There’s something for every traveler this summer, whether they’re seeking tigers, rare fish species or even a caviar facial.
Consider the Obero i Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore in India, the leading luxury jungle resort on the edge of a Tiger Reserve. Or the Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh, a diver’s paradise, surrounded by the Red Sea and brimming with rare fish species. The truly intrepid will find the journey to Darvaza and Ashsabat in Turkmenistan, with unprecedented access and expertise with Kensington Tours, a turn-on.
These voyages demand hours in flight, dreaded inspections and, at times, mismanaged airports.
The good news for travelers this summer is the Qantas Business lounge opened on June 17 at LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal. The lounge size has doubled to 600 seats and new amenities include a wine bar, barista service, a communal fireplace and a central glass atrium.
Even before arriving in Sydney, travelers can sample Aussie cuisine in a new dining area where customers can observe chefs in action.
The brainchild of Australian Chef Neil Perry, the menu fuses Asian and Western flavors. So, for those with a delayed flight, this is definitely the place to wait it out.
For the spa-goer who has been massaged with every essence from chocolate to coconut shavings, have you tried caviar?
If passing through Dubai, make an appointment at the Raffles Dubai Hotel’s spa for its signature Caviar Facial. The rich caviar, glycolics and peel-off masque will jettison any jetlag.
In Switzerland, the Swissotel Metropole overlooks Geneva and is captivating not only for its view but its “5” lounge, bar and restaurant designed by architect Enzo Enea. The gourmet menu offers small plates from around the world served tapas-style.
Another dining design worth visiting is the Cluny, the latest from the Toronto-based firm, Munge Leung. The restaurant, the newest to join Toronto’s historic Distillery District, is an authentic bistro experience with an industrial edge and an in-house patisserie and café.
If strategizing on how to connect flights, the Zurich Airport is a wise choice. The quiet and cleanliness surpass an “A” rating. Swiss International Airlines operates several spacious lounges, including one with a first class restaurant.
I used to dread those five-hour connection times until I landed at Zurich.
An outstanding array of duty free shops with every Swiss timepiece on display, from Rolex to Breitling, helps move the time along. For those who tire of duty free shopping, there are convenient dayrooms for “freshening up,” complimentary Internet access, centralized bath facilities, single, double or multibed rooms with TV. The dayrooms are open 24 hours and offer a marvelous view of the runway. Prices are “tailored to the length of your stay.”
Pam Price is a correspondent for Forbes.com.
