Experiences
Meaningful travel is far beyond visiting places’. Travel becomes transformational when you go beneath the surface and inquisitively search for moments that change you forever. With Luxury Hideaways it is possible to dive deep into natural and cultural facets of a locality.
WALKING SAFARIS
Scout-escorted guided walking tours early in the morning could end up up close with animals you never thought could be done. Here, you explore areas with no roads, but safe, in the company of fellow travellers and your guide.
TURTLE CONSERVATION, TANGALLE
Be part of a conservation programme on the beaches of Rekawa. As part of the project, visitors can watch turtles lay eggs. Speak to our destination specialist to know more about the right time to visit.
TRAIN TOURS
One of Switzerland’s most popular offerings is the unforgettable panoramic landscape views from trains. They are widely known as ‘panorama train routes’, and are arguably the most beautiful in the world. Apart from majestic mountain scenery, these routes pass through idyllic villages, along crystal clear lakes and ice-blue glaciers. You have a choice between different ‘panoramic route’ trains that criss-cross the country combining majestic views with Swiss heritage and culture. Some of the trains one must take in a lifetime include the Glacier Express, Bernnia Express, GoldenPass Express, Gotthard Panorama Express and the Lucerne-Interlaken Express.
THE SWISS CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE
Dive deep into the smooth world of Swiss chocolate. Discover the artistry of technique that creates the world’s most loved indulgent treat that cuts across age groups. There are several museums of chocolate, like the Lindt Home of Chocolate in Kilchberg, Zurich. Embark on ‘tasting’ experiences like the Max Chocolatier at Lucerne.
THE GARDEN ROUTE
Taking you across the southern coastal region of South Africa from Cape Town to Addo, this is also known as a ‘drive along the N2’. The most splendid of road trips anywhere on earth, this 1,000km long drive packs in a wide range of places and experiences. We recommend a slower pace so you can soak up the uniqueness of each place along the region.
THE BANARASI GHATS (VARANASI)
Acclaimed as India’s oldest city, Varanasi, or “Banares” is steeped in history that crosses its path with religion at many points. An early morning walk along the ghats to witness the magical sunrise, yogis on meditation and local priests going about their rituals will stand in contrast to the chaos of the night. The constant flow of devotees and pilgrims and the sound of chants that fill the air amidst fire-lit diyas and ceremonial lamps adds to the magic. Get aboard a flower-lined boat accompanied by local musicians and sail downstream with soft Indian classical music and watch fascinating local life scenes unfold every passing moment.
TAJ AT SUNRISE, AND MORE
Aim to be the first to pass through the security gates so you get to be alone, even if for a few minutes and soak in the romantic vibe. Our expert guides will facilitate this before-the-dawn trip. When the crowds mill around this great wonder of the world, spend time at the “Baby Taj” (the Itmad-Ud-Daulah) nearby, that in the opinion of some visitors, rivals the Taj for its architectural beauty. The stunning Agra Fort apart, the nature trail a few minutes away from the East Gate allows for excellent views from different vantage points.
TABLE MOUNTAIN
They call it the ‘sea-to-summit’ trail. The 3,500-foot hike takes a little over two hours and presents an unforgettable experience of walking past inspiring natural habitats before magical sunrise or sunset views over Cape Town.
SWISS CUISINE
It’s more than just chocolates. Swiss Food & Wine are also a treat one must try. Travel slow in Switzerland and embark on a discovery of the “Great Sites of Taste” – a network of destinations for authentic cuisines true to local traditions elevate the travel experience. The lakes, rivers, agricultural lands and vineyards combine to give you a taste of Switzerland.
SULTAN QABOOS GRAND MOSQUE
See the second largest hand-woven carpet in the world here (by 600 women in Iran over four years). The mosque built using 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone is an opportunity to explore a blend of Omani and Islamic architectural styles.
SOUK SIGHTS
Once your initial fascination with the glitzy shopping malls weathers off, embrace the Gold-Perfume-Spice Souks of dubai. A feast for the senses, these Souks are home to more than a few hundred shops that are more than a dazzling display of colour, scent and taste-ticklers. 300! That’s right, with about 300 shops, the Gold Souk is the largest jewellery bazaar in all of Arabia. Saffron, local tea blends and dates, rugs, rolls of fabric… the range to seduce you into indulgent shopping may be here.
SIBUYA TRIBE, CHOBE
While gazing at the spectacular spread of wildlife at the Chobe National Park, don’t forget to visit the local Shibuya tribe who live here. Observe their lifestyles, costume and culinary detail.