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Four invitations to reinvent elsewhere
When the light softens and the days slow down, the desire to get away from it all is reborn, to seek out special places far from the swirling leaves that carpet the pavements. Set your sights on four very different destinations, where refinement, unspoilt nature and subtle luxury come together. From African dunes to Balkan fjords, Caribbean jungles and Atlantic cliffs, here is Charly’s selection.
Namibia – endless wild splendour.
Here, immensity becomes the ultimate luxury. In the Namib Desert, light dances on the red dunes and silence becomes a sensory experience in its own right. Exclusive lodges such as Sonop and Shipwreck Lodge are reinventing travel in southern Africa: private plane flights, dinners in the sand, intimate safaris. The change of scenery is total, without ever compromising on comfort or aesthetics. Namibia appeals to aesthetes in search of rarity and panoramas sculpted by wind and time. A mineral immersion, raw and intensely elegant.
Best time to visit: May to October. But for the experience to live up to its promise, you need to plan ahead and sometimes book more than a year in advance to secure one of the few, intimate and highly sought-after accommodations. The same goes for your exceptional guide, who knows every corner of the desert, where the big cats hide in the early morning, and can tell you all about the constellations around a campfire, transforming each stage of the journey into a special moment.
From November to April, it is certainly hotter and more humid, but this is an interesting time for nature lovers and photographers, particularly for observing migratory birds. The landscapes are green, the skies dramatic with a few heavy but brief showers, and you will encounter fewer people – not to mention more attractive prices.
Montenegro – The alternative Riviera.
Nestled in the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro offers a different kind of seaside holiday: more secluded, more untamed, and more European too. With the opening of One&Only Portonovi, the country is making its mark on the travel scene with authenticity. Here, you can sail between monasteries perched above turquoise coves, stroll through the medieval streets of Perast before enjoying dinner by the water’s edge overlooking the Adriatic. The natural landscape is rugged, the villages have remained authentic, and the elegance is understated. It’s a valuable alternative to Croatia for fans of a different kind of Riviera.
In autumn, the light turns golden, the forests are adorned with reds and ochres, and you can take an electric 4×4 ride in the northern mountains and explore the deepest canyons in Europe. Others will be pampered with a combination of spa treatments, yoga and local cuisine in charming lodges in nature parks, restored palaces or contemporary villas suspended between sky and sea. There is no shortage of experiences, from lunch on a family farm to horse riding on the karst plateaus or a local cooking workshop with a chef just for you.
At the heart of the Bay of Kotor, Montenegro offers a different kind of seaside holiday: more secluded, wilder and more European too. With the opening of
In spring, the country is reborn. The mountains, still dusted with snow, contrast with the first blooms on the coast, the lakes are full, the villages are slowly waking up… It’s the ideal season for hiking in the Durmitor or Biogradska Gora national parks, picnicking in the meadows, or kayaking on Lake Skadar among the migratory birds. You can explore the heritage sites without the crowds in the old Venetian cities of Kotor and Perast, or visit the Orthodox monasteries carved into the rock in an almost meditative atmosphere. For foodies, wine tastings are organised in the heart of the vineyards and dinners in fortresses overlooking Boka Bay. Sailors can cruise between islands and deserted coves on a private yacht.
An off-season trip to enjoy the best the country has to offer!
Colombia – Renaissance of a continent
More than ever, Colombia is buzzing with new energy. Far from the clichés, it reveals a sophisticated and creative side, driven by the transformation of Bogotá, the artistic momentum of Medellín and the timeless beauty of Cartagena. Impeccably designed fincas in coffee plantations, secluded Caribbean jungles, emerging galleries and gourmet rooftop restaurants set the tone for a new type of high-end travel. This is a Latin America that embraces its complexity, blending tradition and avant-garde, and offering a rare cultural depth. A vibrant, modern and inspiring destination.
Colombia is an equatorial country, so temperatures vary little throughout the year. However, there are periods that are more or less dry depending on the region, and this is what will determine the ideal time to visit.
December to March is the dry season – ideal for a first immersion and visiting colonial cities, museums, markets and historic districts. On the Caribbean coast, the sea is warm along the magnificent beaches. In the Andes, the green landscapes are perfect for walks among haciendas growing coffee trees under clear skies. January and February are the best months to combine culture, nature, charming accommodation and exclusive experiences. July to September are good options for a more intimate, less crowded but equally enjoyable trip.
Madeira – Portugal with a difference
Just a three-hour flight from France and six hours from Belgium, Madeira offers an unexpected summer retreat. Still relatively unknown among discerning travellers, the island now attracts visitors with its range of upmarket accommodation options, including the Savoy Palace, Cliff Bay Suites and tastefully renovated quintas. Steep cliffs, tropical gardens, and mist-shrouded trails make this a paradise for hikers and lovers of spectacular scenery. The cuisine is tinged with volcanic influences, and local wines accompany sunsets of great poetry. It is ideal for an invigorating break between the ocean and the mountains, in absolute tranquillity.
Best time to visit: the climate is mild all year round, making it a four-season destination.
March to June is the ideal time for a first trip to enjoy nature, hiking and beautiful light. The weather is warm and dry, perfect for sea activities, and there is more entertainment but also more people.
September to October is a better compromise between weather, exclusivity and wine-themed gastronomic experiences. The ocean is still warm, the days are long, and the atmosphere is calmer after the summer.
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