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Blackbird Caye Resort is the gateway to the stunning Belize Barrier Reef, but so much more than a stopgap hitching post for scuba nerds. Stretched across two miles of palm-fringed beach on the windward side of the Turneffe Atoll, Blackbird is set against a backdrop of more than 4,000 acres of untrammeled jungle, mangrove forests, sprawling lagoons, and migratory bird habitats. Many guests come to Blackbird to get under the water and at the reef – some of the best diving sites in Belize are a short five or ten minute boat ride from Blackbird’s dock – though this isolated island paradise has plenty to offer visitors looking to stretch their land legs. 18 ocean-view cabanas, each with its own private balcony and hammock, hold dominion over the Caribbean Sea. The Poolside Bar is a great place to unwind after a hot day in the sun, while the gallant High Tide Bar, with at least two feet in the sea at any one time, offers an excellent happy hour and complimentary snacks, including island fare like lion fish fingers, ceviche, conch fritters, and fried grouper. One of the top dive resorts in the world and a postcard-perfect island paradise, Blackbird is at once home away from home, and your own secluded hideaway. Photo Finish: Nikon D800 | 24-70mm f/2.8 lens | Aperture f/7.1 | ISO-640 | Shutter 1/30 sec.

Visit small villages, enjoy a traditional Thai meal in a local home, and stay at an eco-resort built into a hill.

Thai monkeys living in Lopburi, north of Bangkok, have a festival have not only in their honor, but one created specifically for them, each November. Begun by a local businessman hoping to boost tourism to the province in 1989, today the Monkey Buffet Festival attracts thousands of tourists. They come to watch some 3,000 local monkey’s gorge themselves on some 4,000kg of apples, bananas, cakes, and other sweets all served to them in a complex of temples dating back to the 10th century. It’s quite an experience, witnessing so many monkeys in what resembles a competitive eating contest, but offers fun for more than just the monkeys. The festival also features music and dancing for humans, and many people come dressed in monkey costumes.

Thailand has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and this itinerary takes you to the best of the best.

From the canals of Bangkok to the scenic paths of national parks, explore sides of Thailand most travelers never see with this 14-day itinerary.

From pad Thai to khao soi and everything in between, eat your way through Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui with this itinerary.

Read articles from this print issue of Afar Magazine.

Crowds may swarm upon it daily from sunrise onwards, but exposure hasn’t dulled the impact of the largest religious monument in the world. Commissioned by King Suryavarman II in the 12th century as the centerpiece of the mighty Khmer empire, the structure is inspired by Hindu sacred design and is estimated to have taken around 30 years to build. The biggest surprise upon visiting might be learning that the vast complex of spires, moats, frescoes, cloisters, and balustrades was constructed in such speedy fashion. You won’t be alone while witnessing it, but sunrise over the iconic temple remains one of the essential experiences in Southeast Asia. A return in the afternoon when the camera-toting hordes have dispersed is also advisable.

From Thailand to Japan, explore Asia with one of these Asian trip itineraries.

On this week’s episode of Unpacked, we explore one of the world’s most diverse cities—which didn’t really start out that way.

This five-day itinerary visits the CN Tower, the Hockey Hall of Fame, and more of Toronto’s most iconic attractions for an unforgettable adventure.

On this episode of Unpacked: Where to Go, Liz Provencher walks listeners through Da Nang’s mix of urban energy and coastal nature—from morning bowls of turmeric noodle soup and fresh seafood at night markets to hikes in one of Vietnam’s last coastal rainforests, day trips to UNESCO‑listed Hoi An, and the new hotels and routes putting Da Nang on the map.

On this episode of View From Afar: Live From ILTM, Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord reveals how a 160-year-old brand is redefining luxury with space, time, and service that feels personal.