Travel Report

Armchair travelling in style, remote destinations to discover and our round-up of places to dream about now

Armchair travelling in style, remote destinations to discover and places to dream about

CHECKING IN

With armchair travelling being the new norm, hotels have come up with creative ways to inspire a five-star experience at home. For the ultimate self-care staycation, peruse the Belmond Care Package, an online guide that offers ideas for a relaxing morning routine, exquisite cocktails for happy hour, and cultural recommendations to fill the day. The Anantara Nomads blog also has stories and videos to help soothe your wanderlust. Of course, it’s impossible to replicate the exceptional destinations in your living room, but it doesn’t hurt to dream your day away. belmond.com/care-package; anantara.com/en/blog

WELL AND GOOD

Whether you’re looking for a meditation retreat or an integrated medical immersion, there’s something for every wellness connoisseur at Aman. Its new wellness programmes for 2020 are centred on bolstering the body’s natural defence system and strengthening the mind. Drawing from a balance of ancient therapies and advanced scientific knowledge, guests can embark on a Traditional Medicine Immune Support Retreat using Ayurvedic principles at Amanbagh in Rajasthan, India, or a three-day Holistic Immune Support Retreat at Amanjena, Marrakech—a property that celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Continue the ritual at home with the newest addition to Aman Skincare: the Ultimate Bath Set, which includes four products that elevate your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary. aman.com

LIVING ON THE EDGE

The idea of staying in a bunker has become increasingly attractive, and these hotels offer a glimpse of life far from the madding crowd. The serene Pedras Salgadas Spa & Nature Park in northern Portugal features modular eco-houses and treehouses designed by architect Luis Rebelo de Andrade. Built in harmony with its lush surroundings, the spartan interiors put the emphasis squarely on nature. Formerly an inn for workers of a power plant in Selfoss, Iceland, this abandoned building was transformed by Minarc design studio into Ion Adventure Hotel (pictured above). The boutique hotel’s stark architecture uses an environmentally friendly prefabricated panelised building system; its eco ethos can be seen in every detail, from the fair-trade organic linen to the water-saving shower systems. designhotels.com