Asia

There’s something magical about stepping into a landscape that feels untouched by time. Just an hour outside the futuristic skyline of Dubai, I found myself transported into a world of wind-sculpted dunes, desert whispers, and falcon cries, courtesy of the Heritage Desert Safari by Platinum Heritage.

Few cities blend the futuristic with the nostalgic quite like Tokyo. It’s a place where neon-lit arcades sit beside centuries-old temples and where every neighbourhood feels like its own universe.

Whether you’re here for the food, the fashion, the temples or the pop culture, here are 10 unmissable places that truly capture the essence of Tokyo.

If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming of standing before the Taj Mahal, bathed in dawn’s golden light, marvelling at its symmetry and story, I'm here to tell you: it's absolutely worth the trek.

On my recent stay in India, I decided to make the journey from Delhi to Agra for the day. There are a few ways to do it, each with its pros and quirks, so here’s my take on how to plan a day trip to the Taj Mahal from Delhi, depending on your vibe and travel style.

There are few greater indulgences than retreating into a world of pure calm at a luxury spa. Whether tucked into the Swiss Alps, hidden in the deserts of Utah, or perched aboard an expedition ship sailing through polar landscapes, these sanctuaries offer more than just massages and facials, they offer the chance to truly reset.

Aman's first urban retreat, Aman Tokyo soars above the atmospheric whirl of tradition and modernity that is Japan’s capital city. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views harmonising city and nature, with the Imperial Palace Gardens and Shinjuku skyscrapers in the foreground and Mount Fuji on the horizon.

On Bali’s southernmost peninsula, famed for its white-sand beaches, ocean-side temples and frangipani-scented hillsides, Aman Villas at Nusa Dua rest poolside in lush tropical gardens just 25 minutes by car from Bali’s international airport. Each is an Eden-like retreat serviced by two butlers and a private chef, and provides easy access to a private Beach Club, the Bali National Golf Club, and the island’s many attractions.

Set on a garden estate with a serene central swimming pool, Amantake is a 24-suite property is housed in graceful white-walled, green-shuttered French colonial buildings. Located just south of sacred Mount Phousi, the property overlooks the Unesco-protected town of Luang Prabang, Laos' spiritual capital.

Soaring high above Downtown Dubai, the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower, is home to the exclusive Armani Hotel Dubai. A global design first, the hotel has been designed and developed by Giorgio Armani, and reflects the pure elegance, simplicity and sophisticated comfort that define his signature style.

Set in a secret garden at the heart of a 32-hectare forest, Aman Kyoto lies at the foot of Mount Hidari Daimonji, a stone’s throw from Kyoto’s golden Kinkaku-ji Temple and 16 other Unesco World Heritage Sites. The resort is nonetheless a secluded world apart: moss-covered boulders glow emerald-like in the lush undergrowth, winding footpaths link tranquil forest glades, and streams provide a soothing soundtrack broken only by bird-song.

Rich in natural gas resources, Qatar has risen from the desert as one of the world’s wealthiest nations and transformed its capital, Doha, from a small pearl-diving and fishing town, into the Persian Gulf’s future - a modern cultural gem. The city’s glittering skyline is host to an abundance of interesting buildings and just a short drive from the 2022 FIFA World Cup stadium designed by the late famed architect, Zaha Hadid.