Another great spot which I was lucky enough (and paid to go) was 4 weeks in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The islands are about 5000km west of Darwin in Australia and the place is paradise. The wind constantly blows 24/7 for 9 months of the year and the tidal lagoon enables two 6 hour sessions a day of sailing in the most incredible, warm, and flatest water you'll ever encounter. Under the surface you'll encounter reef sharks (a few tiger sharks further north - where we went snorkelling but thats another story) turtles, rays and all sorts of fish in the reefs. The West Island also boasts one of Australias finest waves, a monstrous left hander, that I never saw at less than logo high and near perfect the whole time.

To get there you'll need a flight to Perth (£750), a flight to Cocos (via Christmas Island - £900), accommodation from £300 a week to £700 for the nice Indonesian _style_ houses we had, a car to get you round £100 a week, plus your excess bill, but its worth every penny!

Happy days...