ASIA

Cebu is one of the Philippines’ most dynamic islands, with coral reefs fringing the coast, mountain ridgelines shaping the interior, and city life moving with busy purpose. As the country’s primary trading hub, Cebu City’s energy is palpable; street food stalls sizzle, students spill out onto university plazas, and cafés and galleries reflect a growing creative scene. The city is dotted with 16th-century landmarks, including the must-see Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, home to Magellan’s Cross, and the triangular Fort San Pedro, today a garden and museum.

Feel the quiet strength of a proud, island-born Japan in Naha. Located over 950 miles southwest of Tokyo, on Okinawa’s southern coast, Naha is the cultural heart of the Ryukyu Islands, and once the royal seat of the Ryukyu Kingdom. A morning walk will take you to the vermilion gates of Shurijo Castle, originally built in the 14th century and recently restored, then shop for hand-dyed bingata—a textile once reserved for royalty, still used in ceremonial kimono. Traditional izakayas line the streets, so step into their shade to sip awamori, a distilled rice spirit unique to the region.

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.

From the bustling streets of the city to a quiet lotus pond in the botanical gardens, Taipei is a harmonious blend of natural landscapes and urban jungle. Get a bird’s eye view of Taiwan’s capital from the 89th-floor observatory at Taipei 101 before descending to explore Dihua Street, where you’ll find historic architecture and local shops selling everything from souvenirs to medicinal herbs. The National Palace Museum is home to a vast collection of Chinese artifacts, including the famous jadeite cabbage from the Qing dynasty and carvings dating back to 3000 BC.

The port city of Sasebo is adjacent to Kujukushima, an archipelago of more than 200 scenic islets in Saikai National Park. Boat trips exploring this remarkable scenery depart from Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort, which also features an aquarium and the chance to harvest your own pearls. Multiple observatories and overlooks offer views of the seascape from land. On another nearby island, Kuroshima Catholic Church stands as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site protecting the legacy of Japanese Christians who were persecuted during the Edo period.