January

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.

Historically, South Africa was the pariah of the world under its infamous apartheid regime, but caught the imagination of all with Nelson Mandela’s release from prison in 1991, followed by the peaceful, first democratic elections in 1994. Since then, it has become one of the top travel destinations in the world, blending elements of both ‘Africa of old’ with modernity.

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?

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.

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.

It is almost impossible not to fall in love with the colour and culture of this vibrant country. This is the place to come when you need a reminder that it’s the simple things in life that make us truly happy. The gentle beat of samba music; fresh fish pulled straight from the ocean and onto your plate (eaten with your fingers); warm, white sand under bare feet on an abandoned beach – no fancy deckchairs just you and the crashing waves of the Atlantic.

New Zealand is a small country, similar in size to Great Britain or Japan and with a population of only four million, it’s also gloriously uncrowded.

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.

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.

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.