Instead of driving, why not opt for something completely different and totally luxurious? For my journey southwards from Da Nang, I boarded The Vietage by Anantara, a train like no other in Vietnam. Sitting in the train’s semi-private carriage, enjoying a three-course meal cooked by the on-board chef, certainly makes the six-hour journey a memorable experience. This is a special kind of slow travel. The landscape is ever changing, the scenery evolving, with only the farmers in their traditional large hats reminding you which country you’re in. 

For eight days I joined a sea kayaking expedition, travelling through this remote wilderness, where the wind-tossed outer islands feel like the edge of the world. We weren’t on well-worn tourist routes – this was real exploration, complete with remote beaches, undeveloped campsites and wolf tracks freshly imprinted in the sand. No mobile signal, no crowds, just raw untouched nature at every turn. We navigated some choppy waters during the trip but even in the moments when my arms ached and the weather turned wild, it only added to the adventure. Each challenge became part of the story.

British Columbia’s coast isn’t only about the intense experience of the Great Bear Rainforest. For those wanting something less rugged, the calm waters around Vancouver Island offer more accessible kayaking tours of sheltered bays and calm waters teeming with wildlife. You can enjoy seeing orcas, seals and eagles without straying too far from your creature comforts. Plus, the urban sophistication of Vancouver is never far away. From secret beaches to quiet hikes, the city is brimming with hidden gems waiting to be explored, not least the largest Chinatown in Canada. Vibrant Vancouver makes the perfect gateway to the peaceful wilderness where the call of the wild is hard to resist.

Melbourne isn’t only the best place to start your road trip, it’s also a perfect spot to spend a few days. The Victorian state capital is bursting with life, from the foodie heaven of the markets to the verdant haven of the botanic gardens. Throw in some beautiful 19th-century architecture, museums aplenty and a laid-back cultural scene, and you can see why many people love Melbourne as much as its big rival, Sydney. It’s the ideal start to your southern Australian adventure. 

The Great Ocean Road is all about the majestic coastal scenery along the edge of the Southern Ocean. Around every tight corner is a new view of crashing waves and unspoilt beaches. It really is a magnificent drive. The most famous part is the group of rock stacks eroded from the soft limestone, a group known as the 12 Apostles. Sadly only eight remain as the sea is relentless in its destruction. The best way to see them? From the air in a helicopter, not least because you also get amazing views of this whole indented coastline.

Octola is a great lodge for multi-generational experiences, with winter wonderland fun for everyone. From sledding and skating to sleigh rides and snowmobiles, the whole family can relish the unspoilt countryside. Of course, it’s open all year round but it’s extra-special in winter. 

Seeing the northern lights for the first time will leave you speechless. Literally, and your mouth might even drop open in wonder. All bundled up, and with a hot cup of tea, I waited outside, eyes fixed on the sky. At first, it was only stars twinkling against a dark canvas, but then ribbons of green and violet slowly began to dance. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud, like a kid seeing their first fireworks. It’s funny how something so vast can make you feel small yet so alive. In that moment, it wasn’t just the lights that had me mesmerised, it was the complete silence. I felt like the only person on earth.

Octola Lodge is more than just a wonderful place to lay your head, it’s a feast for the senses. Each meal was an experience in itself, meticulously prepared by the lodge’s private chef using locally-sourced ingredients. There’s something deeply satisfying about knowing the food on my plate came from the land and lakes around me. Each bite felt like I was tasting a little piece of Finland’s soul. And after a day of adventure, there was nothing better than enjoying a warm meal by the fire, watching the snowfall softly outside.

Turin was the first capital of a united Italy, but is still the regional capital, and this once-royal city offers a very different side to Piedmont. Wandering through grand piazzas and past baroque façades, I can feel Turin’s regal history all around me. Piazza Castello is the heart of the city, with its impressive Palazzo Reale, a reminder of the powerful Savoy dynasty that once ruled from here. The kings are long gone but their legacy remains.

As I leave this lovely region, the memories of truffle hunting, wine tasting and strolling through Turin’s elegant streets linger. It’s a place where every moment is an ode to the finest pleasures in life and I know that I’ll be drawn back to its charm. Whether you’re a food lover, a wine enthusiast or someone who appreciates history (or all three together!), this region invites you to indulge all your senses. Once you’ve experienced Piedmont, you’ll want to return again and again.

Every Cosa event has a bespoke programme carefully crafted by our team to match your wishes, and Marrakech is no different. Maybe you and your foodie friends will learn how to cook a traditional tajine. Or your company event gets a blast of history with a private tour of the exquisite Saadian royal tombs. Or you can indulge in a private shopping tour in the souk for handmade leather slippers or delicate pottery. Anything is possible. 

If you’d like to know more about planning your event in Marrakech, or anywhere else for that matter, please get in touch with our dedicated events team. We’d love to hear from you.