Mesmerizing Sites

09/03/2022

Samos, Greece

Lazing just a kilometre and a half off the rugged Turkish coast, Samos is quietly making itself known as the finest Greek island many people have never heard of. Its cosmopolitan capital, Vathy, where buzzy grill houses and pizza joints line the perimeter of the main central square, stands in stark contrast to its sleepy flagstone fishing villages, where lithe cats twist their bodies around sun-bleached taverna chairs and octopuses are strung out on lines to dry.

The island’s hotel game is set to level up in 2022, with boho-luxe brand Casa Cook opening its latest outpost on Samos in May. With architecture inspired by the traditional buildings found in Samian villages, the (admittedly less family-friendly) adults-only property will be built around a ‘plateia’ designed to replicate a main village square, with multiple swimming pools forming the focal point of each small ‘neighbourhood’.

09/03/2022

Seville
Andalucia’s saffron-hued capital is all vibrance and passion – and in springtime most of all. The ancient cobbled streets are scented with orange blossom and colourful with parades: first comes the ecclesiastical solemnity and brass bands of Holy Week leading up to Easter; then, two weeks later, an altogether more vibrant fiesta, the Feria de Abril, a whirl of parties and music, colourful costumes, Sevillanos on horseback and flamenco dancers stamping to the staccato of castanets. Take a side trip to the Costa de la Luz and seek out a sheltered bay for some beach time – it’s the warmest spot in mainland Spain in April.

09/03/2022

Turkish Coast
The holiday season doesn’t get started until May on the Turquoise Coast – which is precisely why in-the-know Istanbulites go in April for an early dose of spring sunshine, before the crowds, when the coastline is bursting into riotous bloom. Find yourself a suntrap – a swimming deck, a sheltered bay, a waterside cabana or taverna, anywhere along the Aegean-Mediterranean coast – Bodrum, Datça, Fethiye, Kas, where fishing villages are bright with bougainvillaea in every shade of pink winding around blue-painted balconies.

09/03/2022

Madeira
Portugal’s barely-there sprinkling of an archipelago, 280 miles off the coast of Morocco, is subtropically clement all year round. In April, this fertile island bursts into bloom (the Flower Festival falls in April or May, depending on the year) and things start to warm up. Though temperatures are hardly balmy (average high is 20ºC), it’s ideal weather for outdoor pursuits in the diverse natural environment, walking in lush green forests to waterfalls, up volcanic peaks and along vertiginous cliff paths; while the surrounding waters are a riot of marine life in April, brimming with 20 species of whales and dolphins.

08/03/2022

The sand at this beach is pink in color due to the presence of certain minerals and plankton. According to recent scientific research, the pink hue comes from foraminifera, a microscopic organism that actually has a reddish-pink shell. The sand is a mix of coral, shells, and calcium carbonate. Only a few pink sand beaches exist in the world. The rarity of these beaches adds to the charm and mystery they hold among the human population.

08/03/2022

The Wave is a sandstone rock formation located near the northern border Arizona shares with Utah. It is a dreamlike world of swirling colors and psychedelic patterns. The rock formations are said to be from the Jurassic era. In an effort to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of this natural site, there are no signage for hikers. You have to find your way in and out of this site. Sounds like a challenge. Who is up for it?

08/03/2022

As a rule, caves are round in shape with round rocks, right? Wrong! Take a look at these symmetrical square caves. These caves are situated on the uninhabited islands of Staffa in Scotland. Except for researchers and scientists, people don’t usually visit these caves. But you can still look at this photograph and admire the bounties of nature. Doesn’t this strike as beautiful to you? The cave has a large entrance and is filled by seawater.

08/03/2022

A 145-foot high underground waterfall that is illuminated to create this lovely purplish hue. It is located within Lookout Mountain near Tennessee. They have existed for millions of years. Ruby Falls Cave features prominent cave formations like stalactites and stalagmites, columns, drapery, and flow stone. The caves were opened to the public only recently, so make sure you don’t miss out on a trip to this destination.

08/03/2022

A remarkable beach that boasts of pitch black sand due to volcanic activity in the past. If you know how to swim or snorkel, you will have the time of your life here. If you don’t, you can train with certified instructors first and then take a dive into this beautiful black sand beach. You will not regret a visit to this destination. We promise you will be blown away.

08/03/2022

The Marble Caverns of Carrera Lake have amazingly smooth and cool caves of marble. The water is clear enough to see deep down to the bottom. The Marble Caves, Marble Chapel, and Marble Cathedral are an unusual geological formation in the General Carrera Lake or Lake Buenos Aires (as it is popularly called) located in Patagonia. Hop on a ferry and take a trip to these unusual marble formations. Don’t forget to get your camera with you.

07/03/2022

One of the top bucket list travel destinations, Bora Bora sets the bar high for an ideal beach vacation. A utopia set in the heart of French Polynesia, this fabulous archipelago is all turquoise waters; soft white sand; and lush, volcanic peaks. It's going to be almost impossible to beat the islands' spectacular beauty.

Not surprisingly, Bora Bora has become a popular honeymoon destination. With lagoons to explore, coral reefs to snorkel, and rain forests to hike, there's no shortage of things to do in this tropical wonderland. Peppered with resorts featuring private huts standing on stilts above the water, visitors are rewarded with an unforgettable and utterly relaxing vacation.

07/03/2022

Witnessing the aurora borealis is one of life's greatest pleasures. Whether you catch sight of a delicate green glow or are privy to vivacious crimson lines streaking across the horizon, this wonderful spectacle is breathtaking and unforgettable. To see them, though, you'll need to be patient. The northern lights are as unpredictable as the weather, so you'll have to budget in a few days to make your viewing attempt.

Iceland is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. While you can likely see them at any point of the year, the most spectacular shows happen between mid-October and early April. At this time, the night skies are at their darkest, which presents a remarkable contrast.

07/03/2022

04/03/2022

All becomes right with the world when you putter down the mystical Amazon River in Brazil. Beside you towers the incredible Amazon Rainforest, chock full of wildlife so beautiful, it will take your breath away. A chorus of birdsong guides you along, while monkeys swing from nearby vines and sloths slowly climb their way to a better view. Snakes, turtles, and jaguars are also set to make an appearance, if you're patient enough to spot them.

To experience the Amazon's splendor first-hand, you'll need to board a boat from Manaus to the Encontro das Aguas (the point at which the Rio Solimões meets the Rio Negro). From here, you can join a boat tour through the heart of the rain forest.

It's hard not to feel nature's pulse here, providing life to the planet through its essential ecosystem. Known as the "planet's lungs," the Amazon Rainforest is responsible for 20 percent of the world's oxygen.

04/03/2022

Who hasn't added an African safari to the top of their bucket list vacations? Guaranteed to be a trip of a lifetime, it's no wonder so many people crave this incredible experience. A safari is thrilling, awe-inspiring, and picturesque, especially when conducted in one of the world's most phenomenal landscapes.

Whether you're hoping to catch sight of the "Big Five" (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos) in Kenya, bounce along in a jeep through Kruger National Park, or soar through the air in a hot air balloon over the Serengeti National Park, an African safari won't disappoint.

With so many fantastic game reserves (including many in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania), you'll have plenty of places to choose from when booking your trip.

28/02/2022

Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, is the world’s last divided capital city.

Since 1983, the city has been split by the ‘Green Line’, a border between the Republic of Cyprus and Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus.

The border was completely sealed and crossed only by UN peacekeeping forces for decades, but in 2008 the restrictions were relaxed. Today it’s possible to visit both parts of Nicosia. The border crossing and distinct character of the two sides of Nicosia make it one of the world’s most unusual city breaks.

The Greek-speaking Republic side of the border is much like other European capitals, with Starbucks, McDonalds and H&M all present. But at the end of the main shopping street there’s a border crossing, and if you cross into North Nicosia it’s immediately clear that you’ve stepped into a completely different culture.

Both sides of Nicosia have interesting sights, but North Nicosia has the edge in atmosphere and attractions. Don’t miss the stunning mosque set in a former cathedral and the medieval caravanserai.

28/02/2022

Nepal is an amazing destination with many popular trekking destinations, such as Everest Base Camp or various treks in Annapurna. During our visit to Nepal, we trekked to both Everest Base Camp and Rara Lake.

Although the trek to Everest Base Camp was incredible and definitely a highlight, it wasn’t as memorable as our trek to Rara Lake.
Rara Lake is an off-the-beaten-track destination, located very remotely in the West of Nepal on a 3000-meter high mountain. The trek to Rara Lake is one of the highlights of our travels so far, as it’s an absolutely gorgeous place, which is even dubbed as Heaven on Earth by Nepali people.

Real adventure
If you’re looking for a real adventure, solitude, and a totally unique experience, then Rara Lake is the place for you.

The adventure isn’t necessarily the place itself, but the journey to get there and back. Rara Lake isn’t touched by commercial tourism yet, and the Nepali tourists that do show up usually don’t trek to Rara Lake, but go with a bus or jeep all the way up the mountain.

This means that you can trek to Rara Lake completely alone and you’ll only encounter local people that live in the mountains.

It’s definitely a challenge to get to Rara Lake, but one that should be included on your bucket list!

28/02/2022

One of Africa’s most fascinating and culturally captivating countries has only recently become more accessible to intrepid travelers. The area has seen a wave of new experiential lodges in (now more easily accessed) remote parts of the country, offering travelers a chance to discover the cultural and natural wonders of Ethiopia (which is home to the most UNESCO world heritage sites of any country in Africa).

Within this stunning backdrop, head on safari in search of the elusive Ethiopian wolf and fully immerse yourself in the local culture, savoring coffee and wild honey at local markets. For the adventurous, sojourn through the Denakil Depression, where guests can trek via camels across lakes of salt, view volcanoes that light up the night sky, and climb the summit of Erta Ale for the ultimate sunrise vista.

28/02/2022

This unrivaled wilderness offers the perfect base for sailing, kayaking, and hiking in the remote Fjords of Norway for intrepid travelers. Spend a few nights at Manshausen, a remote island enclave featuring glass cabins perched above the Lofoten waters, to hike mountain ranges over the islands of Maløya and Grøtøya, rock-climb the red-hued cliffs of nearby Nordskot, or fully unwind with a fresh water soak in your room.

Explore the impressive mountains that dominate the landscape by foot, and take in incredible views of the frozen wilderness’ steep jagged peaks and ocean. For a show-stopping experience, ski down slopes of virgin powder right to the water’s edge, where an antique sailing schooner awaits. While you're out on the arctic waters, be sure to look up–the beauty of the Northern Lights is amplified from the water. There are also some wildlife sightings not to be missed; the Lofoten islands often see white-tailed eagles only visible during the summer, when there is access to steep-sided fjords such as Trollfjorden.

28/02/2022

A hidden jewel off the coast of West India, the Andaman Islands are a secluded hideaway known for pristine shores and impressive aquatic life. The tropical jungles and secluded islands are a tranquil (and quite perfect) way to round out a trip after spending time in the mainlands of India.

The newly opened Taj Exotica Resort & Spa in Havelock gives travelers more reason to visit than ever before. Touting its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, the Taj Exotica Resort and its surrounding scenery set the scene for your days quietly exploring the archipelago, and indulging at the hotel’s sun-drenched pool and spa. A few days on the Andamans will help you reset and restore after being immersed in the vibrant colors, bustling crowds, and sensory overload from exploring buzzy Mumbai or romantic Udaipur.

28/02/2022

The dramatic and desolate desert landscapes of Jordan have enticed explorers to trek through its unforgiving landscapes for millennia. But what most travelers don’t know is that it’s more accessible than you might think; unlock the area’s hidden gems and Bedouin culture via Wadi Rum, a must on every intrepid traveler’s bucket list.

Planning a comprehensive trekking tour through this historic, otherworldly landscape is highly advised and the best way to explore the very setting that scenes from the film Lawrence of Arabia were staged. For a cultural must, travelers can explore the seven jagged rock columns natural landmark from which T.E. Lawrence’s famed novel, “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom,” takes its names. Thrill-seekers can tour via camel or Jeep, stopping off at Bedouin communities along the way and overnighting in luxury desert camps where traditional meals are served around a fire under the stars.