FSMagic: Luxury Travel & Vacations

EGYPT

The land of Indiana Jones and one of the oldest tourist destinations in the world, Egypt has never ceased to amaze with its mummies and museums, its ancient souks and sacred mosques. Top sights include the electric-paced capital city of Cairo, whose boundaries end at the Great Sphinx and pyramids of Giza (hire a camel or quad bike for the true desert experience); the bohemian ambiance and distinct cultural heritage of Alexandria, known as “The Pearl of the Mediterranean”; the extraordinary temples along the River Nile (boat tours abound); and the fantastic coral reefs and tropical fish of the Red Sea. There’s also the Temple of Karnak, Luxor Temple, and the Grand Egyptian Museum, to name a few of the world-renowned treasures this country has to offer. Other hotspots include Dahab (world-renowned for windsurfing) and Sharm El Sheikh, whose five-star resorts offer sun, sea, and sand. Keep in mind that Egypt can get hot, especially in the summertime, but there’s no better excuse to enjoy a midday nap or spa treatment at your luxury hotel. Then, head out to join Egyptians gathered in parks and popular cafes at sunset and staying well into the night for lively music, food, and conversation. Clothing layers are recommended, particularly in areas like the Sinai Peninsula, where weather is temperate year-round but nighttime temperatures can drop.

AZERBAIJAN

Azerbai-who??? This former Soviet republic may be off the typical traveler’s itinerary, but you’re not the typical traveler and Azerbaijan is off the charts for remarkable panoramas with futuristic skylines and dramatic deserts straight out of the pages of the Arabian Nights. It’s the real “East Meets West” deal, bordering Russia, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, and the Caspian Sea and mixing modernity with deeply held cultural traditions. Just about every climate in the world can be found here. You won’t believe your eyes when you journey to snow-capped mountains and volcanoes and then find yourself in soft, sandy deserts or subtropical woodlands. An early spring and mild winter, with plenty of sunny days in-between, make Azerbaijian the center of luxury beach tourism in the region, especially along the Absheron Peninsula. Come for sun and stay for more.

Thailand

Thailand — known as the “Land of Smiles” — is a perfect introduction to Southeast Asia’s incredible diversity with loads of options for every kind of traveler. It’s the quintessential international travel experience with spectacular nature, rich culture and history, friendly locals, and an exotic cuisine as delicious as it is colorful. Jungles, forests and mountains in the north (where hill tribes have lived for centuries) give you a chance for great hiking and trekking. Picture-perfect beaches and islands along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are home to high class hotels, turquoise waters and adventure sports — diving and snorkeling, anyone? At night, throw on your sandals and saris for full moon festivals and rocking beach parties. When you’re ready for the buzz of a world-class city, head to Bangkok for its incredible shopping, food, and nightlife. Gilded temples and palaces will make your jaw drop, and you’ll want to be sure to check the calendar for the many fascinating festivals and holidays such as the Songkran water festival, Loy Kratong, and the Lantern Festival.

JAPAN

To many, the beauty of Japan lies in its fierce dual embrace of the modern and traditional, and its ability to propel the latest cutting-edge developments while revering its cultural traditions and historic achievements. It is a timeless country where ancient rituals are fused with contemporary life, where religious shrines bump up against steel skyscrapers, and bullet trains whiz past age-old castles and palaces as if such juxtapositions are the most natural things in the world. From Tokyo’s urban sprawl to the peacefulness of Kyoto, from boisterous Osaka nightlife to Hiroshima's contemplative spirit, Japan’s big attractions never fail to dazzle first-time visitors. The country is a pioneer in the fields of design, technology, fashion, and cuisine. In its cities, you can set your watch by the trains, eat meals that resemble works of contemporary art, and experience the most technologically advanced toilets on the planet. And in the countryside, you can ski the powdery slopes of Hokkaido, revel in the springtime beauty of the bountiful Japanese sakura(cherry blossoms), frolic on the sun-drenched beaches of subtropical Okinawa or climb up the iconic Mount Fuji. It’s up to you — Japan has it all for the taking.

CHINA

Colossal and dizzying in its growth and powerful reach, China is developing at an unprecedented rate and, to the benefit of travelers, it is splendidly diverse in its geographic and cultural make-up. High speed rail ties the country together, making it possible to explore key attractions including the impactful sights of Great Wall, The Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, and majestic Yangtze River as well as the serene beauty of the Yellow Mountains, the Beijing Opera, and the prosperous Bund and steel-and-glass skyscraper forest of Shanghai. Yet it’s the sheer scale and energy of the country that travelers say leaves the most lasting impression. It is home to one of the world’s oldest cultures, with dozens of official ethnic groups, and traditions vary greatly between provinces, cities, and towns. It is a place that must be seen to begin to be understood.

A helpful note: Hotel rates are highest during the prime weather months of March until May then late September to early November. You also may prefer to schedule your trip to avoid hectic activity and packed tourist attractions during three main Chinese public holidays: Chinese New Year (usually falling in late January or early February), May holiday (the first week of May) and National Day (the first week of October).

INDIA

Stretching from the frozen Himalayan summits to the tropical greenery of Kerala, India encompasses an incomparable mix of landscapes, cultures, and people with more than one billion inhabitants divided into two thousand ethnic groups. The country astounds travelers with its chaotic vibrancy and cultural riches from temples and beaches to mountains and jungles. Visit the sacred Ganges and the sands of the Thar desert, try to catch sight of the rare Bengal tiger at a national park, visit a camel fair or the town of Darjeeling (famous for its tea). Experience the overwhelming sights and sounds of New Delhi and witness the gleaming white majesty of the Taj Mahal before retreating to the privacy and quiet of your luxury hotel. Enjoy a traditional tea and sweets, a nap or a luxury spa treatment before continuing a journey that will fill your heart and mind.

A helpful note: The best time to visit India is between late October (the end of the monsoon season) and mid-March. While April and May can be very hot and humid, with high temperatures regularly exceeding 40 degrees celsius on the northern plans, they are good months to visit the Himalayan foothills and the hill stations of Shimla and Darjeeling. High summer is pleasant in Kashmir and Ladakh.

SEYCHELLES

The Seychelles islands are an exclusive and private paradise come to life: Palm trees, white sands, astonishing azure waters, never-ending summer, tropical scents, vibrant colors, and exotic flavors…. the list goes on and on. And while all these images ring true, the Seychelles (officially the Republic of Seychelles), also are a much more multi-faceted holiday destination than your typical island getaway. Uninhabited until the 18th century, the Seychelles emergence from longtime isolation meant that it quickly became a destination for the international jet set while it also retained a rich and thriving diversity of flora and fauna. Its 115 coral and granite islands rise from the Indian Ocean, boasting magnificent beaches, majestic granite cliffs, and palm-fringed jungles. Travelers visit the Seychelles for its pristine and beautiful natural environment, only reachable by private yacht, and for the dynamic culture and amazing art galleries of its capital city Victoria — a place only the most privileged travelers get to see.

Mauritius

Beyond the pristine beaches and clear waters of this Indian Ocean island nation, you will discover a seductive fusion of Asian, African, French, and British cultures and a unique natural beauty throughout. Luxury hotels on white sand beaches with volcanic mountain backdrops occupy history-filled sites where pirates once roamed in the 17th and 18th centuries. The stunning coast rings a less-explored yet spectacular interior: tall swaying grasses of seemingly endless sugar-cane plantations, forested ridges and gorges, bright tropical flowers and palm trees, green meadows and arable land. Plentiful water sports, world-class spas, top-flight golf courses, and gourmet cuisine may make it hard to leave the hotel, but Mauritius has plenty to see and do. You’ll find a plethora of activities from touring Indian temples, French colonial houses, and botanical gardens to riding quad bikes, zip-lining, and horseback riding to bird-watching, wildlife parks, and swimming with dolphins. Mauritians are renowned for their diversity and hospitality, and visitors to the islands rave about the extraordinary service. It’s heavenly, indeed!

MALDIVES

Just south of the Indian subcontinent, the Republic of the Maldives consists of 26 gorgeous natural atolls of dual island chains encircled by a blue lagoon in the Indian Ocean, and we are not exaggerating when we tell you that they are possibly the most beautiful yet sophisticated small islands on earth. Levels of customer service, accommodation, and cuisine have risen exponentially in recent decades to meet world-class standards. The world’s first underwater restaurant, under-water nightclub, and underwater spa can all be found here. Go scuba diving or snorkeling and explore the island’s protected coral reefs. (You also can view marine life from within the popular Whale Submarine Maldives.) Or simply relax at one of the secluded and romantic Maldives resorts where exquisite beaches, spas, personalized service, and gourmet meals will leave you feeling relaxed and pampered.

A helpful note: Because of its closeness to the equator, the Maldives experience consistently warm (even hot) weather year-round and a volatile monsoon season between April and October. We suggest that the best time of year to visit the Maldives is during the dry season from January to April.

SOUTH AFRICA

So much about Africa that stirs the imagination is concentrated in the southernmost part of the country, where wildlife astounds and natural beauty will leave you awestruck. Hear the roar of a lion at night in Kruger National Park. Explore Kalahari Desert and vineyards stretching across the Winelands or visit mountain ranges that cascade into the sea. With miles of beaches, you’ll find family-friendly coves, long stretches of empty sand, and plenty of cultural and sporting activities as diverse as the country itself. In addition to dream safaris and romantic honeymoons, South Africa also has bustling modern cities with thriving arts and dining scenes. Although most visitors come to explore the country’s bush and its beaches, Cape Town and Johannesburg offer glamorous hotels, consistently high-quality cuisine, and activities from sports and shopping to art galleries and local tours that rival the world’s best.

A helpful note: We recommend that you visit the western part of South Africa in November through April, the warmer months. Johannesburg, Durban, and Kruger are more comfortable for visitors in the cooler weather from May to October.