Global Travel Collection anticipates cruise bookings will significantly boost business for their advisors, with one agent already securing over £1 million in sales during their first year of booking cruises.
13.02.2024 - 09:41 / nationalgeographic.com
Japan is a whimsical amalgamation of high-tech modernity and historic charm steeped in nature. Just a train journey from a bustling metropolis, travelers are greeted by the splendor of Japan’s majestic mountains, exquisite flower gardens, and enchanting forests. These tranquil landscapes, particularly in hidden-gem locales within Hokkaido, Ehime, and Hiroshima, provide the perfect settings for a rejuvenating wellness retreat. Guided by Zen traditions and cultural wisdoms, these small towns, villages, cities, and islands may hold the secret to greater longevity, as well as a holistic rejuvenation of the body, mind, and spirit.
Hokkaido is renowned for its sprawling, unspoiled landscapes, and its snow-draped mountains make it a popular destination for skiers, snowboarders, and other outdoor enthusiasts. And when the snow melts, the hills and gardens in Hokkaido are transformed into floral quilts of lavender, lupine, sunflower, and lilac.
One of the best ways to enjoy Hokkaido’s pristine countryside is on horseback. In Hokkaido, horses hauled timber and coal and helped farmers plow the fields at the turn of the 20th century. Today, horses graze the lush pastures, and animal lovers can interact with these gentle creatures as part of equine therapy. Located 15 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, Northern Horse Park is home to around 80 horses, and visitors can go on a horse carriage tour, and during winter months, they can ride on a horse-drawn sleigh through the powdery snow.
For a restorative experience in nature, visitors should step into Nonno-no-mori in Tsubetsu, a designated “Forest Therapy Base” located in the eastern part of Hokkaido. Here, visitors can partake in “shinrin-yoku” (forest bathing), where they can meditate, listen to birds chirp and rivers trickle downstream, and take deep breaths. The park has three scenic forest trails, which in summer are adorned with blossoming Japanese primroses, clusters of small pink or purple flowers with tall stems and large, crinkled leaves.
Also in eastern Hokkaido, Akan-Mashu National Park is made up of three calderas—Akan, Mashu, and Kussharo—formed from repeated volcanic activity. Along the shores of Lake Kussharo, there are several free outdoor hot spring baths (bathing suits required) and a beach called Sunayu, literally translated as “sand bath.” When visitors dig a hole, hot spring water gushes out and folks can soothe their tired feet.
A trip to Hokkaido is not complete without a stay at one of its world-renowned “onsen” (hot springs) resorts.
Located in Kamikawa, Northern Hokkaido, Hotel Taisetsu Onsen & Canyon Resort is a contemporary resort with Japanese-style rooms, Western-style rooms, and rooms with both Japanese and Western elements. The
Global Travel Collection anticipates cruise bookings will significantly boost business for their advisors, with one agent already securing over £1 million in sales during their first year of booking cruises.
Hawaii’s first Renaissance Hotel invites travelers to discover the best of Oahu with innovative design, world-class cuisine and locally inspired living.
More than a collection of hotels, Design Hotels brings forward-thinking member hotels insightful travel industry expertise – from trend forecasting and creative consultancy, to PR, marketing, and global sales representation.
With proper preparation and respect for the local customs, your visit to Japan is sure to be a seamless and enriching adventure.
When celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and movie producer Meir Teper joined forces to open the first Nobu Hotel in Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace back in 2013, little did they know how much their celebrity-backed hospitality brand built on contemporary Japanese cuisine, timeless design, and polished service would resonate around the globe.
When celebrated chef Nobu Matsuhisa, actor Robert De Niro, and movie producer Meir Teper joined forces to open the first Nobu Hotel in Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace back in 2013, little did they know how much their celebrity-backed hospitality brand built on contemporary Japanese cuisine, timeless design, and polished service would resonate around the globe.
On a grassy bluff at the southern tip of Sri Lanka, I clasp a negroni, my feet pointing downhill toward the Indian Ocean. Snatches of jazz float into my ears from Cape Weligama's Surf Bar. On the horizon a cluster of roseate clouds match the hue of my drink.
It’s Willy Wonka’s Golden Ticket competition of 2024. Marriott Bonvoy is offering members of its loyalty scheme the chance to see Taylor Swift’s Eras tour. And you don’t have to work out ways to get enough Bonvoy points to be the highest bidder; it’s a sweepstake which means anyone can win. Winners will be picked at random - a good thing. Less great is that the odds against you winning are huge.
There are plenty of iconic symbols that come to mind when I think of Japan — like towering pagodas and red torii gates. But the country has also become famous for its breathtaking cherry blossoms.
April brings a seasonal shift across the globe, making it the ideal time of year for exploring ancient wonders, embarking on epic adventures and savoring fresh local produce.
Osaka is half the size of Tokyo but just as much fun. Lightning-quick shinkansen trains link the two cities in a little over two hours while nearby cities of Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara are an easy day trip. Osaka itself is home to its namesake castle, scores of Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and a belting street food scene. The central districts are defined by Honmachi, Dōtonbori, Namba (Minami), and Kita (Umeda) although Osaka Bay is a handy base for visiting Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan) and Universal Studios Japan. Mingling Japanese and Western traditions, these are the top-rated Airbnbs in Osaka’s coolest neighborhoods.
Attention Marriott loyalists: It's time to start planning a trip to Hawaii because the Renaissance Honolulu Hotel & Spa, one of TPG's most exciting hotel openings of 2024, is set to open its doors Thursday — and we've got exclusive photos of the property that'll have you packing your bags.