There’s a lot more to enjoy on this island beyond the beaches and famous blue liqueur. The capital of Willemstad is the nexus of museums, history, and beautifully restored monuments, but this quirky little island has all kinds of hidden gems and cool adventures secreted throughout its eclectic neighborhoods and surreal desert-like interior.—Susan Campbell
Recently, an unprecedented number of exceptional—and exceptionally stylish—small boutique hotels have revitalized the hotel scene in Paris. Whether you're looking for a deluxe five-star experience in the heart of the city, a hipster hideaway, or an out-of-the way budget gem, there's something new, and wonderful, for everyone.—Jennifer Ladonne
They don’t call it “One Happy Island” for nothing, and that’s especially true for families. Aruba has miles of shallow, soft sand beaches perfect for all kinds of water activities geared toward all ages. But beyond the beach, there are also lots of great family-friendly things to do.—Susan Campbell
A new museum dedicated to the works of Hans Christian Andersen, author of “The Little Mermaid” and “Thumbelina,” is set to open in the Danish city of Odense. While there is already a museum in the author’s childhood home, the new museum will be more focused on his fairy tales. Local cultural official Jane Jegind described the museum as a “unique possibility to create Andersen’s fairy tale universe in a way that will appeal to both children and adults.”
The museum will be designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates, a Japanese architecture firm that won the project with its dreamy and magical designs. The concept art for the museum depicts minimalist, curving structures that integrate seamlessly with lush gardens that transport visitors to the enchanted worlds of Andersen’s beloved characters.
For more on this story visit VOA News.
Plan your trip with the Denmark Travel Guide.
Do you have some extra wine and quality local produce? Can you build a website, give some pointers on vegan cooking, or even just help collect olives? Then you may be able to check in to an Italian bed and breakfast—without paying a cent!
November 14th through the 20th is La Settimana del Baratto a.k.a. Barter Week. The week encourages Italian innkeepers and travelers to exchange goods and services for free stays in thousands of participating bed and breakfasts. Travelers that are interested in participating can visit SettimanadelBarratto.it and list their offers or peruse the wishlists of participating bed and breakfasts.
For more on this story visit The Guardian.
Plan your trip with the Italy Travel Guide.
Southeast Asia has long been considered a backpacker’s dream, offering vast landscapes and affordable boutique accommodation in the perfect budget destination. However, the lesser-known, luxurious side of the region is rapidly earning a reputation, thanks to its sought-after retreats and luscious private getaways. We’ve explored some of the most luxurious holiday experiences on offer, from luxury cruises to award-winning wellness spas.
Although Vietnam has only recently seen its tourist industry blossom, it has rapidly become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. For luxury travelers, the country’s relatively recent bloom means there aren’t quite as many high-end hotels here as elsewhere in this part of the world. However, the Six Senses Hideaway at Ninh Van Bay leaves little to be desired. Located in the coastal city of Nha Trang, this stunning hideaway boasts earth-toned rock pool villas set inside a serenely beautiful private cove. Possessing the same exclusive atmosphere as a private island, the resort is surrounded by white sands and striking mountains that create a feeling of being at one with nature.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Vietnam Guide
Thailand is renowned for beautiful resorts and luxury spa holidays, but among the most impressive is the Layana Resort & Spa in Ko Lanta. Winner of the Best Luxury Destination Spa Thailand award in 2015, this pristine resort has been designed to cater to your every need. Particularly favored by honeymooners, the Layana Resort is an adults-only destination overlooking a stunning secluded beach. Inside, guests can explore the vast range of spa treatments on offer, from basic facials to the Layana Signature massage, which is a favorite among connoisseurs. Unlike many of Thailand’s more luxurious getaways, Ko Lanta remains relatively unknown, so you can bask in the peace and quiet.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Thailand Guide
It isn’t just hotels and resorts that provide a five-star service; some of the most luxurious holidays in the world take place at sea. There is a wide range of Southeast Asian cruises available, each following a different itinerary to deliver an original view of this incredibly beautiful region. Luxury cruise line Azamara Cruise Club offers an exciting 16-night cruise option that explores the culturally diverse stretch between Singapore and Bali. Beginning with the bright lights of the region’s richest country, the cruise stops for day trips at a range of beautiful destinations including Semarang, the home of the largest Buddha monument in the world. Finally, spend a few nights on shore in Bali, a vibrant country rich with temples, volcanic peaks, and stunning flora.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Indonesia Guide
If the term “eco-tourism” brings to mind cold tents with leaking roofs, you might be surprised by the indulgent approach taken at 4 River Floating Eco Lodge in Tatai, Cambodia. Floating on the surface of the picturesque Tatai River, the retreat boasts panoramic views of untouched forest that encourages guests to leave the stress and strain of modern life behind. The luxurious villas have been constructed from eco-friendly materials and were designed to remain in harmony with nature, while providing the decadence you would expect from a five-star hotel. Private balconies with picture-perfect views across to the Cambodian jungle are the icing on the cake at this oasis of peace and tranquility.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Cambodia Guide
It’s impossible to explore Southeast Asia’s most luxurious destinations without featuring a luxury yoga retreat—and where better to do so than the Philippines’ top wellness hideaway? Located in the beautiful region of Batangas, The Farm is renowned for its natural approach to health and operates from a philosophy based on emotional healing and detoxifying. Within this intricately designed retreat, guests can enjoy indulgent spa treatments, yoga and meditation, aqua aerobics, and stress reduction guidance, all of which have been designed to help boost mental and physical wellbeing. During your stay, you’ll also have access to the retreat’s award-winning vegan restaurant, which sources much of its produce from The Farm’s own organic garden.
Plan Your Trip: Visit Fodor’s Philippines Guide
Paul Edge, director of Cruise Club UK, is a passionate travel enthusiast. When he isn’t busy heading up operations at Cruise Club, he often finds himself out at sea, exploring a new part of the world.
For those fed up with restaurant decision making, your new dining era is here. Food halls have taken the variety of yesteryear’s shopping mall food courts and spun them into delectable culinary bazaars. They’re cropping up in cities from coast to coast, but in New York it seems like nouveau food halls are in (or coming to) practically every neighborhood—including a massive one proposed by Anthony Bourdain for Manhattan’s Pier 57, rumored to open in 2019. Here’s a look at a baker’s dozen of the best halls hungry to feed you right now.—Kelsy Chauvin
