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.
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.
Surrounded by luscious natural beauty, Six Senses is the only resort in Laamu Atoll, a marvellous environment for watersports, sea exploration and the ideal family holiday. Six Senses blends excitement with comfort, intimacy with communal areas, and a variety of activities to please all members of the family.
There’s a subtle art to the escape. Some believe it is a matter of dropping everything and diving into forgetfulness. Eager to disconnect from modern life we sometimes disengage. Cheval Blanc have a different approach for the Maldives: to leave behind all burdens, but to enjoy the finest things in life.
Some places make very lasting impressions. Gili Lankanfushi, my favourite resort in the Maldives, is such a place. Its long jetties stretch over the lagoon passages to the endless beauty of the ocean blue. All the worries and the burdens of modern life slipped off my shoulders and I regained some of the innocence of Eden.
Joali is a work of art in unison with nature perfect for a romantic getaway. Amidst the aquamarine, the Raa Atoll in Northern Maldives appears as a droplet, with a vanilla glow surrounding the lush foliage. As the sea plane kisses the shore, the meandering strings of 73 villas of Joali emerge. Many pleasant joys await, starting with a magical welcome from your personal butler – ‘Jadugar’
