READERS RECOMMEND

Australia: A magical atmosphere

12:00 AM PDT, June 18, 2006

"IN April/May, at the end of the rainy season in Cairns, we stayed at the Kewarra Beach Resort on a private beach near Palm Cove. Seventy-five bungalows are set in the tropical rain forest. Kewarra is a place of natural forests and botanical gardens meandering among streams, lagoons and rock pools where spectacular birds and iridescent butterflies abound. The staff is very friendly and the food divine. All in all, it was the magical atmosphere that would set us in a relaxing vacation mood after several weeks of sightseeing."

Doubles from $162.

Kewarra Beach Resort; 011-61-7-4057-6666, http://www.kewarra.com .

SONNE AND RENATE IDELSHON

Lake Forest

Ireland: Near the action, yet quiet

"WHILE driving through Ireland, we stayed at Fernroyd House, a four-bedroom B&B in central Cork. It is near Cork's attractions and college, yet quiet. Our room was new, well-lighted and had its own shower. Breakfasts were filling, and there were many choices."

Double rooms from $90.

Fernroyd House, 4 O'Donovan Rossa Road, Cork, Ireland; 011-353-21-427-1460, http://www.fernroydhouse.com .

MICHAEL SHAY

Los Angeles

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