I was so impressed by Awasi Atacama that I made it my 2013 Hideaway of the Year. Located in a remote desert area of northern Chile, the lodge has an intimate scale, distinctive design, imaginative cuisine and tailor-made activities arranged by superb private guides. Clearly, I was not alone in my admiration, as a sibling property, Awasi Patagonia, overlooking Chile’s famous Torres del Paine National Park, has just completed its first season. Now I learn that Awasi Iguazu, close to the spectacular waterfall on the border of Brazil and Argentina, is scheduled to debut in 2015.
For reasons that partly escape me, the travel news of the moment is the burgeoning popularity of river cruises. In recent years, my favorite river trip was aboard the Aqua Amazon. With its maximum of 24 guests, picture windows and startlingly delicious food, the stylish craft provided a memorable seven-day interlude. I therefore learned with interest that the Aqua Mekong is nearing completion in its Saigon shipyard. Reservations are being accepted for cruises from October 3. I can think of no nicer way to spend a week this winter than drifting down the great artery of Southeast Asia.
Part of my fascination with London’s Shangri-La Hotel, at The Shard probably stems from the fact that it is a kind of anti-hideaway. Its 202 rooms are located on Floors 34 through 52 of Renzo Piano’s 1,004-foot glass spire, soaring from the South Bank of the Thames. Despite the fact that I invariably prefer hotels of fewer than 50 rooms, there is something about this particular property that excites me. Maybe it is just anticipation of a view over London normally seen from passing aircraft. Anyway, my wait is finally over: after protracted unexplained delays, the hotel finally opened on May 6.
My favorite resort on the Great Barrier Reef has long been Lizard Island. Set on a remote 2,500-acre speck and surrounded by limpid lagoons, it offers spectacular outer-reef snorkeling and diving. It was therefore a shock to learn of the devastation wrought on April 11 by the 100 mph winds of Cyclone Ita. After a damage assessment, the management announced that the property will “remain closed until late 2014.” I am sure that Lizard Island will reopen better than ever. Personally,
I am looking forward to renewing my acquaintance with the huge, friendly fish that inhabit the nearby Cod Hole dive site.
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