Travel
Heading South: The Top Southern Hemisphere Hotspots Worth Discovering
Slide Nr 1From alluring beaches and dazzling starry skies, to cosmopolitan cities and some of the world’s best wine regions, the southern hemisphere offers more than just a refuge in which to thaw out from the northern hemisphere winter. For anyone who’s not ready to let go of their seaside aspirations, yearns to escape the chilly temperatures to come, or just wants to explore a little further afield, these magical places below the equator check all the boxes for the perfect endless summer getaway.
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Heading South: The Top Southern Hemisphere Hotspots Worth Discovering.
Slide Nr 2Mendoza, Argentina – With a cultural and gastronomic scene similar to Buenos Aires, Mendoza is also the heartland of Argentina’s wine industry, particularly known for its world-class Malbec. With interactive tastings, bicycle wine tours, year-round grape harvest festivals, and vineyard accommodations against a backdrop of the Andean mountains, visitors can enjoy a picturesque experience that tends to be overshadowed by the country’s capital. Anyone looking for more than a good glass of red can go horseback riding in the mountains, visit the region’s hot springs, take an olive oil tasting tour, shop at the town square’s famous artisan market, and indulge in the renowned open-flame cooking restaurant Siete Fuegos, for authentic outdoor Argentinian BBQ paired with, of course, a glass of their best Malbec. It’s the South American dolce vita.
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Heading South: The Top Southern Hemisphere Hotspots Worth Discovering.
Slide Nr 3Rotorua, New Zealand – This under-the-radar spot on North Island is home to surprising natural beauty and cultural richness not found in the island’s other more touristed cities. A three-hour drive from Auckland will take you to this geothermal wonderland with shooting geysers, thermal hot springs, bubbling mud pools and a strong Maori presence that makes it all the more interesting for visitors. Topping the list is Wai-O-Tapu, one of New Zealand’s most colourful and surreal sightseeing attractions. For a good dose of culture, stop by a Maori village and take part in Te Pā Tū, their traditional celebration of life. Later, dine at the famous al fresco Eat Streat, and take a daytime walk among giant redwood trees. Come nightfall, see the forest lit up with floating lanterns at the Redwoods Treewalk. Fan of The Lord of the Rings? An hour’s drive will take you to the iconic landscapes of Hobbiton.
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Heading South: The Top Southern Hemisphere Hotspots Worth Discovering.
Slide Nr 4Zanzibar, Tanzania – With its white-sand shores and blissful sunsets, Zanzibar is an idyllic beach destination – but it’s also got diverse gastronomy, fascinating history, unique fauna and friendly locals. To truly see it all, get lost in the labyrinthine alleys of Stone Town, visit Sultan’s statehood buildings and mosques, and sample street food in the famous market at Forodhani Gardens. Nicknamed “Spice Island” for its cuisine blending Middle Eastern and Indian influences, Zanzibar is a prime place for sampling exotic flavours; we recommend a spice tour around Stone Town. Wildlife lovers, meanwhile, should visit Jozani-Chwaka National Park, a biodiversity hotspot home to the red colobus monkey – a rare species only found there – plus the opportunity to snorkel among coral reefs and alongside bottlenose dolphins.
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Heading South: The Top Southern Hemisphere Hotspots Worth Discovering.
Slide Nr 5Paraty, Brazil – Brazil is home to some of the most lively and photogenic destinations in the world, but if you’re looking for entertainment, historic landmarks and clear blue seas, but with considerably less of a crowd, you’ll find it all in the charming coastal city of Paraty. Known to many as the Brazilian Venice, Paraty’s iconic cobblestone streets, colonial architecture and abundant ecotourism make this lesser-known city a must-visit. The top activities include visiting the Museum of Sacred Art inside the Baroque church Igreja Santa Rita, swimming under cascading waterfalls, enjoying traditional Brazilian live music and dancing in the streets, and sipping cachaça – a type of rum made from fermented sugarcane juice.
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Heading South: The Top Southern Hemisphere Hotspots Worth Discovering.
Slide Nr 6Red Centre, Australia – The night skies above the Southern Hemisphere show a greater range of celestial bodies than in the north, including views of the three brightest visible stars and the centre of the Milky Way. For a front row seat, head to Red Centre in Northern Australia, where the night sky has no light or atmospheric pollution, and the geographic position is perfect for gazing at dark nebulae, zodiac constellations and other astronomical wonders not possible from most of the world’s stargazing locations. Daytime activities include mountain biking, visiting the gorges of the Tjoritja West MacDonnell National Park, learning about the Aboriginal Anangu culture, and simply enjoying a quiet escape from bustling city life.
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Heading South: The Top Southern Hemisphere Hotspots Worth Discovering.
Slide Nr 7Stellenbosch, South Africa – Rolling green valleys, historic streets, world-class food and wine: Stellenbosch is a must for visitors in southern Africa. A 40-minute drive from Cape Town, the so-called City of Oaks offers tree-lined avenues with Dutch colonial houses and verdant gardens – not to mention delectable wines. Stellenbosch is home to over 150 wineries and even more tasting experiences, and is the birthplace of Pinotage (a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut). Other major attractions include visiting Spier, an ethical regenerative farm with a large collection of contemporary South African art (and the best picnic spots), dining at South Africa’s oldest hotel, Oude Werf, and exploring Jonkershoek Nature Reserve for some of the best landscapes of the region.
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Heading South: The Top Southern Hemisphere Hotspots Worth Discovering.
Slide Nr 8Punta del Este, Uruguay – This coastal resort town imitates the cosmopolitan lifestyle of the country’s capital, but with fewer crowds and easier access to the best attractions, making it the perfect destination for a luxurious but relaxing getaway. From the famous Museo Ralli, to the tons of independent art galleries, architectural jewels and James Turrell’s first Skyspace in South America, Punta del Este offers a rich cultural scene, well paired with boutique art hotels, luxury shopping avenues and sought-after gastronomy (the traditional dulce de leche volcano is a must!). For an escape into nature, spot whales and fur seals close to the shore, climb the golden dunes, visit the Lagoon of the Willow, or watch the daily ‘farewell to the sun’ ceremony in Casapueblo.
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Heading South: The Top Southern Hemisphere Hotspots Worth Discovering.
Slide Nr 9East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia – Whether you’re looking to discover a unique culture, spectacular pink sand beaches or thrilling wildlife, this Indonesian province in the Lesser Sunda Islands checks everyone’s boxes – and at an affordable price. One of the main attractions is the Komodo National Park, home to the rare three-metre-long Komodo dragons, but there’s also the Alor Archipelago with some of the best diving sites in the world. For a dose of culture, witness the Manggarai people’s Caci dance or try the traditional Rumpu Rampe, a dish made with papaya leaves and flowers, and the Jawada, a sweet fried snack perfect for dessert. And don’t leave without exploring the three-coloured lake in Kelimutu National Park, very well worth the trip.
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Heading South: The Top Southern Hemisphere Hotspots Worth Discovering.
Slide Nr 10Mauritius – Come for the picture-perfect beaches …and stay for the dozens of other reasons that make this Indian Ocean island an ideal year-round destination. From island-hopping to wildlife watching, sunset catamaran cruises, traditional Sega dancing, and hiking through UNESCO World Heritage landscapes, there’s so much to do when you’re not lying on the beach. For rumbling stomachs, Mauritian cuisine is as varied as its flora and fauna, with influences from Asia, Africa and France promininent in everything from seafood dishes to buttery pastries – no wonder the island’s capital, Port Louis, is considered one of the world’s best cities for street food. Did we mention they produce world-class rum as well? Shop for rum, spices, handmade musical instruments and other artisan goods in the Central Market.
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Heading South: The Top Southern Hemisphere Hotspots Worth Discovering.
Slide Nr 11Easter Island, Chile – For a true escape, head to one of the most remote places on earth: Easter Island. A five-hour flight from Chile’s capital, Santiago, will take you to this Pacific island once home to the ancient culture of the Rapa Nui; due to its isolation, the island’s cultural sites have been superbly preserved. Start off by visiting up-close the famous monolith statues known as Moai in Rapa Raraku – or even go scuba diving to see Moai statues underwater! Relax at the stunning Anakena Beach, explore lava tunnels, discover extinct volcanoes and hidden bays, ride the South Pacific year-round swell, and try the iconic dishes including tuna empanadas and Uma Rapa Nui (plantain-wrapped meat, fish and veggies). If you’re planning a trip in February, the Tapati Festival takes the cake for spectacular cultural celebration.
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