GLOW IN THE DARK
Northern lights are so yesterday. For an eco-friendly surreal experience, navigate a bioluminescent bay in a glass bottom boat. These rare ecosystems happen when mic-ro-scopic single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates grow in large enough numbers to produce a ‘glow in the dark’ effect when stimulated by movement.
When you paddle or splash the water, these organisms light up in a neon blue-green colour, giving a starlike reflection to the water. There are five bioluminescent bays in the world: Luminous Lagoon in Jamaica, Halong Bay in Vietnam and three in Puerto Rico alone – Laguna Grande, La Parguera and Mosquito Bay, which is currently the brightest.
LIVE IN A FORT
Want to be a maharajah or a maharani for a day? Then look no further than Rajasthan in India. The Suryagarh (sun house) in Jaisalmer is an architectural gem of a fortress that will serve as your gateway to the Thar Desert. The stunning property has been built using architectural cues from old forts and Paliwal temples in and around Jaisalmer. Its ramparts, moat, carved pillars and even the lattice work are emblematic of the region.
Stay in one of the hotel’s a private haveli and gaze at the intricate and ornate details of your room from the lush throws to the majestic divans plus your very own courtyard, infinity pool and butler service. Rait, which is the region’s first desert spa, provides rejuvenating massage treatments. You can also enjoy a camel ride on request.
SEEK YOUR ZEN
Move over Zumba, paddleboard yoga is basically the art of doing yoga postures while stand-up paddleboarding. This form of exercise is usually more effective in calmer waters such as a lake or a lagoon. The natural rhythm of the waves guides your breath and increases awareness of posture and balance.
While most aquatic destinations around the world will offer some sort of paddleboarding experience, some of the most epic stand-up paddleboarding destinations you absolutely must visit in your lifetime include Lake Wanaka – New Zealand’s fourth largest lake, the Coral Cay archipelago of Florida Keys, Lake Bled that’s home to Slovenia’s only island and Sunset Beach on the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii. Incidentally, Hawaii is the birthplace of paddleboarding.
FIND BLISS IN WATER
Escape to the Maldives to relax your mind and slow down your thoughts. Book an overwater suite from where you can watch nature unfold with views of gorgeous sunsets and vast blue seascapes. Enjoy sun kissed afternoons by your private pool as you soak up the vibes of island life. Anantara Dhigu, Niyama Private Island and LUX* North Malé Atoll are all award-winning hotels to choose from. They have been described as heaven on Earth and island playgrounds.
Finolhu also offers a beach bubble room, which is the first in the Maldives and probably one of the most Instagramable spots in the world.
STAY IN THE JUNGLE
Located in the depths of the ancient Mayan kingdom, close to the magnificent Tikal, Uaxactun and Yaxha ruins, is the Las Lagunas boutique hotel in Guatemala.
The hotel sits on a private reserve that hosts native wildlife in their natural habitat and offers trekking, bird watching and even kayaking. Part of the hotel’s charm includes a sun terrace with swimming pool, views of the Exequiel Lagoon and even a heliport should you choose to arrive like a Kardashian.
Rustic suites provide hot tubs and air conditioning while panoramic views are a bonus. The property offers tours to its two surrounding islands where you can immerse yourself in flora, fauna and lots of naughty monkeys.
Monita is a #cardifftrained journalist and photographer who currently lives and works in Bahrain.