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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.
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Myanmar’s stunning Mergui archipelago

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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.
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Awei Pila’s arching pool

One of Awei Pila’s airconditioned tents

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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.
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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.

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 ◼

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

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

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”A luxurious island escape away from Singapore”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Luxuriously nestled in the south of Bintan, The Residence Bintan, just opened last February, one hour ferry ride from the Tanah Merah ferry terminal, Singapore and another hour by land transfer. Upon arrival at Bintan Ferry Terminal, the hotel staff whisks you away to the resort car, offering you mineral water, cold, lemongrass-scented towels and cookies for the ride to the resort. Combined with thoughtful service, a plethora of activities, luxuriously appointed rooms, and rejuvenating spa treatments, the resort provides a wonderful weekend getaway from the bustle of Singapore.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Beachfront Villa

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INSTAGRAMMABLE LUXURY

The Residence Bintan’s 127 villas feature decorative stone walls, high ceilings and expansive balconies. The resort has six different room types, all with spacious bathtubs, wireless Internet access and Nespresso coffee machines. Their largest, a two-bedroom beachfront villa, can sleep six, and features its own private pool spanning the length of the villa, great for families or large groups. Villa 314 of the Estate Villas offers the best panoramic views of the sea and the horizon—the perfect Instagrammable spot for your daily fashion selfies. Guests at the Estate Villas will enjoy their own butler and  complimentary minibar, which will be restocked once during their stay.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Jet skiing is just one of the many activities guests can enjoy at the resort

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ENJOYABLE DIVERSIONS

Aside from lounging in style at the pool—whether in-villa or at the main infinity pool —The Residence Bintan also offers guests myriad other activities. These include a firefly mangrove tour, an all-terrain guided vehicle ride through the jungle, snorkelling at Mapur or Kawal Berakit to see clown fish, sea urchin and sea turtles which are also being bred and conserved at the resort. For the more adventurous, spend time on an obstacle course, climb the rock wall, and take a mountain trek to take in stunning island views.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Try the Hi-element obstacle course that includes tandem cycling on a tightrope

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Immerse yourself in a variety of cultural day tours outside the resort, from a trip to the Chinese village of Senggerang on the southwestern coast, or to Sea Gypsy Village to experience the local atmosphere. Visit Pasar Ikan fish market and try Nasi Padang at Restoran Sederhana, where you’ll be treated to platefuls of various regional specialities.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The serene reception area at ila Spa

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BLISSFUL INDULGENCE AND PLAYFULNESS

After a day out, reinvigorate at the Spa by ila founded by Denise Leicester, who once nursed a certain UAE ruler back to health. Her treatments feature organic essential oils, handmade and blended in the barns at Cotswold, chosen for their potency and purity and ethically sourced from local tribes around the world, many women-led. Natalie Portman and Gwyneth  Paltrow are fans of the spa brand.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The living area of the Beachfront Villa

[/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 treatments are divided into four categories, namely, Be Still, Be Happy, Be Vital and Be Free, that includes a range of massages, body scrubs, facials, and healing rituals. We recommend the week-long programme to go on a journey through each decadent experience. The Prana Vitality massage found me drifting off to sleep, and massages rarely cast that kind of spell over me. Afterwards, my skilled therapist encouraged me to take even more time after the massage to relax or sleep, only leaving my private treatment room when I felt ready.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Enjoy amazing food at The Residence Bintan, like this Tuna & Scallop Tataki salad

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Those travelling with young ones will love the Kids’ Club, where children can pick up basic Bahasa Indonesian phrases, learn the local dance, make batik prints or paint birdhouses. Parents can join their children in tie-dying or cooking classes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

The Kids Club, where children can hide away in their own teepees

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CULINARY TRADITIONS WITH A TWIST

The resort’s signature restaurant Rica Rica serves up a modern twist to classic Indonesian dishes, such as lobster gado gado and Wagyu beef rendang. The Dining Room offers Western and Asian dishes such as tuna niçoise salad and black pepper king prawns served on a bed of bok choy, while their beef satay was so good we ate several sticks. Fresh juices, cocktails and light bites are available at the Pool Bar, and for special occasions, it’s possible to get a renowned mixologist like Julian Serna, Managing Director of Panamericana in Sentosa Golf  Club, to create his signature drinks like Grown Up Fanta, Champagne, and Absinth Colada. The kitchen uses fresh, locally-sourced produce along with organic herbs and vegetables from the resort’s own gardens.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Recline on the loungers at the main in nity pool

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The main reception area leading to an outdoor space perfect for morning yoga

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Intimate, private dining options include in-villa barbecue, where your personal chef prepares a glorious spread of perfectly grilled meats and seafood, featuring dishes like fish satay and grilled lobster. Otherwise, head to a secluded spot on the beach or in the gardens for a lovely candlelit dinner, where your personal chef and butler will see to your unforgettable evening. cenizaro.com/theresidence/bintan ◼[/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:1537487426150-7bd54fe5-37eb-4″ include=”15443″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published in Aug-Sept 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:1537487426151-b89558fb-4f39-1″ taxonomies=”784″ exclude=”15205, 14466, 11296″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The post Idyllic getaway at The Residence Bintan first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Gecko Hotel & BeachClub”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Hop in your yacht and sail away to Formentera, the place to get your still on while basking within this intensely beautiful limestone island surrounded by the impossibly blue Mediterranean, the heart of stylish, extravagant luxury.

The smallest of the Balearic Islands hosts the Gecko Hotel & Beach Club, a little slice of 50’s gone-modern heaven where you can channel your inner movie star while relaxing like a champion.

Gecko Beach Formentera pool

Sleek and elegant, airy suites and lofts channel the golden age of jet-setting when only the privileged travelled far-and-wide and did so lavishly. Jaw-dropping views and a sophisticated vibe provides an in-the-know feel that articulates itself in smooth interior design and gorgeous public spaces.

The Gecko Restaurant serves wide-ranging delicacies including the best champagnes of the House Ruinart, as well as lobster and burger nights served with DJ spun sunsets––luxurious, unpretentious, and fun.

The magical Beach Club sets the scene for relaxation with exquisite cabanas, endless views of the Mediterranean and excellent cuisine. Nestled on the wild shores of Formentera, the club provides an exotic respite from reality as does the yoga and wellness centre featuring such extravagant treatments as Abhyanga Massage.

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

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The post Stylish hideaway in Mediterranean first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Ice Skating in the Maldives”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]From sand to ice, you read it right. Maldives, known for its remarkable beaches and tropical climate that made it one of the hottest travel destinations in the world, will soon have an ice rink for those who enjoy the winter sport amidst the sun.

Jumeirah Vittaveli – Main Pool

Luxury island resort Jumeirah Vittaveli, a 20-minute boat ride from capital city Male, will open the first ice skating rink in the country this December. The ice rink will not melt as it will be made of synthetic materials – artificial ice plates made out of plastic developed by Swiss ecological company Glice.

No electricity or water is needed to operate the synthetic ice rink. Jumeirah Vittaveli is a favourite of travelers who want to enjoy the numerous activities of the island in a private and picturesque setting.

Activities under the water are as impressive as the views above. All of its 43 villas have direct access to the beach, which means they can immediately explore the resort’s five wreck dive sites as well as stunning corals and marine life.

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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.

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The post Winter is coming … to the Maldives first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

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[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator border_width=”2″][vc_custom_heading text=”Ibiza’s SMARTEST stays, TOP tables, MOST BEAUTIFUL beaches, CHICEST shopping & WILDEST nights!” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:center|color:rgba(0%2C0%2C0%2C0.6)” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_separator border_width=”2″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

From high-end hideaways to bohemian beach bars, the magic of Ibiza runs deep. This year sees the regeneration of a clutch of iconic classics, along with a smattering of hip new openings tipped to shake up the already scorching scene.

THE SMARTEST STAYS

From white-clad country estates to bijou design gems and gleaming waterfront landmarks, Ibiza’s hotels are as unique as they are plentiful.

LOS ENAMORADOS

Tucked away in Portinatx’s itty-bitty harbour, this sultry, tropical hotspot – think rattan furniture, banana plants and quirky Seventies finds – is the hippest new all-day hangout. Jewel-hued rooms with canopy beds are on the small side, but neat seaview balconies do the trick. Below, on the sprawling quayside terrace, a clued-up crowd converge for cocktails at sunset before tucking into freshly-caught squid beneath swaying bamboo lamps. Fallen in love with the décor? Not to worry, it’s all for sale in the hotel’s bazaar-style shop. losenamoradosibiza.com, doubles from €225

Siesta time at Cas Gasi

LA GRANJA

With grey-on-grey walls, distressed wooden tables and artfully placed baskets of oranges, new ‘members’ retreat’ La Granja is a master class in studied cool. Bedrooms are dimly lit and monastically simple, with stone floors, rough wooden stools and dove-grey beds swathed in worn linens. Bamboo sun loungers line a deep blue pool and a serious, arty crowd (no kids) drift from newspapers on the terrace to group meditation to organic, home-grown lunch: La Granja translates as ‘The Farm’. lagranjaibiza.com, doubles from €350

ES CUCONS

Exuding a vibe so at one with its surroundings, Es Cucons might have grown from the red earth itself. Dreamy guest rooms dressed in pale fabrics trail away from a vast stone-arched lobby; the rustic restaurant (a favourite with locals) is sun-soaked by day and candlelit by night, and billowing white daybeds pepper the flower-filled grounds. Order a G&T from the blue-hued outdoor bar and soak up poolside views across the rural, almond-clad valley of Santa Agnes. Bliss. escucons.com, doubles from €150

ATZARÓ

The spa at this rambling country estate is extraordinary, with deeply intuitive therapists and a Moroccan-tiled hammam and sauna. Relax afterwards on one of the canopied day beds by the lap pool, or retreat to the Veranda restaurant (one of four spots to eat) for superfood salads and juice. If you can tear yourself away from the hotel’s buzzing evening scene, you’ll find traditional whitewashed rooms with pillowy beds and a mix of antique and Balinese furniture. atzaro.com, doubles from €160

IBIZA GRAN

Ibiza’s original nod to global 5-star luxury, this handsome, marble-clad hotel offers ultra-slick suites, a hip lobby bar, and an enviable location on Marina Ibiza. There is a casino and a spa, but dining is the hero here, with three outstanding offerings: La Gaia, the hotel’s white-on-white Nikkei spot; Cipriani Downtown, the legendary Italian restaurant and cocktail bar; and Heart, a thrilling performance/dining space from Cirque du Soleil’s Guy Laliberté and Spanish chef Ferran Adrià, of elBulli fame. ibizagranhotel.com, doubles from €265

GIRI RESIDENCE

With its rich textures, pebble floors, and statement design pieces, this splendid fivesuite hideaway in the northern village of San Juan is one of Ibiza’s best-kept secrets. A book-strewn lounge and communal eating space give the air of a sumptuous private home, while a small-yet-stylish pool and fabulous subterranean spa drop you firmly back in smart hotel territory. From the hotel’s interior courtyard, take the hidden alleyway through to the heart of the village where the Giri Café cooks up Mediterranean tacos with marinated monkfish, lime alioli and chervil fresh from the garden. thegiri.com, suites from €295

GRAN MONTESOL IBIZA HILTON GROUP CURIO COLLECTION

Ibiza’s first hotel and a social hub for almost a century, the landmark Montesol reopened last year following an overhaul by Spanish design star Lázaro Rosa- Violán. Behind the iconic yellow-and– white façade the showpiece is a dazzling lobby bar and restaurant. The blue and gold space has glossy mid-century decor and a Phoenician-style mosaic – a nod to Ibiza’s earliest settlers. Rooms (many with private balconies) are airy, with liner-style accents – porthole mirrors, navy throws, monogrammed pillows – in keeping with the hotel’s enviable port side location. granhotelmontesolibiza.com, doubles from €132

HOTEL XERECA

A reformed country house with a serious design flair, Xereca eschews Ibiza’s traditional look in favour of architect owner Jordi Carreno’s contemporary vision. Seven rooms and two suites (all in converted farm buildings) incorporate B&B Italia sofas, super king-sized beds and freestanding pod baths or waterfall showers. The elevated, slate-grey swimming pool features a shower-for-two hidden inside a converted windmill and there’s an onsite yoga pavilion (Carreño’s wife, Awa, is a master instructor). In a peaceful orange grove, just moments from Ibiza Town, Xereca is a classic in the making. hotelxereca.com, doubles from €190

The pool at Ca Na Xica

CA NA XICA

This gracious country retreat exudes a relaxed and elegant vibe. The main house, with its billowing white-clad windows, houses a clutch of smart, traditional double rooms. Fourteen sunny suites are scattered among the olive groves, with contemporary pebble-toned décor and countryside views. The spa uses local ingredients – try the green almond and Ibiza salt body scrub – and there’s a show-stopping poplar-lined swimming pool. As dusk falls, stroll into cosmopolitan Santa Gertrudis, whose charming church square is crammed with pretty shops and restaurants – try Macao Café or Bistro La Plaza. canaxica.com, doubles from €250

DESTINO

This searing white, ultra-modern resort clings like a clam to the cliffs of Cap Martinet, with panoramic views across Talamanca Bay. The vibe here is glossy and adults-only, and days are spent lazing by the cherry-shaped pool (the iconic logo of the hotel’s owners, Pacha), or dipping into the wellness centre for a CACI corrective facial. After dinner, hit up the resort’s private club, Tox, or head down the road to Pacha (on the house, of course). If morning comes too soon, blast the cobwebs away in the hot yoga studio – one of only two on the island. destinoibiza.com, doubles from €184.50

CAS GASI

The lavender-scented driveway means you’ll be sleepy before you even set foot in Cas Gasi, an ancient finca whose floral sofas and ethnic ornaments give the relaxed feel of a family home. The book-strewn lobby is deeply inviting, with a tantalising peep through to the herb gardens and pool beyond. The vibe here is peaceful, and guests drift happily between the yoga terrace, the organic restaurant and the comfortable, terracotta-tiled guestrooms. Smaller doubles have sunny balconies but the Deluxe Suite, with its striped armchairs and North African accents, is the ultimate home-from-home. Can’t bear to leave? Former guests are invited to join an “invisible members’ club”. casgasi.com, doubles from €270

TORRE DEL CANONIGO

Dalt Vila is the best-preserved citadel in the Mediterranean, a walled fortress whose peak is home to the deeply romantic Torre del Canonigo. The 14th-century edifice is a place of monastic elegance, with stone pillars and flickering candles. Climb the stairs and sun-drenched views of the searing blue harbour pour in from every angle. Bright white rooms have private terraces and one an outdoor Jacuzzi. The sleek, oliveframed pool area has a top notch cocktail bar where well-travelled (and well-heeled) guests mingle before supper at Kyuppido, the hotel’s upmarket sushi restaurant. latorredelcanonigo.com, doubles from €210

THE TOP TABLES

A blow-out dinner in Marina Botafoch or a flower-scented supper beneath the almond trees? Ibiza has it all.

CORICANCHA

From the team behind Blue Marlin, Coricancha is an exotic little bird perched on the edge of the mysterious Las Salinas salt flats. Come early for the otherworldly sunsets, then dive into umami-packed Nikkei (that’s Peruvian/Japanese) dishes like Chilean sea bass and jungle paste wrapped in banana leaves with white melon, Chinese zucchini and roasted coconut consommé. The super-cool Moonlight Garden is a hit with DJs from the nearby nightclub, DC-10. coricanchaibiza.com

Outdoor bar at Nagai

NAGAI

Set in an ancient finca with the prettiest circular courtyard, Nagai is arguably Ibiza’s best sushi restaurant. Co-owner Melchior is a gracious host and his team – many of them Japanese – are particularly knowledgeable. Try signature rolls like crispy avocado and baby corn, or order the Mexican-inspired salmon carpaccio with chilli, coriander and pomegranate sauce. There’s a serious sake menu at the groovy open-air bar, and the rural location makes it ultra-special. nagairestaurant.com

LÍO

The grand slam of top-tier dining, waterside Lío is the hottest ticket in the Med Combining jaw-dropping live cabaret with fine dining and Pacha resident DJs, it’s an explosive mix that can book up a year in advance. One side is entirely open to the elements, meaning a backdrop of bobbing yachts, glittering water and an illuminated Dalt Vila skyline. lioibiza.com

HEART IBIZA

An extraordinary dining and performance experience that segues seamlessly from rooftop cocktails (the views across to Dalt Vila are sublime) to the restaurant, where diners are wowed by artists from Cirque du Soleil (Cirque CEO Guy Laliberte is one of Heart’s founders). Later, tables slip away to reveal an intimate nightclub that stays hopping until dawn. heartibiza.com

CAMÍ DE BALÀFIA

An Ibiza institution, family-run Camí de Balàfia is famous for its grilled meats. Served directly from the charcoal, with hand-cut potatoes and a simple tomato salad, it’s a true taste of the island. The enchanting terrace is lit with lamps hanging from orange trees and is packed with local families, in-the-know tourists and often the odd celebrity. +34 971 325 019

LA BODEGA

This thronging tapas and cocktail bar sits neatly beneath the old town walls, making the pavement tables particularly atmospheric. It’s one of the busiest spots in town, packed with noisy regulars who love the pimientos padron (green peppers), the paprika-spiked albondigas (meatballs) and the oversized goblets of gin and tonic. labodegaibiza.es

AMANTE

Hidden down a stony path on the east coast, the secluded, rocky beach of Sol den Serra is the perfect setting for this ultra-stylish, all-white, cliffside hangout. Come early for yoga and breakfast, taking in the rugged natural beauty of the pine-clad cove. A buzzing lunch crowd know that the menu at Amante is faultless – all fresh fish, grilled meats and beautiful, flower-flecked salads – and it’s easy to lose a whole day here on the oversized sunbeds. By night, the restaurant becomes perhaps Ibiza’s most spectacular, with moonlight dappling the silver waves below. amanteibiza.com

LA PALOMA

Practically hidden in an orange grove in the tiny rural hamlet of San Lorenzo, La Paloma’s beautiful, bohemian crowd are drawn like moths to a magic flame. Lanterns sway in the trees as conversations hum in ten different languages. Try the aubergine parmigiana and handmade ravioli – specialities of the Italian owners. palomaibiza.com

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

From chi-chi lunch spots where yachts bob offshore to wild, windswept wave breaks, soak up the sun on Ibiza’s endless sands.

CALA JONDAL

A TRIO OF MUST-SEES   This pebbly cove (‘cala’ translates as cove, where ‘playa’ is beach), is home to a trio of must-sees. At the northern end is Tropicana, an easy-breezy hang out with palapa umbrellas, a Tiki bar and swathes of sun loungers. Show up pre-noon to bag a sunbed and sink a glass of chilled Muga rosé, before ordering the shrimp-heavy Tropicana Salad. Take an afternoon swim in the ginclear water then relax into a profoundly restorative Thai massage with Jorge in his palm-shaded hut. At the opposite end of the beach is Yemanja, a relaxed beach restaurant that specialises in paella and the Ibiza classic lubina á la sal (salt-baked sea bass). The cava sangria is peachy perfection – grab a daybed to snooze it off or plunge straight off the rickety jetty into the sea. For the ultimate see-and–be-seen hotspot, it has to be the Blue Marlin. Ibiza’s world-famous beach club gets hotter year-on-year, with a stage, dancing girls and rows of tables laden with bottles of champagne. The scene can get wild, with top DJs playing to a hyped-up crowd of city traders, frat boys and bikiniclad babes, but don’t miss the food – there are relaxed spots to dine beneath the trees and the sushi is easily some of the island’s best. tropicanaibiza.com, yemanjaibiza.com, bluemarlinibiza.com

LAS SALINAS

AN IBIZA ICON   This endless strip of bleached white sand is Ibiza’s most legendary. Lapped by warm shallow waters, it’s a hit with families as well as those keen to soak up the bohemian beach clubs. Pole position in the centre of the beach is the Jockey Club, an Ibiza institution whose wooden deck can turn from relaxed dining terrace to hands-in-the air dance floor in a matter of minutes. Ask for a table in the primea linea for the best sea view and order stone-baked pizza and a mojito. Tucked away at the southern tip of the beach is Sa Trinxa, the palapa-roofed shack that’s been making waves since the 1980s. With a wildly eclectic soundtrack and a tanned, sarong-wearing crowd, it’s got the festival vibe on lockdown and is as close to Ibiza’s hippy roots as you’ll find. jockeyclubibiza.com, satrinxa.com

ES CAVALLET

UNMISSABLE BEACH EATS   The sister beach to Salinas, Es Cavallet lies on the other side of the windswept headland, making the waters rougher and less clear. The dining, however, is extra special. Breezy celeb-fave El Chiringuito is a contemporary luxe beach shack – all grey linens, bleached wood and dappled sunlight – and serves faultless Mediterranean cuisine to a stylish crowd. The vibe is ultracosmopolitan (Kate Moss is a regular), the DJs are mellow and there’s a handy kids’ club to ditch the nippers. Heaven. Keep an eye out for Don Ostra – a charming chap who shucks fresh oysters straight onto your table. Just south of El Chiringuito, La Escollera is a smart, family-run spot that’s been open for decades. Come for Spanish classics like gallo San Pedro (John Dory) with Ibicenco potatoes or grandma’s own-recipe paella. The elevated terrace, with its contemporary nautical feel, has racking sea views. elchiringuitoibiza.com, laescollerawebsite.wixsite.com

CAP DES FALCO

HIDDEN HIPSTER HANGOUT   Just inland from Es Cavallet, a snaking camino (track) cuts across the salt flats to Cap des Falco. Here you’ll find Experimental Beach, an effortlessly cool hangout from the white-hot Parisian Experimental Group (Experimental Cocktail Club, London; Compagnie des Vins Surnaturels, New York; Grand Pigalle Hotel, Paris). More all-day waterside retreat than beach club (the sea is a serious scramble over the pebbles), this breezy joint wakes for brunch and doesn’t stop hopping until long past bedtime. By day, expect a languid bunch of stylish holidaymakers flicking through design mags and nibbling langoustine carpaccio. By night, a dressier, DJ-fuelled crowd enjoy charcoal grilled black cod overlooking the moonlit waters. eccbeach.com

CALA BASSA

PINE-FRINGED PERFECTION   The horseshoe-shaped cove of Cala Bassa is achingly beautiful, framed by juniper pines and lapped by clear, island-studded waters. Cala Bassa Beach Club (CBbC) sprawls along the upper reaches, offering a multitude of options for lazy days in the sun. For a casual lunch of grilled prawns, try the Spanish-style CBbC Chiringo, or for crystal and white linen, book the somewhat ritzier CBbC Restaurant. Can’t drag yourself away from the beach? Whistle for CBbC Beach Boy, who’ll bring lunch – on wooden tables with linen and glassware – to your private day bed on the sand. As evening falls, drift away in a hammock slung beneath the trees as live music thrums from the Coronita Lounge. cbbcibiza.com

ES TORRENT

THE SEAFOOD CLASSIC   Opened as a simple shack by fisherman Xicu Sala in 1984, Es Torrent has expanded organically into today’s low-key yet upmarket seafood destination. A refined, older crowd – many of them devoted regulars – are evangelical about the bullit de peix (fish stew) followed by arroz a banda (an intensely fishy rice dish), or else try the hand-caught spiny lobster. The tiny, pebbly cove has a handful of luxurious sun beds. Book these (and your table) a week in advance and spend the whole day in peaceful solitude. estorrent.net

THE CHICEST SHOPPING

Ibiza has a bohemian yet ultra-stylish look all its own. Hunt down the island’s backstreet boutiques, colourful markets and smartest open air shopping streets.

Stylish sunglasses at reVOLVER

Explore the winding alleys of Ibiza Town’s historic port for one-off local finds. White peasant blouses from Bamba AdLib (Carrer d’Antoni Palau, 5) make great beach cover-ups or stock up on traditional hand woven baskets on Calle de la Cruz. For floor-skimming seventies-style kaftans it’s Las Noches de Ibiza (Carrer de Guillem de Montgrí, 1), or if you fancy vintage Pucci to wear to Flower Power at Pacha, head to Vicente Ganesha (Carrer de Guillem de Montgrí, 14).

Classic espadrilles are still woven on-site at s’Espardenya (Carrer Ignaci Riquier, 19). For the Isabel Marant version, slip into Mayurka (mayurkaibiza.com) on Vara de Rey, where you’ll also find Kenzo, Balenciaga and Marni. reVoLVER (revolveribiza.com) stocks cult labels like Helmut Lang and Commedes Garcons (menswear too), along with jewellery from Ibiza-born designer Zara Simon. Their standalone eyewear store reVOLVER Sunglasses carries out-there frames from Linda Farrow Luxe, Vava and Thom Browne.

Take the water taxi across to upmarket Marina Botafoch to stock up on Mara Hoffman swim and Varley activewear at B.London Boutique (blondonboutique.com), or grab fig-and–lavender scented soaps and cologne at Campos de Ibiza (camposdeibiza.com). A short stroll along the quayside to Marina Ibiza is where the big-hitters shop – Stella McCartney, Bottega Veneta and Giuseppe Zanotti all have summer pop-ups on the gleaming jetty.

For an exotic dash of Morocco-meets- India (think embroidered tribal smocks and fringed handbags), head out of town to World Family Ibiza (worldfamilyibiza.com), whose technicolour emporium near Can Curuné stocks clothes, shoes and accessories. A little further up the island is the hippy market at Las Dalias (lasdalias.es, Saturdays only) for quirky island designers.

Dreaming of a home in Ibiza? Take home some island treasures instead. For colourful glass accessories and quirky furniture hit up Sluiz (sluiz.nl), the Dutch design warehouse near Santa Gertrudis whose signature woven cushions are in all the coolest villas. Just across the road is La Galeria Elefante (lagaleriaelefante.com), whose owner, Victoria Durrer-Gasse, trawls the globe for pearl-studded mirrors, antique jewellery boxes and hand-beaded kaftans.

In Santa Gertrudis itself is Tienda Es Cucons (hotelescucons.com), which stocks subtle, neutral-toned homewares; think rough clay pots, hand-woven linens and local basketry. On the road to San Juan is Ksar Living (ksarliving.com) a colossal furniture and interiors store that is curated like a gallery space, with tribal feather masks from Papua New Guinea and carved Balinese antiques.

The teeny-tiny village of San Juan itself bursts into life on Sundays with a local craft market, where you can pick up leather belts, artwork and artisan salt blends for a song. And for Ibiza’s famous ceramics, head to Ceramica Icardi or Ceramica Can Kinoto in the inland village of San Rafael, itself declared a zone of artisanal interest.

THE WILDEST NIGHTS

From sophisticated sundowners to 8am finishes, Ibiza’s nightlife is the best on the planet. Check out these good-time go-tos.

The smartest pre-club spots are in Ibiza Town. Start the night right with a glass of champagne at 105 by La Cantine (105bylacantine.com), the sleek new outpost of Paris’s revered La Cantine du Faubourg, whose candy-striped, Riviera-style terrace sits snug alongside the superyachts. Follow up with a pre-dinner cocktail at Calma or Cappucino Café (grupocappuccino.com/en/marina-ibiza), both of which have DJs and quayside terraces overlooking the Old Town.

Dinner runs late in Ibiza, and after supper it’s time to find the party. Pacha (pacha.com) is easily Ibiza’s most stylish nightclub and sits neatly alongside Marina Ibiza. Sunday is Pacha’s hero night when Serbian house DJ Solomun mans the booth. A well-dressed, musically knowledgeable crowd pack the nightclub by 2am, so book a VIP table for more space. Mondays have long been the preserve of techno, with Circoloco at DC-10 and Sven Väth’s Cocoon party at Amnesia (amnesia.es) jostling for space. Both are fantastic and full-on, with DC-10 being the smaller and more underground of the two.

Wednesday’s Woomoon is the closest thing you’ll get to the open-air raves of old. The extraordinary location, Cova Santa (covasanta.com), near San José, is hard to find, but performance artists, live musicians make for glowing, festival atmosphere. The biggest (and most glamorous) Thursday party is David Guetta’s long-running F*** Me I’m Famous (fmif.fr) at Pacha – expect glitter, feathers and celebrity guests galore. Friday’s black-clad hipsters head to Marco Carola’s Music On (musicon.com) at Amnesia – both the dancefloor and the VIP area are popping all night long. Weekends in Ibiza tend to be quieter, club-wise, although Rumors, Guy Gerber’s Sunday daytime session at the clifftop Destino, is the perfect end to the week.

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Claim your buried treasure

Welcome to New World mystery. Unleash your elemental wild side in this place, unlike any other in the world. Claim your buried treasure. Explore a few closely held myths. Make a new way on these wild encounters and sail away to a new paradise. Mention the Caribbean and the sound of steel drums, tales of pirates, sunbaked beaches, and calls to adventure come to mind. The hotspot evokes a kind of fantasyland where the sun never sets and the rum never goes dry, filled with palm trees, coconuts, plantains, papayas, and the dream of discovering buried treasure. There’s something in the air in this part of the world that blends the mythological, the supernatural, the Calypsonian and storyteller in us all, creating our own kind of folklore. You can almost hear the whispers of the past on the Caribbean’s storied, consistent trade winds. Winds that blew unimaginable treasure across the ocean to the Old World.

Kitesurf from island to island on an ocean of glass where the wind never sets, more priceless than any plundered chest of gold.

WILD ENCOUNTERS

SNORKELLING WITH HUMPBACKS OF SILVER BANK

Dominican Republic
Five hundred years ago, the Spanish began mining gold on the island they called Hispañola. You’ll mine something more precious off its coast on a luxury, eight-day cruise out of Puerto Plata to the magical shallow waters of Silver Bank. Discover your treasure by snorkelling ancient seas on the historic trade route to Spain. Seventy miles off the coast of the Dominican Republic, in the heart of a rare marine sanctuary, you’ll encounter one of the world’s largest mammals.

Kite the cays – go as remote as you dare, photo credit Gerard Smith Zenith Ocean Voyages

It all begins on the high seas aboard a 124-foot yacht with ten en-suite staterooms featuring picture windows and exquisite amenities worthy of Blackbeard’s plunder. A few daily excursions allow you to become enchanted by the majesty of the humpback’s many moods, like pectoral fin slaps and spy-hopping. Once submerged, behind the glass of your mask you’ll behold a sight unlike any you’ve seen or will again – when the humpback greets you gently, perhaps inviting you for a ride on its fin.

After a day at sea, relax on the picturesque boat deck, equally ideal for soaking in the sun or star gazing. Meanwhile, in the galley, your onboard chef masterfully creates sundowner meals and serves them up to order with plenty of celebratory spirits in honour of your latest adventure. As the night winds down, your trip guide teaches you more about your new best friend, the humpback whale. www.wildernesstravel.com

Kite the cays

The Grenadines
Out-of-the-way resorts and virgin beaches have long enchanted jet setters and pirates alike in dozens of islands known as the Grenadines, where you’ll spend a week kitesurfing in paradise. Set sail among the windward islands in a way conquistadors never imagined, ripping over the Caribbean on a surfboard powered by the wind. You’ll discover the treasure of downwind heaven only a half-day sail away from St. Lucia at the very heart of the island chain.

Breathtaking, rewarding conditions exist in the storied Grenadines with wind speeds ranging from 17 to 24 knots. Kitesurf from island to island on an ocean of glass where the wind never sets, more priceless than any plundered chest of gold. A playground of swells and waves, it’s the domain of those comfortable with staying upwind. Certain to be one of the rawest, wildest rides of your life.

Zenith Ocean Voyages has one rule, Enjoy. Do nothing, just ask for it. Go as remote as you dare. Gerard is as skilled on the waves captaining his yacht Meercat as he is slicing them. From coaching you to shooting your best action shots, he’s got you covered. And there’s always surprises, like a legendary pro boarder showing up to teach you a few new tricks.

Features of Meercat include three luxurious en-suite queen cabins perfect for six people. With Lauren’s incredible cooking, you’ll have a Michelin-rated chef preparing meals rivalling any five-star restaurant served at an exclusive table with stunning views of the crystal blue sea. They offer custom itineraries for experienced kitesurfers and learners alike with eclectic locations that promise to thrill. Their mission, should you choose to accept it, is to deliver the ultimate kiting experience by following the tradewinds to the most pristine locations. www.zenithoceanvoyages.net

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SwimVacation

British Virgin Islands
For some, the aquatic isn’t about a one-time vacation experience or even passion; it’s a lifestyle. Water runs in their veins. At SwimVacation go hard or go easy, whatever suits your style. Small groups of up to ten people and two staff members make custom experiences for swimmers of every ability. Elite swimmers will enjoy longer distances.

Clinics boost your open water swimming skills. It’s not about racing, it’s about the fun of exploring reefs, stopping to see coral and fish, and swimming along powdery white beaches and around cays. Whatever your skill level, tours are designed with everyone in mind. Improve your swim with a collaborative stroke analysis, instruction on buoy turns, nautical chart reading and race strategy. Fabulously prepared meals pay attention to diet restrictions and provide plenty of liquid courage as every trip hosts an open bar. Switch it up with amenities aboard the 19 metres long, 10.5 metres wide schoonerrigged trimaran, Promenade, that include toys like kayaks, fishing gear, water skis, kneeboards, tubes, snorkel gear and floating mats. Five luxurious cabins with queensized beds allow for the utmost in privacy. The cockpit has a permanent shade awning for those wanting to get out of the sun and provides a jaw-dropping spot on the sea to gather for meals each day. After a day of swimming and touring, crash on the trampoline and admire the Caribbean’s sweeping vistas while sharing your latest adventures with friends and family, or just do what the pirates did, drink rum. swimvacation.com

Kloofing & Boiling Lake Hike

Dominica
If you’re into adrenaline-filled plunges into mountain rivers and navigating boulders on the wildest ride of your life, there’s only one answer to the question – to kloof or not to kloof? YES!

slithering though the middle of a waterfall, photo credit extremedominica.com

Picture slithering through the middle of a waterfall, dangling there. Letting the watery force of nature hit your skin and awaken your senses. Then comes the rush of plunging into the water and navigating a wild ride through the river. Canyoning, or river tracing, as it’s sometimes called, goes back to our early ancestors and explorers who found themselves for one reason or another having to get out of tough situations where the only option was to go for it! Ravines offered indigenous people a great way to live, hide, hunt and defend themselves.

The equipment and mindset of kloofing are far different than rock climbing. Their similarities end with the harness and ropes involved. Most of the equipment involved is kloof-specific, so expect the unexpected when mastering this new sport on your next trip. To get the most exclusive kloofing experience, companies like TCS World Travel or Black Tomato exist to provide you with tailor-made experiences and accommodations. www.extremedominica.com

Need high-adrenaline but want to skip a sport historically described as insane people with a death wish? We’ve got you covered. Take a hike to a boiling lake. Yes, boiling. Obviously not for wimps, the hard eight-hour round trip hike leads you to discover the kind of treasure only one of nature’s masterpieces can provide. At 63 meters wide, this bubbling cauldron of water, usually shrouded in steam, is the second largest of its kind in the world. The best part? You take an Indiana-Jones type of trail to see it. The exotic experience is a mystery you’ll always remember, as most of it lies on a razor-thin mountain edge. As in life, the experience of ‘One Who Knows The Way’ is priceless so go with a wise guide. Be sure to leave your tiara at home as the muddy trail demands your worst clothes. You’ll need a recovery day afterwards, and we’ve got just the thing for that. www.avirtualdominica.com/the-boiling-lake

Birdwatching

Surprises on Necker Island include a rumoured champagne-pouring mermaid, photo credit virginlimitededition.com

Trinidad & Tobago
Not all wild encounters are adrenaline-fuelled, of course. For the perfect awe-inspiring rest day, head to Asa Wright Nature Centre & Lodge tucked away in the 1,500 acres Arima Valley of the Northern Range in Trinidad and Tobago. Spotting rare birds in this tropical rainforest and learning about their precarious survival will help your spirit soar among canopies that top-out at 46 meters. A renaissance of wildlife, the Nature Centre’s built on the site of an old cocoa-coffee-citrus plantation, brings together scientists, artists, authors, educators and conservationists alike who are all dedicated to learning and be inspired by the beauty of the birds.

All year long, celebrity birders are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Eco-lodge. Partnering with Caligo Ventures, the Asa Wright Nature Centre hopes to provide you with the optimum tropical birding experience while supporting the conservation and education mission of the nature centre.

A win-win for your wild side and the famous inhabitants of the tropical rainforest, you’ll get to explore the rainforest in a most unique and entertaining way. Take your pick of onsite walks, offsite field trips or develop your artistic style with art lessons either independently or in a group. www.caligo.com

Dwarf Forest, El Yunque National Forest

Puerto Rico
The most adventurous hike into another world begins on the road less travelled and into a land where the plants, even some trees, are small. So small you’ll hardly believe your eyes. Let the sheer beauty of the impossibility of nature fill your soul and quiet your mind. It was believed by the ancients that the mountain forest was a throne for the good spirit Yuquiyu, who took great care in the protection of Puerto Rico and her people. What better way to tour a mystery-filled wonderland than with an experienced guide, dedicated to making your tour unique and awe inspiring. John Druitt of Island Walkers will lead you down little-known paths. A Dwarf Forest expert, let his passion for nature, tales about plant life, and the history of the island leave you with long-savoured memories on your return to the real world. Wild and unpredictable, you’ll find yourself wondering if you’ve fallen into the looking glass. (Island Walkers)

NEW PARADISE

After going wild, you’ll need a palatial lair for all your hammock-raving. Here are a few famous and soon-to-be famous paradises for you to hold up while discovering your hidden treasure in the Caribbean.

Necker Island

The beach becomes your living room at Park Hyatt in St. Kitts, photo credit thebrandmanagency.com

British Virgin Islands
Home-away-from-home for the Obama’s last month, this resort has the kind of laidback luxury that had the President rocking his hat back on 74 acres of stone-cold cool. The fun starts with as many as 28 guests on your own private island. The unbelievable combination of service and style found on Necker Island has no equal for luxury, privacy and sustainability. Find your call of the wild on your own private island where true treasure rests in unbridled relaxation and legendary parties. So many party nights to choose from, and so little time. Themes include UV night, where those in the know wear all-white.

Head chef Chris Kenny wows with new, sustainable ways of creating the finest of Asian-inspired meals. To help rest your kiting, hiking, swimming and snorkelling sore muscles, the island’s exquisite spa offers a special Bali Leha Signature Treatment. The island’s constant surprises include a rumoured champagne-pouring mermaid that inhabits the pool from time to time. From flamingos to iguanas to lemurs to tortoises, conservation staff will be able to answer your questions about wildlife and the care of the island’s animals. When you are ready to get back out on the water, a staff of eleven experts can help you find a new sport or master your favourite, from sailing to windsurfing to kayaking. Indulge your passions on land with tennis, yoga and personal training. Your island awaits your every whim.

Zemi Beach House

Anguilla
Let the trade winds blow you to Anguilla’s Zemi Beach House, a marvel of sophisticated style and seclusion that will nourish your spirit as well as your soul. Romantics and adventurers alike are destined to spread their wings here. A lively harbour, secluded beaches and a rich history combine to entice you into a deeper discovery of the island. Your ultra-romantic hosts provide magic touches, including private candlelit dinners on the beach that heighten your celebrations, be it the beginning of your fairytale, the journey of a lifetime, or a quick getaway.

For adventures that take you away from your spot at Shoal Bay, forget your beach read and head to Sandy Ground. A Sunday afternoon might find jazz floating from the direction of local hotspots on the fringe of the public beach. The main harbour pulses all day long, welcoming sailboats and yachts from all over the world. Sneak away to Rendezvous Bay if you long for endless seclusion. History buffs will get their groove on at Wallblake House in the valley, a seventeenth-century plantation house and the oldest structure on Anguilla.

After an island adventure, enjoy your piece of paradise with rum tasting. Or meet up with your personal trainer at Zemi Beach House’s exclusive Beach Boot Camp. The popular offering shakes up your normal workout routine and will see to it you look even more amazing in that great new swimsuit.

Park Hyatt, Christophe Harbour (opens summer 2017)

St. Kitts
The indigenous Columbian Carib called their island Liamuiga, fertile land. From your first step onto the island, you’ll understand why. The newest property in the Caribbean nestles into the rolling hills of St. Kitts, overlooking volcanic Nevis Island. The Caribbean’s first Park Hyatt redefines luxury, featuring rooms with individual rooftop pools. You won’t have to leave your room to enjoy the ultimate in relaxation and worldfamous sunsets.

Sophisticated furnishings and an airy design invite the tropical landscape in. With panoramic views and open architecture, the beach becomes your living room the moment you awaken. Country nautical accents with a touch of whimsy and elegant Asian features comfort and surprise. When exploration turns to relaxation, two massive infinity pools and a luxurious spa greet you, providing an oasis of relief.

The island’s rich history and lush landscape call you to explore. Begin at Bloody Point by the Stone Fort River, where some say you can hear the ghosts of an ancient massacre in the wind. Legend says the deaths of thousands of Caribs turned the river red for three days. The symbol of supremacy known as Brimstone Hill Fortress stands as a testimony to the kind of defences needed to keep the island in the British Commonwealth and out of the hands of pirates and other plunderers.

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EAST

Miami, Florida
Like locations in Hong Kong and Beijing, East Miami strives to make living fabulous, whether on business or pleasure. Reflecting the glamour of Miami, East wows with luxury and elegant surprises like Quinto La Huella, an Uruguayan urban tropical respite away from prying eyes. An elegant yet cosy environment inside or out, adjourn to the breathtaking outdoor terraces and watch night descend on The Magic City. The utmost attention to detail brings harmony to the energy flow within the resort and balance to individual guests. East’s contemporary architecture focuses on Feng Shui, radiesthesia, crystal healing and BioGeometry, and has become a pioneer in caring for their guests’ physical and spiritual wellness. Built on the roof of Brickell City Centre, home to a 500,000 square-foot shopping centre, you’ll have plenty of places to shop until you drop.

Located close to South Beach, you’re destined to rub elbows with sun seekers, celebrities and party people. For a romantic outing, visit the fairytale residence at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and witness the ultimate in extravagance, a masterpiece one thousand people built once upon a time. Or tour the Kampong, a nine-acre private residence in Coconut Grove, with enchanting banyan trees, rolling lawns and one of the most stunning views of Biscayne Bay in the city. By night leave the city behind and admire her lights over the water on a sundown cruise aboard your private yacht. By day, sail away to a wild, uninhabited cay.

Photo credit : Heather Perry SwimVacation

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The post Wild Caribbean first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

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There’s only one meeting today, with a hammock overlooking Monte Gordo. Your biggest, and only, decision is how good you’re willing to let this get. Grab a chilled coconut and breathe in, really feel, what it’s like to live the dream. You didn’t get here, listening to the waves by the Gulf of Mexico, by staying in the lines. Recuperation is as easy as nourishing your soul in this your organic, ecological retreat.

Take the afternoon to explore Azucar, leaving your white-washed world of wide-slat wood flooring, and simply elegant furniture. Stop by the salon to clear your mind. Meander to a nearby archaeological site. Perhaps you grab a book at la biblioteca, then claim your own private piece of tranquillity from the endless deserted beaches along the shore.

Simply soak the day away with an afternoon at Xochicalli, a spa specialising in East-meets-West wellness. Become a child of nature. This is not a vacation, it’s an experience. You can’t steal time, but you can slow it down. That’s why you’re here. hotelazucar.com

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Dining at sun-set

There is a resort that perfectly blends with its surroundings. Nestled in an archipelago of over 700 islands and cays in the Bahamas, ‘Big Yard’ South Andros island is a delightful hideaway. The exclusive 12-cottage resort of Tiamo offers the most unspoilt and undiscovered stretches of the Caribbean. Accessed only by seaplane or boat, this is a place you would want to bury yourself, if it is privacy and unspoilt beaches you are seeking. There is plenty to do in the eco-friendly property and if you are raring to go experience some bone fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities, rest assured these would be a one-of-their-kind experience. Throw in guided nature tours and return mesmerised with intoxicating interactions with rare iguanas, sea birds and wild orchids that have homed in from the hundreds of tiny islets and mangrove forests that dot the west coast of South Andros. While here, do make an appointment with the resident bush specialist for any aches and pains that you may have, for armed with traditional remedies they will heal you with their magical potions.tiamoresorts.com

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The post Come, seek refuge in the Bahamas first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

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From high-end hideaways to bohemian beach bars, the magic of Ibiza runs deep. This year sees the regeneration of a clutch of iconic classics, along with a smattering of hip new openings tipped to shake up the already scorching scene.

The smartest stays

From white-clad country estates to bijou design gems and gleaming waterfront landmarks, Ibiza’s hotels are as unique as they are plentiful.

Los Enamorados
Tucked away in Portinatx’s itty-bitty harbour, this sultry, tropical hotspot – think rattan furniture, banana plants and quirky Seventies finds – is the hippest new all-day hangout. Jewel-hued rooms with canopy beds are on the small side, but neat sea-view balconies do the trick. Below, on the sprawling quayside terrace, a clued-up crowd converge for cocktails at sunset before tucking into freshly-caught squid beneath swaying bamboo lamps. Fallen in love with the décor? Not to worry, it’s all for sale in the hotel’s bazaar-style shop.
losenamoradosibiza.com, doubles from €225

La Granja
With grey-on-grey walls, distressed wooden tables and artfully placed baskets of oranges, new ‘members’ retreat’ La Granja is a master class in studied cool. Bedrooms are dimly lit and monastically simple, with stone floors, rough wooden stools and and dove-grey beds swathed in worn linens. Bamboo sun loungers line a deep blue pool and a serious, arty crowd (no kids) drift from newspapers on the terrace to group meditation to organic, home-grown lunch: La Granja translates as ‘The Farm’.
lagranjaibiza.com, doubles from €350

The top tables

A blow-out dinner in Marina Botafoch or a flower-scented supper beneath the almond trees? Ibiza has it all.

Coricancha
From the team behind Blue Marlin, Coricancha is an exotic little bird perched on the edge of the mysterious Las Salinas salt flats. Come early for the otherworldly sunsets, then dive into umami-packed Nikkei (that’s Peruvian/Japanese) dishes like Chilean seabass and jungle paste wrapped in banana leaves with white melon, Chinese zucchini and roasted coconut consommé. The super-cool Moonlight Garden is a hit with DJs from nearby nightclub, DC-10.
coricanchaibiza.com

Nagai
Set in an ancient finca with the prettiest circular courtyard, Nagai is arguably Ibiza’s best sushi restaurant. Co-owner Melchior is a gracious host and his team – many of them Japanese – are particularly knowledgeable. Try signature rolls like crispy avocado and baby corn, or order the Mexican-inspired salmon carpaccio with chilli, coriander and pomegranate sauce. There’s a serious sake menu at the groovy open-air bar, and the rural location makes it ultra-special.
nagairestaurant.com

The most beautiful beaches

From chi-chi lunch spots where yachts bob offshore to wild, windswept wave breaks, soak up the sun on Ibiza’s endless sands

Cala Jondal – a trio of must-sees
This pebbly cove (‘cala’ translates as cove, where ‘playa’ is beach), is home to a trio of must-sees. At the northern end is Tropicana, an easy-breezy hangout with palapa umbrellas, a Tiki bar and swathes of sun loungers. Show up pre-noon to bag a sun bed and sink a glass of chilled Muga rosé, before ordering the shrimp-heavy Tropicana Salad. Take an afternoon swim in the gin-clear water then relax into a profoundly restorative Thai massage with Jorge in his palm-shaded hut. At the opposite end of the beach is Yemanja, a relaxed beach restaurant that specialises in paella and the Ibiza classic lubina á la sal (salt-baked sea bass). The cava sangria is peachy perfection – grab a daybed to snooze it off or plunge straight off the rickety jetty into the sea. For the ultimate see-and–be-seen hotspot, it has to be the Blue Marlin. Ibiza’s world-famous beach club gets hotter year-on-year, with a stage, dancing girls and rows of tables laden with bottles of champagne. The scene can get wild, with top DJs playing to a hyped-up crowd of city traders, frat boys and bikini clad babes, but don’t miss the food – there are relaxed spots to dine beneath the trees and the sushi is easily some of the island’s best.
tropicanaibiza.com
yemanjaibiza.com
bluemarlinibiza.com

Las Salinas – an Ibiza icon
This endless strip of bleached white sand is Ibiza’s most legendary. Lapped by warm shallow waters, it’s a hit with families as well as those keen to soak up the bohemian beach clubs. Pole position in the centre of the beach is the Jockey Club, an Ibiza institution whose wooden deck can turn from relaxed dining terrace to hands-in-the-air dancefloor in a matter of minutes. Ask for a table in the primea linea for the best sea view and order stone-baked pizza and a mojito. Tucked away at the the southern tip of the beach is Sa Trinxa, the palapa-roofed shack that’s been making waves since the 1980s. With a wildly eclectic soundtrack and a tanned, sarong-wearing crowd, it’s got the festival vibe on lockdown, and is as close to Ibiza’s hippy roots as you’ll find.
jockeyclubibiza.com
satrinxa.com

The chicest shopping

Ibiza has a bohemian yet ultra-stylish look all its own. Hunt down the island’s backstreet boutiques, colourful markets and smartest open-air shopping streets

Explore the winding alleys of Ibiza Town’s historic port for one-off local finds. White peasant blouses from Bamba AdLib (Carrer d’Antoni Palau, 5) make great beach cover-ups, or stock up on traditional handwoven baskets on Calle de la Cruz. For floor-skimming seventies-style kaftans it’s Las Noches de Ibiza (Carrer de Guillem de Montgrí, 1), or if you fancy vintage Pucci to wear to Flower Power at Pacha, head to Vicente Ganesha (Carrer de Guillem de Montgrí, 14). Classic espadrilles are still woven on-site at s’Espardenya (Carrer Ignaci Riquier, 19). For the Isabel Marant version, slip into Mayurka (mayurkaibiza.com) on Vara de Rey, where you’ll also find Kenzo, Balenciaga and Marni. reVOLVER (revolveribiza.com) stocks cult labels like Helmut Lang and Comme des Garcons (menswear too), along with jewellery from Ibiza-born designer Zara Simon.

The wildest nights

From sophisticated sundowners to 8am finishes, Ibiza’s nightlife is the best on the planet. Check out these good-time go-tos

The smartest pre-club spots are in Ibiza Town. Start the night right with a glass of champagne at at 105 by La Cantine (105bylacantine.com), the sleek new outpost of Paris’s revered La Cantine du Faubourg, whose candy-striped, Riviera-style terrace sits snug alongside the superyachts. Follow up with a pre-dinner cocktail at Calma or Cappucino Café (grupocappuccino.com/en/marina-ibiza), both of which have DJs and quayside terraces overlooking the Old Town. Dinner runs late in Ibiza, and after supper it’s time to find the party. Pacha (pacha.com) is easily Ibiza’s most stylish nightclub and sits neatly alongside Marina Ibiza. Sunday is Pacha’s hero night, when Serbian house DJ Solomun mans the booth.

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The post Hotter than the sun first appeared on World Travel Magazine.