Seasons Tailormade by Full Circle Travel

Australia “If the interior of Australia has a legendary quality, it is no wonder. This is the land the Aboriginals call the Never Never, because those who live here would never voluntarily leave.” Condé Nast Traveller

CONTENTS 1

12-63 14-35 36-53 54-63 64-65 66-83 84-89 90-119 92-99 100-107 108-109 110-115 116-119 120-165 120-141 142-157 158-165 166-167 168-169 170-173 174-176 Inside back cover

Africa South Africa Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana & Zambia Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Jordan India Bhutan Far East Thailand Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos Malaysia & Singapore Indonesia & The Philippines China Australasia Australia New Zealand South Pacific Luxury Cruising Private Travel Premium Class Travel Terms & Conditions Hotel Index

Tailor-made

Contents

SEASONS 2

We love where you’re going.

Tailor-made

And trust us, so will you. We’ve lived and breathed every destination in this brochure and cherry-picked the ones with an added luxury and unabashed ooh la la. The value’s added with our absolutely unrivalled concierge service and hey, don’t forget that being in-the-know means that we can always offer the best holiday deal to suit you.

SEASONS 4

The world’s your oyster.

Tailor-made

How would you like it served? If it absolutely has to be luxury camping in the outback, kayaking amongst a seal colony, or the chance to shake the trunk of a friendly elephant, we know where in the world to find it. We’ll only take you on adventures we know, because we know you’ll love them.

SEASONS 6

Tell us what you like.

Tailor-made

The more we get to know you and your spirit of adventure, the more we can do for you. You can indulge in one of our exclusive featured itineraries, or we’ll help you to create one of your own. See yourself on safari spotting ‘The Big Five’, or flying over Victoria Falls? Heads Alice Springs, tails Taj Mahal? Your adventure begins with one of us, dedicated to sorting it all out for you – right down to the last mind blowing detail.

SEASONS 8

And now for some pure magic.

Tailor-made

Unadulterated luxury’s one thing: making it the stuff of memory requires a little bit of abracadabra... and it’s all about what and who we know. Fancy catching a Tuktuk in Chiang Mai? Always wanted to swim with dolphins? Want to learn more about Buddhism in Bhutan? We’ll take you to the most amazing places in the world. And then we’ll make them magical.

SEASONS 10 Tailor-made

From the coolest ski resorts to the hottest beaches, we’ve got it covered. Exclusive venues with pure luxury; we will help find the best for you in the Caribbean, Mexico, USA and Canada. Or check out Europe and North Africa for something a little closer to home. Satisfy your taste for the exotic in the Indian Ocean, Middle East or the Far East. Or if cool is more your style, how about chilling in one of Switzerland’s glamorous ski resorts or the laid back, outback of the Rockies. If this still isn’t enough, our tailor-made programme provides a range of adventures. Choose from Africa, India, Bhutan, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. We live the places you’ll love.

Caribbean, Mexico, USA & Canada

Indian Ocean, Middle East & Far East

Europe & North Africa

Tailor-made

Luxury Ski

To order a copy of one of our brochures either call us or visit www.seasons.co.uk/brochurerequest. Follow us on www.facebook.com/myseasons and www.twitter.com/myseasons Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

AFRICA Discover an untamed wilderness in a magical landscape with an abundance of wildlife contrasted with endless dreamy beaches drifting into coral reefs. This truly is the adventure capital of the world.

AFRICA 12 Tailor-made

We live the places you’ll love. Pssst. Stay at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve where a visit to Elephant Whispers can introduce you to Lindiwe, a nine year old female and her magnificent friends who live by the banks of the Sabie River. You can even shake their trunks! Don’t tell everyone, it’s our little secret.

MAIN IMAGE: Kruger National Park, South Africa

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SOUTH AFRICA 14

South Africa

Tailor-made

South Africa

Explore the two different sides of South Africa, a country where majestic scenery and exotic wildlife are complemented by safari lodges and beautiful beaches. An excellent road network – and driving on the left – make South

of Cape Town that is now regarded as one of the most fashionable

Africa a great self-drive destination, although we can of course

cities on earth, to the Winelands with their vineyards, mountains

organise chauffer-driven transfers or flights to take you from place to

and reputations for fine-dining and fine wines to The Garden Route

place should you prefer. Why not incorporate a train journey aboard

including Hermanus – widely regarded as one of the best land-based

The Blue Train or Rovos Rail for a unique and relaxing way to enjoy

whale-watching sites in the world and the luxury and excitement of

some of South Africa’s spectacular scenery along with gourmet

five-star safari lodges and the opportunity to see ‘The Big Five’ –

cuisine and first-class service? From the cosmopolitan metropolis

South Africa truly is a land of contrasts.

Tailor-made Climate (Cape Town) F

Month

Temp ºC

26 27 26 23 20 18 17 17 19 21 24 25

Flights

Rain mm

14 16 21 41 68 93 83 77 41 33 16 17

• British Airways (direct) to Cape Town and Johannesburg from London Heathrow • Virgin Atlantic (direct) to Cape Town and Johannesburg from London Heathrow • Emirates (via Dubai) to Cape Town from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and B irmingham • Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi) to Cape Town and Johannesburg from London Heathrow and Manchester

Hours of Sun 11 10

M A M

• Climb Table Mountain or ascend by cable car • Sample South African vintages with a wine cellar tour

10 11

Time Difference : GMT + 2 hours (Nov-Mar) BST + 1 hour (Apr-Oct) Currency : South African Rand Flight Time : 11 hours 30 minutes (Cape Town) 10 hours 50 minutes (Johannesburg)

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

SOUTH AFRICA 15 Tailor-made

Timbavati Nature Reserve Kruger National Park Madikwe Game Reserve

George

Cape Town

Plettenberg Bay

Paarl Hermanus

Franschhoek Stellenbosch

Sabi Sand

Knysna

Port Elizabeth

Mossel Bay

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SOUTH AFRICA 16

Cape Town

Tailor-made

Big on experiences yet bijou in size, Cape Town is one of those lucky metropolises that boasts a naturally awe-inspiring and instantly recognisable setting. Fringed by ocean, backed by Table Mountain and basking in a predictably lovely climate (and not forgetting the lack of jet lag owing to its time zone that almost mirrors the UK’s!), Cape Town is a byword for enviable standards of living. The oldest city in South Africa, it also lays claim to being one of the world’s most sun-drenched, clocking up more hours of sunlight per day than almost any city on earth – making Cape Town’s glorious beaches even more irresistible; the crisp sands of Clifton and Camps Bay, dipped in the Atlantic, being the most popular beach playgrounds for locals and visitors alike and where, come sunset, the ice begins to rattle, the bars begin to fill, and the fun continues into the early hours. Of all of Africa’s cities, Cape Town is arguably the most cosmopolitan. Warm, open, and bustling from dusk till dawn and just simply gorgeous to look at, it is a city with a global outlook yet; retains a cosy, down-to-earth sensibility – topped off by those notoriously friendly Capetonians. The buzzy Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, with its eclectic mix of shops, entertainment venues, reputable restaurants and striking hotels – plus a picture-perfect marina – is, understandably, one of Cape Town’s most fashionable areas. Situated at the foot of Table Mountain and minutes from Cape Town Stadium, more than 80 restaurants mingle with 300 speciality boutiques, various craft markets, colonial delights and leisure yachts bobbing in the historic harbour in what has become a must-see for visitors, and a constant delight for residents. It’s also where you’ll find boats departing daily for the infamous Robben Island, erstwhile prisonhome of Nelson Mandela and now a poignant tourist attraction.

“Arguably the most cosmopolitan of all of Africa’s cities, Cape Town is nothing short of delightful.”

In the belly of the city, Long and Kloof Streets are where you’ll find Cape Town’s movers and shakers moving and shaking in some of its best bars and nightclubs; an ever-energetic area that mixes stylish drinking with local colour; where plush lounge bars, open air cafés and roadside food vendors vie for your attention.

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

Cape Grace

As for the food – it’s up there with the world’s finest. Almost always locally sourced with an emphasis on fresh seafood and, of course, tasty game, there really is nothing like a famous South African barbecue – or ‘Braai’. It’s in their blood, and ‘melt-in-your-mouth’ barely covers it. Cape Town is nothing short of delightful, and our tailor-made team have all the expertise to make your visit the closest thing to perfect there is.

Accommodation

One&Only Cape Town At the centre of Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, this is surely Africa’s most spectacular urban resort. Overlooking the marina with far-reaching views across to Table Mountain, this resort offers a comprehensive range of luxury services, with a One&Only Spa nestled on its own private island, and the legendary Nobu Matsuhisa headlining the resort’s dining choices. Cape Grace Nestled on a private quay on the bustling V&A Waterfront, Cape Grace is dedicated to exceeding expectation. Its charm lies in the Capetonian décor, intimate atmosphere, personalised hospitality and unsurpassed standards of service. Sample the locally inspired culinary delights in Signal

One&Only Cape Town

restaurant; sip a malt whisky in Bascule Whisky, Wine and Cocktail Bar; or be pampered with an African inspired treatment in The Spa or on-board the luxury yacht, Spirit of the Cape. Mount Nelson Hotel Located within the cultural centre and close to the V&A Waterfront and the Atlantic Seaboard, this hotel offers two heated swimming pools and rolling lawns and rose gardens which lend themselves to romance. Seven distinctive accommodation wings house 201 individually styled rooms and suites. A daily afternoon tea buffet is a signature experience and Planet Champagne and Cocktail Bar is a popular sundowner spot. Librisa Spa is a destination day spa offering holistic treatments. Other accommodation in Cape Town includes Kensington Place, with its cool intimacy and divine position overlooking the city from the foothills of Table Mountain; and Grand Daddy, with its playful quirkiness including a ‘penthouse’ trailer park with a collection of vintage sleeper trailer suites, nestled beneath the backdrop of Table Mountain.

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Le Quartier Français

Winelands

Just one hour from Cape Town a quite different South Africa awaits: lush scenery, renowned vineyards and a more sedentary pace of life – the Winelands offer pitch-perfect R&R. Quaint white cottages are dotted among vineyards and mountains and fine-dining and, of course, fine vintages come to the fore. A series of valleys nestled amongst rugged mountains basking in a Mediterranean climate has created some of the globe’s most revered vineyards, where the reputation of its produce is matched by the area’s breathtaking natural beauty. With a winemaking heritage that dates back to 1688, when French Huguenots fled religious persecution in their homeland and brought generations of expertise with them, the Winelands of the Cape have forged a unique place not only for wine enthusiasts, but for those with a taste for bucolic loveliness just a short drive from bustling Cape Town. Literally hundreds of estates scattered across the fertile valleys offer you the chance to sample the fruits of their labour with none more impressive than those in and around Stellenbosch, the de facto capital of the Winelands and second oldest town in South Africa. It is here where Dutch settlers created an aesthetic wonderland of whitewashed Cape Dutch buildings, thatched dwellings, oak-lined streets and some of the country’s most historic monuments, where grand manors are peppered across the land with grand vineyards attached. Naturally, it is also home to some of the region’s most celebrated restaurants. Nearby Franschhoek or, quite literally, ‘French Corner’, is the area of that first French settlement and is thus amongst South Africa’s oldest towns, as well as an ideal base for a wine-tasting tour; with its estates veering off from the pretty main street, itself lined with cafés, antiques shops and

“Literally hundreds of estates scattered across the fertile valleys offer you the chance to sample the fruits of their labour.”

some notable eateries – the area is also known as the gourmet capital of the Cape. Popular with native South Africans attracted by its fortuitous mix of natural beauty, balmy climate, awardwinning restaurants (dishing up Cape Cuisine and, of course, French fare) and proximity to Cape Town, Franschhoek is now one of South Africa’s most sought-after neighbourhoods – which in itself has pushed even further the area’s reputation as a high-end tourist destination.

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa

SOUTH AFRICA

Paarl is South Africa’s third oldest European settlement and the Winelands’ largest town, dominate the area’s vistas – and makes for a charming pit stop in this majestic region. Renowned for its Dutch colonial architecture, hiking trails and rock climbing, it is also gateway to the stunning Paarl wine route which takes in the famous Nederburg estate – not to mention numerous fantastic restaurants.

Accommodation

Le Quartier Français, Franschhoek The privately owned Le Quartier Français offers various accommodations including two Petite Garden Suites overlooking a central blue and white garden with pool, while two spacious Auberge Suites offer loft rooms and private pools. The Four Quarters is an exclusive haven, with four spacious suites, butler, courtyard and lap pool. Legendary for its cuisine, The Tasting Room serves uniquely designed menus with iCi offering a casual bistro dining experience. La Residence, Franschhoek At the heart of a 30-acre working farm, La Residence sits amongst vineyards, plum orchards and fragrant manicured gardens. Eleven individually styled suites adorned with Persian carpets,

La Residence

antiques and objects d’art open onto sunny balconies and verandahs, the perfect place to take in the views. Dining is a leisurely experience and celebrates a passion for regional produce with fruit and vegetables grown in the gardens. All are complemented by the best South African wines. Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa, Stellenbosch In the heart of the Winelands, just 10 spacious lodges are carefully positioned for perfect views, each featuring heated infinity pools, exposed timbers and custom-designed furniture. The resort has a private cinema and although small, the fully-equipped spa is perfectly formed with pool, sauna, steam room and gym. The über-stylish restaurant creates fresh, seasonal dishes to match some of the country’s finest wines, with regular tastings and cellar tours with the winemaker. Other accommodation in the Winelands includes Klein Genot Wine & Country Estate, peacfully located in a corner of the Franschhoek valley, with just 14 guests at any given time and where attention to detail is key; and La Petite Ferme, a boutique hotel and winery with exquisite suites and self-catering cottages you’ll want to move into.

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19 Tailor-made

and takes its name from the haunting Pearl Mountain or ‘Paarl Rock’ – whose three outcrops

Birkenhead House

Hermanus

Wrapped in breathtaking beauty, lapped by Atlantic waters and offering the best shore-based whale watching in the world, Hermanus is a town that is as tranquil as it is thrilling. Its obvious charms have meant a spike in popularity over the last decade; South Africans and visitors alike attracted to the area’s restorative ‘Champagne air’, resulting in considerable investment in this already heart-winning town. A modern infrastructure, upscale boutiques and restaurants, activities galore plus a burgeoning collection of world-class hotels make for a remarkable holiday destination. The beaches alone are movie-star magnificent, covering the scale of romantically dramatic to family-friendly. Onrus, with its lagoon and The Milkwood (arguably the best seafood restaurant in town) is ideal for those with children, as is Kammabaai with its shallow waters and white sand, whilst couples and those seeking long meanders that memories are made of opt for Voelklip, Langbaai or the sweeping Grotto Beach with its Braai facilities. But from June to December is when Hermanus’s biggest attraction – quite literally – gambol into Walker Bay and linger for viewing by boat, air, or from the shore, their presence signalled by a blow from the kelp horn of the world’s only Whale Crier.

Accommodation

Ocean Eleven Whitewashed colonial loveliness comprising ten stylish suites with views over sea and mountains make up this delightful guesthouse perched on the famous cliffs of Hermanus. All suites open out on to either the crisp pool area or the guesthouse gardens, whilst the teak-floored breakfast conservatory basks in its floor-to-ceiling views over Walker Bay where whale-watching is par for the course in-season. Birkenhead House Between July and November the coastal town of Hermanus is one of the world’s best whalewatching locations. Birkenhead House is an elegant property with a beach house atmosphere, perched on a cliff above two fine beaches. It consists of just 11 studio rooms; half opening out onto wooden verandahs. Days here are spent around the pools or surfing, fishing and swimming.

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

This award-winning eco-tourism resort comprises two luxurious lodges and a villa in an ancient milkwood forest overlooking the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay. The classic Garden Lodge is ideal for families, with 11 suites, restaurant, swimming pool, stables, children’s play area, library and research centre. The chic and contemporary Forest Lodge is an architectural masterpiece with 16 luxury suites and views of the Indian Ocean, and includes a Champagne bar, wine cellar and restaurant. The latest addition is the luxury villa comprising six elegant suites with private butler, chef and guide. Guests can explore the 1,740 hectares by four-wheel drive or on foot with specialist guides who lead trips to the nearby coast to view the Southern Right Whales or enjoy boat-based whale watching trips. After active days, enjoy gourmet cuisine – including fish caught on the day – and home-grown vegetables with award-winning wines while enjoying spectacular sunset views.

“Described as one of the most idyllic locations on earth; an ecoluxury retreat overlooking the whale-watching haven of Walker bay.”

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21 Tailor-made

Hermanus

SOUTH AFRICA

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

SOUTH AFRICA 22

Garden Route

Tailor-made

One of South Africa’s – indeed the world’s! – most stunning ocean routes, and a stunning accompaniment to any visit to vibrant Cape Town. Renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful oceanside journeys, the Garden Route takes in the verdant and naturally diverse stretch of south-eastern South Africa, from Heidelberg on the Western Cape to where Storms River meets the extraordinary Tsitsikamma Mountains; and is lapped by the Indian Ocean and peppered with lush forests, looming mountains, tranquil lakes, dreamy lagoons and the famous Fynbos vegetation, and basks in the mildest climate in South Africa (and the second mildest in the world after Hawaii). A half-day’s leisurely drive eastwards from Cape Town or a short flight to George reveals the charming gateway to these 200-odd kilometres of nature’s finest with its triumvirate of gorgeous towns that make up the route’s most popular destinations – Mossel Bay, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Soak up Mossel Bay, for most the start of the Garden Route and a pretty seaside town at that; Knysna, with its glorious lagoon dotted with white masts and home to some of the best oysters in the world; and pretty Plettenberg Bay with its deliciously golden beaches and formerly known as Bahia Formosa, or ‘Beautiful Bay’ – with very good reason! A leisure-seeker’s paradise, a thrill-seeker’s dream, a nature-lover’s Eden; Plettenberg Bay is practically perfect in every way. This jewel of the Garden Route offers mile up on mile (upon mile) of nature’s breathtaking best stretches from what is a charming, faultless little town. Already graced with an exceptional climate that sees long, balmy summer days and mild winter ones, Plettenberg’s crowning glory is a horseshoe-shaped bay whose reputation for sheer gorgeousness has made it quite the sought-after holiday destination, with more than a hint of glamour giving a stylish sheen to its God-given credentials. The town – or Plett, as it’s commonly known – is a buzzy, refined, café-filled main street off which are scattered pleasant meandering residential streets and refined accommodations, with a good selection of restaurants and boutiques catering for the upscale visitor. Then there are the seemingly endless sun-blushed golden sands, whether on Central Beach, or on Robberg Beach which stretches as far as the eye can see, and whose seasonal residents include dolphins and whales. And for the intrepid

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

Tsala Treetop Lodge & Villas

explorer with an eco-eye, there are the majestic Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountains which form Plett’s backdrop and offer fifteen private and public nature reserves.

Accommodation

Altes Landhaus, Oudtshoorn A hundred-year-old stately homestead in the Cape Dutch style; antique furniture and refined décor sweep through this Victorian country lodge where the roomy suites can be chosen with pool, garden or separate living area. As quaint as it is idiosyncratic, this bijou property is situated on a working ostrich farm in a lovely valley just ten minutes from the extraordinary Cango Caves. Bosavern Guest House, Plettenberg Bay Revelling in its enviable position overlooking the lovely Robberg Beach and Nature Reserve and the Indian Ocean beyond, Bosavern is a stylish guest house with just five luxurious double suites, each with patio and underfloor heating, decking-encased pool with sweeping views, and a breakfast menu according to the whims of the matriarch of this adorable, family-run property. Hog Hollow Country Lodge, Plettenberg Bay Plettenberg Bay’s pristine, über-luxurious country lodge is 16 private suites overlooking indigenous

The Plettenberg

forest, valleys and mountains – plus the Main House perched over the Matjies River Gorge with its gleaming infinity pool which is all-the-way glamour. Dining here is an event in itself, there are three lounges for relaxation, relaxation, relaxation, and your car will even get a daily wash. Tsala Treetop Lodge & Villas, near Plettenberg Bay Set amidst the treetops of a magnificent indigenous forest, Tsala is a lavish celebration of the spirit of Africa. Ten luxury hideaway suites for two and six luxury villas for four guests are the epitome of indulgence and romanticism, each with its own private deck and infinity pool. Superb cuisine and discreet personal service complete the experience with a choice of four dining options. A Hunter Hotels property and member of Relais & Châteaux. The Plettenberg, Plettenberg Bay This hotel is built on a rocky headland with sensational views of sea, mountains and golden sand. Guests can choose to relax in one of the 37 luxurious rooms or suites or by one of the two pools. The best of South African and Mediterranean cuisine awaits with freshly caught seafood.

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SOUTH AFRICA 24

Safari Lodges

Tailor-made

Overview

Luxury five-star lodges, the opportunity to spot ‘The Big Five’, exceptional fine-dining and superb wines all combine to make the ultimate safari experience. We believe that your safari accommodation should be just as glorious as the nature you’re here to see, which is why our collection of luxury five-star lodges is nothing short of spectacular. Far removed from the tented affairs of yesteryear, all the luxuries man can muster are laid on to create the hub of your African adventure. Once you’ve spotted ‘The Big Five’ – Elephants, Lions, Leopards, Rhinos and Buffalos, we think you deserve to come home to your own paradise. A typical day on safari usually begins with a sunrise game drive with your expert guide, returning to your sumptuous lodge to enjoy a leisurely breakfast (or just indulge in the on-hand facilities) before, should you choose, embarking on another adventure – hot-air ballooning, a guided nature walk, a bird’s-eye helicopter tour... With some of the lodges offering world-class spa facilities there are plenty of opportunities to relax and pamper, whilst afternoon game drives are usually followed by evenings around the Braai enjoying exquisite cuisine and great company. Then it’s back to the lodge where you are greeted by fluffy slippers, a plump bathrobe, and the perfect night’s sleep. For premium game viewing, focus upon the drier months between April and September when the grass is sparse and the animals tend to congregate at the waterholes.

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

near Port Elizabeth

This award-winning reserve is the ideal start or finish to your Garden Route holiday; your ranger will ensure you see the best game, bird and plant life throughout the 25,000-hectare African wilderness. A choice of for families and couples alike.

Kwandwe Private Game Reserve near Grahamstown

In the heart of the malaria-free Eastern Cape, Kwandwe comprises two exclusive safari lodges and two sole-use villas, all offering worldclass sophistication and style in the heart of the bush. Covering 22,000 hectares of rehabilitated wilderness in the Great Fish River Region, thousands of animals including â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Big Fiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; roam the area.

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25 Tailor-made

seven luxurious lodges each with an individual style and character cater

SOUTH AFRICA

Shamwari Game Reserve

Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge Madikwe Game Reserve

Overlooking the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve and traversing 75,000 hectares, this private game lodge offers 10 luxurious, glass-fronted suites with air conditioning, verandahs and private plunge pools for complete relaxation and comfort. Indoors, African design blends with first-rate amenities. Enjoy spa treatments in the privacy of the massage sala or be a little more energetic at the gym. The private Little Madikwe Hills Family Suite is ideal for families with young children and offers a permanent child minder as well as a dedicated game ranger and private Land Rover. The bar is the perfect setting for a fireside chat and pre-dinner drinks before dining on fine cuisine accompanied by local and international wines displayed in the wine cellar; or dine under the African stars in the traditional Boma where tables are lit by candles and hurricane lamps, and South African fare is cooked in front of you.

Alternative accommodation

Jaci’s Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve Comprising Jaci’s Safari Lodge and Jaci’s Tree Lodge – these family friendly safari lodges are located in the malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve where you can expect to see ‘The Big Five’ along with wild dog, black and white rhino, springbok and giraffe as well as over 340 species of birds. Children aged 5-12 years are well catered for on morning and evening game drives with family safari vehicles and jungle drives for the under 4’s. Molori Safari Lodge, Madikwe Game Reserve

“The malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve covers 75,000 hectares and is one of South Africa’s prime safari destinations.”

This five suite lodge with an abundance of relaxation areas offers the ultimate in privacy and seclusion with all suites offering infinity pool, terrace overlooking the reserve, and equipped with telescope, Bose iPod system, espresso machine, WiFi internet access and fully stocked minibar. Game drives and bush tracking are available with experienced guides; as well as culinary classes, fishing and a planetarium for stargazing.

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

SOUTH AFRICA 27 Tailor-made

We love Listening to the Scorpio and Orion fables as told by the ranger of Greek mythology, whilst dining in a rustic Boma.

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Singita Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park

This member of Relais & ChĂ˘teaux has lodges offering exceptional safari experiences in two distinct game-rich areas. Sabi Sand offers the ultimate in safari luxury on land recognised globally for its diversity and concentration of big game. Choose between the opulence of Ebony Lodge, or the more contemporary Boulders Lodge with its contemporary air of tranquility and wrap around views; both offer absolute privacy overlooking the Sand River. The adjacent Singita Kruger National Park is an exclusive game-rich concession in the Kruger National Park; the area is known for its majestic pride of lions. Two ultra-modern lodges offering an unrivalled wilderness experience; stay at Singita Lebombo with sweeping wooden decks and just 15 suites, or the tranquil Sweni Lodge elevated on stilts with decks of timber. All rooms have air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms and game viewing decks.

Reservations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

Owned by Sir Richard Branson, UIusaba offers an excellent location in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where walking safaris and game-viewing drives with experienced rangers and trackers ensure a memorable experience. Accommodation is in two unique Lodges; Safari Lodge is built along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed where rope bridges join tree house style rooms as local wildlife passes by. Some rooms offer private plunge pools, but for extra adventure and privacy try the Treehouse Suite. Rock Lodge is elevated high above the savannah, with just eight individually designed rooms and suites. Rock Lodge also includes the luxurious villa Cliff Lodge with two magnificent suites. Children are welcome at Rock Lodge and are invited to join the Cubs’ Club with tailored activities, Cubs’ meals and complimentary babysitting. Internationally renowned chefs prepare pan-African dishes to be served in the outdoor dining Boma, on a deck or in the dining room. There is a gym, tennis courts, Aroma Boma Spa, wine cellar, swimming pools and a bush observatory for stargazing.

“Authentic South African hospitality is offered by the staff who hail from the surrounding villages and include some of the most qualified rangers.”

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29 Tailor-made

Sabi Sand

SOUTH AFRICA

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve

SOUTH AFRICA 30 Tailor-made

Chitwa Chitwa

Londolozi Private Game Reserve

Centred around a private game lodge which blends European styles with

A member of Relais & Châteaux, and situated in the heart of the

a chic take on African culture, this is low-impact luxury in the exclusive

Sabi Sand Game Reserve bordering the Kruger National Park,

Sabi Sand Game Reserve. Accommodation is in one of the delightful

the knowledgeable guides escort walking and game drives. Set

chalets with modern interior designs, private plunge pools and deck

amongst high concentrations of wildlife in the region and proclaiming

overlooking the lake – whilst no-holds-barred residences are courtesy of

incomparable leopard sightings and five award-winning bushveld camps,

the divine Chitwa House, the ultimate in tailor-made bush living.

this is one of the most authentic wildlife sanctuaries in South Africa.

Sabi Sand

Kings Camp Private Game Reserve Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve Timbavati Nature Reserve

Sabi Sand

In a pristine corner of Africa and situated in the Timbavati Private Nature

The aptly named Leopard Hills revels in its hilltop setting overlooking a

Reserve, Kings Camp overlooks an open savannah plain and waterhole

natural waterhole close to the perennial Sand River. Memorable vistas

frequented by a wide variety of wildlife. 11 colonial suites are spacious

of the bushveld also await from the eight glass-fronted luxury suites,

and luxuriously equipped with air conditioning, minibar and private

complete with air conditioning, minibar, sundeck and rock plunge pool.

verandah. Morning and afternoon game drives and walking safaris take

Experience an array of spa treatments in the glass-fronted sala or get

place with experienced and knowledgable rangers.

whisked away on the Cascades & Canyon helicopter flight.

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

SOUTH AFRICA

Tanda Tula

Amongst South Africa’s most luxurious tented bush camps, Tanda Tula offers unforgettable game viewing, off-the-scale hospitality and award-winning cuisine in a setting that is out of this world. Home is the banks of the Nlharalumi riverbed, hidden amongst grand old trees, and overlooking a waterhole for optimum wildlife spotting from dusk till dawn and back again. Each of the 12 tents has its own deck overlooking the riverbed, Victorian bathtub, outdoor shower and charming finishing touches that whisper rustic elegance, and there’s an infinity pool for all to share – including frequent elephant and buffalo visitors. Out in the bush there is a hide, on the Machaton Dam, where private picnics and ‘sleep-outs’ can be arranged, and where brunches are served daily. For those wanting even more privacy, the exclusive Tandala camp sleeps four to six guests and comes with its own pool, lounge and sleeping deck – a private chef and vehicle can also be arranged.

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Tailor-made

Timbavati Nature Reserve

Royal Malewane Kruger National Park

Situated on the western fringe of the Kruger National Park, this exclusive lodge offers lavish colonialstyle suites and prime ‘Big Five’ viewing with privacy and personalised service. The six free-standing suites have a wooden deck with pool, palatial bedroom and extravagant bathroom, with elevated walkways linking the suites to the main camp. The Royal and Malewane Suites offer the services of a butler and personal chef. Expert guides and trackers ensure intimate game experiences and close sightings of ‘The Big Five’ from the specially converted Land Rovers. Surrounded by the untamed bush, The Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa offers soothing treatments using the healing powers of water from an underground source running through the reserve. Sumptuous dining is a signatory experience against the backdrop of the waterhole with spectacular game viewing.

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We love The romantic dinners served in a Bedouin tent bedecked with Moroccan lanterns and accompanied by a selection of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest wines.

SOUTH AFRICA 33 Tailor-made

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The vibrant city of Cape Town, the beauty of the Winelands and Garden Route and an unforgettable safari experience. Days 1-3: Cape Town Upon your arrival into Cape Town airport you will be met and transferred to Kensington Place hotel in Cape Town where you will stay for three nights. Your hire car will be delivered to you at your hotel. Spend your first three days at leisure in Cape Town where you can visit Table Mountain, lunch at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and visit the craft stalls of Greenmarket Square or antiques market of Church Street.

Days 4-5: Cape Winelands This morning you will leave Cape Town and drive to the Cape Winelands where you will stay at Klein Genot Wine & Country Estate for two nights. The Cape Winelands is a scenically enchanting region of dramatic mountains and fertile valleys. It is a wonderful combination of small historic towns, beautiful scenery and wine estates. A private driver is the perfect way to explore the Winelands for approximately £125 per person.

Days 6-7: Hermanus Today you will make your way to Hermanus where you will stay at Grootbos Private Nature Reserve for two nights. Hermanus is situated in the Western Cape. The official whale-watching capital of the world, this untouched haven of mountains, ocean, rivers and spectacular nature is a perfect holiday destination.

Days 8-10: Garden Route Depart Hermanus and drive along the Garden Route where you will stay at The Plettenberg hotel for three nights. The Garden Route includes one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline. Join the route that winds its way for some 200 kilometres via George, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay culminating in the Tsitsikamma Forest – a fairyland of giant trees, ferns and bird life.

Days 11-13: Safari Today you will make your way to the Eastern Cape where you will stay at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve for three nights.The lodges offer a fully-inclusive African safari experience including all meals, two safari activities or guided game drives per day in 4x4 vehicles, and an optional guided bush walk each day.

Day 14: Departure After your morning game drive and breakfast, make your way to Port Elizabeth Airport, where you will return your hire car and check in for your flight to Johannesburg and then back home. Alternatively, why not ask us about extending your holiday with a few days relaxing in Mauritius?

South Africa 13 night itinerary Prices from £3825 per person Prices include accommodation, international flights with British Airways, internal flights, transfers and car hire, but do not include any additional leisure pursuits mentioned. World Traveller Plus, Business and First Class supplements available upon request.

Cosmopolitan Cape Town, a luxurious train journey and the excitement of a ‘Big Five’ safari. Days 1-3: Cape Town Upon arrival at Cape Town airport you will be met by a representative and transferred to Cape Grace hotel in Cape Town where you will stay for three nights. Your hire car will be delivered to you at your hotel. At first sight Cape Town seems to be quite small and neatly arranged; this is because Table Mountain surrounds the town centre and holds it like a bowl. Thus the terrain between mountain and harbour is called the City Bowl.

Days 4-5: Rovos Rail This morning your hire car will be collected from you at your hotel and with check-in to Rovos Rail. You will spend the next two nights on-board the train. Rovos Rail will take you on the popular journey between Cape Town and Pretoria. The twin cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg in Gauteng form South Africa’s economic heartland and the ideal departure point for the Lowveld’s world-famous game reserves.

Day 6: Johannesburg On arrival at Capital Park Station in Pretoria you will be met by a for one night. As the largest and richest city in South Africa, Johannesburg’s lifestyle is a fast-paced and hectic one.

Days 7-9: Mpumalanga This morning, you will be met by a representative and transferred by road or to Tambo airport where you will be assisted with check-in for your charter flight to Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve where you will stay for three nights. The oldest private reserve in South Africa, Sabi Sands is home to a vast wildlife population including ‘The Big Five’, and a number of endangered species including wild dog and honey badgers. Bordering the Kruger National Park, animals pass freely between the reserves.

Day 10: Departure After your morning game drive and breakfast, you will transfer from your lodge to Tambo International Airport for your onward travel. Alternatively, why not ask us about extending your holiday with a few days relaxing in Mauritius?

South Africa 14 night itinerary Prices from £6995 per person Prices include accommodation, international flights with British Airways, internal flights, transfers and car hire, but do not include any additional leisure pursuits mentioned. World Traveller Plus, Business and First Class supplements available upon request.

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35 Tailor-made

representative and transferred to The Saxon hotel in Johannesburg

SOUTH AFRICA

you will be transferred to Cape Town Station where you will be assisted

MOZAMBIQUE, NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA & ZAMBIA 36

Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana & Zambia

Tailor-made

Africa

Vast, mysterious, fabled, extraordinary, other-worldly... Africa’s magnificence is the stuff of legend. From the annual migration to the flooding of the plains, you are sure to be astounded. Its heart-thumping delights have never been more accessible to the

offers a breathtaking array of earthly wonders to suit thrill-seekers,

stylish traveller. It is, to use the travel cliché of all travel clichés, a

nature lovers, urban junkies, beachside sybarites or all of the above.

land of contrasts – from Kenya’s powder-white beaches to Tanzania’s

And with its ever-growing reputation for modern, world-class

staggering geology that takes in Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti

accommodation, we will ensure your African adventure is enveloped

National Park; from once-in-a-lifetime safari trails throughout

by the utmost levels of care, comfort and luxury.

Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa to soaring wildernesses across the continent that are almost untouched by humans – Africa

Climate (Mozambique) F

Tailor-made

Month

M A M

Temp oC

27 27 27 26 25 24 23 24 24 26 27 27

Rain mm

Hours of Sun

Time Difference : GMT + 2 hours Currency : Mozambique Metical with US Dollars and South African Rand widely accepted Flight Time : 12 hours (Mozambique), 13 hours (Namibia), 12 hours (Botswana) and 10 hours (Zambia)

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• Enjoy a helicopter transfer over the falls in Livingstone • Climb Big Daddy – the world’s highest sand dune in Sossusvlei, Namibia

Flights • Mozambique: British Airways or Virgin Atlantic (direct) to Johannesburg from London Heathrow and onwards to Maputo with South African Airways • Namibia: British Airways or Virgin Atlantic (direct) to Johannesburg from London Heathrow and onwards to Windhoek with Comair • Botswana: British Airways or Virgin Atlantic (direct) to Johannesburg from London Heathrow and onwards to Maun with Air Botswana • Zambia: British Airways (direct) to Lusaka from London Heathrow

MOZAMBIQUE, NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA & ZAMBIA 37 Tailor-made

Mรกua

North Luangwa National Park

Mozambique

Zambia

Nacala

Kafue National Park

Angoche

South Luangwa National Park

Lusaka

Lower Zambezi

Quelmaine

Inhaminga

Serra Cafema Biera Skeleton Coast Bazaruto Archipelago Vilanculos

Inhambane

Damaraland

Etosha

Namibia

Livingstone

Okavango Delta

Ongava

Moremi Game Reserve

Windhoek Swakopmund Sossusvlei Walvis Bay

Chobe National Park

Maun

Makgadikgadi

Botswana Tula Gaborone

Maputo

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Indigo Bay Island Resort & Spa

Mozambique

A magical land awash with natural wonders, exotic wildlife and untouched frontiers. Serene sands and magical offshore diving are what dreams are made of. A tropical land brushed by the tepid Indian Ocean and with sweeping coastal lowlands fringed by rising mountain plateaux, Mozambique is, for the most part, a mysterious land for the Western tourist and the better for it – a magical landscape with endless dreamy beaches, world-class diving, safari, plus a host of – perhaps – unexpected urban delights. An African rising star, its politics until recently made Mozambique inaccessible to tourists, but now a stable democracy and improving global relations have opened the gates to more than 2,500 kilometre of coastline, to the capital Maputo’s bustling sidewalks, to the safari trails of the Gorongosa National Park, to the coral reefs and blinding white sands of the Quirimbas Archipelago, to the scattering of almost deserted offshore islands, and to the colonial majesty of Ilha de Moçambique. Mozambique’s climate is pretty cut and dry – or just wet and dry! There are two seasons: the wet from October to March when rainfall is considerable and the risk of cyclones mentionable; the dry season starting in April and ending in September when temperatures are consistently warm to hot. The geography of the country could almost be split into two. The south is where economic growth, proximity to South Africa, and the location of Maputo on its southern tip have resulted in a sturdy infrastructure, a more cosmopolitan air and some good investment in upscale tourism

“The north is where it gets a bit edgier; the adventure a bit more daring where, upon crossing the Zambezi, you enter what is regarded as one of Africa’s final frontiers.”

plus, of course, the island idyls of the Bazaruto Archipelago. The north is where it gets a bit edgier; the adventure a bit more daring where, upon crossing the Zambezi, you enter what is regarded as one of Africa’s final frontiers. It’s here where your untouched paradise awaits along the Quirimbas Archipelago, helped by a small collection of spectacular island lodges that add to rather than subtract from the area’s beauty. The area is also home to the pastel-coloured colonial masterpieces of Ilha de Moçambique – or Mozambique Island – the former capital of Portuguese East Africa and an absolute must-see attached to the mainland by a 3.5 kilometres causeway.

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Azura Retreat

MOZAMBIQUE

Back in the south we have Maputo, one of the continent’s prettiest capital cities with its wealth and caipirinha, its glut of street cafés, its excellent restaurants serving peri-peri prawns and Laurentia beer, its imposing Fort of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of Conception), and the infamous-cum-rowdy Fere de Populare where locals swing to Latin beats in its dozens of bars and nightclubs.

Accommodation

Benguerra Lodge, Bazaruto Archipelago Seclusion barely covers this luxury lodge on the Bazaruto Archipelago. Sitting beside pristine white sand with nothing but paradise in front of you, accommodation is across three levels – the romantic beach-side Cabanas, the spacious Casitas each with private deck and plunge pool, or in Villa Chibuene with its personal chef and private swimming pool. Azura Retreat, Benguerra Island Located on Benguerra Island within the Bazaruto National Park, Azura is Mozambique’s first luxury eco-retreat, built entirely by locals, and comprising 14 villas each with its own infinity pool, thatched jekka roof, all with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean – and with a Presidential Villa to

Vamizi

die for (plus private beach and treehouse!). Indigo Bay Island Resort & Spa, Bazaruto Island Think of your textbook island paradise with powder-white sand and turquoise waters, and you’ve pretty much got Indigo Bay: 30 beach chalets and 14 villas on the unspoilt Bazaruto Island, its elegant accommodations accompanied by a 1,300m2 spa with ice and hydrotherapy pools, superb restaurants and access to a plethora of thrilling land – and water-based activities. Vamizi, Quirimbas Archipelago An inspired mix of luxury and nature’s best, Vamizi sits on the paradise-perfect Quirimbas Archipelago surrounded by spine-tingly blue seas. Thirteen deliciously romantic timber villas pepper the beach – one of the world’s most beautiful – and offer five-star luxury, plus a range of dining and reclining options, from the Muntu Nkulu castaway restaurant to cocktails under the stars. Other accommodation in Mozambique includes Marlin Lodge on Benguerra Island, where you will find stunning dunes, woodlands and freshwater lakes.

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39 Tailor-made

of Mediterranean-style architecture, crazy-cool markets with locals selling seafood, spices

NAMIBIA 42

Namibia

Tailor-made

Mesmerising sunsets, haunting deserts and spellbinding safaris allow this vast and soul-stirring country to take you on a journey of ultimate extremes. Notable for its dry expanses, extraordinary wildlife, dreamlike sunsets and spectacular electrical storms, Namibia is nothing short of wondrous. And after Mongolia, it is the second least densely populated country on earth, meaning its wonders appear almost solely for you. A number of geological areas make up Namibia, each one of them unique, some of them overlapping. The Central Plateau, which runs from north to south is, owing to its wide and flat land, home to the majority of the country’s population. Utterly exposed to the forces of nature, summer temperatures regularly hit 40°C and frosts are known during winter. It is also home to Namibia’s capital, Windhoek; quite literally the centre of life for the country with practically all of Namibia’s social, economical and cultural activity existing out of it. With its German colonial past and more recent South African occupancy, the city is a pleasant mixed bag of Euro-style and modern buildings including three castles, and enjoys a laid-back, cosmopolitan air in a semi-arid climate with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below 30°C in summer, 20°C in winter. Swakopmund is Namibia’s premier holiday destination with palm-lined streets, seaside promenades, fine accommodation, a pleasant summer climate and decent beaches. During the summer holidays and long weekends, Namibians head to the coast to escape the intense heat of the interior. Adventure activities in this area include sandboarding, quad biking, hot-air ballooning, shark fishing and parachuting. Then there’s the Skeleton Coast, the coastal region of the Namib Desert to the east of the Central Plateau; a haunting stretch Namibian bushmen call ‘the land that God made in anger’ and an area so other-worldly it strikes awe in anyone who sees it. Accessible only through the desert, it is named for the bleached whale and seal bones that swamp the shore – a relic of the whaling industry – plus the shipwrecks caused by the coast’s infamous fogs and rocky outcrops. The Namib Desert – man’s gateway to the Skeleton Coast – is known for its monumental, endless orange sand dunes (the biggest in the world) and is home to a remarkable variety of

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Ongava Lodge

Damaraland Camp

wildlife and flora, perhaps best seen by hot air balloon; on a light aircraft flight from Walvis Bay; or on horseback safari. The Bushveld in the north east is where you’ll find the Etosha National Park, amongst southern Africa’s most important nature reserves and covering 22,270km2, 25 percent of which is the Etosha Pan, a 120 kilometre-long dry lakebed which becomes eerily swamped in the wet season. Not forgetting, of course, the legendary Kalahari Desert with its ghostly mountains – or inselbergs – a place that needs no introduction, but has to be seen to be believed.

Accommodation

Kulala Desert Lodge, Kulala Wilderness Reserve Pinch-yourself scenery awaits in this lodge accommodation in the 37,000 hectare private Kulala Wilderness Reserve, close to the spectacular Sossusvlei dunes, where each of the 19 thatched and canvas ‘kulalas’ is built on a wooden platform to catch the cooling night breeze and comes with a sleeping deck for under-the-stars slumber, whilst the central lodge features a pub and wraparound deck with views of the neighbouring waterhole. Ongava Lodge, Etosha National Park Ongava is one of the largest private game reserves in Namibia, at the edge of Etosha National Park. Ongava Lodge is 12 luxury air-conditioned chalets – in brick, rock and thatch and thoroughly modern yet sympathetic to their environment. Meals are served either on the dining deck or overlooking the camp’s waterhole in the main area, whilst expert guides are onhand for safari adventures. Damaraland Camp, Huab River Valley Accessible by 4x4, this tented camp – where modcons and pristine wilderness combine – features ten raised thatched villas with large decks to make the most of the views over the plains of the Huab River Valley. The pool is situated by the Lodge’s bar; meals are Braai-style, alfresco and by

“After Mongolia, it is the second least densely populated country on earth, meaning its wonders appear almost solely for you.”

lantern light; and spotted around the site are campfire ‘bomas’, perfect for post-safari storytelling. Other accommodation in Namibia includes Serra Cafema in Hartmann’s Valley on the banks of the Kunene and Skeleton Coast Camp which offers rare private access to Namibia’s renowned National Park.

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Experience a luxurious desert retreat, the spectacular scenery of the Skeleton Coast and one of the largest private game reserves in Namibia. Days 1-2: Arrive Sossusvlei Depart by light aircraft from Eros International Airport, for a one-hour flight to Sossusvlei, where you will spend two nights at Little Kulala Camp to explore the Reserve. Kulala Wilderness Reserve traverses 40,000-hectares of land near the spectacular Sossusvlei. Kulala is home to all forms of desert wildlife and provides convenient access to the splendour of the towering red dunes of the Namib.

Days 3-4: Skeleton Coast Fly over the Namib Desert and view the dunes from the air before flying due west to Meob Bay on the Skeleton Coast. The desert and haunting beauty of the Skeleton Coast scenery is spectacular, where the dunes and the desert meet the Atlantic Ocean. Driving inland you will spend two nights at Damaraland Camp. The Torra Conservancy lies in northern Damaraland, where the landscape is characterised with valleys and dry riverbeds. Early morning fog provides precious water to the flora and fauna. Despite its aridity, the area supports a surprisingly high diversity of wildlife including desert-adapted elephant, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, southern giraffe, springbok, cheetah and black rhino.

Days 5-6: Ongava Game Reserve Fly by light aircraft from Damaraland to Ongava Game Reserve for a further two-nights at Ongava Tented Camp. Highlights are the game drives into Etosha National Park as well as night drives, nature walks and hides on the private Ongava Game Reserve. On the southern boundary of Etosha National Park lies Ongava Game Reserve. It is a haven to large concentrations of wildlife: notably lion, cheetah, springbok, wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, waterbuck, red hartebeest and giraffe.

Day 7: Departure Depart Ongava by light air charter back to Windhoek where the safari ends at either Windhoek Eros or Windhoek International Airport.

Namibia 6 night itinerary Prices from £4425 per person Prices include accommodation, international flights, internal flights, transfers and car hire, but do not include any additional leisure pursuits mentioned. Flight upgrades available on request.

Vumbura Plains Camp

BOTSWANA 46

Botswana

Tailor-made

Botswana’s predominantly arid climate, sparse population and expansive game reserves mean that of all the African nations, the safari experience here is arguably the most authentic. Landlocked and predominantly flat, almost three quarters of Botswana is made up of the Kalahari Desert, with a climate that is arid subtropical. Endless dreamy deserts lead to grasslands and savannahs teeming with antelope and Blue Wildebeest, whilst Northern Botswana has one of the last remaining populations of the endangered African Wild Dog. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1966, Botswana has enjoyed probably the strongest growth of all African nations, creating a country that is socially and economically dynamic, one with vast and numerous nature reserves boosted by laudable conservation practices that have resulted in a tourism industry that is burgeoning, enterprising and modern. Of its many reserves, Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve are the two most popular, the latter being a land at diverse odds with itself on the eastern side of the Okavango

Mombo Camp

Delta – in parts powder dry, burnt earth; in others lagoons wallow in the sun and the rarely seen leopard takes cover in thick, verdant woods. To some, it offers amongst the best 4x4 game viewing in Africa, but adventure junkies can explore by foot, or even by mokoro – a canoe dug out from Ebony or Sausage Tree. Gaborone, the country’s capital only since independence, close to the border with South Africa and barely a blot on the landscape before 1964, was planned under the Garden City principles of wide pedestrian walkways, pleasant open spaces and municipal buildings, making for a mix of glistening modernity, planned residential zones and a straightforward linear layout, plus the odd flourish of the old occupiers’ predications. There is, for example, the Mall, at the north west of which is the National Museum and Art Gallery which displays traditional Botswana arts and crafts and waves the flag for local artists. It also plays a vital role in the preservation of Tsodilo, the nation’s first world heritage site, a wonderful and stupefying collection of 4,500 rock paintings spread over a 10km2 area in the Kalahari Desert which provides a priceless record of human settlement over thousands of years (some were painted 24,000 years before

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Jao Camp

Selinda Camp

present day) – and including the recent discovery there of 70,000-year-old artefacts – all of which have altered scholars’ views on the origins of sophisticated humans. The rainy summer months – December until March – are best avoided for those wanting the ultimate, unadulterated safari experience; one which Botswana provides, wondrously and indelibly so.

Accommodation

Vumbura Plains Camp, Okavango Delta Situated at the far north of the Okavango Delta in a private concession, two separate sevenroomed satellite camps rub shoulders with a plethora of wildlife. Each camp comprises a raised dining, lounge and bar area, basks in stunning views across the floodplains, and each romantic suite is built on a wooden deck and is open on three sides for the ultimate in back-to-nature. Mombo Camp, Okavango Delta At the heart of the famous Moremi Game Reserve is this tented camp resting elegantly on a private island, with views over floodplains thick with wildlife. A unique camp experience with luxury in droves – and a memorable dining experience with seafood specialities (Botswana is landlocked!). Jao Camp, Okavango Delta Resting on a remote island on the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, Jao is perfectly placed for land-or water-based safari. Its nine individually handcrafted tents perch under canopies of trees for spectacular views. Their glut of fabled species and islands fringe the riverine forests. Two plunge pools and an outdoor boma provide downtime, whilst there’s a spa for ‘me time’. Kings Pool Camp, Linyanti Wildlife Reserve Taking its name from the lagoon over which the camp gazes, Kings Pool Camp has regal credentials through and through. Nine sophisticated tents of canvas and thatch overlook the never-ending Linyanti Reserve vistas, where zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions and leopards (to name but a few) vie for attention.

“It offers amongst the best 4x4 game viewing in Africa.”

Other accommodation in Botswana includes Selinda and Zerafa Camps, both situated in the Okavango Delta fit to burst with wildlife.

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A magical experience, navigating along the Selinda Spillway in the heart of the Selinda Reserve by canoe and ending by relaxing in a luxury tented camp. Day 1: Arrive Selinda Airfield Your experience starts from Selinda airfield from where you will be transferred to the starting point of the canoe trail. After a group briefing, the trail starts with a short canoe experience before arriving at the first camp on the banks of the Spillway just before sunset. The dome-tented camp is erected as you enjoy a well-deserved sun-downer around the campfire before dinner, followed by a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleep.

Day 2: Selinda Canoe Trail The day begins early with a light breakfast before heading out on the canoes for a full day of paddling. Stop for lunch enroute and if you come across anything interesting to explore on foot, stop once again to stretch your legs. Tonight the camp will be in another suitable location as you gradually make your way down the Spillway.

Day 3: Selinda Canoe Trail An early breakfast once again, as camp is taken down, before continuing along the water course by canoe for another full-day before setting-up camp for the last night of the trail.

Days 4-6: Okavango Delta Head out after a hearty breakfast for a short canoe trip before being transferred to the Selinda Airstrip and taking a light aircraft onwards to Okavango Delta where you will spend three nights at Kwetsani Camp. Kwetsani is a five-roomed luxury camp located in a private reserve to the west of Mombo and the Moremi Game Reserve. Each of the tented tree-houses is built under a thatch roof and all have en-suite facilities. Day and night time game drives offer an excellent chance of spotting lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, buffalo and elephant which are all found here as well as good concentrations of zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, and all the plains animals.

Day 7: Departure Take a light aircraft transfer to Maun and onwards home.

Botswana 6 night itinerary Prices from ÂŁ4225 per person Prices include accommodation, international flights with British Airways and internal flights, transfers and activities as specified, but do not include any additional leisure pursuits. World Traveller Plus, Business and First Class supplements available upon request.

Chongwe River Camp

Zambia

Mountains that dazzle and waterfalls that render you speechless. The mighty Zambezi cascades through the country with fascinating wildlife resting at its banks. Landlocked yet blessed by the magnificent Victoria Falls, undulating mountains, a subtropical climate which encourages the richest of wildlife, the wild and wonderful Zambezi River, and the startling Lake Tanganyika – one of the African Great Lakes and the world’s longest – Zambia is one of those places people mean when they say, ‘God’s own country’. Its climate is two-seasonal, with the wet months spanning November through to April. The hottest period of the dry season covers September, October and November, with May through to August being pleasantly warm and dry owing to Zambia’s relatively high altitude. Its capital, Lusaka, is a colourful, booming town where shiny new builds are popping up almost consistently, where 60 percent of the country’s population lives, where a jumping nightlife co-exists with buzzy coffee shops and notable restaurants, and where an ex-pat community continues to revel in the lovely climate. Renowned by connoisseurs as the home of the walking safari, compounded by its reputation as one of the safest countries in Africa – the world, even – with warm, inviting people, Zambia is blissfully accommodating for the safari adventurer, however large their appetite for thrills. Home to 17 eye-popping waterfalls, Zambia offers spectacular tours for the ‘cascade follower’ which take you through majestic wetlands via rural, barely-seen villages, taking in tranquil lakes, fiery tributaries and thick forests. It is a heaven for water rafters, for abseilers, for

“Home to 17 eye-popping waterfalls, Zambia offers spectacular tours for the ‘cascade follower’ which take you through majestic wetlands.”

canoeists, and for fishers – the tiger fishing, for example, is fawned over. And we haven’t even started on the sunsets! But back to the formidable Victoria Falls, one of the world’s must-see natural superstars. An awe-inspiring curtain of water falling from the Zambezi River where Zambia borders Zimbabwe, the columns of spray can be seen from miles afar and the spectacle is spellbinding; never more so than from the vantage point of the Knife Edge Bridge, where all eyes are on the Eastern Cataract, the main falls and the Boiling Pot, where the river

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Mchenja Camp

ZAMBIA

turns towards the Batoka Gorge. Light aircraft rides are also available for that bird’s-eye view, glimpses through the curtains of green and, when the waters are at their lowest, it is possible to walk onto Livingstone Island, where the famous explorer first caught glimpse of the falls. Zambia’s game reserves are amongst the finest in the world. South Luangwa, with its concentration of game around the Luangwa River, or the wilder North Luangwa; the Mosi-oaTunya, just minutes from Victoria Falls; Kafue, one of Africa’s largest; or the wetland paradise of Lochinvar. For the thrill-seeker, Zambia is majestically faultless.

Accommodation

Mchenja Camp, South Luangwa Valley Nestled under a canopy of ebony trees on the banks of the Luangwa, this camp takes luxury to levels previously unexperienced in Zambia. The tents, each with outside shower, inside bath and decks, number just four; whilst over in the main thatched ‘chitenje’, there is a pool and bar. Guests have the choice of safari on foot or by 4x4; daytime or by moonlight. Lion Camp, South Luangwa National Park Lion Camp, with its infinity pool, atmospheric boma fireplace, woven copper bar, nine contemporary-traditional canvas and thatch chalets and naturalistic boardwalks (criss-crossed by the odd elephant), is arguably Zambia’s slickest lodge; not to take away, of course, from its madefor-safari surroundings, where lions roam and the views stagger. Chongwe River Camp, Lower Zambezi Valley The banks of the Lower Zambezi are where Chongwe River Camp calls home, with its wildlife-rich land responsibly peppered with its stylishly – some eccentrically – appointed tents which open up onto this environment’s finest; your sumptuous kick-back from where to enjoy the myriad activities on offer, be that safari on foot or by vehicle, boating on the Zambezi, canoeing, hiking or fishing. Other accommodation in Zambia includes Nsolo Bush Camp in the South Luangwa Valley which has four individually designed chalets on private verandahs overlooking the Luwi Sand River and Busanga Bush Camp situated in Kafue National Park where truely personalised service enhances the wild camp experience.

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51 Tailor-made

as well as helicopter tours. And by foot, the neighbouring rain forests also offer spectacular

Explore the South Luangwa Valley with this exciting walking safari; which offers the chance to get even closer to the wildlife. Day 1: Arrive Kapani Lodge, Mfuwe On arrival at Lusaka Airport you will transfer to the domestic departures lounge for your flight to Mfuwe. You will be met at Mfuwe Airport by your safari guide who will drive you to Kapani Lodge, arriving in time for brunch. The rest of the day is spent at leisure until the evening gameviewing. Stopping for sundowners in the Park, the second half of the drive is conducted after dark in search of nocturnal species returning to camp in time for dinner.

Day 2: Luwi Bush Camp, South Luangwa Valley Breakfast is served early whilst the sun rises over the lagoon. You will pack your bags and take them with you because this morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game drive will deliver you to your next camp, Luwi. On arrival at Luwi, brunch is served along with a brief on the walking safaris. Later in the afternoon you will set out from camp on foot accompanied by your professional guide and an armed escort scout for your first true walking safari.

Day 3: Luwi Bush Camp, South Luangwa Valley The day is spent exploring the area around Luwi. There is a permanent lagoon next to the camp with a large number of hippo and crocodiles. This evening the walk will finish with sundowners overlooking this wonderful spectacle.

Day 4: Nsolo Bush Camp, South Luangwa Valley This morning you will rise early and set off from the camp-fire on foot. The morning walking safari ends at Nsolo Bush camp where you will find your bags waiting and the camp staff ready to welcome you. The rest of the morning is spent at leisure.

Days 5-6: Mchenja Camp, South Luangwa Valley Tea and toast is served around the campfire at dawn before heading off again on foot following the course of the Luwi sand river as it makes its way towards the Luangwa River. Heading east you will find Mchenja Camp nestled under a ebony grove on the bank of the Luangwa. A cool drink will be waiting, brunch will be on the table and your bags will have been delivered to your tent. This afternoon you can drive or walk or try a mixture of both. The second day is spent at leisure.

Day 7: Departure Breakfast at Mchenja is followed by a game drive through the Park ending up at Mfuwe airport for your flight to Lusaka and onwards.

Zambia 6 night itinerary Prices from ÂŁ3475 per person Prices include accommodation, international flights with British Airways and internal flights, transfers and activities as specified, but do not include any additional leisure pursuits. World Traveller Plus and Business Class supplements available upon request.

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KENYA, TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR 54

Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar

Tailor-made

Africa

A triumvirate of African loveliness where some of the continent’s best safari experiences and beach paradises create something bordering on heavenly. It’s hard to think what these two nations, Kenya and Tanzania, plus the

the legendary Maasai Mara. Or Tanzania, with more of its landmass

lauded archipelago Zanzibar that basks in the Indian Ocean like some

dedicated to game reserves and national parks than any other wildlife

tropical wonderland, don’t have. Kenya, with its colonial heritage, its

destination in the world, and where thrill-seekers can choose from the

hallowed African romanticism, its vast and diverse landscape that

famous safari hotspots on the Northern Circuit or the fly-in safaris of

covers deserts and mountains, equatorial forests and burnt, sweeping

the south and west. Then, just off its beautiful coastline is Zanzibar, an

plains; its safari that is lauded the world over and its endless powder

archipelago made up of deliriously perfect long, white sandy beaches,

beaches that wallow in the same global reputation, and not forgetting

stunning resorts, fascinating history and dreamy coral reefs.

Climate (Nairobi, Kenya)

Tailor-made

Month

M A M

Temp oC

25 26 26 24 23 22 21 21 24 25 23 24

Rain mm

Hours of Sun

Time Difference : GMT + 3 hours Currency : Kenyan Shilling Flight Time : 8 hours 30 minutes (Kenya), 9 hours 30 minutes (Tanzania) and 10 hours (Zanzibar)

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• Experience a hot air balloon ride over Kenya’s Maasai Mara • Enjoy the best views of Kilimanjaro from Amboseli National Park

Flights • Kenya: British Airways (direct) to Nairobi from London Heathrow • Tanzania: British Airways (direct) to Dar Es Salaam from London Heathrow • Zanzibar: British Airways (direct) to Dar Es Salaam or Nairobi from London Heathrow and onwards to Zanzibar with Kenya Airways

KENYA, TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR 55 Tailor-made

Kenya Kisumu Maasai Mara

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Tanzania

Nairobi

Malindi

Mombasa

Zanzibar Town Dar Es Salaam

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Little Governors’ Camp

KENYA 56

Kenya – Safari

Tailor-made

Home to the Maasai Mara and Mount Kenya, dissected by the Great Rift Valley, tropically sun-kissed with some of the best safari to be found anywhere in the world... this is Kenya. Kenya immediately conjures images of sweeping plains, palettes of burnt red and orange, heaving wildlife battling each other and the heat, beaches basking under cloudless skies, game-rich savannahs, equatorial forests, coral reefs, haunting deserts, glaciated mountains with snow-capped peaks... A country as legendary as it is beautiful, it offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity for adventure, for indulgence, for sanctuary, or all of the above. The capital Nairobi began life as a humble rail depot back in 1899 but quickly blossomed to become the capital of British East Africa in 1907 and, in 1963, the capital of the Kenyan republic. Now the most populous city in East Africa, its prominence is both political and economical. It also has a bit of a reputation. For rowdiness and crime, but also for a booming café culture, some really great and eclectic restaurants, shiny new-builds, and modern cinemas. In many ways, it is a very un-African city.

Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp

But Kenya’s main draw is its magnificent landscape, and those who feast off it. The highlands and mountains are as majestic as you’ll see anywhere. Mount Kenya (Africa’s second highest mountain) is a ragged, handsome sight rising above the plains, its slopes thick with forest, its base (for those who don’t want to climb. It’s tough!) sylvan and fascinating. Then there are the Great Lakes – Nakuru, Bogoria, Naivasha and, straddling Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, Victoria (which is twice the size of Wales!). Nakuru is where you’ll witness one of Kenya’s enduring images – thousands of flamingo, wing-to-wing, pink-carpeting the shore of this awesome water world. And when they take to the sky, the spectacle is equally jawdropping. Nakuru, a major National Park, is also sanctuary to the Black and White Rhino, often to be found shading under those famous acacia trees. Amboseli with its renowned elephant population; the plains of East and West Tsavo crossed by the historic Nairobi-Mombasa railroad; Laikipia, the gateway to the wild northern frontier of

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Tortilis Camp

IL Moran

Kenya; the magical, mystical Samburu dotted with doum palms; the lush and remote Meru – the Maasai Mara is the most lauded and visited, and with reason. Considered to be Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve, the Maasai Mara – or just ‘the Mara’ – covers 200m2 of dusty plains, riverine forest and woodland and forms the richest part of the continuation of the Serengeti, from Tanzania, into Kenya. Offering the kind of safari dreams are made of, the vast grasslands are brimming with giraffe and zebra, gazelle and topi, its rivers providing respite for hippos and crocodiles, whilst buffalo and elephants laze in the Musiara Swamp. There simply aren’t enough adjectives.

Accommodation

Little Governors’ Camp, Maasai Mara This exclusive safari-style camp – and the even more intimate IL Moran – is so at ease with its wilderness surroundings it almost disappears into the Maasai Mara plains, this part of which is known for its steady population of mesmerising creatures and when, from July to October, you can witness one of the true wonders of the natural world – 1.5 million zebra and wildebeest feasting on seasonal grasses. Cottars 1920’s Safari Camp, Maasai Mara Guests can arrive at Cottars via its private airstrip and be whisked to the immaculate, high-glamour (in a whispering kind of way) white canvas tents that only service up to 12 guests, who then benefit from traditions of faultless service and old school charm first set in stone when the camp was founded in 1919. This place practically set the bar for luxury safari camps. Tortilis Camp, Amboseli National Park Named after the idiosyncratic flat-topped thorn tree, located in woodland in Ambeseli where elephants roam free, and with the magnificent, snow-brushed Kilimanjaro as its backdrop, Tortilis

“A country as legendary as it is beautiful, it offers visitors an extraordinary opportunity for adventure.”

doesn’t need to try that hard to impress. Though try hard it does, with elegant, spacious and gently stylish tents, a family house with for that extra little pizazz, and expertly led safaris. Other accommodation in Maasai Mara includes Kicheche Camp, where nature is free to roam with its first class tent dwellings.

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Peponi Hotel

Manda Bay

Kenya – Beach

Picture-perfect coastline with tropical beaches as long as the eye can see, swaying palms, powder-white sands, coral reefs brimming with life and some gorgeous little village gems. A thriving strip with almost guaranteed year-round sun and served by buzzy and attractive Mombasa, a city whose reputation has built on its natural charms to become a cosmopolitan attraction in its own right. A charming seaport on Mombasa Island and Kenya’s second largest city, it is buoyed by tourism – meaning there’s a glut of great entertainment options, from casinos and nightclubs to really great restaurants. Mombasa Old Town and Fort Jesus are its biggest historical draws, the former a gem of a place with winding old streets and curio shops. Both north and south of Mombasa, the beaches are picture perfect. Palm-fringed, with mile upon mile of snow-white sands, where the waters of the Indian Ocean are filled with protected coral reefs ripe for diving – and where, around the small fishing village of Shimoni, a series of coastal caves stretches from the water deep into jungle. Then there’s Lamu, a beautiful little island covered with rolling dunes with beaches that seem to go on forever, where life is laid back, the food exquisite, and respite is amongst bowing palms as lateen-sailed dhows bob the ocean.

Accommodation

Peponi Hotel, Lamu Island Everything a boutique hotel should be – intimate, friendly and fresh – Peponi has just 24 rooms, all elegantly cool with views over the Indian Ocean, with the gardens and pool offering shaded exotic downtime, where palms and hammocks sway. Cuisine – whether it’s fresh seafood or Swahili specialities – is tip-top perfect, and the pristine beach is on your doorstep. Manda Bay, Manda Island Boutique loveliness on the northwestern tip of lovely Manda, one of the Lamu Archipelago’s unspoiled islands just off the Kenyan coast, made up of delicious barefoot luxury – think beachfront huts made of palm and driftwood and miles of powder-soft sand, a freshwater swimming pool overlooking the creek; all just a twenty minute boat ride from Lamu. Other accommodation in Kenya includes Alfajiri Villas. Set on Diani Beach, just an hour from Mombasa Airport, guests can choose between the Cliff, Garden and Beach Villas.

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The thrill of the Amboseli National Park and the Maasai Mara – Africa’s greatest wildlife reserve to the unspoilt island of Manda. Day 1: Arrive Nairobi On arrival into Nairobi Airport you will be met by a representative and transferred to you hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Days 2-3: Amboseli National Park Today you will be collected from the hotel and transferred to Wilson Airport for a flight to Amboseli National Park where you spend two nights at Tortilis Camp enjoying shared game drives in the Camp’s 4x4 vehicles, guided bush walks and bush breakfasts. Also included is a cultural visit to an authentic Maasi Village for a fascinating insight into the traditions and way of life of this ancient tribe.

Days 4-6: Maasai Mara After breakfast you will transfer to the airstrip for a flight to Nairobi and onwards to the Maasai Mara National Reserve where you will be met on An early morning hot air balloon safari is included during your stay. Suspended in a basket beneath the rainbow-coloured canopy, you will enjoy a game-viewing adventure with a different perspective. The hot air balloon experience finishes with a Champagne breakfast, cooked

Days 7-10: Lamu Today you will take a flight to Nairobi and onwards to Lamu. At Lamu Airstrip you will be met and transferred by hotel boat to the resort where you will spend four nights at Manda Bay. A half day sea safari in a traditional Arab Dhow is included in your stay. This ten metre long dhow with a three point lateen sail is equipped with a comfortable sun deck, cool drinks and snorkelling equipment.

Day 11: Departure Today is at leisure until your departure and afternoon boat transfer to Lamu Airstrip for the flight to Nairobi and onward connections.

Kenya 10 night itinerary Prices from £4450 per person Prices include accommodation, international flights, internal flights, transfers and car hire, but do not include any additional leisure pursuits mentioned. Flight upgrades available on request.

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59 Tailor-made

wherever you land.

KENYA

arrival and transferred to Little Governors Camp for three nights.

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

TANZANIA 60

Tanzania

Tailor-made

From diving in pristine coral reefs off the Swahili coast to hiking through the Crater Highlands, via some of the world’s most stunning safari, Tanzania is nothing short of unforgettable. Tanzania has more land dedicated to game reserves and national parks than any other wildlife destination on the planet, already making it a winner in the safari stakes. It also has a landscape that is diverse, exhilarating, surprising, and heart-stopping. The Tanzanian safari experience is generally split in two. The Northern Circuit is the more traditional and covers the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara, whilst the southern and western parks take on different logistics with their ‘fly-in’ safaris, where guests fly direct to their chosen camp. Of its glut of stunning landscapes, the Crater Highlands are a must. Rising majestically from the floor of the Rift Valley to form a necklace of volcanic mountains where magma has created an extraordinary series of craters and calderas, they are home to Maasi tribes as well as the

&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Ngorongoro Crater, or ‘Africa’s Eden’. Some refer to this as the 8th Wonder of the Natural World, and is where lions laze and zebra graze within the crater’s rim. Shift to the coast, and the Indian Ocean offers world-class diving off pristine silky soft beaches. &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater An almost surreal experience awaits at the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, where guests wake in a baroque chateau-meets-Maasi lodge, on the rim of the eponymous crater, filled with showy furnishings and roll-top baths, where game wander through the grounds and Maasi warriors escort you to your crazy-wonderful room. This is ‘crater chic’ with the ‘Big Five’ on your doorstep. Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Clinging on to the Ngorongoro Crater with a reputation for superior accommodation that befits its staggering location, the lodge is built from local river stone so that it blends into its majestic surroundings, and the outside is taken in as the walls are adorned with traditional cave paintings and the property is lit by romantic fire-light at night. Resorts as unique as this are rare.

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Singita Faru Faru Lodge

Serengeti

A hypnotising array of changing habitats, home to an extraordinary species of animal and bird, that thrills and stuns those lucky enough to experience it The Serengeti needs little introduction. Standing tall amongst the globe’s most hallowed geographical regions, it is a collection of national parks and game reserves containing around 70 animal and 500 avifauna species, myriad extraordinary habitats, and home to the Circular Migration when, around October, two million herbivores travel from its northern hills across the plains to the Mara River in pursuit of rainfall. Come April, it’s back again across the great Mara. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, it was unseen by white eyes until the American hunter, setting out from Nairobi, happened upon ‘paradise... under the high noble arc of the cloudless African sky’. It is 30,000km2 of eden that inspires artists and tourists alike, one of the world’s oldest ecosystems and one which has barely changed in a million years, and traces of man himself, two million years old, exist in the Olduval Gorge. The jewel in the crown of Tanzania’s protected lands, the Serengeti offers its visitors one of the world’s greatest collections of wildlife, spread across rivers and forests, volcanic spill, endless plains dappled with kopjes, and covering almost 15 percent of the country’s landmass. &Beyond Serengeti, Serengeti The majesty of the Serengeti with its awe-inspiring annual wildebeest migration is one of the wonders of the natural world, and &Beyond offers a spectacularly unique way of experiencing it – in one of its deliriously romantic, luxury tents that follow the Great Migration, de-camping to private sites and exploring the divine landscapes of the Serengeti as you go.

“Its name derives from the word ‘Siringitu’, meaning ‘the place where the land moves on forever’, and the sense of space and nature touches overwhelming.”

Singita Faru Faru Lodge, Singita Grumeti Reserve Safari with a contemporary edge is offered at the Faru Faru Lodge, where two lagoon-like rim-flow swimming pools echo the water hole that lingers below the property, and accommodation is over a series of luxury suites with reading areas, as well as viewing decks (and Swarovski spotting scopes!) that bring nature to you. It even has its own beach, Swahili-style.

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Zanzibar

Beautiful white sandy beaches drifting into coral reefs, dream sailing conditions, a world heritage site and wonderful nature too: Zanzibar is paradise with a delicious twist. A semi-autonomous archipelago wallowing in the tepid waters of the Indian Ocean just off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar is all kinds of lovely. Characterised by its picture-perfect long, virgin-white beaches fringed by stunning coral reef, it is an archetypal dream escape, an idyllic honeymoon location, heaven for divers, perfect for sailors, exhilarating for nature lovers, and dripping in social history. Thirty-five kilometres off the Tanzanian coast, it enjoys a climate that is mostly dry, mostly warm, and often hot – the latter summer days regularly taken down a cool notch by winds, particularly on the north and east coast, making for happy, balmy sailing conditions. And whilst tourism on the island – sometimes known as Spice Island owing to its historical industry – is on the increase, on a whole it remains essentially unscathed by development, delivering a pocket-sized tropical destination that ticks the beach box, the culture box, and the nature box. Matemwe and Pongwe are your premier locations for the former. These two unspoiled stretches of coastline are the definition of idyllic; charming, rustic, romantic. And of the two, Matemwe is the most blissful, picture-postcard perfect beach hideaway. Powder sands, translucent waters and, just off shore, the Mnemba Atoll which offers probably the best diving and snorkelling on Zanzibar. Pongwe’s rustic idyll status is tempered ever so slightly by its proximity to Stone Town as well as Chwaka Bay – with its buzzy little fishing village – but only ever so slightly. Some might say they are to its advantage. As for Stone Town, a living, breathing ancient city that holds World Heritage Site status; this

“You can see and smell the history here – the only functioning ancient town in east Africa – where very little has changed over the last 200 years.”

is an absolute must for anyone visiting Zanzibar. You can see and smell the history here – the only functioning ancient town in east Africa – where very little has changed over the last 200 years. Grand Arab villas, buzzy bazaars, labyrinthine alleys and crumbling coraline rock houses vie for your attention, with the Old Dispensary, The Arab Fort, the Peace Memorial Museum, The House of Wonders, Livingstone’s House and, of course, the Central Market very much worth a visit. Stone Town is the historical heart of Zanzibar City, the island’s capital that

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Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel

ZANZIBAR

was borne out of this captivating place but, if it’s late-hours entertainment you’re craving, bear

Stepping away from the palm-fringed beaches, Zanzibar is up there with the great safari experiences; its compactness making beach ‘n’ bush easy.

Accommodation

The Serena Inn, Stone Town Stone Town’s seafront is the pretty location for this opulent whitewashed boutique hotel with burnt orange verandahs peeking over the Indian Ocean: a pocket of well-heeled luxury amongst the hullabaloo of the ancient town. Rooms are cool, calm and sophisticated, dining is against a soundtrack of crashing waves and there’s an exquisite pool flanked by elegant loungers. Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel, Nungwi Peninsula Just one look and you’ll know why you’ve chosen this remarkable place. Quiet little thatched lodges weave in and out of lily-white sand and lush vegetation at the very edge of Nungwi Beach, where the bluest of waters bob in front of your luxury, yet simple room – there’s little point in distracting you from what’s beyond your balcony. Which, as it happens, is heavenly. The Palms, Bwejuu Beach The name conjures all the right images, and the reality is a location on one of the world’s most beautiful island beaches, Bwejuu, where six elegantly appointed villas in caramel palettes and featuring sunken plunge pools facing the Indian Ocean fringe the blinding white sands. Dining is in sumptuous, exotic surroundings on a menu inspired by the sea, and there is access to the neighbouring Frangipani Spa. Matemwe Bungalows, Matemwe Set on a glorious stretch of the simply stunning Matemwe coastline, with views across the pristine white and touch-soft sand towards the magical Mnemba Atoll, these twelve thatched cottages and four deluxe bungalows are straightforward lovely. The Matemwe Bungalows have perfected the tropical paradise thing, and that’s before we even get to the infinity pool peering over the coral reef. Other accommodation in Zanzibar includes Zanzibar Palace Hotel in Stone Town, where Indian, Arabian and English design combine and dining includes fabulous local seafood.

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63 Tailor-made

in mind that this is a predominantly Muslim culture, making for a pretty subdued nightlife.

Evason Ma’In Hot Springs JORDAN 64

Ma’In

All rooms are streamlined and wood-infused, with gentle creamy and

Jordan

Tailor-made

Middle East

oaky palettes; the Royal and Honeymoon Suites offer a rain shower and wine cellar with stunning views of the cascading waterfalls. The pool overlooks hot spring waterfalls, and the Six Senses Spa is situated directly beneath one of them. The choice of extraordinary private dining experiences includes your very own private BBQ on Zara Cliffs.

A well-travelled bridge between sea and desert, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a land of mesmerising beauty. Jordan is a place unique on earth – yet one that is embracing modernity and emerging as a holiday destination that is hot, in both senses of the word. There is the awe-inspiring ancient Nabatean city of Petra, carved from rock and indelible on your memory, but Jordan is more than just this magnificent World Heritage Site. A land of natural wonders – from the haunting Wadi Rum (Valley of the Moon) to the Mujib Reserve, the lowest nature reserve in the world, fringing the Dead Sea – and man-made marvels, including the Roman city of Jerash with its colonnaded streets, handsome squares and hilltop temples – amongst the best-preserved provincial Roman towns in the world. For adventure lovers theres rock-climbing and 4X4 safari’s available. Tailor-made itineraries are also available, please enquire for further details. More accommodation options can be found in our Indian Ocean, Middle East & Far East brochure or at www.seasons.co.uk Religious Festivals • The holy month of Ramadan commences approximatley 1 Aug-30 Aug 2011. There are restrictions on alcohol, outdoor dining and entertainment during this period

Flights • BMI (direct) from London Heathrow

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Kempinski Hotel, Ishtar Dead Sea

The stunning view of the Dead Sea from every room and suite is just the beginning of this hotel’s allure. Inside, traditional stone floors that flow out to spacious patios or balconies are complemented by contemporary luxury (with a twist – the fabulous bathrooms are built in the deep grey local stone), and modern technology. The local influence continues in the Anantara Spa (the largest, and some say the finest, in the Middle East).

INDIA If life’s a map, you haven’t coloured it in until you’ve tasted the land of gods and tigers, fables, Maharajas and mysteries.

INDIA 66 Tailor-made

We live the places you’ll love. Experience the daily Ganga Aarati Ceremony at Rishikesh on the banks of the holy river Ganges. Listen to the saffron clad disciples sing hymns, smell the fragrance of incense whilst candles float down the river, you will return to Ananda in the Himalayas with a surreal sense of peace.

MAIN IMAGE: Taj Mahal, Agra

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INDIA 68

India

Tailor-made

Asia

The largest democracy in the world and a nation of a billion inhabitants, India is an evocative, unforgettable assault on the senses. The diversity and cultural strength of India cannot fail to impress;

of surprises – from the tiger-inhabited forests of Ranthambhore to

bustling cities contrast with the natural grandeur of the Himalayan

deserts stretching in all directions. The awe-inspiring Himalayas and

foothills, the sweeping dunes of the Rajasthan desert and dense

mystical beauty of the River Ganges are also sights to behold. The

jungle. India’s so-called Golden Triangle provides the favourite circuit

months of October through to March are the best time to visit. March

for foreign visitors. It takes in Delhi, Agra with its world-renowned

to June can be dry and extremely hot, while June to September is

monuments, and the ‘pink city’ of Jaipur with its palaces and bustling

monsoon season. Observed with enthusiasm and gaiety, festivals are

markets. Elsewhere, the ancient state of Rajasthan is a terrain full

like gems ornamenting the crown of Indian Culture.

Climate (Delhi)

Tailor-made

Month

Temp ºC

21 24 29 36 40 39 35 34 34 33 28 23

Rain mm

140 100 110 95 160 230 245 280 260 245 240 210

Hours of Sun

M A M

Time Difference : GMT + 5 hours 30 minutes Currency : Indian Rupee Flight Time : 8 hours (non-stop to Delhi)

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• Visit the breathtaking Taj Mahal at sunrise • Take an elephant ride to Amber Fort

Flights • Delhi: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Jet Airways (direct) from London Heathrow • Mumbai: British Airways and Jet Airways (direct) from London Heathrow • Emirates (via Dubai) from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow to Delhi and Mumbai

INDIA 69 Tailor-made

Delhi Jaipur Jodhpur

The Himalayas

Agra Ranthambhore Udaipur

Bandhavgarh Mumbai

Goa

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INDIA 70

Delhi

Tailor-made

Contradictory and magnificent, India’s capital is a captivating onslaught of man, machine and historic wonders guaranteed to captivate every visitor. Like two worlds colliding, Delhi is the old versus the new; plus the old embracing the new. On one side the walled city of Old Delhi, the capital of Islamic India before British occupation, is an effervescent concoction housing the imposing Red Fort, the majestic Jama Masjid – Old Delhi’s principal mosque dating back to 1656, and arguably India’s most important – as well as vibrant bazaars here, perfect for characterful one-offs. Chandi Chowk and Chawri Bazaar are famous for their street joints selling mouth-watering spicy chaat. On the other side of this complex coin is New Delhi, the imperial capital built by the British, where life spits and splutters and carries the city dwellers on its mighty shoulders; with its foot firmly in the here and now, where hip coffee shops and bars, restaurants serving not only local but international cuisine, vibrant shopping and the country’s finest museums provide epicurean diversion for Delhi’s inhabitants.

Accommodation

The Oberoi, New Delhi Undoubtedly one of the most exclusive hotels in the capital, offering a selection of exquisite rooms and suites, The Oberoi overlooks the prestigious Delhi Golf Club as well as the heritage site of Humayun’s Tomb. The hotel is near the shopping district and has a reputation for impeccable service, luxurious accommodation and fine cuisine. The Oberoi Spa is the perfect retreat in which to enjoy a range of treatments. The Taj Mahal Hotel, Delhi Located in the midst of Lutyens’ Delhi, close to the Presidential Estate and City Centre, this hotel presents a rich blend of Mogul architecture and rare artefacts. With 294 luxurious rooms, it is the most distinguished address in the city. Facilities include spa treatments and swimming pool with golf nearby. Four dining options offer Chinese, Japanese, international and authentic cuisine. Other accommodation in Delhi includes The Imperial, New Delhi, with its unique blend of Victorian, colonial and Art Deco influences.

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Rambagh Palace

Umaid Bhawan Palace

Jaipur & Jodhpur

Rajasthan’s two major cities are rich with culture, history and colour. As the gateway to the desert state of Rajasthan, these two cities are awash with giddy travellers a lot of the time. The first thing you’ll notice about Jaipur is colour. Lots of it, and all made marvellous by the sun. The capital of Rajasthan and variously known as ‘Pink City’ or the ‘City of Victory’, is awash with pink (by law, all buildings in the old city must be painted a deep saffron-pink), making for a city that glistens like candy floss, where grand hilltop forts and graceful palaces are stamped here and there, with a million saris, camel carts, cows, rickshaws, jewellery shops and bazaars providing the chaos in-between. Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur, is encircled by a 10km long wall and blessed with a number of forts, temples, gardens and lakes. The historic grandeur, exquisite handicrafts, folk dances, music and the brightly attired people lend an aura of romance to the city.

Accommodation

The Oberoi Rajvilás, Jaipur This hotel is an oasis of luxury and comfort nestled in 32 acres of landscaped gardens and reflection pools. Rich in architectural detail, with fine cuisine and outstanding service, it has consistently been rated among the best hotels in the world. Accommodations are clustered around private courtyards; a perfect base from which to explore Jaipur’s historic forts, monuments and palaces. Rambagh Palace, Jaipur Close to the ‘Pink city’ of Jaipur, this old palace is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture set in over 47 acres of ornamental gardens. Rooms have been sensitively restored, and amongst the accommodation is the Presidential Suryavanshi Suite, which was part of the personal chambers of the Royal Family. Facilities include the Jiva Grande Spa, two pools and adjoining golf course.

“A city that glistens like candy floss, where grand hilltop forts and graceful palaces are stamped here and there.”

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur Perched high above the desert capital of Jodhpur, it is the last of the great palaces of India. Set amidst 26 acres of lush gardens, the palace is a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. Rooms have lavish interiors with gilt furniture and elegant artwork. Recreational activities include a cutting edge gym, Jiva Grande Spa, two pools and tennis courts.

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Taj Lake Palace

The Oberoi Udaivilás

Udaipur

Experience sheer romance and historic splendour in the ‘Venice of the East’, with gleaming whitewashed buildings and cobbled streets. As you peer over the mirrored Lake Pichola whilst, in the background, the Aravalli Hills buffer the city from the rest of the world, you’ll know why you came to Udaipur, or the ‘City of Lakes’. A magical place that some like to call the Venice of India, it is however an incomparable city where at every turn palaces, temples and havelis, hibiscus-strewn gardens and fountain pavilions tickle your fancy; where seduction is never knowingly not in the air. Narrow streets lined with vividly-coloured stalls draw you through this soul-stirring and surreal city, to the placid blue waters of Lake Pichola. Udaipur’s crowning glory is the floating Lake Palace, built from marble between 1743 and 1746, encompassing an entire island in Pichola, and a bonafide film star in its own right (parts of the Bond film Octopussy were shot here).

Accommodation

The Oberoi Udaivilás, Udaipur Overlooking the picturesque Lake Pichola and the City Palace and capturing the romance and splendour of a royal era; palatial architecture with decorative fountains, reflection pools and a beautiful spa offer an exclusive experience. The resort has 30 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Deluxe rooms have private walled courtyards while suites incorporate private infinity pools and tented dining pavilions. Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur This exquisite palace seemingly floats above Lake Pichola, providing an unforgettable approach and set against the backdrop of the majestic Aravalli Mountains. Built as a summer palace, the building is dominated by exotic gardens, fountains and ornamental ponds and has fabulous views. Features include ornate swings, luxurious rooms and several restaurants. Activities include a pool, Jiva spa and boat trips around the lake, whilst a ceremonial barge is provided for exclusive parties.

“Narrow streets lined with vividlycoloured stalls draw you through this soul-stirring and surreal city.”

Other accommodation, just 40 minutes from Udaipur, includes Devi Garh. Nestled in the Aravalli Hills, this 18th century fort comprises 39 suites with emphasis on exquisite design and detail.

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

The Oberoi Amarvilás

INDIA

Agra

Most people come to Agra for one thing and one thing only – the magnificent, the stupendous, the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal. The world’s most extravagant monument to love, this throbbing white mass of marble is the globe’s most recognisable love letter and, for anyone worried about the hype, it is every bit as wonderful as people say it is. Agra itself is a city searching for really great things to say about it – heavily populated and a conduit for tourists hell-bent on seeing the bulbous Taj Mahal for themselves; your time is best spent elsewhere. And we don’t just mean the aforementioned Taj Mahal (which we really can’t recommend enough!). The Mughai empire, prolific in the area surrounding Agra, has left a scattering of fascinating historic monuments – tombs and eery mausoleums among them, and including the phantom city of Fatehpur Sikri – that are the result of an egotistic Mughai emperor, Babur, trying to outdo the architecture of his rivals elsewhere on the continent. Plus, for nature lovers, there’s the sacred Yamuna River, a lovely and serene backdrop for all of the above.

Accommodation

The Oberoi Amarvilás, Agra Located 600 metres from the Taj Mahal, most rooms and suites offer breathtaking views of this glorious ‘monument to love’. Built in a style inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture, the hotel is a splendid display of terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions with exquisite fabrics and rich interiors that are perfectly complemented by a choice of international and Indian cuisine. Be pampered in the Oberoi spa with holistic treatments and therapies based on Ayurveda principles from trained Thai therapists. Wake up to the glorious sight of the Taj, bathed by the first rays of dawn.

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73 Tailor-made

Although the stunning city of Agra is most famously home to the world’s most beatific protestation of love, the Taj Mahal, there are other historic marvels to delight in.

The Oberoi Mumbai

INDIA 74

Mumbai

Tailor-made

Unfathomably huge, thrillingly diverse, aesthetically astounding: Mumbai is a city that redefines big, bold, buzzing and out-ofthis-world. Originally known as ‘Bombay’ until 1996, Mumbai is so intoxicating, full-on and frustratingly wonderful that you’ll be drunk on its thrills and spills within moments of entering this frantic, throbbing megatropolis, an Indian behemoth which is the centre of commerce, fashion, film and fun. It is also an Indian cliché, a city of contrasts, with more than half its population living in slums, yet it is the commercial capital of India and the second largest city in the world. For many, it is what defines the Indian city experience. But somehow, this mass of humanity works and what results is a humbling tapestry of life. And once you get to grips with the chaos (emphasis on ‘grip’), there’s a whole other world of deliriously lovely architecture to indulge in – including Art Deco gems; grand colonial stuff including the ceremonial Gateway of India, built in 1927 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary; as well as crazy bazaars selling everything you can think of. Add to that a nightlife that is (in)famous, restaurants that are world class, and an energy you’ll want to slice up and take home with you.

Accommodation

The Oberoi Mumbai, Mumbai Located in the heart of Mumbai’s business district and shopping district of Nariman Point, the elegant Oberoi Mumbai overlooks the Arabian Sea and offers impeccable service, understated luxury and excellent facilities including an exclusive Oberoi Spa offering a wide selection of massages from different cultures as well as steam rooms, sauna, a pool and fitness centre. All 333 rooms and suites are arranged around a vast marble-floored atrium at the centre of the hotel, with city, bay or ocean views. The hotel offers a rich variety of dining experiences ranging from an all day dining restaurant serving global cuisine, to an Italian Restaurant and a signature Indian restaurant under the direction of a Michelin starred chef.

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

Ananda – In the Himalayas

Himalayas

With Everest as the obvious star, this is the world’s most famous mountain range with the highest peaks anywhere on planet Earth. And that’s high! The Himalayas have attracted adventurers of various extremes for centuries. Well, it is known as the best trekking terrain in the whole wide world. But you certainly don’t have to be an Edmund Hillary to appreciate the gob-smacking views, the cleaner-than-clean air and the basic experience of just ‘being there’. Based in Nepal, this is a poor country in monetary terms but rich in natural wonders, blessed with a friendly people and, in the three kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, cultural riches such as the Vishnu shrine of Ichangu Narayan. When you’ve done your trekking – remembering that the historic base camp to Everest is now within reach of the non-crazy trekker and well worth a visit for anyone who has ever been fascinated by human feats of endurance – then there is great white-water rafting and kayaking. Take a trip to Chitwan National Park, where you may get the opportunity to spot tigers and rhinos. Whatever you get up to in the Himalayas, beware: it may well turn out to be life-changing. An extension of your itinerary through the Himalayas into neighbouring Bhutan is a popular choice amongst travellers and simple to arrange.

Accommodation

Ananda – In the Himalayas, near Rishikesh This luxury destination spa is perched on the Himalayan foothills, overlooking the sacred River Ganges. Rooms have modern facilities and balconies with mountain and river views. Treatments in the amazing 24,000ft2 spa range from authentic Ayurvedic therapies and international treatments to yoga and meditation. The restaurant serves Indian, Asian and Western cuisine by candlelight. Wildflower Hall, Shimla in the Himalayas Situated at 8,350ft in the Himalayas, Wildflower Hall, an Oberoi Resort, is set amidst acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The teak wood floors, hand-knotted rugs and rich furnishings are complemented by spectacular views. Wildflower Hall offers a range of activities from holistic spa therapies to river-rafting, guided treks, mountain biking, horseriding, archery and golf.

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The Oberoi Vanyavilâs

INDIA 76 Tailor-made

National Parks & Safaris

Offering ample opportunities to experience close encounters with wild animals in their natural surroundings, India’s National Parks are rich in history, wildlife, flora and fauna. India’s magnificent, heart-stirring national parks offer a plethora of wildlife and a lifetime of memories. The national parks of Kanha, Panna, Bandhavgarh and Ranthambhore provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. As well as being home to the majestic Bengal tiger, Panna is also known for sightings of the sloth bear, wolf, hyena and jackal. Bandhavgarh is one of India’s most beautiful national parks with its dramatic landscape, whilst Ranthambhore is part of the much larger Ranthambhore tiger reserve.

Ranthambhore National Park

A spectacular mass of untamed jungle hemmed by ribbons of rocky ridge, Ranthambhore is 1334km2 of wild and wondrous protected park land, part of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. Here, the wildlife is left to roam amongst an almost surreal scattering of historic relics, including the 10th century Ranthambhore Fort. A maharajas’ hunting ground until 1970, it is the only place in Rajasthan to spot wild tigers; a feat being given a helping hand, since 1979, by Project Tiger.

Aman-i-Khás

These beautiful big cats aside, there are crocodile-filled lakes and more than 300 species of bird. The Oberoi Vanyavilâs, Ranthambhore Nestling in the beauty of the wild is India’s leading luxury jungle resort on the edge of the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve; a perfect base from which to explore. The luxury tented accommodation, set within walled gardens, offers luxurious bathrooms and finely embroidered canopies. The resort is picture-perfect, with fruit-bearing trees, a meandering watercourse and private decks to contemplate tiger sightings. After your safari, relax in The Oberoi Spa. Aman-i-Khás, Ranthambhore An exclusive wilderness camp of only 10 luxury canopied tents which are reminiscent of those used during the Mogul Dynasty. Situated on the edge of Ranthambhore National Park, it is a sanctuary for wildlife rich with cultural beauty and bordering one of the finest tiger reserves in the world. Remote and secluded, it is a true haven of tranquillity in a pristine wilderness setting. The camp operates from October until the end of April – the best period for wildlife spotting.

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

Mahua Kothi Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge

Bandhavgarh National Park

Once the roaming ground of the white tiger, Bandhavgarh was the former hunting reserve of the royal family of Rewa and declared a national park in 1968. Belonging to the Vindhyan mountain ranges of northern India in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh claims the area’s highest concentration of tiger, with chances of spotting them running very high. Elephant-back is a popular mode of safari transport in Bandhavgarh and whilst tigers are high on most people’s lists, there are also leopards, wild boars, porcupines and jackals ripe for spotting and the 800 metre high ancient Bandhavgarh Fort to explore. The national park is situated at 197 kilometres north-east of Jabalpur, this wildlife park derived its very name from an ancient fort in the area. In the forests of Bandhavgarh are the white tiger jungles of yesteryear, however, no white tigers have been reported from the wild in the last 50 years, and it is believed that less than a dozen have been seen in India in about a hundred years. And yet when white tigers were sighted, it was in Bandhavgarh. The thick forest of Bandhavgarh National Park sits in a bowl encircled by cliffs and wooded Vindhyan mountains, and its plains have a number of grass and reed covered wetlands where Kingfishers dive and Egrets sit poised, hunchbacked, in the shallows. Up above, vultures nestle in holes in the sheer cliffs. The Bandhavgarh jungle, when it is large enough, becomes a living self-sustaining organism providing its own climate, atmosphere, water and nutrition through its recycling systems. It even has a sleep-wake cycle. As more light fills the sky, Bandhavgarh begins to awaken. Mahua Kothi Bandhavgarh Jungle Lodge, Bandhavgarh National Park

“Bandhavgarh boasts the area’s highest concentration of tiger, with chances of spotting them running very high.”

Nestled in the vicinity of the breathtaking Bandhavgarh National Park is the first Taj Safari Lodge. Sprawling over 40 acres, it offers an Indian wildlife experience replete with adventure and luxurious accommodation with ensuite bathrooms and impeccable service, focused on guests’ individual needs. Two game drives per day in exclusively designed jeeps with expert naturalists are included for an interpretive safari experience.

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Banjaar Tola

Kanha National Park

The verdant sal and bamboo forests, gushing ravines and lush meadows of Kanha – the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book – a wistfully romantic destination for wildlife lovers. And they just so happen to be one of the best places in India to spot tigers. The park is also home to the rare hard-ground swamp deer – thanks to stringent conservation programmes that saved them from extinction – as well as leopards and 200 species of bird, with jeep and elephant safaris providing your best means of spotting them. Oh, and if sunsets are your bag, Bamni Dadar (or ‘Sunset Point’) offers a spectacular backdrop come sundown. Banjaar Tola, Kanha National Park Elegance and earthy, rustic charm combine in this camp on the banks of the Banjaar River where imposing views of the lush Kanha National Park and exquisite service make for a truly delightful experience. Eighteen subtly glamorous suites (think handcrafted furniture made from driftwood, bleached saffron fabrics and leather detailing) sit on raised platforms to make the most of those views, and traditional Indian fare is served on dramatic dining decks.

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

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Goa & Kerala

Tailor-made

Goa’s outstanding and breathtaking beaches offer a soughtafter slice of Indian respite with an east-meets-west attitude (the best of each!). Swaying palms, white sands and sparkling waters: the three essential elements that attract two million visitors annually to Goa’s balmy shores are plentiful in this tiny, glorious sliver of India hugging the country’s western coastline and bounded by the Arabian Sea. With green pastures, lily-covered lakes, lovely Portuguese colonial architecture and a worldfamous/world-envied joie de vivre, Goa’s beaches offer a sought-after slice of Indian respite where an east-meets-west attitude (the best of each!) has created one of the globe’s great beach getaways – where days are spent lapping up the infectious Goan spirit (known as ‘susegad’) and nights spent sipping feisty glasses of feni, the cashew-palm liquor. But there is more beyond your whiter-on-white beach – like spice plantations, serene waterfalls, cathedrals and, closer to home, great al fresco cafés and restaurants.

Alila Diwa

The first beach stopover in Goa is Anjuna beach – also famous for its flea market and rave parties – then the Baga and Dona Paula beaches that can make any beach holiday a memorable one. The 100 kilometres long coastline gives the enthusiastic beach lover an opportunity to discover new secluded beach sites every day. The peaceful and pristine Kerala is where everything is taken down a notch. Or three. Its society is also incredibly advanced, sitting very comfortably indeed on a fertile stretch of land between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats and basking in – for India – an exceedingly liberal glow. Trivandrum, the region’s capital, is a gateway to many lovely resorts, like Varkala with its spectacular cliffs; and tranquil Kollam, where the waterways around Ashtamudi Lake are all gorgeous and coconut-fringed. Likewise, the waterways throughout Kerala – rivers and lagoons, rich with coconut groves – are dripping with exotic loveliness.

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

The Leela Kempinski Goa

Accommodation

Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa

Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa This Goan village-style resort is located in South Goa. Rooms are arranged in charming IndoPortuguese style pousadas that reflect Goa’s heritage, proffering large verandahs with spectacular views and unique spa-style bathtubs with rainshowers. Deluxe Rooms feature an outdoor rainshower area and a secret garden. Facilities include watersports, archery, an outdoor pool and supervised children’s programme Camp Hyatt. The resort is home to an award-winning Sereno Spa, offering yoga and Ayurvedic therapies. The Leela Kempinski Goa Every room and suite overlooks a lagoon from its private balcony or conservatory; eastern architecture meets 18th century Portuguese-inspired design in accommodation that is spacious and sumptuous. The Club consists of one-bedroom suites, Royal Villas and a Presidential Suite each with their own private butler. Facilities include a spa, yoga, a 12-hole par 3 golf course, tennis courts and a dedicated children’s pool. Delicious Goan food, Italian cuisine and the freshest catches of the day are prepared in the four restaurants. Alila Diwa, Goa

“The waterways throughout Kerala – rivers and lagoons, rich with coconut groves – are dripping with extotic loveliness.”

This boutique resort sitting pretty between Majorda Beach and sweeping paddy fields is old school glamour with a thoroughly modern twist. A sanctuary of contemporary style inspired by traditional Goan design, the rooms are cool, crisp and inviting, the infinity pool is wittily dotted with towering palm trees and sleek recliners, dining is imaginative and mouth-watering, and the Spa is to die for.

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Stroll through bazaars, discover magical temples and majestic palaces and learn about India’s colonial past. Day 1: Arrive Delhi After a morning at leisure enjoy a half day’s sightseeing tour of Lutyens’ New Delhi.

Day 2: Old Delhi Today you will take a tour of Old Delhi and walk the colonnaded corridors of Connaught Place, stopping by at the Red Fort and Jumma Masjid, one of the world’s largest mosques.

Day 3: Agra After breakfast in Delhi, depart by road for the world-famous town of Agra. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, with the option of an evening visit to the Taj Mahal, when the red hues of the setting sun are reflected on the marble face of the mausoleum.

Day 4: Agra After a visit to the awe-inspiring Taj Mahal, drive through Agra itself, visiting the Agra Fort and Itmad-Ud-Daula’s Mausoleum.

Day 5: Jaipur Depart for Jaipur by road, with a brief stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted red-sandstone city that was once capital of the Mughal empire; stop for lunch at Bharatpur.

Day 6: Jaipur Head out of town to visit Amer Fort, ancient capital of the Kingdom of Jaipur and one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. Climb atop a brightly caparisoned elephant for the ascent to the fort, before touring the old chambers and richly decorated hallways.

Day 7: Jaipur After breakfast, join a half-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur, home to two palaces, a museum and a magnificent stone observatory built in 1748. Allow the rest of the day to relax and indulge back at the hotel.

Day 8: Departure Enjoy the morning at leisure before proceeding back to Delhi by road for your onward flight home.

India 7 night Itinerary Prices from £2045 per person Prices include accommodation, international flights with British Airways, internal flights and transfers but do not include any additional leisure pursuits mentioned. World Traveller Plus, Business and First Class supplements available on request.

Experience the historic city of Delhi; Varanasi, home of the sacred River Ganges; and the magnificent Himalayas. Day 1: Arrive Delhi On arrival at Delhi you will be met and transferred to your hotel for two nights.

Day 2: New & Old Delhi After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel by a private car for a visit to New Delhi, one of the most beautiful cities of India. Enjoy the scenery of Delhi’s Diplomatic Enclave and experience the local city with the largest marketplaces.

Day 3: Varanasi Transfer to the airport for your flight to Varanasi, ‘The Soul Of India’. Upon arrival in Varanasi you will be transferred to your hotel where you will spend one night. Every devout Hindu wishes to visit Varanasi once in a lifetime to purify the body and soul in the River Ganges, which is believed to carry the mystical powers of the peaks of the Himalayas.

This morning return to the River Ganga experience by boat. Following your boat ride, walk through the old city – a maze of narrow streets where there are more than 2,000 temples and shrines. Return to the flight to Delhi, where you will spend one night.

Days 5-7: Shimla Fly onward to Shimla where you will spend three nights at your chosen hotel. Spend the days in Shimla at leisure enjoying scenic walks, biking, horseriding, river rapids or golf.

Days 8-11: Rishikesh After breakfast, transfer to Shimla airport for your flight to Delhi and onwards to Dehradun, and transfer to Rishikesh where you will spend your final four nights. Spend your days at leisure to relax or to enjoy the various activities available including organised trekking, white water rafting and elephant safaris.

Day 12: Departure After breakfast, transfer to Dehradun airport for your flight to Delhi and onward flight to London.

India 11 night Itinerary Prices from £4122 per person Prices include accommodation, international flights with British Airways, internal flights and transfers but do not include any additional leisure pursuits mentioned. World Traveller Plus, Business and First Class supplements available on request.

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83 Tailor-made

hotel for a late breakfast and transfer to the airport for your onward

INDIA

Day 4: Varanasi

BHUTAN To venture to Bhutan is a unique, deeply spiritual and mystical experience. This kingdom is an adventure like no other.

BHUTAN 84 Tailor-made

We live the places youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love. One of Bhutanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous customs is the after-meal tradition of passing of the Doma by the hosts to their guests to show respect, hospitability and offer friendship. Doma is a quid of betel, a combination of betel leaf, areca nut, and slaked lime which Bhutanese use to aid in digestion.

MAIN IMAGE: Bhutanese Monks. Courtesy of Como Hotels and Resorts

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BHUTAN 86

Bhutan

Tailor-made

Asia

Located between the Tibetan Plateau and India, Bhutan is one of the most remote, unaltered and magical places on earth. The Kingdom of Bhutan, described as the last surviving refuge of

is a country which has been visited by many saints, mystics, scholars

traditional Himalayan Buddhist culture, is one of the most isolated

and pilgrims over the centuries who blessed the land and its people

nations in the world. Its landscape ranges from subtropical plains

with an invaluable spiritual and cultural legacy which, along with a

to high mountain valleys and with 72 percent of the country under

traditional lifestyle, is still richly intact and permeates all strands of

forest cover, it is home to rare and endangered flora and fauna. The

modern day life. From the traditional woven national dress worn by

country is filled with rice paddies, wheat fields, trout-filled streams

the population to the prayer flats on high mountain slopes; from the

and scattered settlements whilst its many monasteries and temples

religious mask dances to folk dances; this cultural heritage is proudly

beg exploration. Known as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’, Bhutan

evident and offers a unique cultural setting.

Tailor-made

• Why not explore Bhutan with its inland treks and comprehensive tours? • Climb to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on the side of a cliff overlooking Paro valley

9 11 11 12 10 8

Flights

16 22 24 41 75 72 34 15

• British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Jet Airways (direct) from London to Delhi, and onwards to Bhutan with Druk Airways • Emirates (via Dubai) from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow to Delhi, and onwards to Bhutan with Druk Airways • Etihad Airways (via Abu Dhabi) from London Heathrow and Manchester to Delhi, and onwards to Bhutan with Druk Airways

Climate (Paro) Month

M A M

Temp oC

0 0

Rain mm

Hours of Sun

Time Difference : GMT + 6 hours Currency : Indian Rupee Flight Time : 11 hours (via Delhi)

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

BHUTAN 87 Tailor-made

Punakha

Bumthang

Thimpu Paro

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Uma Paro

Amankora – Punakha

Bhutan

To most Western eyes, Bhutan is an alien place. Even compared with the rest of Asia. Deeply, palpably religious, Buddhism is not just a state of mind, but the state of play. Men go to work wearing tunics; shaven-headed trainee monks in telltale crimson and yellow are everywhere. But this is not some evangelical country from which to recoil – it is a nation built on the Buddhist notion of contentment, where the country’s barometer of success is not Gross National Product, but Gross National Happiness. In other words, it’s all about quality of life. And life in Bhutan is like nowhere on earth. Of its major settlements, Paro, a surprisingly modern and lovely town, is well placed for the Druk Path trek towards Thimphu (the world’s only capital without traffic lights!) whilst Punakha, with its benign climate, fruit trees and views towards the snow-capped Himalayas, is naturally and architecturally stunning.

Accommodation

Uma Paro, Paro Valley Located at the top of a gently sloping tree-clad hill with views of forest, mountains and the Paro valley. Rooms offer contemporary comfort with sleek, uncluttered interiors. This retreat offers itineraries led by Uma Paro’s experienced guides including cultural excursions, cycling and hiking. Indulge in a range of Asian-inspired treatments at the COMO Shambhala Retreat. Amankora – Paro, Punakha, Thimphu, Gangtey & Bumthang A series of lodges – creatively unique and sympathetically balanced to their own environment – are situated throughout the Kingdom, allowing you to discover the wonders of Bhutan. The lodges offer a circular pilgrimage in Bhutan’s spectacular central and western valleys. Recreational activities include tailored trekking itineraries, archery, biking, overnight treks and the Amankora Spa. Taj Tashi, Thimphu Situated in the centre of the capital city with traditional old-age Bhutanese architecture. Presenting luxuriously appointed rooms with exquisite views, the Taj Tashi is in a perfect location for local sightseeing and nature trails just a short walk away from the golf course. Facilities include The Taj Spa, offering Indian holistic and signature treatments, an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre.

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

Experience this Himalayan kingdom’s inimitable Buddhist culture. Day 1: Arrive in Bhutan (via Delhi) Upon your arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in Thimphu (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). At 2,400 metres, Thimphu is a lively place with an interesting combination of tradition and modernity.

Day 2: Thimphu Visit the Changangkha Temple, one of the oldest temples in Thimphu valley and take in the breathtaking views. Alternatively, wonder the wide assortment of handicraft shops.

Days 3-4: Gangtey, Phobjika Valley After breakfast, set-off on a dramatic drive over the mountain pass of Dochu La to the Phobjika Valley (4 hours) then to Gangtey where you will spend the next two nights. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan’s first monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong. On arrival, visit the striking Gangtey Goemba or take a stroll through the village. Spend day 4 exploring The Phobjikha valley – at 3,000 metres, is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan.

Days 5-6: Bumthang After breakfast, take a long (6 hours) but memorable journey to Jakar river valleys and farmhouses that has been ingeniously carved out of the mountain, making various stops en-route.

BHUTAN

(Bumthang) through dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep

On the second morning, explore the Bumthang Valley and the neighbouring Palace, Wangdichhoeling. Explore the beautiful and museum at Ugen Chhoeling Palace.

Days 7-8: Punakha Drive onward for your two night stay in Punakha (7 hours). Upon entering the Punakha Valley, stop for a short walk to the Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility monastery built 1499. Spend day eight further exploring the Punakha Valley. Hike up through fields along the banks of the Mo Chhu and visit Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, and take a drive to the village of Talo.

Days 9-10: Paro Depart after breakfast for your journey to Paro (4 hours 30 minutes) where you will spend the next two nights. Stroll to the ruins, or visit some of the valley’s oldest religious monuments. Spend your final day exploring the valley of Paro, home to many of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and the National Museum. A must see is the sacred Taktsang Monastery which is said to be the origin of Bhuddism in Bhutan.

Day 11: Departure After an early morning breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home via Dehli.

Bhutan 10 night itinerary Prices from £8030 per person Prices include accommodation, all meals and beverages, an English speaking guide and driver throughout, entrances to monuments as per itinerary, porterage at airports and hotels, international flights with British Airways, internal flights and transfers. World Traveller Plus, Club World and First Class supplements available on request.

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Tailor-made

seldom visited Tang Valley where you will find some monasteries and

FAR EAST From the buzzing cities of Bangkok and Saigon, to the lush rainforests of Cambodia and Vietnam, and from the ancient cultures of China and Thailand, to iconic beaches in Indonesia and the Philippines – variety is definitely the spice of life in the Far East.

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We live the places you’ll love. Spend a night with a Vietnamese family in the Mekong Delta, help prepare a traditional dinner, join in local customs lowering flower garlands and coloured lanterns down the river to pray for blessings, good weather or fruitful crop. It’s a true adventure which will leave you in tune with local life.

MAIN IMAGE: Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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THAILAND 92

Thailand

Tailor-made

Far East

Thailand is Asia’s premier tourist destination, with warm and welcoming locals, pristine tropical islands, glorious beaches and tiered temples patrolled by saffron-robed monks. There’s a romance to Thailand quite like nowhere on earth, a country

keen to preserve their independence of spirit. Thailand’s return to

people call ‘Golden Land’. It just has a certain delicious, enticing

popularity is well deserved; guests can expect some of the finest

splendour. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions:

service you will find anywhere in the world. Ancient Thai temples,

the mountains and forests of the north; the vast rice fields of the

royal palaces and Khmer ruins dominate the cultural scene, but there

central plains; the semi-arid farmlands of the north-east plateau; and

are plenty of other diversions; from pristine national parks, beaches

the tropical islands and long coastline of the southern peninsula. As

and coral reefs, to elephant sanctuaries and the wonderful flavours of

the only nation in the region to have maintained self-rule throughout

freshly-made Thai cuisine.

its long history, the Thai people are proud of their traditions and

Tailor-made • Take a River trip by longtail boat in Bangkok • Visit an elephant orphanage

Climate (Phuket) Month

Temp oC

32 33 34 33 32 32 31 31 31 31 31 31

Rain mm

30 21 49 122 319 269 291 273 399 310 176 59

Hours of Sun

M A M

Time Difference : GMT + 7 hours Currency : Thai Baht Flight Time : 11 hours (Bangkok)

Reservations – 01244 202 085 / 020 7158 0991

Flights • Bangkok: British Airways and Thai Airways (direct) from London Heathrow • Phuket: British Airways and Thai Airways (via Bangkok) from London Heathrow • Koh Samui: British Airways and Thai Airways (via Bangkok) from London Heathrow • Emirates (via Dubai) to Bangkok from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow

THAILAND 93 Tailor-made

Chiang Rai Chiang Mai

Bangkok Hua Hin Koh Kood

Rasananda Koh Samui Phang Nga Phuket

Krabi

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Eastern & Oriental Express

Bangkok

Big, bad and beautiful; Bangkok the capital city of Thailand, is a hedonist’s dream and a historical curio on a heart-stopping scale, that will take your breath away. Chaotic, unrestrained, exhilarating, hedonistic, demanding, crazy, contradictory, famous and infamous... Bangkok has a huge reputation and it is happy to play on it. This capital city offers visitors fascinating glimpses of Thai culture amongst the colossal sheen of modernity, where eons of tradition and homeliness intertwine with the demands of a mega-city; where roadside food sellers grill chickens under towers of gleaming steel and glass; where temples and historical buildings – like the Grand Palace and the Emerald Buddha – are hidden amongst the corridors of concrete; where taxi drivers zip in and out of the rammed streets whisking thrilled visitors from five-star hotels to buzzy markets; and where the Skytrain transports the city’s well-heeled urbanites to ritzy shopping malls fit-to-bursting with luxury brands. This is the sort of city that demands you take a deep breath and jump in, head first. It is tempting to just step back and let Bangkok do what it does best – beguile and madden in equal measure – but visitors should take this city by the horns and enjoy it. Buoyed along, of course, by those famous Thai smiles.

Accommodation

Eastern & Oriental Express This one needs no introduction. Unadulterated luxury reminiscent of a bygone age where class and sophistication were paramount, the Eastern and Oriental Express is all your Agatha Christie fantasies come true. A quarter of a mile in length, 66 cherry wood and elm burr panelled airconditioned cabins whisper through the unimaginably beautiful landscape of Southeast Asia, where your 24-hour steward service means your wants are never wants for long. Naturally, the cuisine on board is exquisite, covering Eastern and European delights and served in two lavish Restaurant Cars, whilst each morning a continental breakfast is delivered to your cabin. And you can now tailor-make your journey, with the introduction of The Chronicles: four journeys that explore deep into Asia and touch upon such magical places as Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands, Thailand’s remote Isan plains, mysterious Laos, the colonial splendour of Kuala Lumpur and the evocative Bridge over the River Kwai.

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Banyan Tree, Bangkok – Vertigo and Moon Bar

THAILAND 95

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok For over 130 years, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has been a deluxe haven on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. It offers exceptional service and memorable water views from its guest rooms. Elegant restaurants offer Asian or western cuisine, whilst recreational facilities include two outdoor pools, tennis and squash courts, an award-winning spa and ayurvedic centre, and a state-of-the-art gym. For something different why not enjoy the exceptional Thai Cooking School and the insightful Thai Cultural Programme? The Peninsula, Bangkok The Peninsula, Bangkok is a stylish riverside hotel within easy access of the shopping district and close to the city’s numerous attractions. Uninterrupted panoramic views are available from each of its 370 spacious rooms and suites. Facilities include five elegant dining options, The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, a swimming pool, The Fitness Centre, tennis courts and access to the Thai Country Club golf course. The Metropolitan, Bangkok The Thai capital’s hotspot for those that want to be at the centre of the action. All 171 rooms are defined by a subtle and contemporary design – service is indulgent and intuitive. Enjoy cocktails at the hip Met Bar or dine at the Mediterranean Cy’an or organic Glow restaurants. Relaxation is provided by the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape – a true treat for the senses offering a variety of Asian-inspired treatments. Other facilities include a yoga studio, gym, hydropool and outdoor pool. Banyan Tree, Bangkok A Sanctuary For The Senses with its unparalleled panoramic cityscapes, elegantly decorated guest rooms, renowned legendary service and the Banyan Tree Club lounge with integrated spa facilities. Perfectly located within easy reach of shopping, entertainment and sightseeing. Visit the Spa for a rejuvenating retreat or dine at one of the twelve restaurants and bars, one being the spectacular rooftop restaurant and bar – Vertigo and Moon Bar – for a truly iconic urban experience.

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Tailor-made

“This capital city offers visitors fascinating glimpses of Thai culture amongst the colossal sheen of modernity.”

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi

THAILAND 96

Northern Thailand

Tailor-made

An enchanting land of misty mountains, centuries’ old temples, hidden stupas and history-crammed cities offering a unique cultured experience. Thailand’s mountainous north is a place of breathtaking beauty, thrilling history and thriving culture. Much of the area remains unspoiled wilderness with people that are spiritual and humble, and contrasts sharply with the crazy-cool Bangkok and the high-energy beach resorts of the south. Located on the banks of the Ping River, Chiang Mai is a moated city affectionately known as ‘the rose of the north’, and considered Thailand’s bohemian centre. It is also an ideal base from where to explore this fascinating land. With more than 300 temples – almost as many as Bangkok – it is at first sight utterly striking, compounded by its stunning natural surroundings including the Doi Suthep mountain to the west, often referred to as Chiang Mai’s lungs, and home to one of Thailand’s most revered temples. The city is also culturally unique, with its own dialect, customs and cuisine. But another facet to this fascinating place is how it has been

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle

embraced by taste-makers. Fancy boutiques and swish bars and restaurants are popping up all over the city, particularly around The Nimmanhaemin. And once you have experienced all of the cultural attractions and traditional mountain villages dotted about Chiang Mai, why not enjoy an adventure such as elephant trekking, river rafting or a 4x4 safari? The recently rediscovered ruins of the 13th century Wiang Kum Kham are also popular with visitors. Mae Hong Son is another worthy pitstop, surrounded by lush mountains populated here and there by tiny villages and stupas, as well as the pretty Nong Jong Kham (Jong Kham Lake), and is best visited during the November to March ‘cool’ season (note the inverted commas. Thailand’s cool season still sees temperatures in the high 20’s and 30’s. It’s just not as oppressively humid and mercurial as the rest of the year). The smaller city of Chiang Rai – a charming city where locals selling their farm produce wander the winding streets, which are lined with quaint, idiosyncratic shops – is the traditional gateway to the feted Golden Triangle, the area where opium was once grown and thus reputedly

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Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

possessing a ‘wild west’, lawless sort of feel. What you will actually find is a region exhibiting a long and proud history; one that is scattered with 1,000-year-old temples, quiet little villages disturbed only by the odd tourist, scenery to die for and where crops of tea, coffee and fruits are peppered here, there and everywhere. Recommended is a stop at the Hot Springs at Mae Kachan, the highest natural hot spring in Thailand and replete with stunning views.

Accommodation

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai A luxury villa resort that also serves as a living museum for the arts and culture of the region, offering a traditional Lanna prayer hall, an amphitheatre for cultural performances and a spa centre in a Mandalay palace setting within its grounds. Villas are adorned with acres of teak wood and museum-quality artefacts, all with terraces offering fantastic views. Floodlit tennis courts, a fitness centre and a Culinary Academy are also available. Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai Architecturally, this resort pays tribute to the region’s cultural heritage, its accommodation primarily comprising Lanna-style pavilions equipped with alfresco ‘salas’ overlooking the garden, mountains or rice paddies. Private plunge pools and live-in housekeepers are additional features of the palatial one-to four-bedroom Residences and Residence Villas. Facilities include an infinity-edge pool, tennis, the Cooking School, the new Ratree Bar and the sybaritic The Spa. Dining options include Thai specialities and international cuisine.

“With more than 300 temples – almost as many as Bangkok – it is at first sight utterly striking, compounded by its stunning natural surroundings.”

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai A hillside camp reached by river boat, overlooking the Ruak River, the mountains of Laos and the lush rainforest of Thailand below. This Tented Camp is a springboard for adventure: elephant trekking, hiking along mountain trails and river excursions down the Mekong. All luxurious tents have a large outdoor deck and beaten copper bath. Enjoy a treatment in the open-air salas of the camp spa or enjoy a picnic in the jungle.

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Thailand – Beaches

Legendary beaches, eye-piercingly beautiful islands, stunning backdrop views; is where the unique traditional Thai culture can be found. Thailand’s beaches and islands have a mythical standing amongst sybarites. They are the places people go to find themselves, to become better people, to fall in love, or to just have a darned good time. Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are the biggies in terms of footfall and legend status. Located south of Bangkok, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island – replete with appropriately good shopping and museums – and fringed with rocky headland and white-sand beaches washed by the Andaman Sea. Sitting snugly in the Gulf of Thailand between Bangkok and Phuket, Koh Samui is a dreamy place of white sands, turquoise waters and traditional sleepy Thai fishing villages; its clear waters making diving and snorkelling popular diversions. Koh Phangan is perhaps best known for its monthly Full Moon Parties which attract thousands to the white sands of Haad Rin’s crescent-shaped beach where, at twilight, thousands of lamps are lit – making for a magical, mystical experience. The islands of Krabi and Koh Kood are down a notch in terms of sheer popularity, but this works in their favour. Krabi has some of Asia’s best beaches whilst Koh Kood’s wild interior is filled with coconut and rubber trees, and its beaches straightforward glorious.

Accommodation

Karma Samui, Koh Samui Hidden away on its own palm-fringed cove, this hotel offers the ultimate tropical paradise. Each villa has a private pool with outdoor terrace, garden shower and an expansive living room. A choice of dining options await, from modern Thai to international cuisine, at either of the two restaurants. Alternatively, dine by the beach or under the stars, choosing to hire your own villa chef. Other facilities include two swimming pools, a Kids’ Club, a gym, and the Karma Spa and Wellness Centre, offering tailored holistic regimes.

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Ancient temples, wonderful flavours of Thai cuisine, elephant sanctuaries and pristine beaches await discovery. Day 1: Arrive Bangkok Upon your arrival you will be met by a representative who will transfer you to your hotel in Bangkok, where you will stay for three nights.

Day 2: Bangkok Enjoy a visit to the Royal Grand Palace, the most important shrine in the kingdom: visit the Throne Hall, State Reception Hall, and the Coronation Hall. This is followed by a private longtail boat ride through the fascinating Chao Phraya River, the River of Kings for a close-up look at the homes, temples and daily activities along the river. Lunch is provided at Supatra River House Restaurant. In the afternoon visit Vimarnmek Golden Teak Mansion translated as ‘Mansion in the Clouds’ is the world’s largest building made entirely of golden teak.

Enjoy a full day visit to Ayutthaya, the world heritage city; followed by a visit to Buddhist temples. Take a boat ride from Wat Chong Lom Pier to Bangkok City to enjoy oriental and western cuisine.

Days 4-6: Chiang Mai Depart Bangkok by air for Chiang Mai, where you will be met by a stay for three nights. Visit Elephant Chiang Dao Camp where elephants are at work deep in a teak forest and enjoy an elephant trek through the jungle. This is then followed by a relaxing ride down the Ping River on a raft. Revel in a day at leisure to take in the traditional heritage and unique culture of the city or the luxurious surroundings of your hotel.

Day 7: Phuket Depart Chiang Mai by air for Phuket where you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel of choice for three nights.

Days 8-9: Phuket Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is joined to the mainland by a causeway. The coastline is fringed with white sand beaches, quiet coves and the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea. Spend your day at leisure relaxing on the beaches, swimming, sailing or waterskiing.

Day 10: Departure After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangkok and onward flight home.

Thailand 9 night itinerary Prices from £3670 per person Prices include accommodation, international flights with British Airways, internal flights and transfers but do not include any additional leisure pursuits mentioned. World Traveller Plus, Business and First Class supplements available on request.

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99 Tailor-made

representative and transferred to a hotel of your choice where you will

THAILAND

Day 3: Bangkok

VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & LAOS 100

Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos

Tailor-made

Far East

With tumult firmly in the past, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos are now opening up to exploration, seducing travellers with their sublime beauty and traditional charms. You’d be forgiven for thinking the Far Eastern names on everybody’s

mountains, sublime coastlines, mesmerising towns and villages, a

lips are Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos... perhaps because they

warm, friendly people and histories that cover war, colonialism and

are! The burgeoning flavour of the last decade, these previously

communism, fascinating barely covers it. Vietnam, with its motorbike-

mysterious lands – whose beauty has been shielded from most

crammed cities or its pastoral watery landscapes; Cambodia, with

western eyes by tumultuous politics and not the best PR – have

its charismatic capital Phnom Penh or its dazzling tropical islands; or

emerged from their troubles with a punch, and offer the visitor

Laos, the unsung gem of the East. All three magnificent.

something up to and beyond amazing. Blessed by towering

Tailor-made

Climate (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) Month

M A M

Temp ºC

25 26 28 29 30 28 28 27 27 27 26 26

Rain mm

13 43 221 330 315 269 335 269 114 56

Hours of Sun

Time Difference : GMT + 7 hours Currency : Vietnamese Dong Flight Time : 16 hours

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• Take a cruise in Halong Bay or Mekong Delta • Explore the oldest surviving temple of the Siamese War

Flights • Thai Airways (via Bangkok) to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi from London Heathrow

VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & LAOS 101 Tailor-made

Vietnam

Hanoi

Laos

Cambodia

Nha Trang

Ho Chi Minh City

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Vietnam

Prepare your senses for an onslaught of unimaginable beauty, of complex social history and culture, and of life in the fast... and very slow lane. Vietnam is a land of brilliant green paddy fields, pristine beaches and beguiling cities, with a history that is compelling and people as entrenched in tradition as they are embracing of the future. Deep inland peasant women still tend the fields in their conical hats, whilst in the fastpaced cities young urbanites go about their business tip-tapping away on their laptops. It is a place of staggering beauty, but also of tangling diversity. Visit Hanoi, the vibrant capital, and find wide boulevards, shimmering lakes and narrow streets dotted with temples, where early risers are rewarded with the site of the city’s inhabitants exercising by Hoan Klem Lake – a surreal experience. But for those wanting something with a different pace, try cooling off in this sultry weather with a beer at Bia Hoi Junction. You won’t be disappointed. Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it is still known by locals, has a French colonial past that resonates in its architecture and lively café society, yet this is a quintessentially Asian city where life, in all its noise and colour, is lived on the streets. Just outside the city borders are the Cu Chi Tunnels – an underground community of over 200 miles of tunnels and chambers below the city which date back to the 1940s. The swaying, watery landscape and hushed villages of the Mekong Delta are a delicious respite from the toxic and seductive cities. Also known as Vietnam’s ‘Rice Basket’, the area is fed by the formidable Mekong River and offers an irresistible charm with its welcoming people and quaint waterside towns.

“Visit Hanoi, the vibrant capital, and find wide boulevards, shimmering lakes and narrow streets dotted with temples.”

For cultural stimulation, there is Hué, the old imperial capital, fit-to-bursting with tombs, temples and palaces, and host of the biennial arts festival, the Festival of Hué. Vietnam’s excellent luxury beach resorts also offer amongst the finest standards in the Far East. For white-sand beaches, warm waters and excellent diving, head for Nha Trang; for culture, must-

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Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

VIETNAM

sees are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hoi An, a beautiful city that is also a fashion karsts. One of Southeast Asia’s main trading ports between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An retains a distinctively Chinese atmosphere in its narrow streets lined with wooden merchants’ houses. Ha Long Bay features over 3000 limestone islands, hidden lagoons and deserted beaches; the best way to explore the bay is with an overnight Junk cruise to really experience the peace and tranquillity of the area.

Accommodation

Park Hyatt Saigon Located in Lam Son Square, overlooking the Opera House and within walking distance of the shopping and tourist attractions. Luxurious rooms offer large French windows with wooden plantation shutters and flatscreen TVs. The Xuan Spa has a pool surrounded by tropical gardens. Enjoy Italian food in the alfresco Opera restaurant, and a cookery class at Square One restaurant. Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi This French colonial-style hotel is surrounded by leafy boulevards and is very near to all the main attractions, including the Hanoi Opera House and Hoan Kiem Lake. It is a rendezvous for discerning Hanoi residents who gather in its Terrasse du Metropole bar, or dine on fine French cuisine in its Beaulieu Restaurant. All accommodations are urban retreats with a garden and pool. Six Senses Ninh Van Bay This boutique retreat is located on Ninh Van Bay, accessible only by boat. Beach Pool Villas offer modern living, a garden, plunge pool and an open-air bathroom. For guests intent on pampering, a villa with its own steam room and treatment facilities is de rigeur; just summon the therapists. The Six Senses Spa is a temple to wellbeing, offering holistic therapies and signature treatments. The Nam Hai, Hoi An Luxurious contemporary-style villas sit in their own landscaped gardens and have views of the South China Sea. This is modern Eastern design at its best: high ceilings and raised platforms meet dark, polished woods. Pool Villas have up to five bedrooms with butler’s quarters and pool. Play tennis, indulge in the spa, or savour the finest cuisine in the resort’s gourmet restaurants.

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103 Tailor-made

mecca (an estimated 500 tailors work in the city!) and Ha Long Bay with its famous limestone

CAMBODIA & LAOS 104

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Cambodia & Laos

Tailor-made

Mystery still shrouds these Far Eastern jewels, where exoticism and history collide with enticing results. Discover lands of beauty, ethnic culture and imperial history. Cambodia is fast earning plaudits that are helping put its troubled past into the shade. With beaches that are as beautiful, wilds as rugged, cuisine as laudable, and temples as awesome as its neighbours Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia has all the requisites for a stunning and scintillating visit – yet still so far off the beaten track you’ll be thinking you’ve got the whole country to yourself. Surrounded by so many large, dominant neighbouring countries, Cambodia has remained remarkably individual in style, retaining its unique Khmer identity. Phnom Penh is the country’s vibrant, bustling capital located at the confluence of the Mekong, Bassac and Tonlé Sap Rivers. Visitors are offered plenty to see including the Royal Palace, the Silver Pagoda – so named for its floor paved in real silver tiles – the National Museum and Wat Phnom.

Amansara

A short drive away from the capital, past verdant fields and stilt houses is Udong; a forgotten outpost that was once the country’s capital. Explore this sleepy town’s Buddhist stupas and shrines and pay a sobering visit to the ‘killing fields’ of Tuol Sleng, where the Khmer Rouge’s killing machine has left an indelible, haunting mark. For those seeking ancient culture and history, Cambodia’s World Heritage Site of Angkor, near to the city of Siem Reap, is well worth the pilgrimage. Built between the 9th and 13th centuries by the Khmer kings, the ancient city is home to the spectacular temple complex of Angkor Wat. Built over eleven centuries ago, over 100 temples remain. This vast archaeological park and sprawling monument to the golden age of Khmer civilization is best viewed at sunrise or sunset – the more adventurous can experience a birds-eye view by hot air balloon. But often side-stepped, Siem Reap is worthy of much attention in itself, with its lovely riverside location, a burgeoning cultural scene, and one of the region’s buzziest dining and drinking scenes. Laos is a small, landlocked country enjoying the lowest population density in Asia and a rich

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history stretching back 10,000 years, where Buddhism permeates every facet of life and where change comes slowly. It is a land of mountains, mists and untamed natural beauty with unrivalled peace and serenity, and where the genuine faith and generous hospitality replenish your soul. Be sure to visit the small and relaxed town of Luang Prabang with its 16th century Wat Xieng Thong temple – said to be the most beautiful in the area – and the Royal Palace which houses a collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue. The capital city of Laos, Vientiane, is home to some major historical sites for exploration. Away from the cities, forested mountains, traditional fishing villages and ancient archaeological sites await discovery.

Accommodation

Hôtel de la Paix, Siem Reap, Cambodia Located in the heart of Siem Reap with its busy markets and nightlife, and close to the temples of Angkor Wat. Courtyard Garden Suites have large outdoor bathtubs in a private zen garden, while Deluxe Spa Suites each have a private rooftop terrace featuring an oversized plunge bath and massage tables for two. Check into Spa Indochine for a personalised programme of therapies. Amansara, Siem Reap, Cambodia Relax at this ultra-stylish boutique resort, with suites surrounding a grassy courtyard with a 17.5 metre pool, sundeck and an additional 25 metre lap pool nearby. Each open-plan suite has combined sleeping and living areas and a bathroom that opens onto a light-filled courtyard. The spa offers Cambodian therapies, massages and beauty treatments. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap, Cambodia All rooms are furnished with a luxurious blend of Cambodian and art deco themes with memorabilia and artefacts reminiscent of the Golden Age of Travel. The Angkorian ambience is completed with marble bathrooms and crafted four-poster beds. After a busy day sightseeing, visit

“For those seeking ancient culture and history, Cambodia’s World Heritage Site of Angkor, near to the city of Siem Reap, is well worth the pilgrimage.”

the Raffles Amrita Spa for a relaxing treatment or enjoy a dip in the 35 metre lap pool. Amantaka, Luang Prabang, Laos Housed in graceful French colonial buildings, a peaceful retreat awaits within walking distance of Luang Prabang’s many historical and cultural attractions. All suites offer traditional high ceilings and outdoor areas, with some of the rooms also offering private pools. Several dining options are available, from authentic Lao to French-influenced cuisine. Facilities include a gym and yoga studio.

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Discover lands of beauty, ethnic culture and imperial history. Day 1: Arrive Hanoi Upon your arrival at the airport you will be met by a representative who will transfer you to your hotel, where you will stay for two nights. On the scenic drive you will pass paddy fields and a brief orientation of the city.

Day 2: Hanoi Join a full day city tour of Hanoi, with its ochre colonial-style buildings, tree-lined avenues and many lakes. Visit Ho Chi Mausoleum, an imposing monument made of marble and granite, and enjoy a cycle tour through the Old Quarter to witness the vibrant market along the streets.

Days 3-5: Hoi An Transfer to the airport for your flight to Da Nang and onward transfer to Hoi An, where you will stay for three nights. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Hoi An was a prosperous trading port. Today, this ancient town exhibits well-preserved buildings and pedestrianised streets. Enjoy a morning walking tour of Hoi An, followed by lunch at Pho Hoi Garden Restaurant; explore the ancient town and bazaar offering tailormade clothes made within the day. An optional visit to the Thanh Ha pottery village offers an opportunity to interact with the local villagers.

Days 6-8: Nha Trang Transfer to the airport for the flight to Nha Trang. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel, where you will stay for three nights. Here you will spend your days at leisure, relaxing on the white-sand beaches.

Days 9-10: Saigon Today you will fly to Saigon, where you will spend two nights. Spend the afternoon at leisure visiting local markets. Enjoy a morning trip around Saigon’s historical landmarks, including Notre Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum, followed by a visit to the home of a well-known Saigonese chef for a cooking class.

Days 11-12: Siem Reap After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel, where you will stay for two nights. At sunrise, view the breathtaking and intricately carved Khmer ruins at Angkor Wat.

Day 13: Departure Enjoy the morning at leisure before departure to the airport for your onward flight home. Why not begin your tour with a four night stay in Laos, visiting Vietiane, Luang Prabang and the Pak ou Caves?

Vietnam and Cambodia 12 night Itinerary Prices from £3850 per person 4 night Laos extension £1145 per person Prices include accommodation, international flights with British Airways, internal flights and transfers but do not include any additional leisure pursuits mentioned. World Traveller Plus, Business and First Class supplements available on request.

Singapore skyline

Petronas Towers, Malaysia

Malaysia & Singapore Far East

Malaysia is a kaleidoscope of different races and religions; a real feeling of peace and harmony. Visitors will be assured of a warm welcome and excellent service. Gourmets, meanwhile, will love Malaysia for the variety, freshness and ingenuity of its cuisine. Kuala Lumpur, affectionately known as KL, is a cultural melting pot, with lively nightlife and a fascinating art and performance culture. Langkawi and Pangkor Laut are Malaysia’s most popular tourist destinations, where exclusive resorts vie with fishing kampungs for prime spots on rugged coastlines of pristine beaches. Singapore packs some punch as a tourist destination in its own right. It is the culinary capital of Asia, with wonderful street food and an exciting range of restaurants serving top-rate cuisine from across the world, and offering dozens of immaculate gardens to explore, and even a patch of virgin rainforest full of monkeys and birdlife.

Accommodation

The Datai, Malaysia Guests can savour the sights and sounds of a rainforest that is still home to lemurs and flying squirrels. Here, snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing await, with a Beach Club for alfresco dining and boats for island hopping. Villas and suites are dotted throughout the rainforest and crafted from local materials, all featuring elevated verandahs and some with plunge pools. A selection of Malay and Western cuisine is available at The Gulai House, an award-winning restaurant. Tennis, pools, a spa and health club are on site, with an 18-hole championship golf course next door. The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore This Parthenon-inspired former General Post Office is a handsome hotel whose grace is matched by its reputation as one of Singapore’s greatest. Its location, right in the throbbing city centre,

“A cultural melting pot, with lively nightlife and fascinating arts and performance culture.”

couldn’t be better, nor could the rooms, which are vibrant yet restful; the suites especially impressive whether it’s the traditional-contemporary Fullerton or the palatial splendour of the Presidential. Of the four restaurants, The Lighthouse is the most arresting, and the pool continues the classical references fringed, as it is, by Greek columns.

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INDONESIA & PHILIPPINES 110

Indonesia & Philippines

Tailor-made

Far East

Island paradises rich in beauty and brimming with culture, they tantalise to the point of delirium. These destinations are a vivid tapestry that reflects its varied cultural inheritance. Almost 25,000 tropical islands. Hard to fathom, but this is the magical

and cover the spectrum from wild and untouched to tourist mecca,

reality of Indonesia and the Philippines, two of the world’s largest

from throbbing city to hear-a-pin-drop beach; its most famous island

archipelagos, where a potent mix of steamy beaches, breathtaking

being undoubtedly Bali. The Philippines, are for many an undiscovered

vistas, hectic modern cities, deserted sands, stunning resorts,

treasure, with similar charms to Indonesia but without the footfall;

volcanic lakes, deep gorges and murky jungles are thrust at your

a place rammed with natural wonders, its islands fringed with coral

senses at an almost unstoppable pace. Straddling the equator for

reefs offering amongst the best diving – including wreck diving and

almost 5,000km, Indonesia’s 17,000 islands are two-thirds inhabited

snorkelling – in the world.

Tailor-made Climate (Bali) Month

Temp ºC

31 31 31 31 31 30 30 30 31 31 31 31

Rain mm

233 275 210 135 93 55 25

Hours of Sun

M A M

18 60 163

10 10 10

Time Difference : GMT + 8 hours Currency : Indonesian Ruupiah Flight Time : 17 hours (Bali via Singapore)

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• Volcano trekking ‘Ring of Fire’ – the only place in the world where you will find 40 active volcanos on one island • Dive sites of the Philippines are home to some of the best and most diverse marine eco-system in southeast asia

Flights • Indonesia: British Airways and Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) or Malaysian Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur) from London Heathrow • Philippines: Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) from London Heathrow, Emirates (via Dubai) from London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow

INDONESIA & PHILIPPINES 111 Tailor-made

Philippines Manila

Santa Cruz

Medan

Indonesia

Palembang

Lampung

Jakarta Java

Bali Jimaran Bay

Bungaya

Moyo Island Lombok

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Amandari

Bali

Legendary for all the right reasons, Bali is a heady island paradise that tempts and seduces in equal measure. Bali is everything you could ever want in an island destination. A deliriously enticing paradise heralded by those who keep going back to savour its mix of tropical beauty, five-star resorts and tempting nightlife. The reasons for its dominance amongst Indonesia’s attractions are multiple. Rice paddies that trickle down hillsides, volcanoes that pierce the sky, ribbons of white sandy beaches, crashing surf, diverse, locally-flavoured shopping, throbbing cosmopolitan restaurants and nightlife... Bali is a rich, sybaritic tapestry with welcoming people. Small but deliciously formed, one of the beauties of Bali is the fact that all its attractions are easily accessible – you can drive the perimeter of the island in a day – meaning you can pick and mix according to whim. Ubud is Bali’s tranquil side, where culture and serenity take centre stage, and where ‘Tri Hita Karana’ – the spiritual relationship between man, his environment and God – comes to the fore. But this being Bali, sensory pleasures are never far behind. Temples and ancient sites, and villages selling handicrafts, merrily jostle with the luxury of world-class resorts and some of the best restaurants on the island, whilst the countryside outside the urban sprawl is mesmerising. The beach towns of Amed, Pemuteran and Lovina are pockets of laid-back loveliness, where the beaches are pitch-perfect – all gorgeous and mellow – but if you fancy going off-piste, Nusa Lembongan is a little island off Bali which is free of cars and full of idyllic charm. Historical gems include the Mother Temple at Besakih or Singaraja, the ancient capital of Bali; the floating palace at Ujung near the pretty beach locale of Candi Dasa is also delightful.

“One of the beauties of Bali is the fact that all its attractions are easily accessible.”

Whether you err on the side of fame or infamy, Bali’s nightlife is legendary, with almost every night a festival. Probably its most raucous corner is Kuta, where fun is very much on the menu. A crazy little network of narrow lanes crammed with bars, its pursuit is very unsubtle hedonism, but its energy is counterpointed by its glorious beach (perfect for a cold Bintang at

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The Oberoi Bali

INDONESIA

sunset), as well as the flower petals laid out each morning to placate the Hindu gods. Legian stylish restaurants, though its clubbing is legendary and still very much a draw. And as a consummate international destination, Bali’s food is world-class. From local delicacies like Sate Campur and Nasi Goreng to global influences from China, Malaysia, Europe and as far flung as Mexico it is, fittingly, fireworks for the taste buds.

Accommodation

Amandari, Bali Amandari sits on the edge of the scenic Ayung River gorge, minutes from Bali’s arts centre of Ubud. Styled as a traditional Balinese village it comprises 30 walled, thatched suites, all with outdoor sunken bathtubs, some with private pools. The restaurant serves Western and Indonesian dishes overlooking the pool and facing the gorge; other facilities include a spa, gym and library. Amankila, Bali This cliff-side beach resort enjoys panoramic views of the Lombok Strait. A signature three-tier pool centres the resort’s 34 free-standing pavilions, each one designed to echo the nearby

Amankila

remains of the royal water palace and nine flaunting a private pool. Western and Indonesian menus are featured, while romantic private dinners can be arranged on the beach. Amanusa, Bali A lush hill-top setting with far-reaching views of the Indian Ocean. With the adjacent 18-hole Bali Golf and Country Club on the doorstep, golf features highly on the agenda; the resort also features a 30 metre pool and tennis court. Amanusa’s Beach Club enjoys a white-sand beach and nine private ‘bales’. Stay in one of 35 thatched-roof suites, with four-poster beds, sybaritic bathrooms, some with private pools; and enjoy candlelit barbecues on the beach. The Oberoi Bali Every Luxury Villa has a terrace and its own garden courtyard with a raised pavilion for breakfasting privately or dining by candlelight, some also boasting a private pool. Bathrooms are glass-walled and sunken baths look out onto private walled courtyard gardens. Facilities include a pool, a health spa and a fitness room. Kura Kura serves fine international and Asian dishes, while an open-air amphitheatre presents Balinese dances suitably accompanied by elaborate island buffets.

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113 Tailor-made

is less manic; Seminyak much more sophisticated and exclusive with its designer bars and

BALI, INDONESIA & PHILIPPNES 114

Amanjiwo

Tailor-made

Bali, Indonesia & Philippines

Thousands upon thousands of idyllic islands full of endless beaches, wild interiors and volcanos that will leave you awe-inspired and dumbstruck. Undeniably, Bali is Indonesia’s frontman; the lead singer in a choir of formidable talent. It is heady and crazy and wonderful and, aesthetically, a winner. But Indonesia is so much more than that – 17,000-odd islands more than that. It is possible to find throbbing hedonism with like-minded travellers, or utter desolation, where nature is your only companion. Take Nusa Tenggara; a mind-boggling string of islands that stretches and glistens almost all the way to northern Australia. Of this dazzling ribbon of islands, Lombok is its most popular. It is a place where rice paddies shimmer and volcanos reach out towards the sky, and where surfers come in their droves to sample the famous, awesome waves. It is also home to Gili Islands, or just ‘paradise’ if we’re keeping it simple. A trio of islands with white sand and coral reef which is now a luxury destination with a welcome car-free policy. Away from the beaches the Gunung Rinjani is a haven for trekkers and Mataram, Lombok’s capital; a charming spot from which to

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay

savour a bit of local colour and perhaps stock up on hand-woven Songket fabrics. Java, at half the size of Great Britain and with a population of 120 million, is Indonesia’s most important island. Its capital, Jakarta, is a colossal urban sprawl that is scary for some; wonderful and bountiful for others. But it’s outside the concrete jungle where most stand up and take notice – of the rumbling volcanoes that are like gems studded into the island’s core. Some active, some docile, they are hypnotising. The national park island of Moyo, just north of Sumbawa, is a rewarding destination surrounded by coral, home to huge herds of native deer, boars and oxen, and blessed with beautiful white sandy beaches. The Philippines are, similarly, paradise broken down into thousands of pieces. The world’s second largest archipelago, they are a series of natural delights and, truly, one of the last great frontiers in South East Asia. The archetypal white sands fringed with palms are found at places

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Amanwana

like Sipalay with its pristine Sugar Beach and incredible diving or, for something a bit livelier, there’s Boracay, which has a reputation as a ‘trophy’ beach in the Philippines and attracts a fashionable crowd.

Accommodation

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Bali Each villa comprises indoor and outdoor living spaces, walled courtyard and private plunge pool; nine spacious residence villas provide access to the beach and offer the utmost privacy. Guests can dine in opulent seclusion, whilst those seeking a little more company can choose between a variety of restaurants. Facilities include nearby golf, a spa and the Jimba Kids’ Club. The Oberoi, Lombok Elegant thatched villas most with pools, are conducive to relaxation and feature local artefacts. Every villa has a spacious bathroom, courtyard with rock pond, dining pavilion and terrace. The superior Royal Ocean View Villa with Pool is the ultimate in luxury. Facilities include the pool and health club and the utterly tranquil spa offering a range of treatments. Amanjiwo, Java Amanjiwo overlooks the world’s largest Buddhist sanctuary, Borobudur, backed by rolling limestone hills and dramatic volcanoes to the east and west. Its 35 walled suites feature four-pillar beds and garden terraces; 15 with pools. Indonesian and Western cuisine is served in the Dining Room. Cultural experiences such as temple tours, sunrise meditation and elephant rides are also available. Amanwana, Moyo Island A stylish and unique ‘tented’ resort perfect for nature-lovers and scuba-divers, occupies a secluded corner of the designated wildlife reserve of Moyo Island, Indonesia. Asian and Western cuisine is served in the alfresco pavilion, with campfire dinners and barbecues in season. Facilities include a jungle cove spa, PADI dive centre and boats for beach picnics. Amanpulo, Philippines

“It is a place where rice paddies shimmer and volcanos reach out towards the sky.”

Amanpulo sits on its own reef-encircled island and comprises just 40 luxury casitas set on the hillside or close to the beach. The Clubhouse is the social hub, its terrace overlooking the expansive pool. Watersports, a PADI dive centre and boats for game fishing and cruising provide recreational fun. The restaurants offer Western, Asian and Spanish cuisines.

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CHINA 116

China

Tailor-made

Far East

Vast, epic, intriguing and often misunderstood, China boggles the mind and entrances the senses with a changeably stunning landscape and gleaming metropolises. With the enviable PR opportunity that is the Olympic Games, China

of Tibet with its endless horizons, wide open spaces and near silence;

has been thrust into the limelight like never before – and is managing

from the enthralling history of the Ming Dynasty and its imperial relics;

to stay there, thanks to its myriad thrilling destinations, a complex

to the Bavarian-like seaside city of Qingdao where you can get beer

history, some of the world’s most colossal (and still growing) cities,

in a bag, and with a population that is hungrily embracing – even

and one of the most idiosyncratic cultures on earth. From the

inventing – the modern world, there’s little wonder China is a country

architectural playgrounds of Beijing and Shanghai, with their bumper-

in ascendence. A visit to China would not be complete without

to-bumper populations and eager industries; to the spiritual mystery

experiencing Hong Kong, a wonderful destination in its own right.

Climate (Beijing)

Tailor-made

Month

M A M

Temp oC

11 20 27 30 31 30 26 19 10

Rain mm

26 29 71 176 182 49 19

• Visit China’s Panda Research Institute and get close to these gentle giants • Take the worlds oldest funicular tram to the Peak Tower, head up to the Sky Terrace

Hours of Sun

Flights

Time Difference : GMT + 8 hours Currency : Chinese Yuan Flight Time : 9 hours 50 minutes

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• Shanghai and Hong Kong: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific (direct) from London Heathrow • Beijing: British Airways (direct) from London Heathrow

CHINA 117 Tailor-made

Beijing

Tibet

Shanghai

Hong Kong

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Banyan Tree Lijiang

China

Not backwards at coming forwards, and grabbing modernity by the horns; China is revelling at pole position as the world’s fastest developing nation. Drama is what makes China tick. To look at, it’s a show-stopper. Its politics are testing and controversial to say the least. Its people make up one in five of the world’s population. Its cities will not be content until they are the biggest and tallest and shiniest and most productive in the world. A little too fast for some tastes; nevertheless this is one of the reasons China is so compulsively, even sadistically thrilling. Then there’s the other side of China’s coin: a history that is as long and vivid as any on earth; a living, breathing museum of ancient relics seemingly at odds with the cities’ gleaming towers of commerce and industry – yet it is this juxtaposition of old and new that compounds China’s attractiveness. From local women walking around in pyjamas at street level Shanghai, then eyes moving upward towards billionaire tycoons wallowing in their ivory (or steel) towers, this is the China of today. Us and them, every thrilling bit in between, and a vast landscape that will make your mouth water. Orderly but huge, Beijing is the seat of communist power in China, where a bizarre mix of architecture – think vast underground bomb shelters (a remnant of the paranoid 1970s) to temples shaded by glass towers that brush the sky, via Soviet-style monuments – makes for a mercurial experience. The 2008 Olympics of course gave the city a lick of shiny new paint with a legacy that includes wonderful stadia as well as pumped-up global interest, but there is still oodles of historical and local charm. Residents will still sit and play chess on street corners, apparently unaffected by the colossal grandeur of everything that surrounds them.

“A history that is as long and vivid as any on earth; a living, breathing museum of ancient relics seemingly at odds with the cities’ gleaming towers.”

Shanghai, similarly, is all big and bold and shiny and arguably China’s most dynamic, cosmopolitan city – helped in part by its history as a playground of the Orient. Capitalism is the name of the game here, no more evident than when taking in the fantasy-turned-reality skyline of Pudong. But this being China, history still lingers – a 10th century Buddhist monastery turning up down a little alley tucked between the skyscrapers, for example. Hangzhou, on the Yangtze River Delta, is another urban jungle where ancient and new collide,

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Aman at Summer Palace

CHINA

with fascinating results, illustrating a cultural and financial prosperity spanning 1,000 years.

And taking the pace down a notch or three, Yunnan is China’s most south-western province and is remote and mountainous; a treasure trove of beauty and home to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the jaw-dropping limestone columns of the Stone Forest.

Accommodation

Banyan Tree Lijiang, Yunnan Province Within spine-tingling distance of the mystic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Old Town of Lijiang – Banyan Tree’s Yunnan resort is romance dipped in luxury dipped in restful intimacy, where suites basking in Oriental palettes of red, gold and black huddle over private lawns, majestic villas come with heated jet pools, and dining is Chinese banqueting style. The Peninsula Shanghai Located on the historical Bund, Shangai’s most revered district, with views over the Huangpu River towards Pudong; the former British Consulate has been spectacularly transformed into a temple of glamour, infused with Art Deco influences and rooms that are elegantly sumptuous, six dining

The Peninsula Shanghai

options – each one remarkable – plus the Peninsula Spa by ESPA which is just... wow! Amanfayun, Hangzhou By the serene West Lake, Amanfayun whispers its gloriousness, rather than shouting it from the rooftops. Lying just beyond the dreamy village of Tianzhu, 20 minutes from Hangzhou, a stately courtyard bathed in all sorts of green is the heart of a series of Tardis-like grand suites and villas, no two identical, the largest of which come with massage rooms. Cuisine is varied and stunning, the spa to die for. Aman at Summer Palace, Beijing Mere footsteps from Beijing’s glorious Summer Palace, Aman occupies a series of traditional dwellings; each transformed into mini-palaces of elegance, none losing sight of their history, and all dripping with mod cons. Dining covers relaxed to all out glamour, Chinese to Western; the Spa comes with a 25 metre indoor lap pool and on hand trainers; and there’s even a private cinema. For a tailor-made itinerary please visit www.seasons.co.uk/china

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119 Tailor-made

West Lake, in its historic centre, is its adored star attraction.