In their shoes

Rovaniemi’s landscape has otherworldly splendour, from winters with the iridescent Aurora Borealis to summer and its honeycomb yellows. A visit to this corner of Finland is made even more surreal with a stay in the sculpture-like rooms at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel.

To ground yourself in the reality of Lappish life, however, you need only visit a cherry-red cabin at the edge of the woods. It’s home to Irene Kangasniemi and her husband, who, for years, have offered up their hospitality and age-old crafting traditions from foraged objects.

Delighted to share this natural and simple way of life, they’ll show you around every room of their house before inviting you to take part in the crafts yourself. Irene has all the airs of a Lappish grandmother, making homemade cake and blueberry juice and telling tales of Rudolph, Santa and the Sámi culture.   

You’d be hard-pressed to imagine a more apt representation of freedom than the wild beaches at NIHI Sumba. The powerful hooves of the island’s horses thunder across the sand, before slicing elegantly through the waves until both horse and rider are floating, suspended.

Experienced local guides at Sandalwood Stables take you across stunning Indonesian beach scenes bathed in the fiery hues of sunset or through nearby villages on a beach-to-bush trail. You can also explore a deeper connection with the inner self through reiki and meditation on horseback.

Horse whisperer Carol Sharpe shows how to become fully present in the horse’s movement and your own, bringing stillness and calm to you both. 

Long tendrils of leaves snake across powdered white sand, while the shadows of tall palms break up the sunlight. A gentle breeze acts as respite from the sun’s glare, which glitters on the surface of the electric blue ocean.

The scene is set for the Shutterfish photography studio at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, where you have the chance to capture the essence of these unspoilt moments on camera.

Weekly classes with high-tech equipment  can ignite a passion from photographers of all skill levels, whether you want to perfect natural light, digital or drone photography.  A framed snapshot will be your keepsake to be immortalised on the walls of your home for years to come, and no longer will you utter the phrase “my pictures don’t do it justice”.

Lush greenery and rushing water characterise the urban sanctuary of Bangkok’s The Siam Hotel, which is nestled in the gardens along the river. But it’s not the only haven of tranquillity in the city.

Rise early to reach the striking dome of Wat Saket (the Golden Mount Temple) for a private blessing ceremony with the monks. Sink into the meditative atmosphere before anyone else arrives, drinking in the surrounding panoramic views.

It’s here that everyday Thailand life and Buddhist cosmology and architecture come together. And being immersed in long-standing Buddhist practices, with a sprinkling of holy water and soothing chanting for safe passage, you’ll leave prepared for any challenge ahead.