Sensational Ski: Head north for the fresh powder snow of China’s many premier winter resorts

The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics placed China on the global stage as a major winter sports venue and underscored the ongoing success story that is China’s ski industry. From only about 20,000 visits to the ski slopes in 1996, numbers soared to 15 million by 2012, and last year’s sporting fiesta was a further fillip to this burgeoning industry. Plentiful powder snow now attracts visitors from around the world to mountains that historically have played a rich part in Chinese cultural identity.

There are more than 20 large ski resorts across the country in areas as diverse as Jilin, Heilongjiang, Yunnan and Hubei provinces. These resorts obviously gained a huge boost from Beijing being chosen to host the Winter Olympics as many locals suddenly wanted to learn to ski or partake in some way in the run-up to the Games. The slopes across China have been built on the back of successive rounds of investment and this money is crucial to their continuing maintenance. Recent funding has focused on upping the luxury level of hotels and amenities, as well as opening more runs and facilities for beginners.

Northern Exposure

Two of the largest ski resorts in China’s far north are Beidahu Ski Resort in Jilin and Heilongjiang’s Yabuli Ski Resort, the latter being situated about 200 kilometres southeast of the famous winter ice city of Harbin, home of the annual Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival from December to February.

Beidahu Ski Resort, which played host to the 2007 Asian Winter Games, has established itself as one of the country’s premier ski resorts. Located in a tiny village some 50 kilometres south of Jilin City, the resort has runs over two mountains plus the adjoining valley and is served by an excellent network of gondolas with limited queuing required. It is famous for its steep slopes and boasts the highest vertical drop of any resort in China. The runs from the top of the right-hand mountain would be considered intimidating to most beginners, but recent investment has created slopes suitable for less advanced skiers and the resort now caters to all levels of skiing proficiency.

Most lodging at Beidahu is at the base of the mountain. The original 200-room hotel created for the Asian Games is an option, although five- star accommodation with superior eating and dining facilities is now available. The nearby village also hosts a clutch of decent restaurants.

Covering an area of 22 square kilometres, Yabuli Ski Resort has the distinction of being China’s first and largest destination ski resort and the training area for the Chinese Olympic ski team. After an influx of investment since 2009, the resort has grown considerably and now spans two mountains with a good division of advanced, intermediate and beginner runs as well as an international-standard competitive alpine skiing area. High-quality lodges have been built to cater to more discerning visitors who want somewhere to relax and recuperate in style after a gruelling but exhilarating day spent skiing or snowboarding on the slopes.

Many seasoned skiers believe Yabuli offers the best all-around facilities and ski experience in China. The alpine ski runs here are the longest in Asia, with nine downhill runs, seven cross-country ski trails, six ski lifts and synchronised platforms, and a 90-metre- high alpine jump platform among the attractions. Access to the slopes is facilitated by three chair lifts, three cable-car lifts and a towing cableway. Snow is usually guaranteed as there are multiple snow-making machines to ensure good skiing throughout the season.

Harbin highlights

A visit to Harbin can be combined with a wide choice of skiing destinations. Scenic Jihua Changshou Mountain Ski Resort is located about 45 kilometres from the city in Binxi National Forest Park. This basin setting surrounded by beautiful mountains provides shelter from the severe winter winds. One run here extends over 2.3 kilometres, while another is 100 metres wide, and the vast complex can accommodate 5,000 skiers at any one time. It is considered ideal for cross-country skiers.

Moon Bay (Yueliang Wan) Ski Resort in Harbin’s Songbei district is easily reached from the city centre. It has a comprehensive range of accommodation, entertainment and leisure facilities. Nearby attractions include the Siberian Tiger Park to the north, home to magnificent Siberian tigers in near wild surroundings, and Sun Island Park to the east, the location of the beautiful winter snow sculptures. The Ice and Snow World here features illuminated full-sized buildings made from blocks of ice that stand among the finest examples of ice art in the world.

The skiing at the Window of Eurasia Ski Resort in Nangang district, located within a theme park housing the world’s classic architectural landscape in miniature, is tailored to beginners. Beidahuang Agricultural Park Ski Resort in Xiangfang district is noted for its abundance of seasonal activities aside from skiing, such as horse riding, hunting and dog sledding. The picturesque setting at Longzhu Erlongshan Ski Resort, situated about 60 kilometres from downtown Harbin in the Erlong Mountain Scenic Zone, elevates its attractions including slopes suitable for all abilities. A good choice for the next generation of Olympic champions is the centrally located Mingdu Ski Resort in Harbin as it has a ski run specifically for children.

The city’s International Golf Club Ski Resort is convenient for transportation, hotels and shopping malls. The complex comprises ski training, jumping and snowmobiling slopes, a fishing lake and golf driving range, and ice and snow and entertainment areas. The country’s first ski race venue was established at Wujimi Ski Resort in 1964, 100 kilometres from Harbin. The location – Shangzhi – has earned the title of “ski town of China” as a result. Yuquan Weihushan Forest Park Ski Resort is only half that distance from Harbin and has skiing, skating and ice hockey among other winter activities.

Eastern promise

Recent slopes to be developed include one on the border with North Korea at Changbaishan, about 15 kilometres from the local airport. Wanda Changbaishan International Resort has a fantastic luxury alpine village offering top-of-the-range hotels, restaurants and private condominiums, and it operates a guest pick-up service from the train station or airport.

Skiing at the Beijing Olympics (apart from the downhill competition) took place around the village of Taizicheng in northwest Hubei province, where a cluster of resorts welcomes enthusiastic amateurs. These include Wanlong Ski Resort, a premier ski destination known for its powder snow, the family- friendly Thaiwoo Ski Resort, and Genting Resort Secret Garden, which has won awards for the quality of its skiing.

Bavaria Euphoria: Visitors come here for the beer – but also a countryside of fairy-tale castles and folksy festivals

The southern German state of Bavaria is so full of charm and beguiling beauty that it has been known to stimulate feelings of envy in the enchanted visitor. There are castles galore and the amazing Alps to behold, as well as the cultural melting pot of Munich and a host of medieval towns and villages that flaunt their folksy credentials in this prosperous region of Europe’s richest country. Time and tradition seem to have stood still at the plethora of festivals running from spring to autumn, where the men wear leather breeches and the women parade around in intricately embroidered dresses and aprons.

Bavaria, the largest of the states within the Federal Republic of Germany, has always had a distinct identity. The capital, Munich, is famous for its Oktoberfest, which runs from late September to early October and lures hordes of hedonists eager to indulge in the pleasures contained within raucous beer tents run by traditional breweries. Held in Theresienwiese in the centre of the city and dating back more than 200 years, this is the largest beer festival in the world and attracts millions of visitors – many joining in the hearty German spirit by donning the aforementioned lederhosen and dirndl.

Brewing pleasure

Indeed, beer gardens and beer halls are commonplace throughout Bavaria and the many local breweries are said to produce some of the world’s finest beers. These brews must adhere to strict quality and purity standards and be composed of water, hops and barley – the so-called Reinheitsgebot formula.

Munich itself houses some outstanding historic beer halls and taverns, and a visit to Hofbräuhaus is a must. Considered the most famous beer hall in the world, it has a darker side as the stage for the first Nazi Party event in 1920, but today it remains the definitive Munich pub for swaying tourists soaking up the atmosphere; the resident oompah band keeps the joyous and convivial mood flowing along with the beers.

The expansive beer gardens are marginally less crowded than the beer halls. Chinesischer Turm located within the English Garden has about 7,000 seats and an international clientele gathering for drinks in sight of the Chinese pagoda that counts as one of the city’s most notable landmarks. In Munich’s largest beer garden, Hirschgarten, Augustiner Edelstoff – first brewed by Augustinian monks in 1328 and regarded as the champagne of Bavarian beers – is served on tap from a huge wooden barrel. Other notable Bavarian beers are Lowenbräu, which dates to the 14th century and is made in Munich’s largest brewery, and Hacker- Pschorr, first mentioned in 1417.

Pigging out

As for culinary delights, the most famous of the Bavarian dishes is undoubtedly the wurst, or the sausage. They are popular across the state, but locals differ on the best time of day to enjoy them. Munich prefers its veal sausages (or weisswurst) for breakfast; Nuremberg to the north likes miniature bratwurst at lunch; and Regensburg, in between the two on the Danube river, loves the simple sausage for dinner.

Much Bavarian cuisine has its roots in Bohemian Austrian cuisine, such as knödel (dumplings), mehlspeisen (pastries) and schnitzel. Roast pork (the succulent schweinebraten) is also a popular dish and often the meat is continuously basted with dark beer while it is roasting, so the rind develops into crispy crackling. A beer-garden favourite is “Considered the most famous beer hall in the world, Hofbräuhaus … remains the definitive Munich pub for swaying tourists soaking up the atmosphere” obatzda, a spreadable cheese made from Camembert, butter, quark, paprika and onion. Of course, Bavaria is also noted for its gorgeous desserts, most notably the delightful apfelstrudel (apple strudel); others include elderflower pancakes and steamed dumplings.

Munich boasts a plethora of cafes, bars and bistros and some outstanding restaurants. The Landersdorfer & Innerhofer has a delightful Austrian-inspired menu, while Matsuhisa Munich, sitting inside the Mandarin Oriental, offers fine dining in a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines. Aside from the Mandarin Oriental, the city has a slew of fantastic luxury hotels.

City of culture

Central Munich also embraces an outstanding museum quarter hosting Bavaria’s top art museums and other world-class attractions. There are superb science exhibits and some outstanding private collections – plenty to keep the enthusiast occupied. Like some historic areas of the city, many of the museums that were bombed during the Second World War have been painstakingly reconstructed or redeveloped. Further afield, in the north of the city lies the bowl-shaped BMW Museum, a delight for car and motorbike fans. The city is also a shopper’s haven; Residenzstraße is where the leading luxury brands are situated.

There is also magnificent theatre, concert and opera in Munich. The famed Munich Philharmonic will delight classical music lovers, while the Bavarian State Opera draws half a million visitors a year for more than 400 performances annually. An intimate and recently reconstructed historic theatre – the Staatstheater am Gärtnerplatz – hosts operas, operettas and musicals.

Land of tradition

Munich is ideally situated to explore wider Bavaria. The land is full of traditions which are played out throughout the year and the calendar is filled with picturesque rituals and spectacles. For instance, on the first Sunday in November there are processions on horseback or in painted carts throughout Bavaria in honour of St Leonard, the patron saint of horses.

The German National Tourist Board recently revealed the Top 100 tourist destinations and many Bavarian destinations figure prominently, including Rothenburg, which achieved fourth spot and is renowned for its fantastic medieval architecture. Situated in northern Bavaria, this magical town is worth visiting.

King of the castles

Another must-see is Neuschwanstein Castle (sixth on the above list) in the foothills of the Alps, and a day trip from Munich to Füssen – which is about six kilometres from the castle – is recommended. Visits are only possible as part of a guided tour. Commissioned by oddball king Ludwig II as a homage to composer Richard Wagner, this fairy-tale castle is one of the most popular in Europe and has a mystical, romantic air nestled in a forest of fir and pine; it is breathtaking in the early morning sunrise. Ludwig himself kept an eye on construction from nearby Hohenschwangau, a neo-Gothic building where he grew up. Not far away, the Museum of Bavarian Kings on the shores of the scenic Alpsee Lake tells the story of the Wittelsbach family dynasty and their 700-year tenancy of the long-abolished Bavarian throne.

There are numerous ancient monasteries and world-famous churches within easy reach of Munich, including Wieskirche, a Unesco World Heritage Site, which is noted for its magnificent rococo interior.

See sights

The many lakes in southern Bavaria, formed by huge glaciers that melted countless centuries ago, attract water sports enthusiasts, swimmers and other outdoor activities. Chiemsee, also known as the Bavarian Sea, offers fantastic yachting opportunities.

Well worth a visit is Starnberger See, a magnificent lake surrounded by several palaces, including Berg, the summer house of the Wittelbachs. It was near here that Ludwig II died in mysterious circumstances – a cross a few metres from the shore marks the tragic scene.

Alpine heaven

Bavaria may only contain a small slither of the Alps, but the landscapes are dramatic, and Germany’s highest mountain, Zugspitze, can be easily reached by mountain railway and cable car.

The observation platform on the top of the mountain has wonderful vistas that reach out as far as the Italian Dolomites on a clear day. The terrain is perfect for skiing in the winter, and there are countless cable cars offering access to superb ski runs.

Volcanic Fury: For many tourists, there’s no crater joy than a volcano that has just erupted

Iceland’s volcanic eruption this summer set the tourist industry into overdrive. People from all over the country and overseas made a beeline for one of the most awe-inspiring sights nature has to offer – an active volcano.

Litli-Hrútur, a hill about 38 kilometres from Reykjavík, began spewing lava on July 10, in an area which has seen an unusually large amount of volcanic activity in recent years. It is part of a volcanic system on the Reykjanes Peninsula that also experienced eruptions in 2021 and 2022 at Fagradalsfjall. Some estimates put the number of sightseers in 2021 at 350,000 as the lava flowed off and on for six months.

Since no lava was seen running from the crater at Litli-Hrútur after August 5, total visitor numbers there will likely fall short of those previously recorded in other parts of the peninsula. Acutely aware of the whims of plate tectonics, some tourists booked flights to Iceland within an hour of the initial eruption for the chance to see close up the perhaps once-in- a-lifetime opportunity of nature unleashing its molten fury.

Creation in view

Authorities created a path to the hill and day by day a column of hikers made their way to within 1.5 kilometres of the cone and touching distance of smouldering fresh lava. Some visitors sent drones over the top of the boiling inferno to get a bird’s eye view of the mesmerising spectacle.

Indeed, flying drones over the rims of lava-spewing craters has become something of a craze for YouTubers; one ‘decommissioned’ his beyond-repair probe on a final flight down into a volcano in Iceland last year, churning out some remarkable footage.

Professor Thorvaldur Thordarson, a volcanologist at the University of Iceland, was awestruck when he saw the Litli-Hrútur eruption, telling a reporter from the Financial Times who was with him: “You’re looking at creation. The crust makes Earth a habitable place. Volcanoes maintain our atmosphere and are the reason why we have life on Earth.”

Icelandic blast

With some 30 volcanic systems running beneath it, and historically 130 volcanoes onshore and off it, Iceland has long attracted throngs of visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of an active one. Status reports on volcanic activity are regularly issued in the island nation, one of the most active volcanic regions on the planet with an eruption every four years on average.

Some eruptions can be huge, like the one in 2010 in the main crater of Eyjafjallajökull which caused a vast cloud of ash to spread over large areas of northern Europe, while in others, lava flows quietly from fissures.

Some tours of Iceland are centred purely around volcanoes – being lowered by lift into a cavernous magma chamber of the dormant Thrihnukagigur volcano, visiting huge lava cave complexes, undertaking spectacular hikes along volcanic peaks, or visiting the interactive volcano exhibition in Hvolsvöllur known as the Lava Centre.

The striking cone-shaped peak of the Snæfellsjo ̈kull National Park in the west of the country is thought to be the inspiration for Jules Verne’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth.

Volcano volume

Japan, New Zealand, Indonesia and other countries also promote their volcanic heritage. The world’s largest active volcano is Mauna Loa (Long Mountain) in Hawaii, covering more than 5,200 square kilometres.

Like Iceland, Japan is one of the most active volcanic regions on Earth. It is located above the Pacific Ring of Fire, sitting on top of four tectonic plates on the edge of a subduction zone. About 60 of its 186 volcanoes are still active in geological terms.

One active Japanese volcano popularly on people’s bucket lists is Sakurajima (Cherry Blossom Island) in Kagoshima Bay, appearing to rise more than 1,120 metres directly above the water, this regularly spews ash.

About half a million people live within 10 kilometres of its crater, and taking the spectacular ferry journey to Sakurajima from precariously positioned Kagoshima city is recommended. The volcano is also accessible by road around the periphery of the bay since the former island has been joined to the peninsula since a 1914 eruption spilled out three billion tonnes of lava.

Springing forth

Iceland and Japan are known for their vast number of hot springs which pepper the countryside and are located close to areas of volcanic activity. Here, the water temperature increases through circulation close to magma reservoirs below the surface.

This manifestation of geothermal energy is evident in geysers, bubbling mud pools and hot springs. The mineral content of hot springs is thought to impart health benefits. In Iceland, many hotels offer baths fed by local hot springs. The Viking Pool in Leirubakki is made special with views of Mt Hekla in the background.

Japan places cultural significance on its more than 20,000 hot springs of volcanic origin. Many hot- spring resorts (onsen) follow a tradition going back centuries and are often located next to hiking, skiing, climbing and crater-viewing areas. In Hokkaido, Toyako is famous for its hot-spring baths with lake views.

Not far off, Showa Shinzan is a lava dome that emerged only in 1944, and parent volcano Usuzan stands nearby. The hot springs of Noboribetsu are a memorable must-try. In an amazing spectacle, indoor marble-tiled hot springs fed by geothermal energy at the Dai-ichi Takimotokan Hotel can accommodate 1,000 bathers simultaneously.

Zao Onsen, 20 kilometres southeast of Yamagata City, is an all-year hot-spring resort – go hiking or skiing during the daytime, then chill out before dinner in a mountain hot spring and contemplate the finer things in life.

Crater close-encounters

Famous for its geysers at Rotorua, the hot springs in New Zealand play an important part in the Māori culture, as do the volcanoes. The country offers some spectacular hiking across volcano areas, notably in Tongariro.

Home to three breathtaking volcanoes (Tongariro, Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe), the Tongariro Alpine Crossing has oft been described as the best one-day hike in the world, taking you over red craters, green and blue lakes and wild open countryside. It was briefly closed in 2012 due to volcanic activity from one of the cones.

With close to 130 active volcanoes, Indonesia can also boast some fantastic volcano tourism. There are organised tours to see Anak Krakatau (Child of Krakatau) in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra, though it is now considered a dangerous mountain and access depends on its level of activity.

Mount Merapi is another favourite destination, especially given its proximity to the World Heritage site of Borobudur. Further to the east of Java, watching the sunrise over Mount Bromo – named after Hindu god Brahma – can provide glorious views.

Perhaps lured by the element of danger, tourists have been attracted to volcanoes for centuries. By the mid-1860s, Thomas Cook, the pioneer of package tours, was arranging visits to Pompeii in Italy, and Vesuvius, the volcano that buried it in 79 A.D.

In the 1880s, a funicular was built to take tourists to the top of Vesuvius. Active volcanoes burn on and on in the imagination of adventurous travellers, calling them to the edge of their craters.

Space for Everyone: A spacesuit may soon be all you need to pack as travel crosses the final frontier

In late June, the rocket-powered Virgin Galactic 01 was released from its carrier plane and propelled itself to the edge of space, reaching an altitude of 52.9 miles and a top speed of Mach 2.88. It then entered suborbital space for about four minutes. The journey was historic as it heralded, perhaps, the dawn of mass commercial space flights – or space tourism.

Other adventurers have paid to go to space before this voyage, but these trips tended to be piecemeal arrangements and cost millions of US dollars. The Russians, for instance, have long entertained fee-paying space jet-setters, and Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, who made his fortune via e-commerce and was once a drummer in a punk-rock band, famously went to the International Space Station at the end of 2021; he now aspires to fly to the Moon. Elon Musk’s SpaceX has also sent wealthy businessmen to the space station.

Blue Origin, the private space travel company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, is another competitor of Virgin Galactic. It has already taken customers into the final frontier, though there have been no flights since last September as its craft developed nozzle failure. Operations are expected to resume later this year.

After its successful first mission, Virgin Galactic has now rolled out bolder plans; the Galactic 02 commercial spaceflight for private astronauts is scheduled to commence this month and deliver monthly jaunts thereafter. This is the culmination of a nearly two-decade vision by British billionaire Sir Richard Branson.

Dream trip

Since establishing Virgin Galactic in 2004, Branson has reportedly spent a fortune in his ambition to get mass space tourism off the ground. Last year the company reportedly made a loss of US$500 million and accrued just US$2.3 million in sales. Indeed, Branson’s wider Virgin empire was clobbered by the impact of Covid-19 and at one stage he feared all may be lost.

But Branson is a driven man. He conquered space himself in 2021 on a test flight, and prior to the Galactic 01 inaugural trip, he said: “I’ve always been a dreamer. My mum taught me to never give up and to reach for the stars.” He later affirmed: “Space does belong to us all.”

Commercial flights were originally due to begin last year. However, the process was delayed following an investigation into the Virgin craft deviating from its designated airspace on ascent during a July 2021 flight.

Weightless coup

After the successful completion of test flights in May this year, the first fee-paying crew members to board the space plane were three Italians who used the voyage for research purposes. They conducted experiments involving the likes of radiation and materials science. Only one, Italian Air Force Colonel Walter Villadei, got out of his seat and fully experienced the joys of unrestrained weightlessness at the apex of the flight, unfurling an Italian flag. The other two remained strapped to their seats.

The Italians later issued a statement that the mission had allowed them to carry out their first suborbital research experiments, affording a preview of what scientific discoveries may result from reliable access to space. It is these kinds of sentiments that advocates of space tourism have long used as justification for the vast expenditure and outlay of resources involved in the dream of ordinary (well-heeled) travellers rising to the stars.

Sky-high price

The cost of a seat on a Virgin Galactic voyage has soared to US$450,000, a considerable markup on $200,000 put down by early enthusiasts. There is reportedly a backlog of 800 tickets for Branson to honour on its anticipated monthly voyages. Blue Origin tickets for suborbital flights are typically priced between US$200,00 and $300,000, with outlays much steeper for those looking to jet into orbit.

David Cullen, Professor of Astrobiology and Space Biotechnology at Cranfield University in the UK, believes normal supply and demand will affect the long-term pricing structure of space travel. More broadly, the onset of mass space tourism involves a myriad of implications and ethical dilemmas, and he and his team at the British postgraduate public research institution have been considering how biology and space engineering come together in a diverse range of situations.

It is a natural human instinct to seek the unknown and reach places few have ventured, be it the deep sea, high mountains and now the wonders of space. Cullen believes the main attraction of space for tourists joining the current suborbital flights is the brief period of weightlessness, along with spectacular views observed from the spacecraft window.

Flight risk

Such out-of-this-world experiences pose a certain element of risk. The recent catastrophic implosion of the Titan submersible on its mission to observe the wreck of the Titanic brought safety considerations of adventure tourism into sharp focus. The vessel that went down was uncertified.

Naturally, some observers will express concerns about space tourism; it is a field lacking in government regulation. Passengers on Virgin Galactic are required to sign a pre-flight waiver acknowledging the risks.

Cullen stresses that suborbital space flights (those that cannot achieve the velocity needed to circle Earth) have decent safety standards, but his optimism comes with a caveat. “The technology is clearly viable given that two different companies have already got proven technologies,” he says. “There have been zero major failures on flights to date viewed as space tourism, but as with all transport, there is a non-zero probability of failures and associated negative outcomes going forward.”

He stresses he would never make a recommendation to a potential paying customer on whether this form of travel is safe, but would educate them so they can make a better self-judgment. He highlights two potential risks: “The failure of the space system and secondly, in the future for longer orbital flights, dealing with biological/medical situations given the exposure to extended space environments.”

Sex in space

There is the distinct possibility of wealthy travellers wanting to have dates in space or even go on space honeymoons. Indeed, Cullen places romantic rocket trips as high on the list of reasons for tourists venturing into space and suggests providers may need to cater to such desires. He and his team at Cranfield University recently studied the implications of sex and uncontrolled human conception in emerging space tourism, a consideration which he feels needs to be urgently addressed.

“At present, it appears the space tourism sector has not openly considered or discussed the possible risks associated with sex interactions in space and specifically those that lead to human conception,” he says. “Further research is needed to explore the risks of early stages of human reproduction occurring in space environments of weightlessness and increased levels of ionising radiation.”

The latest Virgin Galactic mission appears to be just the start of our journey into the unknown.

Family-Friendly Fun: Discover Asia’s Top Cities for an Epic Vacation

Asia is a continent blessed with diverse cultures, mesmerizing landscapes, and unique experiences that make it an ideal destination for a memorable family trip. Whether you seek thrilling adventures, historical wonders, or simply want to relax on beautiful beaches, Asia has something for every family to enjoy. In this article, we put together the top five destinations in Asia that offer a perfect blend of fun, adventure, and cultural exploration for families of all ages.

Chiang Rai, Thailand

Rarely mentioned as one of Thailand’s tourist destinations, Chiang Rai is undoubtedly an underrated city that locals would recommend you visit for all the hidden gems you can see at this place located on the Northern side of the country. Particularly, the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) and the Black House Museum (Baan Dam Museum), which are all architectural wonders constructed with such attention to detail, will leave you admiring the building for minutes before you can even enter. There is also the historical Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park which houses a plethora of ancient artifacts ranging from Lanna art to 19th-century mural paintings. Some of the other spots you should visit during the family trip include scenic standouts like Doi Hua Mae Kham, Mae Fa Luang Garden, Singha Park and Doi Chang, which are all spacious enough for the kids to play around and beautiful enough for the grownups to take as many pictures.

Baku, Azerbaijan

Baku is surrounded by a magnificent seaside view and has pleasant weather with the city being windy most of the time – it is literally nicknamed the city of winds. The city is perfect for witnessing both modern skyscrapers and archaic buildings. In fact, you may want to set aside a day just to explore the UNESCO Heritage site Old City (Icherisheher) which has many fascinating places where you can look at the culture and history of different civilizations that go back to the 12th century. A few such areas include The Palace of the Shirvanshahs, The Maiden Tower and The Museum of Miniature Books. Plus, while you are there on your family trip, don’t forget to take some family photos because you cannot ask for a better backdrop than the alleys of this walled city. For something more contemporary, you can take the kids on a fun riverboat ride after sunset and look at the iconic Flame Towers, or if you and your family love to go swimming, you can do that on private beaches surrounded by the Caspian Sea.

Udaipur, India

Ardent travellers often look back at Udaipur as one of the most stunning cities, even comparing it to Rajasthan’s capital city Jaipur and choosing Udaipur as an alternative for its much more peaceful and less bustling presence. Udaipur has an array of marvellous places that you should add to your itinerary like the City Palace, Monsoon Palace, Fateh Sagar Lake, Lake Pichola and more. Aside from these tourist attractions, there are also several exciting activities that you can enjoy as a family such as watching puppet shows at Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal, rafting in the Gomati River, helicopter rides over the city and many more. You can add more extravagance to your trip by staying at the coveted palace-turned-hotel Taj Lake Palace and devouring a hearty meal at the Jagat Niwas Palace. You should also stop by some nice antique shops where you will surely find something incredible to take back home.

Jeju Islands, South Korea

For families that love partaking in fun activities in the waters and are always fascinated by the many wonders of nature, Jeju Island is certainly a paradise. There is so much you can plan to do here to keep the family trip fun and exciting throughout. You can climb the Seongsan Ilchulbong Volcano; watch performances by women divers who will bring back fresh fish from the sea and cook them right there for you to eat; or visit one of the beaches. Also, the entire family can challenge themselves to find their way out of the human-sized Gimnyeong Maze Park which can apparently take less than five minutes or an hour to complete. Also don’t forget to visit the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Manjanggul Lava Tube, Osulloc Tea Museum and the Aqua Planet.

Malé, Maldives

Another top-class destination for an amusing and luxurious vacation is Malé, an island in the Maldives. It offers a wide selection of hotels, shops and accommodations. There are a couple of family-friendly resorts like the frequently applauded Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and the Angsana lhuru where your entire family can relax. Simultaneously, if you are looking for something adventurous, you can try surfing, diving, snorkelling and more. Besides, as the capital city of the archipelago situated over the Indian Ocean, you can even book a submarine tour to explore the marine ecosystem there. When you are looking to explore the city, there are places like the Victory Monument, Sultan Park & National Museum, Tsunami Monument and more.

Advanced Retreats: Luxury and exclusivity exceed all expectations at these singular properties

When most people describe their dream holiday, they are picturing a secluded island or exclusive resort that provides royal comforts and an escape from the bustling outside world. These blissful bespoke stays come with rejuvenating spa treatments, decadent meals and fun activities. With services that go above and beyond. it is their prime location and other amenities not seen at most hotels that set them apart.

Chalet Zermatt Peak

Overlooking the magnificent snow-capped Matterhorn is a lavish luxury chalet with spectacular architecture, resplendent interiors and top-notch hospitality that conjure a lifetime of wonderful memories. A stay at Chalet Zermatt Peak commences with staff ushering you through a candle-lit tunnel into 820 square metres of space spanning five deluxe double bedrooms for 10 people with balconies and bathrooms with walk-in showers, living area, a fully equipped kitchen, wine cellar and indoor swimming pool. Floor-to-ceiling windows gift vacationers panoramic views of Zermatt, and there’s a terrace that stargazers will adore.

Beyond this, the chalet boasts a wellness space with a sauna room offering wet Finnish and dry Swedish experiences, a hammam featuring bio steam, and indoor and outdoor jacuzzis.

Professional masseuses are on hand to provide a range of refreshing and aromatic spa treatments.

As for gastronomy, the quality of food is credited as one reason why guests choose the chalet time and again. Meals are prepared and tailored to your party’s whims by an in-house gourmet chef, and connoisseurs will find wines for perfect pairings. Afternoon tea is also served every day with Champagne if desired.

The temptation would be never to leave this oasis of consummate comfort, though Zermatt boasts year-round skiing – three ski lifts are conveniently located less than a kilometre from the chalet. Also, within walking distance for the outdoorsy are paragliding, heliskiing, sledging, ice skating and more. Short strolls will take you to the Matterhorn Museum and Gorner Ridge, and if you want to venture further, just hop into a private limousine or helicopter.

Location: Zermatt, Switzerland
Price: 120,000 CHF (HK$1 million) for seven nights in peak season
Reservations: chaletzermattpeak.com

Hilltop Estate, Laucala

Only the elite can dream of occupying this exclusive and extremely difficult-to-reserve villa perched at the top of Laucala, a private Fijian island of crystal-clear waters and lush green forests. Home to the COMO Laucala Island resort, this idyllic isle offers a superlative range of activities including an 18-hole golf course designed by David McLay Kidd, stables for horse-riding and a sustainable farm providing wagyu beef for guests – all this besides a full complement of watersports. It is certainly a fantasy holiday destination, with just 25 villas affording privacy and a sense of escape from the outside world.

The Hilltop Estate, which can hold 8 guests, sprawls over 12,000 square metres, affording enchanting views of the island greenery edged by rugged coastline and dreamy beaches. It comprises three buildings, with the biggest, Delena, encompassing the master suite, living room, library, a stone bathtub and personal swimming pool with waterfalls. Family and friends can occupy Rua, which also has a swimming pool, and Dua. The interior architecture has an earthy vibe and furnishings favour natural materials like sago palms and coconut husks. Your own chef, chauffeur and nanny if required mean you don’t need to lift a finger to care for your guests.

A traditional Fijian Bobo massage, in which experts use their hands and feet to knead tired deep tissue, is the top billing on a menu of calming, rejuvenating treatments that can be enjoyed in the residence or at Shambhala Retreat, Laucala’s wellness space. All massages and facials use locally sourced and natural ingredients.

In addition to the private chef who will prepare the meals of your choice, there are four restaurants on this large private island. A particular favourite for lovers of Asian cuisine is the Seagrass Lounge and Restaurant, a treetop retreat serving pan-Asian delicacies. All food is prepared with fresh produce farmed or grown on the island.

The most fantastic feature of a Laucala sojourn, though, is the charter flight arranged for you on demand. Departing from Fiji international airport, the plane dips down to a private runway surrounded by azure waters, ensuring zero hassle upon arrival.

Location: Laucala Island, Fiji
Price: Starting at US$455,000 (HK$3.5 million) per night
Reservations: reservations@laucala.com

Echo Camp White Desert, Antarctica

If you crave an out-of-this-world vacation, then these unique space-station-like pods located in the Queen Maud mountains of Antarctica should top your bucket list.

Accessed from Cape Town by private plane, there are six accommodation pods, with each allowing 2 guests, at the recently opened Echo camp, two of them being standalone with a kingsized bedroom and ensuite bathroom and the other four interconnected with four bedrooms, lounge area and dining room. Built with sustainable materials, each heated pod has floor-to-ceiling windows and white carpeting, thus blurring the lines between cosy indoors and icy outside.

While you contemplate the pristine vistas all around, a group of well-trained staff, including hosts, guides and personal chefs who cook gourmet meals to your order, assures that your stay is nothing less than memorable. If you book the Early Emperor package, you can partake in thrilling activities like fat biking, abseiling, ice climbing and skiing right outside your pod. Above all, you should not miss an excursion to the colony of Emperor penguins that usually dwells a few kilometres away.

Given that Echo is a polar camp within the coldest place on Earth – temperatures can plunge below -60oC – guests require a thorough medical checkup and doctor’s all-clear before venturing south. The team at White Desert, Antarctica’s only hotel, also conduct safety lessons prior to the trip of a lifetime.

Location: Antarctica
Price: Starting at US$780,000 (HK$6.1 million) per person for seven days
Reservations: info@whitedesert.com Season dates: 24th November 2023 – 31st January 2024

ANI

Drawing its name from the Swahili word andjani which means ‘journey ahead’, ÀNI is the world’s first private resort collection. Founded in 2010, ÀNI offers exclusive retreats in the most beautiful and far-flung corners of the earth, from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia. Each ÀNI destination is designed exclusively for a single group of guests, accommodating up to 20 or 30 guests across 10 to 15 suites. Currently offering four resorts worldwide, ÀNI’s destinations include Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Dominican Republic, and Anguilla, each claiming panoramic ocean views in a pristine natural setting. Consummately private, each resort operates as an all-inclusive experience except ÀNI Anguilla which is on a half-board basis. They support their local ÀNI Art Academy and offer every facility and space a group of guests could possibly desire during their stay. A full complement of staff (between 20 and 30 per resort) tailors every detail – from dining and spa treatments to kids’ activities and exploration of the region – to ensure a bespoke experience that defies expectations.

Locations: Thailand, Sri Lanka, Dominican Republican and Anguilla

Price: Starting at US$75000 (HK$580,000) per person

Click here to make your reservations.

Animal Magnetism: For the holiday of a lifetime, roam among South Africa’s wildlife to see the iconic animals at play

Going on safari in South Africa means being spoiled in unspoiled surroundings. Seeing nature’s most iconic and charismatic mammals in their natural habitat is an experience not to be missed. And here, at numerous safari locations spread across this vast territory, the chances of sighting the so-called Big Five most-feared animals – lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant – are second to none. What’s more, this can be done in style. Not only are there world-class national parks offering outstanding safari opportunities, but also a slew of private game reserves with luxury lodges and personal guided tours led by hugely knowledgeable rangers, meaning that absorbing the wonders of nature has never been more satisfying. Many visitors leave with unforgettable memories that linger long after they have returned home.

Pride of Place

A conservation success story, the safari brings tourists to South Africa by the bucket load each year. The most famous of the five safari regions is the Kruger National Park, coupled with the adjacent Greater Kruger, a vast unfenced conservation area located in Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. The nearest major cities, Johannesburg and Pretoria, are about an hour away by air, or half a day if travelling by road.

The province with perhaps the largest concentration of reserves is KwaZulu-Natal. Here, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park – a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Durban – has played a critical role in saving the white rhinoceros from near extinction. Also of interest is iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site situated along the subtropical north coast.

The malaria-free North West province bordering Botswana is also known for its Big Five safaris, particularly within Pilanesberg National Park, which has been restocked with animals from across South Africa. Madikwe Game Reserve, a luxurious private reserve, lures nature-lovers to the far reaches of the Kalahari Desert.

The Cape Provinces contain two safari regions, which are also malaria-free. Mountain Zebra National Park and the self-drive Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape are conveniently located along the Garden Route from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. Most notable among the famous private game reserves here that are re-establishing wildlife is the Shamwari. The remote Northern Cape contains sparse open horizons and scrubby vegetation, whereas Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, stretching into Botswana, hosts prides of black-maned Kalahari lions. Other desert-adapted animals such as the gemsbok can be spied against a backdrop of vivid red dunescapes.

Cracking Kruger Kruger National Park is considered to be South Africa’s ultimate safari destination, where glimpses of the Big Five are almost guaranteed. It was one of the first parks to be established following the creation of the National Parks Board in 1926. It is remarkable to think that upon the creation of the Union of South Africa in 1910 some of today’s biggest wildlife draws – lion, cheetah and both African rhino species, black and white – were virtually extinct in the country.

With a total area covering a size equivalent to Slovenia, the park is readily accessible with a network of rest camps, picnic sites and surfaced and unsurfaced roads. This untamed wilderness is sandwiched between the wide, meandering Limpopo River in the north and the Crocodile River 220 miles to the south and lush farmland beyond. It is a mosaic of 16 different vegetation zones from open grassland to dense forest supporting about 148 types of mammals, 505 species of birds and 118 kinds of reptiles. The remote northern area attracts the more adventurous safari aficionado. Dissected into two areas by the Sabie River, the southern part of Kruger is the main sightseeing area, with both zones ideal for self-drive safaris.

DIY visitors must exit Kruger before the various gates dotted around the park close for the night, allowing enough time to reach their overnight camp. Positioned near excellent game-viewing roads, Lower Sabie Rest Camp is favoured by many Kruger old hands; elephant, buffalo, hippo, rhino and storks are regularly observed. Olifants Rest Camp, further north, is also highly regarded. Spectacularly located on a cliff overlooking a broad flood plain, it offers amazing views of hippos dipping in the river, herds of buffalo crossing the nearby roads, giraffes, elephants, the handsome greater kudu and numerous birds. Indeed, Kruger is a bird-lovers’ paradise; in just one day visitors will usually be delighted by an array of exotic feathered friends including kingfisher, hornbill, bee-eater, outsized ostrich and kori bustard, and raptors such as the African fish-eagle and lappet-faced vulture.

Lodge in Luxury

Kruger’s 15 private concession lodges offer an allinclusive experience in the National Park. Other luxurious retreats can be found beyond the western fringes of the Kruger, wedged between the Sabie and Olifants rivers, where fantastic private reserves entice those looking for exclusive service and an unforgettable safari in style. The most famous of these, the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, offers unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities.

Accommodation within the reserve is at lodges, many of which have mutated from seasonal hunting camps into exclusive game resorts such as MalaMala and Singita Sabi Sand. With a rich water supply and lush environment, sightings of the Big Five are commonplace. Early-morning (from 5.30 am) and late-afternoon game drives allow guests to observe these incredible animals close up while listening to their guide and tracker share amazing stories, perhaps of fierce territorial fights between lion families or of two leopards sparring. Indeed, these private reserves are noted for sightings of the iconic Big Five’s most secretive member, the leopard, a beautiful, lithe creature which can climb trees with a few leaps.

Dusk is when things slow down, when a leopard might be seen sleeping on a tree trunk or the silhouette of a lion viewed in the distance; then comes the apprehensive, expectant pause before the arrival of dawn. Combined with the luxury of the private lodges, these moments stir romantic, almost spiritual emotions. A three-hour drive north of Sabi Sands, Klaserie Private Nature Reserve offers a wide range of accommodation options, from tented camps to highend lodges to a more rustic experience.

Roaring Success

Private game reserves have played an important role in ongoing conservation efforts in the country by funding vulnerable habitats and the rehabilitation of degraded former farmlands. Another important development over recent years has been the amalgamation of bordering conservation areas such as the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, which covers land in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. By removing the fences formerly dividing conservation areas, the habitat available to animals and their migratory routes have been increased.

The best time to visit the South African game parks is during the winter months (June to September) when temperatures are more comfortable and animals tend to huddle around rivers and water sources as the vegetation is lower. An exception is the reserves of the Eastern Cape, where cold wintry spells may make summer stopovers more appealing.

Karst of Thousands: The towering beauty of the Guilin and Yangshuo landscape leaves a lasting impression

Guilin and Yangshuo offer some of the most stunning natural scenery in China and anywhere in the world. Weathered limestone formations rise near vertically from flat land creating a dreamlike, mystical landscape that is timeless and breathtaking. It is no surprise this area features heavily in Chinese culture, a muse for landscape paintings, literary works and inscriptions. Its magnetic beauty cannot fail to leave a deep impression on those lucky enough to spend time there.

Guilin is the larger of these two conurbations in China’s southwest Guangxi province; it has long been a commercial centre and hub of rail, river and road transport in South China. Home to poets and artists through the ages, it is now a thriving tourist centre with low-rise buildings and a relaxed atmosphere. Major international hotels – some boasting luxury rooms with stupendous views – have been lured here and provide all-inclusive holidays. A fine range of dining experiences in Guilin embraces both Western and Asian dishes; Chunji Roast Goose restaurant is a local icon.

Guilin means ‘Sweet osmanthus forest’ and autumn sojourners will see and smell osmanthus blossoms all over town. Its plentiful limestone pinnacles are even more outstanding, studding the city itself and flanking the Li River as it winds its way to Yangshuo, an unforgettable 83-kilometre river trip to the south. This karst landscape was formed over millions of years as mildly acidic water slowly created rock towers and vast underground cavern systems.

Reaching the peaks

For the best aspect of this 2,000-year-old city, climb one of the limestone outcrops. A hike to Catch-Cloud Pavilion at the top of Diecaishan is a well-worn route, revealing superb panoramic vistas of tiled-roofed Guilin and its beautiful meandering river, plus the surrounding mist-shrouded pinnacles and flat farmland. Guilin’s crags are renowned for their carvings and caves, and part of the joy of this strenuous climb is stopping off to see the inscriptions in Breezy Cave (with its near-permanent breeze), some dating back centuries.

Elephant Trunk Hill also offers stunning views, rising at the confluence of the Li and Peach Blossom rivers, with a Ming-era pagoda at its summit.

Marvel at the wonderful stalactite formation called the Sword-testing Stone, hanging inches above the floor, a feature of the pinnacle of Fuboshan (‘Wave subduing hill’), and a tall yellow-grey rock rising from the river apparently with the ability to calm the waters below.

Jingjiang Princes’ Palace is sometimes described as a miniature Forbidden City. Pre-dating Beijing’s palace by 34 years, it has an encircling wall and four gates. Protecting the palace from the northern direction is Duxiu Feng (Solitary Beauty Peak), with steps to the summit where magnificent views await.

Guilin has wonderful public parks enclosing these peaks and architectural delights; the Green Belt Bridge from the Song era is in the District of the Two Lakes, a beautiful public park with gardens, walkways and pagodas. An 800-year-old banyan tree gives the lake – Rong Hu – its name. On the eastern side, Fir Tree Lake (Shan Hu) is overlooked by two traditional-style 40-metre-high pagodas, at Riyue Shuangta. The largest of the caverns at Reed Flute Cave can hold about 1,000 people and acted as a shelter during the Second World War.

Another fantastic cave is in Seven Star Park on the eastern side of the Li. Its magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations have drawn visitors from across China for a thousand years. There are many legends surrounding the slab of white rock hanging from a ledge.

Sights of the riverbank

A must-do is a river cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, with many tours beginning at the pier at Zhujiang. A majestic experience, amid a cluster of assorted river traffic, the cruise winds past small villages and the outlandish limestone pinnacles that crowd the river and are named after painters and poets. Between these peaks are idyllic sleepy villages and during the five-hour trip, the sights of South China’s rural life pass you by. Washerwomen squat on the floor near the riverbank, farmhands in conical hats work the rice terraces, white goats cling to the mountainside, and villagers fish from low bamboo rafts using trained cormorants.

Indeed, cormorant fishing has been practised for thousands of years in China and most hotels in Yangshuo and Guilin organise hour-long night-time viewing sessions. The marine birds swim just below the surface alongside a bamboo raft towards a light hanging from the bow. When a catch is made, the fisherman will retrieve the fish from its beak.

Sense of adventure

The river trip is a fantastic way to arrive in Yangshuo, which is far more laid back than Guilin and is a good base to explore the surrounding countryside. Yueliang Shan, with its distinctive crescent-shaped arch, is the most famous of the peaks in the area, and the area has become known for adventure travel with superb rock-climbing (considered the best in China), biking trips, hiking and caving (such as Heifo Xinshui Dong) opportunities. Hiring a bicycle guide will enhance your experience. Boating and ballooning can also be organised with local operators and rafting around Jade Dragon Bridge is always memorable.

Yangshuo provides a wide range of accommodations, and the line of restaurants, cafés, guesthouses, souvenir shops and hotels along Xi Jie (West Street) extends to the river. A hotel in the countryside is another option for great views over the dreamily beautiful karst topography. Top-of-the-range hotels in Yangshuo and the surrounding area may organise magnificent private sightseeing tours. On the itinerary will be a day trip to the 500-year-old Longji (Dragon’s Back) Rice Terraces and visits to the villages of Huangluo Yao and Ping’an to gain insights into the local life of different ethnic groups.

One thing to bear in mind is that scenic Guanxi has garnered a reputation as something of a haven for touts. So be prepared for this, and consider the purchasing of souvenirs as part of the experience.

The restaurants and bars offer plenty of diverse culinary options, from West and East, and lasagne and enchiladas to pad Thai followed by cheesecake. Cheap beer and excellent Yunnan coffee also draw in the tourist crowd. The Impression Liusanjie choreographed musical show, held in the evening next to the Li River, is another attraction, with the karst peaks providing an unforgettable backdrop.

High-speed trains run from Hong Kong to Guilin, with a transfer at Guangzhou or Guilin required to arrive at Yangshuo Railway Station (about a 5-hour trip in total). Guilin is also served by an international airport, which is located 28 kilometres southwest of the city. Visitors to this area never forget the experience.

On the Wings of Luxury: Private jet-setting in elevated style is the hot ticket across a reopened world

Leaving or living on a private jet plane has revolutionised the way people travel, offering a luxurious, convenient and flexible alternative to commercial airlines. While it may seem expensive at first glance – and let’s be honest, flying on a private jet is really an over-the-top luxury – it can be cost-effective for certain types of trips and can save travellers time and hassle. With a range of aircraft to choose from, jet-setters can customise their travel experience to their needs and preferences, and with the top private-jet rental companies providing safe, secure service, peace of mind while soaring above the clouds is assured.

When international borders reopened, “revenge travel” emerged – a means to make up for lost holidays after the pandemic – and affluent leisure seekers took the trend quite literally to another level. After all, private jets are the closest thing possible to teleportation in the 21st century – allowing people to fly whenever and wherever they want in an environment tailored to their tastes. The question is, how do we make the right choices when it comes to boarding that private jet plane?

Sky is the limit
The extravagant portrayal of flying on a private jet in films and television shows is more fact than fiction nowadays. Private aviation, undeniably, delivers the ultimate in ease and elegance. The most frequently asked question by travellers thinking of making the step up to private-jet rental is how the onboard experience compares to commercial flights. The convenience it offers is certainly one of the most significant benefits. People can choose their departure time and destination, and they do not have to worry about connecting flights or layovers. Private jets can take off and land at smaller airports too, allowing closer access to one’s final destination.

Privacy, comfort and a personalised experience that cannot be found on commercial flights also tip the (now redundant) baggage scales in the favour of jet rental. It avoids long lines and security checks, allowing more time to relax and enjoy the trip – be it for business or pleasure. Isn’t that what travelling and taking a breather should be all about?

Private aviation truly redefines the way passengers travel. A fully equipped business suite provides those travelling for work with a comfortable conference room in the sky. There’s a dedicated private dining team, and many private flights offer a top-notch sommelier for wine pairings, as well as caviar tastings. Even pets get VIP treatment, with a menu created by leading veterinarians and comfortable travel suites and sleeping mats instead of the obligatory crate required on commercial flights. Extraordinary dining experiences combined with unique entertainment make every trip enjoyable and unforgettable.

A standout private aviation company is VistaJet – the first company to provide a fleet of Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft, providing customers with access to destinations across the globe with the world’s largest and longest-range business jet. With direct flights from Hong Kong to New York and on-the-go departures, it’s easy to set off anywhere, anytime, to participate in important conferences and industry events while enjoying a luxurious home-away-from-home experience.

Onboard for bright flights
The cost of renting a private jet varies depending on the type of aircraft, the distance travelled and the duration of the rental. The hourly rate for a private jet can range from about HK$20,000 to HK$100,000, with larger planes costing more. As a testament to the upscaled revenge-travel trend, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has launched a series of new journeys on its Four Seasons Private Jet. Over the past few years, this five-star ‘air cruise’ has enjoyed an overwhelming response, sell-outs and extensive waitlists – a signal of considerable pent-up demand for travel.

“Now more than ever, guests are planning bucket-list trips to far corners of the world to make up for the lost time,” said Christian Clerc, President of Global Operations for Four Seasons, in 2021. “To meet this demand, we’ve introduced additional opportunities to explore new and remote destinations with legendary Four Seasons service in the sky.”

Luxury hotel companies have increasingly entered partnerships with private jet companies to ease travel to and between their properties as luxury travellers seek dream trips across multiple destinations.

(Read the full article in the May 2023 issue (pg: 132). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.)

Basque Bonkers – The summer months are when the Basque region goes wild

The Basque Country is steeped in history going back millennia. The people in this little pocket of Europe that overlaps Spain and France are fiercely proud of their distinct culture, and during the summer months, the region explodes into life in a sea of wine, bull and folklore rituals with all-day parties, crazy costumes and cuisine to die for.

These events and festivals act like a magnet, drawing in visitors from all over the world keen to experience a bit of Basque culture. The region is nestled between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, and Basque (or Euskara) is spoken, as well as Spanish or French; Euskara is the only remnant of languages that existed before southwestern Europe was Romanised.

The major conurbations of the Southern Basque Country, in Spain, are Bilbao, the destination of most incoming flights, the elegant coastal city of San Sebastian, the Basque capital Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Pamplona. The Northern part, in France, houses the palatial coastal splendour of Biarritz, while Bayonne is famous for its magnificent summer festival.

Basque food is also unique and a rich, almost obsessive, part of local culture, with a reputation as some of the best to be had in Europe. Signature dishes include great surf-and-turf combos, hake stew, lobster salad, vegetable and fish soups and the much-revered sea bream. There is heated rivalry over which part of Basque turns out the best culinary delights.

This competitive spirit is also evident in Basque sports such as pelota, which has been described as the fastest ball game in the world. There are also many herri kirolak (rural sports) competitions involving chopping wood, lifting massive stones, manually drilling holes in rocks and oxcart lifting. These can be seen at many of the summer fiestas in the region.

Festival highs
In graceful Haro, capital of the Rioja Alta wine region, the ‘Battle of Wine’ occurs in late June and is of such repute it has been designated a ‘festival of international tourist interest’. After a mass that is celebrated at the Chapel of San Felices de Bilibio, participants wearing white squirt wine on each other until everyone’s clothes change colour.

About a week later, the most talked-about of the Basque summer festivals kicks off in Pamplona. The Fiesta de San Fermin, popularly known as the Running of the Bulls, takes place every 6-14 July transforming the historic city into a frenzy of strength, speed and colour. Each morning at eight o’clock, six bulls are released onto the narrow, cobbled streets where they rush through a sea of fleeing people wearing white and red scarves around their waists and necks. Their route to the bullring only takes a few minutes, but each year some of the participants will be injured, and occasionally fatally gored. It is common for tourists to try their luck and join in, often as a last-minute act of bravado just before the bulls go past.

From 21-23 July, the bizarre spectacle of Danza de los Zancos (Dance of the Stilts) can be observed in Anguiano. Here, dancers on 5cm-high stilts tiptoe through the sloping, cobbled streets as part of a parade celebrating a pagan ritual. Performers wear colourful clothing with their hidden petticoats providing much-needed balance.

Coastal giants
In the last week of July, the Fêtes de Bayonne commences at the city’s Place de la Mairée when a mascot throws keys from the balcony to the hordes below. This is the largest festival in France, with numerous parades and dances, music galore, giant figures roaming the streets and breathtaking fireworks displays. Tourists are encouraged to join in the fun.

Located at the confluence of two rivers, Bayonne treasures its rich cultural heritage; it was officially recognised as a French ‘Town of Art & History’ in 2012. There is plenty to browse in this city also renowned for its superb chocolate, and regular tours are available in July and August. Just 8km (5 miles) south of Bayonne on the Basque Coast is beautiful Biarritz, which is also worth exploring. Anglet and Hossegor, to the north, offer world-class surfing action, and from 7-10 July, the former’s annual surf film festival draws more sedate crowds to the beaches.

(Read the full interview in the May 2023 issue (pg: 138). Available on the Gafencu app on Android and Apple.)