10 Bucket-List Travel Experiences

Gorilla trekking is at the top of the list for many wildlife lovers, for very good reasons.  There is something incredibly special about spending an hour with these animals.  Experiencing their human-like behaviour and family interactions is truly unforgettable. Just ask Alisha - it is still her most memorable travel experience, 10 years later. 

To elevate the experience even further, stay at the luxurious Erebero Hills. The first Asilia Africa lodge in Uganda, it is designed to maximise the beautiful setting with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows in each spacious chalet, ensuring views of lush rolling green hills. 

Swimming alongside a whale shark is an extraordinary wildlife encounter, and the remote island of St Helena is one of the best places in the world to experience it. Despite their enormous size, these gentle giants are filter feeders, gliding through the water as they feed on tiny marine organisms. St Helena’s clear Atlantic waters offer the chance to see them in their natural environment, away from the crowds found at some better-known wildlife destinations. 

Between January and March, whale sharks gather around the island, creating excellent opportunities to encounter these remarkable creatures beneath the surface. St Helena’s approach prioritises responsible wildlife encounters, with strict guidelines to protect the sharks and ensure they can move freely. 

French Polynesia is one of those destinations that feels almost too good to be true. Think volcanic peaks rising above turquoise lagoons, tiny palm-fringed islands and coral reefs teeming with marine life. For us, some of the most memorable experiences lie beneath the surface, from swimming alongside manta rays and reef sharks to exploring vibrant coral gardens in some of the South Pacific’s clearest waters.

To make the most of your trip, we’d suggest combining Bora Bora’s barefoot luxury with the wilder side of French Polynesia. The remote Tuamotu atolls of Rangiroa and Fakarava are world-renowned for their diving, with exhilarating drift dives and the chance to encounter larger marine life. With so many islands to choose from, knowing where to go makes all the difference, which is exactly what we are here for. 

The Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. Built in the 17th century by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, this extraordinary monument is as much a love story as it is an architectural masterpiece. From its intricate marble inlay to the beautifully symmetrical gardens, every detail is remarkable, with the white marble taking on different hues as the light changes throughout the day.

Our local experts can arrange a knowledgeable guide to bring the history and craftsmanship to life, as well as help you discover a different perspective across the Yamuna River. It’s these little details that can turn a visit to an iconic landmark into a truly memorable travel experience.

Staying in an overwater bungalow in the Maldives is a bucket list experience for good reason. Imagine waking up to uninterrupted ocean views, stepping straight from your private deck into warm, turquoise water, and watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean from your own infinity pool. It feels a world away from everyday life, whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, marking a special occasion or simply looking for somewhere extraordinary to switch off.

With hundreds of island resorts to choose from, finding the right one is key to making this experience truly special. From contemporary design and exceptional house reefs to outstanding food, wellness experiences and a more castaway feel, we know that no two resorts are quite the same. Thanks to our first-hand knowledge and extensive experience planning trips to the destination, we'll match you to the island that best suits your priorities, so your overwater stay is more than just a beautiful villa; it’s the right experience for you.