Its time for a break – you deserve it! Whether you are looking for a beach break, adventure travel or somewhere to take the kids we have a list for everyone. But weekend breaks and holidays should be hassle-free so get someone experienced to help you plan it. Minimal effort before and during is what it’s about, so you return home from holiday feeling happy!
Japan
Itinerary: Japan’s Cultural Triangle – Tokyo, Kyoto and Kamishiro Onsen
Japan is a lovely mix of old and new: slick cityscapes brush shoulders with ancient alleyways, and sky-high cocktail bars contrast with intimate ryokans (inns).
Length: 10 days
Highlights:
• Private Balconies at the Palace Hotel overlooking the Imperial Palace
• Take in the buzzing Shinjuku nightlife at The Park Hyatt Tokyo
• Kanazawa is a hidden gem with a unique and rich heritage
Maldives
Itinerary: PER AQUUM Niyama; Dhaalu Atoll, Maldives
This luxury five-star resort set on two pristine islands offers exceptional water sports, from diving to kitesurfing, and an Explorers kids’ club for ages 12 months to 12 years, run by Scott Dunn.
Length: Variable
Highlights:
• Spacious one-bedroom beach suites ideal for families
• Treetop, offshore or underwater dining options
• Explore the reefs with a marine biologist
Indonesia
Itinerary: Indonesian Diversity: Ubud, Sumba Island & Seminyak
A romantic intro to the magical islands of Bali and Sumba, from the rice terraces of Ubud to the bungalows of undeveloped Sumba, and Seminyak’s exclusive restaurants.
Length: 14 nights
Highlights:
• With one of Indonesia’s best breaks, Sumba is a dream for surfers who can’t resist luxury
• Uma by COMO, Ubud offers easy access to Ubud and its unique local atmosphere
• Samaya in Seminyak offers beachfront action with plenty of local bars and restaurants
Namibia
Itinerary: Classic Namibia Dunes and Wildlife – Sossusvlei, Swakopmund & Etosha
This self-drive Namibia trip takes in the sand dunes of Sossusvlei, seal colonies and shipwrecks on the Atlantic coast, and the wildlife of Etosha. An ideal first trip to this diverse country.
Length: 9 nights
Highlights:
• Get up close to seals, dolphins and even whales on a catamaran cruise
• Stake out a waterhole at Etosha and wait to see what wildlife comes your way
• Track rhinos on the private Ongava Reserve
New Zealand
Itinerary: New Zealand’s Super Lodges – Bay of Islands, Taupo, Hawkes Bay, Christchurch & Glenorchy
These exclusive “Super Lodges”, whether they’re on the edge of a crystal-clear lake or amongst rolling fields or native forest, are nothing less than spectacular.
Length: 17 nights
Highlights:
• Sublime food, exceptional service, sumptuous accommodation
• Locations range from wild clifftops to roaring rivers
• Activities range from fly fishing, golf and wine tasting, to horse riding, hiking and helicopter flights
India
Itinerary: Highlights of Rajasthan – Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Shahpura & Udaipur
From the forts and palaces to local villages filled with sari-clad women, combine the major highlights of romantic Rajasthan with a mix of bustling cities and idyllic rural heartlands.
Length: 11 nights
Highlights:
• Breakfast on your balcony as the sun rises above the Taj Mahal
• Looking down in awe at the Rajasthani landscapes from a hot-air balloon
• Private dinner on a pontoon floating on Lake Pichola in Udaipur
Bhutan
Itinerary: Highlights of Bhutan – Bangkok, Thimphu, Punakha & Paro
This varied private journey is ideal for the first-time visitor, covering the must-see highlights with an exclusive driver and guide, and offering comfortable accommodation throughout.
Length: 7 nights
Highlights:
• Choose a cultural experience, or focus on day-walks in the countryside and seeing local life in action
• Combine the capital Thimphu with the fertile valley of Punakha and Paro, including the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
• Combine with India, Nepal, Thailand or Singapore for the ultimate itinerary to the region
Burma
Itinerary: Classic Burma – Yangon, Kalaw, Inle Lake, Mandalay, Irrawaddy Cruise, Bagan & Ngapali Beach
Encounter the Shan people around Inle Lake, cruise down the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay, and visit the majestic temple-strewn plains of Bagan before relaxing at Ngapali.
Length: 14 nights
Highlights:
• Morning hot-air balloon trip over the pagodas and temples of Bagan
• Watch as the spectacular Shwedagon Pagoda gets illuminated as night falls
• Stroll along palm-fringed Ngapali Beach – one of the most untouched beaches in the region
FURTHER AFIELD
EUROPE
Villas
Scott Dunn’s villas in Mallorca and the South of France come with private pools and experienced staff, including a chef and host to take care of everything, and a nanny or activity specialist available to ensure your children have a great time too. Sleeping from four to 12 people, some villas are set in the rolling hills, some near the beach. Menus are tailored to taste (for adults and children alike), and make the most of local ingredients. Villa managers work behind the scenes adding hidden touches to make the holiday as smooth as possible.
Ski chalets
Scott Dunn’s portfolio of freestanding chalets, apartments and rooms are situated in Courchevel 1850, Courchevel 1550, St Anton and Val d’Isère, and range from chic Chalet Artemis with its own cinema to luxurious Chalet Husky, and smaller apartment chalets for individual families, still with Scott Dunn’s renowned chalet service. A private chef will tailor a menu to your liking, from cooked breakfasts to gourmet dinners. With roaring log fires, bubbling flutes of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and, in most chalets, wellness areas to indulge in, this is skiing at its best.
To book any of these itineraries or others, call 3158 6530 or visit scottdunn.com
This article first appeared in the Travel Guide 2017 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
