The Best Vacation Destinations You've Never Heard Of : Part 1

Posted by MyRealty.am

#20 Changbaishan, China: Biggest. Ski. Resort. Ever.

Surprise, surprise: China is embarking on yet another hyper ambitions modernization project. This time, the goal is to build a $3.2 billion ski resort in the pine-packed nature reserve in Jilin province, near the North Korean border.
With 43 planned trails totaling 20 miles, it'll be one of the largest resorts in Asia. Hoteliers are already setting up shop, including Westin and Sheraton resorts, which opened last month.

#19 Bhutan: An Enigmatic Kingdom

Bhutan is one of the most enigmatic countries on earth. Here, the rice is red, chillies are the main ingredient in many dishes and the country charges $200 a day as a tariff for visitors. That last bit may seem absurd, until you realize the fee is all-inclusive -- encompassing accommodation, food, transport and an official guide.
In Bhutan, you'll find snowcapped peaks, primeval forests and gorgeous Buddhist monasteries. Maybe the local scenery is why this tiny kingdom is consistently ranked the happiest country on earth. Called "Nepal for the jet set," Bhutan is also mostly tourist-free. And as any seasoned traveler will tell you -- that's a damn good thing.

#18 The Kimberely, Australia: A Craggy Beauty

The Kimberely region, three times the size of England, has remained untouched for years, it's rugged, craggy beauty mystically unreachable. But that's all beginning to change. Luxury lodges and bungalows -- many of which have their own dedicated helicopter landing spots -- have sprouted up.
Yes, the Kimberley area is remote and thus geared towards the well-heeled. But if you have the cash, this place is crazy beautiful.

#17 Constantia: South African Wine Country

If Cape Town left you feeling dizzy from its natural beauty, this nearby suburb will take the rest of your breath away and knock you out cold. Set against the staggeringly beautiful slopes of Table Mountain, Constantia features 10 winemaking farms dating back to 1685.
The crown jewel of the city is the Steenberg Luxury Hotel. With an award-winning winery, 18-hole championship golf course, plush spa and three gourmet restaurants, it's perhaps unsurprising it was rated the #1 hotel in all of Africa by Travel & Leisure magazine.

#16 Lithuania: Land of Beer

Lithuania is fast becoming a mecca for beer lovers. A new beer trail allows visitors to sample Lithuanian beer from different provinces.
Rumor has it, the beer in Lithuania has a different DNA than all other known strands. These "earthy and unusual" ales can be tried in more than 50 farmhouse breweries in the country's north. Duff land, this is not.

#15 The Philippines: A Secluded Paradise

Secluded beaches, untouched reefs and tiny surf towns are among the draws of this country, which is made up of more than 7,000 tropical islands. New resorts have sprung up in recent years in this country, catering to the international jet setter.
These include the new Dedon Island resort on Siargo, near one of the world's best surf breaks and the private island resort of Eli Nido Pangulasian, which is located in a Unesco biosphere. Snorkel to your heart's content.

#14 Koh Pangan, Thailand: Like Cabo Without the Spring Breakers

Once known primarily for its raucous annual full moon party, Koh Pangan is now growing up and shedding its hedonist reputation. New resorts like the stylish Buri Rasa and Kupu Kupu are luring high-end business clientele as well as families, making the place seem more "Eat Pray Love" than spring break at Cabo.
Besides the gorgeous beaches, hidden waterfalls and Buddhist temples, Koh Pangan offers Western amenities like a Canadian-run Yoga studio and a vegan cafe serving handmade coconut ice cream.

#13 Puerto Rico: Better than the Bahamas

Our neighbs to the South are looking mighty fine these days. Puerto Rico might not get as many American visitors as the Bahamas or Hawaii, but this island paradise is just as worthy of a jaunt.
The beautifully-preserved old city with its blue-glazed cobblestones is a site to see. New hotels have opened in recent years, too: The Condado Vanderbilt, a stately hotel built in 1919 is re-opening this summer after having been closed since 1993. The Ritz just opened new digs 20 miles from the main city-- with 115 rooms facing the ocean, and 11 miles of walking and biking trails.

#12 Pecs, Hungary: Budapest's Cooler Cousin

125 miles south of Budapest, Pecs is a fascinating cultural jewel, with Baroque buildings, an Ottoman bathhouse and new creative venues. After being chosen as a 2010 European Culture Capital, the city added a new modernist concert center and the extensive Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, a venue for art and music.
Another benefit to visiting Pecs is that the weather there is almost always pleasant; lying equidistant from the Danube to the east and the Drava to the south, Pecs enjoys a microclimate that lengthens Summer.

#11 The Falkland Islands

These galapagos islands, described as "cold and rugged" by the NYTimes, don't have the best PR. Indeed, politics has consumed this region -- even 30 years after the Falkland War between Argentina and Britain. No matter: this is still a good time to visit.
Stanley, the capital, is seeing massive development, including the creation of the Faulkland islands Museum, a new harbor-view restaurant and the expansion of the Malvina House Hotel. Get here before the new money completely transforms the place.

Posted by MyRealty.am