The Magic of Immersive Travel

Living like a local has never been more enticing than at Casa Yahri, a deeply authentic, off-the-beaten-path retreat of only four private suites overlooking the picturesque village of Barichara. A prosperous Spanish settlement built in the 1700s, Barichara is a colonial town suspended in time, with some of the most well-preserved architecture in Colombia. Casa Yahri’s philosophy is that in order to be fully immersed in Barichara’s magic, travelers should be treated as part of the village rather than as passing tourists. The staff excel in curating tours and activities that involve guests in the local scenery and culture, such as artisanal craft workshops, coffee farm tours and archeological museum visits.

Food lovers seeking the ultimate journey of the senses are satiated at Alila Diwa Goa. Featuring regional fare from India’s southwest coastal regions, the hotel’s renowned Spice Studio restaurant is an experience all its own; from the fresh produce and spices to the serving styles unique to certain areas, every meal is an immersion into India’s rich gastronomic traditions and spice history. For those with culinary dreams, the Alila Cooking Masterclass held within the Spice Studio takes this adventure in flavor further—the hotel’s award-winning chef guides participants through signature Indian delicacies, traditional cooking techniques and age-old secrets, before preparing a specialty dish to enjoy.

Wake up to one of the seven wonders of the world at Sanctuary Lodge, the only hotel adjacent to the sacred grounds of Machu Picchu. The exclusive lodge boasts unparalleled access to the lost city of the Incas, so guests can enjoy the luxury of being the first to enter the archaeological site at dawn, or the last to depart. As well as private tours of the world-famous ruins, they offer coca-leaf reading, Incan spa rituals and Pachamama blessing ceremonies with a shaman. After a day of exploring, weary travelers can sample classic Peruvian fare including alpaca and ceviche at the serene Tampu restaurant, indulge in a massage employing ancient techniques or simply unwind with a pisco sour while taking in the breathtaking views.

Home to old wooden machiya townhouses, temples, tea shops and shrines, Kyoto’s storied Higashiyama district gives off a palpable air of heritage and cultural significance. Here, Park Hyatt Kyoto blends seamlessly into this distinctive setting. Kyoyamoto, the hotel’s Michelin-starred Japanese kaiseki restaurant and a Kyoto institution since 1877, is made up of several historical buildings including “Soyotei,” an Edo-era teahouse where feudal warlords once met in secret to discuss battle tactics. Guests are invited to partake in a traditional tea ceremony there, as well as join a zazen meditation session, go sightseeing via rickshaw or indulge in a lavish dinner while enjoying a geisha dance performance.

Set within two historic buildings in the heart of Madrid’s ritzy Golden Mile district, Thompson Madrid proudly features architecture and design elements evocative of the city’s heritage. With a philosophy centered around celebrating community and creating authentic encounters, their aim is to highlight the creative community’s impact on Madrid through partnerships with local artists, designers and culinary experts. This translates to Renaissance-inspired artworks throughout the hotel, traditional Spanish cuisine in the restaurant and handmade couture pieces displayed in key areas. The fusion of sights, sounds and flavors culminate in a must-visit destination for those in search of a transformative city experience.

Every autumn, more than six million visitors descend on Munich for Oktoberfest, an 18-day celebration featuring parades, fair rides, traditional food, music and of course, lots of beer. Established in 1810 as a wedding celebration for King Ludwig I and Princess Therese, the festival brims with Bavarian heritage, and Andaz Munich Schwabinger Tor serves as the perfect home base for diving into the festivities. Celebrate lebenslust (Bavarian “joie de vivre”) with a serving of suckling pig at their on-site restaurant, The Lonely Broccoli, along with a frothy stein of Pils in true Munich fashion. After a few too many liters of Löwenbräu, take refuge upstairs in one of their 277 lavish rooms and suites.

There are plenty of reasons to love Italy—the food, architecture, wine, fashion and of course, the country’s storied history. It’s a treasure trove awaiting exploration, and Borgo San Felice Resort is a shining testament to this. Once a medieval Tuscan village, its authenticity is evident at first glance, from the pristinely preserved stone dwellings adorned with thick ivy to the meandering lanes that once housed a school, bakery and olive press. Converted to a borgo hotel after a significant restoration, the centuries-old Italian hamlet retains its historic charm while catering to every modern indulgence, so guests are welcome to savor the ambiance of times past while sipping Chianti on the terrace and admiring the spectacular countryside’s vineyard-lined slopes.

As the first Park Hyatt hotel in the Caribbean, Park Hyatt St. Kitts was envisioned with the island’s history and spirit ingrained into every aspect of the guest experience. Cultural offerings include culinary demonstration classes, steelpan lessons, Afro-Caribbean dance classes and rum tastings. Kids can partake in the fun too, with activities such as masquerade mask making, carnival hat decorating and bead art at the Island Fort kids club. Nods to St. Kitts’ colonial past are evident in the resort’s design, with the adults-only pool framed by stone arches that reference the UNESCO-designated Brimstone Hill Fortress, and a replica sugar mill where yoga and meditation take place.

In the world of luxury African safaris, few brands have put as much work into environmentally conscious hospitality, sustainable conservation and community empowerment as Singita. Spread across South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Rwanda, their game reserves are widely renowned for creating pioneering ways to preserve wildlife while providing extensive community programs and embedding the local culture into every lodge. Whether it’s through the thoughtful preparation of meals, spa treatments using local ingredients or activities involving language, artwork and dance, guests are given every opportunity to meaningfully connect with the vibrant customs that define each region.

Pictured: Singita Lebombo Lodge

Tucked away on Vietnam’s pristine Phu Yen coastline, Zannier Hotels Bãi San Hô is a tranquil paradise where local dishes, traditions, materials and architecture take center stage—a common theme across all of Zannier’s distinct properties, with the mission of embodying the soul of the region and capturing a sense of place. The hotel’s 73 villas draw on three different styles linked to the country’s tribal cultures and built by locals using age-old techniques. Every space is inspired by the surrounding wilderness and reflects the illustrious Vietnamese heritage and ancestral values. Three exquisite dining venues, a magnificent Hoa Sen Spa and tailored excursions to villages, markets, ruins and temples complete the immersive experience.