Cultural Holidays

This classic Japan itinerary journeys through the country’s three signature cities across 9 nights, beginning in the energy of Tokyo, continuing to the temples and gardens of Kyoto, and concluding in the food-forward capital of the Kansai region, Osaka. Designed as the essential first-time Japan route, this itinerary balances guided full-day tours with generous free time, connected by private transfers and reserved-seat Shinkansen travel.  

Set on a private peninsula on the west coast of Mahé, Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas is an intimate island retreat surrounded by 30 acres of lush gardens and overlooking Anse Louis. The resort comprises just 30 private pool villas, each paired with a dedicated Villa Host and designed by Bill Bensley. Days can be spent between the beach and private infinity pool, with personalised dining, island excursions, non-motorised watersports and open-air spa treatments adding to the sense of seclusion.

Nestled on the tranquil West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, Six Senses The Palm, Dubai is a beachfront wellness resort that blends contemporary luxury with the brand’s signature focus on sustainability and holistic wellbeing. Home to just 61 spacious suites alongside the exclusive Six Senses Residences, the resort offers a peaceful retreat with uninterrupted Arabian Gulf views while remaining within easy reach of Dubai’s vibrant attractions. Natural materials, calming interiors, personalised service and immersive wellness experiences create an ideal escape for couples, families and longer stays.

A Tale of Two Islands, Where Vibrant Energy Meets Refined Elegance The Maldives is a byword for paradise, but this twin centre escape shows just how different two South Malé Atoll islands can feel, each with its own distinct personality. Begin at RAH GILI MALDIVES, a sleek and sociable hideaway perched on the edge of the atoll beside an exclusive dolphin sanctuary, where whimsical design touches, vibrant social spaces, and an easy-going, in-the-know energy make for the Maldives at its most sociable. After five nights, cross the atoll for the soulful, ceremonial welcome of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, ensconced in an enchanting lagoon, where THE RESERVE™ Plan’s timeless, tailored indulgence and the round-the-clock care of a personal Hiyani butler bring a quieter, more refined close to the journey. Two islands, one unforgettable South Malé Atoll escape. Itinerary Overview Maldives – 5 Nights at RAH GILI MALDIVES Arrive at Velana International Airport and take the 40-minute speedboat transfer to RAH GILI MALDIVES, a 107,000sqm island in South Malé (Kaafu Atoll) that sits beside its own dolphin sanctuary. Sophisticated villas blend meticulous architecture with Bohemian design touches, and with six distinct dining venues, a wellness centre, and a resident dolphin population close by, this is the perfect base for guests who want their Maldivian escape laced with sociable energy. Highlights at RAH GILI: Look out for the resident spinner dolphins in RAH GILI’s exclusive sanctuary, a secluded lagoon they often choose to meet, mingle and play in. Dine your way around the island’s six venues, from international buffets at Juliette to Japanese Teppan, Maldivian seafood at Maakeyolhu, and Indian flavours at Tiffin. Take to the water with the dive and water-sports centre’s diving, nitrox, PADI certification, catamarans, jet skis, kayaking, and snorkelling. Unwind at SIX & SIX RITUALS, the island’s holistic wellness centre, with five treatment rooms, a beauty salon, and sunrise and sunset group activities. Optional: Catch a film under the stars at the outdoor cinema, or book a session at the beach courts. Bolifushi – 5 Nights at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, Maldives After the sociable buzz of RAH GILI, transfer by luxury catamaran to Bolifushi Island and check in to OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI. Guests are welcomed with rhythmic Boduberu drumming, a refreshing Kurumba or champagne, handmade palm leaf necklaces, and a short foot massage, setting the tone for a stay built around THE RESERVE™ Plan and the round-the-clock care of a personal Hiyani butler. Highlights at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI: Settle into THE RESERVE™ Plan’s privileges, from a daily replenished Maxi Bar to complimentary in-villa dining and bespoke gifts. Dine across the island’s outlets, from the Spanish-inflected world cuisine at Vista del Mar to an elaborate Indian thali at Saffron and Pan Asian dishes at Soyi. Dive the world’s rarest coral reefs and explore the Bolifushi Wreck Site with the on-site 5-star Best Dives centre, including its underwater coral garden planting initiative. Relax at ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa, a sanctuary blending age-old healing traditions with contemporary wellness rituals. Optional: Book a semi-submarine adventure or a sunset fishing expedition for a different view of Bolifushi’s waters.

A Tale of Two Wonders, Where Sacred Cities Meet Sunset Lagoons Few pairings bring together history and hideaway quite like this one. Begin in Sri Lanka, journeying from colonial Negombo through the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura to the last royal capital of Kandy, with a scenic train ride into the tea covered hills of Nuwara Eliya along the way. Then trade ancient dagobas and misty tea estates for the pale sands and dolphin filled lagoon of RAH GILI MALDIVES, a sleek new arrival to South Malé Atoll. From the pooja bells of the Temple of the Tooth to the hush of an overwater villa, this is a journey that moves from wonder to pure escape. Itinerary Overview Sri Lanka – 5 Nights at Uga Riva, Uga Ulagalla and Adigar’s Manor Arrive into Colombo and transfer to Negombo, checking in to Uga Riva for a night of rest by the coast. The following morning, continue to Tirappane, settling into an Ulagalla Pool Villa at Uga Ulagalla for two nights. Spend a day exploring the UNESCO listed ruins of Anuradhapura, home to the sacred Bodhi Tree, before a late afternoon jeep safari through the rural back roads to Nachchaduwa Lake, where elephants and buffalo are often spotted among the rice paddies. From Tirappane, continue to Kandy for two nights at Adigar’s Manor, taking in an evening city tour and a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, one of Buddhism’s holiest sites. A highlight of the stay is the scenic train ride from Peradeniya to Nuwara Eliya, climbing through some twenty tunnels and past cascading waterfalls into Sri Lanka’s tea country, followed by a factory visit and tasting before returning to Kandy. Highlights in Sri Lanka: Explore the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the sacred Bodhi Tree. Take a half day jeep safari through rural countryside to Nachchaduwa Lake, spotting elephants, buffalo and birdlife along the earthen tracks. Visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, the last royal capital of Ceylon and one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in the Buddhist world. Ride the scenic rail line from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, passing waterfalls and tea clad hillsides en route to Sri Lanka’s highest hill resort. Tour a working tea plantation and factory in Nuwara Eliya, sampling freshly brewed Ceylon tea straight from the source. Optional: Saddle up for a horseback ride through the Uga Ulagalla estate, or try your hand at archery beneath the rain trees. Maldives – 5 Nights at RAH GILI MALDIVES After the hill country of Ceylon, arrive into a very different landscape, the pale blue lagoon of RAH GILI MALDIVES, perched on the edge of South Malé Atoll just forty minutes by luxury speedboat from Velana International Airport. Sitting beside an exclusive dolphin sanctuary, this sleek new hideaway from SIX & SIX Private Islands pairs Bohemian design with a genuinely playful spirit, from 21 metre waterslides built into every villa to whimsical social spaces scattered across the island. Days unfold between the beach, seven distinct restaurants and bars, and a spinner dolphin sanctuary where the local pod often comes to play, all set within a resort committed to EarthCheck certified sustainability. Highlights in the Maldives: Settle into a Beach or Water Pool Villa with private pool and signature 21 metre waterslide, attended throughout by a dedicated Edhuru butler. Look out for spinner dolphins in the resort’s own sanctuary lagoon, or join a guided dolphin discovery excursion. Dine across seven distinct venues, from Japanese teppanyaki and Maldivian seafood to Indian, Italian and Asian dining. Unwind with a treatment at SIX & SIX Rituals, the resort’s holistic wellness centre, or join a sunrise and sunset group session. Explore the reef with diving, snorkelling or non motorised water sports through the resort’s dedicated dive centre. Optional: Take in an outdoor cinema night, a resident DJ set, or a visiting Michelin starred chef’s pop up dinner.

A Tale of Two Escapes, Where Skyline Glamour Meets Barefoot Island Soul This twin centre journey pairs the electric energy of Dubai’s coastline with the slow, spirited rhythm of Zanzibar, offering two islands worth of contrast in one unforgettable trip. Begin at JA Ocean View Hotel, set in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residence with uninterrupted sea views from every room and the glittering Ain Dubai wheel framed by the infinity pool, before swapping skyscrapers for swaying palms with a flight to LUX* Marijani, a chic boutique resort on Zanzibar’s iconic east coast beach, where Omani-Swahili architecture, creative dining and a genuinely relaxed pace of life take over to close out the trip. Itinerary Overview Dubai – 3 Nights at JA Ocean View Hotel, Dubai Arrive in Dubai and check in to JA Ocean View Hotel, where city energy meets ocean serenity in the heart of JBR. Every one of the hotel’s 346 rooms and suites offers uninterrupted sea views, while the infinity pool frames Ain Dubai in the distance. With direct access to The Walk at JBR’s beachfront shopping and dining, plus a premium spa, tennis courts and a dedicated kids play area, it’s a stylish and easy start to the trip. Highlights in Dubai: Soak up ocean views and Ain Dubai panoramas from the hotel’s serene, temperature-controlled infinity pool. Stroll The Walk at JBR for sun, style, shopping and vibrant nightlife along Dubai’s iconic beachfront. Dine across the hotel’s restaurants, from Mediterranean flavours at OIA to Italian classics at IL Motto Pizzeria and global fare at Aqua. Stay active with padel tennis, the fitness centre, or match nights at Offside sports bar. Optional: Venture beyond the coast for a taste of the city’s icons, from the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall to a dune bashing desert safari under the stars. Zanzibar – 7 Nights at LUX* Marijani, Zanzibar After the glamour of Dubai, transfer to the barefoot luxury of Zanzibar’s northeast coast and check in to LUX* Marijani, a chic boutique resort set on the powdery white sands of Pwani Mchangani. With Omani style architecture, a coastal Swahili soul and some of the island’s most creative dining, this is where the trip slows right down. Highlights at LUX* Marijani: Relax on the iconic beach of the east, with powdery white sand, swaying coconut palms and the blue green waters of the Zanzibar archipelago. Rise early for sunrise yoga on a sandbank, or unwind with a treatment at the boutique LUX* Me spa. Take to the water with complimentary stand up paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkelling, or arrange a scuba diving or catamaran sailing excursion. Savour the island’s flavours across the resort’s dining venues, from Zanzibari inspired plates at The Beach to Levantine specialties at Samãa. Optional: Discover Zanzibar beyond the resort with a trip to historic Stone Town, a spice plantation tour or a visit to Jozani Forest.

A Tale of Two Landscapes, Where Rugged Arabia Meets Tropical Rainforest This twin centre escape pairs two extraordinary destinations that could not feel more different, yet together create a truly unforgettable journey. Begin amid the dramatic mountains and turquoise waters of Oman’s Muscat Bay, where the Al Hajar Mountains meet the Gulf of Oman in a secluded cove, a destination for adventurous wellbeing where sunrise hikes, ancient history and pristine diving sit alongside understated Arabian luxury, before swapping mountain and sea for lush rainforest after three nights as you travel to Keemala, perched on a hillside above Phuket’s west coast, where private pool villas inspired by the island’s mythical first inhabitants are connected by jungle walkways, immersing guests in a holistic sanctuary designed for rejuvenation, both spiritually and physically. Two utterly distinct worlds, one seamless escape across the Gulf of Oman and the Andaman Sea. Itinerary Overview Oman – 3 Nights at Jumeirah Muscat Bay, Oman Arrive in the secluded cove of Bandar Jissah and check in to Jumeirah Muscat Bay, a haven of adventurous wellbeing nestled between the majestic Al Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman. With spectacular sea views from every room, suite and villa, five distinctive dining outlets and just 40 minutes from Muscat International Airport, this is the perfect base from which to discover one of Oman’s most breathtaking corners. Highlights at Muscat Bay: Hike or take a scenic run up into the Hajar mountain range, discovering majestic views and lush wadis along the way. Swim, snorkel or dive in the resort’s natural bay, home to five of the world’s seven species of sea turtle. Unwind at the globally renowned Talise Spa with a signature “Essence of Oman” massage, celebrating the Sultanate’s cherished frankincense. Savour sunset views and sharing-style seafood at Brezza Restaurant & Rooftop Bar, or Asian-style small plates at the intimate Anzo Asian Bar. Optional: Venture out to discover Muscat’s ancient UNWTO-recognised tourism villages, historic seaports, modern souks and the Royal Opera House, all within easy reach. Phuket – 7 Nights at Keemala, Thailand After the mountains and sea of Oman, transfer to the lush greenery of Phuket’s west coast and check in to Keemala, a luxurious yet rustic hideaway perched on a hill overlooking Kamala village. Each of the 38 private pool villas blends seamlessly into the surrounding rainforest, connected by jungle walkways and inspired by the mythical clans of Phuket’s first inhabitants, immersing guests in an idyllic escape from modern life. Highlights at Keemala: Retreat to your own private pool villa, whether an earth-inspired Clay Pool Cottage, an elevated Tree Pool House, or an opulent Bird’s Nest Pool Villa. Embark on a healing journey at Mala Holistic Spa, where signature VOYA seaweed treatments and traditional healing rituals restore body and mind. Learn to cook fresh, herb-scented Thai cuisine at the resort’s Culinary Academy, surrounded by the herbs and vegetables grown in Keemala’s own natural gardens. Dine on wholesome southern Thai and world cuisine at Mala Restaurant, or enjoy a cocktail at Cha-La Pool Bar beside the resort’s stunning pool. Optional: Step beyond the resort to discover the charm of Kamala village and the wider beauty of Phuket’s west coast.

A Journey from Bangkok’s Vibrant Skyline to the Untouched Coast of Central Vietnam This twin centre escape pairs two of Southeast Asia’s most captivating destinations. Begin amid the glittering contrasts of Bangkok, where ancient temples sit alongside soaring skyscrapers, before continuing to the wild, palm fringed coastline of Danang, where rainforest meets the sea on Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula. Together, they offer a seamless blend of cosmopolitan energy and secluded natural splendour. Itinerary Overview Bangkok, Thailand – 3 Nights at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok Arrive in the heart of Bangkok and settle into Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok, a charismatic urban retreat on the leafy green Langsuan Road beside Lumpini Park. Surrounded by lush greenery yet moments from the city’s social pulse, the hotel’s 229 rooms and residences pair traditional Thai artisanship with contemporary comfort, complete with complimentary HARNN amenities, triple glazed windows and Dyson styling tools in every suite. With seven distinct restaurants and bars on site, Kimpton brings both international flair and authentic local flavour to every stay. Highlights in Bangkok: Sip specialty coffee or an evening cocktail at CRAFT, the hotel’s pet friendly all day terrace. Savour inventive Italian dining at Ms.Jigger, led by Chef Davide Caló, or an immersive cocktail experience at the intimate, gem inspired Ruby’s. Watch chefs prepare Thai and Western classics at the live cooking stations of Stock.Room. Take in panoramic skyline views and tropical cocktails at Bar.Yard, the award winning rooftop bar on the 40th floor, or enjoy the city’s highest afternoon tea at Maa-Lai Library on the 30th. Optional: Explore the nearby Grand Palace and Wat Pho, browse the boutiques of Siam Paragon and Central Embassy, or venture into Chinatown and Patpong Night Market. Danang, Vietnam – 7 Nights at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Fly onward to Central Vietnam and journey along a spectacular coastal road to InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, a Bill Bensley designed masterpiece set within the Son Tra Nature Reserve, the only remaining coastal rainforest in Vietnam. Spread across four levels, Heaven, Sky, Earth and Sea, and linked by the resort’s own funicular tram, the property pairs a bold black and white aesthetic with playful monkey motifs, a nod to its rainforest neighbours, the rare red shanked douc langur. With 700 metres of private beach, three pools and six distinct restaurants and bars, this is a destination made for lingering. Highlights in Danang: Dine beneath cantilevered, conical hat inspired tables at Citron, or savour Central Vietnam’s only Michelin starred menu at La Maison 1888, helmed by consultant chef Christian Le Squer. Experience an elevated omakase journey at Tingara, courtesy of Michelin starred chef Junichi Yoshida, or relaxed Italian sharing plates beachside at Terra Mare. Swim laps in the 50 metre Long Pool, one of the most photographed spots in the resort, or unwind at the 50 metre long LONG Bar over one of eight Dynasty Cocktails. Join a complimentary Wildlife Expedition through the old growth forest of the Son Tra Nature Reserve, or browse the Bill Bensley Outsider Gallery on the Sky Level. Optional: Take the resort’s daily shuttle to the ancient town of Hoi An, or venture further afield to Bana Hills, My Son Sanctuary or the imperial city of Hue.