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Smithsonian Magazine
Seven Places in Europe That Legends Say Were Built by Giants, Devils or Dragons
Bridges, mountains, caves and rock formations that seem impossible to explain become magnets for folklore
Condé Nast TravelerAug 26
For Starry Waters and Tiny Glowing Squids, Head to These Best Places to See Bioluminescence
From the dazzling atolls of the Maldives to Mexican shores via the British Isles, these are the places to add to the bucket list for waters akin to starry skies.
23 things in this story
- Pedn VounderSightbioluminescent action best observed here
- Artist Residence CornwallRestaurantunique bedrooms in a storied 17th-century property
- Elsewhere
- Finca VictoriaHotelVieques, Puerto Ricocozy luxury trimmings, go back to nature
- Vaadhoo IslandSightVaadhoo, Maldivesknown for its beachy corner nicknamed the sea of stars
- InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau ResortHotelVaadhoo, Maldivesappreciate the glowing waters footsteps away from your beachside abode
- Mosquito BaySightVieques, Puerto Ricobecomes a glossy blue portal thanks to bioluminescent dinoflagellate
- Luminous LagoonSightFalmouth, Jamaicaone of the most incredible excursions on the island
- Sandals Jamaica Caribbean CayHotelMontego Bay, Jamaicaindulgent all-inclusive stay, 30-minute drive away
- Paperbark CampHotelJervis Bay, Australiaglamping trip like no other
- Ao Nang BeachSightKrabi, Thailandmost famous and most accessible beach for light display
- Phra Nang BeachSightKrabi, Thailandspot for a peaceful, intimate bioluminescent session
- Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton ReserveHotelKrabi, Thailandvillas, pavilions, sprawling pools, access to dazzling beaches
- Toyama BaySightToyama, Japanhome to the bioluminescent firefly squid
- DoubleTree by Hilton ToyamaHotelToyama, Japanplush spot to rest in between city exploration and bay visits
- Laguna de ManialtepecSightOaxaca, Mexicotwinkling algae make the water turn fantastically phosphorescent
- Lagunas de ChacahuaSightOaxaca, Mexicosimilar bioluminescent experiences available
- Hotel Escondido OaxacaHotelOaxaca, Mexicoearthen hotel along the Mexican coastline
- Grana B&BHotelOaxaca, Mexicoeclectic bed and breakfast along the Mexican coastline
- The Royal Sands Koh RongHotelKoh Rong, Cambodiaplushest address on this gorgeous island
- Grebe BeachSightHelford River, United Kingdomhidden gem where water can turn luminescent blue
- The Greenbank HotelHotelFalmouth, United Kingdomcharming waterside retreat in Falmouth
- Cat Ba IslandSightCat Ba, Vietnambeaches offer dazzling scenes with splashes at sea
- Valía Villa Cat BaHotelCat Ba, Vietnamtake over your own incredible villa, soak up tranquil vibe