[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Tented villas at Awei Pila”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
Nestled amidst a network of some 800 scattered islands and vibrant coral reefs, the island of Pila in Myanmar was known only to the indigenous people of the Mergui Archipelago, the Moken, for centuries, and only opened to foreigners in the late 1990s. Since then, the island has remained relatively untouched by the ravages of modernisation. It’s newest, and only resort, Awei Pila, aims to maintain the balance of the island’s ecosystem while simultaneously providing guests with an exclusive resort to call home.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Myanmar’s stunning Mergui archipelago

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Awei Pila prides itself in its unique brand of sustainable luxury. Each of its 24 tented villas strives to integrate itself into islands untouched beauty, taking design cues from the natives’ nomadic seafaring lifestyle – the Moken only come ashore to live during the monsoon season, building their homes out of light, tented structures.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Awei Pila’s arching pool

One of Awei Pila’s airconditioned tents

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

So uncharted is the island that it is believed that there several undiscovered beaches remain on Pila. Strict regulations on the use of plastics and pollutions in Awei Pila also help the island maintain its otherworldly aura, and the resort offers numerous nature experiences – including trekking tours and snorkelling – to help guests understand the surrounding ecosystem more. aweipila.com ◼

(Last edited: 15 Jan 2019)
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1543538848094-6ef62272-cc9e-2″ include=”16012″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published online in Nov 2018 – World Travel Magazine.
If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.
And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”9″ style=”load-more” items_per_page=”9″ gap=”10″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1543538848096-f02ad021-58c2-4″ taxonomies=”698″ exclude=”15205, 14466, 11296″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Be one of the first to discover Myanmar’s luscious resort island of Pila first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
Be treated like a king this Christmas at the legendary Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte, France’s largest privately-owned chateau, whose sumptuous architecture inspired centuries of elaborate baroque design. For the first time in history, the doors of the chateau will open to just a select few – 15 people will have the festive celebration of the lifetime in this historical monument.

Organised by La Réserve Paris, the festivities begin on Christmas Eve, when guests are flown into the chateau by helicopter from Paris. Then, guests will be treated to a soothing carriage ride through the chateau’s manicured gardens, landscaped by the principal gardener of King Louis XIV himself.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Vaux-le-Vicomte Noel (c) Collectif Image

Vaux-le-Vicomte Noel (c) Collectif Image

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Dinner is set to be a lavish affair: prepared by two-star Michelin chef Jérôme Banctel of the Parisian Le Gabriel Restaurant and accompanied by a unique selection of wines from Bordeaux’s famed Château Cos d’Estournel, the meal looks set to be nothing short of a journey. A private firework display will round off the night. It’s an unprecedented opportunity of the lifetime that’s reserved for a select few fortunate enough to experience the grandeur of kings for themselves.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Vaux-le-Vicomte Noel (c) Collectif Image

Noel a Vaux-le-Vicomte (c) Franklin Lecointre

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte is a stunning exemplar of classic French Baroque architecture, and is the crowning work of Louis XIV: in his reign, he employed architect Louis Le Vau, painter and sculptor Charles Le Brun and the landscape gardener André Le Nôtre – three craftsmen, each a virtuoso at his art – and combined the talents of each to create this unforgettable chateau. The Chateau would go on to become the model that would inspire the whole of Europe – including the famed Palace of Versailles.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Vaux-le-Vicomte Noel (c) Collectif Image

Noel (c) Graziella Lech

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Though Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte was carefully preserved over the years, restoration works were undertaken at the end of the 19th century, which would see the chateau brought back to its initial stunning glory. vaux-le-vicomte.com ◼
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1543538174109-517e66d1-f86b-4″ include=”15354″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published online in Nov 2018 – World Travel Magazine.
If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.
And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”9″ style=”load-more” items_per_page=”9″ gap=”10″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1543538174111-9df82581-e70f-2″ taxonomies=”889″ exclude=”15205, 14466, 11296″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post France’s largest privately-owned chateau opens its doors to just 15 guests this Christmas first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Domaine des Etangs”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
To say that the Domaine des Etangs is located in the middle of nowhere is a stretch – the 11th century French chateau is, in actuality, merely a few hours drive south of Paris – but stepping into its luscious grounds that span over 2,500 acres certainly gives one that feeling of wonder.

Spread across a vast expanse of protected countryside that compromises of forests, grasslands and lakes, the Domaine des Etangs was converted from a private mansion into a hotel, allowing it to maintain a sense of warmth and personality that’s hardly found in other hotels around the world.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The entrance to Domaine des Etangs

Library

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

But don’t let its unassuming exterior fool you: the humble, honey-hued brick walls of Domaine des Etangs belie a Michelin star restaurant, a floating lakeside tennis court, numerous private farm cottages as well as a stunning private art collection that’s been sourced from around the world.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

A living room at Domaine des Etangs

A private chalet at Domaine des Etangs

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
Just 29 rooms and suites make up this secluded estate, which includes six luxury farm cottages that come with their own private buildings and spaces, each located in its own area of the grounds. Between ponds, hidden in verdant hollows or perched atop a meadow that stretches towards the horizon, each cottage is a wonderful study of how traditional craftsmanship can blend seamlessly with modern comforts.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Domaine des Etangs Castle The Attic Playground

Domaine des Etangs Farmhouse Cottage Pegase

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
The interiors of this fully renovated medieval chateau were designed by Parisian Isabelle Stanislas, who most recently had a hand in redesigning Emmanuel Macron’s reception room at the Elysee Palace – an area that remained untouched and unchanged for the past 300 years.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Chefs at work

Exceptional food

A faun on the grand estate of Domaine des Etangs

Domaine des Etangs Enchanting Dining Experience

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
There’s centuries of history that the chateau’s walls contain as well: in was originally built as the fief of the knights of Chasteignier de la Roche-Posay in the 11th century, and remained so until its eventual inheritance by a Count almost 700 years later, who recreated it as a family home. It is through this pedigree that the Domaine des Etangs has managed to maintain its inimitable sense of humble charm, warmth, and personality – one that makes its guests feel like they too are noblemen coming home to rest. domainedesetangs.com ◼
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1543537348785-19074bcf-1c54-3″ include=”16033″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published online in Nov 2018 – World Travel Magazine.
If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.
And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”9″ style=”load-more” items_per_page=”9″ gap=”10″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1543537348788-55ba1595-36ed-9″ taxonomies=”889″ exclude=”15205, 14466, 11296″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Select few vacation like a knight in this 11th-century French chateau first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”The Mountain Ash House in Croyde Bay, Devon, England”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]
Not enough has been said about the beauty of the English countryside, and even less so about its quaint towns and secret beaches. The town of Croyde – situated in England’s coveted Devon district – offers holiday goers three secluded beaches to frolic in, the most popular of which is Croyde Bay, a large golden crescent of sand carved between two headlands of rolling green hills.

Renowned British designer Katharine Pooley – who has decorated the interiors of ancient castles in Scotland as well as sprawling mansions in some of the world’s most prestigious addresses – has just unveiled her latest project, a historical, 200-year-old cottage that’s been revived through her meticulous eye for design.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Mountain Ash House Croyde Beach

Mountain Ash House

Mountain Ash House Living Room

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

The Mountain Ash House, located a stone’s throw away from Croyde Bay, is replete with cool coastal colours and a timeless palette of white, taupe and grey. To call the residence a cottage is an understatement: with four bedrooms – each with their own private en-suite bathrooms – the house can easily fit 12 guests and have leftover room for visitors. Each aspect of the house, from its sumptuous upholstery to its lustrous limestone fittings, were carefully chosen and sourced from around the world to fit Pooley’s unwavering vision of a modern-day seaside cottage.

Pooley, who wanted the cottage to be a seamless blend of both modern and traditional sensibilities, personally selected the accoutrements that fill the Mountain Ash House through her many travels around the globe. Antique fairs and artisan markets all served as inspiration for the British designer.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Mountain Ash House

Mountain Ash House Children Bedroom

Mountain Ash House Dining Area

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Under the hood, the house was also given several updates to ensure maximum comfort for guests, especially in the chilly winter months. Underfloor heating was installed throughout the cottage’s varnished floors, and the entire roof was replaced as well, to give guests a sense of how cavernous the property truly is.

The nearby town also has a quaint, lovely atmosphere: guests can spend a peaceful afternoon strolling through the meandering streets lined with pubs, delicatessen stores, traditional ice cream stands, surf shops, and the local park. mountainashhouse.co.uk ◼
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1543535014552-d6c42502-256a-8″ include=”7360″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published online in Nov 2018 – World Travel Magazine.
If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.
And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”9″ style=”load-more” items_per_page=”9″ gap=”10″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1543535014555-ac65b251-bc0c-1″ taxonomies=”701″ exclude=”15205, 14466, 11296″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Reviving 200-year-old English cottage by the beach first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Get your destinations right first!”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Is one assured of falling in love when on white sandy beaches fringed by beautiful palm trees and encircled by crystal clear turquoise waters of the Maldives? The quick answer happens to be a booming ‘Yes’! The slogan for this island nation should read as ‘Falling in love – guaranteed’. A luxurious, tropical utopia in the middle of nowhere with complete seclusion guaranteed, it is no wonder that countries with similar natural beauty always tend to come out on top whenever one reads of romantic getaways.

Take for instance the forever beautiful Caribbean or the gorgeous islands that form part of Oceania. The ingredients that ignite the flames of romance in these locations appear comparable. Spreading one’s wings wider, the coasts of Mexico, Brazil and Africa also reveal exotic destinations – rustic, luxurious and romantic.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]While staying on the path for exploring romantic destinations, let’s shift gear just a tiny bit and move our sights towards mountains. The colour schematics between the Alps and a tropical beach paradise are similar but put inversely on its head. The blue waters and white sand are replaced by blue skies and white snow, while the flower-filled liveliness of mountain valleys replaces the depths of the vibrant coral reefs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Destination Weddings

Idyllic Island Getaways

Make your wedding unforgettable on the pristine islands of Maldives. The venues are infinite, on a resort’s sandbank, sailboat, on a special pavilion on the beach, or even underwater. For a taste of the local culture, we suggest having local Bodu Beru drummers provide the soundtrack, while you and your significant other get married in Maldivian dresses and plant a tree as a symbol of your married life together. Preferred stays: LUX* South Ari Atoll, Jumeirah Vittaveli Maldives, One&Only Reethi Rah [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Achnagairn Castle Inverness

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Fairytale Weddings

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting married in a castle, just like in the fairytales, it’s possible to do so—in Scotland, where you can have exclusive use of castles like Achnagairn in Inverness or the Eilean Donan castle. It’s a fantastic option for a weekend wedding, since these castles function as accommodation and venues for the dinner and drinks, all in an atmosphere that has retained its period features. Sweeten your trip with stargazing—if you go at the right time you could also witness the Northern Lights while soaking in the majestic landscapes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

&Beyond Mnemba Island Zanzibar

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Valentine’s Day Escapes

African Beaches

For romantic trips we recommend exotic locales like Zanzibar in Tanzania, with its pristine white sand beaches and the UNESCO heritage site Stone Town. This, paired with the amazing aroma from the spice markets, in-room wellness treatments, excellent scuba diving, sailing on a private dhow, tasting local specialities like African ugali as well as experiencing a bit of the local culture, will make for a rich and exceptional Valentine’s Day escape. Preferred Stays: Zuri Zanzibar Hotel & Resort, &Beyond Mnemba Island [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Auberge du Soleil Napa Valley

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Intoxicating Bliss

Plan an intoxicatingly blissful Valentine’s Day weekend getaway to Napa Valley, filled with private wine tastings at the best vineyards, such as the Trefethen Family Vineyards which produces the 1976 Trefethen Chardonnay. Pair this with panoramic views of the valley in a hot-air balloon, and wind down with pampering massages at renowned spas. Secure a reservation at Thomas Keller’s three Michelin starred French Laundry, a memorable treat for any romantic escape. Preferred Stays: Auberge du Soleil, Calistoga Ranch (Both winners of World Travel Magazine’s The 100 List 2018)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Mewar Terrace dining, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Romantic Getaways

Stay Like a Maharaja

Explore Udaipur and its surrounds on a luxurious private boat out to Lake Pichola with the love of your life or venture out on walking tours to the Aravalli Hills to seek out remote tribes and hidden temples. The sunsets from the Fateh Prakash Palace are stunning while spa therapies and yoga sessions pamper and rejuvenate. Wander around the many palaces, such as the City Palace Udaipur and the Taj Lake Palace to marvel at the majestic architecture. Preferred Stays: Oberoi Udaivilas, Taj Lake Palace (Both winners of World Travel Magazine’s The 100 List 2018)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Azulik Tulum

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Enchanting Natural Wonders

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, beginning near Cancun and continuing along the length of the Riviera Maya in Mexico to Guatemala, is the second longest in the world, and definitely a must-see for couples who love diving and other water sports. The third largest Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve is home to 800 species of plants and 360 different animals. Be enchanted by the historic Tulum, Chichen Itza and wander Valladolid with a private van service. Turn up the romance with a pampering couple’s massage, a dinner with a private chef, and then a photo shoot with a photographer in one of the many stunning cenotes. Preferred Stays: Habitas Tulum (World Travel Magazine’s The Luxury 50 List 2018), Azulik in Tulum, Mar Adentro (World Travel Magazine’s The Luxury 50 List 2017)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc Antibes

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Indulgent Honeymoons

Exceptional Indulgences

The glamorous French Riviera is an excellent location for your honeymoon, a dazzling combination of vineyards, breath-taking châteaus and private yachts. Your luxurious honeymoon highlights include a supercar driving tour, shopping in upscale boutiques, chartering a luxury yacht and lounging around the Mediterranean Islands, enjoying some of the best vintages around the vineyards on the south of France and pampering at a world-class spa. Preferred Stays: Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc (World Travel Magazine’s The 100 List 2018), Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat (World Travel Magazine’s The 100 List 2018)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Hotel Le K2 Palace Courcheval

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Mountainous Extravaganza

The French Alps is home to luxurious resorts with some of the best skiing—accessible from the skies in a helicopter, if you so wish–paired with excellent Michelin-starred cuisine and pampering spa treatments. Over at the Italian Alps, enjoy unbelievably picturesque mountain landscapes in the famous Dolomites, including the Odle Mountains, and scenic villages like Lillianes and Mount Lussari Village, and gorgeous lakes like Lake Braies, Lago Blu and Lake Como. Indulge yourselves and visit wineries like the Alois Lageder, the name synonymous with the highest standards of quality in winemaking and then splurge on shopping at the boutiques in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The sights, coupled with world-class skiing and delectable cuisine, offer couples a wonderful and blissful honeymoon. Preferred Stays: Hotel Le K2 Palace Courchevel, Four Seasons Megeve Resort (World Travel Magazine’s The Luxury 50 List 2018) ◼[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1542915901902-f1e86686-c5fa-3″ include=”16107″][vc_column_text]

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”9″ style=”load-more” items_per_page=”9″ gap=”10″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1542915901905-d5ee33ab-ff51-2″ taxonomies=”1658″ exclude=”15205, 14466, 11296″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Recipe for romance first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”The fine art of forest bathing in South India”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Vibrant, colourful, exotic and ethnic, with attractions as diverse as the mind can visualise- this is Southern India. Allow it to lure you this winter.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Beautiful vistas along the quaint hilly roads of Munnar

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Southern India offers rich diversity to its visitors all through the year including the winter months of December and January. With its salubrious climate and breathtaking locales, one needs to look no further for an exclusive holiday. Undoubtedly, a lot is there in store for the eager traveller.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Scenic drive along Munnar Thekkady

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Scenic drives

Rated among the top 10 drives in the world, the drive from Munnar to Thekkady is a journey that wholly justifies its rating. This drive, roughly around 90 km, is to be experienced to believe. The sheer beauty of nature that travels alongside you as you eat up the miles is sure to compel you to stop ever so often to soak in the scenes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Tea plantations in Munnar

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]From tea plantations and cardamom estates to beautiful hills and waterfalls, there’s indeed a lot to enchant you. Another beautiful drive is from Bangalore in Karnataka to Masinagudi, stretching over 225 km. With the forest areas of Mudumalai and Bandipur on the route, you have a good chance to encounter wild elephants on the way. It does not matter if you do not have a destination in mind; it is the journey that will enchant you all through. Feasting your eyes on the greenery along the way, taking in the splendour of nature, savouring the occasional glimpses of wildlife as you traverse the route, these are drives that will rejuvenate you inside out.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Sarovaram Ayurvedic Health Center

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Ayurveda

A relaxing massage, oil bath, therapeutic massage, and the likes are the hallmark of Kerala and to a large extent in Karnataka as well. Some of the most exclusive ayurvedic retreats are to be found in this part of Southern India. To have your daily stresses and worries eased out in the hands of trained staff and having oil massages tailored to your needs is the ultimate lure for your winter holiday in South India.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Ayurveda rejuvenation therapy in Kerala

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Some of the most luxurious and prominent resorts are located along the seas and their sole objective is to pamper your senses with various medicinal as well as relaxing massages and packs. Experience the sublime and retreat to a world of utter indulgence while having the cares of daily life expunged from your system.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Padmanabhapuram Palace

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Unusual temples and palaces

South India is characterised by a typical architectural style for its temples known as gopurams. All major temples are built on this pattern. There are, however, some offbeat and exemplary architectural instances that stand out for their unique styles. Away from the humdrum, standing in their own majestic splendour are some of the lesser known but more exquisite temples and palaces in this region of India.

The Padmanabhapuram Palace is one such in Kerala. It is famous for its intricate woodwork and breathtaking finesse and detail. Halebidu and Pattadakal temples vie for attention in Karnataka, steeped in history and reflecting the cultural richness of a bygone era.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Padmanabhapuram Palace’s ornate gate

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]These temples will appeal to your aesthetics for the sheer artistry and carvings on display, more than perhaps the accent on the religious aspect.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Beautiful and serene backwaters of Kerala

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Exotic beaches and backwaters

Rippling seawaters in every imaginable shade of blue and green, sun-kissed and adorned by generous groves of coconut palms, lapping waves and the serene calm of backwaters, a lazy dusk colouring the same waters a vivid red as you savour a sundowner by the waters while coconut fronds provide a beautiful backdrop- could there be anything more idyllic? Known for backwaters that rival the best in the world, Valiyaparamba and Kumarakom in Kerala beckon with their pristine beauty.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Its the simple life at its best on a boathouse in Alleppey

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]You need just to reach these places and let go, sit back and relax in a setting that has all the ingredients to pamper every one of your senses to the maximum.  Complementing the calm backwaters are the countless number of beaches dotting the coastline of Kerala and Karnataka that can give you the luxury of exotica.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

By far the best way to explore the backwaters is on a House Boat

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]It is worth travelling to some of the lesser-known virgin beaches and let the sheer beauty of the surroundings take over.  Gokarna and Kanwatheertha are two such beaches that make for a luxuriant but quiet getaway.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

A haven for wildlife in Thekkady

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Going wild

Kerala and Karnataka are known for their abundant and varied wildlife, although the majestic elephant dominates in almost all the national parks and reserve forests.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Wild elephants in Munnar

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]The parks have beautiful resorts in the lap of the forest where one can chance upon herds of blackbuck while sipping on the morning tea, hear the cautionary call of the langur to signal a big cat on the prowl nearby, and invariably wake up to a cacophony of bird calls. You can trek within these parks or laze around and enjoy the sights and sounds. Kudremukh and Periyar sanctuaries need special mention here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Kori Gassi (Mangalorean chicken curry)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Kerala Kalamandalam

Kerala Kalamandalam is a one-stop destination for every traveller who wishes for a quick immersion into the culture and heritage of this ancient land that traces its traditions back to 3rd century BC. This is, in fact, a deemed University for performing arts of different types that abound in this state. One can experience a rare Mizhavu recital here, a single major percussion instrument that forms part of the Sanskrit theatre, as well as come across various martial art forms indigenous to Kerala. The campus in itself is worth a visit with every pillar, every thatched roof, every wall being an ode to the rich cultural heritage of this state.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

South Indian thali colourful as ever

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Pamper your palate

The quintessential cuisine of Kerala and Karnataka is as full-flavoured and colourful as are the locals. Subject your palate to an explosion of tastes, go for the regional cuisine apart from the ever-famous dosa; although it must be said that the sheer variety of dosas across these states is enough to stump you. Indulge in various coconut dishes in sweet and savoury tastes, such as Korri Gassi and Obbattu. The Udupi cuisine of Karnataka and Malabar cuisine of Kerala are outstanding examples of local foods that bring out the masterchef amongst all. Make sure you taste the unique red banana of Kerala and various dishes built around it.

It is in the subcontinent’s peninsula that one comes to experience the exquisite. Unexplored vistas await you this winter in Southern India! ◼[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published online in Nov 2018 edition – World Travel Magazine.

If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”9″ style=”load-more” items_per_page=”9″ gap=”10″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1542274588996-f9002e02-de78-8″ taxonomies=”540″ exclude=”15205, 14466, 11296″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Spend Your Winter In Winsome Southern India first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Fall barefoot crazy in love”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]A seaplane arrival over turquoise waters of the Exuma Island chain begins your journey to this 72-acre private island paradise. Bury your toes in the Caribbean’s powder-white sand and feel rejuvenated. It’s easy to fall crazy in love here.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Island is home to Meridian House a fantastic, whimsical oasis

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]The island is home to Meridian House a fantastic, whimsical oasis with an upscale and tranquil environment. Featuring a 214sqm master suite, you will also enjoy a 12-seat movie theatre, and a grand conservatory featuring a Steinway piano with panoramic views of the sea.

Accommodating up to 28 guests, you’ll enjoy the island’s vast amenities like floodlit tennis, a nine-hole par three golf course, yoga and a fabulous selection of water sports with dockage for a few superyachts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Amenities include dramatic infinity pools and a 12-seat movie theatre

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Home to the sailing yacht Tenacious, a Ted-Hood designed 34m shallow-draft sloop ideal for shallow Caribbean cruising, charter her as part of an island-hopping excursion or for longer voyages.

Amenities include whatever your heart desires––whether food and wine, or a range of motorboats and daysailers for local waters. After a day on the sea, enjoy exchanging stories at seaside fire pits, or hold a black-tie dinner, your choice. overyondercay.com ◼[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1541070853413-b7a9d09c-9137-10″ include=”7861″][vc_column_text]

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”9″ style=”load-more” items_per_page=”9″ gap=”10″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1541070853418-3925122a-631d-2″ taxonomies=”702″ exclude=”15205, 14466, 11296″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Island whimsy in the Caribbean first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Denali’s call to the wild”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Leave the day-trips, shore excursions and leaving-you-wanting-more fly-overs behind, there’s a new way to explore Alaska’s famous Denali National Park. Sitting at 6,000 feet on a rocky granite cliff, called a nunatak, the hexagonally shaped, eco-conscious Sheldon Chalet sits high above the 35-square mile snowy Don Sheldon Amphitheater, offering incredible views of Denali’s peak, the tallest mountain in North America, only ten miles away.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The setting of the Sheldon Chalet by Jeff Schultz

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Get your winter wonderland on inside the five-bedroom luxurious chalet with off-the-chart adventurous amenities including a concierge, chef and two guides. Cuisine features “Alaskan gourmet” highlighting the bounty of the land with seafood, game and foraged items leading the pack.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

No shortage of food here by Jeff Schultz

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Alaskan artisans crafted the weather-proofed, seismically secure chalet with windows as large as the state of Alaska and an equally large round table out of local birch trees. sheldonchalet.com ◼[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Guest room – an atmosphere of comfort by Jeff Schultz

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1540515122636-e49845f0-dd96-1″ include=”15114″][vc_column_text]

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”9″ style=”load-more” items_per_page=”9″ gap=”10″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1540515122639-6c6cc3d4-fd40-7″ taxonomies=”1106″ exclude=”15205, 14466, 11296″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Northern Lights and Alaskan nights first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Sensual tranquillity in Bali”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Jungle luxury at its finest, you have discovered the most romantic bedroom in Indonesia. Fantastic bamboo architecture and dramatic construction will sweep you off of your feet and into a cocoon of magic. The Moon House features an open-air shower and copper bathtub, your own butler and private plunge pool. Natural tiered swimming pools with a view of the Ayung River enchant here as do the gardens.

Your stay is an adventure in itself. Enjoy the sustainable kolam, or swimming pond, made out of all natural materials leaving the usual concrete and chemicals of resort pools behind. Find tranquillity in the wonderful harm-free environment with a turn on the rope swing, rest in the deck chairs as you take in the beautiful view, or take a refreshing swim in the pool and admire the natural mountain stone hardscape as you float along with a few fish.

Indulge your inner child by playing the musical strings of the minang harp, an installation by visiting sound architect Rudiger Schodel. Enjoy restoring your own inner harmony in the magical world of sound therapy and vibration therapy. Cultural immersion includes participation in Balinese blessings and ceremonies, and a bamboo tour where you can learn how to make an architectural model taught at a local bamboo factory. bambuindah.com ◼[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1540514320714-988540fa-e771-0″ include=”16012″][vc_column_text]

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_masonry_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”9″ style=”load-more” items_per_page=”9″ gap=”10″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1540514320716-647253c3-e032-5″ taxonomies=”1211″ exclude=”15205, 14466, 11296″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Moon House, bamboo, music and romance first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

As teenagers, Eddie and Jack worked together in an Edinburgh bar where they decided to build a boat and hire a local fisher-pirate captain to explore the islands around the Philippines. After their money ran out, they invited tourists to join them onboard for a fee, arranging for their accommodations with islanders. The rest is history.

Over a glass of jungle juice––the Tao signature cocktail a soothing blend of rum, pineapple juice, and water––you meet your expedition leader and a few dozen travelling companions. The next five days will be epic in ways you can’t imagine. Onboard you receive a little more information about the next five days. The handout says it all––

“We call it an expedition because we are exploring the islands together….the experience is all there for you but it cannot be listed on a menu, you have to explore it yourself.” There is no plan. Only the promise that exploration can take many forms. The exploration of the outside world is what lured you here to Camp Ngey! Ngey!, but you hadn’t expected waking up every morning in an open-air bamboo ‘Tuka’ hut. After an ocean breeze coaxes you out of bed, you dive into crystal clear waters in the early morning. This exploration puts a new twist on the typical fun and sun package.

Camp Ngey! Ngey!

Family-style meals feature Tao Chefs to cook up fresh fish caught by Islanders and produce from the Tao organic farm. Adventure comes easy here. Exploring the island’s jungle trails as you skirt wild beaches and windswept cliffs, brings a discovery of hidden caves. Enjoy snorkelling around the island’s preserved reefs rich with a variety of sea life and shipwrecks too on an escape to this Neverland of wonder and freedom. taophilippines.com ◼

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on World Travel Magazine, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter.

And if you liked this story, subscribe to our bi-monthly World Travel Magazine, a handpicked selection of editorial features and stories from Global Destinations, Inspire Me, Insider, Style File, Wellness & Travel, City Travel, Suite Life, At Leisure, Short Breaks and much more.

The post Welcome To Neverland, An Off-The-Grid Luxury Escape first appeared on World Travel Magazine.