HIDDEN HAVENS. In light of the holidays, DA MAN rounds up five of the world’s unique holiday destinations
Sapa harbors some of the best-kept exotic secrets in the world. First up, the culture of the land’s unique indigenous people, namely the Hmong and the Dao, is just waiting for you to discover. Their uniformity in dressing during several occasions is not only interesting to see but also provides many great photo ops. For those hungry for a physical challenge, nearby Mount Fansipan offers an excellent hiking trail with incredibly breathtaking views. As for local delicacies, the town’s Saturday and Sunday markets sell some tasty yet taunting dishes, such as bottles of juiced vegetables and even snakes.
Traveling to Rotorua will surely serve up many awe-inspiring stories to share. Just south of the city you can find Waiotapu, New Zealand’s most colorful natural volcanic park with steaming grounds, huge volcanic craters and expansive vistas, which are just too spectacular to miss out on. You would also love every minute spent mountain biking around Whakarewarewa Forest that offers more than 300 kilometers of trail loops for you to explore as you wish. While doing so, you’re bound to pass through the indigenous Mitai Maori Village, where you can witness their traditional greeting known as hongi, and try out their traditional hangi meal, which includes rewana bread as an appetizer, cooked meats and vegetables as the main course, and pavlova or steamed pudding as desserts.
Finding yourself at 400 meters below sea level, you can experience tranquility and peace of mind at the Dead Sea. Some of the best sightseeing experiences can be found alongside the shores of the Dead Sea where you can admire its serene blue water juxtaposed against the sunbaked canyons of the desert. After a long day of exploration, the perfect refuge would be the local springs of Ein Gedi National Park, a sanctuary for many types of rare plants and animals, such as the Sodom apple and the Nubian ibex. In terms of culinary offerings, Amman, a mere five kilometers from the Dead Sea, features several different styles of restaurants to appease even the most finicky of gourmands.
Beyond its lush oases and compelling waterways, the Kalahari Desert offers a spiritually rewarding experience. Other than the desert, the savannas near the Okavango delta are a must-visit for any curious adventurer. Resting at the beautiful Selinda camps in the midst of Mother Nature’s workshop would soothe the soul. When your stomach grumbles, sample a wide selection of South African wines as well as a fully stocked bar along with a chef’s spread of stew, garlic vegetables, fresh baked rolls, and various desserts at the Duba Plains camp lounge.
- Madeira, Portugal
Whether you’re an avid traveler or not, it’s quite impossible not to fall in love with Madeira. Here you can soak in the spectacular views of unspoiled nature featuring dramatic rocky landscapes, pounding surf at the Atlantic’s edge, and steep slopes with exotic subtropical plants that are often enshrouded in a near-primeval mist. Clambering from Pico Arieiro, passing streams and mustard-yellow rocks while taking in the scents of eucalyptus would be both relaxing and exhilarating. Indulge yourself at the end of your journey with the Madeirans’ favorite beverage, bica, which is basically a strong but smooth espresso, or the island’s best-known export, Madeiran wine, in a rustic lodge on the Adegas de São Fransisco.