One of the world’s most authentic and pristine destinations, the mountain kingdom of Bhutan is the closest thing we’ve found to Shangri-La. Picture locals in traditional dress, colourful festivals, and unspoilt Himalayan valleys dotted with wooden houses and Buddhist monasteries. Breathe-in the peace and tranquility on a bespoke luxury holiday to Bhutan.
Integrity is a glamorous Galapagos Island cruise vessel. It stands at an impressive 141 feet and boasts state-of-the-art stabilisers and engine vibration control systems, promising a smooth and relaxing trip for those on board. Integrity’s luxurious cabins boast personal climate control, a flat-screen television and satellite television, while communal areas include a jacuzzi, covered bar, library and dining area.
Cormorant II is often hailed as the best cruise line for Galapagos Island adventures. This luxurious vessel, a brand-new mega-catamaran, has 9 elegant suites, a dedicated “Hotel Manager,” and a crew of 11. Guests staying in a premium suite are even treated to a private balcony and jacuzzi. The Cormorant II prides itself on being carbon neutral, ensuring that your plush stay is guilt-free and doesn’t come at the expense of the environment and the surrounding ecosystems.
A wilderness river cruise offers the most incredible way to discover the exotic creatures and extraordinary landscapes of the Amazon. Traverse the most remote reaches of the world’s largest tropical rainforest, where encounters with pink river dolphins, monkeys, and manatees await you at every turn.
Become one of the lucky few to uncover the world’s most remote continent with a nature cruise through Antarctica. Sail the legendary Drake Passage as you venture deep into the Polar Desert, passing cathedral-sized icebergs and immense glaciers. Throughout your adventure, you’ll have the remarkable opportunity to witness incredible wildlife, including blue whales, gentoo penguins, and fur seals, welcoming you to their wild homeland.
When it comes to the best wildlife cruises, it’s hard to beat one of the most biodiverse places on earth: The Galapagos Islands. This unspoiled archipelago boasts some of the highest levels of endemism on the planet. Step aboard an eco-cruise and soar from island to island, encountering the likes of giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies and colourful sally-foot crabs.
The diversity of Chile is perfectly captured in this highlights itinerary. Tick off the otherworldly landscapes and steaming volcanoes of the Atacama, and the breathtaking lakes and shimmering glaciers of Patagonia, via the vibrant cities of Santiago and Valparaíso. Staying at good quality midrange hotels, not only ensures comfort but also allows you to save money for unforgettable experiences along the way.
Enjoy Chile’s famous landscapes differently on this fully immersive adventure. Trek to your heart’s content around the mountains of Torres del Paine, kayak in glacial lakes, cycle through Vineyards, stomp the streets of Santiago, horse-ride to the Moon Valley, and bathe in Atacama hot springs. Active by day, relaxing by night.
Chile is one of the world’s real wilderness playgrounds, and this itinerary places you at the heart of its natural wonders. After a relaxed introduction at a charming vineyard, enjoy extended stays at sustainable luxury lodges in both the arid Atacama Desert and glistening Torres del Paine. Take your pick from a daily menu of included activities, returning to the lodge each evening for delicious food and sublime Chilean wine.
Discover Chile’s dramatic landscapes and fascinating cultures on this leisurely-paced journey. After a week exploring Santiago, Valparaíso and the Winelands, continue south to discover the Lake District and Chiloe, including visits to local farms and community cooking classes. End with an in-depth six-night Atacama experience, allowing you to go beyond the usual tourist highlights once again in one of South America’s most stunning settings.
Whether taking part yourself or watching a local game, no trip to Bhutan is complete without a spot of Archery. At the official games the singing and dancing from the spectators is just as entertaining as the match itself, and if you do try your hand please let us know if you achieve a bullseye! Speak to our team about including this in your bespoke luxury holiday to Bhutan.
Take the steep pilgrimage up to Bhutan’s most famous monastery, iconic Taktshang Goemba (The Tiger’s Nest), clinging to the cliffs high above Paro Valley. Bhutan’s strict limits on visitor numbers ensures it never feels overcrowded, despite being considered an unofficial manmade wonder of the world. A hike to the famous landmark is a must-include in our bespoke luxury holidays to Bhutan.
A Bhutanese festival is a special event to witness, full of spectacular costumes and masked dancing to raucous traditional music. The springtime Paro Tsechu festival is considered the most spectacular, but any of the local events taking place around the year will leave you mesmerised. Finding availability during a festival can be tricky, but we will always try and include one in your bespoke luxury holiday to Bhutan.
Bhutan has a population of less than 800,000 people, spread out across it’s kingdom at a rate of just 20 people per km (the UK for comparison has 275 people per km.) The capital and largest city is Thimpu, whilst the international airport is 50km away in Paro, the closest town to Tigers Nest.
Bhutan is 6 hours ahead of GMT, in what is simply called “Bhutan Time”
The Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN) is the country’s national currency, with approximately 100 to the pound at the time of writing.
October to December offer the sunniest days, with temperatures reaching a low in January and February, whilst the skies stay clear and dry through to April. Summer brings the warmest temperatures, but also the likelihood of showers during the monsoon season.
With no direct flights from the UK, most travellers fly first to Delhi, Kathmandu or Bangkok, from where you can connect to Paro with Druk Air. As you will be changing airlines and tickets, we recommend overnighting in those cities on the way to avoid a missed connection.
