Romantic and dream vacations (bla i boka)

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

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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

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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