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

Myanmar’s stunning Mergui archipelago

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

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

Awei Pila’s arching pool

One of Awei Pila’s airconditioned tents

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

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

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

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

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

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

Island is home to Meridian House a fantastic, whimsical oasis

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

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

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

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

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

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camp Ngey! Ngey!

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

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

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

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

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

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

[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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

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.

A green sea turtle surfaces near your kayak as you  paddle through an electric Kool-Aid blue lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Your destination? A pristine palm tree shaded beach without another soul in sight. This is just another day in Palawan, an archipelago of 1,780 islands south-west of Manila in the Philippines.

guests sleep in their own private luxury “Nest” perched in the canopy

Yet, this scene has become increasingly rare around the world. Things like empty beaches, biodiversity, cultural authenticity and clean oceans are becoming scarce. The price of standing in the world tourism spotlight is high.

low impact activities like kayaking and paddleboarding are the preferred way to see the Big and Small Lagoons at the El Nido Resorts

Case in point: Boracay. Waste management and environmental concerns so plague the tropical hotspot that on April 26, 2018, President Duterte officially closed Boracay to all visitors for six months.

Palawan is a diver’s dream with hundreds of unique species found only in its water

Boracay is an extremely popular destination for domestic and international travellers. According to the Boracay tourism office, the island made a record US$1 billion dollars as it played host to over 2 million visitors from all parts of the globe.

one of the greenest ways to see Palawan is aboard a sailboat

With Boracay off limits, it’s time to look for a new favourite island destination while simultaneously figuring out a way to preserve the slices of paradise we so love.

your stay at the Birdhouse starts with a 187 stair climb, but don’t worry, the view is worth every step

El Nido: The Green Alternative to Boracay

Enter El Nido. Armed with its spectacular natural beauty and forward-thinking approach to sustainable tourism, this charming little town is the perfect launch pad to see Palawan. Get acclimated while staying in a luxury bell tent at the Bird House El Nido. The Bird House is a “glamping” eco-resort that is perched in the jungle canopy 187 stairs above Marmegmeg Beach.

sweet Filippino sausage, fresh vegetables, and eggs raised on site compliment the view at breakfast at the Nesting Table

The owners of the Bird House said that they were quick to recognise the growing need for businesses built around an environmental ethos in El Nido and the greater Philippines. The Bird House is now leading the green tourism initiative in the area with composting toilets, a greywater system, a garden-to-table restaurant and an entire operating system based upon the ideals of permaculture.

a tiny ziplining tourist whizzes through the view from one of the “Nests” at the Bird House

Beyond being entirely self-sufficient, the Bird House lures flocks of travellers to its canopy-top perch because of its luxe bohemian interiors, comfortable beds and unique outlook. Nowhere else in El Nido will you find a 180-degree birds-eye view of the exquisite Bacuit Bay. Down the stairs, adventure beckons. Options include kayaking to Papaya Beach, sunbathing at Marmegmeg Beach or trying the 750-meter zipline that sends tourists hollering from the top of Marmegmeg Beach to a neighbouring island.

From the beach below the Birdhouse you can paddle to several secluded beaches

A Healthy Dose of Vitamin Sea: Palawan by Sailboat

The Bird House may seem like the sky’s limit, but the reason most people visit Palawan is the islands. Out amongst the atolls, your toughest daily decision may be whether to explore what’s above the surface or what’s below. Sheer limestone cliffs that flank lagoons of crystal clear, bright blue salt water are a photographer’s delight. Yet, for divers, what lies beneath is more enticing. Palawan is world-renowned for scuba and free diving because it is home to hundreds of unique species of coral and fish.

Not far from El Nido, the ultimate island shack sits waiting for its keepers

One of the best ways to see more of the islands, skip the crowds and reduce your carbon footprint is to rent a skippered private sailboat. Several outfitters run trips throughout the year with best sailing months being January through March.

The Maremegmeg Beach Bar is a great place for a bite to eat, people watching and a sundowner

Once you’ve met your boat and captain, you motor out of Corong Corong harbour, put up the sails and leave the rest to the wind. You’ll soon find that the slow pace of travel is not only relaxing but the best way to see the seemingly endless sugar-white beaches, jungle-covered deserted islands and deep blue fantasy lagoons of the area.

Live out your castaway fantasy somewhere in Palawan

El Nido Resorts: Where Luxury Meets Sustainability

Of course, not everyone has found their sea legs. If you’re a landlubber looking for a luxurious but remote alternative to sailing, try one of the El Nido Resort’s four island outposts. All four – Apulit, Miniloc, Lagen, and Pangulasian – are located on secluded private islands accessible only by boat. The El Nido Resorts group prides itself on offering exclusive high-end experiences to its guests while working with the local community to protect traditions and the environment.

The slow pace of sailing is extremely relaxing and naps on the bow are common

Choose your island based on your mood or purpose for the trip: Miniloc for fun, Pangulasian for opulence, Lagen for sanctuary, or Apulit for adventure.

It’s easy to nd a private slice of paradise in Palawan

While it’s hard to look past the original – Miniloc Island was the first resort of any kind in Palawan when it opened its doors to divers back in 1982 – Pangulasian is the showstopper. The resort is located on a private island called the “Island of the Sun” for its incredible sunset and sunrise views. Pangulasian is known equally for its impeccable service and private pool villas as it is  for its natural beauty. Frolic on the 750-meter stretch of snow-white sand before taking part in numerous activities like lagoon and island hopping tours included with your accommodation.

Pangulasian Island specializes in once in a lifetime experiences, think your honeymoon

Regardless of which resort you chose, you’ll be able to soak up this luxury experience guilt-free knowing that El Nido Resorts is committed to protecting this unforgettable place. The entire operation is designed to be as low impact as possible on the environment and culture. The Resorts seek to enhance the natural experience and thus prohibit jet skis and motorised sports equipment. Their team has also installed 21 moorings around Bacuit Bay to protect the coral reefs from destruction by anchors dropped by tour boats.

A private sailboat lets you see parts of the archipelago otherwise unreachable

The El Nido Resorts are tailored to make sure you have the best of both worlds luxury and adventure

The iconic overwater villas at Miniloc Island are the perfect place to base your aquatic adventures

Saving the Philippines’ “Last Frontier”

El Nido is often called “the last frontier” because, as the legend goes, the area was not discovered until 1979 by a team of stranded divers. But this nickname also describes the area’s unadulterated natural beauty, intact biodiversity and untouched islands and beaches. The fact that El Nido stayed out of the tourism spotlight until relatively recently created an opportunity for proactive preservation.

As luck would have it, stewards like the owners of the Bird House and the El Nido Resorts group are stepping up to preserve the natural splendour of El Nido and prevent it from becoming anything like Boracay. The future of the Philippines’ marvellous natural resources depends on our choices as travellers. ◼

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.

The post Discover Palawan – Philippines’ Sustainable Island Hotspot 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.

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

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]

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

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Island Break in the Indian Ocean”][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 where I stood, I could see the horizon of the Indian Ocean seamlessly meet azure skies. Réunion Island was made of so many diverse elements and yet they smoothly blended into one another. This I understood as I explored each of its individual geographic elements.

Cascading waterfalls of Reunion by IRT Dronecopters

Three million years ago, volcanic eruptions resulted in the cratered landscape of La Réunion. The Piton des Neiges, at 3071 metres above sea level, is now extinct leaving behind three lunar-like cirques or calderas on its geography— Mafate, Salazie and Cilaos.

However, the existing, Piton de la Fournaise (Peak of the Furnace or ‘le Volcan’), is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It stands at a height of 2632 metres and has erupted several times in history. In 1977, enormous spews of lava flowed eastwards towards Sainte- Rosa and magically stopped at the doors of Notre Dame des Laves (Our Lady of the Lava).

The more recent 2007 lava flow joined the Indian Ocean after drifting through RN2 (also known as Lava Road), between Sainte-Rosa and Saint Phillipe. On Lava Road, black dried lava added a unique element to the landscape. I hopped from one mould to another and noticed the wrinkles of cooled lava form impressive patterns. Some had white woolly cracks and others nurtured stout green shrubs.

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

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]

The post Le Reunion where the ocean meets the sky 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.

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

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]

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

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”10″][vc_custom_heading text=”Taveuni Palms Resort, Fiji”][vc_separator color=”black” border_width=”2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar-page”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Flowers and Fiji are as inseparable as tonic and gin, as intimately intertwined as history’s great lovers Antony and Cleopatra. Imbued with almost spiritual and magical significance, flowers are a part of everyday Fijian life, whether strung together in celebratory garlands or as single blooms tucked behind the ears much like city women wear earrings. The Garden Island of Taveuni in Fiji’s east is home to Fiji’s floral emblem. The rare and revered tagimoucia’s crimson and white blooms hang in chandelier-like clusters of ruby raindrops on a mountain ridge in Taveuni’s highlands.

Dining is one the many highlights at Taveuni Palms Resort (image by David Hartman).

So, it comes as little surprise that flowers dominate our stay at Taveuni Palms Resort. Peering through the window of a Fiji Airways aircraft we spot staff member Marie waving furiously, a scarlet hibiscus behind her ear catching the sunlight. Checking into the Beach Villa a few languid paces from a wisp of sandy beach, the place is awash with flowers. In the bathroom orange, yellow and red hibiscus sit atop bath towels, grace the vanity and the shower’s soap holder. There’s even a bloom atop the toilet paper roll.

Heady with the scent of tropical blooms, Taveuni Palms Resort is an intimate romantic retreat.

With just two villas, each with an acre of land and a private staff of seven, it feels as though we’ve our own private beach house. We indulge in exquisite meals in each of the five dining locations, on the deck, poolside or beachside, indoors and on a deck cantilevered over lush gardens. Each time the table is beautifully decorated with flowers and shells by Sia the Executive Housekeeper. In the evening while we’re dining on four courses Sia works her floral magic in the bedroom, painting messages of love in petals. One night she creates a carpet of petals upon the timber floor. Love is almost guaranteed to blossom in such romantic surroundings. Antony and Cleopatra’s tragic romance would surely have benefited had they checked in to Taveuni Palms Resort.

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

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]

The post Romantic Fijian retreat on Taveuni Island first appeared on World Travel Magazine.