South America

Brazil, known for its energy, beauty, life, and passion, is a top place to travel, and an even better travel destination for celebrations. Between the music, food, decorations, and dance, celebrations showcase a country’s culture, so there is no better way to experience the life and culture of Brazil than through participating in one of its celebrations. Don’t worry, Brazil is not lacking in celebrations! And Brazilians know how to party. The country celebrates tons of holidays and festivals throughout the year. Of all of the celebrations, here are the top 5 Brazilian festivals that are guaranteed to bring out the country’s energy, beauty, life and passion.

1. Carnival

The most popular party in the world, Carnival is celebrated in many countries, but it is in Brazil that you find the world’s biggest celebration. The world convenes, Brazilians and foreigners take over the streets in huge parades, over a million people dress in costumes, musicians play on the streets, and famous, luxurious mask parties are held in the parlors of the best hotels in Rio. Lasting 5 days, this party offers plenty of places to see and be seen.

Luxury tip: Book a private box for the Carnival Parade (Sambodromo). From the private box, called a Camarote in Portuguese, you can enjoy a view from the top in a special air-conditioned space away from the crowd below. The boxes include the best of Brazilian cuisine, themed decorations, and opportunities to spot and perhaps mingle with celebrities through access to the V.I.P. group spaces.

2. The Opening of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games

If you had the opportunity to watch the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, you may remember a little bit of Rio’s teaser demonstration and can begin to imagine how thrilling the opening ceremony of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio will be. Sure to be full of brilliant colors, samba, driving rhythm, happiness, and stories of the vast and contrasting regions of Brazil, the country is eager to to share 500 years of amazing history with spectators. Be in the beautiful newly renovated Maracana stadium to experience the energy, excitement, and joy incomparable to watching this event of a lifetime at home.

Luxury tip: After the amazing renovations, the Maracana stadium now offers incredible views from private boxes where you can enjoy Brazilian cuisine, reserved areas, privacy and sophistication.

3. Réveillon de Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro

This giant New Year’s Eve celebration at Copacabana Beach hosts almost 2 million people every year for a reason. Friends and families from all over gather to welcome a new year together on this warm, beautiful night on the beach. The celebration, sponsored by the city of Rio, features a stage on the beach with bands from a variety of genres, and at midnight, spectators awe at the fireworks that span the entire coastline, synchronized to powerfully evocative music. Everyone celebrates the new year together and many stay at the beach until the sun comes up to also say hello to the first sunrise of the year! Welcome the sun with a bottle of champagne accompanied with family, friends, or a loved one.

Luxury tip: Book an Oceanfront suite at a 5 star hotel in Copacabana. From here you can overlook the party from the balcony of your accommodation or celebrate on the rooftop of the hotel. Many exquisite, chic, private parties are hosted at the hotels and prepared for this special occasion.

4. Festa Juninha, Campina Grande, Sao Joao

The 2nd most important and popular celebration in Brazil after Carnival, Festa Juninha (June Festival), also called Saint John’s Party, is a traditional festival that commences the Brazilian winter in June. The festival also commemorates some of the most famous Catholic saints (Saint Anthony, Saint John and Saint Peter). The festival honors rain, the harvest season, and marital union. Visitors celebrate from mid- June until the end of July and in some cities, festivities even continue until late August. If you participate in the festival, be sure to eat one of delicious main dishes and drinks prepared especially for this season. Dress up like a farmer, enjoy a bonfire and dance “the quadrille” (a dance to recall and re enact a humorous Brazilian folktale involving a bride that gets pregnant before the marriage and her father, the Major, who forces the drunken groom to marry his ugly daughter and save the family’s honor).This festival is full of culture, history, and fun! More at: http://saojoaodecampina.com.br/

Luxury tip: Book a luxury Oceanfront bungalow at Nannai Beach resort and a private guide to take you to this amazing party. After the party and dancing all night long, enjoy the pool inside your bungalow to relax and recover.

5. Festival Parintins in the Amazon

This incredible, 3- day party happens in the middle of the Amazon Rain Forest. Always celebrated the last week in June, in the city of Parintins (in the Amazon), the celebration is a folk festival marked by a performance competition between two associations. The event takes place in Bumbódromo stadium with a capacity for 35,000 spectators. The show revolves around themes connected to the stories and rituals by the natives. The plot always involves an ox, the symbol of the party, and a few other regional figures. The ox is killed by Father Francisco to satisfy the desire of his wife, Mother Catirina, who is expecting his child. His master finds out what happened to the animal, the most beautiful of the flock, and sends for the servant. Both a priest and shaman are called, and revive the animal. Francisco and his wife receive forgiveness and everyone celebrates! Tourists are enchanted not only by the parties, but with the local culture, handicrafts produced by the natives, and specific dishes from this region.

Luxury tip: Book a luxury suite on a private yacht to travel to Parintins and experience the lively festival for 3 days in the Amazon. The luxury Amazon yacht provides all the amenities and comfort you deserve to have an unforgettable adventure and cultural experience in the middle of the rainforest in Brazil.

If you want to escape everything and immerse yourself in a colorful, vivid, lively culture, visit one of the Brazilian festivals and be a part of the celebration. Brazilians love to share their culture and will be happy to share their special day with you. Whether you decide to take part in the rhythms of Carnival, characterizations of Festa Junina, soak in the sights and sounds of New Year’s Eve on Copacabana Beach, or put them all on your bucket list, you are sure to experience plenty of fun, culture, and exciting memories.

Luiz Alegre Silva is the Founder at See You in Brazil.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

If you’re a traveler looking for more than landmarks or monuments, keep in mind that each destination offers alternatives. There are journeys that provide surprising experiences, challenge the senses and invite you to understand a place more deeply. These are travels that bring you closer to the lives of their people, closer to their traditions, landscapes, cuisine, colors, and flavors… those details that make a visit unique.

Our suggestion is to consider theme-based tours in which you will follow the most exquisite aromas and flavors of the different regions of Ecuador. These tours — called coffee, chocolate and flower “routes” — are journeys on which you will enjoy dazzling scenery while sipping a tall cup of rich South American coffee or a hot cup of chocolate with its fine cocoa aroma. You can also visit the best rose plantations in the world or marvel at colorful orchids growing in the fields of this wonderful little South American country – recognized as one of the most diverse in the world.

Ecuador’s Coffee Route

Ecuador is one of the countries that produce and export excellent quality coffee, though in small amounts for exclusive niche markets, particularly those in Europe. The different ecosystems of the country allow this fruit to be grown in several regions of Ecuador, even in the Galapagos Islands. Growers in this country specialize in varieties such as “Arabica Lavado,” Natural Arabica, Caturra and Robusta coffees, which are highly valued for their quality, aroma and of course their taste.

Given all this, what better is there than to follow the aroma of one of the finest coffees in the world to understand the land where it’s grown? Various “Coffee Routes” run through the different regions of the country, each designed to inform travelers about the process of planting, growing, producing and marketing this product.

These tours are designed so that they can be enjoyed in every sense. In most places these include visits to farms, ranches and coffee communities, allowing travelers lose themselves in the greenery of fields, involve themselves in the process and, of course, taste the different varieties of coffee. Promoted by local governments, these tours also allow you to experience the dining culture and cuisine generated around this product, in addition to permitting you to discover the human side of an activity that employs more than 100,000 families in Ecuador.

Some of the destinations in Ecuador that organize coffee tours include the following:

Jipijapa: Situated in the coastal province of Manabi, this area is known as the “coffee capital of Ecuador.” In this region, visitors can learn about the history of coffee production in Ecuador as well as the current process of producing Arabica coffee. Visitors here receive demonstrations of the roasting process and they can visit an export company that uses timeworn machines worthy of a museum.

The Chical Region: In the north of the country, tourists taking this Coffee Route will discover hundreds of hectares of coffee plants. In this province, tourist can also visit locally run archaeological and ethnographic museum, such as the Manaquer Museum in the community of Esperanza. In addition, you can also visit the Chiles Volcano, a beautiful snowcapped mountain on the border of Ecuador and Colombia.

Around Quito: Another special stop on the Ecuadorian Coffee Route is to the northwest of the capital city itself. In this area, more than 200 families are involved in coffee growing. In addition, tourists can tour the nearby cloud forest, which is biodiverse and filled with unique species of birds (up to 35 species of hummingbirds and 380 other bird species), as well as many butterflies and insect species. This area is also home to an endangered mammal: the famous Spectacled bear.

The Chocolate Route

Cacao seeds are also known in Ecuador as “gold nuggets,” both for their color and for the value these have had for the development of this product in this country. Ecuadorian cocoa – the source of mouthwatering chocolate – is recognized today as one of the best in the world. Similarly, its main derivative (Ecuadorian chocolate) has received international awards as the best in the world. Currently, Ecuador is the largest producer of “fine” or “flavor cocoa,” with more than 70% of the world’s production concentrated here.

But in our travels for cocoa experts, we go beyond these success stories. We will travel through the geography where these plantations are located, with their micro-climates and of course the people who have devoted the best years of their lives to deliver the raw material. Learn up close about the universe of cacao and, of course, taste it as many time as you please – the best chocolate in the world is our suggestion in the “Ruta del Cacao.”

In “choco-lodges” located near the cocoa plantations, travelers can listen to stories and legends about cocoa production. These visitors can also go on guided tours that demonstrate harvesting techniques, participate in the process of making chocolate, and taste delicious cocoa syrup and other delicacies made from this fruit.

Sweet stops along the chocolate route include the following:

Guayas and Los Rios Provinces: These areas are and always have been the main producers of cocoa in Ecuador. They were the first areas where growing began and remain the major exporters of cocoa in Ecuador.

Vinces: Around this coastal town, dubbed the “Cradle of Fine Aroma Cocoa,” haciendas have opened their doors to provide insight into the history and production process of handmade chocolate.

Chone: Another coastal town, Chone is where world-famous “High Flavor National Cacao” is produced. Haciendas in this area welcome investors and tourists. Also, while cacao is not grown in nearby Salinas de Guaranda, this small town was one of the first sites started processing cocoa.

Churute Ecological Reserve: In addition to visiting the cocoa plantations near the town of Yaguachi, tourists can visit the mangroves of this reserve, which activities such as bird watching, camping, canoeing and hiking are promoted.

Balao Chico: While on your search for the richest of chocolate, you can take a break in this rural parish at the Shuar Hot Springs Center. Here, you can take healing baths, but also learn about a variety of exotic wildlife, and swim under waterfalls or in natural pools. Most importantly, you can lose yourself for a moment in the life of the indigenous Shuar people and learn about their wonderful worldview and everyday life.

El Oro and Azuay and Canar provinces: The chocolate tours in these areas include visits to cacao plantations. However, these trip also include excursions to the principal geographical attractions of each region.

The Ecuadorian Amazon: The Amazonian towns of Archidona, Arosemena Tola and Tena, you can complete the Chocolate Route. Cocoa in these areas is still grown in the traditional manner, on “Kichwa farms.” There, locals – mainly women – grow this fruit using ancestral practices.

The Flower Route

The world’s most beautiful roses and orchids grow in Ecuador. Their size, color and fragrance make them so special that celebrities, kings and princes around the world request them for their special events. Learning about the conditions in which they grow, but also visiting the beautiful landscapes in which these precious flowers are grown and picked, is another way to tour this small South American country called Ecuador.

Ecuadorian roses

A traveler can start from Quito, the capital, and continue along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” named for this stretch lined by 14 volcanoes, many of them active. A bright landscape, with the sun reflected on the snowy mountains and the colors of the crops in the fields of the Andean highlands, is the perfect setting for a journey to the land in the middle of the world.

Ecuador offers mountain lovers a unique panorama, with flower farms located in these highland valleys, themselves situated over a mile (between 2,000 and 2,800 meters) above sea level

These routes take visitors to rural areas of the Andes through guided tours to observe and learn about the process of planting and cultivating these beautiful flowers. But in addition to this, these trips offer the chance to tour the region, interact with people from local communities, tour the region by train, and visit farms, indigenous markets, volcanoes and hot springs. You can stay in the old colonial-era haciendas that have been transformed into comfortable B&B’s without losing their traditional charm. And, of course, you can taste the delicious cuisine of each locality.

A visit to a rose plantation lasts between one and three hours. These visits can be combined with adventure sports, a train ride, or a visit to an indigenous market, a national park and more.

Some of the attractions on the Flower Route include the following:

Cayambe: In this serene Ecuadorian village, you can visit local flower growers. On some tours, you can even sample from menus that use edible roses. These tours can be combined with visits to the beautiful lakes in the Imbabura Province, such as San Pablo, Mojanda and Cuicocha… bodies of water that have earned this area the name of “The Province of Lakes.”

Otavalo Market: Another interesting stop while on your Flower Route is this colorful square where beautiful handicrafts, garments and fabrics handcrafted by indigenous communities in the area are sold.

Cochasqui Pyramids: In addition to flowers, you can also find other attractions such as the Cochasqui Pyramids, one of the oldest archaeological sites in the country.

Ecuadorian orchids

But not only are Ecuadorian roses famous. Increasingly, orchids grown in this country are being marketed around the world, as Ecuador is the home of four of the five major subfamilies of orchids on the planet.

There are several tourist routes designed around the production of these wonderful flowers.

Quito Botanical Garden: Situated in Ecuador’s capital city, this is one of the starting points for observing and studying orchids in their natural habitat.

Pahuma Cloud Forest Reserve: One of the most recommended points is the outside of Quito. Here, in addition to marvel at the wildlife in the cloud forest, you can see 260 species of orchids, 9 of which are endemic to the country. This is also an ideal place for sports such as zip-lining, mountain biking, climbing, river kayaking and even paragliding.

Bomboli Ecological Reserve: A few hours from the capital in the town of Santo Domingo is where travelers can see more than 600 species of naturally grown orchids.

Botanical Garden and Orchid Conservation Center: Just outside the Amazonian town of Puyo, travelers can find a host of endemic plants and over 350 species of Amazonian orchids.

Ecuagenera: Near the southern Ecuadorian city of Loja, Podocarpus National Park is one of the country’s most biodiverse reserves, with exceptional flora and fauna and a variety of orchids. Close by, in the town of Gualaceo, you can find Ecuagenera, which is also called the “House of Orchids,” an Ecuadorian company that produces more than 8,000 species and hybrids of orchids for Ecuador and the world.

What this all means is that for those people looking forward to getting off the beaten path and experiencing a sensory overload… Ecuador awaits!

Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

The moment has come. For the first time ever in South America, the whole world will meet. The XXXI Olympic Games will be in Rio, Brazil in August, 2016. The marvelous city has been getting ready for this amazing event and is prepared with lots of new attractions, beautiful renovations, and new facilities and amenities to pamper its visitors. We have carefully selected the best 5-star, luxury hotels to make sure you enjoy the charming city of Rio with peace-of-mind and comfort.

1. Belmond Copacabana Palace

A historical icon on Copacabana Beach, Belmond Copacabana Palace is a stunning and elegant facility known for being one of the most luxurious hotels in Rio de Janeiro. With impeccable, royal service and top amenities, this hotel offers comfort and class. This grand hotel was designed by French architect Joseph Gire, who was inspired by the Hotel Carlton and Hotel Negresco. The Copacabana Palace has been an architectural landmark since its opening  in 1923. Top amenities include three gourmet restaurants, ocean views, pool service, and beach service. In addition to their reliable service and classic luxury, this hotel typically accommodates dignitaries, celebrities, and politicians. During special events the hotel builds a bridge over the street to connect to Copacabana beach. The bridge often connects celebrities from the hotel, directly to their stages on the beach. With Olympic events across the street on Copacabana beach, the location of Belmond Copacabana Palace is top.

2. Santa Teresa MGallery by Sofitel

A rustic chic hotel perched on a Rio hillside, the Santa Teresa hotel is full of culture and luxury. Adorned with indigenous art and historical handicrafts, and set among luscious, green patios, gardens and terraces, the hotel artfully combines modern, indigenous style, and nature, to create an atmosphere full of conscious sophistication. Once a neo-colonial mansion on a coffee plantation, this hotel is one of the few hotels that has carefully gone through a restoration process and has received a government trust for its historic preservation in Rio. In addition to its historical preservation initiative, the hotel serves its community through local social initiatives, which guests are invited to visit and take part in. This hotel settled amidst the hillside of Rio, overlooking Guanabara Bay, and offering glimpses of the Corcovado statue, offers expansive, personalized rooms, thematic suites, and balconies with panoramic views. Many celebrities have stayed at Santa Teresa to take advantage of the great escape from the bustle of the beaches, and to indulge in the stunning views of Rio. With the breathtaking views, cultural and historical design, top service, and unique hotel amenities like its contemporary cuisine, blue slated pool, and extensive spa menu, this boutique hotel, with only 43 rooms, ensures guests will rest and relax in peace and comfort during the Olympic games.

3. Miramar Hotel by Windsor

Located oceanfront, across from Copacabana, the Miramar Hotel is known for its stunning views and contemporary style. Miramar’s beauty often inspired Tom Jobim and Vinicios de Moraes, the founders of Bossa Nova, who met here to play and compose. The hotel features 200 rooms, stunning ocean views, and is also known for its dazzling rooftop terrace. The rooftop fitness centre and infinity pool with rooftop bar offer marvelous views of Copacabana beach, perfect for relaxation and a chic evening by the pool. Additional hotel amenities include a butler service, beach service, and opportunities to enjoy the spa at Windsor Atlantica. This innovative hotel is also the only pet-friendly hotel in the city of Rio de Janeiro! At the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, restaurant Sá, guests indulge in both contemporary Brazilian and international cuisine. Head chef, Paulo Góes, artfully masters mouthwatering Brazilian delicacies with European-inspired dishes. Miramar Hotel is the perfect hotel to stay during the Olympics to experience brilliant quality service, modern luxury, and to be amidst the energy of the games, through its convenient location.

4. Fasano Rio de Janeiro

Situated in the heart of Ipanema, Fasano Rio is a contemporary and luxurious hotel right on the beach. This hotel is a member of “The Leading Small Hotels of the World.” Its design was imagined by Philippe Starck and décor inspired by Sérgio Rodrigues, creating an elegant 50’s and 60’s ambience. Fasano Rio is a go-to hotel for Rio’s most demanding guests. The hotel is acclaimed for its wooden, glass, and marble accents combined with breathtaking views and hip and luxurious facilities. Accommodating all, each of the 89 rooms in this hotel have balconies, and 45 of those have ocean views. This hotel is considered a prime place to meet enjoy the live music in the lobby lounge or enjoy a delicious dish at ‘Fasano al Mare’, Rogério Fasano’s restaurant featuring traditional Italian seafood. The rooftop of the hotel boasts a private leisure area for guests with an infinity pool, a steam sauna, and a fitness center and beautiful views of Ipanema beach. The private beach area on Ipanema beach, posh environment, and attentive service, make this stylish hotel a top spot to party and meet other people from around the world during the Olympics.

5. Caesar Park Rio de Janeiro Ipanema

The Caesar Park Rio de Janeiro Ipanema is highly acclaimed for its ideal location in the affluent areas of Ipanema and Leblon. Perfectly situated across from the world famous Ipanema Beach, conveniently only 35 minutes from the international airport, and incredibly close to all of Rio’s major sights, this 5-star hotel, is the ideal selection to maximize your time at the Olympics in Rio. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Caesar Park offers impeccable attention to its 221 rooms with 24 hour room service. Hotel amenities include a fitness center, sauna, massage room, and rooftop pool with panoramic views of the beach. Guests can enjoy French and Brazilian cuisine is available in the hotel’s restaurants or international cocktails by the pool. Beach service and bicycles are also available upon request. This hotel’s sophisticated environment, convenience, and attention to service creates additional touches of luxury and relaxation to make a stay during the Olympics easy and rejuvenating.

Luiz Alegre Silva is the Founder at See You in Brazil.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Traveling with your kids and introducing them to new cultures is an enriching experience for the whole family. But it also presents an obstacle course of logistical challenges. So at some point this year, leave behind the juice boxes and baggies of cheerios. Go somewhere adventurous with just you and your partner– somewhere it would be impractical to bring the whole family, and book luxurious accommodations that cater to your grown-up tastes.

1. Sky Lodge Adventure Suites, Peru

You can’t simply stroll in the front door of Sky Lodge Adventure Suites. These suites are in cushy pods that are fastened to the side of a cliff, suspended 1,312 feet (400 m) above the Sacred Valley of the Inca in Peru. Visitors come to these pods for unparalleled views of the valley and breathtaking stargazing.

To reach your accommodations you’ll climb up a via ferrata, which is an Italian term that translates to “iron road” in English. It’s even more exciting getting down from the suites – you’ll take a zipline from the rocky cliff to the valley below. Highly trained Sky Lodge staff members will always be present to help you with your gear and lead the way.

Don’t fret – you ‘ll feel quite secure in your aluminum nest. The 24-foot (7-m) long pods are divided into dining and sleeping quarters. During your stay the staff will deliver gourmet meals, including a wine pairing.

2. Homestay on Lake Titicaca, Peru 

Take a break from hotels and resorts with this personal, cultural experience. On Amantí Island in Lake Titicaca you can meet the indigenous people who have lived here since the Inca conquered their territory in the 15th century. Some families have opened their homes to visitors, and offer comfortable accommodations for a night on the lake.

During a stay on Amantí Island you’ll get to eat a communal meal with the villagers, and participate in a traditional dance. You’ll get to see the textiles that they knit themselves, and get to know how daily life works in this isolated landscape.

While you’re staying here you can hire a local boat (which will have been constructed out of reeds) to take you to other islands in the area. The Uros Islands make a particularly interesting stop – they are also made out of reeds, and are maintained by the diligence of the Uru people.

3. Guanidup Island, Panama

You can’t get further from traffic and PTA meetings than this. Guanidup Island is part of the Guna Yala island chain. It’s hard to believe these thatch-roof cabins, white sand beaches, and brilliant blue waters are real, so settle in for a night and try to adjust to the incredible beauty of the surroundings.

Indigenous people called the Guna live on these islands, and they serve as stewards of the environment. They will be your tour guides and show you the tools they use to survive on the island.

You can find all-inclusive packages that include transportation to the island, as well as meals during your stay. Lobster is one of the most commonly served meals on Guanidup, and the Guna have no shortage of these crustaceans in the water surrounding the islands.

This is for travelers who don’t mind basic accommodations. There are a total of 12 huts on this small island, and they are equipped with only modest conveniences. But you’re not coming here for the silk sheets and room service – the effect of the landscape here is undeniable.

4. Laguna Lodge, Guatemala

Laguna Lodge is on Santa Cruz Island in the middle of Lake Atitlán, Guatemala’s legendary lake, and is bordered by three volcanoes. It is only accessible by boat. The hotel provides private boat service to anywhere else on the lake you’d like to explore, and is surrounded by hiking trails that will take you through protected rainforest.

This is an eco-lodge, so the amenities are designed to use as much clean energy as possible. Instead of using air conditioning, the rooms are built out of volcanic material that keeps the interior cool. Hike along trails on the island and stop at some of the incredible vistas along the way.

Zotz restaurant serves intensely local food. They get their produce, eggs, and coffee from either the hotel’s gardens or from local farmers. All of their bread is freshly baked in the restaurant’s kitchen.

You can take on-site yoga and pilates classes, and visit the Hummingbird Spa for a massage. In addition to a nice selection of wine and cocktails, you can refresh yourself with their freshly pressed juices.

5. Royal Palm Island, the Galápagos, Ecuador

This resort is in the highlands of Santa Cruz, one of the islands of the Galápagos. Set on a hill, this resort still has views of the sea. Santa Cruz is home to the town of Puerto Ayora, which is one of the most important hubs for visitors to the Galápagos.

It is often misty and overcast in the highlands. This hotel does not offer a sunny, idyllic beach vacation, but puts you in the midst of one of the most bio-diverse places in the world. Come here when you’re ready to see evolution in action. This hotel has its own 480-acre (190-ha) reserve. On the grounds you can find interesting formations caused by volcanic activity. Walk through the lava tunnel near the main lodge.

On Dragon Hill you can visit the healthy colony of transplanted iguanas. Santa Cruz also has a tortoise conservation center where you can sometimes see baby and adolescent tortoises. Visit Playa Tortuga Playa de Perros to see a huge colony of iguanas. Typically these animals lounge casually on the beach, but during the mating season you may see the males butting heads. There is a pond where white-tipped sharks swim in jewel-green water.

There are small villas dotted throughout the property, overlooking the rolling hills and the ocean in the distance. The main building has a free-form design and polished interiors. You can’t always rely on power in this isolated territory, but the hotel has rustic amenities, like a clay oven in the dining room that burns firewood.

Zach Smith is CEO of Anywhere.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Whether you’re seeking wildlife spectacles, otherworldly scenery or the buzz of a festival, there is a wide range of options for travelling to a new destination this season. We’ve listed ten of the best places to visit at this time of year to help you plan your next spring-summer adventure.

Australia’s Ningaloo Marine Park

While experiencing cooler temperatures than the summer months, Australia between April and June basks in pleasant temperatures, with less rain and plenty of sunshine. The change in temperature triggers the start of autumn, and in the south of the country the landscape becomes dappled with golden hues. With fewer visitors than earlier in the year, you can enjoy all the attractions of summer without the crowds and uncomfortable heat.

This is a great time of year to head to Ningaloo Marine Park on Western Australia’s northwest coast, where large numbers of whale sharks feed in the nutrient-rich waters between late March and early July, when the coral is spawning. Boat trips from Exmouth take you out to the reef, where you can swim and snorkel with these gentle creatures.

Whale sharks are the largest fish species in the world at up to 12 metres long. Completely harmless to humans, they move around slowly in the water while feeding on plankton. During the trip, you’ll be able to learn all about their behaviour, feeding patterns and how best to approach them.

St Petersburg’s White Nights Festival

From late-May to July each year, St Petersburg hosts the White Nights Festival to mark the natural phenomenon of constant daylight at this time of year, caused by the city’s northerly position.

The festival is a series of ballet, opera and musical events, with daily evening performances of ballet or opera held at the Mariinsky Theatre and the Mariinsky Concert Hall, and popular music stars holding concerts in the Palace Square.

The oldest and most popular event is Scarlet Sails, which pays tribute to the Russian children’s tale of the same name written by Alexander Grin in 1922 and celebrates the end of the Russian school year in June. You can sit on the banks of the Neva River and watch as a sailing ship illuminated by a glowing red light floats by, while fireworks explode in the sky above you.

Northern India’s Ladakh region

While most of India endures searing heat and monsoon rains from June onwards, the high altitude of Ladakh in the country’s northern tip helps it stay relatively cool and dry, making it a wonderful place to visit at this time of year.

Despite being part of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Ladakh region offers a very different culture to the rest of the country, with its proximity to the Tibetan border reflected in its large number of Tibetan Buddhists and traditional way of life.

Stretching from the Himalayan to the Kunlun Ranges, you’ll be struck by the area’s dramatic mountain scenery, which provides excellent opportunities for walking and photography.

The region’s capital, Leh, nestles in the mountains. It may take some time to adjust to its altitude of 3,500 metres, but there’s plenty to see in this historic town, from traditional mud brick houses and bustling street markets to the imposing ruins of Leh Palace. A walk up to white-domed Shanti Stupa rewards you with impressive views over the town, which was once an important trading post for Himalayan people. If you don’t mind an early start, you may wish to witness atmospheric morning prayers at Thikse Monastery, which is around half an hour’s drive from Leh.

Peru’s Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca

By May, Peru’s rainy season will have come to an end and the landscape will be incredibly lush and green. This is one of the best times to enjoy all of Peru’s main attractions, at a quieter time than the festival month of June and the peak months of July and August. You can choose to embark on a trek in one of the mountainous valleys surrounding Machu Picchu, which range from 1 to 12 days and vary in difficulty. Although, if you want to complete the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu itself you’ll need to book in advance as permit numbers are heavily restricted each year.

Alternatively, you could travel into the Sacred Valley – the Inca’s heartland – by road before taking the train from the town of Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu. Reaching this mysterious yet familiar site as the sun rises and the clouds clear to reveal the sacred ruins is unforgettable, but the journey there is often just as scenic as you follow the course of the Urubamba River along the valley floor through dense forest.

For a more relaxing experience, enjoy a peaceful boat trip out on Lake Titicaca under vivid blue skies. The largest lake in South America, the Inca civilisation believed that the world was created here by the god Viracocha, and the local people still hold onto their pre-Conquest traditions. You can visit some of the traditional communities that live on the lake floating on islands made from reeds, or travel out to the pre-Incan burial grounds of Sillustani, where stone chullpas (burial towers) dot the shores of Lake Umayo.

China’s Yunnan Province

At this time of year, China is experiencing warm weather but has yet to reach the hot and humid conditions seen in the summer months. May is the peak month for the wildflowers of Yunnan Province to bloom, and you can take in strikingly beautiful scenery as the mountain slopes are transformed by the vibrant colours of rhododendrons and other flora.

One of the most visually impressive areas within the province is Tiger Leaping Gorge, which  was formed by the Jinsha River forcing its way between the Yulong and Haba Mountains. While just 30 metres wide at its narrowest point, it’s one of the world’s deepest river canyons with a maximum depth of 3,790 metres. A two-day trek around the gorge allows you to explore this region in-depth, and stay overnight in a local guesthouse in the middle of the gorge.

South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal coast

Between May and July, the coast of KwaZulu-Natal in the east of South Africa plays host to the sardine run, a natural spectacle that sees millions of sardines (or South African pilchards) migrate northwards along the coastline from the Agulhas Bank. The vast shoals of these fish – often more than seven kilometres long and 1.5 kilometres wide – catch the attention of many predators, creating a feeding frenzy that’s exhilarating to watch.

Thousands of sea birds, such as Cape gannets, plunge into the water to catch their prey, where a variety of shark species, including hammerhead, great whites and bronze whalers, are already feasting on the fish. Bottlenose and common dolphins also pursue the shoals, working together to round the fish up into ‘bait balls’ and push them to the surface before tucking in to their meal.

You can go on predator viewing boat trips, diving charters or simply snorkel in shallower waters to witness the spectacle more closely. Alternatively, there are several vantage points along the coastline where you can watch the drama of predator-versus-prey from dry land.

Borneo’s rainforests and beaches

Travelling to Borneo during May allows you to avoid peak season prices, larger crowds and the most extreme temperatures of the year. Both Sarawak on the northwest coast and Sabah in the north enjoy favourable weather conditions, although tropical storms are never unheard of at any time of year.

Sabah’s northeast coast experiences its lowest annual rainfall in May, so it’s an ideal time to relax on the sandy beaches and explore the diverse sea in marine parks such as Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, where you may encounter black-tip reef sharks, barracuda and rays. For more wildlife encounters, you can take a trip to Lankayan Island, to see and snorkel with turtles in the island’s clear waters at the start of the turtle season.

Back on dry land, conditions for trekking in Sarawak’s rainforests are at their best at this time of year. You’ll have a good chance of seeing orangutans high in the trees, as well as encountering other wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, tarsiers, gibbons, slow lorises (small, nocturnal primates with large eyes), sun bears and pygmy elephants.

Japan’s flowers and festivals

The first week of May in Japan is ‘Golden Week’, a national holiday when many local people travel around the country, making public transport and hotels busier. But, once this week is over, the warm, mostly dry weather and lush green foliage around the country makes this one of the best times to visit.

It’s also the only time of year to view wisteria in full bloom, with purple and cream flowers hanging gracefully from the plant’s long vines. One of the best places to experience this is Kawachi Fuji Garden in Kitakyushu, where you can stroll through a wisteria tunnel made up of around 20 different species of white, blue, purple and pink wisteria.

With the waning of the cherry blossom season across much of Japan by May, your best chance of catching its tail end is to head to northern Hokkaido, where the cooler conditions hold back the cherry blossom blooms until later.

Head to Tokyo on the third weekend of May to witness one of the city’s largest festivals and parades, Sanja Matsuri, which is held in honour of the three men who established and founded Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensō-ji. Colourful floats and over 100 Buddhist shrines are paraded through the streets of Asakusa (a district in Taitō, Tokyo), accompanied by geishas, musicians and dancers in traditional Edo period costume.

The USA’s national parks

This is an ideal season for visiting both the northern and southern parts of the USA, with pleasant temperatures and sunny days coupled with greater access into many of the national parks. You’ll also find the parks much quieter than in the summer months, particularly those in the north such as Grand Teton National Park. Here, you may well have a scenic trail all to yourself as you hike through seemingly deserted mountains and valleys with perfectly still lakes, some of which may still be frozen over in higher ground. Wildlife such as black bears, bison and moose are readily seen, and a wider range of activities becomes available, from canoeing and climbing to cycling and fishing.

The national parks in the southern US, such as Yosemite, also offer excellent conditions for hiking, and you can make the most of the warmer climate by heading to the Californian coast for some beach relaxation before it becomes more crowded in the summer months.

Saint Lucia’s jazz festival and natural wonders

While the peak season for travel to Saint Lucia has just come to an end, this is still one of the best times of year to visit the island, whose natural beauty has earned it the name ‘Helen of the West Indies’. Prices are significantly lower than in February and March, yet the rainfall is only slightly heavier, which in turn has its benefits as the landscape becomes more lush and green.

The beaches should be quieter at this time of year, giving you more space to relax without being disturbed. While temperatures are getting hotter and humidity is rising, it’s still worth exploring the island’s tropical interior, where you can hike up the volcanic hills and mountains to be rewarded with sweeping views over the rugged coastline and out to sea.

At the beginning of May, the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival takes place on Pigeon Island – a tiny island artificially joined to the mainland’s northwest coast. This colourful festival runs for just over a week with performances from both local and international musicians. It also showcases dance, theatre, fashion and poetry representing the various cultures that have influenced Saint Lucia over the years.

Craig Burkinshaw is Founder of Audley Travel.

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Slipping into the water is arguably the best way to appreciate the world’s vibrant array of marine life. We’ve listed our top ten snorkeling spots around the world from uninhabited islands and rugged coastlines to shallow lagoons.

Galapagos Islands

The volcanic archipelagos of the Galapagos Islands host truly remarkable opportunities to spot wildlife underwater as well as on land. Marine life here is fearless: as you snorkel, you’re likely to be investigated by a curious green turtle or sea lion pup. There are numerous bays seemingly designed for snorkeling, from the sheltered Tagus Cove on Isabela Island to the dramatic Pinnacle Rock Cove, its titular rock tilting out to sea.

Drawing scientists from all over the world, the list of ocean life here is long. Nowhere else in the world can you snorkel with marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, nurse sharks or up to five species of ray. And that’s just in a morning.

Komodo Island, Indonesia

Snorkeling around Komodo Island is becoming more appealing than spotting the Komodo Dragons that live on the land. A protected national park, the coast is untouched, and lined with tangled jungle and silver-sand beaches. Staying on board a Phinisi schooner, a lavishly traditional sailboat, you can cruise past the intriguing caves and beaches, searching for one of the hidden lagoons. In the shallow reefs, turtles calmly glide over the gently swaying coral while clown fish dart through the anemones.

A little deeper, it’s possible to spot manta rays ‘flying ‘ through the ocean, sifting plankton and small fish. They’ll glide around, waiting for a ball of plankton before suddenly speeding up and somersaulting towards their prey, their huge mouth wide open.

Kabira Bay, Ishigaki, Japan

Kabira Bay nestles into the side of the island of Ishigaki, where Mount Omoto looms in the distance. A relatively shallow wading beach, lined with glass-bottom boats prepared for an influx of day-trippers, it may not seem ideal. But, offshore, the sites are remarkable. Take a boat out to one of the off-shore reefs. Just past the coral walls the sea floor drops suddenly, and swimming those few strokes over the edge of the drop-off is exhilarating.

The conference of two different marine environments has resulted in Kabira’s combination of shallow dwelling fish (like the Irabucha, Japan’s most popular fish for sushi) and deeper dwelling manta rays. Blowfish are also common here, immediately transforming themselves into spiky balls when disturbed. The bay is suited to more experienced snorkelers, so it’s best to have an accompanying guide.

The Aliwal Shoal, South Africa

A fossilised sand dune turned reef, the Aliwal Shoal sits off the coast of Umkomaas, south of Durban. The reef is a rugged mass of caves, ledges and shipwrecks, named after the ship Aliwal, which ran aground on it in 1849. Forget cage diving, here you can snorkel with hundreds of grey nurse sharks —known locally as “raggies”— that cruise the shoal. The speckled potato bass and neon moray eels hide in the coral while humpback whales occupy the deeper water; you can hear their song from the shallower snorkel sites.

An option for the more adventurous, it’s wise to hire a guide to negotiate the shoal’s network of rocks. You’ll need diving equipment to explore part of the reef, but with a range of well-reputed dive schools, it’s easy to arrange.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Belize

Located southeast of San Pedro Town, Hol Chan Marine Reserve lies off the coast of Ambergris Caye. Meaning “Little Channel” in the indigenous Maya language, the reserve is a natural break in the sea floor. Made up of four distinct habitats, it’s possible to explore very different environments in one trip.

The roots of the mangroves that line the shore act as a nursery for juvenile fish as well as wiggling anemones and brittle stars, the spiny relatives of starfish. The reef is one of the largest in the world, with large elkhorn coral providing the peak environment to support a healthy lobster population. Further into the ocean is shark ray alley, a gathering point for nurse sharks and stingrays.

Underwater sculpture park, Grenada

The coral of Molinere Bay, on the southwestern tip of Grenada, has suffered from environmental damage, weakening the delicate coral structures. In an innovative attempt to regenerate the area, British sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor has worked with the local community to create an underwater sculpture park.

A ten-minute boat ride from the coast, you can take a guided snorkeling tour to the park, but the thrill of discovering each sculpture yourself is part of the experience. The concrete-formed figures with faces cast from local students all tell a story based on local folk tales. Swimming past them, you can see how the coral is gradually taking over in bright pinks and yellows. An eco-friendly option, snorkeling around the sculptures relieves the pressure on the fragile natural reefs left in the area as swimmers can disturb recovering coral.

El Nido, Philippines

The coral triangle, a roughly triangular area of coral in the Pacific ocean, has been nicknamed the Amazon of the seas. El Nido is located at its heart, making it home to one of the most biodiverse marine eco systems in the world. Consisting of a scattering of islands and islets, El Nido is framed with limestone cliffs and jungle. Protected against large scale fishing, the coral is impeccably healthy – at the last count over 6000 species of coral were recorded.

You can snorkel right off of your resort’s beach or head further afield to one of the uninhabited limestone islands or lagoons. Five species of turtle, whale sharks and a host of vibrant reef fish dart around the coral. Bizarre characters to spot include the electric-blue ribbon eel who seemingly dances in the current.

Pigeon Island Marine National Park, Trincomalee, Sri Lanka

While tourism in Sri Lanka’s south has boomed, it’s still possible to find seclusion in the north. From the coastal town of Trincomalee, on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka, Pigeon Island is just in sight. A short speedboat ride will take you to this tiny, uninhabited island. Its coral-edged bay is sheltered towards the mainland so snorkeling is a gentle experience for beginners and children.

With the coral starting right from the beach, there’s no need for a guide. Take lunch and you can enjoy a peaceful afternoon. A family of green turtles live on the reef, and hawksbill and olive ridley turtles have been sited regularly. Blacktip reef sharks can be seen in the shadows and a host of neon fish dart through the coral. In summer, it’s possible to see blue whales thrashing in the deep shelf drop out to sea.

Tobago Cays, St Vincent and the Grenadines

Off the coast of St Vincent and the Grenadines are five uninhabited sandy islands, making up Tobago Cays. A protected area, the islands are completely undisturbed, and covered in lush mangroves and white sand. Known as Grenadine’s “Jewels in the crown”, the stylish way to explore is by luxury yacht, anchoring near the snorkel sites.

The islands lie in a shallow lagoon, well protected by a huge horseshoe of coral that creates a refuge for particularly curious green and hawksbill turtles. The shallow water and calm currents means it’s easy to spot the starfish, some of the largest in the world. If you manage to pull yourself away from the marine life, you might spot white zebra rhino iguanas skulking along the beach.

The Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique

It’s possible to arrive by helicopter on the sugar-white beaches of the Bazaruto Archipelago, a collection of five sandy islands stretching out from the southern coast of Mozambique. Nicknamed “the Aquarium”, the 3 km (two mile) reef running alongside is teeming with over 100 types of vibrant coral and more than 2,000 species of tropical fish.

The most unusual animal to spot is the dugong. Related to the manatee, these ginormous creatures were hunted for their meat and are now an endangered species. With the shallow water a temperate 20 C (68 F), a gentle current and crystal-clear visibility, this is a comfortable snorkeling spot. Even more so if you choose to stay in one of the deluxe hotels on the archipelago.

Craig Burkinshaw is Founder of Audley Travel.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

When Peru travel comes to mind, you could be forgiven if a trip to Machu Picchu is at the forefront of your imagination. The reasons this breathtaking Incan citadel tops so many must see lists are numerous and varied, but whilst is most worth a visit, don’t forget to take some time for the other great places that the Peru has to offer travellers. When it comes to luxury travel, getting off the beaten path is the best way to provide yourself with an experience to remember.

1. The Amazon

The Amazon is one of the last true unexplored paradises left on the planet. You’ll find gigantic trees, thick forests and endless opportunities for adventure. You won’t believe the sounds, either. There are howler monkeys, castanet frogs and a whole lot more. Attempting Peru travel through the Amazon may sound daunting for a luxury traveller, but there are many options available to explore the diversity of the rainforest in a comfortable manner. From the southern Amazon Basin in Puerto Maldonado you will find some great ecolodges such as Reserva Amazonica & Hacienda Concepcion by the sustainable Inkaterra brand. If gourmet dining, plush surroundings and an interactive experience are more your cup of tea, there are several boutique river cruises such as the Aqua or Delfin luxury expeditions you can choose from.

2. Colca Canyon

If you love spectacular scenery and wide, open spaces, Colca Canyon is somewhere you won’t want to miss. Not all Peru travel enthusiasts make a visit to the canyon, but those who do find one of the deepest canyons on earth, which at its deepest point is nearly twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the northern hemisphere. As well as stunning terraces and gorges, the area has plenty of culture from the indigenous people and the possibility of viewing the majestic South American land bird in flight, the Condor at the special vantage point, Condor Cross.

3. Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is actually found and even acts as the border between southern Peru and neighbouring Bolivia. This lake is so special because at 3800 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest lakes on Earth. The Lake itself was viewed as a sacred location by the Incas, where in their culture, it was is considered to be the birthplace of the universe. Not only is the landscape here impressive, but you will find different cultures and traditions here such as that of the Uros, the villages that live on islands made of reeds. The best place to stay in Lake Titicaca is of course the premier Titilaka hotel for an exceptional and indulgent inclusive experience.

4. The Nazca Route

If you’re a fan of ancient mysteries, you might have heard of the Nazca Lines, a series of gigantic geoglyphs carved into the Peruvian desert. These geoglyphs take various forms, including animals, supernatural beings and abstract designs. New research suggests that these lines, rather than being simply decorative, may have been used by groups making a pilgrimage to an ancient temple. The routes have quite a bit of interesting history, and are best observed on an overflight. Visitors to this region also spend an extra day or two exploring the Ballestas Islands wildlife Sanctuary (sometimes referred to as a mini Galapagos) and the gorgeous sand dunes of Huacachina.

5. Lima

If you are staying in another city in South America before heading to Peru, you may be even fly straight through Lima and onto Cuzco to start the trip to Machu Picchu. You should however make the effort to spend a few days to stay in Lima if you can spare the time. The capital city has undergone a resurgence of interest from travellers of late, fuelled by its neighbourhoods and gastronomic scene. Be sure to visit the Museo Larco to see a huge collection of pre-Columbian artworks. Or you could easily spend your entire visit eating! Lima is a foodie’s paradise, offering plenty of traditional fare such as that made famous by the likes of Gaston Acurio and Vigilio Martinez as well as delicacies and influences from all around the world. The Bohemian district of Barranco is also worth a visit with its gorgeous art deco buildings, intriguing bars and art galleries or you can stay at the premier boutique hotel in the city, Hotel B.

Katherine Garces is Founder at Boutique South America.

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An island getaway is many people’s dream holiday. If you’re looking for somewhere special to relax this year, whether you seek stunning scenery, beautiful golden sandy beaches or fine food, then Tripadvisor’s recently published top 10 islands in the world might be just what you’re looking for to narrow down your options. Based on the feedback from users of the site, these are the islands you’ll be sure to want to visit.

1. Maui, Hawaii

The Hawaiian island chain has some of the most breathtaking islands in the world. On Maui you can swim, surf or windsurf in the warm Pacific Ocean or take a helicopter flight over a 10,000 foot volcano. If you enjoy scuba diving and snorkelling a luxurious catamaran can whisk you to nearby Molokini Island, an exclusive destination that is the remains of an ancient crater, and swim with the amazing sea life that call Maui home. Ashore, you can sample some of America’s finest golf courses and museums, as well as spectacular beaches with their rich array of white, red and even black sands. Maui is the all year round destination for a perfect tropical holiday.

2. Santorini, Cyclades

From the beguiling clifftop views to the multi-coloured beaches of Perissa and Kamari, Santorini in the Cyclades islands is a stunning destination. Visitors can marvel at how the whitewashed houses are clustered on vertiginous cliffs across an amazing vista. Then there is the local seafood cuisine and excellent wines to complement the diverse and active art and nightlife on the island.

3. Jamaica

If fusion is your thing then so too will be Jamaica. The island is a heady mix of world cultures blending European, African, Asian and Middle East into a wonderful cocktail of delights. Jamaica has a tradition of being one of the most welcoming islands in the world; perhaps it has something to do with the exotic food and intoxicating arts. If you’re brave enough you might like to take your chance with cliff jumping at Negrill Cliffs, or perhaps you’d prefer a sedate romantic walk along the hundreds of glorious sandy beaches.

4. Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

On an island surrounded by perfect sapphire blue seas, it is the water that is the main attraction. Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos benefits from warm seas and hot temperatures, ideal for enjoying all that is on offer including scuba diving in Chalk Sound, waterskiing or jetskiing and perhaps even diving with sharks. For the less adventurous there can be a visit to Caicos Conch Farm or browse the art on offer at Anna’s Art Gallery. Providenciales is also a superb honeymoon destination with some of the best beaches for lovers to walk hand in hand along with the warm soft sand between their toes.

5. Bali, Indonesia

It is the vibrant colours and the movement and sounds that encapsulate Bali for most visitors: the colours of the clothes and the white beaches, and the sounds of dense jungles teeming with loud monkeys. Hidden deep within the jungle are ancient stone temples. Then there are the views, and amazing panoramas from the peak of Mount Batur. After a day exploring, return to your luxury hotel for one of the world’s best and most therapeutic massages.

6. Majorca, Balearic Islands

Once you escape from the package holiday crowd, Majorca has lots to offer the more discerning traveller. An island of dreams that gave inspiration to Chopin and Miro can inspire any modern day visitor too. From the beautiful Le Seu Cathedral and its portcullis entrance to the ancient Alcudia Old Town, there are thousands of things to see and do on this holiday island. If, however, you’re looking to spend your time on the beach, then Playa de Muro Beach is widely regarded as amongst the best in the world. Or perhaps try a trek around the stunning scenery of Serra de Tramuntana.

7. Mauritius

From the moment you find yourself in the bustling and cosmopolitan capital, Port Louis, you know you’re in for a fun and exciting time on the island of Mauritius. For an island only 29 miles wide by 38 miles long there is so much to see, do and experience in this East African paradise destination. The Indian Ocean surrounds the island with its amazing sealife which is best seen on a deep sea trip from Rivière Noire or gentler scuba dive at the exciting community of Flic en Flac.

8. Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is known to many as the James Bond island from The Man with the Golden Gun, but it is so much more than a film set. The island is one of the world’s ‘go to’ destinations to experience spectacular deep blue lagoons and amazing pink sunsets. A visit to Phuket would not be complete with a ride in a local three wheel tuk tuk or a guided boat ride around the island. Away from the beaches venture further inland and climb heavily forested hills, mountains and cliffs.

9. Bora Bora

If your idea of a getaway from it all holiday is in an overwater bungalow on an island in the South Pacific, then Bora Bora should be somewhere to consider. Despite its small size, the island has something for everyone, from sunbathing to feeding sharks. Bora Bora is also a superb honeymoon destination where a romantic dinner can be enjoyed on the beach under a clear sky filled with millions of stars. Wildlife lovers too can enjoy this island for its natural splendour with the Coral Gardens, the Lagoonarium or by scaling the 2,300 foot peak of Mount Otemanu.

10. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

With the world focus on what Brazil has to offer with the Olympic Games, those in search of island escapes would be well advised to look at Fernando de Noronha, an isolated stunningly beautiful volcanic archipelago around 300 miles off the country’s northeast coastline. As a protected national park and a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island has a fascinating and ever-changing collection of natural wonders from sea birds, sea turtles, dolphins, reef sharks and even rays. Numbers of visitors are restricted to protect the delicate ecosystem, but those lucky enough to set foot on the island are rewarded with some of the world’s best beaches, dive sites and incredible mountain trails.

Where is your favourite island getaway?

An emerging travel destination, the highlands of Ecuador offer horseback riding for spirited travelers who seek special travel experiences – ones with magnificent colonial haciendas, jaw-dropping vistas, contact with authentic highland cowhands, and some of the gentlest horses you’ll ever find.

Mounted on horseback, your journey will take you through pristine highland valleys surrounded by imposing mountains. As you make your way around mountain-top lakes bathed in green, you’ll pass snowcapped volcanoes and are likely to see ancient pre-Incan earth mounds, waterfalls and strikingly dramatic views beneath the clouds – and sometimes even above them!

The Ecuadorian Andes provide limitless opportunities for horseback riding. Here, we have identified five horseback-riding ranches that you can consider when traveling to Ecuador or passing through the mainland on your way to the Galapagos Islands:

1. Green Horse Ranch

Just 25 miles north of Quito, the Green Horse Ranch is located in a scenic 34-square-kilometer area at the bottom of the inactive Pululahua volcanic crater, which is one of only two inhabited volcanic calderas in the world and the only one farmed by its inhabitants. The ranch itself, considered one of the best in South America, has been in existence for more than 20 years and specializes in trail and adventure rides throughout the western Andes. What’s more, all of these trips are custom-designed based on the experience and interest of each rider. Green Horse Ranch offers one- to eight-day trips that venture into the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes, passing through many of the country’s most beautiful and biologically diverse areas.

On the ranch’s one-day tour, you’ll have an opportunity to discover this exciting landscape on horseback, riding to the furthest corners of the crater while passing deep gorges, rushing mountain streams and tropical mountain forests. The longer multi-day tours will take you on fascinating rides in the surrounding Andes. The tough little mountain horses you’ll ride have been bred in this area, so they’re perfectly suited to the terrain. These horses are all friendly, easy-going, sure-footed, and have plenty of stamina, while all of the tours are led by an experienced multilingual guide. The trails you can ride are appropriate for beginners while still challenging and interesting enough for experienced riders.

Green Horse also offers an optional visit to the equatorial line to experience the “Middle of the World City,” where at latitude 0º 0’ 0,” you’ll be able to straddle the earth’s two hemispheres – a great photo op!

2. Hacienda el Porvenir

From Ecuador’s capital city of Quito, several volcanoes are visible. One such mountain is the snow-capped Cotopaxi Volcano, which is also one of the largest active volcanoes in the world, reaching 5,900 meters (3-2/3 miles) into the sky! For horseback riding, Cotopaxi’s foothills are excellent for experiencing the dramatic landscapes, deep blue skies, and crisp, rarified air of the high Andes.

And this is exactly what you will find at the Porvenir Hacienda. The ranch’s riding tours are wonderful opportunities to get a taste the life of an Ecuadorian chagra (“cowhand”), which will provide you unique cultural insight into the skills and customs of these Andean range riders. These tours have been designed for travelers who want to experience the Ecuadorian countryside up close and personal – a way that can only be achieved on horseback.

From the saddle, you will enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of Ecuador’s central Andes as you ride with experienced equestrians. These real-life cattle-herders will share their age-old skills, expertise and secrets in handling the horses on these expeditions. This not only gives participants the chance to learn the basic skills required for becoming a chagra, but it also provides an opportunity to profoundly reconnect with nature, taking in awe-inspiring panoramic views of Andean volcanoes, summits and valleys.

3. Hacienda San Agustin de Callo

Just an hour and a half south of Quito, this ranch too is in Cotopaxi National Park, where you’ll find an abundance of local flora and wildlife, crystalline streams, and Inca ruins. The horseback riding at this authentic colonial-style hacienda, is suitable for inexperienced and experienced riders like. You’ll learn how to saddle your horse (using a western saddle) and outfit yourself in traditional Andean gear (woolen ponchos or ruanas, and animal skin chaps or zamarros). Wearing this typical attire of a chagra (an Andean cowhand), the following day you will begin a 4-hour horseback ride across the foothills of Rumiñahui Volcano. While saddled up, your local guides will share their knowledge of medicinal plants seen along the way. While hiking and riding in the paramo grasslands, you’re likely to encounter villagers herding their animals as their ancestors have done for centuries, in addition to lagoons dotted with birds, a glacier and the looming peaks of the valley’s string of summits.

One of the favorite horse rides takes you towards the Cotopaxi through a pine forest to plains just below the volcano with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. For special occasions, you might order an exquisite treat with canopy, table, hors-d’oeuvres, champagne or wine and then a pleasant nap somewhere in the magical Andes.

4. Hacienda Zuleta

Hacienda Zuleta is an historic Ecuadorian hacienda that lies in the spectacular Andean mountain range two hours north of Quito and minutes from the famous indigenous handicrafts-market town of Otavalo. As horses have been a vital part of this hacienda’s history and traditions, it comes as no surprise that the hacienda is synonymous with high quality horses and great riding. Many of the hacienda’s guests come specifically to Zuleta for one of its three- to ten-day riding programs that are suitable for all levels. Beginners can be taken out on experienced mounts to explore the immediately surrounding area, while more experienced riders can head out farther into the valleys and communities of Zuleta, or up into the paramo grasslands highlands beyond. If you’re a competent rider, you may even be invited to help herd in the cattle before breakfast!

As this is a mountainous area, in some places the terrain calls for a steady pace. However, there are still plenty of chances for lively canters in the valleys and across the wide green pastures. Various riding trails radiate from the hacienda in numerous directions, which means that you can ride out into the surrounding valleys for a glimpse of rural life, or challenge yourself with a day ride up into the mountains. There, lakes, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and dramatic views await to be to discovered.

The hacienda was the first to bring purebred horses to Ecuador, starting with Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds, though it later changed to Andalusians in the early 1960′s. The Zuleteño is a combination of those three breeds and known for its qualities as a very noble, gentle and versatile horse with the perfect disposition for trail riding.

Depending on the weather conditions, the hacienda offers 15 different tours. All excursions are accompanied by a local guide, although an English-speaking guide is always available. All-day rides include a fine and luxurious, three-course picnic featuring the gourmet cuisine of Ecuador.

5. Hacienda La Alegria Horse Ranch

Just an hour south of the historic colonial city of Quito, Hacienda La Alegria is a 135-hectare organic dairy farm and ranch that is family-run farm. The ranch is situated in the heart of Ecuador’s “Avenue of the Volcanoes,” a spectacular valley where you can find eight of the country’s ten highest summits. The 100-year-old ranch is positioned on the lower slopes of Corazon Volcan (4,788 m), where from its garden you can enjoy breathtaking views across the valley to the extinct Ruminahui (4,712 m), Pasochoa (4,250 m) and Atacazo (4,463 m) volcanoes. Also, in the distance you can usually make out the cone of the mighty Cotopaxi, at 5,897 m the highest active volcano in the world.

Riding and horses is at the core of everything at La Alegria. Its multi-day trips of cattle round ups, rodeos, a chagra parade, and volcano rides will allow you to spend up to 13 days riding through high mountain passes, cloud forests and the paramo grasslands of the Andes on a truly magical experience in one of the most breath-taking locations on earth.

The horses have been bred on the ranch from mainly mixed “criollo” (native South American stock), English Thoroughbred and Arabian breeds, resulting in a near perfect combination “mountain sense,” toughness, agility and a calm even temperament. Novices and experienced riders alike have found these steeds easy to ride, willing to cooperate and good mannered. If you have previous riding experience you will be given plenty of chances for lively canters.

Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO at Surtrek Tour Operator.

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The general expectation is that there will be a tourism boom during a large event such as the Olympics. However, the smart money realises that the exceptional demand on services raises costs to unjustified levels whilst simultaneously reducing the quality of services on offer (the best of the best being reserved for so-called VIPs). The best time to visit a host city is just after the event which, for Rio de Janeiro, is now.

The Olympic effect

Even as far back as the Olympic Games in Sydney (2000) and then Athens (2004) local hotel owners have predicted a surge in demand for rooms and raised prices accordingly. It was widely reported that during these games, rooms were priced at about three times the going rate – and sold out.

The 2008 games were held in Beijing and, as seen by one living in the country at the time, a great success in many ways. Local hotel owners would have been less happy as forecast demand was dampened by very tightly enforced visa regulations and final prices had to be slashed to achieve even mediocre occupancy rates.

London (2012) fared little better with the additional demand from spectators being more than compensated for by a drop in demand from regular tourists wanting to avoid disruptions to their own plans. This piece [link to: https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/jul/07/olympics-london-hotels-slash-prices] from the Guardian at the time reports that it wasn’t just hotels that saw a drop in business but West End shows and exclusive restaurants too.

Since the revenues associated with the London games came under closer scrutiny one other pattern was established. There is some uncertainty as to when the disruption finishes (is this immediately after the Closing Ceremony or after the Para-Olympics or …) and revenues did not return to their normal level until some two months afterwards. Travellers with the ability to choose their dates planned their trips with this buffer to ensure that everything was back to normal, including prices and service standards.

Figures for the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro do not seem to be available yet but it is likely that the general pattern will have been followed. If you have wanted to visit Rio de Janeiro then this could well be your opportunity. You will soon find that even the top hotel prices are depressed and so you will be able to sate a desire and pamper yourself for less, much less, if you take this opportunity and book soon.

Beaches and peaks

For many visiting Rio outside of the Carnival season is all about the glamour of the beaches interspersed with amazing views down from the famous peaks arcing around the bay. The discerning traveller may well fancy adding more of a cultural experience.

Copacabana Beach is the most famous of Rio’s many beaches but these days it is Ipenema Beach that sets the trends. Ipenema is also famous for its many beach events where locals and tourists take part in sports such as beach-volleyball and sand-soccer. Competition is friendly but intense.

Barra da Tijuca Beach and Prainha Beach offer breakers for those who enjoy surfing and other water-sports, or those who enjoy getting away from the pack.

Theatro Municipal

Those with an interest in classical culture may well be aware of this national treasure. It is worth visiting from an architectural point of view but is, perhaps, best enjoyed by taking in one of the many regular performances. Bookings can be made online in advance of travel so you can be sure not to miss out.

Football

Fans of the game may well seek out a match at the Maracanã stadium. This is home to both Flamengo and Fluminense though other Rio State teams play here on occasions too. South Americans are passionate about the game and you can be sure of a remarkable spectacle whatever the score.

Lapa neighbourhood

Lapa is ‘The scene’ so far as Rio is concerned. The neighbourhood has many restaurants and bars and is where Brazilian music reigns supreme, and artists meet and socialize. It is easy enough to find and orientate yourself in Lapa as the Arcos de Lapa (a huge monument to an 18th Century aqueduct) and the contemporary Metropolitan Cathedral dominate the skyline. The police take a particular interest in maintaining the reputation of the area and it is therefore rated safe for tourists and local residents alike.

Restaurants

Whether you choose a Botequim (bar), Churrascaria (grilled meat restaurant) or other specialized restaurant in Rio, you can expect to find a wide range of delicious meat, seafood and vegetable offerings cooked to the highest standards. It is well worth checking out a few typical Brazilian options such as Feijoada (considered the national dish). A quick search online will find a list of dishes for you to seek out and enjoy. You will not normally be required to follow any particular code for dinner, the emphasis being a pleasant and relaxing evening.

Tip: if you are looking for a more cultural holiday then you could consider renting a luxury apartment rather than checking in to one of the top-end hotels. A little bit of online research will help you decide and arrange.

Ian Ford is Operations Manager at Photo Tours Abroad.

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