Tour operator Scott Dunn’s latest survey reveals 45 percent of guests are planning a celebratory trip in 2023. Retirement trips, baby-moons, anniversary trips and solo adventures are all on the rise with 2022 bringing in a 160 percent increase in bookings for solo travelers as compared to the year prior, 60 percent of which are female.
Honeymoons no longer have to be the only once-in-a-lifetime trip that travelers can have; Scott Dunn offers “moons” for every phase of life. Here are a few samples.
The solo-moon: Scott Dunn’s experts and on-the-ground team can prepare a slow and spiritual travel itinerary in Bhutan, starting with a stay at the new andBeyond Punakha River Lodge. Drukgyel Dzong is located further up Paro Valley from Tiger’s Nest Monastery and offers an opportunity to connect with monks. At Dochu La Pass, travelers can marvel at the 108 memorial stupas and panoramic views over the Himalayas. Next, Six Senses Paro or the COMO Uma Paro make for excellent stays. Highlights include visiting Kyichu Lhakhang temple, dating to the 7th century; and meeting local members of the community for a home-cooked dinner. An evening visit to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, a nunnery that is also used as a higher learning facility and meditation center, can be arranged. Finally, guests can receive a monk blessing and experience the exchanging of khatag—white scarves that symbolize purity and compassion—that signify a welcome or a safe journey depending on when it is given.
The breakup-moon: Travelers who need a distraction from the past and want to reprioritize themselves can try an adventure trip to Argentina and Antarctica.
The itinerary kicks off in the Mendoza wine region. Guests can enjoy a Scott Dunn private tour of the Valle de Uco wineries for tastings and discover secrets of the wine-making process. Travelers will travel to Patagonia and stay at Eolo, a remote ranch-style lodge. Guests can enjoy a boat trip to the south wall of the Perito Moreno Glacier. Upon arrival, a dedicated Scott Dunn guide will trek with guests on the glacier surface for an icy adventure. Next up is a cruise through the Drake Passage on the new Ultramarine. This ship offers a range of excursions on Antarctica and its surrounding waters, including kayaking, hiking on shores, paddleboarding and more. Helicopters parked on the cruise can take travelers further inland to explore more of Antarctica’s frozen environment. Guests can unwind in the Ultramarine’s spa or head to the library and lecture theater to brush up on polar knowledge with lectures by onboard experts.
The mega-moon: Travelers planning the trip of a lifetime and not afraid to splurge can combine South Africa and Mozambique for an African trek.
The trip begins on the country’s Western Cape in one of its three capitals: Cape Town. They can choose from a range of waterfront accommodations, including the One&Only Cape Town. They can stroll along the V&A Waterfront or explore the beaches of Camp’s Bay. After exploring Cape Town, venture a little out east to many of the wine estates, including Babylonstoren, set in the Drakenstein Valley. Travelers staying at Babylonstoren can roam the eight acres of gardens with over 300 plants and learn about their wine-making, tea and olive oil processes. For a wellness retreat, the recently launched Future Found Sanctuary by Time+Tide offers a range of treatments, including tai chi classes, acupuncture, sound healing kinesiology and more. Fly from Cape Town to Kruger National Park for a three-night safari at the Timbavati Game Reserve while staying at the andBeyond Ngala Tented Camp. Guests can watch game at Timbavati with its abundance of wildlife including rhinos, buffalos, leopards, elephants and lions. Next, head over to Mozambique’s latest eco lodge opening, Kisawa Sanctuary, the world’s first 3D printed eco resort with access to some of the least explored subtropical ecosystems in the Indian Ocean.
The babymoon: Scott Dunn offers both long- and short-haul options in tropical getaways. For those who just found out that they’re pregnant, a Maldivian getaway makes for a relaxing trip. Along with Scott Dunn’s variety of resort partners including Gili Lankanfushi, Emerald Maldives, Soneva Fushi and more, an array of activities can also be arranged for all types of travelers. Besides diving and snorkeling, couples can enjoy a four-course dinner cruise under the stars as they learn about the secrets of the cosmos when staying at Soneva Fushi. Couples can also castaway to a deserted island all to themselves and swim, snorkel, sunbathe and enjoy a picnic lunch when staying at the Six Senses Laamu. For the ultimate trip before the baby arrives, Scott Dunn recommends Petit St. Vincent, a private island, offering the perfect balance of wilderness and luxury. Villa 19, a favorite for many Scott Dunn guests, is just steps from its own private beach so soon-to-be’s can rest, relax and prepare for the next chapter in their life.
The retirement-moon: After the kids have left the nest and the final days of work have wrapped, travelers looking to try something different and start a new chapter can head to Southeast Asia for a Cambodian and Vietnamese odyssey.
Siem Reap, northern Cambodia, is home to the temples of Angkor. Scott Dunn offers tours starting with lesser-known temples hidden in the forest. Travelers can enjoy breakfast amongst the ruins and venture out to Angkor Thom after the morning crowds have left in the afternoon before arriving at Angkor Wat.
In Vietnam, Scott Dunn recommends spending a few days in Ho Chi Minh City to explore the food scene and sights such as the Notre Dame cathedral and the War Remnants Museum. Next up is the lush Con Son archipelago. The Six Senses Con Dao serves as an ideal backdrop for an itinerary full of snorkeling, diving and cooking classes or lounging poolside, seaside or some spa time.
For more information, visit www.scottdunn.com.
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