A country with warm-hearted people and a Mediterranean lifestyle. Lying on the western edge of the Balkan Peninsula, only a couple of hours from most of Europe the first part of our journey takes us to the north of the country to the Albanian Alps, near the border of Montenegro.
While seabirds predominantly reside at sea, they return to land to breed and raise their young. In this process, they deposit mineral-rich nutrients that sustain the whole island ecosystem. But the arrival of human settlers introduced non-native predators and extensive development. Together, these compromised many seabird habitats — and decimated their populations. Several species are now teetering on the brink of extinction.
The Maui Nui Seabird Recovery Project engages a multifaceted approach to protect these crucial birds: eliminating invasive predators, restoring native plants, and monitoring burrows for fledgling success. In one instance, they have established a dedicated sanctuary complete with artificial burrows, bird-shaped decoys, and audio speakers to attract one highly endangered shearwater species.
Through their efforts, the team gives seabirds a chance to raise the next generation on the very islands they helped bring to life.
Scotland: experience the UK at its most elemental with a trek across the frost-covered Highlands.
St Vincent and the Grenadines: culture and conservation on a Caribbean island-hopping tour.
Kyrgyzstan: the formidable Tian Shan mountains are home to one of the world’s most enigmatic predators.
Canada: everything you need to know about planning a once-in-a-lifetime Canadian road trip.
Berlin: the movers and shakers reinventing the German capital’s enduring arts and culture scene.
Dubai: a hidden history lies behind the ultramodern facade of this grand and luxurious metropolis.
Murcia: River rafting, bar-hopping and empty beaches in one of southeast Spain’s most overlooked regions.
Bogota: Indigenous ingredients are king in Colombia’s fertile, mountain-bound capital.
Hong Kong: In Asia’s ‘World City’ unforgettable stays come with dazzling dining options and skyline views.
Plus,France marks 150 years of Impressionism; music festivals in Petra and beyond; the flavours of West Bengal; Nashville for music-lovers; Zanzibar’s hotel scene; a family adventure in North Queensland; a city break in Dijon; a woodland stay in Beaulieu; top reads for 2024; and kayaking essentials.
We talk with author Dom Joly on travelling to Canada’s Fogo Island with a flat-earther, and Louis Alexander discusses running a marathon on all seven continents. In our Ask the Experts section, the experts give advice on unique safari experiences, travelling to Japan for cherry-blossom season, off-road bikepacking trails in the UK and the best group tours for wheelchair users. The Info celebrates 50 years of Bhutan opening its borders to international travellers, while Hot Topic explores the potential disruption caused by Iceland’s volcanoes and Report asks whether the aviation industry can really achieve net zero CO2 by 2050. Finally, photographer Josh Humbert talks about capturing Tahiti’s surfers for How I Got the Shot.
Bordered by countless countries from Europe, Asia and Africa, the immense sea and all its islands have played a massive role in the history of Western civilization. Often boasting gorgeous scenery or crystal-clear waters, they’re the perfect place to relax and unwind in spellbinding settings. Here’s a look at the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.
Dawson City is located on the shores of the Klondike river, a northern gem surrounded by a soaring rugged landscape holding secrets of the past. While the region has been home to First nation’s people for centuries, the town site was built more recently, at the height of the 1897 Klondike Gold Rush.
Video chapters: 0:00 Intro 2:19 Arrival 3:51 Porte cochere 5:37 Lobby (ground floor) 7:27 Lobby (first floor) 15:41 Boutique & jewelry 19:26 Suite 26:07 Spa 30:30 Indoor pool 39:27 Outdoor pool 45:55 Gstaad village 50:18 Megu Restaurant & Bar 56:01 Sommet by Martin Göschel Restaurant (one Michelin star) 1:01:51 Swiss Stübli Restaurant 1:07:17 Breakfast 1:11:29 Skiing
Built on five acres of the Bernese Oberland, The Alpina Gstaad promises two views: mountain and valley. The first looks onto Gstaad and promises snow-capped sightings of Spitzhorn and Oldenhorn, while the second delivers rippling hilltops and stretches of lake over Schönried village.
There are 243 peaks and more than 3,000 pinnacles and spires in the national park. Scenes in Avatar come to mind when the peaks are caught in the right light or when the early morning mountain mist rolls in around them. In 1982, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park became China’s first national forest park.
The main hall garden is of the “pond” style, formally known as “chisenkai kaiyuushiki garden” (池泉回遊式庭園). The only island stone of the pond represents a ship and is called “funaishi”, which means… ship stone 😉
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