a former player who has run the tour's flagship season-ending event since 2001.

Tour finale serves up big business for men's tennis

Jamie Murray interviews Andy

"The ATP World Tour and men's tennis are stronger than ever and it is my intention to continue to lead the organization on this successful path, working hand in hand with our players and tournaments. I am very excited about the opportunities ahead."

O2 prepares for World Tour Finals

World No. 3 Roger Federer, who is head of the players' council, welcomed the promotion of the former head of the ATP's International Group.

"Brad is a very experienced executive and has been an effective leader within the ATP for many years," the 16-time grand slam champion said.

"He understands the global nature of the business as well as the complexities of dealing with all of the tour's stakeholders. I am confident that Brad's work ethic and leadership will help contribute to the continued success of the ATP World Tour."

Drewett won two junior Australian Open titles before reaching a career-high ranking of 34th.

He was elected to represent players on the ATP board before moving into the business side, and took the tour finals to Shanghai and before rebranding it in London in 2009.

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Discover golf's top luxury retreats

Mission Hills lies in the volcanic region of Hainan Island, China. The resort has 10 courses, with each one incorporating the native lava rock formations. There are also 518 guest rooms and suites, a three-story clubhouse and 12 restaurants in this impressive complex.

The WaterColor Inn and Resort on Florida's Gulf of Mexico offers luxurious waterfront accommodation and two 18-hole courses. The Shark's Tooth, as the name would imply, was designed by Greg Norman and is only available to guests at the resort.

The sumptuous St. Regis bar allows golfers to unwind after 18 holes with beautiful views of the Hawaiian sunset. Great for jazz lovers too, with Sundays traditionally hosting a jam session.

Perched on Hawaii's northern shore, the St. Regis Princeville Resort has 252 luxury rooms with 51 ocean-view suites. The 9,000-acre site provides stunning views of Hanalei Bay and the towering cliffs that served as the backdrop for the movie South Pacific. There are 27 holes at the Makai Golf Club, 18 of which were renovated and reopened in 2010.

The Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club has been rated as the best golf resort in Canada by SCOREGolf Magazine. Originally opened in 1925, it is located deep in the heat of the Canadian Rockies in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Elk, deer and wildlife roam free on the golf course at Jasper Lodge. Should an elk disrupt your chip to the green, a relaxing drink at the resort's luxurious Emerald Lounge bar is sure to calm your nerves!

Located on the tropical island of Roatan, 35 miles off the coast of Honduras, the Pristine Bay Resort is situated on a 400-plus acre site adjacent to the Caribbean Sea. The 120-room, five-star Resort and Spa at Pristine Bay is scheduled to open January 2012.

The world's second-largest barrier reef provides a stunning backdrop to the Black Pearl Course on the island of Roatan. The 11th hole also has its own unique features.

• Pristine Bay Resort is situated on a 400-plus acre site adjacent to the Caribbean Sea on Roatan
• Mission Hills lies in China's volcanic region of Hainan Island and has 10 golf courses
• Elk and deer roam free at Canada's Jasper Park Lodge, a UNESCO World Heritage site

(CNN) -- With the holiday season upon us, what better time to take a luxury break and get away from it all -- and relax with a few rounds of golf.

From volcanic islands to tropical paradises, wildlife sanctuaries and stunning mountain vistas, CNN has sought out courses that cater for the high end of the market.

Here are five of the best resorts around -- let us know if we have missed off your favorite luxury golfing retreat:

Mission Hills Hainan Resort (Haikou, China)

Situated in the volcanic region of Hainan Island, the resort houses a remarkable 10 golf courses, each incorporating the native lava rock formations.

Who will be the golf stars of 2012?

There are 518 guest rooms and suites, a three-story clubhouse, 12 restaurants, a fully-equipped sports and recreation center, an aquatic theme park, therapeutic volcanic mineral springs, a spa oasis and a shopping arcade.

The Blackstone Course is earning a reputation as one of the world's finest, and hosted the 2011 World Cup of Golf in November.

A premiere suite will set you back a cool $500 a night, while a round of golf is $200.

St. Regis Princeville Resort (Kauai, Hawaii)

Perched on the northern shore of the island, this resort reopened in 2009 after a $100 million refurbishment.

There are 252 rooms, of which 51 are ocean-view suites, and the resort incorporates 9,000 acres, providing stunning views of Hanalei Bay and its towering cliffs -- the setting for the movie South Pacific.

On the golf front, there are 27 holes on the Makai course, with 18 having been completely renovated in 2010.

Rooms at St. Regis begin at a cool $375 per night, while the Makai course costs $220 per round.

WaterColor Inn and Resort (Santa Rosa Beach, Florida)

Located in the Gulf of Mexico and recently named "Best Hotel in Florida" by the readers of Travel + Leisure, the U.S. resort offers luxurious waterfront accommodation, restaurants, a full-service spa, and two of the sunshine state's most celebrated golf courses.

An eye on 2012 with Rory McIlroy

One of these is Shark's Tooth, designed by golfing legend Greg Norman, which is a private course only open to guests at the resort.

It costs a whopping $525 a night to stay in a beach-view room, with a round of golf at Shark's Tooth setting you back another $95.

Pristine Bay Resort (Roatan, Honduras)

Located on a tropical island 35 miles off the coast of Honduras, the new Pristine Bay Resort is situated on a 400-plus-acre site adjacent to the Caribbean Sea.

The world's second-largest barrier reef provides a stunning backdrop to the Black Pearl Course, with the 120-room resort scheduled to open January 2012.

Residents and guests will have access to the ocean-front Bay Village with boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, cafes and other entertainment options.

The cheapest rooms start at $300 a night, with a round of golf coming in at $150.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (Alberta, Canada)

Set in the heart of the Rockies, this beautiful course is rated by SCOREGolf Magazine as the number one golfing resort in Canada.

Elk, deer and wildlife are able to roam free on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which opened in 1925.

Between May and October, the resort offers the "Ultimate Buddy Trip" for eight or more people.

At $3,125 per person it isn't cheap, but for your money you get a three-day/two-night stay in Milligan Manor -- the largest luxury cabin at Jasper Park Lodge -- two rounds of golf, a fly fishing excursion, whiskey tasting and a private outdoor barbecue with your own chef.

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Football: Spurs exit Europa League

Tottenham celebrate Jermain Defoe's goal just before halftime but they went out of the Europa League

• Tottenham Hotspur exit Europa League despite 4-0 win over Shamrock Rovers
• 10-man Rubin Kazan's 1-1 draw at PAOK Salonika secures their passage
• Standard Liege players wear black armbands after shooting tragedy in Belgian city

(CNN) -- Tottenham Hotspur secured an emphatic 4-0 win over Shamrock Rovers Thursday but still failed to make the last 32 of the Europa League.

Rubin Kazan's 1-1 draw at Group A winners PAOK Salonika gave the Russian side the point they needed to progress to the knockout stages as runners-up.

Tottenham, mounting a strong challenge in the English Premier League this season, had gone into the match in Dublin needed Rubin to lose in Greece while scoring five goals themselves against their Irish part-time opponents.

Leading 3-0 at halftime and with Rubin losing 1-0 and down to 10 men, Tottenham were on course for an unlikely passage but Rubin's Nelson Valdez equalized Vierinha's penalty for PAOK just after the break.

Steven Pienaar, Andros Townsend, with a superb strike and Jermain Defoe scored Tottenham's first half goals but Shamrock improved after the interval and might have pulled one back.

Substitute Harry Kane added a late fourth for Tottenham.

In other Europa League action Thursday, Standard Liege players wore black armbands against FC Copenhagen as a mark of respect to the three people killed by a gunman in the Belgian city this week.

The Group B winners went on to secure a 1-0 victory with Michy Batshuayi scoring the only goal in the 31st minute while Hannover, who had already sealed second spot, beat Vorskla 3-1 with goals from Konstantin

Rausch, Didier Konan and Artur Sobiech.

In Group C, Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven owed their 2-1 win over Rapid Bucharest to late goals from Stanislav Manolev and Tim Matavz.

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Is blue the new red? Madrid's clay revolution

Madrid's new blue clay court

• The 2012 Madrid Open is set to become the first tennis tournament to be staged on blue clay
• Organizers say blue clay rather than the traditional red will benefit spectators
• After years of negotiations with the ATP and WTA Tours the new clay has been ratified
• The 2012 Madrid Open will held at the Caja M�gica between May 4 and 13

(CNN) -- It's an idea that sits uncomfortably with tennis greats Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer but for the Madrid Open and their clay-court revolution, blue is the new red.

The 2012 installment of the $10.6 million tournament in the Spanish capital will be the first time an officially sanctioned Tour event will be played on a blue clay court -- a departure from the traditional red associated most closely with the French Open and Roland Garros.

It is the brainchild of Ion Tiriac, a former player who won a French Open doubles title in 1970, who is convinced the switch of colors will benefit the sport's star players and spectators watching in person and on television.

The blue clay is made exactly the same way as the red, with specially dyed bricks being ground into tiny fragments, before two different layers are spread over the court.

Tiriac also pioneered the first blue hard courts and says the switch to blue clay is a logical step.

"On the blue court, the contrast is much better," he told CNN. "I'm sure the spectators are going to say, 'Wow, we can see the ball better.' It's proved scientifically the ball and the contrast is at least 15 per cent better on the blue than the red.

The 2012 Madrid Open will be the first time an officially sanctioned tennis tournament has been played on blue clay.

Roland Garros is the Mecca of clay tournaments, its distinctive red surface an enduring feature of the French Open, held every year in Paris.

Madrid's blue clay is the brainchild of tournament consultant Ion Tiriac. He says the surface enhances the viewing experience for those in the stadium and watching on television.

The Madrid Open was a hard court tournament from 1990 to 2008 before it switched to clay in 2009. The 2012 version will take place at the Caja M�gica between May 4 and 13.

Clay was regularly used as a surface for tennis in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the U.S. Open was played on clay for many years at West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, New York, seen here.

Blue is the new red for Madrid

"I spent a lot of time thinking about the game, thinking about how can you be better, not only for the players, who are the most important thing on the court, but also for the viewers."

Tiriac's idea has been years in the making and involved prolonged consultation with the men's ATP Tour, the women's WTA Tour and the International Tennis Federation.

The blue clay has been ratified for use in 2012 and could become a permanent feature of the Madrid Open if organizers can satisfy the authorities, spectators, television companies and crucially, the players, come May.

I hope I don't have to play one day on blue grass
Rafael Nadal

But there must already be some trepidation in Madrid given that two of the game's biggest stars, who have a total of 26 grand slams between them, have already registered their skepticism.

Nadal Tweeted: "It's a shame because of the history and tradition of this surface. I hope I don't have to play one day on blue grass."

Federer said: "This is a long story, but I find it sad that you have to play on a surface the players don't accept. I find it sad that a player like Rafa, at a tournament in his own country, has had to fight against a surface that does not want to play on."

But Tiriac is convinced that once the pair have road tested Madrid's new color scheme, they will be converted.

He said: "As far as Nadal and Federer, they are great players and great human beings, I respect their opinion but I don't have to accept everything one player says.

As far as Nadal and Federer .. I respect their opinion but I don't have to accept everything one player says
Ion Tiriac, Madrid Open consultant

"This is a sport that is here for 100 years and is hopefully going to go another 100 years, I'm sure if they are going to play on it they will come to the right conclusion."

Tiriac says the new surface has been trialled on players in Spain's Davis Cup team and two-time major champion Marat Safin, all of whom gave the blue clay the green light.

He said: "We tested this all over three or four years ago and the players all said the clay plays the same only it is different color and you see the ball better."

Traditionalists are also yet to be swayed by Madrid's bold declaration that blue is the new red, with many iconic images of past tournaments showing players' pristine white outfits slowly becoming cloaked in red clay.

Tiriac acknowledges the cost is almost double that of the red clay but says the extra expense is worth it. He also admits improving the experience for television viewers is a major factor in the switch.

"It's very difficult to make changes, tennis makes very little change compared to other sports," Tiriac added. "To accept something new it is not easy but once you prove it is going to improve the game, people slowly accept it.

"We are dependable -- I don't want to say slaves to television -- but we are dependable on them and having the possibility to improve it for the television is instrumental."

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'Sovereign': The superyacht fit for a king

A garage to keep boating toys, such as jet skis, has been included in the design. It also has room for a car -- the matching limousine is an added extra.

The clean lines of a limousine were the inspiration for the Sovereign.

The design features an infinity pool that surrounds a glass helipad.

Designers took inspiration from classic early 20th century cruise liners for the interior.

Gray Design say the $134m superyacht will be in production by the end of the year.

The 100 meter yacht can reach speeds of up to 30 knots and is considered the most high performance yacht ever in its class.

• Sovereign comes with its own custom-built limousine for offshore trips
• Designers hope to start production in the coming months
• The design team is in talks with fashion house Armani to fit out the interiors

(CNN) -- Cruising a luxurious superyacht with your own custom-built limousine onboard, ready for offshore jaunts, sounds like an experience fit only for royalty.

Likewise, lounging in your very own salon designed by one of the biggest fashion houses in the world could perhaps come with a lifestyle limited to supermodels.

But it need not be just for kings and queens or even leading fashionistas. The Sovereign superyacht can be anyone's, that is, if they have around $132m to spare.

Sovereign is the brainchild of Gray Design who insist the finer details of the superyacht would please monarchs around the world.

Gray Design specializes in high-end, luxury yachts that often incorporate designer cars. Sovereign is no exception with its sleek lines inspired by a limousine.

"We thought about a typical person on board one of these yachts and asked: how do they travel on land? Well limousine," says Gray Design CEO Eduard Gray. "It's a very unique concept in the yacht world."

It's the most high performance 100 meter yacht ever
Eduard Gray

The matching custom-built car is an added extra, but regardless if the new owner requests one or not, there will be space on the yacht for a garage to store their wheels whilst they are at sea. If the owner's car are left at home, the garage becomes an ideal area to store all the boat's toys such as jet skis.

Designers say production will start in the coming months. "The plans are so advanced that ship builders can bring production by the end of the year," says Gray. "It's not conceptual anymore; it's gone into the engineering stage."

The design team is now in talks with potential owners about special modifications to suit their tastes, including working with fashion house Armani to fit out the interiors.

Discussions are also underway to install a patch of grass out the back as a makeshift golfing green that can also be used for a play area for the potential owner's dog.

At the back end of the yacht, is a circular infinity pool that surrounds a reinforced glass helipad. The latter also acts as a skylight for the room below. There's space for ten guest suites, in addition to the owner's quarters, as well as a cinema, gym, nightclub and library.

But the Sovereign is not simply designed for luxury, she can reach speeds of up to 30 knots. "It's the most high performance 100 meter yacht ever," says Gray.

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Webber claims his first win of 2011

Brazil winner Mark Webber pours champagne on teammate and champion Sebastian Vettel.

• Red Bull's Mark Webber claims first win of season at Brazil GP
• Teammate and two-time champion Sebastian Vettel finishes second
• Vettel was leading until his car had gearbox problem

(CNN) -- Mark Webber claimed his first victory of 2011 as he relegated his Red Bull teammate Sebastian Vettel to second place in the season-ending race in Brazil.

The Australian took the lead on the 30th lap as Vettel was under team orders to nurse a serious gearbox problem.

Until then, Germany's Vettel had looked set to cap his triumphant season with his 12th race win.

He had led off his record 15th pole position with Webber taking close order in second place.

But after the first round of pit stops, the technical problem on the normally ever reliable Red Bull of the two-time champion came to light.

McLaren's Jenson Button overtook Fernando Alonso of Ferrari for the final podium position late in the race to retain second spot in the championship behind Vettel.

Seb did a great lap for pole, but today I had the rub of the green
Mark Webber

Abu Dhabi winner Lewis Hamilton went out with a faulty gearbox in the second McLaren as he bid unsuccessfully for back-to-back victories.

But few could begrudge Webber his belated win, repeating his 2009 success at the same circuit and his seventh career triumph in F1.

"Seb did a great lap for pole, but today I had the rub of the green. It would have been nice to have a race with Seb all the way through but he had a problem," he told the post-race media conference.

"I enjoyed the last few laps. It's always nice when I could pit a bit later than people and cover people off. Nice way to finish," he added.

"It was a real shame for me as I had a good start," said Vettel.

Home hope Felipe Massa claimed fifth place in the second Ferrari with Adrian Sutil an excellent sixth for Force India.

Nico Rosberg of Mercedes finished seventh with rookie Paul Di Resta in eighth in the second Force India car.

Kamui Kobayashi of Sauber and Vitaly Petrov for Renault rounded out the point-scoring.

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15 ways to see the world on water

The expedition ships of Cruceros Australis bring passengers close to soaring condors, penguin colonies and glaciers.

In its inaugural season, Compagnie du Ponant's new super yacht L'Austral is operating six voyages to Antarctica from the foot of Argentina.

The Norwegian Coastal Voyage is a trip on a working steamer that travels up and down Norway's magnificent west coast from Bergen in the South to Kirkenes in the North calling at 34 ports along the way.

The Island Odyssey nudges deep into the narrow passages of southeast Alaska that giant cruise liners are too big to navigate.

Wintering in Baja California, where the desert meets the sea, can bring you really close to gray whales migrating south to rear their young.

The Zambezi Safari and Travel Company offers the thrill of pitting your wits against the top-graded rushing water below the Victoria Falls. The one-day trip is considered the best white-water experience.

Given the rate of climate change, there may only be a short window to explore this stretch of northern Botswana.

• Navigate the Yangtze to explore rural and urban China within a week
• A trip down the Amazon offers sightings of wild pigs, jaguar and armadillo
• Kayak in the Florida Keys at sunset to make the most out of the scenery

(CNNGo) -- Three quarters of the world's surface is water, but nearly all of our vacations are based on land. It stands to reason that we must be missing out.

Luckily there are some fantastic ways to see the wet face of the planet.

1. Explore the pristine coves of Tierra del Fuego

This journey around the foot of Patagonia is one of the most unusual experiences on earth. The expedition ships of Cruceros Australis bring passengers close to soaring condors, penguin colonies and glaciers.

Expert on-board briefings segue into party nights around the free bar -- that includes the whiskey waiting to welcome expeditioners back to their dinghy after an icy trek.

From US$899 for three nights, US$1,199 for four nights; www.australis.com

2. Navigate the Yangtze

There's much more to this great river than the spectacular Three Gorges dam. Victoria Cruises' American ships go all the way from Chongqing to Shanghai, stopping to explore cities like Nanjing and Wuhan.

They also offer shore excursions to scenic highlights like mist-shrouded White Emperor City and the Yellow Mountains of Huangshan -- allowing glimpses of a whole swathe of rural and urban China within a week.

From US$1,610 plus US$240 for excursions, www.victoriacruises.com

Read more on CNNGo: 10 adventures for chocoholics

3. Break ice in the Antarctic

In its inaugural season, Compagnie du Ponant's new super yacht L'Austral is operating six voyages to Antarctica from the foot of Argentina. Naturalist guides will brief explorers on excursions to see extraordinary wildlife at close range against a backdrop of majestic glaciers and icebergs.

For the truly adventurous, Responsible Travel is organizing diving expeditions in the frosty ocean.

Ten-day voyage from US$5,164+US$540pp port taxes; www.ponant.com. 11-day diving expedition from US$6,685; www.responsibletravel.com

4. Ride Norway's coastal steamer to the Arctic Circle

The Norwegian Coastal Voyage is a trip is on a working steamer, not a cruise liner.

The ship travels up and down Norway's magnificent west coast from Bergen in the South to Kirkenes in the North calling at 34 ports along the way, most never visited by larger ships.

There's no dressing up for dinner and no fighting for the Captain's table -- just gruff locals to rub shoulders with.

From US$1,680 for the six-day voyage; www.hurtigruten.co.uk

5. Cruise the Mekong delta

The Wat Phou rice barge takes passengers down the Laos section of the Mekong, showcasing some of the finest sights on the river.

The hidden forest temple of Oum Mong, the largest falls in Southeast Asia at Khone Pha Pheng and a visit to the 4,000 Islands region are highlights.

A long-tail boat excursion to Khone Island followed by lunch on the mainland against a backdrop of colorful French-colonial houses is also included in the three-day tour.

From US$640; www.responsibletravel.com

Read more on CNNGo: 8 spectacular driving adventures

6. Motor up the Amazon

The motor-yacht Tucano is the only vessel to penetrate the Central Amazon Ecological Corridor.

Navigating her way from Manaus up the Rio Negro against lush trees and blooms, with the call of toucans and howler monkeys reverberating in the trees, she stops daily to allow for sightings of wild pigs, jaguar and armadillo.

Up to 18 passengers can also look forward to pink dolphins and dining on provisions fresh from the rainforest.

From US$1,699 full board; www.gapadventures.com

7. Sail through the Alaskan wilderness

The Island Odyssey nudges deep into the narrow passages of southeast Alaska that giant cruise liners are too big to navigate.

Sights include bears tucking into salmon on the river banks, native totem poles and icebergs and glaciers at the end of mountain fjords.

Shore excursions between Prince Rupert, British Columbia and Petersburg get passengers up into alpine meadows and bring them to the feet of magnificent waterfalls.

From US$4,383; www.responsibletravel.com

8. Confront giant tortoises in the Galapagos

The Coral II is a spacious yacht offering the chance to get up close and personal with the endemic wildlife of the Galapagos.

Eight-day itineraries include sailing on a dinghy through the mangroves and checking out the islands' famous giant tortoises.

There are also sea lions, marine turtles and white-tipped reef sharks, plus a trip to the Charles Darwin Research Centre.

From US$3,040; www.ewaterways.co.uk

Read more on CNNGo: 15 trips for animal lovers

9. Ride the rapids in Nepal

Participants in this epic 15-day trip start in Kathmandu, and after acclimatizing to the dizzying altitude, trek for four days through scenic mountain passes from Pokhara to their river drop-off.

Then you brave high-grade whitewater accompanied by a world-class expert, and camp each night on virgin river banks before reaching the splendor of Chitwan National Park.

From US$17,199; www.epictomato.com

10. Watch whales off the coast of Mexico

Wintering in Baja California, where the desert meets the sea, can bring you really close to gray whales migrating south to rear their young.

National Geographic's Sea Bird cruises the breeding grounds of Bahia Magdalena and offers naturalist-guided walks on uninhabited desert islands as well as snorkeling and kayaking in the Sea of Cortez.

From US$5,240; www.expeditions.com

11. Float through the backwaters of Kerala

Nearly 1,000 kilometers of the lagoons, canals, estuaries and rivers draining into the Arabian Sea are navigable here, and one of the most relaxing experiences on earth is to float slowly past the villages along the banks on a beautifully kitted-out houseboat.

Most offer comfortable bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms and fabulous vegetarian food cooked on-board, but you may have to bring your own beer and alcohol.

Full directory of options at www.houseboatskerala.co.in

Read more on CNNGo: 3 Mumbai adventure sports for the cowardly

12. Follow the trail of the pharaohs down the Nile

So many tourist boats ply the riverbank ruins of ancient Egypt, many decidedly rickety, it's worth researching a really good one to be sure of home comforts.

Ewaterways uses only five-star floating hotels with a maximum of 130 cabins.

They sail from Luxor to Aswan via Karnak, the Avenue of the Sphinxes, Valley of the Kings and Queens and one stupendous temple after another.

From US$465; www.ewaterways.co.uk

13. Raft the Zambezi's white water

The Zambezi Safari and Travel Company offers the thrill of pitting your wits against the top-graded rushing water below the Victoria Falls.

Trips lasting up to five days through a gorge cut into Africa over 300 million years are possible.

However, the one-day trip at low water between July and February is considered the best white-water experience.

From US$135 per day; www.zambezi.com

14. Kayak from sunset to moonlight in the Florida Keys

The tranquil waters of Hemingway's playground are gentle enough to be navigated by moonlight. But those who don't want to miss out on the scenery can get the best of both worlds by taking to their paddles before the sun dips below the horizon.

Sunset tours start from Big Pine Key and meander through the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.

Big Pine Kayak Adventure US$50 per person; www.keyskayaktours.com

Read more on CNNGo: 15 unusual places to spend a night

15. Follow a rare canoe trail through Botswana

After a 30-year dry spell, the Selinda Spillway linking the Okavango Delta to the Linyanti and Kwando water systems is now flowing again.

Given the rate of climate change, there may only be a short window to explore this stretch of northern Botswana, with a meander into the magnificent 320,000-acre Selinda Reserve, by canoe.

Expect to see elephant, buffalo, wild dogs and a vast array of birds.

From US$1,760 for four days; www.greatplainsconservation.com

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