LAST MINUTE ESCAPES TO WARM THE FESTIVE PERIOD
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Asia’s bounty of unforgettable landscapes and experiences — not to mention its glorious winter sunshine — are certain to instil a heart-warming glow. Travellers are returning to the region in numbers following the pandemic. Nevertheless, there’s a variety of great choices at luxury resorts and destinations around Asia even at this advanced stage. Travellers can take advantage of friendly temperatures perfect for everything from lounging on a paradise beach in Thailand to desert safaris in the Middle East and exploring the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. Here’s our pick of last minute options in the region.
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Exploring The Empty Quarter by 4X4
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Oman sizzles in the cooler weather. During winter, cloudless powder-blue skies frame majestic desert landscapes and endless beaches as they always do. But inviting temperatures make the process of sampling this bounty altogether more pleasurable. By day the beaches, the azure waters of the Gulf of Oman and the numerous shopping options in the capital Muscat provide diversion. Fantastic restaurants and glitzy bars become the focal point when the sun slips into the horizon. Oman is a cultural heavyweight with some of the most stunning landscapes in the region. Highlights here include luxury desert camps in towering dunes, the rugged scenery of the Hajar Mountains and the colorful souks and rich history of Muscat: which is one of the region’s most appealing cities.
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A true wonder of the world, the temples at Angkor are an almost mandatory stop on any Cambodia itinerary. And with crowds still thinner than they were pre-pandemic, now is a great time to experience these ancient marvels. Away from the temples there’s a host of diversion for tourists. Despite mass development, Siem Reap remains a charmer, its tree-lined boulevards and old French shop houses harking back to colonial times while peaceful, incense-scented pagodas encapsulate Cambodia’s deep Buddhist heritage. The surrounding countryside is equally alluring with highlights including the waterfalls and Hindu relics at Kbal Spean and the floating village of Preak Tol by the tranquil waters of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia’s largest lake.
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The iconic Ko Phi Phi, off the coast of Phuket
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Bangkok and Phuket are two of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations and it’s easy to see why. The festive period is a fine time to experience both destinations with cooler temperatures, ample sunshine and a plethora of luxury accommodation options smoothing the way to a perfect vacation. Bangkok is rich in alluring contradictions. Food is a highlight for many, with options ranging from street food and hole-in-the-wall gems to opulent high-end venues. Other Bangkok specialties include its pulsing nightlife and vast array of shopping possibilities. Decades of tourist interest in Phuket have left few bases uncovered. Nevertheless, the island’s treasure trove contains a hoard of spectacular scenery, quiet temples, fiery indigenous cuisine, and unspoiled stretches of golden sand.
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Despite regular tropical downpours, it’s a popular time to visit Indonesia, with the cooler conditions quenching the searing heat of earlier months. Travelers seeking solace from a hectic festive period will be well-served by cocooning away in the wilds of stunning Sumba, one of the archipelago’s wilder and less-developed islands. There will be no compromise on comforts here, however, with the low-impact NIHI Sumba – set on an expansive beach with surf-ready waves and iconic horses – providing a world-class setting. Perfect for travelers who’ve already been to Bali or are looking for something more remote and adventurous.
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With a location straddling the equator and its collection of paradisiacal atolls, the Maldives makes an unlikely seeming winter wonderland. But the archipelago enjoys some of its best weather during the festive period, making it the ideal time to snorkel or dive in its gin-clear, coral-rich waters. The Maldives has a simple and potent recipe for success. The formula goes a little something like this. Take arguably the best beaches on the planet — the consistently perfect swathes of whiter-than-white powder sand that sometimes appear in your dreams and complement these with some of the world's most sumptuous stays. And the bar has never been higher for accommodation with several world-class options added in recent years including sleek Remote Lands favorites Joali and Joali Being and the stunning Patina (main image), all of which have availabilty for this festive season.
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You can travel to any of these destinations right now.
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AS FEATURED IN
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REMOTE LANDS, INC.
120 East 56th Street, Suite 1600 PH, New York, NY 10022 USA
Phone: +1.212.518.1618
Email: [email protected]
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REMOTE LANDS (THAILAND) CO., LTD
7/F Mahatun Plaza 888/74 Ploenchit Rd., Bangkok 10330 Thailand
Phone: +66.2651.5401
Email: [email protected]
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