#koh-phangan

#koh-phangan

"It's not exactly a dream vacation to come and be harassed by mosquitoes," says Hervé Bossin, director of the medical entomology laboratory at Tahiti's Institut Louis Malardé.

Upon first glance of the architectural marvel that is the magnificent indoor-outdoor lobby, my mouth gaped open; on every return visit since, it's done the same.

The Leica Vibrant mode was in its element here, pulling stunning color out of these flamboyant buildings that surrounded the central canal. The telephoto camera has excellent image quality, and while the 3.2x-4.3x optical zoom range did seem limited, a quick punch to the 8x mode produced exceptionally usable results.

Located within the Maddalena Archipelago National Park, Rosa dei Budelli is one of the Mediterranean's most closely protected beaches. Its pale pink hue, created by microscopic organisms mixed with crushed coral, has made it famous, but access is tightly regulated. Visitors may arrive only by boat and must admire the shoreline from designated areas offshore.

The sense of open space of connecting to nature is contested by the building forms that emerge through the prescribed structural codes and densities. The architecture emerges from the site, topography, from the region's material history-black basalt and wood-and adapts to both flexible and fixed-public and private-programs.

Well-being has never been more at the forefront of our minds than now, and there have never been more excuses to practice wellness on a daily basis. From sound baths in the Maldives to recovery lounges in Napa Valley, 2026 is set to see boundary-pushing wellness trends in the travel world.

Forget Phuket's reputation as a backpacker's paradise. There's a whole lot more to Thailand's largest island than its nightlife scene, with a clutch of white sand beaches fringing azure waters, a scattering of historic temples, a cheerful town center lined with colorful 19th-century shophouses, and markets slinging everything from street food to spices and knick-knacks for your suitcase. Whatever you seek from an island getaway, you're sure to find it here.

Yoga retreats are admittedly amazing. Imagine an entire block of time to tune in to your mind and body as you move, reflect, and perhaps explore your surroundings while honing various elements of your yoga practice. There's a reason the global yoga travel market is projected to reach $222 billion by 2030. That said, you may be seeking a vacation that includes a collection of friends or loved ones-including non-yogis.

As an American who's traveled to 44 countries over the last 30 years, I've seen my fair share of unforgettable places. But if I had to choose one place to visit again and again, it would be Bali, an island and province in Indonesia that combines vibrant culture, natural beauty, and a pace of life that feels both energizing and restorative. After spending a month on the island in 2023, I fell in love. Here's what made my trip to Bali so special.

Hilo, Hawaii on the Big Island has been a top pick for many spring travelers, according to Kayak. The booking company found that this spring break, flight searches to Hilo are up 60 percent and that airfare is down 26 percent, when compared to last year. An average, roundtrip economy flight over spring break is $503, according to Kayak.

Deserted white sandy beaches, a 15-seat chef's table serving a farm-to-table Michelin-starred tasting menu, silence broken only by crashing waves, and not a cocktail bucket in sight. Oh yes, this is Phuket, but not as you might know it. For those willing to go against the grain and head north over the bridge, it's just 20 minutes to Iniala Beach House, but a world away from the island you think you know.

You can visit here and see the beauty of the island by looking around and going about your day. However, it's deeper than you can see. What's missed is the stories told, so seek out our history and our roots, then you will truly understand.

Tucked away in the Wat Ket area, a quiet pocket of Chiang Mai well clear of the chaos of the Old Town, at 137 Pillars House you're close enough to dip in when you want to, but far enough out that the noise never follows you back. It's the kind of neighbourhood where mornings start slowly, perhaps with a quick trip to the nearby Lung Khajohn Wat Ket, one of the city's best rice roll spots, or a plate of Neng's Clay Pot Roast Pork (insanely delish!), before retreating back to the calm of the hotel gardens.

I recently returned from my fifth trip to French Polynesia-specifically, Bora Bora-and I remain convinced it's the most beautiful place on earth. Since I first honeymooned there in 2010, every trip back feels just as awe-inspiring as the first: impossibly turquoise lagoons, powder-soft sand, Instagram-worthy overwater bungalows, and underwater scenes that are almost too magical to be real. But here's something else about this kind of paradise: It's remote.

Hotels in North GoaStay in Goa's vibrant north to be close to the party spots, new cafés and happening events. This area is home to the most popular beaches in Goa-Baga, Vagator, Candolim, Calangute, and Morjim-dotted with shacks, and offering water sports and adventure activities. Stay here for the flea markets, historic forts, nightlife and happenings bars, the live gigs and a variety of food.

My move to Phuket was about choosing a fabulous place to live while continuing my freelance career. I feel like I've been part of the island's community for years. I'd visit annually for a couple of weeks at a time, maintain friendships, and get to know local business owners. Every trip had me dreaming about potential jobs and interesting opportunities.