Tiger Leaping Gorge? “I’ve always wanted to go there!” Any mention of this famous, multi-day hike through one of the world’s deepest ravines elicits wistful sighs from would-be travelers, who consider Yunnan’s northern climes too remote for anything less than a full-on trekking expedition. In truth, Tiger Leaping Gorge isn’t at all hard to get to from Hong Kong, thanks to Sichuan Airlines’ thrice-weekly flights straight into Lijiang—the closest airport to the national park where you’ll begin your trek.
Yunnan’s Tiger Leaping Gorge may have a reputation as a wild, remote corner of China—but Sarah Fung discovers that actually, it can be tackled in a long weekend. Photos by Steve Fung.
Like any sane human being, I prefer flying at night. Airplane dinner is better than airplane breakfast, the cabin is dimmed like a theater and so nobody can see the drool gobs pooling on your shirt. With a little luck, you might even be able to sleep and have one of those dreams that you’re flying, and, as anyone can tell you, you are. Plus it staves off the inevitable morning moment of waking up eye-to-eye with a sweaty businessman from the States.
The buzz: Located in Southern India, this refurbished plantation—built in the late 1800s—is surrounded by coffee, tea and spice fields. The entire property is a homestay and includes a larger tree villa and a slightly smaller treehouse, which rests under a flamboyantly colorful Gulmohar tree.
Bored of all those high-rise hotels? Book yourself some treetop accommodation for a greener way to stay above the crowd. By Chin Hui Wen.
Starting at USD1,075 ($8,350), the Simple Luxury package offers a two-night retreat at the Imperial or Premiere Villa, including private lunch at the Eternal restaurant and 5-hour car charter tour around the beautiful Canggu Beach. Also offered is a three-night Romantic Hideaway for two (starting at $9120) catered to couples and honeymooners, which includes candlelight dinner at the villa and two-hour sunset tour of the Tanah Lot Temple.
In celebration of its two-year anniversary, Bali’s luxurious beach resort Ametis Villa is offering two retreat packages for those seeking a relaxing getaway.
Singaporean landmark The Raffles Hotel has expanded to The Philippines with the Raffles Makati, a 30-story tower in the middle of Manila’s Makati financial district.
It’s home to a 280-room hotel, with 32 suites—each with floor-to-ceiling views of Manila. And if you find yourself growing really, really attached to the view, the tower also hosts 237 flats that are up for sale.
Charles Darwin didn't discover evolution alone, you know. His trips in the Beagle to the Galapagos islands were supported by august institutions such as the Royal Geographical Society, founded in 1830 to advance geographical sciences.
And they can help you get there too, thanks to a partnership with luxury cruisers Silversea. Guests on a trip to the Galapagos islands, for example, will get access to a whole bunch of special content designed to make sure that by the time you rock up, you'll know everything there is to know about natural selection.
Mayfair’s Stafford London Hotel has recently launched a “Horcierge” room package that includes a two-night stay in one of their historical “carriage rooms”—which served as a thoroughbred stable in the 18th century—as well as a two-hour guided tour around one of the city’s many beautiful parks.
Depending on your ability and availability, you might even get to ride around Windsor Park, residence of the Queen and site of the famous Ascot races. There’s also plenty of British wildlife to see from horseback.
If you’re in London this summer, why not make like the upper-crust and go for a horseback adventure around one of the city’s many parks?
