Studio City Stardust is a flying theatre, meaning passengers remain seated while technology creates the impression that they are moving through the landscapes shown in front of them. The seats move forwards and backwards and can rise or drop by up to one metre. They can also tilt by as much as 10 degrees. These movements are timed to match the images and make passengers feel as though they are accelerating, turning or flying above the ground.

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The movement is combined with a sound system containing 23 speakers. Wind, fog and scent effects are also used at different moments during the journey. These additional elements explain why the attraction is described as 4D instead of a traditional 3D film. The experience was developed by Canadian entertainment company Dynamic Entertainment, which designed its motion-seating, visual and sound systems.

Visitors enter a retro-futuristic world based around Stardust Air Tours, a fictional airline offering journeys beyond normal space and time. Passengers are welcomed by GUS-47, a robotic butler who helps them prepare for their flight. They are also guided by Ying, who is presented as the chief ambassador of the airline’s Macao terminal. The characters appear throughout the experience and connect the check-in, boarding and flight sections.

Two different journeys are available at launch. One is a fast-moving space adventure that takes passengers through alien canyons and other distant landscapes. The second brings visitors into an ancient world populated by dinosaurs. The different films use the same theatre and motion system but provide separate stories and visual environments.

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Each session can accommodate up to 72 people. The complete experience lasts approximately 15 minutes, including check-in, a safety briefing, boarding and the screening. Visitors must be at least 100 centimetres tall and no taller than 195 centimetres to take part. These restrictions are linked to the design of the moving seats and their safety systems.

Studio City Stardust operates daily from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A standard ticket costs 150 Macanese patacas, or approximately €16. Studio City hotel guests receive a 20% discount and pay 120 patacas, or around €13. Members of the Melco Beyond loyalty programme receive a 10% discount, bringing the price down to 135 patacas, or approximately €14.50.

The attraction replaces Studio City’s former Batman-themed flying theatre with a new fictional world and original characters. It also expands the resort’s collection of activities for families and visitors who are not interested in gambling. Macao is best known internationally for its casinos, but its integrated resorts also contain hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. Studio City describes Stardust as another addition to its wider leisure offer.

Studio City Macau is located in Cotai, an area built on reclaimed land between the former islands of Taipa and Coloane. The resort offers approximately 2,000 rooms and suites across three hotel towers. It is also home to Studio City Water Park and the Golden Reel, which is described as the world’s highest figure-eight Ferris wheel. Stardust joins these attractions alongside the resort’s dining, shopping and other entertainment facilities.

L’article New 4D flying attraction takes visitors through space and a world of dinosaurs in Macao est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

From 4 to 6 September 2026, breeders, riders, researchers, artists and horse enthusiasts from across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and beyond will come together for the World Beauty Championship and Equestrian Sports Competition of the Heavenly Akhal-Teke Horses. More than a sporting event, the championship will serve as a celebration of heritage, science, culture and international cooperation.

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A Horse Like No Other

The Akhal-Teke is widely regarded as one of the oldest and most distinctive horse breeds in the world. Renowned for its remarkable endurance, intelligence, elegance and shimmering metallic coat, it has fascinated horse lovers and historians for centuries.

Euronews recently described the breed as “the extremely rare horse with satin-like reflections”, highlighting its unique appearance and rarity. The breed’s prestige extends far beyond Turkmenistan. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, for example, is known to own an Akhal-Teke horse, reflecting the admiration the breed commands throughout the Turkic world.

The Akhal-Teke has also left its mark on European history. In 1993, a horse of this breed was presented to French President François Mitterrand, symbolising friendship and cultural diplomacy. Distinguished by its tall stature, long legs, refined head, expressive eyes, long, elegant neck and exceptional athleticism, the Akhal-Teke is considered by many specialists to be one of the most beautiful horse breeds in the world.

A symbol of freedom and Turkmen identity

For the Turkmen people, as for many nomadic civilisations of Central Asia, the horse has always been far more than a means of transportation. It has represented freedom, honour, strength and survival.

Today, the Akhal-Teke stands at the heart of Turkmenistan’s national identity and cultural heritage. Its image appears in official symbols, works of art, literature, and public celebrations.

@ankastables “Atanız geldi” #ahalteke ♬ оригинальный звук – ЕРКЕБҰЛАН ДӘУЛЕТКЕЛДІҰЛЫ

The breed’s history, however, has not been without hardship. During the Soviet collectivisation campaigns and political repression of the 1930s, traditional horse breeding suffered dramatic setbacks. The number of horses across Central Asia declined sharply, and many pure Akhal-Teke bloodlines disappeared. Despite these challenges, dedicated breeders managed to preserve the breed, ensuring its survival for future generations.

The resilience of the Akhal-Teke mirrors that of the people who raised it. From the deserts of Turkmenistan to international equestrian arenas, it remains a living symbol of endurance and perseverance.

Gathering the world’s finest Akhal-Tekes

The festivities will begin on 4 September 2026 with the arrival of participating horses at the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre.

On Friday, 4 September, visitors will witness the opening stages of the World Beauty Championship, where young horses and mares will be evaluated by an international panel of judges. Participants will be assessed on conformation, movement, breed characteristics, elegance and overall presentation.

The sporting program will also commence with a dressage competition, offering spectators a demonstration of the precision, grace, and intelligence for which the Akhal-Teke is famous.

Championship Day

On Saturday, 5 September, guests will be welcomed to the Peelbergen Equestrian Centre before attending the open conference of the International Akhal-Teke Horse Breeding Association. Visitors will also be able to explore exhibitions dedicated to horse breeding, equestrian culture, traditional craftsmanship, visual arts and creative works inspired by the Akhal-Teke.

The championship competition will continue with presentations of adult horses before judges select the winners in each category.

The ultimate highlight will be the crowning of the World Champion Akhal-Teke Horse, the highest distinction in international Akhal-Teke breeding.

The day will conclude with an awards ceremony honoring the winners of the beauty and sporting competitions, as well as artists, sculptors, painters, photographers, and carpet weavers whose works celebrate the beauty of the horse.

More than a championship

For three days, Kronenberg will become the world capital of the Akhal-Teke. The event will celebrate not only the finest representatives of this exceptional breed but also the enduring relationship between humans and horses that has shaped civilizations for thousands of years.

In September 2026, the Akhal-Teke will be more than a champion. It will be a living ambassador of history, beauty, resilience, and cultural heritage, reminding the world that some traditions are truly timeless.

Entry is free for all visitors. More information about the programme and practical details is available on the oficial Akhal-Teke Championship 2026 event page

L’article Legendary Akhal-Teke horses are coming to Europe est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Located in central Portugal, in the parish of Luso, about 80 minutes south of Porto, Bussaco’s 105-hectare forest, enclosed by a five-kilometre wall, meets the numerous criteria required by the German-based Healing Forest – International Certification Office.

It is the first forest in southern Europe and on the Iberian Peninsula to receive this accolade. The other three certified forests are located in Austria and Germany.

This certification system is linked to the International Society of Forest Therapy (ISFT), which was formed in Austria in 2018 and established international quality standards for healing forests and forest therapy.

“This certification, which places us among the four therapeutic forests worldwide and as the first on the Iberian Peninsula, gives us global status and brings with it great responsibility,” said the president of the Mata do Bussaco Foundation, Gonçalo Breda Marques, quoted by the Lusa news agency.

To qualify, a forest must be designed for therapeutic use and have qualified personnel, and its health benefits must be supported by medical evidence. In practical terms, the forest needs natural protection from noise and wind, as well as trails catering for different levels of mobility and difficulty. There should also be designated spaces for therapy, relaxation and exercise. Strict standards apply regarding safety and accessibility.

Forest environments have long been associated with a range of health benefits, including improved cognitive abilities, reduced stress, anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system and better sleep quality. The best-known form of this practice originated in Japan, where “shinrin-yoku”, or forest bathing, was introduced in 1982 as part of a national programme encouraging people to spend time in forests to improve their well-being.

@_patricia.ribeiro_ Welcome to… Buçaco This is definitely one of the most magical places in Portugal, with its lush forest, hidden paths and a fairytale palace The Buçaco forest is home to more than 700 native and exotic species from all over the world, making it one of the richest forests in Europe At its heart stands the stunning Bussaco Palace (historically written with two “s” instead of the “ç”), originally built in the 19th century as a royal hunting lodge and now one of Portugal’s most iconic hotels The Neo-Manueline architecture of the palace echoes other famous Portuguese monuments like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower Long before the palace was built, the forest was protected by Carmelite monks, who lived here in silence for centuries and planted many of the trees that still stand today. Whether you’re wandering the forest trails or admiring the palace’s intricate details, Buçaco has a peaceful and magical atmosphere that still feels like a hidden gem. Tips for visiting: you’ll need about 2 hours to explore the forest bring comfortable shoes as trails are uneven don’t miss Cruz Alta, Fonte Fria and the Valley of the Ferns even if you’re not staying there, you can go inside the palace hotel to have a coffee after 3.30pm visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the most magical light and fewer people you can enter by car and park inside, and it costs 7€ for the whole day it’s located about 2h15 from Lisbon, and if you’re coming for a weekend trip, you can combine it with Aveiro and/or Coimbra Save for a future trip to Portugal #buçaco #bussacopalace #portugalhiddengems #portugaldenorteasul #portugal_gems ♬ Fairytale (From "Shrek") – Geek Music

However, a certified therapeutic forest goes a step further. Rather than simply offering visitors the benefits of spending time among trees, they are specifically designed to allow trained therapists to conduct structured healing and rehabilitation programmes.

These programmes can complement treatment for various conditions, including cardiovascular, respiratory, orthopaedic, psychosomatic and neurological illnesses.

Qualified forest therapists are available to guide guests through the wonders of the forest, which is home to more than 250 species of trees and shrubs, and is considered “one of Europe’s finest dendrological collections”, according to the Mata do Bussaco Foundation’s website.

The forest’s history is as unusual as its vegetation. Human management of the forest can be traced back to the 6th century, when monks from the nearby Monastery of Vacariça began tending the land. In 1628, the Discalced Carmelites took it over, establishing a secluded monastic retreat. Protected by papal decree, the forest became home to exotic species that were brought to Portugal during the Age of Discovery, when the country was one of the world’s great maritime powers.

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One of these species was the Bussaco cedar, a cypress species imported from Mexico which gave the forest its name.

“It is one of the National Forests richest in natural, architectural and cultural heritage and can be divided into four landscape units: Arboretum, Gardens and Fern Valley, Relic Forest and Pinhal do Marquês,” the Foundation explains.

The forest underwent significant changes in the 19^th century, with the addition of lakes, gardens, and ornamental areas. By the end of the century, construction of the palace had begun. Conceived as a hunting lodge for King Carlos I, it was later converted into the luxury Palace Hotel do Bussaco that stands today.

After several years of preparation, Bussaco certification was awarded on 17 July and is valid until 2031, when the forest will have to undergo a new assessment.

However, the Foundation already has its sights set on another international accolade. Bussaco has been on Portugal’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage status since 2017 under the title “Desert of the Discalced Carmelites and Built Ensemble of the Palace-Hotel in Bussaco”.

L’article Portugal’s 400-year-old Bussaco becomes southern Europe’s first certified healing forest est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

By the time the so-called “Non-Resident Duty” or “Tax Incentive” has risen to $15 in 2027, and to $21 in 2028, the cost to passengers will have more than quadrupled in the space of just two years.

The move comes as Mexico seeks to boost government tax revenues by tapping into the growing popularity of cruises. Earlier this year, Secretary of Tourism, Josefina Rodríguez Zamora, revealed cruise passenger arrivals at the country’s ports increased by 12% year-on-year in 2025, with the sector welcoming 11.2 million cruise passengers.

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“Cruise tourism is a powerful tool for bringing development to regions, diversifying tourism activity, and ensuring that economic growth reaches those who depend on tourism,” she said at the time. “When tourism thrives, communities thrive.”

There is some good news for passengers. Docking multiple times in different ports will not entail paying the fee on every occasion, as long as the port calls are all part of the same itinerary. However, if a holidaymaker books more than one cruise during the same vacation, the charge will be applicable to each one.

Proposed docking fee increases have been subject to past criticism from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), comprising big name members such as Carnival, P&O, and Royal Caribbean. The FCCA complained to the Mexican government as early as 2024 that the price rises in the pipeline (at that time $42 was on the cards) would make Mexican destinations uncompetitive to visit compared to other Caribbean ports.

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The FCCA has since worked with Mexican officials to reach a compromise. The association has now welcomed the new proposals, saying: “On behalf of the FCCA and our member cruise lines — representing over 95 per cent of cruise capacity in the Caribbean and Latin America — we thank the Federal Government of Mexico for working with us to reach an ‘in transit fee’ agreement.”

Travel industry commentators such as Clint Henderson, of The Points Guy site, speaking to Fox News Digital, said the increased cost was unlikely to be a “deal-breaker” but was “another example of prices going up for travel across the board.” He also noted that the new docking fee regime comes on top of changes to the way immigration fees will apply to visitors to Mexico, as well as regional environmental taxes.

L’article Mexican docking fees for cruise passengers to quadruple by 2028 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Lifeguards in the southern French departement of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, and city authorities in San Sebastian, Spain are advising against bathing on some regional beaches, using white flags to indicate the man o’ war’s presence and a red flag to prohibit swimming.

Not, as commonly thought, a jellyfish, but a siphonophore, the man o’war is recognisable on shorelines and in the sea as a transparent purplish balloon, with a pink-tinted head-dress and long violet-blue tentacles. Named for a supposed resemblance to an 18th century Portuguese warship, it is not in fact one single creature since it is a “colonial hydrozoan,” or a group of smaller “animals” that share food and act as one living unit. Their tentacles, which cause extremely painful burns to humans, can extend to 10 metres in length, with records hitting around 30 metres.

@.extremenature The Creature That Looks Like a Jellyfish — But Is Actually a Colony (Portuguese Man O’ War) It looks like a harmless jellyfish drifting on the ocean surface. It isn’t. The Portuguese man o’ war is a floating colony made of specialized bodies called zooids. Some keep it afloat. Some digest food. Others form tentacles that can extend more than 30 meters below the surface. Along those tentacles are thousands of microscopic harpoons loaded with venom. Most people only see the blue sail. They never see the weapon beneath it. Did you know this wasn’t actually a jellyfish? Follow for more from the depths. #OceanScience #MarineBiology #PortugueseManOWar #Educational #NatureDocumentary ♬ original sound – Extreme Nature

It is the partly the reach of the tentacles that makes the man o’ war rightly feared, since they can be spotted bobbing on the surface of the water some distance away yet still inflict agonising injury.

Authorities advise exiting the sea straight away and alerting a lifeguard but even that should be done carefully since the man o’ war’s capacity to wound continues even after the creature has died, been washed up on the sand, or its tentacles have been separated from the body.

Wounds usually appear as red whiplash marks where the venom has broken down local tissues in a process known as cytolysis. Authorities advise anyone who believes they have been injured by a Portuguese man o’ war to rinse any welts with seawater, or a mix of food vinegar and warm seawater at a 1:3 ratio.

A number of actions are no-nos since they risk releasing more venom. Fresh water and ice packs are to be avoided, as should rubbing or scratching the wound. Never touch the tentacles bare-handed, even to remove parts of them from a victim – a process that should be done with tweezers. Never rinse with urine (despite the advice in a popular episode of Friends), or apply any creams, or gels.

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Medical attention should be sought if the discomfort does not subside. In the worst cases, victims may also experience headaches, high temperatures, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, respiratory difficulties, and cardiac problems, to which, again, a doctor or medic should be alerted.

The usually tropical man o’ war’s arrival on Basque and Cantabrian shores may be linked to warming sea currents amid a summer of multiple heatwaves that experts agree are worsened by climate change. Elsewhere the same phenomenon has cause mass coral bleachings, multiplied flesh-eating bacteria at European beaches, and supercharged sargassum blooms in the Caribbean in a series of environmental impacts that tell a tale of warming planet.

L’article Portuguese man o’ war swarm French and Spanish beaches est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Since 1958, Hotel Cipriani has occupied a special place on Venice’s Giudecca island, as founder Giuseppe Cipriani wanted it to be the city’s most private sanctuary. Over the years, the luxury hotel has attracted A-listers such as Julia Roberts, George Clooney and Sophia Loren.

Hotel Cipriani was purchased by Orient-Express Hotels in 1976, a company which later became known as Belmond. In 2019, Belmond was bought by French luxury conglomerate LVMH, which also happens to be the company behind Dior.

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“Christian Dior discovered Venice in the dazzling cultural revival of the 1950s, when the city once again became the stage for the world’s most spectacular celebrations. His Venetian story truly began with Le Bal du Siècle, the legendary masquerade hosted by Charles de Beistegui in 1951, a night of opulence, imagination, and artistic brilliance that marked Dior profoundly. From that moment on, Venice revealed itself to him as a place where beauty is not merely seen but performed. The palaces rising from the lagoon, the chandeliers glittering above grand ballrooms, the masks, brocades, and golden mosaics all formed a living theatre of elegance and enchantment,” Dior writes about the relationship between the brand’s founder and the city of Venice.

Since the summer of 2025, LVMH has been coupling the hospitality universe of Hotel Cipriani with the fashion world of Dior. The on-site Dioriviera pop-up boutique and Il Bacaro Dior bar first opened their doors last year, and thanks to their success, both have returned for a second season in 2026.

On 15 July 2026, a third Dior instalment has been launched at Hotel Cipriani: the Dior Spa. Designed by architect and interior designer Peter Marino, who was also in charge of the hotel’s integral refurbishment, the spa is the first of its kind in Venice.

Visitors now enter the spa via Hotel Cipriani’s Casanova Gardens and swimming pool area, adding to the idea of taking a break from everyday life. Inside, five treatment cabins and a Dior boutique feature a mix of natural materials, Venetian terrazzo, and 1950s glamour.

On the treatment menu, guests can find a number of classic Dior treatments such as the New Look, D–Tissue, Constellation, Kobi–Dior, Golden Aura, and Dior Powered by Hydrafacial. Moreover, three exclusive treatments were named after the love of Christian Dior for the Venetian masked balls: the Théâtre Corporel body treatment, the Mascarade facial, and the Grand Bal.

“In this city of fêtes and fantasy, Dior rediscovered everything he loved: craftsmanship elevated to art, the exuberance of celebration, and the irresistible power of dreams. Venice became his muse, a realm where fashion met spectacle, and every reflection on the water seemed to promise a new creation. For Christian Dior, Venice was never just a destination. It was a stage, a source of wonder, and a shimmering dialogue between heritage and imagination, an eternal invitation to celebrate beauty in all its forms,” Dior writes.

Prices for the spa are in line with the hotel’s luxury reputation. For example, the Théâtre Corporel will set customers back €650 for 90 minutes, while a 60-minute yoga lesson costs €250.

L’article Dior opens new spa at Venice’s Hotel Cipriani est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Check-in, luggage drop-off, passport control, security check… For many, travelling by plane has become normal, but that doesn’t mean it goes smoothly for everyone. Even within the same couple, the whole airport approach can widely differ.

While one partner might find it very important to show up hours in advance and with everything organised until the last second, the other one might take things in a more relaxed manner – arriving just on time, wasting no more hours than strictly necessary, sometimes even missing their flight or their luggage as a result. Such contradictions within couples aren’t rare, and although there are no official data available, they have undoubtedly caused millions of arguments over the years.

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Yet, according to the internet, things could be different. An airport divorce, as the technique is called, could save couples quite a bit of tension if both partners don’t share the same airport tactics. While the term might sound negative and permanent, the reality is far more positive.

There are different approaches to the airport divorce technique. While some couples might just split up before passport control and meet up a few minutes later, others might only be reunited once they’re aboard the plane. Others, still, prefer to each go to the airport separately and meet up at baggage claim once the plane has touched down, sometimes even travelling in different classes. The number of possibilities is (almost) endless, the goal is the same: to each travel according to one’s own preferences, thus avoiding unnecessary friction before the vacation has started.

“They can move at their own pace, manage their own anxiety and preserve their emotional energy for the holiday itself rather than spending it arguing in a security queue. Sometimes a little autonomy prevents a lot of unnecessary resentment”, psychologist Dr. Madeleine Roantree told Metro UK.

For some couples, an airport divorce might just be a simple solution to a practical problem. This can be the case, for example, when partners don’t have the same passport or travel perks, meaning it takes one of them more time to go through security than the other. Another example: one partner has a lot of difficulty sleeping in economy class, while the other hasn’t. Here, travelling in different comfort classes can be an easy and budget-friendly solution.

For other couples, a stressful situation such as travelling combined with a different approach may spark unwanted friction. When this is the case, it is important to determine whether or not every stressful situation eventually leads to conflict. In this case, an airport divorce might not be the solution, as the friction felt when travelling is just a symptom of a wider problem. When the issue of conflict mainly applies to travelling, staying flexible and adapting to that trigger can however be healthy for one’s relationship, allowing both partners some freedom at a moment when they really need it. 

L’article How an airport divorce might be healthy for your relationship est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Although Sweden is generally known for its natural beauty, some of the country was – and still is in some cases – a little less picture-perfect. Ursviken, just outside Skellefteå in northern Sweden, is one of those. After decades of heavy industrial activity, the site has been undergoing soil remediation to make it accessible to the public.

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After seventeen years, those works have come to an end. On the former industrial grounds now stands Wasteland, dubbed Europe’s first Climate Action Park. The publicly accessible park is being marketed as a new destination for art, movement, and sauna culture.

The main on-site attraction is called Crystal Sauna and was designed by art studio Bigert & Bergström. As the name suggests, the building directly refers to the shape of a crystal. The reason why Bigert & Bergström opted specifically for a lithium crystal is twofold.

“Lithium interested us because it has become an emblem of the green transition. It is associated with batteries, electrification and a fossil-fuel-free future, but its extraction can also create serious environmental damage. That contradiction felt highly relevant in Skellefteå,” the duo told design magazine Dezeen.

The Lithium Crystal Sauna was meant to capture the park’s core idea: ‘From Waste to Promise’. According to the artists, the installation connects past, present, and future.

“In this evolving landscape, where art, science, and public life meet, Lithium Crystal Sauna becomes more than an artwork: it is a destination, a gathering point, and a powerful symbol of transformation and future-making,” Bigert & Bergström explain.

In order to obtain the pink, mirror-like texture, the artists used stainless steel coated in titanium. The 280 prisms of the structure were cut using CNC machines and laser technology. As the crystals lean back at an angle of four degrees, they look like they are emerging from the ground.

The inside of the sauna, however, could not be more different from the exterior. Here, wood stands center-stage, interrupted only by 260 kilograms of olivine stones inside a metal cage. While the floor was made from local moisture-resistant heartwood pine, the benches consist of alder. A custom battery-operated heater provides the electricity that is necessary to heat the sauna.

Although the Wasteland park and most of its installations (including an observation tower by the Oslo School of Architecture and Design) are freely accessible, those who want to visit the Crystal Sauna will have to book their visit. The building allows for a maximum of 12 people at a time and costs 1,000 SEK (€91) for a two-hour session. Upon arrival, guest will be met by two hosts who will provide a brief tour of the area and inform them of the rules and practical information.

L’article Crystal-shaped sauna transforms former industrial site in Sweden est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Sabi Sabi is a family-owned South African hospitality group, running safari lodges since 1979, which also operates the long-established Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve and the Claremont Boutique Hotel in Cape Town. Sandringham is its newest and, it says, most exclusive property.

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The nearly 5,000-hectare reserve, which borders the Timbavati and Thornybush game reserves, is made up of two camps of six suites each: N’weti, named for the Drakensberg Mountains, and Shisaka.

The opening of Sandringham Private Game Reserve marks a significant victory for conservationists who, with patience and careful rehabilitation, have worked to rebuild trust between humans and animals, helping wildlife relearn that human presence no longer necessarily equates with danger. Guests can now explore the reserve on game drives and walking and birding safaris.

It also reflects a deliberate shift away from a still-viable revenue model, as hunting concessions continue to operate in South Africa, making Sandringham’s bet on eco-tourism instead all the more commendable.

As part of the project, Sabi Sabi also partnered with the Tracker Training Academy, which trains young people from neighbouring communities for careers as professional wildlife trackers.

For Jacques Smit, Sabi Sabi’s marketing director, “watching the land recover and wildlife return has been one of the most rewarding journeys in our history”.

Smit further explains that what drew the company to the project was the opportunity to nurse an exceptional landscape back to health while building a safari business with staying power, creating lasting value for wildlife, local communities and future generations of travellers.

The newly built suites come with private infinity pools, indoor-outdoor bathrooms and nest-like relaxation decks drawing on Tsonga architectural heritage. The central lodge has a spa, gym and children’s education centre, while meals are served in an open-air boma, complete with a wine display showcasing South African estates. Guests can even fly in via the reserve’s private airstrip.

For those seeking even greater privacy, Shisaka has two private villas, while the four-bedroom Sandringham House, set upstream from the main lodge, offers an exclusive 1,100-square-metre residence for up to eight guests, complete with a dedicated chef, butler and ranger, as well as private safari vehicles.

The rehabilitation itself took years, involving the removal of old fencing and man-made barriers, the repair of eroded soil and the restoration of the reserve’s water catchments – the natural systems of land and vegetation that collect rainfall and feed it into rivers, in this case the Timbavati. Taking down the fences also reconnected Sandringham to the wider, unfenced Greater Kruger Protected Area, allowing predators, elephants and other wildlife to move freely between reserves.

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Four rivers cross the property, which the reserve says keeps water available year-round, even during the dry season. For visitors, that also means plenty of opportunities to spot animals as they come to drink, swim or simply cool off in the water.

This is in keeping with a broader shift towards sustainable, unfenced wildlife corridors across the continent, as operators increasingly lean on the language of sustainability and conservation to appeal to high-end, eco-conscious Western travellers.

Sabi Sabi frames Sandringham as a possible model for other conservation efforts across the continent, a bet that is already being watched elsewhere in Africa, arguing that rewilding degraded land for high-cost, low-density tourism can generate more revenue than hunting, while pointing to Kenya’s Maasai Mara and Laikipia Plateau as places already grappling with similar pressures on land and wildlife.

L’article Former South African hunting reserve reopens as luxury safari retreat est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The service is a pilot run by SailLink, which already operates another environmentally friendly route between Dover and Boulogne-sur-Mer, and promise to make the new one a permanent fixture should the trial prove successful.

This route is not ideal for those short on time or prone to seasickness, but it will delight those fed up with the commercialisation of regular ferry crossings, the duty-free shops and masses of fellow travellers packed into soulless cabins.

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What the new service offers instead is a far more intimate crossing: sitting on deck, faces gently brushed by the wind, taking in the salt-tinged air, and enjoying the excitement of approaching the coastline from the water, whether it’s the chalk cliffs of England’s South Downs Coast or those of France’s Alabaster Coast.

The vessel making the crossing is an 18-metre catamaran named Mer Agitée (French for “rough sea”)… hopefully in name only. Its skipper is none other than veteran French sailor Michel Desjoyeaux, two-time winner of the Vendée Globe, one of the toughest solo sailing races in the world. SailLink founder Andrew Simons will co-sail the vessel.

Built from recycled ocean-racing parts, including a 23-metre mast and rudders salvaged from Desjoyeaux’s former IMOCA 60 race boat, Mer Agitée is rigged for speed and carries 165 square metres of sail.

SailLink transported 465 passengers and 135 bicycles last year on its Dover-Boulogne Route. Nearly 70% of the crossings were wind-powered, with engines used when the wind dropped and for manoeuvring in harbours.

Formalities are also much quicker on the catamaran routes. Instead of passing through large ferry terminals, passengers depart from marinas in Shoreham-by-Sea and Fécamp, where passport formalities are carried out at the pontoon.

The new service will run from 8 to 13 September 2026, with each crossing having a capacity of just 12 passengers and eight bicycles.

Cyclists are likely to be especially excited about the wind-powered crossing, as it connects them directly to National Cycle Route 2 and the Downs Link upon arrival in the UK. Meanwhile, Fécamp provides access to La Vélomaritime, part of EuroVelo 4, and the GR21 trail along France’s stunning Alabaster Coast.

The route is practical for non-cyclists, too, as Shoreham-by-Sea has a direct rail connection along the coast, and Gatwick Airport is just a 40-minute train ride away.

Timetables have yet to be announced. Fares start at £220 (€256) for a one-way ticket and £440 (€513) for a return ticket, with an additional charge of £10 (€12) per bicycle. Tickets are available on SailLink’s website.

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