Best for city views
££ SO AUCKLAND
White wakes line the expanse of Waitematā Harbour, which separates the city centre from its North Shore suburbs across the bay. It looks especially impressive from Hi-SO, the 16th-floor cocktail bar at SO Auckland. Order a high&loud for a smoky-sweet mezcal number, while taking in views of the high-rises along the waterfront. The hotel sets itself apart from other chains in the CBD with avant-garde art across its lobby, which feels part-exhibition, part-nightclub. Running routes are laid out on the in-room screens to help you see the best of Auckland, and with a spa, sauna, and pillow menu, unwinding in style is guaranteed. ROOMS: From NZ$398 (£192), room only. so-auckland.com
Best for wellness
£££ PARO HEIS LAND RETREAT
Thickly forested Kawau Island lies just beyond the urban orbit, a mile offshore in the Hauraki Gulf, 70 minutes north by road and water taxi from the CBD. At the innermost end of the harbour around which the island wraps itself, Parohe is a wellness retreat ensconced in 50 acres of native bush, with yoga platforms, massage huts, saunas and outdoor baths to help guests detach — a feeling also achieved with assistance from the resident alpacas, Karen and Steve. The retreat has a schedule of activities encouraging guests to connect with land and sea, including volleyball, fishing and pétanque. With locally sourced veggie meals to enjoy by the firepit as the stars gather, you’ll feel blissed out in no time.
ROOMS : From NZ$650 (£315), all inclusive. parohe.co.nz
Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Denne historien er fra September 2023-utgaven av National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
DIRECTORY
Lush Paul Valley, located at the foot of the COVA crater, is surrounded by rocky peaks, constituting one of the most spectacular landscapes of the island of Santo Antão.
CLIMBING KILIMANJARO
To summit Kilimanjaro is an expedition of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a first-timer, there are key questions to consider before tackling the Tanzanian peak.
SEARCHING FOR BIGFOOT
TO VISIT OREGON IS TO EMBRACE THE ELEMENTAL POSSIBILITY OF BIGFOOT, THE HAIRY, HUMAN-LIKE MYTHICAL CREATURE. THE PROSPECT AND THRILL OF THE CHASE MAKES THE AREA'S THICK FORESTS, GURGLING CREEKS AND SCENIC HIKING TRAILS A TRUE WALK ON THE WILD SIDE.
FOR THE BIRDS
A visit to the Scottish Highlands offers one of the best bird- and wildlife-watching experiences in the UK, with the promise of rare encounters with unique species.
ON THE WATER
From swimming to standup paddleboarding, boating to biking, here's how to have the ultimate adventure on and around six of world's most beautiful lakes.
HOW I GOT THE SHOT
PHOTOGRAPHER MATT DUTILE ON SNAPPING THE FROZEN CONTINENT'S CHARISMATIC WILDLIFE FOR OUR MAY ISSUE
THE EVOLVING GAP YEAR
FROM ENHANCING A CV TO BENEFITTING A LOCAL COMMUNITY OR TRAVELLING WITH PURPOSE, THE MOTIVES FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE A GAP YEAR ARE INCREASINGLY NUANCED.
VALLETTA
In Malta’s harbour-framed capital, a rich and evolving art scene unfolds among honeyed baroque facades, echoing the global influences that have shaped the city over the centuries
A timeless city
Wander through artistic alleyways and along modern beachfronts in South Korea’s second city — a place where tradition and innovationgo hand in hand.
SANDS OF TIME
COVERING AROUND 800,000 SQUARE MILES, ALGERIA'S SHARE OF THE SAHARA TAKES UP OVER 80% OF THE COUNTRY - THE VOLCANIC PEAKS, CANYONS AND VAST SAND SEAS FORM A STRIKING BACKDROP TO OASIS CITIES AND UNIQUE NORTH AFRICAN CULTURES