Get ready to discover nine incredible experiences around the world – from climbing Machu Picchu and spending time with elephants in northern Thailand to dining on a vintage train above Victoria Falls and sailing the Mekong River. Take flight over Budapest’s skyline with a glass of wine in hand or dive into the colourful life of the Great Barrier Reef. Make sure these bucket-list experiences around the world are on yours.
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Venturing into the mountains to Machu Picchu, the site of ancient Inca history, is considered by many a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set high in the Andes, showcases the remarkable skill of its builders roughly 600 years ago and offers sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. The trek can be challenging at times, but it rewards you with dramatic vistas, cloud forests and terraced slopes teeming with unique flora and fauna. You can follow the classic Inca Trail or explore alternative paths, each leading to the Sun Gate, where the ruins appear at sunrise, an experience you’ll never forget.
Before or after your trek, Lima offers a striking contrast with its modern energy. Stay at nhow Lima, a brand-new stylish hotel full of vibrant red and gold hues, drawing inspiration from Inca heritage and Peru’s surroundings. Enjoy the city’s celebrated food scene and lively districts just beyond the hotel. Together, both Lima and Machu Picchu reveal two striking sides of Peru, its ancient heritage and vibrant present, offering a truly memorable and bucket-list experience.
Few experiences match the intimacy of spending time with elephants in the peaceful surroundings of northern Thailand. At Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, you can engage respectfully with these gentle giants through feeding, bathing and walking alongside them. The resort is an ethical sanctuary focused on conservation and education, offering a deeper understanding of elephant intelligence and social bonds.
For an unforgettable night, the Jungle Bubble experience places you just metres from the elephants in a transparent, fully furnished bubble. Sleep under the stars on a comfortable bed and wake to the sounds of the jungle. From the elevated deck, enjoy al fresco meals while watching the elephants nearby. Set in misty mountains and designed with traditional Thai architecture, the resort combines nature and comfort in a truly unique way. It’s a rare chance to connect closely with wildlife while enjoying thoughtful hospitality in one of Southeast Asia’s most remarkable landscapes.
The Great Migration is one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events to witness anywhere. Upwards of a million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles traverse the vast plains of East Africa annually. Experience this epic journey from Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru in Kenya, or Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp Masai Mara in Tanzania, which offers an unrivalled safari adventure. Both camps have recently been renovated, bringing fresh energy and new dining concepts that complement their legendary status without losing their authentic charm.
These camps offer exclusive access to prime viewing spots where you can witness dramatic river crossings, predator chases and vast herds moving in their timeless rhythm. You’ll have expert guides leading game drives and photographic safaris, with every day promising exciting and unexpected wildlife encounters. These camps provide an exceptional base from which to take in panoramic vistas and close-up animal sightings. For anyone interested in wildlife or nature itself, the Great Migration in Africa is truly a bucket-list experience not to miss.
For a unique mix of elegance and adventure, dining aboard a vintage train as it crosses the Victoria Falls Bridge is a truly memorable experience. The journey combines the romance of rail travel with spectacular views of one of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls. The train’s refined dining car serves gourmet meals accompanied by live music and panoramic vistas of the Zambezi River and cascading falls below. Before or after this unique journey, you can stay at The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara or the Avani Victoria Falls Resort both offer stunning rooms and easy access to the falls. Whether it’s a sunset cruise, a helicopter ride over the falls, or thrilling wildlife safaris nearby, this region promises exhilarating experiences paired with gracious hospitality.
Venice, with its labyrinth of canals, historic piazzas, and world-class art, remains a destination like no other. Glide through the city’s waterways by gondola or vaporetto, absorbing views of grand palaces, ornate churches, and centuries-old bridges. The city is a living museum of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, where every corner reveals layers of history. Spend your days wandering from St Mark’s Square to the colourful island of Murano, famed for its glassmaking tradition. At night, the quiet charm of lantern-lit streets invites you to savour authentic Venetian cuisine. Stay at any of the exquisite hotels including Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel, NH Collection Venezia Grand Hotel Palazzo dei Dogi, NH Collection Venezia Murano Villa, NH Venezia Santa Lucia, or NH Venezia Laguna Palace – all offering stylish comfort and convenient locations that immerse you fully in the magic of Venice.
Sir Bani Yas Island in the Arabian Gulf, once a former wildlife refuge established by Sheikh Zayed to protect endangered species, is home to thousands of free-roaming animals thriving across its diverse landscapes. One of its most enchanting experiences is a guided moonlit walk through the wadi. This is an ancient dry riverbed carved by nature over millennia. Under the glow of the stars, the rocks take on a soft palette of colours, shifting as you wander through this geological masterpiece.The island is a sanctuary for native and endangered species, and your walk might be accompanied by the sounds of wildlife stirring in the night.
After your walk, retreat to one of the three Anantara resorts on the island: Anantara Desert Islands Resort & Spa, Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort, or Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort. Each offers secluded luxury amid stunning natural surroundings, perfect for relaxation and reconnecting with the rhythms of the desert and sea.
Budapest’s grandeur is best appreciated from above, and nothing compares to the thrill of a hot air balloon flight over this historic city. The Soar and Sip experience combines adventure with winemaking heritage as you drift gently over landmarks like the Danube River, the Parliament building, and the Buda hills. This is one of those bucket list travel experiences that perfectly pairs sky-high views with incredible flavours.
Post-flight, indulge in a tasting of Hungary’s finest wines, guided by renowned sommelier Péter Besenyei, completing the perfect pairing of vistas and flavours. The experience captures the essence of Hungarian hospitality, elegance, and tradition in one memorable day. Complement this with a stay at the opulent Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, whose historic grandeur and central location offer a perfect base to explore the city’s vibrant cafés, thermal baths and cultural treasures.
Looking for a truly great way to explore Southeast Asia’s culture and landscapes? Sail the majestic Mekong River on the luxury cruise Bohème by Mekong Kingdoms. The journey is between Luang Prabang and Vientiane, slowly drifting past quaint riverside villages, ancient Buddhist temples, and lush forests and waterfalls. Life along the Mekong is quiet and calming, allowing you to absorb the slower rhythms of communities living along its banks. Luang Prabang itself, nestled between both the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, is a sleepy UNESCO World Heritage town known for its Buddhist temples, well-preserved French colonial architecture, and vibrant weaving and fresh markets.
Stay at Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel for modern comfort right on the peninsula with easy access to everything the town has to offer. Together, the Bohème cruise journey and resort provide a perfect balance of exploration and relaxation that you have to experience once in your life.
The Great Barrier Reef, spanning over 2,300 kilometres along Australia’s northeast coast, is the world’s largest coral reef system and an underwater wonderland. Snorkelling and diving reveal a vibrant kaleidoscope of marine life – colourful corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, and more. Visitors can also explore nearby islands, take scenic flights over the reef, or enjoy coastal trails showcasing the region’s natural beauty. Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites provide comfortable accommodation near key locations along the Great Barrier Reef.
In Townsville, Oaks Townsville Hotel and Oaks Townsville Gateway Suites offer convenient access to Magnetic Island and nearby attractions, while Oaks Cairns Hotel and Oaks Port Douglas Resort, further north, serve as prime bases for reef tours. These destinations open the door to the reef’s extraordinary biodiversity and vast scale, making the Great Barrier Reef an unmissable bucket-list experience around the world for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
