Travel Temptations - January 2021 by The World Luxury Awards

Travel Temptations

January 2021

C O N T E N T S January 2021

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Destination

COVER FEATURE Dark Sky Association Alqueva, Portugal

The first destination in Portugal dedicated to astrotourism was born in 2007, Dark Sky® Alqueva, by the hands of Apolónia Rodrigues, who is the pioneer in Portugal in developing astrotourism destinations. Specialized in sustainable tourism and future tendencies in tourism, the creation of the concept and brand Dark Sky® was the best way to develop and implement different skills in a destination and to contribute for a better future. Certified in 2011, it is the first Starlight Tourism Destination in the world, as well as the first cross-border Starlight Destination in the World. It covers an area of 10,000 square kilometres around the Alqueva Lake, including Portuguese and Spanish council areas. Having had the quality of the sky certified, Dark Sky® Alqueva offers a variety of daytime and night-time activities. Within the certified territory, Dark Sky® Alqueva implemented The Official Dark Sky® Observatory in Cumeada, a village near Reguengos de Monsaraz. This Observatory is equipped with cutting-edge telescopes for solar and astronomical observations and has a certified team to welcome stargazers. These provide for a unique visual experience, from observing the planets to exploring the craters on the moon, moving on to the deeper sky with a cosmic journey among the nebulae, the galaxies and the star clusters which rise above us in one of the finest skies in the world. The wide open spaces around Alqueva also offer a wide variety of activities which supplement the pleasures of observing the skies – experiencing an incredible variety of sensations and tastes, such as relaxing at sunset as you enjoy a cocktail or taking part in a blind wine-tasting under the star lit sky. Outdoors, surrounded by nature, you can go walking, enjoy horseback excursions under the moonlight, or participate in the Astrophotography Workshops of the renowned Astrophotographer Miguel Claro, whether you are already passionate about it, or a beginner, or someone more experienced.

darkskyalqueva.com info@darkskyalqueva.com

4 | January 2021 | Travel Temptations

Destination

Travel Temptations | January 2021 | 5

Destination

Asian-Oasis Bangkok, Thailand Asian Oasis maximize their guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; travel experiences by introducing them to local communities, cultures and traditions while minimizing the negative impact their tours may have on the daily lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of the people in the places visited and on the environment, by offering sustainable, community-based and cultural tourism products operated in an eco-friendly and responsible manner, thus, benefitting both, the visitors and the ones being visited. Asian Oasis Travel is a collection of unique, personalised travel experiences that take travellers through the Kingdom of Thailand from the northern-most province of Chiang Rai to the southern island of Phuket. Created by passionate travellers, Asian Oasis has always committed to working closely with local communities to create sustainable, community-based tourism while preserving the natural surroundings. Asian Oasis believe that for a destination to be truly brought to life, a traveller should experience the local culture the way it really is, rather than a reproduction of what it once was. It is their goal to offer thei guests memorable experiences of rural Thai life that are fascinating and real, as well as ecologically, environmentally and culturally sensitive. www.asian-oasis.com rsvn@asian-oasis.com

6 | January 2021 | Travel Temptations

Destination

Cosmoledo Eco Camp Mahé, Seychelles Easily feel like you are at the edge of the world with nobody else around. The 8 recrafted Eco Pods draw in a sense of serenity and adventure from the unspoiled beauty of its surroundings, whilst at the same time exuding a unity with its location. Committed to the conservation, preservation and protection of the natural resources of Cosmoledo Atoll, the single eco-camp situated on Wizard Island is where nature meets sustainable hospitality, the likes of which you won’t find elsewhere. Very little SCUBA diving has been done around Cosmoledo to date, making for a thrilling and unique diving experience, with new dive sites constantly being discovered. Cosmoledo is an important bird area and holds Seychelles’ largest colonies of all three species of booby that breed in Seychelles, including the last viable population of Brown Booby. Enjoy bird watching excursions with an expert guide. Of course, the bluewater and fly fishing is world-class, and guests have access to some of the top fly fishing guides in the world. www.bluesafari.com reservations@bluesafari.com

Travel Temptations | January 2021 | 7

Destination

African Bush Camps Africa

Discover the heart of Africa at African Bush Camps. The founder, Beks Ndlovu started his journey as a professional safari guide working for safari companies in Zimbabwe. However, he felt that the safaris being offered were sometimes too structured and stiff, not giving you the flexibility to venture out and explore the wonders of the African wilderness in different ways. He branched off to start his own camp, a place where guides could be creative and imaginative. Somalisa Camp was born from this dream, the now award-winning camp started as a humble dream to bring guides together to teach guests about Africa. The safari bug bit Beks and he decided this vision was bigger than just him, he gathered people with the same values to create something incredible. African Bush Camps, 13 years later, has 15 camps in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia and they are still growing.

africanbushcamps.com contact@africanbushcamps.com

8 | January 2021 | Travel Temptations

Destination

Torowerde RAK Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

The ultimate ‘flying’ experience for their customers in the safest adventure park of the world. Toroverde Ras al Khaimah is the Adventure Park where you can spend the day enjoying the most breathtaking views of the Jebel Jais mountains in Ras Al Khaimah, the highest peak of the UAE. Committed to providing all their guests with memorable, fun, and entertaining experiences in a welcoming, professional, and service-oriented environment, while promoting sustainability with nature and respecting the highest standards of excellence and safety. Activities include the World’s Longest Zipline certified by Guinness World Records with a 2.8kms span of zipwire and flying above the beautiful scenery of the Jebel Jais mountain at speeds over 120kph while experiencing the freedom of flying.

www.toroverdeuae.com info@toroverdeuae.com

Travel Temptations | January 2021 | 9

Destination

Bally Vaughan Game Park Harare, Zimbabwe

Bally Vaughan Sanctuary is a rescue centre and a safe haven for various wildlife species. Bally Vaughan Game Park and Sanctuary was started in the early 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as a result of a passion to provide a safe haven for all kinds of wild life. At the Wild Animal Orphanage you will be privileged to see lion, leopard, hyena, serval cats, meercat and the rare and endangered blue duiker as well as crocodiles and many nocturnal animals. The Sanctuary is also a haven for exotic and indigenous birds. Other activities include a ride on an African Elephant, a leisurely and soul enriching time gliding down the peaceful waterways and soaking in the tranquillity of hilly covered bays, darting kingfishers and soaring fish eagles and a game drive and personalised bush experience. Game you may see includes buffalo, eland, sable, blesbok, wildebeest, zebra, warthog and many species of the smaller antelope. A visit to our magnificent, pure Masai Mara lions in their huge enclosures is unforgettable.

www.ballyvaughan.co.zw management.ballyvaughan@gmail.com

10 | January 2021 | Travel Temptations

Destination

Athens Wine Tasting Athens, Greece

ATHENS WINE TASTING Private Company specializes in intimate, unforgettable wine and food attractions. They love to nurture their guests about Greeceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tastiest wines many of which they have never heard of. They offer small, semi-private and private wine tastings and excursions to explore the magnificent wine region of Attica and most noteworthy wines of Greece. Their passionate and sophisticated wine experts will ensure you experience the best wine tasting courses and tours. Their fun but professional approach will deliver an unforgettable experience and when you leave, you know much more about the wines of Greece and wine tastings. A must do experience for all wine lovers.

www.athens-winetasting.com info@athens-winetasting.com

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Lifestlye

Blue Safari Seychelles Mahé, Seychelles Experience this remote paradise for yourself! Welcome to the Outer Islands and Atolls of Seychelles, nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, in one of the last untouched frontiers. Blue Safari Seychelles operates four unrivalled and secluded atolls within this region, whilst offering bespoke experiences tailored to your sense of adventure. Home to an abundance of fauna and flora, as well as expansive land- and seascapes, the Outer Islands form an untouched paradise. To share their love and excitement for the rich biodiversity of the region, they have put together a variety of engaging and educational conservation experiences for the whole family to take part in. The conservation activities were selected to showcase the purpose and highlights of the various conservation projects that are running on the islands. Blue safari experiences include a variety of excursions from turtle tracking and monitoring to beach clean-ups to surveys done on the reef flats. Immerse yourself in an untouched paradise with a rich biodiversity of fauna and flora, and experience all that the Outer Islands have to offer. Discover a playground of awe-inspiring marine life and exotic seabirds by exploring the four amazing atolls that Blue Safaris call ‘home’. www.bluesafari.com reservations@bluesafari.com

14 | January 2021 | Travel Temptations

Lifestlye

The Luxury Safari Co Malmesbury, United Kingdom

At The Luxury Safari Company African dreams are created. With seamless logistics, access to parts of Africa others canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reach, and the best guides in the business, their clients return time and time again and journey through luxury Africa as a friend, not a tourist. The Luxury Safari Company specialise in privately tailor made safaris guided by some of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best pro guides. These guides give you another level of knowledge, fun and enjoyment when on safari, as well as allowing you access to some of the best areas and contacts in the business. Booking your holiday with The Luxury Safari Company is fun, easy and always ends with a life changing magical experience in Africa itself.

www.theluxurysafaricompany.com info@theluxurysafaricompany.com

Travel Temptations | January 2021 | 15

Lifestlye

MINT Snowboarding Morzine, France

MINT Snowboarding provides top level snowboard instruction. Coaching in the French Portes du Soleil ski resorts of Morzine, Avoriaz, Les Gets & Chatel as well as backcountry tours around the world. Their young, enthusiastic team of snowboard instructors are qualified to the highest level within snowboarding (via British BASI and equivalent). MINTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s instructors are all either British or fluent English speakers, offering easy to understand techniques and fun focused snowboard coaching for all levels. Their skills lie both in their passion for snowboarding as well as their passion for teaching snowboarding. Whatever level you ride and however you like to learn. MINT Snowboarding has the perfect program for you.

mintsnowboarding.com info@mintsnowboarding.com

16 | January 2021 | Travel Temptations

Lifestlye

Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours Swakopmund, Namibia Swakopmund Fat Bike Tours offer various fat bike bicycle tours operating from the beautiful town of Swakopmund, the adventure capital of Namibia. A definite ‘must do’ while visiting the Namib. You get to experience the breathtaking scenery of the oldest desert in the world in a fully ecological way without noise or air pollution and even cycling up along the top of Namibia’s famous dunes from which you will enjoy once in a lifetime views of this incredible landscape. This tour is for both the scenic appreciator and adrenalin seeking adventurist. Suitable for families, groups, solo riders, fit and not so fit, with the option of private tours.

www.swakopfatbiketours.com info@swakopfatbiketours.com

Travel Temptations | January 2021 | 17

Land

Hanoi Car Rentals Hanoi, Vietnam Hanoi Car Rentals is designed for both business and leisure travel. They are dedicated to those who want to get around safely and in maximum comfort not only in Hanoi but in the whole of Vietnam. They offer a car rental service with driver and is made up of a team of qualified drivers and a fleet of sedan, saloon, bus and minibus of various types and models; with sophisticated leather interior and air conditioning, telephone and navigation system to ensure comfortable and relaxing transportation for each and every customer.

hanoi-car-rental.business.site hanoicarrentals@gmail.com

Travel Temptations | January 2021 | 19

Air

Air Bali Helicopter Denpasar, Indonesia

Air Bali Helicopter offers tailor-made itineraries to suit client needs and offer competitive rates for private charter work. Air Bali Helicopter is the first dedicated and oldest helicopter tours and aerial filming-photography in Bali and across the region. With over 20 years of experience, they take pride in maintaining a 100% safety record and the company has been with the BARS Program since April 2013, they are also currently a GOLD rating operator certified by BARS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a worldwide audit program. Air Bali Helicopter owns and operates The Bell Helicopter 206 family of turbine-powered rotary wing aircraft, which is world-renowned and considered to be the safest, most reliable aircraft of any kind flying throughout the world. The professional team is dedicated to ensuring that you receive only the best, to provide a smooth and memorable experience from start to finish.

airbali.com marketing@airbali.com

20 | January 2021 | Travel Temptations

Air

Mason Sky Tours Denpasar, Indonesia Fly in comfort and style, with your choice of destinations or Sky Adventure package. The team at Mason Sky tours are ready to show you all the amazing things there are to see in Bali! You will leave with a unique view of Bali, the traditional culture and spirit that makes the island unlike any other destination in the world. As Mason Sky Tours is coupled with the worldwide reputation of Mason Adventures we can offer a complete range of adventure tours to complement their Helicopter services. The possibilities for your custom adventures are endless.

www.masonskytours.com info@masonadventures.com

Travel Temptations | January 2021 | 21

Water

Sail Croatia Croatia

Sail Croatia is a globally focused family business that has successfully operated in Croatia since 2005. Offering luxury small ship cruising, active cruises, party cruises, and yacht experiences, Sail Croatia provides an unparalleled, authentic cruising experience to clients from around the world.

www.sail-croatia.com Jayde@sail-croatia.com

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