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D R E A M B I G

Kyoto

The heart and soul of Japanese culture awaits, with temples, shrines, geishas, festivals, and rock gardens. Stroll the Gion and Higashiyama neighborhoods in search of handmade crafts or the freshest sushi. Visit the renovated Kiyomizu-Dera temple by day and take in the views from the K36 Rooftop bar at sunset. Enjoy an authentic stay in a Buddhist temple, a traditional Japanese Ryokan, or a luxurious pavilion at Aman Kyoto, surrounded by an ancient forest.

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Bhutan

Remote and unspoiled, this Himalayan kingdom recently re-opened to visitors. Bhutan has done an exceptional job protecting its people and traditions, and the country is unlike any other. Visit Punakha Dzong, one of the largest monasteries in Asia, and hike up to Tiger’s Nest, the country’s most emblematic site. Taste Bhutan’s spicy cuisine, trek the national parks, shop for handicrafts, and wander through countryside markets. Prepare to be enchanted by the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

This vibrant and sophisticated city is set in a spectacular natural harbor and today has more to offer than ever. Swim in a rock pool with waves crashing, climb Harbour Bridge, go backstage at the Opera House, trace ancient footsteps with an Aboriginal cultural guide, or wander through The Rocks, the country’s oldest neighborhood. Taste Australia’s most awarded menus at Quay Restaurant within the inner harbor, catch the sunset at redesigned Aster rooftop bar, or for the ultimate experience, arrive by floatplane and have lunch at Cottage Point.

Qatar

This small Arabian Gulf nation has reinvented itself for the 2022 World Cup, inspired by the past and the future. Immerse yourself in traditional Qatari culture when visiting the Museum of Islamic Art, shopping at the Souq Waqif Market, or enjoying a desert camel ride at sunset. Marvel at cutting-edge architecture, including the stunning National Museum of Qatar (resembling a desert rose), and discover the Pearl, a manmade island considered the region’s new Arabian Riviera.

Previous spread, from left: Locals walk to the The One&Only Nyungwe House; the bronze Dordenma Statue in Thimphu, Bhutan. Left: The National Museum of Qatar. Opposite: Sunset enhances colorful homes in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.

Rwanda

A warm and welcoming people, towering volcanoes, endless rainforests, humid wetlands, and rich wildlife come together in Rwanda, the star of Central Africa. Experience the thrill of spotting golden monkeys, lions, and the star attraction — mountain gorillas. Stay in style at One&Only’s superb luxury lodges, Gorilla’s Nest and Nyungwe House, the perfect blend of high-end living surrounded by pristine wilderness. A must: visiting the King’s Palace in Nyanza, a reproduction of a traditional royal residence.

Greenland

One of the last frontiers, Greenland is the closest landmass to the North Pole. The best way to visit this ultimate Arctic destination is by expedition ship, allowing you to experience spectacular landscapes, deep fjords, fishing villages and majestic mountains with all the creature comforts. Admire ancient Viking settlements, soak up the rich Inuit culture in Nuuk or Nanotarlik, or kayak and hike along the coast. Explore Ilulissat, the UNESCO World Heritage ice fjord, called “birthplace of icebergs” by the native Inuit.

British Columbia

Canada’s natural wonderland has something for everyone. Think worldclass outdoor sports and adventures, sophisticated cities like Vancouver and Victoria, great wines in the Okanagan region, rugged mountain landscapes, and fantastic winter sports in Whistler (and that’s just for starters!). Connect with 200-plus First Nations communities and meet the people with a heritage going back thousands of years. For an immersive experience, stay at indigenous-owned Klahoose Wilderness Resort in the Great Bear Rainforest, and spot Kermode (Spirit) bears in the wild.

Ecuador

Beyond its famed Galápagos archipelago, this Colorado-sized South American country packs a punch, with tropical beaches, Andean highlands, and the vast Amazon rainforest. Explore Quito and Cuenca, the country’s UNESCO

World Heritage colonial cities, admire active volcanoes, shop traditional handicraft markets, enjoy outdoor pursuits, visit an Inca archaeological site, and taste delicious menus from every region and altitude. Best of all, Ecuador offers exceptional value: The US Dollar is legal tender as of the year 2000.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA

America’s best-loved small city continues to enchant visitors with a spirited dining and shopping scene, historic landmarks, and a skyline defined by colorful church steeples. Charleston’s living history is everywhere — in plantation estates, meticulously renovated antebellum homes, and the colorful waterfront mansions of Rainbow row, dating back to the 1740s. Slow down with a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride, relax in trendy rooftop bar, or unwind at a barrier island beach.

PIEDMONT, ITALY

Move over, Tuscany. Italy’s next hotspot is Piedmont, home of Nutella, Asti Spumante, Nebbiolo D’Alba reds, and the finest truffles. Soak up the fascinating history of the royal Savoy dynasty in Turin, Italy’s first capital, and wander through the splendid Stupinigi and Venaria Reale palaces. Explore the glorious Langhe countryside and its vineyards, medieval hill towns, and ancient castles. Don’t miss the beautiful lakes, Maggiore and Orta, surrounded by charming villages. Stay in style at Hotel Villa e Palazzo Aminta or Villa Crespi for memorable piemontese hospitality.

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