Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef

Location can be everything in the resort world. Take Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef - as the sole full-service retreat in Western Australia's Cape Range National Park (a World Heritage site), it's the only way to stay on the shore of the park's magnificent reefs. Being the only option might make lesser individuals a little lazy, but the Sal Salis staff is among the friendliest and most knowledgeable you'll encounter Down Under.

In just nine comfortable and eco-conscious timber-framed wilderness tents, you'll meet fellow guests as you share fresh local food around the communal table. Eat heartily; there's a lot to do in a day. Snorkeling is a highlight, with hundreds of species of fish and coral. Sea kayaking gets you up close to turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and dolphins. On dry land, walk the Mandu Mandu gorge, and see kangaroos, wallaroos, and rock wallabies. When night falls, stretch out in your hammock for a light show like no other as the Milky Way spills out across the velvet sky.