Travel in Style 14th Edition by Exotic Voyages

GREETINGS 1
Why Is Thailand
the Ultimate Honeymoon Destination?
Why Hollywood Went
to Vietnam to Film
Kong: Skull Island
Pamper Yourself at Aava Resort & Spa
From Cambodia to Maldives,
the Best in Seafood Dining
Why I Travel Alone as a Married Woman

3GREETINGS
Greetings from Exotic Voyages!
Welcome to the newest issue of Travel in Style, your guide to the sights, sounds, and flavours of Asia!
Heading into spring, this is a wonderful time to start planning your next vacation.
Ready to embark? Here is what you can explore in this edition of Travel in Style:
• Find out what drew Hollywood director Jordan Vogt-Roberts to Vietnam’s unspoiled forests, caves,
and shores to film Kong: Skull Island and how you can explore those same breathtaking destinations.
• Planning a honeymoon? Discover why Thailand is the ultimate romantic destination for couples
and how you can celebrate your journey as a couple by taking a trip to the Land of Smiles.
• Discover the Premier Village Danang Resort in Vietnam, a sun-soaked seaside sanctuary where
you can rent your own private villa with the beach right in your backyard. This is the perfect luxury
accommodation if you are travelling with a family!
• Explore Aava Resort & Spa, an award-winning Scandinavian-owned hotel along the secluded Nadan
beach of South Thailand. With spotless sand for miles, pink dolphins playing in the waves, gourmet
cuisine and rejuvenating spa treatments, it is the ultimate resort for pampering.
• Find out exactly where to eat when you’re visiting Cambodia and Maldives—and what it is like to
dine at a world-class underwater restaurant.
• Discover six amazing reasons to visit Bhutan, the spiritual heartland of the Himalayas.
• Travelling solo while married? It’s more common than you might think—and can pay off in
unexpected ways.
Turn the page to get started on this quarter’s issue. If any of these stories inspire you to plan your
own trip to Asia, please give us a call at +1 (800) 858-4114. We can’t wait to help you set up the tour
of your dreams!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRAVELI N S T Y L ETravel in Style
Why Hollywood Went to Vietnam to Film Kong: Skull Island
Rest in the Lap of Luxury at the Premier Village Danang Resort
Why Is Thailand the Ultimate Honeymoon Destination?
Stay at Anantara Angkor Resort, feel the spring my way
Pamper Yourself at Aava Resort & Spa
Food Experiences
From Cambodia to Maldives, the Best in Seafood Dining
Asia Insight
Give Me One Good Reason to Visit: Bhutan
The story of Sri Lanka in pictures
Women with Travel
Why I Travel Alone as a Married Woman
It’s all about NEW!
New hotels. Hot destinations. Trendy activities and experiences.
Be inspired by our latest travel ideas and inspirations
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20
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4 CONTENT

Why Hollywood Went to Vietnam
to Film Kong: Skull Island
I
f you happen to catch Kong:
Skull Island in theaters this
month, you’ll be blown away by
the visual appeal of the film—
in particular, its remarkable
location. There is a lot of CG in this
film, but it remains firmly grounded
in the real world thanks to director
Jordan Vogt-Roberts’decision to
film the franchise reboot as much as
possible in real locations.
To that end, the film team headed
to northern Vietnam, visiting a
number of extraordinary locations
including:
• Hạ Long Bay in the Quảng
Ninh Province: This UNESCO World
Heritage Site features 1,600 islands
and islets set in the Gulf of Tonkin.
The mirror waters here reflect the
karst pillars and an astonishing
diversity of flora and fauna.
• Tam Cốc in the Ninh Bình
Province: Located near the city
of Ninh Binh, this remarkable
and unusual landscape features
dramatic rock formations soaring
abruptly out of flat, bright green
fields. It is home to a system
of natural caves which tourists
can explore by boat, as well as
the beautiful Bích Động pagoda
complex.
• The Tú Làn Caves System:
This system of ten caves boasts
GREETINGS 7

underground rivers and waterfalls,
stunning stalagmites and stalactites,
and remarkable karst formations.
Skull Island is a unique film in the
King Kong franchise in that it takes
place almost exclusively on the island.
Previous films only visited Skull Island
briefly before moving the story to
other locations.
So Kong: Skull Island is a chance to
cinematically explore King Kong’s
home in-depth, and really take
viewers on a mythical journey into
another world.
As Vogt-Roberts told Channel News
Asia in an interview, it was important
to find locations which captured a
primordial essence, but which didn’t
“look like Jurassic Park … I wanted it
to look fresh … People have shot in
Thailand before and it seemed like
an easy fit, but I was like,‘No!’… And
then I landed in Vietnam, looked at
these landscapes, and just fell in love.”
Vietnam’s rugged beauty has a
sense of otherworldly remoteness to
it. Even though the regions used in
the filming receive plenty of visitors
each year (especially the fantastic
karst formations and tranquil waters
of Hạ Long Bay), they convey a sense
of a land untouched by time or
human influence.
The actors who filmed Kong: Skull
Island have commented in interviews
that it was a once-in-a-lifetime
experience, and that they loved
exploring the natural settings and
small villages where they filmed—
but also that they enjoyed exploring
Hanoi and getting to know the
people of Vietnam. As actor John
Goodman said,“They were very
accommodating to us. And they
wanted us to feel welcomed.”
Vogt-Roberts is hopeful that Kong:
Skull Island will help to drive tourism
to Vietnam, saying“I hope [viewers]
go and explore Vietnam … I want
them to fall in love the way I did.”
“For King Kong fans who want
to explore all the amazing sights
featured in this stunning film,
Exotic Voyages is now offering the
brand new Kong: Skull Island Tour.
Take the trip of a lifetime with
10 days and 9 nights exploring
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay,
Quang Binh Province and Saigon.
Step into another world, and
experience an adventure you will
remember forever.
Give us a call today at
+1 (888) 497-0068
to book your tour!
8 9TRAVEL IN STYLETRAVEL IN STYLE

Rest in the Lap of Luxury
at the Premier Village Danang Resort
I
f you are in search of a sun-drenched seaside holiday in
Vietnam where you can bathe in luxury, look no further than
the Premier Village Danang Resort in My An Beach, managed
by AccorHotels. Situated right up against the water, this
lavish resort is perfect for individuals, couples, groups and
families who want to experience the best of what Vietnamese
hospitality has to offer.
At the Premier Village Danang Resort, you get to stay in your
own villa! You can choose a villa which includes a garden view or
a view of the ocean. Some villas even offer direct access to the
beach. Every includes a luxury suite complete with a full kitchen
and a large private pool. Rooms come with free wi-fi, flat-screen
TVs, DVD players, and electric in-room safes for your valuables
while you are out and about. The location is amazing; while
there is plenty to see and do right on the resort grounds, you are
only a short distance from the picturesque Ba Na Hills, the Cham
ruins at My Son, and the historical town of Hoi An.
The rooms are beautifully appointed with contemporary
furniture and décor. And thanks to large windows and glass
doors, they are flooded with sunlight, offering astonishing views
of the glittering white sands and coconut trees.
While you are staying at the Premier Village Danang Resort,
you can book a table at any of the resort’s three restaurants: the
Lemongrass Restaurant (open all day), the Nautica Beach Club, or
the Cá Chuồn Cồ Seafood Restaurant. At Cá Chuồn Cồ, you can
taste the catch of the day at a breezy balcony table overlooking
the beach. Dine indoors or outdoors at the Lemongrass, and
indulge in the finest traditional Vietnamese cuisine. The Beach
Club meanwhile is the perfect place to grab a bite right on the
beach.
The resort also offers a unique dining option called In-Villa BBQ.
For an added fee, you can have your own private chef come and
cook for you right at your villa, preparing a customized menu
personalized to your taste.

Ready to get active? Endless opportunities
for beachside fun abound. Head to the warm
sands to splash in the water, or rent bicycles
to ride along the safe, tranquil lanes between
the villas. For parents who need a break,
the Kids Club is there to look after children,
offering a perfect opportunity for a romantic
drink on the balcony or a private stroll along
the beach.
At the end of a long day playing hard at
the beach, make sure to take time to visit the
resort’s spa, where you can book a massage or
take a dip in the public swimming pool. There
is also a steam sauna where you can relax.
If a beach vacation in Vietnam is your ideal,
you really are not going to find a more relaxing,
luxurious place to stay than the Premier Village
Danang Resort. After a few days in your lavish
suite, your private seaside villa will start to feel
like a home away from home!
12 TRAVEL IN STYLE
13
TRAVEL IN STYLE

Why Is Thailand
the Ultimate
Honeymoon
Destination?
T
hinking of
booking your
honeymoon in
Bora Bora, the
Caribbean or
Hawaii? Think again. While
these might be some of the
most popular and timeless
honeymoon destinations,
they are also some of the
most crowded. Nor are they
necessarily the most romantic!
Your honeymoon should
be like the journey of your
relationship—a venture off the
beaten path to discover a world
that is intimately yours. And
for that, it is hard to match the
beauty and allure of Thailand.

Here are just a few reasons
why Thailand is the ultimate
destination for a romantic and
unforgettable honeymoon.
15
TRAVEL IN STYLE14 TRAVEL IN STYLE

1. Matchless Luxury
You really cannot equal Thailand when it comes to
luxury resort packages. If you are looking for the ultimate
romantic stay, you will have your pick of sumptuous
accommodations—everything from lavish resorts with
ocean views right on the beachfront to hideaways deep
in the jungle. Many Thai resorts serve world-class cuisine
and offer incredible amenities: beautiful private beaches,
pools and gardens, relaxing spa packages, cooking
classes, libraries, and more.
2. Secluded Natural Beauty
When it comes to natural beauty, Thailand has it
all. While the country is famous for its flawless golden
beaches, it also is home to incredible parks like Khao Yai
and Doi Inthanon. Here you can explore Thailand’s natural
grandeur with your beloved, hiking along nature trails and
enjoying amazing close encounters with elephants and
other wildlife. Imagine a romantic night camping out in
total privacy near the majesty of a hidden waterfall under
the stars with your beloved—that is something it is hard
to do in a more crowded location like Hawaii!
3. Amazing Nightlife
Of course, immersing yourself in the crowds in Thailand can be part
of the fun! Stay in a luxury hotel like Andara Resort and Villas, and you
can hit the famous bars and clubs of Phuket to experience Thailand’s
out-of-this-world nightlife. Be sure to book a table at a private rooftop
bar where you can enjoy a delicious cocktail surrounded by a sea of
lights!
16 TRAVEL IN STYLE 17TRAVEL IN STYLE

4. Culture and History
For couples with a passion for history, culture, and spirituality,
Thailand is a land with no equal. From the golden opulence of the
Grand Palace to the all-wood Sanctuary of Truth, there are so many
beautiful, exotic, and fascinating locations to explore. Setting
out on this journey together is a wonderful way to discover the
wonders of Asia—and take some amazing honeymoon photos
along the way!
5. Idyllic Gardens
What could be more romantic than strolling together hand-in-
hand with your beloved through some of the most captivating
gardens on the planet? While visiting Thailand on your
honeymoon, be sure to stop by Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical
Garden in Pattaya. You will feel like you have journeyed together
to an otherworldly paradise, surrounded by fragrant blooms in
every color of the rainbow. Pack a picnic for a heavenly meal you
will never forget.
6. Incredible Weather
Finally, one more reason to
consider Thailand for your
honeymoon is the weather.
This is a country which is
beautiful to visit year-round,
with temperatures in Bangkok
ranging between around 79
and 87 degrees Fahrenheit.
That is perfect weather for
sunbathing on the beach,
heading out on a yacht, or
exploring Thailand’s gardens,
national parks, temples and
palaces. No matter when you
book your trip, you can bask
together in the balmy climate
and the bliss of your love.
So while Thailand may not
be the first destination you
think of when you are planning
your honeymoon, it should be!
Skip the crowds and well-worn
routes of the cliché honeymoon
destinations, and book a trip to
Thailand for the ultimate luxury
honeymoon getaway. If you need
help planning the romantic trip
of your dreams, be sure to give us
a call at +1 (888) 497-0068.

StayatAnantaraAngkorResort,
feelthespringmyway
S
till shrouded by darkness,
a gentle voice delivers my
wakeup call; tea will follow. I
roll out of bed, eyes weary but
an underlying bout of anticipation
kept me from sleeping deeply anyway.
I’ve travelled too far to miss this day,
and while the comfort of my suite at
Anantara Angkor Resort is all too
welcoming, today’s itinerary presents
itself but once a year.
It’s the spring equinox which means
the sun will rise directly over the centre
tower of the magnificent Angkor Wat,
referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the
World. The solar event happens also
at the autumn equinox within the wet
season, which can also offer a splendid
battle of sun and clouds. I’ve opted to
visit Siem Reap and the resplendent
temples of Angkor in spring, with
guaranteed sunshine, off-peak crowds
and still bearable temperatures both
day and night.
My smiling and all too bright
Experience Butler Ly Fong greets me at
reception with a much-needed cup of
hottea.HesmilesatthewayI’vetiedmy
kroma, a traditional Khmer scarf made
either of cotton or silk, which will serve
firstasaneckwarmer. Weclimbaboard
our chariot and make the way into the
Park, anticipation building. We’re just
one of several flickering lights, dancing
over the bumpy tarmac in a drove of
thousands, seemingly each traveller
representing a year of the temple’s age.
The traffic snakes together in and out
of the jungle like an iridescent dragon
chasing the dawn.

Angkor Wat is but one of Hindu temples
within Angkor Archaeological Park to which
between two and three million visitors voyage
every year. The ubiquitous time to see it is at
sunrise, and it is truly a spectacle to behold. All
the colours of the rainbow could not prepare
you for this sight. Most of the visitors abandon
their early rise mentality and retreat back to the
hotels for a breakfast regroup, but Ly Fong and I
have come prepared and we journey deeper into
the temple; the best opportunity of climbing to
the top.
The local knowledge of the resort’s Experience
Butlers, like Ly Fong, is second-to-none curated
through the Discovery Guidebook, offering
a first-glance of the several itineraries already
on offer. For those looking to build their own
adventure, over 100 possibilities in half or
full day excursions can be personalised. Such
specialty experiences have not yet been seen or
experienced at a luxury hotel in Siem Reap.
Angkor’s jungle-clad temples can still be
enjoyed without a soul in sight; handed a crisp
glass of bubbles as gibbons “hoo” in the canopies
above. Salute sunrise over the spectacular
Angkor Wat, heralded as the Eighth Wonder of
the World. A private car whisks you to a picnic
breakfast in a hidden temple, a tuk-tuk as your
chariot to relive Khmer Empire legends with a
passionate local guide.
Craving adrenaline? Fly across the jungle
on the famed “Flight of the Gibbon” zip line,
or take it literally and hop into an ultralight
or helicopter for lesser-seen aerial view of the
Angkorian temples. Rush into natural thrills as
you zoom through rice paddies on quad bikes
to arrive at a barbeque set only for you. Or
meander along rural tracks on mountain bikes
to meet the locals and village temple monks.
The ultimate escape, you’ll be ticking items off
your bucket list all week long.
Anantara Angkor now offers journeys of high
adrenaline adventure or relaxing rendezvous
pleasures, curated exclusively by Experience
Butlers. At any time of the year a myriad is on
offer, but spring is an especially auspicious time
to go and celebrate new beginnings.
23TRAVEL IN STYLE22 TRAVEL IN STYLE

Pamper Yourself
at Aava Resort & Spa
A
s you walk along Nadan beach in
the Nakhon Si Thammarat province
of South Thailand, the only sounds
you’ll hear are the whisper of the
wind in the palm trees and the soft roar of the
ocean. The white sands are spotless, the clear
blue skies reflecting in the turquoise waters
below. There isn’t a soul in sight—except the
rare pink dolphins of Khanom, breaking to the
surface of the waves to splash and play.

You’ve just come back from the sleepy village
of Khanom, and now you’re ready to relax and
indulge your senses at Aava Resort & Spa.
Aava Resort & Spa is unique among Thai
resorts because it is Scandinavian-owned. That
means that it unites the best of two worlds: the
inviting affability of Thailand and the beautiful
design sensibilities and eminent spa treatments
of Scandinavia.
What is a day like at Aava Resort
& Spa? First, you wake up in your
room, which might be a Deluxe
Bungalow, a Superior bungalow, a
Poolside Villa or a Family Villa. You
have all the amenities: coffee, tea
and a mini-bar, an LCD television
screen, and even a safety box. You
take a shower in the beautiful
modern bathroom, get dressed and
step outside.
The resort and spa was designed
by the number one Finland interior
designer,dSignVerttiKivi&Co.Both
indoors and outdoors, minimalist
qualities pervade a fusion of Thai
and Scandinavian styles which fit
perfectly against the backdrop of
unspoiled white beaches.

Maybe you take a dip in the swimming pool
before heading to the beach. As the Hidden
Paradise of South Thailand, Khanom is an
extraordinary location, truly one of a kind.
Visiting the village down the shore, you can
immerse yourself in traditional Thai living. This
is also one of the only places on earth where you
can spot rare pink dolphins. The dolphins are
very sociable, so if you are taking a tour with
local fishermen aboard a traditional long tail
fishing boat, you might see a few up close.
You can also book a tour to go snorkelling, or
you can visit one of the nearby national parks:
Khao Sok National Park or Khao Luang National
Park and Krung Ching Waterfall. Explore the
dense forests and enjoy the music of Thailand’s
diverse bird population against the backdrop of
falling water.
Returning to the resort, you book a table at the
romantic beachfront restaurant Aalto. Winner
of the World Luxury Restaurant Awards in
2016, this restaurant reflects your surroundings,
combining both Asian and European flavours
into delicious fusion dishes. The world class
chefs come from many different backgrounds,
which reflects in the diversity of the menu.
Order anything from Thai food to wood fired
pizzas,hamburgers,orsalads. Everythingismade
from only the finest ingredients, including fresh-
caught local seafood. Make sure on Wednesday
nights you don’t miss Thai Night, which features
Thai dancing shows and traditional cuisine.
On Friday, plan to attend the Beach BBQ with
live reggae. On Saturdays, enjoy wine pairings
recommended by the chefs.
If you fall in love with the food (and you
will), be sure to take a cooking class at Aava.
You can also enjoy other daily wellness classes
three times per day, six days of week, including
yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates, Meditation, Thai Boxing,
stretching, and Pranayama. The resort’s trainer
Khun Check was a senior instructor at the
famous Kamalaya resort in Koh Samui, and
brings years of experience and dedication to
the job. In fact, Aava hosts big retreats for well-
known international instructors at least twice a
year.
Finally, don’t forget the “spa” in Aava Resort &
Spa! HereyoucanenjoybothtraditionalThaiand
Scandinavian massage therapy alongside holistic
massage and other rejuvenating treatments such
as foot reflexology and body wraps and scrubs.
All products used in the spa are made entirely
from natural organic ingredients.
Overrecentyears,Aavahasgainedasignificant
global following and has received recognition
through many prestigious awards, including:
• Hospitality Asia Platinum Award – HAPA
Resort of the Year 2016-2018
• World Luxury Hotel Awards – Winner Best
Coastal Resort 2016
• World Luxury Restaurant Awards – Winner
Best Asian Cuisine 2016
• TATLER Travel Guide 2013 – One of “101
Best Hotels in the World”
• Trip Advisor – Certificate of Excellency 2012,
2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Visit Aava Resort & Spa, and discover why
this coastal retreat has been named one of the
best hotels on the planet by so many different
hospitality experts. For those who are looking
to truly pamper themselves and relax in the
finest luxury accommodations, Aava Resort &
Spa offers a reprieve from the hustle and bustle
of Thailand’s more crowded destinations and an
oasis from everyday life.

FOODEXPERIENCES
Taste the world in your way
Dining experiences by gourmet travelers. Sharing
addresses for good food and authentic gastronomy.

From Cambodia
to Maldives,
the Best in Seafood Dining
I
actually live along the
west coast USA, so it’s
not like fresh-caught
seafood is something I
can’t get around here.
But the flavours of Asia are an
ocean away, and I find myself
craving the many mouth-
watering dishes I enjoyed on
my vacation on an almost
daily basis.
In particular, there are two
dining experiences which
stand out to me above all the
rest: the Kep Crab Market
in Cambodia, and the Ithaa
Undersea Restaurant in
Maldives
BestLunchSpotinCambodia:
The Kep Crab Market
While in Cambodia, I
dropped by a tiny seaside
resortareaknownasKep. Kep
is a sleepy world of tranquil
waters, butterflies, and
brightly painted boats. There
is no prominent sandy strip
of beach here, so that seems
to prevent it from becoming a
major tourist magnet. It was
by far one of the most relaxing
days I spent in Cambodia.
For lunch, I wandered over
to the Kep Crab Market,
which was where pretty
much everyone was telling
me to eat.
Youcaneateitherdirectlyat
the market, or you can order
from one of the restaurants
which are right there next to
it.
Having recently returned from a tour of Asia, I can already tell
you what I miss the most: fresh-caught seafood.
32 33FOOD EXPERIENCES FOOD EXPERIENCES

The market is a busy place. You’ll encounter a
lotofdifferentvendorspullingtheircrabsdirectly
out of the water. You can point at the crabs you
want and select them, and they will be cooked
right there. Many of the crabs are small, so you
need to order quite a few of them, but they are
amazingly inexpensive. Many of the vendors sell
dips, side dishes, and other seafood as well.
Make no mistake—this isn’t just food, this is an
experience, and it is a messy and challenging one
in some ways. You have to pull the crabs apart to
eat them yourself, and if you’re not an expert like
the locals, it can take some figuring out.
Thatsaid,Ilovedeveryminute—andeverybite.
There is nothing quite like watching your food
come right out of the sea and then biting into the
most delicious fresh-caught seafood you are ever
going to taste. Try finding crab that good or that
affordable anywhere else in the world!
Dining Beneath the Waves in Maldives: the Ithaa
Undersea Restaurant
Now for a completely different experience.
Maldives is an enchanting land of delicate coral
islands which is being gradually reclaimed by the
sea. Here you are surrounded by the ocean—
quite literally, if you sit down to dine at the Ithaa
UnderseaRestaurantatConradMaldivesRangali
Island.
“Ithaa” means “mother-of-pearl.” You’ll find
the restaurant 16 feet underwater. It’s a small
dining area which can only seat 14 people at a
time, so you need to reserve well in advance.
The transparent roof provides you with a 270°
panoramic view of the water. While you are
dining on unforgettable gourmet cuisine (I
had lobster carpaccio and saffron champagne
risotto), you can watch as schools of fish swim in
the luminous blue waters.
There really are no words for an experience like
this—it is absolutely magical. The food was some
of the most exquisite I had ever tasted, flavourful
but with a nuanced subtlety that only comes
with the finest gourmet. But I was mesmerized
at every moment by the silvery shimmer of fish
darting just on the other side of the glass walls
and ceiling. The Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is
the ultimate experience in atmospheric dining.
It has been months since my trip, and still at
some point almost every day I find my mind
drifting back to my experiences at the Ithaa
Undersea Restaurant and the Kep Crab Market.
Both were quite literally a taste of paradise. All
I can say is that I can’t wait until the next time I
manage to plan a vacation back to Cambodia and
Maldivestorevisitthesespecialfoodexperiences.
Until then, I will content myself to dream of
fresh-caught crab and magical dining under the
waves!
34 35FOOD EXPERIENCES FOOD EXPERIENCES

ASIAI N S I G H T
Dive deep to listen to the sounds, catch the sights
and feel the soul of Asia.
A close-up look into Asia’s local life, sharp insight
of customs, religion, culture and the rhythm of life
and spirit
36 37ASIA INSIGHTASIA INSIGHT

GIVEMEONEGOODREASONTO
VISIT:BHUTAN
When you are planning a trip to Asia, Bhutan probably is
not the first destination that springs to mind. It’s a bit off the
beaten track. Chances are good you think first of India or
Thailand or China and their well-known tourist attractions.
So why consider a vacation to Bhutan instead, the smallest
Himalayan state in all of Asia?
I won’t just give you one good reason—I’ll
give you six. For just one of these, I’m sure
Bhutan will be on your bucket list. For all
six? I’m sure you will be planning your trip
itinerary in no time.
1. Bhutan’s landscape and weather are
beautiful year-round.
Bounded by the Himalayas, this landlocked
country is a land of imposing, dramatic
summits, and fertile green valleys. As you
might guess, the climate varies tremendously
depending on your elevation. Southern
Bhutan is tropical, while the highlands have a
climate which is almost polar in nature. In the
north, there is snow throughout the year.
There are actually five seasons in Bhutan:
spring, summer, monsoon, autumn, and
winter. Monsoon season is heaviest in the
west, while hot summers and cool winters
prevail through the rest of the country. The
valleys however are in a comparatively mild
climate zone, and make for a wonderful
destination during any season. No matter
what time of year you visit Bhutan, you’ll be
blown away by its natural beauty.
2. The Buddhist culture creates a sense of
peace inside and out.
With such extraordinary landscapes, it is no
wonder that Bhutan has become a spiritual
heartland. Buddhism first came to the country
clear back in the 7th century AD, and since
then it has blossomed into a core part of the
nation’s identity.
38 39ASIA INSIGHTASIA INSIGHT FOOD EXPERIENCES

The most iconic symbol of spirituality in the
country is certainly the Tiger Monastery, known
more formally as Paro Taktsang. The monastery
sits perched high along a sheer cliff-side,
looking down on the spectacular Paro valley.
Constructed in the late 17th century, it is a
legendary site where it is believed that the Guru
Padmasambhava meditated for three years. As
a mythical figure, he is the one credited with
bringing Buddhism to the country.
While you are making the pilgrimage up
the cliffs to visit the monastery, you will be
surrounded by nature and the deep sense
of peace that pervades this mystical land.
Immersing yourself in the Buddhist traditions
of Bhutan, you can internalize some of that
tranquility and take it with you when you return
home. Like the memories of your experiences, it
can become a part of your life forever after.
3. Here you can participate in the most
colourful long-standing festivals in the world.
The cheerful people of Bhutan never say “no”
to a chance to celebrate, which is why there are
traditional festivals lined up year-round. No
matter when you visit, you should be able to
add one to your itinerary. Head to the capital
during Thimphu Tshechu to join the Bhutanese
people dressed in dazzling colourful finery, or
discover the culture of nomadic herders in the
Haa Valley at the Haa Summer Festival. Watch
17th century battle re-enactments at Punakha
Drubchen, or take part in Jambay Lhakhang
Drup, which honours Guru Rimpoche.

4. Bhutan is an evergreen land.
The pure atmosphere and climate of Bhutan
means that many parts of Bhutan are covered in
dense evergreen foliage. So even if you arrive in
the middle of winter, you will be surrounded by
beautiful, colourful trees.
5. Bhutan is abounding with luxury
experiences.
Even though Bhutan is a deeply spiritual
country, let it never be said it isn’t a worldly one
as well. There are many boutique and luxury
hotels throughout Bhutan, offering serene
retreats amid the rich foliage of the kingdom’s
evergreen forests. Imagine opening your drapes
in the morning to look out over breathtaking
views of lush valleys and Himalayan peaks.
There are many unique and exciting tours and
activities you can book while staying in luxury
accommodations. When you return, you can
indulge in delicious traditional Bhutanese
cuisine at your hotel’s restaurant.
6. You can experience the joy of looking into
the happily smiling faces of the Bhutanese
people.
In 1999, the king of Bhutan introduced the
idea of “gross national happiness.” Sure, it was
great marketing, but that doesn’t mean that
was all it was. While visiting Bhutan, you will
be amazed by the smiling, welcoming faces
you see everywhere. And no wonder—when
you get away from the rush of modern life and
take a more spiritual approach, you can truly
appreciate all life has to offer.
Even when you get back to the rush of your
own everyday life, your experiences in Bhutan
will linger, reminding you to slow down every
once in a while, surround yourself in the glory
of nature, meditate, and celebrate. So take a trip
to Bhutan, and bring back the experience that
will greatly enrich your own happiness.

W
hile we can and will tell you all
the good reasons why Sri Lanka
should be your next destination,
sometimes a pictures say more
than any wordy article of us ever could. So
with that, we give you these Sri Lanka photos
that will make you want to travel this country
immediately!
The story
of Sri Lanka
in pictures
45

WOMAN& T R A V E L
Travel tips & Ideas exclusively for travelling
women around the world

WHY I
TRAVEL
ALONE AS
A MARRIED
WOMAN
I’
m planning to take a two-week trip to
Vietnam in a couple of months. It will
be my third vacation to Asia in the nine
years I’ve been married, and my second
solo one.
That’s right—it’s just me travelling on my own.
My husband will be staying at home.
WhenImentionedthistooneofmycoworkers
a couple of weeks ago, she did a double take, and
then gave me a very dirty, judging look, turning
her mouth down and widening her eyes in shock.
She didn’t say anything, but I could hear it all
the same: “What do you mean you’re travelling
on your own? Is something wrong with your
marriage?”
50 51WOMEN & TRAVEL WOMEN & TRAVEL

I told another of my friends later that day,
thinkingI’dfeelbetter,butIdidn’t. Sheresponded,
“How did you get him to let you do that?”
So I find myself needing to answer this question
publicly. Why do I travel alone as a married
woman?
In all frankness, the answer is simple: because
that’s what I did when I was single.
I’m not saying marriage doesn’t change
how you live your life—it does, and in so many
importantways. Infact,travellingsolonowisvery
different in some ways than it was then. It means
a lot more preparation and communication.
But the reality is, there are a lot of things
marriage doesn’t change. I still feel the desire
for independence—I still thrive on the challenge
of navigating a new situation and exploring
a different culture on my own. In fact, doing
that is even more important to me now that I
am married. I lean on my husband for a lot of
things, as he does with me. Sometimes I need to
remind myself I can solve problems on my own
and embark on adventures because I want them.
My husband and I do travel together, and it’s
a wonderful experience. We plan our itineraries
around our shared interests, and we have an
amazing time. In fact, travelling on my own
doesn’t replace travelling with my husband,
becauseitisjustacompletelydifferentexperience
with different rewards.
Travelling with my husband is an experience
that brings us together, but travelling on my
own is an experience in discovering more about
myself and growing as an individual. It allows
me to explore different interests and to focus
on different aspects of the experience. It may
mean I go on a zipline that’d scare him (he has
a fear of heights). It might mean I drive with
the windows down and my music at full blast.
Or it might mean I get time to sit in silence and
think more about who I am at a monastery on a
mountaintop.
To my friend who asked how my husband
“lets” me do this, my response is that he doesn’t
“let” me do anything. I do this because it is
something I love, that lifts me up, that makes me
feelalive—thatmakesmeabetterperson. Ireturn
home to him that better person, one who has
been renewed and enriched by my experiences
travelling solo.
At the end of the day, my husband and I
support each other fully, and that’s all there is to
it. Travelling solo is something I am passionate
about; he has activities which he also loves to do
on his own. But both of our solo activities make
us the versions of ourselves, and ultimately that
makes us better for each other too.
52 53WOMEN & TRAVEL WOMEN & TRAVEL

GREETINGS54
A: Suite 226, 33B Pham Ngu Lao, Hanoi, Vietnam
T: (844) 39 33 62 60
F: (844) 39 33 62 61
E: inquiries@exoticvoyages.com
W: www.exoticvoyages.com

Travel in Style 14th Edition by Exotic Voyages

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