Thailand’s Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, along with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, is helping rehabilitate rescued elephants from city streets.

So far, 30 elephants have been rescued and 22 have been relocated to the specialised Anantara elephant camp since 2003.

Get up close and personal with elephants in your own bubble hut. Picture: Anantara

---

Championing natural free play and highlighting elephants’ natural intelligence and playfulness, the resort is now offering the chance for guests to experience jungle life for themselves, creating these unique tiny homes where you can safely spend time with these beautiful creatures.

Perched on raised wooden decks, the ‘Jungle Bubble’ huts offer uninterrupted views of the elephants in their natural habitat, as well as stargazing at night, safely away from the jungle floor.

Partially transparent and air-conditioned, the 22sqm huts each have a king-sized bed, chairs and table, as well as a covered ensuite shower and vanity.

At the Shangri-La Fiji, the toughest decision you’ll make is whether to enjoy your second complimentary Pina Colada or try the watermelon daiquiri instead as you watch the sun set by the infinity pool. 

Fiji is fast becoming a holiday destination that’s more frequently visited by Aussie sunseekers. While your passport is required for the journey, all that stands between you and your own luxurious getaway to one of the world’s most beautiful islands is a short, three-hour plane trip.

The Shangri-La Fijian Resort & Spa recently underwent a $70 million refurbishment.

---

The Shangri-La Fijian Resort & Spa on Yanuca Island is the largest private island resort in all of Fiji. Accessed by a small bridge over crystal-clear waters, the recently refurbished property invites nothing but unparalleled luxury and endless opportunities for relaxation with its world-class dining options, vibey bars, three serene pools, two lagoons, adults-only areas, family friendly zones and fun-loving activities.

Island time

Time as you know it melts away here; the movements of the sun across the sky – not the clock – informs how you spend your days on the island.

Perhaps you’ll wake up on the right side of the bed to enjoy a buffet breakfast of seasonal fruits and pastries before a spot of kayaking, bike-riding, mini-golf, snorkelling, or tennis.

Lunch at any one of the resort’s four restaurants will energise you for an afternoon of lying by the pool, spa treatments, more watersports or activities, or beach time before the sun sets and twilight cocktails become priority number one.

There’s no shortage of activities to take part in on the private island.

---

Then it’s dinner – Italian, fresh seafood, Asian fusion, you name it – and perhaps a cocktail and a boogie, before retreating your oceanfront room for a spot of stargazing on your private balcony takes precedence. Bliss.

Hot springs on every balcony of this forest retreat!

Mineral-rich, hot spring water is pumped from the Owakudani volcanic valley into private outdoor tubs on every terrace of this 16-room Japanese retreat, nestled 700m high in the Hakone forest. 

Many picture Japan for the concrete and neon Jungle that is bustling Tokyo, but lesser-explored by travellers are the thousands of traditional ‘ryokan’ inns that offer a more tranquil and unique cultural experience. 

One such standout is the newly opened KAI Sengokuhara in picturesque Hakone, a mountainous town known for its hot spring resorts and Mt Fuji views, located less than two hours away from the country’s populous capital. 

The art-oriented ryokan inn opened in July 2018.

---

Skyscrapers are swapped out for dense forests and misty skies as you make your way out of the city and up into the rolling hills towards KAI Sengokuhara, which is located 700m up in the mountains and sheltered by a bamboo forest and maple trees.  

Part inn and part gallery, the accommodation is the world’s first art-oriented hot spring ryokan. 

There’s only two things on the agenda here: bathing and relaxing.

---

There’s a core focus on art of all kinds here – from the room interiors that feature artworks from 12 local artists, to the large-scale sculptures in the entrances and communal areas.

And because being immersed in a theme is the best way to experience it, arty activities are held each day for guests to inspire them to get creative. 

Every evening, a workshop is put on in which you can learn to decorate a tenugui, a traditional Japanese handkerchief. Bonsai-making is another popular workshop available on weekends.