BEYOND THE OBVIOUS Multi-stop trips made for wanderlust
THE ART OF BOREDOM
Where to go when all you need is to switch off
DRUM ROLL, NOT EYE ROLL
Adventures that pass the teen test
One of the things I’ve always loved most about travel is that no two trips are ever quite the same. Sometimes you want somewhere that feels a world away from the day to day, with plenty to explore and discover. Other times, you just want sunshine and time to recharge. Often, the most memorable holidays strike a balance between the two.
Of course, I can’t ignore things going on in the world around us. Ongoing events and wider uncertainty can make travel decisions feel more complex. We’re proud to hold Feefo’s Platinum Trusted Service Award and to be a Which?
In this edition of Roam, we look at travel from a few diff erent angles, from perfectly paired holidays (page 44) to stopover cities that deserve more than a passing visit (page 14). Our feature on the art of doing very little (page 18) also made me smile, after spending a wonderfully peaceful few days in Fuerteventura over winter.
Recommended Provider, because both refl ect the service our teams work so hard to deliver. With the right support behind you, you can focus on what travel is meant to be about: curiosity, connection and joy.
Wherever you’re dreaming of next, I hope this issue helps you think about not just where to go, but how to make the most of it.
Mark Duguid Managing Director
Award-winning holidays
TOP Stopover in Singapore to elevate your Southeast Asia holiday. Page 14.
ABOVE The case for doing nothing on holiday. Page 18.
WHAT’S INSIDE
04 08 14 18 22
Wanderlist
Our hand-selected top 10 of new and exciting holiday experiences.
The new luxury
The most desirable trips that layer places, experiences and cultures – effortlessly.
Make the journey
Stopover cities that deserve their own chapter.
Reset and revive
Where to holiday when what you really need is to do nothing at all.
Pass the teen test
Big experiences holidays when you’re travelling with teens.
28
32 38 42 44
Moments elevated
Upgrade the moments that matter most – by night, by seat, by experience.
The sweet spot
Peak season used to be the prize. The savviest trips to take are happening just outside it.
Just back from...
Travel notes: stories from where our experts have been.
Thailand off script
Same same, but different. How to see a richer, slower side to Thailand.
Better together
Prepped and ready – easy adventures that show you more of the places you visit.
We’ll tap into our love for creating holiday magic, to give you the wow you’re looking for within your budget.
Book with complete flexibility whether by phone, online or in store.
ATOL protection, ABTA membership and 24/7 support – enjoy every moment knowing you’re in safe hands.
Some holidays are about where you go. Others are shaped by what you do while you’re there. A remote island that changes the pace of a trip. A night spent under a sky you’ve never seen so clearly. Time around a table with locals, sharing food, stories and traditions that bring a place to life. These are the experiences shaping how we travel now, more considered, less obvious, and all worth building a holiday around.
THE WANDE
01 STAR OF THE SHOW
At the summit of Mount John, high above Lake Tekapo in New Zealand’s Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, the night reveals itself in full. Expert guides, telescopes, and insight spanning Māori and Western astronomy sharpen what already feels extraordinary. It is vast and immersive, something that simply has to be seen to be believed.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Add this after-dark dimension to your trip on our epic 23-night Landscapes of New Zealand self-drive.
02
PEAK STAY
Overlooking Sri Lanka’s iconic Nine Arch Bridge, all-new Uga Ghiri, opening in September this year, is poised to become one of Ella’s most distinctive places to stay. With just 15 villas, it pairs old-world character with clean, contemporary design. High in the hills, it feels removed without being remote, with a front-row view of one of the island’s most recognisable scenes.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Pausing in Ella for a few nights adds a cooler, slower-paced stretch to our Ultimate Sri Lanka itinerary
DERLIST
03 WHITE SAND, BIG PLANS
Some of the brightest white sand and the clearest water in Australia sit just off Queensland’s coast, around the 74 islands of the Whitsundays on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Whitehaven Beach is the headline, with almost pure silica sand that stays cool underfoot and, at Hill Inlet, tides that sweep through in slow, swirling ribbons.
The smartest way to see it all is by highspeed catamaran. You’ll skim between islands, stop to snorkel directly on the reef, have a proper Aussie barbie, and reach stretches of coastline that feel a whole world away.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Stay on Hamilton Island, one of Whitsundays biggest draws, on our Australia’s Eastern Highlights holiday.
04 FAR-FLUNG FANTASY
New to our line-up of Indian Ocean escapes, Rodrigues Island remains refreshingly under the radar It pairs easily with Mauritius (just a 90-minute flight away) but it’s smaller and feels far more remote. This is where travel in the Indian Ocean shifts off the beaten track. Rodrigues has a castaway kind of charm, shaped by a proud local culture with its own traditions. Beaches stay quiet, the lagoon stretches in every direction, and a focus on rewilding and sustainability gives the island a sense of purpose. The steady breeze draws kitesurfers, while inland trails and nature reserves offer a slower pace.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Stay at C Rodrigues and Constance Tekoma on our Rodrigues and Mauritius Twin Centre.
05 HENNA, SILKS AND CEREMONY
Indian weddings are famously elaborate, and we can add a Delhi experience that lifts the lid on what goes into them. From fabrics and food to dance and ritual, it off ers a behind-the-scenes look at the detail and drama. Expect time in fabric markets, kitchens and dance studios for behind the scenes insight into how these magnificnent celebrations come together.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Add The Great Indian Wedding Experience at the start of your India itinerary, for a lively, introduction to Indian culture before you travel further afi eld.
06
THE MUSIC TRAIL
Three cities. Three sounds. One unforgettable journey. Travel from Nashville to Memphis and New Orleans on a seamless route through America’s music heartland, gliding between cities by rail and coach as country, rock ‘n’ roll, blues and jazz set the tempo.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
The 9-hour rail connection between Memphis and New Orleans traces the Mississippi as part of this week-long Overland Music Meccas holiday.
07
FIELD TRIP
Set within an Akha hill tribe community in northern Thailand, Ahsa Farmstay is about seeing how life on the farm really works, day to day. It’s hands-on, down to earth and all about how food is grown, cooked and shared here – with your lunch well and truly earned. Come for the day or stay a bit longer –however long you choose to stay, you’ll be feeding animals, picking herbs, planting rice and helping prepare meals with Dao and her daughter.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Stay at Ahsa Farmstay for a night or two on our Authentic Thailand trip.
09
SIP, SAVOUR, STAY
Set high above Perugia’s historic centre, Sina Brufani looks out across the Umbrian hills – grand but easygoing and perfect for settling into the way things are done here. For Italiophiles, it all clicks. Days drift between markets, kitchens, and vineyards, with truffle hunting in season, and long lunches on shaded piazzas or at olive oil estates, best paired with a glass of earthy Sagrantino or delicate Orvieto.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
You could easily spend an indulgent week here, or stay for a few days as part of our Perugia, Siena & Florence self-drive holiday through central Italy.
08
THE BEAR ESSENTIALS
Reaching Knight Inlet Lodge by air absolutely sets the tone for what follows. Remote and roadless, this is Canada’s bear country at its most cinematic. From May to mid-October, grizzlies draw close, best seen on guided excursions and included boat trips. It is simple, immersive, and completely absorbing.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Build this into a wider British Columbia trip, pairing time in Vancouver or Whistler with a few days deep in the Great Bear Rainforest.
10
THE MAMAS’ LUNCH
Hosted by a group of local women, an experience with Mamas of Zanzibar is a rare chance to step into everyday life on the island beyond the beach. You’ll wander through the market together, cook side-by-side, then sit down to eat with stories, traditions, and plenty of conversation along the way.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Set aside a morning in Zanzibar to spend time with the Mamas, adding a genuinely local, people-first experience on our Dreams of Zanzibar holiday.
Complexity is the NEW LUXURY
In an era where people are increasingly busy, today’s most desirable trips are the ones that effortlessly layer places, experiences and cultures. Scrape the surface-level sightseeing by delving deeper, exploring further and really connecting with the places you visit.
AN EDUCATION – THE BUCKET LIST TRIP TO END ALL TRIPS
Antarctica HX – Stay and Cruise Expedition
Stops: Buenos Aires, Antarctica expedition cruise, Rio de Janeiro
Duration: 13 nights
Few places on Earth are out of reach for most of us – Antarctica is one of them. This once-in-a-lifetime journey is about more than the staggering scenery. It’s a feeling of venturing into lesserchartered territory, following in the wake of explorers, and sharing a prized secret with your fellow travellers and crew. Highlights of Antarctica bookends a HX Expeditions voyage with stays in South America. Make a pit stop in Buenos Aires en route, where colourpop neighbourhoods, mouthwatering meats and a cosmopolitan character await, and soak up the carnival vibes in Rio on the way home to stave off those holiday blues. But the main event is undoubtedly on the water, departing from Ushuaia – the world’s southernmost city – to sail across the 600-mile Drake Passage. The frozen landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica Peninsula off er that rare feeling of being truly in awe of your surroundings as you cruise past icebergs, take in the sheer scale and silence of the continent, and keep a keen eye out for penguins, seals and whales.
THE TROPICAL TRIPLE TREAT
Caribbean Multi-Centre
Stops: Barbados, St Vincent, The Grenadines
Duration: 13 nights
Touchdown flights are the ultimate insider trick for visiting more than one island in the Caribbean. Certain airline routes make a scheduled stop at one island before continuing on to the next. While most people stay on board, you
→
“Delving deeper doesn’t have to mean travelling further or at a whistle-stop pace”.
can take advantage of the pause – step off and turn it into a mini-break, then pick up the same route a few days later at no extra flight cost. Our Barbados, St Vincent & The Grenadines multicentre is just the ticket. Barbados brings Caribbean vibes at full volume and serves up one of the Caribbean’s best food scenes – take a Bajan street food tour and feast on plates piled high with fire-grilled flavour, washed down with coconut rum cocktails. There are spectacular golden sands by the bucket load, and if you venture beyond the beach, you’ll discover everything from limestone caves and spectacular gardens to a UNESCO-listed city and championship golf courses. Switch up the rhythm and head for the sleepy old worldliness of St Vincent and the Grenadines. This palm-fringed volcanic oasis is washed by turquoise waters and sprinkled with black sandy beaches, with rugged mountains and
gloriously balmy sunsets. There are plenty of diving spots for adrenalinefuelled afternoons. End the trip with the go-slow pace of Bequia Island.
CITY FRILLS, BUSH THRILLS, BEACH CHILLS
Cape Town, Safari and Mozambique Beach Multi-Centre
South Africa’s high on our list for getting the most out of your time away. It’s easy to get around (they also drive on the left), with remarkably good value and out-of-the-box experiences.
This Cape Town, Safari and Mozambique Beach trip is a good one for friends, families and couples. Start in Cape Town and tick off the
bucket-list sights of Table Mountain, Boulders Beach (the one with the penguins) and Robben Island. Travel along Cape Town’s iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive in the vintage sidecar of a decommissioned military bike with the wind in your hair as you wind your way along the jaw-dropping Atlantic Coast.
Then fly to Hoedspruit Kruger National Park and stay at at Garonga Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger. Your chances of seeing the Big Five over three days is high, particularly between May to September. Garonga is a safari with a difference. Hop in an opentop Land Rover to snake across the bushveld or soak up the subtler calls of the wild on a walking safari, pausing to identify a predator’s paw print or seek out smaller species. The final stop gives you that rare, desert-island feeling: the tip of Mozambique’s Machangulo Peninsula. Travel by speedboat to a back-to-nature boutique lodge hidden
TABLE-TOP TIME When the Cape Town weather is clear, don’t delay your Table Mountain visit.
The Grenadines
amongst forested dunes. You can snorkel in front of the lodge, spotting fish eagles and head out by boat to discover reefs, then snooze away the afternoons in your hammock by the ocean.
Stops: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Siem Reap, Bangkok, Phuket
Duration: 19 nights
Cultural immersion is the name of the game on ‘The Curious’ itinerary – this tried-and-tested route shows these must-see destinations in a different light. There’s a beautiful chaos about Southeast Asia’s cities which needs time and depth to be appreciated. Experience Ho Chi Minh City like a local on the back of a vintage Vespa, holding
on tight as an experienced driver whisks you off to see a secret Vietnam War weapon bunker and watch coffee being made the traditional way at the city’s oldest café. Take a Vietnamese cooking class that helps provide hospitality training to local street kids, and tour Bangkok’s atmospheric back streets home to family-run shops, tiny cafés and speakeasy bars. Away from the urban adventures, cycle through the countryside to work with farmers in their vegetable village, appreciate the astoundingly ornate details of the Temples of Angkor on a photography tour, and drift down the Mekong to learn about life on the river. The pace is steady and there’s downtime, too. Relax on board a classic cruise ship as you sail around Halong Bay, with morning tai chi on the deck, or stay at a wellness-focused hotel in Danang (near Hoi An) where daily spa treatments are included. At the end of the trip, unwind
on the beach in Phuket, taking dips in your private pool villa and working your way through the extensive drinks menu.
THE FAR-FLUNG PACIFIC PARADISE
French Polynesia Multi-Centre
Stops: Los Angeles, Moorea, Bora Bora, Tahiti
Duration: 14 nights
French Polynesia is big on views, big on culture and big on experiences. It’s also big on distance. If you’re travelling all the way to the South Pacific, you want the miles to feel worth it. A stop at buzzy LA en route helps you adjust to a new time zone and gives the chance to get theme park thrills and see the starry sights of Hollywood. Moorea gives you island life, lush mountains, easy-to-explore coastlines and quiet →
BORA BEAUTY As you island hop French Polynesia, save the overwater bungalow for Bora Bora.
Hanoi, Vietnam
Rainforest, Moorea, Tahiti
Cape Town, South Africa
TOP TIPS FOR MULTI-STOP TRIPS
MELISSA FRITCHLEY
Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Cheltenham
LEAVE IT TO THE EXPERTS
“With a multi-centre holiday, it’s often the little details that matter most. Flights, transfers and timings can quickly get fiddly when more than one destination is involved. With our expert advice, you can avoid the common pitfalls and trust that the whole trip has been carefully planned to run smoothly.”
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE DOWNTIME
“Downtime matters just as much as the big experiences. The best multi-stop itineraries leave room to reset, follow spontaneous detours and enjoy the quieter moments that sometimes become the most memorable.”
VARIETY OVER VOLUME
“The best combinations are not always the most obvious. What matters is choosing contrasting stops that each bring a different chapter to the trip.”
villages where stories run deep. Snorkel from the northern beaches, drive the island’s loop road (90 minutes, with constant views) or head inland with a local guide to go street food tasting, visit pineapple plantations and explore forest trails. Bora Bora then delivers the moment you’ve pictured from the start: an overwater villa above a turquoise lagoon and that sense of being somewhere utterly extraordinary. Days here are all about lagoon life with clear, calm waters teeming with reef fish. On land, cycle the coastal road for shifting views of Mount Otemanu, or simply enjoy slow mornings on your deck with water sparkling below. Tahiti rounds off this trip, with time in Papeete to browse local markets and boutiques and stop for a Mai Tai or two.
ICONIC LANDSCAPES & CULTURAL LANDMARKS
Splendours of Sri Lanka
Stops: Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala National Park, Galle
Duration: 16 nights + Bentota beach
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Safaris, road trips, train journeys and cultural adventures that top our not-to-be-missed list.
For a small island, Sri Lanka packs a punch. There are golden beaches, highaltitude tea plantations, sacred cave temples and towering rock fortresses,
and national parks where leopards, elephants, spotted deer and sloth bears roam in their natural habitats. Get active with hikes up a mountain peak and zipline rides across a valley, set off on thrilling Jeep adventures in a quiet national park that offers a genuine sense of wilderness, and brush off your explorer hat to discover monumental ruins and visit a 17th-Century Dutchbuilt fort. Then retreat to hotels that really reflect their location, from a heritage-rich hideaway in the hills to a headlining eco-resort in a private nature reserve. The best bit is that throughout the trip, you’ll be accompanied by a private driver/guide who will chauffeur you around and talk you through the island’s sights, culture and history from a local’s perspective. Though the experiences keep on coming,it never feels rushed and to be sure you come home relaxed, this holiday ends with a few days by the ocean.
Sicily is a great example of where it pays to slow down and appreciate a deeply cultural experience. It’s distinctly different to the rest of Italy – one big celebration of food, architecture and traditions.Our Sicily self-drive gives you the time to visit the most important
landmarks, but it also lets you enjoy every part of Sicilian culture. Explore one of the oldest street markets in the sensory-rich gritty city of Palermo, which buzzes well into the early evening. In seaside Sciacca, you start to venture off the tourist trail. Walk around the lively fishing port and hilltop historic centre, or set off to explore the vast Selinunte Archaeological Park with its impressive temple ruins and ancient acropolis. On a walking tour of Ortigia, the historical centre of Syracuse, you’ll discover beautiful Baroque architecture, charming narrow streets, swimmable
waters, and taste the world’s best pistachio gelato. Travelling west, follow in the footsteps of Marlon Brando on a private tour of the movie locations made famous by The Godfather and take the cable car from Taormina to Mazzarò to view the tiny island of Isola Bella, the pearl of the Ionian Sea. No trip to Sicily would be complete without standing on Mount Etna, Europe’s highest volcano at 3400 metres, and feeling the active volcano under your feet. Add on a few days in the Aeolian Islands, a dreamy, slow-paced cluster of volcanic islands off Sicily’s north coast. n
SUCH SWEET SICILY Pistachio lovers rejoice – Syracuse is the place to go for the best gelato.
Once, a stopover was just a night and a pillow. Now? It’s the plot twist. Old favourites and fresh contenders are stepping up to deliver some mini-break magic. Meet six bright-spark cities that turn a touchdown into a spectacular side quest.
Supertree Grove, Singapore
SINGAPORE
Small island, big flex
Even a short stay in the Lion City is anything but a supporting act. Hawker stalls dish up Michelin-worthy meals, the skyline feels lifted straight from a sci-fi film and the whole city is squeaky clean, leafy green and easy to get around. Give it four or fi ve days and it more than earns its place on your itinerary.
Don’t miss
Supertree Grove for the Garden Rhapsody light show
A hawker-hall feast at Maxwell Food Centre
Haji Lane for indie boutiques and bold murals
A cable-car hop over to Sentosa’s beaches
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY
Sip Singapore slings in a rooftop pool before heading to Bali or Thailand’s islands – city buzz first, then bang into barefoot beach mode.
BANGKOK
Temples & tempo
Bangkok isn’t a shy stopover – it’s heat, horns, sizzling woks and neon-lit nights from the off. Go riverside for a calmer, cooler stay – Capella Bangkok or The Salil Hotel
Riverside are spot on. Carve out around three days and lose them among night markets, gold-glinting temples and locals who greet you with ear-to-ear smiles.
Don’t miss
A flower-market wander at Pak Khlong Talat
Night-market eats at Jodd Fairs
A dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya
A knot-kneading, jetlag-busting Thai massage
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY
Bangkok’s a high-energy hit en route to Thailand’s island playgrounds or adventures further east – and one you’ll be glad you made time for.
KUALA LUMPUR
Old soul, new energy
Kuala Lumpur is quite the shapeshifter. It has all the makings of a modern metropolis –sky bars, glossy high-rises and mega malls – but look closer and a different side comes into view: lantern-strung shophouses, incense curling from temples and streets of fading colonial facades. A must-do is our Kuala Lumpur Street Food Tour. Your foodie host takes to local foodie favourites where you’ll taste classics like nasi lemak and ayam redang and hear stories first-hand from someone who lives here.
Don’t miss
Clan houses & temples near Petaling Street
After-dark feasting on Jalan Alor The rainbow-hued climb up Batu Caves Firefly spotting on the Selangor River
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY
Add KL onto a Southeast Asia beach break or a big trip down under.
Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur
COLOMBO
The city with spice
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s best-kept secret hiding in plain sight: a cosmopolitan hub linking the Indian subcontinent with Europe, the Far East, Australia and – our favourite paradise on earth – the Maldives. Most travellers pass straight through or head off to tea estates, temples and wildlife, but linger a while and you’ll see why it’s stepping into the limelight.
Don’t miss
A sundowner at Galle Face – Colombo’s landmark and iconic seafront hotel
Contemporary Sri Lankan art at Saskia Fernando Gallery
Local bites and ethical buys at Good Market Cocktails in the city’s growing roster of lowlit bars
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Take a few days for kovils, culture and fiery feasts in Colombo, before going full castaway in the Maldives, just a quick 90-minute flight across the Indian Ocean.
NEW YORK
Main character mode
New York is the silver screen dream. It’s yellow cabs, Central Park strolls, steam rising from subway grates and streets that feel instantly familiar. Start your mornings with bagels in Brooklyn, bounce between glam-to-grit neighbourhoods, then take your pick from basement jazz bars or velvet-rope restaurants. It’s cinematic, chaotic and completely addictive. A stopover here isn’t a pause: it’s a power move.
Don’t miss
An early stroll along the High Line Pastrami piled high at Katz’s Delicatessen Whisky and live music at Rockwood Music Hall
Golden-hour views from Edge’s glasswalled deck
MAKE IT YOUR HOLIDAY
Soak up the sights of the Big Apple, then flip the script with downtime on the beaches of Florida or the Caribbean.
COOL COLOMBO Sri Lanka’s capital is rising to the top Asia’s must-see cities lists.
High Line, New York
Sri Lanka
Katz’s Delicatessen
TORONTO
Canadian cool
This metropolitan all-rounder doubles as a launchpad to Western Canada, the USA or the Caribbean, where Barbados is emerging as the favourite follow-on. It’s a cultural pick ’n’ mix: vintage markets, museums, street art and a food scene from dim sum to deepdish. Come summer, picnic blankets dot the parks and locals escape to the Toronto Islands for beaches and bike rides.
Don’t miss
Vintage treasure-hunting at St Lawrence Market
Indie bookshops in the Distillery District Craft beers and cool hangs on Ossington Sky-high dining at the CN Tower’s 360
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY
How we’d do it – kick off with a long weekend in Toronto, add a bucket-list trip to Niagara Falls, then relax and recharge on Barbados’ Platinum Coast.
Times square, New York
Mastering the art of switching off completely on holiday
Ananea, Maldives
These holidays aren’t about filling time. They’re about clearing it. You power down for the duration and come back refreshed. Real rest is the whole idea.
Sidestep the holiday where you’re squeezing in every ‘must-see’ and forcing every ‘should-see’ and choose instead a holiday designed, quite deliberately, to be quiet. We’ve found the places that drift by without a ripple. And if you’re still in the mood for adventure, do both. Climb it, dive it, hike it and then build in somewhere else to do less.
ANANEA MALDIVES
The Maldives is genius. Well crafted and universally perfect when you need a week or two to switch off properly. Ananea is the one you book when you’re serious about doing absolutely nothing. Overwater villas. Obviously. Private pools. Of course. And out here, somewhere over the Indian Ocean, no one cares what you wear. Even the age-old holiday dilemma of where shall we eat disappears with Dine Around All Inclusive. It’s flavour at your fingertips. Ananea has other things not every island has: a rich house reef just a few fin kicks away and a beach that’s not only white but also long. You’ll feel all the better for all of it.
NXAMASERI ISLAND LODGE, OKAVANGO PANHANDLE, BOTSWANA
This isn’t safari as you know it. At Nxamaseri Island Lodge there are no 4x4 game drive dashes. You’re at the water’s edge, moving by boat or foot. Nine chalets, teak decks, a pool, a campfire and a kind of calm you’ll want to bottle. Evenings? Fireflies, cicadas and stars. You switch off without noticing you’ve done it. And your new favourite mode of transport? The mokoro. A low, quiet, dugout canoe. You gliding just above the waterline while a guide poles you through the delta. Suddenly the speed of the world feels negotiable.
SANTANI WELLNESS RESORT & SPA, SRI LANKA
Stress, fatigue and the relentless work loop finally meet their match at Santani Wellness Resort in the Sri Lankan jungle. Hotel? Please. This is a destination. Your chalet – standalone, glass and inspired by ancient Buddhist meditation caves – is dangerously easy to never leave and decisions are near non-existent (thank you very much →
STEP INSIDE Visit us in store and we’ll turn dream holidays into reality.
all-inclusive). A discreet dream team of Ayurvedic doctors and therapists are on hand with all the wellness advice you could hope for. If you do insist on wandering, we can drop tea estates and temples into your holiday.
THE DATAI LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA
The ultimate power move? Over 6,000 miles from the daily grind. Listening, breathing and just being in a rainforest alive with sound and colour. The villas at The Datai are lush – bathtubs framed by green, private pools steps from the beach. The regulars are unforgettable –dusky langurs, macaques and monitor lizards stealing the scene. And when the sun slips away, its cicadas, crickets and grasshoppers acting as a lullaby. But the real seduction? No stress, no rush. Beach, rainforest, spa, or nothing at all. When you’ve come this far, pair it with Singapore for a little sparkle alongside the serenity.
LEFAY RESORT & SPA, LAKE GARDA
Lemon blossoms, Aperol and time losing its grip. At Lefay, you move through the day the way a boat drifts across a lake. If you believe pools should come with a view and spas should come with a big menu, you’ve found your people. You may even willingly get on a treadmill. Lefay is the luxury of having everything under one very chic roof. No going from one place to another in the pursuit of relaxation (which, let’s face it, defeats the entire object). Think ice pool and Finnish sauna. But also osteopathy and Tibetan massage.
BLUE WATERS, ANTIGUA
A master in the art of being idle – that’s Blue Waters in a nutshell. A wide horizon expands your perspective. Sailboats and a shimmering sea give you a break from decision-making. Sometimes the answer isn’t something
new but rather something classic. The message is simple: don’t worry, just be. Mornings turn into midday naps. Yoga exists but so does the freedom to skip it. The perfect holiday doesn’t always require a grand plan.
CANYON SPIRIT TRAIN, USA
What if doing nothing doesn’t mean stopping, but simply letting someone else take the wheel? Enter the new Canyon Spirit. A luxury train slicing through America’s Southwest. Essentially a no-effort mini break. For couples, it’s romance on the rails. For itchy feet, you’re still moving, but in a far more meditative way. Glass-dome carriages, red rock scenery, flashes of wildlife. Mountains, lakes and forests unfolding like a film. A steady as a heartbeat rhythm blowing away your thoughts. And without Wi-Fi, it’s just you, sheer beauty and silence. We can slip it perfectly into a bigger US itinerary.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
More ideas for switch off holidays
SLOW GOING The Canyon Spirit is brought to you by the team behind the iconic Rocky Mountaineer.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
When family holidays grow up. Leaving kids’ clubs and bedtimes behind in favour of big adventures, new experiences, together.
As Assistant Manager of our Dorking store, Justine Pountney knows that the true mark of a successful family holiday is simple: nobody sulks, nobody says they’re bored, and everyone comes home wanting to go again.
For this trip, travelling with my partner and sixteen-year-old daughter, I wanted something with range. City buzz, beach time, wildlife encounters, good food, and shopping strong enough to earn the rarest familytravel accolade of all: teenage approval.
Malaysia and Borneo delivered on every front. Warm, welcoming, easy to navigate, and packed with variety, it was just the holiday to remind me just how rewarding family travel can be when everyone comes home wowed.
CITY
FIRST
We began with three nights in Kuala Lumpur, a boldly modern city where gleaming skyscrapers rise above bustling markets, fragrant food streets and neighbourhoods full of character. Flights from London take around 13 hours, usually overnight, which
made it feel far more manageable than expected.
We stayed at Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur. A smart, contemporary base with superb views towards the Petronas Towers giving us an immediate sense of place. Its central position made the city easy to explore, whether on foot or using Grab, the city’s reliable ride-hailing app, and a minor miracle when travelling with teenagers who have suddenly lost all enthusiasm for walking.
Kuala Lumpur works brilliantly with teenagers because it offers plenty without being hard work. We wandered through Chinatown, explored vast shopping malls, and visited the Petronas Towers after dark when the whole city sparkles. We all loved the Bird Park, where free-flying parrots, →
Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur
TIPS WITH TEENS
JUSTINE POUNTNEY
Assistant Manager, Dorking
PACK FOR THE RETURN JOURNEY
Leave space in the suitcase. Shopping in Kuala Lumpur is serious business, especially with a teenager involved.
DON’T SWEAT THE DISTANCES
Internal flights are short and efficient, so combining Kuala Lumpur with Borneo feels easier than it looks on a map.
END SOMEWHERE QUIET
After a busy itinerary, finishing on Gaya Island gave us time to absorb it all.
flamingos, and tropical gardens made it feel far more immersive than a standard city attraction.
MIXING IT UP
After the city, we flew for two and a half hours to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo, and stayed for seven nights at Shangri-La Rasa Ria. Families settle in quickly here: there are wide-open grounds, excellent pools, generously sized rooms, and a long stretch of golden beach with rainforest rising behind it.
The setting is what makes it so memorable. One minute you’re on the sand watching the light fade over the sea, the next you are looking towards the jungle, alive with birdsong and movement in the trees. The sea can be rough, so many guests sensibly favour the pools, but the beach is perfect for long walks and sunset wanders.
bears were another standout, small, shaggy and full of character.
One practical note: Borneo can be expensive once you’re in the resort, so in hindsight I would have chosen half board. It would have been money well spent and one less thing to think about.
ENDING ON A HIGH NOTE
We finished with three nights on Gaya Island, reached by boat in around 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. It was exactly the right finale. After a busier first half of the holiday, this was where everything slowed to a delicious pace.
The villas sit high among the trees with sea views and jungle behind. Wildlife was everywhere, from monkeys to monitor lizards. It was peaceful, private, and wonderfully removed from everyday life.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Justine based her holiday on our Kuala Lumpur & Borneo Encounter itinerary
STEP
Teenagers are rarely won over by over-planned sightseeing, but real experiences are another matter, and Borneo has plenty. There were wildlife outings, river trips in search of monkeys, and the clear headline act: visiting the orangutans. Seeing them up close is one of those moments that cuts through even the most committed teenage nonchalance. The gentle sun
What I remember most is simply sitting outside and listening to the sounds of the forest. I recorded it on my phone and still listen to it now. Better than most wellness apps, and considerably more authentic.
Malaysia gave us skyline drama, wildlife encounters, beach downtime, and the family triumph of everyone being happy at once. For travelling with teenagers, that may be the ultimate luxury. n
Borneo
TEENS IN TOW
1. Classic Garden Route Self-Drive
CAROLINE CHILD, Marketing & Sales Director
“Holidays with teens are all about balance, and South Africa got it spot on. With hardly any jet lag, we were straight into Cape Town, a Garden Route road trip with a safari finish. Our days mixed adrenaline with downtime – kayaking, ziplining, whale watching and long, lazy lunches. Safari shifted everything, slowing the pace and filling us all with genuine awe as we watched wildlife up close. Easy travel, great food and endless variety meant no compromises. None of us were ready to leave.”
3. Bangkok and Koh Samui Multi-Centre
MICHELLE MCGUFFIE, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Liverpool
“This trip was such a great mix for our teens (14 and 16). Singapore kicked things off brilliantly — zipping around on the metro, soaking up the skyline and eating our way through food halls made them feel very grown-up. Then Koh Samui was all about slowing down: pools, evening exploring and hopping between resorts for dinner (a real hit). The biggest surprise? Bangkok — the noise, food and sheer craziness totally won them over and became their favourite bit.”
2. Sri Lanka
LIZ PENTECOST, Sri Lanka Expert
“This year we wanted to do Sri Lanka at a pace that suited all of us. Our 19-year-old had his heart set on leopard spotting, our 21-year-old wanted proper hikes and time in Ella, and we were keen on cooking classes, exploring on foot and mixing with locals. And honestly, it came together perfectly. Koggala Beach was such a find –almost empty, easy swimming, little cafés doing amazing food. The people, the meals and the variety of it all was exactly as we’d hoped. We’ll definitely be back.”
4. So-Cal & Arizona Desert Self-Drive
HEATHER FLANNAGAN, Kuoni travel writer
“I’ve taken the kids on two USA road trips now and they’ve been our best holidays yet. My boys, aged 12 and 15, were blown away by the changing scenery, with something new to experience every day and the feeling of lots of mini holidays rolled into one. In Arizona, we loved hiking among Sedona’s red rock trails and soaking up Route 66 nostalgia in Seligman. My advice? Keep the drives short and mix in two- or three-night stops to vary the pace.”
Not every part of your holiday needs upgrading. In fact, more travellers are choosing not to. Instead, they’re placing their bets on a few well-chosen flourishes – by night, by seat, by experience – elevating the moments that matter most. We asked our experts and the people we work with to share the finishing touches that always pay off.
01
A SKY-HIGH SAFARI
Justin Grammaticas from, Governors’ Camp, Kenya ‘At Governors’ Balloon Safaris, we follow one of Kenya’s most breathtaking flight paths, drifting at sunrise along the Mara River. Below, you may spot elephants, giraffes, zebras – and if you’re lucky, even lions – moving through the landscape. It’s wonderfully still and serene, making it a dream for photographers. After landing, we’ll treat you to a lavish bush breakfast, complete with a glass of Champagne. My tip? Book your flight at the start of your stay, so you have flexibility should the weather change’.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Up, up and away – include a balloon flight experience on a Governors’ Safari. Airborne adventures await across the Mara, Amboseli, Tarangire, Serengeti and Namibia.
02
A TASTE OF THE RAINFOREST
Lorna Francis from Rabot Hotel by Hotel Chocolat, Saint Lucia
“Many of our guests come to Rabot to experience a different side of Saint Lucia, away from the beach. We’re set in the hills, in the home of cacao trees, so it feels calm and restorative. Chocolate isn’t just something you taste here –you can discover its journey from tree to bar or unwind with a spa treatment inspired by the estate’s most famous crop. You might start the day with yoga overlooking the Pitons and a stroll
through the cacao groves, spend the afternoon by the infinity pool or over a Velvetised Afternoon Tea, then end the day with a sunset cocktail – the white chocolate mojito is a favourite.”
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Pair a few nights at Rabot with time by the beach – East Winds, Jade Mountain or Anse Chastanet are perfect partners.
03
A SEAT AT THE TABLE
Daniella, Host at Zilwa Attitude, Mauritius
“If you’re staying at one of the Attitude hotels here in Mauritius, you can spend an evening in one of our team members’ homes, enjoying a traditional meal together. For me, it’s about welcoming people as I would friends. We cook, we chat, we swap stories. I might show you how to make faratas or prepare a local curry, and there’s always something fresh from the kitchen to try. It’s not a restaurant experience – it’s a family one. By the end of the evening, people often say it’s when they really connect with Mauritius.”
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Attitude Hotels are among our goto Mauritian beach stays, thanks to characterful settings, a sustainable ethos and ‘live like a local’ experiences.
04
ONE WAY TO FLY BETTER
Chris Perry, Assistant Manager, Kuoni Manchester
“Flying business class is the ultimate golden ticket – that moment you turn left on the plane never gets old. But it’s also a big chunk of the budget. My tip? Do it one way. Upgrade either the outbound or the return – a happy compromise, and you still get that ‘high life’ moment. Settle into a spacious seat, a glass of bubbles in hand, enjoy a multi-course meal paired with excellent wines – then stretch out on your fully flat bed and get some sleep. One warning though: once you’ve flown flat, it’s hard to go back.”
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Save your upgrade for the journey home – flights back to the UK often carry lower taxes, making it a smarter spend.
05
WHEELS & WINE
Carlo, Senior Guide at Bikes ‘n’ Wines, South Africa
“Cycling through the Winelands is one of the most relaxed and enjoyable ways to explore – even more so when you’re in good company. We pedal out through the vineyards, stopping at boutique estates for tastings and a laid-back lunch. You can take it easy on an e-bike if you like. Along the way I’ll share local history, how the grapes are harvested, and what makes each estate’s wines taste so different. I love sharing my home, culture and backyard with new people every day – we say you arrive as strangers and leave as friends, and that’s exactly how it feels.”
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Our Cape Town and the Winelands trip combines adventures in the vibrant capital with vineyard-hopping among the Cape’s most beautiful wine estates.
06
END ON A HIGH
Angelo Joseph, Kuoni Rep at Niva Kuramathi Maldives
“We’re seeing more guests split their stay here at Niva Kuramathi, and it’s such a great way to experience the island. Start in a beach villa amongst the ancient banyan trees, then move to a water villa for the final few nights, which is always such a wow moment! You get two different perspectives in one trip, and it makes the most of your budget too – leaving a little extra for things like dining, a diving trip or an upgrade to a seaplane transfer – the flight over scattered islands and bright lagoons is unforgettable.”
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Switch it up in paradise – from beach villas to water villas, or even across islands, we’ll help you build a more varied Maldives stay.
PICK YOUR ATTITUDE There’s family favourites like Zilwa and grown-up spots like Lagoon Attitude.
Wheels & Wine
Seaplane, Maldives
TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE
Jenny Staniforth, Personal Travel Expert
“The Rocky Mountaineer lives up to the hype. It’s not just about getting from A to B – it’s the journey itself, winding through the Rockies with open-air viewing areas and huge glass-domed windows so you don’t miss a thing. There’s a sociable atmosphere on board, as the hosts point out wildlife, add insight along the way and keep the drinks flowing. My tip? If you
can, go GoldLeaf. Sitting up top with those panoramic views, then heading downstairs for dining, it elevates the whole experience.”
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Our First Passage to the West with the Rocky Mountaineer itinerary pairs stays in Calgary, Banff and Vancouver with this iconic two-day rail journey.
RAIL ROUTES Rocky Mountaineer have a handful of equally spectacular two- and three-day trips.
Goldleaf Rocky Mountaineer
Saint Lucia
Peak season looks different around the world, shaped by weather, school holidays, and local events. Those months fill up first for good reason. But travel just either side of them, and you’ll often find the same holiday feeling easier, calmer, more comfortable, and kinder on the budget too.
THE CARIBBEAN, WITHOUT THE WINTER WAIT
For many UK holidaymakers, the Caribbean is filed mentally under winter sunshine: the place you go when home is dark by 4pm and everyone is talking about vitamin D. Fair enough. But summer in the Caribbean deserves far more credit than it gets.
If you’re holidaying in summer, the standout options are often the southern Caribbean, including Barbados, Saint Lucia, Grenada and the Grenadines, with Antigua also worth considering for great-value deals. There’s often find a more relaxed feel than during the winter, when the Caribbean is in full demand.
Summer also brings something else many travellers overlook: some of the Caribbean’s most vibrant cultural
festivals. Antigua Carnival (late July to early August), Barbados’ world-famous Crop Over (July and August), St Vincent Carnival, and Grenada’s unforgettable Spicemas in August all fall during low season. The islands truly come alive with steel pans, calypso and soca soundtracks, elaborate costumes and street parades. Grenada’s Spicemas is visually extraordinary – the traditional Jab Jab characters, dusted in oil and paint, create some of the Caribbean’s most striking carnival imagery.
Conditions are often better than many people expect. The seas are warm, there’s a welcome breeze. If rain does turn up, think of it as a natural reset button: sunshine in the morning, a passing shower, then balmy evenings.
CARIBBEAN:
Summer: when you know, you go
Summer temperatures stay consistently pleasant, with trade winds along many coasts helping the heat feel more comfortable.
Showers are often brief and later in the day, often clearing in time for sunset.
Summer works brilliantly for school holiday trips. Families get balmy seas, easy beach days, and resorts know exactly how to keep everyone fed and entertained.
Tropical storm season runs from June to October and peaks in September. Islands are rarely directly aff ected, and resorts are incredibly well prepared should one pass through.
Choose your coastline wisely, too. Caribbean-facing beaches are usually calmer for swimming and paddleboarding, while Atlantic sides are breezier, wilder, and better for surf. Saint Lucia brings dramatic Piton views, Aruba is drier and reliably sunny, and to the west of the Caribbean Sea, Riviera Maya in Mexico adds cenotes, ruins, and long white-sand beaches.
It’s everything you love about the Caribbean – just without waiting for January.
SOUL SEARCHING Feel the beat of carnival across the Caribbean during the sultry summer months.
Barbados’ Crop Festival
TRACK RECORD
A four-city rail journey through eastern Canada takes you across Ontario and Québec, linking Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec City in one eastbound route that makes sense on a map and even more sense once you’re doing it. Late spring and early autumn are particularly savvy times to go.
The cities feel lively without peak summer crowds, temperatures are kinder for long days out, and you’re less likely to spend half the trip queueing, overheating, or wondering why you packed the wrong jacket. You start in Toronto, on the edge of Lake Ontario, where it’s worth heading up the CN Tower or taking the short ferry to the Toronto Islands for skyline views back
CANADA:
Capitals of Canada trip
Shoulder season brings milder weather and fewer crowds, making sightseeing, walking tours, and restauranthopping noticeably more enjoyable than peak summer.
Business class on VIA Rail adds wider seats, extra space, and meals served at your seat, making longer journeys feel pleasantly civilised.
It’s simple to extend the trip to New York by rail or short flight, adding a faster-paced final chapter.
across the water. In May or September, neighbourhoods like Kensington Market and the Distillery District are ideal for wandering, coffee in hand, without midsummer humidity flattening your ambition. Niagara Falls is far less crowded too.
From there, the train runs to Ottawa, where Parliament Hill sits above the Rideau Canal, and much of the centre is simple to cover on foot. Then comes Montréal, where Old Montréal’s cobbled streets, food markets, bakeries, and brunch scene make it very easy to lose track of time.
Québec City is the final stop, set above the St Lawrence River, where cooler shoulder-season days suit walking the
old city walls, dipping into boutiques, and settling into long lunches that accidentally become late afternoons.
Journeys between cities happen during the day, so you actually see the landscape change from lake edges to forest and river, rather than skipping over it at 30,000 feet. Trains arrive at central stations too, which means less faff, more city.
Accommodation is part of the appeal as well. Well-placed hotels are included throughout, while a deluxe upgrade adds landmark Fairmont stays, from the Royal York in Toronto to the Château Frontenac in Québec City. All in all? It’s a very good way to cover a lot of ground without feeling like hard work. →
Niagara Falls
CAPE CONTRAST
South Africa flips our seasons. When it’s autumn here, it’s spring there. When we’re reaching for coats, they’re reaching for sunscreen. Their summer, especially December and January, is peak season with Christmas holidays, hot weather, and Cape Town in full social mode. But spring and autumn are an excellent bet, too.
Cape Town is the natural place to begin. Ocean on one side, Table Mountain overhead, vineyards nearby, and beaches within reach. You can hike Lion’s Head at sunrise, browse shops in the V&A Waterfront, have lunch at Camps Bay, and be back in time for cocktails with a view.
From there, the Winelands are an easy next step. In Stellenbosch and Franschhoek expect whitewashed
SOUTH AFRICA:
Cape Town & Winelands trip
South Africa’s opposite seasons make it a smart choice for autumn or spring travel, when you still want sunshine and longer days.
Harvest time brings extra energy to the Winelands, with busy cellars, seasonal menus, and tastings across Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.
Whale watching is best between June and November, with frequent shore sightings around Hermanus – often no need to step on a boat.
estates, mountain backdrops, top restaurants, and wine tastings for new favourites to seek out back home.
Timing can make a good trip even better. Travel in February or March, and you’ll arrive during harvest season, when the vineyards are busy, and the Winelands feel full of life. Go in our autumn, and you’re into whalewatching season along the Cape coast, particularly around Hermanus, where southern right whales are regularly spotted from shore. No boat, no drama, just gaze out to sea.
South Africa is great value year-round, especially outside the South African summer holidays. You’re not settling for second best by travelling then. More likely, you’ll get better availability and a gentler pace. →
KENYA:
Taste of Kenya
Small Group Safari
If you’re not wedded to peak migration dates, shoulder-season travel is a really good way to experience Kenya with excellent wildlife spotting, just with a bit more flexibility.
Fewer vehicles at sightings mean you can spend more time observing wildlife without feeling rushed or crowded.
Small-group safaris such as our Taste of Kenya holiday can offer great value, combining a stay in two standout parks with game drives, meals and tips all included.
WILD FREEDOM
Most people look at July to September for Kenya, when the Great Migration moves through the Maasai Mara. It’s a spectacular time to go, and deservedly popular. But it’s not the only moment worth knowing about. Travelling in March or October to early December offers a different version of the same trip, with excellent wildlife, fewer crowds, and often better overall value.
Animals don’t disappear because the calendar changes. Wildlife is present year-round, from elephants and giraffes to lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Game drives across the Mara and Kenya’s other parks are consistently rewarding.
What alters first is the atmosphere. There are fewer vehicles at sightings, so when something exciting happens, you’re less likely to arrive in a convoy. You can stay longer, watch behaviour properly, and let moments play out rather than ticking them off and moving on. Guides usually have more flexibility too, which means days can be shaped around what’s happening rather than a fixed circuit.
The landscape changes as well. After rain, the plains turn greener, the air feels clearer, and everything looks fresher. There’s a practical upside, too. Park fees are lower at certain times, and
camps and lodges often offer better rates outside the busiest migration window. That can make it easier to add another region, such as Amboseli or Lake Nakuru.
A simple way to try a safari is to take a small-group safari, such as our fivenight Taste of Kenya . It combines Lake Nakuru and the Maasai Mara, with guiding, logistics, and game drives taken care of, so you can focus on the wildlife rather than the planning. It’s also a smart-value route into safari for first-timers.
EASTERN EASE
Japan and China have a habit of appearing on wish lists with a small asterisk beside them: amazing, but busy. Both are hugely popular, and rightly so. Our China by Land, Japan by Sea holiday tackles that neatly, pairing the headline sights with better timing and a route that keeps the hard work to a minimum.
You begin in China. Shanghai gives you old lanes, riverfront skylines, and enough neon to keep your camera busy. Xi’an brings the Terracotta Warriors, street food in the Muslim Quarter, and history on an epic scale. Beijing follows with the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall at Mutianyu, where cooler autumn weather makes all those steps feel like a much better idea.
Then, just as you’ve earned a breather, the second half begins. Fly to Tokyo and board your cruise, using the ship as a moving hotel while Japan and beyond come to you. You’ll call at Toba, Osaka for Kyoto, Kochi, Nagasaki, Shimizu for Mount Fuji, and Busan in South Korea. It’s a smart contrast: high-energy city days first, then a more relaxed pace without losing momentum.
Autumn is when this holiday really shines. Across China and Japan, summer heat and humidity give way to clearer skies and far more comfortable temperatures for exploring. Parks, temple grounds, and mountain landscapes turn gold, amber, and deep red, while cities have that crisp, backto-business energy September and October bring.
There’s another bonus. Outside the hottest summer months and busiest holiday weeks, major sights are often less crowded, prices can be lower, and sightseeing is simply more pleasant.
CHINA & JAPAN: China by Land, Japan By Sea Stay & Cruise trip
Autumn brings milder temperatures, ideal for city touring, walking tours, and landmarkheavy days across China and Japan.
Seasonal colour transforms parks, temple grounds, and mountain scenery, from Beijing gardens to Kyoto temples and views of Mount Fuji.
China by land, Japan by sea means less packing, smoother logistics, and a lot more holiday.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY: Curious about travelling off-peak? Read more about when to go.
Stay & Cruise
Our experts spend their time getting to know our holidays properly. These are the moments they came back talking about.
GOING REMOTE
EMMA TIBBETTS, Kuoni travel writer “I thought I’d seen most of what ‘bucketlist’ Africa has to off er but Namibia flipped everything I thought I knew on its head. From touchdown on day one, there’s just an overwhelming feeling of remoteness – huge skies, vast salt pans, Atlantic vistas and shape-shifting sand dunes.
The colour palette of Namibia’s natural world needs to be seen to be believed. I was blown away by ochre-hued backdrops of Sossusvlei’s clay pans and dunes touching the deep blue sky, and the bronze-dusted elephants of Damaraland set off by post-rain greenery and the Brandberg Mountains. Even the ‘common’ game of Etosha National Park seemed anything but ordinary against the sage-shaded grasses, the bright white salt pan and the mopane trees.
Namibia may be one of the few places in Africa where you can go it alone on a self-drive safari but having a driverguide satisfi ed my knowledge-seeking style of travel. What our guide Herunga didn’t know about his jaw-dropper of a country wasn’t worth knowing. Without him, we wouldn’t have found ourselves at the best wildlife-viewing spots, snapped the best photographs, traced the constellations in the night sky or got a deep-dive insight into the country’s history, politics and culture.”
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Our 11-night Namibia Explorer tour is a small-group journey led by an expert guide. Add on a few nights in Cape Town for a longer Southern Africa holiday – it’s just a couple of hours by air from Windhoek.
WORKING THE NIGHT SHIFT
SARAH MCCALPINE, Asia expert
“We’d had a run of early starts, and the kind of days that left me happily exhausted by sunset. But in Borneo, that’s when things get interesting. As the light dropped over the Sandakan Rainforest, I found myself high up on the canopy walkways, watching the place come alive all over again.
So much was happening, everywhere, all at once. Flying squirrels launching themselves between trees, tree frogs, owls, and something rustling just out of sight that I hoped might be a clouded leopard. Our guide picked everything out with a torch and laser pointer, spotting things I would have walked straight past. The moment that really stayed with me was the slow loris. Completely unbothered, moving at its own pace, and somehow stealing the entire show without making a sound.”
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Build this into a Highlights of Kuala Lumpur & Borneo itinerary, adding a Sepilok Orangutan Encounter for time in the rainforest around Sandakan.
MAN OF THE FOREST Your best chance of seeing semi-wild orangutans is at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre
SEA, SUN AND SURPRISES
KEELIN ELMHIRST, Europe expert
“I’d never been to the Canaries before, and if I’m honest, I thought I knew exactly what I was getting. Sunshine, easy hotels, maybe not much reason to stray far. I was wrong. Tenerife does the beach break brilliantly. But once I started exploring, it changed quickly. More than once, people compared it to Hawai‘i, and I could see why. The volcanic landscapes, the hiking, even how you can be by the sea in warm sunshine and then, higher up, reaching for an extra layer.
Driving through Teide National Park, I got a real sense of the scale of it. Big, open, and wild. I also spent time in the north, stopping in places like Garachico, a small coastal town with natural rock pools, a pretty square, and just enough going on to keep you there a little longer than planned.I went in with one idea of the Canaries and left with a completely different one.”
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Twin Tenerife with La Gomera – Tenerife for variety and sunshine, La Gomera for something greener, quieter, and brilliantly unexpected.
Everything you’ve heard is true. Thailand has all the pretty beaches, longtail boats and spa sanctuaries you could wish for. But beyond the headline sights lies a richer, slower side to Thailand.
We’re not saying skip the big hitters. Go. Drink the neon cocktails. Take the longtail boat to Phi Phi and live out that The Beach moment at Maya Bay. We’re suggesting a few plot twists along the way – trading the main strip for a behind-the-scenes tour with a local or wandering alleyways where the best bar has no sign.
Bangkok plays its best cards when you see it from a few different angles. A must-do is our Bangkok by bike tour, where you’ll cycle through leafy neighbourhoods with a guide sharing the city they call home. The city is just as compelling once the sun goes down. On our Bangkok by night tour, you’ll zip around by tuk tuk, stopping at speakeasy-style bars, illuminated temples and street stalls you’d never have found on your own.
The usual Chiang Mai must-dos deserve pride of place – bowls of khao soi at the night bazaar and learning the secrets of Thai cooking in a hands-on class. But there are a few lesser-known spots worth weaving in too. Visit Baan Kang Wat, an artisan village where a community of local creatives sell crafts and art from colourful little studios. Head to the misty hills of Doi Mae Salong to explore Santikhiri’s emerald tea terraces and discover the rituals behind northern Thailand’s tea culture. And Bush Camp Chiang Mai pairs a stay in rustic safari tents with time spent alongside rescued elephants in a peaceful valley setting.
Our tip in Phuket? Head north to Mai Khao, part of Sirinat National Park, where you’re more likely to spot turtles nesting on the sand than rows of umbrellas. And when it comes to island hopping, our Avoid the Crowds Phi Phi cruise lets you experience those famous limestone cliffs when the bays are still glassy and quiet, before the flotilla of day boats arrives. Just a short boat ride from Phuket, the twin islands of Ko Yao Noi and Ko Yao Yai remain blissfully under the radar, where fishing boats still outnumber speedboats and the pace of life is pure sabai sabai.
Where you stay can shape the whole trip – and some of Thailand’s most interesting places to bed down sit well away from the famed resorts. For castaway life, Koh Jum Beach Villas is hard to beat, while on laid-back Koh Yao Noi, TreeHouse Villas are tucked among the jungle with private pool villas and views across Phang Nga Bay.
MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY:
Read the full article here, with more ideas on how to go off script on your next Thailand adventure.
MADE FOR EACH OTHER
It’s time to ditch the one-stop stays for perfectly paired getaways that seamlessly switch gears. Contrast is key, where holidays cover two moods in one journey.
From ‘Bush TV’ to beach bliss
Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach
Designed for beach fans who want a taste of the wild.
This itinerary delivers a thrilling wildlife chapter before you glide across to Zanzibar for bare feet in the sand moments, great if it’s your first time safari or you’re short on time. At Kirurumu Tarangire Lodge, days are spent exploring Tarangire National Park’s dramatic landscape with highly skilled guides who will bring your safari experience to the next level. Spot herds of elephants gather under the park’s towering baobab trees, set off on an insightful Ethno-Botanical tour to learn about flora and fauna used in Maasai medical practices, and for that bucketlist safari experience, add on a hot-air balloon flight to soar over the vast park as dawn breaks. Back at the lodge, watch ‘Bush TV’ from your veranda as wildlife regularly roams through. The campfire as the sun sets is where you’ll recount the day’s adventures, sundowner in hand.
A quick hop across the ocean, Matemwe Attitude is where slow days and sea views set the tone for your island escape. This is an all-pool-villa retreat with fantastic food and views out over Mnemba Island. There’s plenty to see in Zanzibar. Explore the labyrinthine alleyways of Stone Town, learn why Zanzibar is often referred to as the ‘spice island’ with a tour of a farm or go in search of the endangered red colobus monkeys on a visit to Jozani Forest. But if all you feel like doing after those early safari starts is kicking back on powder white sands and sipping icecold tropical drinks, that’s just fine too.
ADD SOME ATTITUDE Mauritius favourite Attitude have made their first move to a new island.
Pair culture and nature in Portugal
Lisbon & Madeira
Designed for culture lovers seeking history and wild island beauty. Lisbon’s medieval castles, cobbled streets, waterfront and quirky laid-back vibe put it high up on the list of popular city breaks. It packs a rich history with plenty of must-see sights, but it’s also made for more organic, off-plan exploring – you can stumble across centuries-old cafés, elegant boulevards and Baroque architecture. Hotels have mastered the art of blending past and present from converted turn-of-thecentury buildings with elegant suites and swanky spas alongside landmark resorts crowned with sleek rooftop bars.
Just a two-hour flight from Lisbon, Madeira is mainland Portugal’s often overlooked neighbour. Those in the know return to this volcanic island to hike through its deep valleys and forested peaks, stroll black-sand beaches and unwind at world-class wellbeing retreats. No trip here would be complete without supping the island’s famous fortified wines at one of the many family-owned vineyards. Shaped by Atlantic waves, Madeira is less seaside calm and more rugged coastal beauty. The beauty of this splitstay holiday is that it works year-round, thanks to Lisbon’s seasonal appeal and Madeira’s year-round warmth.
MADE FOR WALKING Madeira is heaven for hikers so dust off your boots and hit the trails.
Wildlife and white-sand islands
Maasai Mara & Seychelles
Designed for safari devotees seeking the same intimacy and escapism by the sea.
On a safari in Kenya, it’s all about location, location, location. Your first glimpse of Governors’ Camp comes from the air, flying into the Maasai Mara, where it’s not unusual to spot zebra or giraffe grazing below as you come in to land. The camp sits beside the Mara River, tucked into a riverine forest away from the crowds – right in the heart of big cat territory.
This traditional tented camp is unfenced, so don’t be surprised to see a resident warthog joining you for lunch or an elephant wandering through the lobby – it’s all part of the epic, wildliferich experience. That’s the joy of a stay at Governors’. Take full-day game drives deep into the reserve, or happily stay put on the deck of your tent with a pair of binoculars and wait for whatever wanders by. You can max out your time with an unforgettable hot-air balloon safari over the savannah and Mara River at sunrise –simply spectacular.
After a walk on the wild side, a beach break is just the tonic – and the Seychelles is a natural extension to a Kenya safari. Much like safari lodges, resorts here are deeply connected to their surroundings with the same sense of escapism you find in the bush, just with an ocean backdrop. Private pool villas perch over clear waters, hideaway rooms blend into the lush jungle and exclusive suites sit high above unspoilt beaches. Ramp up your post-safari stay with snorkelling, sunset cruises and uncover the secrets of Creole cuisine with a cooking lesson. On Silhouette Island, most of which is a protected area, there’s just one resort – Niva Labriz – for the ultimate away-from-it-all feel and perfect for couples. Families match two bedroom family tents at Governors’ with Constance Ephelia and for something a little more bougee – swap safari for Black Parrot Suites
The Maldives, multiplied
Niva Dhigali Maldives, Reethi Faru, Emerald Maldives triple island trip. Designed for travellers seeking a different way to do the Maldives.
Once you’ve settled on the Maldives, choosing which island is the hard part – so don’t stop at one, or even two. Choose three. This trio in the Raa Atoll –a quieter corner of the Maldives, prized by divers for its marine-rich underwater world and vibrant reefs – showcases how to do the Maldives differently. Each Island-hop by speedboat feels like stepping into a brand-new holiday.
Start at Niva Dhigali Maldives and ease yourself into a world of contemporary luxury. You know you’ve arrived in the Maldives when you head for a sundowner at Haali – quite possibly the most stunning sunset spot in the Maldives. Dhigali’s impressive sustainability credentials add an extra layer of the feel-good factor.
Then whizz over to Reethi Faru, where full castaway vibes take over. Weave your way to villas hidden in the jungle, tuck into sizzling seafood barefoot on powdery sands and unwind in the Balinese-style spa. If you’re keen to stay active, it’s not just the house reef keeping things lively – there’s tennis, squash, basketball, a state-of-the-art gym, and a stunning yoga deck for when it’s time to slow things down.
Round things off at Emerald Maldives – the glitzy carefree finale with its generous all inclusive. Expect fantastic food, free non-motorised watersports and snorkelling straight from the shore over the incredible house reef. Taste your way around the world at four renowned restaurants (each with its own sommelier, with most wines included) and live your best island life in a cool and contemporary villa on the beach or perched on stilts over water.
Double the beauty in Bali
Ubud retreats & beachside bliss
Designed for travellers drawn to Bali’s cultural heart, with relaxation built in.
Beautiful Bali has more than one personality. Ubud puts you right at the cultural heart of the island. While it’s grown significantly from the tiny artsy town it once was, there’s still that boho feel in its lively cultural centre, where coffee shops and galleries showcase the talents of local artists and craftspeople. Shop for art pieces along kaleidoscopic streets, dine on exceptional Balinese cuisine in cute cafés and meet the cheeky residents of the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
On the outskirts of Ubud, the urban buzz gives way to striking rice terraces, paddy fields and fresh mountain air. Our chosen hotels are close to the town centre, but far enough away to feel like rural retreats. Expect holistic spas, drinks served to your poolside cabana and spellbinding valley views.
Down on the coast, wide sandy beaches and Balinese-style resorts set in tropical gardens await. In Sanur, beaches slope down to waters protected by offshore reefs with lowrise hotels set back from a beachfront promenade. Neighbouring Tanjung Benoa, close to upmarket Nusa Dua, brings boutique luxury and glorious golden sands.
The
many sides of Mauritius
Chamarel & the coast
Designed for travellers who want to see the Mauritius many visitors miss. Most travellers who visit Mauritius are missing out. Sure, the beach resorts are spectacular, but what sets the island apart from other Indian Ocean favourites is the wild beauty of its lush interior. Step away from the coast and you’ll discover that Mauritius is far from one-dimensional – inland lies an untamed world of lofty mountains, deep gorges and hidden waterfalls.
Highlights include the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth Geopark and the protected forest of the Black River Gorges National Park. Time here is about more than ticking off sights – it’s the serenity of spotting rare kestrels, and the awe of the dramatic landscape. Accommodation is more mountain chalet than resort, often family-run with warm, down-to-earth hospitality, and perfect for exploring forest trails.
Of course we’d never suggest skipping the beach altogether. Head back to sea level for some R&R by the coast. The north has lively Grand Baie and sheltered bays; the south delivers wild beaches and La Morne Brabant’s iconic scenery; the breezy east coast has impressive beaches, marine parks and high-end hotels and the west is where you spot dolphins, dive and relax on white-sand shores.
HIT THE ROAD Mauritius is easy to explore by car. They drive on the left and the roads are quite quiet.
BOOK YOUR NEXT GREAT ESCAPE
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