Vacations & Travel Nr. 115- Winter 2021

THE UNIVERSE HAS CHANGED IMMEASURABLY SINCE I LAST SAT AT THE editor’s desk for Vacations & Travel in 2010. How I miss the spontaneous flights to far-flung destinations I enjoyed back then; the reunions with friends in unlikely corners of the planet, on a whim; the hawker feasts and indulgent meals at Michelin-starred restaurants. Simply put: I miss the world, as we all do. Travel has this intangible ability to change us. To make us more conscious and understanding of others. To make us appreciate different foods and cultures. To make us test our spirit of adventure. To become more generous and loving. But instead of looking backwards, this is a time to focus on the now – to see the current circumstances not as a hindrance, but as an…

Brian Thacker Brian is a best-selling travel author (pick up Tell Them to Get Lost) and an obsessed skier. Over the years he has worked as a ski guide in the Swiss Alps and has skied around more than 40 resorts across 10 countries. Brian is now based in Minnesota, US, just a short hop away from some of his favourite places to dive into the snow. Dale R Morris Dale is an award-winning conservation-focused writer and photographer. He has spent more than 25 years working with wildlife all over the world, in the far-flung corners of Costa Rica, Nigeria, Thailand and Madagascar (among many others). He currently lives in South Africa with his family and pets. Nikki Birrell Auckland-based journalist Nikki has been working in the publishing industry for…

Sleep under the stars An Indiegogo-funded project on the Grand Canyon’s south rim is set to take glamping to new heights. Nomad’s Pad will soon launch 10 striking, temperature-controlled glass pyramids with spectacular views of the desert and the night sky. Yet when privacy is needed, the see-through walls will turn opaque at the touch of a button, thanks to smart-glass technology. Each will come with air conditioning, plush linens, eco-friendly toiletries and an ensuite. Step outside to enjoy a private hot tub, fire pit, hammock and patio decked out with lounge furniture. You won’t want to leave, but if you do, diversions range from art classes to alfresco movies, soothing sound baths and jeep tours. indiegogo.com Front-row seats The hyped reopening of Botswana’s eight-suite DumaTau Camp after a complete…

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Over the years I have learnt that designing a hotel is a bit like being a Hollywood producer: we need a compelling storyline and without it, are ill-fated on opening night. He’s the man the world’s top hotels and resorts turn to when they want to create a showstopper. Something that will have everyone talking, Instagramming, pinning and adding to their wish lists. After bringing more than 200 hotels to life over the past 38 years, Thailand-based, American-born architect and designer Bill Bensley has perfected the art of creating memorable spaces, and says every single one needs a tale to tell. “Over the years I have learnt that designing a hotel is a bit like being a Hollywood producer: we need a compelling storyline and without it, are ill-fated on…

Vacations & Travel, in conjunction with Hurtigruten Expeditions, is giving readers the chance to win a 10-day ‘Circumnavigating Spitsbergen, in the Realm of the Polar Bear’ cruise around Norway for two, valued at more than $22,528. Hurtigruten Expeditions is the world’s leading expedition cruise line, building on 125 years of explorations and Norwegian pioneering heritage. Taking modern-day travellers to more than 250 spectacular destinations in 30-plus countries worldwide, Hurtigruten Expeditions introduced the planet’s first hybrid battery powered cruise ships, the MS Roald Amundsen in 2019, and sister ship the MS Fridtjof Nansen in March 2020. The prize for two includes: • Return economy-class flights between Oslo and Longyearbyen in Norway• Overnight in Longyearbyen before the expedition cruise, including breakfast and lunch• Breakfast, lunch and dinner including beverages in restaurant Aune•…