In the mountains of Japan, above mist-covered forest, there remain the echoes of powerful ascetics, in legend bestowed with supernatural powers and shrouded in mystery. These are the Yamabushi, the practitioners of Shugendo, a form of esoteric Buddhism that incorporates many elements from Shintoism, Japan’s oldest religion. Discover Japan’s spirituality alongside one of the Yamabushi.
There aren’t many 74 ft catamarans in the world, less than a dozen by my count. My friends Giorgia and Stefano have turned their 74 feeter into a home in the sea, available for charter by groups of up to eight travellers and a crew of four. With artful purpose, they have redesigned the ship, making their Blue Deer unique among an already exclusive club, course set to dreamland.
Corte della Maestà is the refuge of my dear friends Paolo and Cristiana. Together, they have created a special hotel that is also their home. Curating a marvellous art collection, and welcoming guests to their fascinating world of beauty, passion and courage, any stay at Corte is unique, just as this place is inimitable.
How lovely is this tiny spot on the vast Indian Ocean! Mauritius’ south-west coast ranges from well-tended herb gardens to the wild, upland forests of the Black River Gorges. This delicious dialogue creates the setting for Shanti Maurice, one of my favourite proponents of beach lifestyle in the Indian Ocean — a top order.
The perfect stay in Japan has no address. You will find it cruising in the middle of the sea. Guntû is a floating hotel that roams the tranquil waters of the Seto Inland Sea in Japan. Built to embody Japanese aesthetic ideals, you will immerse yourself in a world of calm, as you glide over the wooden surfaces and clean designs, and ever-changing vistas envelop you whole.
Tibet lures the imagination. It is a place where stories, spirituality and a unique culture come together with an inhospitable landscape that is vast and dramatic. Tibet is alluring because, but for a few spots, it is not frequented by tourists. Due to the terrain, the remoteness and the few services, it has remained untouched, and the perfect destination for those on a quest.
Eastern Tibet is a region of wonder and discovery. The pristine nature and the unforgiving mountains make it an isolated and untouched part of the world. Travelling in Eastern Tibet was usually reserved for those with a taste for roughing it up a bit: tents, fireside meals and, of course, exposure to the weather. Songtsam lodges are changing this, offering high-end accommodations in remote places.
If you are traveling in Tibet, you will certainly go to Lhasa. While there are luxury hotels in the city, boutique accommodations that are up to standards are a rare find. However, Songtsam Linka Lhasa is such a place. It offers the serenity of a retreat high in the mountains, while at the same time being close enough to the city to enjoy the local landmarks such as Potala Palace.
A unique dwelling at the heart of the Thaa Atoll, Maalifushi is the only resort in the Atoll and an undisturbed tropical gem of Maldives. You are greeted with the calming aroma of eucalyptus, camphor, peppermint, and bergamot as you enter this unperturbed haven. Tingle your taste buds with the most eclectic cuisines Maldives has to offer with an island touch from around the world.
Sheldon Chalet is one of those places that give me a serious case of wanderlust. Located near the summit of Denali, you find yourself surrounded by the wildest Alaskan nature. Such a place shouldn’t even be possible but the Sheldon Family own 5-acres within Denali National Park, a type of concession that is no longer granted.
