Sometimes, travel gives you a moment of stillness amidst the constant urge to move, explore and experience. You step inside a place and the world seems to pause, even if you are standing in the center of a city. This is how I feel when I enter the Russian Orthodox churches in Russia.

As if on cue, the world softens with the light. The air cools and incense rises along with candle smoke. Almost like quiet prayers that know their destination. Moreover, no one rushes. Women in head scarves stand in front of icons, offering prayers and requests, absorbed in private conversations with God.

The Russian Orthodox churches of Russia are the people’s lifeline, and each carries its own feeling. Some command a town or city like jeweled crowns, bold and unforgettable. Others remain small and hidden, surrounded by fields and silence. Yet all of them open a window into Russia’s soul — mystical, emotional, and fiercely creative.

These are my seven favorite churches.

1. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Saint Petersburg

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is not just beautiful. It is hypnotic. Inside, everything gleams. From the marble floor to the highest dome, every surface is covered in mosaics. Seven thousand square meters of tiny hand-cut tiles shimmer in deep blues, warm reds, and brilliant gold. It feels as if the entire church is breathing light.

I stood there for a long moment, letting my eyes adjust. Slowly, the saints and angels seemed to lift themselves out of the mosaics and float toward me. Every detail pulled me deeper into the story.

Moreover, the location gives the church a powerful emotional charge. This exact spot marks where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated. You can feel history vibrating beneath your feet. The church is both a memorial and a masterpiece — a place where beauty and tragedy meet.

2. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Moscow

Saint Basil’s feels like a dream you can touch — a fairytale made of stone. From a distance, it looks whimsical. Up close, the colors deepen into rich, velvety shades. The patterns twist and swirl across the domes as if an artist painted the sky.

Inside, the energy changes. Narrow corridors curve like a maze and lead into nine small chapels. Each one feels intimate, almost secret. You move slowly here. You don’t just look at the cathedral — you enter its private heart.

One winter evening, a choir began to sing. Their voices rose and filled the tiny chapel. The sound touched every stone and every person in the room. We stopped walking. We stood still and listened. In that moment, Moscow felt quiet.

Say “I do” in a luxury private hacienda with beautiful views — La Esperanza Granada, Spain

(For couples who want a celebration, not an event.)

3. Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Moscow

When the doors open, the light inside the Cathedral of Christ the Savior feels almost tangible. It pours across the marble floors and climbs the gold-leafed walls, as if the building itself gathers and reflects the sun. The space is vast, but every icon, carving, and inscription feels deliberate.

History gives this cathedral a deeper weight. Stalin ordered it destroyed. The site became a swimming pool. Decades later, after the Soviet Union collapsed, the cathedral was rebuilt exactly as it once stood — stone by stone, detail by detail.

Standing beneath the restored dome, I felt the meaning of the space. This is not just a cathedral. It is faith rebuilt.

4. Cathedral of the Intercession on the Nerl

Bogolyubovo

This church is pure poetry. A single white silhouette rises from an open meadow, with a quiet river curving at its feet. The scene feels untouched by centuries — simple, serene, impossibly balanced.

I walked the long path through wet grass to reach it. The air smelled of river water and clover. When I arrived, there was no one else. Just the church, the wind, and the sound of reeds shifting in the current. It felt like entering a moment outside of time.

Travel marks you most in places like this. Not in the grand, crowded landmarks, but in the hushed, solitary spaces where beauty asks nothing of you.

Bogolyubovo is part of Russia’s Golden Ring — the rural heartland, where everyday life feels unfiltered and real. The Church of the Intercession stands alone, quiet, and perfect.

5. Trinity Lavra of Saint Sergius

Sergiev Posad

This monastery is the spiritual heart of Russian Orthodoxy. Golden domes rise above white stone walls. Bells echo across the courtyards. Monks move quietly in black robes, crossing the worn paths with the calm focus of people who live inside prayer.

Inside, candlelight softens the darkness. The icons of Andrei Rublev glow with a presence that feels almost human. Rublev never painted faces — he painted spirit. His work radiates stillness, as if the paint itself were praying.

Sergiev Posad is an easy day trip from Moscow. Yet when you step inside the gates, time shifts. The modern world falls away. You feel centuries of devotion held inside these walls.

It is not just a monastery. It is a heartbeat.

6. Kazan Cathedral

Saint Petersburg

This cathedral feels alive. Light and movement flow through it in a quiet rhythm. Locals line up to pray before the revered icon of Our Lady of Kazan. No one rushes. Visitors slow down and fall into the same pace — calm, steady, almost meditative.

Inside, the space surprises you. The soaring colonnade feels Roman, grand and sweeping. Yet the atmosphere remains deeply Russian — intimate, emotional, full of devotion. I stayed until the candles grew brighter than the daylight. Time slipped away without me noticing.

When you step outside, Nevsky Prospekt stretches in front of you — cafés, bookstores, and pastry shops. Life returns in full color.

7. Epiphany Cathedral at Yelokhovo

Moscow

Yelokhovo is not a landmark for tourists. As with the other Russian Orthodox Churches on my list, this is a living sanctuary. When I entered, a baptism was taking place. Incense floated from silver censers. The choir began to sing from the balcony above, and for a moment, the entire church seemed to inhale and exhale as one.

Turquoise and gold domes crown the roof. Massive chandeliers scatter warm light across the marble floors. Yet the beauty here is not architectural — it is human. People come to Yelokhovo to pray, not to sightsee. Their sincerity fills the space more powerfully than any decoration.

When I left, I bought fresh, still-warm pirozhki from a tiny bakery around the corner. The memory is simple, but I can still taste it.

Why These Russian Orthodox Churches in Russia Matter

Visiting Russian Orthodox churches in Russia teaches you something essential: faith here is not a performance. It is lived quietly. People arrive with their worries. They light a candle. Then they simply stand — no pews, no rush, no distraction.

Because of this, time feels different inside these churches. The stillness becomes part of you.

Although each church has its own story, all of them share the same emotional gravity — a sense of being held. You do not need to speak Russian to understand what is happening. You only need to feel the silence, the incense, and the soft light reflecting on gold.

When you visit Russian Orthodox churches in Russia, you do not just see architecture. You step into a living spirituality.

READ MORE ARTICLES ABOUT TRAVELING IN RUSSIA IN TRAVELIFE MAGAZINE

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Why sauna is the heart of Finnish Christmas

Sauna is more than relaxation in Finland — it is a cornerstone of the culture. Families have taken a Christmas sauna for centuries, especially on Christmas Eve morning. The atmosphere is quiet and reflective. Before the festivities begin, the steam cleanses both body and mind, creating a moment of peace that sets the tone for the holiday.

Historically, the sauna was considered sacred. It was the cleanest room in the house and the heart of Finnish daily life. People were born here, healed here, and marked life’s milestones in this warm, pure space. On Christmas Eve, fires were lit early, and families bathed before the sun went down. Some cooled off by rolling in fresh snow — a brisk shock that sharpened the senses. Before leaving, they would tidy the sauna for the saunatonttu, the mythical sauna elf who protected the home.

Where to Experience Joulusauna in Helsinki

Today, Joulusauna in Helsinki is a timeless ritual. Throughout December, public saunas across the city open their doors to anyone — locals, travellers, first-timers, and sauna enthusiasts. Step inside, and the world outside disappears. Steam rises. Silence settles. The air smells faintly of fresh birch. It feels like Christmas long before the celebrations begin.

Another option: Warmth awaits at La Esperanza Granada — a private villa estate in Spain for luxury family holidays and retreats

Escape the Nordic winter and step into the warmth of southern Spain. At La Esperanza Granada—a private seven-suite hacienda in the heart of Andalusia—you can bask in year-round sunshine, ski the Sierra Nevada in the morning, and have your feet in the sand eating paella by lunchtime. Use La Esperanza Granada as your base for the ultimate sun-drenched European escape.

7 of Helsinki’s Best Public Saunas to Warm Your Winter

Below are seven unforgettable saunas where you can experience joulusauna in Helsinki — from historic neighborhood bathhouses to bold, modern architectural icons by the sea.

1. Löyly — Helsinki’s Modern Sauna Icon

Löyly is the city’s most photographed sauna — and for good reason.

A striking landmark of contemporary wooden architecture, Löyly stretches along the southern shoreline, opening into endless sea views. Three wood-heated saunas — including a rare smoke sauna — offer pure Finnish steam (löyly). Between sessions, cool off with a plunge into the icy Baltic Sea. It’s an invigorating ritual that blends tradition, design, and nature.

• Why go: Smoke sauna + sea dip.
• Best Joulusauna in Helsinki moment: Sunset, when the light reflects on the wooden façade and the sea turns silver.

2. Allas Sea Pool — Sauna, Sea, and City Lights

Right next to Market Square, Allas Sea Pool combines sauna culture with urban energy.

Here, winter swimmers glide through a seawater pool while the city skyline glitters around them. Warm up in the saunas, take a dip, then enjoy lunch or a drink overlooking Helsinki’s harbour. It’s the perfect balance of wellness and city life — especially in winter.

• Why go: Sauna + heated outdoor pools.
• Best Joulusauna in Helsinki moment: Early evening, with the ferries passing by.

3. Sauna Hermanni — Time Travel to the 1950s

At Sauna Hermanni, the mood is slow, local, and nostalgic.

Open since the 1950s, this beloved neighbourhood bathhouse keeps the charm of Helsinki’s past alive. Men’s and women’s saunas are separate, the heat is mellow, and conversations flow easily among regulars. It’s simple, authentic, and wonderfully unpolished.

• Why go: Pure, local sauna culture — unchanged for decades.
• Best moment: Weekday evenings when neighbourhood regulars arrive.

4. Kotiharjun Sauna — The Oldest Wood-Fired Public Sauna

Kotiharjun Sauna has been steaming since 1928, making it the oldest continuously operating public sauna in Helsinki.

The historic red-brick façade welcomes bathers into a world where steam softens time. The heat is intense, the atmosphere is communal, and services such as massages and traditional washing ladies keep cultural heritage alive. Cool off in the open air and watch the life of Kallio unfold around you.

• Why go: Authentic wood-fired experience with a vibrant local neighbourhood.
• Best moment: After dark, when steam meets the winter air.

5. Uusi Sauna — Where Sauna Meets Social Living

Uusi Sauna reinvents the classic neighbourhood sauna as a modern gathering place.

Located in Jätkäsaari, it blends design, dining, and community. The restaurant and bar flow naturally into the sauna areas, making it easy to spend hours here — steaming, eating, talking, lingering.

• Why go: A modern, social twist on the traditional sauna.
• Best Joulusauna in Helsinki moment: Arrive hungry. Stay for dinner.

6. Furuvik’s Seaside Sauna — Winter Calm by the Water

Along Helsinki’s rugged coastline, Furuvik’s Seaside Sauna feels like a deep breath.

With its wood-fired sauna and gentle sea breeze, this spot offers complete escape from the rush of the holidays. Step outside and feel the cold air on your skin — nature becomes part of the ritual.

• Why go: Quiet, coastal, peaceful — sauna meets wilderness.
• Best moment: Early morning, with soft winter light on the water.

7. Lapinlahden Lähde Sauna — Sauna in a Historic Park

Lapinlahden Lähde Sauna sits inside the historic Lapinlahti hospital park, surrounded by trees and sea views. It is Helsinki’s oldest public sauna.

This community-driven sauna offers both mixed and separate sessions. After steaming, wander to the cosy Café Lähde for tea, cinnamon buns, or a quiet moment to reflect.

• Why go: Sauna + nature + creative community.
• Best Joulusauna in Helsinki moment: When it snows — the park turns magical.

Joulusauna in Helsinki: Christmas Begins with Steam

Whether this is your first sauna or your hundredth, Helsinki’s public saunas reveal why sauna lies at the heart of Finnish life — especially at Christmas. In Finland, joulusauna in Helsinki isn’t just about heat. It’s about slowing down, reflecting, and entering the holiday season.

READ MORE ARTICLES ABOUT TRAVELING IN FINLAND

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Chamonix, France: The Birthplace of Alpine Skiing

Chamonix, nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, is where European skiing began. The resort rose to fame in 1924 as the site of the very first Winter Olympics, cementing its status as the birthplace of alpine sports. Its dramatic peaks, including the legendary Aiguille du Midi, and its challenging descents—such as the 20-kilometer Vallée Blanche—make it a bucket-list destination for skiers worldwide.

But Chamonix is not only about skiing. The town itself brims with alpine charm: cobbled streets lined with patisseries, lively après-ski bars, and cozy cafés that invite you in from the cold. Visitors also come for the breathtaking views—cable cars and cog railways carry you above glaciers and into landscapes that feel untouched by time.

Where to Stay in Chamonix: Hameau Albert 1er
Address: 38 route du Bouchet, 74400 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France
Phone: +33 (0)4 50 53 05 09

Experience true Andalusia at La Esperanza Granada in Spain — a restored hacienda in the mountains

(The air smells of rosemary. The silence tastes of sun.)

St. Moritz, Switzerland – The Glamour Capital of Skiing

St. Moritz is synonymous with glamour, style, and the very concept of winter holidays. Set in the Engadin Valley, it has twice hosted the Winter Olympics and remains one of the most prestigious ski resorts in the world. Its wide, sunlit slopes attract royals, celebrities, and serious skiers alike.

Beyond the slopes, St. Moritz is a world of indulgence: luxury shopping, Michelin-starred dining, and the famous frozen lake where polo and horse races are held on ice. The town is not just about skiing—it’s about being part of a glittering alpine tradition.

Where to Stay: Badrutt’s Palace Hotel
Address: Via Serlas 27, 7500 St. Moritz, Switzerland
Phone: +41 81 837 1000

Val d’Isère, France – Alpine Adventure at Its Finest

Val d’Isère, linked with Tignes to form the Espace Killy ski area, offers some of the best skiing in Europe. With more than 300 kilometers of pistes and endless off-piste terrain, it’s a dream for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The resort also has an electric après-ski scene, with lively bars like La Folie Douce.

The village retains its Savoyard charm with stone chalets and alpine architecture, balancing high-altitude adventure with traditional mountain warmth. Whether you’re carving down Olympic slopes or enjoying fondue by the fire, Val d’Isère is pure alpine magic.

Where to Stay: The Omnia
Address: Auf dem Fels, 3920 Zermatt, Switzerland

Zermatt, Switzerland – Skiing in the Shadow of the Matterhorn

Zermatt is one of the world’s most iconic ski resorts, thanks to its unbeatable backdrop: the Matterhorn. Its car-free village adds to its charm, creating a serene atmosphere beneath the dramatic Alpine skyline. With year-round skiing available on the glacier, Zermatt attracts skiers even in summer.

The slopes are varied, with terrain suitable for all levels, and the resort is renowned for its excellent mountain restaurants. Visitors also love exploring the Gornergrat Railway, which offers panoramic views of the Alps.

Where to Stay:

• Airelles Val d’Isère

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy – The Queen of the Dolomites

Cortina d’Ampezzo, often called the “Queen of the Dolomites,” combines stunning UNESCO-protected scenery with a touch of Italian elegance. Host of the 1956 Winter Olympics (and future host in 2026), Cortina remains Italy’s most fashionable ski resort.

The town blends high-end boutiques and glamorous cafés with spectacular skiing across the Dolomiti Superski area. Its pink-tinged Dolomite peaks at sunset are reason enough to visit, even for non-skiers.

Where to Stay:

• Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Sierra Nevada, Spain – Sunshine and Snow Above Granada

Sierra Nevada is Europe’s southernmost ski resort and one of its sunniest. Located just 40 minutes from Granada, it combines Mediterranean sunshine with excellent skiing on the highest peaks of mainland Spain. Its elevation and advanced snow-making system ensure reliable snow from late November to early May.

The resort is family-friendly, with modern lifts, ski schools, and a lively village at Pradollano. Best of all, you can ski in the morning and stroll the Alhambra or the streets of Granada in the afternoon—a combination no other European resort offers.

READ MORE ABOUT SKIING IN SPAIN

Where to Stay:

• La Esperanza Granada (Perfect ski & culture base)
  Address: Ctra. Nacional 323, Salida km 153, 18658 Lecrín, Granada, Spain
  Phone: +34 617 776 949

READ MORE ABOUT SKIING IN EUROPE

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With this in mind, resorts and hotels around Asia are going the extra mile to deliver curated photo opportunities for social media. Here’s a sampling of some of the most Instagrammable hotels in Asia.

ASIA’S INSTAGRAMMABLE HOTELS

Banyan Tree Samui

Nestled into a lush tropical hillside overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the 38-acre Banyan Tree Samui offers some of the most picturesque views you can imagine. In fact, the resort has published its own “7 Photo Spots” brochure for guests to study ahead of arrival.

Guests can snap photos of a magnificent panoramic vista encompassing sapphire sea from the restaurants. Or they can photograph the white sand beach, a cove flanked by coral reefs, with the resort in the foreground.

The more intrepid selfie-seekers can climb even higher — literally. There’s a hilltop where they can take in a sweeping 360-degree shot of the entire coastline. From the private villas, the perfect Instagrammable photo opportunity awaits from the edge of the infinity pool.

Alma Cam Ranh

Alma this year clinched a coveted spot in ‘The Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World’. Tens of thousands of readers of the website Luxury Travel Advisor voted Alma one of the most Instagrammable hotels in Asia and Indian Ocean. This placed it in the poll’s top four resorts worldwide. And for very good reason.

The resort is anchored by 12 swimming pools that cascade down to dramatic Long Beach. This spot alone has attracted serious attention from Vietnamese celebrities.

Singers Quang Vinh, Bao Thy, Dan Truong, and Trinh Thang Binh have all posted photos. Actors Hoang Yen Chibi and Tuan Tran have also shared photos of Alma’s pools online. Afterwards, countless guests began replicating their popular images. power couple Thuy Tien and Cong Vinh and the ‘Xoai (Mango) Family’ have also posted their photos at the resort too.

Hyatt Regency Koh Samui

The designers of the new Hyatt Regency Koh Samui knew that instagrammable hotels are now very much in demand. So they made sure that this hotel had great visual allure via the Gallery of Eight. This is a collection of eight sites dotted around the property that are specially selected for their photogenic appeal.

The property fully leverages the beauty of Koh Samui through its coastal location. It showcases the protected native yangna trees and many inspired architectural features. The latter includes a showpiece lobby where skylights allow for natural illumination by the sun and the moon.

There’s also a valley that abounds with colorful tropical flora and the largest pool zone on the island. This pool zone is a collection of four pools, each cascading down from the main pool on the upper deck.

Tanah Gajah, a Resort by Hadiprana

Bali’s only hot air balloon rises over the rice fields of the Tanah Gajah several times a day. For many travelers, it’s a highlight of a visit to Bali because the view from above ground is stunning. You can see Mount Agung on a clear day.

However, the most popular shot is just below with the impressive balloon in the background of a paddy-side picnic. World travelers and content creators Giulia and Donato of @_dgtravel_ are among the visitors who captured this top Instagrammable moment.

Azerai Resorts

Vietnam’s top actors, supermodels, and social media influencers have been flocking to the three Azerai Resorts in Vietnam. Most of them have been happily staging fashion photo shoots amid the resorts’ colorful and picturesque backdrops.

Azerai resort guests include celebrity Quynh Anh Shyn, who has 2.6 million Instagram followers. International supermodel and singer Ha Anh Vu and popular actress Le Ha Truc have also checked into these hotels. These Vietnamese stars have posted gorgeous imagery of these very instagrammable hotels. Please note that these photos were all shot prior to the latest wave of pandemic lockdowns.

Quynh Anh Shyn captured the sunset overlooking the ocean from Azerai Ke Ga Bay’s beachfront pool. Meanwhile, Le Ha Truc appeared on Azerai La Residence, Hue’s elegant 17-meter riverboat, as it plied the Perfume River at dusk. Meanwhile, Ha Anh Vu snapped a shot on the Mekong Delta cruise boat of Azerai Can Tho. To top it off, the famous Can Tho Bridge was in the background.

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh

One quick scroll through the Instagram hashtag of #HyattRegencyPhnomPenh, results in beautiful photos of the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. This new hotel, which just opened in January, offers many places for Instagram photo backgrounds. However, the top spot is the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh’s revamped Colonial House entrance.

This hotel was originally a secret villa built for a princess in the early 20^th century, It has lemon-colored walls, wooden shutters, and arched doorways. There’s also a roof made of terra-cotta tiles, which makes a nice background. SOVRIN Magazine, Cambodia’s top fashion magazine, recently organized a photo shoot here. It quickly became a popular selfie spot after that.

The shoot featured Cambodian actress and model San Kosamak posing in a trenchcoat in front of Colonial House. This feature soon spawned a number of copycat photos on Instagram.

READ ABOUT THE BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN JAPAN

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Travelife Magazine has made traveling to the Seychelles easier for you by listing down the basic information and giving you the lowdown on these top 3 islands for sightseeing and relaxation. 

THE BEST ISLANDS IN THE SEYCHELLES 

Mahé

Mahé is the largest and main island. It has over 60 beaches to choose from. Anse Royale is great for swimming and snorkelling while Anse Soleil is ideal for a more off the beaten track experience.

Victoria is the capital city of the Seychelles. It is smallest capital of the world. You can explore the business and cultural center on foot in a day or two. The most important landmarks in Victoria are the St. Paul’s Cathedral, La Domus and the Natural History Museum.

Holiday-makers can also visit the Botanical Gardens, Mont Fleuri, and Morne Seychellois. The Morne Seychellois is the largest national park, famous for its beautiful mountains and forests.

The Mission Lodge is another popular destination. It boasts of the most famous vantage point in all of the Seychelles, offering spectacular sea and mountain views across Mahé.

Seychelles has many art galleries to choose from. The Domaine de Val des Près is a craft village offering traditional Creole culture. Creole culture includes architecture, arts and crafts, and gastronomy.

Praslin

Tourists to Praslin can visit the legendary Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The rare Coco de Mer trees flourish there, and there are so many walks and trails on offer.

You can hike the Glacis Noire for striking views of the surrounding islands. Or you can walk from Anse Kerlan through the valley rivers to Anse Lazio. The Lazio beach is known as one of the best beaches in the world because of its postcard scenery.

You can also take an excursion to the surrounding islands of Seychelles. The most popular ones are the Cousin or Aride National Park. For a unique experience, head to the Giant Clam Farm, Pearl Farm and the Black Pearl shop. 

The Black Pearl shop is the only pearl farm in the Indian Ocean region. You can see and learn all about giant clams and black pearls here.

La Digue

Laid-back and low-key, La Digue offers a unique Seychelles experience. Tourists can explore grand colonial houses, meet giant tortoises, and enjoy the sights on scenic cycling routes.

At the L’Union Estate, you can visit a traditional copra mill. Visitors can also see a traditional kiln and a plantation house framed by granite boulders in landscaped gardens. You can also head the stunning Source d’Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world.

THE BEST BEACHES IN THE SEYCHELLES

Grand Anse, Petite Anse and Anse Coco are considered the best beaches in the Seychelles. These impeccable beaches are also wonderfully quiet and peaceful. The adventurous can hike between these beaches. Or they can opt to visit all three beaches. For island hopping, click here.

READ ABOUT THE MOST ROMANTIC HOTEL IN SPAIN

TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR THE SEYCHELLES

• There is no risk of contracting malaria, yellow fever, cholera or other common tropical diseases. Therefore, no vaccinations are required.
• Average temperatures: 27 °C from November to January, 28°C from March to May, and 26°C from July to October.
• Visas are not required from any nationality. You only need a valid passport, a return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation, including contact details.
• Currency: Seychelles Rupees

Read more about the world’s most beautiful islands in Travelife Magazine.

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Rochester Falls, Mauritius

Renowned for its jagged rectangular rock formations carved over hundreds of years, Rochester Falls is a famous attraction in Mauritius. Visitors are always amazed by the force of the cascading waters. Bollywood film directors love including this in their films.

Located in the Savanne district of southern Mauritius, the falls were named  after a character in a novel. Mr. Rochester is the lead in Charlotte Bronte’s novel, Jane Eyre, which was published in 1847. 

Wild swimmers can wade in the spray of the cascading waters of the Savanne River. They will tumble 10 metres down while taking in the spectacular view of the surrounding forest. 

Set in the lush green landscape of inland Mauritius, Rochester Falls are the widest waterfalls in Mauritius. It has two access points. One is at the top of the waterfall and another leads visitors to the calmer waters at the bottom. The route traverses rugged terrain. However the rewarding swim at the end is worth the journey. Visitors can self-drive and hike to the falls or take a day tour. 

Sagamore Pendry Hotel, Baltimore

Guests can dip their toes into the Sagamore Pendry hotel pool whilst snacking on seasonal grilled food, sipping on cocktails, and looking out onto panoramic views of the harbour and city skyline of Baltimore.

The hotel’s deck and pool is perched at the end of the Recreation Pier providing guests with the best urban views around which can be taken in from the luxury of a private cabana bed. 

La Zanja (The Ditch) in Puerto Rico

Perhaps one of the most ‘Instagrammable’ places in Puerto Rico, La Zanja (The Ditch) in Fajardo, is an off-the-beaten-path wonder. It is a natural pool created from the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing onto the rocks and filling in the long ‘ditch-like’ indentation.

Although it’s a 20 to 30-minute hike to get to La Zanja, the beauty of this hidden gem will not disappoint travellers, providing a secluded ‘ocean pool’ to paddle in. 

Grand Ferdinand Hotel in Vienna

Guests can view Vienna like nowhere else at Grand Ferdinand Hotel’s heated rooftop pool. Perched on top of the centrally located boutique hotel, this pool offers guests unrivalled rooftop views of the historic architecture of Vienna.

Located alongside the Grand Étage restaurant, guests can also enjoy fine wine and dining whilst relaxing poolside. 

Slide Rock State Park, Arizona

Arizona has plenty of national parks that offer the chance for visitors and locals alike to escape the bustling cities nearby and retreat into nature. Between the dramatic rocky outcrops and vast desert landscapes, visitors will find tranquil rivers and waterfalls dotted around, enticing enough to dive right in.

One of the most popular wild swimming spots in Arizona can be found in Slide Rock State Park, just outside Sedona. Aptly named, the park is home to Slide Rock at Oak Creek with its 80-foot-long slippery red sandstone chute which has been worn away over the years, creating the perfect natural water slide.

Adventure seekers can take on the chute whilst families can swim or paddle to cool off after a stroll through the high desert shrubbery found in the park. 

Saadiyat Beach Club, Abu Dhabi

One of Abu Dhabi’s most glamorous spots to be seen at is the stylist Saadiyat Beach Club – a private beach club right on Saadiyat Beach, where endangered Hawksbill turtles come to nest each year.

The club offers members and day visitors a spa, gym, four restaurants, lounges, and access to the stunning white sand beach.

However, Saadiyat Beach Club’s most popular attraction is its enticing 650 square-metre infinity edge pool, which overlooks the dunes, surrounded by cozy daybeds and private cabanas. Come the weekend, DJs play throughout the afternoon, making this spot the perfect place to relax with a cocktail in Abu Dhabi. 

L27 Rooftop Lounge, The Westin, Nashville

The pool at L27 Rooftop Lounge, located on the 27th floor of The Westin Nashville, is Nashville’s highest rooftop pool offering sweeping skyline views of Music City. After undergoing a redesign in 2018 to revamp the interior and poolside terrace, L27 offers an elegant poolside experience with a glass-enclosed dipping pool surrounded by daybeds and loungers, as well as private cabanas and booths.

A stairwell leads up to a smaller lounge on the 28th floor, where guests can get even better views of the city and relax on comfy couches with signature cocktails such as the Cucumber Lemon Julep, Prosecco Pop, and the jalapeno-infused Bee Sting.   

Omaanda in Namibia

Namibia, at the southern tip of Africa is one of the most remote destinations on the planet and is a country with the second lowest population density in the world. With views of the vast desert that seem to go on forever, the destination pairs well with an infinity pool to relax and truly soak up the views.

A shimmering infinity pool overlooking a glorious expanse of savannah sets the show-stopping scene on arrival at Omaanda, situated on the private Zannier Reserve. Namibia is also home to an International Dark Sky Reserve and the navy night sky which is full of stars is mirrored in the pool at the lodge.

Omaanda is a designer’s dream built for pausing, relaxing, and drowning out the sounds of an ever-noisy world. Whether that escape be by the pool, in one of the private thatched ‘huts’ that have taken inspiration from Owambo tribe or on a private game drive deep into the desert. 

Lakes of the USA

While the United States boasts vast stretches of ocean coastline there is also a vibrant beach scene in the interior of the country. Beautiful lakes can be found around the USA, from Alabama to Nevada. In Chicago, Illinois, the shoreline of Lake Michigan is a beehive of activity during the warmer months, which encompasses 26 beaches that are excellent for swimming.

Lake Tuscaloosa is a nearly 2,400-hectare reservoir with 285 kilometres of shoreline, located in west-central Alabama and is a great destination for year-round swimming, given Alabama’s warm climate. Lake Tahoe’s crystal-clear waters and mountainous surroundings are beautiful at any time of year, but to truly take advantage of the largest alpine lake in North America, come during the warmer months for a swim on the California-Nevada border.

Near the geographic centre of the country, Clinton State Park in Kansas is about 82 kilometres southwest of Kansas City, Missouri. The star of the park is Clinton Lake, this large lake beckons summer visitors with cool, clear water that is ideal for swimming. 

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Concord, Massachusetts

The original part of the Concord’s Colonial Inn was built in the early 1700s before the Revolutionary War. With such a long history, it’s no wonder that spirits still wander the halls of this historic hotel. One of the most famous, haunted and sought-after guest rooms is room 24. During the Revolutionary War, the right side of the Inn was privately owned by Dr. Timothy Minot.

When patriot soldiers were injured at the Battles of Lexington and Concord at the North Bridge, they were brought to his home. Dr. Minot used what is now the Liberty Room as a hospital and room 24 as an operating room. Several soldiers in room 24 died during surgery and then brought directly downstairs into room 27, the makeshift morgue.

It’s no wonder then that guests have reported lights flickering in room 27 or turning on and off completely. One guest woke up in the middle of the night and every light was on in the room. Others heard hushed whispers from the closet and have seen the door to slamming shut on its own.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, well known today as being a mountaintop spa resort in the Arkansas Ozarks, was once used as a Cancer Curing Hospital which was under the control of the hospital’s owner, reported charlatan Norman Baker from Muscatine, Iowa.  Baker operated his Eureka Springs’ facility from 1937 until December 1940.

There are many paranormal patrons with terrifying tales to tell. Among those are Michael, the Irish stonemason who, while constructing the building back in 1885, fell to his death in the footprint of what is now Room 218. He has thought to be a frequent visitor to the room since the day of his death. There’s also Theodora in Room 419 – a patient and helper during the days when Norman Baker owned the hotel. She reportedly puts bags in front of the door from the inside, making it hard for guests to enter upon their return. Dozens of ghost like encounters and creepy, unexplained occurrences happen at this haunted hotel on a regular basis.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

The Jekyll Island Club Resort has seen many families come and go since it opened in 1887. With all that time, comes the stories and mysteries, the staff and guests have encountered firsthand. One such encounter involves the family of J.P. Morgan.

Sans Souci, is a four-story structure erected in 1896 as one of the first condominiums for families to use, including the family of J. Pierpont Morgan. His family rooms were located on the third floor, facing the Jekyll River.

Mr. Morgan loved cigars. As the story goes, one could tell where he was by following the trail of smoke. To avoid criticisms for his hobby, he rose early every morning to smoke on the porch.Those who have stayed in the Morgan’s old apartment swear they have awakened to the faint smell of cigar smoke wafting about when there is absolutely no one else awake.

Nashville, Tennessee

One of Nashville’s most iconic landmarks, Union Station Nashville, Autograph Collection is also reportedly one of the most haunted hotels in America. It resides in a building that previously served as the city’s buzzing railway station. Guests discovers the building’s rich history through another kind of encounter: with the hotel’s resident ghost, Abigail.

Legend has it that during World War II a young woman, Abigail, said goodbye to her soldier on the Union Station train platform. When she arrived to greet him on his return, she instead learned that he was killed in action. Distraught, Abigail threw herself in front of a passing locomotive. Her forlorn spirit still wanders the main terminal and in Room 711. Now known as the Abigail Room, guests can stay in the haunted suite. It features antique furnishings, a four-poster bed, and artwork inspired by her tale.

Honolulu, Hawaii

On February 28, 1905, the untimely death of Jane Stanford, co-founder of Stanford University, made headlines everywhere. Stanford, who was vacationing in Hawaii following a strychnine poisoning attempt on her life, died in her room at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa.

People say that the ghost of Stanford still frequents this hotel. Guests and hotel staff have said that they’ve seen her walking at night trying to find her room.

New Hampshire

Known affectionately by staff members as “the princess”, Caroline Foster, was a long-time inhabitant of Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods. Her husband, railroad tycoon Joseph Stickney, built the grand resort in 1902.

Incorporating special accommodations for his wife, construction of the resort included an indoor swimming pool and a private dining room for Caroline known today as the “Princess Room.” Many guests continue to report sightings of the regal Caroline. This hotel is considered among the most haunted hotels in America.

There are reports of an elegant woman in Victorian dress wandering the hallways of the hotel; there are light taps on doors when no one is outside; and items suddenly disappear and then reappear in the place they were lost. But perhaps the most common sighting of the beloved Caroline is in room 314, where guests report seeing a vision of the woman sitting at the edge of their bed.

Asheville, North Carolina

There is a strange, but gentle spirit residing within the walls of Omni Grove Park Inn. Known simply as the “Pink Lady”, she has been a fixture in the hotel for nearly a century. She reportedly died on the Palm Court floor after falling two stories from the fifth floor to the third floor. The Pink Lady is a dense pinkish smoke with a presence felt by guests throughout the hotel grounds.

San Antonio, Texas

The Emily Morgan is known to be one of the most haunted hotels in all of Texas. According to various reports, even some given by the hotel’s own management team, the most haunted floors are the seventh, ninth and fourteenth floors in addition to the basement.

It was these particular floors that at one time functioned as the psychiatric ward, surgery level, waiting area and morgue, respectively. At the Emily Morgan, almost all of the paranormal reports involve ghosts and spirits from days gone by when the building was the medical building.

Guests have reported strange things occurring on these particular levels. Those staying on the fourteenth level of the Emily Morgan generally have one thing to say: that the smell is acutely reminiscent of a hospital. Guests have reported to opening the doors to the hallways only to find a scene from a hospital waiting right inside.

Salem, Massachusetts

The city of Salem is notorious for the Salem Witch Trials in 1692 and is prone to hauntings and spirits of its own. Hawthorne Hotel has ghost stories, mostly attributed to the sea captains who were returning to their gathering place. In particular, guests staying in rooms 612 and 325 have reported of lights turning off and on and experiencing a general uneasy feeling throughout the haunted rooms.

Saranac, New York

This historic Hotel Saranac, Curio Collection by Hilton was built on foundation of a former High School. It is the only hotel building remaining of 13 luxury hotels that once served this community. While fires led to the downfall of some of the area’s hotels, survived by design: made of steel and brick, Hotel Saranac was the area’s first fireproof hotel. The hotel had a civil defense tower on top, where it is said that Boy Scouts wait to watch for Russian Bombers.

Room 308 – Emily Balsam, was a guest at Hotel Saranac and worked at a local college. She had a cat. She was not feeling well and got tired of people checking on her and just wanted to be left alone. Then she disconnected her phone and stopped all housekeeping.

No one saw much of her after that. At some point the guest and staff started to complain about the smell coming from that room and the cat always “crying” and Emily refused to answer the door. The manager at the time went up to talk to her and found she had been dead for weeks and the cat was still alive. The cat was taken to a shelter but it is said that the ghost of Emily’s cat can still be heard crying or scratching at the wall, perhaps wandering the hotel looking for her.

Read more about the most haunted hotels around the world in Travelife Magazine.

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A Destination in its Own Right: Kyoto Train Station

This striking steel and glass structure is an Instagram-worthy attraction in its own right. It also boasts a 15th-floor observation deck, several performance spaces, a multitude of restaurants, and a department store. From the station you can hail an English-speaking taxi driver to help you explore further afield too.

Forest-bathing in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by day

Autumn is a great time to visit Kyoto as the weather tends to be warm and dry. This is also the best season to try shinrin-yoku (forest-bathing); the Japanese art of spending time in nature to reduce stress and increase a sense of wellbeing. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is spectacular, as the bamboo stalks reach to the sky and surrounds in a boundless way.

Then Take a Stroll Around Gion at Night

Gion is Kyoto’s entertainment and famed geisha district, which is a mix of the historically beautiful and modern architecture. In Gion, modern entertainment establishments mix with traditional 17th-century teahouses.

The district has beautiful streets like Shimbashi illuminated at night; and if you are lucky you may spot a geiko or maiko in this area. While they’re known as geishas in Tokyo, in Kyoto the correct term is geiko, which means “women of art”. Geiko spend at least five years in training as an apprentice – also known as a maiko – to perfect their abilities, including to play musical instruments, dance, and host games for guests.

Visit a Temple

With 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 1600 Buddhist temples and over 400 Shinto shrines (Shinto is a unique ancient Japanese faith system), Kyoto is one of the world’s most culturally rich cities.

Kyoto Traveler’s Inn is well-suited for those who want to see the cultural sites of Kyoto since many of the city’s shrines and temples are located within walking distance from the hotel. These include the Shoren-in Temple, Ginkakuji, Heian Jingu Shrine and the Yasaka Shrine. The Yasaka Shrine is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto and accessible in just 15 minutes by foot.

Explore Kyoto’s Pantry: Nishiki Market

Enjoying the cuisine in Japan is an important part of any trip there, so a great Kyoto institution to explore is Nishiki Market in downtown Kyoto. There you will find a vast array of foods on display and to try, and the engaging market stall holders will make new visitors to the market feel very welcome.

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What if booking a hotel room and going to the same touristic places is something you are not considering? Maybe you and your group hanker for a different kind of vacation, a unique getaway, or an unforgettable experience.

In this case, glamping is the perfect plan for an authentic autumn holiday, and here are five reasons why.

Comfort and luxury in the great outdoors

Glamping is all about glam and chic camping in nature, that means you get the best of the great outdoors without all the inconveniences. With amenities and decorations similar to those found in a five-star hotel, these unique accommodations are great alternatives to traditional campouts.

Why not opt for a cabin with a hot tub or a rental with an outdoor shower? Just because you are out in the wild, doesn’t mean you can’t pamper yourself. 

Unique accommodations in unique locations

From yurts and treehouses to airstreams and castles, glamping can’t get more authentic.

These accommodations are located in the most beautiful sceneries: national parks, private islands, or secluded oasis are part of the plethora of settings where you can relish the spirit of the wild in style. 

Fresh air and cool nights

The idea of getting away from the hot heated cities, taking in a deep breath of fresh mountain air or enjoying the cool ocean breeze is more than appealing.

Since glamping is all about comfort, you can be sure you’ll stay fresh indoors and you will thank the coolness of the night. What’s more, you can look up at the star-filled sky from the privacy of a spacious deck.

It is eco-friendly

Glamping is great when it comes to the environment. Most accommodations are constructed with eco-friendly materials. Shipping containers, for instance, are recycled and transformed into charming and very unique lodging.

Furthermore, the use of composting toilets, solar power, and working gardens reduces the environmental footprint and helps toward minimizing the impact we have in nature.

Endless adventures

Most glamping accommodations are located in the wild and with so much nature surrounding, outdoor adventures are endless.

There’s whitewater rafting, canoeing, diving, hiking, and biking. Also, there’s wine tasting and wildlife watching. Or you can just relax. There are unlimited option for recreation while on a glamping holiday.

Written by Alexis Vega, SEO Specialist at Glamping Hub.

Read more about glamping around the world in Travelife Magazine.

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THE BEST STARGAZING LOCATIONS IN COLORADO

1
Black Canyon Gunnison National Park
Montrose

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has always been an incredible location to see the stars. In 2015 it officially received the title of International Dark Sky Park. With its majestic canyons, it’s the perfect backdrop for visitors who wish to spend a night amongst the stars. The Black Canyon Astronomical Society, in partnership with local star-gazing groups, regularly leads night-time programmes with experienced astronomers and astro-photographers to capture the action in the night sky.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is one of the most under-rated national parks in the United States. So it offers solitude whilst camping under the stars.

2
Garden of the Gods
Colorado Springs 

The Garden of the Gods is located far enough from city lights for a clear view of the night sky. Yet it is also a short distance to the cultural hub of Colorado Springs, so you can enjoy visiting Colorado Springs in the day. The vast space at Garden of the Gods provides visitors with a perfect view of the starry sky, which lights up the summit of Pikes Peak.

The unusual large sandstone red rock formations set the scene for an enchanting night of stargazing. Travelers can lie back and admire the constellations. Colorado Springs also has an Astronomical Society which holds public stargazing events. These are known as Public Star Parties.

3
Grand Lake

Grand Lake is ideal for spotting the constellations amongst the stars. Whether stargazers are searching for Cassiopeia or the Big Dipper, minimal obstacles stand in the way of catching a glimpse of these. This is because the pollution levels in Colorado are extremely low. Known as the Western Gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Lake has a charming lakeside setting with quaint cabins lining the shore. It is also  the largest natural lake in Colorado. In the winter months, visitors can ice skate under thesky or take part in night skiing at Ski Granby Ranch.

4
Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
Alamosa 

The largest sand dunes in the United States are at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. These sand dunes are an attraction in the daytime; but these become even more mysterious at night. This is one of the only wild places in the world where rangers actively encourage visitors to do a self-guided exploration in complete darkness.

Explorers should plan their visit to coincide with a full moon to hike without the aid of a torch light. Travelers can also spot many local wildlife including owls, kangaroo rats, and coyotes.

5
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre
Denver

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre provides visitors with the opportunity to watch some of the biggest musical stars live onstage. It also has an incredible night sky framed by the park’s natural red rock topography and views of Denver’s skyline in the distance.

6
Rocky Mountain National Park
Estes Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is Colorado’s most popular national park. In the summer months, a team of park rangers lead after-dark activities such as Astronomy in the Park and Stories behind the Moon and Stars. The pinnacle of the park’s stargazing events is the Rocky National Park Night Sky Festival. During this three-day festival, park rangers host late-night stargazing, as well as a daily show called Spirit of the Mountains.

7
San Luis Valley

San Luis Valley is a great location for stargazing. But locals also claim it’s a hot spot for alien sightings and alien activity. Dozens of unexplained flying objects have been sighted in the area since 2007 with the nearby watchtower providing information on previous extra-terrestrial encounters. The unobstructed views of the sky without any light competition means there isn’t anything getting in the way of the starry night-time show.

Read Travelife Magazine for more on traveling around the United States.

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