We’re probably all nursing sore heads today but the good news is that this isn’t the only New Year’s Day celebration, we’ve got Wu Year’s Day to look forward to now… or Your Year’s Day around the world.
And a bunch of other New Year’s Days for those who love a good oul’ firework.
Which is where the Wu comes in with Wendy Wu all over the Chinese version.
And us all over her annual legendary get-together.
Which believe me keeps us fed and watered for an entire week.
Happy New Hare
Wu to go: Wendy Wu and her people
Well, we don’t have to wait long for Chinese New Year which is on January 23 and is the year of the Water Rabbit.
Rabbits are said to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious.
I’m a snake (behave)!
More of rabbits and snakes later in the month.
Feast of the senses: Wendy Wu fare
But what of the other new years around the world.
Because not everyone looks at the world through Western eyes.
Jewel of India
Shake it: Indian dancing
Or the skies with those on the Indian subcontinent disagreeing.
On the place of the sun and the moon in setting their calendar.
And so in India, West Bengal celebrates their New Year, or Pohela Boishakh, on April 14 or 15.
Whereas Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and few other southern states celebrate Ugadi and Puthandu on April 6.
In Maharashtra state, New Year, or Gudi Padwa, is celebrated on April 14.
We’ve always been a little jealous of those who live in the Southern Hemisphere who get to enjoy their January 1 in the sun.
Forever young
Queen of Ethiopia: Meseret and me
Across the Islamic world the big dates are in July or August.
And this year it ranges from July 19-21 depending on which country you’re in.
The calendar is a lunar one and so is only 354 days long.
Islamic New Year is celebrated on the first day of Muharram, the first Islamic month.
And compared to Western calendars the Islamic year goes backwards by about 11 days every year.
All of which sounds great as you get time back.
Just like they do in Ethiopia and Eritrea where you can become seven years younger.
All of which we were reminded of when our friends at LHW alerted us to the new intake of six hotels which have been added to their 400+ roster.
And yes for all the swish billets we’ve stayed in over the years we still have 399+ to visit…
O Flower of Amsterdam: The Dylan
But every journey starts with one step.
This season’s LHW collection includes four new hotel openings…
An ambitious city resort on Samarkand’s Silk Road, an architectural jewel in Milan, a mountaintop hideaway in Montafon and a vibrant dining destination in Montevideo.
And they are joined by two storied hotels…
A grand lakeside estate in Lausanne and a Roman hotspot with historical charm.
Get thee to a seminary
Water place: The Portrait for wellbeing
Portrait Milano (Milan, Italy) NEW OPENING December 2022: And there’s plenty of them in holy Italy.
LHW tell us that this is one of the oldest seminaries in Europe, dating back to the 16th century.
And only recently opened to the public for the first time.
They tell us Portrait embraces the lively Piazza del Quadrilatero.
With the elegant, vaulted colonnade animated by restaurants and bars, boutiques, a lush garden and a wellness centre.
There are 73 sophisticated rooms and suites and other accommodations will provide an oasis of privacy and peace, surrounding guests by timeless elegance.
Smooth as the Silk Road
Asian peace: And tranquility
Samarkand Regency Amir Temur (Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan) NEW OPENING Autumn 2022: Billing itself as the crown jewel of the Silk Road.
Any viewer of Joanna Lumley’s excellent travelogue will know all about one of the world’s oldest trade routes.
The name pays tribute to Uzbekistan’s 15th Century national hero, who made Samarkand one of the most illustrious empires.
The 233-room hotel features charcoal-grilled dining at El Sabor, 20th floor Sky Bar.
With panoramic views, and the Nephrite Spa & Wellness offering beauty and wellbeing treatments from Valmont and Thalgo alongside a hammam and pool.
Surrounded by thousands of years of history and magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The hotel is located steps from a first-of-its kind Eternal City, an entertaining and immersive ‘model city’ which was designed and created by Uzbek artist Bobur Ismoilov to honour the artistry and tradition of Uzbekistan.
Nature’s ski lodge
Mountain high: In Austria
Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon(Montafon, Austria) NEW OPENING December 2022: And this being the mountains, then the focus is on sustainability.
The 123-room hotel is designed to blend into the surrounding mountains.
And the outdoor facilities have been harmoniously integrated into the surrounding skiing and hiking areas of the Erlebinsverg Golm.
The first certified, climate neutral ski area in Austria.
A dedicated ski shuttle connects to over 27 miles of scenic ski slopes, offering endless opportunities for skiing and winter sports.
Montevideo star
South American dream: In Uruguay
Hotel Montevideo (Montevideo, Uruguay) NEW OPENING December 2022: Transforming an iconic corner of the city into an elegant destination for dining and design.
Hotel Montevideo taps into the vibrant energy of Uruguay’s bustling capital city.
Each room offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony to take in the city views.
At the hotel, savour authentic local fare created by renowned chef duo Ale Morales and Flor Coureges at Polo Bamba during the day.
And journey to the Sky Bar at Piso 10 for awe-inspiring sunsets that attract travellers and locals alike.
It has been restored to fuse old-world charm with modern luxury.
The estate near Lac Léman is divided between the historic Savoy Wing and the contemporary Park Wing.
Each of the sumptuously outfitted 196 rooms and suites are punctuated with Art Nouveau influence.
The Sky Lounge boasts spectacular 360° views of Lausanne, Lake Geneva.
Eternal pleasure
No place like Rome: And what a view
Hotel Splendide Royal Roma (Rome, Italy): Established within an historic estate dating back to the 1800s.
The recently renovated Hotel Splendide Royal Roma is situated in the heart of Rome’s most prestigious neighbourhood.
Steps away from the Via Veneto, and the extraordinary Villa Borghese Gardens, the hotel offers unparalleled access to the very best cultural, culinary and shopping experiences in Rome.
All of which you can do seamlessly and in budget.
Each of the 69 exquisitely-decorated rooms and suites effortlessly balance the old-world elegance of period furnishings, classical art, and historic details with the understated refinement of modern luxury.
Boasting award-winning dining at the signature Mirabelle Restaurant and breathtaking views at the rooftop lounge.
This is a city hot spot that is a favourite with visitors and locals alike.
All of which is leading up to you rewarding yourself by staying in one (or more) of the Leading Hotels of the World in the new year.
So all we do is go swanning about the world. Wrong, we let somebody else pilot the ship.
And that somebody would be Swan Hellenic who will show you the Arctic, Antarctic and rest of the world – from Brazil to Papua New Guinea, Norway to New Zealand, Australia to Africa, and Madagascar to the Mediterranean.
Swan Hellenic are introducing a new lady to the fleet for next year with SH Diana joining SH Minerva and SH Vega from the past two years.
So as with all things cruise let’s see the numbers.
There are 192 guests across 96 staterooms and suites, many with balconies.
Diana rules the waves
Ice one: And total peace
Diana’s passengers features a multifunctional room next to the observation lounge, a private dining room and two tenders.
And so the polar class 6 ice-strengthened hull plus extra-large stabilisers make the journey as smooth as silk for you to enjoy the Arctic and Antarctic.
There are new itineraries too on the roster, such as New Zealand in Depth and immerse yourself in its Maori culture and its Long White Cloud.
Dip your toe in: Luxury on board
Then there’s Papua New Guinea with its active volcano and Eclectus parrots.
For Japanophiles then you can explore the Land of the Rising Sun further than ever before.
And its Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples and the forested island of Yakushima.
Of course, all these exotic destinations bill themselves as the Land of something or other.
Dance away: Maori culture
And that is no different with Iceland, the Land of Ice and Fire.
In Iceland in Depth you can cruise along the fjords, something we’d encourage anybody in the Nordic or Scandinavia, nations.
And so to the Land of Carnival, the Spirit of Brazil will give you those rhythms, beats and buzzing cities.
But you’ll also get to see humpback whales in the Abrolhos Archipelago.
And talk to the animals… the elephants, buffalos, lowland gorillas and chimps. And you’ll feel good.
Before learning about the wonders of voodoo in Benin.
Deal us in
Antarctic explorers: Off to see wildlife
Prices range from £2,500pps to £19,000pps depending on the length and location of the expedition cruise.
That includes return regional flights to the port of embarkation and/or disembarkation (where specified)…
Group return transfers from the airport to the cruise port, one night pre-cruise accommodation with breakfast in a four/five star hotel or onboard, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, coffee, tea, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages available 24-hours per day.
There will be a lecture programmes by Swan Hellenic’s experienced expedition team and guest speakers, Wi-Fi, onboard gratuities and port taxes.
And one selected shore excursion/expedition activity per port of call, and branded Swan Hellenic expedition parkas and use of rubber boots in Polar Regions.
Qatar’s hosting of the Jules Rimet Trophy is a great pride for that Gulf state but also the greater region.. a chance to have the world calling the Middle East.
And here on your favourite site we have the contacts to relay to you what the Middle East are saying back.
Following on from a certain meeting of minds in Sharm el-Sheikh in the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt…
The world of travel is ready to do its bit too.
They have outlines five sustainable trends to look out for in the Middle East’s travel sector.
And what that looks like is a concentration on sustainable trends.
Of green airlines, eco hospitality, sustainable attractions, locally sourced produce and forward-thinking government initiatives.
All to be pushed through and without all the double talk associated with COP27, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, at Dubai World Trade Centre from 1-4 May.
ATM’s theme for its 30th edition is ‘Working Towards Net Zero.
And tourism, as we all know, plays a major part in addressing climate change.
According to Sustainable Travel International, tourism-related activities account for
approximately 8% of worldwide carbon emissions.
Greener airlines
Electric Qatar? Flying high to the Gulf
Etihad Airways have been leading the way, having recently received the Environmental Sustainability Innovation of the Year award from the Centre of Aviation (CAPA).
For its progress towards net-zero targets and UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline expect to cut single-use plastic waste by 80% by the end of this year and is also on course to achieve a 20% reduction in passenger fleet emissions intensity by 2025.
And while Qatar’s national football team may be licking their wounds after their opening-day victory, its national airline is flying high (sorry)!
Qatar Airways is making significant progress towards lowering its carbon emissions through similar initiatives, such as waste reduction and water conservation.
Our hospitable hospitality sector are also focused on saving the earth… and giving us a good holiday to boot.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has partnered with Hotelbeds to help increase inbound travel while promoting green hospitality.
Step up Dubai which boasts eco-adventures ranging from sustainable camping to
wildlife safaris in conservation areas.
Elsewhere in the UAE, Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, first developed for Expo
2020 Dubai and now located in Expo City Dubai, continues to wow guests.
With an immersive journey through forest roots and ocean depths.
Locally sourced produce
Paris of the Middle East: Beirut
The Middle East’s hospitality sector is making significant sustainability inroads through
the roll-out of sustainable food and beverage.
Dubai-based restaurant Lowe has focused on delivering delicious meals that have no detrimental impact on the planet since opening its doors in 2019.
Beirut’s Baron uses organic produce to create all its recipes.
And credit where where credit is due, our tourism leaders are showing their government what to do.
The Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) and Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) launched a new course earlier this month to enhance sustainable tourism offerings.
Available on Dubai’s innovative learning platform, Dubai Way empowers participants to drive water and energy savings.
Through effective green governance and procurement practices.
Baby, you’re a firework, come on let your colours burst… as they might have sung back in 1605 to mark Guy Fawkes Day.
Well because we’re fortunate enough that Katy Perry lives in our age.
Then that’s what we all do when the sparklers, rockets, Catherine Wheels and Roman Candles fizz through the air.
In the UK in those areas where people don’t celebrate the burning of Catholic traitors or have got past 17th century history.
And just like a light show then today, Guy Fawkes Day, is a national fireworks spectacular.
Of course, not everybody, the passing of a queen apart, is obsessed with British history.
So we’re taking a look at where and when the world lets their colours burst.
Fire Eid
Sparkling: Eid
Eid, the Muslim world: And as you would expect in the land of the world’s biggest building, Burj Khalifa, Dubai reachest highest in the Muslim world for Eid.
There are also numerous shows and music concerts and the amusement parks go into overdrive.
Jewel of India
Light up: Diwali
Diwali, India: Now if we in Britain think that our skies are spectacular at this time of year.
Then it is nothing compared to India.
Diwali, the festival of light, has just been dimmed for another year.
And there will be Diwali fireworks tomorrow around the world following the damp squib of the Covid years.
Granted that India put on a party last year as they moved out of restrictions but this year will feel like a normal Diwali again.
Diwali marks a special point in the Hindu cycle and also in my lifespan as a paid scribbler, a Diwali festival being the first story I covered for a newspaper.
A five-day festival starting, it takes place on the night of the new moon and so corresponds with the end of the harvest around mid-October or early November.
And it being darker earlier then Diwali focuses on lights or deeps/lamps and fireworks.
Diwali is just a box of chocolates
Dance away: Diwali
Diwali crosses the cultures and religions of the Subcontinent with different derivations depending on the region you visit.
And so for those of us who aren’t Indian what we want to know is how to party like an Indian.
Go local and if you are invited, deffo join a family’s festivities in Delhi, Mumbai, or Jaipur to see first-hand how they celebrate.
And the form is to take a box of Indian sweets or chocolates as a thank you gesture.
And Diwali is a glorious time to visit, for the brilliant fireworks display and innumerable lamps.
Varanasi too is right up there for Diwali watchers and the the ghats (steps down to the bathing waters) and diyas (lamps).
You want to see a community puja (worship), then visit Kolkata to see the goddess Kali in neighborhood pandals (cloth and bamboo structures) across the city.
Mumbai mix
Get on your bike: To Mumbai
There’s a real Mumbai mix in that city’s air with the night sky aglow with paper lanterns called kandeels.
While if you like scary effigies then Goa-goers can enjoy the sight of giant effigies paraded on the street.
India, of course, still remains on the radar after my largesse got the better of me when I was editing in Ireland.
And I sent a couple of very different colleagues there in my place as guests of Incredible India.
Indian treat
Candle in the India: And a message of hope
One for World Yoga Day… and she tied me up in knots with the organisation, while playing the diva along the way.
And a more deserving candidate whose professionalism saw him manage to extricate himself through the idiosyncracies of Indian bureaucracy to deliver a sumptuous review.
I wouldn’t though like to bring either up as this is a time of peace and Diwali fireworks.
Where, of course, I travel I usually find my peripatetic parents have gone before, latterly with Saga travel.
And my Dear Old Mum has strode forth to take on whichever local activity is before her, while alas my Dad was grumbly in his tummy, here with Delhi belly.
