Prestige Hong Kong

EXPLORE THE BEST OF BHUTAN MEET THE BIG FIVE IN SOUTH AFRICA

The last great Himalayan kingdom, Bhutan is a majestic country shrouded in secrecy and history, making it a perfect destinatio­n for solo travellers. Hosted by SevenTrave­l, this 11-day journey promises to unlock the door to this devoutly Buddhist land, one of the world’s most remote, mysterious and beautiful countries.

During your stay you’ll go on a tranquil rafting journey through the leafy Punakha, climb to the gravity-defying Tiger’s Nest Monastery high above the Paro Valley, visit its chapels, hear the chanting of sacred texts and meet monks at the 17th-century Gangtey Goenpa, where you’ll have an opportunit­y to light a butter lamp – a typical Buddhist offering in the region.

You can also visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, where the more than 100 women and girls living there receive vital educationa­l opportunit­ies, including the chance to learn traditiona­l arts and music.

While in Bhutan, you’ll experience some of the country’s finest accommodat­ion, including the luxurious Gangtey Lodge and Amankora Thimphu. Surrounded by mountains and forests overlookin­g Bhutan’s Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley, Gangtey Lodge is the perfect place to leave worldly worries at the door and fully relax, while a few hours’ drive to the east, the 16-suite Amankora Thimphu is built in the style of a traditiona­l dzong fortress, yet it’s also within reach of the capital’s shops and sights, so you can experience the best of both worlds.

You don’t have to feel guilty about it either. SevenTrave­l aims to “redefine travel as we know it” by doing so less often but better. The company is all about reducing environmen­tal impact, while still enjoying all the positive aspects of an adventure by experienci­ng a deeper connection with the destinatio­n through cultural experience­s. Each trip has a built-in charity donation and the company has set itself a target to become carbon neutral by 2035. seventrave­l.co.uk

Who needs travel buddies when you can befriend Africa’s big five? If you really want to clear your mind, be at one with nature and get up close and personal with wildlife, a trip to South Africa will do the trick.

Fortunatel­y, there’s no shortage of luxury lodges nestled along the country’s vast bushvelds, including the brand-new Madwaleni River Lodge. Perched on the southern bank of the White Umfolozi River in Kwazulu Natal, Madwaleni River Lodge is an exclusive retreat comprising luxurious safari tents. The lodge takes its name from an isiZulu phrase meaning “the place of the rock”, which pays homage to the granolith mountains found in the nature reserve. Fusing sophistica­ted hospitalit­y and natural wilderness at its best, this ultra-luxury tented camp is a truly remarkable experience.

Madwaleni River Lodge is completely unfenced. Its 12 opulent tents of unique design, comfort and style can accommodat­e a maximum of two people, but are equally perfect for solo travellers who want to steer clear of families or groups. Each features its own private heated plunge pool, where you can unwind and bask in tranquilli­ty, as well as indoor and outdoor lounges with breathtaki­ng views that allow you to immerse yourself in the surroundin­g natural beauty. Elegant copper outdoor bathroom fixtures add a further touch of sophistica­tion, while the air-conditione­d tents are equipped with iPads for making around-the-clock food and beverage orders.

The lodge also includes a fine-dining section, bar, lounge, library, gym and infinity pool, all overlookin­g the rolling valleys of the Babanango reserve. It doesn’t end there. South Africa is famous for its wine, and just because you’re out in the bush and not on a wine farm doesn’t mean you’ll be missing out. Madwaleni River Lodge has an impressive 2,000-bottle cellar with a wide selection from the Cape region, so there’s more than enough grape to go around.

Establishe­d in 2017, Babanango Game Reserve is one of the largest private rewilding projects in South Africa in the last 30 years. The reserve is committed to ecological restoratio­n and wildlife conservati­on, with more than 2,500 large mammals sensitivel­y reintroduc­ed and able to roam freely. So best you keep your tent closed after dark. babanango.com

If your perfect idea of me-time includes being surrounded by the rugged Scottish Highlands, passing by ancient castles and sweeping through glens, you’re in for a treat with the Belmond Royal Scotsman luxury train. Decked out in a style echoing Edwardian elegance – Pictish stones, dark woods and sophistica­ted tweeds – its luxurious cabins are among the most luxurious ways of experienci­ng Scotland.

Relax in an observatio­n-car armchair, enjoy open-air views on the veranda or grab a drink after dinner and compare notes with fellow passengers on off-train adventures that include whisky tastings, a private tour of the Culloden battlefiel­d, fishing in the Cairngorms National Park and spa sessions.

And you’ll be doing so in style. Christian Dior had a deep appreciati­on for Scotland, and though his gowns were displayed on catwalks in Paris and London in the post-war years, in 1955 he took his show to a more unlikely venue – the famed Gleneagles hotel in Perthshire. Dior’s love for the country is now enshrined in the train’s unique Dior Spa Royal Scotsman. Completely dedicated to wellness, the spa on rails comprises two lacquered treatment rooms styled with the maison’s signature burgundy toile de Jouy motif.

Of course, the journey includes all the dishes Scotland is famous for, which are served around the clock. Executive head chef Mark Tamburrini’s haute cuisine is a medley of seasonal delicacies sourced fresh from local suppliers, and served with with a contempora­ry twist. “Cooking on board is a treat,” he says. “Most kitchens are closed off to nature, but we enjoy incredible views.” In that case, we’ll have a black pudding and a Dior facial, pronto. From April-October; belmond.com