In need of a little sojourn? Here are the travel bulletins currently inspiring our wanderlust for relaxation and adventure
Countryside Shanghai
The result of a 15-year conservation initiative, Amanyangyun – opening in January 2018 – is a 10-hectare woodland retreat. The construction of a new reservoir in the Chinese city of Fuzhou had previously threatened thousands of camphor trees and dozens of homes dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Over the course of a decade, Fuzhou-born entrepreneur Ma Dadong and the Aman hotel group worked together to save these relics of China’s ancient past, ensuring the transportation and replanting of 10,000 trees – including an 80-tonne Emperor Tree – and the stone-by-stone disassembly and rebuilding of 50 homes. The 400-year-old dwellings have been meticulously restored to form 26 antique villas, integrating history with contemporary comfort. The retreat also has a spa housing eight treatment rooms, a sauna, Jacuzzi and two swimming pools.
Danish design
Copenhagen’s hottest hotel of the moment is the recently opened Sanders Hotel. Part of the White Line Hotel Collection, the boutique-luxury hangout is owned by Alexander Køplin, once a principal dancer at the Royal Danish Ballet. The interior sports an elegant, boho theme, while the stunning Rooftop Conservatory offers fabulous views over the city.
whitelinehotels.com/hotels/denmark/copenhagen/hotel-sanders
Drawn to Scarfes
The chillier days and darker nights have put us in the mood for cosying up with a cocktail by the fire. The ‘caricature’ cocktail menu at Rosewood London’s Scarfes Bar features serene concoctions inspired by the artwork of renowned caricaturist, Gerald Scarfe – who lent his name to the venue and also created 11 canvases for its stylish walls, depicting politicians, celebrities and royalty. Sip on a Polyjuice Potion, a magical creation inspired by Harry Potter, keep it wintry with Waltz of the Snowflake, characterising The Nutcracker, or channel the Fab Four with The Beatles cocktail, You Say You Want A Revolution.
Starry-eyed
We’re always on the lookout for new places to gaze at those celestial visions in the sky, and one of the latest locations to get International Dark Sky Park Status is Idaho’s Craters of the Moon. The US park has the benefit of a low southern horizon looking out over the Snake River Plain, revealing a dreamy night sky once the sun sets.
Diving in the Maldives
The luxurious and eco-conscious Hurawalhi Island Resort puts emphasis on the importance of preserving the Maldives’ underwater wildlife, and has its own Marine Biology Centre led by dedicated marine biologists from the Manta Trust. Sharing their love of the ocean and expertise, the on-site biologists also run workshops and expertly guided trips for guests of the resort. You can explore the crystal clear waters surrounding the island, taking in over 2,000 species of sea life including turtles, dolphins, manta ray and reef sharks as well as more than 200 species of coral, while also helping to conserve them.
Foodie winner
If your ideal trip involves a restaurant itinerary of Michelin Star cuisine, Mallorca should be your next gastronomy-focused destination. The Balearic Island has retained its ten Michelin Stars at the ninth annual Michelin Star Awards, with Marc Fosh’s Palma restaurant Simply Fosh, Es Capdellà’s Zaranda and Argos in Port de Pollença just three of the star-crowned venues to be found on different parts of the island.
