For some people, the thought of an African safari with only two of the ‘big five’ showing up would be a pretty average experience. Whilst you’re ecstatic to be out of the office and away from work, you can’t help but feel cheated especially if the big five are your main reason that you went on an African safari. Unfortunately the very same parallels can be drawn from the up and coming Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.

Egypt, the most successful African Cup of nations side will be absent from this year tournament in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon as well as continental giants, Cameroon who will also be absent from the tournament, they have won the contest the second most amount of times (four times), and Nigeria who are the fourth most successful country in the African Cup of Nations with two tournament wins to their name. All three teams will be absent from this year’s bill, with an impressive thirteen tournament wins between the three nations. The most successful country which is left in the cup is Ghana, who would become the second most successful African Cup of Nations team should they win the tournament.

Egypt are the reigning champions, having won the tournament for the last three occasions. Sadly this time around they were unable to quality, finishing bottom of their group which contained South Africa, Sierra Leone and Niger. This failure has meant that long serving manager Hassan Shehata has now left.

Cameroon are the most successful African country outside of the African cup of nations, being the very first African country to reach the World Cup quarter finals, they were unable to get through a group which contained Mauritius, Senegal and the DRC. Nigeria who won the Olympic trophy in 1996, lost out to group winners Guinea.

Because the three greatest teams in the African cup of nations are absent (baring Ghana), why not head out to Africa instead and go on an African safari adventure and see the big five, rather than watching the football just to see the big two? (Ghana & Congo DR)

Now that you’ve chosen to go on safari, you just need to decide where to go on safari. January is the prime time in Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya as the weather is particularly dry and the animals will congregate in dense numbers around watering holes and lakes. The world famous migration of over two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle can be found in the northern safari parks in Tanzania.

Because the African Cup of Nations runs into February, there are even more excellent safari destinations to choose from, with Tanzania and South Africa being the best, because of the newly born wildlife born around this time of year. If its baby animals that you’re seeking then perhaps a safari holiday to Kenya would be more suitable, with the incredible Masai Mara safari park being a highlight to any African safari holiday in Kenya.

No matter where you decide to go on safari, you will most certainly have the time of your life and will take with you memories which will last a lifetime.

Although some may argue that it is the destination itself that truly defines a holiday by means of the local culture, people and heritage; with innovation and thought, a masterfully designed and crafted hotel can provide just as much spectacle and add a real element of occasion to a trip. A beautifully designed building can live long in the memory, its sense of scale, grandeur, insight or even peculiarity serves as a catalyst to the overall experience of a luxury break. In this post I will focus more upon contemporary architecture but researching this topic has already inspired me to write a follow up looking at some of the most iconic classical hotels in the world.

I certainly subscribe to the notion that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and when it comes to luxury hotel design it is no different. Some who read this article may like each of the featured properties, some may loathe every one, but these are buildings that undeniably generate interest and intrigue.

The Yas Viceroy, Abu Dhabi- Fans of motorsport may instantly recognise this sweeping organic globule of a structure from its coverage as the home of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix. The hotel forms part of the wider Yas Island complex featuring an exclusive marina, several other hotels, a private golf course, botanical gardens and multi-event arena as well as of course the race track. Striking by day a truly brilliant by night the blue LED lit canopy lends the place a cathedral like grandeur. Featuring a range of accommodation from the spacious Viceroy Rooms to the opulent Presidential Double Storey Suites guests also have a choice of no less than eleven dining and social venues to choose from as well as stunning spa, pool and fitness facilities.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore- Singapore has garnered a reputation as an architecturally progressive city state and its spectacular Marina area is home to some of the most iconic buildings in South East Asia. Nestled in right alongside the likes of the Singapore Flyer and the Esplanade Convention Centre is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. A truly striking design the first parallels that came to mind was with a set of cricket stumps- three vertical 200m towers crowned by a sickle like curved platform known as the ‘Sky Park’. The property is home to shops, a mall, a convention centre, two floating pavilions, a casino (the world’s most expensive), six restaurants and even an art and science museum. The Sky Park itself features a public observatory, running paths, gardens, shops and restaurants and all with peerless views out across the Singapore skyline

Renaissance Marriott Hotel- L’Arc de Triomphe, Paris- From the scale of the vast Marina Bay to the perhaps less assuming Renaissance Marriott, this hotel presides in an enviable address with one of the most iconic views in the world. Literally minutes away from L’Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees guests could not be more perfectly poised to explore the bright lights of France’s capital. Perhaps almost as striking as the hotels design is the sheer juxtaposition of the place amongst the classical architecture of the Avenue de Wagram. An undulating glass façade gives the impression almost of a spaceship that has landed in the middle of downtown Paris. Inside an infusion of Franco-Indonesian design lends the Marriott a truly unique ambience. Complete with spa and health club, the brilliant Makassar Restaurant and choice of beautifully appointed accommodations, the Marriott provides visitors with the perfect oasis of calm in Paris’ busy heart.

Vivanta Hotel, Bangalore- Another name to add to India’s growing portfolio of world class properties the Vivanta is a new flagship hotel in Bangalore located just 45km from the airport in the quiet Whitefield suburb of the city. Stone, glass and sleek lines combine to create and extremely modern aesthetic but still with a sense of warmth and feeling and a particularly noteworthy feature is the hotel’s striking facade which changes colour, texture and tone to compliment the mercurial and borderless potential of the property. Offering four wonderfully diverse dining experiences as well as the brilliant Jiva Spa the Vivanta is one of the shining jewels in modern Indian hospitality.

It’s never too late to jet off on a luxury holiday to some far flung corner and with the last few flickers of summer sun behind us why not indulge in a little extra warmth this autumn with an impromptu break. October is a fantastic month in which to travel, a period of transition in many areas in marks the shift from humid summer heat to cooler drier temperatures in South East Asia for example and in the southern hemisphere it is now that the days are beginning to grow longer and warmer. Marking a fantastic shift between the off and peak seasons October can in many instances promise an enviable compromise between better weather, fewer crowds and quite often cheaper prices.

South Africa- October is a fine time to visit South Africa particularly the Western Cape, with summer just on the cusp of blooming into a succession of long, warm and cloudless days. Although the best months for game viewing are considered to be behind us ample opportunity still exists in the many game reserves and parks around the country. The beaches of Durban, the Garden Route and Cape Town are beginning to fill up again and this month also coincides with the spectacular migration of the Southern Right Whale along the Cape south coast.

Vietnam- One of Asia’s most geographically diverse and culturally fascinating destinations, Vietnam has in the last few decades emerged from the ranks of the backpacker’s right of passage to a more mainstream  tourist destination, though still retaining a definite air of mystique and wonder. October is one of the best times to visit Vietnam which experiences across its variant territories of highlands, dense forest, valleys, coastlines and flat plateaus a rather mercurial climate. October usually provides a cooler and less humid atmosphere with much less chance of rain than during the thunderous summer months. With such sites as the stunning Ha Long Bay and capital of Ha Noi and the beautiful beaches of Nha Trang and the ancient city of Ho Chi Minh geographically polarised at either end of the country prioritising what parts of Vietnam you want to see most is essential. The islands and Southern coastal retreats of Vietnam boast some of the country’s most impressive accommodation; the likes of the Six Senses Con Dao and its sister property in Ninh Van Bay as well as the Evason Ana Mandara in Nha Trang offer visitors the ideal escape.

Mauritius- The perennial romance island; Mauritius has become synonymous with glamour and luxury and island that seems to epitomise barefoot chic but with a relative infrastructure that makes getting around a breeze. Avoiding the French school holidays (as a popular destination for Gaelic families) and the more blustery winds of July and August, October is an ideal month to travel to Mauritius. Renowned for the beaches that fringe its rugged coastline Mauritius is the perfect beach break destination and is particularly favoured by water sports and diving enthusiasts. Stalwarts of the hospitality and hotel industry that have already established leading resorts on the island include The Residence, One&Only, Heritage, Four Seasons and Constance.

Australia- Although it may seem like a world away really Australia has never been so accessible. Similar to South Africa the cooler temperatures that bathe the Southern coast of the country have already begun to abate by October promising pleasant and warm days in which to explore some of Australia’s greatest sights. From fabulous shopping in Melbourne to the iconic landmarks of Sydney there is an inordinate amount to see and do in Australia and personally I would recommend a more intimate exploration of a few key aspects rather than attempting a whistle stop tour of a much broader area. From the Winelands of New South Wales and Victoria to the charm of Perth and unspoiled beauty of Western Australia or the dense forests of Northern Queensland there is something here for everyone. Temperatures in the north of the country are usually perennially stable though by October will be starting to reach the mid to high 20s (around 80F).

Historically bays have had an incredible impact upon the evolution and socioeconomic architecture of the modern world. In an age when the globe was ruled by oar and by sail the calm waters and safe anchorage offered by natural harbours were pivotal to establishing trade links and founding colonial communities. It is no wonder then that today some of the most recognised metropolises in the world were originally established at these strategic sites.

Not only that but there is something about the juxtaposition of land and sea that awards an individual with a sense of perspective and peace; as well as beauty and grandeur.  Although peering out across the shimmering waters and past the horizon may not invoke the same sense of pioneering and mystery that once inspired the adventurers of the history books there is still an incomparable resonance of freedom and  wonder associated with coastal living that has in recent decades seen tourists flock to these areas.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand- Combining history and beauty the bay features an archipelago of 144 islands and was the first part of New Zealand to be colonised by European settlers. The area’s geography is defined by several ‘arms’ of land that extend out into the waters to form its distinctively irregular coastline. Home to fashionable townships such as Russell and Paihia; the bay is the epitome of picturesque. Visitors can explore the local communities, take a private yacht ride out and tour the beautiful islands and formations or visit the famous Waitangi Treaty grounds where modern New Zealand was born. Accommodation includes the boutique Cavalli Beach House in Mahinepua; the peerlessly chic Bird’s Nest, in Russell and for the no expenses spared treatment how about Cavallii Island Retreat & Spa; a private island which accommodates only 6 guests at a time and offers complimentary use of its own luxury yacht.

Victoria Harbour- An icon of South East Asia, the glimmering skyline of Hong Kong Island is made even more impressive at night when a striking spectrum of glowing neon reflects off the waters of Victoria Harbour in brilliant columns of light. Often regarded as the gateway to South East Asia Hong Kong has one of the highest population densities in the world; the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s busy shopping districts and traditional markets is a sight to behold and a real insight into spirit and vibrancy of the culture and people of this proud city state. One of the most spectacular views afforded visitors to Hong Kong is from Victoria Peak or simply ‘The Peak’ as it is locally known; a mountain located in the west of the island. With accommodation available such as the Landmark Madarn Oriental and its sister property Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong as well as the grand Peninsula Hong Kong you will have no problem finding a refined and relaxing oasis of calm to unwind from the bright lights of the big city.

Bay of Kotor- A land once troubled and quite understandably ostracized by the global political community let alone by the tourism trail; today Montenegro is tipped by many as the new Monte Carlo. A small but friendly and very proud people the 620,000 or so Montenegrins that call this land home are distributed throughout this mountainous area with almost a third of the entire population residing in the capital of Podgorica. The country shares a coastline with the Adriatic Sea and it is in this narrow strip in the South West of Montenegro that the beautiful Bay of Kotor can be found; itself a World Heritage Site. The area has been inhabited since antiquity and evidence of its ancient heritage can be observed in the surviving medieval architecture that still can be readily seen. The beautiful submerged river canyon boasts dramatic winding mountains and crystal clear waters and over the past few years the townships of Kotor, Risan, Tivat and Perast amongst others have become popular tourist attractions.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam- Legend has it that this stunning formation of rock islets was formed when during a war with the Chinese the Gods sent a family of dragons to defend Vietnam from the foreign marauders. The dragons spat out jewels that formed the islands and islets that today make up the bay, forming a wall of rock to safeguard the community. Whether or not you believe in its divine inception it is certainly undeniable that there is something quite ethereal about Ha Long Bay. Found in the North East of the country, around 140km due east of Ha Noi this once quiet fishing community is today one of Vietnam’s most popular attractions. The 1,600 permanent inhabitants are distributed amongst four floating communities of fishermen and their families who quite astonishingly can sometimes spend their entire lives on open water without ever stepping foot on terra firma.

Is you’re favourite landmark missing from the list? Let me know about it!

Following on from yesterday’s post regarding the murder of David Tebbutt and the kidnap of his wife Judith, a British couple holidaying at a luxury resort on Lamu Island in Kenya  I thought it was right to post an update on current events.

Kenyan officials have drafted in more police and members of the Kenyan army to search for the kidnappers who raided the exclusive Kiwayu Safari Village in the early hours of Monday morning. Though no group has claimed responsibility for the act Kenyan investigators believe that the nature of the attack is likened much more to a pirate or bandit raid than an organized move by the Somali Islamist militant group Al Shabaab as had been speculated.

In the last few hours it has been announced that police have made their first arrest in relation to the assault which saw Mr Tebbutt, restrained and killed with a single gunshot and though it is unsure whether the man detained played a physical role in the event he is suspected of helping to plot the kidnap.

Mrs Tebbutt’s whereabouts are still unknown although it is thought that a ransom demand may be made at some point in the near future. Officials from the British High Commission in the country’s capital, Nairobi have flown to Lamu to aid the investigation.

For anyone planning to travel to the Lamu area of Kenya I would again refer you to the your respective country’s foreign office i.e. the US Department of State or the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

This is of course an isolated incident and tourism in the rest of the country (I hope) will remain largely unaffected.