So thanks to Covid-19 almost every single industry across the globe has been shaken up beyond all recognition, the tourism industry included, with the concept of holidays practically obliterated in a 2 month period.

For many countries, this means a massive hit to their GDP.

So in light of staying positive we are going to share with you a few places to go once the dust clears on 2020, some of the best things to do while on the ground AND how you’ll be directly helping the local community by visiting.

Sri-Lanka

 

 

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Where to go & what to see

Sinharaja Rain Forest:

Explore this lush rainforest filled with monkeys, snakes, chameleons and swim in the waterfalls spend a day or a few hours here it is totally up to you just make sure you visit.

Yala National Park Safari:

See elephants, beach walk, birdwatch, and take a tour to visit all the animals in this park.

Sigiriya: 

Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka.

Adams Peak: 

A tall pointed mountain in Central Sri Lanka. Aim to be at the top by sunrise for an incredible view.

Galle:

Visit the Galle Fort, a Dutch-built fort that is now a World Heritage Site and the largest remaining sea fort in Asia built by European occupiers.

Nuwara Eliya:

The area holds many natural beauties, like waterfalls, hills, tea plantations, and the towering Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.

Arugam Bay:

The beach is the perfect place to spend a relaxing day or catching quality surf breaks—the best place to surf is Main Point, located on the south side of the bay.

 

 

 

Where to stay:

Amangalla Resort

If you like your resorts tranquil and utterly transfixing then the Amangalla is for you. With its 19th-century artifacts and lush grounds, a stay at the Amangalla in Fort Galle is almost like a Frances Hodgson Burnett storybook meets Vogue Living. That is, it’s got a little bit of ‘The Secret Garden’ mixed with the opulence of ‘The Little Princess’ but all the main characters are architects and interior design mavens.

 

 

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Amanwella Resort:

This resort opened in 2005 but as an Aman property, the inside aesthetics are just as stunning as the location: Breathtakingly spacious and completely zen.

 

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Resplendent Ceylon Resorts:

Ceylon Tea Trails

This resort is nestled in the heart of the Sri Lankan tea fields. This is the ultimate luxury escape for the adventurer and the relaxer or in our case the ‘Wild and Mild’! There are treks and bike rides with gorgeous mountain views, lakes, waterfalls and winding roads and when you arrive back to your tranquil escape you will be greeted with your very own butler, spa treatment and a beautiful pool to relax by.

 

 

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Wild Coast Tented Lodge

Adjacent to Yala National Park which is know for its leopard population (for more info see above!) But this resort is the next level ‘glamping’ set up based on a quite beach, as well as a free flowing swimming pool to top this experience off.

 

 

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Cape Weligama

Located on the Nautical Cliffs of Sri Lanka this location resort is one with gorgeous sea side views and is only 30 mins drive from Galle. Cliff top dining, a 60 metre infinity pool and 5 star villas whats not to love!

 

 

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Indonesia 

 

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Where to go & What to see?

Dieng Plateau:

Here you’ll catch sweeping mountain views of jungles and distant villages, a multi-colored lake, hot spring, and ancient Hindu temples. Divine.

Bangka Belitung Islands:

Famed for its idyllic beaches with blissful white sand, iconic granite boulders, and palm trees but beyond the translucent water and hypnotizing sunsets, it’s also home to some breathtaking cultural and historical landmarks.

Raja Ampat:

With one of the liveliest underwater scenes on the planet, this world-famous tropical paradise is home to over 530 species of coral, 700 species of mollusk, and 1,300 types of fish.

Ubud:

Ubud is also one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the popular island destination. The famed Tegalalang Rice Terrace, for example, is a must-visit spot while in Bali.

Tanjung Puting National Park:

A vast, mostly untouched tropical jungle with fresh air, mystical morning fog, birds chirping, and rivers gushing are not enticing enough for you, factor this in: Tanjung Puting National Park is home to the wild orangutan,

Derawan Islands:

Sangalaki Island is popular for diving and snorkeling, due to its thriving underwater scene, filled with coral, manta rays, turtles, and more. The relatively remote location helps conserve the natural beauty of this archipelago, making it a pristine and beautiful island paradise in Indonesia.

 

 

 

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Where to stay:

Bawah Reserve offers a sensational island experience in Indonesia’s remote Anambas archipelago. With an earth-first philosophy from its inception, the Reserve’s 36 sustainably-made suites combine refined island elegance with barefoot luxury simplicity. Guests have three lagoons, six islands, 13 beaches and 300 hectares of untouched forest as their private playground.

 

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 Nihi Sumba Resort:

Although Sumba island may still be off the grid from the general tourist map, surprisingly Nihi Sumba has a number of luxurious hideouts offering the ultimate in privacy, exclusivity, views, and romance. Need more convincing? It’s also been recognized as 2nd best hotel worldwide by Tripadvisor and the number one hotel in the world by Travel+Leisure magazine.

 

 

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Italy

 

Where to go & What to see?

Rome:

There is so much history, so much art, and so many amazing sites to visit that Rome cannot be missed best places to visit are The Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel, and the Borghese Museum.

Florence:

Florence, capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. One of its most iconic sights is the Duomo, a cathedral with a terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi and a bell tower by Giotto.

Tuscany:

With scenic, picturesque hillside towns rising up amidst vineyards and rolling hills, Tuscany is gorgeous and a joy to explore. You could easily spend one week in Tuscany, settling down in a Tuscan villa, with day trips out to the surrounding towns.

Venice:

Venice is romantic, historic, and gorgeous. The canals, the gondolas, the architecture, the colorful towns of Murano and Burano, wander along the canals, take a gondola ride through the city, see St. Mark’s Square, walk across the Rialto Bridge, and visit the Doges’ Palace and Saint Mark’s Basilica.

Cinque Terra:

The Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most scenic spots. It is here that five colorful, gorgeous towns precariously sit on the hills that tumble into the Mediterranean Sea. Hike it or hop from town to town by train…this is a gorgeous spot to explore.

Pompeii:

At the foot of Mt. Vesuvius sits the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii. This is your chance to walk through a preserved, ancient city and get one of Italy’s best history lessons.

The Amalfi Coast:

The drive along the Amalfi Coast is said to be one of the most scenic drives in the world, Positano, Amalfi, and Salerno are some of the top spots!

 

 

 

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Where to stay:

 

Four Seasons Hotel Firenze

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

This hotel feels like you are in a traditional Italian Castle and makes you feel at the height of royalty! Located in the gorgeous city of Florence a truly royal experience.

 

 

Hotel Santa Caterina

Amalfi, Amalfi Coast, Italy

A seawater heated pool and luxury hotel located on the Amalfi Coast. Hidden away so you can escape the crazy tourist scene. Old school and charming service with beautiful food and gorgeous accommodation.

 

Meg & Dom

Tags: Bali, Indonesia, Italy, Positano, Sri-Lanka, Sumba, Travel

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