Michael's World

Travel Diaries

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Although we aren’t packing our bags quite yet, it seems safe to start dreaming about travel again. After a year spent inside, we have our eye on three sustainably minded destinations that will reignite your sense of adventure: a Costa Rican eco-resort, a tiger safari camp in India and a Greek island retreat. Read on for more about the places we can’t wait to discover.

Although we aren’t packing our bags quite yet, it seems safe to start dreaming about travel again. After a year spent inside, we have our eye on three sustainably minded destinations that will reignite your sense of adventure: a Costa Rican eco-resort, a tiger safari camp in India and a Greek island retreat. Read on for more about the places we can’t wait to discover.

ARENAL NATIONAL PARK, COSTA RICA

Don’t be fooled by its name: Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica is luxe. Each of the resort’s 25 tents boasts a private, spring-fed plunge pool, an outdoor shower and a terrace with views of the Arenal volcano (and perhaps a sloth or two!). But it’s the surrounding rainforest that really draws us to this eco-minded retreat. Arenal is known as the adventure capital of Costa Rica, and Nayara’s in-house guides can help you plan zip lining, white-water rafting, hiking trips and more curated activities. Between your outdoor adventures, grab a bite to eat at one of the five restaurants that highlight local ingredients and seasonal produce. Start your morning at the espresso bar and cap off your day with live music and inventive dishes at the cozy AmorLoco restaurant.

Don’t be fooled by its name: Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica is luxe. Each of the resort’s 25 tents boasts a private, spring-fed plunge pool, an outdoor shower and a terrace with views of the Arenal volcano (and perhaps a sloth or two!). But it’s the surrounding rainforest that really draws us to this eco-minded retreat. Arenal is known as the adventure capital of Costa Rica, and Nayara’s in-house guides can help you plan zip lining, white-water rafting, hiking trips and more curated activities. Between your outdoor adventures, grab a bite to eat at one of the five restaurants that highlight local ingredients and seasonal produce. Start your morning at the espresso bar and cap off your day with live music and inventive dishes at the cozy AmorLoco restaurant.

Photos Courtesy Nayara Tented Camp

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RANTHAMBHORE, INDIA

For a different kind of luxury camp, head to SUJÁN Sher Bagh in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. Spacious canvas tents feature sumptuous four-poster beds, en suite bathrooms and private verandas. Africa may be the place that comes to mind when you think of a safari, but Ranthambhore National Park is the world’s best place to observe tigers in the wild. Book your game drive in advance to see Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears and more native species roaming the forest and palace ruins. Owners Anjali and Jaisal Singh are dedicated to continuing their family’s decades-long commitment to conservation in the area, and a portion of profits from each stay goes to conserving and expanding natural habitats. At the end of the day, guests gather together to enjoy traditional Indian dinners cooked with vegetables and herbs picked straight from the Sher Bagh Farm. Although the forest offers endless opportunity for adventure, don’t forget to leave time to relax with a dip in the pool or an indulgent spa treatment.

For a different kind of luxury camp, head to SUJÁN Sher Bagh in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. Spacious canvas tents feature sumptuous four-poster beds, en suite bathrooms and private verandas. Africa may be the place that comes to mind when you think of a safari, but Ranthambhore National Park is the world’s best place to observe tigers in the wild. Book your game drive in advance to see Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears and more native species roaming the forest and palace ruins. Owners Anjali and Jaisal Singh are dedicated to continuing their family’s decades-long commitment to conservation in the area, and a portion of profits from each stay goes to conserving and expanding natural habitats. At the end of the day, guests gather together to enjoy traditional Indian dinners cooked with vegetables and herbs picked straight from the Sher Bagh Farm. Although the forest offers endless opportunity for adventure, don’t forget to leave time to relax with a dip in the pool or an indulgent spa treatment.

Photos Courtesy SUJÁN Sher Bagh

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CRETE, GREECE

Nestled between rugged mountains and the iconic blue waters of the Aegean Sea, Cretan Malia Park is an ideal base from which to explore the unique culture and cuisine of Greece’s largest island. The resort’s light-filled beachfront bungalows and suites take a cue from the landscape with natural wood textures and soothing earth tones, which are artfully juxtaposed against geometric tilework and hand-painted murals. Whether you spend the day snorkeling or bicycling to nearby sites, there are numerous ways to discover the island from every angle. For a true taste of traditional Cretan culture, venture off the property for day trips to nearby villages. (We recommend Sisi, a picturesque port away from the crowds.) The resort is home to several restaurants, but our top pick is Mouries. The kitchen operates fully without electricity, and seasonal vegetables, fish and meats are all cooked on an outdoor stone oven.

Nestled between rugged mountains and the iconic blue waters of the Aegean Sea, Cretan Malia Park is an ideal base from which to explore the unique culture and cuisine of Greece’s largest island. The resort’s light-filled beachfront bungalows and suites take a cue from the landscape with natural wood textures and soothing earth tones, which are artfully juxtaposed against geometric tilework and hand-painted murals. Whether you spend the day snorkeling or bicycling to nearby sites, there are numerous ways to discover the island from every angle. For a true taste of traditional Cretan culture, venture off the property for day trips to nearby villages. (We recommend Sisi, a picturesque port away from the crowds.) The resort is home to several restaurants, but our top pick is Mouries. The kitchen operates fully without electricity, and seasonal vegetables, fish and meats are all cooked on an outdoor stone oven.

Photos Courtesy Cretan Malia Park

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