Been there, done that when it comes to typical bucket list destinations? Escape the crowds of mass tourism at these raw and remote destinations handpicked by luxury travel experts across the globe.
Azerbaijan
“Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, is the perfect short city break to explore the Caucasus—the area between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. The charming old town retains many of its 12th-century features, but you’ll also see Islamic, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture alongside ultra-modern structures. Naturewise, Azerbaijan is home to the world’s highest concentration of mud volcanoes, with some of the most popular being at Dashgil near the Gobustan Reserve, not too far from Baku. Gobustan also boasts an incredible collection of more than 6,000 rock engravings, which saw it achieve UNESCO World Heritage Site status.”
—Seema Kapur, Head of Middle East & Silk Route Travel Design at Jacada Travel
Don’t Miss
The perpetually burning Yanar Dag, where flames fed by natural gas burn steadily and are thought to have been alight for thousands of years.
Best Months to Visit
April, May, September and October.
Where to Stay
The palatial Merchant Baku Hotel, the waterfront Four Seasons Hotel Baku or the elegant Ritz-Carlton, Baku, all of which are perfectly located to explore the city on foot.
Nepal
“A trip to Nepal feels like stepping back in time—the country is largely untouched by commercialism and the entire landscape feels like a living, breathing open-air museum. Although it has long been renowned as a top destination for trekkers and mountaineers, Nepal has a remarkably diverse range of environments, from lush lowlands and scenic hill stations to dense jungles where elephants and tigers roam. Adding to its richness is the cultural tapestry found in Kathmandu, where the traditions of Buddhism and Hinduism intertwine to offer a deep and immersive experience for spiritual seekers. There’s incredible potential to create nuanced, meaningful itineraries for travelers seeking connection and understanding, whether they’re religious or not.”
—Amanda Ho, co-founder and CEO of Regenerative Travel
Don’t Miss
A trek through the Himalayas for sweeping views of Mount Everest, and staying in one of the mountain lodges for a private and immersive experience.
Best Months to Visit
February, April, May and October.
Where to Stay
The Dwarika’s Resort and Nomad Hotel Lazimpat in Kathmandu, The Nanee Hotel in Bhaktapur and Shinta Mani Mustang in the Himalayas.
Bhutan
“The essence and uniqueness of Bhutan lies in its beautiful nature, quiet and stillness, the heartwarming attitude of its people, and the respect for tradition and century-old rituals. For guests to truly experience this, they must surrender their usual, hectic schedules and spend time doing nothing. Many guests come to Bhutan seeking some form of wellness, be it yoga, meditation or trekking through the Gangtey, Punakha, and Paro Valleys—not to mention the famed Tiger’s Nest. Post-trek, soak away tired legs and muscle aches with a hot stone bath, and be sure to try out some wellness treatments rooted in Traditional Bhutanese Medicine.”
—Anouk Cleven, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary
Don’t Miss
The Choki Traditional Art School (CTAS) in Thimphu, the only private institute in Bhutan that provides free education to underprivileged youths.
Best Months to Visit
April to June and October to December.
Where to Stay
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, plus Aman, COMO and Six Senses properties across Bhutan.
Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary’s courtyard by night. Bottom: A cultural dance at Amankora Thimphu Lodge’s Courtyard Terrace.
Mongolia
“The vast steppes of Mongolia offer the perfect playground for horseback, hiking and mountain biking adventures, inviting you to wander across plains, valleys, and hilltops at your own pace. With endless paths to choose from, riding through fields of wildflowers whilst passing herds of livestock—your own or a neighbour’s—in this fenceless environment is truly freeing. For those who love the magic of winter, Mongolia offers unforgettable experiences, from driving on the frozen surface of Lake Khuvsgul, to witnessing the Camel Festival in the Gobi, or exploring the ancient tradition of eagle hunting in Mongolia’s far west.”
—D’Artagnan Gierke, co-owner of Genghis Khan Retreat
Don’t Miss
The nearby town of Kharkhorin for the 16th-century Erdenze Zuu, the oldest surviving monastery in Mongolia; Kharkhorin Museum for unbeatable insights into the Mongol empire with artefacts dating back 4,000 years; and the ruins of the Khar Balgas citadel, founded by the Uighur empire centuries before the Mongols.
Best Months to Visit
Between May and September.
Where to Stay
Genghis Khan Retreat in the Orkhon Valley, set up by Christopher Giercke and Enkhtsetseg Sanjaadorj over 20 years ago as a way of preserving the local nomadic culture.
From top: Eagle hunters in Mongolia; luxury gers at Genghis Khan Retreat; The Genghis Khan Polo Club was established in 1996 to revive the sport of polo in Mongolia.
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