Asia
Miyazaki, located on Kyushu's southeastern coast, offers an enchanting blend of ancient mythology and modern adventure. This renowned haven for outdoor enthusiasts boasts spectacular coastal drives along pristine shorelines and houses seaside shrines steeped in legend. The sacred trio of Miyazaki Shrine, Amanoiwato Shrine, and Takachiho Shrine holds profound significance in Japanese creation mythology, marking the legendary birthplace of Japan itself.
The Fari Islands may well be the crown jewel in a chain of coral atolls renowned for pristine white sands and impossibly blue waters. On a voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, blissful hours in this remote retreat include exclusive access to the luxurious amenities and world-class hospitality of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. Relax in a private cabana on an idyllic beach overlooking the turquoise lagoon, or go farther to discover the vibrant marine life under the surface on a snorkeling or diving expedition.
The Fari Islands may well be the crown jewel in a chain of coral atolls renowned for pristine white sands and impossibly blue waters. On a voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, blissful hours in this remote retreat include exclusive access to the luxurious amenities and world-class hospitality of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives. Relax in a private cabana on an idyllic beach overlooking the turquoise lagoon, or go farther to discover the vibrant marine life under the surface on a snorkeling or diving expedition.
Located off Sumatra’s east coast, Belitung is almost surreal in its perfection. This quiet island is laced with sugar-white beaches, crystalline shallow waters, and surreal granite boulders that rise like sculptures from the sea. Tourist attractions are few, so life here unfolds slowly: wade through sparkling tide pools, snorkel above coral gardens, and settle into a beachfront warung for warm grilled fish topped with fiery Indonesian sambal.
Located off Sumatra’s east coast, Belitung is almost surreal in its perfection. This quiet island is laced with sugar-white beaches, crystalline shallow waters, and surreal granite boulders that rise like sculptures from the sea. Tourist attractions are few, so life here unfolds slowly: wade through sparkling tide pools, snorkel above coral gardens, and settle into a beachfront warung for warm grilled fish topped with fiery Indonesian sambal.
Think of Bali, and you’ll likely picture the perfect beaches of the south—and certainly, Celukan Bawang has its share of those. But this modest harbor on the north of the island reveals a Bali shaped by nature and tradition. Once a 19th-century timber port shipping hardwoods from the island’s rainforests, Celukan Bawang now offers quiet entry into a region that is elemental and off the beaten path. Just 10 miles from the port, and you could be soaking in the mineral-rich waters of Banjar Hot Springs, long believed to hold healing properties.
Think of Bali, and you’ll likely picture the perfect beaches of the south—and certainly, Celukan Bawang has its share of those. But this modest harbor on the north of the island reveals a Bali shaped by nature and tradition. Once a 19th-century timber port shipping hardwoods from the island’s rainforests, Celukan Bawang now offers quiet entry into a region that is elemental and off the beaten path. Just 10 miles from the port, and you could be soaking in the mineral-rich waters of Banjar Hot Springs, long believed to hold healing properties.
If ever there was a place shaped by resilience and faith, it’s Semarang. This city on Java’s north coast is the gateway to Borobudur, the awe-inspiring 9th-century Buddhist monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, buried for centuries beneath volcanic ash and only rediscovered in 1814. Bell-shaped stupas and intricate stone reliefs trace the path to enlightenment, drawing the faithful from around the world to its sacred walls. Not far away, the towering spires of Prambanan—Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple—rise from the plain, carved with scenes from ancient epics.
If ever there was a place shaped by resilience and faith, it’s Semarang. This city on Java’s north coast is the gateway to Borobudur, the awe-inspiring 9th-century Buddhist monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site, buried for centuries beneath volcanic ash and only rediscovered in 1814. Bell-shaped stupas and intricate stone reliefs trace the path to enlightenment, drawing the faithful from around the world to its sacred walls. Not far away, the towering spires of Prambanan—Indonesia’s largest Hindu temple—rise from the plain, carved with scenes from ancient epics.
Onboard comforts extend to shore at Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa. Inspired by Flores’ spiderweb-shaped Lingko rice fields, Ta’aktana builds island tradition into every detail—woven textures, hand-carved wood, and warm local hospitality. Unwind beside the turquoise pool, sip champagne at the overwater bar, or take in the tamarind-scented breeze from a shaded terrace or sandy beach. Yet Ta’aktana offers more than relaxation alone. Set on the western tip of Flores Island, it’s also an ideal gateway to Komodo—home of the famous dragons and the UNESCO-recognized national park.
