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<p>Goa is rightly considered one of the most desirable destinations in India. It boasts beautiful long, palm-fringed beaches, tranquil backwaters, a slew of historic buildings emanating from its Portuguese colonial past and amazing parties. Its unique blend of the East and West differentiates the state from the rest of the vast expanse of the Indian subcontinent.</p>


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<p>This melting pot of influences borders the Arabian Sea on India’s west coast and is located some 500 kilometres south of teeming Mumbai. Its favourable coastal location made it an ideal trading location over the centuries; before the Portuguese arrived in 1510, Hindu merchants flourished, trading spices, silk, pearls and horses. Arab, South Asian, East African and Mediterranean cultures have been fused into the Goan identity.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rome of the East</h3>



<p>The Portuguese added a significant layer to the architectural landscape, not least because the new rulers forcibly converted many Hindus and Buddhists to Catholicism. Old Goa, the site of Goa’s former capital before it was moved to Panjim (now Panaji), is dotted with ornate structures dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Such was its grandeur that it was once known as the ‘Rome of the East’ and many of the imposing churches and cathedrals are still in use or have been converted to museums.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/India-Old-Goa-saiko3p-shutterstock_115804678-RFC-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81404" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/India-Old-Goa-saiko3p-shutterstock_115804678-RFC-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/India-Old-Goa-saiko3p-shutterstock_115804678-RFC-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/India-Old-Goa-saiko3p-shutterstock_115804678-RFC-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/India-Old-Goa-saiko3p-shutterstock_115804678-RFC-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/India-Old-Goa-saiko3p-shutterstock_115804678-RFC-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/India-Old-Goa-saiko3p-shutterstock_115804678-RFC-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/India-Old-Goa-saiko3p-shutterstock_115804678-RFC-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>The standout is Se Cathedral (Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina), one of the largest cathedrals in Asia, measuring an awesome 76 metres long and 55 metres wide. Construction began in 1562 under the auspices of King Sebastian I of Portugal, and it took 90 years to complete. The building is noted for its plain, Tuscan style and a lopsided look resulting from the loss of one of its bell towers after a lightning strike. The other tower contains the Golden Bell (Sino de Ouro), famed for the richness of its tone. Inside are several fine carvings and splendidly decorated chapels.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="944" height="1024" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Main_altar_at_the_Basilica_of_Bom_Jesus-944x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81402" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Main_altar_at_the_Basilica_of_Bom_Jesus-944x1024.jpg 944w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Main_altar_at_the_Basilica_of_Bom_Jesus-258x280.jpg 258w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Main_altar_at_the_Basilica_of_Bom_Jesus-768x833.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Main_altar_at_the_Basilica_of_Bom_Jesus-1416x1536.jpg 1416w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Main_altar_at_the_Basilica_of_Bom_Jesus-1888x2048.jpg 1888w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Main_altar_at_the_Basilica_of_Bom_Jesus-200x217.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Main_altar_at_the_Basilica_of_Bom_Jesus-800x868.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 944px) 100vw, 944px" /></figure></div>


<p>Perhaps one of the most famous buildings in the Christian world, the Basilica of Bom Jesus was completed in 1605 and contains the tomb of St Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. The saintliness of this missionary was such that his mostly incorruptible body has miraculously survived – so the story goes ¬– for almost 500 years. His remains are kept in a silver casket and viewed by the public once every 10 years. The next decennial exposition of the Sacred Relics of St Francis Xavier takes place between 21 November 2024 and 5 January 2025 and will undoubtedly draw thousands of awestruck pilgrims from across the world.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Capital gains</h3>



<p>The modern-day capital of the most laid-back state of India is wedged between the Mandovi and Zuari rivers in central Goa, just a 20-minute drive from Old Goa. Exploring Panaji’s historic Latin Quarter of Fontainhas, home to quaint, narrow streets and ochre-coloured mansions with terracotta-tiled roofs, is a delightful and photogenic experience. The pretty Chapel of St Sebastian holds a striking crucifix harking back to the time of the Goa Inquisition.</p>


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<p>Panaji hosts a slew of other cultural attractions including the Goa State Museum, housed in the oldest Portuguese-era building in Goa. Elaborately carved furniture used during the brutal 250-year inquisition as well as beautiful Hindi and Jain sculptures decorate its halls. Visitors to the capital will also discover plenty of superb galleries, temples, restaurants and nightlife establishments. A popular walking-tour operator, Make It Happen, offers local insight into Goan history and culture through guided peeks into heritage homes, and for lovers of Portuguese music, a fado performance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spice and all things nice</h3>



<p>After a stroll around the Latin Quarter, relax and enjoy the wonderfully diverse local cuisine. Goan food is influenced by abundant seafood from the Arabian Sea, the enclave’s historic location along the spice route, and Portuguese cooking techniques. Sorpotel, for instance, is a Portuguese stew made of liver, heart, and tongue of pork or other meat that was adopted by Goan Catholics.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="714" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shree-Morjai-Temple-1024x714.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81400" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shree-Morjai-Temple-1024x714.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shree-Morjai-Temple-402x280.jpg 402w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shree-Morjai-Temple-768x535.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shree-Morjai-Temple-1536x1071.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shree-Morjai-Temple-2048x1428.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shree-Morjai-Temple-200x139.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shree-Morjai-Temple-800x558.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>Hotel Venite, with its balcony tables overlooking charming cobbled streets, presents authentic Goan cuisine, with vegetable vindaloo served with Portuguese-spiced sausages and rice, fish curry rice, pepper steak and bebinca, a traditional sticky, seven-layer cake made of eggs, coconut, sugar, ghee and flour. The balcony of the cosy Riverfront restaurant overlooks the creek and Old Patto Bridge and its sister pub – called Down the Road – makes for a nice nightspot with occasional live music.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Trance of a lifetime</h3>



<p>Cruises along the Mandovi River may afford a glimpse of a dolphin gliding through the water or a mugger crocodile basking in the estuary. Such tourist excursions are often accompanied by live bands and renditions of Goan folk songs and dances, with some private operators running what can best to described as ‘party’ cruises. Panaji is also noted for its floating casinos, operating ‘offshore’.</p>


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<p>Anjuna in North Goa was once the epicentre of the hippie party scene. Indeed, as far back as its 16th-century boozy Portuguese sailors, Goa acquired a reputation for all-night drinking parties, much to the consternation of the locals. Infamous drug-fuelled trance parties in the 1990s led to a government crackdown, and now the psychedelia takes place on special occasions such as Christmas, New Year or full-moon nights. The legendary Anjuna dive of Curlies received a demolition notice, but you can still get your party fix at Hill Top in Vagator and venues in and around Morjim.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Goa-India-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81406" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Goa-India-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Goa-India-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Goa-India-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Goa-India-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Goa-India-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Goa-India-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Goa-India-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>Anjuna is also famous for its weekly Wednesday flea market, where exotic merchandise sourced from all over India delivers a fascinating injection of local life. The Friday market at Mapusa provides fresh produce, spices and textiles.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Natural pleasures</h3>



<p>Goa has become world famous for its beaches, and the sandy stretches of North Goa, particularly at Baga and Calangute, draw the biggest crowds. There is a booming nightlife scene, trendy bars and restaurants, yoga retreats and easy access to water sports, such as parasailing, jet- and water-skiing, scuba diving and snorkelling.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dudhsagar-Waterfall-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81411" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dudhsagar-Waterfall-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dudhsagar-Waterfall-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dudhsagar-Waterfall-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dudhsagar-Waterfall-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dudhsagar-Waterfall-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dudhsagar-Waterfall-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Dudhsagar-Waterfall-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>In South Goa, the curved, palm-fringed beach at Palolem, with its golden sands, balmy waters, gentle-swaying palm trees and water sports in the sheltered bay, is one of Goa’s most postcard-perfect spots. Even quieter beaches at Patnem and Agonda are not far off, and beautiful Butterfly Beach can be reached by hiring a boat from Palolem while taking in an unspoilt coastline.</p>



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<p>Just nine kilometres southeast of Palolem is Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, where an overnight stay increases the likelihood of spying on various species of monkey, deer and the occasional panther. Goa offers numerous other natural attractions, such as bird sanctuaries, spice plantations and the mountainous splendour of the Western Ghats.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Heart_spotted_woodpecker_dandeli-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-81413" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Heart_spotted_woodpecker_dandeli-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Heart_spotted_woodpecker_dandeli-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Heart_spotted_woodpecker_dandeli-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Heart_spotted_woodpecker_dandeli-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Heart_spotted_woodpecker_dandeli-800x533.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Heart_spotted_woodpecker_dandeli.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>This hedonistic state loves to put on a colourful festival and indulge in nonstop revelry. Aside from the many Catholic feast days, traditional Hindu celebrations such as Diwali and Shantadurga are celebrated, as is the International Film Festival of India, held in Goa, generally in November, since 2004.</p>


Goa Glow: India’s west-coast paradise entices with its colonial churches, beaches, spices and intoxicating nightlife

<p>A black-market in surgical masks, toilet paper rarer than panda pups and with sharing an elevator with a neighbour ranked slightly more risky than French-kissing a leper, it’s safe to say that all is not well in Asia’s World City. With Covid-19, or Son of SARS as it is more chummily known – seeing quarantine pants as this season’s in-look, suddenly schools are shuttered and working-from-home is the new popping-out-to-the office.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51409" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Travel-Bug.jpg" alt="Tourism Tonic - Travel Bug" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Travel-Bug.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Travel-Bug-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Travel-Bug-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Travel-Bug-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Travel-Bug-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Travel-Bug-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Travel-Bug-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>In very midst of this doomsdayish scenario, there may, however, be something of a silver lining. With your entire family pretty much enjoying an enforced, prolonged absence from the worlds of academia and commerce, why not put the Coronavirus firmly in your rearview mirror and – respect for incubation periods permitting – head off somewhere every bit as convivial as it is uncontaminated. Indeed, for those preferring panoramic views to pestilence, our cure-all tourism tonic may serve up some alternatives…</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51408" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Queenstown-New-Zealand.jpg" alt="Tourism Tonic - Queenstown, New Zealand" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Queenstown-New-Zealand.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Queenstown-New-Zealand-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Queenstown-New-Zealand-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Queenstown-New-Zealand-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Queenstown-New-Zealand-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Queenstown-New-Zealand-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Queenstown-New-Zealand-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND</p>
<p>A reassuring 9,293km away from Hong Kong, the picturesque Kiwi city of Queenstown is quite literally on the other side of the planet. The self-proclaimed Adventure Capital of the World, this tiny, 27,000-strong resort has made itself a must-visit via its unrivalled range of perilous pastimes, most notably white-water rafting, bungee jumping, canyon swinging and skydiving.</p>
<p>For the less adrenaline-addicted, however, there’s also a range of more sedate, less coronary-event-inducing activities on offer. You could, for instance, opt for a relaxing soak in one of the many hot pools dotting Queenstown’s mountains, all the while taking in the beauty of Lake Hayes. Alternatively, you could venture farther afield by flying over the picturesque fjords of Milford Sound or round up your brood and head for Arrowtown, once a primary gold rush destination, and try your hand at panhandling for a precious metal or two.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51406" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Marrakech-Morocco.jpg" alt="Tourism Tonic - Marrakech, Morocco" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Marrakech-Morocco.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Marrakech-Morocco-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Marrakech-Morocco-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Marrakech-Morocco-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Marrakech-Morocco-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Marrakech-Morocco-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Marrakech-Morocco-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>MARRAKECH, MOROCCO</p>
<p>First settled back in 1070 AD, Marrakech is pretty much the dream destination of any true history enthusiast. One of four imperial cities of Morocco’s ancient Berber empire, its rich heritage is evident in every nook – the 11th-century red walls that ring the city, the glittering 16th-century Badi Palace or the Koutoubia Mosque, completed in 1199 and still the city’s most capacious place of worship. Meandering through the 11,414km-distant Ochre City’s winding streets, you’d be hard pressed to remember just why your luggage is crammed with latex gloves and Dettol.</p>
<p>Anyone who assumes that Marrakech is synonymous solely with ancient sights, however, would be sorely mistaken. Not only is it home to genuinely jaw-droppingly gorgeous views – it does, after all, sit embraced by the Atlas Mountains – the city itself is a kaleidoscope of colours and activity. Treat yourself to some spices at one of Medina’s many open-air souks (traditional markets), sign up for a relaxing soak at a hammam spa, or stroll through the gorgeous greenery of Majorelle Gardens, all the while taking every opportunity to sample many of the delicious local delicacies.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51407" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Megeve-France.jpg" alt="Tourism Tonic - Megeve, France" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Megeve-France.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Megeve-France-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Megeve-France-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Megeve-France-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Megeve-France-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Megeve-France-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Megeve-France-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>MEGÈVE, FRANCE</p>
<p>Ever since the patronage of the Rothschild family catapulted it to fame at the dawn of the 20th century, Megève – an exclusive French ski-resort region some 9,503km from Hong Kong – has been a winter getaway of choice for the wealthier snow-sport aficionados. Once a quaint village tucked away among the French Alps’ lesser-known Savoie peaks, its perfectly powdered snow-laden slopes, gourmet dining options and wondrous wellness retreats have ensured it of truly international acclaim.</p>
<p>Most of all, though, its renowned for its extensive ski terrain, a staggering ski area that extends across more than 445km and includes 220 pistes and in excess of 100 lifts, all of which help knit together the network of small villages that dot the mountainside. It also caters to all levels – novices can attempt one of the many nursery slopes, while the more experienced skiers have an array of red, blue and green trails to choose from. For the truly adventurous, though, there’s no better way to get the adrenaline pumping than a spot of heli-skiing, a pricey pastime that sees a helicopter employed to drop a skier, right at the top of their chosen peak, which they can then zip down through virgin, previously untracked snow.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51405" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Macchu-Pichu-Peru.jpg" alt="Tourism Tonic - Macchu Pichu, Peru" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Macchu-Pichu-Peru.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Macchu-Pichu-Peru-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Macchu-Pichu-Peru-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Macchu-Pichu-Peru-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Macchu-Pichu-Peru-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Macchu-Pichu-Peru-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Macchu-Pichu-Peru-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>MACHU PICCHU, PERU</p>
<p>Roughly six centuries ago, a small plateau nestling between two verdant Andean peaks, was selected to as the site of the Inca Empire’s greatest city – Machu Picchu. Abandoned a century later, it wouldn’t be until the early 20th century, when explorer Hiram Bingham accidentally stumbled upon its ruins, that this stunning settlement would be revealed in all its truly stunning glory. One of the seven New Wonders of the World – and, arguably, the most instantly recognisable – it is now a featured on the bucket list of discerning travellers everywhere.</p>
<p>While completing the climb to lofty Machu Picchu may not be for the faint of heart, it’s worth the effort. Once you reach the very top, stretched out before you is a pristinely preserved maze of crumbling temples, palaces and houses, all of which ebb and flow in out of view as the mists rise and fall, with the most memorable of soundtracks coming courtesy of the Urumbamba River as it rushes by some 500m below. It’s a truly magical setting, one that couldn’t be further removed from the current rigours of Hong Kong life.</p>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-51404" src="//www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Goa-India.jpg" alt="Tourism Tonic - Goa, India" width="700" height="466" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Goa-India.jpg 700w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Goa-India-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Goa-India-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Goa-India-120x80.jpg 120w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Goa-India-500x333.jpg 500w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Goa-India-400x266.jpg 400w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Tourism-Tonic-Goa-India-600x399.jpg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px" /></p>
<p>GOA, INDIA</p>
<p>Closer to home at just 4,271km away, the Indian state of Goa has long been a classic getaway destinat ion for stressed out citizens of the world. And with good reason. Its picture-per fect beaches, colour ful architecture, relaxed ambience, delicious food and friendly inhabitants have catapulted Goa to become one of the most popular destinations within the region.</p>
<p>Stacked high with ultra-luxury resorts, there’s no shortage of choice when it comes to premium accommodations either. Indeed, with many high-end brands – notably Grand Hyatt, Taj Hotels, Leela and ITC – all keen to woo well-heeled guests, there’s more than enough luxury villas, infinity pools, exclusive-use white sandy beaches and fine-dining establishments to go around. With Kids’ Clubs now also fairly ubiquitous, it’s also famously family friendly.</p>
<p><em>&nbsp;</em><em>Text: Tenzing Thondup&nbsp;<br />
</em><em>Photos: Imagine China</em></p>


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