All signs point to Summer 2023 as the big comeback of international travel. So if getting a wider view of things is what ignites your travel fuel, here are four destinations worthy of a stamp in your passport.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
TÜRKIYE
Nearly four million tourists visited Cappadocia, Türkiye in 2022. And who can blame them? Few sights on the planet can compete with literally hundreds of brightly coloured hot air balloons collectively taking flight over the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia at sunrise. It’s a must on any bucket list. And far from overhyped. As for what makes them so surreal? The so-called ‘fairy chimneys’, or countless rock formations that are towering and unusually shaped, and seemingly change colour at sunset. They’ve required millions of years and a rather complex geologic process (think: volcanic eruptions, layers of ash and basalt, and
erosion) to take shape. It’s no wonder, then, that Göreme valley and its surroundings became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. For context, Cappadocia isn’t actually a city, contrary to popular belief.
It is a historic region located in central Anatolia and comprises five provinces: Aksaray, Nevşehir, Niğde, Kayseri, and Kırşehir. The average tourist will likely stay in Göreme, a town in Nevşehir and the hub of all things tourism. They will also hightail it out of Cappadocia soon after scrambling out of the balloon’s woven wicker basket, never taking an additional day or two to indulge in slow travel — much to their detriment. Spectacular landscapes aside, trails of varying difficulty and abandoned cave dwellings (which once sheltered early Christians fleeing Roman persecution) make the region an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts.
Red Valley is rated highly for its crimson hue and sunset spots, while Pigeon Valley conveniently connects the towns of Göreme and Uçhisar. None, however, are as unique as Rose Valley by moonlight. Jointly hosted by Uzunetap and Argos Culture and Arts, Moonlight Cappadocia is an illuminated, three-hour guided hike held monthly on the night of the full moon between April and October. Along the way, you’ll pause for freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, crawl into Crusader Church to view the detailed ceiling fresco, and even attend a candlelit musical performance in an ancient cave church with soaring columns. The nocturnal perspective of all those fairy chimneys is just plain magical. uzunetap.com
Mountain Flight
NEPAL
Between the dramatic landscapes of Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Manaslu Circuit, and the more accessible Ghandruk Loop, the appeal of hiking across Nepal is undeniable, especially as its trails reward trekkers with cosy teahouses, insights into Sherpa culture, and significant Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites along the way. As a result, the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu is where they purchase outdoor gear, board domestic flights to Lukla and Pokhara, and tend to their aching muscles with cheap massages and even cheaper dal bhat platters post-trek. As for those who hate hiking? The city never even makes an appearance in their travel plans.
What happens in this process, however, is a lost opportunity to discover the UNESCO-listed sites of Kathmandu Valley, temples dating back to the third century, elaborate thangka art, and a perpetual showcase of human resilience. Following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake back in 2015, Nepal has continued its reconstruction efforts – even amidst the pandemic – vowing to provide a roof over the country’s most vulnerable residents. The city also offers access to what can only be described as a truly awe-inspiring day trip.
Local airlines like Buddha Air and Yeti Airlines run hour-long mountain flights on a daily basis, providing passengers with a front-row seat to the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas — Mount Everest included. The aircraft is designed to grant every passenger a window seat. What’s more, each boarding pass depicts the silhouettes of the various peaks to help passengers identify them mid-flight with ease. Whether you’re interested in mountaineering or proud of your aversion to it, this one’s a must-do, hands down.
ntb.gov.np
Cliff hanger
OMAN
It’s always good (healthy, even) to remind yourself how small you are in this big world, and Alila Jabal Akhdar is just the place to do so. Perched 2,000 metres above sea level, this sanctuary is surrounded by the Al Hajar Mountains of Oman, making for the kind of aesthetic contrast that other boutique properties would envy — artisanal touches and a minimalist colour palette are offset by the vast and rugged beauty of this mountain range. Inspired by the ancient forts of Oman and offering the luxury of indoor-outdoor living, Alila Jabal Akhdar’s contemporary suites and villas spoil guests with magnificent mountain views.
The Horizon View Suite, for example, features a terrace that’s strategically placed to maximise privacy so that you can take in the surrounding vistas and fresh mountain air in comfort. But regardless of which guestroom you book, striking panoramas await virtually everywhere. The expansive infinity pool is enhanced with views of the majestic Green Mountain, while the Cliff Edge Dining experience for two places diners under the starlit sky for a romantic meal. The latter is a great vantage point for viewing the valley below.
Further afield, thrill seekers can rise to the challenge of the well-known Summit Walk, departing from the village of As Sab (1,800m), walking up to 2,700m, and then ascending to the peak at 2,997m for truly unforgettable views. Another daring way to experience the beauty of this landscape is the Via Ferrata Cave Adventure. Gather your wits and set out on a journey that incorporates a section of Via Ferrata just below the ridge before making your way along the mountain to discover a natural cave that stretches into the mountainside.
Adrenaline at the ready.
alilahotels.com
Above the cityscape
ENGLAND
Thirsty? GŎNG Bar takes pride of place on Level 52. Located at Shangri-La The Shard, it’s the highest bar in London and all of Western Europe, making killer views a given — the dramatic backdrop of London’s skyline never gets old, after all. Designed by renowned interior designer André Fu, GŎNG Bar derives its name from ‘dougong’, a traditional Chinese architectural element of interlocking wooden brackets that feature in the bar’s design.
Guests can take a seat in one of two distinct areas: the cocktail bar and the Champagne bar. While GŎNG’s trendy beverages have long fuelled city folk after a long day at work, it’s the new Hues of Culture cocktail menu that’s worth a closer look. Here, colour’s role in history and culture is celebrated through ten carefully curated cocktails, each representing an artistic expression and evoking a journey inspired by colour psychology and history. Each cocktail colour, chosen by a different member of GŎNG’s team of master mixologists, is associated with a different artist or movement in history.
The Vermillion Sling represents red, symbolising power and happiness in the Forbidden City. Silent Blues captures the emotions of Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” and Hokusai’s “The Great Wave off Kanagawa”, showcasing the use of blue. A dose of intrigue, meanwhile, comes courtesy of the Black Feather cocktail inspired by the beauty and mystique of the black swan.
Because a window seat cannot be guaranteed, book the Deluxe Window Experience for Two if a special occasion is on the horizon. You’ll toast to the sparking lights of London with a bottle of fizz, an Asian food platter to share, and mochi. Flute in hand, you can sip your way through spotting the city’s most iconic landmarks. St. Paul’s Cathedral? Check. Tower Bridge and the River Thames? Ditto.
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This article was originally published in the Summer 2023 edition of the ‘OOO’ luxury travel journal. Available with the purchase of ‘Esquire Middle East – Summer 2023‘.
