Pioneers of pasta, inventors of gelato and creators of cannoli, it is clear Italian’s know how to eat. They also know how to live. Eschewing modern day’s high-speed hustle for the simple pleasures of the slow lane, ‘Dolce Far Niente’ embraces the art of doing nothing. And we’re here for it. From gazing out of a train window as the countryside unfurls and watching waves endlessly lap your toes to stopping stock still on a wildlife adventure, awaiting an animal to show itself, we too believe in the sweetness of a couple of guilt-free moments to regroup, refocus and savour the serenity of life’s little moments – especially on holiday. We know just the places to do it too. Breathe in the lung-filling landscape of Nova Scotia and Fogo Island in Eastern Canada, let time wash over you along the French Riviera and linger over candle-lit dinners in bucolic fishing villages on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Read on to find out more about the sweetness of slow holidays…
Off the Beaten Track
Naples, Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast
Leave the hubbub of daily life behind and head to the sweet-scented, soul-stirring Mediterranean for the ultimate Italian escape. With its signature cliff-fringed beaches, dizzying roads and regal palaces, it’s hard not to linger in the region’s capital, Naples. Let the hospitable locals of Marechiaro (a sleepy fishing village at the foot of the Pausilippe) teach you the ways of ‘Dolce Far Niente’ and join them on their daily passeggiata (stroll) along the waterfront. Stop by Sorrento for a dose of romance, cliff walks and palatial hotels, breathe in its citrus-scented air and window shop to your heart’s content – gelato in hand, of course. And if you’re really struggling to embrace the art of doing nothing, enjoy a yacht cruise along the famous coast. Discover its hidden gem of Ieranto Bay, which can only be reached by boat or foot, swing by the Galli Islands for a lesson in ancient Greek mythology and indulge in private cliffside picnics and refreshing swims on Positano’s dramatic and colourful coast.
Wildlife & Beaches
Watch the world go by on a leisurely riverboat cruise along Malaysia's peaceful Kinabatangan River (keeping your eyes peeled for long-nosed proboscis monkeys, elephants, hornbills, gibbons and dozens of exotic bird species as you go). Head out on an early morning trip on Kelenanap Oxbow Lake and watch as its stillness gives way to a flurry of wildlife species going about their morning rituals. Discover a few more of your own at the Tanjong Jara spa retreat, where the only requirement is to sit back, relax and savour the slow pace of its palm-lined east coast and surrounding jungle of waterfalls and rock pools. No guilt-free escape is complete without a beach dining experience either. Revel in the magical setting beside the sea and settle down for a seriously romantic five-course dinner.
Maritime Culture and Wild Nature
A Nova Scotia and Fogo Island Holiday
Perfecting the art of doing nothing in Nova Scotia and Fogo Island can be a little challenging. Thanks to its rugged and remote coastline, you’ll find yourself practically itching to uncover the secrets of Halifax’s fascinating maritime history, lose yourself along Peggy’s Cove’s tumbling coast with an expert guide and be blown away by Cape Breton Island. Nature lovers will be in their element exploring the excellent highland hiking trails, which include the world-renowned Cabot Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands Park and the Skyline Loop trail, while homebodies will discover a whole new meaning to the word relaxation on Fogo Island. Set just off the north coast of Newfoundland (basically at the end of the world), it is one of those places that feels completely untouched by time. Offering a remote island experience like no other, you’ll be able to whale watch, stargaze, walk, cycle, swim and just be.
Wildlife and Wilderness Safari
It’s likely that on a ten-day trip to Northern Namibia you will think you have fallen off the edge of the world. Remote, wild and untouched, Namibia is one of Africa’s leading wildlife hotspots. See its legendary desert in its prime on morning and night game drives in Okonjima Reserve. Spot leopards lolling in the sun, wildebeest wandering through the grass and giraffes peering out from the treetops. In the Ongava Game Reserve, expert guides will on hand to take you on walking safaris too, where you’ll have no choice but to immerse yourself in the extraordinary surrounding landscape. At neighbouring Etosha National Park, there’s the opportunity to track rhino herds on foot and station yourselves at a peaceful photographic hide to try your hand at capturing the country’s captivating wildlife. To round off your trip, there is no better place than a wilderness lodge in the shadows of the volcanic Erongo Mountains. Experience the raw beauty of the Erongo Bushveld as you embark on nature walks with experienced guides through the mountains and discover the rock paintings left by the San people.
A Train Ride through Historic Cities & Charming Villages
Do as locals do on France’s little-used network of local trains through the country’s bucolic countryside. Slowly meander down to the riviera stopping in Vichy, Nimes and Avignon along the way. Get to know Vichy, the spa-town cradled in the bend of the Allier River, which is famous for its thermal waters that bubble up from the town's hot springs, and explore the town’s streets which are filled with art-deco buildings before travelling onward to Nimes. Nicknamed the ‘Rome of France’, the city has incredible examples of Roman architecture, including a stunning amphitheatre. Enjoy the foodie city of Avignon, meeting local artisans, tasting regional products and learning about culinary traditions, before heading to the iconic French Riviera. People-watch in Marseille, hop on a private boat to explore hidden coves just off Cannes and venture down to the chic, rustic villages of Le Dramont and Mougins. Slow never sounded so sweet.
Written by Naomi Pike
