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Deep in Berlin‘s Grunewald Forest, Teufelsberg (literally, Devil’s Mountain; the name comes from the nearby Teufelssee, or Devil’s Lake) was once the site of a Nazi technology college. After the war, it was decided that the school would be buried beneath rubble and debris left in the city after the war, and the resulting man-made hill rose to more than 300 feet; during the cold war, American troops built a base on top from which to spy on East Germany. Since the wall fell, the base’s radar domes have become graffiti-spattered ruins and a haunting pilgrimage for urban explorers, street-art fans, and those seeking great views over the Grunewald and the Havel River. The hill is also used as a ski slope and sled run in winter; paragliding aficionados and picnickers enjoy it in summer. The website has official tour options.

Keswick Hall was originally built in 1912 as a family estate and was later a country club before being transformed into a country hotel in the 1990s, and it continues to evolve as a luxury resort in its second century. Experience a bit of the historic grandeur with an elegant al fresco dinner overlooking the countryside at Fossett’s restaurant or with a cocktail at the Villa Crawford bar (named for the original home), before retiring to your room on a bed fit for royalty. (Indeed, the handmade Hypnos mattresses are also commissioned for the British royal family.) Each of the 48 uniquely designed rooms and suites overlook the golf course or gardens, and have minibars stocked with local goodies. You’ll need a good night’s sleep to properly enjoy a full day’s activities on property: a round of golf on the Pete Dye–designed Full Cry course, a tennis match on one of seven courts, or a game of croquet or horseshoes (just a few of the games on offer). Wind down with a massage, signature vinotherapy facial, or raindrop therapy with essential oils at the spa. If you can bear to leave the lush grounds, downtown Charlottesville and the Monticello estate are each a 15-minute drive away.

What was in the mid-20th-century just an inexpensive area to build warehouses and showrooms along the Trinity River has evolved into a vibrant live/work community that’s home to noted restaurants, trendy hangouts, upscale apartment buildings, and—true to its name—a wide array of design-focused businesses. Whether you’re in the market for a French impressionist painting or an edgy installation, the galleries along Dragon Street have got you covered, while Slocum Street is the place for antiques, decorative pieces, and midcentury furnishings, and Howell Street is a treasure trove of vintage and thrift shops. Enjoy an upscale meal at Oak, a beer at the Meddlesome Moth or Texas Ale Project, a cold treat at Pop Star Handcrafted Popsicles, or a cooking class–meets–dinner party at The Cookery. Keep an eye out for Eagles co-founder Don Henley, who built a private recording studio in the area.

Perched atop Crow Hill you’ll find the Captain James Cook Monument, a National Historic Site overlooking beautiful Corner Brook and the Bay of Islands. British explorer and cartographer Captain James Cook, perhaps most famous for his journeys to the South Pacific, surveyed the Bay of Islands in 1767. In addition to the statue and the views, you’ll find interpretive panels of the charts created by Captain Cook. His maps were so accurate they were used well into the 20th century.

If the city has you overwhelmed, whether by its chaos or its abundance of choices, and you want to take refuge in the familiarity of a hotel bar, you can’t do much better than St. Regis’s King Cole Bar. Sit inside at the bar or on one of its loungers and enjoy live music with your drink, or—better yet—head out to the terrace, where you can watch traffic zip by on the city’s main avenue, Paseo de la Reforma. You’ll also be looking out upon the Diana the Huntress fountain, a snapshot-worthy landmark in this city that has no shortage of them. In fact, you can also see the Angel of Independence statue and Chapultepec Castle from here. As for drinks, the must-try is the Sangrita Maria, a blend of mezcal, sangrita, and pasilla chile puree. Every St. Regis bar creates a signature cocktail, and this one is definitely representative of Mexico City. If you’re a smoker, ask to see the bar’s cigar selection.

The Sir Francis Drake Channel, sort of like an inland sea of the BVI, is named for the famed explorer. It’s fitting, as the channel invites exploring with most of the territory’s islands located along it, from Virgin Gorda to Tortola, the largest island in the BVI. Steady but gentle trade winds blow along the Sir Francis Drake Channel year-round, making it easy to navigate the archipelago, either by sight sailing or on a yacht charter—with stunning anchorages around every bend. There are also a few islands just off of the channel including Anegada, the only coral island in the BVI and a favorite of divers, and Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the islands and, with a population of only 300, a perfect place if you truly want to escape.

The calm seas and winds aren’t only a boon for sailors, but also for anyone interested in water sports. Whether you want to don a mask at the famous Baths on Virgin Gorda, try surfing at Josiah’s Bay, or pursue any other activity on the water, you can expect ideal conditions on most days.

Visit the island’s most important historic neighborhoods, forts, churches, and more.

Swim in crystal-clear waters, snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and relax on secluded beaches during this eight-day Caribbean yacht cruise.

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.

Read articles from the Spring 2024 print issue of Afar Magazine.

This five-day itinerary invites you to enjoy Bermuda’s famous beaches and snorkeling, explore underground caves, and experience the Bermuda Aquarium & Zoo together for experiences that delight the young and young at heart.