Kyoto, Japan
Japan is your best bet If you need a quick culture fix. Home to more than 1,000 shrines and temples, the city is the perfect place for a few days of sightseeing centred around reflection and mindfulness. Learn how to reconnect and re-energise with a meditation class at Shunkoin Temple, led by monks who have trained in Kyoto, but also in American universities. Meet Maiko, young Geisha-in-training, for a traditional tea ceremony and a rare insight into the ancient art form of Geisha. Try your hand at origami, taught by the women at Wak, a school of Japanese cultural skills that also supports upper middle aged women in the work force. A few nights on a tatami mat, at a traditional ryokan like Gion Hatanaka, or the more upscale The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, rounds off a holiday rich in history and culture.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is best known for its delicious food, neon lights and round the clock shopping. It’s not uncommon for travellers to visit Wan Chai on a whirlwind tour of the city’s many markets, home to plenty of weird and wonderful stalls. For the young and young at heart, head along Tai Yuen Street (Johnston Street Entrance) and you’ll find toys, toys and more toys. Then there’s Tung Choi Street North, aka the Goldfish market, where you’ll see hundreds upon hundreds of fish in every shape, size and colour available for sale. After a long day of sightseeing, you have to check out the mind blowing views from The Ritz Carlton Hotel where you will be sitting almost in the stars on the 118th floor.
Dubai
There’s nowhere more OTT than Dubai. Luckily, just a few days is all you need to get a sense of this city. Set aside a full day for sightseeing inside the shopping malls — aquariums, ice rinks and ski fields await, and that’s before you’ve even set foot inside an actual store. Head out to the desert for a four-wheel drive sand duning adventure, followed by traditional Bedouin dinner and a sunset camel ride. Don’t forget about downtime. Dubai is home to some of the world’s most luxurious resorts, like the One&Only Mirage Dubai, where you can spend the day on the private beach, sequestered in a poolside cabana, or take a horse out for a spot of polo.
Singapore
Singapore is the best place for a five-day trip (or a short stopover en route to Europe or other parts of Asia). The city is a fashionista’s dream — if you’re after the latest fashion trends, check out Marina Square, Millenia Walk, Suntec City and “The Shoppes” Marina Bay Sands. The first three are connected by walkways and have great food courts, chains including Zara, Topshop, Esprit and Puma, among many others. These are great if you’re keen to hang out in airconditioning with minimal effort, but once you’re done catch the train from Promenade to Bayside (one stop) and soak up all the glory of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. If you’re all shopped out, don’t forget theme parks like Universal Studios, Legoland, Adventure Cove Waterpark and Wild Wild Wet Singapore are waiting for you.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Three hours from Sydney and you’re touching down at one of the world’s most spectacular runways so make sure you grab a window seat for the plane ride through the Remarkable Mountains. Queenstown’s biggest drawcard is the natural beauty. Book into The Rees, just outside of town, and wake up to 180 degree views straight out over Lake Wakatipu, before heading out to explore the scenery. There are plenty of tours, from walking and hiking, to quad bikes and four wheel drive adventures (especially if you’re a Lord of the Rings fan) that take you to the best spots. For those who like speed, there’s skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking, but worth doing is the Shotover Jet, which hurtles through the Shotover River Canyon at more than 85 kmph, with a few 360 degree spins for good measure. The scenery is jaw dropping and the thrill hair raising. If you’re after something more sedate, watch the jet from the luxury of the Onsen Hotel Pools, which look straight down on the river.
Oahu, Hawaii
Dip your toes into Hawaii with a quick trip to Oahu. The island is most famous for the waves at Waikiki, but there’s plenty of other sites to be seen on a short visit. After you’ve tackled the surf with a lesson, or even a trip out on an Outrigger canoe, head over to Pearl Harbour. The historic sight commemorated its 75th anniversary last year, and offers a unique look into the past with its memorials aboard the Battleship Missouri and USS Bowfin Submarine. There’s also the famous Ala Moana shopping centre, and plenty of outlets like Ross, where you can pick up brand names at big discounts. Head out to the North Shore shrimp shacks for a bite to eat, or grab a table at legendary Dukes Waikiki for spicy chicken wings and supersized desserts.
