The big adventure

Jousting, archery, and galloping horsemen in dazzling robes: Umbria provides a thrilling flavor of a noble Italian knight’s life. Not only does it host amazing festivals, including the Palio della Balestra in Gubbio, or the Giostra della Quintana jousting tournament in Foligno, but it has glorious historic towns, including Norcia. Deep in Monti Sibillini National Park, discover elegant Palazzo Seneca, a beautifully restored 16th-century mansion with rooms that blend ancient and modern, featuring the Seneca family’s original writing desks, wooden and iron canopy beds, and ‘cardinal chairs.’ And you won’t just sleep like a knight, you’ll eat like one too! Palazzo Seneca’s Michelin-starred Italian cuisine celebrates the region’s famous cured hams, black truffles, Cannara onions, and mountain-reared lamb. Unlike hardened medieval soldiers, you can enjoy being pampered in the hotel’s spa. Otherwise, hunt for truffles, visit vineyards, and hike the nearby peaks.

Ready to make a splash? One of the world’s classiest destinations, Saint- Barthélemy boasts crystal-clear warm waters, dazzling coral, and varied dive sites. From the rock formations at Pain de Sucre to the reef wall at L’Anse de Colombier and Kayali Wreck, you’ll find waters teeming with rays, barracuda, and sea turtles–even humpback whales. Scuba divers and snorkelers will love gliding among its multicolor fish, and you can plan your next underwater adventure from your sun-bleached deck at Hôtel Le Toiny. Its 22 dreamy villas have private pools and breezy tropical interiors. The ocean also provides sublime ingredients for Chef Eric Desbordes’ innovative cuisine. Expect gourmet dishes, such as wahoo carpaccio, lobster tacos, and mahi mahi ceviche. While the kids enjoy the waves, there’s plenty to keep parents occupied, from lounging at the Beach Club, surfing lessons, yoga, and tennis to sailing, spa treatments, and hiking trails.

Yar-ha, me hearties! You’re in the right place if it’s pirates you’re after–the seafaring villains played a dramatic part in Lympstone Manor’s long history. From its 28-acre/11-hectare estate you can gaze across the Exe estuary where, in the 17th century, marauding Dutch and North African pirates and motley crews of Turks would attack English ships, ports, and villages along the south coast. Thankfully, any Jolly Roger pirate flags are long gone. Lympstone’s beautifuwlly restored Georgian manor hosts guests in 6 shepherds huts and 21 stylish rooms that feature chandeliers, period features, private terraces, and firepits. You’ll need cutlery rather than cutlasses in its three elegant dining rooms and pool house. Celebrated Chef Michael Caines uses local mussels and fish in his Michelin-starred modern British cuisine. A fabulous wine cellar includes the estate’s vintages–thirsty pirates would undoubtedly plunder a case of Lympstone’s 2020 Classic Cuvée.

Imagine stumbling across Machu Picchu, the ‘Lost City of the Incas,’ high in Peru’s jungle-clad Andes mountains, just as explorer Hiram Bingham did in 1911. Check in at Inkaterra La Casona in Cusco, the Inca empire’s former capital, and you’re perfectly placed to explore these incredible ruins. This restored 16th-century casona virreinal features 11 suites adorned with baroque antiques, impressive fireplaces, and warm-hued Andean textiles. Rustic yet refined cuisine celebrates indigenous produce–like trout, guinea pig, quinoa, and giant corn–while local botanicals also feature in the spa’s therapies. Recharged and ready for Incan adventures, head to Sacsayhuamán’s citadel and Tambomachay’s fountains, then make for the Sacred Valley for the Maras salt mines, Moray’s circular terraces and Ollantaytambo’s temple fortress. Finally, prepare to enter Machu Picchu itself, for the same visceral thrill Bingham experienced a century ago.

The high-octane choice! For budding Marco Odermatts or Federica Brignones, Verbier takes some beating. Part of the 4 Vallées, Switzerland’s largest ski area, it has 254 miles/400 kilometers of pistes. Excellent ski schools and smooth rookie runs at Les Esserts and Savoleyres are ideal for beginners, while advanced skiers can tackle Mont Fort’s exhilarating descent. After fresh air and exercise, you’ll need comfortable sleep. Le Chalet d’Adrien has cozy, charming rooms featuring oodles of wood, warm fabrics and rugs, and sleek, contemporary bathrooms. Skiing can leave you ravenous, so thank heavens Chef Sebastiano Lombardi’s Michelin-starred, Italian-influenced dishes–including langoustine ricotta ravioli, lemon with thyme, and minestrone broth–can be enjoyed on the terrace. For something traditional, savor fondue and entrecote in Le Grenier restaurant. Ease tired muscles in the hotel’s spa–its pools offer epic alpine views.

You’ve caught khaki fever and want to work in Africa’s untamed wilderness? Who could blame you? There are few better places to taste the life of a game ranger than Epako, set beneath Namibia’s red Erongo Mountains, on a 27,000-acre/11,000-hectare reserve packed with wildlife–from black and white rhinos to leopards, spotted hyenas, Burchell’s and Hartmann’s mountain zebra, and an extensive population of giraffes. It is also home to a cheetah rehabilitation sanctuary and 170 species of birds, all revealed on daily safari drives and guided bush walks. Once ‘ranger training’ is finished, cool off in the pool and then kick back in the resort’s ten rooms and suites, all in earth tones and contemporary African styling, with terraces overlooking the river. Refuel on a fusion of local and international flavors, served with views of the floodlit watering hole. For added relaxation, Epako has a spa and fitness center. Here, the safari guides’ knowledge extends beyond animals. They’ll also show you star-filled night skies, multicolor landscapes, and ancient rock paintings.