Bucket-list destinations are back on the cards with the news that doubled vaccinated Brits won’t have to quarantine after visiting amber-list countries from July 19^th. With that in mind, it’s time for travellers with itchy feet to plan that long-overdue trip.

Tick off your bucket list with this year’s most unforgettable experiences such as skiing down volcanoes in Japan, diving into design in Puglia, helping protect the turtles in Malaysia and entering a duathlon in Malaysia. These unique travel experiences are certainly not ones to miss…

Ski Down a Volcano in Japan’s Legendary Winter Wonderland! Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve *Opened in December 2020*

Higashiyama Niseko Village a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, welcomes bucket-list travellers to Japan's top winter sports destination of Niseko. Located in the country’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers an exceptional escape for guests seeking personal and physical exploration. The resort is a stunning ski-in/ski-out property that interweaves the highest level of personalised service and care with the charm of Japan’s local history, culture and cuisine. 

Positioned at the base of Mount Niseko Annupuri, the new hotel is located in the heart of Niseko Village, hailed as one of the world’s premier powder snow destinations offering 2,191 acres of skiable terrain. The hotel’s culinary ethos focuses on the philosophy of “shun”, the celebration of seasonal produce harvested at its peak. Guests can expect delicious cuisine that mirrors the seasons with the finest locally sourced vegetables, prized cuts and seafood served at Yukibana, or quintessential dining experiences at Sushi Nagi, which observes the omakase tradition of entrusting the “Itamae”, or head chef, to create something bespoke. 

With a holistic focus on wellness, the hotel’s bespoke spa offers tailored treatments to provide respite for the body and soul. The resort also features a traditional Japanese onsen for guests to luxuriate in the rejuvenating mineral-rich waters of Niseko's natural underground hot springs. Nightly rates at Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve start from JPY 65,000 in the summer season and JPY 120,000 in the winter. Images here.

Protecting turtles in Malaysia, Tanjong Jara Resort, Malayasia

Tick off a bucket list destination whilst helping protect the local wildlife at YTL Hotel’s Tanjong Jara Resort, a 5-star destination where you can explore traditional Malay culture in a luxury beach setting. Guests can discover more about the magnificent sea turtles that grace Malaysia’s ocean waters through getting involved in nest inspections and witness the emergence of hatchlings by night through the hotel’s exclusive partnership with Lang Tengah Turtle Watch, which has created a turtle hatchery to keep predators at bay. This trip is ideal for travellers wanting to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Malaysia whilst also doing their bit for preserving our natural environment. Nightly rates at Tanjong Jara Resort start at £146. Images here. 

For Travellers with Design in Mind, Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa, Ostuni, Puglia, Italy *Opened in May 2020*

Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa, the elegantly restored red palace in the heart of Puglia’s White City, Ostuni is the ultimate destination for bucket-list travellers looking for a stylish experience. After falling in love with the historical building that lay empty for over 40 years, owner and interior designer Pascale Lauber and her partner Ulrike Bauschke worked with conservationists to uncover the mysteries of the multi-secular Palazzo Rosso. Over three years, an eclectic combination of traditional handcrafted techniques and contemporary flair saw the beautiful building transformed into a stunning 11-bedroom hotel for guests to enjoy. 

Standing in stark contrast to the whitewashed buildings of Ostuni, Paragon 700’s red brick façade cocoons a lush garden and swimming pool, a rare green space in the heart of the city, offering a tranquil and exclusive oasis, just a five-minute walk from Ostuni’s main square. This new hotel offers gourmet meals and creative cocktails at the hotel’s eclectic bar, indulgent treatments at the private spa and the chance to buy select furniture and décor to take home as the ultimate holiday memento. Experiences include bespoke voyages on the hotel’s private boat, wine tastings, motorbike tours, cooking classes, reserved sun loungers at P-Beach, Paragon 700’s affiliate beach club, and events throughout the year, from alfresco art classes to open-air cinema evenings. Nightly rates at Paragon 700 start from €300 based on two people sharing a room on a bed and breakfast basis. Exclusive buyouts from 10,000 Euros for two nights with a minimum F&B spend of 3,000 euros in low season. Images here.

A Bucket List Duathlon on a Luxury Private Island, YTL Hotels' Chapman’s Challenge at Pangkor Laut Resort in Malaysia

One for the octane fuelled adventurer, private island Pangkor Laut Resort has crafted a unique experience named The Chapman’s Challenge to honour Colonel Freddy Spencer Chapman, a British commando who made his last escape from Emerald Bay in 1945 from the occupying Japanese. The Chapman’s Challenge comprises of a 6.2km run around the private island roadways and through the two-million-year-old rainforest including a 1km swim out at the award-winning Emerald Bay before concluding at Chapman’s Bar. The next challenge is from 20^th-22^nd May 2022.