Multiple Regions Art & Culture, Countryside, Food & Wine, Safari, Sport & Adventure, Sustainable Tourism, Trains, Wellness
Travel that transforms: 23 extraordinary journeys of a lifetime
White Desert, Antarctica | Whichaway
We travel far and we travel wide, but it is when we travel deep that true transformation begins. Here we unearth a curated collection of incredible experiences that invite travellers to immerse fully, connect meaningfully, and develop a richer understanding of the world and our place in it
From luxury wellness retreats and cultural encounters to epic train journeys and Antarctic expeditions, these transformative travel experiences show how going deeper can change the way we see the world.
Gut health reset: RAKxa Integrative Wellness, Thailand
Wellness tourism continues its boom as we eagerly seek holistic therapies, mindful movement and curated nutrition programs, ideally in a paradisiacal environment. While gut health lacks the glamour of other wellness trends, it is arguably the most crucial for physical and mental balance. At RAKxa, a tranquil wellness retreat in Bang Krachao near Bangkok, the science-backed Gut & Immunity Support+ program includes treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy and colon hydrotherapy with probiotic replacement to deliver a restorative detox with the potential to deliver genuinely life-changing results.
Celestial desert nights: Zannier Sonop, Namibia
The majesty of the desert is impossible to overstate. At Zannier Sonop, 5,600 hectares of untouched Namibian wilderness stretch out, still and sublime. The open-air theatre presents a timeless experience, while Hollywood stars also make way for the real thing at this International Dark Sky Reserve. Celestial wonders – the Milky Way and ‘our own’ Southern Cross among them – dazzle above the desert floor and, suddenly, new perspectives emerge – perspective on silence, on space and on our place in this vast universe. As well as the guided astronomy discovery, guests can enjoy the show from any number of telescopes across the property, including on the deck of each luxe guest tent.
Off-grid luxury: Kittawa Lodge, Tasmania
Wild, rugged and utterly awe-inspiring, Tasmania’s King Island is a world-renowned destination and the perfect locale for an off-grid escape. At oceanfront Kittawa Lodge, opulence and isolation combine for a truly replenishing experience, where disconnection from the trivial gently invites – perhaps even insists on – connection with the little things. The sights, the sounds, the flavours. The little things are actually the big things, after all.
Northern Lights quest: Abercrombie & Kent, Iceland
In the stillness of an Icelandic winter, magic happens. The nation’s otherworldly landscapes are incomparable, an enchanting testament to nature’s primal power. The stark white landscapes strike like a cold, sharp breath: bracing, pure, alive. In contrast, the jewel-toned ribbons of the aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, dance gracefully across the sky. An optional add-on for guests of Abercrombie & Kent’s spellbinding ‘Iceland Wild Winter Adventure’, set out from Reykjavik’s old harbour on a privately chartered yacht to witness this mesmerising light show, staged by Mother Nature.
Where the river slows down: Namia River Retreat, Vietnam
On a palm-fringed islet outside Hoi An, Namia River Retreat draws its spirit from the Thu Bồn River. Villas, modelled on fishermen’s houses, blend bamboo and stone with a cocoon of palms, while a wellness program rooted in Vietnamese healing traditions shapes each day. Hammam steams, acupressure treatments and lantern-light rituals sit alongside riverboat journeys into the old town, all part of a stay that ties modern luxury to Vietnam’s cultural heartbeat.
Indigenous encounters: Captain’s Choice, Australia
The opportunity to engage with Indigenous communities in some of Australia’s most remote and culturally rich regions is, by any measure, profound. Paspaley Pearl, a luxury private-charter yacht in the Captain’s Choice fleet, delivers travellers to some of the country’s most far-flung locations to connect with and learn from the world’s oldest living cultures as part of the unparalleled ‘Top End & Cape York’ itinerary across the Northern Territory and Queensland. Meet Traditional Owners, hear sacred Dreaming stories, view ancient rock art: these powerful encounters foster a greater understanding and sense of deep pride in Australia’s extraordinary Indigenous heritage.
Village journeys: Shakti Himalaya, India
Why wake to the trill of an iPhone alarm when you could be roused by the reveille of robed monks blowing jewel-crusted conch shells from a monastery rooftop, calling the faithful to prayer? These are the niche experiences that make travel truly transformative. Founded in 2006, Shakti Himalaya is renowned for crafting revelatory journeys that honour both the land and its people. Hosted across three destinations in the Indian Himalaya – Kumaon, Sikkim and Ladakh – Shakti’s village walk itineraries include authentic homestays and trekking tours to local schools, monasteries and markets, helping to foster invaluable connections. Upgrade with a visit to one of Shakti’s luxury stays, such as the newly launched Prana Lodge, which links neatly with the Kumaon journey. Perched 2,100 metres above sea level and bordering Tibet and Nepal, Prana is an architectural marvel, befitting its formidable setting.
Safari, unscripted: The Africa Safari Co.
Conservation in action has a way of reshaping perspective. On safari in South Africa with The Africa Safari Co, encounters extend beyond game drives to hands-on moments with rhino vets, community-led initiatives and unexpected culinary detours. Between rhino interventions, bush-buffet breakfasts and scarlet sunsets over the Waterberg, the safari script is rewritten – raw, surprising and deeply human.
Wellness on the rails: Royal Scotsman, Scotland
The rhythm of the rails has a curious way of coaxing contemplation. That is why advocates of the slow travel movement are naturally drawn – slowly, gently – to train journeys. The Royal Scotsman is one of the world’s most grand, winding its way through untamed landscapes and inviting passengers to fully absorb the raw, breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Speaking of beauty, rejuvenation on the rails is available at the onboard Dior Spa, comprising two lacquered treatment rooms adorned with Dior’s hallmark burgundy Toile de Jouy motif. Here, the lull of a rolling train and the comfort of a restorative touch combine for a unique state of bliss.
Conservation in action: Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue, Cambodia
Engaging with meaningful conservation efforts, even in a small way, can leave a lasting appreciation for biodiversity and the importance of preserving it. At the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre near Phnom Penh, Cambodia, guests of The Luminaire’s Jungle Sanctuary tour work with bear keepers to help care for more than 100 sun bears rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Though just one element of the 10-day journey – which goes off-trail in southern Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains – it is arguably the most impactful.
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Wild at heart: Iris Restaurant, Norway
To dine at Iris is to embark on a voyage. Guests board a boat across Hardangerfjord to reach the gleaming orb of Salmon Eye, where chef Anika Madsen stages her ‘expedition dining’ concept. Dishes shift with the weather and the wild – from foraged berries to pale salmon that challenges expectation – creating a meal that is equal parts feast, philosophy and theatre.
In Bach’s footsteps: Martin Randall Travel, Germany
The emotionally rich, structurally sublime music of Johann Sebastian Bach stirs the soul. In the hands of Martin Randall Travel, the legacy of this great German composer is further elevated. ‘The Johann Sebastian Bach Journey’ is a celebration of sound and setting, featuring 10 private concerts across six days, each performed in exquisite venues that tell the virtuoso’s story.
Forest bathing escape: Moksa, Japan
Nestled on the outskirts of Kyoto, at the foot of the sacred Mount Hiei in the village of Yase, Moksa is a traditional Japanese inn boasting all manner of time-honoured methods to soothe the stresses of modern life. Though simple, a stroll through the property’s picture-perfect moss garden, with its dense carpet and kaleidoscope of rich greens, is a salve for the soul. Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a therapeutic antidote to the tech boom. When in Rome…
Bioluminescent meditation: Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Sit still. Relax. Clear your mind. Easier said than done for many of us, but for others, meditation is a compulsory ritual, a grounding experience that provides a deeper sense of clarity and calm. For those who wish to go even more deeply? Harnessing the natural phenomenon of bioluminescent plankton at Song Saa Private Island, a certified B Corp in the Koh Rong Archipelago of Cambodia, offering guests ‘Underwater Starlight Meditation’. The experience begins at dusk with a guided meditation on the beach, before guests are kitted out in a weight belt and oxygen mask. Guided by the light of the moon – and a certified PADI instructor, of course – guests find their way to the seabed, where the meditation continues through waterproof earbuds as the sea sparkles in tandem with the sky above.
Diving with giants: Four Seasons Papagayo, Costa Rica
From wing to tip, the giant Pacific manta ray, also known as the Oceania manta ray, can grow to more than eight metres wide. Even in the mind’s eye, it’s an extraordinary sight. Imagine, then, coming face-to-fin with such a magnificent creature. Among the aquatic escapades available via Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, located on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, scuba diving excursions offer an opportunity to do just that. The Bat Islands, part of Santa Rosa National Park, are home to bull sharks, sailfish, whale sharks and, as we have established, the manta ray. It is hard not to take a lesson from the grace with which these gentle giants move.
Silent retreat: Eremito, Italy
In the UNESCO-protected hills of Umbria sits Eremito, a modern-day Italian monastery where simplicity is the quiet luxury. The nearest village is an hour away on foot, the quaint town of Parrano is a 20-minute drive, the daily agenda comprises morning readings and a yoga class, and the spa doesn’t open until 5pm. There is nothing else to do, just as founder Marcello Murzilli intended. There can be discomfort in the stillness, in the silence. But beyond that: peace. The kind long sought and rarely found.
Nordic myths: Up Norway, Helgeland
Step inside a Nordic fairytale, where enchanted forests meet glistening fjords and adventure unfolds beneath the midnight sun. This is Up Norway’s ‘Myths and Marvels’ itinerary in Helgeland, a journey as storied as the region’s colourful folklore. The Indigenous Sámi people carry Norway’s ancient traditions through musical expression (known as yoik), craft and oral history. Sitting with their stories is a rare privilege; to bookend such an experience amid the wild Arctic landscape and wildlife makes for a powerful happily ever after.
World’s largest cellar: Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco
The palatial Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo is a glamour. Striking its pose on Place du Casino, the world-famous hotel is a showcase of opulent rooms, Michelin-starred dining and meticulously manicured gardens. Follow your nose and you might just stumble upon the world’s largest hotel wine cellar, where hundreds of thousands of bottles lie in the earthy cool, representing some of the most distinguished grand crus. Exclusive tours of the 19th-century cellar, available to guests staying in a Diamond Suite, include a four-course dinner with wine and food pairings. Here’s cheers to exclusive access.
Anzac reflections: Captain’s Choice, Turkey
We will remember them. It is a soul-stirring promise we make on April 25 each year and only a privileged few do so at the Anzac Cove Dawn Service in Gallipoli. An 11-day round trip from Istanbul, the Captain’s Choice ‘Colours of Türkiye’ journey captures the pulse of this resplendent nation: vibrant bazaars, ancient wonders and enchanting landscapes (yes, you’ll head up, up, up above Insta-famous Cappadocia via hot air balloon). Yet, it is the hush that descends over Anzac Cove at dawn that may leave the most profound mark.
Culinary safari: Cottar’s, Kenya
Picture it. The golden sun dips low over the African savannah, Acacia trees standing as wide as they are tall, gently fading into the heat-hazed horizon. Condensation traces a slow, winding river down the tumbler in your hand. Inside it, a G&T, a post-safari ritual that quietly honours the day’s triumphs: the breath-held wait beside a waterhole, the sudden flick of a lion’s tail in the long grass, the thundering surprise of elephants on the move. This is the sundowner as it was intended. Launching in December 2025, Cottar’s ‘Culinary Safari’ puts these moments – clinking glasses, breaking bread – at the heart of the incredible itinerary. Set in the incomparable Maasai Mara, five immersive dining experiences are included, each a celebration of the deep-rooted culinary traditions of Africa.
Conscious connection: Intaaya, Indonesia
High on Nusa Penida’s cliffs, Intaaya feels more like a sanctuary than a resort. With no fences, little WiFi and an invitation to leave shoes at the door, it strips away distraction and restores a sense of childlike barefoot freedom. Retreats unfold through rituals and ceremonies – from Balinese water blessings and fireside gatherings to breathwork – alongside architecture that dissolves into the natural landscape. Off-grid yet deeply rooted in place, it offers space to pause, and to notice what usually slips past.
A pact with nature: Southern Finland
Among the forests, lakes and ancient peat bogs of southern Finland, silence becomes its own luxury. At Hawkhill and The Barö, design is pared back and sustainability is paramount, encouraging guests to tune into the rhythms of mossy trails, frozen seas and birch-lined shores. Here, nature is not backdrop but partner – a reminder of how coexistence should feel.
Antarctic stillness: White Desert, Whichaway Camp
Time feels different at White Desert’s Whichaway Camp, where the untouched expanse of Antarctica strips away all else. Nestled on the shores of Schirmacher Oasis in Queen Maud Land, East Antarctica, what started with a few canvas tents in 2005 has grown into the ultimate glamping experience, with six ‘polar pods’ – heated, of course – providing an intimate perch from which to absorb the sublime. As part of a recent upgrade, each pod has been fitted with its own glass-front conservatory, framing uninterrupted views of endless white landscapes – raw, powerful, unforgettable. Explore sculptural ice tunnels, scale imposing ice walls, waddle alongside Emperor penguins, or simply snuggle deep under the covers and let the vista make its indelible mark. The profound stillness and grandeur of Antarctica is a striking reminder of the purity – and the fragility – of Earth’s wildest places.
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