Grapevine

What’s New

All the latest cultural attractions, incredible stays and brand new wild escapes on Wanderlust’s radar

Lost and found

One of the world’s most iconic shipwrecks has finally been found in Antarctica, about 6.5km from where it was recorded before it was crushed by ice. Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance, lost more than a century ago, was discovered 3km beneath the Weddell Sea and is still remarkably intact. Coincidentally, the ship was found on the 100th anniversary of Shackleton’s funeral, according to the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust. Keep an eye out for a future issue of Wanderlust where our own Mark Stratton will be marking the centenary on a trip to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia.

NEW HORIZONS

For the first time in four decades, Serbia is getting a new national park – in fact, it’s getting two of them. Later this year, the Serbian part of Stara Planina, a mountainous area of rolling meadows, wild lakes and hidden waterfalls spanning the border with Bulgaria, joins the eastern mountains of Kučaj-Beljanica, the largest limestone massif in the country, in being raised to national park status. The former is already firmly on hiker’s radars, with Midžor peak (2,170m) a worthy challenge to walkers and climbers alike. Kučaj-Beljanica is less well known, though makes a wild side-trip from the nearby city of Niš and its impressive Ottoman fort.

London calling…

This spring, London sees a wealth of cultural days out to savour…

First up is Courtauld Gallery’s Van Gogh Self Portraits, an exhibition that reunites around half of all the self portraits painted by the Dutch master throughout his career, from his formative days in Paris up until his final one, created at the asylum in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence before he died. Until 8 May; courtauld.ac.uk

One of the many cultural victims of the lockdown was the National Gallery’s Raphael exhibition (pictured), originally planned for 2020 to mark 500 years since the death of the Renaissance master. Now it’s finally here, exploring the career of an artist whose influence belies the fact that he died at just 37. 9 April-31 July; nationalgallery.org.uk

In these often bizarre times, the stage is set for the Tate Modern’s new Surrealism Beyond Borders exhibition, which charts the birth of the movement from Paris in 1924, looking at how it remained, at its core, a way for artists to interrogate the world around them. Look out for works by Magritte, Picasso, Dali and Miro. Until 29 August; tate.org.uk

Last up is The Royal Academy’s Kyōsai: The Israel Goldman Collection, which brings together the works of Japanese painter Kawanabe Kyōsai (1831–89), who remains a hugely influential figure in everything from Manga to tattoo art. His ability to bridge pop culture and high art comes under scrutiny in what looks an intriguing show. Until 19 June; royalacademy.org.uk

Hero guide rescues Ukrainian families

Insight Vacations’ Tim Pendlebury (pictured, far left), who was highly commended at the Wanderlust Guide Awards in 2019, has been helping Ukrainian refugees and welcoming them into his home in Poland. The awardwinning guide has been travelling back and forth from the Ukrainian border to drop off supplies and pick up numerous families who have been fleeing the country for safety. Tim said: “We will offer our help at the border in whatever capacity we can.” He has also been spreading awareness and has raised more than £10,000 for a charity providing much-needed assistance in Ukraine.

Offer your support to Tim on Facebook (InsightTim)

Back to nature at Stonehenge

The National Trust has obtained 420 acres of land surrounding Stonehenge, saving the natural area before it’s destroyed by modern agriculture. The two sites acquired, including part of the Avenue, a pathway from the River Avon up to the Stonehenge circle, will be returned to their natural chalk grassland state and eventually opened to the public. Also, if you want to learn more about the history of this monument, pay a visit to the World of Stonehenge (until 17 July) at the British Museum (britishmuseum.org) in London, which follows the story of Neolithic Britain. nationaltrust.org.uk

Getting over the hump

Officially opening in late 2022 is the eleventh, and newest, Great Walk in New Zealand. The Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track lies in the southernmost reaches of the South Island and traverses spectacular coastline and ancient forests, ascending alpine mountains and fording historic viaducts. The three-day trekking route, which crosses parts of Fiordland National Park, has been both conserved and upgraded, and is now ready to welcome back hikers from around the world, offering an escape into one of the wildest landscapes on Earth. newzealand.com

GIRL POWER

Women are leading the way in travel at the moment. The Trans Bhutan Trail, reopening after 60 years this spring, has launched an all-female 12-day tour that follows in the footsteps of remarkable Bhutanese women. Elsewhere, tour operator G Adventures has announced that it now has female tour leaders across all its regions in the Middle East and North Africa. And finally, group travel company Intrepid has reintroduced its women-only expeditions in Peru, India and Iran, allowing groups led by female guides to gain insight into the lives and challenges of women in other countries.

New Sleeps

Treehotel in Sweden has a small collection of eight treetop rooms, all individually designed by Scandinavia’s most exciting architects. The latest instalment is a sight to behold. Biosphere by BIG (pictured) is suspended from the forest pines and surrounded by 340 birdhouses. This beautiful structure has been carefully designed to help facilitate the local bird population and fully immerse guests within nature. Bookings from May 2022. treehotel.se/en

Gaze out across an unspoilt African landscape at a new luxury camp opening in Kenya this June. Sanctuary Tambarare is set within the 364 sq km Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The camp has ten magnificent guest tents, providing the perfect retreat for those who wish to relax after spending their days out searching for the Big Five – including the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. sanctuaryretreats.com

Once a Federal bank, the USA’s Langham Boston has had a two-year, multi-million pound transformation into a classic American hotel, complete with stylish ballroom. The suites have New-England décor and marble bathroom floors, and guests can partake in a complimentary tour to learn about the building’s fascinating heritage and impressive art collection. langhamhotels.com

Sleep inside the walls of a Renaissanceera castle in scenic Bolzano, Italy. Castel Hörtenberg is the first five-star hotel in the town and located just a few minutes’ walk from the enchanting centre. Its 21 suites are spread across four floors, with a tranquil garden providing the ideal spot for a sundowner as the light fades behind the towering Dolomites. castel-hoertenberg.com