[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Six luxury escapes, each outrageously more remote that imaginably possible.”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]What makes an inspiring getaway so coveted amongst harried city dwellers is the promise of peace – of a haven untouched by civilisation, pesky emails and mobile phones alike. We’ve taken that concept one step further in this edition: six luxurious escapes so remote, you can only reach them by plane. 

Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Don’t be daunted by the name: intrepid travellers who travel to this somewhat mythical part of the Namibian coast always return with tales to share. The area is sometimes known as the end of the world, and for good reason. It is largely desolate and barren, but where civilisation is missing, unique wildlife flourishes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Sleep in the vast open desert at Shipwreck Lodge

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Exotic animals abound here

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]A pilot drops you as close as possible to the area’s only lodge, but from there, it’s an hour-long drive where the only other souls for miles are desert elephants, giraffes, and a list of over a thousand fauna and flora.

The quirky Shipwreck Lodge is a boutique desert camp replete with whimsical touches that reference the area’s storied past: its creators wanted to leave the impression that the lodge was built by castaways using items salvaged from a shipwreck.

The ten free-standing cabins are spaced far apart enough from each other to build on the sense of isolation without ever feeling truly lonely. Rooms are supremely cosy and come with spacious decks that offer uninterrupted views of the sand, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. While the uninhabited desert with its rolling, endless sand may seem daunting to some, it is a hauntingly picturesque sight to behold. shipwrecklodge.com.na

Taketomi Island, Japan

Step back in time to another world in Japan’s lesser-known Yaeyama Islands. Set on the westernmost edge of Okinawa, the archipelago is home to some of Japan’s most remote islands. Taketomi Island is the most striking of the lot, offering visitors a well-preserved escape from the city that’s steeped in local culture, tradition and their love for the green sea.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Step back in time at Taketomi Island

[/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 only airport in the archipelago is located on Ishigaki Island, where private charters can land. Thereafter, a ferry will whisk guests away to Taketomi Island proper.

Taketomi Island is known for its carefully maintained traditional Ryukyu village, and the Hoshinoya goes to great lengths to harmonise the resort with its surroundings. Tucked away in a lush forest, villas are designed in the traditional style of the houses on Taketomi Island, albeit with luxuriously understated interiors. Expect to see tatami floors and traditional chabudai dining tables in your room.

For those looking to disconnect from any sort of electronics, you’ll be glad to know that the Hoshinoya’s well-appointed cabins come without televisions, ensuring minimal distractions throughout your stay.

Try your hand at creating your own special blend of tea in the warm, woodsy lounge while a musician strums at a sanshin – a traditional Okinawan instrument – who will gladly regale you with tales of the stories and meanings behind each song.

Local cuisine also takes centre stage at the restaurant, which overlooks a luscious, well-manicured garden. You’ll be served a delectable assortment of Okinawan delights, including usanmi – a type of multilayered casserole – Japanese rice porridge, and yushi tofu, known for its rich flavours and pillowy softness.

The beach is a short walk away from the main resort, and guests are often pleasantly surprised at how serene and quiet the island is. hoshinoya.com/taketomijima

Lizard Island, Australia

On Australia’s northern resort island, Lizard Island, you’ll not only get to visit the Great Barrier Reef – you’ll be staying right on top of it. Fringed with a kaleidoscope of colourful reefs shimmering water and teeming wildlife, Lizard Island is any nature lover’s dream.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Dive with the fishes on Lizard Island

[/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, so named for the unique species of yellow lizard, is best accessible by private charter from Cairns Airport in Queensland. From there, it’s a scenic hour’s flight that will take you over the astounding Great Barrier Reef – you’ll get your first glimpse of the staggering reef from the air, but nothing quite compares to seeing it up close. Its not an exaggeration to say that the Reef is literally on your doorstep on Lizard Island – each of the 40 elegantly designed rooms, suites and villas at the resort are set along the sweeping Anchor Bay, with easy access to the main lodge and any one of the 24 powdery white beaches.

The view from underwater is far more stunning than the gorgeous vistas from land. Some of the world’s most famous dive sites, including the Cod Hole, are located just a short boat ride from Lizard Island’s shores.

On land, Lizard Island boasts over 1,000 hectares of protected National Park space to explore. Take part in any one of the numerous daily guided tours of the surrounding area: from the inner and outer reefs, the Research Station located on the island, or even to the peak of Cook’s Look, there’s no shortage of scenic spots to soak in the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef at your leisure. You can even embark on your own expedition to chart out all of the island’s colourful creatures. Try to spot one of the island’s iconic reptiles, or any one of the whopping 40 unique bird species that make Lizard Island their home. lizardisland.com.au

Islas Secas, Panama

Panama has its canal, its light-coloured Montecristi Panama hat, sugarcane distilled SecoHerrerano, vibrant nightlife and colourful beaches. To the west, on the Pacific side, the country also has the secluded haven of Islas Secas, a 16-island archipelago that welcomes just 14 guests at any given time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Islas Secas is a haven for fishermen around the world

[/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 lodge offers direct private air charter service from Panama City, whisking guests off to the island in a quick 90-minute flight along Panama’s stunning Pacific Coast before coming to land on Islas Secas’ private runway – or, if you so wish, on water.

Islas Secas is a fisherman’s paradise. Almost every species in the Pacific can be caught here all year-round – including black marlin, sailfish, wahoos, and even hulking yellowfin tunas. The nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf of Chiriqui is thus well known amongst anglers worldwide, and with top-notch equipment provided by the resort – including Shimano rods and reels and 34 feet SeaVee boats – guests are guaranteed a sizeable haul every time.

After an exciting day at sea, guests can return to the sanctuary of one of several intimate Casitas, each complete with its own plunge pool and thatched-roof cabana where they can relax and enjoy unparalleled views of the Pacific. Louvred slats, sliding panels and earthen tones blend for a soothing stay, unperturbed by the fussiness of civilisation. islassecas.com

Banwa Private Island, Philippines

If you truly want to escape with Robinson Crusoe firmly in mind with no compromise on all the bells and whistles of 5-star living, there’s always the option of outright chartering your own private island. The newly opened Banwa Private Island is located in the Palawan region of the Philippines, a sprawling archipelago of over a thousand islands – no island’s more remote, or more pristine, than Banwa.

A word of advice: you won’t be able to find Banwa on the map just yet. Given how remote the island is, getting to Banwa is surprisingly efficient. All it takes is a two-hour seaplane ride from Manila before you’re transported to your own personal haven.

Six magnificent beach-front villas – each with their own infinity pool and Jacuzzi deck on the water’s edge – offer both privacy and panoramic views.

A luscious wellness centre and restaurant that prides itself on its freshly grown and caught ingredients ensure that Banwa is a self-sufficient island. There are also a slew of activities to take part in – from Hobie cat sailing, diving, and even paddleboard yoga, there’s no shortage of things to do on Banwa, despite its remote location in the Philippines.

There will be nothing and no-one to nudge you from your tranquil cocoon here – no hum of planes, buzz of phones, or chatter from other guests – just the pleasing sound of the waves on the shore, the rustle of the leaves, and the sound of your quiet thoughts. banwaprivateisland.com

Nosy Ankao, Madagascar

Once a haven for transient fishermen, then later a hideout for pirates looking to evade the law, Nosy Ankao’s lush forests and powdery sands belie a storied history. The island – just off the coast of Madagascar, is today a protected archipelago thriving with ecological wonders.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

A gorgeous view of the sea

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Nosy Ankao is also home to the Time + Tide Miavana, a luxurious eco-resort that combines the best of an exciting safari expedition with the peace and tranquillity you’d find on a beach getaway. Though Madagascar may be tricky to get into, a private charter plane from the nearby Diego Suarez Airport will see you to the island in just several hours.

Lemur treks are one of the unique activities on offer all year-round at the Time + Tide Miavana. The playful critters will leap and bound overhead in the dense jungle foliage: see if you can spot the endangered Golden Crowned Sifaka, recognisable by its light coat and distinctive golden head markings.

The pristine reefs that ring the island make for superb snorkelling expeditions – but if you’d prefer to stay dry, you can always charter a day trip to watch whales and dolphins frolic in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean.

Whether you choose to spend your days traipsing about the lush forest or swimming with schools of fish, a trip to Nosy Ankao isn’t complete without witnessing the stellar sunset over the Madagascar islands. All 14 villas open directly onto the beach, presenting a beautiful, picture-perfect setting to finish off your day. timeandtideafrica.com/miavana ◼[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1560975825531-2dd2ff60-68af-3″ include=”16442″][vc_column_text]

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The post Inspiring Getaways Found At The Ends Of The World first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

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Here’s your inside track on the top 10 destinations to watch in 2019. As travellers yearn for unique adventures and experiences, new regions and lesser known pieces of paradise are gaining traction. These previously overlooked countries will top everyone’s ‘hot lists’ for savvy travellers. In addition to making exquisite shots for your Instagram feeds, there are plenty of other reasons to visit paradise. Curious? Welcome to our ten Destinations to Watch for 2019.

Mongolia

Mongolia isn’t a country that crosses most people’s minds when they think of travelling, but it should be. At least for those who enjoy something a whole lot different, like venturing to a luxurious yurt campsite, meeting nomadic people, partaking in unusual cultural festivals, or hitting the rails on the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway.
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Sunset over Mongolian valley by Christian Kornacker

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Yurts truly are worth a visit and usually come with a sauna and beds covered with handmade yak blankets. Horseback riding trips and sunrise hikes complete the package. Perfect for riding off into the sunset.
Travellers can also explore the Gobi Desert, where they will uncover dinosaur remains petrified in Bayanzag (beautiful, flaming red cliffs). In fact, it’s where the first complete dinosaur egg was found! For those who think the desert is too hot and dry to appeal, there are plenty of alternatives to explore with areas covered with woods, lakes, steppe and the incredible Altai Mountains with its Five Holy Peaks.
When travelling around the country, or taking any long hikes in the wilderness, visitors are bound to come across the nomadic people who still live in Mongolia. As digital nomads take over the cafes of the world, these original nomads offer an entirely different take on life, far from wifi signals and laptops.
For those seeking solitude, Mongolia provides the perfect place to get away from it all as the total population of about 3 million makes this one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.
For the spiritually inclined, Mongolia offers a large number of Buddhist temples which open their doors to travellers. There is the possibility to walk on the shards of history, quite literally, when paying a visit to the Erdene Zuu Monastery. Not only is it the most famous Buddhist monastery in the country, it’s built on top of the ruins of the former headquarters of Genghis Khan.
Feeling more festive than spiritual? The Naadam Festival, which takes place in July every year in Ulaanbaatar, shows off the heritage of sport in Mongolia. Three sports are celebrated: Mongolian wrestling, archery and horse racing. The festival also offers plenty of food, drink and cultural events––the perfect crash course in Mongolian culture.
For those who wish to arrive in style, taking the Trans-Siberian Railway to Mongolia is an option. It’s possible to board in Moscow, or Beijing, and enjoy the stunning varied scenery on the rails all the way to Mongolia.
Mongolia is known as the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky because it has about 250 sunny days per year on average. But visitors shouldn’t be fooled — in winter the temperature drops to below -30 °C (-22 °F) at times. The capital, Ulaanbaatar, is actually the coldest capital in the world, with an average temperature of −1.3 °C (29.7 °F). This is why it’s recommended to visit Mongolia between June-August when the weather’s warm and dry.

OMAN

For travellers seeking a warmer place for adventure, Oman needs to be on the radar. We leave the perceived problems of the Middle East to the talking heads on the telly and put Oman as a hot spot to watch this new year. Far removed from the high rises of neighbouring United Arab Emirates, Oman offers towns with traditional charm. Having been a trading post for many centuries, the people take pride in their heritage and Bedouin roots.
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Evening cityscape of Muscat by Frantisek Staud

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Fashion, jewellery and design lovers will swoon during a visit to the souks in Oman. Handmade items ranging from kitchenware to leather bags are on display in hundreds of small stands. The multitude of colours and designs make visitors feel like they’ve entered Aladdin’s cave. The Muttrah Souq in the capital of Muscat is particularly well-known and filled to the brink with wares.
Starting in Muscat’s National Museum (for archaeological finds that detail the history of Oman), the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and the Royal Opera House gives one a sense of the architectural and cultural prowess of this nation.
Travellers to Oman will notice various scents floating about in the air like coffee mixed with cardamom, (and locals invariably invite visitors into their homes to try some) and frankincense. Made with the resin from the Boswellia tree, frankincense has been produced in Oman since antiquity and been sent as a gift to plenty a king and queen.
For nature lovers, a desert adventure in the Empty Quarter Desert, or Sharqiya Sands, is in order. Here there’s an opportunity to ride camels, go 4x4ing, or camp underneath starry skies.
In the mountains (and there are plenty in Oman, the most famous possibly being the Dhofar Mountains) rock climbing, hiking up wadis, exploring caves and fossil hunting are all activities to wow any itinerary. Oman is famous for its many fossils and travellers are literally likely to stumble upon them in the Empty Quarter, as well as in many of the mountains.
One of the most popular, albeit hot, time to visit Oman is during July to September for turtle hatching season. The trill of witnessing five different kinds of baby sea turtles hatch along the beaches takes your trip from wonderful to unforgettable. While at the beach, there’s also the option to indulge in scuba diving, an activity easy to come by given the rich waters of the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and the Gulf of Oman.
Animal lovers would do well to note the abundance of wildlife in Salalah, including various birds, oryx and gazelles and in Dhofar one can even find Arabian leopards. The rainy season from June to September turns Salalah, the desert city, into a green oasis. The Salalah Khareef Festival celebrates this with performances and various stalls selling traditional foods and handicrafts. The festival runs from around mid-July to the end of August.
Oman has a warm climate and it’s therefore best to avoid visiting during the height of summer from June until August, with the exception of Salalah.

BHUTAN

Bhutan, or the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is a gorgeous country to explore thanks to the Bhutanese working hard on the preservation of their natural and cultural traditions, while also pressing forth with sustainable socio-economic development. This means that a visit feels like stepping back in time, even as you’re offered every modern convenience that a luxury travellers expect. It is for this reason that Bhutan is one of the hottest destinations for 2019.
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Punakha Dzong in Bhutan by PitiDurongkadech

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Many visitors are drawn to Bhutan simply because of the legendary scenery — mountains and rivers crisscross each other, creating a beautiful and diverse landscape. Spread throughout this beautiful country, visitors will also discover Bhutanese monasteries; many which are a sight to behold.
The Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Goemba) is one standout, located on a vertical cliff along the mountainside. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a flaming tigress in 1692, during its construction.
The landscape isn’t just peppered with beautiful Buddhist temples, but also dzongs – traditional forts. The Tshechu Festival takes place in these forts and monasteries. You will find the annual religious festival filled with mask dances, dance, dramas, and other cultural happenings.
For the culturally inclined, it’s worth noting their national sport of archery and the13 arts and crafts, known as the Zorig Chusum, that the Bhutanese have mastered. These include woodwork, stonework, carving, painting, sculpting, wood turning, black smithing, ornament making, bamboo work, paper making, tailoring and weaving. You will enjoy bringing these exceptional souvenirs home. The National Institute of Zorig Chusum in Thimphu is an interesting cultural visit. The Bhutanese artists do not sign artwork — art is supposed to speak for itself, much like the value, or belief the artwork represents.
The Bhutanese take great pride in their approach to clean air and organic farming thanks to a slightly different way of measuring prosperity — the Gross National Happiness Index which doesn’t conflict with the Gross Domestic Product Index. Bhutan focuses on physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing, just as much as economic wellbeing.
Such is the respect and belief Bhutan places on its relationship with nature. While hiking through the beautiful landscape is encouraged, it’s forbidden to climb to the very top of some of the high mountains, such as Mount Jhomolhari and Jitchu Drake. It is believed that spirits call the mountaintops their heavenly abode and should remain undisturbed.
That said, mountaineering in Bhutan is a wonderful experience where visitors will be greeted by pristine landscapes, swift rivers and beautiful lakes. In spring the blossoming rhododendrons are a sight for sore eyes too.
Bhutan has five, not four, seasons: summer, monsoon, autumn, winter and spring. March to May and September to November are the preferred months to visit as the weather is relatively temperate. The rhododendron bloom from March to April. December to February is the perfect time to enjoy the Himalayan cold.

COLOMBIA

There was a time when a mention of an upcoming trip to Colombia would be met with a terrified stare — as if you wanted to purposefully put yourself in harm’s way. Today, this destination to watch for 2019 attracts adventurous travellers from all over the world. There’s a good reason for this — from treasure hunting, to trekking through the rainforest, Colombia offers a lot of exceptional experiences.
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Panoramic view from Rock of Guatape in Medellin by Gokhan Bozkaya

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One of the main draws to Colombia is the coffee. Freshly ground doesn’t get fresher than when you bike around the coffee country and stop to drink a cup at all the different coffee farms in pedalling distance.
For nature lovers, there are many adventurous opportunities — rock climbing and hiking being two of the most popular ways of taking in the scenery. Popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts include the rocky terrain near Suesca, Valle de Cocora and El Cocuy National Park. And given Colombia has more birdlife than any other country, birdwatchers are in for a treat.
For a real adventure in nature, however, many choose to trek to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) in Santa Marta — a city dating back to the 9th century. This trek goes through the rainforest and takes three to seven days.
There’s more than nature to Colombia — the walled city centre of Cartagena, with its Spanish Colonial architecture and impressive fortress, and the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas draws anyone who enjoys history and culture. The city wall is also an excellent place for lovers to sit and watch the sunset, while the plazas tend to draw flash mobs.
Colombia indeed is a country that draws adrenaline junkies with its many wrecks and coral reefs to dive along the coastline. Here anyone who ever fancied themselves a treasure hunter can make their dreams come true. Meeting a humpback whale can also be added to the itinerary if visiting between July-September.
Malpelo Islands offer one of the world’s largest shark populations––definitively not for the faint of heart. Of course, the pristine blue waters and long beaches lend themselves to relaxing in the sun too. There’s nothing saying travellers can’t go to Colombia just to stretch out in the sun and bring home a great tan.
Botogá, which is the capital of Colombia, is nestled high up in the Andes Mountains. Here visitors will find everything from old-fashioned, open-air markets to trendy neighbourhoods.
Medellin used to be famous for its drug wars, but in 2013 it became famous for being the world’s most innovative city. Entrepreneurs have celebrated its newfound peace in style and visitors will be welcomed with open arms to thriving businesses. For the party seeker, check the Barranquilla Carnival off your bucket list which takes place during Lent, 40 days before Holy Week.
The best time to visit Colombia is from December to February, when the climate is warm and dry. The rainy season in the Andes kicks in during low season from October-November.

JORDAN

Dubbed an open-air museum, due to the many historical sites able to be explored out in the open, Jordan is one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East––two key reasons why this country graces our list for 2019. Amman, the capital, is one of the world’s oldest cities — it’s been inhabited for ca. 7,000 years. The son of Cleopatra once rebuilt the entire city, before it was handed over to the Romans. This is why, today, visitors find an incredible Roman amphitheatre here, which still hosts events. There is also an art district and an old town worth visiting. The elevated Rainbow Street in the Jabal-Amman district offers stunning views of the old town when you need a break from touring.
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Antique Theatre In ancient Roman city of Jerash by Popova Tetiana

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One of the new seven wonders of the world is located in Jordan — the rose-red coloured city of Petra. Here one can view ancient palaces cut into the red rocks. Mars can be a bit tricky to get to, but for those who have always fancied going consider an alternative––the desert landscape of Wadi Rum, a film location for the movie Lawrence of Arabia. Here tourists can camp under the stars with the Bedouins and watch storied unearthly sunsets so incredible they will have you “Dream your dreams with open eyes and make them come true” (T.E. Lawrence, aka Lawrence of Arabia).
While in the desert, a trip to the Dead Sea is in order. Due to the high salt content in the Dead Sea, it’s entirely possible to simply float around. Visitors who enjoy the outdoors can, in addition to desert adventures, trek through the Dana Biosphere Reserve, with its intriguing stone formations, mountains, and valleys, the reserve is also one of the best places in the world to stargaze.
Jordan is famous for and proud that Christians and Muslims live peacefully and work together side-by-side. For Christians, Mount Nebo where Moses is believed to have seen The Promised Land, is a huge attraction. Close by you will find the town of Madaba, famous for its mosaic artworks.
For snorkel enthusiasts, the Red Sea offers brilliant opportunities for underwater adventures. There’s an iconic tank to be explored underwater near Aqaba, as well as several coral reefs.
March to May are the best months to visit Jordan, due to the mild climate. Come June, Jordan gets very hot, which lasts until August, though it can still be sweltering in September. While not as popular as March-May, October to November are still good months to visit, while December till February can get very cold.

NAMIBIA

Beautiful coastline and incredible game parks, coupled with a great climate make Namibia a beautiful slice of paradise and a major destination to explore in 2019.
The Namibian coastline isn’t just beautiful with fancy little adventure travel towns like Swakopmund. The northern part of the coastline is known as Skeleton Coast, where you can view decaying shipwrecks. The Skeleton Coast has also been called The Land God Made in Anger and The Gates of Hell. Mainly due to the heavy fog leading into ships to peril and the impossibility of sailing through the shoaled sea.
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Cityscape of Luderitz at sunset by Oleg Znamenskiy

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The Namib Desert is the world’s oldest living desert, a whopping 80 million years old! The most famous of the sand dunes in the desert, Dune 45’s odd shape appears like a wave in a sandy sea. Visitors will also find the world’s highest rust-red sand dunes in Sossusvlei.
In Dead Vlei tourists are met by petrified camel thorn trees, which are a sight to behold. Their silhouettes at sunset are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These beauties are not far away from Twyfelfontein’s ancient rock art. In fact, Twylfontein offers one of the largest collections of rock petroglyphs in Africa.
For those who fancy something a little bit spooky, there’s Kolmanskop, a ghost town in southern Namibia and one-time diamond mining town. The Quiver Tree Forest is another must-see in Namibia where trees look a little bit like they’ve been turned upside down, with their roots sticking upwards toward the heavens. Their silhouettes are reminiscent of the beauty of Joshua Trees in Southern California.
One of the most incredible game reserves in Africa, Etosha National Park offers a great chance of seeing wildlife up close. While The Namib Rand Nature Reserve is one of the world’s top stargazing locations and a great way for nature lovers to enjoy Namibia, with little light pollution and an interesting position in relation to the night sky, it’s the perfect place to bring a telescope. For more natural fun, hike Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa.
If nature isn’t your thing, then enjoy some of the most unique, varied people-watching in the world. While travellers will find plenty of modern and glamorous people in the Namibian cities, in the wilderness there’s the possibility of encountering The Himba Tribes, where the women clean their bodies with incense, not water; and the San Bushmen, the world’s most ancient race of people with a childlike innocence and love of nature. In the town of Herero, visitors will be greeted by polygamist Christians wearing interesting garb where the women wear Victorian dresses and the men wear uniforms.
April to October is the best time to visit — particularly for hikers who don’t want to overheat in the sun. December-March the climate often turns humid, with thunderstorms in the afternoons.

MEXICO

Frida Kahlo’s colourful paintings, together with hot red chillies, big portions of nachos, tequila, and Day of the Dead artworks with colourful skulls, are a few of the things that usually come to mind when dreaming of Mexico. But, there’s a lot more to Mexico for the curious traveller, including 33 World Heritage Sites. It is this mix of traditional, colourful and eclectic that brings Mexico as a definitive destination to watch in 2019.
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Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe by WitR

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The Sea of Cortez, off the coast of famous Baja California, has been nicknamed the world’s aquarium and for a good reason — there are over 900 species of fish here. Scuba divers rejoice. Playa del Amor — the beach of love — can only be reached by an underwater tunnel. How’s that for exploring something new?
For the history buff, a trip to Mexico means exploring Mayan ruins. And travellers will have a hard time choosing. There are so many it will take weeks, if not months, to explore them all––Chichen Itza, near the Ik Kil sinkhole which is open for swimming; Tulum, Palenque, and Uxmal are just a few well-known hot spots.
And for travellers who go places just for the sake of a great name the lighthouse Sueño Posible, the possible dream, can also be found in Mexico in a quaint coastal town, well worth a visit.
The city of Xalapa, home to the jalapeño pepper, is surrounded by coffee estates and nicknamed The City of Flowers because of the multitude of flowers that thrive here. Visiting in spring means plenty of Instagram opportunities, or merely an opportunity to sit back, relax and breathe in the scent of flowers in bloom. The Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve can also be found in Mexico, together with millions of monarch butterflies who spend their winters there. To meet a million butterflies is an experience that is as unique as it gets.
If one prefers to meet Hollywood stars that’s also quite possible in Cabo San Lucas (or just Cabo), where the rich and famous tend to come for relaxation. The fanciest hotels here have the privilege of private beaches. For those seeking a big city break, Mexico City is the port of call (including an island filled with discarded dolls that were initially placed there to ward off evil spirits, but look more like something out of a horror movie), while Guadalajara is the trendy upstart.
Mexico is a big country, so the best time to visit depends on the region, but as a general rule December to May are the best months to visit as there’s very little rain and the temperature isn’t too hot.

NORTHERN ITALY

Italy seems to have a default entry in any travel bucket list, but Northern Italy has a vibe of its own with world-class cuisine, and artwork dating back to The Renaissance, born here. Discovering the balcony where Romeo is said to have spoken to Juliet is one of many reasons that make this a destination to watch in 2019.
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Small rural house on snowy winter hill among vineyards in Piedmont by Rostislav Glinsky

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Visiting Tuscany calls for a cooking class. Here visitors refine their skills by making their own pasta, tomato soup, biscotti and pizza the way it was meant to be, while sipping a glass of Italian wine. For culinary lovers, a visit to Piedmont is also in order — this is the home of truffles, the Barolo vineyards, the Barolo Castle with the Wine Museum and the slow-food movement. It’s easy to understand why the slow-food movement was born in a place where people genuinely enjoy cooking and proudly use fresh ingredients, whether from their own backyard or their neighbour’s.
Cinque Terre is one of the world’s most picturesque locations — compromising of five villages nestled along the coastline. Unlike Venice, cars are banned, or simply not able to drive in the hilly terrain, so visitors can arrive by boat, foot, or train. For travellers seeking old world charm, this is a must-see destination.
Northern Italy is also a unique location due to its many lakes, notably Lake Como, but also Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. Hidden away in the Alps, these lakes are surrounded by natural beauty. On Lake Maggiore you find the Borromean Islands, on which a palace was built in the 1600s and still stand intact today — complete with peacocks and botanical gardens. Sailing on the lakes is a popular pastime and the perfect way to experience La dolce vita.
For romantics, a visit to Verona, the famed city of Romeo and Juliet, as well as a gondola trip in Venice needs to be on the itinerary. The trend of art and romance stretches to Milan — especially for the fashion lover. The Da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology is an intriguing place to discover for the artists in the family.
The best time of the year to visit northern Italy is usually considered to be April-June and September-October, due to the mild climate. However the summer months of July-August and winter does make for hot summer vacations and cosy winter getaways.

INDONESIA

Indonesia is made up of islands (with plenty of active volcanoes) set against the backdrop of turquoise oceans. It’s the kind of paradise everyone should visit a few times in their lifetime. With a long list of underrated natural attractions, there are many excellent reasons why Indonesia is a destination to watch in 2019.
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Tourist boats at the coast of Kelor Island by Prawat Thananithaporn

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For those seeking to go back in time and meet the dinosaurs, the Komodo dragons are a good place to start. Only inhabiting the islands of Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Gili Motang and Padar in Indonesia, these large gentle beasts weigh in about 80 kilos and best viewed from far away.
Sumatra coffee is well-known and its possible for visitors to indulge in a cup in Sumatra, while visiting the orangutans and elephants in Bukit Lawang. The elephants are trained to protect the park from poachers and go on patrol. Visitors looking for adventure can also visit the volcanoes of Berastagi, have a swim with the sharks in Pulau Weh and visit the tigers in Kerinci Seblat.
The Coral Triangle, the general region between Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Papua New Guinea, offers 2,000 species of fish and underwater beauty. 20% of the world’s coral reefs are found in Indonesia making it the definitive destination for scuba divers. Ever heard of Rajah Ampat? Well you have now and you need to make space for this marine marvel in your calendar.
Enjoying Kopi Luwak (coffee from beans that were passed through the Asian palm civet) in Java is a given when exploring Indonesia. It’s on this mega island that visitors will find the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur (home to no less than 500 Buddha statues), and the city of Bandung. In stark contrast to the city is the lake of Kawah Putih and the dramatic stunning views from the still active steaming volcano Tangkuban Perahu, meaning Overturned Boat, found in Bandung’s hilltops. Tangkuban Perahu has erupted at least 30 times in the previous 40,750 years. While Lake Kawah Putih’s tranquillity of pale turquoise water surrounded by white beaches, makes for a surreal sight in this tropical country.
The island of Bali has become a surfer and new age paradise, with as many yoga retreats as there are enlightened gurus to welcome visitors who have had enough of the 9-5 and are looking to unwind in paradise. The natural beauty of the island doesn’t exactly get in the way of the quest of enlightenment either. Rain or shine, there is magic in the air in Bali. Indonesia is an all year-all weather destination and ideal for short breaks to month long retreats.

SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka seems to be an on-again and off-again destination – primarily driven by politics. The vibrations of recent chaos would put off any serious traveller however the robust and constant call to visit tends to outweigh the negative. Sri Lanka offers a paradise that surfers talk about as the Bali of thirty years ago, while tea lovers oh and ah about the Ceylon tea and beach bummers, well, bum on the tropical beaches. Politicians and politics aside, Sri Lanka finds a firm spot in our destinations to watch in 2019.
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Bird’s eye view in Mirissa Beach by Vithurshan Sharma

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Colombo, the capital, is where the journey would begin and it is where keen shoppers will find a plethora of different clothing outlets, as well as tea, spices and gemstones. Worth noting, train travel from Colombo to Jaffna has been re-established on a route scenic enough for anyone to swoon.
For the tea lover, Sri Lanka is paradise, because of its many tea plantations in Hill Country. Ceylon tea cannot be fresher than when drunk in Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon.
Sri Lanka offers a cave monastery, the Golden Temple of Dambulla, which has been a pilgrimage site for over 2,000 years. Another famous pilgrimage site is the Sacred City of Kandy, nestled in the mountains. The old city of Galle comes with a dollop of picturesque colonial charm, and some wild nightlife.
Speaking of wild, the Uda Walawe and Yala West National Parks should also be on the itinerary for nature lovers because of the many opportunities to spot animals like leopards and elephants. Volunteers will enjoy working alongside curators in elephant sanctuaries on the island. When it’s time to leave land for the sea you will enjoy cruising the azure waters on the coast to discover blue whales, the largest animals to have ever lived on earth, as well as spinner dolphins, and many other sea creatures. The Sri Lankan Riviera will very soon gain ground for its golden beaches and lush, green tropical backdrop.
As there are two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka, planning a trip tends to get tricky. Overall the high season is December-March and these months are particularly suitable for the western and southern coasts as well as the Hill Country. During May-August the monsoon season hits those areas. However, for the eastern and northern part of the country, April-September is preferable, as the Maha monsoon season runs in those parts of the country from October-January. ◼
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© This article was first published in Dec-Jan 2019 edition of World Travel Magazine.
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The post Destinations To Watch In 2019 first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

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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)
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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=”At Fort Bazaar on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, an earthy interpretation of luxury takes one back in time.”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]

Does nostalgia end up having far too easy a way with me? I suppose there’s a ring of truth to this. I’ve been compelled by the textures of the past, from ever since I can remember. My bureau of travels and writings lies tinged with the fabric and the fragrances of times gone by, my navigational compass automatically attuned towards horizons and desires drenched in vintage. Perhaps it’s a sense of longing that lies at the heart of this, the need to hold on to things and places and people often already gone.

But in the courtyard of Fort Bazaar – the Teardrop Hospitality Group’s white-accented star, I’m finding an undeniable affirmation to my love affair with wistfulness. This tango with the past has landed me, yet again, smack dab in the heart of something special. I’m in the coastal gem of Galle for an encounter with relaxation and resonance. Fortune and good judgement having played their parts, Fort Bazaar is my home for the next three nights. This is the sort of address with which I’m preconditioned to forming an immediate connection.

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First built by the Portuguese in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch in the late 17th-Century, Sri Lanka’s best-preserved colonial township is now purveyor of all things hip and boutique on the island

I feel a palpable buzz to my new home. It revels in the white and lime green timbre of its colour palette; it comes to life in the lilting cadence of a courtyard dappled with divans, lamps that flicker with nonchalance come nightfall, a sprinkling of red tables and chairs, and an air of serenity that compels writers to reach for their pens; and it sparkles in the communal vibe of its mainstay – the Church Street Social Restaurant & Bar – which, being accessible from the main road, is everyone’s entry point to the property. There is a quiet grace to everything I’m coming across. This is an interpretation of luxury that believes in holding back, rather than showing off.

Location-wise, this couldn’t have worked out better. Galle is a town filled with customary hustle and bustle, but the Galle Fort – also known as the Rampart of Galle – is a treasure-trove of bohemian charm that cradles the town on its southern tip. First built by the Portuguese in 1588 and fortified by the Dutch in the late 17th-Century, Sri Lanka’s best-preserved colonial township is now purveyor of all things hip and boutique on the island. There are bars that play a bit of jazz, there are family-run Sri Lankan restaurants that serve spice and heritage with every spoonful, there are homegrown fashion labels that pour on the ethnic swagger, there are bistros that hint at the area’s long-ago heritage, and there are poster shops that offer up the perfect island memento or an homage to a nearby homeland in the form of vintage Bollywood posters.

Given my hotel’s location on Church Street, all these lie within walking distance; most of them, in fact, are an aimless amble away. I pick up a poster dappled in moonlight and the area’s defining lighthouse at Stick No Bills; I head for a vodka martini to the Amangalla; I pick up some shirts and fabric from Odel; Exotic Roots welcomes me with its Pandora’s Box of trinkets and art; Fortaleza bids me farewell after feeding me with seafood brought in that morning from the tides; The Kitchen serves up pasta in an alfresco setting kissed by ocean breeze; while my fondness for quirk and a touch of whimsy are sated at the Three By TPV boutique (on the deliciously named Leyn Baan Street). Around every corner, I feel I’m walking into a confluence of old Goa meets unapologetically unanchored Riviera… ripe with the intoxication of Bohemia, blessed by the indulgences of a maritime vibe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Galle’s outlying beaches are their best at dawn

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Amidst conversations and laughter, amidst deep discussions and light-hearted flirtation, I duck in and out of a bouquet of pleasures. Each night ends with much drunken revelry and friendships forged. Sunsets are cherished at the Galle Lighthouse, which casts a faraway eye on the ocean beyond; fresh coconut water is partaken of on early mornings from a parade of shacks lining one of the Fort’s ramparts. Sri Lanka was once known as Serendib; as serendipity would have it, I run into friends of friends who colour this experience with their accounts of Sri Lanka. My connection with the address grows a notch deeper.

From among its 18 rooms, my Bazaar Bedroom delivers uninterrupted views of a courtyard I’m much in love with – its trees, divans of cane and white wood, curios plucked from Sri Lanka’s wealth of homegrown artistry, and candlelight that frolics in the night breeze are the stuff of poetry and memoirs. Fitzgerald would’ve loved the place, I note to myself. My room’s lime green countenance houses a queen-size bed of old wood, a bathroom with a sun-light that floods its granite form with brightness, and even a retro telephone, all of which compel you to accept the past without much protest.

I’m made privy to the property’s other rooms as well: the Banyan Bedroom with its private verandah; the Upper Suite that looks out over the Fort from a private balcony; and finally, an Upper Family Suite with its additional bedroom. Fort Bazaar’s devotion to hospitality doesn’t falter at any stage; all rooms come inclusive of breakfast, mini bar soft drinks, afternoon tea, and evening mocktails.

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Healthy, seasonal produce forms the bistro’s main philosophy

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]In this boutique townhouse hotel, I find my senses and my literary proclivities being nourished with a restrained sense of grace. I head to the upper level library whenever the mood, or a phrase, takes me, and find myself consumed by its lush green setting; the Z Spa enhances my sense of languor to perfection by pampering me with a bouquet of luxurious treatments and therapies, including a collection of signature massages, each administered via homegrown red, green, pink, and black tea-blended Ophir products.

Teardrop’s hospitality legacy in Sri Lanka extends wider to some of the most compelling small boutique hotels on the island. It’s this schooling in the art of the small hotel that delivers courtesy, warmth, and respect each time I interact with Fort Bazaar’s staff.

Galle is a town filled with customary hustle and bustle, but the Galle Fort – also known as the Rampart of Galle – is a treasure-trove of bohemian charm, as witnessed at the Odel flagship

The only time the service ethic slips is at the Church Street Social Restaurant & Bar (the latter currently sans alcohol, serving more as a café). My companions and I have placed our lunch orders 35 minutes ago, and there’s no sign of a single plate or piece of cutlery, leave alone the food. “This is how things are right now in Sri Lankan hospitality,” a local friend tells me. “Good waiting staff keeps getting poached on rote.” When the food does arrive, most of it is worthy of the wait – including a Chicken Caesar where the poultry has been replaced by the dark sizzle of crisply grilled prawns.

Rustic family-style sharing platters of charcuterie and cheese, lagoon crab salad, and the mélange of Sri Lankan and Asian fusion cuisine have managed to rescue the hotel’s flagship restaurant from its island-like slumber

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Island life idles by from one of Galle Fort’s many cafes

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Galle, and this address, continues to leave its mark on me. I soak up atmosphere within the Fort’s centuries old walls; I savour the minutiae of Sri Lankan hospitality; scones and high tea at the verandah hit just the spot at 4, as the world idles by. It’s at the verandah café that I sit as I write this to you. The thoroughfare in front of me is eliciting notes of sepia from the air. Light and life stream though the open arches. An old jazz record plays away. Once home to a merchant who dealt in spices and tea, Fort Bazaar has ended up adding an indelible fragrance to my journeys. Nostalgia, wouldn’t you know it, remains the headiest of affairs. ◼

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© This article was first published in Aug-Sept 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

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The post A Teardrop From Serendib 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]

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

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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

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The post Northern Lights and Alaskan nights 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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The post Welcome To Neverland, An Off-The-Grid Luxury Escape first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

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A journey up Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady River from Mandalay to the far northern trading town of Bhamo, near the Chinese border.

It’s early morning when we dock at the riverside trading town of Bhamo in the northernmost part of Myanmar. Just 65 kilometres from China, it’s a bustling border town of potholed streets jammed with cars, buses, pickup trucks and motorbikes leaving whirls of dust. Clutters of shops sell gold jewellery, jade, clothes, toys, knock-off CDs and lots of mostly cheap Chinese goods. But there are also fine examples of old teak houses and magnificent broad, overhanging trees shading a quaint riverfront.I am travelling along the Ayeyarwady on Belmond’s luxury ship, the Orcaella, named after the endangered snub-nosed dolphins that swim the river. Over the next several days we will experience the people, their beliefs, customs, and daily existence along one of Asia’s great rivers.The Ayeyarwady flows from the Himalayan glaciers and sweeps down through the heart of Myanmar—formally called Burma—to the fertile delta region into the Andaman Sea. Also known as the Irrawaddy, it is the country’s largest and most important commercial waterways.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Little monks at Mingun Pahtodawgyi Mingun paya

[/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 trip began several days ago down river in Mandalay, the country’s second-largest city and cultural capital. We will re-visit it on the river-ride back. For now, we visit Soon U Ponya Shin Paya on the southern side of 240-metre high Sagaing Hill. The Buddhist temple features a 30-metre high gilded stupa that was originally built in 1312. Legends claim the structure miraculously appeared overnight from a superhuman act by the king’s minister who was influenced by a magical Buddha relic that he found in a betel-nut box. From the balcony, I take in the spectacular view of pagodas and, across the brown Ayeyarwady, the Shan hills.

We then set sail to Mingun. The little riverside village has a trio of unique sites, the most famous being Mingun Paya, also known as Mingun Pahtodawgyi. Beneath a banyan tree, I marvel at what is left of this massive, incomplete square structure. Roughly 73-metre cube of russet-coloured bricks on a 140-metre lower terrace, it’s meant to be the world’s largest stupa. But when King Bodawpaya died in 1819, only the bottom third was completed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

I then stroll past souvenir shops selling marionettes hanging from tree branches, shelves of wooden masks, Buddha images and other handicrafts. I reach the third major site, Paya Hsinbyume, an attractive pagoda built in 1816 by the future King Bagyidaw in memory of one of his wives. The pagoda rises in seven undulating whitewashed terraces symbolising the seven mountain ranges around Mt Meru, which, according to Buddhism is the centre of the Buddhist universe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Three Buddhist novice are walking and holding the red umbrella at Mingun Pahtodawgyi, Bagan, Mandalay

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]We then slowly putter up river for a few hours to the small village of Nwe Nyein, known for producing high-quality, glazed earthenware pottery that’s sold throughout the country. The cottage industry involves more than half the village’s population.

There are no store-bought pottery wheels, electric kilns, fancy tools and other equipment here. The entire production is handmade by traditional methods. And it’s a laborious process. Inside one workshop dusty sunlight seeps through open windows and cracks in the wooden walls. A couple of babies sleep in rockers as young girls squat on the hard dirt floor spinning with their hands—some standing use their feet—wooden swivel bases as older, squatting women shape moist, reddish clay, harvested from the nearby riverbeds, into various small-sized pots. Outside, women carry the small pots stacked and balanced on their heads to dry outside in the hot sun.

In another workshop young women are also squatting on the floor spinning wooden swivel bases. But here, men are making huge, 50-gallon, swollen-shaped water pots. I watch one potter, barefoot in a sarong and T-shirt, using one hand to shape the contour from inside the pot while the other hand carefully smooths and gently shapes it from the outside.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Kuthodaw Pagoda is a Buddhist stupa, located in Mandalay that contains the world’s largest book. It lies at the foot of Mandalay Hill

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]As we travel further upriver we stop at Kyan Hnyat, a small, quaint village on Ayeyarwady’s shores. As I walk along a red dirt path past dark-wooden houses on stilts, some with a few chickens scratching around in the dirt, I hear a rhythmic chorus of children. I open a wooden gate, peek in and enter. In a classroom with woven bamboo walls are rows of children sitting at long wooden tables all reciting aloud in unison from a textbook. A teacher stands listening in the back.

Like almost all Myanmar women young and old, the girls wear thanakha—swirls of yellow powdery paste made from ground bark and worn on their cheeks and foreheads both as a sunscreen and cosmetic. I greet them with the popular greeting of “mingalaba.” Although extremely shy, they respond in kind with giggles and smiles.

Having sailed to the port town of Katha during the night, it’s an early morning visit in a bicycle trishaw to the main market, a labyrinth of narrow aisles and pungent smells. On bamboo-woven platters are piles of morning glory, bitter gourd, fermented fish, pungent spices, inner organs, skinned goat heads, and pastries cooking in bubbling brown oil.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Three young monk are running and jumping on the Mya Thein Tan Pagoda at bagan, Mandalay

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Then we visit the two-storey colonial home where Eric Blair, better known as George Orwell, used for the setting of his novel, Burmese Days. The ramshackle two-story teak house is now a police officer’s home just off the busy main road. In the front are weeds and some dogs lazing around. Katha was his last posting in the Imperial Police before returning to England in 1927, though in the anti-colonial novel he called the town Kyauktada. The British Club, also in the novel, still exists, as does the tennis court, pagoda and prison.

As we continue to sail over the next few days, I watch snapshots of river and rural life slip by. Milk-white pagodas with golden spires flashing in the sunlight; women and men in sarongs and naked kids bathing in the caramel-coloured water; a single file of saffron-clad monks walking to a monastery; children in white-and-green uniforms drifting slowly to school; farmers ploughing patchworks of fields with oxen; a man waist deep in the water gracefully casting a fishing net that opens like a fan in the morning light. Time, like the river, flows leisurely.

Then the boat slows down as the river narrows between towering, jungle-clad cliffs. The only sounds are birds and screeching monkeys coming from the untamed foliage. As the ship moves slowly in the quiet, tropical heat, heavily vegetated towering gorges get closer, which takes about two hours to pass. We’ve reached our furthest northern destination, Bhamo.

Returning downstream we stop at Weima, one of 36 government-run elephant camps in the north. Elephants are being washed in the slow-flowing river, while women carry pails of water hung by yokes balanced over a shoulder. Most of the mahouts use their elephants to help fell teak trees and drag the logs to the river to be shipped downstream. Myanmar has about 75 percent of the world’s teak.
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Simple village life in Myanmar

[/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 next day we pull into Ma Lae village, timed perfectly to watch a Buddhist novitiation ceremony, an important rite of passage for all Burmese boys under 20 to become novice monks for a week or more. The boys are carried through town on decorated palanquins and then, in a temple, with their parents beside them, have their heads shaved and change into burgundy monk robes.

Back in temple-filled Mandalay we pick three unique ones to visit: the finely teak-carved Shwenandaw Monastery built in 1878; Kuthodaw Pagoda, with hundreds of small white stupas, and Buddhist texts carved into marble pages that are each 153 centimetres tall and 107 centimetres wide; and Mahamuni Paya, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country with the most revered image of the Buddha in Burma. Believed to be 2,000 years old, it’s been covered in tons of gold leaf over the centuries, except for its gleaming face which legend claims is a true likeness of Gautama Buddha.

On our final day we sail through the prow-splitting waters to Bagan, our last destination. Originally the capital of the Kingdom of Pagan, the rulers built between 4,000 and 10,000 temples between the 11th and 13th centuries. Marco Polo declared it as “one of the finest sights in the world.” It still is a wonder with about 2,500 monuments left scattered across some 80 square kilometres of flat plain.

I wander around this mystical, temple-studded landscape, stepping into the shadowy dark interiors of temples which display elaborate centuries-old religious murals and monks praying at the foot of towering Buddhas. Then, as sunset approaches, I make my way to Shwesandaw Paya, one of the largest pagodas. Its terraces are already crowded with people. A spectacular sunset of reds and oranges bleeds across the sky behind the pagoda. Then, in the dying glow of its last light, as darkness is about to drape the area, there is the silhouette of a woman standing perfectly still in a yoga pose at the edge of the highest terrace.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Serene sunsets as we sail along the river

[/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 is something peaceful and timeless about the scene, like this journey has been, through times past in time present. ◼[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1539861899906-dcd176d2-c1eb-9″ include=”2607″][vc_column_text]

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© This article was first published in Aug-Sept 2018 edition of World Travel Magazine.

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The post A River Through Time first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

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Tucked away in the relatively remote corners of the world, or situated near famous mountains are gorgeous natural wonders and national parks that inspires not just us travellers, but also the filmmaking wizards of Hollywood.

BLUE LAGOON : BRAZIL

Freshwater collects in the valleys between sand dunes, forming pools of turquoise, green and blue lagoons amidst desert-like sand in the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in north-eastern Brazil. The landscape has been featured in several films such as The House of Sand and most recently, the planet Vormir in Avengers: Infinity War. One of the best ways to get to the park is a stay in Barreirinhas, which has better amenities and a wider range of hotels. Tour the area in 4x4s or on horseback for the more adventurous amongst us, and be sure to stay for the gorgeous sunsets. The best time to visit is from June to September. Photograph by Ksenia Ragozina

SPECTACULAR COLUMNS: CHINA

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Southern Sky Column

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For scenery that is unexpected and rather out of this world, travel to China’s Zhangjiajie National Forest Park’s Southern Sky Column. This mountain range greatly inspired the scenery in Avatar, and the Southern Sky Column has even been officially renamed the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. The UNESCO global geopark sits in the Hunan province and is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Take in a panoramic view of the canyons from the world’s tallest outdoor lift, and the longest and highest pedestrian glass bridge in the world—the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Not for the faint of heart. Photograph by Erwin Hsu

FORESTED HIDEAWAY: CHINA

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Wulong Karst

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Famed for being one of the filming locations for the Transformers: Age of Extinction—and now housesmodels of the famous robots like Bumblebee for travellers to take pictures of—Wulong Karst is located within Wulong County in Chongqing, China, and is part of the South China Karst, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A trip there will also include walking on the three limestone bridges—Tianlong, Qinlong and Heilong, which have an average height and span of 200m, and make up Asia’s largest natural bridge cluster. We recommend either joining a luxury tour there or renting a private car for the day. Photograph by Sienny Wahono

MULTI-COLOURED SPLENDOUR : CHINA

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The multi-coloured landforms that make up Zhangye Danxia, in Zhangye National Geopark, China, have been created by the deposits of sandstone and other minerals over the course of some 20-odd million years and sculpted by the elements. The picturesque rocks in multihued blues and crimsons are  somewhat inaccessible and a tour might also include viewing China’s largest reclining Buddha at the Giant Buddha Temple, as well as viewing an important Ming Dynasty fortress. While at the national park, survey the landforms from four viewing platforms; the fourth on a ridge running from east to west is  a great vantage point from which to photograph the sunrise orsunset. Photograph by Thesanetravel

UNDERGROUND EXPLORATIONS : VIETNAM

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The largest cave passage in the world gained international renown after Howard Limbert, a caver from the British Cave Research Association, surveyed it in April 2009. The Son Doong cave, in Phong Nha-Ke Bàng National Park, Vietnam is about 9km long, and contains some of the tallest stalagmites in the  world, up to 70m tall. Son Doong is also home to a large jungle, and a passageway leading to 300 million-year-old fossils. Just over 224 visitors are allowed per year, so prior reservations and enquiries are a must. Photograph by Aleksandra H. Kossowska

AQUAMARINE NATURAL WONDER : CHINA

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Multi-coloured Ponds by suronin

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In the northwest part of Sichuan, China, lies the UNESCO World Heritage site, Huanglong (Yellow Dragon), located 3,000m above sea level. Huanglong Valley, in particular, is famed for its colorful pools—ranging from blue, green, yellow and brown—that have been created by calcite deposits. The travertine is 3.6km long, and the main body of water begins from the ancient Buddhist/Benbo temple at the peak of the valley, and ends at the Guests Welcome Pond. For the best view of all the pools, ride the chairlift up to the top of the Huanglong scenic area. Other glorious sites here include hot  springs, waterfalls, and endangered wildlife like the Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys and the Giant Panda. Photograph by Suronin  ◼[/vc_column_text][vc_basic_grid post_type=”ids” element_width=”12″ initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1537485687172-9ca26091-cc33-4″ include=”14633″][vc_column_text]Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

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The post Inspiring otherworldly landscapes first appeared on World Travel Magazine.

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Explore France’s Bonifacio & Porto-Vecchio in Corsica”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]You only need to look at a map to understand how difficult it is to reach Corsica, but even that doesn’t truly get at the heart of its isolated charm. Only once you’re on a tiny plane, bearing down on a narrow valley between rocky slopes, eyeing a paper-thin runway as the plane bucks wildly to get into position, do you appreciate just how unlikely it is that you would end up here.

When a friend and I zeroed in on the island last summer, it seemed about as remote as the South Pacific. As it turns out, that’s the best thing about Corsica, which may belong to France, but probably wouldn’t call itself French. It’s been happily existing in unofficial semiautonomy, with its own dialect and written language, since long before its most famous son Napoleon Bonaparte was born.

It’s worth a day trip to check out one of the diminutive French leader’s old haunts: the dramatic city of Bonifacio, its tangle of peach and white houses, cobblestone streets and eroding trails built atop limestone cliffs. But if you want to see the best of Corsica, better stay out of town.

Luckily, a growing list of rental websites has made it easier for small-time property owners to connect with visitors looking for privacy, the thrill of driving up a twisting gravel road to your very own secluded stone cottage. (Gites de France is ideal if you understand French; for everyone else, there’s Boutique Homes.)

We found our own slice of rugged paradise 15-minutes’ drive from the nearest town – a bi-level, three-bedroom cottage clinging to the hillside in a village so small it barely had a name. Stone steps led up to a swimming pool with panoramic views of what appeared to be three separate mountain ranges, layered like volumes on a bookshelf, each mistier and more mysterious as it receded into the distance.

We arrived just in time for Sunday’s open-air market in Porto-Vecchio. Vendors fanned out from the town’s main square, hawking locally pressed olive oil and home distilled liqueurs, jars of luscious preserved lemons in golden brine, jams and chutneys and heaps of produce.

Weighed down with our finds, we found ourselves hungry, and begged one of the vendors for a tip. He informed us that he was about to make a delivery of lemons to a local restaurant, and we were more than welcome to follow. A short while later, a tiny procession formed: we three with our bags of produce, and he at the front, balancing a crate of citrus on one shoulder as he guided us away from the market’s bustle. He led us to the courtyard of a tiny establishment, where cartons of delicate squash blossoms rested on a table, awaiting their chef. That day, we dined on calf’s liver in rich tomato sauce and grilled summer vegetables with sea salt.

This was only a small hint of what we would enjoy at home. Corsican cuisine is comfort food – homey versions of French and Italian classics with freshly caught seafood and semi-feral local pork. Our nearest supermarket – described as “somewhat sparse” by our villa owner was, in fact, overflowing with a bounty of richness we’d be hard pressed to find on the mainland. Adding to our greenmarket haul, we came away with steaks, charcuterie and bottles of Corsican wine. With its unique mix of soils and climates, the grapes grown on this sunny Mediterranean isle are like nothing else in the world.

The days became a blur of cooking, swimming and hiking – ploughing through our island delicacies while inventing new ways of working off the calorie count. One afternoon we navigated hairpin turns into the nearby mountains, pulling over in a tiny village and following a sign that, simply and without fanfare, pointed up. Two hours later we sat overlooking those misty peaks we had admired from our own terrace, sharing a sandwich of paté on crusty bread, exchanging satisfied looks with other day-trippers a few boulders over.

Another morning we parked by the side of the road when a glimpse of azure called to us through flowering shrubs, marching down nubby stone steps to a beach where we were the only non-Europeans, our English piercing the chatter of French and Italian but appearing to bother nobody. Many had been coming to Corsica for years, unable to resist the island’s firm hold on their imagination. But they were more than happy to welcome newcomers to their semi-kept secret.

And that’s the thing about Corsica, with its quiet contemplation, its beauty unglamorous but unrestrained. Once there, you often find yourself exchanging sly, knowing looks with other travellers – tacit acknowledgements that you’ve discovered something quite special.

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The post Corsica’s isolated, ramshackle charm first appeared on World Travel Magazine.