What does wellness mean in the modern day? We explored Japan and Vietnam in search of an answer.
40 Getting Comfortable with Chef Yotam Ottolenghi
42 Find High Luxury & High Excitement in Dubai
44 Global Glamour: Travel-Ready Skincare Essentials
46
Hong Kong’s Living Legacy of Martial Arts
48
A Journey Beyond the Panama Canal Panama is more than a bridge connecting the Caribbean and Pacific; it’s a hotbed of biodiversity, cultural depth, and discovery.
50
Which Island of Tahiti Is Calling Your Name?
52
Dipping into Colorado’s Best Hot Spring Experiences
55 A Skeptic’s Guide to Wellness
56
An Octogenarian Adventure: Around the World in 100 Days
Globetrottin
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mitchell Fawcett
MANAGING EDITOR Aren Bergstrom
DESIGNER Negar Tavakol
CREATIVE PRODUCTION Melissa Mirabelli
PARTNERSHIPS Lori Petteplace
GOWAY CONTRIBUTORS
Forster Robert Miller
nnifer Murr
Rourke Moira Smith
Globetrotting is published by Goway Travel
Web www.goway.com
Email info@goway.com
Social @GowayTravel
Phone 800-387-8850
Thank you to our travel partners for their support in this volume of Globetrotting : Fiji Airways, Hong Kong Tourism Board, The Nordics, Tahiti Tourisme, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Virgin Australia and Tourism Northern Territory, and Visit Dubai.
Carolyn Weppler
Colin Rusch
Shirley
Sael
Christian Baines’ first trip saw him get lost exploring the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Following his nose to Asia’s best coffee, two lifelong addictions were born. A freelance writer and novelist, Christian’s search for stories has since taken him to every inhabited continent. His top trips have been through Japan, Spain, and Brazil, but with a love of off-beat, artsy cities, he’ll seize any opportunity to return to Melbourne, Berlin, or Barcelona.
David Farley has lived in San Francisco, Berlin, Prague, and Rome, where he spent two years writing his first book, An Irreverent Curiosity: In Search of the Church’s Strangest Relic in Italy’s Oddest Town. He writes regularly for the New York Times, Food & Wine, and National Geographic. He currently resides in New York City.
Janette Ewen is known for her discerning eye in travel and lifestyle reporting. She’s worked with NBC, The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, and House & Home. With an unyielding passion for travel and wellness, Janette dives into each story with authenticity. Next on her itinerary? A transformative kickboxing camp in Thailand.
MOLLY O’BRIEN
Molly O’Brien is a Denver-based freelance travel journalist who writes and edits for various international travel and lifestyle outlets. She’s lived in Massachusetts, California, and Colorado—and has made the Greater Boston area, San Francisco Bay area, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, and Denver her home (so far!). She loves spending time outdoors, cozy coffee shops, and of course, travelling.
DAVID FARLEY
CHRISTIAN BAINES
JANETTE EWEN
Dear Travel Advisor
I like to avoid leaving things to the last minute, but I’m intentionally writing my editor’s letter a day before this issue’s print deadline. The Globetrotting team knows I do my best writing while on the road, with headspace for new ideas and travel experiences to inspire me. I also have an agenda in writing this at this very moment, 35,000 feet above Iceland on my journey home from a conference in Istanbul. I am the subject of my own globetrotting experiment.
Welcome to our wellness issue. In my last few editor’s letters, I exclaimed at the ease at which our stories came together under each issue’s theme. The editorial journey for this issue was ironically laborious. Wellness in travel is so loosely defined, so nuanced, and is very susceptible to reductive cliches. This process was one of rewrites and rigorous debates—a labour of love that is legitimately fun for a team of passionate writers. Case in point, our
very first opinion piece: “A Skeptic’s Guide to Wellness” (pg. 55), written by Managing Editor Aren Bergstrom.
Back to the experiment. I am far from a wellness skeptic—I put mushroom powders in my daily smoothie, snail mucus on my face, and essential oils in a humidifier beside my bed. So, after months of work on an issue of Globetrotting all about wellness travel, I happily put to test a formula of tactics to report back on.
My five-day overseas conference is far from the leisurely, rejuvenating wellness trips that Goway curates. Just the same, I arrived with the intention of staying healthy, energized, and mindful. I started my days with a workout and ended them with a sauna.
I favoured plant-forward whole foods and replenished with teas and juices. I chose (one) merlot over (multiple) martinis. And my favourite wellness moment was
EDITOR’S LETTER
a morning at a Turkish hammam, the ultimate rehydrating experience.
The result? I’m left with much more fuel in my tank than usual to spend on writing and editing during a long flight home.
I slept well, my mind was clear during long days of meetings, and I feel balanced as I transition back to everyday life.
And now, a final moment of mindfulness to finish this letter with a fresh experience of wellness and travel, feeling invigorated (and maybe just a bit self-satisfied). We’ve really enjoyed writing the stories in this issue.
I hope they inspire you to experiment too.
Why is it trending?
El Salvador
Central America’s smallest nation has turned a corner and is ready for the big stage.
Among trendsetting travel circles, it’s long been known that El Salvador is a hidden gem and one of the most beautiful nations in Latin America. But more travellers are finally waking up to this fact due to newfound stability that has resulted in dramatic drops in crime rates, which have helped to shake the nation’s former gangland reputation. El Salvador has opened the floodgates for travellers who want to finally discover the remarkable nation for themselves.
What are El Salvador’s highlights?
The capital, San Salvador, offers a survey of the country’s recent history and promising future. The colonial town of Suchitoto is a uniquely serene spot and an ideal place to slow down and enjoy the countryside while also learning about the ancient practice of indigo dyeing. Joya de Ceren on the banks of Coatepeque Lake
offers Latin Americans their own answer to Pompeii; the ancient Maya village was buried beneath the ashes of Laguna Caldera and remains in a state of remarkable preservation today. Volcanoes National Park allows travellers to explore extinct craters and enjoy remarkable panoramic views, while the Flower Route is a coffee lover’s delight with endless coffee fields to discover (and brews to sample).
When’s the best time to visit El Salvador?
With its tropical climate and hyper distinct wet and dry seasons, El Salvador is most popular between November and April (the dry season), when there are few days with rain and it’s an ideal time to hit the beach. However, nature lovers who don’t mind the rain will find it rewarding to visit between May and October (the wet season). Although it rains heavily, the country is bursting with wildlife and stunning flora.
Izalco Volcano is one of Panama’s several active stratovolcanoes.
San Salvador is the nation’s capital and renowned for its colonial architecture.
New & Noteworthy
Get the latest on fascinating new stays, flights, and tours around the world.
New Nonstop Flight from Dallas to Fiji
Perfect your beach-lounging form with Fiji Airways’ new nonstop flight from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Fiji’s Nadi International Airport, launching December 2024. This new route, operating three times a week, coupled with nonstop flights from San Francisco, Vancouver, and Honolulu, makes it easier than ever for North American travellers to access Fiji’s sun-kissed islands and vibrant culture with comfort, efficiency, and signature Fijian hospitality.
Luxury Wellness Escape in the Secluded Mountains of Hawai’i
The secluded Sensei Lāna’i, A Four Seasons Resort is an exclusive adults-only wellness retreat in Hawai’i, nestled amidst lush Cook pines, towering palms, and the scenic mountains of Lāna’i in Hawai’i. Co-founder Dr. David Agus—leading oncologist, author, and professor at the University of Southern California— and Sensei’s team of experts offer excellent personalized wellness experiences focusing on movement, nourishment, and rest. Enjoy one-on-one meditation, yoga, fitness, nutrition, forest bathing, sleep, functional movement, and active outdoor sessions amidst Lāna’i’s stunning scenery for a holistic wellness escape catering to all your senses.
A New Way to Explore India’s Food Scene
Treat yourself to India’s most iconic and delicious destinations on this new tour from Goway: India for Foodies. Sample flavours from Delhi, Agra, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai while visiting markets, food stalls, and some of the country’s best and most unique restaurants. Discover Old Delhi alongside a local chef and master spice blender before sharing a traditional dinner with a Bengali family in Kolkata. Indulge in a mouthwatering 8-course tasting in Mumbai, highlighted by the iconic Vada Pav. You’ll still visit classics like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and the Gateway of India, so you can still cross them off your bucket list while savouring India’s culinary wonders.
Ngangkaṟi Ngura (Healing Country)
Artist: Betty Muffler
Betty Muffler was born near Watarru in South Australia. She is an artist and a renowned ngangkaṟi (traditional healer). Muffler survived the 1953 nuclear tests conducted by the British Government in Emu Field. Witnessing this devastation inspired her work depicting the recovery of her country, travelling across the wide Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands. This 2020 work, using acrylic on linen, explores the beauty and terror of bomb sites, and the movement of fleeing survivors.
Betty Muffler works at Iwantja Arts, Indulkana, South Australia and is represented in Australia by Jan Murphy Gallery and internationally by Ames Yavuz.
Few natural wonders delight travellers quite like the Great Barrier Reef. But there’s so much more to northern Queensland than the world’s largest living structure. To learn more about the region, we chatted with Katherine Cutler from Tourism Tropical North Queensland, who shared her expertise on this bucket list destination.
What’s your favourite place to visit?
Mossman Gorge, which is just a 15-minute drive from Port Douglas. It’s in the heart of the Daintree Rainforest and part of the UNESCO Natural World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest.
What’s a great place to eat?
My favourite place to eat is L’Unico Trattoria, a beachfront spot at Trinity Beach. It’s a locally-run restaurant with a relaxed beach vibe that’s famous for its handmade pizzas and pastas.
What’s a unique way to explore?
Drifting in a hot air balloon over the Atherton Tablelands in Mareeba. The sunset over the fields is an unforgettable experience.
What’s a hidden gem?
The Great Barrier Reef’s Frankland Group National Park, 45 km (28 mi) southeast of Cairns. The guided snorkel tour at Normanby Island is a must, with so many varieties of colourful coral.
What’s a famous landmark that travellers shouldn’t miss?
The Undara Lava Tubes, which were formed by volcanic activity over 190,000 years ago.
When’s the best time to go?
November to December. It’s the season to taste delicious fresh produce, see coral spawning on the reef, and photograph Barron Falls at its peak.
What’s a common misconception?
Some people think that visiting the reef harms it. In fact, every visit contributes to its conservation through the Environmental Management Charge (EMC). You can even take part in coral nurture programs to support sustainability.
What’s a great place to stay?
Cape Tribulation, where two UNESCO Natural World Heritage areas sit side by side: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
What’s the best way to get around?
By bike, with great new routes everywhere from Cairns to Port Douglas. My favourite is the Cairns Esplanade, a beautiful 4 km (2.48 mi) ride along the waterfront with views that never get old.
Great Barrier Reef Drive, Queensland, Australia
Banaue, Philippines
The region’s feat of ancient engineering is one of the most picturesque landmarks in Southeast Asia.
The Banaure Rice Terraces are described as the Stairway to the Sky, stretching 10,360 sq-km (4000 sq-mi) wide and 200 m (656 ft) high.
WHERE IS IT?
The Banaue Rice Terraces sit amidst a remote area of the Philippine Cordillera Mountain range in northern Luzon, just over 320 km (200 mi) from Manila.
WHY SHOULD YOU GO?
The Banaue Rice Terraces are an incredibly scenic and remote destination located 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level in the lush Philippine Cordillera highlands. They’re also a historic contribution to hillside farming and agriculture by the Indigenous Ifugao people, who’ve preserved the rice terraces for 2,000 years. The UNESCO-recognized complex, constructed along the mountains’ natural contours, is an incredible display of sustainable living and cultural preservation. The local tribes and villages have developed a must-see experience where inspiring natural scenery and historic culture unite off the beaten path.
HOW DO YOU GET THERE?
Banaue village can be reached by car from Manila and Baguio; both journeys take about 8 to 9 hours, but they are absolutely worth it. You should visit from April to May or October to November when the terraces are the most lush and picturesque, while the rainy season from July to August is not recommended due to the risk of landslides and less desirable conditions for hiking and other outdoor experiences.
The farming techniques used by the Ifugao people remain virtually unchanged after nearly 2,000 years.
The Spiced Crab Rasam
A cocktail bar in Singapore channels an unexpected Indian comfort classic.
The Elephant Room in Singapore lines its shelves exclusively with spirits imported from India, and daily trips to the neighbouring Little India district yield exotic flavours and accoutrements. This little cocktail bar is big on the warm and comforting flavours of Founder Yugnes Susela’s home.
Crab rasam is a traditional South Indian soup that’s heralded for its ability to boost the immune system and treat colds, coughs, and
the flu. At The Elephant Room, it is reimagined as a delightfully surprising vodka-based cocktail. Grey Goose is infused with rasam spices and flower crab for a deep umami, while tamarind and kaffir lime add a punchy acidic balance.
For a cocktail a day that keeps the doctor away, visit The Elephant Room at 33 Tanjong Pagar Road, #01-02, Singapore.
JOALI BEING, Maldives
The Maldives’ first and only wellness island where a holistic healing philosophy unites with the breathtaking island scenery.
JOALI BEING’s transformative wellness revolves around four pillars: mind, skin, microbiome, and energy. In-house wellness consultants will help develop and guide you on your personalized journey to “weightlessness,” freeing you from any stress or imbalance. Their signature well-being programs are designed to foster deep relaxation, stress recovery, digestive reset, weight management, preventive skin care, energy replenishment, and yoga enhancement.
The island resort’s biophilic design—incorporating natural elements into the architecture to enhance
wellbeing—inspired by the Maldives’ tranquil sea, sand, and sky, instantly immerses you in a space of reflection and rejuvenation as soon as you arrive via seaplane. Navigate your way below waving palm trees to one of the 68 private beach and water villas, each with a private pool. The resort’s wellness facilities and transformational spaces include a sound therapy hall, a herbology centre, a hydrotherapy hall with pools, a banya and Aufguss sauna, a Turkish hammam, and a salt inhalation room.
RECOMMENDED
Wellness Apps
Stay healthy, balanced, and centred on your next vacation with these digital companions.
Day One
Journaling can help you stay grounded and grateful, especially when you’re away from home. Take a moment on your journey to upload a photo. Day One will automatically start a journal entry with the date, location, weather, and more. This kickstart makes it extra easy to start writing, and you’ll love reliving these memories down the road.
BetterSleep
Adapting your sleep schedule to a new time zone is key to enjoying your vacation to the fullest. BetterSleep uses science-based techniques with music, sounds, and meditations to help you get to sleep faster. If the time change in your new destination has you waking up early, the app’s SleepTales act like a grownup bedtime story to calm you back to sleep.
Treecard
A day on vacation usually means racking up more steps than a typical day at home or work. This app will give you even more incentive to get to know your new destination by foot. Simply sign up, and for every 10,000 steps you take Treecard will plant one real tree. They work with local organizations to restore trees in 35 countries—a true global footprint.
TESTED
New Balance 574 Sneakers
These shoes aced our rigorous three-week, 375,000-step test across Italy.
Starting and ending your days with the right footwear is a sightseeing pro tip for any travel adventure. For those who plan to put in some serious steps, the New Balance 574 sneakers are our top choice.
We put these to the test with three weeks of daily wear during a hot Italian summer with excellent results. The shoes’ cushioned soles and ankle support made an average of 18,000 steps a day a breeze. We loved the subtle branding and selection of neutral tones. Even
in white, they seemed to repel dirt and wipe clean easily. These (indispensable) sneakers created strategic packing space for other accessories when a touch of sophistication was needed.
From CA $120 / US $90.
1 DESTINATION 2 WAYS
Barcelona: Day or Night
In the vibrant Catalonian capital that never sleeps, you’ll discover an endless array of artistic treasures to admire and culinary delights to sample.
DAY NIGHT
Explore two spectacular buildings designed by Catalonian architect Antoni Gaudí: Casa Vicens, rich with colourful bricks and floral ceramics, and Palau Güell, with its 20 distinct mosaic chimneys.
Tour the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, to see the completed sanctuary and explore the Nativity and Passion towers.
Experience Cloud Cities, an interactive artwork on the observation deck of the city’s most famous non-Gaudí building, the Mirador Torre Glòries.
Visit one of the popular seafood restaurants in Barceloneta such as La mar Salada to feast on paella, grilled shrimp, and chipirones (deep-fried baby squid).
Enjoy live music on the dragon roof terrace at Magic Nights at Casa Batlló or sip cava while watching the audiovisual show on the rooftop of La Pedrera (Casa Milà), two more buildings designed by Gaudí.
Tour the Barri Gòtic to learn about its Roman origins, hear its most tantalizing mysteries, and see its medieval landmarks lit up, including the Catalan Basilica de Santa Maria del Pi.
Take in a Flamenco show at one of the city’s many tablao, such as Tablao Flamenco Cordobes off La Rambla.
Bar hop through El Born to sip on Rioja at Bar del Pla or enjoy custom cocktails served in handmade pottery at Mariposa Negra Cocktail bar.
DUSK
Visit famous Park Güell as the sun goes down to enjoy the best views of the city in Gaudí’s much-admired public park.
Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
Pont del Bisbe, Barri Gòtic
Alaska in Summer
Blink and you’ll miss the comfortable summer months in the 49th state.
In the summer months, people flock to Alaska to watch brown bears feast on salmon in coursing rivers and hike in the shadow of Denali. It’s a beautiful season bursting with wildlife and outdoor adventure opportunities. It’s also a short season when almost everyone wants to visit.
The Alaskan summer travel season lasts from mid-May to mid-September, reaching peak popularity in July and August, although June is becoming very popular as well. Premium lodges and hotels fill up quickly in these months, the best train seats sell out, and spots on flightseeing excursions are tight. Car rentals are also in high demand.
If you want to experience Alaska during the height of summer, book in the late winter to secure your ideal hotel rooms, train tickets, and excursions. The summer in Alaska is undeniably gorgeous; don’t miss out.
Denali National Park, Alaska
Bring on wonderful
The spiritual heart of Australia, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, should be on everyone’s bucket list. The world’s largest monolith protrudes stoically above the 550-million-year-old landscapes and serves as a deeply sacred site for the local Anangu people.
Virgin Australia has resumed flying to Uluru, with two brand-new direct services from both Melbourne and Brisbane to Uluru, making it easier than ever to get to the Red Centre.
The Blue Zone Blueprint
Wellness secrets from the world’s longest-living communities.
WORDS JANETTE EWEN
American longevity researcher Dan Buettner uses the term “Blue Zone” to define five regions worldwide where people live the longest, healthiest lives. These zones—Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Nicoya in Costa Rica, Ikaria in Greece, and Loma Linda in the United States—are distinguished by simple lifestyle traits that promote longevity, such as loyal social connections, natural movement, and plant-based diets. These regions also make excellent destinations for travellers looking to cut through the wellness confusion.
Okinawa, Japan
Known as the Land of Immortals, Okinawa has one of the highest concentrations of centenarians worldwide. Visitors to the southern Japanese island are instantly captivated by the pristine beaches, green mountains, and a culture steeped in tradition. If you travel to Okinawa, be prepared to embrace a slower pace of life. Here, community and mindfulness take priority over consumption.
Okinawan longevity tip: Low seating for flexibility and strength. Traditional homes in the Okinawa region feature low-seating arrangements. Tatami mats and low tables require sitting on the floor, encouraging natural movement and flexibility. While you may find many of the local restaurants provide chairs and tables, with a bit of research, it’s not hard to find top-notch traditional dining experiences at restaurants such as Yakiniku Hana Rampu and Izakaya Marusa. Many conventional restaurants won’t have an English menu; ask your server to select their four top favourites, and you’re guaranteed to be satisfied.
Sardinia, Italy
Nestled in the Mediterranean, Sardinia’s rugged, mountainous terrain is home to a friendly and inviting community of centenarians. The island’s landscape, rich history, and warm hospitality make it a haven for travellers seeking to unplug and rejuvenate. As a visitor, expect to be welcomed into the heart of Sardinian life, where meals are shared with loved ones and time seems to slow down.
Sardinian longevity tip: The shepherd’s walk. Daily physical activity is embedded in the Sardinian lifestyle, especially among the island’s shepherds, who walk miles over hilly terrain. Travellers to Sardinia don’t have to become shepherds to reap the benefits of the hilly region. With over 350 trails, there are scenic hikes for all abilities. As you explore winding village streets, take your time, and gather with locals to enjoy the island’s frequent celebrations and signature culinary delights—fennel, pecorino cheese, and locally made wines.
Nicoya, Costa Rica
The Nicoya Peninsula is a tropical paradise known for its unspoiled beaches, lush rainforests, and year-round sunshine. But beyond its natural beauty, Nicoya stands out as a Blue Zone due to its residents’ vitality and joy. The Nicoya live by the principle of Pura Vida, meaning “pure life,” which reflects their laid-back, stress-free approach to living. As a traveller, expect to be enveloped by the warmth of friendly people and breathtaking landscapes.
Nicoyan longevity tip: Connect with nature. In Nicoya, life revolves around nature. Whether working in the garden or walking along the beach, locals stay physically active and grounded in their natural environment. Engaging with nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. Consider a dip in the Belén waterfalls or a sunset paddle sunset in Sabor de la Montaña to feel this connection for yourself.
Traditional homes in Okinawa are known for their low seating (previous page, top); Roam the hillsides of Sardinia and you’re liable to run into a herd of sheep (previous page, bottom); The Nicoya Peninsula is famous for its tropical beaches and year-round warm weather (top left); The village of
Evdilos lies on the coast of Ikaria Island, Greece (top right); Loma Linda lies in the suburban hills of the San Bernardino Valley in California (bottom right)
Ikaria, Greece
Known for its low rates of chronic illness and impressively long lifespans, Ikaria invites visitors to embrace a slower, more intentional pace of life. Time in Ikaria flows differently—there is no rush, and locals often start their days late and enjoy long, leisurely lunches that stretch into the evening. When visiting Ikaria, you’ll be struck by the island’s rugged beauty, crystal blue beaches, dramatic cliffs, and the warmth of its people.
Ikarian longevity tip: Take daily siestas. The Ikarian habit of taking daily naps has been linked to lower rates of heart disease. A mid-afternoon nap helps to reduce stress, improve cognitive function, and boost overall well-being. Consider staying in one of the region’s many informal or relaxed hotels, such as Cavos Bay hotel on the North Coast or the Erofili Beach Hotel overlooking the Aegean. Most accommodations on the island embrace the slow-living approach of its people.
Loma Linda, California
Southern California’s Loma Linda is home to a large population of Seventh-day Adventists who enjoy some of the highest life expectancies in the United States. The Adventists’ holistic approach to health emphasizes plant-based diets, regular exercise, and a strong sense of purpose.
Loma Linda longevity tip: Pickleball for movement. Pickleball is immensely popular among Loma Linda’s residents. It offers a fun, social way to stay active without putting too much strain on the body. In the spirit of community, the Loma Linda Pickleball Club offers monthly and daily memberships, inviting locals and visitors to pick up a paddle.
There’s much to learn from these Blue Zones in pursuing health and longevity. Each offers its own set of timeless practices to help us all lead longer, fuller lives. The natural beauty of the Blue Zone lifestyle is its simplicity—small, consistent habits that, over time, yield extraordinary results.
Tyresta National Park, Sweden
Geirangerfjord, Norway
Riisitunturi National Park, Finland
Odense, Denmark
From Saunas to Skogsbad:
The Nordics’ Secret for Balance & Serenity
WORDS SAEL FORSTER
Nordic wellness draws its essence from its untamed natural beauty. Boreal forests blanketing Finland and Sweden, iconic fjords carving through Norway, breathtaking coastal views along Denmark’s shores, and enchanting Arctic expanses of Lapland have all shaped the Nordics’ world-renowned wellness culture.
Any journey to the Nordics promises one centred on balance, equality, and a profound appreciation of the natural world. Yet, the true magic of Nordic wellness lies in how the natural world enhances the dedicated wellness experiences shaped by centuries of cultural and philosophical commitment to holistic health.
Finland’s cherished and UNESCO-recognized sauna culture best exemplifies the Nordics’ daily commitment to wellness. It may be surprising that a country with winters as long and harsh as Finland is also home to some of the world’s happiest people, but it’s true. It’s also home to the highest concentration of saunas in the world.
The use of saunas in Finland dates back thousands of years, from when they were first used to survive the winter. Old Finnic tradition recognizes the steam, or löyly, as the sweat of Väinämöinen—a central figure of ancient Finnic mythology who’s credited with everything miraculous and wonderful—making it the most significant spiritual aspect of Finnish saunas. Over time, saunas evolved into the traditional wood-burning smoke saunas, a cornerstone of Finnish society today.
Modern science supports Finland’s long-held belief in the health benefits of sauna bathing, including stress relief, improved blood circulation, pain reduction, and improved cardiovascular health. So, whether you’re taking a break from Helsinki’s city life or savouring the löyly before your cold plunge into the frozen lake outside your wood-cabin sauna, Finnish saunas allow you to embrace the present moment while improving your physical health.
Wellness in Sweden is similar to that in Finland in many respects. It heavily incorporates nature, saunas, hydrotherapy, and an emphasis on balance. Lagom, meaning “just enough,” is the prevalent Swedish philosophy of pursuing satisfaction over excess, encouraging a lifestyle of harmony and simplicity.
Lagom enhances the Swedish sauna and spa experience— crowned by the iconic Swedish massage—and plays a significant role in forest bathing, a popular aspect of wellness in Finland and Sweden. Forest bathing, or skogsbad, involves immersing oneself in a secluded natural atmosphere and focusing on the sensory experience. Many spa packages in Sweden feature forest bathing since Sweden’s vast forests, peppered with countless lakes, are some of the best places in the world to escape your daily stresses and reconnect with nature in its purest form.
Wellness in Norway, or Velvære, centres on two philosophies ingrained in their national identity: friluftsliv and kos. Friluftsliv is the mindset of celebrating and experiencing the outdoors and appreciating the unique opportunities of every season, from kayaking in the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord to cross-country skiing through frozen winter landscapes. Kos is a closely related concept, roughly translating to cozy, which describes the Norwegian philosophy of luxury as simplicity, cherishing the small pleasures in life with your loved ones.
Hygge is a Danish concept similar to kos that focuses on cultivating warmth, authentic connections, and a mindful appreciation of the simplicity of life. Hygge is deeply embedded in Danish culture and is especially enjoyed in winter when cozying up in a cabin under a blanket with warm gløgg (mulled wine) and delicious Danish pastries.
Drawing inspiration from and inspiring each other, a trip to the Nordics offers a special opportunity to rediscover wellness, nature, and, ultimately, ourselves.
This article was produced in collaboration with Visit Europe and co-funded by the European Union.
Prague’s Culina
A sampling of gastronomic innovation in Central Europe’s most iconic city.
WORDS DAVID FARLEY
People gravitate to Prague for its enchanting cobblestone streets flanked by stunning Baroque and Gothic buildings and for its palate-pleasing pilsner beer. But the food? It long acted as stodgy stomach filler to prolong an evening of beer swilling. But something has changed in the Czech capital. The historic charm has not faded and the beer is still exceptional, but now the dining scene is an attraction in and of itself.
I once asked Oldřich Sahajdák, chef of the Michelin-starred La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise in Prague’s Old Town, about his thoughts on the future of Czech cuisine and he answered with another question, asking if I could have ever imagined that Denmark would be the epicentre of the most cutting-edge cuisine on the planet? I thought about it for a long second and shook my head from side to side. “Exactly,” he said.
Not that the Prague dining landscape is filled with $500-per-person tasting menus that serve reindeer brain custard and chocolate-covered moss. Noma, this is not. But given where Czech cuisine came from—the extremely bland 41 years under Soviet-imposed Communism—the elevated, creative Central European cuisine chefs are showcasing here should be celebrated for the leaps and bounds the culinary scene has taken in the last three decades.
The culinary revolution started at La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise when chef Sahajdák unearthed an 1894 Czech cookbook and began re-introducing long-lost Czech fare in an elevated way. His most recent restaurant is Marie B., a 20-seat eatery that consists of a U-shaped dining counter around the kitchen. The restaurant does something novel in that the servers don’t reveal what you’re eating, only informing the diner after each dish of the five-course tasting menu. As a cheat sheet, expect dishes like deer saddle doused in a gingerbread puree and sous vide salmon topped with roe.
After a legion of young Czech chefs worked their way around some of the world’s great kitchens, many have come home inspired and eager to put Czech cuisine on the culinary map. You can say they’re succeeding. Chef Radek Kašpárek, who got his culinary training in Switzerland, has followed up his nearby Michelin-starred restaurant, Field, with 420, the country calling code for the Czech Republic (not the code for smoking weed). In a soaring glass-ceilinged Baroque courtyard just off Old Town Square, Chef Kašparek cooks up a menu of hearty Mitteleuropa fare like snails in foie-gras-spiked butter and duck-pate topped with sour cherries paired with a duck-fat baked bun.
ry Renaissance
The aromatic strawberries are one of many considered desserts on the menu at the Michelin-starred restaurant, 420.
Opened in Autumn 2023, tavern-like Hostinec na Vytoni is housed in a former medieval customs house on the Vltava River. The duck-centric menu features a handful of recently resurrected dishes that were lost during the Communist era. Snails, stinky Olomouc cheese on toast, and a duck blood sausage to start, followed by shredded duck wrapped in thin potato pancakes and crispy rotisserie duck—all consumed in a merry, warm environment that will make you want to order a few more rounds of pilsners and linger for as long as you possibly can.
After working in Michelin-starred restaurants in Berlin and Salzburg, Chef Jan Punčochář opened U Matěje in the charming, upscale neighborhood of Hanspaulka. The casual tavern atmosphere— long wooden tables and wood-paneled walls— belies the excellent execution with which Punchochář delivers in the kitchen. The menu is loaded with feel-good pub grub that is taken up several notches, including duck leg confit
with pumpkin cabbage and potato dumplings and tender veal cheeks cooked in dark beer. The long wine list has a stellar selection of Czech natural wines.
“I’m very happy with the way the Prague dining scene has evolved in the last decade or so,” Chef Radek Kašpárek told me when I ate at 420 earlier in the week. He had just one complaint, adding, “I just wish it would develop even quicker.”
Yes, people still come to Prague to stroll across the 14th-century, sculpture studded Charles Bridge, to trudge up to the castle, and to linger in Old Town Square. But the one difference between years past and now is that they’re doing it with a very satisfied stomach. And if Chef Kašparek gets his wish, the Central European cuisine being made in Prague is going to get even better very soon. So come now and come hungry.
The dining room at 420 is famous for its vaulted ceiling and imaginative lighting (bottom left); Hostinec na Vytoni offers a duck-centric menu that provides a modern spin on classic Czech cuisine (bottom right)
In Search of Wellness in
the Age of Burnout
What does wellness mean to the modern globetrotter? We explored Japan and Vietnam in search of an answer.
What does wellbeing mean to you?
This is a core question that all of us must grapple with. The world is a busy place, and the pace of life only seems to be increasing as we move deeper into the 2020s. Anxiety is ever-present—over the economy, politics, climate change. Burnout is on the rise. The pandemic supercharged all these stresses, as well as inflation, which shrunk our pocketbooks. We can all use a break, and we know it.
Enter wellness.
Wellness is a means to slow down, reset, and focus on physical, mental, and spiritual health and wellbeing. It’s also one of the fastest growing trends in the travel industry. Spa days and massages have long been a core part of the travel experience, but wellness in the current moment is growing beyond its traditional roots.
In place of massages and facials (which remain popular), people are increasingly incorporating everything from alternative medicine to yoga and meditation into their wellness travel routines. People are also seeking wellness in nature as travellers venture to Scandinavian wildernesses for forest bathing or hike desert trails in Morocco in search of a natural endorphin rush. Wellness experiences have also transformed beyond solitary endeavours to communal activities. People want to get healthier, but also make a connection with others and the natural world.
The Heritage Line Ylang is considered the premier luxury and wellness cruise vessel in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. (Courtesy of Heritage Line)
The broadening focus of wellness travel is clearly having an impact. The wellness travel industry is extremely lucrative, with over $814 billion being spent on wellness tourism in 2022. This number is expected to double as we reach 2030, according to Tatler. The pandemic explains much of the fixation on wellness; a 2021 Ipsos study showed that 62% of Americans thought leading a healthy life was more important than before the pandemic. The rise in wellness technologies, from Apple Watches to apps like Headspace, also shows how wellness is increasingly incorporated into people’s daily lives. Wellness is no longer just a niche for people who do yoga. It’s an ever-present part of life and travel for nearly everyone.
But what does wellness truly mean as we enter 2025? We went in search of an answer, but first, we had to understand what came before our current wellness craze.
From Hot Springs to Yoga
As long as people have travelled, they have travelled for wellness. There is evidence going back at least 6,000 years showing how ancient Sumerians would venture to distant locations to soak in natural hot springs. In Ancient Greece, people would head across the land to Asclepius temples (named for the Greek god of medicine, with his legendary snake-wrapped rod) in search of healing. And then, of course, there are pilgrimages, which are as old as time itself, leading people to trek from one location to another, whether
Canterbury or Makkah, in acts of religious obedience or to achieve enlightenment. Eventually, in the early modern era, wellness travel came full circle, with people combining pilgrimages with spa days in hot spring cities such as Bath.
But to really narrow in on the birth of wellness as we conceive of it, go to Asia. Modern wellness was born out of the New Age movement of the 1960s, when people ventured to India, Japan, and China in search of Eastern wisdom and discovered thousands of years of tradition surrounding meditation, enlightenment, and physical wellbeing. Travellers took what they learned back with them to the West, which contributed to the boom in yoga, Zen meditation, and other holistic
The Temple of Asclepius on the grounds of the Villa Borghese in Rome is an 18th century recreation of the ancient temple destroyed in the 3rd century.
The Roman baths that give the English city of Bath its name drew travellers from across England in search of its supposed healing properties.
wellness practices. In a western culture newly obsessed with wellness, Asia’s untold traditions proved a boon.
A Purification and a Reset
Carolyn Weppler, Goway’s Senior Vice President, is no stranger to wellness. Having travelled to dozens of countries around the world, she’s visited more spas than she can count and knows her way around a Finnish steam room or Moroccan hammam blindfolded. But wellness isn’t just the spa. It’s a new way of experiencing the world and resetting your mind, body, and spirit, so Carolyn had to reset too.
“Wellness is a challenge because how do you define it,” she says. “Is it a spa service or forest bathing? Is it as simple as doing morning Tai Chi or as intensive
as a multi-day meditation retreat?” She knew she had to approach wellness with an open mind, so she joined Moira Smith, Goway’s Vice President of Africa & Asia, on a journey across Vietnam to discover the meaning of wellness in the modern world.
Before Carolyn and Moira got to Vietnam, they toured Tokyo, Japan, often the starting point for Asian travels due to Narita International Airport being the main regional hub. In Tokyo, they visited Fukagawa Fudo temple to attend its iconic Goma fire ritual, a purification rite within Shingon Buddhism.
They entered barefoot into the main hall of the temple and gathered around the altar. At first, monks entered in single file, banging taiko drums and blowing conch
shells. The priest in white took up his main place before the central firepit and the other monks chanted mantras as he joined into their rhythm by pounding the main drum. The priest fed the fire with incense as the sound increased and the monks continued their mantras. Everything grew louder and for 30 minutes, the air was filled with the smell of incense and the pulsing sound of drums. Near the ceremony’s end, those in attendance passed their belongings to the priest, who held them mere inches above the flames, purifying them in the smoke.
Within Buddhism, the Goma ritual is meant to burn away material attachment; for visitors, it’s a means of recalibrating. “It was very special,” says Carolyn.
“The ceremony is peaceful, but you can feel the beat of the drums in your body. It’s mesmerizing.” For Carolyn and Moira, it provided a clarifying reset.
The Tailor-Made Wellness of Vietnam
Since it opened to Western tourists in 1997, Vietnam has become one of Asia’s foremost travel destinations. It’s also rapidly evolving to cater to the interests of modern travellers. Carolyn and Moira explored the country from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City to experience the diversity of wellness it has to offer.
They boarded the luxury cruise ship, Ylang, to sail Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. The Ylang is a part of Heritage Line’s boutique cruise experiences across Southeast Asia, with a maximum of 20 passengers and a heavily curated on-board experience. “It’s advertised as ‘the quintessence of luxury and wellness cruising’ and that’s exactly what it felt like,” says Moira. “There was plenty to keep us busy, like cycling to and around an island village, followed by an outstanding massage tailored to exactly what you need. After dinner, a sound meditation really helped me sleep. In the morning, Tai Chi on board the deck was the perfect way to start the day, followed by kayaking in Lan Ha Bay.”
The Thai massage room at Anantara Quy Nhon Villas offers gorgeous views of Quy Nhon Bay.
The cruise gathered together many modern approaches to wellness in a single experience. It had healthy meals and massages to cater to the classic spa experience, but it also incorporated Tai Chi and sound meditation to activate the body and mind in different ways. Kayaking around limestone karsts connected them to the landscape, while cycling through the countryside allowed them to interact with other people and the local culture. If you’re skeptical of wellness, a cruise aboard Ylang will have you thinking twice.
Back on the mainland, Carolyn and Moira connected south to the resort town of Hoi An in the centre of the nation. “Hoi An is magical particularly at night, when the whole town comes alive with lanterns and lights,” says Moira. “It’s also a great place to have clothes and shoes made by the town’s many expert tailors. It’s great quality, but very affordable.”
They stayed at the Anantara Hoi An Resort, enjoying morning yoga on the peaceful property and waterfront dining in the evening, before they boarded The Vietage train (also by Anantara) for a slow travel journey from Danang to Quy Nhon. “There are bespoke cocktails and custom-made coffees,” says Carolyn. “A short massage is included for all guests. You arrive relaxed, having watched the lush countryside go by, gaining some insight into how life transpires in parts away from the tourist trail.” Once they reached Quy Nhon, they settled into the Anantara Quy Nhon Villas, where they enjoyed indulgent luxury and personalized attention in one of the resort’s 25 private villas.
The Heritage Line Ylang offers morning Tai Chi on deck, which Carolyn Weppler took advantage of during her recent trip.
The entire experience from Hoi An to Quy Nhon captured the diverse ways that wellness has evolved in 2024. The resorts provided the sort of indulgent spa experiences and morning yoga that wellness travellers have come to expect, but also incorporated cultural encounters and natural excursions to connect travellers to the world outside themselves. The train is the ideal connection between the two, while also showcasing the beauty of the countryside and allowing travellers to slow down the pace and appreciate the moment.
By the time they reached Ho Chi Minh City, Carolyn was looking at wellness in a new way. “I came to realize that wellness was exploring Vietnam under my own power and energy,” she says. “It’s imperative to open your mind to what defines wellness. Is it making a meal? Visiting an organic farm? Learning how to make a hammock? Cycling through the countryside? Is it simply watching people go about their daily lives in the way they have for hundreds of years?”
What does wellbeing mean to you?
It all comes back to this question. Its answer will define what wellness travel appeals to you, because there is no one type of wellness, no one definition to satisfy all occasions.
Wellness is no longer cookie-cutter. Rather, the modern definition of wellness is entirely in the eye of the beholder, which makes it so intrinsically connected to tailor-made travel. Wellness takes us outside ourselves to find ourselves—an outward journey to an inward reality.
Lan Ha Bay might be the smallest of the famous bays in northeastern Vietnam, but its green-covered islands create a lush scenery that’s gorgeous year-round. (Courtesy of Heritage Line)
Getting Comfortable with Chef Yotam Ottolenghi
The global culinary sensation reimagines comfort food in his latest cookbook.
WORDS MITCHELL FAWCETT
I was first introduced to Chef Yotam Ottolenghi a decade ago at his London restaurant Nopi. Never had I experienced a menu so colourful and fragrant, where vegetables and fruits were so lovingly prominent. I left with a signed copy of his latest cookbook, thrilled to know that there were many more in his collection awaiting me, several of which have enjoyed spots on New York Times bestsellers lists including Plenty and Jerusalem. From that point on, Ottolenghi’s recipes have come to life in my own kitchen on a weekly basis. They’re a celebration of Mediterranean freshness and aromatic Middle Eastern flavours with an adoration for beautiful produce.
When travelling to London I never miss a chance to visit one of the eight restaurants and cafes in Yotam Ottolenghi’s collection. It’s an even rarer treat for the chef to come to you, so I was thrilled for the opportunity to hear first-hand about his newest cookbook, Comfort, during his visit to Toronto.
Comfort is truly the most global representation of Ottolenghi’s works to date. Born in Jerusalem with Italian and German roots, his earliest memories of food were always cross-cultural. “It’s about our journeys and all the stories contained in them,” he explained during his recent visit. Each of Ottolenghi’s cookbooks has increasingly eluded borders. This is not in the pursuit of culinary fusion, arguably a tired trend, but something more human: “a celebration of movement, of immigration, of family, of home—of people.” Few cultures are left unexplored in Comfort’s 100 recipes and 320 pages.
Take for example, roasted chicken, which gets its own chapter. “Roast chicken is a global comfort food,” says Ottolenghi.
“We realized how often there are shared connections between recipes we each think of as our own.” He delights in reimagining this classic across a variety of exciting recipes that could be considered Indian, Jamaican, Chinese, or Italian. That sense of joy and ease is driven by his team of global collaborators. “Cooking has always been about sharing ideas,” says Ottolenghi. “Authenticity is a notion I reject. It prevents you from embracing food full-on. Tell the stories of the culture that created the food, but keep having fun.”
So what does comfort food mean to Chef Ottolenghi? “It’s so personal, so tied up with home, with family, with memory.” To be sure, these recipes are a warm hug on a cold day—aromatic stews bubbling on the stove, breads rising in the oven, cheesy pastas and creamy custards. But the book’s unique international lens transcends our own nostalgia, opening doors to comfort food around the world and defining new culinary rituals. An important disclaimer: “The definition we have the least time for is that comfort food is somehow naughty, the thing we eat when no one is looking,” says Ottolenghi.
A craving for these recipes in today’s world is poignant to Chef Ottolenghi: “Wars cause so much sorrow and anxiety. Comfort food is needed more than ever.” It is a comfort to read through these recipes, and to understand the message that we have much more in common than not, that we are richer for our shared connections. As Ottolenghi says, “Food and words have the incredible power to connect people.” Of course, the best dishes are shared, and the most comfort comes when sharing with family and friends.
Find High Luxury & High Excitement in Dubai
From monthly festivals to pampering spa treatments, it’s easy to keep occupied on a trip to Dubai.
WORDS CHRISTIAN BAINES
Dubai’s Burj Khalifa remains the world’s tallest building.
Dubai is the Middle East at its most cutting edge. Offering a wealth of hotels and spas dedicated to each guest’s well-being, Dubai’s sky-high ambitions have made it one of the world’s most exciting—and luxurious—destinations.
Dubai has long been a Middle Eastern gateway to Europe, Africa, and Asia, offering flight connections on its lauded flagship carrier, Emirates. A few days in Dubai can be the perfect way to end an African safari, or an exciting journey through Asia. It can even add some big city excitement to your romantic Maldives getaway.
Of course, you may just want to visit Dubai on its own, and there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Dubai’s rising status as an international hub draws major entertainers, sporting events, and other occasions year-round. Weave these into festivals celebrating some of Dubai’s favourite obsessions, and you have a packed calendar with an event to celebrate every passion.
The Dubai Shopping Festival (December to January) offers seven amazing weeks of retail therapy with fantastic deals offered on some of the world’s top brands.
Dubai Fitness Challenge (October to November) invites you to join the locals for 30 minutes of physical activity every day. A walk absolutely counts, but you can also join free classes, sports events, and group workouts to suit your fitness level.
Foodies, you’re up! The Dubai Food Festival (April to May) offers 23 days of delicious discovery from fine dining to healthy treats to beach canteen cuisine.
Level up at the Dubai E-Sports and Games Festival (April to May) which puts gamers at the heart of the action, celebrating the global video and computer game industry.
If you need to recharge after all that activity, Dubai’s top wellness hotels and spas offer treatments from around the world, all delivered in the finest Arab style. You can opt for a traditional Berber hammam experience, embrace your inner decadence with a gold-infused facial, or just about any treatment in between, all finished off with a delicious cup of local tea. Some resorts offer wellness and yoga packages too, while some even invite you to disconnect with a digital detox, Dubai style.
When you need to escape the big city, natural adventures are never far away. Go kayaking or paddle-boarding, or take a 4x4 safari into the dunes, perhaps exploring one of the region’s most ancient cultures by sharing a meal with the local Bedouins. You can also leave the glitzy malls behind for a stroll through Dubai’s traditional souks. In particular, the Gold Souk is a must-visit, even if you just want to let your eyes go wide at all that bling. If something special catches your eye, remember to bargain, ask the seller if they offer a discount for paying in cash, and be sure to keep your receipt for a tax refund at the airport.
Head into Dubai’s surrounding desert to swap stories with local Bedouins.
Global Glamour: Travel-Ready Skincare Essentials
WORDS JANETTE EWEN
In a world where beauty and travel converge, the modern traveller seeks skincare products that reflect innovation, efficacy, and convenience. With that in mind Globetrotting has handpicked our favourite products to take you from the bleary-eyed weariness of a long-haul flight to the glowing allure of a sun-drenched afternoon. These products are designed to meet the demands of a jet-setting life, with formulations that protect, nourish, and restore the skin, no matter the destination.
Brand: Charlotte Tilbury
Location: London, UK
Product: Charlotte’s Hollywood Skin Secrets Immediate Eye Revival Patches
Why we love it: Fans of Charlotte Tilbury waited anxiously for her Immediate Eye Revival Patches launch. With a promise to brighten and de-puff the under-eye area in just 10 minutes, Globetrotting understands why Charlotte Tilbury is the go-to makeup artist and skincare guru to well-travelled supermodels including Bella Hadid and Kate Moss. The compact container makes these eye patches a traveller’s top companion. www.charlottetilbury.com
Brand: The Care Principle
Location: Toronto, Canada
Product: Plantinol Anti-Wrinkle Serum
Why we love it: The Care Principle’s Plantinol Anti-Wrinkle Serum is already on its way to cult status. This plant-based, clean, and natural alternative to Retinol effectively fights wrinkles and fine lines while stimulating collagen production. Unlike Retinol, Plantinol is safe to use in sunlight and during the summer months, making this serum a traveller’s year-round skincare dream.
www.thecareprinciple.com
Brand: Youngblood Cosmetics
Location: Los Angeles, USA
Product: Hydra-Glow Treatment Balm
Why we love it: As long-time leaders of clean beauty, Youngblood has created another winner with their Hydra-Glow Treatment Balm. This nutrient-rich treatment cream provides skin with protection while antioxidants rejuvenate travel-weary skin. This cream does double duty working as a natural highlighter. No matter your destination, you’ll glow from within.
www.ybskin.com
Brand: Borghese
Location: Rome, Italy
Product: Advanced Fango Active Mud Mask for Body and Face
Why we love it: Borghese founder Princess Marcella Borghese was ahead of her time when she launched Fango Mud in 1985. Fango Mud became a cult classic in the 1990s, and it’s back. Inspired by the mineral-laden volcanic hills of Tuscany, Fango Mud is enhanced with a blend of extracts and oils. This treatment purifies skin while enhancing skin elasticity and fighting environmental pollution. The result is fresh skin that glows like a Roman god or goddess. We suggest using Fango Mud as a full-body post-travel treatment.
www.borghese.com
Brand: Shiseido
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Product: Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Why we love this: This clear sunscreen stick is easy to apply, portable, and immensely popular with travellers due to its lightweight formula. This ocean-friendly formula is water-resistant for 80 minutes and complies with the strict regulations of eco-aware destinations, including Hawai’i. We love the technology behind this sunscreen stick; the WetForce x HeatForce technology makes the sunscreen more effective in water and heat. Very cool.
www.shiseido.com
Brand: Hero Cosmeceuticals
Location: Nigeria
Product: Superhero Radiance Elixir
Why we love this: When Princess Richard emigrated from Nigeria to Canada in 2016, the shock to her skin hit hard. Toronto’s wild weather had Princess battling breakouts, uneven skin, and hyperpigmentation. From this experience, Princess turned her skincare stress into an educational passion, and in 2020, she opened the popular Skin Cave Beauty. In 2024, Princess expanded her empire to include skincare, and she recently launched Superhero Radiance Elixir. This elixir soothes and improves the look of uneven skin and fades the appearance of dark spots.
www.herocosmeceuticals.com
Hong Kong’s Living Legacy of Martial Arts
A trip to Hong Kong is a chance to follow in the footsteps of Bruce Lee and cultivate your physical wellbeing.
WORDS AREN BERGSTROM
Walk along the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong and you’ll inevitably come across a statue of Bruce Lee. It’s a gorgeous spot, the bronze statue of the late martial arts star backlit by the iconic Hong Kong skyline across the water. Created by Cao Chong-en, the bronze statue immortalizes the movie star who continues to inspire people years after his untimely death at the age of 32. It also serves as a reminder of the ways that Lee’s legacy continues to inspire Hongkongers to cultivate their bodies and minds through the practice of martial arts.
Even today, martial arts are a routine way for many Hongkongers to practice a healthier lifestyle. Practicing martial arts has obvious physical benefits: strength, balance, flexibility. But it also helps with coordination and mindfulness, decreases stress and increases focus. Not all martial arts are intense, either.
Tai Chi is gentle on the body, and thus, famously popular with older folks. In the early mornings along Tsim Sha Tsui, not far from the statue, you’ll find people practicing Tai Chi on pockets of
grass. Tai Chi is known for its slow, graceful movements capturing the balance between yin and yang. Join a morning class along Tsim Sha Tsui to experience the healthy routines of Tai Chi for yourself.
If you’re aiming to practice a martial art that’s a tad more martial, you’ll find Wing Chun classes readily available for visitors at the Yip Man Wing Chun Martial Arts Association north of the waterfront. Bruce Lee practiced Wing Chun under the tutelage of iconic grandmaster, Yip Man—you might recognize the name from the popular movie starring Donnie Yen. It’s also worth swinging by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum to see the Bruce Lee: Kung Fu, Art, Life exhibition to learn more about Lee’s life and legacy.
Of course, the cultivation of personal wellness doesn’t end with martial arts classes when visiting Hong Kong. A key part of martial arts philosophy is mental conditioning. As Bruce Lee wrote, “A concentrated mind is not an attentive mind, but a mind that is in the state of awareness can concentrate.”
The statue of Bruce Lee is the most iconic attraction on the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui East (left); It’s common to see groups of people practicing Tai Chi and wushu in the streets of Hong Kong (top middle); The Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan is one of many temples dedicated to the martial god Mo Tai (bottom middle); The Tian Tan Buddha watches over Hong Kong from the peak of Lantau Island (right)
If you’re seeking famous halls of meditation and Buddhist mindfulness, visit Tsing Shan Monastery at the base of Castle Peak (Hong Kong’s oldest temple and a key location in Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon) or Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, home to the Tian Tan Buddha. Po Lin Monastery offers intensive-multi day meditation retreats, but visitors can also opt for a few hours of reflection in the temple grounds. A guided lesson is the best way to learn mindfulness and take its core tenets to heart.
Looking out on the waters of Victoria Harbour, Lee’s famous words come to mind: “Empty your mind. Be formless. Shapeless. Like water.” Like the famous harbour, Lee’s legacy runs deep. Heed its call and discover the city’s living legacy for yourself.
A Journey Beyond the Panama Canal
Panama is more than a bridge connecting the Caribbean and Pacific; it’s a hotbed of biodiversity, cultural depth, and discovery.
WORDS SAEL FORSTER
Panama was once simply the answer to a trivia question in the back of my mind. Now that I’ve explored its living history and natural beauty for myself, I wonder how it ever missed my travel bucket list.
It’s mid-September, the heart of Panama’s rainy season, and my drive from the airport unveils the remnants of the Panama Viejo ruins, the last standing relics of the oldest European settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas. My guide, Jorje, tells me and my group that Panama Viejo was the first Panama City, thriving over 150 years before devastating fires, earthquakes, and a notorious pirate raid in the 17th century left the city ransacked and in ruins. I try to imagine what it must have been like to watch an entire city burn and crumble as we continue along the Pan American
Highway into the heart of Panama City, driving past skyscrapers, modest apartment buildings, and a statue of Vasco Nunez of Balboa, the Spanish explorer who first crossed Panama from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific. I eventually arrive at my hotel in Casco Viejo, Panama City’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, perched on a peninsula overlooking the Pacific and the Amador Causeway, reaching out to Perico and Flamenco Island.
“Enjoy my country!” Jorje tells me, as we shake hands and part ways. I would do just that.
Narrow brick-paved streets flanked by colourful colonial buildings lead us to the Metropolitan Cathedral in Plaza Mayor, its stunning Neoclassical and Baroque architecture transporting us to the earliest days of
Central Hotel Panamá in Casco Viejo was the country’s first hotel, built almost 150 years ago (top); The Chagres River is the largest in the Panama Canal’s watershed, flowing through Soberanía National Park (bottom).
Panama City. We finish our Panama City crash course over dinner at one of Casco Viejo’s renowned restaurants that upholds the city’s UNESCO-recognized gastronomic reputation.
The next day, we’re out of the city en route for the Panama Canal. Three red kayaks are waiting for us at Soberanía National Park on the edge of the Canal. After a short safety lesson, we begin our paddle into the Cagres River, carving through the park’s lush rainforest. It takes me a few minutes to figure out how to steer our kayak using the foot pedals, but we are flying across the water once I do. Hidden howler monkeys echo along the shoreline as we watch massive cargo ships pass through the Canal, from which we would later stand only a few feet away at the Miraflores Locks.
Returning to shore and venturing deeper into the rainforest, we learn about the thousands of local and migratory birds, amphibians, and mammals living in Panama’s rainforests, mangrove wetlands, and mountain cloud forests, all part of the vital Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. We hike further, eventually winding our way above the rainforest canopy in a spiral observation tower, watching tiny hummingbirds dart across the now clear and sunny sky.
My journey takes me to Boquete next. The town sits at the foot of the Chiriquí Province highlands, with winding roads bringing us up the mountains to a tree-top hotel where we depart on a tree trek, bouncing across bridges suspended across the trees.
Nearby Don Pepe Coffee Estate is our next stop. We begin with a tour of the estate before sipping on its world-renowned coffee, the estate’s rolling green hills gradually disappearing behind the clouds and enveloping us in a refreshing blanket of mist; the experience simply puts any other cafe to shame.
Winding mountain views and rural farmland roll by as we drive to Bocas del Toro on Panama’s Caribbean coast. We eventually hop into a water taxi and race to Colon Island for the final days of our trip, where we snorkel above vibrant coral reefs and relax on the postcard perfect Zapatilla Key.
When travelling, I usually write as much as possible to ensure I remember the people, stories, and places I discover. But I avoided my pen and paper in Panama. I knew that the memories I made here were ones I would never forget.
Which Island of Tahiti Is Calling Your Name?
There’s a bounty of natural and cultural variety to choose from among French Polynesia’s 118 islands and atolls.
WORDS CHRISTIAN BAINES
The name “Tahiti” conjures images of blue lagoons, powdery sands, and a Polynesian culture that welcomes visitors from all over the world. Tahiti, though, is just one island out of 118 islands and atolls that make up French Polynesia. Not sure where to go from there? Here are just a few of our favourite Islands of Tahiti.
Tahiti is your culture-rich gateway.
As the cultural, economic, and transit hub of French Polynesia, Tahiti is one of the most fascinating islands in the South Pacific, offering a close look at Polynesian culture both traditional and modern.
Papeete is French Polynesia’s capital and is home to many of French Polynesia’s best museums and restaurants, plus favourite spots like Les Roulottes. This
famed collection of food trucks and eclectic restaurants was serving locals and tourists alike fresh, delicious meals decades before “food truck cuisine” took off in North America. You can also visit natural wonders like Faarumai Waterfalls and Vallee de Papenoo, amazing museums like the Museum of Tahiti and The Islands, and explore the archipelago’s best shopping and nightlife.
Moorea is Tahiti’s honeymoon island.
Located just a short ferry ride or flight away from Papeete, Moorea offers that classic Tahitian experience, with its magnificent encircling lagoon, white sand beaches, overwater bungalows and green hinterland. It’s one of the most popular of The Islands of Tahiti, ideal for cost-savvy
travellers or families. It’s a fantastic spot for hikers too, with eight mountain peaks dominating its geography, and when your legs need a rest, switch to thrilling ziplining.
Moorea’s not all about active adventures; it’s a feast for the eyes with countless lookout points. That’s why it is no surprise that it’s a popular spot for destination weddings. Plus, its inviting beaches and gentle waters offer the chance to interact with active underwater life.
Bora Bora is French Polynesia at its most luxurious.
When you see images of French Polynesia where a black volcanic plug towers over green slopes lined with gentle, white sands, which disappear beneath clear, blue waters, the temperature of which hovers around 26°C (79°F) year-round…
welcome to Bora Bora. Often seen as the jewel in French Polynesia’s crown, Bora Bora captures the best of what The Islands of Tahiti have to offer, concentrated in one relatively compact atoll. It offers several resort options for all types of travellers including many with overwater bungalows and world-class restaurants that lure chefs from around the world, each keen to bring their own style to the nation’s Polynesian flavours. It’s a premiere destination, but undeniably worth it.
Taha’a, Huahine, and beyond offer a chance to explore French Polynesia’s variety.
Each of The Islands of Tahiti offers its own unique experience beyond its luxury resorts. Taha’a is famous for its vanilla production. Huahine is considered the
TahitiIsland
cradle of traditional Polynesian culture and contains the largest concentration of marae (ancient temples) in French Polynesia. The Marquesas Archipelago— known as The Land of Men—is famous for soaring mountains and rugged wildlife, while the Tuamotu Islands like Rangiroa and Fakarava offer some of the world’s best diving.
No matter if you’re looking for extreme luxury or a more specialized vacation, there’s an island in Tahiti calling your name.
Dipping into Colorado’s Best Hot Spring Experiences
Colorado is home to a wide variety of natural hot springs that offer a perfect respite on a road trip.
WORDS MOLLY O’BRIEN
The Dunton Bathhouse provides a pampering soak in a private spot in the refurbished 1800s western mining town. (Courtesy of Dunton Hot Springs)
Colorado is internationally famous for its winter sports and its wide array of ski resorts. What many folks don’t know is it’s also one of the best places to heat things up and experience the healing waters of a historical, natural hot spring.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
The Strawberry Park Hot Springs are storied waters located just outside Steamboat Springs. The springs have a varied history, having stood as homesteading land in the late 1800s and a hippie haven in the 70s famed for hosting up to 300 people camping around the hot springs at one time. They were finally saved from potential demolition and turned into an established and well-managed property in 1981.
There are four hot spring pools and options to enhance a visit with a relaxing spa experience, such as massages and Watsu therapy. During the daytime, it’s a family-friendly affair; but after dark, the springs transform into an adult-only, clothing-optional space.
Pagosa Hot Springs
Five hours southwest of Denver, these spiritual, healing springs are tucked into the San Juan Mountains at 2,172 m (7,126 ft) above sea level in the quaint mountain town of Pagosa Springs. The springs’ mother source is known to be the world’s deepest geothermal hot spring at 23 m (75 ft) in diameter and over 304 m (997 ft) deep. The Mother Spring feeds into 25 individual calming hot spring pools with geothermal waters containing 13 minerals, including potassium, magnesium, zinc, lithium, iron, and manganese, which have been proven to promote health benefits including better skin, lower blood pressure, and increased energy.
The waters were discovered hundreds of years ago by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and today are open to the public and accessible year-round. The waters can be experienced at a few different properties, including Healing Waters Resort & Spa, Overlook Hot Springs Spa, and The Springs Resort.
Dunton Hot Springs
The revamped, remote 1800s Old West-era mining town turned ghost town, Dunton Hot Springs, is nestled into a scenic alpine valley of the San Juan Mountains, 2,621 m (8,600 ft) above sea level. It’s flanked by stunning views of the local 4,267 m (14,000 ft) high mountains just 90 minutes outside Telluride. The town has been transformed into a modern but rustic Relais & Châteaux resort with 14 luxurious log cabin accommodations and one upscale, insulated tent.
The springs range in temperature from 29.5°C to 41°C (85°F to 106°F) and are of the “calcium bicarbonate type” (said to assist in opening peripheral blood vessels to improve circulation to the body’s extremities). There’s a strong concentration of dissolved iron and manganese (which converts blood sugar to energy and promotes healthy skin) and a bit of lithium. Guests can choose between several ways to experience the waters: under the stars and straight from the source, as well as in a pool outside of the bathhouse, behind the Dunton Store cabin, and inside the Well House cabin.
Glenwood Hot Springs
There are three areas in this quaint town located between Aspen and Vail, where you can immerse yourself in the ultimate soaking experience.
At Glenwood Hot Springs Resort, you can encounter several expansive pools on-site, including the original historic pool
that’s been drawing visitors since the late 1800s. It is known as the world’s largest hot springs pool and contains more than one million gallons of water.
At Iron Mountain Hot Springs, along the banks of the Colorado River close to the Glenwood Gondola and Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, there are more than a dozen mineral spring pools with temperatures ranging from 36.6°C to 42°C (98°F to 108°F).
At The Yampah Vapor Caves—one of the only known vapor caves in North America with naturally occurring mineral-rich steam—experience a special type of healing ambiance in one of three dimly lit rooms outfitted with benches for sitting and soaking in the naturally therapeutic vapors.
The Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop Road Trip Experience
Colorado has no shortage of awesome hot springs. If you ultimately can’t decide or don’t want to pick just one, there’s always The Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop road trip that showcases 23 of the best hot springs spots via self-guided itineraries for unique soaking experiences.
Tailor-made itineraries that include stops and stays in Colorado will be available to book with Goway in 2025. Watch for an announcement in our email newsletter and on social media.
The Pagosa Hot Springs consist of 25 individual pools. (Courtesy of Visit Pagosa Springs)
A Skeptic’s Guide to Wellness
Some
practical tips for travellers who are allergic to health trends and fitness fads.
WORDS AREN BERGSTROM
Does reading every article on the newest health product that supposedly unlocks longevity give you hives? Does every mention of alternative medicines and fitness breakthroughs leave you in a cold sweat? Then you, my friend, are a wellness skeptic.
Don’t worry, I’m not here to judge. I’m one too. I appreciate fitness and nutrition and mindfulness as much as the next person, but wellness can often seem so consumerist, as if some newfangled product can make us immortal or undo all our bad habits and lifestyles.
Don’t get me wrong. I understand the global appeal. We’re all feeling worn down and could use a pick-me-up. But often, engaging with some wellness trends while travelling can feel like you’re being sold a bill of goods that reality has no hopes of accounting for. Being an experienced traveller, I’ve come up with a few mental tricks to approach wellness. They should help you navigate the ubiquity of wellness without catching the fever for yourself.
1. Be specific: The first way I got over my allergic reaction to wellness was to banish the word “wellness” from my usual vocabulary altogether. Not every relaxing or healthy experience you have while travelling needs to be categorized in an effort to make it fit into a neat box. Exercise, meditation, spiritual practices, and connection with nature can all count as wellness, but don’t need to be defined as such. Rather, you can simply take your travels as they come, and enjoy
the experiences presented to you, whether a massage, a meditation, or, yes, a healthy meal.
2. Be honest: Everyone loves a good massage. Whatever kind of traveller you label yourself as, there’s nothing wrong with hitting up the spa or enjoying some R and R. Travel is meant to be relaxing. It’s meant to help your wellbeing and fitness (hence, the portmanteau “wellness”). Sometimes relaxation is simply relaxation, a visit to a spa a nice break from routine, a massage only a means of loosening the tensions in your back, no more. You don’t need to eat algae or sign up for a detox program to prove you get it, that you want to unwind and feel better.
3. Be yourself: Follow your interests and get in touch with yourself when travelling. I take a cue from Zen meditation. In Japan, I once visited Shinshoji Zen Museum and Gardens outside Onomichi, where I spent a couple hours with the abbot of the monastery. He taught me some Zen meditation techniques but never spent even a moment discussing their health or longevity benefits. He simply taught me to relax and focus on a point in front of me, to regulate my breath, to feel the za-zen, breathing in, exhaling out, letting my body cue my mind to rest through focus. It was invigorating and the time flew by quicker than the snap of his stick on my back. (Seriously.)
Get out of your own head. Stop worrying about labels or what the world outside says you ought to care about. You do you. That’s all that ultimately matters.
An Octogenarian Adventure: Around the World in 100 Days
Two best friends recreate the first flight around the world on its 100th anniversary.
WORDS MITCHELL FAWCETT
On September 28, 2024, Bob Bates and Barry “Baz” Payne landed their single-engine monoplane on a runway in Hagen, Papua New Guinea. They were welcomed by water cannons and a joyful crowd at the very same airport they departed from 100 days earlier to start their incredible round-the-world journey. Just as impressive, it was 100 years ago to the day that the world’s first aerial circumnavigation of the world concluded.
Bob and Baz are both over 80 years old, earning the duo a membership in the United Flying Octogenarians among nearly 2,000 other pilots. Although the original 100-day flight happened over a decade before they were born, it was always a dream of theirs to recreate the trailblazing journey. Years of planning culminated in a global trek of 22,350 nautical miles, 40 flights, 10 countries, and 153 total flying hours.
Bob and Goway Founder & President Bruce Hodge are longtime friends, both hailing from Australia and forging paths as tourism pioneers since the 1970s. Bob has resided in Papua New Guinea for over 60 years, where he operates the country’s leading tour company and wilderness lodges, all of which are a key part of Goway’s tours of the region. The island nation has a special significance as the departure and arrival point for Bob and Baz’s journey: Amelia Earhart made her final, fateful takeoff there in 1937.
The duo is grateful that modern technology ensured a safe journey, including a Garmin satellite tracker that allowed their friends and family to follow their journey. “Even though our aircraft was over 60 years old, the fact that it was all metal was a difference from 100 years ago,” says Bob. “We also didn’t have to do any wing or engine changes like they did.”
This pair of pilots are incredibly seasoned from decades of flying, facing the challenges of their journey with calm confidence. One harrowing moment occurred during their crossing of the Greenland ice cap. Flying at 6,000 feet, they navigated through clouds and eventually climbed to 13,000 feet to clear massive glaciers and mountains. The sights were spectacular, but the descent into Narsarsuaq Airport was tense, with icebergs drifting dangerously close to the runway.
Their experiences on the ground were also memorably uplifting, with stops in Guam, Japan, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and the United States. Warm welcomes from locals were plentiful, especially for a last-minute change to their route near the East Coast of Canada.
The Hodge family owns a summer cottage near Muskoka, Ontario, a small region north of Toronto. Bruce Hodge extended an invitation to land at the Muskoka airport, taking full advantage of the opportunity to welcome them with open arms and crews of television cameras waiting on the runway.
The most rewarding part of the trip, both men agreed, was sharing the experience. “Travelling together has been the best part,” says Bob. “It wasn’t just about the adventure. We could make decisions together, share new experiences, and create memories with new friends we met along the way.”
Now safely at home, Bob is looking forward to getting back to the excitement of operating his business, Trans Niugini Tours. More adventures await him in the wilds of Papua New Guinea, one of the most exciting frontiers in travel today.
Bob Bates and Barry Payne landed in Muskoka to visit old friend, Bruce Hodge. (Courtesy of Follow Me North Photography)
Bob and Baz’s single-engine monoplane took them 22,350 nautical miles around the world.
(Courtesy of Bob Bates & Barry Payne)
New Trends in the World of Group Wellness Travel
As wellness goes mainstream, group travel is evolving to incorporate more holistic wellness experiences.
At Goway GroupsOnly, we’re seeing a lot of trends start to emerge in the growing wellness group travel space. Traditionally, wellness during a group vacation included some morning yoga or an afternoon at the spa. But now, we’re seeing trips with vegan culinary options or juicing menus, sound bathing and meditation with monks, purification programs and advanced spa treatments. Typically, women are the ones leading the way in innovating group wellness itineraries.
We’re also seeing wellness transition to a deeper level, with entire itineraries dedicated to wellness and personal growth. These new kinds of group trips incorporate a holistic view of health and lifestyle and tailor their inclusions around the nourishment of mind, body, and spirit. For instance, life coaches are taking their communities offline out into the world for detox retreats or week-long intensive yoga itineraries. One trip we’ve planned sees travellers venture across Costa Rica from La Fortuna to Tamarindo, soaking in thermal pools, taking part in organic cooking classes, and enjoying daily yoga in between volcano hikes and sloth tours. We see groups wanting to give back by participating in community projects in Africa.
Of course, group trips don’t need to focus solely on wellness at the expense of other interests. Wellness combines nicely with time spent in nature. We’ve booked groups to Colombia, where the itinerary features both deep hydration soaks in mineral springs in the Santa Rosa de Cabal hot springs and hikes through the palm trees of the Cocora Valley. The most popular wellness destinations include Indonesia, India, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Morocco, Costa Rica, Iceland, and the countries of Scandinavia, but transformational travel can be found throughout the world depending on what aspects your group is looking for.
Booking wellness experiences with a group also comes with an added cost benefit. “Typically, wellness retreats and experiences can be pricey,” says Ayesha Colquhoun, Goway Group Specialist. “But booking these experiences as a group really drives down the cost per person. Thus, the value in going away with a group is incredible!”
The beauty of planning with a Group Specialist is that you can tailor everything to the individual interests of your group travellers. If you have an answer to “what kind of group are you?,” then we have a group wellness experience with your name on it.
You Can Be a Group Leader !
Whatever your reason for travelling or who you want to travel with, Goway GroupsOnly is ready to help you plan a tailor-made group vacation as unique as you and your guests.
At Goway GroupsOnly, we’re the experts in planning custom group vacations for any group of 10 or more travellers. No matter you and your clients’ interests or travel needs, we have the expertise, connections, and travel experience to plan a trip that’s right for your group. Rely on the real group experts to tailor a group vacation full of unique inclusions and unforgettable experiences.
5 Reasons to Plan with Goway GroupsOnly
• We are one of the largest dedicated group teams in North America.
• We offer tailor-made group trips to 115 countries on all seven continents.
• We have a team of 40 ready to help you plan your group trip.
• We have been in business for 54 years.
• Group leaders can qualify for free trips.
We make booking groups easy.
How to Make the Most of the Spa
Visits to the spa can serve as cushions to ease you in and out of every trip.
WORDS CAROLYN WEPPLER
I have a favourite saying when I travel: “It’s not a vacation until I’ve been to the spa.” There are few experiences better suited to helping you relax and enjoy a trip. While there are many ways to approach spa visits while travelling, I have a few tried and true routines that have served me well over the years.
Ideally, I hit up my first spa at the first destination on the itinerary. I try to visit in the mid-afternoon on the second day, as this gives me one night of sleep, a morning of activity, and lunch. Just as you are thinking about taking a nap, you hit the spa for a jetlag recovery massage. This way, you gently fall into a calm, sleep-like state as all your aches from being squished on the plane fade away. Plus, you get an automatic wakeup call if you fall asleep. I also recommend fitting a half-day experience into your rest and relaxation portion of the trip. Ideally, do as the locals do, such as a hammam and spa in Morocco, Egypt, or Türkiye. Approaching the spa this way gives you some local insight in addition to pampering relaxation.
Don’t get me wrong: hotel spas are fantastic as well. They often have private relaxation areas with saunas, steam baths, and a hot tub. But they can be pricey. If you are a tad budget conscious, I suggest that you book a local spa, which may not offer the extras, but still provides outstanding services at typically a third to a half the cost. Of course, if you are in any Southeast Asian country, you must book a foot massage, which can start from $10 for a full hour. Near the end of your trip, I tend to incorporate a wind-down spa visit, which fits nicely into the last full day when you’re bummed to be going home. Think of it as a goodbye treat. This is also the perfect time for a facial and body scrub to fully hydrate before getting back on the plane to head home.
Spas might seem old hat in the modern day, but they remain a reliably wonderful way to recharge while travelling the world.
Odysseys by Goway
Unforgettable Small Group Journeys, Guided by Goway
goway.com/odysseys
• Stay Longer, Explore More
• Join Small Groups for Close Connections
• Enjoy Elevated Travel Experiences
• Receive Premium Service Guided by Globetrotters
Ceremonial Tribal Mask from Papua New Guinea
This artifact serves as an inspiring reminder of past adventures in Papua New Guinea.
Years ago, Goway Founder & President, Bruce Hodge, explored Papua New Guinea alongside tour operator and octogenarian aviator Bob Bates (see pg. 56). He purchased a ceremonial tribal mask, which has since become one of the more bold and eclectic artifacts in Goway’s private archives. Carved from solid wood and adorned with feathers, teeth, and a figurine of a crocodile, the mask was likely worn during tribal gatherings and celebrations known as sing-sings. Today, it adorns the walls of Goway headquarters, reminding staff and visitors of the cultural wonders that await them when exploring far-flung corners of the world such as Papua New Guinea.
On a tailor-made Goway vacation, you and your clients do the dreaming, we do the planning.
Our Story
From its inception, Goway has been fuelled by a passion for travel. In 1970, Bruce Hodge moved from Australia to Canada and founded Goway out of his apartment in Toronto. Over 50 years later, Goway is one of North America’s leading travel companies and the the foremost provider of travel experiences to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
Goway offers tailor-made trips to over 115 countries worldwide. It’s a family-owned company still owned and operated by Bruce Hodge, which employees over 650 team members around the world. Its headquarters is in Toronto and it has offices in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Sydney, and Manila. Goway plans tailor-made travel experiences for world travellers, while also providing wholesale travel services to professional travel advisors. As well, Goway has dedicated groups, air, and corporate divisions.
Tailor-Made
Every trip planned with Goway is tailored to your client’s exact needs and interests.
Elevated Goway offers exclusive travel products with up to 5-star accommodation and a focus on privateguided touring.
Expert
Our Destination Specialists are authentic experts, having lived, worked, or travelled extensively through the destinations we sell.
Global
We offer tailor-made travel experiences to over 117 countries on all seven continents. With Goway, your clients can explore the world their way.
In the 1970s, Goway specialized in overland tours, which often featured exciting bridge crossings, as pictured here.
