Cherif’s Favorite Places
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai, Thailand
“Located near the borders of Laos and Burma, this is the best elephant safari in the world. The tents are luxuriously comfortable, and the elephants are always close by. Each of them has a distinct personality.” fourseasons.com/goldentriangle
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Thailand
“Built like a Burmese village, it’s a place to see at least once in a lifetime. I fell in love with the villa by the spa, which has a deck that opens onto the rice fields.” mandarinoriental.com/chiangmai/
Tierra Patagonia Hotel & Spa, Patagonia, Chile
“The scenery and the treks you can take are full of surprises. I especially like the view of the snowy peaked Torres del Paine mountain range.” tierrapatagonia.com
Matakauri, Queenstown, New Zealand
“I dream of this beautiful lodge situated on the crystal- clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by multicolored mountains. It’s so sensual. I hope to take my last breath there.” matakauri.co.nz
Uxua Casa Hotel, Trancoso, Brazil
“This hotel has a lot of spirit and great vibes. Every bungalow is different and hidden in lush gardens. You get the feeling you’re part of a very happy tribe.” uxua.com
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
“A very special place to travel Robinson Crusoe–style with kids. The bar boasts a never- ending juice selection, and there is an outdoor cinema on the beach.” soneva.com
Six Senses con Dao, con son Island, Vietnam
“This hotel is one of the first eco-resorts to have a modern design. There are four great restaurants—guests ride bikes between them—and the spa offers local specialties like a honey locust pod hair wash.” sixsenses.com/resorts/con-dao/destination
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, hermanus, South Africa
“At this amazing villa with a private chef, a butler, and guides, you can have a picnic breakfast along the water and go whale watching. Be sure to experience the flower safari and the colorful sunsets.” grootbos.com
North Island, Seychelles
“Staff outnumber guests at this hotel, where Will and Kate honeymooned. Just whisper your wish and your host will make it happen. Villa 7 is the most desirable.” north-island.com
Eagles Nest, Russell, New Zealand
“This cliffside resort, made up of five villas, has stunning views over the Bay of Islands. Swim in the infinity pool while watching the dolphins below, or take a boat to some of the little islands, where you can finish the day with a private beachside dinner.” eaglesnest.co.nz
Vamizi Island, Mozambique
“Getting here is not easy, but this small privately owned island is so magical that you forget the journey as soon as you arrive. The attention to detail is second-to-none, and the pristine waters make for one of the best fishing experiences in the world.” vamizi.com
Song Saa Private Island, koh rong archipelago, Cambodia
“A perfect place for travelers who want some beach time after visiting the famous Temple of Angkor Wat.” songsaa.com
