February

Ethiopia is all about its people, its history and traditions, and its breathtaking scenery. As one of the oldest nations in the world, and home to the second largest nation of people in Africa, Ethiopia is an excellent country from which to gain real insight into African history and culture.

A tiny, landlocked republic in Equatorial Africa, Rwanda lies on the eastern rim of the Albertine Rift and the watershed between Africa’s two largest river systems: the Nile and the Congo.

With highlights such as Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar, Tanzania is, for many, the ultimate safari destination. With National Parks and game reserves covering some 33,660 sq kms or 28% of the country, Tanzania has more land devoted to wildlife than anywhere else in the world.

By African standards, Uganda is a postage stamp-size country, roughly the size of Great Britain, sandwiched between Kenya, Rwanda, Congo, Sudan and Tanzania.

Cambodia captivates travellers with its history, heritage, wealth of timeless monuments and charming people who are delighted to share their unique culture with its visitors.

Possessing an immensely peaceful and easy-going atmosphere, Laos is an undiscovered gem of South-East Asia.

Malaysia is a destination full of surprises. A bustling melting pot of traditions and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups influence its rich and vibrant culture.

Myanmar is slowly beginning to open up to luxury tourism, and a handful of stylish boats and properties now allow travellers to access remote corners of this enigmatic country without the need to sacrifice on comfort. Travelling here is a true adventure back in time.

Far more than its celebrated idealistic beaches, Thailand is known as The Land of Smiles thanks to its warm people. This mythical nation accommodates a diverse assortment of ancient temples; buzzing, frenetic cities and its infamous cuisine.

With breathtaking scenery, excellent hospitality and impeccable service, the Sultanate of Oman is an ideal option for holidays of all types.

A destination of unparalleled diversity with a variety of exciting attractions to discover, the UAE is an ideal setting for cultural and active pursuits.

The Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean and with Sri Lanka and India as its closest neighbours, means ‘garland of islands’ in the local language Dhivedi.

Not so much a country as a continent, India is an assault on the senses: spices, colours, palaces, temples, bustle and a magic hard to articulate. India is the sort of place you dream of visiting but with only limited time, where do you start?

With a sophisticated and well preserved culture, the Kingdom of Bhutan has a draw like few others. Images of a country can often mislead ­­­– glamorous films, angled photography or old pictures. Bhutan, however, doesn’t disappoint.

Magnificent, verdant and often overlooked, Sri Lanka takes shelter just to the South-East of India and its relationship with its neighbours in Tamil Nadu is well documented.

The remote mountain Kingdom of Nepal contains more of the world’s highest mountains than any other country and is dominated by the soaring snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas.

South Australia offers great diversity with lots to offer the adventurous traveller – Kangaroo Island is buffeted by the waves of the Southern Ocean and boasts a wildlife population protected from the predations of introduced species. It is the gateway to the Outback, the Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island – all stunning locations with a focus on wildlife – and also to some of the country’s most famous wine regions.

Tasmania was the last part of the Australian continent to separate from the great southern landmass of Gondwana 45 million years ago.  This, together with 10,000 years of isolation from mainland Australia, has resulted in Tasmania’s environment being significantly different to the rest of the country.

Melbourne offers the traveller a year round program of festivals, major art exhibitions and theatrical events.

For many travellers Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is the starting point of their Australian experience. Sydney is a vibrant multi-cultural city that hugs the shores of a very beautiful harbour, making sightseeing by private yacht, launch or even on a ferry a particular pleasure.

If you are planning to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, take a trip to São Tomé & Príncipe, Africa’s second-smallest country.

Argentina is a country of extreme contrasts and a holiday here can combine snow-capped mountains tumbling into glacial waters with scorched deserts and tropical rainforest.

Squeezed between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Chile packs an abundance of varying landscapes into its tall, skinny body. In the southernmost tip, the gnarled fjords and dramatic mountain peaks of Patagonia are home to an incredible display of wildlife. This beautiful region is on the ‘bucket list’ of most keen fly fishers, nature-lovers and adventure-junkies. Tucked into the wilderness are some fantastic boutique lodges so there is no need to sacrifice on comfort to achieve a true sense of adventure.

A visit to Ecuador delivers a punchy balance of Latin American culture, extraordinary wildlife and contrasting landscapes. 600 miles off the mainland, is the county’s star attraction – the Galapagos Islands. This pinprick in the Pacific Ocean is surly one of the world’s greatest wildlife hotspots and they should be on every nature-lover’s bucket list.  

There are few countries that can rival Costa Rica’s incredible efforts to preserve and protect its environment. It has always been a trailblazer for conservation and ecotourism and, as a result, the country is carpeted in some of the world’s most pristine tropical forests.

Those seeking to immerse themselves in art, music and a way of life that has refused to conform to Western expectations will not be disappointed by a visit to Cuba. The country exemplifies a raw and heady fusion of Caribbean, Spanish and Latin culture that is utterly intoxicating.

In spite of, or perhaps because of its proximity to North America, Mexico remains resolutely Latin American. The country has a unique Latin culture that has been influenced by a thrilling patchwork of ancient Mesoamerican civilisations, Colonial invasions and a rich land of geological wonders.