"YOU HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THE WATERS. Here, GPS and maps don't work, as the islands appear and disappear and the depths keep changing," says Bimal Mondol, the shipmaster who expertly steers our vessel, the ABN Charaidew II, across the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India. It's early December, and we are ready to embark on ecotourism giant & Beyond's return to cruising in India, designed in collaboration with local operator Assam Bengal Navigation. The careful itinerary reflects the partners' shared values regarding land, community, and wildlife conservation.
As a weak sun breaks through the winter fog, we board the elegant 18-suite ship. Everything is a showcase of Assamese culture-the 19th-century rattan furniture, the handwoven fabrics, the local art hanging on the walls. There is a robust collection of books on Assam, as well as an onboard naturalist and historian who can fill in any gaps during our daily excursions.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
bubbling up
With its dramatic volcanic landscapes, intimate new stays, and evolving creative scene, Lanzarote―the easternmost of Spain's Canary Islands-is having a moment
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
In Dubai, ambitious chefs are fusing their personal stories with regional influences, forging a new vision for fine dining in their city
where it all began
From Mombasa on Kenya's southern coast to Lamu in the north, Selina Denman charts the story of this part of East Africa-as well as her own
carried away
Northwest Australia's untouched Kimberley region, newly accessible via a Seabourn expedition cruise, is about as far as you can get from everywhere else. But for Erin Florio, the place's very remoteness is a testament to the interconnectedness of all things
CARIBBEAN CALLING
It's that time of year when white-sand beaches, palm-studded resorts, and cruise ships that gleam against turquoise waters start to sound pretty damn fine. We've got all that for you here, plus a few surprises, to inspire your next vacation to the world's best place for soaking up the winter sun.
A Family Affair
On a visit to the Coppola family's low-key Belize retreats with botanical skin-care expert Athena Hewett, Arati Menon discovers what homegrown hospitality is all about
Warm Welcome
For travelers seeking a window onto everyday life in Hawaii, Honolulu's Chinatown awaits.
The Surf Is Their Turf
On the sun-drenched Filipino island of Siargao, a tight-knit community of wave riders is keeping it real in the face of change.
MAD LOVE, MADE EASY
A private-beach resort in Mexico gave Christina Hendricks and George Bianchini the ultimate wedding gift: freedom to rest
TAKE A BEACH BREAK
French Polynesian pro surfer Vaimiti Teiefitu on the best spots to surf, eat, and unwind around Tahiti
