The Land Down Under offers top tourist attractions from bustling Sydney and its Harbour Bridge to Ayers Rock, the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system. This year Tourism Australia formed a partnership with Virtuoso in an effort to tap the international luxury market.
With 43 World Heritage sites among the China’s offerings, there is much to see beyond the Great Wall and Forbidden City, and cities like Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. China offers cruises on the Yangtze River, renowned cultural sights like the Terracotta Army at Xian and hiking in its national parks.
From ornate Buddhist temples and enchanting geisha dancers, to futuristic trains and skyscrapers, Japan is known for its striking contrasts of traditional and modern. The nation of islands has more than 2,000 years of history and is home to 13 cultural and four natural World Heritage Sites, and its world-famous cherry blossoms. As one of the safest countries in the world, Japan is popular among both business and leisure travelers.
New Zealand’s mountain ranges, volcanoes, sweeping coastlines and lush rain forests make it ideal for outdoor adventurers and others in search of tranquility and relaxation. In June, American Airlines is set to launch a daily flight between Los Angeles and Auckland.
Conjuring visions of paradise, Tahiti is the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that constitute French Polynesia. Tahiti and its capital city, Papeete, are located in the Society Islands, an archipelago that includes the popular islands of Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Raiatea and Tahaa. Boasting coral reefs, turquoise waters and a plethora of luxury resorts, Tahiti is eight hours from Los Angeles via daily, nonstop flights.
he kingdom of Thailand features pristine beaches and a plethora of historical and cultural sites, especially its Buddhist temples. From its bustling capital of Bangkok to the popular island of Phuket, the “land of smiles” is a popular year-round destination. Rosewood Hotels & Resorts plans to open the Rosewood Phuket, its first resort in Asia, in 2016.