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© This article was first published online in May 2020 – World Travel Magazine.

The beach, the grand blue, and everything new in summer’s eternal paradise

Winter spreads its cloaks all over the west, but in the middle of the Indian Ocean, summer thrives like it was never gone. The Maldivian atolls revel in the sweet kiss of the north-easterly wind a dry season stretches from November till May. There’s less humidity, but the region retains its natural candour, thanks to a host of resorts constantly indulging lovers of the sea all throughout the year.

In GaafuAlifu, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo celebrates tranquillity and healing in its overwater Raffles Spa. This sanctuary appears to float over the blue pool, like a lotus on a pond, affording magnificent views of the ocean during the enriching treatments. The spa uses products from Biologique Recherche, Aromatherapy Associates and Margaret Dabbs London for its body, skin and hair treatments. For getting motivated to stay fit, the facilities offer ocean-view yoga, a 24-hour fitness centre and a garden-view jogging track. www.raffles.com/maldives

Jumeirah Vittaveli Superyacht Villa indulges with a ‘luxury ocean gypsy’ vibe, literally, with opportunities to cruise and snorkel the marine treasures of the Maldives without leaving the comforts of a grand suite. The expansive 85 ft of private space is complete with two master cabins and two twin cabins, all befitted with hypersonic massage bathtubs and Hermes amenities. MY Vittaveli’s three decks lavishly accommodates 8 guests for overnight stays or 20 guests for day-time cruises with four-person Jacuzzi on top deck, jet ski and interiors for a yacht party as if you were the Great Gatsby. Jumeirah’s superyacht opens up opportunities for island hopping, fishing or lazing on a virgin beach. www.jumeirah.com

Lux* South Ari Atoll lures with a taste of la belle vie, throwing in a diverse mix of epicurean experiences. Floating above the azure waters is the East Bar, a glorious deck with loungers on catamaran nets, offering an atmospheric setting for evening cocktails. Pure island living becomes the highlight of MIXE, starring fresh meals done in live-cooking stations with tables set out on sand under thatched roofs. The more elegant Senses is the hub for Middle Eastern & Indian Ocean flavours, presenting a mix of fresh salads and grills, served beside the infinity pool under the stars. www.luxresorts.com

One can get a close view of the corals in a DeepFlight submarine, a breath-taking experience at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at LandaaGiraavaru. The hour-long underwater adventure for two, in addition to an experienced pilot, descends 120 feet below the surface at the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve home to a huge variety of marine biodiversity in its many vibrant reefs. Up in the air, view the string of islands in the hotel’s Flying Triggerfish seaplane. www.fourseasons.com

Raa Atoll, a popular dive area due to its submerged islands and excellent marine life, is another UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and home to InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau. A leisurely holiday here extends opportunities in contributing to marine life conservation, including adopting a manta, and a fascinating excursion to Hanifaru Bay, the famous nursery ground for grey sharks. www.ihg.com/intercontinental

The Maldives continues to be summer’s lingering kiss, gurgling with fresh ways to celebrate the sea, and the many stylish serendipities on it.

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© This article was first published in Feb-Mar 2020 edition of World Travel Magazine.

Take Nihi Sumba, (nihi.com) located on a tropical island of the same name 400 km east of Bali. Founders Claude and Petra Grave actually chose the location for its private access to the legendary surf break, Occy’s Left. Named after Australian surfer Mark Occhilupo, this particular break is known as a challenge because it is so sensitive to different conditions: tides, size, strength and direction. Catching a good ride isn’t as easy as it looks, but the reward is a 300m long ride through crystalline water. To make it even more special, they limit access to just ten people a day.

The resort however is well worth the adventure even for those with no interest in surfing. It’s a collection of private villas inspired by the traditional architecture of Indonesia but infinitely more extravagant, with canopied beds and tasteful antique furniture. The yoga shala offers sweeping views of picture-perfect Nihiwatu Beach and there are free classes throughout the day, as well as the opportunity to book a private lesson in the jungle beneath a canopy of trees and exotic birds. The wellness programme also includes ‘horse meditation’ at the hotel’s private stables and a new series of breathing workshops that teach techniques developed by pro-surfers.

Just an hour away by flight, Bali is naturally home to plenty of high-end retreats and, as with so many other things on the Island of the Gods, holistic wellness is often the focus. Located on a powder-soft volcanic beach on the lesser developed east coast of Bali, Hotel Komune (komuneresorts.com)has unbeatable access to the Keramas surf break. Polish your skills in their 25 m exercise pool where they run a series of workshops, including breathing and big wave training. Their new health hub includes a kitchen garden where pineapples, greens and herbs are grown organically, before being reimagined into calorie-light dishes at the farm to table restaurant, while a skate park and kids club make this one perfect for adult surfers with ‘grommies’ (slang for ‘little ones’) in tow.

Over on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, where the consistently powerful waves of the Southern Ocean pound beaches with sand as soft as sugar, One&OnlyPalmilla (oneandonlyresorts.com/palmilla) has its own Tropicsurfcentre on-site with no shortage of local experts to guide you to the best spots. A combination of sand bar beach breaks, short and punchy reef breaks and long rolling pointbreaks make this area any surfer’s paradise, and you can spot gray whales breaching on the horizon. On dry land, the spa draws on ancient healing practices lead by a shaman from the Mayo tribe, a truly unique way to experience the local culture.

In Australia, the surfer’s paradise of Byron continues to attract its fair share of long-haired hippie types, but a more luxurious side of this chilled-out beach town is emerging. The last few years have seen the opening of high-end concept stores and acclaimed restaurants such as Fleet, as well as intimate guesthouses like 28 Degrees (byronbayluxuryaccommodation.com.au). It’s handful of rooms offer relaxed Aussie style at its most polished: think organic bed linen, outdoor showers and private plunge pools. Located just minutes from the beach in a buzzy part of town, this one is ideal for those who want to be able to shop and explore without compromising on the quality of the surf.

To try and understand more about what attracts high-flying adults to surfing, World Travel Magazine spoke to James Hendy, who has been president director of Rip Curl Indonesia for more than ten years. If anyone knows how to hustle like a boss both on and off the water, it’s him. He takes a while to put his thoughts into words, and then says: ‘When you’re out there, focusing on catching the next wave with the cold spray in your face, its each to forget the pressures of the daily grind. Each surf clears your head and makes you feel ten times more alive.’ We’ll see you at the beach. By Imogen Lepere

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© This article was first published in Feb-Mar 2020 edition of World Travel Magazine.

Sumba is one of the Lesser Sunda Islands on the southern archipelago easily accessible by air from either Jakarta or Bali. There is something truly enchanting about Sumba with its rugged, undulating plains, so different from the traditional northern volcanic islands. Travelling across Sumba one encounters small, hilltop villages replete with tall, symbolic grass roofs clustered around megalithic tombs. The snow-white beaches surrounding the islands are the stuff of dreams, as are the majestic waterfalls which tumble down the slopes of higher mountains that dominate the interior. The mainly protestant inhabitants are renowned for their stunning adat ( traditional weaving ) much prized throughout Indonesia. If it is September, the Pasola Festival is not to be missed. Sumba is home to the spectacular Nihi Resort. Perhaps THE place to stay as it is consistently voted one of the world’s top hotels and with good reason. Its fabulous.

Flores Heading eastwards along the archipelago is the elongated Island of Flores where early explorers labelled their maps with the chilling words, “Here there be dragons”. Spectacular landscapes, dotted with majestic mountains, terraced with rice paddies, the Island is peppered with over 30 volcanoes whose sole purpose seems to be to try and reach up and touch the sky, delicious with stars. On the westernmost tip of the Island is the charming town of Labuan Bajo. Once a small fishing village, it has recently flourished to become the gateway to Komodo National Park and Rica Island – home to the prehistoric dragons that roam wild across the landscape. An overnight stay on one of the numerous liveaboards is highly recommended.

Sumbawa A short ferry trip from Lombok is one of Indonesia’s least populated islands, the slightly forgotten Sumbawa. Famous for its now extinct volcano, Mt Tambora which erupted in 1815 and, so violent was the eruption that it changed the climate in Europe and the Mid-West of America for over two years! If deserted, snow-white surf beaches are your passion then this is undoubtedly the Island for you. A few days at the Scar Reef Resort is, to coin a well- worn cliché, simply heaven on earth.

Indonesia; it truly is an amazing place! Paul Walters

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© This article was first published in Feb-Mar 2020 edition of World Travel Magazine.

Foresighted owners Rory and Melita Hunter were the first to fall for the Koh Rong archipelago, creating eco-luxury, double-island escape Song Saa; 24 stunning villas with thoughtful healing experiences and pioneering CSR. A 45-minute speedboat trip and guests alight on Koh Ouen island, where sandy paths lead between the soaring-roofed villas, mini beach, romantic pool and overwater and Ibiza-beachy restaurants. A gently curving bridge takes guests to the undeveloped second island, Koh Bong, for forest walks and boulder meditations. Locals lead trips kayaking mangroves, priests chant blessings, night swimming sparkles with phosphorescence, but nothing beats trips over to Koh Rong’s villages to see first hand the community work of the Song Saa Foundation.

A 15-minute speedboat trip from the mainland and you’ll alight on 12-hectare Six Senses Krabey Island. Sunshine dapples through jungle onto colourful birds, clouds of butterflies and 40 contemporary, high-tech pool villas. Wake up for sunrise swimming and kayaking from the bijou beach, then stroll the coastal boardwalk to the breakfast buffet of healthy and indulgent treats at Aha Restaurant. A few steps from the main pool, the ice cream parlour offers cool temptation, or head up to the apex of the island to Six Senses Spa and the Alchemy Room to learn DIY scrub mixtures before your treatment. As the sun starts to set it’s time, bask in the light with a cocktail at Sunset Bar, before heading to Tree restaurant and the Khmer tasting menu.

Alila Villas Koh Russey may be the next-door island, but it swaps jungle for a kilometre of glorious tree-fringed beach. Step from your sleek ocean villa’s pool decking over lawn to the squeaky sand and warm sea for peaceful swims and fun on the swings skimming the surf. Relax during meditation and yoga under the ancient banyan tree, before smoothie bowl and quinoa bite breakfasts at Horizon Restaurant overlooking the main pool. Lunch is casual Khmer and international eats at the charming feet-in-the-sand Beach Shack as you refuel before windsurf or SUP sessions. Try a Khmer cooking classes or escape to Spa Alila, before it’s time for a cold one at the Shack and French-Khmer cuisine back at Horizon. Catharine Nicol

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© This article was first published in Feb-Mar 2020 edition of World Travel Magazine.

Andaman has seen many of the world’s transformations, including its own, being perched atop the seismic Indian Plate together with its twin, Nicobar. But the strength of its people withstood the morphing of the land and sea, unwavering even after the December 2004 earthquake. This beautiful resilience, coupled with the region’s breath-taking backdrop, keeps wanderlusts coming back.

One is welcomed by the mysterious whimsy of the limestone caves, or the marvellous sights of the gentle dugongs, swimming in the coastal waters of Little Andaman’s archipelago. One can be allured by the startling aurora-like bioluminescence at Havelock Islands or the white sand strip connecting the islands Ross and Smith. One can be enchanted by the thousands of colourful birds soaring about in Parrot Island, or enjoy the scene of India’s solitary active volcano in Barren Island. There are plenty of activities—kayaking through the dense mangrove forests, gliding through the surface of the Indian Ocean via seaplane, or plainly revelling in a luxury resort tucked deep inside the Radhanagar Beach.

In this jungle-fringed perch, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa quietly gaze at the unspoiled sanctuary bearing the spirit of the old, and the comforts of the new. Surrounded by a canopy of palms, the tranquil oasis croons with its lavish treatment centres and a serene swimming pool. Concept restaurants complete the lavish experiences, while a bounty of orchards, jungle hikes, and water activities keep one constantly on their toes in navigating this unsung wonder. Caris cruz

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© This article was first published in Feb-Mar 2020 edition of World Travel Magazine.

The high-end yacht company Burma Boating began sailing through the region in 2013 and 2018 saw the arrival of luxury eco resorts, Wa Ale and Awei Pila. A two-hour speedboat ride from Kawthaung in southernmost Myanmar takes you to the island Wa Ale Resort calls home at the heart of Lampi Marine National Park. Wa Ale’s founders, Chris and Farina Kingsley, set the resort up with the primary intention of supporting the local communities and establishing conservation projects. These efforts, which are now in full swing, come hand in hand with the endeavour for optimum sustainability.

Boardwalks lead you through wild mangrove and the open-sided pavilion overlooks the roaring ocean. Safari-style tented suites hide within the island’s foliage and beautifully crafted tree houses sit within the canopy. All accommodation comes with uninterrupted views of the waves as they come rolling in. Days here are spent hiking the island’s forest trails, snorkelling over thriving reef and kayaking wild jungle channels.

This exploration of land and sea is also the focus at Awei Pila, which is tucked into the beachfront forest of Pila Island. Hiking, kayaking and diving are among the excursions offered, along with visits to the nearby Moken village. Combine a stay at Awei Pila with a luxury liveaboard experience on one of its sister company Burma Boating’s sailing yachts. Book a cabin or charter the entire boat for exploration of the jungle enshrouded islands and remote dive sites.

SUMMIT TO SHORE

Find exhilaration and adventure on Iceland’s rugged Troll Peninsula

Volcanoes, geysers, lava fields and hot springs: Iceland is a fount of dramatic landscape. The Troll Peninsula, known locally as Tröllaskagi, is particularly breathtaking. This wild pocket of land stretches between the Skagafjörður and Eyjafjorður fjords of Northern Iceland. Mountains rise up to over 1,500 metres and glacier carved valleys cut into the powerful landscape with tumbling waterfalls and gushing rivers flowing between. Such rugged terrain naturally inspires adventure.

Intrepid travellers come to journey along the scenic coastal roads, explore its mesmerising fjords and stop by fishing communities such as Siglufjörður and the region’s geothermal pools. Iceland’s summer months can be spent hiking through the vales and exploring on horseback, with whale watching tours departing most of the year, but winter is the time to come for adrenaline fuelled snow sports.

When the colder months set in, this rugged peninsula is the setting for adventurous helicopter skiing. The local outfit Arctic Heli Skiing, which is based at the family farm turned hotel Klængshóll Lodge, specialises in helicopter excursions that can see you skiing from the mountain’s summit to the shores of the Arctic Ocean — if you’re lucky enough, in tandem with the Northern Lights.

Deplar Farm lies to the west of this outfit in the region’s remote Fljot Valley. When this hotel opened in 2016, the converted sheep farm was dubbed Iceland’s most exclusive accommodation. Created by adventure-led Eleven Experience, the high-end property combines its original character—blending into the landscape with a living roof and black timber cladding—with everything you could want from a luxury hotel. See the Northern Lights through its floor-to-ceiling glass and soak in the geothermal saltwater pool with swim-up bar. The lodge has two helipads for instant access to the slopes.

MOROCCAN HEART

The African Capital of Culture for 2020, Marrakech is awash with cultural insight

Rich history, tradition and creative innovation all make Marrakech the cultural hub it has become. Marrakech is recognised by UNESCO for Jemaa el-Fnaa Square and the labyrinthine medina of its old town, and the city as a whole stands out for its architectural, artistic and cultural legacy.

In recent years, this rich heritage has been joined by the city’s burgeoning contemporary art scene. The high-design Yves Saint Laurent Museum made its debut in 2017 and 2018 saw the launch of the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden (MACAAL) — anyone in the market for their own piece of African art can visit in February for the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, which is held in collaboration with major art institutions around the world.

The local institution Montresso Art Foundation creates a space for contemporary art exhibitions year-round and hidden galleries such as RiadYima show a different side to the city. Of course, the city’s 2020 status as first-ever African Capital of Culture isn’t based solely on its arts. Soak up local tradition in an authentic hammam, taste Moroccan dishes such as the tajine and try haggling in one of the city’s colourful souks.

For deeper insight into the culture, visit museums such as Dar Si Said and the palatial Dar El Bacha. Explore the city from one of Marrakech’s famously opulent hotels. Royal Mansour was designed to feel like its own medina with traditional architecture, restaurants, gardens, a sprawling spa and resplendent riads for accommodation. Mandarin Oriental Marrakech offers a more contemporary feel with suites overlooking the Atlas Mountains, andThe Oberoi Marrakech, which is the latest hotel to make its debut, combines architecture inspired by the palaces of ancient Morocco with an enviable location amid orchards and olive groves.

GLACIAL SENSATION

Glaciers, lagoons and snow-topped peaks give Patagonia intrepid appeal

For Patagonia, summer in the Southern Hemisphere means long days of sunlight and optimum conditions for outdoor activities. Even with the sun shining more than any other time of year, you’re still able to appreciate the snow and ice. Los Glaciares National Park in southwest Argentina’s Austral Andes harbours a spellbinding concentration of glaciers within more than 700,000 hectares of UNESCO World Heritage land.

A portion of the Andes lies to the west, with Patagonian steppe on the eastern side, but almost half of this area is taken up by ice. Of the 47 major glaciers here, Perito Moreno is easily the most famous. This natural spectacle attracts visitors from around the world to witness its dramatic icefalls. Join a guided hike across the glistening ice and take a boat ride up to the glacier wall, then follow the national park’s hiking trails to lagoons in the mountains of the Fitz Roy Massif.

Estancia Cristina is tucked into the park’s mountainous landscape. Having been founded in 1914 by Joseph Percival Masters, this heritage lodge has a history going back more than 100 years. To this day, the lodge reflects this history through its estancia style but interiors have all been updated for optimum comfort. Explorations on foot, horseback and by boat take in the mountains, valley and glaciers of the remote region and evenings are spent tucking into asado and sharing stories by a fire.

Around halfway between Los Glaciares National Park and the nearby city El Calafate, you’ll then find Eolo. One of Argentina’s most coveted properties, Eolo sits within its own 4,000-hectare estate, offering the seclusion and adventure people come to Patagonia for, along with gastronomy, Argentine wines and rooms that make the most of the breathtaking views.

NEW LIFE ON THE PLAINS

Witness one of nature’s great phenomena on the Southern Serengeti plains

Africa’s great wildebeest migration is one of the natural world’s greatest spectacles with around 1.5 million wildebeest, along with zebra and gazelles, stampeding across the plains of Kenya and Tanzania. The herds are on the move for much of the year, making timing for visitors crucial. For the Southern Serengeti in Tanzania, December to May is a particularly special time with wildebeest congregating here to birth their young before continuing across Serengeti National Park.

The abundance of wildlife at this time attracts extraordinarily high concentrations of predators following their prey, making the Serengeti famous for cheetah and lion sightings. Vast open skies and lush grasslands of the Green Season create a mesmerising backdrop for this wildlife activity. There are a number of safari lodges and tented camps dotted throughout these extensive plains, including Mwiba River Lodge, which sits within its own 51,000-acre conservancy on the edge of the Southern Serengeti. With just 10 luxury suites in total, this lodge gives you the privilege of game drives, walking safaris and sundowners with no other people in sight.

Mobile camps are another stand-out option as they move throughout the seasons with the movement of the wildebeest. Serengeti Safari Camp and Alex Walker’s Serianeach base themselves within this acacia-dotted conservation area when the wildebeest are calving. Both camps combine the romance of tented suites and dining under the stars with a sense of adventure and unrivalled access to areas of wildlife.

For even more adventure, you can pair a stay at Mwiba River Lodge or Alex Walker’s Serian with a fly-camping experience. Combining walking safaris with evenings around the campfire, these overland journeys bring you even closer to the Southern Serengeti’s extraordinary wilderness.

TASMANIAN FEAST

From ocean riches to foraged truffles, Tasmania has a natural larder to lust after

Tasmania is all about the great outdoors. This isolated island off Australia’s south coast is a verdant pocket of rugged mountains, national parks and coastal reserves — a flourishing environment that naturally lends itself to the cultivation of mouth-watering produce. Organic farmers cultivate fruit, cheese, honey, wasabi and even saffron, trained dogs hunt for truffles and vintners produce cool climate wines.

Perhaps the most celebrated product here though is the astonishing array of seafood. Tasmania’s clean seawater and fresh inland streams are the source of what are said to be some of the world’s best oysters, wild abalone, rock lobster, deep-sea fish and freshwater trout. All of these ingredients from land and sea come together on the menus of dining spots, such as Franklin, on Hobart’s thriving restaurant scene and in coastal villages brimming with opportunities to try the food.

To taste each product at its source, it’s worth heading out on one of the island’s food and wine trails. Follow the Cradle to Coast Tasting Trail for an introduction to the North West region’s artisan producers, farmers’ markets, distilleries and wineries; join a guide on the Bruny Island Traveller food tour to shuck oysters, taste Tasmanian whisky and visit Australia’s southernmost vineyard; and stop by more than 30 cellar doors on the scenic Tamar Valley Wine Route.

To combine luxury accommodation with gastronomy, stay at SaffireFreycinet. This architecturally striking lodge sits within the Coles Bay Conservation Area, which borders Freycinet National Park, overlooking Great Oyster Bay. The panoramic restaurant Palate serves degustation menus of East Coast Tasmanian produce with local wines and activities include beekeeping, mixology, cooking demonstrations and visits to Freycinet Marine Oyster Farm. For even more seclusion, take a boat over to the exclusive-use hideaway Satellite Island — kayak off the coast and shuck wild oysters with Tasmanian wine before retreating to the waterfront Boathouse.

PALATIAL SPLENDOUR

Get a taste for royal life in the historic palaces of Rajasthan

Pink, blue and golden cities, lakeside palaces and ancient forts: these are just some of the reasons Rajasthan holds such timeless appeal. This state covers a vast area of northern India, from the rolling sand dunes of the Thar Desert to the sprawling Aravalli mountain range and forested tiger reserves such as Ranthambore National Park.

Resplendent palaces dot this mesmerising landscape — marvel at the architectural wonders of storied cities such as Jaipur and venture to a former royal retreat in the Aravalli hills. Take in the views of Udaipur from Rajasthan’s largest royal structure, City Palace; explore the courtyards and halls of Jaipur’s 16th-century Amber Palace; and hear the fascinating story behind Jaipur’s red and pink sandstone Palace of Breeze, Hawa Mahal. Jal Mahal palace sits in the middle of Man Sagar Lake in Jaipur with the Aravalli hills on each side. Offering even greater insight into Rajasthani royal life, a number of these former royal palaces now operate as luxury hotels. The world’s sixth largest private residence and home to erstwhile royalty, Umaid Bhawan Palaceis one of Jodhpur’s greatest attractions as well as being a five-star Taj Hotel.

Palace heritage walks and a family museum tell you more about the property that now features plush suites, restaurants and a luxury spa. Also combining Rajasthani heritage with luxury accommodation, fine dining and wellness, Jai Mahal Palace is another of the former royal residences in the Taj Hotels collection — located at the heart of Jaipur, this is a convenient base for visiting the city’s historic sites. Pair any one of these with a stay atThe Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur on the banks of Lake Pichola or check in to the former royal retreat Amanbagh in the tranquil Aravalli foothills.

LIGHT SHOW

Visit the hot spring towns of Northern Japan as festivals light up their snow-blanketed slopes

Winter in Northern Honshu comes with a lot of snow. So much snow, festivals have long been held to celebrate its presence and, often surreal, beauty. Heavy snowfall blankets much of inland Tohoku and its volcanic mountains draw people in for traditional hot springs and ski resorts. Mount Zao lies on the border of Yamagata and Miyagi. This whole area, along with mountain resorts such as ZaoSumikawa Snow Park, has become famous for its annual ‘snow monster’ phenomenon. The trees of the mountain’s summit and slopes become entirely encased in snow and ice at this time with heavy snowfall and freezing winds giving them their monster-like appearance.

While these snow monsters are a sight to behold at any time, they’re at their most dramatic after dark with illuminations lighting up the slopes during peak ski season. The nearby hot spring town, Aone Onsen, also marks this snow-blanketed time of year. The one-night-only Aone Onsen Snow Illumination, which takes place in February, sees people from the community make shrines known as hokora out of ice before filling them with candles to be lit on the night.

The luxury ryokan Daikon no Hana Onsen provides a convenient base for exploration of the Zao region. From Zao, travel to KAI Tsugaru, a hot spring hotel by Hoshino Resorts in Aomori. This luxury property is a short journey from Hirosaki, which is home to another of Honshu’s great winter celebrations. Hirosaki Snow Festival sees hundreds of traditional lanterns, igloos and other sculptures made out of ice light up the snow-covered grounds of Hirosaki Castle. The 2020 edition is planned for February, and throughout all of the same month, KAI Tsugaru is hosting a Kamakura (Japanese igloo) experience with food, drink and atmospheric lanterns.

RHYTHM AND FLOW

Rumba, salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz: find your rhythm in the legendary music haunts of Havana

Rhythm takes hold of everyone in Cuba. Even if you’re coming to the capital for its pastel-painted UNESCO-protected architecture, vintage cars and famous esplanade, you’ll see music bring life to every corner of the city. Experiencing this can mean seeking out the major theatres, timing your visit with one of the music festivals or following the sound of salsa, jazz and rumba resonating from the bars.

You can start by following in the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, Fidel Castro and Nat King Cole by stepping into 1942-founded La Bodeguita del Medio in Old Havana for live music and a mojito. See which famous names you can see scrawled on the signature-covered walls then stroll over to another bar made famous for its association with Hemingway, Floridita, for live salsa and the original daiquiri. You’ll have to stray a little further to La Zorra y el Cuervo in Vedado but this is where many legendary Cuban musicians have played with nightly performances pulling in a local crowd.

By timing your visit with one of Havana’s festivals, you can see the city’s streets, squares and parks when they’re taken over by musicians and dancers. Havana World Music brings Cuban talent to Parque Almendares; Old Havana: City in Movement sees dance performances unfold in museums, squares and parks; and the International Cuban Dance Festival draws dancers from across the world to Vedado. If you can’t make it to any of these, head to the architecturally impressive Gran Teatro de la Habana for performances by the Cuban National Ballet and seek out the muralled street, Callejón de Hamel, for its Sunday rumba sessions. Round your visit off with a stay in the city’s grand dame, Hotel Nacional de Cuba, or 2017-opened Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana.

OCEAN ENCOUNTERS

Dive off Mexico’s Baja California coast for close encounters with the ocean’s gentle giants

Los Cabos may be best known for its golden beaches and luxury resorts but between October and April each year, this is where whale sharks come to feed. Reaching up to 10 metres in length, these majestic creatures take the crown as the largest fish in the sea. You can take a boat tour from Cabo San Lucas to swim with these gentle giants in the sheltered Bay of La Paz. As well as being the optimum time for encountering whale sharks, the first quarter of the year is a prime time for watching humpback whales. See these marine mammals as they migrate through the region from January to March, and dive down to marine-life-rich reefs any time of year.

Explore wrecks marking the point the Pacific Ocean and Sea of Cortez meet, watch sea lions play beneath the waves and see rays pass through shallow bays. Nobu Hotel Los Cabos sits on the beachfront of Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula. You could be tempted not to stray from this stylish spring 2019 opened property but you’ll be glad you ventured out when you’re cruising across the turquoise water and diving down to see the abundant marine-life.

The chic Grand Velas Los Cabos resort also commands an enviable spot on this oceanfront. Take a boat from here to the natural landmark, El Arco, and kayak to the isolated beach, Playa del Amor. Located nearby in San Jose del Cabo, One&OnlyPalmillais another good choice for anyone who wants to get out and explore. The ultra-luxury hotel hosts private cruises aboard a One&OnlyPalmilla yacht for whale watching and underwater exploration.

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© This article was first published in Dec-Jan 2020 edition of World Travel Magazine.

Fifty minutes from Male finds an 18-hectare stretch of paradise called Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, viewed at a spectacular angle at the world-famous Gaafu Alifu Atoll. There is no mediocrity in its 122 villas, many of them perched by the beach and churning out a delicate view of sunrises and sunsets over the waters. Peering out of the villa’s windows is sublime, but the real wonder is the Aqua Villa. Bedrooms are plunged deep beneath the waters for a front-row gaze at the marine diversity swimming by the tides. Take note: only two of these rooms exist in the resort, but there are many water-inspired escapes all around–starring a natural lake, plus a trip to the region’s massive lagoon, the biggest and deepest of them all. The grand watery navel is a superior spot for befriending sharks—Jaws is a myth. More than ten species, other than the charming turtles and reef fish, swim their way through the waters. While a bit of expertise is required, brushing off with the local marine conservationists and scuba divers may give enough learning for a session.

Revel past the waters

There’s the sea, but a pool is a must, and in Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, this giant swimming area is a social space, thanks to The Hub, a sunken pool bar that serves signature cocktails for daytime libations. Food is abundant. The Souq Oven stirs the atmosphere with the scent of Middle Eastern cuisine, while Saffron Affair teases with tapas. Sol Rising is a quaint cafe that presents treats crafted with visual alchemy; food, after all, is nothing less than an experiment. But for the earth-grounded eaters, Phat Chameleon charms with its garden setting, offering plates heaped with organic numbers that can satisfy every picky vegetarian.

The Maldives is all about the setting, and spirituality tends to kick inhere as well, constantly inspiring bodies to stay in shape or to heal inwardly. The resort has a Fit Trail, with an island jogging track comprised of five fitness categories that challenge various physical exercises. Those who are ready to get down can enlist in the boot camp of Raayeriya, with callisthenics sessions cap off with a sprint by the beach. For moments of rejuvenation, Spa by Phytomer beckons with its treatment rooms nestled over a white sand lagoon for an immersive beach experience. all.accor.com/hotel/9924/index.en.shtml

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© This article was first published online in Jan 2020 – World Travel Magazine.