From majestic temples to dazzling natural wonders, the world features over a thousand UNESCO World Heritage Sites spread across 160 countries. Exclusively granted to places deemed to be of outstanding importance to humanity, travellers from all over make their way to these famed locations to catch a glimpse of the glory.
So if you’re looking to explore the ruins of lost civilizations, looking to uncover the secrets of nature reserves and national parks or want to examine ancient monuments up close, here is a short guide from Scott Dunn on how best to explore and experience five UNESCO-designated sites in style.
1. Kilim Karst Geoforest, Langkawi
Essentially an archipelago of 99 beautiful islands in the northwest corner of Malaysia, Langkawi is a nature lover’s paradise. Traverse through the Kilim Karst Geoforest, Southeast Asia’s first ever UNESCO Global Geopark systems, that is sprawling with mangrove swamps and dramatic limestone cliffs teeming with local wildlife including macaques, otters, fish eagles and tree crabs. All sorts of other adventures await just round the corner – wander through bat caves to admire the stalagmites and stalactites formations, take a cable car to the island’s peak and enjoy superb panoramic views from the iconic Sky Bridge or hop on a boat out to snorkel around the surrounding islands and reefs. If you wish to relax, there are sweeping coves of silvery sand and year-round balmy seas to enjoy this tropical island paradise.
Where to stay: Stay at The Datai Langkawi, a luxurious beach resort nestled between lush rainforests and one of SouthEast Asia’s most breathtaking beaches. In fact, the Datai Bay’s idyllic white sand beach has been awarded by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 beaches worldwide.
Take this trip: A Short Getaway to Langkawi
When to go: November to April
Need to know: Malaysia-Singapore VTL in place
2. Medina of Marrakech, Morocco
Founded almost a thousand years ago, Marrakech, which is also known as the city of luxury, contains Morocco’s largest souk, where getting lost in the winding labyrinth of the UNESCO-listed medina is half the fun. Vibrant, colourful and with a chaotic charm, this city is like no other. Featured in an episode of Inventing Anna, follow the footsteps of Anna Delvey and her friends as you embark on an exclusive private tour of Yves St Laurent’s magical Marrakech home. While most visitors can only see the gardens, we’ll be able to secure exclusive access for you into his actual home. After your colourful adventures in Marrakech, head towards the Atlantic coast of Morocco and visit Oualidia that boasts peaceful beaches and an 11 km stretch of lagoon. Here you can learn to surf in the calm waters of the lagoon or harvest and taste locally grown oysters.
Where to Stay: La Sultana is a little gem of a hotel located in Marrakech. It is a luxury historical hotel featuring authentic Riad style architecture with intricately sculpted patios and a unique panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking the ancient Tombs of the Saadian Kings and out across to the beautiful Atlas Mountains in the distance. While visiting the rooftop, don’t miss out on trying the ‘Cocktail Yves Saint Laurent in Majorelle’ that was created by the La Sultana team to celebrate the opening of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in 2017.
Take this trip: Perfect Pairings : Marrakech & Oualidia
When best to visit: March to May, and September to November
VTL Status: Non-VTL: General Travel Category
3. Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, Canada
Be in awe of the UNESCO-designated Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, one of the last remaining ancient temperate rainforests in the world. Within the dense forests, sparkling inlets and snow-capped mountain peaks, the sights at the Reserve are one to behold. From watching bears swiping salmon from streams, spotting humpback whales out at sea, kayaking down the river or simply enjoying the dramatic landscapes, there is plenty to see and do throughout the seasons. Pair your visit with a short leg over in Vancouver where you can find gourmet food markets and a distinct fusion of cultures, which makes way for an enticing gastronomic scene.
Where to Stay: A stay at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is an assault on the senses. Set in a breathtaking location in the heart of the forest and within a stone’s throw of spectacular wildlife viewing, even arriving at the property is an adventure. Marvel over the stunning landscapes from a bird’s eye view on a 45 minute seaplane ride, before being transported by horse and cart to the heart of the resort. In the evenings, settle in by the fire with s’mores and stories of the day’s adventures.
Take this trip: Ultimate West Coast Canada
When best to visit: June to September
VTL Status: Canada-Singapore VTL in place
4. Shrines and temples of Nikko, Japan
Spread across an expansive landscape in the Tochigi Prefecture, just north of Tokyo, the charming city of Nikko is a testament to one of the most important figures in Japan’s history and is home to an array of architectural and decorative masterpieces. A destination revered for its outstanding beauty and splendid architecture of its UNESCO-designated Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, here you can wander and admire the intricate carvings displayed on the grounds of the shrine, cross the ancient Shinkyo Bridge and marvel at the haunted lantern of the Futarasan-jin Shrine. You can also spend your days hiking through idyllic marshlands, visiting waterfalls that change colours with the seasons or make your way to the scenic Lake Chuzenji to catch spectacular views of Mount Nantai. Soak away any tiredness at one of the natural onsens and you may also catch a glimpse of some wild monkeys taking a dip.
Where to Stay: Stay at the Ritz-Carlton Nikko, a pristine haven in the historic mountain region. Taking cues from its picturesque surroundings, graceful modernised Japanese design permeates throughout to bring the natural beauty of Nikko indoors. Guests can experience and immerse themselves in local culture through a variety of experiences from learning the Japanese skill of furoshiki wrapping to enjoying the sounds of drums and Japanese flute music at a sacred ceremonial dance.
Take this trip: Scenic Nikko
When best to visit: October to first half of November
VTL Status: Non-VTL: General Travel Category
5. Val d’Orcia, Italy
Discover the cultural, gastronomic and scenic delights of Tuscany and its capital Florence. Scattered with villas, farmhouses and castles nestled deep in the heart of the countryside, with olive groves and vineyards across rolling hills. Cycle through the heart of the UNESCO-listed Val d’Orcia and admire the valley’s landscapes which was the subject of many Renaissance paintings, especially by the painters of the Scuola Senese, The Siena School, mentioned in the Val d’ Orcia’s UNESCO nomination. If you can, time your visit to coincide with Il Palio, and you make some time in Siena for the build up and see the actual race. A centuries-old tradition, rival parts of the city race their horses bareback around the beautiful Campo.
Where to Stay: Experience the Italian countryside way of life in true luxury at the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco which offers luxurious suites and villas with private heated pools, exceptional cuisine and an array of outdoor activities all set against the magnificent backdrop of the Val d’Orcia. The property also has its own vineyards and winery onsite where guests can book tours and partake in tastings.
Take this trip: Extraordinary Florence & Tuscany
When best to visit: June to September
VTL Status: Italy-Singapore VTL in place