This is not a paid post.
Here are some more top long-haul destinations and stand-out
hotels from Trailfinders (trailfinders.com)
which was by far the most
professional travel agent I interviewed when I was planning a trip to Australia
and New Zealand.
Thailand
Fascinating culture, idyllic beaches as well as warm and friendly people are but three of the reasons that people keep going back to this exotic destination. The food is good as well.
Fascinating culture, idyllic beaches as well as warm and friendly people are but three of the reasons that people keep going back to this exotic destination. The food is good as well.
Stand-out Tented Camp
For Gemma Pauley, Trailfinders Cambridge, it was Elephant Hills Tented Camp, Khao Sok National Park.
For Gemma Pauley, Trailfinders Cambridge, it was Elephant Hills Tented Camp, Khao Sok National Park.
“What an amazing experience! It is so well organised.
The tour guides are brilliant. We had one night in the jungle and one night on
the lake. We loved our stay at the lake, swimming in the fresh water, canoeing, and with the option to go on
the guided jungle trek you will never be bored. The elephant experience is
fantastic. They are really well cared for and the close up interaction, washing
and feeding them is one I will never forget.”
Daily activities include rum tasting and henna painting as
well as complimentary water sports.
Bali
Beautiful beaches, rice fields and culture are some of the charms of Bali as well as a feeling of spirituality.
Beautiful beaches, rice fields and culture are some of the charms of Bali as well as a feeling of spirituality.
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| The Chedi Club, Tanah Gajah, Ubud |
Stand-out hotels
For Claire Hannington, Trailfinders Guildford, it was the Chedi Club (The
Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah Ubud).
“Originally built as a private residence, there is great
attention to detail in this property,” she says. “Beautiful grounds and ponds
complete with swans. The restaurant is surrounded by rice fields and is
beautiful. The staff is extremely helpful, and the food is
amazing. If you like traditional Balinese cuisine then this is the place!”
For Alex Maidment, Trailfinders marketing, it was Alila Villas Uluwatu (Alila
Villas Uluwatu).
“Your first sighting of this hotel will be its lobby which
is simply stunning with views of the infinity pool and the ocean beyond, so it has definitely got the wow factor,”
she says. “Service throughout the hotel is exceptional with the staff going
above and beyond to ensure your stay is memorable.”
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| Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla |
Sri Lanka
Wonderful wildlife,
including leopards and elephants, and an abundance of
Buddhist temples and tea plantations that hark back to the colonial era as well
as beautiful beaches are good reasons to visit.
Stand-out hotels
For Nathan Long, Trailfinders Private Touring Team, it was Heritance Kandalama (Heritance Kandalama) Dambulla.
For Nathan Long, Trailfinders Private Touring Team, it was Heritance Kandalama (Heritance Kandalama) Dambulla.
“Amazing hotel located in the jungle next to a beautiful
lake,” he says. “The hotel has a modern feel to it despite feeling very much at
one with its natural surroundings.” He points out that because of its location
there is not much else nearby. It is approximately a 30-minute taxi ride into
town.
“Amazing infinity pool looking out over the lake, as
well as the bedrock being a feature throughout the hotel right up to the floor
of the roof top pool,” he adds.
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| Saman Villas, Bentota |
For Adam Mitchell, Trailfinders Editorial Department, it was Saman Villas (Saman
Villas) Bentota.
“It is a perfect romantic hideaway located on the south-west
coast of the island with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean from the
infinity pool,” he says. “I'd highly recommend a visit to the Sahana Spa with
its open air pavilions within private gardens as it offers a fantastic range of
treatments using local ingredients.”
By Daralyn Danns
