My partner and I travel to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands about once or twice a year. The island is very tiny and super relaxing. The island is about 3 1/2 hours south of Japan. The weather is extremely hot and humid but the water is a sparkling, see-through blue and is only as deep as my ankle/knee for yards and yards off the shore. Many people take speed boats out to an island that looks as if you could swim there from the shore. The island offers snorkeling and sun tanning. My partner and I merely sit on the shore, next to the hotel, tanning and swimming all day long. Although we live in Hawaii, this island getaway is a treat from the hustle and bustle of the "big city" life that Honolulu has to offer. We thoroughly enjoy this tropical getaway!