Get off the Beaten Track

Travel Inspiration

We all want to leave the tourist trails behind, but not sacrifice our 5 star fluffy pillows and spa treatments. We have picked out the region's top off-track trips. Blissfully isolated but not without that 5 star style and service - a winning combo, we think you'll agree.

Laid-back Lao
Laos has a charmingly rural, authentic vibe - less explored than neighbouring Cambodia, the adventurous few who visit are guaranteed a rich cultural experience. La Residence Phou Vao is an elegant spa hotel near the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. Gaze over the sacred Phou Si Mountain from the infinity pool or head into the surrounding wilderness through hill tribe villages, ancient wat temples and untouched waterfalls.

Beyond the Great Wall
Done the Great Wall? Next time escape to this real life Shangri-La suspended between China's Yunnan Province and Greater Tibet. The Banyan Tree Ringha is an enchanting hideaway set next to a crystal-clear river and backed by endless hills for hiking and overnight excursions. Decked in authentic Tibetan style, the resort has smoky fireplaces, heavenly spa treatments and traditional Chinese tea ceremonies.

Head for the valley
One of the region's most alluring wildernesses, the Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan is a land of misty peaks and plateaus, turquoise rivers and whispering forests. Hiding amidst remote yak country is the Amankora retreat, offering gourmet cuisine and sexy, understated rooms. Trek to the sacred Tiger's Nest monastery or slow down with hot stone massages and yoga overlooking peaceful valleys.

Star gazing
Overlooking the Ramganga Valley in India and distant snow-capped peaks, Shakti 360 Leti is a place where the stars are always out in force. Set deep within the Indian Himalayas, each of the four rooms have panoramic glass walls for the ultimate in laid-back stargazing. Built with local materials and age-old techniques, the camp is perched high on a precipice, so it's just you, the sky, and the mountains...

Straight to the source
Escape to the Tea Trails of central Sri Lanka to bed down in a colonial plantation estate set amongst the rejuvenating hills of the Bogawantalawa Valley. Here in the magical solitude of Celyon tea land 4000 feet above sea level, you can unwind in beautiful gardens, visit a factory for a gentle education in the art of Ceylon Tea, or spend an adventure-filled day biking, trekking and white-water rafting.

Sail away
Sail dreamily through SE Asia's open seas aboard Silolona - a 49m hand-carved Balinese vessel scattered with crisp white cushions and Asian artefacts. With the entire yacht to yourselves, you have 17 crewmembers and an endless choice of bespoke itineraries. Zig zag through the paradise islands of the Banda Sea, scuba dive in Raja Ampat or relax on your own hidden, pristine beach in the Mergui Archipelago.

These escapes were brought to you by Lightfoot Travel p. 6438 4091, e. info@lightfoottravel.com

Get off the Beaten T   |   15 Jun 2010 at 10:59 PM

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