Love coos through the air on the island of South Georgia. Each October and November, hundreds of thousands of king penguins carpet the valleys and plains of this crown jewel of the Antarctic – one of the world’s most remote and wildlife-dense islands – in a bid to woo a companion and pop out an egg. Become the object of curiosity at St Andrews Bay, where more than 150,000 couples coat the landscape, then head to Elshul to spot gentoo and macaroni penguins, with orange feathers splayed on their heads, and albatross flaunting their famous wings.
At this time of year there’s more to see on the island than birds pining for love – listen, too, for the roar of southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals rasping at the air. Watch them lounge around before peak breeding season takes hold and dangerous armies of males rage on shore with their testosterone pumping.
Teeter on a platform strapped to a suspension bridge and take in the views of South Africa’s famous Soweto neighbourhood before plummeting towards the concrete below. Forget a purpose-built steel tower; here jumpers bungee in one of the world’s most unusual settings – between the cooling towers of a former coal-fired power station.
Endorphin-seekers can clamber up the sides and free fall down the centre into a net, but opt for the bungee and you’ll think you’re leaping towards the apocalypse as you hurtle 100 metres with only a cord to save you.
Calling all carnivores: brace yourself for the ultimate battle of the beasts. Join the annual sardine run off the coast of South Africa and witness one of the world’s greatest feeding frenzies in all its wild brutality and uncensored gore.
Watch as the sea is turned into a giant, seething broth of wriggling fish and predators as sardine shoals – up to 15 kilometres in length, 3.5 kilometres wide and nearly 40 metres deep – make their way north to warmer waters. Feathers, fur and fins collide to gorge on the millions of sardines that proliferate in nature’s immense banquet of the sea. Don your own fins together with snorkel or scuba gear and get amongst the carnage, or view this phenomenal spectacle from the safety of the boat.
If you were worth a reported US$4.8 billion, with a string of luxurious private digs scattered across almost every exotic pocket of the globe, where would you park your well-heeled hide for a South African sojourn? You wouldn’t bed down on the savannah camping with the riffraff, that’s for sure. No sir, if you were high-flying charisma-connoisseur Richard Branson you’d find the highest point on the highest hill to lord it over your own private kingdom. Welcome to Ulusaba Safari Lodge, Sir Richard’s private game reserve where the travel-preneur takes a break from counting his coin in absolute unmitigated luxury. A stay here is enviable by anyone’s standards but the Rock Lodge, with its sweeping views and opulent surrounds, is the pinnacle of decadence.
Each unique suite melds traditional African art with the finest in modern luxury, ranging from private plunge pools to hot tubs and feasts from a personal chef. The staff aches to satisfy, so relish a massage on the outdoor deck and smooth out the bumps from the road. Or, if your idea of bliss involves downward dogs, just ask for a yoga instructor and they’ll fly one in. Stop by the well-stocked cellar flowing with South African wine and finish your evening at the bush observatory under a canopy of stars.
If you’ve ever dreamed of disappearing to your own Pacific island with just the sound of lapping waves accompanying you, then Oravae Cottage could be for you. Perched on the edge of a tiny island about 20 minutes by boat from Gizo, these three gorgeous cottages offer the chance to really get away from it all.
The main cottage has a double bedroom and up to five single beds, while a small kitchenette allows for coffee-making and snacks. The main living area spills onto an overwater deck with perfect views of the lagoon and the setting sun.
Spend the days as you please. Whether it be plunging off the overwater veranda into the vodka-clear lagoon, or simply sitting back sipping a lagoon-clear vodka, the choice is yours. You can arrange fishing, diving, surfing and trekking all from the comfort of your hammock, or simply jump off the deck and snorkel the day away.
The local owners live on the opposite side of the island and spoil you with three delicious meals a day. Pick up a freshly caught tuna at Gizo market and dine on ceviche or tuna steaks that evening. Oh, ask for the coconut crab curry; it’s simply stunning.
Whatever you decide to do, you’ll be stunned that for as little as US$150 per person you can have your own island in paradise to yourself. This becomes clear as the sun goes down and the rest of the world seems non-existent.
Enjoy a memorable night as you sleep in a natural cave halfway down a cliff face in the Solomon Islands. Aotaha Cave Lodge on Bellona Island gives a new meaning to the concept of getting away from it all, with its isolated location and alfresco atmosphere providing a unique experience.
Watch the sunrise from the mouth of the cave each morning, hunt for coconut crabs and try your hand at fishing. Local families will cook your catch for your dinner. Crayfish, anyone?
Located in a country already considered something of a hidden gem, Lake Bled is one of the most beautiful and idyllic places on earth, surrounded by forests and alps dotted with castles of the sort you thought only existed in story books. Among all this natural splendour is the eco-friendly paradise of Garden Village, offering a top spot to rejuvenate during a grand European adventure.
There are two options of the tented variety: cute and comfy pier tents sitting over the water, and luxurious two-storey glamping tents – complete with mezzanine bedroom, living space and mini-bar – set in the forest. Opened in June 2014, Garden Village really is in some ways like a youth hostel, but without the scary share dorms. Instead there is an infinity pool, communal living area with an open fire, Finnish sauna, smart restaurant and electric rental cars.
During the day there’s a hit parade of activities in which to partake, from river tubing to bike tours, hiking to paragliding. Pack a picnic and head, via pletna, a traditional wooden boat, to beautiful Bled Island.
In the cultural hodgepodge of Singapore’s Little India district, this kooky boutique gem is the flashiest kid on the block. Four design studios were each given a level of an old 1920s school building to let their imaginations run wild, and the result is a spectacular testament to imagination.
Check into one of the unique themed rooms and marvel at the whimsical fantasy land they’ve created. From the disco-style jacuzzi to the foosball table in the bar and the shopping trolley chair in the lounge, Wanderlust is cheeky and vibrant down to the funkiest detail.
Embark on an adrenaline rush that’s guaranteed to remove the cobwebs from your eyes as you tear down Changi Airport’s four-storey (12-metre) high indoor slide. Next, enjoy being among wings of an altogether different kind as you step into the enchanting butterfly garden. The lush greenery of this tropical oasis – complete with 6-metre waterfall and 47 species of native butterflies – will reinvigorate the senses.
If you don’t like fluttering critters on your face, head to the open-air rooftop cactus and sunflower gardens, or explore one of two landscaped ponds. Leave yourself just enough time to frolic in the Balinese-themed swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Pool access costs about US$8, but the energising effect of water on your dehydrated skin is priceless.
Saddle up your horse and gallop off into the mysterious land that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Get a dose of fresh mountain air as you canter through meadows of wild flowers, climb mountains and visit traditional villages.
You could very well spot the footprints of bears and wolves as you ride through the ancient forests near the Carpathian Mountains, or ascend the mountains for unencumbered views. After a couple of hours’ riding, let your horse graze and soak up the tranquility.
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