Page 50 - Damianos Sotheby's International Realty Magazine Vol. 3

GOOD TO GO
6 MUST-GO
G ADVENTURES RECOMMENDS
3 BHUTAN
The unexplored mountain kingdom of Bhutan is becoming the It Spot for a growing legion of global ecotourists. Located on the southeast slope of the Himalayas and bordered by Tibet and India, Bhutan has been called the world’s eco-friendliest country and is the first carbon-negative country in the world. Along with stunning landscapes, ancient temples and monas- teries, and an ancient culture and traditions, you’ll also experience the happiness factor. Bhutan measures the GNH, or Gross National Happiness, as an indicator of its prosperity.
4 MONTENEGRO
This Balkan destination is a hot spot for jet-se ers and celebrities, with visits by Harrison Ford, Rita Ora and others in the last year. Don’t miss the Bay of Kotor, among the 10 most beautiful bays in the world and featuring the medieval city of Kotor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are hundreds of miles of un- spoiled coastline and sandy beaches. If you’re looking for a more active getaway, explore the rugged interior and discover Europe’s deepest canyon, a black pine forest and Lake Skadar, the largest freshwater lake in southeastern Europe.
5 PORTUGAL
The world is rediscovering Portugal’s beaches, culture, history and legendary wines. Portugal has long been known as a wine region and seafood hub treasured by chefs and foodies. While the national drink, port
or porto, is ubiquitous across the country, the Douro valley has been described as the most beautiful wine region in the world. Don’t miss the beaches in the Algarve and the breathtaking mountains in the north, plus castles and other cultural finds.
6 MADAGASCAR
The remote island of Madagascar, off the south- eastern coast of Mozambique, is o en considered just another safari destination—if it’s considered at all. But the island is home to thousands of wildlife species you won’t find anywhere else, and with the increasing threat of climate change and deforesta- tion, you should go now. Consider staying at Miavana Island Sanctuary, which opened in April, an ultra- luxury lodge on the private island of Nosy Ankao off the northeastern coast of Madagascar.
DESTINATIONS
IN 2017
By Ylva Van Buuren
WILD WOMEN EXPEDITIONS RECOMMENDS
1 MONGOLIA
Rugged Mongolia is a sprawling country in northern Asia, between Russia and China, with a vast, untouched and staggeringly beautiful landscape. Mongolia’s nomadic culture invites experiences
you won’t get anywhere else: sleep in a herder’s ger (traditional felt yurt), help round up the sheep or explore the land of Genghis Khan by pony, camel or vehicle.
2 THE GREAT BEAR RAINFOREST
The Great Bear Rainforest, located on the Pacific Coast of British Columbia and stretching from Vancouver Island north to Alaska, is an extraordinary place—and not just because Prince William and Princess Kate vis- ited last year. Measuring 12,500 square miles/32,000 square kilometres, it’s the largest temperate rainforest in the world and has been called the Amazon of the North. The 21 million-acre/8.5 million-hectare wilder- ness is home to abundant wildlife, including bears, ea- gles, orcas, humpback whales, migratory birds, cougars, wolves—and the rare cream-coloured “spirit” bear, considered sacred by the T’simshian people. You’ll need to hire a local guide if you hope to spot one.
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