Sunny Skies: Our top picks for luxury Caribbean getaways

With Easter holidays on the horizon, it’s a fitting time for beach-goers to start searching for the ultimate place in the sun. Thankfully, due to an increasing number of flights being offered from Hong Kong to the Atlantic, luxury Caribbean getaways are now just a click away.

Como Hotels Parrot Cay – Turks and Caicos

The low-lying coral island of Turks and Caicos is located some 370km north of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, with a population just reaching 31,000. So, where better to get away from it all, than in one of the island’s exclusive luxury villa such as Como Parrot Clay? Located on its own private island, the resort comes complimentary with a 1,000-mile long beach and is host to an array of activities such as yoga, diving and of course, spa treatments. With a trip to Turks and Caicos, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself immersed in the beauty of hidden caves, pristine beaches and the grand reefs of the Caribbean.

Hermitage Bay – Antigua

Situated in the West Indies, the island of Antigua – all of its 281 sq.km of area – is a self-contained tiny paradise in itself. However, what it lacks in size it surely makes up for in beauty, something that the rest of the world has only discovered of late, leading the country’s tourism to triple in the past two decades. Hermitage Bay a privately owned luxury resort situated on the island’s west coast and hosts over 30 individual suites, all set within the bay’s tropical gardens overlooking the beach and the hillside. Guests can enjoy private cooking classes, top-notch golf courses and helicopter tours. Be sure to have your camera ready!

Four Seasons Ocean Club – Bahamas

Located a tad farther north is The Bahamas, which is just a few hours by ferry from Florida. One of the richest countries in the Americas, the economy of these gorgeous island nation is driven by tourism. It’s no wonder that luxury hospitality hotel chain The Four Seasons chose The Bahamas to be home to its Ocean Club. In its distinguished career of sixty years, the truly glamorous resort has been host to many celebrities and renowned visitors from all parts of the world. Indeed, one of the finest places in the world to enjoy a game of tennis or down a night-cap or two before bed, the magic of The Bahamas is said to be unforgettable.

Rosewood – Bermuda

Those brave enough to not let the legendary Bermuda Triangle get in the way of their vacationing spirits may opt to go to the British island territory situated in the North Atlantic. Having held one of the highest GDP per capita for most of the 20th century, this sub-tropical isle clearly has enough wealth and beauty to go around. At least some of this beauty can be attributed to the plush Rosewood Bermuda which lies next to the pristine pink-sand beaches to the island’s north-east. This deluxe hideaway is a prime place for sailing and indulging in all things beachy and sunny.

Jade Mountain – St Lucia

The Eastern-Caribbean island nation of St. Lucia is best known for its dramatic mountains, the Pitons, which lie on its west coast. Indeed, the west side of the island is a sure place for those seeking thrills in the Caribbean as it harbours the island’s volcanic side. Also to be found on the western side of the isle is Jade Mountain – a 600-acre private beachfront resort, stationing guests right in the middle of St. Lucia’s remarkable beauty. A worthy place to spend your nights gazing into the night’s sky as you recover from a day spent kayaking with the pros.

Text: Bailey Atkinson

Best of France: Four alternate French destinations to put on your travel list

We all know about Paris’ Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and France’s second city Lyon also has plenty of claims to fame, most notably its impeccable gastronomic heritage and historic Old Lyon quarter. But beyond the well-trodden paths of other hot Gallic tourist destinations – the French Riviera and Saint Tropez to name but two – France boasts countless hidden gems, all with unique charms of their own. Here are four particular alternate French destinations that merit further exploration.

Corsica

Situated in the Mediterranean Sea equidistant from France and Italy, this rugged French island encompasses every possible terrain within its borders, from dense forests and dramatic cliffs to pristine beaches and hip coastal resort towns. Corsica is a true nature paradise, with outdoor enthusiasts spoilt for choice between snorkeling in crystal-clear waters or hiking through the verdant rolling hills. A quaint amalgam of Gallic and Italian cultures, the island is also famous for being the birthplace of Napoleon.

Colmar

Abutting the German border, the northeastern town of Colmar is a no-brainer addition to our round-up of top alternate French destinations, mostly due to its stunningly picturesque La Petite Venise (Little Venice) neighbourhood. Situated along the banks of the Launch River, its intertwining canalways are lined with eye-poppingly colourful Medieval houses and Renaissance buildings. Oenophiles, in particular, are in for a treat, with Colmar – part of the Alsace Wine Route – boasting world-famous Rieslings and Gewurztraminer wines.

Languedoc-Roussilon

With France being the unquestionable capital of the wine world, it’s no surprise that yet another wine region makes our list. Languedoc-Roussilon, located on the country’s southern coast, is famed for its delicious Vin de Pays d’Oc and sparkling Cremant de Limoux grape varietals. For the alcohol-averse, there’s also plenty of beautiful beaches, well-preserved Roman ruins and the neighbouring Pyrenees Mountains to explore.

Chamonix

Rounding out our four favourite alternate French destinations is the ski town of Chamonix. Perched at the crossroads between Italy, France and Switzerland, this resort area abuts the Alps’ tallest mountain – Mont Blanc. A year-long outdoor sports destination, winter months see droves of skiers descend on this town to sample its powder-white snow-covered slopes, while summer is a draw for seasoned hikers. Through it all, the heart-stopping cable car rides provide stunning vistas of the stark mountain range.

Lovely Lyon: France’s second city boasts a charm all of its own

With a national capital synonymous the world over with culture, fine food, finer wines and outstanding architecture, it’s easy to understand why much of the rest of France fails to attract the level of tourist footfall it really ought. But any bold traveller would be well-advised to head some 500km east where they will soon find themselves ensconced in the ancient and undeniably beautiful city of Lyon.

Nestled between two rolling rivers – the Rhône and the Saône – and flanked by verdant hillscapes, this 500,000-strong city is the very antithesis of the capital’s cosmopolitan urban sprawl. It’s not just the visual aesthetic that is different; it’s the whole ambience. The locals are much friendlier than their notoriously conceited capital-dwelling cousins and the whole city is blissfully devoid of the self-conscious bustle now brandished as a badge of honour by the modern world’s major metropolises.

It is perhaps the city’s abiding stature that is the root of its reflective splendour. The area now known as Lyon was first settled by the invading Romans back in 43 BC. Despite the passing of more than two millennia, traces of that early occupation still abound. As well as the surprisingly intact Roman Baths and the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière (built around 15 BC), there is the Gallo- Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière, rising out of the ruins of a 1,900-year-old Roman theatre.

Granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1998, Fourvière is one of the city’s biggest attractions. Aside from its ancient affiliations, it’s also home to one of the city’s slightly more modern claims to fame – the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière. Built in the 19th century in the Gothic Revival style, those seeking that Instagram-perfect snap should brave the stairs and head to the top of the north tower for truly stunning vistas of the city.

Another must-see is the nearby district of Old Lyon, once one of the of the must redoubtable Renaissance hubs to be found beyond Italy’s borders and the heartland of the city’s widely-admired printing and silk industries. Today, its cobbled streets and beautifully-preserved architecture make it the ideal spot for an afternoon’s exploration. If possible, set aside time to explore the traboules – a unique set of intra-building passageways dating back to the Middle Ages.

From there, head across the Saône to La Place Bellecour, the largest pedestrian square in Europe and the heart of Presqu’île, the city’s ever-bustling shopping district. Literally Lyon’s ‘Mile Zero’, with all the distances within city limits measured with reference to this point, it’s the perfect place to get your bearings and to decide which of the many nearby museums to take in next.

Two of the most popular options are the Musée de l’Imprimerie, a celebration of the days when Lyon was the leading European printing hub, or the Museum of Textiles, home to a fascinating retelling of how the city became a silk-weaving centre non pareil, with more than 2.5 million fine fabrics bearing testimony to the unique skills of its craftsmen of old.

Visually sated, many travellers have been delighted to discover that, beyond things to see, the city also offers an unparalleled selection of truly delicious items to dine upon and to savour long after your holiday has ended. It’s fair to say that, back in the ’30s, when ‘Curnonsky’, the most famed French food critic of the day, dubbed Lyon the “gastronomic capital of the world”, few queried the validity of his research or his intuition.

Its reputation for menu mastery was further burnished in 1933 when Eugenie Brazier, a local restauranteur, became the first female chef to be awarded three Michelin stars. In her later years, she then became the world’s first chef – regardless of gender – to head two three- Michelin-starred fine dining establishments simultaneously. Today, her legacy lives on at La Mere Brazier, the local two Michelin-starred eatery that bears her name.

Tellingly, it was one of Brazier’s protégés, the late Paul Bocuse – arguably one of the most famous and well-loved of all contemporary French chefs – who, back in 1969, introduced the world to nouvelle cuisine, a whollyrefreshing, lighter and more delicate style of Gallic food preparation. Today, his three Michelin-starred L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges remains one of the most sought-out dining destinations in all of Lyon.

While the city is now home to some 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, its reputation for eatery excellence extends well beyond its fine dining establishments. The city’s traditional bouchons – upmarket inns that have fed affluent visitors since the early days of the 18th century – also play a key role in its culinary appeal, offering sumptuous saucissons, hearty stews and a range of other classic dishes, all served in a decidedly down-to-earth and wholly convivial atmosphere.

Those whose palates yearn for slightly more refined fare, however, are perhaps best-advised to skip these bouchons and head straight to Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a covered food hall boasting 56 distinctly gourmet experiences. From fromagers to charcutiers, wine specialists and pastry pros, pretty much every taste is catered for and every sensibility indulged, leaving visitors sated, satisfied, yet hungry for more. In that, it’s a little like Lyon itself.

Text: Tenzing Thondup
Photos: La Mere Brazier

Romantic Rails: Five luxurious train routes around the world

Our roundup of five luxurious train routes around the world, because the journey is more important than the destination…

In keeping with our fast-paced lives, our vacations too have become fast-paced, with well-connected flights whisking us away to your chosen destination in lesser time and in more comfort than before. But if you were so inclined as to enjoy a slower pace of life for a change, and indulge in a slower means of travel, savouring every moment of the journey, take the road less travelled and book yourself a berth of one or more of these most luxurious train routes in the world.

The Maharajas’ Express, India

One of the most luxurious train routes in India, the Maharajas’ Express offers journeys of various lengths covering the country’s most fascinating places – the verdant beaches of Goa, the bathing ghats of Benaras, the tiger reserves in Ranthambore, and of course, Taj Mahal in Agra. The suites and the dining cars and opulently decorated in royal style reminiscent of the grandeur of Mughal times.

The Golden Eagle Trans-Mongolian Express, Russia and Mongolia

Covering a distance of 6,800 miles, this super-luxurious train takes passengers on a memorable journey through Moscow, Kazan, Lake Baikal in Russia before coming to an end at Ulaan Baatar in Mongolia. A private viewing of Kremlin, a cooking class in Irkutsk, Siberia, all form parts of the two-week-long journey. Best time to travel would be in July during the Naadam festival in Mongolia.

Train Suite Shiki Shima, Japan

Japan’s bullet trains are justly famous the world over. But the Train Suite Shiki Shima attains the next level in modern train travel, with all the suites being furnished with only the very best state-of-the-art facilities and furniture. The one-, two- and three-night journeys on this ultra-luxury train reveal the true beauty of the Japanese countryside to visitors. Spring would be the best time to travel as it coincides with the cherry blossom season in Japan.

The Blue Train, South Africa

An icon of South Africa for over 70 years, the Blue Train travels between Pretoria and Cape Town, covering a 1,600km journey in just over 30 hours. Boasting spacious cabins, world-class gourmet cuisine and wine and even a butler service, it’s also a journey into the past when kings and heads of states would travel on the very same prestigious train.

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Europe

No list on luxurious train journeys would be complete without tipping our hat to the Orient Express, the very epitome of luxurious train travel. Keeping the legacy alive, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels between a host of destinations across Europe, like from London to Venice, from Venice to Paris, from Verona to London, etc. Guests are ensconced in perfect luxury, with the polished wood and antique fixtures recalling the ethos of the Art Deco movement of the 1920s.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay

Mark Your Calendars: Five events worth travelling for in 2019

Your travel plans for Chinese New Year may already be set in stone, but what about the months ahead? If you’ve already ticked off the traditional travel hotspots – Bali, Tokyo, New York and London to name just a few– and you’re looking for something a bit more exotic to add to the mix, fear not. Below are five destinations that are celebrating something special in 2019. Mark your calendars.

Vaduz, Liechtenstein – Celebrating its 300th Birthday

With a population of just 38,000 souls, the tiny European principality of Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world – so small that it doesn’t even have its own airport. As the landlocked nation is set to celebrate its 300th birthday on 15 August this year, any intrepid traveller hoping to partake in the free concerts, firework displays and complimentary museum passes that will mark this grand occasion will have to transit via Zurich Airport, the nearest airport some 130km away from its capital of Vaduz.

Cape Canaveral, Florida – Celebrating the Mission to the Moon

On 20 July this year, it will have been exactly half a century since man first stepped on the moon and astronaut Neil Armstrong proclaimed it to be ‘One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind’. To celebrate this remarkable space race accomplishment, head to Cape Canaveral in Florida, home to the Kennedy Space Centre, site of the original Apollo 11 shuttle launch that took Armstrong and two other spacefarers to the moon. Walk beneath a real 363ft-long Saturn V rocket or check out the newly-debut Touch the Moon exhibition, which allows visitors to experience first-hand what walking on the moon feels like via augmented reality.

Elqui Valley, Chile – Celebrating A Total Eclipse

If you missed 2017’s total solar eclipse, fear not, you’ll have your chance to once again catch a glimpse of this astronomical phenomenon on 2 July. Experts have predicted that the eclipse – predicted to last two whole minutes – will be best viewed from Chile’s Elqui Valley. To round out your trip, set aside time to explore the region’s famed vineyards, sample the local pisco or trek through the picturesque rolling hills.

Berlin, Germany – Celebrating the Fall of the Berlin Wall

For those looking for a more cosmopolitan getaway, perhaps a trip to the German capital of Berlin might entice this year as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Soviet Union-pushed structure that separated East and West Berlin for 28 years during the Cold War. To commemorate the occasion, Berlin’s museums plan to host a series of exhibitions in remembrance of those difficult times. Afterwards – and for some much-needed mood-lifting – indulge in some retail therapy along Friedrichstrasse or knock back a few brews at a local biergarten.

Grand Canyon, Arizona – Celebrating its National Park Status

If you’re not afraid of a little workout and are looking to get back in touch with Mother Nature, you really can’t go wrong with the Grand Canyon. Set in the Arizona desert, the 277-mile-long natural rock formation is marking the centennial celebration of its National Park status – awarded by the US Senate back in 1919. Thought to be well over 70 million years old, the Grand Canyon is as ancient as it is stunning. If casual sightseeing along its more accessible Southern Rim seems too run-of-the-mill, you can also try your hand at river rafting along its base, or take in the views from up high with one of the many helicopter tour operators on site.

Taveuni: This remote, idyllic island is Fiji at its very finest

Nestled serenely in the very bluest part of the Pacific Ocean are the exquisite Fiji Islands, 333 of them all told. While some are big enough to house the largest city the region has to offer, some are so small that they are little more than sandbars. Amid such splendour and variety, one particular promontory – Taveuni – has emerged at the very forefront of the local luxury tourism industry. Appropriately enough, it was actually the first of the Fiji Islands to be discovered by the outside world.

This initial contact came in 1643 when a Dutch expedition bound for Australia made landfall there, though it was to be the Brits who commanded sovereignty here for nearly 100 years (1874-1970). Independent since 1970, the economy of the islands is largely propped up by its exports of cane sugar and coconut derivatives. However, recent years have seen their earnings wholly dwarfed by Fiji’s burgeoning tourist receipts. This is, perhaps, because the islanders are just so unbelievably hospitable.

From your concierge to your dive instructor, the warmth of the welcome goes well beyond the professional, impressing with the kind of sincerity seldom seen in most tourism-reliant nations. As a result, you may well find yourself greeted as a long-lost friend and gently nudged towards “Fiji Time” – a pace of life far more relaxation-oriented than that found in the bustling mega-cities of China.

It is, however, the perfect tempo for savouring Taveuni’s famously sandy beaches, lush foliage, clean air and abundant fresh, local produce. All in all, even the most stressed-out urban refugee couldn’t help but be won over by the island’s beguiling views, fine food, memorable music and ever-friendly Fijian welcome.

Rightly rejoicing in its reputation as the Garden Island, Taveuni is actually the third-largest landmass in this archipelago nation, while also being one of the least densely populated. A lush green jungle intertwined around hidden waterfalls and encircled by soft white sandy beaches, the island is, at heart, a truly multisensory treat.

Given its proximity to the legendary Somosomo Strait – rightly regarded as “the soft coral capital of the world” – Taveuni has always been a popular choice among scuba enthusiasts. Here, professionals and novices alike can also swim their way around the Great White Wall, an almost vertical 30-foot stretch of soft white coral.

As well as the coral and anemones that are unique to this part of the world, more familiar creatures can also be found in Fiji’s surrounding depths. The nearby Mamanuca Islands, for instance, are home to a sizable colony of Pacific green turtles. As an officially endangered species, as well as one revered in Fijian culture, dive guides are always on hand to ensure these graceful long-lived amphibians remain undisturbed by curious holidaymakers. Indeed, you may be glad of their presence later when a blacktip or whitetip reef shark suddenly glides by. Rest assured, though, these relatively small (1.6 metres) members of the shark family seldom dine on divers.

For the aquatically averse, there are any number of non-oceanic sights to be seen – not least the Bouma National Heritage Park. Home to more than 100 species of exotics birds and rare insects, here you can trek over bridges and through thick jungle canopies to your heart’s content. Don’t miss the captivating Tavaro waterfalls – they’re pretty much what Instagram was invented for.

The requisite sight-seeing completed, there is really one thing left to do – dine, preferably in truly-luxurious, finely-prepared, locally-cuisined style. As with any island nation, fish features heavily in the typical Fijian diet, with kokoda (ko-kon-da) the must-try menu item of choice. Served as a cold soup, this genuinely delicious combination of coconut milk, lime juice, capsicum and white fish is the ideal pick-me-up after a long day of diving or hiking, or even if you have just been lazing on the beach. Essentially, it’s a central Pacific take on ceviche and in what world could that be a bad thing?

Then, as the night draws in, it’s only right to complete your cultural immersion by sampling as many of the tropical cocktails on offer as your following morning’s itinerary will allow. Maybe even one or two more than would be strictly wise. Glass in hand, swaying to the arresting rhythms of one of the island’s many musicians, you truly are on Fiji Time and who in their right mind would set their watch to anything but?

Text: Alice Duncan
Photos: AFP, Alice Duncan

Lunar Escapes: Top 5 Chinese New Year getaways from Hong Kong

With the Lunar New Year holidays falling squarely in the middle of the week (5-7 Feb), savvy travellers who opt to take two extra days off will be able to acquire nine whole days to travel the globe. So where in the world should wanderlusters head to to ring in the Year of the Pig? Here are our top 5 Chinese New Year getaways for the intrepid Hong Kong explorer.

Amsterdam, Netherlands – For the art aficionado

If you’re looking to head farther afield, why not opt for Amsterdam, also known as the Venice of the North. With its charming canals, world-class museums and a veritable treasure trove of artworks by renowned Dutch Grandmasters – Van Gogh and Vermeer, to name but two – it’s the perfect destination for any art aficionado.

Taipei, Taiwan – For a short getaway

Looking to stay closer to home? Then the Taiwanese capital of Taipei may be your best bet. Just a short plane ride away, this cosmopolitan metropolis has it all – culinary delights, relaxing hot springs, retail therapy and, of course, the requisite firework celebrations. Don’t miss out on the famous Lantern Festival, which sees thousands of lanterns lit and sent skyward. For a change of pace, head out to Jiufen – the city that inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s famous Spirited Away.

Chiang Mai, Thailand – For the nature lover

If you’re in the mood to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, perhaps Chiang Mai should feature on your Chinese New Year itinerary. Set in the verdant mountains of northern Thailand, it’s the perfect place to unwind with Mother Nature. Hike through the lush forests, play amidst the waterfalls, or maybe even grab a Thai massage or two. You’ve earned it.

Sydney, Australia – For a warmer holiday

Hong Kong has traditionally experienced some of its most frigid temperatures during Chinese New Year. If you’re hoping to escape the cold, maybe a jaunt Down Under (where the Aussies are enjoying a warm summer) is exactly what the doctor ordered. More specifically, Sydney boasts an impressive array of Lunar festivities – perhaps because it is home to the country’s largest Chinese population.

Bhutan – For the culture buff

For a true cultural immersion, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan would probably be your best bet. From awe-inspiring snow-capped peaks and historic Buddhist monasteries to traditional musical performances, there’s something for every intrepid explorer to enjoy. Fortuitously, this year’s Chinese New Year coincides with the local Losar celebrations, so get ready to attend the traditional cham (masked dance) performances and drink lots of chhaang, an alcoholic fermented rice brew.

Into the woods in style: Our top picks for luxury safaris

For those looking to escape the urban jungle for a boscage – especially one that extends for miles – there is no short supply of luxury safaris curated in style in all the remotest corners of the earth. But lest you think their fur-flung locale, vast stretches of greenery, exotic wild animals, all come at the expense of true-blue luxury, you couldn’t be more off the mark. Thanks to these carefully-crafted glamping experiences, all luxuries of modern civilisation would be at your beck and call, even in the deepest of forests. So check out our top picks for the most luxurious safaris and let your wild spirit take over…

Banjaar Tola

& Beyond

Luxury safari company &Beyond invites you to lose yourself in the natural wonders of India’s Kanha National Park, located just 252 kms north east of Nagpur. Those with an affection for larger felines will find themselves smack dab in the middle of tiger territory, as Kanha is one of the first areas in the world to provide sanctuary to the magnificent cat.

Travellers may enjoy an enchanting tent lodge near the heart of the National Park, at Banjaar Tola. Located next to the Banjaar River, the safari lodge immerses its guests into the natural habitat of the jungle, but within contemporary rooms. After a day of exploring, relax in mystical confines of your room, replete with porcelain bathrooms and pressed bamboo wall panels, before savouring a campfire dinner while enjoying dance performances by the local people.

South Australia

Wild Bush Luxury

If certain jokes are be believed, one could not simply leave their homes in Australia without some type of animal plotting their end. But in defence of Aussie eco-inhabitants, most safari goers do not want to wrestle with a crocodile. Wild Bush Luxury offers travellers an experience that not only explores the natural aspects of Australia’s rain forests and national parks, but also the cultural and spiritual aspects of aboriginal culture.

With their signature experience, Arkaba delights guests with plenty of time for discovering the hillsides of the rolling hill country, complimented of course with spectacular views of South Australia’s sunsets and a taste of the renowned wine country.

Chilean Patagonia

& Beyond

Not limiting themselves to the East, &Beyond offers a wild twist on the iconic vistas of Chile. Explore the South American country famous for succulent red wines and its devilish Pisco, in a 8-nights package, journeying across the beautiful coastal and mountainous landscapes.

In what would be a sure delight to bird lovers, the safaris apparently provide enough opportunities to spot the most famous feathered friends of the region. With executive access of only six guests, you’ll be spoilt for attention by the knowledgeable guides.

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge

Go2Africa

The serene oasis of the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge lies amid the extensive desert dunes of Namibia’s Namib-Naukluft Nature Reserve. Here, the dramatic landscape and picturesque surroundings are complemented ably with moon-roof villas, perfect for stargazing in this ‘dark sky reserve’.

Nature lovers are in for a treat as expert guides will help safari-goers navigate the terrain, while imparting useful tips about local plants and other species found solely in arid areas. Complimenting these eco-talks are astronomers who provide guests with fascinating insight into the secrets of the solar system.

Text: Bailey Atkinson

Dark Tourism: Today’s tourists want gore and disorder when they have time to kill

Okay, hand on heart, where would you rather visit – the Great Wall of China or the graveyard where Jim Morrison, the iconic lead singer of The Doors, is buried? Similarly, which one of these tops your travel itinerary – the ornate clocks of the Czech Republic or the glow-in-the-dark ruins of Chernobyl? Still unsure? How about this – Bali’s most beautiful beach or the eerie, abandoned huts of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Concentration Camp?

If your answer, in every instance, was largely the latter, you are not necessarily a sojourning sociopath-to-be. No, it could just be that you’re an early advocate of one the vacation industry’s most visceral trends – dark tourism.

Despite such apparently morbid motivations, dark tourism does not necessarily stem from some wholly unhealthy impulse. Maintaining it is the manifestation of a very natural fascination with mortality, Professor John Lennon, the Director of the Glasgow Caledonian University’s Moffat Centre for Travel and Tourism Business Development, says; “Dark tourism, like our dark history, occupies an important part of our understanding of what it is to be human. Essentially, it is motivated by a desire for actual or symbolic encounters with death.”

For those dead-set on actual or symbolic encounters, there are – perhaps worryingly – an ever-expanding number of options on offer. And for those who find themselves particularly execution excursion-minded, where better to start than Colombia, the 50 million-strong South American country that, not so long ago, held the dubious accolade of being the world’s most violent nation.

A relatively poor country compared to the massive, hedonistic US market next-door, drugs – particularly cocaine – was its perennial problem. Once the world’s largest producer and distributor of this Class A narcotic, its streets ran red with the blood of rival drug gangs, supposed informers, nosy journalists, incorruptible government officials and law enforcement operatives.

For those looking for a first-hand experience of the country’s corpse-heavy past, Bogotá – the national capital – is the place to start. Here you can hire a drug baron doppelganger with a pitch-perfect take on Pablo Escobar, the most infamous member of the country’s narco nobility, who will drive you around the city’s most notorious landmarks, all the while making – apparently – pretend drug deals on his hefty retro-’80s phone.

Once sated by your exploration of Colombia’s opiate-addled past, you could head to the 3,000km-distant Mexico. Time it right and you could even arrive on the eve of the Day of the Dead, which, despite its name, actually spans a 72-hour period – 31 October-2 November. A decidedly ghoulish affair, it’s a time when locals pay their respects to the recently (and not so recently) departed, celebrate their lives and acknowledge the inevitability of death. This, however, is not an occasion for quiet reflection and sedate remembrance.

Defending the apparent jollity of the festival, Andrea Bentanzos, a Mexico City-based tourist guide, said: “The deceased would be insulted if we merely mourned them. Death is not the end – it’s just the journey to the next stage of life and this is the time we feel the departed’s spirits most keenly.”

For those not wanting to venture beyond Asia in search of a little spooky sightseeing, then one of the destinations that has only relatively recently acquired otherworldly status is Fukushima, the Japanese city that was at the epicentre of the earthquake, tsunamis and subsequent nuclear meltdown that saw the world catch its breath back in 2011.

At the heart of this was the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, a facility that, eight years on, is still highly radioactive and subject to a massive ongoing decontamination operation. Despite this, those curious – or foolhardy – enough can take a tour of the infamous installation.

Well before you set foot within its potentially-lethal perimeter, you have to sign a lengthy waiver, absolving the operator from any responsibility should you go home glowing in the dark. You are then issued your own personal Geiger Counter and bussed into the half-life holiday spot.

From the Fukushimi Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant to Pablo Escobar’s plush prison, the dark side of the world has come to the fore, with many – consciously or unconsciously – aiming to leverage their leisure time to get to grips with humanity’s less pure impulses. Hopefully, they’re coming away with a measured repulsion to mankind’s baser urges and not with a newly-perfected roadmap for atrocities of their own

Text: Robert Blain

Northern Thailand: Your ultimate transformative trail

Whenever you think of Thailand, you could be forgiven for thinking first and foremost of its beaches. Whether it’s the pristine-ish sands of Krabi, scuba diving off the Similan Islands or Koh Samui’s notorious full-moon parties, it’s Thailand’s southern coast that has captured the imagination of international travellers.

But should you prefer a road less travelled, then maybe you’d be better advised to forsake the South in favour of the not-nearly-as-non-natively-populated North. Bordering Laos and Myanmar, this forested mountainous landmass – home to several hill tribes – has largely eluded the touristy hordes to date, leaving its quaint, time-honoured rural charm surprisingly intact.

Here, your point of entry should be Chiang Mai, the provincial capital. Its contrast with Bangkok, the country’s capital and largest metropolis, however, couldn’t be more obvious from the moment you step out of the airport. With its winding canals a welcome relief after the capital’s glacial traffic flows and its lush mountains reassuringly rural compared to Bangkok’s burgeoning high-rise skyline, it’s clear you are in holiday territory.

The proud capital of the Lanna Kingdom, home to the Burma-backed dynasty that ruled the region from the 13th to the 18th century, Chiang Mai is replete with remnants of its regal past, with something memorably majestic to be found in every nook and corner. Nowhere is this more apparent than within its walled Old City, an enclave that has cosseted and preserved its cherished array of Buddhist temples for more than 800 years.

While you can visit every temple within the Old City complex, more sedate sightseers can take in the more renowned sites – notably Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang – in a more relaxed fashion. However you arrange your itinerary, though, make sure to include Wat Doi Suthep, arguably the most revered and photogenic temple in the whole of northern Thailand.

Should the sheer volume of Chiang Mai’s venerable shrines see you teeter on the templed-out, opt for a change of pace and head to the Elephant Nature Park, a rescue and rehabilitation centre for the magnificent beasts that are Thailand’s Official National Animals. As part of a major conservation initiative that began back in the early ’90s, you can book into the camp and help take care of its mighty charges, all under the watchful eye of its highly-experienced staff.

Should mucking out a pachyderm not be your idea of the perfect vacation, an excursion to the nearby town of Chiang Rai might better meet your holidaying needs. Architecturally similar to 200km-distant Chiang Mai, the smaller and sleepier mountain town of Chiang Rai can be found just beyond the Doi Inthanon National Park. As befits its mini-me status, it boasts its own regal connections and, of course, its own array of shrines.

Unlike its big brother, though, the slightly more remote Chiang Rai has relatively few tourists, allowing its small number of hardy visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in unadulterated Thai culture. One can’t-miss spot is Wat Rong Khun, one of the region’s few temples with an all-white finish.

For something definitely different, head directly to Pai, one of the true gems in the nearby Mae Hong Soon Province. Although only a three-hour ride away from Chiang Mai, you’ll feel the centuries roll back as you near this unspoilt river valley. While any visitor to Pai will be tempted just to revel in the moment and bask in its timeless beauty, there’s actually plenty to explore – hot springs, deep gorges, rolling meadows, steep ridges, classically-tended paddy fields… Don’t, however, feel duty-bound to take in too much. In Pai, the more you proactively venture forth, the more you risk failing to fully experience this unique location.

It’s the curse of the contemporary traveller that, after artfully arranging flights, changing currencies, masterminding time-maximising itineraries and setting out to ensure that no authentic aspect of your chosen destination goes unsavoured, you can often end up missing the point entirely. While cramming in every cultural crumb and leaving no shrine unseen and no cuisine unsampled, this hurried cut-and-paste sensory overload can leave you wholly untouched by the landscape you so briefly visit. If ever there was a place to merely linger, forsaking the imperative to rack up novelties and nuances for an hour or two, it is surely Pai.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay
Photos: Souvik Mukherjee