01 JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE EARTH
Be one of the select few who’ve journeyed to the end of the Earth by embarking on this once-ina- lifetime journey to explore Antarctica with Jacada Travel. Professional polar explorers will reveal the white continent’s beauty through a fully personalised excursion that includes exploring ice caves, kite skiing, giant abseiling, ice treks and even picnics overlooking ice waves. You’ll even get to witness the ‘March of the Penguins’ in real life at the Emperor Penguin colony. Then, at the lowest point on Earth, meet some of the brightest minds at the Amundsen- Scott Science station and set up camp in specialist tents for a night under a sky decked in stars.
02 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Brush up on your skiing skills with an Olympic medallist at the winter wonderland of Courchevel in France. Here, Florence Masnada – who claimed the bronze medal at the 1992 and 1998 Winter Olympic Games – will share her secrets on the techniques of skiing on the slopes, development of skiing in powder snow and ski touring, as well as winning tips ranging from diet to recovery exercises. This thrilling experience is designed by Somewhere Club in partnership with L’Apogée Courchevel. So, after a full day of gliding down the slopes like a champion, you’ll get to relax in the luxuriously cosy chalets perched at the highest point of Le Jardin Alpin.
03 TOP OF THE WORLD
As the world’s first and only suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks, the Peak Walk by Tissot is truly a sight to behold. Measuring 107m long and 80cm wide, those who dare to cross from end to end will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountain range that includes the Matterhorn, Mont Blanc Massif, Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau. Access to the bridge is free of charge for visitors to Glacier 3000, a popular ski resort located in Switzerland’s Les Diablerets that also offers a wide selection of winter sports activities for those who relish in spending the entire day tackling the powdery slopes.
04 CHILL OUT
Nestled in a Swedish village called Jukkasjärvi, 200km north of the Arctic Circle, is the world’s first hotel made of snow and ice. Founded in 1989, the Icehotel is not only an incredibly cool travel experience, but a beautiful art exhibition of snow, ice and light every winter. The ice is supplied by the grand Torne River, where every 10 seconds of water flow in the river is equivalent to 4,000 tonnes of ice – enough to build four ice hotels. Taking a spin on traditional hotels, it’s complete with 150 warm and cold beds, respectively, an ice bar, heated restaurant and ice sculpting gallery. In November 2016, a new Icehotel 365 opened adjacent to the existing Icehotel – a permanent subzero ice experience that combines the classic features of the Icehotel with modern sustainable energy to make the hotel available all year round.
05 AN ENIGMA
The most familiar icon of Inca civilisation, Machu Picchu was built around 1450 but abandoned a century later. It would remain largely unknown to the world for more than 400 years before American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911. Set 2,430m above sea level in the Andes of Peru, Machu Picchu is famous for its dry-stone walls that fuse huge blocks without the use of mortar, and while it had both residential and religious uses, the real purpose of this elevated citadel remains as mysterious now as it was 100 years ago.
06 HIDDEN KINGDOM
There is something intrinsically appealing about visiting the Kingdom of Bhutan, if only to discover how the concept of gross national happiness works. Any trip to the Land of the Thunder Dragon is incomplete, however, without a visit to the lush Punakha Valley, a bastion of serenity that is replicated in the COMO Uma Punakha. There are only eight rooms and two villas in the lodge, which overlooks a snake-like bend in the Mo Chu river, ensuring the maximum privacy and tranquillity. Luxuriously appointed, one is tempted to just stay in and contemplate the mesmerising view in comfort. It would be a waste, though, not to explore this less-visited area of Bhutan and its celebrated landscapes and historic sites. At least the hot stone bath will be waiting at COMO Uma Punakha after a day out.
07 A PLACE CALLED SERENITY
A secluded luxury ryokan in a private forest in Hanazono, Hokkaido, Zaborin’s subtle and contemporary architecture and interiors compliment the peace and harmony of its surroundings. Its 15 separate villas allow for greater privacy, each with its own private indoor and open-air onsen. This luxurious ryokan combines all the best of Japanese tradition, nature, cuisine and contemporary style, to create a refuge of simplicity and serenity. As per its name – which merges the traditional Japanese characters ‘zabo’ (to sit, to forget) and ‘rin’ (a small forest or wood), this is a place amongst the trees to sit and to forget.
08 THE ULTIMATE RETREAT
Ever wondered what it would be like to have an entire island to yourself? Encompassing over 1,400 hectares, the world-renowned Laucala Island is a private island refuge in the South Pacific that will redefine luxe getaways. Boasting stunning crystalline lagoons, rich lush mountains, incredible panoramas and powdery cushion-like sand, it includes 25 Fijian villas as well as hilltop residences that have been carved into the volcanic cliffs. Laucala also prides itself on its seclusion and refined hospitality that the Fijian archipelago is well-known for.
