DestinAsian - March - May 2022

I dette nummeret

Spring has always been a time of regrowth and regeneration, and this particular season of 2022 feels especially significant. Many of us are on the cusp of realizing our long-postponed travel plans, mapping out an overseas holiday or a muchawaited reunion with family and friends. As more countries roll back their border restrictions, quarantine-free travel will eventually be the norm rather than the exception. For now, I’m most excited about the return of the annual DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards, which recognizes the very best our home region has to offer, whether it’s hotels, airlines, or destinations. All were nominated by readers like yourself. A few of our winners might be newer entries, but the majority are repeat finalists from previous years, which says something about consistency and the loyal following that these brands and properties have successfully cultivated. The feature stories this issue speak to our collective yearning for wide-open spaces after experiencing multiple lockdowns and extended periods of staying at home. Tokyo based photographer James Whitlow Delano brings us to the lesserknown subtropical island of Amami Oshima — recently inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List — to see its natural wonders and unique traditions. Those planning a rural escape in Europe this year will want to read through Debbie Pappyn’s roundup of countryside hotels in Portugal’s Alentejo region. If you’re a foodie, you’ll relish the insider’s tips on Chiang Mai from acclaimed American chef Andy Ricker, who built his career out of introducing the cuisine of northern Thailand to the States. It’s understandable to be put off by the extra paperwork, the new hoops we must jump through just to get on a plane and leave the country. Don’t be. The process may be somewhat different from before, but I can tell you the world is still ripe for exploration, and there’s nothing quite like the excitement of venturing somewhere new.