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<p>The Peak District is a precious and protected place of moors and peaks, lush-green dales, clear, fast-flowing rivers, sheer cliff faces and idyllic, quintessentially English towns and villages. The first and probably the most popular national park in England, it is anchored by the East Midlands city of Derby and extends north towards Manchester and Sheffield. A wild haven for hikers, it is also dotted with graceful stately homes, and the summer months bring fine cultural events and fun country fairs.</p>


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<p>More than 13 million visitors a year sample the charms of this awe-inspiring region in the heart of England. Designated as the Peak District National Park in 1951, it has two distinct geographical attractions. To the north, west and east lie the windswept hills of the Dark Peak, known for its peat bogs and gritstone cliffs. It was here, in 1932, that the nation’s avid walkers staged a mass trespass on Kinder Scout, crossing fences erected by wealthy landowners and forging a path towards public access to a wondrous natural treasure. This mist-shrouded, heather-clad, inhospitable moorland remains a firm favourite for ramblers.</p>



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<p>The topography of the White Peak to the south is far gentler, with deep forested dales, rolling hills formed from limestone, and stone villages linked by walking trails offering beautiful views of the countryside – a picture-postcard paradise for hikers.</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Well wishing</h3>



<p>Summer sees a slew of well-dressing ceremonies in scores of towns and villages, an ancient ritual conceived to give thanks for this supply fresh water. Bakewell, a genteel town renowned for its namesake pastry desserts, puts on a decorative display.&nbsp; It is also home to the Bakewell Country Festival, held this year on 13 July, which presents a plethora of displays and activities dedicated to English country life. In late summer, attention switches to the Chatsworth Country Fair nearby. Attractions at the grand Chatsworth estate on 29-31 August 2025 include hot-air balloons, a vintage fun fair, children’s entertainment, and a shopping village selling local produce and artisanal crafts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Stately splendour</h3>



<p>Chatsworth House, a stately home of the grandest scale, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world annually. Handed down by the Dukes of Devonshire through 16 generations, this Baroque palace comes with splendid gardens designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, who included a magnificent maze to get lost in and a sensational tumbling cascade. The property bestows such elegance and opulence that it has featured in numerous film adaptations, including <em>Pride and Prejudice</em>. Jane Austen lodged at The Rutland Arms Hotel in Bakewell in 1811, where she is thought to have revised pages of her best-known novel.</p>


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<p>Rival manors in the region include Kedleston Hall just north of Derby, designed by Georgian architect Robert Adam in the 1760s, and Hardwick Hall, near Chesterfield, a beautiful Elizabethan-era country pile built in the 1590s. Both properties are under the auspices of the National Trust, a charitable body set up to preserve and protect the UK’s historic houses.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spring town</h3>



<p>Northwest of Bakewell and just outside the boundary of the Peak District, Buxton is an impressive regional base for tourists. Developed as a fashionable spa town by the fifth Duke of Devonshire during the late 1700s, it is blessed with some marvellous architectural features and neo-classical buildings. Lined with handsome stone houses, the historic centre is now benefitting from a major revamp, including the Georgian Crescent, built from 1780 to 1790 as part of a plan to compete with Bath in southwest England and its famous Royal Crescent.</p>


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<p>Indeed, Buxton’s spa history stems from the Romans, who stumbled upon the pure, healing waters of its warm spring, and built baths and a temple to honour the goddess Arnemetia. Today, a fountain opposite the Crescent at St Ann’s Well spouts out free Buxton Water, so have your bottles ready!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cultural cup overfloweth</h3>



<p>Other notable architectural splendours include the Pavilion Gardens, a string of Victorian buildings noted for their 19th-century wrought-iron work and an impressive glassy dome. Nearby stands the beautifully refurbished Buxton Opera House, an imposing twin-domed Edwardian construction dating from 1903, and the venue for some magnificent musical performances.</p>



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<p>The Buxton International Festival, which takes place from 10-27 July this year, boasts world-class classical music, opera, guest speakers and literary readings. Running concurrently is the Buxton Festival Fringe, which covers music, theatre and film and has a more contemporary vibe. Expect to hear snippets of Shakespeare being performed on the streets, or even at Poole’s Cavern, a vast network of caves dripping with stalactites and stalagmites, where opera and theatre have been performed underground. The eerie darkness of this shadowy cavern complex makes for an unforgettable backdrop to an Elizabethan tragedy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Room at the inn</h3>



<p>Another delightful town just outside the southern periphery of the Peak District is Ashbourne. Some 20 miles south of Buxton, it features a charming cobbled marketplace surrounded by gorgeous Georgian redbrick buildings. The Green Man &amp; Black’s Head Royal Hotel has become a focal point for the town’s economy since reopening in 2018. Its inn sign dating from 1825, which stretches overhead to the other side of the street, has earned a Guinness World Records mention as the longest in the world. Ashbourne is also famous for hosting the annual Royal Shrovetide Football – a raucous, rumbustious ball game with medieval roots.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Trail park</h2>



<p>Ashbourne is the starting point of the Tissington Trail and the gateway to the southern fringes of the White Peak, most notably nearby Dovedale, one of the prettiest of the Peak District river valleys. This stunning stretch of the River Dove, a majestic river which winds its way across much of the national park, comprises a two-mile gorge complete with stepping stones, thickly wooded slopes and weather-beaten rocks. A leisurely hike along its banks is a must. The Dove was famously fished by English writer Izaak Walton (1593-1683), who captured the experience in his iconic tome, <em>The Compleat Angler</em>.</p>


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<p>The 13-mile route along the Tissington Trail to Parsley Hay, where it intersects the High Peak Trail, is another fantastic hike. A shorter alternative takes a circular route starting from the Old Station in Tissington itself, running along a dismantled railway line and following an 18th-century dry-stone wall. Breathtaking vistas await of open farmland dotted with small stands of trees, and limestone cuttings brimming with wild flowers, lizards and butterflies.</p>



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<p>Other famous hikes in the Peak District include the high plateau above Edale, which denotes the start of the 268-mile Pennine Way footpath, snaking north all the way to Kirk Yetholm on the Scottish border. Above Hathersage, there are spectacular views over the moors, an area thought to have inspired scenes in Charlotte Bronte’s <em>Jane Eyre</em>. </p>


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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Village appetite</h3>



<p>Among the region’s historic landmarks is Eyam, where villagers heroically self-imposed a quarantine to combat the plague of 1665-6. Cromford Mills is the location of the first-ever water-powered cotton-spinning mill, and the Crich Tramway Village is a reimagined Victorian street replete with trams from all over the world. The road trip from the market town of Matlock through the Derwent Valley gorge to the spa town of Matlock Bath is an unforgettable experience. Once there, head up to the Heights of Abraham by cable car.   </p>



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<p>The sweet of tooth will relish the Peak District’s unique culinary delights. Bakewell cooks fold almond paste and strawberry jam into a pudding (with puff pastry) or a dense tart (shortcrust pastry topped by white fondant icing). Other teatime specials include Derbyshire parkin, made of oatmeal, treacle, almonds and ground ginger; crumbly Buxton pudding, best served with stewed or tinned fruit, jam or sweet sauce; and malt loaf, delicious when sliced and buttered.</p>


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<p>Another local favourite is the soft, creamy Dovedale Blue cheese. A savoury treat with a memorable name, Derbyshire fidgety pie traps chopped bacon, apple and onions inside shortcrust pastry.</p>


Peak Viewing: Famed for its stirring scenery, this district in the heart of England offers much besides moor…


<p>An African jewel, Nairobi acts as a magnet for those wishing to find first-class cosmopolitan creature comforts as well as wild beasts in all their marvellous nobility in the city’s national park. Indeed, the Kenyan capital’s attractions have mushroomed over the years to include great restaurants and nightlife, world-class museums and historic buildings, and a fantastic range of things to see and do.</p>



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<p>Serving as an important economic, financial and transportation hub, the fast-growing city is the most populous is East Africa and its 5.5 million souls bring a vibrancy to the local cultural scene. Named by the Maasai as a place of cool waters, its diversity and myriad pleasures leave visitors yearning to return and sample them once more. Weather-wise, it is a congenial destination, with June through to September among the driest months and when Nairobi National Park is at its best.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Trees and Towers</h3>



<p>Welcoming settlers from all over Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, Nairobi is a melting pot as befits a major commercial centre. In the central district, a towering skyline rises above a soothing backdrop of trees, beautiful gardens and shaded avenues. Many of trees are not native to Kenya and were planted by city administrators keen to nurture an urban oasis from dusty, humble origins. However, indigenous forest preserved within City Park, just north of downtown, adds to the green splendour. Saved from the bulldozer by Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai, Uhuru Park is a vast recreational area and popular place to relax from the hustle and bustle of central Nairobi.</p>


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<p>Just next to City Square with its imposing statue of the founding father of modern Kenya, Jomo Kenyatta, is the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), perhaps the best-known landmark in the city. A fusion of modern and local styles, KICC’s interior has been distinctly ‘Africanised’ and contains an amphitheatre designed in the shape of a traditional hut. A speedy lift takes eager visitors to the top floor of this 32-storey, saucer-topped tower – formerly the city’s tallest building – for magnificent views of Nairobi’s chaotic glory and the hinterland beyond. On clear days it is possible to spy the rugged summit of Mount Kenya, the second-highest peak in Africa.</p>



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<p>The city’s Parliament Buildings are another notable monument, where entry into the National Assembly can be obtained to see African democracy in action, or a tour arranged with the sergeant-at-arms.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">National Treasures</h3>



<p>History buffs will want to explore the Nairobi National Museum, which reflects the story of Kenya. Established in 1910 and set within lush, leafy grounds just outside the city centre, this imposing edifice is one of the oldest museums in East Africa. It is full of amazing artefacts such as ceremonial Siwa horns dating back to 1688, ethnographic paintings of Kenya’s tribes inked by naturalist Joy Adamson of Born Free fame, and a Kalenjin cloak made from the skins of Sykes’ monkeys. Of special note is the life-size replica of the massive elephant known as Ahmed, who was considered to be largest tusker at the time of the country’s independence from Britain in 1963, and was accorded special status by President Jomo Kenyatta.</p>


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<p>An extensive array of stuffed species spans an aardvark, a giant forest hog and an okapi (zebra giraffe). The Hominid Skull Room contains an extraordinary range of early human fossils in perhaps one of the best collections in the world. Another room is dedicated to the history of Kenya in the context of East Africa.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Out of Africa</h3>



<p>The nearby Snake Park is a great place to see animals alive and unfettered. It boasts an impressive range of serpents, most notably the puff adder, black mamba, Egyptian cobra, African rock python and the Gaboon viper, whose four-centimetre-long fangs offer a slightly menacing presence. Other draws here are exotic fish, lizards, turtles and crocodiles.</p>



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<p>Situated some 10 kilometres outside central Nairobi, the Karen Blixen Museum is a must-visit for those who loved the film Out of Africa. The Danish author resided here on a coffee plantation between 1914 and 1931, and the colonial elegance of the property set in charming gardens has been preserved. The building contains memorabilia from Blixen’s time in Africa and the shooting of the film. Guided tours are available that detail her tumultuous life and times.</p>


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<p>To absorb some of Africa’s rich indigenous culture, head to Bomas of Kenya, a tourist village also located to the southwest of the city. It consists of clusters of homesteads (bomas) representing various Kenyan tribal groups. Among a repertoire of some 50 traditional dances and songs performed by different ethnic communities expect Embu drumming, an enactment of a Kikuyu circumcision ceremony, spectacular Kalenjin warrior dances and Arabic-influenced Swahili music.</p>



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<p>For a more static taste of local tradition, the African Heritage House overlooking Nairobi National Park showcases African architecture in a range of styles. An overnight stay here is recommended.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Game Show</h3>



<p>The National Park, established in 1946, is by far the most popular tourist destination in the city. Offering an unforgettable chance to view rhinos and lions within sight of Nairobi’s modern skyscrapers, this amazing tract of grassland and acacia savannah is fenced on the city side to protect its domestic population. Nothing like it exists elsewhere in Africa – world-class game viewing in a park straddling the southern outskirts of a national capital.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_07-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86101" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_07-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_07-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_07-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_07-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_07-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_07-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_07-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Open plains slope gently from west to east while rocky ridges are covered in rich vegetation. Streams run southeast into the Mbagathi river, and even during the dry season the park has a permanent source of water, which enables it to attract big game. Four of the Big Five – buffalo, leopard, lion and rhino – reside in the park, with only elephants absent as the reserve is too small to support them. Rangers keep visitors regularly updated on the movements of lions and hyenas, as well as the resident cheetahs and leopards, which can require more patience to spot. The world’s densest population of black rhinos is found here too. Other animals often spotted in the park are gazelles, warthogs, zebras, giraffes, ostriches and buffaloes.</p>



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<p>Nairobi Safari Walk run by the Kenya Wildlife Service, whose headquarters is located near one of the entrances, offers tourists the chance to see some of the Nairobi’s wilder residents from the safety of a raised boardwalk. Nestled inside the park is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust nursery, where handlers bottle-feed groups of baby elephants. Not far off, in the suburb of Lang’ata, the Giraffe Centre also allows visitors to witness conservation efforts, particularly with regard to the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Feeding Time</h3>



<p>Such are its depth of offerings and breadth of flavours that Nairobi is considered one of the culinary capitals of Africa. There is a plethora of great restaurants and cafes to try, and some have gorgeous garden settings, making eating out even more enjoyable. The Westlands and Karen neighbourhoods are blessed with an array of upmarket dining options. Lord Delamere Terrace is a sophisticated eatery which allows visitors to taste old-style Africa; it also features one of the continent’s classic bars. The Karen Blixen Coffee Garden has a wonderful English country-garden vibe, with dishes ranging from gourmet burgers to Swahili curries. Its Sunday lunch buffet is popular.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_06-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-86100" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_06-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_06-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_06-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_06-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_06-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_06-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Kenya_06-800x534.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>For a uniquely ‘Out of Africa’ culinary experience, seek out Carnivore, one of the most famous restaurants in the city. Billed as a Beast of a Feast since 1980, its speciality is nyama choma (barbecued meat). Near the entrance is a huge barbecue pit crammed full of Maasai swords laden with beef, pork, lamb, chicken and farmed game meat such as crocodile and ostrich. The all-you-can-eat meat comes with salad, vegetable sides and sauces, plus a soup of the day. Once satiated, diners are encouraged to cease the feeding frenzy and move onto dessert and coffee by lowering a white paper flag.</p>


Kenya Best: From cultural melting pot to wild-animal magic, Nairobi is a welcoming city of cool contrasts 


<p>Fiji is a breathtakingly beautiful collection of 333 islands in the South Pacific exuding such warmth and charm that even a fleeting visit will be a memorable experience. For the outdoors enthusiast, it is paradise on land and sea, from superb hiking to mid-ocean surfing. Some isles offer sumptuous high-end tourism as fabulous resorts spill out into tranquil and dazzling sapphire-blue waters. Here, scuba diving and snorkelling promise the possibility of encounters with sharks, manta rays, colourful fish and diving through magical cave complexes. On the main island of Viti Levu, the capital Suva is a thriving cosmopolitan melting pot of great restaurants, nightlife and cultural attractions.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101142-River-Rafting_Credit-Tourism-Fiji_Supplied-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85823" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101142-River-Rafting_Credit-Tourism-Fiji_Supplied-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101142-River-Rafting_Credit-Tourism-Fiji_Supplied-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101142-River-Rafting_Credit-Tourism-Fiji_Supplied-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101142-River-Rafting_Credit-Tourism-Fiji_Supplied-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101142-River-Rafting_Credit-Tourism-Fiji_Supplied-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101142-River-Rafting_Credit-Tourism-Fiji_Supplied-800x450.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101142-River-Rafting_Credit-Tourism-Fiji_Supplied.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>About two-thirds of Fiji’s islands are uninhabited, and a population of just over 900,000 primarily comprises indigenous people of Melanesian and Polynesian extraction, Indo-Fijians of Indian origin, Chinese, and those of mixed Fijian-European ancestry. A vast proportion of land remains tribally owned, and there are many communal villages where locals have a subsistence lifestyle. English is an official language and spoken by most Fijians alongside their mother tongue.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fiji_Scuba_01-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85832" width="768" height="512" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fiji_Scuba_01-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fiji_Scuba_01-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fiji_Scuba_01-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fiji_Scuba_01-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fiji_Scuba_01-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fiji_Scuba_01-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Fiji_Scuba_01-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>The best time to visit Fiji is undoubtedly during the dry season between May and October, when temperatures hover around 25°C by day and southerly trade winds tame the heat of the months at the turn of the year.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Island resorts</h3>



<p>Fiji is one of the best places in the world to indulge in a pampered getaway. There are a slew of magnificent private islands where it is possible to remove yourself from social contact to the utmost extent and elegant resorts that transport you to a haven of unending luxury concealed behind a veil of natural wonder. These retreats are ideal for honeymooners looking for a romantic escape and couples requiring quality time together, or those simply seeking glorious solitude.</p>



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<p>Guests arriving at upscale property may be welcomed by a group of locals performing a meke – a traditional dance that folds in storytelling through song to make a spectacular show.</p>


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<p>The Mamanuca Islands located off the west coast of Viti Levu boast some of the country’s best hotels and resorts, sublime beaches and tiny coral cays – a plethora of gorgeous gold and green strips of land dabbed onto radiant blue waters by the painter’s brush. Spectacular and vibrant corals glisten in the depths below and brightly coloured fish gleam under an azure sky.</p>



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<p>Conviviality is guaranteed on Malolo and Mana, the two busiest and most popular islands here. To get away from the crowds and enjoy quiet time with your partner, head to Tadrai Island Resort, an adults-only, all-inclusive retreat on the secluded eastern coast of Mana.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Denarau-Ps-Web-0205-1024x703.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85827" width="768" height="527" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Denarau-Ps-Web-0205-1024x703.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Denarau-Ps-Web-0205-408x280.jpg 408w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Denarau-Ps-Web-0205-768x527.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Denarau-Ps-Web-0205-1536x1054.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Denarau-Ps-Web-0205-200x137.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Denarau-Ps-Web-0205-800x549.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Denarau-Ps-Web-0205.jpg 1749w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Malolo is the biggest island in the Mamanucas and offers a wide variety of accommodation and levels of luxury. Malolo Island Resort invites with a string of exciting experiences such as snorkelling, diving and line fishing, as well as dolphin-watching safaris, hiking trips to the island’s hilltop and Fijian cooking lessons, followed by the chance to relax at the fabulous terrace restaurant with a cool cocktail. Other premium resorts promising supreme exclusivity are Likuliku Lagoon, an enclave of overwater villas in an isolated bay, and the private island Wadigi Lodge, set on a tiny outcrop.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Shore leave</h3>



<p>Year-round calm oceans make the Mamanucas the perfect spot for yacht chartering and cruising. An abundance of operators provide a wide array of outings, ranging from sunset dinner cruises with Champagne and lobster to overnight jaunts on a schooner. Fishing tours offer the chance to catch and cook the big ones that didn’t get away – think trevally and tuna found in deep water beyond the reefs.<br>World-class surfing beckons in the far south of these islands. At Cloudbreak, the most iconic site not far from Tavarua, dramatic waves are created by water being pushed up along steep and lengthy shallow reefs. Boat trips offer non-surfers the exhilarating experience of admiring these amazing mid-sea break points from a position of safety.</p>



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<p>Excursions to private islands offer unparalleled opportunities to snorkel in freshwater lagoons, and perhaps sip kava, the national drink for special occasions, during a traditional ceremony. For a different taste of the wild, Cloud 9 is a two-level pontoon on a turquoise lagoon where a thrilling party atmosphere is succoured by Italian wood-fired pizzeria and a well-stocked bar.</p>


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<p>The placid currents and amazing visibility of the waters around the Mamanucas are ideal for water sports. Notable dive sites ideal for beginners include Bird Rock, a resplendent reef dropping down 40 metres featuring caves and spectacular swim-throughs; Fish Market where schools of vibrant marine life circle around coral reefs; Gotham City with its peculiar-looking batfish, and the wreck of the Salamanda, which forms an artificial reef replete with pufferfish.</p>



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<p>Some scuba aficionados hail Beqa Lagoon, located about 12 kilometres south of the Viti Levu town of Pacific Harbour, as the best site on earth for open-water shark diving. This protected area teems with up to eight species of sharks including the reef, silvertip, tawny nurse and sicklefin lemon, and the occasional fearsome bull shark. The gorgeous soft corals of Rainbow Reef off the south coast of Fiji’s other large island, Vanua Levu, set the underwater scene for superb drift diving.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101351-56-724x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85824" width="543" height="768" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101351-56-724x1024.jpg 724w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101351-56-198x280.jpg 198w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101351-56-768x1086.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101351-56-1086x1536.jpg 1086w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101351-56-1448x2048.jpg 1448w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101351-56-200x283.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101351-56-800x1132.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/101351-56-scaled.jpg 1810w" sizes="(max-width: 543px) 100vw, 543px" /></figure></div>


<p>For visitors with an unbridled sense of adventure, there are also opportunities to paddle around the Fijian islands on sea-kayaking expeditions and stay overnight at remote fishing villages. Away from the coast, explore the mystical Namosi Highlands on Viti Levu and go whitewater river rafting.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Walks on the wild side</h3>



<p>Fiji is blessed with a host of eco-resorts where the joys of nature can be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace. At Como Laucala Island, for instance, a luxurious retreat occupying a private island surrounded by luscious blue Melanesian waters, guided hikes through dense ancient tropical forest can be taken to spy rare exotic birds. Other exclusive treats include horse riding; spending a night in seclusion on an uninhabited island; participating in a water purification ceremony at a sacred temple; and night snorkelling among corals with UV torches to create a stunning light show.</p>



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<p>You don’t have to stay on an elite private island to experience excellent hiking. Some of the best walks can be found on Taveuni, where a national park offers fantastic forest trails. A hike on Ovalau can take the intrepid explorer into the crater of an extinct volcano. Willing walkers can also wend their way through quaint villages in the interior highlands of Viti Levu.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Savouring Suva</h3>



<p>The country’s present-day capital offers a slice of tropical town life in the South Pacific and the chance to view relics of its colonial history. A visit to the Fiji Museum is a must, where the eclectic range of exhibits includes killing stones, cannibal forks and the soles of the shoes of the Reverend Thomas Baker, an English missionary who was devoured by cannibals in 1867. Indeed, Fiji’s cannibal past is a source of deep fascination for many visitors.</p>


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<p>Compared with the old capital, Levuka, which has a much sleepier vibe, Suva not only has the best shopping, it also puts on the best entertainment. The most hyped bars and clubs can be found around MacArthur Street and Victoria Parade, where the sister establishments of Shenanigans Nightclub and O’Reilly’s Bar are popular draws for party animals on the prowl for cool dance beats; they are hotspots for pours of the local brews, particularly Fiji Bitter and Fiji Gold.</p>



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<p>The food found in Fiji is enriched by a preponderance of cultures and influences, resulting in enticing spreads of iTaukei (traditional local fare), Chinese, Indian, Polynesian and European dishes, plus fusions of all these flavours. Fruit and vegetables feature strongly in modern Fijian cuisine, with home-grown papayas, mangoes and avocados particularly popular.</p>


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<p>Kanu, a gastropub helmed by Australian chef Lance Seeto, offers great seafood and meat in Fijian and international preparations enhanced by the inviting ambience of its bungalow setting. Local favourite Eden is a multi-cuisine restaurant serving premium meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Delicious Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian staples entice at Maya Dhaba, another much-loved Suva dining institution.</p>


Heaven & High Water: Blessed with gorgeous lagoons and resplendent reefs, Fiji is a paradise for marine adventurers


<p>Rio de Janeiro instantly conjures up mental imagery of its spectacular setting, framed by a massive mountain-top statue of Christ and an incredible number of beaches that form a majestic sandy ribbon along the southeast coastline of Brazil. The world-famous Carnival and intoxicating samba beat will also immediately spring to mind in this cultural melting pot blessed with stately architecture and culinary delights.</p>



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<p>Such is the assault on the senses that a trip to the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvellous City) leaves a deep visual impression. A panoply of vibrant hues, shifting shadows and plays on light brings unique sensory experiences every day. Many visitors enjoy themselves the most when they let their inhibitions run wild and go with the joyous flow. The local residents (cariocas) live life to the full, and tourists often become so bewitched by the relaxed, carefree spirit that they are loath to leave.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Carnival capers</h3>



<p>The agreeable climate makes Brazil’s second most populous city a fantastic year-round destination, though December often sees heavy rainfall. Undoubtedly the best time to visit, however, is during the Carnival, which falls this year from February 28 to 8 March, a week when Rio rocks with street parties and non-stop private events.</p>


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<p>Steeped in pagan tradition, Brazil hosts many carnivals leading up to Ash Wednesday (5 March 2025) and the start of Lent, but the celebration in Rio is by far the best known and most lavish. The city teems with visitors from around the globe keen to plunge headlong into the mayhem. Streets are jammed with revellers, fuelled by Brazilian beer and caipirinhas, and dancing and swaying to samba songs from morning to night. Many will be dressed as clowns and television personalities, or barely dressed in skimpy bikinis and feathers; cross-dressing is also common.</p>


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<p>The ball at the Copacabana Palace hotel held on Carnival Saturday (1 March) is the hottest ticket in town. Fierce competition for best costume unleashes outrageous outfits from medieval troubadours to Roman Catholic archbishops.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Samba feats</h3>



<p>The chance to win prizes also drives participants at the main samba school parades held on the Sunday and Monday nights. Giant mechanised carnival floats illustrating the motifs of the school, sequinned-and-spangled dancers and huge percussion sections sashay around the Sambodrome arena to be judged by an officially appointed jury.</p>


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<p>Each parade is a visual extravaganza based around a distinctive central theme that will determine its imagery, costumes and choice of music. An Amazonian theme, for instance, may have elaborately costumed parade members appearing as rain-forest animals. The troupe is generally led by a porta bandeira, a female dancer who holds the school flag, and the mestre sala (dance master), with the bateria (drummers) charged with keeping a constant samba rhythm. Parades also feature agile lead dancers known as passistas who perform dazzling routines.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Beach life</h3>



<p>Rio’s mile-upon-mile of gorgeous beaches is another top draw, with the most famous being the iconic crescent-shaped Copacabana. For many cariocas, the beach has become a way of life, and over the years a whole string of sunbathing sanctuaries along the shores has been developed. Aside from Copacabana, upscale sun- and water-worshippers will flock to Ipanema and Leblon. Offering far more seclusion to the southwest of the city are the white sands of Prainha Beach and Barra da Tijuca, a long, vibrant seaside playground.</p>


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<p>Each of Rio’s beaches has its own style – there are sandy getaways for singles, families and sporty types, as well as those simply seeking a quiet spot in the sun. But it is Copacabana, where the beach culture began, which remains the centre of attraction. Once a quiet fishing village, the tourist district is now home to more than 350,000 people packed into 109 streets with a large concentration of hotels, restaurants and promenade cafés. The Rolling Stones famously gave a free concert on the beach here in 2006 to an audience of devoted fans estimated to number as many as two million.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Seaside stars</h3>



<p>A great place to have a cocktail by the pool and an Italian meal with a Brazilian vibe is Cipriani Restaurant in the Copacabana Palace. The legendary hotel was established in the 1920s and refurbished much more recently in a bid to return the establishment to its glory days. Many international celebrities have enjoyed black-tie evenings at this famous watering hole.</p>


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<p>Framed by the towering Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) Mountains, Ipanema is an affluent neighbourhood with a stunning beach, fabulous restaurants and trendy boutiques. With a fringe of palm trees adding intimacy, the black-and-white mosaic promenade is the place for the young and beautiful to strut their stuff. Here, and in adjoining Leblon, you will find outstanding shops selling high-end luxury goods, including leather bags, shoes, clothing and gifts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sugar and spice</h3>



<p>Situated on a peninsula jutting into Guanabara Bay is Sugarloaf Mountain, which offers amazing views of Copacabana and much of Rio. A magnificent ride up to the towering summit in bubble-shaped cable cars offering 360-degree views completes the trip – an exhilarating experience captured in thrilling spy-drama style by the 1979 James Bond film Moonraker.</p>



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<p>Another must-visit spectacle on high is the statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) atop the hulking Corcovado mountain. This 98-foot-high Art Deco statue was sculpted in 1931 by French-Polish artist Paul Landowski and his team; it is visible for miles and watches over the whole city. An incredibly scenic route to Christ’s feet cuts through tropical foliage and affords mesmerising views across Rio and its glorious beaches.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Historic heart</h3>



<p>The historic heart of Rio is located around Praça XV de Novembro, a bustling square surrounded by historic buildings and streets. The Paço Imperial, dating from 1743 and once the palatial home of Brazil’s governors, has been transformed into a cultural centre boasting a theatre, cinema, exhibition spaces and galleries, a library and restaurants. The neighbouring Tiradentes Palace, seat of the Rio de Janeiro state parliament, showcases impressive Belle Epoque-style architecture. The 10-minute stroll from Praça XV up to the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Candelária, an impressive church originating from 1775 with ornate Italian marble interiors, passes along what is considered the cultural corridor of Rio.</p>


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<p>Just off the square through the Arco do Teles, a heritage-listed colonial arch, is a maze of narrow pedestrianised streets flanked by mid-18th-century buildings and shops with high ceilings. Travessa do Comercio is lined with bars and restaurants, while the adjacent Rua do Ouvidor also hosts fine eateries, including Al Khayam, a Middle Eastern restaurant in a historic townhouse with a wide menu – kousa mahshi (zucchini stuffed with rice and meat) is a highlight. The enjoyment of the occasion is sometimes enhanced with a belly-dancing show.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nightly feasts</h3>



<p>The broad choice of restaurants in Rio reflects the city’s multicultural charms. Many hotel restaurants serve the Brazilian national dish of feijoada, a stew of black beans and pork. Churrascarias, which specialise in steak and other grilled meats, are popular, especially those where servers bring a seemingly never-ending supply of juicy rodizio-style skewered meat to the table, ready to slice on demand.</p>


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<p>Rio is also dotted with small neighbourhood bars-cum-eateries called botecos – Garota de Ipanema (named after the famous song) is one to savour. Chopp, a fresh and frosty Brazilian draught beer, and caipirinha cocktails of cachaça (spirit distilled from sugarcane), lime and sugar, are popular pours. A walking tour of the densely populated favelas (shantytowns) is bound to be an eye-opener, especially after a late night in a boteco or partying all night with the Carnival crowds.</p>


Rio Revels: Brazil’s year-round beach-bound playground city amps up to the max at Carnival time 


<p>Barcelona is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring cities. This great cauldron of Catalan culture offers something for everyone, from breathtaking monuments to world-class museums, and from Roman ruins and charming Gothic quarters to beautiful beaches. Foodies will delight in the city’s celebrated culinary offerings, and many visitors leave this wonderful enclave on the shores of the Mediterranean craving for more.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">High churches</h3>



<p>The architecture of the Catalan capital and Spain’s second largest city is one of its many draws. Among a slew of masterpieces of the physical form, Sagrada Familia is considered a defining symbol. A tour de force of the imagination, this fascinating, unfinished basilica is not without its controversy, but it never fails to impress, leaving an indelible mark on all those lucky enough to experience its glorious aspect in person.</p>


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<p>Designed in a unique neo-Gothic, Art Nouveau and Catalan Modernist style by the brilliant architect Antoni Gaudi, the building is blessed with intricate details and organic shapes. Following his death in a car crash in 1926, other architects with other influences took on the mantle, and completion by the 100th anniversary of his passing was anticipated. But challenges over the years – most recently the pandemic – mean this aspiration is unobtainable.</p>



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<p>Amazing features include spiral staircases that wind up bell towers like snail shells, a magnificent façade in which up to 100 species of plants and animals are sculpted in stone, and an apse adorned with serpents. Watch a wonder of the world in the making, as a planned 18 spires will one day jut into the sky, up from the present 13. </p>


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<p>Another magnificent image to behold is Barcelona Cathedral, the city’s central place of worship. Erected on the foundations of a Roman temple in the heart of the Old Town, its gorgeous Gothic façade, laced with gargoyles, was added in the 19th century and restored in 2011. The rest of the building was constructed between 1298 and 1460. Marvel at the immense nave with its raised high altar and cloister graced with a fountain, palm trees and roaming geese. Take a lift to the cathedral roof to catch an amazing bird’s-eye view of medieval Barcelona.</p>



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<p>Also within the Old Town, Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar boasts a fabulous Catalan-style Gothic interior. Stained glass windows dating back to the 15th-18th centuries allow light to enter the high aisles and wide nave of the ornate church.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Uplifting art</h3>



<p>The nearby Palau de la Música Catalana is a fine Modernista building from 1908 adorned with an equally impressive stained-glass inverted dome ceiling. Busts of Beethoven and renowned Catalan composer Josep Anselm Clavé face off across the stage of this lavish concert hall. Of more than 500 concerts held each year, few are as uplifting as the stupendous Orfeó Català choir in full voice. Cafè Palau, which benefits from a terrace, offers modern cuisine and occasional free live performances.</p>


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<p>Also located in the Barri Gòtic neighbourhood – a beautifully preserved area of Gothic buildings dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, replete with medieval lanes for meandering – is the Museu Picasso. Housed in five adjoining palaces, the museum charts Pablo Picasso’s artistic career chronologically from his arrival in Barcelona in 1895. It holds one of the world’s largest collections of his early works, including Home amb boina, inked with accomplished brush strokes when he was just a precocious 13-year-old. The artist’s extraordinary neoclassical period is well represented, while masterpieces such as the Seated Man reveal his sublime surreal style. Another painting shows the horse which later appeared in his famous mural, Guernica.</p>



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<p>The bold, abstract works of another acclaimed 20th-century Spanish artist can be found in the modern, airy buildings of the Fundació Joan Miró. The output here, amassed by Barcelona native Miró over 60 prolific years, includes sculptures, drawings and textiles.</p>


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<p>For those keen to view one of the finest collections of Romanesque art, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya is a must. It also houses a superb collection of medieval art, as well as works by Catalan artists originating from the 19th century to the modern day. Here you will also find Picasso’s wonderful 1937 ink of his lover Marie-Thérèse Walter, the magnificent Woman with Hat and Fur Collar.</p>



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<p>Aficionados can conclude their inspirational art tour with stops at the Museu d’Art Contemporani and the adjacent Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, which display works by major Spanish and international artists. The latter, in particular, superbly showcases contemporary culture.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ramble along La Rambla</h3>



<p>A good way to start a day in Barcelona is to soak up the vibes of La Rambla, a central pedestrianised thoroughfare lined with cafés, tapas bars, enticing shops, flower stalls and exhibition spaces. After a morning coffee, pop into the city’s best and most famous food market, the Mercat de la Boqueria, to feast your eyes on row upon row of stalls selling everything from stacks of fruit to aromatic seafood to suckling pigs.</p>


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<p>If you begin your ramble at the Old Port, Barcelona’s grand opera house – the Gran Teatre del Liceu – is located not far along La Rambla. Situated at this site in 1847, it has twice been gutted by fire, only to re-emerge phoenix-like, and is now fully restored. Today, it is famed for its sterling ballet recitals and symphony concerts. Further on, stop by the splendid Baroque palace known as Palau de la Virreina; it often hosts major art exhibitions and other cultural events.</p>


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<p>The pavement of this bustling boulevard is embellished with colourful mosaics, one of which was weaved into beautiful abstract shapes in striking primary colours by the aforementioned Joan Miró. Indeed, many areas of Barcelona are enriched by street art courtesy of world-renowned names. A sip of water from the 19th-century fountain on La Rambla will ensure you fall in love with the city and always return.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mediterranean treats</h3>



<p>Barcelona has become a hotbed of culinary delights and food-scene creativity. Spawning a slew of world-class chefs – Fernando Adrià to name but one – the city has reinvented aspects of haute cuisine over the years. Classic Catalan cuisine often encapsulates the great produce of the Mediterranean – fish, prawns, cuttlefish, clams, pork, rabbit, game, olive oil, peppers and sprinklings of garlic. Striking pairings often feature, such as seafood with meat or fruit with fowl. For foodies craving cuttlefish and chickpeas, cured ham and caviar, or goose and pear, Barcelona is the place to be.</p>


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<p>Popular with locals, Vivanda presents superb Catalan cooking with year-round garden dining on a tree-shaded terrace. Making use of regional ingredients, the chef’s preparations include the likes of egg with truffles, rice with cuttlefish and artichokes with romesco sauce. Dishes of the month hark back to traditional plates of yesteryear.</p>



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<p>Situated beside an atmospheric square in Barri Gòtic, Cafè de L’Acadèmia has a beamed ceiling and stone walls, with low lighting enhancing the romantic ambience. Offerings such as salt cod gratinée with artichoke mousse and aubergine terrine with goat’s cheese are made from the freshest ingredients. Can Culletetes, dating back to 1786, is the city’s oldest restaurant and something of an institution. Located in an alley just off La Rambla, it serves succulent dishes infused with traditional Catalan cooking techniques.</p>
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<p>The nightlife is another enticing feature of this city of many faces. There’s a dizzying assortment of bars to suit every taste, and whether low-key, candle-lit drinking holes in the medieval quarter, throbbing Modernista spaces, wine and cava hangouts, or happening clubs, they all keep the vibes on a high. Settle back, perhaps, in one of the plush green banquettes at Dry Martini to sip some of the best cocktails in town. With bars and eateries aplenty dotted along the beach promenade, Barcelona’s seafront is also a great place to relax and take in the Mediterranean night air.</p>


Catalan Cool: A centre of culture and culinary creativity, Barcelona beckons with the old, the new and the simply breathtaking


<p>Athens is known as the cradle of Western civilisation for good reason – full of classical, marble-pillared edifices to the foremost minds of ancient Greece, it is a place of importance and influence that lingers into the modern day. Here, ancient ruins form the magnificent backdrop to teeming markets, cafés and tavernas, a melting pot of cultures in a city that gained fame as a centre of art and literature, commerce and industry, and above all, philosophy and oratory. The ideas originating out of Athens, which spawned great thinkers thousands of years ago, are still discussed, debated and pored over today. Ultimately, this is a city like no other.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Acropolis wow</h3>



<p>The world-famous Acropolis is one of the most iconic monuments in the whole of Greece as well as Europe, and perhaps the wider world. Open all year round, this jewel is quite simply a must-visit for its cultural significance and its broader architectural importance. Despite the wider urban sprawl, the temples on the ‘Sacred Rock’ of Athens still command an imposing presence, especially at night or viewed from the right angle – such as driving east on the so-called Sacred Way, otherwise known as Iera Odos, from Eleusis to Athens. Marvelling at its immense rocky bulk from Plaka – an old quarter clustering at the foot of the Acropolis, which itself is steeped with archaeological sites both large and small – is also awe-inspiring.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84951" width="768" height="511" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19-421x280.jpg 421w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19-768x511.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19-800x532.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_19.jpg 1064w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>The most recognisable of the monumental structures is the Parthenon, whose decorative sculptures are considered by many as the epitome of ancient Greek classical art. Historically, it was presented as a magnificent ‘Temple to the Virgin’ in 438 BC, namely the goddess Athena, who was represented by a giant gold and ivory sculpture. The temple took nine years to complete and over the years has served as a church, a mosque and even an arsenal.</p>



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<p>A portion of the Parthenon frieze, a stretch of sculpted figures that ran around the inner wall, now resides in the British Museum. These are known as the Elgin Marbles in reference to Lord Elgin who had negotiated a permit from sultan of the Ottoman Empire to remove “some blocks of stone with inscriptions and figures” in 1801; the exact terms of this deal remain a source of contention between the governments of Greece and the UK.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ancient wonder</h3>



<p>Sculptures left behind by Elgin are housed in the Acropolis Museum, situated below the Parthenon near the Akropoli metro station. Amazing authentic fragments are mounted at eye level in the museum, while the rest is a plaster cast awaiting a possible future – and campaigned-for – return to their original site. They are all displayed in the order in which they would have graced the Parthenon.</p>


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<p>Containing a slew of treasures found in and around the Acropolis, this glittering all-glass museum offers great insight into the daily life of ancient Athens. The building harnesses natural light for the best presentation of these relics, and its glass floor allows visitors to gaze down at the site of an early Christian settlement. Marvel at the Peplos Kore, an Archaic votive statue retaining exquisite and intricate detail such as traces of paint visible on her eyes, lips and curly hair. Then delight in the form of another Archaic sculpture dating back to 570 BC – a bearded man carrying a calf as a sacrificial offering for Athena.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Theatre under the stars</h3>



<p>Cut into the southern cliff face of the Acropolis is the enduring cultural legacy of the Theatre of Dionysus. Some 17,000 Athenians would amass on its tiered stone steps, entranced by dramatists like Aristophanes, Menander, Sophocles, Aeschylus and Euripides. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, an immensely tall late addition to the Acropolis, often served as a venue for the enactment of ancient Greek tragedies. It now plays host to modern-day singers, dancers and actors during the glorious moonlit performances of the Athens Epidaurus Festival.</p>


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<p>Below the Acropolis is another amazing heartbeat of the ancient world, the Agora, where the likes of Socrates, Aristotle and Paul the Apostle once held court. This marketplace with its council buildings, law courts and thronging streets formed the political focal point of ancient Athens from 600 BC, and some academics suggest it was where democracy breathed into life. An interesting historical nugget is that speeches made at the Agora were strictly timed using a water clock called a clepsydra.</p>



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<p>The complex also contains the Stoa of Attalos, a world-class museum within a magnificent two-storey structure that was built by King Attalus of Pergamon between 159 and 138 BC, and reconstructed by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens in the 1950s.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sculpted splendour</h3>



<p>Also well worth a visit is the National Archaeological Museum, considered one of the finest museums anywhere and packed full of great works spanning the Neolithic and Bronze Ages right up to the Roman era. Its Bronze collection boasts a breathtaking 460 BC sculpture of either Poseidon or Zeus, while its Hellenistic statuary exhibits the vigorous movement and sensuality characteristic of sculptures in this period.</p>


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<p>Some of the works housed in the Museum of Cycladic Art – such as the early Bronze Age female marble statuettes – have inspired the artists of today. Fantastic Greek art from Neolithic times to the modern day can be admired at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, where more than 6,000 objects are displayed over four floors. Meanwhile, the Byzantine and Christian Museum showcases some 25,000 exhibits, offering a unique insight into Greek heritage.</p>



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<p>Located southeast of the Acropolis is ancient Greece’s most colossal temple. The Temple of Olympian Zeus was conceived circa 515 BC by the tyrant Peisistratos, yet political turmoil delayed its completion until AD 131 under Roman Emperor Hadrian. Sixteen magnificent columns survive from the original 104.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Turning back the clock</h3>



<p>At the Roman Agora, which supplanted the Greek Agora as the commercial and administrative centre during Roman rule, a stream ran down from the Acropolis to operate a water clock known as the Tower of the Winds. This superb octagonal tower was masterminded by Syrian astronomer Andronikos Kyrrhestes in about 50 BC.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84948" width="768" height="513" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16-419x280.jpg 419w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16-768x513.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16-200x134.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16-800x534.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Athens_16.jpg 1504w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure></div>


<p>Remnants of the outer wall of ancient Athens can be seen at Kerameikos, providing a fascinating insight into life and death in this classical city. Used as a burial ground since the 12th century BC, this sacred place comprises a series of elaborate tombs, temples and roads, and even an ancient brothel.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Shop and graze</h3>



<p>Moving onto modern attractions rooted in history, one of the liveliest and most colourful areas in Athens is Monastiraki. Located against the wondrous backdrop of the Acropolis, its bustling maze of alleys and pedestrianised streets encompass the remains of the aforementioned Greek and Roman agora and are brimming with shops, clubs, bars and taverns. A thriving area day and night, the Monastiraki neighbourhood take its name from the restored church in the centre of its lively square.</p>


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<p>Perhaps Athens’ most popular shopping thoroughfare is Ermou Street, which starts from the west side of Syntagma Square and leads to Monastiraki. Lined with designer boutiques, coffee shops and department stores, it guides visitors down to a funky flea market where a row of souvenir shops awaits.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Edible art</h3>



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<p>Blessed with a wide range of Mediterranean influences, the culinary delights of Greece exhibit diverse flavours. Athens offers a great range of restaurants serving favourites from moussaka to grilled seafood to souvlaki (chicken, pork or lamb spit-roasted for hours) on a bed of vegetables. Varvakios Agora (Central Market) affords the ideal opportunity to sample some of the local Greek cuisine.</p>
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<p>Spondi is considered one of Athens’ most sophisticated restaurants. Its exquisitely prepared haute cuisine may include signatures like crab with turnip, honey, tarragon and passiflora, and venison in Sarawak pepper crust.</p>


Classical Beauty: Follow in the fascinating footsteps of great Western thinkers on a tour of ancient Athens


<p>The skiing opportunities in Austria are simply breathtaking. Deeply embedded into the culture of this landlocked Alpine nation during the winter months, the pastime is taken super seriously. Most forms of winter sports are available, with alpine and Nordic skiing the most common, while snowboarding, cross-country skiing and sledging are also popular.</p>



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<p>For those attracted to nightlife as well as outdoor leisure, many of the famous ski resorts have also accrued a reputation for their après-ski shenanigans as much as for the skiing itself – none more so, perhaps, than St Anton am Arlberg in the west of the country.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Topping the lot</h3>



<p>The global reputation of the Arlberg ski region emerged in the late 19th century, following the opening of the Arlberg railway tunnel in 1884. Ski-Club Arlberg, the first ski club in the Alps, opened in 1901 and St Anton’s inaugural ski school was established in 1924. The sleepy village was well on the way to becoming an iconic venue for winter sports enthusiasts.</p>


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<p>St Anton is now considered the zenith of Austrian alpine skiing, and the country’s renown as a ski paradise came partly on the back of this amazing resort. It is connected by state-of-the-art ski lifts and cable cars to nearby villages to form one huge contiguous ski area. The Arlberg massif region in Vorarlberg boasts a vast ski terrain encompassing 300 kilometres (186 miles) of slopes.</p>



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<p>The sport is certainly challenging here, and there are plenty of off-piste opportunities for those who want to test themselves, with about 200 kilometres of backcountry terrain beckoning thrill-seekers. The adrenaline will certainly be pumping on many of the exhilarating descents, not least the Kandahar run on Galzig. The views are stunning, and the well-maintained slopes provide top-notch exercise for much of the winter.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Ski stars</h3>



<p>Arlberg boasts three top-notch ski resorts: St Anton – St Christoph – Stuben, which are connected by cable car; its over-the-valley neighbour Lech – Oberlech – Zürs; and Warth-Schröcken. St Anton’s epic Run of Fame is a spectacular marathon taking in the entire Ski Arlberg area. As the longest ski circuit in the Alps, covering 85 kilometres and an altitude difference of 18,000 metres (59,055 feet), it takes the best part of a day to complete and traverses three mountain passes – Arlberg, Flexen and Hochtannberg. The route pays homage to the many ski pioneers, athletes and movie stars who have popularised these slopes over the years, leaving their indelible footprints in the snow.</p>



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<p>Indeed, Ski Arlberg has so much to offer for all levels of skiers. There are endless signposted runs, ultra-modern cable cars, fantastic powder-snow slopes, and practice areas for young skiers and beginners, as well as a multitude of sports facilities, from fun parks to carving areas to race courses.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Food with a view</h3>



<p>Part of the joy of skiing in Austria are the scrumptious culinary delights served in the local restaurants and huts, and St Anton offers some of the best. Perched at 2,085 metres and billed as one of the highest gourmet restaurants in Europe, Verwallstube is worth a visit for the amazing mountain views alone. In the winter months, it opens daily for lunch, while weekly evening candlelight dinners accompanied by piano music are a special experience. Meticulously arranged dishes infused with uplifting flavours range from bouillabaisse to beautifully tender veal cheeks braised in red wine. Truffle mash adds additional charm to the meal.</p>



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<p>On the edge of St Anton village, Museum Restaurant-Café is another excellent choice with a wonderful ambience. Housed in the St Anton Museum, this charming wood-panelled venue serves Austrian cuisine and offers private dining and vegetarian and vegan options. It has the most succulent Tyrolean beef, lamb or trout on a menu prepared with both creativity and tradition. Try the winter salad with caramelised nuts, pear and smoked goose breast, then treat yourself to the mouth-watering crème brûlée.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84010" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Web_Shooting_Fruehjahr_2024-©-TVB-St.-Anton-am-Arlberg_Roman-Huber-49-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The fine international cuisine and excellent wine list at Hazienda, located in the basement of the four-star M3 Hotel, draw in gourmet skiers. Superb pasta dishes and veal are a forte. Classic Austrian restaurant Fuhrmannstube by Buffy is a cosy hideaway, great for tucking into venison stew, traditional dumplings known as knödel, or copious helpings of strudel.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Après adventuring</h3>



<p>St Anton is noted the world over for its après-ski options – think crazy, fun-filled drinking houses brimming with raucous revellers on a high from the day’s excursions on the glorious Alpine slopes. At the legendary MooserWirt, which has been opening its doors to boisterous skiers since 1989, expect loud Austrian music and party-goers dancing on tables, sweating in their salopettes. To the backdrop of non-stop après-ski hits mixed by famous DJs, guzzle down a wide variety of beers to your heart’s content – the venue reportedly gets through a staggering 5,000 litres a day. It’s also a wonderful place to make new friends for the following day’s skiing, but make sure you leave your skis in a safe, easy-to-find spot as you will need them to get back down the slope after your drinking games.</p>



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<p>There are plenty of other notable après-ski hangouts. Sennhütte has a lovely sunlit terrace affording superb mountain views. Tables bounce with skiers swaying with delight to local bands playing country or rock music designed to get the party in full schnapps-happy swing. Just to its north is Heustadl, another hotspot usually bursting at the seams. Located near the end of run no. 50, it offers live music to 6 pm.</p>



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<p>Billed as St Anton’s oldest après-ski haunt, Krazy Kanguruh – owned by Austrian skiing legend Mario Matt – is a lively slopeside bar with a great terrace overlooking the village. It is usually loud, fun and jam-packed from 5 pm to closing around 8 pm. Enjoy the moment as you swig intoxicating tequila and consume quality nosh before getting back on your skis to slide gracefully down to the valley.</p>



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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Other runs around</h3>



<p>The villages of Lech and Zürs are linked to St Anton over the mountains but are still relatively isolated. With distance comes exclusivity, and Zürs, in particular, has garnered a reputation as one of the most renowned winter sports resorts in the Alps, beloved by the well-heeled and international glitterati.</p>



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<p>Austria has many splendid ski areas aside from Ski Arlberg. The season at Ischgl in Tyrol normally runs until early May since it sits at 2,872 metres above sea level and offers 239 kilometres of pistes, with some as long as 11km. It provides skiing for all levels, and the more accomplished aficionados will be attracted by its daunting slopes of 70% gradient or steeper.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rodeln_Nassereinbahn©-Arlberger-Bergbahnen-AG_Patrick-Batz-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84009" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rodeln_Nassereinbahn©-Arlberger-Bergbahnen-AG_Patrick-Batz-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rodeln_Nassereinbahn©-Arlberger-Bergbahnen-AG_Patrick-Batz-498x280.jpg 498w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rodeln_Nassereinbahn©-Arlberger-Bergbahnen-AG_Patrick-Batz-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rodeln_Nassereinbahn©-Arlberger-Bergbahnen-AG_Patrick-Batz-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rodeln_Nassereinbahn©-Arlberger-Bergbahnen-AG_Patrick-Batz-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rodeln_Nassereinbahn©-Arlberger-Bergbahnen-AG_Patrick-Batz-200x113.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rodeln_Nassereinbahn©-Arlberger-Bergbahnen-AG_Patrick-Batz-800x450.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Silvretta Arena ski resort comprises Ischgl and the Swiss village of Samnaun in the Grisons, which has the added advantage of being a duty-free zone. The Smuggler’s Trail, straggling the Austria-Switzerland border, allows skiers and snowboarders to explore old smuggling routes. The season here starts on 30 November 2024 when English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding performs at the Top of the Mountain Opening Concert at Silvretta car park against the unforgettable backdrop of the Tyrolean mountains. Another bonus is the foodie’s paradise of Ischgl’s many restaurants.</p>



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<p>Schladming-Dachstein in Styria has some of Austria’s most impressive mountains for skiing and a 230km-expanse of slopes. A high altitude ensures reliable snow coverage at SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser – Brixental in Tyrol, which has had the distinction of being voted the best ski resort in the world on several occasions. Blessed with wide pistes and panoramic views, Tyrol’s Zillertal Arena has the claim to fame for hosting one of the country’s longest descents. It also offers plentiful après-ski entertainment.</p>



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<p>Meanwhile, having Austria’s only ski area with three peaks topping 3,000 metres as well as two glaciers, the popular resort of Sölden in Tyrol is guaranteed to produce wow moments.</p>


Alpine Attitude: In winter, Austria’s Arlberg hills are alive with the sound of skiers – and après party animals


<p>Madrid has been described as the sunniest, liveliest and highest capital in Europe. It has rightly garnered a fine reputation for the magnificence of its cultural offerings. There is an incredible array of activities and sightseeing opportunities in this Spanish city full of passion and many layers of history. Arrivals are warmly welcomed and those on short stopovers will need to be selective in order to make the most of what is sure to be a memorable visit.</p>



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<p>Madrid is a marvellous destination to visit all-year round, but in October, the vibrant cosmopolitan melting pot offers beautiful clear days and eye-catching autumnal colours in the majestic parks. There are also many festivals and events to enjoy during this season. Naturally, a major capital such as Madrid is blessed with a slew of luxury hotels, as well as great historic hostelries with wonderful neoclassical facades, and even transformed century-old palaces with all the modern comforts.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Museum mile</h3>



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<p>Madrid is teeming with museums and galleries and is considered one of the world’s premier art venues. It boasts a magnificent golden mile of art, the Paseo del Prado, a boulevard lined with important art galleries. In fact, outstanding galleries are dotted throughout the city, allowing visitors to soak up world-class art culture.</p>
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<p>One of the most famous is Museo Nacional del Prado, housed in Juan de Vilanueva’s imposing neoclassical building, an architectural masterpiece in its own right. There are many notable works here, including inks by Spanish masters, most notably Goya. Great pieces from Rubens, Rembrandt, Botticelli, Bosch and many others grace the splendid walls.</p>



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<p>Goya’s paintings can also be admired on the ceiling of Ermita de San Antonio de la Florida, once a humble hermitage, now a chapel with a resplendent series of frescoes completed under royal orders in 1798. The artist is actually buried here, in front of the altar. More from the great Spanish romantic painter can be seen in Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, a prestigious art school.</p>



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<p>Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia displays some of Europe’s finest 20th-century art, and is particularly noted as the home of Picasso’s sensory masterpiece Guernica. Works by Salvador Dali and Joan Miró also act as a magnet for art enthusiasts. An added bonus is that the museum’s glass lifts offer panoramic views of one of Europe’s finest cities.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Teatro-Real-Sala-principal-Madrid-MADRID-COMUNIDAD-DE-MADRID-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-83470" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Teatro-Real-Sala-principal-Madrid-MADRID-COMUNIDAD-DE-MADRID-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Teatro-Real-Sala-principal-Madrid-MADRID-COMUNIDAD-DE-MADRID-420x280.jpg 420w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Teatro-Real-Sala-principal-Madrid-MADRID-COMUNIDAD-DE-MADRID-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Teatro-Real-Sala-principal-Madrid-MADRID-COMUNIDAD-DE-MADRID-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Teatro-Real-Sala-principal-Madrid-MADRID-COMUNIDAD-DE-MADRID-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Teatro-Real-Sala-principal-Madrid-MADRID-COMUNIDAD-DE-MADRID-200x133.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Teatro-Real-Sala-principal-Madrid-MADRID-COMUNIDAD-DE-MADRID-800x533.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza hangs the works of scores of leading European painters from the 14th century onwards, all nestled within a gorgeous salmon-pink interior colour scheme. Museo Cerralbo contains an astonishingly diverse collection of works and artifacts – paintings, porcelain, sculptures, tapestries, glassware and more – housed within a beautiful palace that offers a glimpse into the life of Spanish aristocracy more than a century ago.</p>



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<p>The Essential Paseo del Arte app is designed to help you discover 24 great masterpieces in these museums in an easy and accessible way. It offers a complete tour of the History of Western Art in the heart of Madrid.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">From palace to plaza</h3>



<p>An elegant and visually uplifting city, Madrid showcases many centuries of architectural grandeur. The changing of the guard at Palacio Real on the first Wednesday of the month (except August and September) is an amazing spectacle and is performed with musical tunes like El Almirante, Doña Francisquita, and España Cañí bellowing out. To put it in historical context, this awe-inspiring spectacle, choreographed to perfection, remains exactly how it was performed in the times of King Alfonso XII and King Alfonso XIII. The uniforms are the same, and a total of 400 people and 100 horses stage this majestic display.</p>



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<p>This stunning 18th-century baroque palace of more than 3,400 rooms was built by Felipe V with the intention of dwarfing those of his European counterparts. Great views of this sumptuous royal residence can be obtained through the trees of the northern end of Plaza de Oriente, as well as from the western side, via the ornamental gardens of Campo del Moro.</p>



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<p>The district known as Old Madrid has a plethora of must-visit squares. Lined with cafes and traditional restaurants and with an equestrian statue of Felipe II at its centre, Plaza Mayor is steeped in history. Sit and soak up the intoxicating buzz, scale and detail of this majestic heartbeat of Madrid with its slate spires and deep-ochre façades offset by intricate frescoes and fantastic wrought-iron balconies. A vibrant locale to start a night out in Madrid, Plaza de Santa Ana is a centrally located pedestrianised square dotted with monuments and historical importance.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tapas temperament</h3>



<p>One of Europe’s culinary capitals, Madrid has no shortage of great places for foodies to indulge their cravings. Food from all regions of Spain can be sampled here, and eating is considered one of life’s great pleasures. The idea of going out to eat tapas – which can mean eating almost anything – is deeply ingrained in the culture. Madrid’s oldest and perhaps most beautiful market, Mercado de San Miguel, is the perfect place to sample all forms of tapas (from chocolate to caviar) at tables within its stunning 20th-century glass walls.</p>



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<p>Local specialities include sopa de ajo (garlic soup) and the hearty stew of cocido madrileña, a kind of noodle broth combining carrots, chickpeas, chicken, blood sausage, beef, lard and perhaps other sausage meat. Roasted meat like cordero lechal asado – spring lamb cooked in a wood-fired oven – and, of course, the country’s famed jamón (cured ham), are also commonly served.</p>



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<p>Madrid boasts one of the largest fish markets in the world. Boiled octopus, all manner of shellfish, anchovies, cod and more are favourites, perhaps consumed as a seafood-laden rice dish, something which has been turned into a local art form.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Taverna time</h3>



<p>Visiting one of the 100 or so remaining traditional tabernas (taverns) is a must. Each is considered unique, though they share some common distinguishing features – a large clock standing guard over a carved wooden bar that often holds wine flasks cooled by running water, an interior lined with ceramic, and marble table tops. Restaurante Botín, founded in 1725, is thought to be the world’s oldest continuously functioning restaurant. Featuring in books by Hemingway, Forsythe and others, this taberna has excellent roasted meats to enjoy at tables in a vaulted cellar, conjuring up a wonderful ambience. A small, convivial bar of many decades standing, Casa Revuelta serves excellent boneless fried cod.</p>



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<p>La Venecia is an old-style bar where Sherry is poured straight from the barrel. A great place to soak up the essence of Madrid, it is just a short walk from Plaza de Santa Ana and simply drips with Spanish history. Spanish-style hot chocolate – thick, dark and strong – has been served at Chocolateria San Ginés since 1894, along with churros (fried dough) for dunking.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Living culture</h3>



<p>From a culinary night out to a cultural feast, Teatro Circo Price is the home of avant-garde theatrical performances, while Corral de la Moreria offers the chance to watch superb flamenco dancing and dine on innovative Spanish fare. Café Central draws admirers of jazz. La Noche Boca Arriba, a popular nightclub, proffers great food and great music.</p>


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<p>For those who like to shop before sipping Sangria or a Sherry cocktail, designer boutiques can be found in the upmarket Salamanca district, an elegant location hailed as a fashionista’s dream come true.</p>



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<p>On 12 October, Spanish National Day, the city will be abuzz with military parades, cultural performances, sporting events, street parties and communal meals. November heralds the Festival de Otoño, a joyous celebration of drama, ballet and opera; the 42nd Madrid Autumn Festival, presenting an outstanding international programme of arts; and the JazzMadrid24, featuring some of the great artists of the genre. Other festivals this autumn include Suma Flamenca, which showcases flamenco in all its enticingly splendid forms.</p>


Unreal Madrid: Stupendous art and architecture, amazing culture and incredible food all score highly in the Spanish capital 


<p>The high-rise, open-all-hours city of Seoul has many faces, from the rice-beer bars and markets to the palaces, temples, royal tombs, ancestral shrines and cultural attractions that act as magnets for tourists. For five centuries it was a dynastic seat of power, and this amazing blend of ancient history and modern-day joie-de-vivre infuses a tantalising vitality into everyday life that leaves visitors enthralled.&nbsp;</p>



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<p>A huge urban conglomeration of almost 10 million people, the South Korean capital sits about halfway down the Korean peninsula. Of course, recent history has seen Korea become a centre of geopolitical power play, and some 50 kilometres to the north is the four-kilometre-wide Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), pulling in tourists curious to witness how the country has been carved into two.&nbsp;</p>



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<p>Autumn is the best season to visit as rainfall is minimal and temperatures bearably mild. This is when the slopes of the four main surrounding mountains – Bugaksan, Inwangsan, Naksan and Namsan – take on delightful hues as leaves turn into beautiful arrays of red, yellow and orange. Another good time to visit is spring; the flowers are in bloom and cherry blossom washes a pinkish white over the city. Both seasons play host to some amazing cultural and arts festivals that accompany the joys of nature.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Palaces galore</h3>



<p>A small settlement called Hanyang at the dawn of the Joseon dynasty in 1392, Seoul was soon renamed and bounded by protective fortress walls. The city is now blessed with five palaces, the largest of which, Gyeongbokgung, was built by King Taejo in 1395 against a splendid mountain backdrop as home for the new ruling family. It has been restored twice, following destruction during the Japanese invasions of 1592 and more recently that country’s occupation from 1910-1945. On another momentous date in Korean history, Japanese assassins broke into the palace in the early hours of 8 October 1895 and murdered Empress Myeongseong.&nbsp;</p>


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<p>The scholars, eunuchs, concubines, soldiers and servants who once roamed this majestic compound have been replaced by hordes witnessing the changing of the guard and browsing two fantastic museums that bring Korea’s rich and often turbulent narrative to life. Royal artefacts in the National Palace Museum highlight the artistic pedigree of the Joseon era – royal seals, gold-embroidered traditional clothing and illustrations of court ceremonies. The National Folk Museum has three main exhibition halls replete with memorable attractions.</p>


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<p>Perhaps the most enchanting of Seoul’s palaces is Changdeokgung, built in the early 15th century as a secondary royal residence to Gyeongbokgung and now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Many royal family members lived here into the 20th century, enamoured by its aura of beauty and grace. The must-see Huwon secret garden beguiles with charming vistas of pavilions on the edge of a square lily pond. &nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent markets</h3>



<p>Following a palace tour, stop for some retail therapy at one of the city’s great markets. The hugely atmospheric Gwangjang Market is a mesmerising panoply of silk, satin and linen wholesalers congregated in a hive of alleyways during the day, joined by food stalls and vendors who stay active well into the night. Considered the merriest place to go for dinner and drinks, it is a veritable foodie’s paradise. Popular offerings include stewed pig’s trotters and snouts, gimbap (vegetables and ham wrapped in rice and rolled in sheets of seaweed) and bindaetteok (crispy pancakes of crushed mung beans and veggies fried on a skillet). Why not wash the delicacies down with the local liquors of makgeolli and soju?</p>


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<p>If seafood is your preferred choice, then Noryangjin Fish Market is the place to go with its mind-boggling variety of fresh catches. Early mornings host noisy fish auctions, while the evening is particularly picturesque and a good time to wander among the acres of shellfish, spider crabs, sea worms and other salty fare.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Night vibes</h3>



<p>Seoul is teeming with places to eat, drink and enjoy nightlife. Fine dining is showcased at Dooreyo, celebrity chef Tony Yoo’s restaurant nestled in the heart of Bukchon Hanok Village – a tourist draw of restored traditional Korean houses. Hot soups are a favourite in Korea, and high-end O’neul in Dongbinggo-dong has a wonderful rendition of yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) simmered for 12 hours. Ssuk tteok, a rice-cake hybrid tinged green with mugwort, also entices at this restaurant that champions Korean culinary traditions and techniques.</p>


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<p>Teeming with some of the capital’s best bars, clubs and restaurants, Itaewon has become a trendy night-time area and attracts many from the LGBT community. Another buzzing district, Hongdae, is saturated with nightlife hotspots, while Samcheongdong, the historic neighbourhood east of Gyeongbokgung Palace’s Gwanghwamun Gate, entices with relaxed joints for wining and dining. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cultural enrichment</h3>



<p>While famed for its glitzy K-pop stars and karaoke bars, the city has much more to offer in terms of culture, with a high concentration of museums, art institutions and galleries. You can soak up Seoul’s past and vibrant present in Samcheongdong, where art events abound during the autumn month. Art Sonje Center presents a major exhibition by Do Ho Suh, one of the most important figures in Korean contemporary art, until 3 November. The Seoul branch of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art has an extensive collection of modern Korean and international artworks, and hosts the prestigious Korea Artist Prize annual exhibition.</p>



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<p>The Frieze Seoul art fair takes place in the upscale Gangnam district, south of the Han River, from 4-7 September, providing exposure for local and international artists. Some galleries have seized the chance to stage their debut exhibitions in South Korea alongside Frieze. For instance, until 12 October, Gagosian presents new paintings by Derrick Adams at the APMA Cabinet, which is located in the headquarters of the country’s cosmetics giant, Amorepacific.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">City oasis</h3>



<p>An attraction of a different sort, Cheonggyecheon is a long-buried stream uncovered when a raised highway was demolished. Stretching almost 11 kilometres, it has transformed the city centre, creating a riverside park that offers a calm respite from the commercial hubbub and a walking course whose banks are popular with joggers. Peruse the public art dotted along the way or pay a visit to the museum which tells its history.&nbsp; A spectacular two-week Lantern Festival is held in November, when thousands of glowing paper-and-paint sculptures float in the water, illuminating downtown Seoul in sparkling lights.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Spectacular hiking&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="676" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Seoul_02-1024x676.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-83195" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Seoul_02-1024x676.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Seoul_02-424x280.jpg 424w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Seoul_02-768x507.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Seoul_02-1536x1015.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Seoul_02-200x132.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Seoul_02-800x528.jpg 800w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Seoul_02.jpg 1620w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>There is plenty of hiking available in the city and its mountains. The Seoul City Wall trail, snaking more than 18 kilometres along the major peaks, offers a wonderful opportunity to admire myriad architectural styles from the ancient Three Kingdoms period to modern restoration work. One option is to start your circuit of the City Wall by hiking up the tallest of Seoul’s four guardian mountains, the conical-shaped Bugaksan (North Peak Mountain). This is considered a most spectacular section of the City Wall trail, running for about 2.5km and rising steeply from Changuimun, one of the ‘four small gates’ in the City Wall. Another beautiful trail is Naksan, which is the lowest of the four guardian mountains and is blessed with the arty neighbourhood of Thwa-dong on its slopes.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Great views</h3>



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<p>For some of the best views of the city, the section of the City Wall at Inwangsan takes some beating. The hike involves climbing past some incredible weirdly shaped rocks and giant boulders, but the trek is worth it for the most amazing views of Seoul, offering a complete panorama of this spectacular city. Several of the majestic palaces are clearly visible as well as much of the glorious Seoul City Wall, especially the sections where it meanders its course along Bugaksan, Naksan and Namsan. Hikers at this wonderful viewing point can clearly discern how the guardian mountains formed a protective shield for the old city nestled inside.</p>


Sensational Seoul: Beyond K-pop hype, the city’s glorious palaces and majestic surrounding mountains endure


<p>In a world where the cost of living keeps rising, experiencing true luxury and opulence can feel out of reach for many. However, an alluring travel trend is allowing more people than ever before to step into the shoes of royalty – if only for a night or two. Around the globe, a growing number of former palaces and grand estates have been painstakingly transformed into world-class luxury hotels, offering guests a chance to live like kings and queens.</p>



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<p>Besides the draw of their architectural magnificence, these unique properties afford the opportunity to step back to a simpler time and experience the rarefied world of royalty and aristocracy. At Villa d’Este in Italy, you can sip Prosecco while relaxing on the very same outdoor terraces that once hosted European princes. At the Taj Lake Palace in India, you will be waited on hand and foot by an army of discreet, highly trained staff, just as the Maharajas once were. At Ashford Castle in Ireland, you can imagine yourself as a lord or lady of the manor, exploring the same tapestry-lined halls that have borne witness to centuries of history.</p>


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<p>Of course, these ancient palaces and castles also offer ample modern comforts and amenities to complement their historic charms. Lavish spas, Michelin-starred restaurants, state-of-the-art fitness centres and beautifully appointed guest rooms ensure that every creature comfort is catered to. The level of personalised service is unparalleled, with many maintaining a nearly one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio, with butlers, concierges and other attendants anticipating every need.</p>



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<p>So, whether you are celebrating a special occasion, planning the ultimate romantic getaway, or simply craving a taste of the high life, consider indulging in a stay at one of these storied hotels. From quaffing Champagne in a marble-clad palace suite to gliding across a tranquil lake in a private boat, the chance to live like royalty, if only for a moment, is an experience you’ll never forget.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Historic Charm</h3>



<p>Palace hotels are able to balance their historic legacy with modern luxury amenities through a fastidious approach to restoration and renovation. At their very core is the preservation of the original architectural details and character of the buildings. Great care is taken to maintain features like ornate mouldings, grand staircases, intricate tilework and towering ceilings. Furnishings and décor often pay homage to the property’s past, with antique furniture, vintage artwork and traditional textiles and materials.</p>


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<p>The goal is to enable guests to feel truly immersed in the history and grandeur of the place as if they have been transported back in time. At the Aman Summer Palace in Beijing, for example, the guest rooms are housed in a series of refurbished Qing dynasty pavilions, allowing visitors to experience the elegant aesthetics of that era. And at Ashford Castle, the 13th-century castle walls and towers have been meticulously restored and maintained.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Modern Essentials</h3>



<p>While the historic shell of the palace is preserved, the hotel management companies diligently integrate all the modern amenities that today’s discerning travellers expect. This often involves thoughtful additions and renovations that do not compromise the integrity of the original architecture.</p>



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<p>The goal is to create a harmonious fusion of old and new, where guests can experience the elegance and refinement of a bygone era alongside modern comforts and conveniences. The resulting effect is a sense of luxury that is both timelessly regal and freshly contemporary. Visitors are made to feel not just like esteemed guests but as illustrious members of a former ruling class.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Lakeside Luxury</h3>



<p>One of the most iconic examples of this trend can be found on the shores of Italy’s picturesque Lake Como. Villa d’Este has welcomed nobility, celebrities and the international elite since first opening its doors as a hotel in 1873. Originally built in the 16th century as the summer residence of a Cardinal, this sprawling villa features stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture, meticulously manicured gardens, and a world-famous floating pool that appears to drift on the lake’s surface. Today, its sumptuous guest rooms, suites and private villas, refined dining and impeccable service have made Villa d’Este a bucket-list destination for luxury travellers.</p>


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<p>Here in Asia, you’ll find another former palace that has been transformed into the ultimate in extravagant accommodation. The Taj Lake Palace Hotel in Udaipur, Rajasthan, occupies a breathtaking white marble island in the middle of Lake Pichola. This 250-year-old royal residence was once the pleasure palace of the Maharana of Mewar, and its grand, ornate halls, intricately carved details and shimmering reflection in the lake’s still waters create a sense of pure enchantment. Guests arrive by private boat to be welcomed by royal guards; they can get lost in another, magical time amid the intricate network of hidden pathways and courtyards, then dine in ceremonious style on the Royal Barge.</p>


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<figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="768" src="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-1024x768.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-82959" srcset="https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-373x280.jpg 373w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-200x150.jpg 200w, https://www.gafencushop.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/peakpx-9_edit-800x600.jpg 800w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>


<p>From palace to castle, the turrets, towers and sweeping grounds of Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland, have delighted guests of the landed gentry for more than 800 years; it was once the seat of the powerful Guinness family. Today, the Ashford Castle Hotel is renowned for its exceptional service and facilities. Take your meals in the George V Dining Room, the Drawing Room or the Dungeon, and experience a vast array of activities from falconry to fishing on the private lake.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Palace Pride</h3>



<p>To our north, the Aman Summer Palace conjures up the magnificence of the Qing dynasty. After exploring the imperial marvels of the Summer Palace, guests can relax in the hotel’s own serene gardens and partake in calligraphy or the tea ceremony in the Cultural Pavilion before retreating to their luxurious suites, which seamlessly blend traditional Chinese design with modern amenities.</p>


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<p>On the other side of the world, another palatial wonder awaits in the bustling seaside city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Conceived by the president as the country’s premier hotel, the Copacabana Palace opened in 1923, and its striking neoclassical façade, grand marble staircase and iconic swimming pool have made it an enduring symbol of old-world glamour. Over the decades, this legendary hotel has hosted everyone from royal families to Hollywood’s biggest stars, who come to enjoy its splendid service, fine dining, prime beachfront location, and during the Rio Carnival, sensational Copa Ball.</p>


Royal Highness: Revel like royalty at grand palace hotels where monarchs and aristocrats once slept

Breathtaking Bhutan: The mountainous kingdom is steeped in rich cultural tradition and stupendous natural beauty


<p>The world’s best beaches, lush tropical vegetation, great cuisine and friendly, fun-loving people are just some of the charms of the beguiling islands in the Indian Ocean known as the Seychelles. The East African island nation comprises 115 isles scattered like sapphires and emeralds to form a multifaceted archipelago that represents an unforgettable experience for holidaymakers and honeymooners.</p>


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<p>The main, populated islands lie a few degrees south of the equator and rise from shallow banks to mountainous granite; others are tiny coral formations. They have a tropical climate with consistent temperatures throughout the year that seldom rise above 32⁰C. The months from May to October are perhaps the most pleasant time to visit, although there can be occasional southeasterly monsoon rains.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Creole charm</h3>



<p>About 100,000 people inhabit Seychelles, a presidential republic which became independent from the United Kingdom in 1976. Given that there is no indigenous population, Seychellois form a diverse ethnic mix of immigrants comprising French, British, African and Arab influences. The official languages are English, French and Creole, the latter being a combination of local languages mixed with the tongue of the colonial masters. The Creole spoken is Seselwa – a hybrid tongue that borrows French phonetics and syntax from its former overlords; Britain annexed the territory in 1794 during the French Revolutionary Wars. Tourism is now the mainstay of the economy.</p>


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<p>Each island has its own allure, and limiting a visit to just one would be a mistake The best option is hopping among the inner isles. Travel companies are on hand to facilitate such itineraries; many of the ships plying between the islands are agile sailing boats or traditional schooners that take a maximum of 16 passengers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wildlife haven</h3>



<p>Above all, the islands are a blaze of colour and a botanical feast, spawning unique flora and fauna particularly reptiles and birds. Much of Seychelles’ natural beauty has been carefully preserved and there are many protected areas.</p>


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<p>Native to Seychelles is the magnificent coco de mer tree, whose seed (the sea coconut) is the largest in the botanical world. The trunk populates the densest of forests, while the nut itself can weigh up to 30 kilograms and its erotic shape has made it the fruit of folklore.</p>



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<p>Another highlight is the number of giant tortoises, estimated to be about 100,000-strong, with many living on the World Heritage Site of Aldabra, the world’s second-largest coral atoll. They can also be spotted on Frégate Island, and Moyenne Island in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. An Aldabra giant tortoise called Esmeralda, which roams around Bird Island, is thought to be more than 180 years old.</p>


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<p>Amazing exotic birds such as the white tern, paradise flycatcher and Aldabra drongo, a beautiful songbird, can be glimpsed on many of the islands.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tropical diversity</h3>



<p>The islands are covered in dense tropical forests of amazing diversity, especially at the higher elevations, and are home to many ornamental plants that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. For instance, the aromatic Seychelles vanilla orchid is blessed with large white flowers and is unique to the islands. Coconut and cinnamon trees, as well as spice plants, add to this fragrant botanical playground.</p>



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<p>Areas of natural beauty abound, including the Morne Seychellois National Park on the largest island, Mahé. The Sainte Anne Marine National Park is just five kilometres offshore and is the spawning ground for hawksbill sea turtles; its bountiful aquatic creatures and diverse seagrasses also draw sightseers. The Curieuse National Park off the coast of Praslin is also rich in ocean life.</p>



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<p>Ultimately, Seychelles offers many outdoor activities centred around birdwatching, fishing, diving, snorkelling and cruising. Glass-bottomed boat tours are an option.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Honeymoon isles</h3>



<p>Some of the islands serve as exclusive resorts. Most notably, the world-famous eco-resort – considered the ultimate in luxury in the midst of unspoilt nature – that attracts wealthy tourists to North Island. One of a handful of privately owned Seychelles islands, this was the honeymoon destination of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who surely took advantage of its environmental credentials and various activities, from mountain biking to paddle boarding. Opened in 2003, the North Island Marriott Luxury Collection Resort boasts a range of splendid bungalows secluded along the beach and coastline, each shielded within their own private enclave from spying eyes. Guests can tap into the valuable insights of expert researchers about nature conservation on the island.</p>


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<p>North Island was the first in the Seychelles to be explored by Europeans in 1609. It soon became a suitable hideout for pirates who made use of its many coves and caves dotted along the coast. Settlers made their living out of coconut plantations and harvesting other fruit. When this industry collapsed, the island was abandoned and much of the wildlife died out.</p>


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<p>In the mid-1990s, private investment enabled the restoration of its natural habitat. Indigenous animal and bird populations have once again settled here and are thriving on an island which is one of the most fertile in the archipelago. Such was its beauty that Victorian biologist and artist Marianne North, known for her prolific output of plant and landscape paintings, stopped off here during her many travels to ink out on canvas its natural wonders.</p>



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<p>Other Seychelles’ private island getaways favoured by the rich and famous as honeymoon destinations are Desroches (home to the Four Seasons), Denis, Cousine and Frégate Island Private.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mahé magic</h3>



<p>By far the largest island in the Seychelles is Mahé, full of palm trees, unspoilt beaches and the nation’s capital, Victoria, a peaceful urban retreat in the north. The Morne Seychellois peak, situated southwest of the capital and rising to a height of 905 metres, is just one of the picturesque lofty mountains often atmospherically shrouded by mist. Mahé is dotted with luxury resorts, and to the south, at Anse Intendance, lies one of the most breathtaking bays in the world.</p>



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<p>Victoria is a tiny capital by modern standards, but there are plenty of attractions to keep the visitor occupied. Architecturally, the famous Victoria Clock Tower – constructed in 1903 and known as Little Big Ben – stands in the centre. The imposing Cathedral of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is built in French colonial style, while not far off is the splendid Capuchin House.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Seafood and soufflé</h3>



<p>Seychelles cuisine is appealingly fresh and down to earth. Fish dishes are the mainstay, with lobster, crab and crayfish usually served grilled. Ladob banan is a popular dessert of banana cooked in coconut milk with sugar, salt and vanilla.</p>


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<p>Chez Plume on the west coast of Mahé is an excellent French Creole seafood restaurant surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. It offers a superb passion-fruit soufflé. The Anchor Cafe is a good place to catch the sunset and enjoy the catch of the day. The restaurant at the hilltop Le Jardin du Roi, set among spice plants and fruit and ornamental trees, has amazing cinnamon- and lemon-grass-flavoured ice cream. Mahé also offers tropical island nightlife in the form of lively bars and clubs.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sustainable tourism</h3>



<p>The Seychelles is one of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) which have been encouraged by the United Nations to develop sustainable tourism. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of the Seychelles, Sylvestre Radegonde, recently outlined how many players in the tourism sector are involved in a certification programme linked to climate change and mitigation adaption. To become Sustainable Seychelles certified, participants need to implement a variety of climate actions as part of their daily operations concerned with waste management, energy efficiency, water management, conservation and community involvement. The issuance of the first blue bond in 2018 by the government was designed to raise funds for marine conservation and sustainable fisheries. The funds raised have already facilitated the expansion of marine protected areas and sustainable tourism development.</p>


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