Experiential tourism isn’t a new trend, but it continues to influence travellers when it comes to choosing where to go next. Whether splurging at a beachfront resort or staying on a family farm, connecting with traditions, art, history, food and people is a must-have travel companion these days. Here are our favourite places and ways to dig deeper into local culture.
By Kimberley Lovato
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Travel
15 Unique Travel Experiences Around The World.
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W Hotel in Punta Mita, Mexico – Punta de Mita is heaven for south-of-the-border surf junkies, and this property’s beach offers a break that’s both easy on beginners and a gnarly ride for advanced riders. The pros at the hotel’s WAVE surf are locals who’ve been surfing since childhood. Lessons are USD 169 and include use of a GoPro and epic photos.
Tetherow Hotel in Bend, Oregon – Not only does Bend, Oregon draw outdoor enthusiasts, it lures budding rock stars, too, thanks to complimentary in-room use of a beloved made-in-Bend product: a Breedlove and Bedell guitar or mandolin, crafted in the central Oregon town since 1992. Tours of the factory upon request.
Hotel Sumaq in Aguas Calientes, Peru – Stay at this luxury hotel high in the Andes, and experience a private session with a local shaman who imparts his spiritual and historical knowledge of the sacred Incan site of Machu Picchu. The USD 390 per person cost includes transportation, entrance ticket, private tour, boxed lunch and a “Mystical Pachamama” kit as a souvenir.
Glendeven Inn in Mendocino, California – Napa has the star status, but rural Anderson Valley boasts mom-and-pop vineyards and prized pinot noirs. A customisable tour offered by the Glendeven Inn stops at tasting rooms of ‘cultish’ wineries, and for lunch in Boonville or Philo. USD 425 for two includes tasting fees, lunch and gorgeous scenery.
Uri Buri Restaurant in Acre, Israel – Celebrated hotelier and chef Uri Jeremias is known for his Galilean seafood and fish dishes, and his new culinary tour starts with a fish lesson before leading guests through the market’s spice and fish stalls in Acre, 4,500-year-old city about an hour from Tel Aviv. Join Uri for lunch at his restaurant, Uri Buri, one of Israel’s most famous.
Great Spirit Circle Trail on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada – The largest freshwater island in the world is home to the Anishinaabe people who offer insight into their history and culture through local experiences such as retracing ancient canoe routes, listening to songs and stories, tasting traditional tea and foods, and even setting up teepees.
Hotel Su Gologone in Oliena, Sardinia – Rooms at this family hotel in the heart of the Barbagia region are dedicated to Sardinian artists who’ve created furniture, hand-sewn cushions and blankets, tapestries and other décor. Skilled local women in the onsite studio teach embroidery, painting and drawing and jewellery making from USD 30 to 50.
Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain, Trinidad – Trinidad gave the world the only new acoustic musical instrument invented in the 20th century – the steelpan – and through Banwari Tours (USD 65 per person), guests can watch and listen to musicians in local panyards (practice areas) and even make their own steelpan to ship home.
The Toucan Rescue Ranch in San Isidro, Costa Rica – The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a rehab centre for Costa Rican toucans, parrots, sloths and other wildlife. A guesthouse accommodates up to 5 people, and has a kitchenette and a covered verandah with rocking chair. “Donations” of USD 165 per night are requested and include a tour as well as daily breakfast.
Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo, Japan – The graceful Japanese tea ceremony dates back more than 1,000 years, and Keio Plaza is one of the few hotels in central Tokyo with a ceremonial tearoom, where a tea master sits on the tatami mat and goes through carefully choreographed ritual, pouring tea and offering traditional sweets. Open to hotel guests and non-guests at USD 19 per person.
San Ignacio Resort Hotel in Belize – The threatened Green Iguana is the star at the rehabilitation and educational centre built on this hotel property. Learn about the project on an interactive tour, hold an iguana in your hands, or adopt and name one. Funds support the centre as well as scholarships for local children in San Ignacio.
Snow Mountain Ranch in Winter Park, Colorado – Part of the YMCA of the Rockies, this 5,000-acre property promotes the great outdoors, from summer tubing, mini golf and swimming to 120 kilometres of Nordic skiing, fat tire biking, snowshoeing trails and more. BYO equipment or rent on-site and stay in affordable hotel-style lodge rooms, campsites or the popular yurts.
Gyde and Seek – Want Rio, Santiago, Mexico City, Buenos Aires and Budapest at the tip of your fingers? This app and website connects you easily and instantly to local guides offering anything from a jewellery workshop with a designer in Argentina to a hunt for live music in Rio or a tailored street art tour in Santiago, just to name a few.
VizEat – With a network of hosts in 110 locations around the world, such as Paris, Seville, Athens and Brazil, VizEat invites travellers to savour local flavours via cooking classes, food tours or sit-down meals in private homes.
I Like Local – This online platform connects travellers with locals in Asia and Africa for affordable home stays, like an overnight with the Watasittikul family on their rice farm in Thailand. Pricing varies by location.
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