There’s nothing quite like a new destination or adventure to reset your brain, especially if the place is new or has a different language and takes you out of your element – I love learning new things, tasting new flavors, discovering new colors and customs, creating memories associated with smells, sensations and new discoveries. Sandra Ramani has the daunting task of visiting the following destinations. although two are far, they should entice your wanderlust.
BOTSWANA BY SAFARI
Botswana has long been a favorite with international travelers – thanks in large part to its political stability (it’s been democratic since the 1960s), wealth of wildlife and warm, welcoming people. On a recent trip, we got to check out the heart of the landlocked southern African country with visits to three Orient-Express safari camps, each highlighting a different part of this natural wonderland.
Our trip began at Savute Elephant Camp, set in a northern part of Chobe National Park known for its high concentration of Kalahari elephants. Plenty of other animals call the area home, too, as we quickly found out: On the drive from the airstrip to the camp, our guide spotted a pack of rare wild dogs quenching their thirst in a creek. Over the next two days, we settled into a rhythm of 5am wake-up calls (delivered in person along with coffee and a fresh-baked muffin), followed by early-morning game drives along the rocky outcrops and river beds of the savannah. Kudu, impala, buffalo, giraffe and colorful migrant birds were just some of the 300 resident species that kept us company. After a delicious brunch back at the lodge, some downtime in the deluxe tents (which have hardwood floors, A/C and canopy beds) and a hearty English-style afternoon tea (there’s no going hungry on safari!), it was time for an evening game drive topped off with sundowner drinks out in the bush – then swapping stories with other guests over dinner at camp. Next up was Khwai River Lodge, located near the floodplains of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, the first preserve to be established by local tribes (instead of Colonial residents). Thanks to its riverside setting, this lodge is all about the hippos – their deep, hearty chuckles echo throughout the camp, and it’s not unusual to hear them munching on trees around the tents. (As at all O-E camps, guests must be escorted back to their tents at night, since animals may roam freely on property.) The day’s schedule is similar here, though the topography and animal life is varied; warthogs, wildebeest, zebra and lions join elephant and giraffe herds along the delta. This camp is also a bit larger than its sisters (with 15 tents), and is the only one to feature a one-room spa, where nourishing massages and facials are done with natural, South African-made Africology products. Our last stop, Eagle Island Camp, enjoys a unique setting on an island in the Okavango Delta. A web of waterways and lush vegetation surround the camp, which is fronted by a lagoon; the camp bar, overlooking the water, is a lovely place for a sunset drink. Along with traditional on-land jeep safaris, stays here also include a helicopter safari – a thrilling 30-minute ride over the delta in a doorless chopper – and combination canoe rides/walking safaris to nearby islands; the latter offer an up-close perspective on the land and wildlife, as the expert guides point out animal tracks, hidden shelters and unusual flora. Guests can also visit a nearby island village, meet with residents and browse the excellent handicrafts at the market – just a glimpse at the human element that helps make Botswana so special. www.orient-express-safaris.co.za
DOMESTIC DISTRACTIONS:
Spring Creek Ranch, Wyoming & Tides Inn, Virginia
Only have a few vacation days to spare? We found two domestic destinations that will have you feeling relaxed and invigorated—just a direct flight away.
Spring Creek Ranch, Wyoming Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is an interesting mix of old-school and new money – a place where you’ll see cowboys strolling around the town square and steak on every menu, but where you may also spot celebs and overhear conversations about the joys of private planes. Located just outside of town, Spring Creek Ranch perfectly embodies this mix by providing deluxe accommodations and gourmet food with plenty of down-to-earth charm. Set 1,000 feet above town and surrounded by views of the Teton Mountains, the property features a wildlife sanctuary and tons of trails for walking, biking and horseback riding. The accommodations are spread out, too, giving the place a more residential feel: In addition to classic hotel rooms, there are two-bedroom condos and larger villas, both with fully-equipped kitchens and living areas perfect for families or groups of friends. (Kids’ rooms even come with stuffed animals.) Fireplaces, wool throws and bags of Cowboy Coffee help guests warm up after a day on the slopes – as will a hot toddy and plate of Cajun-spiced elk tenderloin in the Granary Restaurant. What to Do: In winter, Jackson Hole is ski central, and the hotel can facilitate lift tickets and transport, as well as other activities like snow shoe hikes, dog sledding and sleigh rides in the National Elk Refuge. Yellowstone National Park is also nearby, and Spring Creek offers naturalist-led day trips to the park all year round, as well as overnights in the park and photo safaris in the Grand Tetons. After all the adventure, indulge in a juniper-and-pine massage at the on-site Wilderness Adventure Spa. www.springcreekranch.com
Getting There: United Airlines offers twice-weekly direct flights between Houston and Jackson Hole (JAC) during the summer season.
Tides Inn, Virginia In 1947, a former 18th-century Virginia family farm was re-launched as the Tides Inn Hotel – and quickly became one of the premier small hotels along the Mid-Atlantic coast. Over the decades, the property has grown and changed – facilities now include a fine dining restaurant, all-natural spa, marina with sailing school and golf courses – but the homey, Southern atmosphere and family-friendly vibe remain happily intact. This is a place that welcomes guests with lemonade and fresh chocolate chip cookies by the front door, treats them to s’mores roasting in the evenings, and chats to them like old friends from the minute they check in. The hotel is perched on Carters Creek, near the Rappahannock River in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay area. Most rooms have water views, along with a comfortable, British Colonial-inspired décor. (The vibe is a bit Old World, but you’ll still find Egyptian cotton linens, DVD players, Wi-Fi and other modern touches.) The quaint town of Irvington, with its indie boutiques, restaurants and weekly farmers market, is just a short walk or bike ride away (bike can be borrowed from the bell stand). The on-site spa recently switched to an all-natural menu, and now offers services like ginger-and-honey body scrubs, jasmine flower wraps and arnica massages. What to Do: If you’ve got your sea legs – or are willing to earn them – sign up for a class from the on-site sailing school, which sets off from the hotel’s marina. Classes range from a few hours to multi-day certification programs, and are suitable for most ages. Landlubbers may want to book a round of golf (the hotel’s courses are a short drive away), explore the region’s many vineyards and wineries (tastings can be arranged) or schedule their stays during one of Executive Chef TV Flynn’s mouth-watering, bi-monthly Cuisine of the Season four-course wine dinners. www.tidesinn.com Getting There: Continental offers direct flights to Richmond Airport (RIC), a 75-minute drive away from the Inn.
SINGAPORE
Photo credit: Singapore Tourism Board.
For an island-nation with a population of just over 5 million, Singapore sure generates a lot of buzz. From swanky hotels and futuristic new developments to an iconic food scene (“Top Chef” set a finale here), these islets tucked between Malaysia and Indonesia have become a symbol of modern Asia. A unique mix of Chinese, MalaysiaN, Indian and native Singaporean cultures (there are four official languages here), it’s a place where locals celebrate Chinese New Year and Diwali with equal gusto, where Colonial-era architecture and tons of green spaces mingle with ultra-modern additions (think “floating” nightclubs), and where travelers from all nations will feel right at home. And with Singapore Airlines’ new A380 service from New York (with connections from Houston), it’s now even easier to head to this eastern hotspot.
Culture & History: For the best insight into this diverse city-state, explore its ethnic neighborhoods. Start at the Chinatown Heritage Center on Pagoda Street, which traces the history of the Chinese migrant workers, then visit the nearby Trengganu Street pedestrian mall and beautiful, statue-filled Buddhist temple. Over in Little India, the main blocks along Serangoon Road are teeming with restaurants and fabric and jewelry shops; don’t miss a visit to the legendary Mustafa, a mega-store stocking everything from groceries to electronics, open 24/7. And over on pedestrian Bussorah Street, near the grand Sultan Mosque, you’ll find create-your-own perfume shops and cute cafes hosting live jazz at night, while nearby Haji Lane is home to trendy designer boutiques (we love Pluck for its mix of quirky gift items and homemade ice cream) and speakeasy-style bars. Architectural Wonders: Singapore’s historic neighborhoods are great places to spot traditional architecture, from restored Chinese shop houses to South Indian-style Hindu temples. Head down to the water, though, and suddenly you’re in the future. Fronted by an upscale mall and two over-water modern cubes (one housing a Louis Vuitton store, the other the swank Pangaea and Avalon clubs), the Marina Bay Sands hotel is made up of two shimmering hotel/casino towers connected at the 57th floor by a cantilevered SkyPark—a gravity-defying space complete with swimming pool, observation deck and lounge (a must for an evening cocktail.) Across the water, Gardens by the Bay (phase one set to open this summer) is a billion-dollar collection of botanical gardens from around the world, indoor cloud forests and massive “super trees” that look straight out of “Avatar.” Feeding Frenzy: For many guests, Singapore is all about the food—both high end and hawker. The best cheap eats are found in open-air hawker food halls, where dozens of stalls serve pan-Asian specialties (mainly Chinese and Malay) and fresh juices. Some of the dishes may seem unfamiliar but, at a dollar or two a plate, you can afford to be adventurous. For off-the-menu treats, casual-chic Open Door Policy serves artfully-presented Asian-inspired dishes, while at Wild Rocket, lawyer-turned-celeb chef Willin Low puts an innovative twist on Singaporean specialties. And don’t miss a traditional on-the-go breakfast of kaya toast (toast with an egg-coconut jam) and coffee sweetened with condensed milk. Sleep Tight: For the best views and a central location, check in to The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore (www.ritzcarlton.com), where the floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the bay, the halls display a world-class art collection, and the shimmering pool is the perfect cure for the tropical heat. Flying Right Singapore Airlines (www.singaporeair.com) has long-been considered one of the globe’s top carriers, and after a visit to their Singapore training center, we know why: Flight attendants undergo three-and-a-half months of training (the longest in the industry) in everything from safety to grooming. We asked former attendant-turned-training manager, Foo Juat Fang, for some of her top travel tips: Packing up: Roll clothes to save space (and cut down on creases), and pack a laundry bag so you can separate dirty clothes as you go along. In the air: Stay hydrated—a good rule is to drink 1 liter of water for every hour of flying time—and be sure to move around and do in-seat exercises, like leg lifts and ankle circles, to boost circulation. Try to limit alcohol, as its effects are intensified in the air. Travel in loose clothing (natural fibers are best to avoid static), and skip the tight footwear since feet will expand. On the ground: Get to know your destination through its everyday activities. Visit markets, supermarkets, pharmacies—places where you’ll interact with locals and experience the culture.
