Where to stay in the Maldives
Anantara
Forget the traditional image of the Maldives as a honeymoon-only zone. The archipelago in the Indian Ocean is now luring families and children with kids' clubs, children's menus and entertainment.
Anantara is one of four islands that offers free child care for children aged four and over. Anantara is "my favourite family-friendly" resort, says Jane Knight in The Times.
And there's no fear of disturbing loved-up honeymooners. The hotel is split between three islands: children stay on Dhigu Island; couples on Veli and Naladhu.
On arrival there "was not just a welcome toy but a whole gift pack, incorporating every-thing from toothbrush and child toiletries to a make-your-own rocket kit".
The food "was the most diverse that we tasted in any resort", with eight restaurants offering Thai, Japanese and Italian cuisine and seafood. Knight's son was "always served first at mealtimes - a full child is a happy child".
Seven nights B&B with flights and transfers cost from £1,984pp with British Airways. Call 0844-493 0787 or visit www.ba.com.
Lily Beach Resort & Spa
With the Maldives opening up to a wider audience, it's not just kids who are now welcome. There is also now a more wallet-friendly way to enjoy paradise.
It isn't quite a budget option, but Lily Beach Resort's all-inclusive Platinum Plan is as close as you'll get in the Maldives. The package includes flights, villa accommodation, unlimited branded drinks, fine dining and even unlimited cigarettes for seven nights.
Renovated in April 2009, the Lily Beach Resort & Spa "exudes barefoot luxury", says Deepa Shah in The Independent. The modern decor executed in traditional woods and natural stones blends discreetly with the lush vegetation.
There are 115 villas, one of the most private of which is the Sunset Water Suite. This three-room villa features a king-size four-poster bed, free mini-bar, a shower with a glass floor over the sea, and a private deck with infinity pool and steps directly into the sea.
The resort has three restaurants which serve "beautifully-presented, international fare including everything from home-made waffles to sushi".
Seven nights all-inclusive cost from £2,149pp with Kuoni. Find out more at Kuoni.co.uk or call 01306-747008.
Brian Blessed: My dream holiday
Heaven on earth is Fish Hoek in South Africa, says Brian Blessed in The Sunday Telegraph. This town lies at the mouth of the Silvermine River and is "the most beautiful place in the world". The Tudor House Guest Lodge (Tudorhouse.co.za) is right by the sea and "boasts the most fabulous views". There is a "terrific" restaurant on the beach called The Galley (fishhoekgalley.com), which "serves the tastiest fish I've ever eaten.
What the travel writers are saying
There should be an award for best motion picture backdrop, say Kate Quill and Tom Chesshyre in The Times. If there was, here are the films that would be this year's nominees. The "stunning landscapes" of the planet Pandora in Avatar do exist - "if a little less digitally enhanced". Kauai Island in Hawaii was used for the backdrops as it has "all the requisites of paradise: palm trees, aquamarine sea, waterfalls, canyons, ravines, rainforest and dramatic cliffs". Bon Voyage Travel has a ten-night Hawaiian island-hopping trip, with five nights on Kauai costing from £1,885pp. Bon-voyage.co.uk; 0800-316 0191.
Vasquez Rocks Park in Los Angeles County has featured in numerous films, most famously Star Trek, but most recently Tom Ford's A Single Man. The strange rock formations are part of the San Andreas fault. The park is a 30-minute drive from Los Angeles, entrance is free and the park is open daily from 9am-5pm.
The scenes where the murdered Susie watches her family cope with her death in The Lovely Bones were shot on South Island, New Zealand, a "real-life heavenly location". Bales Worldwide offers a 13-day "Highlights of New Zealand" tour from £2,225pp including flights. Balesworldwide.com; 0845-057 0600.