If you’re looking for somewhere to experience a luxurious holiday which isn’t filled with hundreds of tourists, then how about considering Russia or Morocco.
Russia
To get the most from a visit to Russia head off the beaten track and you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the sights you can encounter. Once you’ve done the old favourites, like a holiday in Moscow or St. Petersburg dive deeper into what is the world’s largest country. Ivanovo is an up and coming place to visit. Under an hour to fly from Moscow and about 186 miles to drive, it sits on the Volgar River. It’s abundance of lakes and rivers make it a popular centre for boating. One of the places to stay is the picturesque riverside town of Plyos where a new harbour is being built, 6 new hotels, and various leisure centres.
Also vying for attention are the areas of Vladimir and Kostroma. Vladamir is already well known for its regional gastronomy and the museum town of Suzdal also merits a visit. Hotel accommodation here has increased greatly in the past few years. Attractions in the Kostroma region, which is only a river boat ride away from Moscow, include dog sled races and a visit to an elk farm (elk milk is said to have beneficial medicinal qualities).
Further east bordering onto Mongolia is the Republic of Buryatia which is nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Baikal which receives few visitors and is the world’s deepest and oldest lake. The area is being developed around the fishing village of Turka and the beach resort of Peski with a ski area as well as two spa resorts.
Morocco
Morocco is an exotic and fascinating country with a huge diversity of scenery. There’s the bustling cities of Marrakech and Casablanca, the snow capped Atlas mountains, pristine beaches, and the Sahara Desert. Why not stay in a stylish riad in Marrakech. Just walking into one with its internal courtyards, fountains and lush foliage make you feel as if you are a million mile from the city.
Or how about skiing in the Atlas mountains. The Michlifen Ifrane Suites and Spa is a five star alpine getaway retreat located in Ifrane, in a region which is referred to as “Little Switzerland”. With its own heliport you can arrive in style. Located at 1700 meters in altitude, the hotel is surrounded by rolling hill dotted with pines and tranquil lakes. The food there is to die for with a creative twist on Moroccan classics such as couscous with prawns and a ginger broth.
If you’re looking for something completely different then you might enjoy a night of luxury camping in the Sahara. The luxury camp is located just 10 km from the Algerian border and just 20 minutes drive across the desert. The tents are a permanent feature and have all of the amenities of a hotel room except for running water. Carpets cover the floors, walls, and doorways to keep you warm and the beds are really comfortable. You’re greeted with a cop of mint tea and as the sun goes down you are invited into the dining tent. This is covered with sparkling silks and looks like something out of the Arabian Nights. A huge fire is lit outside for everyone to sit around chatting after a delicious meal. In the morning you can hop on camels and ride to the dunes to watch the sunrise before returning for a delicious breakfast under the sun.
