By Cheryl Caira
Deep blue descent
If diving, surfing, snorkelling, sailing and water larking in general are your holiday bag, then the current hotspot on every seafarer’s radar is Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. For diving in particular, the warmer waters of June to October’s low season serve beginners well, while experienced divers can seek out Chimo – where you can spot humpback whales – or Los Arcos National Marine Park, home to dolphins, turtles, manta rays, underwater caves and reefs full of tropical fish. visitpuertovallarta.com
Mountain retreat
Tucked away in the eastern region of the Swiss Alps, the new 47-room Hide Hotel sits next to 235 kilometres of ski-in/ski-out pistes. Set in the scenic village of Flims, the cosy, welcoming rooms channel the alpine ambience, while the lobby area feels like an inviting living room, with a fireplace, lounge, bar and library. There’s also a ‘Kindercity’ for the kids, including a chocolate workshop, dinosaur workshop, and robotics lab. Opening mid-December. designhotels.com/the-hide
Très délicieux
Eating Europe, known for their non-touristy food tours, have now launched in the French capital. The early afternoon experience – called Hip Eats and Backstreets – offers up tastings of classic French cuisine while encompassing local Parisian trends from neo-bistros to refined pastries. Highlights include the hidden Moroccan food stand and a 17th-century wine cellar. eatingeurope.com/paris-food-tours
Grecian Luxury
Canaves Oia Epitome is the latest luxury property to arrive in Santorini. Overlooking the scenic fishing town of Ammoudi, the hotel has 24 luxurious villas close to the beach, each with a plunge pool or private pool, amazing sea views and facilities that include an infinity main pool, and breakfast and sunset bar/restaurant. canaves.com/canaves-oia-epitome
Travel with meaning
Independent tour operator Rickshaw Travel have launched three bite-sized new experiences in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Rickshaw’s trips are focused around authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences which benefit the local community, with the latest adventures including a trek from Paro to Thimpu, a visit to a Bumdra Monastery and Tiger’s Nest, and a seven-day hike exploring the remote region of Sakteng Wildlife Sanctuary. rickshawtravel.co.uk
A tasty number
Hungry for the latest in innovative cuisine? Exploring foodies should head to North Jutland at the top of the Danish peninsula to check out the region’s ‘GastroNorth’ programme. Founded in 2016 by five of the region’s leading gourmet restaurants, there are now 10 restaurants working together to ensure the area is recognised for its culinary creations – including Textur, which aims to limit food waste with a menu based on eight different options, and the new Strandhotellet Blokhus, which serves a seasonal seafood menu along with locally reared meats and organic vegetables. gastronorth.dk
