The most memorable journeys are rarely the easiest. Sometimes they involve travelling a little further, venturing beyond familiar shores or immersing yourself more deeply in a destination's culture and traditions. Yet these moments often deliver the greatest rewards, whether that's access to a private island, a secluded beach reached only by kayak or a blessing ceremony passed down through generations.
Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius
Aerial of Ilot Mangenie - Private Island
Mauritius has long rewarded travellers with pristine beaches, lush landscapes and a fascinating blend of cultures. For guests of Shangri-La Le Touessrok, however, the reward extends even further.
Exclusive access to the private island of Ilot Mangénie offers a rare sense of seclusion, where powder-soft sands and crystal-clear waters provide an escape from even the most luxurious resort surroundings. Enjoy a holistic wellness journey at Chi, The Spa, or indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience, at the beach restaurant and bar. The island feels wonderfully untouched, creating the sensation of discovering your own private corner of Mauritius.
Beyond the shoreline, golfers are rewarded with access to two championship courses, including one situated on its own island. Together, these experiences showcase a destination that reveals its greatest treasures to those willing to make the journey to the Indian Ocean.
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Adults Only Pool
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Cocos Beach Bar
Beyond the boundaries of the resort
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
The Maldives is often viewed as the ultimate place to do nothing at all. Yet those who choose to look beyond their villa discover a destination rich in culture, creativity and connection.
At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, guests can immerse themselves in authentic Maldivian experiences through cooking and mixology classes, gaining insight into local flavours and traditions. Private island picnics reveal a more intimate side of the archipelago, while visits to the vibrant Fari Marina Village introduce a concept rarely associated with the Maldives: the opportunity to dine beyond your own resort.
With additional restaurants, boutiques and social spaces just moments away, guests enjoy a wider sense of discovery, transforming a traditional Maldivian escape into something far more enriching.
Lagoon Pool Villa
Wishes, wilderness and wonder
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi
Infinity Pool
Some destinations reward curiosity, and Langkawi does so at every turn.
The experience begins upon arrival, where guests are welcomed by the Walkway of Wishes, placing a written wish into waters said to carry the blessings of the legendary Lake of the Pregnant Maiden. It is an introduction to a destination steeped in folklore, nature and discovery.
Adventure comes in many forms here. Guests can paddle across calm waters at sunrise before enjoying a secluded beach picnic, cruise through the archipelago aboard the elegant Dayang Mastura catamaran, or venture into the rainforest for the restorative Mandi Embun experience, combining nature, meditation and traditional wellness rituals.
For those seeking a deeper connection to the destination, The Hereafter Project offers the opportunity to learn about Langkawi's biodiversity and contribute to local conservation efforts through mangrove planting. Every experience reveals another layer of the island, rewarding those who look beyond the beach.
Discovering the soul of Bali
The Oberoi, Bali
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Luxury Garden View Villa
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Aerial View of Resort
Set amidst the lively atmosphere of Seminyak, The Oberoi provides a gateway to an island where volcanic peaks, tropical forests, emerald rice terraces and ancient temples exist in remarkable harmony. Stepping beyond the resort allows guests to experience the destination's authentic character firsthand.
Mountain cycling routes descend through forests and rice paddies from Kintamani to Ubud, revealing a side of Bali inaccessible by car. Guided treks through Taro Village uncover traditional communities, coffee plantations and centuries-old agricultural traditions.
Perhaps most rewarding of all is the Sunset Blessing at Petitenget Temple. Here, guests take part in a private ceremony led by a local priest, gaining a rare insight into the spiritual traditions that remain woven into daily Balinese life. It's an experience that transforms a holiday into something far more meaningful.
The ultimate reward at the edge of the world
French Polynesia
Some journeys demand more than others. Few destinations illustrate this better than French Polynesia. The voyage is long, spanning vast stretches of ocean and even crossing the International Date Line. Yet for those willing to make the journey, the reward is extraordinary.
Here, dramatic volcanic peaks rise from impossibly blue lagoons. Vast horizons stretch uninterrupted into the distance, while vibrant coral reefs thrive beneath crystal-clear waters. The islands retain a sense of isolation and authenticity that has become increasingly rare in today's world.
More than anything, French Polynesia offers something increasingly difficult to find: the feeling of truly escaping. There is a sense of reaching the edge of the world, where unspoilt natural beauty and a slower pace of life create an experience that simply couldn't exist closer to home.
Aerial French Polynesia resort
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