Escape the winter chill and trade snowflakes for sunshine at Siwa Oasis! Located 400 miles West of Cairo in the heart of the Sahara Desert, this Egyptian oasis boasts extraordinary natural landscapes, from lush tropical palm groves to aquamarine-hued salt-lakes. For their natural healing properties, water sourced from these unique formations is used in natural treatments for a most relaxing and pampering stay.
The oasis is also known for its rich cultural heritage and archaeological sites including the Temple of the Oracle, Temple of Amun, and the Mountain of the Dead. Additionally, in the village centre lies the 13th century Shali Fortress, built to protect ancient inhabitants from Bedouin attacks. As you explore the winding footpaths within the grand fortress, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the region’s captivating cultural heritage.
To promote responsible tourism and local artisanship, residents inaugurated a community development initiative to increase Siwan women’s empowerment and economic self-sufficiency by revitalizing traditional handicraft production. Travellers to the oasis can learn about this rich tradition and even purchase hand-made crafts.
For Ski Enthusiasts and Cozy Cabin Lovers Alike
St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria, beckons ski enthusiasts and cosy cabin lovers alike with its perfect blend of exhilarating slopes and enchanting winter wonderland vibes. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Tyrolean Alps, this quaint and charming village offers a plethora of alpine experiences including downhill skiing on pristine slopes suitable for all levels, a ski museum chronicling the sport’s history within the cozy comforts of a traditional chalet, and a lively après-ski scene complete with inviting rustic chalets for rent.
For a more off-the-beaten path experience, savour warm Japanese hospitality in Hakuba. Tucked within the northern part of the picturesque Japanese Alps, this village is renowned as a prominent ski destination and serves as the gateway for embarking on treks up Mount Shirouma and Mount Goryu, two prominent peaks among Japan’s One Hundred Mountains.
Surrounded by picturesque valleys that witness an annual snowfall exceeding 11 meters, Hakuba has evolved into the epicenter of ten ski resorts offering over 200 ski runs. In 1998, it gained global recognition as the main event venue for the Winter Olympics, hosting thrilling competitions in Alpine skiing, ski jumping, and cross-country skiing.
For people with disabilities and country-side explorers
The countryside parish of Ordino in Andorra provides a most idyllic and quaint Winter retreat. Even more, this village is recognised by the UNWTO for its promotion of inclusive tourism as the destination’s mobile app ‘Parl’App’ provides information about attraction accessibility for individuals with functional disabilities.
Visitors will find themselves immersed amidst stunning rustic surroundings characterised by unmistakable Andorran architecture where stone houses with slate roofs seamlessly blend into the lush natural environment.
Notable attractions include the Tristaina Lakes, the three high-mountain lakes which can be discovered via walking routes, the Tristaina Viewpoint, a stunning vista offering panoramic views of the village from a breathtaking vantage of 2,701 metres in altitude, accessible by cable car, and the Vall de Sorteny Nature Park, a botanical garden brimming with more than a thousand hectares of native flora and fauna recognised by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve.
For foodies
Situated along the lush banks of the Doubs River in Switzerland lies St. Ursanne, a charming medieval village with a rich culinary heritage. Foodies will delight at the destination’s secret gourmet tour which aims to preserve local gastronomic traditions and heritage while supporting small enterprises. Vistors are invited to participate in the gastronomy expedition across the village which sees local guides lead travellers to secret undisclosed locations to savour traditional local recipes and dishes from local restaurants.
