Roger Sperry, SVP of Gulfstream, on the luxury aircraft brand’s latest models
The annual Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) is the go-to event to explore the latest happenings in the world of aviation. At the 2019 iteration of the mammoth event, we spoke to Roger Sperry, Senior Regional Vice President of Gulfstream, to find out what we can expect from the luxury aircraft maker in the year to come.
What’s the highlight of Gulfstream at this year’s ABACE? Once again, we brought the Gulfstream fleet to be displayed to Shanghai for ABACE 2019. Our display this year includes five aircrafts – the ultralong-range Gulfstream G650ER, the high-performing Gulfstream G550, the all-new Gulfstream G500 and G600, and the super-midsize Gulfstream G280.
ABACE is an important show for Gulfstream. Since 2014, we have seen our Asia-Pacific fleet grow by 24 percent, and in Greater China by 35 percent. In particular, Gulfstream large-cabin aircraft continue to do very well in this region thanks to their unsurpassed combination of speed and range. The G650ER is a great example of this. It just recently flew from Singapore to Tucson, Arizona in a record 15 hours and 23 minutes – 44 minutes faster than any competitor. This monumental feat proved our aircraft can get our customers farther, faster and in utmost comfort.
You’ve also recently launched a new aircraft, the G500. How does it compare to its predecessors? In September 2018 we delivered the very first G500. Its sister aircraft, the G600, is expected to enter service soon.
These two new models represent highly optimised speed capabilities, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency, and offer best-in-class performance with advanced safety features. Equipped with touch screens, the industry’s first active control side sticks and fly-by-wire technology, the advanced flight deck further allows for greater situational awareness and crew coordination, making the aircraft the most technologically advanced in the market.
Providing best-in-class comfort, each aircraft offers the signature Gulfstream Cabin Experience: 14 panoramic windows, low cabin altitudes, a cabin designed to be the quietest in business aviation, high-speed connectivity and bespoke interior design tailored to each customer’s wishes.
How long does it take to deliver?
We work with our customers to design and customise an aircraft that is suitable to their unique needs and aircraft usage. That said, delivery times can vary.
How many passengers can your aircraft carry? Gulfstream’s largest aircraft, the four-living-area G650ER, can seat up to 19 passengers and sleep 10. Each Gulfstream can be configured for enhanced productivity and comfort – depending on each customer need.
How does Gulfstream ensure the safety of its aircraft? Our planes undergo thousands of hours of rigorous testing before they fly. Additionally, our aircraft are equipped with advanced and redundant features that enhance safety, including multiple touch screens in the flight deck, back-up flight controls and sensors.
Thank you.
Interview by: Dai Xuan
Bruges: A potted history of Belgium’s best-kept secret
For many, Bruges, the largest city in northwest Belgium, may be most familiar as the setting for the film that shares its name, In Bruges, a 2008 espionage comedy. What all but the most well-heeled world-wanderers may be unaware of, however, is that this truly magnificent mini-metropolis deserves star billing in its own right.
The canalways of Bruges
Set a mere hour’s train ride from Brussels, the Belgian capital, Bruges is home to just 117,000 permanent residents. Its low local count, however, has done nothing to stop this splendidly verdant locale from punching well above its weight when it comes to inbound tourists, millions of whom throng the picturesque city every year.
Undeniably quaint, Bruges lies at the heart of the country’s Flemish-speaking region. The site has been settled, in one form or another, since the Bronze Age, but it wasn’t until the early Middle Ages (around 9AD) that the Vikings paved the way for what we now know as Bruges. Indeed, its very name is said to be derived from brygga, the ancient Scandinavian term for ‘harbour’.
Bruges from Belfry Tower
It’s a more-than-apt designation. Thanks to its strategic North Sea setting, subsequent centuries saw Bruges enjoy something of a Golden Age as a key trade hub and a hugely influential cultural centre. It was not to last, however. By the end of the 13th century, Zwin – the tidal inlet linking Bruges to the North Sea – dried up, dooming the city to centuries of economic obscurity.
It was only after the two World Wars, when Bruges – and its countless historic monuments – remained mostly unscathed despite the ravages of war that it came to establish itself as one of Europe’s pre-eminent tourism hubs.
Bridge to The Church of Our Lady
Today, Bruges’s historic centre – now designated a UNESCO World Heritage site – retains the quaint charm and architectural heritage of its Golden Age. In fact, it remains one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval town in Europe, effortlessly transporting visitors to the days when its bustling cobblestone paths and crisscrossing canalways were thronged with merchants and artists.
Any visit to Bruges should begin at the centrally-located Market Square. Start on a literal high note by heading to the Belfry Tower, the most iconic site in the whole town. Built around 1240, the medieval bell tower remains standing having withstood a succession of potentially devastating fires. Its tolling bells have long been a Bruges staple. At 83m in height, visitors can (and should) pay the relatively low entrance fee and venture up the 366 steps to the peak, where the sweeping panoramic views make the climb well worth it.
Gruuthusemuseum
For a truly immersive approach, stop by the neighbouring Historium museum. Here, visitors can indulge in a little high-tech magic and virtually transport themselves back to the city’s medieval heyday. Next, head to the Gruuthusemuseum, just 5 minutes walk away. Once home to an affluent and prominent 13th-century family, this well-preserved building has been reinvented as a showcase for the city’s archeological heritage. Handily, a chapel added to the original structure in 1472 actually connects to another of Bruges’ landmarks – the Church of Our Lady.
Dating back to the 13th century, this particular place of worship remains the city’s tallest structure and, at 115.6m in height, it is also the second-tallest brickwork tower anywhere in the world. While it is also said to the final resting place of Charles the Bold, the last Valois Duke of Burgundy, it’s true claim to fame is its altarpiece – a stunning white marble sculpture of Madonna and Child created by the great Italian artist, Michelangelo and the only sculpture to leave his home country during his lifetime.
Tomb of Charles the Bold, The Church of Our Lady
Another must-see holy site is the Basilica of the Holy Blood. This Gothic structure encompasses two wholly separate chapels – an austere Romanesque chapel underneath (dedicated to St Basil the Great [330-379AD]) and a flamboyant 16th-century Gothic upper level, said to house an actual sample of Jesus’ blood, a truly venerable relic for religious pilgrims.
Art aficionados, meanwhile, could head instead to the Groeningemuseum, a repository of many of the country’s artistic masterpieces, including much admired works by such classic luminaries as Jan van Eyck (1390-1441), as well as more contemporary creators, notably Marcel Broodhaers (1924-1976).
Fine-dining fare at Zet’Joe
Despite the many monuments jostling for your attention, make sure to set aside enough time to explore another of Bruges’ undeniable attractions – its verdant landscape. Unlike many urban cities, this stunning regional capital retains a truly tranquil aura, thanks to its lush greenery. The most spectacular example is the Minnewaterpark, which hugs the historic centre’s southern boundaries. Another fantastic way to take in the natural attractions is to hop aboard one of the countless canal boats, allowing you to gain a wholly new perspective on this historic town.
If you’re left somewhat ravenous after all that exploration, fear not for Bruges also boasts a truly bustling dining scene. Those in need of fine-dining fare, for instance, could do worse than explore the one Michelin-starred Zet’Joe by Geert van Hecke, an establishment that serves sumptuous contemporary Belgian cuisine.
The aptly-famous Belgian beer
Finally, what better way to round off your trip to Bruges than by quaffing some of its renowned Belgian beers. Thankfully, dozens of tiny pubs and bars ring the roads surrounding the central Market Square, including the Instagram-famous The Beer Wall, replete with an actual wall-sized display of beer bottles. If you visit the establishment, ask for a Westvleteren 12, a rare ale brewed in limited quantities by Belgium’s famously unverbose Trappists. Prost – as they almost certainly don’t say…
Text: Tenzing Thondup
Beautiful BC: The best luxury hotels for your visit to British Columbia
While Canada’s western provinces of British Columbia and Alberta may be the hot-spots for the cold winter seasons, mostly thanks to the Canadian Rockies, which provide some of the world’s most sought-after ski resorts and real-life snow globe views, it, however, would be an oversight to miss out on the beauty of BC’s summers.
Home to just about a dozen landscapes, British Columbia’s vast landmass includes rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, forests, lakes, mountains, inland deserts and grassy plains. Visitors with a love for nature are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to the great outdoors, and Canadian hospitality is no joke either, as the nation has been regarded as one of the world’s friendliest countries. And so, for those who are perhaps a bit too accustomed to Hong Kong’s humid weather and are too scared to brave the West Coast’s cold, summer is the perfect time to pack your bags and finally see what British Columbia has to offer in its warmer months as temperatures rise to 20- to 30-degree Celsius.
However, to truly enjoy all that the province has to offer, it’s best to pay a visit to a place just as beautiful as the nature surrounding it. Below are our top picks of British Columbia’s luxury hotels.
Wickaninnish Inn
Tofino, Vancouver Island
Known for its prime location to watch storms on the water, the relaxed town of Tofino is situated to the south-west of Vancouver Island. Home to no more than 1,900 residents, this small town – tucked away from the bustling city of Vancouver – is a favourite to those looking for cool summers. Combining the island’s heritage with the elegant nature of the isle, Wickaninnish Inn invites guests to get away from it all in its 75 deluxe guest room and suites. The inn has been operating for over sixty years now, and is lauded for its ecofriendly and green operations. It is, indeed, the perfect place for those looking to connect with nature via yoga classes and viewing the crashing waves.
The Four Seasons
Whistler
Just some 125kms north of Vancouver, Whistler is known for its alpine skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and mountain biking in the summer. A true family getaway, the glaciated town boasts a population of just barely 11,000, but hosts a staggering 3 million tourists each year. Found in the very heart of North America’s largest ski resort is The Four Seasons Whistler, an intimate hotel and lodge, dedicated to ensuring that guests experience the most from the nature, not just in winter, but also in the shorter summer months. So guests are spoilt for choice in terms of activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, horseback riding and zip trekking. Meanwhile, within its lush premises, sophisticated wooden rooms, complete with gas fireplaces and separate sitting areas beckon guests into the lap of luxury.
Hume Hotel & Spa
Nelson
Nestled in the Selkirk Mountains, some 663kms north of Vancouver, Nelson is popularly known as “The Queen City”, and a long-preferred destination within the province due to its impressive collection of restored heritage buildings from the glory days of the region’s silver rush. Now known for its hippiesque culture and an organic and natural lifestyle, Nelson is a particular kind of paradise for anyone looking to escape the office grind and get enter the gateway to back-country. Promising visitors a home away from home is the now 121 year-old Hume Hotel and Spa, a hotel harbouring a rich history with live-music venues, cosy dining settings and, of course, Canadian charm.
Painted Penang: A stroll down the vibrantly decorated Penang Art Street
The Malaysian city of Penang has long been something of a heritage hotspot, so one would be forgiven for assuming the various artistic murals that are scattered across the buildings along Beach Street in the Georgetown neighbourhood were painted quite a while ago. However, these colourful creations are in fact something of a new phenomenon for the region, having been brought to life only within the past decade and gifting the lane with a new epithet – Penang Art Street.
Unsurprisingly, Georgetown itself was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 2008 thanks to its countless well-preserved Colonial-era structures and tranquil hill-station vibes – a throwback to the days when empire-minded Brits ruled the island. Today, the neighbourhood still feels like a living-breathing real-life museum for those bygone times.
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Speed up to 2012, though, and Penang’s municipal council decided it was time to revamp the area, and breathe new life into the traditional shop houses found across its inner city. They chose to do so by bringing in London-trained Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic. From there, the city council collaborated with Zacharevic to create a unique form of Penang wall art and bring back the rich history of Georgetown’s streets.
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Inspired by the everyday lives of the local inhabitants, Zacharevic created a handful of murals that truly capture the bustling spirit of the city through a mixture of images, particularly of the children who call Penang their home.
Penang’s Art Street is indeed the perfect reason to dust off your old 35mm camera, or at the very least make sure your iPhone battery is at 100 percent.
From bachelor parties to wedding venues, our top picks for a memorable Big Day
As couples who are looking to tie the knot would know, the wedding venue is the most crucial part of the nuptials. But worry not, we have shortlisted for you a few glamorous venues for almost every occasion, from proposal destinations to decadent bachelorette parties, so that you can have a wedding that’s picture perfect every step of the way.
If you are looking to ‘pop’ the question in true style, head to The Sheraton Grand Danang Resort, a stylish luxury beachside resort on the stunning white sands of Non Nuoc beach, which even has its own ‘proposal planner’ to help you woo your beloved in five-star style. From romantic moonlight strolls to an intimate private dinner at a poolside cabana or on the beach, the resort offers a range of customised proposal plans all designed to draw out an enthusiastic “yes”!
For a truly indulgent bachelor or bachelorette party, head to the InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort in Vietnam which has unveiled four new villas overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand and the resort’s lotus lagoon, giving guests both privacy and luxury. Located in a private area of the resort with direct access to the Club InterContinental Lounge, the three-bedroom and four-bedroom villas are perfect for hosting a large group of friends.
For a big, fat destination wedding, though, look no further than Anantara Chiang Mai in northern Thailand that is offering couples and their guests a gorgeous destination with lovely gardens, family-friendly environs and outstanding service. From ready-made décor, blooming flowers, green foliage and a riverfront location, this is a wedding venue custom-made by nature, just for you.
Couples looking to celebrate their Big Day closer to home should check out the Hong Kong Parkview, surrounded by the lush Tai Tam Country Park. With a large outdoor waterfall pool, a beautifully decorated garden terrace and the ornate Éclat Ballroom, it’s a venue that’ll ‘wow’ your guests and give you that perfect wedding photo.
Kiroro in Northern Japan may be the finest ski resort you’ve never heard of…
Countless centuries before skiing became a designer downhill distraction for the upwardly mobile, Stone Age hunters were strapping elongated bits of bark to their feet as they set off in pursuit of a reluctant reindeer or an elusive elk in Central Asia’s Altai region. Indeed, if primitive rock paintings are to be believed, cavemen were keen proponents of this winter pastime some 5,000 years ago or more.
Today, while the required equipment is certainly far more ergonomically engineered, the sport has never been more popular. In fact, every season, more and more would-be snow pros and nursery-slope novices head for the hills, some destined to descend in grand style and some inclined more towards Instagram ignominy under the harsh hashtag “skifails”.
Snowshoeing through crystalline trees
No matter what your level of ability, however, you are sure to find a welcome in Kiroro, a little-known skiing resort tucked away in northern Japan’s Hokkaido prefecture. Although more than 100km away from the nearest international airport, it’s a spot that has one particular attribute that makes getting there well worthwhile – blindingly brilliant snow.
Anyone even vaguely au fait with skiing knows that snow quality makes all the difference when it comes to the sheer enjoyment of the sport. And, with Kiroro enjoying a snowfall of more than 20 metres every year, you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere where the subsequent enjoyment is any more sheer. If that wasn’t enough, the flakes that fall upon the resort are said to be among the world’s lightest and most powdery.
Kiroro has one of the longest skiing seasons in the region
The sheer volume of the annual snowfall has also granted Kiroro the longest skiing season in the region – from November to May. Thanks to the gently sloping and heavily-forested Yoichi mountains that Kiroro straddles, it’s possible to experience pretty much every skiing variant there – alpine, cross-country, off-piste and back-country. Even for the few who are ski-averse, there are tempting alternatives on offer, notably snow banana boats, buggies and rafts.
The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
While a fair number of travellers who pack the slopes every winter opt to stay in nearby Sapporo and only take day-trips to Kiroro, for those who want to maximise their ski time, there are actually two five-star hotels on site – the Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort and The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. While the Sheraton is a ski-in, ski-out resort located at the base of the slopes, making it ideal for dedicated skiers and adventure seekers, The Kiroro is more of a laidback, luxury resort.
Kiroro also boasts a Kids Academy
It has been designed to have a particular appeal on those for whom skiing is more of a leisure activity. It is here after a long day skiing (or skiving) you can soak in a traditional onsen (Japanese public bath) filled with mineral-rich waters from a natural hot spring. Alternatively, you can detox at the hot stone sauna and relax as the warmth washes away any lingering après-ski chill.
Open-air onsen at The Kiroro
After any such session of well-deserved rejuvenation, thoughts may naturally gravitate towards matters more culinary. Thankfully the local Hokkaido fare is anything but disappointing. While the beef from this part of the world is deservedly held in high renown, it is the shabushabu – a form of Japanese hotpot – that truly deserves the plaudits. As with its Korean counterpart, the diner gets to cook their own thin slices of meat and vegetables and there is, in fact, something almost primeval about roasting your dinner-to-be by a searing fire, while the elements surge and roar just a wall’s span away.
Ice Star Resort, an igloo-shaped bar and restaurant made of snow
Suitably replenished, your next best bet is a trip to the nearby Ice Star Resort – an igloo-shaped bar and restaurant fashioned entirely from snow, which, understandably, has to be reconstituted every year once summer takes its toll. With pretty much everything within made from ice – the tables, the bar counter, the shot glasses, the DJ console and even the seats – some kind of padded trousers are probably in order.
Winter fireworks at Kiroro Square
On weekends and festive occasions, those hardy souls who can brave yet further cold should then take a nocturnal stroll Kiroro Square-wards where the sky will be ablaze with the resort’s well-rehearsed firework display. As you experience the snow-framed aerial pyrotechnics, you may have to pinch yourself just to help reality reassert itself lest you become lost in what amounts to a zero-degree Disney diorama.
Despite its winter season being so undeniably enchanting, it would be folly to think that Kiroro has nothing to offer over the span of its relatively-short summer. While its trademark lush, soft snow is absent, its freshly-uncovered foliage is the perfect backdrop for hiking or mountain biking, with the Yoichi summit a popular destination and one where you can discover an array of concealed cataracts and culverts.
Otaru Canal at night
No visit to Kiroro, however, would be complete without a trip to Otaru, its 30-minutes-distant sister town. Not so long ago a key commercial hub and the focal point of the region’s fishing industry, it has now morphed from an overworked wharf into a charming tourist-friendly town, complete with picturesque town squares, colourful houses and authentic eateries.
At the heart of this quaint slice of regional Japan is the meandering Otaru Canal, itself one of the most scenic attractions the town has to offer. With several bridges straddling this winsome waterway, you are all but guaranteed to find the perfect photo op, one that is destined to secure slack-jawed admiration wherever you ‘post’ it.
Otaru Music Box Museum
With the envy of distant digital chums assured, there should still be time to wander around the town’s glass workshops, admiring the creations of the local craftspeople or even trying your hand at making your own. Make sure you don’t spend your entire shopping budget here, though, as the next stop on your schedule should be the Otaru Music Box Museum, a true paradise for the retail-minded. Housed in a building dating back to 1902, The Japan Times wasn’t overstating the case when it described this particular institution as housing an “absolutely phenomenal” variety of musical novelties.
Indeed, two whole floors of the museum are dedicated to music boxes of every shape and size, with the more classic examples taking pride of place. As you browse through the array on offer, let the ambient music lull your senses as you fully immerse yourself in the moment. It could turn out to be the most singular instant in a trip that’s far from short on competing enchantment.
Titanic Tours: Just US$100,000 will buy you a front-row seat to a truly Titanic exploration
If you’ve had space travel on your mind, you may want to put that particular notion on the back-burner because a whole new (well, old) frontier has opened to the public. We’re talking, of course, about the wreckage of the ill-fated Titanic passenger liner that sank in the Atlantic back in 1912. The new deep-sea expeditions will kick off later this summer from St John’s in the Canadian province of Newfoundland under the purview of American company OceanGate.
Despite having a significant delay to its initial dive date – slated for May last year – excitement remains high for what will be the first explorations of the decaying ship since 2005. As one might expect, tickets for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity are going for a pretty penny at over US$100,000 per head. For that price, OceanGate Expition CEO Stockton Rush promises an experience “more rare than space travel”, a statement further underscored by the fact that this may be a time-bound adventure indeed. As a study conducted in 2016 suggests, due to the presence of “extremophile bacteria”, the shipwreck could be eaten away in just 15 to 20 years, thus destroying the remains of the sunken ship.
The highlight of the dive experience encompasses a submarine that will dive some 3,800m into the Atlantic to survey the rusting remains of the tragic British passenger liner. Limited to five people and eight hours per dive, lucky passengers will also be treated to the title of “mission specialists” and given the opportunity to undertake hands-on roles in gathering data, be trained in underwater photography, and archiving duties. The gathered data is expected to throw light on the ship’s decay timeline, while also collecting materials for a virtual reality project that will allow a wider audience to experience the Titanic wreck from the comforts of land.
Those interested in securing a seat are best to act now as only two seats remain open for the six 2019 expeditions, however, if you can’t wiggle it into your diary this year, more will be offered in 2020. Visit this website to find out more.
New luxury hotels set to open their doors in Hong Kong
Some of the biggest names in luxury hotel business are set to open doors in Hong Kong in a not-so-distant future. This not only spells good news for tourists and business travellers to the city, but also for those loyal believers of staycations who now have more options to spoil themselves silly in the lap of luxury while forsaking the hassle of long-distance travel. So let’s check out just which new luxury hotels are coming to Hong Kong this summer.
St. Regis, Hong Kong
After much delay and repeated postponement of its opening, St. Regis Hong Kong is finally scheduled to open next month in the busy Wan Chai district, a stone’s throw away from Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Designed by celebrated interior designer André Fu, the hotel’s signature style is all about architectural creativity, cultural diversity and timeless elegance. Housing two restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs, L’Envol, a French fine-dining restaurant and Rùn, a Chinese fine-dining cuisinary, St. Regis looks to attract the city’s foodies as well.
Rosewood Hong Kong
With Rosewood Hong Kong opening its doors in Hong Kong yesterday, the powerhouse hotel chain just unveiled its the 26th international property in what was surely a defining milestone for the group. Located in Kowloon, the towering 65-storey building adds an distinguished feature to Hong Kong’s already impressive skyline, and also provides sweeping views of the harbour from a majority of its suites. The uber-luxurious hotel also offers a plethora of dining options for gourmands, from contemporary Canto cuisine at Holt’s Café to European small-plates at The Butterfly Room.
House 1881
House 1881, which was formerly known as Hullett House, is situated within the old Marine Police Headquarters premises in TST, and retains all the old-world colonial charm that comes with it. A historic landmark with lush gardens, Victorian architecture and an elegant setting, stepping into House 1881 is like turning back time by at least a century. But all the old-worldliness doesn’t mean that one has to forgo the comforts of modern times. With plush suites and rooms, and five different F&B offerings, House 1881 brings the best of both worlds to the jaded traveller.
While we may be able to avoid the snowy touch of winter here in Hong Kong, our northern-nation neighbors are not so lucky, but with Spring but already sprung now is the perfect time to hop a plane and pack your hiking boots for a trip northward. Indeed, with a boundless amount of hiking trails in Northern Asia, it can be difficult to narrow down which ones should top our to-do lists in a world never before so friendly for travel. Fortunately, we’ve had the time to climb a mountain or two for you and report back with our top results.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
China
Now just a quick train ride of five or so hours, thanks to the high-speed train from West-Kowloon station, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park appears to be right out of a lucid dream. However, the national park is indeed a sure thing with a beauty arguably unmatched, so much so that it was featured in the James Cameron blockbuster Avatar (2010). The unique geological formations are plentiful, with rushing rivers and trails for days. You won’t want to exclude Zhangjiajie from your bucket list, but be sure to go during off season as the sudden fame of the park has propelled visitors into the millions.
The Imperial Route to Kumano
Japan
A cherished park in Japan for over 1,000 years, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route is now a registered UNESCO world heritage site and for good reason. Enjoy a stroll down the same trails that once were taken by retired emperors and aristocrats, offering routes for both short walks and multi-day treks. To give your feet a deserved break, treat yourself to one of the many traditional accommodations of the area and take a dip into the hot springs.
Odaesan National Park
South Korea
For those eager to explore South Korea’s North-Eastern region, you best start with Odaesan Nation Park found some 144 kilometers east from the nation’s capital of Seoul. As the place to be for anyone looking to be at one with nature, Odaesan is chock-full of well-marked trails and even child-friendly. Enjoy the calming sounds of the river, and make sure to stop into the Sangwonsa Temple before calling it a day.
Photo: Bailey Atkinson
Taroko National Park
Taiwan
Bearing its name from the local Truku aboriginal tribe, Taroko National Park is not only one of the most beautiful sights in Taiwan, but in the world. For those searching for a truly marveling view which has been scantily touched by man, will be delighted to learn that Taroko is sacredly protected by Taiwan’s environmental protection movement. Sure to be a splendid way to immerse yourself into nature, the park is home to several hiking trails, a wide range of wildlife many of which are unique to the region and relaxed county of Hualien just minutes away.
Go Hungary: Craving culture? Head to Budapest, the Hungarian capital
When it comes to true panoramic beauty, few of the world’s cities can hope to compete with Budapest. With its prime location on the banks of the Danube, one of the world’s most picturesque rivers, Hungary’s capital is blessed with magnificent architecture, much of it stunningly well-preserved. Beyond its surface appeal, though, this venerable metropolis has so much more to offer – unique heritage sites, health spas, impressive retail resources and an enviable nightlife.
However, modern-day Budapest is a fairly recent construct. Until 1873, it was not one, but two cities – Buda and Pest. Buda (now the western district of the co-joined city) straddled rolling hills and was the traditional capital of the Hungarian empire. Pest, meanwhile, lay to the east with many of the capital’s shopping, business and nightlife districts falling within its former precincts.
Although the area was originally settled as long ago as 500,000 BC, Budapest first began to emerge as an urban entity from around 35 BC. Since then, through many millennia, the city was fought and annexed by a variety of regional powers, from the ancient Romans and the Mongols to the Nazis and the Soviet Union.
Today, though, those dark days seem long ago indeed. Modern-day Budapest, the capital of an independent republic since 1989, has an air of vibrant optimism and is home to one of Europe’s fastest-growing urban economies. In 2017 alone, it welcomed some four million tourists – an impressive statistic for a city with a resident population of just 1.75 million.
Undoubtedly one of the major lures for this ever-burgeoning number of visitors is the majestic Buda Castle. Cresting Castle Hill on the left bank of the Danube, this venerable fortress was built in 1265 by King Bela IV (1206-1270) and subsequently served as the Hungarian monarchy’s seat of power.
Granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1987, the entire complex spans a staggering 4.8sq.km, making exploring its various sights all but impossible for the time-pressed. But even if you have only very limited time, though, you should still ensure you visit both the the 10th-century Mattias Church and the Hungarian National Gallery, home to an amazing array of the country’s greatest artworks.
Should time permit, taking in the nearby Széchenyi Chain Bridge is also highly recommended. Completed in 1849, it was the first permanent bridge to straddle the Danube within Hungary’s borders, while also presaging the ultimate unification of Buda and Pest some 24 years later.
Aside from these unmissable historic highlights, no visit to Budapest would be complete without stopping by at least one of its many spa facilities. With the city boasting a network of more than one hundred thermal springs, ‘taking the waters’ was part of local life even before the Ancient Romans looked for a little R&R after a hard day’s conquering, Today, the city is well-served by a substantial number of high-end wellness facilities, all ably taking advantage of the city’s unique geological benefits and ensuring visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to massages, spa treatments and other wellness services.
Culturally replete, a swift meander in search of a memento or two is probably next on your itinerary. If so, skip the obvious allure of the city’s many malls and head off to one of the few traditional purveyors of fine porcelain that still linger in the city’s less conspicuously commercial districts. The most high-end of these is Herend Porcelain, which maintains two flagship outlets in the former Pest portion of the city. Founded in 1826, its hand-painted ceramics have previously found favour among many of Europe’s most distinguished families so, chances are, they’ll have something that will more than grace your sideboard.
Finally, why not reward yourself for a job well done and a city comprehensively-explored by kicking back and relaxing on a delightful sunset cruise along the Danube, arguably an opportunity to take in Budapest at its most stunning? Should you prefer to stay on dry land, then a post-tour tipple or two is probably called for. Your best bet here is to head off to one of the city’s many sophisticated rooftop bars or one of its less salubrious ruin bars. If you’re feeling particularly brave, you could even treat yourself to a little Zwack – a heady herbal liqueur with a knock-out 40-percent alcohol content said to be much loved by the locals. Not recommended for those with early flights the following morning, mind.
