13 Unique Travel Experiences to Spark Wonder

At Six Senses Punakha in Bhutan, begin the day with a short hike to Chorten Ningpo, a 16th-century monastery that’s now home to 50 young novices. Share a simple breakfast with Lama Nado and his students, and hear firsthand how Bhutan’s ancient Buddhist traditions continue to shape modern life. Your visit directly supports their education and future – a truly enriching exchange.

Sail deep into Peru’s Pacaya Samiria Reserve aboard Delfin’s elegant riverboats, with expert naturalists leading daily excursions into the flooded rainforest. Swim with pink dolphins, release baby turtles, meet a shaman, and spot pygmy marmosets at dawn. With just a handful of suites and access shaped by local partnerships, this is the Amazon at its most intimate and immersive.

Track gorillas in Rwanda, fly over the Okavango Delta, witness the zebra migration in Botswana, and sleep under the stars in Namibia – all in one journey. Our mega safaris combine private aviation, expert guides and front-row access to Africa’s most iconic wildlife spectacles. It’s a journey that shifts with every landscape – misty Virunga peaks, golden Okavango floodplains, and Namibia’s raw desert silence.

A scattering of volcanic islets off Panama’s Pacific coast, Islas Secas offers the rarest kind of escape – wild, whisper-quiet, and deeply refined. This privately owned archipelago hosts just a handful of casitas for up to 32 guests, with every detail curated – from diving pristine reefs and private boat expeditions to starlit dinners on deserted beaches. Wild yet exquisitely run, it’s a secret gem for those seeking the extraordinary.

Sail upriver through Portugal’s storied Douro Valley aboard a privately chartered boat, where golden terraces of vines rise steeply from the water’s edge. Disembark at a little-known family estate for a private tasting with the winemaker, followed by a long-table lunch under olive trees. Paired with rare vintage Ports and sweeping river views, it’s a journey for the senses – timeless, slow, and soulful.

Wade into the glassy waters of Argentine Patagonia with a private fly-fishing guide who knows every hidden stretch and secret run. These are places not marked on maps, arranged through Lightfoot’s local connections. As dusk settles, gather by the fire for grilled trout and Malbec – a moment for soul food and stillness.

Join Kazakh nomads on Mongolia’s wild western steppe for the annual Eagle Festival – a dramatic celebration of horsemanship, hunting and heritage. Stay in your own ensuite ger, dine with local herding families, and watch golden eagles soar as hunters showcase centuries-old falconry skills passed down through generations.