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5 Star Paradise Top Holiday Destinations for 2024

The Maldives: Unrivaled Luxury and Underwater Wonders

The Maldives consistently ranks among the world’s top luxury destinations, and 2024 promises to be no different. Picture yourself waking up in an overwater bungalow, the turquoise lagoon stretching out before you. Days are spent snorkeling amongst vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, indulging in rejuvenating spa treatments, or simply relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches. The Maldives offers an unparalleled level of seclusion and privacy, with many resorts catering exclusively to adults. Expect impeccable service, gourmet dining experiences, and a level of luxury that’s hard to match anywhere else. This year, several resorts are unveiling new sustainable initiatives, further enhancing their eco-conscious appeal.

Santorini, Greece: Iconic Views and Volcanic Charm

Santorini, with its iconic white-washed villages clinging to volcanic cliffs overlooking the Aegean Sea, is a timeless classic. 2024 promises a vibrant season, with opportunities to explore beyond the well-trodden paths. Consider a private yacht cruise to explore hidden coves and secluded beaches, or delve deeper into the island’s rich history with a guided tour of Akrotiri, the Minoan city buried by volcanic ash. The sunsets, legendary for their fiery hues, are a must-see, whether you’re enjoying a romantic dinner or a casual drink at a cliffside bar. Beyond the stunning scenery, Santorini offers a rich culinary scene, with restaurants showcasing fresh, local ingredients and traditional Greek flavors.

Bali, Indonesia: Spiritual Retreat and Tropical Paradise

Bali, the “Island of Gods,” offers a unique blend of natural beauty, spiritual serenity, and vibrant culture. 2024 is an ideal time to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots. Venture into the lush rice paddies of Ubud, visit ancient temples nestled in the jungle, or take a yoga and meditation retreat to find inner peace. The island’s beaches range from bustling surf breaks to secluded coves, offering something for every traveler. Foodies will delight in the diverse culinary scene, from traditional Indonesian dishes to international cuisine. With its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, Bali promises a transformative and unforgettable holiday.

Kyoto, Japan: Ancient Temples and Modern Marvels

Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, offers a captivating blend of traditional and modern. Wander through serene bamboo forests, explore meticulously preserved temples and shrines, and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture. 2024 presents a chance to experience the beauty of the changing seasons, from the vibrant cherry blossoms of spring to the fiery autumn leaves. Beyond the historical sights, Kyoto offers a vibrant culinary scene, with Michelin-starred restaurants and traditional tea houses offering authentic Japanese experiences. The city also boasts a thriving arts and crafts scene, offering opportunities to purchase unique souvenirs and learn traditional Japanese techniques. This year, a new museum dedicated to Japanese animation is expected to open, adding another exciting dimension to your visit.

Machu Picchu, Peru: Lost City of the Incas

Journey to the breathtaking heights of the Andes Mountains to experience the majesty of Machu Picchu, the lost city of the Incas. 2024 offers an opportunity to explore this iconic site, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and shrouded in history and mystery. While a visit to Machu Picchu itself is a highlight, exploring the surrounding Sacred Valley is equally rewarding, with ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and picturesque villages offering a deeper understanding of Incan culture. Trekking the Inca Trail is a physically demanding but incredibly rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views and a unique perspective on the site. Remember to book your permits and tours well in advance, as demand remains high.

The Seychelles: Pristine Beaches and Secluded Luxury

The Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, offers some of the world’s most pristine beaches and secluded luxury resorts. 2024 provides a chance to escape to paradise, relaxing on powdery white sands, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and exploring diverse marine life. Many resorts offer a wide range of activities, including diving, snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking. Those seeking a more adventurous experience can explore the islands’ lush interior, hiking through verdant forests and discovering hidden waterfalls. The Seychelles offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, making it an ideal destination for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. This year, several new eco-lodges are opening, offering sustainable luxury experiences. Read more about best 5-star holiday destinations.

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On Safari in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

I have recently returned from a safari around some of the greatest National Parks and Reserves in the beautiful country of Tanzania. To give you an idea of the kind of animals and scenes I saw in one of my favourite parks there, Tarangire, I have put together a short diary of my day there.
We started our game drive nice and early and proceeded to Tarangire National Park. Spirits were high in our vehicle and we were hopeful to see some great wildlife during our time on safari. Almost instantaneously of arriving within the parks boundaries, we had spotted Zebra and even a herd of elephants taking shelter from the sun under a large Acacia tree. The elephants seemed to be using the tree to scratch themselves, and it was quite interesting to watch.
After a stop to observe the animals and take photographs, we drove on to see a few species of bird of prey, Griffon vultures – which were in a group of around 8 in a dead looking tree (it brought back scenes from the Disney film The Jungle Book!) and a Verreaux’s eagle, which was perched in a tree and later we saw it soaring above the land.
After a quick stop for lunch, we headed down towards a large watering hole, and what we saw next was unbelievable – a pride of lions spread out all around the watering hole, camouflaged into their surroundings and sheltering under trees – all of them had bloody paws, and the evidence of a couple of zebra kills was there in front of us in all its glory details.
There were also a herd of elephants at the watering hole which were having a mud bath and taking turns to throw their baby elephant into the large pool of mud, this was one of the funniest sights I have ever seen, and makes you realise how close elephants are.
Moving on from the watering hole, it was getting late, so was time for us to make moves out of the park. On our way back, we noticed a large crowd of cars pulled up alongside an Acacia tree, we stopped to get a closer look at what was demanding all this attention, and then we saw it – a leopard! The great spotted feline was asleep in the tree, just metres from where we were stopped. After a few minutes it stood up, turned around… and then went back to sleep facing the opposite direction!
On our long drive back to the main gate of the park, we saw plenty more animals, including giraffe, waterbuck and even a pair of Masai ostrich!…

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater is a large volcanic caldera which plays host to an advanced ecosystem perfect for the inhabiting and preservation of a wide variety of animals, from the aptly named king of the jungle, the lion, to the ever so rarer horned beast, the rhino.
The Crater itself has a land area size of around 8,288 Kilometres squared, and was originally established as a National Park in 1959. In 1979, the park received the honouring title of a World Heritage Site, to ensure that the unique and specialness of the Ngorongoro remains protected and preserved.
The Ngorongoro Crater really is an amazing place to visit and to witness its vast landscape from heights that stretch so wide that your eyes can barely take it all in. The bottom of the crater, or the crater floor as it is sometimes referred to is actually the remains of a collapsed volcanic caldera, which occurred between 2 and 3 million years ago. The walls surrounding the crater floor are around 2,000 feet high, and serve as the perfect way to preserve the wildlife inside.
Some of the wildlife you can expect to see at the Ngorongoro Crater can include the ‘big five’, consisting of rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard. It is also a great place to see opportunity hunting by the likes of hyenas, as they hang around the large watering hole, planning an attack on an unsuspecting flamingo. The crater also serves as a great location for bird spotters, with many different types inhabiting the park, namely the kori bustard and the black kite, which exist in larger populations here as compared to other parks within the North of Tanzania.
Not only is it the wildlife and scenery which attracts many tourists to the crater each year, there is also a strong interest of the fossils that have been found in Olduvai Gorge, which remains to be one of the most vital prehistoric landmarks on this earth today, with archaeologists estimating some fossilised remains of hominid species being over 3 million years old.…