Many of us spend holidays literally surrounded by work. But some holidays are guaranteed to allow just the right combination of relaxation, engagement, and, of course, precious time with your significant other. Destinations and resorts that offer the right combination of the following features are ideal getaways:
Access to nature: Most of us live in busy cities, so visiting natural settings with serene environments on vacation is enjoyable.
Expansive views: Having nature nearby is wonderful, but sometimes it is best enjoyed from the comfort of the balcony. Holidays can be restorative if the room overlooks an ocean, lake, mountain rang or golf course.
Activities: Enjoyable diversions like golf, water sports and wildlife viewing are desirable.
Great service: Service at resorts and leisure destinations should be attentive but unobtrusive.
Interesting food: Apart from ones favourite foods, it is enlightening to seek out local specialties unavailable elsewhere.
Based on these factors, following destinations qualify for a special holiday with your loved ones:
5 South Africa Safari: The best lodges are on huge private reserves where morning game drives or walks to see the Big Five. Dinner under the stars takes on new meaning at retreats such as Ngala Private Reserve and Leadwood Lodge in Sabi Sands, which has just four suites, each with a pool.
4 Singapore: Capella Singapore is a remarkable retreat just a few minutes drive from Marina Bay and the city?s finance centres. Popular with Singaporeans seeking a stay-cation, this combination of colonial and modern architecture is a perfect way to combine business with pleasure. While the hotel?s Sentosa Island grounds are well manicured, the Capella overlooks a lush canyon and the sea. Service is top notch and if you spring for a pool villa, you may never have to leave your lodgings, except for a visit to Cassia, their exquisite modern Chinese restaurant.
3 Gleneagles: This one ticks all the right boxes for me. This luxury resort has three renowned golf courses, broad views of the Scottish countryside, and typically Scottish offerings such as instruction in equestrian and falconry. The restaurants are also very good.
2 Lake Como: The jewel in northern Italy was not originally on an itinerary that included the usual big Italian destinations. Lago di Como is perfect for a relaxing side trip. Beautiful mountains surround a multi-fingered lake dotted with small Italian villages. If you go, stay at Villa d?Este, an enchanting 16th-century palace that has been operating as a luxury hotel since 1873. Besides, the luxury outlets of Milan are an easy day trip.
1 Lausanne: An obvious choice is the Beau Ravage Palace, which is a grand hotel surrounded by serene views of Lake Geneva and the towering Swiss Alps beyond. Sure, Lausanne has fine luxury shopping but the real draws are the restorative natural views and the classic European service. In winter, you are not far from great skiing at Gstaad.
Deepak Ohri is CEO of lebua Hotels & Resorts. He can be reached at deepak@lebua.com