PACK YOUR BAGS!
Fabulous destinations make travelling both simple and spectacular
Pool Factor
Luxury hospitality brand X2 just opened X2 Pattaya Oceanphere in Bang Saray, a tranquil Thai fishing village on the eastern coastline. Designed by Bangkok‑based Creative Crews, it has 59 all‑pool villas with monolithic concrete walls for absolute privacy. Guests can mingle at The Hub’s rooftop pool or the all‑day dining Ocean Bistro.
Havana, Oh La La
Whether it’s the sultry notes of salsa from the doorways of Old Havana or the colourful colonial towns, Cuba is the star feature in the bespoke shore excursions cruise leader Silversea has lined up for its 2019 and 2020 all‑suite vessels. Havana By Classic American Car, for instance, has a driver/guide and takes you past the waterfront, the Plaza de la Revolucion, landmarks, churches and more before stopping for a mojito and a Cubano.
Walk This Way
Walk Japan has launched San’in Quest, a guided walking tour through far west Honshu. Starting in Yamaguchi, the 9D/8N trip walks you through spectacular history, lesser‑known rural terrain and the San’in’s tranquil, almost primeval landscape. Tour group sizes are capped at 12. Book now (walkjapan.com) for the April 22 to 30 or November 3 to 11 journeys this year. The packages include ryokan stays.
Read, Reflect, Contemplate
Order tea and immerse yourself in a literary treat at The Library, a peaceful, sophisticated space at YTL Hotels’ The Academy Hotel on Gower Street, London, with 400 books. It’s dedicated to the Bloomsbury Set of famous writers, intellectuals, philosophers and artists, including Virginia Woolf and E.M. Forster, who frequently met in the area.
Safari Style
The Jackal & Hide, a luxe Meru tented retreat operated by Natural Selection, believes that photography safari tourism will help conserve Africa’s last great wild places. Set in the 200,000ha Khwai Private Reserve of Botswana’s Greater Okavango Delta region, its big pull is guided photographic safaris. Stays are full-board and include all safari activities. For bookings, visit natural selection. travel/ contact-us.