Beneath the vast African sky, the savannah hums with life, Victoria Falls thundering in the distance. At The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara, colonial elegance meets nature’s wild beauty. Enjoy a riverfront spa treatment before cocktails on your private terrace as zebras and giraffes graze nearby. Take to the skies over Batoka Gorge, glide along the Zambezi at sunset, or indulge in a private island picnic surrounded by rare birds and river wildlife. As night falls, experience a starlit feast at Kalai Restaurant or dine aboard a restored steam locomotive crossing the Falls.

Across the river sits Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel, a storied hotel that blends old-world charm with Zimbabwe’s rugged beauty. Set within the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, it places you right in the centre of exclusive wildlife encounters, from tracking lions at dawn to spotting leopards as twilight descends. Sundowners overlooking the waterhole become an evening ritual, with the sounds of the bush coming alive under the stars.

Tying Zambia’s intimate charm to Zimbabwe’s vast landscapes, the forthcoming Anantara Kafue River Tented Camp will take the safari experience even further. Opening later in the year, this ultra-luxury eco-retreat, set within one of Africa’s largest untouched reserves in Zambia, features just 12 elevated tents, each with a private plunge pool. Set off on boat safaris, unwind in a wellness-focused wilderness escape, and gather for a traditional African Boma experience under the open sky.

In every moment, from the rush of the falls to the quiet of the bush, Africa’s wild beauty unfolds, inviting you to connect with its untamed spirit.

Oman’s golden deserts, vibrant souks, and rugged Al Hajar Mountains whisper stories of ancient Arabia. From March to mid-May, the mountains bloom with vibrant Damask roses, legendary for their healing and beauty properties, filling the air with their fragrance. These blossoms are the heart of Oman’s rose water tradition, carefully hand-distilled by local families. Off the beaten path, discover hidden villages where Bedouin elders share timeless wisdom, take a 4x4 ride past ancient Baobab trees and wild donkeys, or enjoy a starlit dinner at the canyon’s edge.

In the heart of the mountains, the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort offers the perfect base to explore. Start with dawn hikes, watching the sunrise transform the canyons while you sip Omani coffee from the peaks, enjoying 360° views of the Izki and Al Jabal Al Akhdar villages nestled in the valley below. Create your own Arabian story in the heart of Oman’s rugged beauty.

 

Tunisia’s desert is a land of contrasts – golden dunes rolling into salt flats, ancient oases thriving beneath an unforgiving sun. Nefta, the “Pearl of the Djerid,” reveals a lush palm grove where time stretches. Nearby, the Mos Espa set from Star Wars stands frozen in time, a relic of film history etched into the sands. Sunrise over Chott Djerid, North Africa’s largest salt flat, paints the sky in stunning hues of crimson and gold. As night falls, a camel ride beneath a star-studded sky leads to an Arabian camp where the air is thick with the aroma of roasting lamb and honeyed pastries. End your day at Anantara Sahara Tozeur Resort & Villas, where desert luxury awaits.

Sir Bani Yas Island, once a private haven, now welcomes those seeking adventure and wildlife in one breathtaking place. Glide through tranquil mangroves in a kayak, ride horseback along untouched beaches, or dive into crystal-clear waters to explore vibrant marine life. The island is home to rare creatures like the majestic Arabian oryx, giraffes, cheetahs, gazelles, and the endangered Arabian tahr. Somalian ostriches wander the land, while sea turtles swim and dolphins leap in the clear waters. Discover the island’s rich history with the remains of an ancient Christian monastery or watch as flamingos paint the lakes with colour. The Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, along with Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort and Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Beach Villa Resort Villa Resorts, offer the perfect place to rest after a day of adventure. As the sun sets, savour delicious local cuisine with stunning Gulf views, a truly unforgettable end to your day.

 

Just off Doha’s coast, the newly opened Adventure Park on Banana Island at Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara offers a fresh escape for anyone craving adventure. Zipline through the air or experience the exhilarating human slingshot – there’s something for everyone, from families to thrill-seekers. After the excitement, dive into a culinary journey that spans from the bold flavours of Asia to the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean. Whether you are in the mood for adventure, relaxation, or great food, this spot, set against the serene waters of Qatar, has it all.

The Algarve with its golden beaches and rugged cliffs is a place alive with history and everyday charm. Along the Ria Formosa Lagoon, quiet trails wind past sandbanks and hidden inlets, where seabirds pick their way through the shallows. For birdwatchers, it’s a dream come true, with rare species flitting between the reeds and soaring across the skies. The air is thick with salt and wild herbs, the kind of scent that lingers long after you’ve left.

Further inland, cork oak forests and vineyards sprawl across the hills, and in towns like Loulé, the past isn’t just preserved – it’s part of daily life. Cobbled streets lead to family-run cafés and an old castle that has watched over the town for centuries. Once, medieval knights rode through these same streets, their armour gleaming as they stood guard over the Algarve. Every summer, the town’s medieval fair brings it all back to life, blacksmiths at work, traditional feasts, music, and knights recreating the battles that once shaped the region.

Cork-making, too, is a tradition passed down through generations. Portugal produces half the world’s cork, and in the heart of the Algarve, artisans still shape it by hand, a quiet craft rooted in conservation and craftsmanship.

For the adventurous, soar in a hot air balloon at dawn, gliding over lush orange groves, cork forests and the undulating countryside as the first rays of sunlight bathe the land. Upon landing, indulge in a freshly packed picnic – and for those wishing to elevate the moment – Champagne can be popped on request. Afterward, return to Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort to unwind, reflecting on the region where past and present intertwine, leaving an experience that lingers in the memory, rich and unforgettable.