DIFFERENT STROKES

Proving that there’s more to Africa than the Big Five, The Red Carnation Africa Collection’s The Ultimate African Adventure takes you on a 13-day exploration of Africa’s jewels. Indulge your taste buds in both indigenous and international cuisine at all four of the luxurious properties you’ll be bunking in—The Oyster Box in Umhlanga; Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat in the Western Cape; The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa in Cape Town; and Xigera Lodge in Botswana, slated to open this June. (The famed curry buffet at The Oyster Box is not to be missed.) Meanwhile, game drives give a taste of the diversity and richness of wildlife the country is known for—the protected Cape Mountain Zebra, for instance, can be glimpsed in the rugged Cederberg wilderness, while the great predators, the secretive sitatungas and the friendly reedbucks can be observed in Xigera. Take a stroll through the rock art sites around Bushmans Kloof for insight into the lives and culture of the ancient Bushman people, or just chill on-property, letting the sounds of the bush and calls of nature lull you into the most relaxed state. Visit xigeria.com/about/the-redcarnation-africa-collection/the-ultimate-african-adventure.

 

Covering nine countries in 22 days, luxury hotel group Aman’s The Grandest Tour lets you explore the world, Crazy Rich Asians style. Think a private jet that flies you and a party of up to 15 in and out of Japan, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Bhutan, India, Greece, Montenegro and Italy; pampering stays at Aman’s uber-luxe properties, with complimentary spa and wellness sessions at selected stops; and guided private tours of the cities and great outdoors. Curated experiences the likes of a sumo lesson are also scheduled, providing a look into the cultural fabric of the destinations. You’ll even get to hobnob with special guests—cocktails in Bhutan, for instance, are to be had with Dasho Tashi Wangyal, the righthand man of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. The Grandest Tour jets off on 20 March; visit aman.com/adventures/ jet-journeys/the-grandest-tour-2021.

 

While you may take twice the time Jackie Chan took on his globe-trotting adventure in 2004’s Around the World in 80 Days, a round-the-globe journey by sea serves up a more relaxed schedule that allows you to fully relish all the world has to offer—landscapes that run the gamut from raw and rugged to ethereal and otherworldly; animals big and small sharing the earth with us; civilisations past and present; cultures and cuisines born out of diversity. Choose between The Finest World Tour, a 150-day journey through 34 countries, with calls at 54 ports, and The Uncharted World Tour, an epic 167-day trip through 30 countries, calling at 107 ports. Worried you’ll be bored on board? Rest easy, for the all-suite ships fall in the ultra-luxe category—think spacious lounges and intimate bars, neat libraries, pools and jacuzzis, spa and wellness facilities, and more. While both cruises set sail next January, space is already limited (some of the suites are booked out), so chop chop! Visit silversea.com/destinations/world-cruise.html.