For a handy dose of inspiration and tips, our friends at the brilliant Luxe City Guides have shared with us some of their top tips for off the beaten track destinations high on their list of must sees. From Colombo to Cambodia, here are the destinations they’re rating right now – plus some handy tips for holiday travellers.
Luxe City Guides Getaways
Colombo, Sri Lanka
This richly cultured, historical jewel can at times be sweltering and chaotic, but thankfully with the country’s ongoing peace and vibrant economic upswing has come a slew of luxurious havens in which to take refuge from the madding crowds and heat. For city stays we like Tintagel, formerly the Prime Minister’s colonial abode, now a revamped 10-suite pleasure palace designed by style-meister Shanth Fernando and featuring sexy Court Yard and Dining Room restaurants, Red Bar, in-room massage and beauty treatments, and shopping discounts at Paradise Road.
65 Rosemead Pl / Col 7 / Sri Lanka / +94 11 460 2121 / paradiseroadhotels.com
Chiang Mai, Thailand
The ‘Rose of the North’ is home to many things – lush jungle landscapes, excellent resorts and spas aplenty, but most of all it’s where you’ll find the absolute best handicraft and homeware shopping in all of Thailand. Wit’s Collection is always a winning shopportunity, with its nifty line of modern décor, homeware and ceramics, beautiful burnished jars and bowls, and unique cloisonné vases you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Fab!
12 Nimmanhaemin Soi 3 / +66 53 222 468 / 9.30am-6.30pm daily
Siem Reap, Cambodia
The temples of Angkor are one of the most visited historical sites on the planet, and given their beauty, mystery and majesty, it really is no secret why. The wonder of Khmer cuisine, on the other hand, can be at times harder to discover. That being said, Frenchman Joannès Rivière is elevating the humble fare to new heights at his revered restaurant Cuisine Wat Damnak, where Gallic-inflected traditional dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and a charming in/outdoor villa situ are winning fans the world over.
Wat Damnak Village / Siem Reap / Cambodia / +855 77 347 762 / dinner Tue-Sat / cuisinewatdamnak.com
Travel Tips:
- Mail your holiday gifts ahead to your destination to avoid any extra baggage fees (as well as save space in your suitcase). And if you must bring a present or two, don’t wrap them.
- Roaming charges can be crippling so download, maps, apps and info before you travel – and always carry a universal travel adapter – a jetsetter essential!
- To maximise limited carry on space, gals should try colour-coordinating what they pack. A handy trick is to stick to a basic palette (black and nude/white, for example) and choose pieces that can easily be mixed and matched, then add pops of colour – a red dress, a print scarf – and statement accessories. If you’re tight on room, rolling clothing works better than the standard fold and stack.
