Hidden Beaches - Audley Travel

Transcription

Hidden Beaches
Serious relaxation with a touch of exploration
I
’m an avid traveller, but there are times when I
need to slow down and relax and I know that
many Audley clients are the same. Hidden
Beaches is our answer, a hand-picked selection of
special places to stay by the sea. Some are truly
secluded, others the less obvious choice in a
popular region, and some simply our clients’ and
our own favourites. The urge to explore is difficult
to resist, so as well as being distinctive properties
in memorable locations, each of the stays
combines with some time discovering the local
culture, wildlife viewing or just hopping on to the
next beach.
Craig Burkinshaw
Founder Director
What is Hidden Beaches?
H
idden Beaches is a collection of specially
selected beach hotels around the world that
combine glorious locations with character and
charm. These are places where you can simply
switch off and relax by the sea. They vary greatly
and we have chosen a selection to suit a range of
tastes and budgets, but relaxation is the common
theme and along with time spent on the beach,
you can swim or snorkel in crystal clear waters
teeming with exotic marine life, kayak, surf or dive,
visit local villages or enjoy indulgent spa
treatments. We’ve been quite liberal with our
interpretation of what constitutes a ‘hidden beach’.
Some are truly away from it all in far-flung places
like the Andaman Islands, others in less obvious
beach destinations, such as Georgia and Oregon
in the USA, and some are firm favourites in
locations well-known for their fabulous beaches.
More than just beaches
Many Audley travellers like to explore a little
further, even on a break where the emphasis is on
relaxation. With this in mind we have twinned
each of our beach properties with a few days’
exploration in a different destination. Whether this
is taking in the sights of Hanoi or Boston, seeing
wildlife on a short safari or just hopping on to
another beach, these ‘Before the beach’
experiences offer another facet to your trip and
add to its enjoyment.
A symbol next to each ‘Before the beach’ option
gives an indication of what type of experience
to expect.
Culture
Wildlife or scenery
City
Beach
Designed for you
Diving from Nuarro Lodge, Mozambique
On each page of the brochure you’ll find a
tempting combination of time spent relaxing at a
beach hotel and a few days of further exploration.
However, each of these trips can be designed to
suit you. Life is hectic and you may just want to
relax on the beach and enjoy the activities
available from your hotel. If so, we are more than
happy to arrange a ‘beach-only’ trip for you.
Alternatively, you may wish to vary the number
of nights stayed in each location, change one of
the excursions included in your trip, or perhaps
mix and match a completely different ‘Before the
beach’ experience with your chosen beach hotel.
Our Hidden Beaches specialists will be happy to
talk through the options to get the trip just right
for you.
Our Hidden Beaches
specialists
Wahiba Sands, Oman
4
Introduction
●
We have a dedicated team of Hidden Beaches
specialists with rich and varied travelling histories
to help you choose where to go. They have visited
the properties in this brochure, so you can speak
to someone who has actually been there and can
www.hiddenbeaches.co.uk 01993 838 250
help find the ideal trip for you. They can answer
your questions, offer suggestions and advice and
plan your trip with you. The same specialist will
handle your trip from start to finish and will be
there to answer any queries that may come up
before you set off on your travels.
Planning your trip
This brochure and our dedicated website
www.hiddenbeaches.co.uk are designed to give
you inspiration, ideas and an indication of price.
The Hidden Beaches team are also on hand to
give you advice and help you choose both the
right destination and property for you. Your
specialist will then prepare a full colour itinerary
for you including a price and details of your
accommodation, this can be refined until you are
completely happy. Please call us on 01993 838 250
to discuss your travel plans and to book your trip.
About us
After developing a real passion for travel in the
early 1990s, Craig Burkinshaw founded Audley, or
Asian Journeys as we were then called. Craig
wanted to make it possible for others to share the
same experiences and, from these small
beginnings, the company was born. Today Audley
is one of the UK’s most highly regarded specialist
tour operators, providing tailor-made trips
throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin
America, Australasia, North America, Antarctica
and the Arctic. Hidden Beaches is born out of
this experience, offering an alternative to either
a full touring itinerary or a simple beach holiday.
By combining a few days’ exploration with time
on the beach we hope to show you that you can
enjoy the best of both worlds.
Financial security
All travel arrangements in this brochure that
include a flight from the UK are ATOL protected
by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL
number is 4817. Please see our booking
conditions for more information. If your
arrangements do not include any flights from
the UK they are protected by a separate financial
scheme; for further details please visit
www.audleytravel.com/protect
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Some of our favourite places . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Lion cubs at play, Masai Mara, Kenya
Jetty at Japamala, Tioman Island, Malaysia
Honeymoons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Prices and more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Southeast Asia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-49
Indonesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-21
Philippines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-27
Malaysia & Malaysian Borneo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-33
Indochina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34-40
Thailand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-49
Indian Ocean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50-79
Maldives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-59
Sri Lanka . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60-64
India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65-68
Seychelles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69-73
Mauritius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74-79
Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80-105
Kenya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82-84
Tanzania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85-89
Malawi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90-92
Mozambique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93-97
Madagascar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98-101
South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102-105
North Africa & Arabia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106-119
Oman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108-111
Jordan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112-113
Morocco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114-119
Latin America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120-135
Costa Rica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122-125
Belize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126-127
Beach at Jungle Beach, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Mexico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128-131
Brazil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132-135
USA & Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136-149
USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138-145
Hawaii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146-149
South Pacific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150-159
French Polynesia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152-155
Fiji . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156-159
Where to go when . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Additional information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
5
Some of our favourite places
T
Family
here’s amazing variety in the properties
we have chosen for our Hidden Beaches
programme and it’s hard to resist picking out
some of our favourites whether it be for their
great food, superb diving or absolute seclusion.
There are many more on the pages of this
brochure so please do give us a call and we will
be able to suggest somewhere that suits your
interests and preferences.
Les Villas D’Or, Seychelles
Particularly good for children, Les Villas D’or offers
the flexibility of spacious self-catering villas, a
stunning beach and kayak hire to explore
secluded beaches in nearby national parks.
Fairmont Kea Lani, Hawaii
Set on one of Maui’s best beaches, this all-suite
resort offers excellent, family-friendly facilities and
superb service. With turtles in the water and
whales offshore (Jan-Mar) there are great wildlife
spotting opportunities as well as a children’s club.
Get away from it all
Barefoot at Havelock,
Andaman Islands
Getting here is an adventure in itself: largely
undeveloped and extremely remote, a trip to the
Andaman Islands offers a true get-away-from-it-all
experience.
Denis Private Island, Seychelles
Set on a picture perfect private island fringed
with white-sand beaches in the Indian Ocean,
this secluded resort has only 25 luxurious cottages
in idyllic surroundings.
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
A luxury, private island resort in an undeveloped
region, Song Saa is one of Cambodia’s most
intimate and romantic retreats.
Pousada Picinguaba, Brazil
Picinguaba is surrounded on three sides by lush
Atlantic rainforest and overlooks a traditional
fishing village with the sea beyond. The views are
majestic and the lack of a mobile phone signal
means the outside world really feels a million
miles away.
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman
A spectacularly scenic, remote setting with
dramatic mountains on one side and a sandy
beach on the other. Accessed by 4x4 vehicle,
speedboat or paraglider.
Soneva Kiri, Thailand
Diving in the Maldives
Diving
Nuarro Lodge, Mozambique
With a passionate diver as the owner, a fully
equipped PADI dive centre on site and shore,
wreck and boat dives available, Nuarro is good for
both novice and experienced divers. Beautiful
coral reefs and regular sightings of manta rays just
add to its appeal.
Tokoriki Island Resort, Fiji
With a PADI five star Gold Palm facility, this resort
is perfect for both beginners and advanced divers
looking to explore Fiji’s tropical reefs. The small
groups and friendly staff make diving at Tokoriki
a fantastic experience.
Set in the jungle in a striking treehouse-style
structure in the shape of a giant manta ray,
Soneva Kiri’s chidren’s club is far from run-of-themill. With a wide range of activities, pristine
location and excellent accommodation, this is a
fantastic choice for families.
Bahia del Sol, Costa Rica
A quiet, easy-going property with a long, wide,
beach and calm seas for swimming, Bahia del Sol
is well suited to family travel. Although there is no
children’s club here, the relaxed atmosphere and
idyllic location make up for it.
Conrad Rangali, Maldives
With plenty of activities, a children’s club and
even a dedicated children’s spa, there is plenty to
keep younger guests entertained at this
wonderful resort.
El Nido Pangulasian Island
Resort, Philippines
The El Nido-Taytay Managed Protected Area in
Northern Palawan is a superb dive location with
one of the country’s richest reserves of marine life.
Its clear waters are home to hundreds of species
including whale sharks.
Cocoa Island, Maldives
With access to some of the best dive sites in The
Maldives, Cocoa Island is a great option for those
keen to enjoy the incredible diving available in
this region. There is a PADI dive centre on site.
Chidren’s activities at Soneva Kiri
6
Introduction
●
Spa treatment at Kaya Mawa, Malawi
Spa
Baking at Soneva Kiri
Spa at Baros, Maldives
Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius
Jekyll Island Club Hotel, USA
The large, luxurious spa here is set in a quiet
corner of the gardens and offers a wide range of
traditional and modern treatments.
Hotel Capella Pedregal, Mexico
An award winning spa offering a great variety of
treatments as well some signature specials based
around the different phases of the moon.
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali
Elephant visiting Barefoot at Havelock, India
A peaceful resort with a beautiful spa and
treatments inspired by Bali’s traditions included
in the price of staying here. Holistic relaxation
programmes are designed to restore both body
and soul.
Huvafen Fushi, Maldives
Home to the world’s first underwater spa, you can
enjoy unique views during your treatments here.
Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand
Nestled in the lush, tropical hillside and using only
naturally and ethically produced spa products, the
treatment menu here promotes traditional Thai
healing practices and incorporates the four
elements of earth, water, fire and air.
●
Introduction
7
Outdoor bath area, Tanjong Jara Resort, Malaysia
Island at Ponta dos Ganchos, Brazil
Local flavour
Food
Kaya Mawa, Malawi
Kilindi, Zanzibar
The charming and quirky Kaya Mawa is located on
a sleepy island in Lake Malawi, in a country known
as ‘the warm heart of Africa’. From here you can
cycle to the local village with its market and
impressive colonial cathedral.
The exotic spice island of Zanzibar is renowned for
its lush vegetation and multi-cultural heritage and
the restaurant at Kilindi makes the most of its
location with superb cuisine blending a variety of
influences with abundant fresh seafood and
locally grown produce.
Villa de L’O, Morocco
Beautifully decorated with furniture and
furnishings to match Essaouira’s colonial charm,
the Villa de L’O has a magnificent inner courtyard
with leafy palms, vast columns and a glass roof,
and a splendid rooftop terrace overlooking
the seafront.
Chatham Bars Inn, USA
With the Atlantic Ocean on its doorstep, Chatham
Bars Inn is a quintessential New England hotel
oozing authentic, high-class colonial style in a
splendidly rugged location.
Matachica, Belize
Full of character and charm, this property
represents the essence of Belize with a laid-back
atmosphere, thatched-roofed rooms right on the
beach and a restaurant serving tasty local cuisine.
Tanjong Jara Resort, Malaysia
Designed to reflect the elegance and grandeur
of 17th century Malay palaces, the Tanjong Jara
experience is strongly rooted in Malay culture and
is a great way to gain an insight into the way of life
in this part of Southeast Asia.
8
Introduction
●
Amanpuri, Thailand
Locally sourced ingredients are a key part of
Amanpuri’s exceptional menu with fresh seafood
a dominant feature. Expect Phuket lobster, prawns
and crabs served in Chinese, Thai or Malay style,
and the local speciality, pla yang, barbecued fish
wrapped in banana leaves.
Lobster, The Funzi Keys, Kenya
Ponta dos Ganchos, Brazil
From nine course ‘tasting’ breakfasts to
meticulously prepared three-course dinners, the
food at Ponta dos Ganchos is superb. For an
unforgettable dining experience, book the table
(there’s only one) on the private island where a
dedicated waiter will serve you a delicious meal.
The Datai, Malaysia
Set in the heart of the jungle, The Datai’s
award-winning Gulai House serves deliciously
authentic Malay cuisine in a setting designed in
the style of a traditional village. Perched high
above in the rainforest canopy, The Pavilion also
offers a memorable dining experience and
authentic Thai cuisine.
Restaurant at Esencia, Mexico
Esencia, Mexico
The chef and his team at Esencia don’t just
prepare the meals but grow many of the
ingredients in the estate’s own gardens. Pick
your own fresh herbs, exotic spices and tropical
fruits and vegetables and learn how to turn them
into some regional Mexican favourites on a
cookery course.
Honeymoons
W
e have been helping couples to plan their
honeymoons for many years, and can
transform any itinerary into a spectacular trip of
a lifetime. The properties in this brochure
particularly lend themselves to the relaxation and
special experiences many seek after their big day.
You might like to plan one of our suggested trips
in reverse and spend the first days relaxing, with
a few days at the end to explore. Anything is
possible, so please do speak to us to discuss the
options. We are also happy to discuss the best
destinations at different times of the year as we
understand that honeymoons, more than any
other trip, have fixed travel dates. Our team are
well placed to advise you where best to go when,
so please don’t hesitate to contact them.
Gift Service
Honeymoon cards
Our Gift Service is available at no extra charge to
our honeymoon clients. It provides you with your
own mini-website which your family and friends
can visit to contribute towards the cost of your
honeymoon or sponsor a particular element,
such as a special excursion, if they prefer.
You can let your guests know how they can
contribute to your trip by sending out
honeymoon gift cards with your invitations.
You can choose from a selection of designs and
request as many as you need.
Hon
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Personalised website
Six Senses Yao Noi, Thailand
You can personalise your mini-website from
uploading a photo of you both to choosing an
overall theme to tie in with your honeymoon
destination. If you wish, you can illustrate your
website with a selection of photographs provided
by us or upload your own.
You can also add information about your wedding
day including details on the venue and reception,
a schedule of events and suggested guest
accommodation. There’s a secure account area
which allows you to make changes to your
mini-website and view the contributions.
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ice
Hon
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How it works
Once you’ve confirmed your trip, we will set up
your honeymoon account and mini-website,
which you can personalise before sending out
your honeymoon cards. Eight weeks prior to your
honeymoon, you will be asked to pay your final
balance (less contributions received to date) but
your guests can continue contributing until three
days after you return, when all additional
contributions collected will be reimbursed to you.
Further details can be found on our website:
www.audleytravel.com/honeymoons
Kayaking from El Nido Pangulasian
●
Introduction
9
Prices and more
A realistic indication of price
The price guide key in the blue box in the corner
of each page gives an indication of price for each
trip and includes all accommodation, flights and
taxes, transfers, and excursions and board basis as
stated. Exact prices are not given as these vary
greatly depending on the time of year that you
travel and which special offers are available. Our
aim is to provide you with a broad indication of
price to assist you with your planning. Our price
guide is per person and based on two people
sharing and travelling in a shoulder season. We
have not included one-off special offers in the
price guide unless they are valid at all times of
year and applicable to all.
Please speak to our specialist about prices if you
just want to stay by the beach.
Price guide key
£££££ less than £2,500 per person
£££££ more than £5,500 per person
Board basis
We have based the price guides on the board
basis stated on each page, however many of the
properties do offer alternatives so please let us
know your preferences when you book. Generally
‘all-inclusive’ will include breakfast, lunch, dinner,
some drinks and excursions, however, this varies
between properties so please check with your
specialist for details.
La Sultana, Morocco
10
Introduction
●
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Top: Baros, Maldives. Above: Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Special offers
Find out more on our website
Most of our chosen properties offer special rates
at certain times of the year which can dramatically
alter the price of your trip. We have also
negotiated some exclusive Audley Hidden
Beaches special offers for our clients.
Unsurprisingly, high season is the most expensive
time to travel, but our specialists can advise on
when to go to get the best combination of price
and weather conditions. Please call to discuss your
requirements and we will be happy to advise you
and provide a quotation tailored to your
requirements.
You’ll find far more information on each of the
properties featured in this brochure on our
dedicated website: www.hiddenbeaches.co.uk.
This includes guideline prices for each trip as well
as in-depth property descriptions and a selection
of further photographs to show you the property
in more detail. You can also search for your trip
based on travel dates, activities or your interests,
whether you are looking for a beach hotel with
easy access to spectacular dive spots, would
like to completely get away from it all, or be
pampered in an award-winning spa.
Beach at Medjumbe Private Island, Mozambique
11
Southeast Asia
Indonesia
●
Philippines
●
Malaysia & Malaysian Borneo
●
Indochina
●
Thailand
Koh Yao, Thailand
El Nido Pangulasian Island Resort from the air, Philippines
Orang-utan, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo
12
Southeast Asia
●
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
Karimunjawa Archipelago, Java
Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Beach and jetty, Japamala, Tioman Island
Diving in Indonesia
Borobudur, Java
●
Southeast Asia
13
Buddha statue at Borobudur
Indonesia
Indonesia almost defies description. Its 17,000
islands and their people, food and culture boast
enormous diversity. Visit serene and friendly Bali
for temples and markets, Lombok with its
untouched beaches, or Java's offshore islands for
utter tranquillity.
Time difference: GMT+7-9 hours
Flight time from UK: 13 hours
Indonesia's beaches
Backed by jungle-clad mountains or smouldering
volcanoes and blessed with white-sand beaches
and turquoise waters, our Indonesian island
retreats are set in some of the country's most
desirable destinations.
Before the beach
Explore this incredible country further by visiting
Ubud, Bali's cultural heart, or the island's laid-back
east coast. Alternatively, discover the ancient site
of Borobudor or hop to the bright lights of vibrant
Singapore.
Price ranges
To give you an indication of price, we have
included a per person price guide for each
Hidden Beaches trip at the bottom of each page:
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
14
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Before the beach
Singapore
Beach at Tugu Lombok
Tugu Lombok, Lombok
Located on a smooth white-sand beach with
turquoise seas bordered by waving palms, Tugu
Lombok is an original and highly memorable
place to stay.
The hotel reflects Lombok's rich cultural history
with elaborately carved woods, quirky antiques,
sculptures of Hindu deities and exquisite fabrics
combining to stunning effect. The atmosphere
here is intimate but relaxed and the pavilion by
the pool is a very special place to dine. The bar is
set in a traditional building with wooden benches,
oil lamps and interesting local artworks while
shaded paths lead through the lush tropical
gardens to the beautifully-appointed rooms.
Private dining can be arranged in an ancient
temple, on a traditional dragon boat or in a
secluded corner of the beach, while rooftop yoga
and meditation are held by the towers of a
temple. If you can tear yourself away you can visit
neighbouring fishing villages, take a short boat
ride to the superb diving and snorkelling spots
around the Gili Islands, learn about traditional
cooking or watch the sun rise over Mount Rinjani
on an early morning picnic.
The spacious rooms are individually decorated in a
luxurious but traditional Lombok style with
magnificent wooden beds, heavy drapes and
copper baths. Bhagavat Gita Suites feature high
ceilings, antique furnishings and private tropical
gardens with plunge pool.
Vibrant and exciting, Singapore has a wealth
of attractions on offer. Tour the historic
streets and markets, wander through
Chinatown, try out the amazing food, shop
till you drop or just enjoy the unique blend of
cultures and architecture. You can admire the
city's efficiency, visit the tranquil Botanic
Gardens, and marvel at the change in the
former military fortress and prisoner of war
camp at Sentosa, now home to Underwater
World and Universal Studios.
Built in 1928, the Fullerton Hotel is one of the
city’s most historic and impressive buildings.
The 400 rooms and suites are classically
furnished with some boasting wonderful
views. The infinity pool looks over the
historical Boat Quay, and breakfast can be
taken on the hotel’s peaceful riverside
terrace.
singapore
Essentials
indonesia
Rooms 19 villas, suites and bungalows
Restaurants and bars Open-air restaurant, bar, sunrise
picnics on boat and beach dining available
Hotel Tugu Lombok
Lombok
Features Large freshwater pool, spa, library and
private boat
Activities Diving, snorkelling, boat and fishing trips,
canoes, bike hire, golf course nearby
Beach Wide soft white-sand beach that goes on for
kilometres
How hidden? Semi-secluded with a nearby village
within walking distance
Can children go too? All ages welcome
When to go April-October
Suggested trip
3 nights Singapore, including
breakfast; 7 nights Hotel Tugu Lombok,
room-only. Includes flights and
transfers. Variations and beach-only
also available. Please contact our
specialists for details.
Price guide £££££
Bhagavat Gita Suite
●
Indonesia
15
Ubud Palace
Before the beach
Ubud
Top: Spa. Above: The Menjangan from the air
Beach Villa
The Menjangan, Bali
Set at the heart of the stunning Bali Barat
National Park, the Menjangan offers stylish
accommodation in a variety of locations.
Choose to stay in a lodge surrounded by
dense forest or in a villa on the edge of a
golden-sand beach.
The Menjangan has unrivalled access to the
natural wonders of the national park which is
renowned for its exotic birdlife, macaques and
mouse deer. The park also incorporates seven
world-class dive sites with over 100 types of coral.
The resort’s central Bali Tower is built in traditional
style and houses the hotel’s restaurant as well as a
bar and viewing deck with breathtaking
panoramas over the surrounding landscape.
Monsoon Lodge rooms make an ideal base for
trekking, horse riding, birdwatching or wildlife
spotting, while the beach villas offer a more
traditional Bali experience. For larger groups the
three-bedroom Menjangan Residence comes
complete with butler service and a private
swimming pool. The resort works in harmony with
the beautiful natural surroundings, with open-air
gazebos for spa treatments and a candlelit beach
bar and restaurant where you can dine on a
wooden deck with the waves beneath your feet.
All rooms have a simple, minimalist style with
wooden floors, traditional grass roofs and
secluded outdoor bathrooms. Spacious Monsoon
Lodge rooms surround a pool while the beach
villas offer direct access to the beach.
Essentials
Beach 2 small golden sand beaches that are backed by
the rainforest and mangroves
How hidden? Very secluded, 20 minutes taxi ride to
nearest town
Indonesia
●
indonesia
Java
The Menjangan
Ubud
Bali
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants, in-room dining and
private barbecues available, lounge and bar at the beach
Activities Diving, snorkelling, boat trips, kayaking, horse
riding, birdwatching
16
The Uma by Como is a boutique property
offering 46 stylish rooms with four-poster
beds, sunken baths and French doors leading
onto a private terrace. The rooms are set out
in the style of a traditional Indonesian village
where you will also find the pool, spa and
open-air restaurant which serves traditional
Balinese and modern Southeast Asian
cuisine.
Rooms 22 rooms including 7 beach villas
Features Pool within the Monsoon Lodge and a small
children’s pool, dive centre, spa, library
Bali Tower
The small town of Ubud is the cultural heart
of Bali with numerous temples, palaces and
art galleries. A guide will take you to the Neka
Museum with its precious artworks, the Ubud
Palace, still home to the local royal family, and
the bustling Pasar Seni market with its
traditional craftsmen, silks, carvings and
jewellery. You will also watch a colourful
Balinese dance depicting ancient legends.
Suggested trip
4 nights Ubud, including breakfast and
excursion; 7 nights The Menjangan,
including breakfast. Includes flights
and transfers. Variations and beachonly also available. Please contact our
Diving, eastern Bali
Beach-hopping
Candidasa
Infinity pool
Spa Village Resort Tembok, Bali
A dramatic three hour drive through mountains
and villages leads you to this gorgeous resort, a
serene and secluded property far from the busy
beaches of southern Bali.
Effortlessly blending contemporary Western
minimalism with traditional Balinese architecture
and materials, the hotel is sophisticated in a very
understated way. The overall impression is one of
wonderful local character with a delightful
unhurried charm. Drawing inspiration from
ancient Balinese remedies and practices, guests
can enjoy a daily 50 minute treatment in the spa
or in the well-tended grounds. The resort offers a
range of programmes tailored to guests’ specific
requirements including daily yoga and meditation
sessions beneath the waving palms. You can also
go squid fishing by moonlight on a traditional
Balinese jukung, paddle an outrigger canoe, dive
in coral gardens or just relax by the infinity pool
overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort is
located within easy reach of fishing villages,
temples and shrines. It has a well-regarded
restaurant and friendly staff who go out of their
way to ensure you leave the resort feeling
rejuvenated.
The 31 elegant rooms feature Balinese timber,
restful colour schemes and a spacious private
terrace or balcony facing onto the bougainvilleadraped gardens. The large villas also have private
plunge pools with ocean views.
Tembok
Spa Village Resort
Bali
Candidasa
Rooms 27 Kamar rooms, 2 suites and 2 pool villas
Restaurants and bars Restaurant, no bar but pre-dinner
drinks are available
Features Infinity pool, extensive spa facilities, fitness
centre, dive centre
Beach Black volcanic sand and pebble beach
How hidden? Secluded but close to the quiet village
of Tembok
Can children go too? From 16 years old
The Alila Manggis is a stylish, secluded resort
on a small quiet beach, with rooms and
suites housed in traditional two-storey
thatched Balinese buildings. Its Seasalt
Restaurant is set in a pavilion by a tranquil
lotus pond.
Essentials
Activities Diving, snorkelling, squid fishing, white water
rafting, sunrise and sunset cruises, cooking classes,
Old Bali tour, tours to Ubud and Pura Gunung Kawi,
waterfall excursion
Baruna Villa
There is much to discover on Bali’s quiet
eastern coast from stunning temples and
palaces to lush natural scenery. Laid-back
Candidasa, the region’s main town, offers
golden and black-sand beaches, snorkelling,
diving and wonderful local food. Make a
morning visit to busy Klungkung market for
supplies then learn to create a traditional
Balinese meal, or join fishermen aboard a
traditional jukung fishing boat and prepare
and cook your catch in a garden by the sea.
When to go April to October
Suggested trip
4 nights Candidasa, including
breakfast and excursions; 7 nights
Spa Village Resort, full board and daily
spa treatment. Includes flights and
transfers. Variations also available.
Please contact our specialists for
details.
●
Indonesia
17
Beach at Kura Kura
18
Borobudur, Java
Before the beach
Top: Pool. Above: Cottages
Kura Kura Resort from the air
Kura Kura Resort, Karimunjawa Archipelago
Set on a tiny island in the Karimunjawa
Archipelago off the coast of Java, Kura Kura is
ideal for those looking for a secluded getaway.
This comfortable retreat overlooks a white-sand
beach and turquoise seas and perfectly captures
Indonesia’s mysterious beauty.
The ocean is a dominant feature of a stay at Kura
Kura with stunning views at every turn, excellent
diving and snorkelling, exotic marine life and the
sound of gentle waves lapping at the shore. You
can laze on the sun jetty at the water’s edge, kayak
around the island, or, for a real castaway
experience, be dropped off on an uninhabited
island for the day. The resort also offers the option
of an overnight stay on the romantic
neighbouring island of Krakal where a beautiful
traditional wooden structure awaits. With cold
drinks, a picnic supper and plenty of candles, this
makes for an unforgettable adventure. Back at the
main hotel dinner is far more refined and the
restaurant offers a wide choice of options ranging
from Mediterranean-style fine dining to classic
Indonesian dishes.
The 15 simple but elegant cottages are just steps
from the beach and offer unobstructed views of
the crystal clear lagoon. Pool villas have king size
beds and a spacious private pool in a walled
garden.
Yogyakarta & Borobudur
The vibrant city of Yogyakarta is a must for
any visit to Java. Visit the 18th century Kraton
(Yogyakarta’s palace), the hub of traditional
life, tour the temples at Prambanan and enjoy
a spectacular evening performance of an old
Hindu poem by the Ramayana Ballet. You will
also see the sun rise over the 8th century
temple of Borobudur, home to the world’s
largest collection of Buddhist relief
sculptures.
The Phoenix Hotel is a colonial landmark
offering 144 stylish rooms and suites, each
furnished in a modern style with traditional
decorative elements. The hotel is a quiet
retreat in the middle of the busy city and has
a well-regarded restaurant and bar
overlooking an elegant open courtyard.
Kura Kura
Resort
Karimunjawa Archipelago
Essentials
Rooms 36 rooms including cottages, pool villas and
2 family pool villas
java
Yogyakarta
Restaurants and bars Restaurant, indoor and outdoor
bar and lounge area
Features Pool, spa, dive centre, turtle sanctuary
Activities Diving, snorkelling, island cruises, sea kayaking,
paddleboats, island trips, Krakal Island stays
Beach Main beach soft white-sand and turquoise waters
How hidden? On its own island, accessed by private
plane
Suggested trip
3 nights Yogyakarta, including
breakfast and excursions; 7 nights Kura
Kura Resort, half board. Includes flights
Diving from Kura Kura Resort
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Indonesia
19
Pura Saraswati Temple, Ubud
20
Paddy fields near Ubud
Before the beach
Ubud
Pool at the Beach Club
Amankila, Bali
Set on Bali’s east coast overlooking the Lombok
Strait, Amankila, ‘peaceful hill’, is one of the
island’s most luxurious resorts. This multi
award-winning hotel sits beneath the towering
Mount Agung in the rural heart of Bali.
Centred around a beautifully tiered infinity pool
cascading towards the ocean, Amankila impresses
from the moment you walk through its doors.
With exceptional service and world-class
accommodation in a series of traditional thatched
balés reached via raised walkways, the resort
provides the perfect retreat for uninterrupted
relaxation. Amankila has close ties with the local
community and has fully embraced its Indonesian
and Balinese influences. There is traditional music
by the pool in the evenings, a six-course Balinese
taster menu in the restaurant, tours to local
villages and the option of a romantic sunrise
cruise on board a Balinese outrigger. Below the
resort is its private stretch of sand and a beach
club where you can make use of the windsurfing
equipment, catamarans, kayaks and bodyboards,
as well as an additional pool set within a grove
of coconut palms and partially shaded by
frangipani trees.
The 34 elevated suites make the most of their
hillside setting with spectacular views from their
terraces, and some have private pools. The
Amankila Suite is the most sumptuous with a
private pool, lily ponds and butler service.
Essentials
Bali
Amankila
Candidasa
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants, 1 bar, Beach Club
restaurant for brunch, private dining available
Features 3 tier swimming pool, lap pool located in the
Beach Club, spa, library
Beach Large soft volcanic black-sand beach, with small
waves suitable for watersports
How hidden? Very secluded, but a 5 minute drive to
other restaurants and villages
Overlooking the forest and verdant rice
paddies, Amandari is designed in the same
style as the charming village in which it is
located. The hotel’s 30 private thatched suites
each have sliding glass walls that open on to
their own secluded courtyard garden with
sunken marble bath.
Ubud
Rooms 34 free-standing stilted suites
Activities Diving, windsurfing, snorkelling, bodyboarding,
yoga classes, cookery courses, mountain biking, trekking,
village tours, boat trips
Suite
There is no place better to explore Bali’s rich
culture and history than Ubud, the island’s
artistic heart. You can cycle through the
valleys and rice paddies of Jatiluwih, heading
to small villages to see coffee and rice drying
in the sunshine and perhaps a temple
ceremony or village festival. An early morning
guided tour to local markets offers a different
perspective and the chance to buy traditional
Balinese arts and crafts such as masks,
carvings, batik and clothing.
Suggested trip
3 nights Ubud, including breakfast and
excursion; 7 nights Amankila, including
breakfast. Includes flights and transfers.
Variations and beach-only also
available, please contact our specialists
for details.
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Indonesia
21
Sunset, Boracay
Philippines
This is a diverse country where emerald rice
terraces, conical volcanoes, a rich heritage and
pristine coral reefs await.
Time difference: GMT+8 hours
Philippines’ beaches
With the choice of a private beach and
marine sanctuary in secluded El Nido, a tranquil
retreat close to the bright lights of Boracay or a
trio of palm-fringed coves north of Cebu, the
Philippines offers a wealth of options for your
time on the beach.
Before the beach
Dive or snorkel on some of the world’s best reefs,
take a trip to Lagen Island for its lush forests and
extraordinary wildlife, or head for busy Manila,
with its wonderful colonial-era architecture.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
22
Kayaking, El Nido
Before the beach
Pool Villa
El Nido Pangulasian Island Resort
Pangulasian Island, ‘the island of the sun’, is a
luxurious private hideaway at the heart of a
protected marine reserve. With breathtaking
views, pristine sands and exotic marine life on
your doorstep, it is a beautiful place to relax.
Built in contemporary Filipino style with excellent
green credentials, El Nido Pangulasian is an
unobtrusive hotel conscious of its privileged
position in a protected reserve. Environmental
and social considerations are a key element of the
resort and organically grown produce from the
island’s gardens features heavily on the gourmet
menu. You can dine in the main restaurant, on a
private sandbar or a deserted island, and enjoy
cocktails on a raft in an enchanting lagoon.
Pangulasian Island is part of a stunning
archipelago where natural rock formations and
dramatic caves are interspersed with sandbanks
that stretch away from ragged limestone cliffs.
Explore on a traditional outrigger boat, dive in the
clear waters, or kayak, sail or surf. You can also take
a guided nature walk or retreat to the spa.
The 42 deluxe villas are contemporary in style and
feature a neutral colour scheme, bare wood and
private balconies. Canopy villas are reached along
a wooden boardwalk that winds through the
forest and offer magnificent views from the
treetops down to turquoise seas.
Essentials
Lagen Island
Lagen Island has towering limestone cliffs
and lush, verdant forests home to a huge
variety of wildlife. Take a nature walk to
explore inland, relax on one of the island’s
white-sand beaches, snorkel on the house
reef or dive in the exotic underwater world.
Discover the jagged cliffs and hidden caves
along the coast in a kayak or take a guided
eco-tour to some of the surrounding islands
with their stunning lagoons.
Located in an idyllic setting by a calm lagoon,
El Nido Lagen has beautiful views. Each of
the 50 rooms, suites and cottages are
elegantly decorated, and the resort has a
fabulous swimming pool and poolside bar
with ocean views.
El Nido Pangulasian
Lagen Island
Rooms 42 villas including 24 beach villas and 6 pool
villas
Philippines
Restaurants and bars Restaurant with al fresco area
and a pool bar
Features Pool, gym, spa, dive centre, marine
sports centre
Suggested trip
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sunset cruise, stargazing,
guided eco tours, island-hopping, rock climbing
Beach Long west-facing, white-sand beach against a
backdrop of tropical forest
How hidden? Very secluded on its own island
Beach Villa
When to go November-May
3 nights Lagen Island, including
breakfast; 7 nights El Nido Pangulasian,
and transfers. Variations also available.
details.
●
Philippines
23
Diving, Philippines
24
Clear seas around Mactan Island
Beach hopping
Above: Lobby
Top: Beach. Above: Pool
Alegre Beach Resort, Cebu
Picturesque villages, bustling markets and old
Spanish churches line the road to the Alegre
Beach Resort, a private getaway with access to
three secluded coves boasting white-sand
beaches.
In an idyllic setting on a lovely stretch of coast, the
hotel's thatched roofs, wicker furniture and
bamboo panelling give it a rustic local charm. The
resort's clifftop restaurant, with its high-ceilinged
interior and large airy terrace overlooking the sea,
serves both local dishes and international fare,
while the beachside buffet barbecue is a fabulous
opportunity to taste the day's catch. The resort
has a watersports centre which can arrange
jet-skiing, snorkelling, kayaking and islandhopping, as well as diving and PADI courses for all
levels. There is also a lovely pool and fitness room,
and the spa offers a wide choice of treatments.
Alternatively you could visit the resort's private
orchid farm or go trekking across northern Cebu
to explore some of the local historical landmarks.
Essentials
Rooms 42 rooms
Restaurants and bars Restaurant, bar and lounge, beach
seafood barbecue
Features Pool plus 2 children’s pools, watersports and
dive centre, spa, gym, library, games room, tennis court,
golf practice area, outdoor basketball court
Mactan Island
Just a few kilometres from Cebu, man-made
Mactan Island is connected to the mainland
by two bridges, and is ideally located for
discovering the colonial buildings in the city
of Cebu. Explore the island, perhaps visiting
the local aquarium or the saltwater lagoons
filled with numerous tropical fish including
black tip reef sharks. You will also have time
to take advantage of some of the many
watersports on offer at your resort – from
snorkelling on the island’s coral reefs to
jet-skiing and diving.
The Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort’s
rooms are spacious and contemporary, and
all have private verandas with sea or tropical
garden views. The resort features numerous
dining options, a spa and three lagoonshaped swimming pools.
Activities Diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, kayaking,
dolphin watching cruise, island-hopping, mountain
biking, golf, trekking
Beach 3 private coves with white coral sand beaches
How hidden? Very secluded, villages nearby
Alegre Beach
Resort and Spa
Cebu
When to go November -May
Mactan Island
Suggested trip
4 nights Mactan Island, including
breakfast; 7 nights Alegre Beach
Resort, including breakfast. Includes
flights and transfers. Variations also
available. Please contact our specialists
for details.
The rooms are in thatched cabanas and are set in
extensive tropical gardens. Some have ocean
views and all have large marble bathrooms with
separate shower and bathtub.
Cabana
●
Philippines
25
San Agustin Church, Manila
Before the beach
Manila
Above: View from top of hotel
Top: Beach. Above: Pool
Discovery Shores, Boracay
Situated on the popular island of Boracay,
Discovery Shores has a modern and minimalist
feel with chic interiors and fine finishes. It is set
on Boracay’s White Beach, a fabulously long
stretch of powder-white sand, renowned as
being one of the best on the island.
You can relax on the white sands and enjoy the
beachfront butler service or try a variety of
watersports. Private scenic tours can also be
arranged to discover the hidden coves,
waterfalls and snorkel sites along this incredible
stretch of coast.
Located at the quieter end of the beach, Discovery
Shores is still within easy access of the lively bars
and restaurants in the centre of Boracay. Rather
than thatched roofs and local furnishings, this
hotel is all about sleek sophistication with large,
comfortable suites in three-storey whitewashed
buildings set around the inviting pool. Service
here is very attentive and professional, and the
beautiful spa offers a wide variety of treatments.
More urban getaway than barefoot beach resort,
the chic rooms here are modern and minimalist
with large glass walls bathing the rooms in light
and offering glorious views of the dazzling beach
and shimmering sea.
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants, poolside bar
and beach bar
Beach Long powdery white-sand beach backed by
palm trees
How hidden? Other hotels nearby and you can walk
to restaurants and bars from the hotel
When to go November-May
One Bedroom Deluxe
●
Manila
Rooms 87 suites
Activities Diving, snorkelling, island cruises, waterskiing,
jet-skiing, parasailing, golf, trekking, island-hopping,
cliff jumping, kiteboarding
Philippines
Discovery Suites is centrally located in the
Ortigas district, close to Manila’s popular
dining areas. The hotel has 220 spacious
suites, a wellness spa and several restaurants.
Essentials
Features Pool, jacuzzi, children’s club (3-10yrs),
spa, gym
26
26
Manila, the boisterous capital of the
Philippines, is a mix of old and new where
historic buildings and old churches share
space with modern art galleries, theatres and
parks. Your tour will take you to the
beautifully preserved walled city of
Intramuros, built by the Spanish in the 16th
century. Discover the colonial-era
architecture and cobbled streets as you
explore San Agustin Church, the country’s
oldest stone church. You will also stop at
Casa Manila, a beautiful reproduction of a
19th century house, and Fort Santiago, an
important historical site where Jose Rizal, the
Philippines’ national hero, was imprisoned
before his execution.
phillippines
Discovery Shores
Boracay
Suggested trip
2 nights Manila, including breakfast
and excursion, 7 nights Discovery
Shores, including breakfast. Variations
and beach-only also available. Please
contact our specialists for details.
Beach dining, Discovery Shores
2727
Tioman Island
Malaysia &
Malaysian
Borneo
A melting pot of cultures and a fusion of old and
new, Malaysia has a unique heritage and
irresistible harmony. Peninsular Malaysia offers
glorious beaches and crumbling colonial
grandeur, while Malaysian Borneo is all about the
dramatic landscapes and its primates.
Flight time from UK: 12.5-15 hours
Malaysia and Malaysian
Borneo’s beaches
Wherever you choose to go, Malaysia is blessed
with superb white sands and cobalt seas and in
many cases, a backdrop of ancient primary forest
home to a vast array of wildlife.
Before the beach
Explore Malacca’s fascinating past, Kuala Lumpur’s
multicultural markets, Singapore’s bustling
boutiques or the grand landscapes of Kota
Kinabalu where the endangered orang-utan can
be seen.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
28
Hindu statues, Kuala Lumpur
Before the beach
Top: Sea cliff chalets. Above: Jetty
Private beach
Japamala, Tioman Island
Fashionably rustic Japamala is a wonderful
eco-resort offering a range of accommodation
hidden away in lush tropical jungle. The impact
on nature is minimal and no boulders were
moved or trees cut down to make way for the
distinctive suites.
There are only 13 rooms in this intimate boutique
resort, where each room – appropriately referred
to as a sarang or ‘nest’ – is reached by a series of
raised wooden walkways winding through the
thick foliage teeming with birds, butterflies and
buzzing cicadas. A jetty reaches out into the
turquoise sea where the Mandi Mandi restaurant
serves global cuisine with an Italian emphasis. The
serene swimming pool with its own waterfall, sea
views and natural spring is a wonderful place to
relax. Alternatively you could enjoy a treatment at
the Samadhi Spa which is designed to create
memorable sensory, as well as visual, experiences
with treatments in natural caves, the gardens and
in hydro pools built into the cliffs. You could also
borrow a kayak and snorkel in the spectacular
underwater garden just offshore, swim to the
brightly-coloured reef or dive in some of
Malaysia’s best locations.
the rustic but contemporary suites combine the
best local traditions with modern design. All are
different and feature private verandas, some have
plunge pools and outdoor sunken baths.
Essentials
Rooms 6 chalets, 6 suites and 1 house
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is one of Asia’s most vibrant
capital cities where a melting pot of cultures
collide to fantastic effect. Relatively compact
and easy to navigate, you can take in much
of the city in a few days. Explore Chinatown
with its bustling restaurants and shops, head
to Hindu temples and Muslim mosques and
try the wonderfully eclectic street food. See
the Petronas Twin Towers, wander the busy
Art Deco central market in search of
traditional Malay crafts, or get away from it all
in the serene Lake Garden.
The Villa Samadhi is a calm retreat from the
city. Each of its 21 spacious rooms has its own
individual style, some with indoor or outdoor
Jacuzzis, and some with direct access to the
main pool.
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants, nightly barbecues,
lounge bar
Features Pool, spa
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking, fishing, boat
tours, jungle trekking, golf, island tours
Kuala Lumpur
Japamala
Beach Long golden-sand beach backed by rainforest
Tioman
Island
How hidden? Very secluded
Can children go too? All ages welcome, more suitable
for children over 6
malaysia
When to go March-October
Suggested trip
3 nights Kuala Lumpur, including
breakfast; 7 nights Japamala, including
for details.
Carefully positioned for unparalleled views and
designed for space, comfort and utmost privacy,
Treetop Bedroom
●
Malaysia
29
Malacca at dusk
Before the beach
Malacca
Pool
Tanjong Jara Resort, East Coast
With a design inspired by the elegant grandeur
of the 17th century Malay palaces, the Tanjong
Jara Resort is one of Malaysia's finest. Its remote
but picturesque location, excellent value and
traditional architectural style make it a
remarkable place to stay.
Situated on a seemingly endless stretch of golden
sand, the resort's charming rooms are tucked
away in manicured gardens criss-crossed by a
natural stream. There are two main restaurants,
one focuses on Asian cuisine and the other on the
wonderful seafood of the area. Food can be
prepared in consultation with the chef or you can
take a cookery course and learn about local
ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
With separate adult-only and family pools you are
guaranteed a quiet place to unwind, while for
sheer indulgence, the award-winning spa offers
unique Malay treatments in a series of tranquil
rooms, gardens and pools. You can hire kayaks on
the beach or enjoy superb diving or snorkelling
excursions to nearby Tenggol Island. The resort
also arranges guided jungle walks and river cruises
as well as trips to nearby villages to learn about
local traditions such as kite making and Indera
Deria (a Malay yoga-like exercise).
There are a range of room types to choose from,
all decorated in simple but elegant Malay style
with crisp white linens and an open plan design.
Some have private balconies or terraces.
How hidden? Secluded, 15 mins drive from local village
●
Kuala
Lumpur
malaysia
Malacca
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants and a poolside
cocktail bar, private and beach dining available
Beach Long golden-sand beach backed by the rainforest
Malaysia
Tanjong Jara Resort
Rooms 99 rooms and suites
Activities Seasonal diving, snorkelling, kayaking, jungle
treks and walks, Marang River cruise, golf nearby,
traditional handicraft tour, island tours, bicycle tours,
batik painting
30
The Majestic Hotel in Malacca is located on
the banks of the river with 54 spacious
deluxe rooms and suites built around a
1920s mansion that remains at the heart
of the hotel.
Essentials
Features 2 pools and a children’s pool, dive centre, spa,
fitness centre, 2 tennis courts, cookery school
Tanjong Jara Beach
The alluring city of Malacca, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, was originally a small fishing
village, but soon became a wealthy trade
centre for Chinese and Indian merchants,
which in turn attracted European attention
and eventually Portuguese and Dutch rule.
Discover Malacca’s multi-cultural heritage
and colonial influences on a guided walking
tour past the Malay Village and St Lawrence
Church before climbing St Paul's Hill towards
the remains of the old Portuguese fortress.
Wander through the narrow streets to ornate
temples, and visit the old Dutch churches,
imposing mosques and fascinating museums
chronicling an intriguing past.
Suggested trip
2 nights Malacca, including breakfast
and excursion; 7 nights Tanjong Jara
flights and transfers plus a night in
Kuala Lumpur. Variations and
beach-only also available.
Nelayan Lounge, Tanjong Jara Resort
31
Floral offerings in Little India, Singapore
Before the beach
Singapore
The Datai from the air
The Datai, Langkawi
Surrounded by ancient rainforest rolling down
to a spectacular beach overlooking a
shimmering bay, The Datai enjoys a superb
location. The beautiful setting, five-star service
and impressive facilities make it an ideal place
to relax and unwind.
Datai also has four luxurious spa pavilions and an
extensive menu of treatments inspired by ancient
Indian, Indonesian and Himalayan techniques.
Although there are plenty of watersports available,
the tranquil atmosphere and lure of the pool and
beach may just prove too strong.
The Datai’s relative isolation offers guests a chance
to discover immaculate beaches and unspoilt
rainforest brimming with wildlife. A guided nature
walk brings the location to life and offers a
fascinating insight into the flora and fauna around
you. Built in harmony with its environment, this
refined but unpretentious hotel is designed in
contemporary Malay style with a choice of
restaurants including the open-air Pavilion with
panoramic views of the jungle and Andaman Sea.
There are two swimming pools, one for adults
only, and a second family pool by the beach. The
There are 124 rooms, villas and suites with
polished wooden floors and vast vaulted ceilings.
Rooms have balconies overlooking the rainforest,
pool or sea while villas nestle deep in the
rainforest or by the beach and some have
private pools.
Features 2 pools, watersports centre, spa, fitness centre
●
malaysia
Restaurants and bars 4 restaurants, lounge for
cocktails and snacks
How hidden? Secluded location, 45 mins drive from
local town
Malaysia
Langkawi
The
Datai
Rooms 124 rooms, villas and suites
Beach Long soft white-sand beach set in a bay
backed by jungle
32
The iconic Raffles Hotel is the place to stay in
Singapore. Set amidst immaculate gardens,
the 103 elegant suites offer a blend of luxury,
history and colonial ambiance. Don’t miss the
opportunity to sink a legendary Singapore
Sling in its birthplace, the Long Bar.
Essentials
Activities Diving, deep-sea fishing, sailing, snorkelling,
kayaking, windsurfing, daily guided walks through
rainforest, jungle treks, golf courses nearby, Thai cookery
classes, tennis nearby
Outdoor area, Pool Villa
The cosmopolitan city of Singapore has
grown from colonial trading post to one of
the most important cities in Southeast Asia.
Explore the boutiques, galleries and cafes of
Chinatown, the impressive architecture and
restaurants around the Colonial District, and
unspoilt Little India – a dynamic cultural
centre known for its inexpensive food,
colourful shops and temples. Visit Gardens by
the Bay, one of the city’s newest attractions,
with its two conservatory domes, themed
Heritage Gardens, and the Dragonfly and
Kingfisher Lakes.
When to go January-September
singapore
Suggested trip
3 nights Singapore, including
breakfast; 7 nights The Datai, including
for details.
Young orang-utan
Before the beach
Pool
Gaya Island Resort, Malaysian Borneo
Poised between rainforest, white sands and
emerald sea, the Gaya Island Resort is set on a
small, undeveloped island blanketed in lush
rainforest. With bright tropical birds, the cries of
macaques and views of Mount Kinabalu, it is an
ideal Bornean retreat.
The verdant surroundings on Gaya Island offers
guests the opportunity to relax in the most
pristine environment. Join a guided jungle walk or
explore underwater with a marine biologist to see
the vibrant coral gardens flourishing in the bay.
Relax on the beach or swim in the incredible 40
metre pool overlooking the sand. You can enjoy a
specialist treatment in the spa, take a yoga class,
try out some non-motorised watersports or
take a sunset cruise on a luxury yacht. Dining is
something of an experience here. There is a
stunning rooftop restaurant offering spectacular
views over the sea and the Feast Village has its
own bakery and a diverse range of Asian-Pacific
cuisine. Alternatively, you can dine at Tavajun
Bay, a secluded picnic spot a five minute boat
ride away.
Kota Kinabalu
Famed for its dramatic landscapes and
diverse array of wildlife, Borneo is possibly
best known as the home of the majestic
orang-utan. At the orang-utan sanctuary set
in your hotel’s 25 hectare nature reserve you
can see endangered orang-utan undergoing
their initial rehabilitation and observe them
during the twice daily feeds. You can explore
some of the trails around the base of Mount
Kinabalu, one of the highest peaks in
Southeast Asia, and enjoy the flora and
fauna of Kinabalu National Park – declared
Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site for its
exceptional natural features.
Set in a nature reserve, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria
Resort sits on an unspoilt stretch of beach
and offers 416 luxurious guest rooms with
terraces or balconies, many with sea views.
The resort has five restaurants serving a
tantalising variety of foods.
The luxurious villas feature modern and stylish
decor, with views of the ocean, rainforest or
mangroves. All have verandas with daybeds.
Gaya Island Resort
Essentials
Malaysian
Borneo
Rooms 121 villas and suite
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants, pool bar and
lounge, barbecues and picnics available
Kota Kinabalu
Features Pool, children’s wading pool, dive centre,
fitness centre, spa, children’s club (4-12yrs)
Activities Diving, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, sailing,
sunset yacht cruises, kayaking, guided nature walks,
yoga classes, island excursions, golf on the mainland
Beach Fine white-sand beach directly in front of
the hotel. Tavajun Bay private beach accessible by a
5 minute speedboat ride.
Kinabalu Villa
When to go March-September
Suggested trip
4 nights Kota Kinabalu, including
breakfast and excursion; 7 nights Gaya
Island Resort, including breakfast.
Includes flights and transfers. Variations
●
Malaysian Borneo
33
Boats in the harbour, Nha Trang
Indochina
Side by side but vastly different, these countries
have a complex history, majestic scenery,
legendary temples and a host of intriguing cities,
all infused with a subtle French charm.
Indochina’s beaches
Classic beach scenes with unspoilt sands
sheltered by towering palms await on Vietnam’s
diverse coast and one of Cambodia’s most
incredible private islands. Unwind on the white
sands, enjoy some excellent snorkelling and
diving, trek through the jungle or explore local
culture with visits to small villages and
historic ports.
Before the beach
Discover Angkor’s enigmatic temples, the lush
and tranquil Mekong Delta, historic Saigon, the
culture and traditions of Hanoi, or venture further
to the bright lights and many markets of
Hong Kong.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
34
Going to market, Mekong Delta
Before the beach
Above: Lobby
Top: Sao Beach. Above: Swimming Pool
La Veranda, Phu Quoc Island
A relaxed and elegant resort exuding classic
French charm, La Veranda is a colonial-style
mansion set on the edge of a white-sand beach.
Step back in time, unwind by the pool and soak
up the atmosphere at this elegant tropical
escape.
Set in colourful manicured gardens, La Veranda is
an intimate hotel with excellent standards of
service. Decorative tiled floors, wicker furniture
whirring ceiling fans and breezy verandas create a
magical air of times past in the main building,
which is linked to the villas by attractive pathways.
The swimming pool forms a centrepiece to the
gardens and the small spa offers a good range of
massages, wraps and scrubs. The restaurant serves
Vietnamese, Asian and French cuisine but you
could always opt to head for a tiny desert island
instead, where you can dine alone on a white
sand beach. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters above
vibrant coral reefs or take a half-day trip around
the island to explore the lush rainforest, beautiful
beaches, pearl farms and fishing villages. Learn
about local life with a trip to see how pepper is
grown, harvested and prepared.
La Veranda boasts a beautiful selection of
superbly-appointed rooms decorated in a classic
French colonial style, with mosaic floors, dark
woods, four-poster beds and shuttered windows.
Villas have private balconies and views of the lush
gardens or the beach.
Essentials
Mekong Delta
Take a guided walking tour or private sampan
trip on the quiet backwaters of the peaceful
Mekong Delta. Visit Cai Rang floating market
on a restored junk then leave the main river
behind and travel along the network of
canals that cross the region, disembarking at
fruit gardens and a family-run noodle factory
en route. Finally, experience Vietnam as the
locals do, on a bicycle, and gain an insight
into the traditional way of life, its paddy fields,
fruit orchards and tiny island communities.
The colonial-style Victoria Can Tho is situated
on the banks of the Hau River and set in
exotic gardens. The 84 rooms and eight
luxurious suites have authentic Vietnamese
decor, and balconies with views over the
river, swimming pool or garden.
Phu Quoc Island
La Veranda
Resort
vietnam
Saigon
Can Tho Mekong
Delta
Rooms 70 rooms and villas
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants, lounge bar and
every Saturday barbecue on the beach
Features Pool, spa, Jacuzzi, gym
Activities Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, boat
excursions, badminton, volleyball, cycling, tours to
plantations
Beach Beautiful white-sand beach along a wide bay
How hidden? Other hotels on the beach, walking
distance to restaurants
When to go December-April
Suggested trip
2 nights Mekong Delta, including
breakfast and excursions; 7 nights La
Veranda Resort, including breakfast.
Deluxe Villa
●
Vietnam
35
Worshippers in a temple, Saigon
Before the beach
Beach restaurant
Six Senses Con Dao, Con Dao Islands
Thoroughly modern yet full of local character,
Six Senses Con Dao is a unique resort set in a
breathtaking national park on the island of
Con Son. Expect green forested hills rolling
down to a white-sand beach and stunning
vistas of the South China Sea.
Remote yet accessible, the Six Senses Con Dao
enjoys the best of both worlds. It is profoundly
tranquil and surrounded by protected waters
home to rare dugongs. The communal guest area
is built in the style of a fishing village and local
market, and incorporates original hand-carved
antique wooden panels. Dining options include a
superb deli and bakery, a Vietnamese open
kitchen, and a stunning restaurant by the beach
complete with a well-stocked wine cellar. The
resort also has its own spa, swimming pool, dive
centre and open-air cinema, as well as guides to
take you jungle trekking. Hike through dense
forest to the Bay Canh Lighthouse, one of the
highest points on the island, for spectacular views
and the chance to spot giant black squirrels,
colourful birds and long-tailed macaques. Con
Son’s poignant history as a penal colony means
there is also a wealth of heritage sites to visit.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, natural wood finishes
and crisp white fabrics give the 50 spacious villas
a very simple but elegant style. All have butler
service, private pools and outdoor showers.
Essentials
Saigon & the Mekong Delta
Known by the Vietnamese as Ho Chi Minh
City, Saigon was the original ‘Pearl of the
Orient’. It blends modern skyscrapers, lively
bars and a booming economy with local
charm and historical relics of empire and
revolution. Explore Notre Dame Cathedral,
the Opera House and the Reunification
Palace, and visit the nearby Cu Chi tunnels –
extensively used by the Viet Cong. A day on
the Mekong Delta is also included, enabling
you to escape the city and experience the
fascinating floating markets and a quieter
side of Vietnamese life.
Situated on a peaceful tree-lined boulevard,
the Sofitel Saigon Plaza offers modern design
with subtle French and Vietnamese
influences. The hotel features two restaurants,
a spa, pool and poolside bar.
Saigon
vietnam
Mekong
Delta
Rooms 50 pool villas
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants and a cocktail bar,
in-villa dining, beach dining and beach barbecues
available
Six Senses Con Dao
Features Pool, spa, gym, dive centre, open-air cinema
Activities Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboards,
fishing, catamaran sailing, turtle watching excursion
(May-Oct), rock climbing, hiking in tropical rainforest,
bicycles, historic tours
Beach White-sand beach on a wide bay
How hidden? Very secluded, taxi ride to the local shops
and restaurants
Ocean Front Villa
36
Vietnam
●
When to go December-April
Con Dao
Islands
Suggested trip
3 nights Saigon, including breakfast
and excursions; 7 nights Six Senses
Con Dao, including breakfast. Includes
flights and transfers. Variations and
beach-only also available. Please
Loaded cyclo Hanoi
Before the beach
Hanoi
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Nha Trang
Set on a crescent-shaped bay accessible only by
boat and backed by dramatic mountains, the Six
Senses Ninh Van Bay is a gloriously secluded
retreat. Rustic yet refined, the resort is elegantly
constructed with a blend of modern
architecture and Vietnamese tradition.
Essentials
Striking rock formations dominate this quiet bay
and the restrained design of the resort beautifully
complements its environment with natural wood
finishes, subtle colour schemes and innovative use
of local materials. Bleached wood and furniture
crafted from driftwood give a desert island feel,
but the service and facilities are simply worldclass. Outstanding cuisine is served in the hotel’s
restaurants and you can choose to eat by the bay,
by the pool, on the rocks, or in a candlelit wine
cave. Smooth white stepping stones lead into the
hotel spa where treatments are offered beside a
tropical waterfall. You can also enjoy practicing
tai-chi on the huge boulders on the edge of the
cove. The calm, sheltered bay is perfect for
paddleboarding, waterskiing and snorkelling over
the colourful coral gardens.
Activities Diving, snorkelling, waterskiing,
paddleboarding, sailing, kayaking, fishing, boat charters,
island-hopping, river trips, cultural excursions, yoga,
tai-chi, cookery classes
Rooms 58 pool villas
Restaurants and bars 3 restaurants and 2 bars, private
dining in the wine cave
Features Pool, spa, gym, tennis court, children’s club
(over 4 yrs), Jacuzzi, dive centre, beauty salon
Hanoi is the centre of Vietnamese culture and
history and a fascinating place to explore.
Visit the Temple of Literature, a shrine to
Confucius, the Fine Arts Museum, and the
infamous Hoa Lo prison better known as the
‘Hanoi Hilton’. Wander the narrow streets of
the Old Quarter with their craftsmen, tailors
and merchants, and the broad tree-lined
boulevards flanked with elaborate French
villas before watching a traditional puppet
show performed in a large pool with the
water’s surface serving as the stage.
The colonial grandeur of the Sofitel Legend
Metropole Hanoi makes it one of the most
outstanding buildings in the city. The 364
rooms offer a blend of French colonial and
modern styling, and its three restaurants are
renowned as some of the best in the city.
vietnam
Hanoi
Beach White-sand beach set in a curved bay
How hidden? Very secluded at the end of a peninsula
When to go January-April
Six Senses
Nha Trang Ninh Van Bay
Suggested trip
3 nights Hanoi, including breakfast and
excursions; 7 nights Six Senses Ninh
Van Bay, including breakfast. Includes
The 58 spacious villas are deceptively simple in
their design and come with decks looking out
over the sea, unique hand-crafted wooden baths
and private butler service.
Hilltop villa
●
Vietnam
37
Beach restaurant, The Nam Hai
38
Hong Kong at night
Before the beach
One Bedroom Pool Villa
Top: Pool. Above: Organic garden
The Nam Hai, Hoi An
Sleek, chic and effortlessly sophisticated, this
stunning resort near the historic port of Hoi An
is elegantly restrained yet undeniably lavish in
its design.
Situated just outside the charming village of Hoi
An, the Nam Hai offers a secluded sense of calm
with private villas set in extensive gardens. At its
heart is a broad terrace of infinity pools sweeping
down to a white-sand beach with views over the
nearby Cham Islands. Every inch of this hotel
shows attention to detail, from its wonderful
interiors to the exceptional service and the chilled
face towels by the pool. With a choice of gourmet
restaurants, butler service and extensive
recreational facilities including a gym and
beautiful tropical spa, there is plenty to keep you
entertained. Try an early morning yoga class, cycle
to the local village to buy ingredients for your
cookery class or sit back and just take it all in.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a unique blend of traditional
Chinese culture and high-tech living with
sparkling skyscrapers looming over
traditional wet markets, vast shopping malls
and bustling street stalls selling everything
from herbal remedies to the infamous durian
fruit. You could take a trip to Lantau, home to
one of the largest seated Buddhas, or Tai O,
the region’s last remaining stilted fishing
village. Alternatively head north to the
Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas, south to
the bustling community of Stanley Market,
or just enjoy the nightly light show from
Kowloon.
The Langham Hong Kong is located in the
heart of Kowloon and offers easy access to
the most popular areas of the city. It has
superb facilities, comfortable, modern rooms
and a rooftop pool with stunning views.
The huge villas feature high ceilings, split-level
interiors and polished local woods, and are
decorated with delicate, hand-spun silks and
contemporary Vietnamese artwork. Expect lavish
bathrooms and private tropical gardens.
Hong
Kong
Essentials
The Nam Hai
Rooms 100 villas including 40 pool villas
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants and a bar
Hoi An
vietnam
Features 3 pools, spa, basketball and tennis courts,
children’s activity villa (4 -12yrs)
Activities Diving, snorkelling, meditation and yoga
sessions, cultural excursions to meet local farmers or
fishermen, golf nearby, cultural tours
Beach 1km stretch of pristine white sand beach
How hidden? Very secluded, 11km drive to Hoi An
Can children go too? All ages welcome, more suited to
older children
When to go January-August
Suggested trip
3 nights Hong Kong, including
breakfast; 7 nights The Nam Hai,
A romantic dinner on the beach
●
Vietnam
39
Ta prohm Temple, Angkor
Before the beach
Infinity pool
Song Saa Private Island, Koh Rong
A sublime setting and gorgeous yet
unpretentious design combine to make Song
Saa, Khmer for ‘the sweethearts’, simply
unforgettable. Set on two unspoilt private
islands connected by a wooden footbridge,
this wonderfully romantic retreat is one of
Cambodia’s finest resorts.
A strong commitment to environmental and
social responsibility is central to this resort. With
five resident naturalists, including a marine
biologist, it is well worth taking a guided rainforest
excursion or snorkelling tour to fully appreciate
this pristine location. The resort’s crisp,
contemporary style mixes modern minimalism
with traditional motifs and rustic upcycled
materials to create a harmonious feel. The
stunning over-water restaurant and lounge is an
idyllic place to eat and relax, and you can also
kayak out to your own deserted island with a
picnic hamper. Join an early morning yoga
session, take an island safari or enjoy a trip by
buffalo cart to a local farm to explore the world
of Khmer agriculture and herbal remedies.
Essentials
Rooms 27 villas including over-water villas
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants and a bar, in-villa
dining available
Features Infinity pool, spa, dive centre
Activities Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, boating,
marine safari, birdwatching, island safari, rainforest tours,
cultural expeditions to local villages
How hidden? Very secluded private island
●
Temples
of Angkor
Siem Reap
When to go November-April
cambodia
Song Saa Private Island
Koh Rong
Suggested trip
3 nights Siem Reap, including breakfast
and excursion; 7 nights Song Saa
Private Island, including breakfast.
One Bedroom Ocean Villa
Cambodia
Situated in the heart of Siem Reap near
Angkor Wat, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
offers old world grandeur and a superb
standard of accommodation. The 119 rooms
and suites epitomise Cambodian charm
and elegance.
Beach Pristine white-sand beach
The 27 villas are in tune with their surroundings
using natural stone and traditional thatch to
wonderful effect. All have private pools and
outdoor rainforest showers.
40
Temples of Angkor
One of the most remarkable archaeological
sites in the world, the historic temples of
Angkor are scattered throughout a huge area
of forest. Take a guided tour to Angkor Wat,
believed to be the largest religious building
in the world, see the jungle-covered ruins of
Ta Prohm – preserved exactly as European
explorers first discovered them in the
mid-19th century, and tour the richly
decorated Bayon with its 54 towers and 216
serene faces looking out from its imposing
stone walls.
Boats at anchor, Krabi
Thailand
A landmark destination renowned for its beautiful
beaches, the ‘land of smiles’ also offers a rich
culture and history, ancient cities and busy
temples, divine food and of course, a wonderfully
warm and genuine welcome.
Flight time from UK: 11.5 hours
Thailand’s beaches
With two long coastlines and a large collection
of tropical islands, Thailand offers every beach
experience imaginable. Our tranquil retreats are
set on idyllic stretches of sand with options for
excellent diving and watersports, cookery courses
and Thai massage.
Before the beach
Combine time on the beach with Chiang Mai’s
ancient temples, the primary forests of Khao Sok
National Park, Bangkok’s bustling streets or
venture to the mysterious temples of Angkor Wat
in Cambodia.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
41
Grand Palace, Bangkok
Before the beach
Pool
Top: Hammock on the beach. Above: Restaurant
The Tubkaak Resort, Krabi
The Tubkaak Resort is situated on one of
Thailand’s most beautiful stretches of coastline
with majestic views of craggy limestone peaks
rising out of the sea. A charming hideaway with
award-winning design, it maintains a respect for
nature at its core.
This small stylish resort, barely visible from the sea,
has a wonderfully intimate atmosphere. With a
gorgeous setting in lush forest by a soft sandy
beach, it is a fantastic place to relax and the
attentive service ensures a personal touch.
Natural materials such as local woods and bare
stone give the resort a very harmonious feel with
a canopy of mature trees offering welcome shade
around the pool. There is a small spa and a
beachfront restaurant with glorious views. You can
take a Thai cookery course, explore local islands or
meander through the mangroves by kayak or
canoe. Jungle treks, fishing and golf are also
available but with the local reefs teeming with
marine life, one of the most rewarding activities is
simply snorkelling in the deep blue sea.
●
Ayuthaya
thailand
Bangkok
Rooms 61 rooms
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants each with bar by
the beach
Krabi
The Tubkaak Resort
Features Pools, spa, Jacuzzi, library
Suggested trip
Activities Diving, snorkelling, fishing, yoga classes, Thai
cookery classes, golf nearby, mountain treks, island boat
trips, rock climbing
2 nights Bangkok, including breakfast
and excursions; 1 night Ayuthaya,
including breakfast and excursion;
7 nights The Tubkaak Resort, including
for details.
(from 10 years old Dec-Feb)
Thailand
The Ariyasom Villa in Bangkok is a charming
family-run hotel. The 25 rooms and suites
feature teak floors and antique furniture. You
will also spend a night at Iudia before your
tour of Ayuthaya.
Essentials
How hidden? Secluded, surrounded by forest, Klong
Muang is 15 minutes away by taxi
42
Known as the ‘City of Angels’, Bangkok’s
streets are lined with a tangle of ancient
temples, village homes and cutting-edge
architecture. Visit the temple of Wat Pho, one
of the largest in Bangkok and home to the
famous Reclining Buddha, take a bus boat
along the Saen Saap canal to the home of
Jim Thompson and his extensive collection of
antiques, paintings and sculptures, and
discover the magnificent former Siamese
capital of Ayuthaya, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site featuring many historic temples,
statues and ruins.
The beautifully conceived rooms are
contemporary in style with interiors featuring bare
woods, natural stone and delicate prints of birds,
leaves and flowers. All rooms have outdoor
tropical bathrooms with sunken baths. Nineteen
new pool villas and the Italian restaurant are due
to open in December 2013.
Beach Compact strip of white-sand beach with the
forest behind
Deluxe room
Bangkok & Ayuthaya
The Bayon, Angkor
Before the beach
Beachfront Villa Suites
Napasai, Koh Samui
Positioned on the northern shores of the
picturesque island of Koh Samui, the Napasai is
a small boutique resort overlooking the emerald
waters of the Gulf and the white sands of
Maenam beach.
Essentials
The unassuming Napasai is a wonderful retreat
with an extremely tranquil atmosphere and very
personal service. The stilted villas stretch out along
the bay offering both privacy and excellent views,
while the communal areas include a vast infinity
pool, tennis courts, and two restaurants and bars.
Although the resort is designed in a restrained,
modern style, the use of local finishes, earthy
tones and traditional fabrics give it a subtle Thai
charm. Dine on delicious Thai dishes in the Lai
Thai restaurant or on freshly caught seafood on
the beachside. There are some excellent dive and
snorkelling sites around the Samui archipelago,
including those in the nearby Angthong National
Marine Park. The Napasai can also organise various
excursions on the island, such as elephant
trekking and visits to secluded waterfalls.
Features Infinity pool, spa, fitness centre, 2 tennis courts,
library
The resort offers a variety of spacious
accommodation all decorated in contemporary
Thai style and featuring indoor and outdoor
living areas. Oceanfront pool residences come
with fully-fitted kitchens, private pools and
water features.
Rooms 55 villas and 14 Oceanfront Private Pool
Residences
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants, cocktail bar and
pool bar
Temples of Angkor
The temples of Angkor are one of the most
remarkable archaeological sites in the world,
scattered across a huge area of forest in
northern Cambodia. Explore iconic Angkor
Wat, believed to be the largest religious
building in the world, and the jungle covered
ruins of Ta Prohm before taking a late
afternoon visit to Banteay Srei, the famous
pink sandstone temple, its beautiful
sculptures, lintels, pediments and friezes
softly lit by the setting sun.
La Residence d’Angkor in Siem Reap is an
unpretentious yet sophisticated hotel
perfectly placed for discovering the temples
of Angkor Wat. Its vast rooms and suites are
exquisitely decorated and have private
terraces. Some have oversized bathtubs
and separate rain showers. Dinner is
accompanied by entertainment provided by
traditional Khmer dancers.
Activities Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, windsurfing,
fishing, tennis, badminton, table tennis, boat trips to
neighbouring islands, elephant trek, bike hire
thailand
Temples of Angkor
Beach Strip of white-sand beach with forest behind
How hidden? Secluded, local restaurants and shops are
15 minutes away by taxi
Siem
Reap
cambodia
When to go January-September
Koh Samui
Napasai
Suggested trip
4 nights Siem Reap, including breakfast
and excursions; 7 nights Napasai,
Villa
●
Thailand
43
Floating market, Bangkok
Before the beach
Bangkok
Garden Pool Villa
Paradee, Koh Samet
An exquisite romantic retreat, the Paradee,
meaning ‘The Sixth Heaven’, occupies the quiet
southern tip of Koh Samet, a narrow sliver of
land with white-sand beaches on either side.
Hop on a speedboat for a short trip across the sea
from the mainland and step out into the languid
charm of this secluded resort set in lush tropical
gardens. Alongside a restaurant serving
international and Thai cuisine, and a private dining
area on the beach, there is a beautiful infinity pool
and a peaceful spa offering a tempting range of
treatments. Most of the villas feature private pools
and enjoy views of the sun rising over the
powdery beach. In the evening, head to the bar
on the other side of the isthmus to enjoy the
dramatic sunsets. During the day you can go
windsurfing or sailing, borrow a canoe to explore
hidden coves, take boat trips to national marine
parks for snorkelling and diving, or simply laze
by the pool.
The 40 whitewashed villas are well spaced and
feature thatched roofs and huge picture windows.
Decorated with teak, rattan and rich Thai silk, and
featuring huge four-poster beds, they have a very
unassuming but stylish character.
Bangkok is a vibrant metropolis that engulfs
the senses. Spend two days exploring
Thailand’s vibrant capital, soaking up the
atmosphere at its traditional markets and
ancient temples. Visit Wat Pho with its
famous reclining Buddha, experience rural
life in the stilted villages situated along
narrow backwaters, and marvel at the
exquisite splendour and serenity of the
Grand Palace and Wat Arun.
The Riva Surya is a 68 room boutique hotel
situated by the Chao Praya River in the heart
of Bangkok. The stylish rooms are completed
to a high standard while the restaurants serve
authentic Thai and Chinese cuisine with a
strong emphasis on fresh, locally grown
organic produce.
thailand
Bangkok
Essentials
Rooms 40 villas
Restaurants and bars Restaurant, bar, pool bar
Paradee Resort
Koh Samet
Features Infinity pool, Jacuzzi, dive centre, spa, fitness
centre, library
Activities Diving, snorkelling, windsurfing,
kayaking, deep-sea fishing trips, island-hopping tours,
catamaran sailing
Beach White sands of Ao Kiew beach plus another beach
on other side of the resort
How hidden? Secluded, the restaurants of Ao Prao
Resort are 20 minutes away by taxi
Can children go too? All ages welcome, but more suited
to adults
Paradee from the sea
44
Thailand
●
Suggested trip
and excursions; 7 nights Paradee
Monks, Chiang Mai
Before the beach
Ocean Panorama Pool Villa
Six Senses Yao Noi, Koh Yao Noi
Blissfully underdeveloped Koh Yao Noi is one
of Thailand's most unspoilt islands and the Six
Senses Yao Noi is an exceptional resort with a
unique blend of rustic charm and
contemporary design.
The Six Senses Yao Noi embraces its incredible
location with a combination of natural materials
and rustic architectural style. Whisked by
speedboat across a turquoise sea, past untouched,
palm fringed beaches and dramatic limestone
karsts, you arrive in a tranquil oasis where a sense
of barefoot luxury awaits. The resort makes the
most of its natural setting with a glass-floored
restaurant that hovers above a waterfall, a spa
designed in the style of a traditional Thai
longhouse, and the ‘Den’ lounge area with deep
comfy daybeds that overlook the tranquil lily
ponds. You can relax by the hilltop pool or on the
beach, or join in one of the activities designed to
encourage you to explore the pristine landscape.
There is a choice of watersports, rock climbing on
the dramatic cliffs nearby, island-hopping safaris
and a variety of guided cultural excursions
including cycle tours along hidden pathways
flanked by rubber trees.
Chiang Mai
Bustling, historic and colourful, Chiang Mai
is known as ‘The Rose of the North’. Travel to
the ancient city of Wiang Kum Kam, the
remnants of a former settlement dating
back to the 13th century, which was
abandoned in the 16th century due to
flooding. Explore the ruined temples, markets
and narrow alleyways by bicycle, then visit
the Patara Elephant Farm to learn about
elephant behaviour and their significance in
Thai and Buddhist culture. Feed and bathe
the elephants, then take a short trek to a
local temple.
The Chedi Chiang Mai is on the banks of the
Mae Ping River, an oasis of peace in central
Chiang Mai. The contemporary rooms and
suites have spacious balconies, and the
restaurant offers fine wines and cuisines from
around the world.
Chiang Mai
The suites are open plan with vast windows and
come with private butler service. Some villas
benefit from panoramic views across the bay and
all have private pools.
thailand
Essentials
Rooms 55 Pool Villas
Restaurants and bars 3 restaurants and a cocktail bar
Features Pool, Six Senses Spa, fitness centre, tennis court,
library, wine cellar
Activities Snorkelling, catamaran sailing, kayaking,
wake-boarding, waterskiing, cycling, wine tasting,
cookery classes, island-hopping by long tail boat
Beach Small strip of white sand with views of the famous
limestone pinnacles of Phang Nga Bay
How hidden? Secluded, surrounded by extensive
tropical gardens
View from the Den
Koh Yao
Six Senses Yao Noi
Suggested trip
4 nights Chiang Mai, including
breakfast and excursions; 7 nights Six
Senses Yao Noi, including breakfast.
●
Thailand
45
Elephants, Khao Sok National Park
Before the beach
Pool and daybeds
The Sarojin, Khao Lak
Renowned for its exceptional service and
beautiful setting, the Sarojin aims to recreate
the atmosphere of a lavish private estate with
wonderfully warm hospitality, tailor-made
activities and outstanding attention to detail.
Designed in a contemporary Asian style with
low-rise buildings sympathetic to its natural
setting, The Sarojin stretches along a sheltered 11
kilometre stretch of white-sand beach. An age-old
ficus tree lies in well-tended grounds at the heart
of the resort, which also features a large pool and
a Jacuzzi area. There is a choice of dining options
including the possibility of having a private
champagne dinner at a nearby waterfall, a
gourmet picnic breakfast on a private island, or
cocktails and canapés in the jungle. The Sarojin
invites you to be idle, pampered and indulged,
but there is also the option to go sailing, sea
kayaking or windsurfing, to snorkel or dive in the
Similian Islands, cruise around the dramatic
limestone karsts of nearby Phang Nga Bay, or
explore Khao Lak.
Khao Sok National Park
The vast Khao Sok National Park with its
ancient rainforest is a unique place to
explore. Travel deep into the jungle on foot in
search of exotic plants and enormous trees,
take a longtail boat to Cheow Larn Lake to
see monkeys and birds in the foliage
overhead, and enjoy a guided night safari to
search for nocturnal wildlife. You will also
learn about the traditions of mahouts and
help to feed their elephants before scrubbing
them clean as they bathe in the river.
Stay one night in a safari-style tent in
Elephant Hills, Thailand’s first ever jungle
camp. Then spend two nights at The
Elephant Hills Rainforest Camp, a floating
camp with ten comfortable tents, and a
restaurant and bar with stunning views of
Cheow Larn Lake.
The spacious, contemporary-styled residences
blend crisp, minimalist design with the richness of
traditional Thai decor. All have private terraces and
a sala, an outdoor shaded area, and some have a
plunge pool.
Essentials
Khao Sok
National Park
The Sarojin
Khao Lak
Rooms 56 rooms including pool residences
thailand
Restaurants and bars Beachfront restaurant and
poolside restaurant, each with bar
Features Infinity pool, Jacuzzi, spa, fitness centre
Activities Diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, sailing,
kayaking, wine tasting, cooking class, garden tours,
excursions to nearby islands
Beach 11kms of white-sand beach backed by palm trees
and forest
How hidden? Feels secluded, set within extensive lush
tropical gardens, but within walking or cycling distance
of shops and restaurants
Beach at The Sarojin
46
Thailand
●
Suggested trip
3 nights Khao Sok National Park, full
board, including excursions; 7 nights
The Sarojin, including breakfast.
Gardens and lily pond, The Sarojin
47
Angkor Wat
Before the beach
Amanpuri from the air
Amanpuri, Phuket
An exceptional retreat, Amanpuri offers
world-class facilities, discreet service and
incredible attention to detail. Although a five
star resort in every respect, this is an
unpretentious property with a relaxed
atmosphere and exceptional service.
Named after the Sanskrit word for 'place of peace',
Amanpuri is a beautiful property, with tiered
rooflines, elevated walkways and an unusual
midnight-blue pool reflecting the waving coconut
palms and cloudless skies. Sweeping stone steps
lead down to the stunning white-sand beach and
turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. The
excellent restaurants serve a wide variety of dishes
including a fusion of Japanese concepts and
French techniques in the refined multi-course
menus at Naoki located near the beach. Freshlycaught seafood and Phuket lobster, a local
speciality, also feature highly on the menu.
The delightful spa offers a full range of treatments
and guests can also join complimentary yoga and
meditation sessions in open-sided teak salas set
high on the hillside. With access to a PGA golf
course, diving and snorkelling in protected marine
parks, elephant trekking and cruises around the
magnificent local islands, your time here will pass
all too quickly.
Tucked away in dense forest, the UNESCO
World Heritage Site of Angkor is home to
some of Asia's most iconic temples. A guided
tour will help you make the most of your
time here, enabling you to discover the main
highlights of the area as well as smaller, less
visited temples. Explore Angkor Wat, the
largest and most majestic complex, 12th
century Banteay Kdei with its intricate
carvings of Khmer dancers, and Pre Rup, one
of the Angkor Empire’s oldest mountain
temples that offers wonderful views over the
paddy fields at sunset.
The Amansara in Siem Reap is a former guest
villa of King Norodom Sihanouk and has 24
luxurious open-plan suites with floor-toceiling windows and private courtyards.
The 70 Thai-style pavilions and villas are well
spaced and decorated in a timeless, elegant style.
All have a dedicated maid and outdoor salas,
some also have private pools.
Temples of Angkor
Siem
Reap
cambodia
Essentials
Rooms 70 Thai-style pavilions and villas
Restaurants and bars 4 restaurants, poolside bar and a
bar in The Beach Club
Features 2 pools and a children’s pool, spa, 6 floodlit
tennis courts, gym and pilates studio, library
Activities Diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking,
sailing, waterskiing, boat trips to neighbouring islands,
jungle excursions and elephant trekking
Beach Curved sweep of white sand overlooking the
Andaman sea
How hidden? One other resort on the beach, local
restaurants are within walking distance
Pool
Temples of Angkor
48Thailand ● www.hiddenbeaches.co.uk 01993 838 250
thailand
Amanpuri
Phuket
Suggested trip
3 nights Siem Reap, half board,
including excursions; 7 nights
Amanpuri, room-only. Includes flights
Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho, Bangkok
Before the beach
Bangkok
Infinity pool
Soneva Kiri, Koh Kood
Rustic but chic, the Soneva Kiri is among
Thailand's finest resorts with a beautifully
conceived design and a very relaxed
atmosphere. Requiring a light aircraft and
speedboat journey to get here, it offers the
ultimate desert island experience.
Set on unspoilt Koh Kood, a tropical island
covered in lush rainforest and coconut plantations
close to the Cambodian border, environmental
sensitivity is a primary consideration here. Natural
finishes and local materials combined with
uncompromising quality create an unassuming
and effortlessly sophisticated style. There are
three restaurants offering a variety of gourmet
experiences using organic ingredients grown or
caught locally. The most memorable dining
location, however, is the treetop pod raised high
into the jungle canopy. There is also a children's
den with inspired play equipment and funky
sleeping areas, an over-water outdoor cinema and
the option to take a night snorkelling adventure.
Needless to say, service is exceptional with private
butlers, a sommelier and a passionate team all
dedicated to making your stay the best it
possibly can be.
Each of the 35 generously-sized and
immaculately-equipped villas has a spacious living
area, sun-soaked deck and private infinity pool.
Simple yet sophisticated, they are light, open and
airy and each comes with an electric buggy for
getting around the extensive grounds.
Bangkok
thailand
Rooms 35 pool villas and residences
Koh Kood
Restaurants and bars 5 restaurants, two bars and a
chocolate room and ice-cream parlour
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sailing, kayaking,
watersports, fishing, cookery classes, stargazing, cycling,
jungle treks, trip to waterfalls, village visit
Beach Fine white-sand beach with the peaceful
backdrop of a coconut tree plantation
The Mandarin Oriental is a convenient base
in Bangkok, close to the city’s main
attractions, but in a peaceful riverside setting.
The 393 luxurious rooms and suites have
private butler service and elegant Thai decor.
The hotel has a host of amenities including
nine different restaurants.
Essentials
Features Pool, Six Senses Spa, tennis court, gym, outdoor
cinema, library, children’s club (4-12 yrs)
The beach at Soneva Kiri
The soaring spires and bright-tiled roofs of
the Grand Palace, the reclining Buddha at
Wat Pho, and the understated elegance of
Jim Thompson’s House are amongst the
highlights of Bangkok. Explore this
fascinating city by skytrain, water taxi and
tuk tuk – just as the locals do - then travel to
Samut Songkram province to experience life
in the countryside and visit traditional
markets, one of which sprawls across train
tracks, the stalls quickly packed away as a
train makes its way through.
Soneva Kiri
Suggested trip
and excursion; 7 nights Soneva Kiri,
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Thailand
49
Indian Ocean
Maldives
●
Sri Lanka
Beach on Praslin, Seychelles
●
India
●
Seychelles
●
Mauritius
Bicycle, Pondicherry, India
Elephants at Uda Walawe, Sri Lanka
The beach at Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius
50
Indian Ocean
●
Fairy tern, Bird Island, Seychelles
Snorkelling from Conrad Rangali, Maldives
Fishermen on the beach, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka
Statue of Buddha at Polonnarua, Sri Lanka
●
Indian Ocean
51
Sandbank near Constance Moofushi
Maldives
A series of coral reefs, sand bars and atolls
scattered in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives are
the white-sand, palm-fringed castaway islands
of your imagination
Maldives’ beaches
Blissful beaches are what the Maldives are all
about. Pure blue skies, powder soft sand and
water so clear you can see the brightly coloured
fish from your sunlounger, these stunning islands
are simply breathtaking. Dive, snorkel or sail to
your heart’s content or simply sit back and soak
it all in.
Before the beach
Combine relaxation in the Maldives with rich
heritage on a visit to Sri Lanka’s national parks,
ancient capitals or lush tea plantations, or head for
the gleaming city of Dubai with its triumphant
towers and traditional souqs.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
52
Camels, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
Before the beach
Dubai
Pool
Top: Beach. Above: Ocean Grill Private Gazebos
Kurumba, North Male Atoll
The Maldives’ original private island resort,
Kurumba offers contemporary style in a
spectacular location. The hotel is set in lush
tropical gardens on the edge of a white
sandy beach and represents exceptional
value for money.
You could easily just sit back, soak up the views
and feel the sand between your toes at Kurumba,
but with crystal clear water, rich corals and
abundant marine life on the surrounding reef it is
well worth snorkelling or learning to dive while
here. There are eight different restaurants to
choose from as well as the option of private
dining under the stars. The spa offers an
extensive range of treatments and each night
organised activities such as marine biology
lectures and traditional boduberu dance and
drum performances offer an insight into local life
and culture. You can also take a walk with a
horticulturalist, learn about local cuisine on a
cookery course or just enjoy the open air
cinema nights. Unsurprisingly, there is a wide
variety of watersports available and a separate
pool for children.
The spacious, modern bungalows and villas
either face the sea or are set in their own gardens.
The superior and deluxe rooms are comfortable
and have nice views.
Essentials
Rooms 180 Rooms, bungalows and villas
Restaurants and bars 8 restaurants, 3 bars, private beach
dining and wine tasting available
Features 4 pools including 2 for children, spa, gym, dive
centre, 3 floodlit tennis courts, children’s club (4-12yrs),
games area, evening entertainment
Activities Diving, snorkelling, catamaran trips,
windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, sports fishing,
seaplane photo flights, sunset and dolphin cruises,
waterskiing, canoeing, cooking classes, Malé town tour,
cultural island tour
Ancient yet modern, insular yet multinational,
Dubai offers a wealth of contrasts. Start your
exploration with an exhilarating early
morning 4x4 drive through the rolling sand
dunes to the serene Dubai Desert
Conservation Reserve, home to rare flora,
fauna and migratory birds. Explore the city
and its souks and end the day with a
moonlight dinner cruise along Dubai
Creek on board a traditional wooden dhow
to experience the splendour of the city
by night.
Towering high above an ancient waterway,
the Hilton Dubai Creek offers spectacular
views of the city skyline. It has 150 stylish
guest rooms and suites and is an ideal base
from which to explore the bustling city. The
hotel also boasts a rooftop swimming pool.
Dubai
Beach Stunning narrow soft sand beach surrounding the
majority of the island
How hidden? On its own island but within sight and a
10 minute boat ride from Malé town
Kurumba
Maldives
When to go December-May
Suggested trip
3 nights Dubai, including breakfast
and excursions; 7 nights Kurumba,
and transfers. Variations and beachonly also available. Please contact
our specialists for details.
Deluxe Bungalow
●
Maldives
53
Spices, Dubai
Before the beach
Dubai
Beach and spa
Constance Moofushi, South Ari Atoll
Lavish accommodation, excellent food and
outstanding service are key elements of a stay
at Moofushi, one of the Maldives’ premier
resorts. Set in an intimate location surrounded
by lagoons, sandbanks and woodlands, this chic
hotel offers pure escapism.
Essentials
Carved driftwood, bamboo and wicker combine
with blonde woods and the very best in interior
design to stunning effect at Moofushi. The rustic
yet sophisticated rooms, beachside restaurants
and tranquil spa exude an air of effortless,
laid-back luxury. You can choose your own pace
here; simply relax on the stunning beach or by the
pool and soak up the superb ocean views or
explore the surrounding reef to discover some of
the incredible local marine life. The resort is
renowned for its diving and the reef is regarded as
one of the best dive spots in the world. You can
also try windsurfing, kayaking and snorkelling,
take a sunset cruise aboard a traditional dhoni or
visit some of the local villages for a real taste of
the Maldives lifestyle.
Activities Diving, windsurfing, kayaking, snorkelling,
pedal boats, catamaran sailing, game fishing and night
fishing, local village visit
Rooms 110 villas including 56 stilted water villas
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants, 2 bars and in-house
DJ playing daily
Features Pool, spa, yoga pavilion, gym, dive centre,
beach volleyball
Beach Stunning soft white-sand beach surrounding
the island
Maldives
●
Outstanding facilities and careful attention to
detail make the Address Downtown an
excellent base. And with the Burj Khalifa, the
world’s tallest tower, and the Dubai Mall, the
world’s largest shopping and entertainment
centre, on its doorstep you couldn’t beat
the location.
Dubai
With thatched palm ceilings, vast beds and
beautiful bathrooms, the resort’s spacious villas
are rustic yet sleek. The stilted Water Villas have
steps leading directly to the ocean while the
Senior Water Villas come with baths that seem to
float above the lagoon.
54
Dubai is a fascinating city, and a guided
walking tour reveals its stark contrasts. Away
from the gleaming modern edifices you will
discover Dubai’s old quarter with its textile
market, Hindu temple and Old Souk area,
while across the Creek you can wander
through the fragrant Spice Souk and famous
Gold Souk. Take a 4x4 trip to the Dubai
Desert Conservation Reserve and join a
caravan of camels across the dramatic terrain
for a traditional Bedouin meal in the middle
of the desert.
Constance Moofushi
Maldives
Suggested trip
3 nights Dubai, including breakfast and
excursions; 7 nights Constance
Moofushi, all-inclusive. Includes flights
Senior Water Villa
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Before the beach
Cocoa Island from the air
Cocoa Island by COMO, South Male Atoll
The smallest of our Maldives properties, this
chic and stylish resort is a tranquil and discreet
retreat with uniquely styled rooms. The
restrained design blends contemporary and
indigenous style to create a very simple but
sophisticated effect.
When the tide drops at Cocoa Island a long
sandbank stretching out for nearly half a mile is
revealed, lacing around a quiet reef that is ideal for
snorkelling. All rooms face onto the reef so you
can begin your day by easing off your private
terrace into the tropical waters below. There are
numerous ways to unwind on this tiny
picturesque island including a visit to the hotel
spa where a range of holistic Asian treatments is
offered. Alternatively, you could lounge in the
hydrotherapy pool or go island-hopping, fishing
or diving. The hotel has a restaurant where
seafood, healthy options and the exotic Maldivian
cuisine combine in exemplary fashion. Cocoa
Island is escapism at its finest, but should you wish
to explore the archipelago further then both
seaplanes and boats can be chartered to whisk
you away to private picnics or a sunset
experienced in complete solitude.
Inspired by the traditional dhoni boat, all 33
over-water rooms are spacious and beautifully
appointed. They all have private sun decks that
lead directly to the turquoise ocean.
You will stay at Jetwing Vil Uyana, which was
Sri Lanka’s first stilted resort. The property
overlooks Sigiriya Rock and each chalet is
situated in a lush tropical environment.
INDIA
Sri Lanka
Cultural
Triangle
Rooms 33 over-water suites and villas each with a
private terrace
Restaurants and bars Restaurant, bar, private dining is
also available on the sandbank, private jetty or beach
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sunset cruise,
windsurfing, kayaking, catamaran sailing, game fishing,
local Island visit
Beach Beautiful soft white sand beach surrounding
the island
An area rich in history and home to four
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sri Lanka’s
Cultural Triangle is an extraordinary place to
explore. Visit the ruins of the once powerful
cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa
where the remains of elaborate monasteries
and palaces can be seen. Explore the
religious monuments at Mihintale, where
Buddhism was first introduced to the island,
and climb the spectacular Sigiriya Rock
Fortress. The cave monastery in Vessagiriya
and the impressive Thuparama Dagoba are
nearby, as are Minneriya or Kaudulla National
Parks where elephant, deer and wildcat can
be found.
Essentials
Features 2 pools, spa, sauna and hydrotherapy pool,
watersports and dive centre
Dhoni suites
Cultural Triangle, Sri Lanka
Cocoa Island
Maldives
Suggested trip
3 nights Cultural Triangle, including
Cocoa Island, including breakfast.
●
Maldives
55
Mural, Temple of the Tooth, Kandy
Before the beach
Baros from the air
Baros, North Male Atoll
Sleek and sophisticated yet wonderfully
characterful, Baros was one of the first resorts in
the Maldives and remains one of the finest. Its
high standard of service and incredible value for
money really set it apart.
Baros has a contemporary, elegantly restrained
design and the wonderful location on a pristine
beach is further enhanced by an over-water
restaurant and stilted villas. The iconic Lighthouse
Restaurant with its sail-like pinnacle roof has long
been regarded as one of the best in the Maldives
with an extensive wine cellar to complement the
diverse menu. Known for its extravagant dining
experiences, there are two other restaurants as
well as the option to dine anywhere on the island
that you choose. Breakfast on a sandbar, enjoy
dinner on board a luxury dhoni or soak up the
views with drinks on a platform surrounded by
turquoise seas. While here you can also snorkel or
dive along the reef, help with coral conservation,
go big game fishing or just relax in the spa.
Deluxe Villas are located on the beach and feature
free-standing baths overlooking a veranda with
walled gardens and outside showers. The larger
Baros Villas boast four-poster beds, while the
stilted Water Villas offer mesmerising views of the
deep blue lagoon.
Restaurants and bars 3 restaurants, 2 bars, private
dining on a sandbank, island or on the piano deck in the
lagoon, dinner cruises
Beach Short but stunning soft white sand beach
How hidden? On its own island but within sight and a
boat ride of Malé town
Maldives
●
INDIA
Rooms 75 villas including over-water villas and some
with plunge pool
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sailing and motor boat
cruises, big game and line fishing, seaplane photo flights,
sunset dolphin watching cruise, windsurfing, kayaking,
wakeboarding, canoeing, yoga classes, Malé sightseeing.
56
Kandy House is a small boutique hotel set in
an old manor house overlooking lush rice
paddies. The nine rooms are classically
decorated with antique furniture while the
freshwater infinity pool and wide verandas
offer the perfect place to unwind.
Essentials
Features Spa, fitness centre, diving and watersports
centre, marine centre, table tennis
Pool Villa
Kandy, Sri Lanka
Explore pretty lakeside Kandy with a guided
tour of the stunning 17th century Temple of
the Tooth which houses what is believed to
be one of Buddha’s canines. Visit the Garrison
Cemetery for fascinating insights into
Sri Lanka’s colonial past, amble around the
delightful jumble of old shops and bustling
markets, and visit the Millennium Elephant
Foundation to join in with feeding and bath
time. You will also visit the incredibly
dramatic ancient city of Sigiriya and the
beautiful cave temple at Dambulla.
Sri Lanka
Kandy
Baros
Maldives
Suggested trip
3 nights Kandy, including breakfast
and excursions; 7 nights Baros,
Private dining on the beach, Baros
57
Tea pickers, Hatton
Before the beach
Children diving from the beach
Top: Deluxe Water Villas. Above: Deluxe Beach Villa
Conrad Rangali, South Ari Atoll
An idyllic location, outstanding amenities and
superb accommodation are hallmarks of the
uncompromising design and service at the
Conrad Rangali.
The resort is set on two separate islands
connected by a bridge and shuttle boat. Rangali,
the smaller of the two, is designated adult-only,
whereas Rangalifinolhu island is larger and offers
excellent facilities for families. Both islands have a
relaxed Maldivian character, a feature that is
unique for a resort this size. The extravagant
underwater restaurant is one of the resort’s most
memorable features, but if the idea of watching
tropical fish as you dine does not appeal there are
six other dining venues as well as an enviable
10,000-bottle wine cellar to choose from. The
hotel also has a beautiful spa situated in a series
of stilted over-water buildings. Glass panels in the
floors allow you to watch the fish below while
you enjoy your treatment. There is a good choice
of watersports and other activities available
including diving, snorkelling and trips on a
glass-bottomed boat.
All rooms are decorated in a refined and elegant
style. Beach Bungalows feature leafy courtyards
with a sunken bath and private pool. Spa Villas
have private treatment rooms, while all over-water
villas come with private whirlpools, and many
have glass floors.
Restaurants and bars 7 restaurants including an all glass
underwater restaurant and 4 bars, private beach dining
Features 2 infinity pools, 3 spas including a children’s
spa, gym, watersports centre, tennis court, diving centre,
open-air cinema, mini submarine for coral reef tours and
a children’s club (4-12yrs)
How hidden? Very secluded, on 2 private islands
Maldives
●
INDIA
Sri Lanka
Rooms 150 rooms including 50 over-water villas
Beach Narrow soft white-sand beach
58
Ceylon Tea Trails was originally built for the
British estate managers in colonial times. The
four elegant bungalows have been restored
and are in a spectacular setting surrounded
by tea plantations.
Essentials
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sunset cruises, island trip,
big game fishing, whale shark and dolphin spotting
tours, manta ray watching, turtle conservation, local
village visits
Underwater restaurant
Tea Country, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is famous for its tea and a visit to
Hatton, where vast tea estates carpet the
rolling hills, provides a fascinating insight into
tea production and its importance to the
country. After exploring lush tea plantations
dotted by women in colourful saris, you will
learn about the age-old tea-making process.
Visit 19th century Nuwara Eliya and explore
its streets flanked by elegant buildings
reminiscent of an English country town.
Lunch at the Hill Club, a colonial gentleman’s
club which retains the atmosphere of a
bygone era, or play a round of golf.
Tea Country
Conrad
Rangali
Maldives
Suggested trip
3 nights Tea Country, all-inclusive,
including excursions; 7 nights Conrad
Rangali, including breakfast. Includes
Bastakia district, Dubai
Before the beach
Dubai
Huvafen Fushi from the air
Huvafen Fushi, North Male Atoll
The visionary Huvafen Fushi, a Per Aquum
Retreat, offers cutting-edge design and chic
minimalism in extravagant surroundings.
Boasting the world’s first underwater spa, an
infinity pool lit by fibre optics and an over-water
gym, this is high-tech living on an idyllic
castaway island.
Along with pure indulgence and utter tranquillity
Huvafen Fushi offers all the modern facilities you
would expect: four restaurants, an impressivelystocked wine cellar, and a spectacular pool. Yet far
more important is the way things are done here.
In every sense the hotel surpasses expectation.
The underwater treatment rooms double up as an
aquarium where you can take a champagne tour
with the resident marine biologist to explore the
reef after dark. The dive centre offers specialised
underwater photography courses, there are
guided snorkelling trips, a saltwater floatation
pool, open-air film screenings, diving, windsurfing,
sailing, canoeing and big game fishing.
All bungalows and pavilions come with Bose
surround sound systems and an iPod with a varied
music collection; all have private plunge pools
and vaulted ceilings, designer furnishings and
outdoor bathrooms with waterfall showers.
Leave the city behind and take an early
morning 4x4 drive into breathtaking
landscapes of the Dubai Desert Conservation
Reserve before joining a camel caravan and
feasting on a traditional Bedouin ‘futoor’
breakfast in the heart of the desert. Discover
Dubai’s long history on a guided tour of the
historic heart of the Bastakia district where
narrow lanes and traditional courtyard
houses offer the perfect introduction to the
city. From here pass the magnificent Zabeel
Palace and cross the Creek to the bustling
city souqs.
The luxurious Desert Palm is set within
beautiful grounds on the edge of the city.
There are 38 suites and pool villas and a
wonderful terrace from where you can watch
the sun rise and set over the dunes.
Dubai
Essentials
Rooms 44 bungalows and pavillions including
24 over-water bungalows
Huvafen Fushi
Restaurants and bars 4 restaurants, bar,
underground wine bar, private and in-villa dining
available
Features 2 pools including a salt-water pool, underwater
spa, sauna, gym, yoga, watersports centre, dive centre
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sunset dhoni cruises,
catamaran trips, dolphin cruise (seasonal), big game
fishing, seaplane photographic flights
Beach Narrow white-sand beach surrounding the island
How hidden? Very secluded on its own island but just a
boat ride away from Malé
Lagoon Bungalow with plunge pool
Maldives
Suggested trip
excursions; 7 nights Huvafen Fushi,
●
Maldives
59
Sri Lanka
For a compact country, Sri Lanka offers a huge
variety of experiences. From cave temples and a
rock fortress to national parks teeming with
elephants, it’s an intriguing place to visit.
Time difference: GMT+5.5 hours
Sri Lanka’s beaches
The beaches on this island nation are often pure
white sands, in many places flanked by dense
jungle on one side and pristine reefs on the other.
Before the beach
Combine Sri Lanka’s beaches with the ancient
capitals and Buddhist sites of the Cultural Triangle,
the stunning wildlife of Uda Walawe National Park,
or crumbling colonial cities.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
Amanwella beach
60
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Before the beach
Beach
Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes, Trincomalee
Nestled between the Indian Ocean and a lagoon
brimming with colourful birdlife, Jungle Beach
is a wonderful escape for those seeking to get
off the beaten track.
Essentials
Set among mature trees and cradled by vines
from the neighbouring mangroves, this tranquil
retreat is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of
the World. Teak walkways and stepping stones
lead to the dining area, then on to the lotus pond,
bar and floating lounge by the deep emerald
pool. If you can tear yourself away, the hotel sits
overlooking one of Sri Lanka’s best swimming
beaches and offers excellent snorkelling in the
calm seas of the natural harbour. You can take a
boat to nearby Pigeon Island for some reef diving
or go into the forest with the in-house naturalist
to learn about the myriad colourful birds. Dining
here is a treat and along with sophisticated Sri
Lankan cuisine in the elegant restaurant you can
enjoy a gourmet picnic on the beach or an
atmospheric meal by firelight.
Features Pool, small spa and fitness centre
Rooms 48 rooms and villas
Restaurants and bars Asian and European fusion
restaurant and a lounge bar
Cultural Triangle
The Cultural Triangle is an extraordinary area
with four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit
the ancient holy city of Anuradhapura and
nearby Mihintale, the birthplace of Sri Lankan
Buddhism. See the Vessagiriya cave
monastery and the incredible frescoes of the
Sigiriya Rock Fortress. In Polonnaruwa the
remains of temples, bath houses and
monasteries are scattered around a huge
area bordering a beautiful lake. You can also
visit Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks to
view elephant, wildcat and birdlife.
Cinnamon Lodge is set in extensive
landscaped gardens and within easy reach
of the main sights. The hotel’s 137 rooms are
in two-storey chalets that follow the
traditional architectural style with columns
and verandas, cooling terracotta floors and
clay roof tiles.
Activities Diving, snorkelling, fishing, boat trips, yoga
classes, windsurfing, walking, jet-skiing, visit to
Trincomalee, village tours
Beach Beautiful deserted mix of golden and black
sand beach
Jungle Beach
How hidden? Very secluded, 10km from the
nearest town
Trincomalee
Cultural
Triangle
SRI LANKA
When to go May-October
Suggested trip
3 nights Cultural Triangle, including
Jungle Beach Resort, including
breakfast. Includes flights and transfers
plus a night in Colombo. Variations
Using local materials but contemporary design,
the rooms here are decorated in warm colours
and feature dark wooden fittings and
whitewashed walls. All come with a private
balcony perfectly situated for birdwatching.
Open-air restaurant
●
Sri Lanka
61
Elephants in Uda Walawe National Park
Before the beach
Pool
Top: Pool and gardens. Above: Spa
Aditya, near Galle
The winner of multiple international awards,
Aditya is an exclusive boutique retreat with
incredible attention to detail. The hotel is set on
a lovely stretch of beach between Galle and
Hikkaduwa and aptly named after the Sun God.
Small, intimate and with a reputation for
top-notch service, Aditya caters for your every
whim. There are just 12 individually-designed
suites here, named after solar deities of Hindu
mythology, and attended by multiple staff. Meals
are served when and where you wish, and can be
custom-made after consultation with the chef.
Whisking a table and chairs and a clutch of
candles to the far end of the quiet beach is no
trouble, or you could choose to dine beside your
private plunge pool. While you may be tempted
to linger on the beach, by the large pool, or in the
sumptuous spa, you can also borrow bicycles and
explore the surrounding area or join a cooking
demonstration which includes a visit to the local
market to select ingredients.
Uda Walawe National Park
Centred on a large reservoir, the open
parkland of the Uda Walawe National Park
offers stunning scenery. It is a dramatic
landscape in which to spot elephant, leopard,
sambar and axix deer on morning and
evening game drives, and a great
birdwatching site. A short jeep ride away is
the Elephant Transit Centre where orphaned
and sick elephants are cared for. Visit at
feeding time to see the elephants stamping
and trumpeting with impatience
as they wait to be fed.
Just 15 minutes’ drive from Uda Walawe
National Park is Kalu’s Hideaway, owned by
the famous Sri Lankan cricketer Romesh
Kaluwitharana. The property has 14 simple
but comfortable rooms, a swimming pool
and a small spa.
The crisp and modern suites are all different but
feature carefully chosen furnishings influenced by
a fusion of Asian styles. All come with private
terraces and Jacuzzis.
Essentials
SRI LANKA
Rooms 12 garden and ocean suites
Restaurants and bars Restaurant and poolside bar
Features Pool, spa, gym and bike hire
Activities Whale and dolphin watching, city tour of Galle,
nearby turtle hatcheries, village bicycle tour, eco tours to
the national park, cookery demonstration and fish
market tour
Beach A beautiful stretch of golden sand backed by
palm trees and set in a cove
How hidden? Secluded but with the shops and
restaurants of Hikkaduwe and Galle a tuk-tuk ride away
Surya suite
62
Sri Lanka
●
When to go December-June
Uda Walawe
National Park
Galle
Aditya
Suggested trip
2 nights Uda Walawe, including
breakfast, game drives and excursions;
7 nights Aditya, including breakfast.
and beach-only also available.
Pool area, Aditya
63
Stilt fishermen just outside Galle
Before the beach
Galle
Beach loungers
Amanwella, near Tangalle
Sleek and sophisticated with crisp modernist
styling and contemporary decor, Amanwella
is a breathtaking combination of western
design and Sri Lankan culture and lifestyle.
The hotel’s position between a mature coconut
grove and a gorgeous crescent-shaped beach,
is simply idyllic.
Amanwella’s deceptively simple design and
gloriously unhurried pace of life mean that you
may wish to do little more than wander down
to the beach or laze by the enormous infinity
pool, but surfing lessons can be arranged nearby
and snorkelling equipment is available to use.
There are also some excellent whale watching
opportunities in the area as well as three
national parks, an isolated rock temple and the
opportunity to take a village nature walk. The
highlight however, is a private night-time picnic
on the nearby turtle nesting beach of Rekawa.
The hotel has its own spa offering a range of
treatments, a poolside restaurant, well-stocked
library and an expansive terrace. However you
choose to spend your time here, you are likely to
leave feeling it just wasn’t quite long enough.
Sri Lanka’s southern town of Galle is a colonial
treasure and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Huge ramparts and bastions enclose the old
fort town and you can enjoy a guided stroll
through the sleepy streets dotted with fading
colonial churches, warehouses and the
former governor’s elaborate home. You can
choose to explore villages specialising in
mask making, visit a turtle hatchery or head
inland to the serene Yatagala Temple. Travel
along the southern shores to snorkel above
colourful reefs and watch the famous stilt
fishermen perched above the waves.
Amangalla is the oldest hotel in Sri Lanka and
a colonial gem. Many original features have
been carefully restored to ensure this
luxurious property is bursting with character.
The 30 spacious suites have private plunge pools
and a terrace with ocean views. All have a modern
finish with sliding screens revealing a freestanding bathtub in an expansive bathroom.
Essentials
Rooms 30 suites
Restaurants and bars Restaurant and lounge bar with
a pool terrace for snacks
SRI LANKA
Colombo
Galle
Features Pool, spa, library
Activities Snorkelling, surfing, village nature walks,
cookery classes, badminton, beach volleyball, turtle
conservation visit, Mulkirigala rock temple, whale
watching (Dec-Apr)
Beach A long narrow golden sand crescent-shaped
beach backed by coconut palms
How hidden? Walking distance to local village with a
couple of restaurants. Main town a taxi ride away.
Swimming pool
64
Sri Lanka
●
When to go December-June
Amanwella
Tangalle
Suggested trip
2 nights Galle, including breakfast
and excursion; 7 nights Amanwella,
transfers plus 1 night in Colombo.
for details.
Fishermen in the Andaman Islands
India
So diverse it’s hard to pin down, India’s rich
culture and heritage is matched by breathtaking
landscapes and incredible wildlife. Enjoy the
laid-back colonial grandeur of Goa or head for the
remote Andaman Islands to simply get away
from it all.
Time difference: GMT+5.5 hours
Flight time from UK: 9 -11+ hours
India’s beaches
A cosmopolitan melting pot much loved by
visitors, Goa’s white sands and waving palms
manage to maintain a languid charm despite their
popularity. The Andamans, by contrast, are
remote, mysterious and little visited, and home to
pristine reefs and ancient rainforest.
Before the beach
Visit frenetic Mumbai, a mind-boggling
cacophony of majestic temples and Bollywood
stars, or kick back in tranquil Pondicherry where
superb temples and elegant colonial relics await.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
65
Gateway of India at sunset, Mumbai
Before the beach
Mumbai
Top left: The Club. Top right: Beach. Above: Pool
The Leela Goa, Mobor Beach
The sumptuous Leela in southern Goa is set in
extensive landscaped gardens dotted with lily
ponds, temples, spice gardens and lagoons.
Designed in the style of an ancient summer
palace, the hotel commands panoramic views
of the white sands of Mobor Beach.
Essentials
One of the world’s leading hotels, the Leela offers
unsurpassed service and a huge variety of
amenities and entertainment from a choice of
swimming pools and floodlit tennis courts to a 12
hole golf course and a decadent spa and salon.
An abundance of staff are on hand to help you
make the most of your stay and can organise
watersports, dolphin watching, parasailing or
sunset cruises. Throughout, the hotel manages to
combine the charm of South India’s temples with
Goa’s rich Portuguese heritage and contemporary
western design. This rich blend of cultures is
reflected in the range of excellent food on offer in
the hotel’s four restaurants. For added privacy and
space, The Club offers exclusive suites with
personal butler service and private plunge pools.
Activities Watersports, dolphin cruise, spice garden tour,
excursions to nearby wildlife sanctuaries, visits to Old
Goa and Shri Mangesh Temple, badminton, croquet
Restaurants and bars 4 restaurants, a lounge bar plus
an entertainment bar with DJ
Features 1 adult and 1 children’s pool, spa, fitness studio,
childrens club, a 12 hole golf course, tennis courts
Beach A wide stretch of golden-sand beach with
coconut palms
How hidden? Other hotels and restaurants within
walking distance
●
Mumbai
INDIA
Goa
The Leela Goa
Suggested trip
3 nights Mumbai, including breakfast
and excursions; 7 nights The Leela Goa,
Lagoon Terrace Room
India
The history of Mumbai and the Taj Mahal
Palace are inextricably entwined: this hotel
was Mumbai’s first harbour landmark and
today it is a Leading Hotel of the World.
When to go October-April
The huge rooms and suites are comfortably
luxurious with classic Portuguese styling and are
centred around the lagoons.
66
Discover the bustling metropolis of Mumbai.
Visit Elephanta Island to see the towering 7th
century statue of Lord Shiva, tour some of the
majestic sights including the Gateway of
India, Hanging Gardens and Jain Temple, or
explore the colourful local markets and
ethnic boutiques. To really understand the
city however, take a half-day tour of the
Dharavi slum, Asia’s largest. A humbling and
truly unforgettable experience, Dharavi is a
place of hardship and poverty, but also one
of humour and enterprise. Money from the
tours is put back into the community to
support local people.
Leela Goa Club Lounge
67
Five Rathas, Mahabalipuram
Before the beach
Beach
Top: Aerial. Above: Villa
Barefoot at Havelock, Andaman Islands
An unpretentious eco-friendly hideaway set in
pristine tropical forest, Barefoot overlooks the
most beautiful beach on the island. Its laid-back
and quirky charm offers a wonderful insight into
Andaman culture and lifestyle.
Tucked away on the edge of the rainforest, the
resort feels a million miles away from the rest of
the world. The unhurried pace of life and utter
tranquillity is infectious and without television,
newspapers or internet you can really get away
from it all. An early morning yoga class, swim or
snorkel can be followed by a day doing little more
than relaxing on the beach. The resort’s friendly
staff can organise diving trips to the bright coral
gardens teeming with tropical fish, kayaking,
fishing, elephant rides or escorted nature walks
through the dense rainforest to search for exotic
birds and wildlife. The natural environment is
extremely important at Barefoot and the resort
works on the philosophy of sustainable and
socially responsible tourism. Local materials,
organic food and a strong commitment to the
indigenous community are hallmarks here.
The spacious and comfortable individual cabins
are constructed from responsibly sourced local
materials and have plenty of local character. Some
rooms have bathrooms with a separate walk-in
shower and a view of the jungle canopy.
Mahabalipuram & Pondicherry
Discover the ancient UNESCO World Heritage
Site of Mahabalipuram with its historic
monuments dating from the 7th and the 9th
centuries. As a centre for stone carving for
hundreds of years, its legacy is displayed in
superb temples, bas reliefs and mandapas
(outdoor pavilions). Visit the Shore Temple
and the Five Rathas rock temple, and head
to the extraordinary isolated ‘Krishna’s
butterball’, a huge rock perched precariously
on a hillside. The French Colonial town of
Pondicherry is another highlight, with wide
boulevards, elegant architecture and a
seafront promenade.
Vivanta by Taj Fisherman’s Cove is one of the
most luxurious beach resorts in Tamil Nadu.
The 88 rooms and cottages are set within
tropical gardens or beside the sea.
india
Tamil
Nadu
Chennai
Mahabalipuram
Pondicherry
Barefoot at
Havelock
Port Blair
Andaman
Islands
Essentials
Rooms 25 thatched cottages and villas
Restaurants and bars 1 restaurant, 1 lounge bar
Suggested trip
Features Dive centre, Ayurvedic wellness centre
3 nights Mahabalipuram, including
Barefoot at Havelock, including
plus 2 nights in Port Blair and 1 night
in Chennai. Variations and beach-only
Activities Diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, yoga,
nature walks, elephant rides
Beach Stunning narrow white-sand beach backed by
tropical forest
How hidden? Very secluded and remote, getting here is
an adventure in itself
When to go October-April
Nicobar fan-cooled cottage
68
India
●
Cote D’Or Beach, Praslin
Seychelles
A bewitching archipelago scattered in the Indian
Ocean, the Seychelles are every bit as romantic as
their reputation suggests with dazzling beaches,
lush tropical forests and alluring turquoise waters.
Seychelles’ beaches
The pristine shores of these breathtaking islands
offer the perfect place to relax and unwind. With
exceptional diving, vibrant coral reefs and plenty
of watersports, you can choose to be as idle or as
active as you wish.
Before the beach
Combine your beach stay with some beachhopping in sleepy La Digue, a visit to tiny Bird
Island in search of giant tortoises, or visit glitzy
Dubai, with its fascinating clash of cultures.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
69
Fairy tern, Bird Island
Beach-hopping
Cote D’Or Beach
Les Villas D’Or, Praslin
Located on the stunning Cote D’Or, Les Villas
D’Or is a small self-catering resort that offers
spacious free-standing villas on the edge of a
powdery white sand beach.
With the option to cook your own meals and the
space to just sit back and relax, the villas here offer
a very comfortable and homely atmosphere,
albeit in an incredible tropical location. There is a
beautiful swimming pool and friendly yet
attentive service and if you don’t feel like cooking,
breakfast and dinner can be provided on request.
Alternatively, you can stroll along the pristine
beach to the nearby village where a variety of
restaurants and shops await. There are bicycles
and kayaks available for hire so you can explore
the nearby national parks with their craggy
limestone outcrops and glorious beaches strewn
with smooth boulders. Alternatively, take to the
water and discover the remote coral reefs that
teem with marine life including turtles and
brightly coloured fish.
All of the tastefully furnished one or two bedroom
villas feature a compact but well-equipped
kitchen, king size beds and a spacious lounge
leading to a private wooden veranda. Set apart
from each other in mature tropical gardens, they
offer a good degree of privacy.
Bird Island
Situated in the Seychelles’ most northerly
archipelago, tiny Bird Island is ideal for nature
lovers. The birdlife is spectacular here with
large numbers of lesser and brown noddies,
fairy terns and waders. You will also see giant
tortoises, including Esmeralda, the largest in
the world, and the hawksbill turtles that lay
their eggs on the shore. You can snorkel right
off the white sands into the brightly coloured
coral reefs where turtles swim between the
shoals of exotic fish.
Bird Island Lodge is one of our favourite
ecolodges. Set on a private island, the 24
comfortable bungalows each have a king
size bed and spacious veranda, while fresh
fish and organic meat, fruit and vegetables
come from the property’s own small farm.
Bird Island
SEYCHELLES
Essentials
Praslin
Rooms 10 self-catering villas
Les Villas D’Or
Restaurants and bars None on site, evening meals can
be arranged at a nearby restaurant, a chef can be hired
to cook meals for you
Features Pool
Activities Diving, fishing, golf, island-hopping trips,
boat trips
Beach 2 miles of mostly deserted, pristine white sands
with palm trees
How hidden? Within walking distance of shops,
restaurants and other hotels
When to go February-November
Reception
70
Seychelles
●
Suggested trip
3 nights Bird Island, full board; 7 nights
Les Villas D’Or, room-only. Includes
La Digue beach
Beach-hopping
Denis Private Island from the air
Denis Private Island
The languid charm and utter tranquillity of
privately owned Denis Private Island make it a
jewel of the Indian Ocean. Surrounded by
turquoise sea and a haven for wildlife, this island
in the Outer Seychelles is a sanctuary for all.
Essentials
Meander along the wandering paths of this small,
exclusive retreat and you might begin to think you
are the only guest. Cottages are well spaced and
hidden behind cascading bougainvillea and
frangipani, and the overall atmosphere is one of
quiet seclusion. Clean lines and crisp,
contemporary design in the restaurant and bar
create an air of natural calm. Outdoors the
protected reef surrounding Denis is one of the
finest dive sites in the Seychelles with regular
sightings of turtles, sailfish, rays and dolphins.
Hawksbill and green turtles lay their eggs on the
shore, and the lagoon is perfect for snorkelling
and kayaking. Walk or cycle through the coconut
plantation, visit the island farm or take a guided
nature walk and stumble across giant tortoises
and hidden orchids.
Features Pool, tennis court, lounge with billiards table,
library with internet access, bicycles to hire
Rooms 25 cottages
Restaurants and bars Terrace dining room, split level
lounge and bar, private dining options on the beach
and in your room
La Digue
La Digue is a sleepy island where nobody is
ever in a hurry. With only bicycles and ox
carts for transport, you can just hire a bike,
pop a mask and snorkel into the basket, and
head off to a deserted beach. Meander to a
viewpoint, stroll through the coconut
plantation or take a boat trip to nearby
islands where you can snorkel and swim in
the clear seas. And if you are lucky, you will
see the black paradise flycatcher at La Digue
Vev Reserve, the only place in the world this
bird exists.
Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie has 55 elegant
villas overlooking magnificent tropical
gardens. The restaurants offer Mediterranean
and Creole food, and there is an impressive
spa and stunning infinity pool.
Activities Diving, snorkelling, canoeing, fishing,
excursions to other islands, nature tours, wellness
treatments
Denis Private
Island
Beach The island is fringed with pristine white-sand
beaches with palm trees
How hidden? On its own private island
SEYCHELLES
La Digue
Suggested trip
2 nights La Digue, including breakfast;
7 nights Denis Private Island,
all-inclusive. Includes flights and
details.
The 25 spacious cottages are decorated to a very
high standard with cool stone and wooden floors,
private gardens with outdoor showers and
extended terraces.
Beach Cottage
●
Seychelles
71
Banyan Tree Seychelles from above
72
Bastakia district, Dubai
Before the beach
Dubai
Intendance Pool Villa
Banyan Tree Seychelles, Mahe
Elegant, understated and very refined, the
Banyan Tree Seychelles is one of the world’s
most luxurious hotels. A combination of
contemporary, colonial and plantation design,
it seamlessly blends the old world with the new.
The exceptionally private Banyan Tree is an
exclusive hideaway featuring lavish villas cut into
a hillside and surrounded by lush tropical foliage.
Cool marble floors and balustraded balconies lead
out to the stunning infinity pool and endless
views of the deep blue sea. The hotel’s three
restaurants have earned an enviable reputation for
their fine food, while the enchanting spa offers a
range of signature treatments. Attentive staff can
arrange a host of personalised experiences from
private dining under the stars to cookery courses
and scenic helicopter tours. Alternatively, visit the
local tea plantations, the botanical and spice
gardens or take a trip in a glass-bottomed boat.
Whatever you choose to do in this incredibly
romantic resort, it is highly likely you will leave
wishing you had booked just a few days more.
Essentials
Rooms 60 villas
Restaurants and bars 3 restaurants and 2 bars
Features Infinity pool, spa, tennis court, gym
Activities Diving, snorkelling, boat trips, walking, island
hopping, golf, tea plantation tours, kayaking, fishing,
Thai cookery classes, birdwatching
Ancient yet avant garde, demure yet
decadent, Dubai is a city of dramatic and
bewildering contrast. Visit old Dubai on a
guided tour to see the magnificent Majlis Al
Ghorfat, modern palaces, and the Bastakia
district. Then explore the 200 year old Al
Fahidi Fort and the gold and spice souks
before heading to the heart of the Dubai
Desert Conservation Reserve for an evening
of traditional Arabian entertainment. Relax
on low cushions in an authentic Bedouin tent
and watch the sun set over the rolling sand
dunes before taking a camel ride under
the stars.
The Palace Downtown Dubai is a lakeside
hotel offering a blend of local heritage
and contemporary style. The 323 guest
rooms have Middle Eastern decor and
stunning views.
Beach Idyllic long crescent shaped bay with white sands
and palm trees
Dubai
Banyan Tree
Mahe
Seychelles
Suggested trip
3 nights Dubai, including breakfast
and excursions; 7 nights Banyan Tree
Seychelles, including breakfast.
and beach-only available. Please
The enormous private villas feature high, sloping
ceilings, airy verandas and louvred doors. All come
with their own plunge pool, a decking area with a
separate gazebo and stunning sea views.
Pool Villa by the rocks
●
Seychelles
73
Pirogues, Mauritius
Mauritius
Warm, welcoming and fringed with powder soft
beaches and sheltered lagoons, Mauritius is a
little slice of paradise. Soaring volcanic mountains
and subtropical forests rise from the coast and
offer numerous activities should you tire of the
sandy shores.
Mauritius' beaches
Despite the diverse attractions, a visit to Mauritius
is all about its beaches. The entire island is ringed
by coral reefs and the shallow turquoise waters
give way to deep blue seas rich in marine life and
perfect for diving.
Before the beach
Enjoy the majestic waterfalls and fantastic birdlife
in the unspoilt Chamarel Mountains, sail and dive
along the east coast or head for South Africa in
search of the ‘Big Five’.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
74
Lakaz Chamarel gardens
Before the beach
20 Degrees South from the water
20 Degrees South, near Grand Baie
This small boutique hotel with an elegant yet
homely feel perfectly captures the mood of this
stunning island. With a limited number of rooms
and highly personal service, 20 Degrees South is
a magical place to stay.
Despite being one of Mauritius’ smallest hotels,
20 Degrees South offers excellent facilities. A
highlight for many guests is a trip on a private
catamaran to the hotel’s Governor’s House
restaurant: tucked away on Flat Island, there are
just a few tables here set in an atmospheric ruin
overlooking a wild beach. Enjoy the wonderful
seafood, laze under the waving palms or snorkel
in the sapphire sea. Later take a sunset cruise on
the Lady Lisbeth, the only original Mauritian
sailing boat on the island. The proximity to
Grand Baie means you can take advantage of
the bustling restaurants, bars and shops, then
return to the calm of the hotel’s grounds hidden
behind two huge doors that separate you from
the outside world. The hotel’s elegant design
features quirky details that give it an original,
local charm and along with the small beach there
is also a lovely pool, spa and a variety of
watersports on site.
The individually-decorated rooms are light and
spacious, feature beautiful, imported Flemish
furniture and have a lavish beach-house feel.
Some have private pools.
The Lakaz Chamarel is a luxurious boutique
lodge in the heart of the forest. The 20
beautiful rooms each reflect a different
culture on the island, the pool is set in
tropical gardens, and dinner is accompanied
by the traditional tunes of local musicians.
20 Degrees South
Grand Baie
Mauritius
Rooms 35 rooms
Features 2 pools, spa, library with billiards table, free
daily shuttle boat to Grande Baie
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sailing, fishing, kayaking,
boat trips, golf nearby
Beach Small compact white-sand beach
How hidden? Other hotels nearby, but 20 Degrees is
located in its own private grounds. The shops and
restaurants of Grande Baie are accessible by boat
The west of Mauritius is dominated by the
Chamarel Mountains, a pristine and
undeveloped tract of land. Although the
country is renowned for its outstanding
beaches, inland there are areas of
extraordinary beauty with rolling, tree-lined
hills, majestic waterfalls and fantastic birdlife.
Take a guided walk in the Black River Gorges
National Park where you might spot kestrels,
pink pigeons and brightly coloured parrots,
or rent bicycles and head to the famous
Seven Coloured Earth, a striking natural
phenomenon.
Essentials
Restaurants and bars Restaurant, dining options on
Flat Island and the Lady Lisbeth sailing boat
Beachfront Room
Chamarel Mountains
When to go April-December
Chamarel
Suggested trip
3 nights Chamarel Mountains, half
board; 7 nights 20 Degrees South, half
board. Includes flights and transfers.
for details.
●
Mauritius
75
Lioness, Welgevonden Private Game Reserve
Before the beach
Pool
Constance Le Prince Maurice, East Coast
Named after a pioneer of the spice trade and
evoking the grandeur of its heyday, Le Prince
Maurice offers understated sophistication in a
series of handsome spaces decorated in dark
teaks, rich fabrics and subtle natural shades.
The hotel sits in 150 acres of lush tropical gardens
which curl around a white-sand beach and
sheltered cove. One of the few resorts on the
island to offer stilted bungalows, you can soak up
the incredible ocean views from your private deck,
snorkel right off the beach or enjoy dinner on a
floating deck above the lagoon. There’s an
extensive wine cellar, beautiful spa, extra large
pool and a wide variety of watersports to choose
from. You can also hop on a shuttle bus to
championship golf courses or dive on unspoiled
reefs nearby. With private butler service that
manages to be both friendly and discreet,
exquisite food and a languid charm, Le Prince
Maurice is a very difficult place to leave.
Essentials
Rooms 89 rooms including over-water stilted bungalows
Restaurants and bars 4 restaurants including a fine
dining floating restaurant on the lagoon and 2 bars
Features Pool, large spa, gym, 2 floodlit tennis courts,
children’s club (4-11yrs)
●
Set right in the reserve, Clifftop Lodge has
eight elegant suites with private decks and
plunge pools with excellent wildlife viewing
potential. The restaurant serves delicious
local game cooked with a blend of African
and Western flavours and served with fine
wines from their own cellar.
Beach Long sweeping white-sand beach in a
sheltered bay
How hidden? Set in extensive private grounds, other
hotels further along the bay
Welgevonden
Private Game
Reserve
SOUTH
AFRICA
Mauritius
Constance
Le Prince
Maurice
Suggested trip
3 nights Welgevonden Game Reserve,
all-inclusive, including safari activities;
7 nights Constance Le Prince Maurice,
half board. Includes flights and
Villa
Mauritius
Forming part of the Waterberg area of South
Africa, the vast Welgevonden Private Game
Reserve is a beautiful, malaria-free wilderness
just three hours from Johannesburg. Home
to the ‘Big Five’ – including the world’s largest
population of white rhino on private land –
and over 300 species of bird, it is a rewarding
place to explore. Early morning and late
afternoon game drives offer the highest
chance of wildlife spotting, and give you time
to relax in the heat of the day.
Activities Diving, snorkelling, fishing, boat excursions,
and watersports including waterskiing, sailing,
windsurfing
The wonderfully elegant rooms have polished
hardwood floors, sleek contemporary furnishings,
marble bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows
affording stunning views of the bay.
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Welgevonden, South Africa
Beach, Constance Le Prince Maurice
77
Beach at Belle Mare
Beach-hopping
Pool area
Sakoa Boutique Hotel, near Grand Baie
The elegant Sakoa Boutique Hotel overlooks the
white sands and sheltered lagoon of Trou Aux
Biches and offers what are arguably the best
sunset views on the island.
Essentials
Rooms 16 rooms
Restaurants and bars Restaurant and bar
Features Pool
You enter the resort through a huge Moroccan
door which opens into mature tropical gardens
leading down to the beautiful pool, beach and
shimmering ocean. There is a charming, laid-back
atmosphere here and the elegant restaurant and
bar blend traditional architecture with chic decor
and a subtle French influence. You can relax by the
pool, kayak across the lagoon or enjoy a spa
treatment on the sand. Within easy reach of both
bustling Port Louis and the restaurants and shops
of Grand Baie, you can choose to do as little or as
much as you wish. There are only 16 rooms in the
hotel which ensures a highly personalised service,
great attention to detail and the serenity you
would expect in such an idyllic location.
Activities Snorkelling, fishing, waterskiing, boat trips,
cycling
How hidden? Set in tropical gardens, however there are
other hotels in this area. The shops and restaurants of
Grande Baie are 5 minutes by taxi.
●
Set in lush tropical gardens along a long
beach next to a sheltered lagoon, The
Residence is elegant and sophisticated and
yet warm and friendly. There are 163 stylish
rooms and suites set in contemporary
three-storey buildings overlooking the beach
and plenty of facilities including a spa, fitness
centre, tennis courts and watersports.
Grand Baie
Sakoa
Boutique Hotel
Belle Mare
Mauritius
Suggested trip
3 nights East Coast Mauritius, half
board; 7 nights Sakoa Boutique Hotel,
and transfers. Variations also available.
details.
Room in the garden
Mauritius
Explore more of Mauritius with a visit to the
white-sand beaches of the east coast. Sail
around the historic bay of the Vieux Grand
Port to the beautiful little island of Ile Aux
Cerfs and enjoy the coral reefs and some of
the world’s finest diving. Rent your own boat
and head out over turquoise seas, looking
out for dolphins or stopping to snorkel with
the exotic marine life.
Beach Large west facing white-sand beach, great for
swimming and sunsets
The beautiful rooms are in rondavels spread
among the lush gardens or along the beachfront.
They have contemporary decor, and all
incorporate a kitchenette and private terrace.
78
East Coast Mauritius
Leopard, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Before the beach
Sabi Sabi Private
Game Reserve, South Africa
Beach at The Oberoi
The Oberoi Mauritius, West Coast
Palm-thatched villas with ocean views, a huge
infinity pool flanked by columns, statues and
urns, and a decadent spa offering traditional
Mauritian treatments, the Oberoi has it all.
This little corner of paradise is a very special
place to stay.
Combining the best of traditional art and
architecture with discerning, modern design, this
wonderful retreat offers pure indulgence in a
gloriously scenic location. Set in vast subtropical
gardens on the edge of a white-sand beach, it is a
refined but unpretentious place offering highly
attentive service. Spend your days floating in the
turquoise lagoon, lazing on the beach or
enjoying a blissful massage using fresh local
ingredients. There’s also a wide range of
watersports – everything from sailing to diving
and waterskiing – as well as the opportunity to
swim with dolphins. You can dine on a private
corner of a tropical beach, watch the sun set over
the Indian Ocean from your own private pool, or
simply sit back and soak up the views.
Wildlife moves freely between Kruger
National Park and the adjacent Sabi Sabi
Private Game Reserve where two rivers
attract large numbers of leopard. Sightings of
these graceful cats are particularly high,
though it is possible to see all of the big five
here. Morning and afternoon game drives,
guided bush walks and exhilarating night
drives are all available and offer a wonderful
opportunity to learn about the plants, birds
and smaller creatures of the bush.
Sabi Sabi’s Selati Camp is a wonderful safari
retreat offering just eight colonial-style suites.
Thatched roofs, antique furnishings and
outdoor showers sheltered by majestic trees
are all on offer. Dinner is served on wooden
decks overlooking a watering hole.
The spacious rooms are decorated in calm, neutral
tones with four-poster beds, vaulted ceilings, and
marble bathrooms with sunken baths. Villas come
with walled gardens, dining gazebos and private
swimming pools with stunning views.
Essentials
Rooms 71 rooms
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants, 1 bar
Features 2 pools, spa, gym, 2 tennis courts, small
children’s club
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing,
watersports, tennis, cycling, cookery classes, art classes,
stargazing
Beach Long white-sand beach with 3 crescent
shaped bays
How hidden? Other properties on coastline, but feels
secluded as set in huge private grounds. 20 minutes by
taxi to the shops and restaurants of Grande Baie.
MAURITIUS
Sabi Sabi
Private Game
Reserve
The Oberoi
SOUTH
AFRICA
Suggested trip
3 nights Sabi Sabi Private Game
Reserve, all-inclusive including game
viewing; 7 nights The Oberoi Mauritius,
Bedroom area, Pavilion
●
Mauritius
75
79
Africa
Kenya
●
Tanzania
●
Malawi
●
Mozambique
●
Madagascar
●
South Africa
Lion in the Masai Mara, Kenya
Dhow, Zanzibar
Relaxing at Pumulani, Lake Malawi
80
Africa
●
Elephant in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania
Sifaka, Anjajavy Private Nature Reserve, Madagascar
Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Cheetah in the Kruger, South Africa
Children on Ibo Island
●
Africa
81
Beach at Lamu
Kenya
Kenya is Africa at its best with excellent wildlife
viewing opportunities as well as an idyllic
coastline and tropical islands where golden
beaches meet the warm Indian Ocean.
Kenya’s beaches
Dazzling sands and a gentle pace of life make
Kenya’s sleepy mangrove-covered shores an ideal
place to unwind. Here, idyllic sandbanks sweep
out to sea, turtles nest, traditional dhows sail past
and the beaches are quiet save for the waves.
Before the beach
Birthplace of the safari and home to the
exceptional Masai Mara, Kenya offers big game
and wonderful birdlife in dramatic surroundings.
Walking safaris and visits to an elephant sanctuary
make a wonderful contrast to time on the beach.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
82
Sable antelope, Shimba Hills
Before the beach
Top: Walking on the beach. Above: The Funzi Keys from the air
Picnic on a sandbank
The Funzi Keys, Southern Coast
Set on the white sands of a secluded peninsula,
the understated yet elegant Funzi Keys
showcases the Kenyan coastline in a way few
other places can. Surrounded by water and
overlooking an expansive sandbar, it’s an idyllic
location for low-key relaxation.
Funzi runs to the rhythm of Africa, the gentle pace
of life, broad smiles and big skies setting the tone
for each day. Retreat to a sandbank with
sunloungers, shade and a cool box, or while away
the afternoon by the stunning 45 metre pool. A
boat trip up the Funzi Creek offers the opportunity
to see darting kingfishers or playful dolphins, or
you could enjoy some spectacular diving and
snorkelling in nearby Kisite-Mpungati Marine Park.
Either way, you won’t want to miss the incredible
sunsets which you can enjoy from either your
private terrace or the comfortable dhow-shaped
bar and upper-level restaurant overlooking the
water. With superb food, impeccable service and
a wonderfully warm welcome, Funzi is a little
corner of paradise.
The spacious Seaview and Beachfront Cottages
are tucked into the mangroves and have
hand-carved four-poster beds draped with
delicate muslin, colourful fabrics and plenty of
local character. The Beachfront Cottages also have
a Jacuzzi with a view of the ocean.
Shimba Hills National Reserve
Kutazama Lodge has a sensational location in
the Shimba Hills National Reserve on the
edge of an escarpment overlooking the
Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary, and
provides one of the most stunning vistas in
the whole of Kenya. Spend your time
exploring the surrounding area or simply
relaxing and enjoying the views from the
lodge’s hillside position. The Shimba Hills
National Park is a 20 minute drive away, and
is the only place in Kenya to see sable
antelope. Other wildlife there includes
buffalo, elephant, impala, zebra, warthog and
some wonderful birdlife. You can also enjoy
visits to the elephant sanctuary.
The lodge consists of just two suites each
with its own veranda to make the most of
those expansive views. Each suite also has a
Jacuzzi which provides the perfect place to
relax with a glass of wine after dinner.
kenya
Shimba Hills
National Reserve
Essentials
Mombasa
The Funzi Keys
Rooms 17 rooms including beachfront cottages
Restaurants and bars Restaurant, bar and poolside deck
for lunch and occasional dinners
Features 45 metre pool
Suggested trip
Activities Diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, fishing,
boat trips, picnic on a sandbank
How hidden? Very secluded, 15 minutes by light
aircraft to Mombasa
Beach A private strip of westward facing white sands
with forest behind
When to go July-March
3 nights Shimba Hills National Reserve,
all-inclusive, including excursions;
7 nights The Funzi Keys, all-inclusive.
Deluxe Beachfront Cottage
●
Kenya
83
Cheetah in the Masai Mara
Before the beach
Naboisho Conservancy,
Masai Mara
Manda Bay from the air
Manda Bay, Lamu
Tucked away on a remote peninsula of a
wonderfully undeveloped island, Manda Bay is
an incredibly tranquil spot nestled between
palm trees and white sands brushed by the clear
turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
With no roads and no cars, unspoilt Manda Island
offers an opportunity to experience something of
the real Kenya. Watch passing fishermen in their
dhows or visit the nearby 11th century Takwa
ruins and the ancient and highly traditional town
of Lamu, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Enjoy a trip on the resort’s own 62 foot dhow and
indulge in a lavish seafood lunch or evening
cocktails on board. Explore the local creeks to
catch a glimpse of the stunning carmine
bee-eater or snorkel direct from the lodge, visit
the colourful coral gardens or take a scenic flight
over the vast uninhabited regions of the mainland
where herds of buffalo and zebra live undisturbed.
The main lodge is chic but simple with a laid-back
atmosphere and glorious views. Sundowners are
best enjoyed in the secluded lounge area in the
dunes above the lodge while dinner is served by
candlelight under the stars.
The resort’s 16 bandas are simple and spacious
and are either set on the beachfront or have sea
views. With palm-thatch roofs, heavy wooden
beds and woven matting, they have a luxurious
but rustic style.
Experience the exceptional game viewing
of the Masai Mara – without the crowds.
The Naboisho Conservancy spans 202 square
kilometres to the northeast of the main
reserve. Each day you will enjoy morning and
afternoon game-viewing activities to spot
the many animals that roam the park
including big cats, elephant, zebra, buffalo,
antelope and large populations of giraffe.
You might even spot a pack of rare wild dogs.
Excellent guides will ensure you see as much
as possible and learn about the animals you
encounter. You can also opt for guided walks,
night drives, and may meet some of the
nomadic Maasai tribespeople.
Naboisho Camp has eight luxurious safari
tents with king size beds and en suite
bathrooms with bush showers. Family tents
are also available.
Naboisho
Conservancy
kenya
Manda Bay
Essentials
Mombasa
Rooms 16 bandas
Restaurants and bars Restaurant, lounge and bar
Features Infinity pool
Activities Snorkelling, windsurfing, watersports, fishing,
boat trips, dolphin watching (Dec-Mar), whale watching
(Oct), nature drives, cultural tours
Beach Long stretch of fine golden sands with sand
dunes and coconut palms
How hidden? Very secluded, 20 minutes by boat to
Lamu Town
Banda
84
Kenya
●
When to go Sept-March
Suggested trip
3 nights Naboisho Conservancy,
7 nights Manda Bay, full board.
Tanzania
Dhow, Zanzibar
One of Africa’s most alluring counties, Tanzania is
home to both untouched wilderness and the
exotic spice island of Zanzibar, a great trading
centre and melting pot of cultures.
Tanzania’s beaches
With powder sand beaches and abundant
marine life, Zanzibar and the islands of the
spectacular Mafia Archipelago offer a rich marine
environment home to East Africa’s best diving
and snorkelling sites and regular sightings of
turtles, rays and dolphins.
Before the beach
Combine utter tranquillity and relaxation with an
island-hopping adventure or a trip to the Selous
Game Reserve, one of Africa’s largest wildernesses
and a breathtaking place to view lion, leopard
and hippo.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
85
Hippo in the Selous Game Reserve
Before the beach
The beach at Breezes Beach Club & Spa
Breezes Beach Club & Spa, Zanzibar
Breezes Beach Club and Spa is located on one of
the best beaches in Zanzibar, which was voted
one of the top thirty in the world in 2012. It is a
perfect base from which to explore the island,
presenting a taste of luxury at an unexpectedly
affordable price.
You could spend your whole trip just relaxing by
the palm-fringed pool, but Breezes also offers a
huge range of activities from kitesurfing and
pedal boating to kite-buggying and guided cycle
and snorkel trips. There’s also an on-site PADI dive
centre offering small group lessons for beginners
and guided trips along the 65 kilometres of reef
for more experienced divers. The Frangipani Spa
and the recently created yoga and meditation
sanctuary offer a more leisurely way to enjoy
this spectacular location. Breezes works closely
with the surrounding community to improve
education and healthcare in the local village and
guests can visit to see the project at first hand
and gain a fascinating insight into life on Zanzibar.
At Breezes you can enjoy superb service and
facilities in a wonderfully exotic location without
ever having to compromise on comfort.
The hotel offers a variety of rooms all decorated
in neutral tones with locally reclaimed timber,
hand-woven cotton throws and Zanzibari
carvings. The suites come with large terraces and
private sunbathing areas.
Restaurants and bars 4 restaurants including beachfront
barbecue and 3 bars
Features Pool, spa, dive centre, fitness centre,
tennis courts
Activities Diving, snorkelling, wide variety of watersports,
tennis, Stone Town tour, spice tour, spa treatments
Beach Long white-sand beach with palm trees, good
for snorkelling at high tide
How hidden? Other hotels nearby
86
Tanzania
●
Covering an expanse of nearly 50,000 square
kilometres, the Selous Game Reserve is one
of the largest remaining wilderness areas in
Africa. It is home to a huge diversity of
wildlife including large buffalo and lion
populations, leopard, and thriving packs of
wild dog for you to watch out for on your
twice-daily game drives. A boat trip on the
Rufiji River will invariably pass pods of hippo
wallowing in the shallows and majestic
yellow-billed storks nesting in rustling
borassus palms; you may encounter baboon
at the water’s edge, and white-crowned
plovers cleaning the teeth of crocodiles.
The Selous Riverside Safari Camp has ten
spacious, comfortably furnished, tented
chalets in a wonderful location on the banks
of the Rufiji River.
Zanzibar
Breezes Beach
Club & Spa
tanzania
Essentials
Room
Selous Game Reserve
When to go June-March
Selous Game Reserve
Suggested trip
4 nights Selous Game Reserve,
7 nights Breezes Beach Club & Spa,
available, please contact our specialists
for details.
Lion in the Selous Game Reserve
Before the beach
Kilindi from across the beach
Kilindi, Zanzibar
A lavish boutique hotel blending Scandinavian
minimalism with Middle Eastern ornamentation
and a dramatic architectural style, Kilindi’s
white domed pavilions are set in lush tropical
gardens and offer a unique take on luxury
Zanzibari living.
Exuding a sense of unhurried charm and
complete relaxation, Kilindi is an ideal place to
unwind. The wide-arched glassless windows of
your private pavilion offer spectacular views
across a pristine white-sand beach to the Indian
Ocean. A private plunge pool waits outside and
dedicated butler service means you can have
meals in your own garden or dine on the
expansive terrace by the restaurant. The whitewashed main building also features a superb spa,
a gorgeous infinity pool and a stylish bar. A sunset
stroll along the beach watching the local
fishermen coming home in their traditional
dhows is the perfect ending to an idle day here.
The attentive staff can of course arrange
excursions and activities across the island, but we
suspect you will be in no rush to leave Kilindi.
Essentials
Rooms 15 pavilions
Restaurants and bars Fine dining restaurant with
alfresco terrace and poolside bar
Features Large infinity pool, spa, mini-cinema
Activities Diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing, deep sea fishing,
spice farm tour, catamaran and sunset dhow cruises
Selous Game Reserve
A vast tract of untouched wilderness, the
Selous Game Reserve is protected as a World
Heritage Site due to the diversity of its
wildlife. Large buffalo and lion populations
live here as well as thriving leaps of leopard
and packs of wild dog. You can watch pods
of hippo wallowing at sunset or perhaps
enjoy a walking safari to get closer to the
smaller species. The lodge is located in one
of the most picturesque areas of the reserve
in the Beho Beho hills. Lion and hyena
watch the antelope that often gather in
large numbers on the plains below, and you
will take morning and afternoon 4x4 trips or
boat rides for a closer look at these
stunning creatures.
Beho Beho lodge offers superb views of
the vast reserve. The lodge is beautifully
constructed with a vaulted thatch roof, and
has panoramic vistas.
Beach 500 metres of private beach with fine white sand
Kilindi
Zanzibar
tanzania
Selous Game Reserve
Suggested trip
4 nights Selous Game Reserve,
7 nights Kilindi, all-inclusive. Includes
The superbly styled domed pavilion suites are
bathed in light and full of character. Each has a
‘rainfall’ shower, a sun terrace with lounge
furniture and a private plunge pool.
Shaded area and plunge pool outside pavilion
●
Tanzania
87
Butiama Beach
88
Fanjove Island, Songo Songo Archipelago
Beach-hopping
Fanjove Island, Songo Songo
Archipelago
Veranda of bungalow
Butiama Beach, Mafia Island
A handful of charming cottages strung out
along a dazzling beach lapped by turquoise
water, Butiama offers simple living, incredible
marine life and excellent diving in a pristine and
little-discovered part of the Indian Ocean.
Mafia Island is part of an archipelago, scattered
in the Indian Ocean 160 kilometres south of
Zanzibar. The name is derived from Ki-Swahili and
means ‘a healthy dwelling place’, and Butiama has
truly embraced this notion. Located next to a
marine park that teems with over 460 species of
fish, 50 different corals and a variety of turtles as
well as migrating whale sharks, it is a fascinating
place to discover. Head north to the miles and
miles of secluded, white-sand beaches or take a
trip by 4x4 to explore this island’s historic links to
the Persian empire and trade between the Far East
and Africa. Butiama’s relaxed simplicity, blend of
contemporary style and traditional materials, and
easy-going ambience reflect the lifestyle that has
been in place in this still almost unknown corner
of the world for centuries, making it a perfect
place to unwind.
Essentials
Rooms 10 bungalows
Restaurants and bars Restaurant and beach bar
Features Pool
Activities Diving, snorkelling, whale shark viewing trips
(Nov-Apr), kayaking, fishing, sandbank picnics, village
visits and cultural tours
Expanses of white sand fringed by coconut
palms welcome you to Fanjove Island, part
of the Songo Songo Archipelago in the
Indian Ocean. Colourful reefs surround the
island and turtles, rays and dolphins are never
far away. With its crystal clear waters, 11
kilometres of intact coral reef and abundant
wildlife, you will spend your days soaking up
the remote beauty of the island. Take time to
explore the ruins of the 19th century
lighthouse, enjoy the sunshine and stroll
along pristine beaches where you may
happen upon nesting turtles.
Fanjove Private Island Lodge has just six
A-frame bandas decorated in a simple,
rustic style. Spread along the sandy shore
with uninterrupted views of the ocean,
they are complemented by an open-air
restaurant and lounge set under a vaulted
thatched roof.
Beach A long white-sand beach with palm trees
How hidden? Secluded, local village within
walking distance
Mafia Island
Butiama
Beach
Fanjove Island
tanzania
Suggested trip
3 nights Fanjove Island, all-inclusive;
7 nights Butiama Beach, half board.
Butiama’s ten bungalows feature furniture crafted
from retired sailing dhows and decorated with
hand-woven traditional sarongs. All rooms come
with a private terrace and hammock.
Bungalow
●
Tanzania
89
Fisherman in a dugout canoe, Lake Malawi
Malawi
Malawi’s diverse scenery, incredibly friendly
people and ease of travel make it a wonderful
African destination. Dominated by the massive
Lake Malawi, it combines the option of game
viewing with freshwater adventure.
Malawi’s beaches
Exquisite lakeshore beaches await on Malawi’s
‘Lake of Stars’ and its tiny unspoilt islands where
golden sands are sheltered by huge baobab trees.
With clear water, beautiful scenery and excellent
freshwater snorkelling and diving, it is a great
place to relax.
Before the beach
Track endangered black rhino and enjoy the
incredible birdlife in the Majete Wildlife Reserve or
head to the Mozambique lakeshore to snorkel
with brightly coloured fish.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
90
Nkwichi Lodge
Beach-hopping
Mozambique shores of
Lake Malawi
Beach lounge
Kaya Mawa, Likoma Island
Romantic Kaya Mawa is hidden away on tiny,
unspoilt Likoma Island at the heart of Lake
Malawi. Set on a rocky promontory and
surrounded by golden beaches and huge
baobab trees this is surely one of the most
relaxed places in the world.
Kaya Mawa, meaning ‘maybe tomorrow’, is an
extremely tranquil getaway with 12 stone
cottages, some perched on rocky outcrops
overlooking the deep blue water and some on
the beach. Local materials, traditions and the
surrounding landscape inspired the extremely
tasteful, contemporary styling of the lodge from
the over-water spa treatment room reached by a
swaying wooden bridge to the restaurant and
colourful bar. While here you can simply relax on
the beach, enjoy the spectacular sunsets or try out
some watersports. With over 1,000 species of fish
in the lake, including colourful cichlids, the on-site
PADI dive centre gives you immediate access to
some of the best freshwater diving on the
continent. Alternatively, discover the island on
foot or by taking a bike ride to see the iconic
bottle-shaped baobab trees, and visiting the local
village with its impressive colonial cathedral.
On the shores of Lake Niassa, Mozambique’s
name for Lake Malawi, the Manda Bay
Wilderness Area covers over 1,000 square
kilometres and is home to a rich selection of
indigenous and migrating birds, as well as
fascinating flora and fauna. Explore the
reserve on foot or by canoe, and learn about
the many local projects of the Manda
Wilderness Community Trust. There is a
pristine beach perfect for sunbathing, and
crystal clear waters bursting with hundreds of
species of brightly coloured fish.
Constructed from local, sustainable materials,
Nkwichi Lodge has six spacious chalets
designed to blend in with the surroundings.
Uniquely styled and full of character, they
feature four-poster beds crafted from old
tree trunks and showers hung from
overhanging branches.
The individually decorated stone cottages and
private houses are light and spacious and have
been finished with soft furnishings hand-crafted
on the island; they have private terraces, and
some come with plunge pools.
Kaya Mawa
Manda Bay
Wilderness Area
malawi
Essentials
Likoma Island
Lake
Malawi
Rooms 12 rooms including 3 houses and 2 family
cottages
mozambique
Restaurants and bars Restaurant and bar; private
dining options
Features Dive centre, spa
Suggested trip
Activities Diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, sailing,
kayaking, waterskiing, fishing, cycling, village visit
Beach Two beaches with golden sand and rocky
outcrops to snorkel round
How hidden? Very secluded. A bike ride from Likoma’s
small town Mbamba
Nhkwazi Premium Room
4 nights Mozambique shores of Lake
Malawi, full board; 7 nights Kaya Mawa,
full board. Includes flights and
details.
●
Malawi
91
Walking Safari in Majete
Before the beach
Infinity pool overlooking Lake Malawi
Pumulani, Cape Maclear
A relaxing ecolodge with sweeping views, vast
rooms and modern design, Pumulani offers a
tranquil and indulgent retreat on the shores of
Lake Malawi. With on-site guides and excellent
birdwatching there is also plenty to do should
you tire of lazing on the beach.
Cape Maclear is known for offering some of the
most dramatic vistas on Lake Malawi and
Pumulani Lodge is perfectly placed to make the
best of the location. From the open-fronted main
lodge a winding path and steps lead down to the
main swimming pool and further below to a tiny
lagoon and beachside bar. The ten individuallydesigned villas are spread amongst a lush forest,
each with either one or two huge verandas to
take full advantage of the views. This is a
birdwatcher’s paradise, ideal if you are keen to
see kingfishers, kestrels and nightjars up close,
and experts are on hand to help you with
identification of indigenous species or to offer
guided nature walks. The sunsets here are
incredible. Enjoy them, and Livingstone’s
‘Lake of Stars’, during a trip on the lodge’s
traditional wooden dhow, from the deck by the
infinity pool or from your private terrace.
Pumulani means ‘rest well’ and the spacious,
contemporary-styled rooms here are
designed with exactly this in mind with huge
floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal the
spectacular views.
How hidden? Very secluded, a 20 minute drive from
the small local town
Can children go too? All ages welcome. Please note
there are a lot of steps at the property
●
Cape Maclear
Pumulani
malawi
Restaurants and bars Restaurant and lakeside bar
Beach Small private bay of golden sands accessed
by steps
Malawi
Mkulumadzi Lodge is located in a private
concession area within the Reserve. Eight
chalets are secluded in the bush and have
spacious bedrooms and lounge areas as well
as private decks with stunning views over the
Shire River.
Rooms 10 villas
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sailing, watersports,
kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, sunset dhow cruises,
village walks
92
The Majete Wildlife Reserve is Malawi’s only
‘Big Five’ reserve, sprawling over 700 square
kilometres. Two rivers converge here, enticing
a wide variety of game to the region. You can
take game drives or track the endangered
black rhino with your guide. Around 250
species of bird have been recorded, including
the Pel’s fishing owl and racket-tailed roller,
and there are nesting colonies of stunning
carmine and white-fronted bee-eaters.
Dedicated birdwatchers will want to head to
the hides for enhanced viewing and
photographic opportunities.
Essentials
Features Infinity pool
Villa
Majete Wildlife Reserve
Majete Wildlife Reserve
Suggested trip
3 nights Majete Wildlife Reserve,
7 nights Pumulani, all-inclusive.
Sandspit near Ibo Island
Mozambique
Africa’s rising star, Mozambique is a largely
undiscovered gem of magical islands, white-sand
beaches and fading colonial grandeur. Wild,
beautiful and undeveloped with miles of
palm-fringed beaches, it is just begging to be
explored.
Mozambique’s beaches
The coast of Mozambique along with the sublime
Bazaruto and Quirimbas Archipelagos with their
sugary white sands, superb coral reefs and
exquisite marine life are all genuine tropical
paradises. Expect world-class diving and
snorkelling, and tiny fishing villages sheltered
beneath wild orange and cashew nut trees.
Before the beach
Meander down cobbled streets lined with
crumbling colonial-era buildings on tiny Ilha de
Moçambique, a World Heritage Site, or cross into
South Africa to track leopards in the stunning
Sabi Sabi Game Reserve.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
93
Sao Paulo Palace, Ilha de Moçambique
Before the beach
Top left: Lounge. Top right: Fish on the reef. Above: Nuarro Lodge and the ocean
Nuarro Lodge, Northern Coast
Stretched out along a golden beach on the
northern reaches of Mozambique’s coast.
Nuarro Lodge offers an off-the-beaten-track
African experience. The simple ecolodge is rich
in community spirit and provides a unique
perspective on the region.
Constructed by the community and making use
of locally sourced materials, Nuarro Lodge was
founded on strong ethical and fair-trade
principles. The lodge and chalets are traditional in
style and decorated with local art and ornaments,
colourful fabrics and inviting sofas. There’s an
excellent restaurant and relaxed beach bar with
views across Nuarro Bay and the stunning
baobab forests that surround it. Diving and
snorkelling are a highlight here and are accessible
directly from the beach, and from July to October
humpback whales come into the bay with their
young. Nuarro Lodge offers a genuine African
experience, the friendly staff will organise picnics
on isolated beaches, dhow sailing trips, and tours
of the nearby village so that you can gain an
insight into local life as well as have an incredibly
relaxing break.
Spread out amongst the dunes with views of
the bright blue ocean, the secluded chalets are
individually decorated and have private paths to
the beach. Each features king size beds with fine
linens, a large wooden veranda and indoor and
outdoor showers.
Ilha de Moçambique
The tiny island of Ilha de Moçambique has
been linked to the mainland by a narrow
bridge for over fifty years yet still feels like an
isolated remnant of a distant past. Now a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, its dusty streets
are lined with beautiful colonial buildings
with an air of gracefully fading grandeur. Visit
the tiny chapel of Nossa Senhora de Baluarte,
built by the Portuguese in 1522 and
reputedly the oldest European building in
the southern hemisphere. Then head to the
Sao Paulo Palace, the former Governor’s
residence modelled on the palace and
gardens at Versailles.
Terraço das Quitandas is a wonderfully
restored villa with a central courtyard and six
individually-decorated rooms inspired by
African traditions. Its relaxed charm and
wonderful character hark back to the heyday
of Portuguese influence.
mozambique
Nuarro Lodge
Essentials
Nacala
Rooms 12 beachfront chalets
Ilha de
Moçambique
Restaurants and bars Restaurant, beach bar
Features Dive centre
Activities Diving, snorkelling, whale watching (Jul-Oct),
sea-kayaking, dhow sailing, beach picnics, mountain
biking, cultural village tour, massage
Beach Curved sweep of golden sand with vegetated
dunes behind
How hidden? Very secluded, the small village of
Nanatha is within walking distance
Can children go too? From 8 years old, or by special
request
Beachfront chalet
94
Mozambique
●
Suggested trip
3 nights Ilha de Moçambique
including breakfast; 6 nights Nuarro
Lodge, full board. Includes flights and
Local girl, Ibo Island
Before the beach
Dhow in front of Medjumbe
Medjumbe, Quirimbas Archipelago
Intimate, exclusive and set in the most sublime
location, Medjumbe Private Island is an
unforgettable tropical getaway. A long, narrow
sliver of white sand in the Quirimbas
Archipelago, Medjumbe is one of Mozambique’s
best kept secrets.
A tiny island, just 1 kilometre long and 500 metres
wide, Medjumbe’s size is no reflection of its
character. Surrounded by coral reefs and crystal
clear waters that attract dolphins and whales, and
leatherback, loggerhead and green turtles, it offers
excellent year-round diving and snorkelling. You
can also explore the pristine reefs by kayak or
venture out on foot to find breathtaking private
beaches and coves. You can relax in the evening
in your private plunge pool with views of the
Indian Ocean, join other guests in the main
building to enjoy the incredible local seafood, or
sip a cocktail as you soak up the views. Medjumbe
offers a laid-back approach to life: just pack your
swimming costume and a sense of adventure.
Essentials
Rooms 12 beach chalets
Restaurants and bars Restaurant and lounge bar
Features Pool, spa
Activities Diving, snorkelling, fishing, sailing, waterskiing,
windsurfing, kayaking, sunset dhow cruise
Ibo Island
Ibo Island is one of the oldest settlements in
Mozambique, and you can visit the imposing
Portuguese fort and majestic colonial
buildings that date back hundreds of years.
Take time to explore the meandering streets
with their silversmiths and vibrant local life
before taking a short dhow trip to a
powder-soft white-sand beach for a magical
afternoon. Alternatively, you can try sea
kayaking, guided bird walks and mangrove
excursions.
Ibo Island lodge is located right on the
waterfront with wonderful panoramic
views reaching across the pristine ocean.
This quirky lodge is made from two
refurbished mansions each over a century
old, with high ceilings, wide verandas and
heavy wooden doors.
Beach The island is surrounded by fine white-sand
beaches and fringed with coral reef
How hidden? Private island in the remote Quirimbas
Archipelago
Medjumbe
Private Island
Ibo Island
mozambique
Suggested trip
3 nights Ibo Island, full board,
including excursions; 7 nights
Medjumbe, all-inclusive. Includes
Johannesburg. Variations and
The 12 chalets, all within 20 metres of the beach,
are simple yet sophisticated and decorated in
crisp blues and whites. All come with a private
plunge pool and spacious veranda with
bewitching views.
Dinner by the pool
●
Mozambique
95
Leopard, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
96
Elephant, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve
Before the beach
Sabi Sabi Private
Game Reserve, South Africa
Top: Pansy Island. Above: Beach at dusk
Azura reception and bar
Azura Benguerra, Bazaruto Archipelago
Miles and miles of white sand stretch out along
the clear blue sea on Mozambique’s sublime
Bazaruto Archipelago. Here the lavish yet
unpretentious Azura Benguerra offers the
ultimate in style and relaxation.
Azura blends traditional architecture and
thatched roofs with handmade furnishings and
original artwork to create an extremely
comfortable, yet modern and minimalist style.
Guests are looked after by a butler who will serve
your meals, set up a table and chairs by the
water’s edge and present you with a cocktail as
the sun slips into the ocean. Azura takes great
pride in their innovative dining settings and you
can breakfast by the sea, picnic on a sand bar or
dine by candlelight under the stars. The ocean
dominates life here, offering a glittering backdrop
to every day as well as the opportunity to see
dolphins, turtles, the rare and elusive dugong,
and humpback whales in season. The hotel also
has a PADI dive centre and a private dhow waiting
to take you on a cruise.
Essentials
Rooms 16 villas
Restaurants and bars Restaurant and bar on the beach
Features Pool, dive centre, spa, library
Activities Diving, snorkelling, big game fishing, sunset
dhow cruise, swimming with dolphins, horse riding,
picnic on a sandbank island, stargazing
Bordering the western edge of the Kruger,
and with animals moving freely between the
two, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve offers
you an exclusive safari experience. Leopard
sightings are particularly common here and
the reserve’s knowledgeable guides are some
of the best in South Africa. Guided game
drives to explore the area will increase your
chances of spotting this shy creature.
Little Bush Camp is a warm, cosy African
retreat in the heart of the bush. The lodge
has just six suites and all the features of an
exceptional bush lodge: a beautiful setting,
excellent cuisine and abundant wildlife.
Each spacious thatched villa has a private
viewing deck with heated spa bath
overlooking the riverbed.
Beach Long stretch of fine white sand fringed with
coral reef
The Bazaruto Archipelago
Azura Benguerra
How hidden? Very secluded, accessed by helicopter
mozambique
Kruger National Park
south
africa
Suggested trip
4 nights Sabi Sabi Private Game
Reserve, all-inclusive, including safari
activities; 7 nights Azura Benguerra,
all-inclusive. Includes flights and
also available.
The huge villas here have a contemporary African
feel. They come with indoor and outdoor showers,
decks with daybeds, garden sun decks, and all also
have private infinity pools.
Luxury Beach Villa
●
Mozambique
97
Sifaka Lemur
Madagascar
Home to lemurs and lovebirds, brightly
coloured frogs and quirky chameleons,
Madagascar is world renowned for its prolific
wildlife. Its hugely diverse landscape, seemingly
endless coast and spectacular creatures make it
a nature lover’s dream.
Madagascar’s beaches
Surrounded by vibrant barrier reefs and a halo of
small islands, Madagascar’s marine life is another
important draw. With a coastline fringed with mile
upon mile of white-sand beach, you can lie in the
sun, kayak through the mangroves, or snorkel and
dive with turtles, rays and sharks.
Before the beach
Charter a private yacht and island-hop around
Madagascar’s northwestern coast, stopping to
snorkel in crystal clear waters or explore the lush
interior along the way. Alternatively discover the
numerous lemur species in Andasibe-Mantadia
National Park.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
98
Indri, Andasibe-Mantadia National Park
Before the beach
Andasibe-Mantadia
National Park
Anjajavy from the air
Anjajavy, Anjajavy Private Nature Reserve
Set in a private nature reserve, Anjajavy reaches
out across a stretch of idyllic, unspoilt coastline.
Surrounded by thick forest home to prolific
wildlife, this intimate hotel offers unrivalled
access to nature.
One of the wonderful things about Anjajavy is
that there is no need to travel any further to enjoy
the incredible local wildlife. Colourful lovebirds,
bright red fodys and yellow Madagascar wagtails
dart around the villas, and in the hotel’s beautiful
tropical gardens you can see sifaka lemurs
hopping and leaping between the trees. Venture
out into the forest with a guide though, and you
will find chameleons, vibrant frogs, and perhaps
the elusive cat-like fossa, one of Madagascar’s
more unusual predators. Spend time relaxing in
the hammock on your private deck, laze on the
sandy beach or beside the pool, kayak through
the mangroves or snorkel in the clear sea. This
small hotel is one of Madagascar’s finest and
along with its unbeatable setting it is also
renowned for its personal and highly professional
service, superb food, beautiful design and
attention to detail.
Madagascar is renowned for its lemurs and
you will find a wide variety in the AndasibeMantadia National Park. Climb through the
forest in search of indri, the largest lemur
species. The park also has a dazzling number
of birds such as the red-breasted coua and
scaly ground-rollers. Nearby, Lemur Island is
a tiny reserve protecting four species of
habituated lemur, best seen at first light
before the main groups of visitors arrive.
The Vakona Forest Lodge is situated on a
hillside covered with dense jungle. Chosen
for its proximity to the park, the 28
bungalows are decorated in a simple style
and surrounded by lush vegetation. The
open restaurant has views over the lake, and
there is a pool and a series of paths into the
heart of the forest.
Anjajavy
Anjajavy Private
Nature Reserve
The 24 rosewood villas are extremely comfortable
and stylish, with draped four-poster beds, a
mezzanine floor, and verandas complete with
deck chairs and hammock.
madagascar
Essentials
Rooms 24 villas
Antananarivo
Andasibe-Mantadia
National Park
Restaurants and bars Restaurant and bar
Features Large pool
Activities Snorkelling, waterskiing, windsurfing,
mountain biking, kayaking, boat trips, fishing and guided
walks in the nature reserve, village visit and picnic
Beach A golden-sand beach backed by a 4.5 km2
nature reserve
How hidden? Very secluded, accessed by light
aircraft flight
Suggested trip
3 nights Andasibe-Mantadia National
Park, half board, including excursions;
7 nights Anjajavy, half board. Includes
Antananarivo. Variations and beachonly also available. Please contact our
Villa
●
Madagascar
99
Hammock on the beach, Constance Tsarabanjina
100
Yacht, Nose Be islands
Beach-hopping
Top left: Restaurant. Top right: The daily catch. Above: Constance Tsarabanjina from the air
Constance Tsarabanjina, Mitsio Archipelago
Tsarabanjina is a private island offering a
secluded castaway experience with more than
a little luxury to enhance your stay. It’s an
elegant, stylish place with incredible attention
to detail.
Carved rosewood and traditional style combine
with modern design in the main lodge, restaurant
and bungalows at Tsarabanjina. Set along two
white-sand beaches separated by verdant
rainforest, the bungalows feature contemporary
design with plenty of Malagasy touches. Turquoise
water laps the shore and the PADI dive centre
offers access to the largely undiscovered
underwater world, enabling you to be one of
merely a handful to explore the vibrant coral reefs
and sponge gardens that surround the resort.
Experienced local guides are also on hand to
introduce you to the natural wonders of the
archipelago – from the frigate birds soaring
overhead to the hermit crabs scuttling through
the undergrowth at night. You can have a
massage on the rocks by the water’s edge, simply
relax and watch the ocean’s rise and fall, or
clamber up the small cliff above the dining room
to watch the sun set over the ocean.
Completely rebuilt in 2013 using only natural
materials, the 25 rosewood villas seamlessly blend
modern and Malagasy design and offer private
sunloungers and a parasol on the beach.
Island-hopping cruise
Chartering a private yacht or catamaran
allows you to explore the unspoilt islands off
Madagascar’s northwest coast. Setting sail
from Nosy Be, head across turquoise waters
to a nearby bay or pristine coral reef. The
captain and crew are entirely at your disposal,
and can steer you to a perfect white-sand
cove where you can work up an appetite by
strolling through the island’s lush interior.
Snorkel and sunbathe during the day and
then relax on deck to watch the sun set with
a cocktail in hand.
Various sizes of catamaran and yacht are
available for private bookings, with cabins
that are compact but well-equipped. A
skipper is on board to guide you through the
archipelago, and a chef prepares sumptuous
dishes. It can also be arranged for a dive
master to join the boat.
Mitsio
Archipelago
Island-hopping cruise
Nose Be
Constance
Tsarabanjina
Essentials
Rooms 25 villas
madagascar
Restaurants and bars Restaurant, bar
Features Dive centre, tennis court, library
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, fishing,
massages, boat trips
Beach Fine white-sand beaches fringe the island with a
coral reef offshore
How hidden? Private island, 60 minute boat transfer or
20 minute helicopter flight from Nosy Be
Suggested trip
4 nights island-hopping cruise,
full board; 7 nights Constance
Tsarabanjina, all-inclusive. Includes
Antananarivo. Variations also available.
details.
Beach Villa
●
Madagascar
101
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Elephant Coast
South Africa
From cosmopolitan cities to breathtaking national
parks offering superb safaris, South Africa's sheer
diversity and range of attractions is hard to beat.
Its history, wildlife and landscapes are sure to
leave you wanting more.
South Africa's beaches
Discover the unspoilt wilderness and pristine
beaches of the remote Elephant Coast, brushed
by the warm Indian Ocean and home to
protected coral reefs that offer excellent
snorkelling and diving. Alternatively head for the
aptly named Whale Coast with its dramatic
Atlantic rollers and position on the annual whale
migration route.
Before the beach
Enjoy South Africa's diversity with a visit to
dynamic Cape Town and infamous Robben Island,
tour the wineries or go in search of the big five at
the Thanda Private Game Reserve.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
102
Cape Town
Before the beach
Sunset over Grotto Beach
Top: Sun deck. Above: Pool
Mosselberg on Grotto Beach, Hermanus
Designed by an award-winning architect,
Mosselberg is a contemporary retreat
overlooking the golden sands of Grotto Beach.
This small property is perfectly poised for
watching the annual migration of the southern
right and humpback whales.
The charming town of Hermanus is known as
one of the best places in South Africa for whale
watching, and Mosselberg makes the most of its
setting with an expansive deck overlooking the
beach. The spacious, contemporary-styled rooms
all come with a sea-facing balcony and in season
you can spot whales and dolphins without even
having to leave your room. The guesthouse also
has a central courtyard with swimming pool,
while in Hermanus itself you will find plenty of
restaurants and water-based activities to try. If you
explore a little further afield you will also find
award-winning vineyards offering cellar tours and
wine tastings, sometimes on a deck with a
spectacular sweeping panorama. Mosselberg
makes an ideal base for exploring the area with
wonderfully warm hospitality and stunning sea
views.
Essentials
Rooms 5 suites
Restaurants and bars Lounge, bar, games room
Features Infinity pool, games room
Activities Whale watching (Jul-Nov), golf course nearby,
boat trips, vineyard visits, shark cage diving
Cape Town
Cape Town is a diverse and dynamic city with
wonderful experiences on offer. Iconic Table
Mountain both defines and dominates the
local landscape and a ride up on the cable
car offers a great overview of this vibrant hub.
Take a boat to Robben Island where Nelson
Mandela spent much of his incarceration or
head down the coast to the Cape of Good
Hope where waves beat mercilessly as the
Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet. See the
penguins at Boulders Beach, visit the
beautiful Kirstenbosch National Botanical
Garden or explore the world-class vineyards,
quirky seaside villages and dramatic coastal
drives around the city.
Welgelegen is a boutique guesthouse and
urban sanctuary with 13 individuallydecorated rooms. Set in two 19th century
houses it combines traditional architecture
with modern decor.
Beach Vegetated dunes lead down to a long stretch of
golden sands, great for beach walks
How hidden? Short taxi ride to shops and restaurants
south africa
When to go July-November for whales, NovemberMarch for sunshine
Cape Town
Hermanus
Mosselberg
on Grotto Beach
Suggested trip
4 nights Cape Town, including
breakfast; 7 nights Mosselberg on
Grotto Beach, including breakfast.
Includes flights and hire car. Variations
The stylish suites here are generous in size with
private sea-facing or part sea-facing balconies.
Suite
●
South Africa
103
White rhino, Thanda Private Game Reserve
Before the beach
Thonga Beach Lodge from the air
Thonga Beach Lodge, Elephant Coast
Surrounded by coastal dune forest and set
above a secluded bay, Thonga Beach Lodge is
a luxurious African retreat on the evocatively
named Elephant Coast. A region of unspoilt
wilderness and pristine beaches, this magical
setting is an ideal spot to simply get away
from it all.
Set along the coastal section of stunning
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, this eco-friendly lodge has made
every effort to preserve and enhance its
breathtaking surroundings. The individual
thatched suites are built on stilts to protect the
dune soils and wooden boardwalks lead across
the dunes to the vast beach where turtles come
ashore to lay their eggs. Some of Africa’s best dive
sites are nearby, including a series of secluded and
protected coral reefs offering everything from
dramatic wall dives to shallow coral beds that can
also be enjoyed by snorkellers. Thonga’s guides
can also take you to Lake Sibaya, Southern Africa’s
largest freshwater lake, which is teeming with
birdlife and the ideal location for a relaxed
sundowner. This private paradise also offers
superb food and the chance to relax in
unadulterated luxury.
Some of the stilted rooms come with a sea view;
all have private balconies and stylish design with
an emphasis on bleached wood, glass and
natural materials. There are also two Deluxe Ocean
View Suites
Essentials
Rooms 12 rondavels
Restaurants and bars Restaurant and beach bar
Features Pool, spa
Activities Diving, snorkelling, turtle tours (Nov-Mar),
boat trips, tips to Lake Sibaya
Beach Towering sand dunes and golden sands that
stretch for miles
Deluxe Ocean View Suite
104
South Africa
●
When to go March-November
Thanda Private Game Reserve
Discover the wildlife of the Thanda Private
Game Reserve, 140 square kilometres of bush
offering the opportunity to encounter an
abundance of animals including the 'Big Five',
the endangered black rhino, and over 400
bird species. Explore the park on ranger-led
game drives, or head to the ocean for whale
and dolphin watching boat trips, shark
diving, horse riding on the beach, and canoe
safaris. Younger guests can participate in the
reserve’s Junior Ranger Programme, an
excellent introduction to the bush.
The intimate Thanda Tented Camp has 14
rustic but luxurious safari tents, each with a
private viewing deck. There is a main dining
tent, a thatched sala and a swimming pool
with stunning views over the reserve, while
the honeymoon tent has its own private
plunge pool.
Elephant Coast
Thonga
Beach Lodge
Thanda Private
Game Reserve
south africa
Suggested trip
3 nights Thanda Private Game Reserve,
7 nights Thonga Beach Lodge,
all-inclusive. Includes flights and hire
car. Variations and beach-only also
for details.
Deck, Thonga Beach Lodge
105
North Africa & Arab
Oman
●
Jordan
●
Morocco
Local ladies, Tala Bay, Aqaba, Jordan
Petra, Jordan
Bastakia area, Dubai
106
North Africa & Arabia
●
Beach at Oualidia, Morocco
ia
Kitesurfers on the beach, Essaouira, Morocco
Traditional boat on Dubai Creek
Musandam Peninsula, Oman
Covered souq, Marrakesh, Morocco
●
107
The Wahiba Sands
Oman
As yet undiscovered by the crowds, Oman offers
an authentic glimpse of Arabian life set against a
spectacular backdrop of soaring mountains
cleaved by massive canyons, endless rolling sand
dunes and unspoilt Arabian Sea beaches. Its
vibrant capital, rich heritage and friendly people
mean it won’t be so unexplored for long.
Oman’s beaches
Oman’s deserted beaches offer guaranteed winter
sunshine without the crowds. Quiet enough for
nesting turtles, these dazzling stretches of white
sand contrast dramatically with the turquoise seas
and dry and dusty mountains.
Before the beach
Balance the utter tranquillity of the coast with a
few days in the Wahiba Sands desert, or visit
bustling Dubai, a city where traditional souqs hide
in the shadow of high-tech towers.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
108
Desert Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands
Before the beach
Top left: Pool terrace. Top right: Dinner on the beach. Above: Al Bustan Palace and the beach
Al Bustan Palace, near Muscat
The Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton hotel,
showcases Arabian opulence at its finest. This
palatial hotel has long been known as one of
the most luxurious in the Middle East.
Essentials
From the moment you walk into the hotel’s
soaring atrium with its dramatic chandeliers and
trickling fountain you know you are somewhere
very special. Creating a perfect blend of Arabian
charm and international standards and service,
the Al Bustan has earned a reputation as the
‘jewel of the Sultanate’. The hotel is sumptuously
decorated throughout and set in extensive
landscaped gardens that reach down to the
kilometre-long private beach. There is a good
choice of restaurants, bars and activities and an
incredible 50 metre infinity pool as well as four
additional lagoon pools and a separate pool for
children. Enjoy the dramatic sunrises from your
private balcony, take a kayak tour along the
coast or just sit back and relax on the beach or
by the pool.
Features 5 pools, fitness centre, tennis courts, children’s
pool and playground, children’s club
Restaurants and bars 3 restaurants, cocktail lounge
and lounge serving high tea
Wahiba Sands
Wahiba Sands is a dramatic desert landscape
stretching over almost 13,000 square
kilometres, with undulating dunes reaching
up to 100 metres in height. Home to the
nomadic Bedouin people for tens of
thousands of years, this desert environment
has over 200 species of wildlife and 150
species of native flora. Migrating birds head
to the mudflats and lagoons, and if there is
water in the desert canyons you will find
deep green and blue pools in which to cool
off. You can also try exhilarating 4x4 ‘dune
bashing’, ride with a caravan of camels or
head off on a quad bike at sunrise or sunset
to see the desert at its most spectacular.
The Desert Nights Camp offers luxurious
accommodation in traditional Bedouin tents.
Activities Snorkelling, range of watersports, boat trips,
jogging trail, fitness classes, diving available nearby
Beach 1km of private beach with white sand and
palm trees
Muscat
Al Bustan Palace
How hidden? In an area with other hotels but set in
extensive gardens
oman
When to go September to May
Wahiba Sands
Suggested trip
2 nights Wahiba Sands, half board,
including excursions; 7 nights Al
Bustan Palace, including breakfast.
Includes flights and transfers plus a
night in Muscat. Variations and
The 250 spacious rooms reflect local tradition
and style but come with state-of-the-art facilities
and balconies with views of the sea or the
Hajar Mountains.
Infinity pool
●
Oman
109
Mountain picnic from Six Senses Zighy Bay
110
Shoes for sale, Dubai
Before the beach
Dubai
Six Senses Zighy Bay from the air
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Musandam Peninsula
Set on a broad sweeping bay where dry and
dusty mountains contrast dramatically with
shimmering blue sea, Six Senses Zighy Bay is a
remote yet urbane retreat built in traditional
Omani village style.
The hotel sits on a secluded beach accessed by
speedboat, 4x4 or, if you are feeling particularly
adventurous, you can paraglide from the
mountains above. Once here you can simply sit
back and relax in the utter serenity of the setting,
take advantage of the superb spa with its ancient
holistic treatments, hike, bike or climb in the
mountains, snorkel in the clear waters or learn
about Middle Eastern cuisine on a cookery course.
Built using traditional materials and design with
natural stone and warm woods throughout, this
unobtrusive resort is earthy yet chic, with
contemporary decor and superb attention to
detail. Private butler service ensures you will be
well looked after throughout your stay and there
is a variety of restaurants to choose from, all
serving exquisite food. Honeymooners are made
to feel extra special in secluded villas that add an
additional touch of privacy.
Eighty two lovingly-designed villas are located
throughout the grounds, each with its own
private pool, indoor and outdoor showers, and
generous living and outdoor space.
Venture into the desert for a dramatic
off-road adventure amongst the jagged
peaks of the Hajar Mountains. Pass through
traditional villages on the way to the
80-million-year-old Fossil Rock and the
restored fort of the 16th century Hatta
Heritage Village. Return to the city for dinner
on board a traditional wooden dhow and sip
fragrant Arabic coffee as you admire the
dramatic contrasts of this thriving city; the
luxury yachts, Sheikh Maktoum’s home and
the spectacular modern architecture.
You will stay at The Park Hyatt Dubai resort
hotel. The rooms each have a balcony or
terrace overlooking the marina and Dubai
Creek and there is a secluded spa set in a
quiet courtyard.
Musandam
Peninsula
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Essentials
oman
Rooms 82 villas
Restaurants and bars 3 restaurants, 2 bars and a
wine cellar
Dubai
Features Large swimming pool, Six Senses Spa, gym,
children’s activity club, outdoor cinema
Activities Diving, snorkelling, watersports, sunset dhow
cruises, mountain trekking and biking, tandem
paragliding, 4x4 excursions
Beach 1.6km secluded white sand beach exclusive to
the bay with dramatic mountain backdrop
When to go End of September-May
united arab
emirates
Suggested trip
excursions; 7 nights Six Senses Zighy
Bay, including breakfast. Includes
Pool Villa
●
Oman
111
The Treasury seen from the Siq, Petra
Jordan
Steeped in history and home to Crusader castles,
desert fortresses and ruined Roman cities, Jordan
is a fascinating crossroads of cultures. This
combined with its golden Red Sea beaches
make it a hugely versatile destination.
Jordan’s beaches
High desert mountains give way to golden sands
on Jordan’s Red Sea coast. Famous for its corals
and large variety of fish, the turquoise waters here
are perfect for leisurely snorkelling as well as
serious diving.
After the beach
The World Heritage Site of Petra, an iconic ancient
monument carved out of the red desert rock, is a
spectacular contrast to idle time on the beach.
Explore the dramatic narrow canyons, tombs,
temples and colonnaded streets lost in time.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
112
The Monastery, Petra
After the beach
Petra
Pools and sea beyond
Top: The hotel at night. Above: Deck area
Radisson Blu Tala Bay Resort, Aqaba
Bright, modern and stylish, the Radisson Blu
is an attractive hotel with every facility needed
for a relaxing break. Set on an uncrowded
beach close to the historic city of Aqaba, it
offers contemporary style in a region steeped
in history.
With the sparkling waters of the Red Sea just a
few steps from the hotel door, the Radisson has
a great location. Although more traditional in
design on the outside, the interiors feature
Radisson‘s minimalist Scandinavian style with
muted colour schemes and spacious, light-filled
rooms. When lit at night, the main pool, which is
just one of five, offers a striking contrast to the
bright, rounded arches of the restaurants and bars.
You can try parasailing and waterskiing from the
beach or explore the rich local marine life while
snorkelling or diving just offshore. Thanks to its
numerous room types, the versatile resort makes
an ideal destination for all travellers, providing
intimate suites for honeymooners but also family
rooms and all the facilities needed for a
memorable family trip.
Essentials
Rooms 336 rooms
Restaurants and bars 3 restaurants, 2 bars and a lounge
Features 5 outdoor pools including an infinity pool,
outdoor fitness area, children’s club
Activities Snorkelling, diving, watersports, boat hire,
yoga classes, parasailing
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra
has drawn visitors to Jordan ever since its
discovery in 1812. Explore the tombs,
temples and fading frescoes of Little Petra
en route to the main site, an awe-inspiring
place described as ‘a rose-red city half as old
as time‘. A guide will lead you through the
Siq, a high, narrow canyon stretching for a
kilometre on its way to the Treasury Tomb,
Petra‘s most iconic and defining monument
carved from the sandstone rock. Wander
amongst the temples, tombs, colonnaded
streets and museums, and in the evening be
taught by local cooks to prepare a series of
delicious authentic Jordanian dishes. You will
then have another day to explore the
extensive site on your own.
The Mövenpick Resort is perfectly positioned
near the entrance of Petra, with rooms that
are elegantly decorated.
Beach Expanse of golden sand, secluded and private
How hidden? The beach feels secluded but the shops
and restaurants of Aqaba are easily accessed by taxi
jordan
When to go September-November, March-June
Petra
Aqaba
Radisson BLU
Suggested trip
7 nights Radison Blu, including
breakfast; 3 nights Petra, including
breakfast and excursions. Includes
All rooms have private balconies with views of the
Red Sea, pool or beach, and tasteful decor with
plush bedding and elegant, modern furnishings.
Superior Room
●
Jordan
113
Spices in the souq, Essaouira
Morocco
Arabian mystery, French sophistication and
elaborate Moorish architecture collide in the
heady experience that is Morocco. From its
medieval kasbahs to its bustling souqs, it is a feast
for the senses.
Time difference: as GMT
(with seasonal difference)
Morocco’s beaches
Morocco’s Atlantic coast harbours small towns of
winding whitewashed lanes and deserted,
windswept beaches. Fine golden sands surround
the placid lagoon at laid-back Oualidia, while
charming Essaouira is home to sumptuous riads
and secluded hammams.
Before the beach
Head inland and explore Marrakesh, Morocco’s
most evocative city. Hidden behind high red
ramparts, the narrow lanes of the shaded souqs
wind around palaces, tombs and gardens all
leading to the legendary Djemaa el Fna with its
acrobats, snake charmers and ancient Berber
cures.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
114
Djemaa el Fna, Marrakesh
Before the beach
Marrakesh
Top and above: Rooftop terrace
Interior
Villa de l’O, Essaouira
Gloriously indulgent and richly ornamented,
the superb Villa de l’O reflects Morocco’s blend
of cultures in both its design and atmosphere.
A traditional riad, this exquisitely restored
18th century building recalls the heyday of
French Morocco.
Set in bustling Essaouira on one of the most
picturesque segments of Morocco’s coastline,
the view from the hotel’s large roof terrace has
remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
Although Essaouira’s beach is more suited to
watersports than swimming, the real joy here is in
soaking up the atmosphere of Morocco’s most
charming town, enjoying a traditional spa
treatment in the hammam, exploring the medina
and sipping a cocktail on the terrace as the sun
sets. Inside, massive wooden doors, carved with
intricate patterns, open into a colonial world of
dark woods, sepia-toned photographs, caged
birds and whirring fans. Highly romantic and
exquisitely styled, every room reveals subtle but
quirky details. Leather armchairs are set beside
elegant wicker bookcases, heavy velvet curtains
contrast with animal prints, and Moroccan lamps
light up dark corners.
Explore the bustling city of Marrakesh, with
its sprawling lattice of narrow alleyways that
resound with a hum of activity and make up
the fabled souq and medina at the centre of
the city. Visit the marble and carved alabaster
halls of the Saadian Tombs, and the
Koutoubia Mosque that dominates the
Marrakesh skyline. Take a tour of the pavilions
and sunken gardens of El Badi Palace, and as
dusk falls make your way to the Djemaa el
Fna, the famous square that comes alive at
night with food stalls and acrobats, snake
charmers and musicians entertaining the
crowds.
The Riad Kniza is a luxurious and charming
hotel in the heart of the old medina. The 11
rooms and suites have rich decor and are
positioned around three inner courtyards.
This excellent base offers a traditional spa
and an inviting pool.
The 12 comfortable rooms and suites are
individually decorated in a style that effortlessly
blends French chic and colonial charm with
traditional Moroccan materials.
Morocco
Essentials
Restaurants and bars No restaurant but breakfast is
served on the rooftop terrace or in the courtyard
Marrakesh
Essaouira
Villa de l’O
Features Small spa and hamman, rooftop terrace with
bar
Activities Walk on the beach and explore the fishing
harbour, windsurfing, golf, shopping in the souqs,
cultural tours
Beach The coarse-grain sand beach is just a short walk
away and is great for walks and windsurfing
How hidden? Within walking distance of Essaouira’s
souqs, colourful shops and restaurants
Suite Unik Onyx
When to go November-February
Suggested trip
3 nights Marrakesh, including breakfast
and excursions; 7 nights Villa de l’O,
●
Morocco
115
Essaouira, Morocco
116
117
Spices in the souq, Marrakesh
Before the beach
Marrakesh
Infinity pool and deck area
La Sultana, Oualidia
Half hidden behind lush palms, this palatial
Moorish fort is set on the edge of Oualidia’s
shimmering blue lagoon. Seamlessly blending
traditional design and materials with subtle
French sophistication, this opulent resort is one
of Morocco’s finest.
Understated yet refined, La Sultana has just 12
rooms and suites ensuring highly personal service
and great attention to detail. Stone walls with
traditional tadelakt plaster, oleander ceilings and
marble floors create a very natural environment
and when combined with painted wooden
furniture and fine fabrics, have a wonderfully
charming effect. A wooden deck leads to a
curving infinity pool that overlooks the lagoon
and private beach, while dotted around the
beautifully-maintained gardens you will find
private niches with sunbeds or wrought iron
chairs inviting you to stop for a while. Oualidia is
renowned for its oysters and the restaurant here
specialises in seafood; attentive staff can also
arrange a private dining experience in a quiet
cove. The hotel’s arched stone spa offers a range
of treatments in beautiful rooms set around the
swimming pool.
The chic guest rooms have a strong local
character but feature a very clear French influence.
All come with private terraces with flowering
plants and Jacuzzi.
The most evocative of Moroccan cities,
colourful Marrakesh is an exuberant place,
guaranteed to leave a great impression.
Explore the carved marble Saadian Tombs
and dramatically contoured Koutoubia
Mosque before visiting the immaculately
maintained Majorelle Gardens – lovingly
restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Wander on
raised walkways through the pavilions and
sunken gardens of El Badi Palace, modelled
on the Alhambra in Granada, and bargain in
the bustling, labyrinthine souqs. The city
comes alive at night in the Djemaa el Fna, the
famous square buzzing with snake charmers,
musicians and soothsayers.
La Sultana Marrakesh is a deluxe hotel
designed as a riad from a bygone era with
individually decorated rooms, richly Arabian
in style. Centred around a verdant courtyard,
the roof terraces offer 360 degree views.
Oualidia
Essentials
Marrakesh
Restaurants and bars Restaurant specialising in seafood,
private dining options
Morocco
Features Indoor and outdoor pools, spa, hammam and
sauna, fitness room
Activities Cooking class, boat trip on the lagoon,
windsurfing, walking and birdwatching on the salt flats,
village visit, surfing
Beach Private beach, compact curve of golden sands
looking out onto the lagoon
How hidden? Very secluded, 20 minutes’ walk from
village and restaurants
Exterior
118
Morocco
●
La Sultana
When to go November-February
Suggested trip
3 nights Marrakesh, including breakfast
and excursions; 7 nights La Sultana
Oualidia, including breakfast. Includes
Deck area, La Sultana, Oualidia
119
Latin America
Costa Rica
●
Belize
●
Mexico
●
Chichén Itzá, Yucatán, Mexico
Brazil
Beach at Esencia, Mayan Riviera, Mexico
Sloth, Costa Rica
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
120
Latin America
●
Beach at Matachica, Ambergris Caye, Belize
Iguaçu Falls, Brazil
Mask Temple, Lamanai, Belize
Squirrel monkey, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
Aerial view of Ponta dos Ganchos, Brazil
●
Latin America
121
Horse riding on Playa Potrero Beach, Bahia del Sol
Costa Rica
Small but incredibly diverse, Costa Rica has a
staggering amount to see from smouldering
volcanoes, and tropical rainforest to sandy
beaches and tropical reefs, all teeming with some
of the world’s most spectacular flora and fauna.
Time difference: GMT- 6 hours
Costa Rica’s beaches
With calm seas, clear waters and a backdrop of
lush vegetation, Costa Rica’s sandy beaches offer a
multitude of options. Most resorts also offer a
good range of activities.
Before the beach
Head inland to the foothills of Costa Rica’s best
known volcano and discover the incredible
tropical forests, stunning views and wildlife of the
Rio Frio river, or visit lush Lapa Rios in the Osa
Peninsula, where the mountains meet the beach
and you can see colourful birds, monkeys and
sloths.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
122
Arenal Volcano
Before the beach
Above: Pool
Top: Gardens and sea. Above: Gardens
Bahia del Sol, Playa Potrero
Located on one of the best swimming beaches
on the Guanacaste coast, this small hotel is in an
incredibly peaceful location and is set in
beautiful tropical gardens.
Essentials
The hotel is designed in traditional Costa Rican
style with bright and cheerful decor and an
easy-going charm. Its large pool with a swim-up
bar shaded by palm trees makes an ideal place to
relax and unwind. The hotel overlooks a tropical
beach lapped by calm seas, perfect for swimming
and a safe place for children to play. Around the
hotel in the well-tended tropical gardens, plants
are helpfully labelled and the lush vegetation
invites a wide variety of colourful birdlife close to
your room. There is a small outdoor spa offering a
range of treatments and the option to take fishing,
snorkelling or catamaran tours. Most memorable
however, are the breathtaking views at sunset,
best enjoyed with a cocktail from the beach bar.
Features Pool, Jacuzzi, small spa
Arenal Volcano
Explore the majestic rainforest of Arenal
Volcano National Park and discover the lava
rocks created by past eruptions. During the
Caño Negro Wildlife tour you will take a boat
journey up the Frio River in search of caiman,
monkeys, sloths and tropical birds. Your time
here will also include a tour to the
spectacular Arenal Hanging Bridges where
you will walk in the rainforest canopy with
your specialist guide, passing thick tropical
vegetation and catching glimpses of
colourful birds. The forest trails lead to open
areas affording wonderful views of the
volcano on clear days.
The Arenal Springs Hotel has suites set in
lush gardens; from the private terraces
many rooms have spectacular views of the
volcano, and all are perfect for spotting the
exotic birdlife.
Restaurants and bars Beachfront restaurant,
swim-up bar
Activities Catamaran and sailing tours, diving,
snorkelling, sport fishing, surf lessons, ATV tour, hot
springs tour, Palo Verde National Park visit, horse riding,
zip-lining
Beach Long stretch of soft, dark sand backed by dry
forest and palm trees.
How hidden? The only hotel on the beach, but local
restaurants within walking distance.
Costa Rica
Bahia del Sol
Playa
Potrero
Arenal
Volcano
When to go November-August
Suggested trip
3 nights Arenal, including breakfast
and excursions; 7 nights Bahia del Sol,
and transfers, plus a night in San José.
for details.
There are just 13 rooms and 15 suites, simply but
tastefully decorated with Costa Rican fabrics and
furniture. Some come with private gardens and
patios complete with Jacuzzi and hammock, while
others have a private terrace. The Honeymoon
Suite has a very private outdoor bath perfect for
gazing at the stars.
One Bedroom Suite
●
Costa Rica
123
Beach at Punta Islita at sunset
124
Scarlet macaws, Osa Peninsula
Before the beach
Pool by the beach
Hotel Punta Islita, Nicoya Peninsula
This award-winning hotel is perched on a
secluded clifftop with spectacular views.
Charming and with a traditional Costa Rican
feel, Hotel Punta Islita offers tropical luxury as
well as the opportunity to learn about local life
and conservation work.
involved with the local community as well as
conservation projects in the tropical dry forests
which surround it. You can enjoy the herbalist
wisdom of the native Chorotega tribes in the
hotel spa, visit local villages or even zip-wire
though the forest and across a deep canyon.
Cut into the hillside and and set amongst lush
foliage looking out towards the sea, the hotel
occupies an unbeatable location. Rooms are
designed in a distinctive architectural style and
surround a main lodge housing the bar and
restaurant as well as a wet bar, stunning infinity
pool and gym. Down by the black volcanic sand
beach a separate complex offers an additional
restaurant and pool. Responsible tourism is a key
facet of the resort and Hotel Punta Islita is very
Rooms are well appointed and some have private
plunge pools or Jacuzzis. They are set back in the
foliage with verandas for bird spotting and
watching the sunset.
The 16 charming bungalows of the Lapa
Rios Eco Lodge are nestled in the rainforest
connected by winding paths and cooled by
sea breezes. There are breathtaking views
over the forest canopy.
Hotel Punta Islita
Nicoya
Peninsula
Costa Rica
Rooms 57 deluxe rooms, including beach casitas and
private villas
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants and bars, one with
stunning ocean views
Activities Sunset cruise, surfing, deep-sea fishing,
cultural experiences, river kayaking, horse riding,
zip-lining
Beach 10 minute walk to the dark-sand beach set in a
cove and backed by palm trees
How hidden? Very secluded, walking distance to local
village
The Lapa Rios Eco Lodge on the Osa
Peninsula offers some of Costa Rica’s best
wildlife viewing opportunities; the tropical
rainforests teem with rare and unusual flora
and fauna. Watch colourful toucans and hear
monkeys screeching outside while you
breakfast, then walk through the reserve to
remote beaches in search of macaws, tapirs
and sloths. A night walk will reveal nocturnal
creatures in their natural habitat, a torch
bringing the rainforest to life. You can also
take a Local Medicine Tour and learn about
the traditional uses of the plants and seeds.
Essentials
Features 2 pools, spa, tennis courts, exercise room, an
ocean-side family beach club, golf buggies, 9 hole golf
course
Suite exterior
Osa Peninsula
When to go November-August
Osa Peninsula
Suggested trip
3 nights Lapa Rios, full board, including
excursions; 7 nights Punta Islita,
and transfers, plus a night in San José.
for details.
●
Costa Rica
125
Ambergris Caye
Belize
A lush tropical paradise of soft sand beaches,
subtropical forest and incredible diving, Belize
tops all this off with its relics of ancient civilisations
and wonderfully relaxed people.
Time difference: GMT-6 hours
Flight time from UK: 13 hours (plus a night in USA
on outbound journey)
Belize's beaches
Set on a massive barrier reef, the beaches of
Ambergris Caye are superb. With soft white sands
leading down to the Caribbean Sea, you can lie in
the sun, sail around the idyllic cays, or enjoy some
of the finest diving on the planet.
Before the beach
Combine time on the beach with a trip to
Lamanai to explore the beautiful Maya ruins. Learn
about medicinal plants and discover the birds and
butterflies, monkeys and caiman in the lagoon
and lush forests around it.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
126
Keel-billed toucan
Before the beach
Lamanai, Orange Walk
District
Hammock outside a casita
Top: Sunloungers on the jetty. Above: Pool
Matachica, Ambergris Caye
Only accessible by boat, Matachica sits alone
on a long thin stretch of sparkling white sand
facing the world’s second largest barrier reef.
This small, easy-going resort is an excellent
place to soak up Belize’s unique character
and charm.
Spend your day drifting between hammocks,
sunloungers, scattered oversized cushions and the
hotel’s pool and Jacuzzi, or take advantage of the
sea kayaks to head out with a mask and snorkel to
the kaleidoscope of colours on the reef. Guides
are available to ensure you don’t miss anything,
and they are also happy to arrange windsurfing,
parasailing and scuba diving. The hotel design
reflects local traditions with artworks, wall
hangings, striped fabrics and lamps giving it an
intimate and personal charm. The restaurant offers
a wonderful menu inspired by local flavours, and
spills out beneath the palm trees on the edge of
the beach. The relaxed spa offers organic
treatments featuring traditional local ingredients
such as a chocolate body wrap or papaya facial.
Matachica is Belize at its best: laid-back yet
bursting with life.
The 26 individually-decorated and vibrantly
coloured thatched casitas feature original art
collected from around the world. Rooms are
spacious with cool whitewashed walls and all
come with a private veranda complete with
hammock.
Belize is a tropical paradise of lush rainforests,
ancient civilisations and magnificent bird
and marine life. Explore the ruins of Maya
temples at Lamanai and take the Medicine
Trail to discover some of the plants and herbs
used by this ancient civilisation, or take a
nature walk in the jungle to discover delicate
orchids and beautiful butterflies and birds.
A highlight of your time here will be an
exhilarating cruise on a river boat heading
out into the night in search of caiman and
other nocturnal creatures.
Lamanai Outpost Lodge has 20 simple
wooden cabanas set in the heart of the
jungle and located in the midst of the
remnants of a major Maya city. You will
spend a night in Miami en route.
Belize
Matachica
Orange
Walk
District
Ambergis
Caye
Essentials
Lamanai
Rooms 26 casitas and 1 villa
Restaurants and bars Bar and beachfront restaurant
Features Pool, gym, spa, large outdoor Jacuzzi, cinema
lounge, pool table
Activities Sea kayaking, snorkelling, diving, fishing,
cycling, helicopter tours
Beach A long narrow stretch of soft, white sand on the
Caribbean sea
Can children go too? From12 years old
When to go November-June
Suggested trip
3 nights Lamanai, full board, including
excursions; 7 nights Matachica,
and transfers plus a night in Miami.
for details.
Casita
●
Belize
127
Dancer, Mexico
Mexico
Mexico’s coastal regions offer a captivating
glimpse of what this incredibly diverse country
has to offer. Enjoy rich history and culture, ancient
ruins, protected landscapes and sun soaked
beaches.
Mexico’s beaches
Enjoy the relative calm of a sheltered beach but
with the option of boat and whale-watching trips,
diving, fishing or swimming in nearby cenotes
(sinkholes).
Before the beach
Explore Mexico City, a dynamic, sprawling
metropolis, discover the ancient pyramids at
nearby Teotihuacan, or head for Uxmal and
Chichén Itzá, some of Mexico’s most important
archaeological sites.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
128
Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, Teotihuacán
Before the beach
Pool bar
Hotel Capella Pedregal, Baja California
An exclusive retreat tucked into a cliffside and
accessed by a private tunnel through a
mountain, Capella Pedregal lets you get away
from it all while maintaining easy access to the
the bright lights of Cabo San Lucas.
Set apart at the end of the beach, this property
offers impeccable service with a generous splash
of Mexican charm. Guests are assigned a personal
assistant to help them make the most of their
time with suggestions for activities and excursions
as well as assistance throughout their stay. Private
plunge pools, binoculars in your room to watch
migrating whales and a personal pool server
offering facial sprays, woven fans and champagne
are just some of the small details that make this
resort stand out. The hotel has several pools,
including a stunning infinity pool, an extensive
library, a variety of restaurants and a fantastic
spa offering a range of treatments. Alternatively,
head to nearby Cabo San Lucas for whale
watching and sea lion excursions, but with so
much on offer on your doorstep we suspect you
won’t be venturing far.
The 96 spacious rooms and suites are stylishly
decorated with king size beds and handcrafted
Mexican details throughout. Outside, your private
terrace features a plunge pool with spectacular
views of the Pacific Ocean.
mexico
Baja California
Cabo San Lucas
Hotel Capella Pedregal
Mexico City
Restaurants and bars 4 restaurants and bars including
an ocean front lounge and swim-up bar. Private and
beachside dining available
Features 3 pools, spa, fitness centre, tennis courts,
children’s club and pool
Suggested trip
Activities Diving, boat and sailing trips, surfing, whale
watching, game fishing, golf, horse riding, ATV tours,
helicopter rides, ultralight gliding, hiking
4 nights Mexico City, including
Hotel Capella Pedregal, including
for details.
The centrally located Four Seasons Hotel
Mexico provides a haven in this
overwhelming city, with 240 elegantly
decorated rooms and suites.
Essentials
Beach A wide golden sand beach enclosed by cliffs on
either side. Impressive waves, sea not safe for swimming
Deluxe Oceanview Room
Mexico City
Mexico City is a captivating fusion of
crumbling colonial buildings and modern
architecture. A knowledgeable guide will
introduce you to the celebrated sights such
as the vast central plaza, a gathering place
since Aztec times, and the Shrine of our Lady
of Guadalupe, Mexico’s holiest site where the
Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. Then
head to the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon,
which rival those of Giza in Egypt, in the
nearby city of Teotihuacán, or you might
choose to explore the Xochimilco floating
gardens, travelling on a colourful trajinera
boat through the fascinating canals bustling
with market vendors.
When to go All year round
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Mexico
129
Chichén Itzá
Before the beach
Pool area
Esencia, Mayan Riviera
A converted Italian mansion originally owned
by a duchess, this is one of the most serene and
luxurious properties on the Mayan Riviera. The
estate is surrounded by lush tropical gardens
and overlooks a white-sand beach lapped by
turquoise seas.
to arrange romantic meals on the beach under
the stars. Daily yoga and tai-chi sessions are also
available near the beach. You are only a short taxi
ride away from the busy restaurants and bars of
Playa del Carmen, but we find that most guests
just want to relax and unwind in Esencia itself.
There are only 29 rooms here, set in the original
mansion or in cottages dotted around the
gardens. The location of the hotel means that
both the extensive grounds and the beach are
very private. Mahogany louvred doors and large
windows frame beautiful views, and the hotel’s
organic spa offers a variety of relaxing treatments.
There are two beachfront pools, one set aside for
adults, and two fine dining restaurants. For
something a little more personal, staff are happy
Rooms are elegant and decorated in a clean,
minimalist style, with crisp whitewashed walls
and floors, native hardwood furniture and high
ceilings. All have extra large bathrooms with
double rain-showers and some come with private
plunge pools.
Essentials
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants, including fine
dining, 1 beachfront bar
Features 1 adults pool, 1 childrens pool, spa, 50-acre
estate and tropical gardens
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sailing, yoga and tai-chi,
cookery classes, tours to Tulum ruins, Sian Ka’an
Biosphere Reserve and water-park visits
Beach Long stretch of soft, white-sand beach and
turquoise sea
How hidden? Feels secluded, taxi to shops and
restaurants
Garden Room
130
Mexico
●
When to go November to June
Maya ruins, Yucatán
Discover Mexico’s fascinating history with a
guided tour to the ruins of Uxmal, one of the
most important Maya archaeological sites.
Admire the curved Magician’s Pyramid and
climb to the top of the Cuadrangulo de las
Monjas for breathtaking views over the entire
site. Travel to Kabah and the Palace of the
Masks, its façade covered in hundreds of
stone masks of the hook-nosed rain god,
Chac. A visit to this awe-inspiring UNESCO
World Heritage Site along with a trip to the
sacred Maya site of Chichén Itzá is sure to be
a highlight of your time in Mexico.
The beautifully restored Hacienda San Jose
is set in tranquil countryside just an hour
from Chichén Itzá. The eight rooms are
individually decorated and feature beautiful
colonial-era furniture.
Hacienda
San Jose
Chichén Itzá
Yucatán
Esencia
Mayan Riviera
Uxmal & Kabah
mexico
Suggested trip
3 nights Yucatán, including breakfast
and excursions; 6 nights Esencia,
Beach, Esencia
131
Rio de Janeiro from Christ the Redeemer
Brazil
Brazil’s seemingly endless coastline offers some
incredible places to unwind. Far from the madding
crowds, you will find remote stretches of
untouched sand, crystal clear waters and excellent
sailing and hiking opportunities.
Brazil’s beaches
Head to a private peninsula near Florianópolis
where lush forest rolls down to emerald sea, or
choose the white sandy shores of the Green
Coast, a largely undiscovered region of unspoilt
beaches backed by verdant hills.
Before the beach
Experience the heady delights of Rio, an
intoxicating city with its iconic statue of Christ the
Redeemer and legendary beaches at Copacabana
and Ipanema. Alternatively, head to the remote
Iguaçu Falls, a spectacular natural wonder ringed
by lush rainforest.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
132
Rio de Janeiro
Before the beach
Top: Pool. Above: Garden
View from the ocean
Pousada Picinguaba, Green Coast
Perched above a sleepy fishing village and
overlooking the sea, Picinguaba has just ten
individually decorated rooms. Its simple but
stylish nature makes it the perfect place to
switch off and unwind.
Located along a stretch of undiscovered coast of
white sandy bays backed by lush rainforest and
mountain peaks, Picinguaba has a pervading air
of calm. A stay here is all about relaxation. There is
no mobile phone signal, no internet and no
television, so you can truly get away from it all.
The hotel’s organic restaurant uses ingredients
from the estate’s own farm. Lush gardens
surround the pool and run down to the bright
blue sea, hammocks swaying gently in the breeze.
This magical setting is ideal for exploring local
islands on the hotel’s schooner, diving in the
crystal clear waters or taking guided hikes in the
forest.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro has a breathtaking setting,
bordered by fabulous white-sand beaches
and mountains covered in dense rainforest.
Discover this busy, vibrant city by taking a
tour to the famous Copacabana and Ipanema
beaches, a cable car to the summit of Sugar
Loaf Mountain and the cog railway up to the
iconic art deco statue of Christ the Redeemer.
Rio’s favelas (slums) are a hive of activity and
you can experience what it is like to live here
on a responsibly managed tour. There will
also be time to explore Rio on your own.
Occupying a prime spot on the Copacabana
beachfront, the Miramar Hotel by Windsor is
close to attractions and just a few minutes’
walk from Ipanema Beach. The hotel’s 200
rooms and suites all have butler service.
The ten rooms have simple wooden floors and
whitewashed walls and are decorated with local
crafts and materials. Climbing tropical flowers
form natural screens, creating private balconies
that are completed by a hammock and visiting
hummingbirds.
brazil
Essentials
Rooms 10 rooms including a honeymoon suite and a
private villa
Restaurants and bars Restaurant using locally sourced
ingredients and home grown produce
Green
Coast
Rio de Janeiro
Paraty
Pousada
Picinguaba
Features Pool, sauna, massage facilities, private schooner
Activities Paddle boards, surfing excursions, kayaking,
schooner excursions, day trips to colonial Paraty and
other towns, guided rainforest treks, birdwatching
Beach Short walk to nearest beach, or a 30 minute stroll
to Praia Fazenda, a stunning long stretch of soft golden
sand backed by mangroves
Honeymoon suite
Suggested trip
4 nights Rio de Janeiro, including
Pousada Picinguaba, half board.
●
Brazil
133
Ponta dos Ganchos from the air
134
Iguaçu Falls
Before the beach
Beach and private island deck area
Ponta dos Ganchos, near Florianópolis
Ponta dos Ganchos is one of the most exclusive
properties in Brazil, tucked away on a private
peninsula and encased in rich green foliage
spilling down to an emerald sea. A candlelit
causeway links to a private island for a special
place to dine.
Essentials
Luxurious yet understated, the hotel offers
simple elegance and impeccable service while
emphasising personal privacy and relaxation.
The bungalows are designed with great attention
to detail and many guests rarely venture beyond
the hotel. You can relax on the fine sand beach,
swim in the sheltered bay or explore by kayak,
dinghy or fishing boat. A secluded massage area
overlooks the sea, muslin-draped daybeds lie
hidden in a corner of the garden. The beachfront
restaurant offers sophisticated fare including the
option of a gourmet ten course breakfast, but for
an unforgettable meal book the table – there’s
only one – on the private island, where a
dedicated waiter looks after your every need.
Activities Diving, motor boat rental, sailing, snorkelling,
kayaking, helicopter tours, private island tour, local
cultural tours, golf, horse riding
Rooms 25 bungalows
Restaurants and bars Seafront restaurant and bar,
private dining available
Features Pool, massage and beauty treatments,
fitness centre, cinema, games room and tennis court
Iguaçu Falls
The magnificent Iguaçu Falls spans the
Brazilian border with Argentina and is one of
the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Set in a
subtropical nature reserve, over 275 separate
waterfalls crash into the Iguaçu River below,
with the Devil’s Throat being the largest and
most powerful. You will explore both sides
of the falls, with wonderful views and
well-marked forest trails enabling you to see
the flora and fauna of the reserve. A Macuco
Safari boat ride will take you to the foot of
the falls to fully appreciate their raw power
and beauty.
Das Cataratas is a traditional Portuguese
colonial residence, the only hotel within the
protected National Park on the Brazilian side
of the falls.
Beach A small stretch of soft golden sand fronting
calm waters
brazil
Iguaçu Falls
Can children go too? Adult-only
When to go September-May
Florianópolis
Ponta dos Ganchos
Suggested trip
3 nights Iguaçu, including breakfast
and excursions; 7 nights Ponta dos
Ganchos including breakfast. Includes
The carefully designed rooms have vast
panoramic windows looking out across the bay,
rich polished woods and a sophisticated style.
Some have private plunge pools, while others
have a sauna and Jacuzzi and expansive verandas.
Special Bungalow
●
Brazil
135
USA & Hawaii
USA
●
Hawaii
Waterfall in Maui, Hawaii
Beach in Cape Cod, USA
Boston, USA
Shorebirds, Jekyll Island, USA
136
USA & Hawaii
●
Traditional architecture, Savannah, USA
Beach at Napili Kai, Maui, Hawaii
Mural in Los Angeles, USA
Painted houses, San Francisco, USA
Cannon Beach, Oregon, USA
●
USA & Hawaii
137
Fishermen, Cape Cod National Seashore
USA
From historic private islands to white sand
beaches backed by massive Douglas firs, the USA’s
coastline is just begging to be explored. The rich
history and collection of picturesque seaside
towns on the Atlantic coast contrasts with
dramatic landscapes, and buzzing cities on the
Pacific shores.
Time difference: GMT-5 to -8 hours
Flight time from UK: 7-11 hours
USA’s beaches
Choose from legendary Cape Cod with its rugged
beaches and rolling dunes, the manicured
Victorian charm of historic Jekyll Island, the bright
lights of San Diego or the rustic, backwoods
beauty of rural Oregon.
Before the beach
Tack on a trip to the city and enjoy the glitz and
glamour of LA, Boston’s renowned museums,
Portland’s dramatic backyard or the sultry colonial
grandeur of Savannah.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
138
Boston’s waterfront
Before the beach
Boston
Hotel and beach
Top: Watersports from the beach. Above: Main entrance
Sea Crest Beach Hotel, Cape Cod
Located on Cape Cod's Old Silver Beach and
surrounded by quaint, rose-clad New England
cottages, the recently renovated Sea Crest
Hotel enjoys a secluded setting just steps from
the ocean.
Essentials
The hotel offers a classic New England experience
in charming whitewashed buildings with elegant
balustrades, spectacular panoramic views over
Buzzard's Bay and a long winding stretch of
private beach. The rugged coastline is ideal for
exploring with broad bleached-wood decking
leading through the dunes to the soft sandy
beach and calm waters. The gentle pace of life
and relaxed atmosphere here encourage you to
just laze in the sun or borrow a bike and meander
along the shoreline on a dedicated cycle path.
Visit picturesque Nobska Lighthouse with its views
of renowned Martha's Vineyard or explore the
historic village of Falmouth with its numerous art
galleries and boutiques. There's a choice of indoor
and outdoor pools at the hotel and a restaurant
serving excellent local seafood including lobster,
clams and oysters.
Activities Windsurfing, sailing, cycling, golf, beach
volleyball
Rooms 263 rooms
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants and a poolside bar
Features Indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzis, fitness
centre, bike and boat hire
Boston is one of the oldest and most
culturally important cities in the USA and is
a rewarding place to explore on foot. The
famed Freedom Trail is a guided walking
route taking you to 16 historic museums,
meeting houses, churches and burial
grounds, while student-led and self-guided
walking tours are available through Harvard's
leafy campus. Alternatively, hop on an Old
Town Trolley Tour to discover Boston’s
national historic landmarks and monuments.
The Colonnade Boston Hotel is in the heart
of the city's fashionable Back Bay
neighbourhood and features Boston's only
rooftop pool and one of its best restaurants.
The 285 guest rooms and nine luxurious
suites are modern in style with blonde
woods, rich fabrics and deep earthy tones.
Beach A wide stretch of white sand with sunloungers
and parasols for use by hotel guests
How hidden? Surrounded by New England cottages,
20 minutes drive to Falmouth
Boston
USA
When to go May -September
Falmouth
Cape Cod
Sea Crest
Beach Hotel
Suggested trip
3 nights Boston, including breakfast;
7 nights Sea Crest Beach Hotel,
and transfers plus hire car. Variations
The 263 spacious rooms are decorated in a
contemporary style with crisp, light tones. Many
have balconies and patios with ocean views, and
direct access to the swimming pool and beach.
Lobby
●
USA
139
Boston
Before the beach
Boston
Cottages
Top: Chatham Bars Inn from the beach. Above: Spa pool
Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Cod
Set overlooking Pleasant Bay and the Atlantic
Ocean, Chatham Bars Inn occupies a prime
location for visitors to Cape Cod. It has been a
much loved holiday destination since 1914
and retains plenty of its original character
and charm.
Offering both a sense of history and a measure of
seaside glamour, Chatham Bars Inn is Cape Cod at
its finest. Just a brief stroll from one of the oldest
and most picturesque villages on the Cape, it
offers the perfect base for exploring this
celebrated region. The grand main building has a
large lounge, veranda and dining room, all
boasting magnificent panoramic ocean views. In
total there are four restaurants, as well as a fitness
centre and spa. You can take a boat trip to
Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, explore the
quaint Cape villages in a vintage car, go whale
watching or deep sea fishing, or just relax by the
beautiful outdoor pool. The hotel also offers trips
to the Cape Cod National Seashore Outer Beach,
one of the most beautiful barrier beaches in the
world. Little visited, except by seals, this 65
kilometre stretch of sand is a national treasure.
Rooms in the main inn are beautifully appointed
and exude character, while the New England style
cottages are situated throughout the grounds.
Some rooms and cottages enjoy sea views.
Essentials
Rich in history and home to some of the
world’s most renowned academic and
cultural institutions, Boston offers visitors a
huge variety of attractions to explore. A
guided walking tour is a great way to see the
city. Stroll along the many laneways and
cobbled streets lined with small galleries,
shops and pubs, wander through the leafy
parks and admire the grand architecture
both old and new. Cruise Boston Harbour
and perhaps visit the Cheers bar and take in a
baseball game at the iconic Fenway Park,
home to the Boston Red Sox.
The Fairmont Battery Wharf is the only hotel
on Boston Harbour. There are 150 luxurious
guest rooms as well as a spa, and a bar and
bistro serving Italian-inspired fare.
Boston
USA
Chatham Bars Inn
Cape Cod Chatham
Rooms 217 rooms, cottages and suites
Restaurants and bars 4 restaurants, including fine dining
and a lounge serving afternoon tea
Features Pool, spa, fitness centre, tennis courts,
croquet court
Activities Golf, biking, whale watching (in season),
fishing, boat trips, walking, vintage car tours
Beach Private white-sand beach with sunloungers and
parasols, short ferry journey to Outer Beach nearby
How hidden? Within walking distance of Chatham’s
shops and galleries
Deluxe Cottage Room
140
USA
●
When to go May-September
Suggested trip
3 nights Boston, room-only, including
excursion; 7 nights Chatham Bars Inn,
transfers plus hire car. Variations and
Beach in Cape Cod
141
Traditional architecture, Savannah, Georgia
Before the beach
Savannah
Jekyll Island Club Hotel from the air
Jekyll Island Club Hotel, Jekyll Island
Once a playground for turn-of-the-century
politicians, socialites and tycoons - Rockefeller,
Morgan, Pulitzer and Vanderbilt among them
- Jekyll Island is the smallest of Georgia's barrier
islands and undoubtedly the most beautiful.
With its secluded location, romantic Victorian
charm and iconic turreted roofline, it is easy to
imagine America’s wealthiest families walking
across the manicured lawns here. Inside, the main
lodge retains this historic feel with wonderfully
restored leaded glass windows, elaborate
woodwork, huge fireplaces and cascading
bouquets of flowers. There are several dining
options to choose from, but perhaps the most
memorable experience is Victorian High Tea in
the grand dining room. Chosen for its idyllic
location, it is well worth exploring the island's
wide sandy beaches backed by rolling dunes and
scattered with driftwood, its tidal marshes rich in
birdlife and its quiet oak forest criss-crossed by
nature trails. Take a carriage ride to see the
opulent Gilded Age homes, go horse riding on a
deserted beach, or enjoy a picnic on the hotel's
private beach.
The 157 traditionally and elegantly styled rooms
and suites are dotted around the extensive
grounds and decorated with Victorian-style
furnishings. Some suites have balconies, wood
burning stoves and Jacuzzi bathtubs.
The elegant colonial buildings, broad
avenues and tree-lined squares make
picturesque Savannah one of the most
beautiful cities in the American South. The
Savannah History Museum, located inside
an immaculately restored railway station, is
home to more than 10,000 artefacts
chronicling the city’s fascinating past.
Explore the city and soak up the atmosphere
at your own pace on an Old Town Trolley
Tour then finish your day with a wonderful
moonlight riverboat cruise.
The Mansion on Forsyth Park is Savannah’s
most iconic hotel. Set in an opulent mansion
and decorated in indulgent style with
Versace furniture, grand chandeliers and over
400 original artworks, it is the perfect base for
a trip to this incredibly romantic city.
USA
Georgia
Savannah
Jekyll Island Club Hotel
Florida
Essentials
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants, café/bakery/deli
Features Pool, day spa and salon, croquet lawn, putting
green, fitness room
Activities Dolphin cruises, canoeing, cycling, golf, tennis,
historic tours, horse riding, carriage rides
Beach Golden sands backed by dunes stretch in both
directions; the hotel has a section of private beach
How hidden? The hotel is located in large private
grounds, shops and restaurants are a taxi ride away
Walking on Jekyll Island
142
USA
●
Suggested trip
2 nights Savannah, including breakfast
and excursions; 7 nights Jekyll Island
Club Hotel, including breakfast.
Includes flights and transfers plus hire
car. Variations and beach-only also
for details.
Hollywood sign, Los Angeles
Before the beach
Hotel del Coronado from the beach
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
Built in 1888, the 'Del' as it is affectionately
known, has hosted Hollywood stars, foreign
royalty and US presidents as well as providing
a location for 'Some Like it Hot' starring Marilyn
Monroe. Stay here and you will be in very
good company.
Long heralded as one of America's most beautiful
beach resorts, the Del is set among wonderfully
manicured gardens on a glorious stretch of sand.
Today it effortlessly combines modern luxury with
historic charm and has numerous facilities
including bike rental, boating, surfing, a spa and
two lovely swimming pools. There is also a
popular children's club for those travelling with
family. This imposing hotel, with its iconic red
turrets, is a National Historic Landmark with
charming original details such as the magnificent
wood-panelled lobby hung with a giant
chandelier. The hotel has multiple restaurants
serving award-winning food and wine, and is
within easy walking distance of numerous others.
Set on a wide, mile-long stretch of white sand, the
Del is ideally situated for swimming, surfing and
sailing. Ferries to downtown San Diego depart
from the pier nearby.
The original Victorian building is full of character
and although some of the rooms are smaller
than in the rest of the resort they are equally
comfortable and decorated in a crisp,
contemporary style. The larger resort rooms also
have ocean views.
Essentials
Los Angeles
Enjoy the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles
with a guided tour of the Sunset Strip, Rodeo
Drive and Beverly Hills. Tour Universal Studios,
the world’s largest and busiest film studio,
or you could choose to watch a basketball
game at the Staples Centre or join the
baseball fans to see the LA Dodgers in action.
Take a taxi to Santa Monica and stroll along
the boardwalk and visit the historic pier with
its aquarium and amusement park.
The Andaz West Hollywood is a stylish hotel
with 239 rooms boasting spectacular views
of the Hollywood Hills, Sunset Strip or
downtown LA. Once known for its rock and
roll parties, today the hotel retains a hint of
glamour in its sleek and artful design.
USA
Los Angeles
California
Hotel del Coronado
San Diego
Rooms 679 rooms and suites, 78 cottages
Mexico
Restaurants and bars 11 restaurants and bars including
a poolside bar, cabana beach bar and and a deli
Suggested trip
Features 2 pools, spa, shops and boutiques, fitness
centre and children’s club
Activities Surfing lessons, bike and boat rentals, sunset
sailing, yoga, fitness classes, shopping
Beach A huge stretch of golden sand
How hidden? Set in large grounds but within walking
distance of shops and restaurants
Garden patio
3 nights Los Angeles, room only,
including excursion; 7 nights Hotel del
Coronado, room only. Includes flights
●
USA
143
Cannon Beach, Oregon
144
Portland and Mount Hood
Before the beach
Portland
The Ocean Lodge at dusk
The Ocean Lodge, Cannon Beach
A romantic retreat just steps away from iconic
Haystack Rock, the Ocean Lodge, in the state
of Oregon, is reminiscent of a 1940s vintage
beach resort and has wraparound verandas
offering spectacular, unobstructed views of
the Pacific Ocean.
Upon entering the lodge you will immediately
be struck by its character and classic charm.
Massive rough-cut Douglas fir beams and
beautiful reclaimed hardwood floors give it an
incredibly warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The upstairs library is snug and inviting with an
enticing selection of books and a generous supply
of homemade cookies and organic coffee. Relax
on wide decks overlooking the ocean. The hotel is
located just steps from the iconic Haystacks Rock,
on the seafront at the south end of Cannon Beach
and you can stroll along the sands to the village of
the same name with its bustling boutiques, art
galleries and restaurants, enjoy a round of golf or
learn to paint. A visit here is all about slowing
down to a gentler pace of life and enjoying some
fine food, relaxed walks and mesmerising views.
The 45 oceanfront studios and suites are
decorated in neutral tones, with warm woods
and tasteful furniture. All have a Jacuzzi bath.
Birthplace of the skinny latté and home to
art galleries, boutiques, markets and
distinctive architecture, Portland is a vibrant,
progressive city known for its scenic beauty.
Join a tour to explore the harbour front, take
in the unique attractions of some of the city’s
suburbs, visit Lan Su Chinese Garden and
enjoy some tasty Pacific Rim street food.
Take a leisurely day trip to discover the
rugged mountains and lush forest that
surround the city, enjoying stunning
landscapes, spectacular waterfalls and some
delicious Oregon wines along the way.
The Nines in downtown Portland is a stylish
hotel with 331 rooms decorated with rich
fabrics, modern furniture and contemporary
local artworks. You can dine on modern Asian
cuisine on the rooftop and enjoy great views
of the city, mountains and river.
Seattle
Cannon Beach
Essentials
Restaurants and bars No restaurant or bar. Continental
breakfast is served in the breakfast room.
Features Library, lobby
Activities Beach walks, boutique shopping and galleries,
golf, yoga centre nearby
Beach A long wide stretch of golden sands crashed by
the Pacific waves
Oceanfront king room with sofa
Portland
Oregon
Rooms 45 rooms
How hidden? Within walking distance of shops and
restaurants
USA
The Ocean Lodge
Suggested trip
3 nights Portland, including breakfast
and excursions; 7 nights The Ocean
Lodge, including breakfast. Includes
flights and transfers plus hire car.
for details.
When to go May-September
●
USA
145
Sunset at Fairmont Kea Lani
Hawaii
Consistently voted one of the world’s most
romantic islands, Maui’s infectious charm is hard
to resist. With sunny beaches, dramatic
landscapes and a whole host of watersports to
enjoy, this seductive island offers a wonderful
variety of experiences.
Hawaii’s beaches
Gentle breezes rustle the palms above the soft
white sands on Maui’s coast and excellent
snorkelling and diving await just offshore. You can
swim with turtles, windsurf, sail and kayak or
simply sit back and relax with a Mai Tai by the
pool.
Before the beach
Hop from Maui to largely undeveloped Hawaii, to
explore its volcanic peaks and lush rainforests, or
head to bohemian San Francisco to explore its
steep streets and the legendary Alcatraz.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
146
Observatory, Mauna Kea
Before the beach
Top: Beach at Napili Kai. Above: Napili Kai at dusk
Bamboo fishing
Napili Kai, Maui
Spread across landscaped, oceanfront gardens
and overlooking one of the best beaches on
Maui, Napili Kai is a relaxed, family-friendly
resort bursting with infectious Hawaiian charm.
Although a traditional beach resort offering a
wealth of recreational activities and facilities,
Napili Kai manages to retain an incredibly warm
and welcoming atmosphere, largely thanks to its
dedicated staff and unobtrusive design. The
cream-coloured woods, wicker furniture and
subtle, natural colour schemes act as an
unassuming backdrop to the breathtaking ocean
views. The resort boasts four pools, a spa,
children’s club, wonderful, award-winning
restaurant and a variety of watersports. You can
immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture with
complimentary horticultural tours, hula and
lei-making lessons, or the weekly Polynesian
dinner featuring a traditional music and dance
performance by local children. Snorkel with
turtles and brightly-coloured fish, watch out for
humpback whales or venture out to some of the
glorious hidden beaches and dramatic state parks
in the surrounding area.
Napili Kai offers a number of different
accommodation types, all extremely spacious and
furnished in a classic but contemporary style. The
huge rooms and suites all come with kitchenettes
and a private balcony or terrace overlooking the
deep blue sea, or the lush, tropical gardens.
The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, a landmark
on the stunning Kohala Coast, offers 258
luxurious rooms and suites, an 18-hole
championship golf course and the romantic
Clambake Restaurant famous for its al fresco
seafood buffet accompanied by Hawaiian
music and dancing.
Napili Kai Beach Resort
Maui
Kona
Rooms 163 rooms
Mauna Kea
Hawaii
Restaurants and bars Restaurant and snack bar, nightly
Hawaiian entertainment
Activities Snorkelling, whale watching (Dec-May), golf,
Haleakala Volcano Tour, horticultural tour, hula lessons
Beach Soft sand beach on a crescent-shaped bay
How hidden? Relatively secluded, taxi to shops and
restaurants
Continually expanding thanks to the efforts
of the world's most active volcanoes, Hawaii
is larger than all the other islands in the
archipelago combined. At Mauna Kea, the
highest peak, you can visit the world’s largest
observatory or visit Kona where the high
elevation, fertile soil and persistent cloud
create the perfect environment for growing
coffee. Take a whale watching tour led by a
team of marine naturalists to search for
humpback whales, listening to their songs
through underwater hydrophones.
Kohala Coast
Essentials
Features 4 pools, whirlpool and massage facilities, fitness
room, shuffleboard court, 18 hole golf course nearby,
seasonal children’s club (6-10yrs)
Sea House Restaurant
Hawaii Island
Suggested trip
3 nights Hawaii Island, room-only,
including excursions; 7 nights Napili
Kai, room-only. Includes flights and
transfers plus hire car. Variations and
●
Hawaii
147
Pool, Fairmont Kea Lani
148
Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
Before the beach
Gardens and rooms
Top: Beach. Above: Fairmont Kea Lani from above
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Centred around a beautiful bay fringed with a
white-sand beach and waving palms, the
Fairmont Kea Lani is a fabulous all-suite resort
in one of the most enviable locations in Maui.
On arrival you will be greeted with a broad smile
and a traditional Hawaiian lei, a symbol of
affection. It is no empty gesture as the service
here is very personal with a genuine desire to
make your stay the best it possibly can be.
Facilities are extensive with three swimming pools,
fine and casual dining in the resort's five
restaurants, a tempting spa, children's club and a
large choice of watersports. Guests can also take
part in authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences
such as paddling a traditional canoe or learning
about native plants and deities on a guided
cultural tour. However you decide to spend your
time you will be guaranteed top-notch facilities,
spectacular views and an incredibly warm and
welcoming atmosphere. For the very lucky, there
is also the possibility of spotting migrating
humpback whales or swimming with
inquisitive turtles.
Essentials
The Fairmont San Francisco is located on Nob
Hill and offers panoramic views over the city
and bay. This historic hotel has stood in the
city for over 100 years and has 591 elegant
rooms and suites, with fine dining in three
restaurants and lounges.
San Francisco USA
Maui Hawaii
Fairmont Kea Lani
Rooms 413 suites and 37 villas
Restaurants and bars 4 restaurants including finedining, deli and open-air lounge providing musical
evening entertainment
Activities Diving, snorkelling, sailing, kayaking,
windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, golf, tennis, horse riding,
cycling, botanical gardens visit
Beach Soft, white-sand beach
How hidden? Relatively secluded beach, taxi ride to
shops and restaurants
Discover San Francisco on a guided cycling
tour taking in the city's sights from Aquatic
Park and Fort Mason to the Golden Gate
Bridge and Sausalito with its boutiques and
art galleries. Take a ferry back to Fisherman’s
Wharf and visit the legendary Alcatraz, one of
the most infamous federal penitentiaries in
US history. An audio presentation by former
prisoners and guards offers fascinating
insights as you wander the cells and former
prison gardens.
The hotel's attractive suites and villas are
spread over nine hectares of tropical landscape.
The decor is classically sophisticated in the
spacious suites, which have separate living areas
and private patios; villas come with private
courtyards, plunge pools and barbecue grills.
Features 3 swimming pools, spa, fitness centre,
children’s club (5-13yrs), dive centre, shuttle service
Deluxe Ocean View Suite
San Francisco, USA
Suggested trip
3 nights San Francisco, room only,
including excursions; 7 nights Fairmont
Kea Lani, room only. Includes flights
●
Hawaii
149
South Pacific
French Polynesia
●
Fiji
Gardens at Tokoriki, Mamanuca Islands, Fiji
Boy fishing, Fiji
Orchid in the Garden of Sleeping Giants, Viti Levu, Fiji
150
South Pacific
●
Taha'a Lagoon, French Polynesia
Fijian warrior, Denarau, Fiji
Outrigger canoe race, Moorea
Diving, Fiji
Female dancers, Fiji
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
●
South Pacific
151
French
Polynesia
One of the most remote and beautiful places in
the world, French Polynesia is an enchanting mix
of picture-postcard beaches, volcanic landscapes
and coral atolls famous for their unique culture
and irresistible allure.
French Polynesia’s beaches
Soak up the views of dazzling white sands and
turquoise lagoons teeming with brightly coloured
tropical fish from your stilted over-water villa in
stunning Bora Bora or tiny Motu Tautau, where the
languid charm and warm and genuine hospitality
mean you may never want to leave.
Before the beach
Combine your trip with a visit to blissful Moorea
with its idyllic beaches, jungle-clad peaks and
wonderful dolphin and whale watching, or stop
in glamorous LA to see the sights and visit
Hollywood’s Universal Studios.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
Coconuts on the beach, Bora Bora
152
Moorea from the air
Beach-hopping
Moorea
Le Maitai Polynesia from the air
Le Maitai Polynesia, Bora Bora
Le Maitai – ‘all goes well’ – is the perfect
introduction to the paradise that is French
Polynesia. Located on a lovely white-sand beach
between a towering dormant volcano and
dazzling turquoise lagoon, its setting is simply
unforgettable.
Essentials
Tucked away on the island of Bora Bora, this lovely
resort is very much a part of the local community.
It has a charming, typically Polynesian feel to it
with traditional thatched buildings and natural
materials throughout. The property is an easy walk
from nearby villages and you will often find locals
joining you in the hotel restaurant where the
strong French influence is very much in evidence.
Le Maitai also provides you with seclusion
however, and has a beach lapped by deep blue
water teeming with tropical fish. You can head out
in one of the kayaks or canoes to snorkel along
the reef or feed the manta rays and reef sharks.
You can go diving and game fishing, explore the
dense rainforest inland, take a 4x4 island safari or
simply relax on the beach.
Activities Diving, snorkelling, boat rentals, speedboat
transfers to remote islands, deep sea fishing, parasailing,
jet-skiing, quad bike tours, island tours, cycling
The resort has a variety of rooms, from the
stunning over-water bungalows with glass floor
panels to well-appointed air-conditioned hotel
rooms. All are decorated in classic Polynesian style,
with bright tropical flowers complimenting the
natural construction.
Rooms 74 rooms and bungalows including 13
over-water bungalows
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants, 2 bars
Features Library, spa treatments at the nearby
Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort
The lush island of Moorea is a mere 16
kilometres in width, with coffee, cotton, sugar
cane and pineapple growing in its verdant
valleys. Relax on the beach, snorkel or dive in
the crystal clear waters or take a boat ride for
fantastic dolphin and whale-watching
opportunities. Blessed with a choice of
multi-hued lagoons and waterfalls, it is a
fantastic place to explore. You can also visit
the unique octagonal Papetoai Temple, the
oldest building in the South Pacific, and hike
to the summit of Mount Tohi’e’a for
panoramic views over the jungle-clad
mountains and azure sea.
The Moorea Pearl Resort and Spa is a
charming boutique hotel with over-water,
beach and garden bungalows. There are two
restaurants, a beautiful infinity pool and a spa
offering indulgent treatments.
Beach Small pockets of soft white-sand beach facing a
gorgeous calm turquoise lagoon
How hidden? Relatively secluded. Some shops and
restaurants within walking distance.
Bora Bora
Le Maitai
Polynesia
Moorea
French Polynesia
Suggested trip
4 nights Moorea, including breakfast;
7 nights Le Maitai Polynesia, including
plus a night in Tahiti. Variations also
for details.
View from Ocean View Room
●
French Polynesia
153
Santa Monica pier, Los Angeles
Before the beach
Top: Taha’a over-water suites. Above: Sunset
Pool by the lagoon
Le Taha’a, Motu Tautau
Superbly set on the coral reef of Motu Tautau,
this exquisite resort is an intimate boutique
retreat blending refined elegance and
traditional Polynesian style. It is one of our
favourite properties on account of its pristine
location and incredible atmosphere.
Carefully crafted to offer an authentic French
Polynesian experience, Le Taha’a is one of the
finest traditional resorts in the region. Its alluring
stilted over-water bungalows are spread out along
bleached wooden walkways drifting out into the
azure sea. Each has a separate lounge area and
sun terrace where you can sit back and relax as
your breakfast is delivered to you by canoe. Slip
into the lagoon to snorkel direct from your
bungalow then head out over the coral garden to
see a huge array of tropical fish. There are three
restaurants set amongst the trees, along with a
dive school and a spa in one of the most beautiful
locations in the South Pacific. You can also explore
the iridescent lagoons and reefs on a cruise or
scenic helicopter tour.
Los Angeles, USA
Vibrant, dynamic and famous the world over,
Los Angeles is a city like no other and the
perfect stop en route to French Polynesia.
Bursting with variety and home to the
curious and the quirky, you can stroll along
the boardwalk in Santa Monica, see the
original Muscle Beach and head to the
famous pier with its aquarium and
amusement park. Then visit Hollywood and
Beverly Hills for some celebrity spotting and
a tour of Universal Studios.
Shutters on the Beach is a luxury hotel in
Santa Monica, and all rooms and suites have
balconies with views of the Pacific Ocean.
This is the perfect base from which to
discover Los Angeles.
The huge suites and villas are traditionally
Polynesian, blending thatched pandanus roofs
with bamboo, exotic woods, stones, corals and
woven coconut ropes. Beach villas have private
plunge pools and outside bathtubs and showers.
Los Angeles
Essentials
Rooms 57 suites and villas including 45 over-water suites
Le Taha’a
Restaurants and bars 3 restaurants, 2 bars
Features Pool, tennis court, spa, fitness centre, dive
centre
Activities Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, chartered
helicopter flights and tours, jeep safari tours, sunset
cruises, dance and weaving classes
Beach Calm waters dotted with small white sand
beaches and overhanging palm trees
How hidden? Very secluded. Other islands nearby
Taha’a Beach Villa
154
French Polynesia
●
Suggested trip
2 nights Los Angeles, room-only,
including excursion; 7 nights Le Taha’a,
Taha’a Beach Villa
155
Yasawa Islands from the air
Fiji
Renowned for its powder-white beaches and laid
back charm, Fiji is everything you could wish for in
a tropical island destination. Combining a rich
culture and incredibly friendly people, it makes for
a wonderful destination.
Fiji’s beaches
Set on small, untouched islands with palm-fringed
coves and crystal clear seas, Fiji’s beautiful resorts
offer access to immaculate coral reefs and some of
the world’s finest dive sites.
Before the beach
Before a few lazy days on the beach you might
like to cruise around the gorgeous Yasawa Islands
with their volcanic peaks and lush rainforest,
explore Fijian culture or stop at vibrant LA to seek
out some celebrities.
Price ranges
£ under £2,500, ££ under £3,500,
£££ under £4,500, ££££ under £5,500,
£££££ more than £5,500.
156
Traditional performance, Viti Levu
Before the beach
Beach at Viwa Island Resort
Viwa Island Resort, Yasawa Islands
This small, intimate resort surrounded by white
sands, turquoise seas and abundant dive sites is
set in a tropical island paradise. And with just 11
traditional Fijian-style bures you are guaranteed
plenty of personal touches and very attentive
service.
An adult-only resort, Viwa Island is a beautiful
place to unwind on the edge of the Yasawa chain
of islands. Relax with a massage in a private
location on the beach, laze by the pool or sip a
cocktail in the bar with its incredible ocean views.
Within five minutes of the hotel you can explore
colourful reefs bursting with both soft and hard
corals and vibrant marine life. Arm yourself with a
snorkel and kayak out for a private underwater
safari or seek out the wonderful wreck and drift
dives nearby. Alternatively, join the daily fishing
trip and pass your catch to the chef to prepare a
delicious fresh meal. While here you can also take
the opportunity to visit the neighbouring Fijian
village, home to many of the staff, learn how to
husk a coconut, tie a sulu (a traditional sarong) or
weave a hat or basket.
The 11 bures blend traditional materials and
modern style with thatched roofs, vaulted ceilings
and contemporary design. They are spread out
along the beach and feel quite private with large
covered balconies and sunloungers overlooking
the ocean.
Viti Levu, Fiji
Discover the charms of island life on Fiji’s
main island, Viti Levu. Visit the Garden
of Sleeping Giants with its beautiful
landscaping, jungle walks and 2,000-strong
orchid collection, or discover an equally
vibrant and diverse underwater world. You
can also visit handicraft and fresh food
markets then head for Port Denarau Marina.
The Westin Denarau Island Resort and Spa
is a luxurious retreat with rooms offering
stunning views over tropical gardens or the
ocean. Enjoy a round on the championship
golf course or relax in the sublime spa
before watching a traditional performance
in which Fijian warriors beat the lali (a Fijian
drum), before a torch lighting ceremony
leads on to fire-walking and a traditional
Meke dance.
FIJI
Viwa Island Resort
Essentials
Rooms 11 beachfront bures
Denarau
Viti Levu
Restaurants and bars Restaurant, bar and nightly
entertainment, beach dining can be arranged
Features Pool, dive centre, organic garden, massage
treatments
Activities Diving, snorkelling, game fishing, kayaks,
basket weaving, volleyball, table tennis, visits to local
village
Beach Beautiful soft white sandy beach with
turquoise water
How hidden? Very secluded. Other islands nearby.
Deluxe Beachfront Bure
When to go May-November
Suggested trip
3 nights Viti Levu, including breakfast;
7 nights Viwa Island Resort, half board.
●
Fiji
157
M/V Reef Endeavour
Before the beach
Infinity pool
Tokoriki Island Resort, Mamanuca Islands
Set on a private island, tranquil Tokoriki is within
easy reach of Viti Levu but very much in a world
of its own. The resort enjoys some of the best
views in the Mamanuca Islands with placid
waters sheltered by an offshore reef.
Arriving on the white-sand beach you will be
greeted with a traditional song and a friendly
Fijian atmosphere. This laid-back charm is a
hallmark of island life and the service here is
second to none. Tokoriki offers an abundance of
complimentary activities including paddleboarding, windsurfing, kayaking and tennis. You
can also dive in the coral gardens and on colourful
reefs, cruise in a glass-bottomed boat or simply
lounge on the beach. Fijian materials, motifs and
fabrics are used throughout and you can expect
to be treated to a traditional meke dance
performance and lovo feast (a meal cooked in an
earth oven) while here. The restaurant has a large
deck with stunning ocean views and tasty food,
while the newly built spa is another bonus in this
picturesque and luxurious island retreat.
A fusion of Fijian architecture and contemporary
island style, the extremely elegant thatched
seafront bures feature private balconies with
hammocks and daybeds. Some also come with
private infinity pools.
Essentials
Rooms 34 rooms including 8 pool villas
Restaurants and bars 2 restaurants including a Japanese
restaurant and a lounge bar. Beachfront and private
dining available.
Yasawa Islands cruise
A cruise around Fiji’s breathtaking Yasawa
Islands offers the opportunity to discover a
different island every day and explore
aquamarine lagoons, imposing volcanic
peaks, lush rainforest and beautiful beaches
along the way. Swim in the famous
Sawa-i-lau blue limestone lagoon, tour the
local villages and schools, visit a handicraft
market, and experience Fijian culture first
hand. In between you can snorkel or dive
in the colourful reefs or cruise in a glassbottomed boat.
The M/V Reef Endeavour was purpose-built
to negotiate shallow bays and barrier reefs
and offers 63 comfortable staterooms, suites
and cabins. You will also find a swimming
pool, spa, sauna and gym on board.
FIJI
Yasawa
Islands
NOTE: XX
M/V Reef Endeavour
Map reference
required
Mamanuca Islands
Tokoriki Island Resort
Viti Levu
Features 2 pools, dive centre, spa, tennis court
Activities Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, sport
fishing trips, windsurfing, volleyball, hiking, village visit,
castaway island tour
Beach Stunning clear calm waters with long stretches of
white-sand beach
How hidden? Partially secluded, one other resort on the
island and other islands nearby
Beachfront Pool Bure
158
Fiji
●
Suggested trip
4 nights Yasawa Islands cruise, full
board; 7 nights Tokoriki Island Resort,
full board. Includes flights and
Lifeguard station, Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Before the beach
Top: Sunset over Selena Cove. Above: Villa bedroom
Na Vatu Rock Pool Restaurant
Tadrai Island Resort, Mamanuca Islands
Set into the hillside of a secluded palm-fringed
cove on Mana Island, the luxurious Tadrai Island
Resort is a very special retreat. With just five
deluxe villas, this serene hotel offers unrivalled
privacy and tranquillity.
Essentials
Tadrai is one of Fiji’s newest resorts and features
the best Fijian traditions and materials as well as
cutting-edge design and contemporary style.
Deliberately small and intimate, Tadrai offers
highly professional yet discreet levels of service
with personalised experiences designed to make
the most of the idyllic location. Dine in the
restaurant overlooking the infinity pool, on any of
four different beaches or in the comfort of your
own room. Have a champagne picnic on a nearby
sandbar or enjoy the hotel spa’s signature
treatment, a massage using Fijian plant extracts,
on a reef at mid-tide, the water gently lapping
below you. Naturally there is world-class diving
and snorkelling here, and you can sail, fish, surf or
climb, but, with such wonderful surroundings and
attentive service you may not venture far.
Activities Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, catamaran
sailing, deep sea and line fishing, surfing, village tour,
mountain climbing, inter-island excursions
Los Angeles, USA
Los Angeles is an obvious stop en route to
the South Pacific. Wander along the
boardwalk by Santa Monica beach, watch out
for celebrities in Hollywood and Beverly Hills,
and find your favourite star on the Hollywood
Walk of Fame. Be inspired by more screen
legends with a visit to Marilyn Monroe’s crypt
or a fascinating tour of Universal Studios.
Then settle down in a beachside cafe and
watch the world go by, or join the adoring
fans at a Los Angeles Lakers basketball game.
The Mondrian Los Angeles is in the heart of
West Hollywood, a luxury boutique hotel
with decor reflecting the glamour of Sunset
Strip. Rooms and suites are effortlessly stylish
and have floor to ceiling windows affording
stunning city views.
Rooms 5 deluxe villas
Restaurants and bars Restaurant and bar, private
in-room dining and gourmet picnics available
Features Infinity pool, dive centre, spa
Beach Four small white-sand beaches in a
palm-fringed cove
Los Angeles
Mamanuca
Islands Tadrai
FIJI
Suggested trip
3 nights Los Angeles, including
breakfast and excursion; 7 nights Tadrai
Island Resort, all-inclusive. Includes
beach-only also available, please
The vast deluxe villas are sleek and elegant yet full
of character. They feature original artworks, private
plunge pools, tropical outdoor showers and
elevated decks with panoramic ocean views.
Villa bathroom
●
Fiji
159
Where to go when
We have put together a guide to the best times
to visit the countries featured in this brochure to
help you plan where you might like to go on
your beach trip. This is a very broad guide, we
have given more detailed indications of when to
go on the individual pages of this brochure for
the different beach properties. Please note that
weather does vary within a country and can be
SouthEast Asia
Page
unpredictable. We can’t guarantee that it won’t
rain in the dry season and vice versa. We have
used a combination of the ‘traditional’ seasons
within each of these countries along with our
first hand experience to give you the best
indication possible, however, when it comes to
the weather we’ve learnt that it’s best to expect
the unexpected.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
33The best time to travel.
3
A good time to travel, but there may be some factors to be aware of.
Travel is possible, but this is not the best time of year.
~
5 Travel is not recommended.
Q Snow or ski season.
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Indonesia
14
3
3
3
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
3
3
Philippines
22
33
33
33
33
33
~
5
5
5
5
~
3
Malaysia & Malaysian Borneo
28
3
3
33
33
33
33
33
33
3
3
3
3
Indochina (Vietnam, Cambodia)
34
33
33
33
3
3
3
3
~
~
3
33
33
Thailand
41
33
33
33
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
33
33
Maldives
52
33
33
33
33
3
~
~
~
~
~
~
3
Sri Lanka
60
33
33
33
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
33
India
65
33
33
33
3
~
~
~
~
3
33
33
33
Seychelles
69
~
3
3
33
33
3
3
3
33
33
33
~
Mauritius
74
~
~
3
33
33
3
3
3
33
33
3
3
Kenya
82
3
3
3
5
5
33
33
33
33
33
3
3
Tanzania
85
3
3
3
5
5
3
33
33
33
33
3
3
Malawi
90
~
~
3
3
33
33
33
33
33
3
~
~
Mozambique
93
~
~
~
3
33
3
3
33
33
33
3
3
Madagascar
98
5
5
5
3
3
3
33
33
33
33
33
3
South Africa – West Coast
103
33
33
3
3
3
~
~
3
3
33
33
33
South Africa – East Coast
104
3
3
3
33
33
33
33
33
3
3
3
3
33
Indian Ocean
Africa
Oman
108
33
33
33
33
3
5
5
5
~
33
33
Jordan
112
~
~
33
33
33
3
~
~
33
33
33
~
Morocco
114
3
3
33
33
33
3
~
~
33
33
3
3
Costa Rica
122
33
33
33
33
3
3
~
~
~
~
3
33
Belize
126
33
33
33
33
3
3
~
5
5
5
3
33
Mexico
128
33
33
33
33
33
3
~
~
~
~
3
33
Brazil
132
33
33
33
3
3
3
3
33
33
33
33
33
Latin America
USA and Hawaii
USA – West Coast
143
~
~
~
3
33
33
3
3
33
3
~
~
USA – East Coast
139
Q
Q
Q
~
3
33
33
33
33
3
~
~
Hawaii
146
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
33
French Polynesia
152
~
~
3
3
33
33
33
33
33
3
3
~
Fiji
156
~
~
3
3
33
33
33
33
33
3
3
~
South Pacific
160
Additional Information
●
The Hidden Beaches Team
Tailor-made travel
with Audley
We have a dedicated team of specialists who are
ready to help you to plan your beach trip to any
of the destinations featured in this brochure and
on our website.
Please do not hesitate to contact them.
Tel: 01993 838 250
Email: hiddenbeaches@audleytravel.com
www.hiddenbeaches.co.uk
You can find much more information on our
dedicated Hidden Beaches website where you will
find further information, more photographs and
guideline prices for each.
Visit our offices
If you would like to discuss your travel
arrangements in person we welcome personal
visits, please call in advance to arrange an
appointment with one or more of our country
specialists. Our offices are at the New Mill, a 17th
century converted wool mill on the outskirts of
Witney, ten miles west of Oxford on the edge of
the Cotswolds.
www.audleytravel.com/visit-us
Reassurance while
you are away
While you are away, you will be in the capable
hands of our partners overseas. You will be able
to contact our office from abroad on a special
number manned 24 hours a day, seven days a
week and, in the case of an emergency your
friends and family back home will be able to get
a message to you. We have also received praise
from our clients for the efficient way we’ve dealt
with those rare situations when their travel plans
have been disrupted by uncontrollable events.
Dhow, Azura Benguerra, Mozambique
Sunset at Le Taha'a, French Polynesia
Audley is one of the UK’s most highly regarded
specialist tour operators, providing tailor-made
trips throughout Asia, Africa, the Middle East,
Latin America, Australasia, North America,
Antarctica and the Arctic. If you would like a
tailor-made trip based more around discovery
and exploration and with a variety of locations
included, our specialists will design a full
itinerary for you.
Terms & Conditions and
Travel Insurance
We have a full range of brochures covering Asia,
Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Australasia,
North America, Antarctica and the Arctic.
Your booking is subject to the Terms and
Conditions of Audley Travel, which we will include
with your personalised itinerary and can also be
found on our website. It is vital that you have
adequate travel insurance and we are able to
suggest a number of policies either for the
duration of your trip or on an annual basis.
You can order brochures on
www.audleytravel.com/brochures or call us
on 01993 838 000.
Polar ExPEdition
Cruising
AITO Membership
ta i lor - m a d E J o u r n E y s
for
thE
d i s C E r n i n g t r av E l l E r
Audley is a member of the Association of
Independent Tour Operators. The Association
represents Britain’s leading independent tour
operators and encourages high standards of
quality and service.
Audley abides by the Association’s Code of
Conduct and adheres to the AITO Quality Charter
which can be viewed on www.aito.co.uk.
Photography in this brochure
U n i t e d S tat e S
of america
yS
ta i lor - m a d e J o U r n e
We would like to thank the following
photographers for the images used in this
brochure:
Alamy, Ariadne Van Zandbergen, AWL images,
David Fettes, Dreamstime, Istockphoto,
Shutterstock, Steve Allen, Superstock, as well as
hotels featured in the brochure, suppliers and
Audley staff.
All images used in this brochure were obtained
in good faith by Audley Travel Group Limited and
in the belief that all necessary consents and
clearances were obtained for their use. However,
if you believe that unauthorised use has been
made of an image belonging to you please
contact us on 01993 838 040.
for
the
er
d i S c e r n i n g t r av e l l
AustrAliA
ys
tA i lor - m A d e J o u r n e
for
the
er
d i s c e r n i n g t r Av e l l
New ZealaNd &
The SouTh Pacific
Ta i lor - m a d e J o u r N e
yS
for
The
d i S c e r N i N g T r av e l l
er
This brochure has been printed on
paper from well managed forests,
approved by Forest Stewardship
Council®, using vegetable inks. Our
printer holds ISO 14001 and FSC®
environmental certifications. Should
you wish to dispose of your brochure,
we kindly request that you recycle it.
‘Hidden Beaches’ is a registered trade mark
of Audley Travel Group Ltd.
●
161
Beach at Constance Tsarabanjina, Mitsio Archipelago, Madagascar
New Mill, New Mill Lane, Witney, Oxfordshire OX29 9SX, United Kingdom
Telephone: 01993 838 250 • Fax: 01993 838 010
Email: hiddenbeaches@audleytravel.com • Website: www.hiddenbeaches.co.uk

Hidden Beaches - Audley Travel

Transcription

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