TEXT BY
Romantic and Dream Vacations
This volume features 81 fabulous destinations that promise to give rise to unforgettable emotions and adventures, as well as truly romantic moments, as befit a special vacation, or better yet, “the” trip of a lifetime. It contains suggestions to satisfy all tastes, so that readers may choose the amazing discoveries on this planet they would like to make, then enjoy the uniqueness of each location or itinerary in a thrilling crescendo that will make their “dream come true”!
JASMINA
Jasmina Trifoni
Romanticand DreamVacations
TRIFONI
ISBN 978-82-7007-428-0
9
788270 074280
U7567398 Cover HoneyMon NorskForlag.indd 1
18/11/15 14:25
Romantic and Dream Vacations
29
31 30 32
Contents
4
62
Introduction
p.
6
Bora Bora - French Polynesia 1
p. 10
Vanua Levu - Fiji 2
p. 14
Vava’u - Tonga 3
p. 18
Kaua’i - USA 4
p. 20
The Blue Mountains - Australia 5
p. 22
Ayers Rock - Australia 6
p. 24
Hamilton Island - Australia 7
p. 28
Hayman Island - Australia 8
p. 30
Lake Taupo - New Zealand 9
p. 32
10 Queenstown - New Zealand
p. 36
11 Bali - Indonesia
p. 40
65
63
33 64
66
50
71 72
47 28
51
52
73
68 70
34 36 37 38 39 40 4342 4144 46 45
48
67
69
49
35
12 27 26
23
22
13
15
74
21
75
20 17
76 25
77
54 55 78
4
14
18
16
19
24
53 11 56
79 58 59
57
2
7-8
3
12 Kyoto - Japan
p. 44
13 Hangzhou - China
p. 46
14 Yunnan Province - China
p. 48
15 In the Valleys of Bhutan - Bhutan
p. 52
16 Hoi An - Vietnam
p. 54
17 Luang Prabang - Laos
p. 58
18 Angkor - Cambodia
p. 62
19 Krabi - Thailand
p. 64
20 Chiang Mai - Thailand
p. 66
21 Along the Irrawaddy - Myanmar
p. 70
22 Agra - India
p. 72
23 Jaipur - India
p. 76
24 Galle - Sri Lanka
p. 80
39 Cortina d’Ampezzo - Italy
p. 132
54 The Masai Mara - Kenya
p. 182
69 Los Cabos - Mexico
p. 234
25 The Maldive Islands - Republic of the Maldives
p. 84
40 Venice - Italy
p. 136
55 Serengeti - Tanzania
p. 186
70 San Miguel de Allende - Mexico
p. 236
26 Dubai - United Arab Emirates
p. 88
41 Verona - Italy
p. 140
56 Nosy Be - Madagascar
p. 190
71 Yucatán - Mexico
p. 238
27 Petra - Jordan
p. 90
42 Portofino - Italy
p. 144
57 Mauritius - Republic of Mauritius
p. 194
72 Ambergris Caye - Belize
p. 240
28 The Turkish Coast - Turkey
p. 94
43 Côte d’Azur - France
p. 148
58 Victoria Falls - Zambia/Zimbabwe
p. 196
73 Paradise Island - Bahamas
p. 242
29 Lapland - Sweden
p. 96
44 The Tuscan Hills - Italy
p. 152
59 The Moremi Game Reserve - Botswana
p. 200
74 Montego Bay - Jamaica
p. 246
30 Saint Petersburg - Russia
p. 100
45 The Amalfi Coast - Italy
p. 156
60 Kruger National Park - South Africa
p. 204
75 The Lesser Antilles - Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada,
31 The Sunnmøre Alps - Norway
p. 104
46 Korčula - Croatia
p. 160
61 The Namib Desert - Namibia
p. 206
St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Guadeloupe, Dominica, St. Lucia
p. 248
32 The Scottish Highlands - United Kingdom
p. 106
47 Santorini - Greece
p. 162
62 Whistler - Canada
p. 210
76 The Talamanca Mountains - Costa Rica
p. 252
33 Saint-Malo - France
p. 110
48 Andalusia - Spain
p. 164
63 In Montana - USA
p. 212
77 The Amazon Rainforest - Ecuador
p. 254
34 Champagne - France
p. 114
49 The Douro Valley - Portugal
p. 166
64 Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard - USA
p. 214
78 From Cuzco to Machu Picchu - Peru
p. 258
35 The Loire Valley - France
p. 118
50 The Azores - Portugal
p. 168
65 San Francisco - USA
p. 218
79 Trancoso - Brazil
p. 260
36 Die Romantische Strasse - Germany
p. 122
51 Marrakech - Morocco
p. 172
66 Moab - USA
p. 222
80 The Atacama Desert - Chile
p. 262
37 St. Moritz - Switzerland
p. 124
52 Along the Nile - Egypt
p. 174
67 Charleston - USA
p. 226
81 El Calafate - Argentina
p. 264
38 Megève - France
p. 128
53 Seychelles - Republic of Seychelles
p. 178
68 The Florida Keys - USA
p. 230
Index
p. 266
80
61
60
TEXT
Jasmina Trifoni
6 5 9
editorial coordination
Laura Accomazzo 81
1
10
graphic layout
Stefania Costanzo
5
A fairy tale castle or a tent in the desert?
L
e voyage à la façon anglaise or ‘journey in the
More than 100 years have passed since those early
A love story for every romantic destination
villages in the dear Old World, to the wild but no less
coast or among the Caribbean islands. Or you can sail
English manner,’ was what the French of the
timid journeys, and now it is considered quite odd if
fascinating ones in the Amazon forests and great African
down the Nile in a dahabiyya, the traditional ancient
late l9th century called the romantic sojourn
one does not go on a honeymoon after one’s wedding.
parks. You may choose from among the seductive lure of
boat that made Flaubert fall in love with Egypt. This
enjoyed by young British couples in the sun of
Furthermore, it is no longer necessary to take this
places that served as settings for great love stories, such
book will anticipate the emotions that you will feel while
the French Riviera, which runs from Nice to Menton. For
romantic trip in the month that married life officially
as Romeo and Juliet’s Verona, or Agra, in the India of the
living in the desert among the dunes of Namibia or the
the French, this was a strange thing. But for young British
begins; today any occasion is good for a vacation for
Thousand and One Nights with its fabulous Taj Mahal, the
infinite expanses of salt in Atacama, Chile, or again while
honeymooners, spending a few weeks in a small boarding
two. A couple can take off together to get to know each
most astounding monument a man has ever built for his
becoming acquainted with such exotic cultures as those
house overlooking the sea and taking in the colors and
other better and to see how things turn out,
beloved. Depending on your taste and inclination you can
of the Maya or the Buddhist monks in Bhutan, the country
scents of the Mediterranean was nothing less than an
or to take a break and enjoy each other’s company
choose to be carried away by the idea of a contemplative
where life is based on the concept of shared happiness.
adventure – not only because in those days trips were
far from everybody and everything, or again,
vacation in spring, during the cherry blossom season
It will also give you some original ideas on how to make
long, tiring, and full of unforeseen events, but also and
to celebrate love in a dream-like setting, or even
in Kyoto, the ancient capital of the mysterious Japan of
your vacation truly unique, whether you decide to get
above all because what they called a honeymoon was a
to try to save a relationship, hoping that it doesn’t
the geishas; take a trip as adventurous as it is romantic
married in front of a blazing sunset on the Greek island
new marvelous way to begin married life.
become a nightmare.
in the magical world of ice in Lapland; sleep in a luxury
of Santorini, or give her the engagement ring during your
tent on Ayers Rock, in the red center of Australia, or stay
flight over a heart-shaped coral reef in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Although the term ‘honeymoon’ dates to the time of
As for the destination, the sky’s the limit. This is why
the ancient Babylonians, to whom it meant the first month
we decided to begin this book on romantic vacations
in the labyrinth of spectacular canyons in the western
after the wedding – apparently because in their time the
in places far, far away. So we will go straight to French
United States.
custom was for newlyweds to drink hydromel, a beverage
Polynesia, first as a tribute to the French – so intrinsically
made with fermented honey that has aphrodisiacal
passionate and amoureux – who colonized these jewels
place that will rouse enthusiasm about a trip for two.
special resort for each of the destinations – a boutique
properties – romantic vacations as we understand them
in the South Seas, and secondly, because Bora Bora is
Are you gourmets? Then there is a getaway in the
hotel, boat or even a king-sized bed under a star-
today are a recent invention, credit for which must be
universally considered the most beautiful and romantic
French region of Champagne where you can discover
studded sky – one that we feel will be the ‘perfect nook’
given to the loyal subjects of the austere Queen Victoria.
island in the world. What’s more, our aim is to make
vineyards and caves with the sexiest bubbles on our
for a romantic dream vacation. In other words, here you
In her era, their favorite honeymoon destination was
you dream, and in a big way, about all the continents,
planet. Do you love being pampered? Then there is no
have everything needed to imagine – and organize –
France, a sort of promised land of passion (after all,
both famous places (frequented by celebrities for trysts)
better place than Thailand, where you can indulge in
the most enticing vacation in your life, be it an official
English-speaking people used, and still use, the term
and secret ones, from the white beaches of fantastic
voluptuous massages for just the two of you. And should
honeymoon or merely a weekend of passion. What
‘French kiss’ for the most amorous kiss of all), followed
tropical islands in the Caribbean and Indian Ocean to the
you opt for a vacation on a boat – which, be warned,
remains for you to decide on is a small but fundamental
by the most languid and artistic places in Italy – from
equally white snow in the world’s most popular mountain
is the most relentless test of love – you can either go
detail: the person with whom you who will share this
Venice and Tuscany to the Gulf of Naples.
destinations, from cities full of art and peaceful country
on a cruise in a caique or a schooner along the Turkish
experience.
Since God is in the details, as the great architect
In our dreamy book, we have tried to offer you a
Mies van der Rohe once stated, we have selected a
2 / 3 - A safari at dawn in the Masai Mara to hear the heartbeat of Africa. 8 / 9 - The Maldives, a paradise (consisting of 99% water) for couples. 6
7
Bora Bora French Polynesia
For the Polynesians it is the Vava’i, ‘the first-
offering a ‘cropped’ view of the sea below and a
born,’ created by the god Ta’aroa. And though it is
private terrace suspended over it. All the resorts
not a question of genealogy, even for all the others
are magnificent and compete with each other
– from James Cook, who arrived here in 1777,
in offering unforgettable experiences, including
to the thousands and thousands of present-day
organizing weddings in the most relaxed Polynesian
tourists – Bora Bora is the ‘first’ in beauty in the
style, accompanied by traditional dances and a
whole world.
profusion of flowers as well as ‘peccadillos.’
It is simply perfect, the archetype of the dream island, even in its geographical features and shape,
appreciate the ones at the Four Seasons Bora
which lie in that part of the legendary South Seas
Bora, situated on the splendid Motu Tehotu, which
that history assigned to French colonists. And
offers them, among other things, a very special
its 14 or so square miles of surface area are the
treat when they wake up. Here the sumptuous
result of a volcanic eruption that took place 3
breakfast, with its tropical flavors, arrives by
million years ago. The island is still dominated by
sea, conveyed on a tiparua, a typical double-keel
two black lava peaks, Otemanu and Pahia, which
canoe, by two Polynesians, their heads wrapped
from a distance look like fairy-tale castles, and by
in hibiscus garlands, who announce its arrival by
lush and fragrant vegetation. Encircling the island
blowing into an ancient musical instrument made
is the famous turquoise lagoon ‘held captive’ by a
out of a seashell.
necklace composed of motu, islets of pearl-colored
With such a beginning, every day spent at Bora
sand that emerge from the barrier reef, which is
Bora cannot but be perfect, whether you spend it in
likewise a jewel with its spectacular coral and 700
utter relaxation on the beach (you must go to Motu
species of fish.
Tapu, a paradise that holds the record as the most
The largest motu on Bora Bora now has an
photographed small island in the South Seas) or
airport, while luxury resorts have been established
engaged in a pleasurable tour de force of land and
on most of the others. Each of these consists of a
water activities. The latter range from adventures
you will wish that your vacation may never end.
series of fares, typical Polynesian bungalows with
in a kayak to cruises on a catamaran at sunset, or
palm leaf roofs, as well as exclusive fare piloti. The
snorkeling and enjoying special experiences such
11 - 2385-foot Mt. Otemanu is the tallest peak on Bora Bora. Along with Mt. Pahia, it is what remains of a volcano that dominated
latter are deeply romantic bungalows standing on
as swimming with gigantic rays or feeding the
stilts over the water of the lagoon with windows
harmless local sharks.
10 - Even the first view of Bora Bora from an airplane window is overwhelming. With its crystal clear lagoon, blinding white sand, and bright green vegetation, the island is, in fact, considered the world’s most beautiful. Once you see the luxurious Four Seasons Resort,
the island millions of years ago. 10
Of these, couples in love will especially
11
Vanua Levu Fiji
The South Seas syndrome is an illness that
In the 19th century, sailors from the West
should be listed in medical books. Those who go
described the Melanesian people as “the most
to the Fiji Islands and feel the urge to stay there
barbarous race on earth.” They may have been
forever know it very well. Consisting of around 330
right because cannibalism was commonly practiced
volcanic and coralline islands, the archipelago offers
among them in that time. Nowadays, on the other
visitors white beaches bordered by palm trees and
hand, the Fiji Tourist Office has coined a motto for
lagoons that are true to the romantic stereotype
the archipelago that could not be truer: “Fiji, where
of Blue Lagoon, the movie that caused an entire
happiness finds you.” And here, one of the ‘creators
generation to dream.
of happiness’ who deserves honorable mention is
Most people would like to be shipwrecked – as
Jean-Michel Cousteau, the son of the legendary
Tom Hanks was in Castaway, one of the many
explorer of the depths of the sea, who, on the island
blockbusters shot here – on one of its rocks and
of Vanua Levu, founded the most luxurious and
spend their time from now until eternity swimming
ethical eco-resort in the archipelago, with 25 private
and diving while exploring and enjoying its
bure – traditional local bungalows with palm-leaf
labyrinthine coral reef, the third largest in the world.
roofs – immersed in a coconut tree plantation and a
And rather than being a nuisance, it is a pleasant
few steps away from a stunningly colored sea.
surprise to get caught in a sudden shower and seek
While it is wonderful to have nothing to do and
refuge among the forests, the volcanic peaks and
be taken for a picnic on the idyllic islet of Naviavia,
the bucolic landscapes of the islands in order to
a few hundred yards from the resort (and which can
enjoy the hospitality of the locals, who are always
be reserved for the exclusive use of a couple for a
ready to offer visitors a bowl of kava, the traditional
full day), or be pampered by the traditional ritual of
Melanesian drink and symbol of brotherhood
a massage with coconut oil, it is impossible not to
concocted from red pepper roots.
be tempted by the many activities offered here, all
14 / 15 - An aerial view of the Cousteau Resort at Vanua Levu, whose owner is the son of Jean-Jacques, the legendary ocean explorer. Guests can choose from a myriad of activities, but snorkeling or diving in the spectacular coral reef gardens alongside a marine biologist is definitely a must. 14
Vava’u Tonga
Tu i Malila passed on to a better world in 1965 at the
incredible nuances of color, amazing biodiversity, perfect
monument. He was in actual fact the giant tortoise that
visibility up to a depth of 130 feet, and, above all, with
Captain James Cook gave to the king of Tonga when he
the well deserved fame of being the best destination for
landed on the archipelago, in July 1777, at the precise
a sailboat vacation in the Pacific.
moment when the court was celebrating the annual
18 - From an airplane window each island in the Vava’u chain looks like a chunk of paradise. While this aerial view is satisfying,
It goes without saying that the best way to enjoy
Inasi feast in honor of the fruit that this bounteous land
Vava’u is to sail among the islands by renting a boat
has given its people. Perhaps partly thanks to his kind
along with a crew from the New Zealand charter
gift, Cook – who elsewhere on his travels in the South
company, The Moorings. The excursion usually lasts
Seas had had to deal with rather aggressive natives –
10 days and the itinerary will let you visit paradises
was received with all due honors and thus named this
such as Kapa, Kenutu, Mounu, and Nuku, each with
particular kingdom the ‘Friendly Islands.’ Although it
villages in which you can get a taste of the local culture
was ‘plain sailing’ for him, later visitors did not have the
and see the coastal caves and magnificent white sand
same good fortune; until a century ago, cannibalism
beaches bordered by coconut palms, and pretend to
was common in Tonga (in the mid-19th century, in fact,
be Robinson Crusoe on uninhabited islets in the middle
all members of one American crew ended up in the
of spectacular lagoons. While it is all too easy to feel
cauldron save a certain Elisabeth Mosey because a
the urge to play castaway for a few days on a deserted
court dignitary had fallen in love with her and desired her
island, taking in breathtaking sunsets, tropical fruit and
as his bride). Indeed, Tonga is the only archipelago in
love, the marvelous archipelago also offers thrilling
the Pacific that no one has succeeded in colonizing.
activities for couples, from snorkeling among the barrier
Now there is nothing to worry about, however; all
reefs to swimming with mantas, whose movements are
this belongs to the past. Today the Kingdom of Tonga
comparable only to those of ballet dancers. And from
incredible array of colors, a sight most fully enjoyed from a sailboat.
heartily welcomes visitors to its enchanting land, where
July to November, here, and only here, you can take
they can spend their vacation, however brief, on one of
part in the truly memorable experience of swimming with
19 - The sea at Vava’u is the only place in the world where – from July to November – you can enjoy the fantastic experience of
its four groups of islands. Among these, first prize goes
whales that have traveled more than 5000 miles from
swimming with whales that migrate here from Antarctica to give birth and wean their young.
to Vava’u, a group of about 50 islets (very few of which
Antarctica to give birth and wean their young.
it is a mere hint of what is in store for you. The archipelago consists of 50 islands in a subaquatic coral reef system displaying an
18
are inhabited) that dot a barrier reef system with a sea of
venerable age of 188, practically becoming a national
19