Courtesy of Fazenda Sao Francisco do Corumbau

The Pataxó people got it right when they named their Bahian village Corumbau—“far from everything.” It’s only about 30 miles from Porto Seguro airport, but the dirt roads make for a bumpy, four-hour drive. Yet the same venturesome Brazilians who turned nearby Trancoso from sleepy to chic are calling Corumbau and neighboring Caraíva the country’s next hot spots. And the helicopter takes just 20 minutes.

Corumbau: Once you finally get here from Porto Seguro—the most adventurous option requires a beach buggy, wooden raft, and dugout canoe—you may want nothing more than to lie on a beach, sipping an açai juice. But there’s plenty to keep you busy: snorkeling the pristine coral reef; mastering the local spearfishing technique; hiking through dense tropical forest. Clothing designer Renata Mellão’s Vila Naiá (55-11/3061-1872; doubles from $800, including meals) has eight sexy bungalows and suites, outfitted in bold fabrics and recycled driftwood and connected by boardwalks. A more secluded option is Fazenda São Francisco do Corumbau (55-11/3078-4411; doubles from $800, including meals), where 10 light-filled cabins face nine miles of deserted beach, and fresh seafood is matched with produce from the garden.

Caraíva: Six miles north of Corumbau is a town that’s the epitome of Brazil’s no-fuss beachside life. Wooden houses splashed in shades of mustard, lime, and peach line a tangled web of streets too sandy for cars; the chief mode of transport is mule. Show up for a 4 p.m. lunch of moqueca (fish stew) at the Boteco do Pará (55-73/9991-9804; lunch for two $40), whose tables are shaded by an almond tree. Hotels here are rustic; the best is Pousada Lagoa (55-73/3668-5059; doubles from $86), where five brightly painted bungalows are scattered across a lush garden. At the other extreme is Fazenda Caraíva (55-21/2225-9476; from $4,810, including breakfast and dinner), a three-bedroom villa designed by local architect Ricardo Salem. It sits on a forested promontory, drawing publicity-shy execs and celebrities. —Colin Barraclough

DBimages / Alamy

Yunnan is thronged with visitors both Chinese and international—but this untamed corner of the province at the foot of the Himalayas is still largely overlooked. With rain forests, Buddhist temples, tribal villages, and China’s last remaining wild elephants, it’s the place to get a cultural fix without the crowds.

Stay: Xishuangbanna enjoyed a brief vogue with domestic travelers two decades ago, so it has some basic hotels. But the Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort & Spa (86-691/871-7777; doubles from $350) will set a new standard when it opens this spring. The province’s first luxury retreat faces the banks of the winding Luosuo River in the bucolic town of Menglun. The 103 rooms, some with private pools, will have gabled roofs and lotus motifs. The restaurant will showcase the indigenous cuisine.

See: The local ethnic groups—Dai, Hani, Yi, and others—share Southeast Asian ancestry, making Xishuangbanna’s culture feel less Chinese and more a blend of Thai, Lao, and Burmese. Stroll through Manfeilong, a traditional Dai village, at dawn and you’ll hear the chants of Buddhist monks and watch the sun rise over an 11th-century pagoda. Visit plantations growing Yunnan’s coveted, smoky Pu-erh tea leaves. Nearby, the 2,200-acre Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden has more than 1,000 species, including fig trees, bamboo, and orchids.

Experience: For a more immersive trip, Wild China leads treks through Dai market towns and verdant river valleys, and organizes stays with local families. Guests can extend their trip to follow the Mekong into northern Thailand. —Jennifer Chen

Courtesy of Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Greece’s economy may have seen better days, but that hasn’t stopped the tourism industry from moving forward. Take the region of Messenia, the westernmost finger of the hand-shaped Peloponnese peninsula, filled with sun-drenched valleys, Byzantine churches, and sandy dunes that border the crystal-blue Ionian Sea. The area has remained virtually unknown to travelers, who have traditionally preferred the white-sand beaches of the Greek islands. But Costa Navarino, a new resort complex set on 2,500 acres, is aiming to change that, turning this low-profile stretch of coastline into Europe’s newest Riviera.

Costa Navarino is ambitious and international, with several hotel partners. Starwood opened a Westin resort and the Romanos, a Luxury Collection hotel, last year; a Banyan Tree is slated to debut in 2013. But it’s also intensely local. At the Starwood properties, more than 75 percent of the staff is from surrounding villages and guests are encouraged to spend an evening at the house of a Messenian family. The low-slung villas are made from native stone and have Greek art from the 17th century, and treatments at the 43,000-square-foot spa are based on 4,500-year-old recipes found at King Nestor’s palace nearby. With rates much lower than at similar hotels in Mykonos and Santorini, this quiet slice of the Peloponnese might just experience a Greek revival. Westin doubles from $276; Romanos doubles from $193. —Eleni N. Gage

Robert Harding Picture Library Ltd / Alamy

Cameron Bailey, Codirector of the Toronto International Film Festival

What characteristics would you identify as uniquely Torontonian?
We’re voracious cultural consumers. To be well-versed in both vintage dub reggae and different kinds of hot sauces from Asia is totally normal here.

Where do the film-industry players hang out during the festival?
The Hazelton Hotel’s One Restaurant (416/961-9600; dinner for two $250) is the hot spot. Locals like quieter places; Bar Italia (416/535-3621; dinner for two $95) is where director Atom Egoyan eats.

Has the city upped its style game?
Men’s style here used to be jeans and a lumberjack jacket. Now there are boutiques and tailor-made clothes.

The 2012 Toronto International Film Festival runs Sept. 6–16).

Matt George, Owner of the Men’s Clothing Boutiques, Nomad, and the Speakeasy-Style Goodnight Bar

What would you say is changing the city’s sensibilities?
There’s a huge community of new immigrants. We’ve got the largest Indian, Pakistani, and West Indian populations outside of London, creating a melting pot of ideas.

What are your favorite restaurants?
I love Woodlot (647/342-6307; dinner for two $75) and the Harbord Room (dinner for two $125). They’re real Canadiana—traditional and contemporary food. My go-to sushi spot is Sushi Kaji (416/252-2166; dinner for two $220) in a suburban strip mall in Etobicoke.

Nomad stores (416/682-1107 and 416/202-8777); Goodnight (647/963-5500).

Emily Haines, Lead Singer of the Canadian Rock Band Metric

What do you think is driving the city’s recent transformation?
Torontonians are great travelers. We’re aware of what’s happening internationally and bring these things back—but make them our own.

Where do you like to see music?
For big acts, I head to Sound Academy (416/461-3625). To catch a local band, there’s the fabulous little basement bar, Dakota Tavern (416/850-4579).

And for a drink afterward?
If I tell you then I won’t be able to go anymore! If forced, I’d say Communist’s Daughter (647/435-0103; drinks for two $12). They serve pickled eggs.

Metric’s as-yet-untitled fifth album will be out this spring.

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Island Adventures Tours & Travel – Hawaii

I shot and cut this video for Island Adventures Tours & Travel. islandadventures-hawaiitours.com/
jonrawlinson.com

Island Adventures is a guided luxury tour services company on the Island of Oahu in the beautiful Hawaiian Islands, specializing in private tours and custom itineraries. We cater to guests that are looking for a local-style experience of modern day Hawaii.

Private and semi-private tours are perfect for all celebrations including weddings, honeymoons, graduations, birthdays, bachelor/ette parties, team building, meetings and conventions, family reunions and a getaway with friends! Call us at 808.596.2112 to plan your event today!

Island Adventures Tours & Travel – Hawaii from Jon Rawlinson on Vimeo.

Spectacular Norway Northern Lights
March 21, 2012—Multicolored curtains of light fill the skies over northern Norway in a new time-lapse video made from aurora images taken this month. Filmmakers Claus and Anneliese Possberg used about 600 frames to create the video. (Music by Justin Durban, www.justindurban.com)

Leopard Vs Python
When a leopard and a giant python find themselves face to face, conflict is inevitable.

Egypt: Tombs of Ancient Egypt

Tombs of Ancient Egypt
They built the pyramids as tombs for their pharaohs, but the ancient Egyptians weren’t obsessed with death…they were in love with life.

• 8-day adventure designed for travelers of all ages
• Explore Switzerland’s Alps by foot, bicycle, zip line, and train
• Ride the historic Glacier Express

Expedition Details

Head into the magnificent Swiss Alps on a family adventure that combines hiking and biking with legendary train journeys. Stay in two stunning mountain villages: Zermatt, within view of the iconic Matterhorn mountain; and Pontresina, in beautiful Engadine Valley. Wind through the mountains on a historic train, hike beneath the Matterhorn, and ride the highest chairlift in Europe among spectacular snowcapped peaks. Discover Alpine wildlife with a naturalist, visit a cheese factory, and sample Swiss chocolate on this expedition designed for explorers of all ages.

Trip Highlights

• Board the historic Glacier Express for a breathtaking journey across 291 Alpine bridges and through 91 tunnels in Switzerland.
• Bike along pristine lakes, ride a zip-line, and hike in the shadow of the Matterhorn’s craggy peak.
• Join an alpine guide for a walk on Morteratsch Glacier, one of the largest glaciers in the eastern Alps.
• Listen to mountaineering tales from an expert climber, and meet a naturalist to learn about Alpine wildlife.

Itinerary – 8 Days

Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Zurich, Switzerland/Zermatt

Depart on an overnight flight to Zurich. Arrive the next morning and board a train to the charming Alpine village of Zermatt, where cars are not allowed. Check into our lovely hotel and gather for a delicious welcome dinner.
Hotel National (D)

Day 3 — Zermatt

Today meet a local mountaineer at the Matterhorn Museum to hear tales of the early ascents of the highest Alps. This afternoon embark on an Alpine adventure, crossing rope bridges and soaring through the valley on a zip-line course designed for all ages. Later, walk to a nearby knoll and search for the lights of the Hörnli Hut, a remote structure built as a respite for those climbing the Matterhorn.
Hotel National (B,D)

Day 4 — Zermatt/Gornergrat Glacier

Hop onto a rack-railway train for a ride high above Zermatt to one of the best viewpoints in the Alps. Admire a breathtaking vista that includes Monte Rosa, the Matterhorn, and the Gornergrat Glacier. Then hike through the forest past Alpine lakes to Riffelalp where we will catch the train back to Zermatt. Stroll down Zermatt’s famous main street on the way back to the hotel, stopping to sample varieties of fine Swiss chocolate along the way.
Hotel National (B,D)

Day 5 — Glacier Express/Pontresina

Climb aboard the Glacier Express, the most famous train in the Alps! Keep your eye out for the twisted peak of the legendary Matterhorn as we make our way to the charming town of Pontresina. On the way we cross three high-mountain passes and 291 bridges, and pass through 91 tunnels.
Sporthotel (B,L,D)

Day 6 — Pontresina/Engadine Valley/St. Moritz

Explore Engadine Valley by bicycle this morning. Ride along Silvaplana Lake to the Maloja Pass to take in sweeping views before continuing to St. Moritz. You may also choose to travel to this fabled town by train. This afternoon, take a chair lift up to Alp Languard where we join a naturalist for a nature walk and learn about the plants and wildlife of the Alps.
Sporthotel (B,D)

Day 7 — Morteratsch Glacier

This morning visit Morteratsch Glacier, one of the largest glaciers of the eastern Alps, and set out on a glacier walk with an Alpine guide. Then stop at a local cheese factory to see how Swiss cheese is made and have lunch. Celebrate your adventure with at a special fondue dinner tonight.
Sporthotel (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Zurich/U.S.

After breakfast, return to Zurich in time for your flight home.
(B)

• 10 days
• Aboard the National Geographic Endeavour or Islander
• Explore by Zodiac, kayak, snorkeling, and hiking with a team of naturalists

Expedition Details

The Galápagos Archipelago, Darwin’s living laboratory, is home to an abundance of wildlife. Isolated from the mainland for millions of years, it is that rare wilderness where animals have no instinctive fear of humans. Traveling aboard the National Geographic Endeavour or National Geographic Islander, experience up close encounters with unique species such as flightless cormorants, marine iguanas, and domed giant tortoises.

Trip Highlights

• Snorkel amid shimmering fish, sea turtles, penguins, and playful sea lions.
• Cruise to pristine islands and walk among colonies of animals and birds unfazed by your presence.
• Observe rare giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin Research Station.
• Explore the waters of the Galápagos by kayak, glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only), or Zodiac.

Itinerary – 10 Days

Day 1 — U.S./Guayaquil, Ecuador

Depart for Guayaquil and upon arrival, transfer to our hotel.
Hotel Hilton Colón

Day 2 — Guayaquil/Galápagos

This morning, fly to the Galápagos Islands and board our comfortable expedition ship. During lunch, we begin our exploration of the islands and their diverse wildlife.
National Geographic Endeavour or National Geographic Islander
(B,L,D)

Days 3 through 8 — Exploring Galápagos

In keeping with the nature of an expedition, our itinerary is flexible, allowing you to take advantage of this extraordinary wildlife sanctuary. You will have the opportunity to go on nature walks with local naturalists; swim; snorkel; or explore the waters by kayak, glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only), or Zodiac.
(B, L, D daily)

Listed below are some of the islands we may visit during our expeditions:*

Isla Bartolomé
Walk to the top of Bartolomé’s volcanic cone for a stunning view of Pinnacle Rock and the surrounding white sand beaches. You may also have the opportunity to swim with Galápagos penguins.

Isla Santiago
Follow a path along a series of tide pools and underwater caverns in search of Galápagos fur seals, marine iguanas, sea lions, and Sally Lightfoot crabs.

Isla Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Station, a breeding station for endangered native species. Learn about the Darwin Foundation and their giant Galápagos tortoise breeding program. Visit “Lonesome George,” the last surviving tortoise of his kind. Later, travel into the highlands where wild tortoises forage.

Isla Isabela
Spend the early morning on the lookout for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and the unusual ocean sunfish, the Mola mola. Explore caves and hidden lagoons by Zodiac, and snorkel among sea turtles.

Isla Floreana
At Champion Islet, snorkel among sea lions, or peer into an underwater world in a glass-bottom boat (Endeavour only) while keeping an eye out for the endangered Floreana Mockingbird. Those interested can visit Post Office Bay—if you see a letter addressed to someone who lives near you, the tradition is to deliver it by hand.

Isla Fernandina
Discover the marine iguana haven of Punta Espinoza as we hike over lava flows. Galapagos hawks and sea lion nurseries are also found as we explore this island.

Isla Española
See Darwin’s finches, boobies, and waved albatross on this birder’s paradise. Walk among vivid green and red marine iguanas, and observe sea lions up close on a pristine white-sand beach.

Day 9 — Galápagos/Guayaquil

After breakfast, disembark the ship and fly to Guayaquil. The evening is at your leisure.
Hotel Hilton Colón (B)

Day 10 — Guayaquil/U.S.

Depart Guayaquil this morning, arriving home the same day.
(B)