1 Paradise on Earth
It doesn’t get dreamier than this. Impossibly blue waters framed by talcum-white sands, palm trees waving softly in the breeze. Even by Maldives’ standards, the Heritance Aarah is standout. Sitting in the Raa Atoll, 40 minutes by seaplane from the Maldivian capital of Malé, the journey here is mesmerising – the arrival, jaw-dropping.
Stay in an overwater ocean suite with infinity pool and you’ll never want to leave. Enjoy fine dining in the intimacy of your room and accompany it with top-notch drops from a personal wine cellar. Then spend the evening stargazing from your plunge pool, before being rocked to sleep in your suite by the hypnotic sound of the waves. Sound like a honeymoon?
It is, but children are welcome here too. Adults-only and family areas are cleverly zoned, leading Forbes magazine to name Heritance Aarah its ‘Best Beachfront All-Inclusive Resort For Families’ in 2024. Heritance is also renowned for its inclusive culinary and beverage offering, with seven open-air eateries and bars. Don’t miss Ambula, an overwater restaurant where chefs take fine dining to new heights in a signature Sri Lankan-Maldivian eight-course dinner degustation with paired wines.
Then spend your days snorkelling, diving, canoeing or kite surfing – the aqua waters are star of the show here. Because to call this resort an oasis from life is an understatement – it’s the utopia of dreams. heritancehotels.com/aarah
2 New frontiers
If you haven’t heard of Socotra, you’re not alone. This remote isolated isle in the northwest Indian Ocean near the Gulf of Aden is a place where cliffs cleave into lagoons, white sand beaches have gin-coloured water and there are endless rolling sand dunes. Whether it’s Socotra, or exploring the ancient architecture and remote cobbled villages where shepherds herd flocks in Uzbekistan in Central Asia, travelling to destinations few have heard of, let alone stepped food on, is the new frontier in travel – and it has life-changing results.
3 Night glider
There’s only one thing better than paragliding over the Swiss Alps, and that is doing it at night. Swooping and soaring high above the breathtaking Eastern Alps by moonlight is a travel dream finding itself on many a bucket list. The Kulm Hotel in Saint Moritz is taking guests to new heights with its ‘Moonlight Paragliding with Davide Grosina’ experience.
Here, you’ll fly high into an inky alpine sky enthralled by the evening light of the Engadin, before enjoying a night of splendorous stargazing once you land. kulm.com
4 Water world
Under the crystalline waters of our World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef lies a vibrant wonderland teeming with colour and life. And dive operators have been listening to the urgent whistle call to preserve it. Many eco-diving companies are leading the way in Queensland, including Tusa Reef Tours, which boasts a string of green-certification credentials. An Advanced Eco Certified business, Tusa has proven its determination to have minimal impact on the precious reef and the colourful creatures who call it home. So pull on an oxygen mask and flippers next time you visit this gorgeous part of the world, safe in the knowledge there are dive companies doing their part to protect it. Other operators championing preservation of the Reef include Passions of Paradise, Quicksilver Cruises, Ocean Freedom, and Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel. tusareeftours.com.audreamtimedive.com
5 Connect to Country
With striking natural landscapes, rich Indigenous history, and a treasure trove of exciting attractions to explore, a trip to Kakadu is an absolute must.
Connecting with the oldest living culture on Earth while immersing yourself in breathtaking natural scenery? If that resonates with you, it’s time to explore the top end.
Experience the Indigenous-owned Mercure Kakadu Crocodile Hotel in Kakadu, an architectural tribute to the region’s renowned saltwater crocodile. Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture, showcased through local art and artist workshops, offering insight into the region’s creative heritage.
Nestled in the Jabiru township of Kakadu National Park, the hotel serves as your gateway to the northern region’s attractions, including Bowali, Ubirr, Cahills Crossing, and Arnhem Land. After your adventures, unwind in the hotel’s pools or savour fresh NT barramundi at the on-site Manjmukmuk Restaurant and Bar.
Next, take a step deeper into Kakadu with a short 40-minute journey to Cooinda, providing prime access to the park’s marvels.
Engage in a rich Indigenous Cultural Experience with an induction tour at Patonga Homestead, where you’ll delve into the traditional customs, stories, and sustainable practices of the park’s Traditional Owners.
Cooinda Lodge offers diverse accommodation options, from luxury suites, glamping tents to basic camping. Refresh in the resort pools and indulge in various on-site dining options.
Embark on a Yellow Water Billabong Cruise to witness Kakadu’s flora and fauna, which transform with each of the six seasons, from verdant wetlands to arid basins.
Enhance your adventure with an overnight stay at the Kakadu Billabong Safari Camp, enjoying guided tours, gourmet bush cuisine, and the nocturnal beauty of the Kakadu wilderness under a starlit sky.
Kakadu National Park is the perfect location to explore the stunning landscapes of these sacred lands, offering a potentially life-enriching experience you’ll cherish forever.
6 Big in Japan
The Japanese
