Richard Siegel - Swain Destinations

Island Getaways

Africa, Australia, Europe, Richard Siegel, South Pacific Islands

Whether you are looking for a quiet place to relax or to take some time exploring a new destination, an island getaway is a great way to spend an entire vacation or round out a busy itinerary. Here are some of our favorite island destinations that offer a wide variety of experiences to travelers.

Sicily, Italy

Fascinating history, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes, Sicily has a little bit of everything. Located just off the “toe” of Italy’s “boot”, Sicily offers travelers opportunities to experience historical landmarks including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Valley of Temples, world-renowned cuisine, and time to relax on picturesque Mediterranean beaches. Experience all that Sicily has to offer with our Sicily Discovered itinerary.

Warm Weather Season: May through October.

Crete, Greece

Another island filled with amazing history, Crete is a fantastic destination for those looking for a more active adventure. Crete offers scenic hikes and fantastic views, as well opportunities to learn about the islands’ long history. Visit the small island of Spinalonga, one of Greece’s many “ghost villages“, about 20 minutes off the coast. Experience Crete on its own or as part of our Southern Jewels with Islands itinerary.

Warm Weather Season: May through October.

Moorea, French Polynesia

When it comes to French Polynesia, most people immediately think of Bora Bora, however there are many other islands that offer travelers different experiences. Moorea is located near Tahiti and offers the widest range of activities for visitors to French Polynesia, including horseback riding, ATV adventures, and great scuba diving. With its own airport, Moorea is easily accessible by plane or boat from Tahiti and is a great addition to any French Polynesia itinerary. Visit Moorea as part of our Moorea and Bora Bora Sampler itinerary.

Warm Weather Season: Year-round, however ideal travel season is May through October.

Benguerra Island, Mozambique

For a relaxing beach experience following a safari, Azura Benguerra offers an unparalleled experience just off the coast of Mozambique. You’ll land on this remote island after a 10-minute scenic flight from Vilanculos flying over the vibrant turquoise waters. Relax in one of 20 rustic-luxury beach front villas with your own private pool. Activities ranging from snorkeling, fishing, sunset sails on Portuguese Dhows, ‘wet sand’ breakfasts, community visits, dune climbs, or total relaxation are all on offer. The eco-friendly resort was built by local community members and the warmth and friendliness of the local people an integral part of the Azura Benguerra experience. Learn more about a stay on Benguerra Island here.

Warm Weather Season: Year-round, however ideal travel season is May through November.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

After a busy trip tracking the Big 5 on your safari in Tanzania, take some time to relax and unwind on the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar. Located off the coast of mainland Tanzania, the islands of the Zanzibar Archipelago allow visitors time to relax on their white-sand beaches, learn about their unique past, as well as taste some incredible cuisine that takes inspiration East Africa, the Middle East, China, and India. Learn more about a visit to Tanzania here.

Warm Weather Season: Year-round, however ideal travel season is July through September.

Hayman Island, The Whitsundays

With a variety of properties and experiences available, The Whitsundays is an incredible place to unwind and take in the tropical Queensland landscape. Guests can experience the Great Barrier Reef, a variety of water sports, and beautiful accommodations. InterContinental Hayman Island Resort provides visitors an amazing private-island experience unlike anywhere else in Australia. Find out more about Hayman Island and the Whitsundays here.

Warm Weather Season: Year-round, however ideal travel season is April through December.

Out Of This World Destinations

Africa, Australia, Destinations, Europe, Middle East, Richard Siegel

Swain Destinations offers services around the world, but some places feel as if they could come straight from another planet. Here are some of the most unique out-of-this world destinations in the Swain portfolio.

Western Australia

Being the largest state in the country, Western Australia encompasses many varieties of natural landscape ranging from lush valleys suited for producing some of the worlds best wine, to dry deserts with unbelievable formations. The best example being the limestone Pinnacles of Nambung National Park , jutting out from the sand and creating a striking landscape.

Tasmania

Located south-east of mainland Australia, the island-state of Tasmania is home to vast array of wildlife and unique geological wonders. Set out on the east coast to the Freycinet Peninsula to experience the pink granite cliffs, or head north to Gardiner Point, also known as “The Edge of the World”. Gaze out at uninterrupted waters, where if one were to set sail they would encounter nothing but ocean for thousands of miles before eventually arriving on the shores of Argentina.

Rwanda

Rwanda is home to some of the most unique landscapes in all of Africa and even the world. Volcanoes National Park, named after a chain of dormant volcanoes, contains a spectacular rainforest that dates back to the ice age, and is home to the incredible mountain gorillas. Rwanda takes great pride in these magnificent creatures and goes to extensive lengths to make sure they are protected and can thrive in their natural habitat. Travelers are able to trek through the jungle to experience the gorillas up close and personal with them.

Namibia

The landscape of Namibia is so unique that it is often used in films to depict other-worldly locations. Massive sand dunes that make up the oldest desert in the world creep up to the coastline. Petrified trees stand alone on the white clay pan of Deadvlei. The “Great White Ghosts”, real-life white elephants, roam the lands covered in the white calcite sand to stay cool. A truly remarkable destination unlike anywhere else in the world.

Qatar

While Qatar is rapidly growing and constructing architectural marvels, the small peninsula-nation located in the Persian Gulf is rich with history of their nomadic past. After experiencing world-class restaurants, shopping, and events in Doha, head out into the desert for an exhilarating adventure in the sand dunes. Luxury accommodations located next to the sea offer a unique experience to sleep under the desert moon and take in this fascinating land.

Iceland

From the moment you arrive into Reykjavik you will feel like you just landed on another planet. Iceland instantly feels otherworldly with it’s amazing rock formations, volcanic features, and glacial formations. Visitors quickly learn why Iceland is referred to as “the land of fire and ice.” Walk on a glacier, explore the black sand beaches of Reynisfjara, and end your adventure with a visit to Blue Lagoon to experience their geothermal hot springs and amazing spa facilities.

Finland

Summers of endless daylight and winters of brilliant displays of light in the sky. Finnish Lapland is a truly unique region where you can experience vivid sights of the aurora borealis above untouched winter scenery. Finnish Lapland is also home to the Sámi, the only indigenous people within the European Union. “The land of a thousand lakes”, as Finland is sometimes referred to as, is filled with pristine wilderness that is sure to drive your sense of adventure.

Scotland

Located under the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the network of narrow passageways and long-abandoned houses make up Real Mary King’s Close. A once busy area which was eventually covered by the new Royal Exchange as the city rapidly grew. The area today is said to have frequent ghost sightings and is a fascinating look into what 17th century life was like in Edinburgh. Outside of Edinburgh you will find incredible castles scattered throughout the countryside, rich with history and amazing architecture.

Kyoto Basics

Asia, Richard Siegel, Travels

Throughout our trip to Japan, which included visits to Fukuoka, Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, we found ourselves saying “if only we had another day here” as we left each city. This was most true of Kyoto; home to many famous historic landmarks in the country, it is a must-see destination when traveling to Japan.

The Machiya

We decided to forego staying in a hotel while in Kyoto and elected to stay at a machiya – a traditional Kyoto townhouse. We wanted to make sure we spent time in a traditional Japanese home. When entering the house, there is a small room where you remove your shoes before entering the main house. Once your shoes are off, you slide open the wooden door to reveal a simple, warm space. The walls are plain yet detailed, the floors are covered with tatami mats and the furniture is all designed for use while kneeling or sitting on the ground.

Michiya Table | Photo Credit: Richard Siegel

The space was so inviting that we felt as if we had just walked into our home. While there were two normal beds in one room, the second bedroom was much more traditional with two futons available to complete the machiya experience. The bathroom had a regular shower only with a wooden soaking tub that allowed you to relax and look out into the small garden at the back of the property. Staying in the machiya felt as if it was integral to our experience in Kyoto. We quite enjoyed our time relaxing and taking in the experience of simply being in the house.

Authentic Ramen

We knew we wanted ramen for dinner the first night in Kyoto. One restaurant that offers a unique take on the dish is Menbakaichidai Ramen. Here, traditional Japanese ramen is served with one big twist: fire! Commonly referred to as “Fire Ramen,” this small restaurant serves up ramen that is literally set on fire right in front of you. The fire ignites when the chef pours a small amount of hot oil onto a healthy amount of green onion that is piled on top of the bowl. This ignites a flame that reaches several feet in the air and lasts for about a second.

Fire Ramen | Photo Credit: Richard Siegel

The process releases a unique flavor into the dish unlike any ramen you have ever had. Depending on which set you order, you can add sides of fried rice, gyoza and karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken) to your meal. A spectacle that is every bit as entertaining as it is delicious, combined with extremely friendly staff, makes this a definite stop for any ramen fan.

The Highlights of Kyoto

At the recommendation of the staff at Fire Ramen, we made our way over to the nearby Nijo Castle. While this site is generally closed in the evening, in the fall season it is sometimes open to the public after dark. We not only got to explore the grounds but also took a walk through the palace which was beautifully lit.

Nijo Castle | Photo Credit: Richard Siegel

The next morning was Fushimi Inari-taisha, one of Kyoto’s most famous shrines, and rightfully so. The shrine is located at the base of Inari Mountain. Two and a half miles of trails take you up and down the mountain. The most unique aspect of Fushimi Inari is the seemingly endless number of torii gates that line the trails. Walking the trail and passing under these beautiful gates is an extremely relaxing experience. This journey can take anywhere from two to three hours to complete. Those who take the time to explore the trails will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Kyoto. Be sure to get there early in the morning to avoid large crowds!

Fushimi Inari Tori Gates | Photo Credit: Richard Siegel

We then made our way to Kiyomizu-dera, another beautiful Kyoto landmark. This Buddhist temple is located on a hillside near the edge of the city. Venture here for stunning traditional architecture, spectacular views of the surrounding areas and a rich historical experience.

Arashiyama District

Finally, we decided to make a trip to the Arashiyama District. Arashiyama offers visitors a great variety of historic temples and shrines, a plentiful amount of small shops and restaurants and of course, the famous Bamboo Grove. Much quieter than central Kyoto, this area feels like a small getaway within the city.

Bamboo Grove | Photo Credit: Japan Tourism

Kyoto is an amazing city with a rich history that keeps anyone who visits captivated. While we did see quite a bit of Kyoto, we only scratched the surface of what the city has to offer. This, of course, just makes the build-up to the next trip to Japan that much more enticing.