Remote Lands Announces 2019 Trending Asian Destinations

Remote Lands, the world’s leading luxury and intrepid Asia travel designer, has announced their picks for where to go in Asia in 2019, a list carefully curated by their well-traveled experts. Their annual list, coined the “Dozen Dream Destinations” contains a selection of the continent’s most newsworthy and trending destinations for the coming year that are drawing attention for their growth and development with the openings of new luxury resorts, direct flights, cultural experiences and more.

“Our Dozen Dream Destinations represent some of the most remarkable travelin Asia and reflect the most important upcoming travel options available to our discerning clientele,” said Catherine Heald, Remote Lands’ Co-founder and CEO. “Our team of travel experts are constantly looking for the newest and the best in the world of Asia travel, and our bespoke itineraries highlight special activities, exclusive access and exciting new experiences and accommodations. From winding, empty roads in Tajikistan to opulent tented camps in the heart of Laos, our discerning travelers will have a host of resurging and largely undiscovered destinations to choose from for their next trip.”

The full Dozen Dream Destinations are included below. For more information visit www.remotelands.com.

Luang Prabang

A Southeast Asia staple in northern Laos, the spiritual hub of Luang Prabang has recently welcomed the Rosewood Luang Prabang, a fantastic addition to the luxury hotel scene including Amantaka and Belmond. Designed by architect Bill Bensley, the property is a tented camp located in the hills just outside the ancient capital. Luang Prabang also recently introduced the services of Mekong Kingdoms cruises, which provide private and luxury trips along the Mekong river including a Golden Triangle adventure linking Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai and a tour around the river with Nomad to see the Pak Ou Caves or Kuang Si Waterfall. Luang Prabang has become a rapidly growing travel destination in recent years with the introduction of more convenient flights and improved travel facilities. A Remote Lands favorite is a visit to the MandaLao Elephant Conservation sanctuary, offering cruelty free elephant experiences and the beautiful Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden. Remote Lands offers many itineraries to Luang Prabang, and recommends Classic Laos, a seven-day journey showcasing the best of Laos including Luang Prabang’s Kuang Si Falls, and Ancient Laos: A Journey Back in Time, ideal for history lovers. 

Bhutan

For the luxury traveler, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has put all eyes on Bhutan with their debut of five new luxury lodges. Thimphu, Paro and Punakha are expected to open in January 2019 while the remaining two, Gangtey and Bumthang, will open in mid-2019. Bhutan is already home to five Aman properties, making it a luxury travelers’ paradise. Amankora Paro and Amankora Thimphu play an important role in Remote Lands’ upcoming Aman Private Jet Expedition in October of 2019, Asia’s most exclusive private jet trip taking travelers from Shanghai to Sri Lanka. For those looking to experience the best of Bhutan, Remote Lands recommends their 14-day Classic Bhutan itinerary, taking travelers to Bhutan’s must-see sites including the Himalayan mountains, ancient fortresses and temples and the spectacular and iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery.

Southern Cambodia

Southern Cambodia is a diverse and charming Southeast Asia destination, offering the capital city, mountainous jungle landscapes, waterfalls and the beach all in one. Southern Cambodia has seen an influx in luxury resort options, including the new Rosewood Phnom Penh with its signature Rosewood dining experiences and the best rooftop bar in the city; Shinta Mani Wild – The Bensley Collection,  a luxury tented camp opening in November that encompasses a harmonious mix of world-class design and conservation; and coastal properties Alila Villas Koh Russey and Six Senses Krabey Island, all bringing an increased level of luxury to the area. Remote Lands recommends their six-day Classic Cambodia itinerary, which offers travelers a well-rounded journey from Phnom Penh to the temples of Siem Reap or the eight-day Cambodia’s Coast and Culture tour for a mix of city, culture and coastal experiences.

Yaeyama Islands

Southwest of Okinawa and the southernmost region of Japan, Yaeyama Islands are tropical Japan at its best, surrounded by crystal clear waters and some of the country’s best beaches. A diver’s paradise, the islands’ waters are home to manta rays, whale sharks, dugongs, hammerhead sharks and colorful coral. The Yaeyama Islands include the island of Ishigaki and the small island paradise of Taketomi, where guests can stay at the Hoshinoya Taketomi luxury ryokan. The diving hub of the Yaeyama Islands is Yonaguni, home to Japan’s most incredible diving experiences. December to February are a popular time to travel to the destination as hammerheads congregate off of Yonaguni, and many come to marvel at the Yonaguni Monument, an extraordinary shelf of rock formations shaped like hallways and staircases 65 feet down.

Quy Nhon

A charming central Vietnam destination, Quy Nhon has been put on the luxury travel map with the opening of the five-star 26-room Anantara Quy Nhon Villas in November. The 26-villa property recently opened in this often-overlooked destination, featuring both hillside Ocean View Villas as well as Beachfront Villas on the resort’s intimate cove. Remote Lands recommends their unique Southern and Central Vietnam by Bike itinerary, taking travelers on a 15-day ride of a lifetime to/through small towns, cities, beautiful countryside and white-sand beaches, with a stop at the new resort.

Hampi

Home to one of India’s most treasured UNESCO World Heritage sites, Hampi is now easily accessible thanks to a new flight route which debuted late last year from Hyderabad to Ballari. The destination recently welcomed the Kishkinda Camp from The Ultimate Traveling Camp, which offers a mix of nomadic lifestyle and ultra-luxury comfort while showcasing the natural wonders of Hampi. The stunning Evolve Back Kamalpura Palace resort also recently opened in 2017, offering another layer of luxury to the area. One of the most historic destinations in all of Karnataka, Hampi’s architecture has more than a millennium of history. The most well-known of the Hampi sites is the Vijaya Nagara, the former capital of the Vijayannagara Empire. A great way to experience Hampi is Remote Lands’ Central India Cultural Highlights itinerary, an 11-day journey beginning with Mumbai’s Bollywood scene.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

A slice of paradise in India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a remote archipelago of 572 islands, found at the juncture of the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The picturesque islands have recently entered the luxury travel scene with the opening of the five-star Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Andamans, which launched earlier this year on the famed Radhanagar Beach at Havelock Island. Discerning luxury travelers looking to explore a new side of India will enjoy the islands’ white-sand beaches, tropical rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs and world-class diving.

Uzbekistan

For curious and adventurous luxury travelers looking for an off-the-beaten path experience, Uzbekistan, located in Central Asia, is a country steeped in ancient history and culture. While Uzbekistan is a relatively new sovereign country, only coming into existence after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the region itself offers rich cultural diversity, historic architecture, diverse languages, fascinating artifacts and a rugged, diverse landscape. Visitors to Uzbekistan can discover the second largest collection of Russian avant garde art in the world at the Savitsky Collection at the Nukus Museum, marvel at the elaborate architecture of the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, view rusting ships sailing the empty Aral Sea in Moynaq and learn about the history of the Zindon Prison. For a comprehensive Uzbekistan experience, Remote Lands recommends their Classic Uzbekistan itinerary, a 10-day journey highlighting the country’s royal places, busy street bazaars, historic tombs and widely revered mosques.

China

China is a destination on the rise and Remote Lands is excited to introduce their first solo-country Aman private jet trip – The Aman Private Jet Expedition Across China. In collaboration with Aman, Remote Lands is offering an extraordinary 13-day journey across the Middle Kingdom which will take just 24 guests on an unforgettable journey through China aboard a luxury Boeing Business Jet. Guests will stay and dine in four luxurious Aman resorts in Beijing, Hangzhou, Lijiang, and Shanghai, including the  newly finished Amanyangun built from reclaimed villages and forest in rural Fuzhou. In addition to these four cities, guests will also touch down in Xian, Chengdu, and Zhangjiajie for a variety of action-packed day trips. Apart from the private jet trip, China has had many unique luxury hotels openings including Bvlgari, Middle House, and Capella in Shanghai; Dhawa Jinshanling, a Banyan Tree brand, opening at the Great Wall; and Capella and an Edition opening in the bustling Chinese beach destination of Sanya.

Pamir Highway

The Pamir Highway is an adventure traveler’s paradise – rugged and remote with some of the most incredible scenery in Central Asia. Taking the road less traveled literally, The Pamir Highway is the second highest road in the world at 15,270 meters and has Afghanistan on one side and sheer cliffs on the other, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience. More formally called the M41, The Pamir Highway runs mainly through Tajikistan and up into Kyrgyzstan, ending at Osh. Traveling these regions of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan is no easy feat, but luxury and intrepid travelers have the privilege of seeing Central Asia at its most raw. Remote Lands recommends booking their 13-day Pamir Highway Road Trip for a truly memorable journey through the rugged and beautiful Pamir Mountains.

Singapore

All eyes are on Singapore with the debut of Crazy Rich Asians, providing an insider look into the opulence of the Lion City. Singapore has some of Asia’s finest dining, most luxurious hotels and is the gateway city for tropical island destinations including Bawah Island, Bintan and more. Singapore Airlines’ just debuted a brand new non-stop flight route from Newark, the longest in the world at 9,500 miles, opening up Singapore as a gateway to all of Southeast Asia. Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas are also opening up two new luxury properties, Six Senses Duxton, which opened in April, and Six Senses Maxwell, which opens in December. The hotels are the brand’s first urban properties and celebrate Singapore’s unique history, architecture and convenience. Remote Lands recently debuted a dozen new stopover itineraries for Singapore. From the vibrant arts scene and Peranakan culture to jungle forests and exclusive luxury experiences, Remote Lands’ new itineraries showcase the dynamic Lion City, as a unique entry point to Southeast Asia.

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates shines with over-the-top opulence and 2019 will see even more growth and development in the luxury sector with a range of new hotel openings and special treats for art and design lovers. Last year saw the spectacular opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and this fall, the world’s most expensive painting, the $450 million Salvator Mundi from Leonardo da Vinci was on display. Home to Emirates and Etihad airlines, the UAE continues to grow as a stopover destination, with lesser-known emirates such as Sharjah just north of Dubai on the rise. Dubai is also adding to its luxury hotel repertoire with the reopening of The Address Downtown and the debut of The Oberoi Dubai, which compliments The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorach, just 35 minutes from the Dubai airport. Remote Lands recommends their nine-day An Emirati Cultural Journey itinerary which starts and ends in the two most well-known cities in the UAE, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, taking travelers on a tour of the opulence and wealth of the country along with history and culture with stops at Sharjah, Al Ain and more along the way.

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About Remote Lands, Inc.

Remote Lands, Inc. creates highly personalized and unique, luxe and intrepid holidays throughout Asia. Based in New York and Bangkok, the company specializes in extraordinary experiences that are difficult to arrange and require privileged access to important people and exclusive events, drawing upon Remote Lands’ relationships with remarkable people around Asia. Unparalleled service, creative itineraries and extreme attention to detail are what set Remote Lands apart. For additional information, visit Facebook.com/RemoteLands, Twitter.com/RemoteLands, or at Instagram.com/Remote_Lands.

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