nteresting options that take you to dizzy mountains, enchanting forests, silvery beaches, ensuring travel ennui is a thing of the past.
Moutains
Vancouver, Canada
In a valley, surrounded by snow-laden peaks in winter, Vancouver truly comes into its own in the summer months. Open air concerts, hikes, shopping, nightlife, ferry rides, cuisine, this postcard-perfect Canadian city is the perfect summer escape. Don't miss the 2-hour Discovery Walk of Stanley Park every Sunday; this 1,000-acre rainforest has spectacular wildlife; ancient totem poles; a miniature railway; a petting zoo, and some great restaurants.
Getting there: You can fly via Tokyo to Vancouver, or go through Europe, connecting from London.
Weather: Summer temperatures are in the early 20 degrees, with nights a little cooler.
Stay at: Luxury: L'Hermitage Hotel (www.lhermitagevancouver.com), an elegant, indulgent haven in the heart of the city. Approx US$ 2,000 a week for 2 adults & 2 children. Affordable: The Listel (www.thelistelhotel.com), a chic 'art hotel' with a priceless collection of art from museums. Approx US$ 1,200 a week for 2 adults & 2 children.
Don't miss: An hour-long horse-drawn carriage ride operated through Stanley Park (www.stanleypark.com).
Plus says: The Canadians take beer very seriously; there are literally hundreds of varieties on offer. Ask your concierge for recommendations on bars and get started.
Courchevel, France
This is true French luxury: wooden chalets, picturesque hotels, Michelin-star restaurants, cafes and boutiques. In winter the slopes are thronged by fashionable skiers; come summer and it's time to explore the festivals and village dances, arts and crafts, food and wine.
Getting there: The easiest option is to fly to London and take the Eurostar to Moetiers Salins, the station closest to Courchevel, from where you hire a taxi.
Weather: Between April and June, the temperature hovers around 20degreeC in the daytime, with nights becoming colder, at around 8-9C.
Stay at: Luxury: Le Saint Joseph (www.lesaintjoseph.com), designed to feel like the private chalet of a millionaire friend. Approx US$ 7,000 a week for 2 rooms, accommodating 2 adults & 2 children. Affordable: Residhotel La Saboia (www.residhotel.com), a fully-equipped apartment complex located at the top of Courchevel. Approx US$ 650 a week for a 2-room apartment that sleeps four.
Don't miss: Crepes and fondue, the former a perfect way to start the day, the latter a divine way to end it.
Plus says: If travelling with family, buy the Carte Loisirs leisure card at the tourism office that offers access to the local pool, ice rink, ski lifts and tennis courts.
Granada, Spain
Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, in the magnificent Andalucia region, Granada is perfect for those who like their vacations buzzing. The legendary palace-fortress, the Alhambra, provides a peek into Spain's richly textured history; great food, drink and shopping nod to more modern tastes, while exuberant flamenco performances capture the vibrant spirit of the locals.
Getting there: Fly to Barcelona via London or Brussels, then onwards to Granada.
Weather: April and May are cool, with temperatures averaging 13C; by June, it climbs to the early 20C.
Stay at: Luxury: Barcelo La Bobadilla (www.barcelolabobadilla.arteh-hotels.com), set on a 1,000 acre estate, resembles a Moorish village. Approx US$ 3,850 a week for 2 adults & 2 children in a Deluxe Junior Suite. Affordable: Casa 1800 (www.hotelcasa1800.com), a 17th-century home-turned-hotel close to the Alhambra. Approx US$ 1,700 a week for 2 adults & 2 children.
Don't miss: The nightly tapas bar crawls; expect the evening to kick-off late and continue late--9 p.m. is a typical time to head out.
Plus says: Take an overnight trip to Jerez de la Frontera, about 230 km from Granada, to discover the town's three passions: horses, flamenco and sherry.
Paro, Bhutan
This magical kingdom has managed to avoid becoming a tourist trap, but as more people discover its incredible blend of landscape, culture and history, it's finding its way onto discerning travellers' itineraries. The airport is in Paro, while the capital Thimphu is 90 minutes away. Hike or explore the mountains on horseback, be captivated by the monasteries, and take in the colourful crafts on display.
Getting there: Druk Air operates flights to Paro from Kolkata and Delhi.
Weather: March-June is spring in Bhutan; day temperatures are 25-28C, dropping at night to around 18C. If travelling outside the main towns, check temperatures for your location.
Stay at: Luxury: The Amankora (www.amanresorts.com), a set of five lodges built by Amanresorts across the kingdom, including at Paro and Thimphu. Approx US$ 10,000 a week for 2 adults & 2 children. Affordable: Uma Paro (www.uma.paro.como.bz), a modern hotel housed in a traditional Bhutanese structure. Approx US$ 1,550 a week for 2 adults & 2 children.
Don't miss: Taktsang Monastery, the resting place of Guru Ringpoche, offers memorable views of Paro Valley.
Plus says: Bring cash, as ATMs and banks are few and far between; smokers, carry your own cigarettes.
Beaches
Harbour Island, Bahamas
This is 3.5 miles of stunning beach, with extraordinary pink sand, blue-green waters and an abundance of corals--all postcard-worthy. Golf carts, easily hired in Dunmore town, the heart of the island, are the preferred way to get around. Need a break from the beach? Restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and craft markets line Dunmore's quaint streets. This island is a celeb magnet, so do keep your cameras handy for photo-ops.
Getting there: Fly to Nassau via London; there's a fast, 177-passenger ferry from Nassau to Harbour Island (www.bahamasferries.com).
Weather: 23-30C by day; 18-20C by night.
Stay at: Luxury: The Landing (www.harbourisland landing.com), a 200-year-old plantation home turned boutique hotel. Approx US$ 3,000 a week for 2 adults & 2 children on twin sharing. Affordable: Bahama House Inn (www.bahamahouseinn.com), a charming B&B that's right on the beach. Approx US$ 1,100 a week for 2 adults & 2 children on twin sharing.
Don't miss: Dinner at The Landing's celebrated restaurant; outstanding food and an extensive wine cellar make this the island's top haunt.
Plus says: Book your own island home! We love Chatterbox (www.chatterboxbahamas.com), a gorgeous 3-bedroom property with housekeeping services. Approx US$ 2,700 a week.
Ipanema, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Yes, Brazil is a long way from home but when you say 'beach', it's almost illegal to skip the country that sets the trends in all-things-surf. Ipanema draws a high percentage of locals, while more 'tourists' go to Copacabana. Expect jaw-dropping bodies on a sunny two-km stretch, popular eateries, trendy bars, nightspots and high-end shops. At night, the action shifts to Baixo Farme and Quiteria, streets famed for their bars and cafes.
Getting there: It's complicated. Fly to Johannesburg, connect to Sao Paulo, then onwards to Rio.
Weather: April-June are good, with temperatures in the mid 20C.
Stay at: Luxury: Hotel Fasano (www.fasano.com), an extravagant property designed by Philippe Starck who, immodestly, called it "the best hotel in the world". Approx US$ 8,500 a week for a Deluxe Oceanfront room for 2 adults & 2 children. Affordable: David's 302 apartment in Ipanema (www.rioapartmentrental); Rio hotels are typically exorbitant, so this is far better value for money. Approx US$ 1,250 a week for a 2-bedroom serviced apartment.
Don't miss: A drink at Garota de Ipanema, the bar where the 60s Grammy-winning The Girl From Ipanema was written, just so you can say you did.
Plus says: Try the local cuisine, especially feijoada, a spicy stew made of beans and pork served with rice and greens on the side.
Martinique, Caribbean Islands
It's a slice of heaven. French bakeries, African music and Indian patterns blend with Creole influences to create one of the most seductive spots on earth. Laze on the sun-kissed beaches of St Anne, roam the buzzing markets of Fort-de-France, or stroll the charming streets of Baignoire de Josephine, named for Napoleon's wife, the Empress Josephine, who grew up here. Then retreat to one of the many restaurants for a Planter's Punch--a concoction of rum, cinnamon sticks, orange and pineapple juice--and a gourmet meal at the world's finest Michelin restaurants.
Getting there: Fly to New York, then onwards to Fort de France, the airport on Martinique Island; involves a brief layover at San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Weather: Temperatures around 24-28degreeC between April-June; be prepared for sudden rain in April.
Stay at: Luxury: Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa (www.capest.com) has a gorgeous beach to itself, and stand-alone bungalow suites. Approx US$ 3,500 a week for a family of 2 adults & 2 children. Affordable: Hotel Plein Soleil (www.hotelpleinsoleil.fr) is a charming getaway nestled amid banana plantations. Approx US$ 1,600 a week for 2 adults & 2 children.
Don't miss: The fabulous Creole food at unpretentious Chez Carole, in the Fort-de-France market pavilion.
Plus says: Factor in a trip to Neisson Distillery, the island's top rum distillery that has its own tasting room.
Negombo, Sri Lanka
This gorgeous stretch of beach is popular but not so busy as to lose all its charm. Laze on the beach with a drink in hand while your kids splash around and build sandcastles; then, when you've had enough of the quiet life, hop into a cab for an hour's drive to Colombo for some action--starting with the shops. Wind down at one of the great restaurants and bars.
Getting there: Fly to Colombo from Bangalore or Chennai; it's a 25-minute drive to Negombo.
Weather: Days are warm, with temperatures in the mid 30s, but the sea breeze makes things pleasant at sundown.
Stay at: Luxury: The Beach (www.jetwinghotels.com), a modern beachfront hotel. Approx US$ 2,000 a week for 2 adults & 2 children. Affordable: Villa Araliya (www.villa-araliya-negombo-sri-lanka.lakpura.com), owned by a Sri Lankan-Dutch couple. The 'apartment', a duplex suite, is great for a family. Approx US$ 800 a week for 2 adults & 2 children.
Don't miss: A meal at Gallery Cafe, located in a stunning building that used to be the office of legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa.
Plus says: Sri Lanka is a great shopping destination, so bring light luggage. Our 2 top stops: House of Fashion, which is the place for bulk apparel shopping; Barefoot, housing contemporary Sri Lankan ware, from apparel to crafts, souvenirs, bag, fabrics and more.
Forests
Harads, Sweden
In a valley, surrounded by wilderness, forests and calm waters, this is an outdoorsy vacation that will do your mind as much good as your body. In summer, the almost endlessly long daylight hours mean you can pack a lot into a single day, and still have time to linger over breakfast, a book or by the lake. Go horse riding, rent bicycles to discover the forest trails, kayak on Lulea River, or try to catch your own dinner with a spot of angling. Experience the unique architecture, culture and dynamics of a Swedish village and, when you want to unwind, relax in the most unusually located sauna ever--in a treehouse.
Getting there: Fly to Stockholm (via London); then take a domestic flight to Lulea, Northern Sweden's largest airport. Harads is an hour's drive from here.
Weather: In the early 20degreeC; nights are considerably cooler, so take warm clothing and some waterproof gear.
Stay at: The one-of-its kind Treehotel (www.treehotel.se) is almost worth making the journey for by itself--it's also the only viable hotel option in Harads. Luxury meets contemporary architecture in these spaces designed by top Swedish designers. Approx US$ 4,500 a week for 2 adults & 2 children.
Don't miss: The Midnight Ride tour that includes a fascinating horse ride through the 'scorched area' of Norrbotten along with a midnight feast of berries and cream with mugs of hot chocolate.
Plus says: Carry enough cash, since the area is remote and currency exchange may be on unfavourable terms.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Lagoons meet barrier reefs; rainforests meet beaches; this is nature at her finest, but for those who don't want to give up life's finer pleasures to enjoy all things naturel. That also explains Bora Bora's popularity as a honeymoon destination, but there's also plenty for families to do here. Exceptional cuisine, stunning hotels, beaches and watersports are available; it's the lush, dense rainforests, though, that are the true heroes here.
Getting there: Fly to Auckland, New Zealand (via Bangkok), then onwards to Papeete (the airport at Tahiti used to access Bora Bora). We'd recommend spending a couple of days in Tahiti before you take a flight, seacraft, private boat or even a helicopter to Bora Bora!
Weather: It's in the Southern Hemisphere, which means April-onwards, winter arrives; the weather is perfect, sunny, with temperatures in the early 20 degrees.
Stay at: Luxury: The Four Seasons (www.fourseasons.com/borabora), well worth the big bucks if you have the money. Ask for a room numbered 100-200; the ones numbered higher are a long walk from the resort's central area. Approx US$ 9,000 a week for 2 adults & 2 children. Affordable: Le Maitai (www.bora.hotelmaitai.com) has fabulous family packages that offer great savings. Approx US$ 2,100 a week for 2 adults & 2 children.
Don't miss: Deep sea diving or snorkelling; the water is probably the clearest you'll ever see.
Plus says: Keep luggage at a minimum; flights to Bora Bora have stringent baggage restrictions!
Sarawak, Malaysia
Home to exotic, dense rainforest, Sarawak is also Malaysia's largest state. You can hike, explore the magnificent natural parks, sail down the serene waters surrounded by dense vegetation on all sides--and yet take comfort in the fact that you're not in some remote outpost but right 'at home' in Asia. When you're not adventuring in the jungle, explore the fusion of cultures and cuisines that make Sarawak the fascinating spot it is.
Getting there: Fly to Kuching airport in Sarawak via Kuala Lumpur. You can also connect to Kuching via Bangkok.
Weather: Temperatures hover in the early 30degreeC, with high humidity and occasional flashes of rain and thunderstorm.
Stay at: Luxury: Miri Marriott Resort & Spa (www.marriott.com), in Northern Sarawak, has great restaurants, a spa, golfing, along with easy access to some
of Sarawak's most incredible sites. Approx US$ 1,800 a week for 2 adults & 2 children. Affordable: LimeTree (www.limetreehotel.com.my), a trendy boutique hotel with a passion for limes--the colour as well as the fruit. Approx US$ 950 a week for a family suite.
Don't miss: The Irrawaddy Dolphin Cruise, especially if travelling with children.
Plus says: Take lightweight layered clothing and rainproof gear for your excursions into the forests and national parks that surround Kuching; ensure you have insect repellent and some rainproof gear handy as well.
The Garden Route, South Africa
Starting at Port Elizabeth, this route will take you through some of South Africa's most spectacular terrain--the lovely Knysna, the rocky Tsitsikama mountains, the lush Cape Winelands. Don't expect a literal representation of the name, though; much of the journey is through spectacular coastal regions, around limestone caves, gorges and forests. At Tsitsikama, you'll come to some spectacular forests with giant trees, ferns and exotic bird life. Either way, your mental image of dusty, desert-dominated Africa will be blown to bits forever!
Getting there: Fly to Port Elizabeth via Johannesburg from Mumbai.
Weather: April-June has temperatures in the mid 20s, but rain makes an appearance in May-June.
Stay at: Luxury: It's hard to suggest individual hotels, since the Garden Route takes you through a range of towns. Self-drive is the perfect option here and car rentals are easily booked through your travel agent. Make sure you factor in a stop at The Lodge in Plettenberg Bay (www.thelodge.co.za), a cosy retreat with Philippe Starck interiors. Affordable: Take the BazBus (www.bazbus.com), which allows you to do the Garden Route on a hop-on-hop-off public bus system that is comfortable, organised and hassle-free.
Don't miss: A round of golf at the fabulous 18-hole course amid a private nature reserve in Plettenberg Bay.
Plus says: Use traveller's cheques where possible and avoid carrying jewellery. Holiday costs are based taking children below the age of 12 years into consideration
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