When we set out to explore, we’re usually seeking something new, something inspiring or enriching, and the ability to stimulate senses would have to be among the criteria for determining the ‘best’.
Mr Hudson Explores sheds light on some fabulous Asia Pacific destinations, and here are three more that tick the box for stimulating senses:
Gold Coast, Australia
Not one of the capital cities, the Gold Coast is an hour south of Queensland’s capital, Brisbane. It isn’t hard to find a beautiful postcard of this place. Better still, create your own! Everywhere you look is a perfect photo opportunity, with miles of white, sandy beaches and skin-warming weather as key selling points.
There is much more to this city, though. Head west towards the mountains to the Scenic Rim for views beyond the state’s southern border. Lush green spaces, national parks, walking trails and natural swimming holes make this a must-see while on the Gold Coast.
If dining out and nightlife are your pulse pumpers, enjoy endless options for all tastes and budgets. Fresh seafood straight off the local trawlers or international cuisines; locally brewed beers and wines or the world’s finest champagnes are chilled and waiting for you…usually with a view to match. Fill your days with water sports, boating, whale watching and fishing, adrenalin-jolting theme parks or day spas and health retreats. Upbeat and action-packed or relaxed and pampering – the choice is yours.
A real mover and shaker on the fashion scene, world class centre, Pacific Fair, has an impressive line-up of luxury fashion brands (think Givenchy, Christian Louboutin, Hermes, Tiffany & Co and more) and it will take a day to explore this alone.
Never would a visitor find themselves bored senseless on the Gold Coast.
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Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok could be described as a hectic, hot mess and it can be, but there’s more than meets the eye at first glance. A stark contrast, yet at the same time, stunning melding of traditional and modern is admirable, especially where food and entertainment are concerned. Street food through to world-class cuisine at the city’s finest venues – you’ll always find your fill.
Shopping in Chinatown in Bangkok can only be described as an assault on all senses but it’s something you must experience in this city and getting there is easy. Transport is just so convenient but some might struggle with the pace, especially if you’re on the back of a tuk-tuk, ducking and weaving in the bustling city! While exploring, you find yourself wondering how this can have primitive, tangled-beyond-belief yards of electrical cable, pole after pole, yet provide exceptional standards of hospitality in establishments that wouldn’t be out of place on the Champs Elysees.
It’s a fascinating city, not to be treated as just a stopover. Allow a week to fully engage and reap its rewards.
Queenstown, New Zealand
Auckland, Christchurch, Hamilton and Wellington might be the first to pop in a web search of New Zealand. It’s a tough gig for Queenstown to compete but when it comes to exhilarating experiences, you’ll wonder why you didn’t discover it sooner.
Golf, jet boating, bungy jumping, skydiving, snow-skiing/boarding, helicopter tours and scenic flights, cruising, white water rafting, fine dining, winery tours, day spa-hopping and relaxation retreats are all on offer in this town that sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and against the Southern Alps.
It does get cold here, though warmer weather September to February is when most activities are in full swing. A pile of adjectives could be thrown alongside “Queenstown” to describe its pristine, natural beauty, but nothing compares to seeing it in the flesh.
