TheeThESCAPE

Peace and tranquility
permeate Kyoto, with stays
and landscapes exuding
a rejuvenating calm

CITY OF ZEN

Sometimes, peace is what youneed to shake off apathy. For
that, there’s no place better
than Kyoto with its multitudeof landmarks, both natural andman‑made, that are stunning in every
season. Experience the healing powerof nature deep in the calming Arashiyama Bamboo Grove;soak up the serenity of the ancient shrines and temples at justabout every turn; or spend a leisurely day exploring Gion,
which exudes the quiet magic of old Japan with its stonepaved streets and traditional wooden houses. Adding to its richheritage of traditional arts and crafts are the artisanal coffee
joints made for chilling—Angel Library, which requires acode for entry, is a must-visit.To fully reap the benefits of theserene city, opt for a ryokan-style, nostalgic yet new stay at theSuiran (marriott.com/hotels/travel/ukylc-suiran-a-luxury-collectionhotel-kyoto) or Sowaka (sowaka.com).

RELIGHTMY FIRE
Feeling a little worse for wear after the longhunker‑down? Rediscover that zest for life withthese cities that belong on any globally curious
traveller’s bucket list. #dreamnowtravellater

There arephoto ops
aplenty inAmsterdam,from canalhouses onAmstel river(right) tofunky stays(below)

UNCHARTED TERRITORY

Inject some excitement back into your life byventuring into the unexplored. Amsterdam, thecosmopolitan capital of the Netherlands, proves aneye-opener for those bored with the same old,same old. Its vibrant cultural scene takes you beyond
the usual art- and history-oriented museums to include
those that cover a range of eclectic topics—think microbes (Micropia),
medical abnormalities (Museum Vrolik; not for the faint-hearted!) andbags (Museum of Bags and Purses). For a refreshing change of pace, takea bicycle ride and soak in the sights of historic step-garbled dwellings and17th-century canals with Unesco status—both of which provide plenty ofphoto ops. And for the ultimate thrill, check into the 50m-high Crane
Hotel Faralda (faralda.com), where any of its three two-storey suites—
shipping-containers-turned-luxurious-rooms stacked atop one anotherinside the body of an old loading crane—makes for an unforgettable stay.
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HARPER’S BAZAAR JUNE 2020

There’s nothing like a sunshiny
getaway to get your mojo
back, and Lisbon is just that.
Blessed with good weather
year-round, value-for-money
stays and eats, and sweeping
vistas, it hits the trifecta ofaccessibility, affordability andInsta-worthiness. No doubt
adding to the charm are theadorable yellow trams taking
you along the picturesquestreets and squares. There’s something for everyone here:
Ancient fortresses, monasteries and castles for culture buffs;
a throbbing nightlife for the party crowd; a burgeoning foodscene for foodies. Options are aplenty, too, when it comesto chic stays: Live
From above:
The cute
like a local in a
trams ofstylish B&B such as
Lisbon. The
Casa do Príncipeindoor poolat the posh(casadoprincipe.
Altis Belémcom) or go upscale
Hotel & Spa
with luxe abodes
like those under theAltis Hotels group(altishotels.com).

BY STEPHANIE YEONG. PHOTOGRAPHY: 123RF; COURTESY OF SOWAKA,
SUIRAN KYOTO, CRANE HOTEL FARALDA & ALTIS BELÉM HOTEL & SPA

HOT, HIP & NOW