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Our staff has traveled extensively throughout Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. Our travels and interests inspire us to design what we believe are the best possible itineraries focusing on art, wildlife, resorts, architecture, and more. We know what's worth seeing (and what's worth avoiding), and work to steer you towards the best the region has to offer.
TOP RESORTS AND LODGES
Here we list a few of the many accommodations that we recommend to our clients. Call us to hear more, or to book one of these exceptional properties as a destination in itself, or as a part of a wider tour.
Gora Kadan (Hakone, Japan): Soak in private outdoor hot springs, dine on gourmet kaiseki cuisine, and take in the ultra-modern yet Zen-like architecture of this dramatic traditional inn.
Blanket Bay (Queenstown, New Zealand): One of New Zealand's newest, most deluxe lodges. Enjoy pure luxury by night while taking advantage of the endless activities in nearby Queenstown.
Ana Mandara (Nha Trang, Vietnam): Vietnam's stunning coastline is best appreciated from this delightful property.
Chiva Som (Hua Hin, Thailand): Thai for "Haven of Life", this divine property in Hua Hin offers an unforgettable spa experience
Sandibe Safari Lodge (Okavanga Delta, Botswana): Watch elephants and eagles from your luxury cottage set on the edge of Moremi Game Reserve.
Lilianfels (Blue Mountains, Australia): A regular feature on Traveler's Favorites lists, Lilianfels is located in the heart of Australia's Blue Mountains, offering heavenly views a short drive from Sydney
Pangkor Laut (Pangkor Laut, Malaysia): 80% of this utterly luxurious island property off Malaysia's western coast is covered with primordial rainforest
Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge (Chitwan National Park, Nepal): Explore the park from this quintessential jungle lodge
Kichwa Tembo Bateleur Camp (Maasai Mara, Kenya):
Panoramic views of the Great Migration, fine antiques, a four poster bed and a personal butler combine to make this an unforgettable experience.
Ambua Lodge (Papua New Guinea): Situated at 7,000 feet in Papua New Guinea's Southern Highlands, the Ambua Lodge is a perfect base for birdwatching and visiting Huli villages.
Jnane Tamsna (Marrakesh, Morocco): Following in the stylish steps of its sister property, Dar Tamsna, this deliciously tranquil and highly exclusive property serves up cool Afro-Asian style amidst the palm trees.
Londolozi (Kruger National Park, South Africa): Set on the banks of a Sand River tributary, Londolozi's elegantly designed chalets, adorned with sumptuous African arts, this award-winning game resort is a rare gem.
Four Seasons Kuda Haraa (Maldives): Occupying one of the Maldive's many glorious islands, the Kuda Haraa is an escapist's fantasy come to life
Mnenba Island Lodge (Tanzania): Exclusive beachfront accommodation on a private island off Zanzibar, world-class diving, and superb fusion cuisine put Mnenba on top of many a traveler's Favorites List.
The Regent Resort Chiang Mai (Thailand): The finest of Thai art and architecture make this property an unforgettable destination, and a frequent feature in design magazines
Aman Resorts: Located throughout Asia, these resorts are in a league of their own
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BEST MARKETS
Here we list some of our favorite spots for finding everything from jewelry to orchids to sculpture-and the occasional camel.
Night Bazaar (Chiang Mai, Thailand): famed gathering place for buyers and sellers of distinctive local handicrafts
Covered Market (Istanbul, Turkey): the world's largest covered market, where leather, metal, tiles and carpets entice all comers
Esfahan Bazaar (Iran): from March thru October. Shop for silk carpets amidst the magnificent backdrop of Iran's most elegant city
The Souks Of Marrakesh (Morocco): Shop for jewelry and carpets, then relax with a glass of mint tea as you watch the dancers and fire-eaters performing in the nearby Djemaa El Fnaa.
Kashgar Sunday Market (Western China): a weekly gathering of up to 20,000 traders from the area - best place in the area for anything from camels to carpets
Chandi Chowk (Delhi, India): Old Delhi's bustling marketplace, surrounding the awesome Jami Masjid: a warren of alleyways house merchants peddling brass, cloth, jewelry and more
Khan El Khalili (Cairo, Egypt): Spices fill the air, and light shimmers off elaborate jewelry in Cairo's main market.
Orchid Nursery (Jakarta, Indonesia): hundreds of different varieties can be found in Cipete
Hamidiyeh Souk (Damascus, Syria): shop for antique carpets in the back streets of Damascus
Sapa (Northern Vietnam): a cornucopia of all tribes descend each weekend to the region's famed market - including Homo Ektachromus
Central Market (Phnom Penh, Cambodia): this soaring Art Deco masterpiece houses gold and silver merchants amidst cool, spacious corridors
Hongqiao (Beijing, China): a lovely atmosphere pervades this corner of Beijing, where small shops line cobbled streets
Chatuchak Market (Bangkok, Thailand): this weekly extravaganza is a heaving mass of everything under the sun
Paddington Market (Sydney, Australia): a lively market offering clothing, crafts, and more
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BEST CREATIVE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Our specialized arts programs allow visitors to experience the riches of different cultures. Below are some of our favorite forms of expression in various regions.
Wayang - traditional Indonesian shadow puppet show, best seen at late night festivals
Khmer dance - these graceful movements inspired the artists who built Angkor Wat
Gnawa Musicians Of Morocco- traditionally performed as part of healing ceremonies, Gnawa music combines haunting vocals with a hypnotic beat, and is best heard in Marrakesh.
Hoomi- Mongolian throat singing is an ethereal, otherworldly style, well-suited to Mongolia's awesome landscape
Marionettes - Burmese puppets can be up to a meter high, operated by up to 60 strings - including one for the eyebrow!
Water puppets - traditional North Vietnamese performing art - fun for children of all ages!
Balinese Dance - dramatic, passionate, sensual and elegant
Lijiang Orchestral Music - the musicians of this town in western China play a rare form of Tang dynasty ritual music
Kathakali - these vibrant south Indian dancers perform scenes from the Ramayana, dressed in flamboyant costumes, with bright face paints
Ethiopian Silverwork - distinct and diverse crosses, based on traditional Christian designs, are made throughout Ethiopia – those from the eastern city of Harar are considered the best.
Opera - performed in the unforgettable setting of the Sydney Opera House, by some of the world's finest sopranos
Kilims - Turkish flat-woven rugs incorporating motifs that were first sketched on cave walls, 8,000 years ago, in charcoal - the mark of a true classic
Asmat carvings - the Asmat of Irian Jaya carve superb wooden shields, masks, and totem poles: they were brought to world attention by Michael Rockefeller's ill-fated collecting expedition
Lacquerware - a delicate art form found throughout Burma, especially in Mandalay, as well as Vietnam and Japan
Applique and embroidery - throughout Northern Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, various hilltribes make bold, colorful, appliqué and embroidered clothes and bags, on deep indigo backgrounds
Tibetan thangkas - Tibetan temple paintings, on silk, illustrating deities and their realms
Khmer carvings - Cambodia's cultural renaissance is seen in the fine modern replicas of traditional Khmer sculpture - visit the training centers in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap
Metal Statuary - the Newars of Kathmandu have practiced this refined art for centuries: their Buddha statues are found in temples throughout the Himalayas
Beadwork - Borneo tribal art, adorning everything from children's cots to shopping bags
Ikat - this weaving style is found throughout all of Asia, but our favorite pieces are from Sumba, Indonesia, and the rare double ikat of Tenggaron, Bali
Silver jewelry - the hill tribes of northern Thailand are renowned for their distinctive, striking jewelry
Yurt hangings - Turkish and Mongolian yurt dwellers adorn their felt tents with bright and breezy colored cloth hangings
Australian Aboriginal paintings - these fine paintings illustrate the spiritual realm of the Dreamtime
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FAVORITE CUISINES
One of the great joys of travel is sampling exotic cuisines. You may like to fully indulge your gastronomic fantasies with these many regional dishes.
Dim Sum - Chinese selection of dumplings, best enjoyed from tea shops while watching the world go by
Pad Thai - Thai rice noodles with egg, shrimp, sprouts and peanuts - slightly different in every kitchen, but always delicious
Masala Dosa - crispy South Indian savory crepe, filled with delicately spiced potato and onion mixture
Pho - Vietnamese noodle soup with fresh mint, basil and bean sprouts - a popular breakfast dish.
Yam basket - Sarawak specialty of meat, vegetables and tofu in a fried yam pie crust
Gaeng Phet - Thai curry with coconut milk, lemon grass, chilies and shrimp paste
Momos - Tibetan dumplings. The best ones are served in Dharamsala, India
Lephet Thok - Burmese salad of pressed green tea leaves, sesame seeds, peanuts and spices - a rewarding culinary experiment
South Indian Thalis - a vegetarian's dream come true, with up to 12 different yet complementary dishes
Kaiseki - Japan's seasonal cuisine, elegantly presented.
Kimchee - spicy, pungent Korean condiment
Popiah (also called lumpia) Singapore specialty - spring rolls filled with peanuts, egg, sprouts and vegetables, served with a delicious sweet sauce
Moroccan - feasting on twelve course meals of slowly cooked tajines, saffron flavored cous cous, and delicious vegetables in stylish Marrakshi palaces is a highlight of any visit to Morocco.
Nasi Goreng - classic Indonesian fried rice and vegetables
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BEST MUSEUMS
Our staff has visited museums throughout all of Asia, Africa, and the South Pacific. We can point you in the direction of some of the finest collections in each region. Here are our favorites:
Cham Museum (Danang, Vietnam): Discover the world's best collection of Cham sculpture
Jim Thompson House (Bangkok, Thailand): The home of this famed silk entrepreneur houses his exquisite personal collection of Asian arts
Miho Museum (Shiga-ken, Japan):I. M. Pei's masterpiece, blending unique architecture with a spectacular natural setting
Crafts Museum (Delhi, India): Spend a day here exploring the full spectrum of India's glorious folk traditions
Sarawak Museum (Malaysia): One of Asia's most fascinating museums, with weavings, tools, carvings, and more, from all over Borneo
National Museum (Phnom Penh, Cambodia): With excellent Khmer sculpture, and art school for students of Cambodia's artistic traditions
National Museum (Cairo, Egypt): A unique treasure trove, featuring artifacts from the world's greatest civilizations. Don't miss the exhibits of Tutankhamun's gold.
Kawai Kanjiro Memorial Hall (Kyoto, Japan): Home and studio of the potter who played a key role in Japan's Folk Art Movement
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (Wellington, New Zealand): The city's main attraction, offering interactive exhibits on Maori culture, the sea, and more
National Museum (Taipei, Taiwan): The world's greatest collection of Chinese art
Bardo Museum (Tunis, Tunisia): This is home to Africa's greatest collection of Roman mosaics, plus a superb selection of statuary and artifacts from ancient Carthage.
Royal Palace Museum (Luang Prabang, Laos): Look out for the moon rock!
Topkapi Palace (Istanbul, Turkey): Overwhelming selection of Sultan's splendor, with embroidered robes and jewels to die for.Be sure to visit the Harem section, adorned with some of Turkey's most famous and beautiful tiles.
National Museum (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia): Superb dioramas of daily life throughout peninsular Malaysia and Borneo
Prasart Museum (Bangkok, Thailand): Excellent collection of the finest of Thai arts located on an exclusive private estate
Art Gallery of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia): World's best collection of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander's artwork
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BEST WILDLIFE SPOTTING DESTINATIONS
We have compiled the following list that takes our clients to remote corners of the earth where wildlife flourishes and fascinates the mind.
Camp Leakey (Kalimantan, Indonesia): orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and hornbills thrive in this study center
Lake Hovsgol (Mongolia): the lake and surrounding forest shelters ibex, lammergeiers, and more
Kanha National Park (India): Known as the N'Gorongoro of India, it is the best place in the country to see tigers
Royal Bardia (Nepal): national park in Western Nepal, with tigers, rhinos, and elephants amidst the Terai wilderness
Ngorongoro Crater (Tanzania): With over 30,000 animals living in the crater, this ancient caldera is home is also known as the Garden of Eden, and Paradise on Earth.
Komodo Island (Indonesia): this isolated island is rightly famed for its giant monitor lizards, and is also rich with deer, cockatoos, and fine coral surrounding the island
Sulawesi (Indonesia): over 90% of its mammals are endemic, including baribusa, anoa, and black macaques
Khong Island (Laos): This delightful spot in southern Laos often provides views of rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the rainy season
Okavanga Delta (Botswana): Drift amongst the giant lilies in a mokoro, watching hippos, eagles and more. Heavenly.
Sepilok (Sabah, Malaysia): houses orangutans, wild cats, and Malay sun bears
Kruger National Park (South Africa):
This enormous expanse of land encompasses an immense diversity of ecosystems, home to a vast and unique array of wildlifeOne of Africa's wildlife hotspots.
Head of the Australian Bight (Australia): This stretch of southern coastline is a prime viewing spot for seeing whales and dolphins
Etosha National Park (Namibia):
Etosha's vast salt pans, in the heart of thousands of acres of arid wilderness, are a lifeline for wildlife, making for excellent viewing.
Papua New Guinea: Bird lovers will be in their element, amidst the world's largest selection of hornbills and parrots, and, of course, Birds of Paradise
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BEST FAMILY DESTINATIONS
The following places make perfect family getaways with varied touring and leisure options that everyone will enjoy.
Australia - beaches, rainforests, and a good mix of the familiar and the foreign
Bali - with cycling, snorkeling, lively music and dance, great food, and great accommodation, Bali offers something for everyone in the family
South Africa - Many of South Africa's beach properties and safari parks are specifically geared to families, with special children's activities, and opportunities for parents to relax.
Turkey - parents and children alike will love the beaches and the food - and the archaeological sites make for great scrambling for the less historically minded
Thailand - friendly people, easy traveling, beaches and elephants: what more do you need for a family holiday?
Kenya - Superb beaches, and a wide range of wildlife parks in the cool highlands, guarantee a happy family holiday.
New Zealand - kids will enjoy the hands-on exhibits at Wellington's Te Papa Tongawera Museum, as well as the great outdoors that attracts so many to New Zealand
India - many parents find their kids love the color and splendor of India so much, that holidays are a breeze - and it's one of the world's most child-friendly destinations, with willing and able baby sitters in abundance!
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BEST PLACES FOR ARCHITECTURE
Here is a sample of some of the top architectural sites that are included in our programs. They will undoubtedly entice lovers of art, style and design.
Sulawesi, Indonesia - the Tana Toraja's boat-shaped houses reflect their belief in their seafaring ancestors who traveled from northern waters
Hong Kong - old and new meet in a frenzied union of skyscrapers and temples
Lahore, Pakistan - the Badshai Mosque and Red Fort are considered by many aficionados to be the best examples of Moghul elegance, style, and sophistication
Bukittinggi, Sumatra - soaring peaked roofs are in imitation of buffalo horns, which are revered amongst the local matrilineal Minangkabau people
Marrakesh (Morocco) - the recent fashion for renovating the city's riyadh's offer a spectacular range of stylish accommodation, and great sight-seeing.
Zanzibar (Tanzania) - the wealth of this historical trading city is seen in its buildings and wood carvings.
Kairaoun (Tunisia) - Africa's oldest Arab city has many ancient mosques and ornately decorated buildings.
Cappadocia, Turkey - unique geology in this part of Central Turkey led to a warren of rock cut houses and Byzantine temples being hewn out of the valleys
Bajawa, Flores, Indonesia - surrounding villages are laid out to reflect the matrilineal and patrilineal histories of village inhabitants - check out the chicken huts!
Bhaktapur, Nepal - one of the Kathmandu Valley's three original kingdoms, notable for its beautifully restored brick and wood buildings
Western Mongolia - the Kazakhs of this region enliven their stark surroundings with vibrant embroidered ger hangings
Istanbul, Turkey - Ottoman splendor at its finest can still be seen amidst the ultimate city's streets, palaces and mosques
Luang Prabang, Laos - magnificent tilework and stunning gilded pagodas led UNESCO to declare this ancient Lao Royal Capital a World Heritage Site
Hoi An, Vietnam - this Central Vietnam port thrived on the trade that passed through over the centuries, funding the building of elegant townhouses and temples
Isfahan, Iran - Persia's royal city, the cite of magnificent mosques, courtyards, and tilework that housed and inspired some of Persia's greatest poets
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NATURAL WONDERS
These are just a few of the many that have enthralled us on our journeys.
Limestone Karst Formations - a hallmark of southeast Asia, these soaring vertical massifs are best seen in Krabi, Guilin, Kunming and Halong Bay
Rift Valley Lakes (Ethiopia) - these seven lakes are home to some of the world's most diverse and dramatic scenery.
Flaming Cliffs - Mongolia's dramatic red sandstone mountains rise out of the Gobi Desert, and have been the site of major dinosaur finds
Mt Bromo - it's worth visiting eastern Java just to see Mt Bromo - considered by many to be the archetypal volcano
Namibia - the ethereal desolation of the Skeleton Coast, and the towering sand dunes at Swakopmund, are both extraordinary.
Wadi Rum - in Jordan, these steep cliffs rising out of the desert captivated Lawrence of Arabia, and are today increasingly appreciated by visitors
The Himalayas - stretching from northwest India, to Nepal and Bhutan, the Himalayas captivate all visitors with their majestic splendor
Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) - known locally as The Smoke That Thunders, the falls are easily visited from nearby Botswana. The falls have become the adventure capital of Africa, with white water rafting, bungee jumping, and more on offer.
Ayer's Rock - sacred to the local Aboriginal people of Australia, Uluru is deeply moving, and radiant in the desert sun
Tiger Leaping Gorge - in Lijiang, China, the world's deepest gorge is the starting point of the Yangtse River's journey to the sea
Chocolate Hills - in Bohol, Philippines, hundreds of perfectly formed conical mounds have been likened to giant Hershey's kisses!
Pindaya Caves - Burma's limestone caves have long been held sacred by Buddhist pilgrims, many of whom meditate in the cave's recesses.
Great Barrier Reef--in Australia, the world's largest living organism can be explored by boat, diving, or snorkeling
Niah Caves - in Sarawak, Malaysia, vast limestone caves amidst deep jungle; millions of bats alight from the cave each evening
Tonle Sap - Cambodia's famed lake's waters actually flow in reverse during the monsoon, creating an abundance of fish and fertile soil
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TEMPLES AND PILGRIMAGE SITES
Over the centuries, pilgrims and travelers have been drawn to these mystical places. Today we continue to explore their wonders.
Varanasi - India's "City of Light" is the most sacred spot for Hindus, who practice yoga on the ghats on the Ganges' banks
Lailbela (Ethiopia) - this vast complex of rock-hewn churches are still in use today, and are particularly colorful during Ethiopia's many religious festivals.
Bodh Gaya - the site of the Buddha's enlightenment attracts visitors from all over the world to Bihar, India
Kyaiktiyo - this massive balancing golden rock in southern Burma is one of the country's most significant pilgrimage spots
Karnak (Egypt) - a vast complex of temples, with the Temple of Amun the cornerstone of the site.
Emei Shan - one of China's five sacred Buddhist mountains: its limestone crags give shelter to merchants offering herbs gathered from the mountain
Madurai - this southern Indian temple city attracts over 10,000 pilgrims a day to what is one of the most dynamic centers of Hinduism on the planet
Great Mosque, (Kairoaun, Tunisia) - simple, yet elegant, this 13th century mosque exudes tranquility in the early mornings.
Umayyad Mosque - located in the heart of Damascus, this is one of the most important mosques in Islam
Boudhanath - this giant stupa in Kathmandu attracts pilgrims from all of the Tibetan Buddhist Himalaya throughout the winter
Sanjusanger-do Temple - a classic of Kyoto, housing 1001 Buddha Statues
Konya - haunting Sufi music and exquisite tilework make the tomb of Calaludin Rumi a key attraction in Central Turkey
Pak Ou Caves - cruise out of Laos's ancient royal capital of Luang Prabang to these evocative caves, sheltering a myriad of Buddha statues
Badshai Mosque - a perfect example of Moghul architecture, it is Lahore's most sublime building
Mt Popa - Burma's most important shrine to nats, or animist spirits, also offers sweeping views of the ruins of Bagan
Jokhang Temple - Tibet's most sacred temple inspires pilgrims to cross the plateau making full body prostrations every step of the way
Arnhem Land - this stunning section of Australia's Northern Territory is sacred to the many Aboriginal groups who live in this area
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BEST ANCIENT CITIES
These ancient cities are our chosen favorites, for atmosphere, historical interest, beauty, and intrigue.
Petra - Jordan's masterpiece of pink sandstone, sequestered amidst a narrow valley, is a highlight of the Middle East
Fatehpur Sikri - a few miles outside of Agra, this Moghul city was abandoned due to water shortages, and remains sublime and pristine
Angkor Wat - Cambodia'sKhmer Empire thrived on the shores of the Tonle Sap, leaving behind some of the world's greatest monuments
Luxor (Egypt) - ancient temples and tombs reflect the glory of the 18th and 19th dynasties, including Tutankahmun and Ramses II.
Sukhothai - the heart of the Thai empire in the 13th century, Sukhothai boasts superb architecture and sculpture
Bagan - this massive series of abandoned temples on the Irrawaddy plains is Burma's crowning jewel
Kyoto, Japan - this Japanese city is anair museum of the best of traditional Japanese architecture
Cappadocia - central Turkey's otherworldly landscape, permeated with rock cut Byzantine temples
Gondar (Ethiopia) - this royal capital is set in the stunning foothills of the Simien Mountains.
Dunhuang - a major stop on the famed Silk Road, these Buddhist cave temples in western China are an adventurer's dream
Hampi - this southern Indian city was the regions' most powerful Hindu empire from the 14th - 16th centuries
Prambanan - Central Java's remains of Hindu kingdoms that ruled over a thousand years ago
Baalbek - massive complex of Graeco-Roman buildings in modern day Lebanon, with one of the world's largest Acropolis, and an exquisite Temple of Venus
Persepolis - it's worth visiting Iran just to see the remains of Darius's empire
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GREAT DAY TOURS
Based on our own experiences, we design day tours that introduce you to the history, culture, and natural splendor that make these places such superb destinations.
Atlas Mountains (Marrakesh, Morocco) - a scenic drive from Marrakesh takes you to colorful Berber markets and villages. Beautiful carpets are woven in this region, and medicinal plants are harvested as they have been for centuries.
Cape Point (South Africa) - explore the beaches and fishing towns of Cape Point, where penguins, plants, and antelope flourish.
Volubilis (Morocco) - this ancient Roman city, whose temples and mosaics are now overgrown with poppies and cornflowers, is easily visited from Fes.
Blue Nile Falls (Ethiopia) - base yourself in Bahar Dar, on the banks of Lake Tana, to visit the source of the Blue Nile.
Pharping and Dakshinkali - these Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites, on the outskirts of Nepal's Kathmandu valley, are popular picnic spots for visitors and locals
Mt Bromo - sunrise viewed at this eastern Java volcano, followed by a walk around the surrounding region, immerses you in Indonesia's ethereal beauty
Buddha Garden - Vientiane's park of Buddha statues of all shapes and size is slightly funky, slightly surreal, and definitely unforgettable
Red River Delta - this region, just outside of Hanoi, is home to potters, weavers, carvers and printers following ancient methods of work
Bursa - the first Ottoman capital is easily visited from Istanbul, taking you over the Sea of Marmara and through the gateway of Asia
Milford Sound - New Zealand's awesome fjord, surrounded by waterfalls and rainforest - best explored by coach and scenic flight
Fushimi Inari Shrine & mountain hike - Kyoto's natural beauty and spiritual heart, perfectly combined
Mahabalipuram and Kanchipuram - Southern India's passionate Hindu history can be explored easily on a day out from Madras
Great Ocean Road - a self-drive tour of this stretch of coast, outside Melbourne, is a favorite of visitors to Australia
Mulu National Park - Sarawak's vast limestone caves see millions of bats pour out each evening: one of the world's great natural spectacles
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