My lungs burned as I bent forward, gasping, my hands on my hips. I had known that the air would be thin at 11,800 feet, but I was surprised at just how tough the altitude was making my climb to Chhema Lake. Still, I was hiking in the Mustang District of Nepal, so my temporary struggle was worth it: I was surrounded by the Annapurna range of the Himalayas, where peaks glistened in the sun and mini avalanches sent snow down distant chutes.

The adventure reminded me of a trip to Bhutan a few years ago, when I made the two-hour trek to the famed cliffside monastery known as the Tiger’s Nest. The Himalayas have become for me—and for a growing number of travelers—the antidote to city living and work stress. A trip to what some call the roof of the world is an opportunity to unplug, slow down, and swap screens for prayer flags flapping in the wind.

In recent years, the region has also been transformed by the opening of luxurious, design-centric hotels in places where high-end lodging has historically been nonexistent. These thoughtfully conceived escapes, all new since 2023, emphasize cultural immersion—an alternative to the “peak bagging” crowds that have choked up routes to some of the Himalayas’ legendary summits. Nepal, for example, has lately notched record-setting international arrivals, and the country’s tourism board describes Everest Base Camp as “extremely popular.”

Read on for a closer look at some of the best lodging in the region, as well as the outdoor activities and community-conscious tours they can unlock.

Bhutan

Known for its Gross National Happiness concept and unspoiled natural beauty, in 2022 the country inaugurated the 250-mile Trans-Bhutan Trail, which is open to both day hikers and serious trekkers. While brands including Aman and Six Senses have been long-standing fixtures in Bhutan, newer on the scene is Pemako Punakha, which has 21 luxurious tented villas, each with a private pool. Guests can access the trail, meditate with the resident Buddhist monk, go whitewater rafting on the Mo Chhu river, and visit the picturesque Punakha Dzong, a centuries-old fortress. In Paro, Dawa at Hilltop by Heeton is the country’s largest hotel, with 87 rooms featuring private balconies and views of the surrounding peaks; its indoor pool is a nice amenity after a flight into Paro International Airport, the country’s sole international gateway.

India

The Himalayas stretch across a huge sweep of northern India, making it a challenge to know where to start. One enticing option is traveling with the tour and guesthouse operator Shakti, which has pioneered community-centric tourism in states including Uttarakhand. Shakti Prana, for example, is a new lodge reachable only by foot. It has seven rustic-chic stone cottages where yoga, meditation, and hikes in the surrounding countryside are the main activities. To the northwest, in Himachal Pradesh, Sitara Himalaya has 10 suites looking out over the Dhauladhar range that have bright Banarasi silk walls, handwoven pashminas in every room, and under-floor heating. A part of Relais & Châteaux since 2024, it also arranges excursions, such as waterfall hikes and visits to Hindu temples.

Nepal

The climbing capital of the world, Nepal has been luring mountaineers for decades, including up the busy South Col route to the summit of Mount Everest. But a more culturally rich experience can be found at Shinta Mani Mustang, a 29-suite lodge from prolific hotel designer Bill Bensley that has floor-to-ceiling views of Nilgiri Himal, which tops 23,000 feet. Daily outings take guests to alpine lakes and nearby villages; a Tibetan-medicine doctor can help guests work out any altitude-related aches and pains. To the southeast, the latest addition to the Mountain Lodges of Nepal portfolio is Deboche, a 13-room lodge situated above 12,200 feet—but below the iconic Tengboche Monastery, with its showstopping views of Everest and the surrounding summits.

Tibet

Traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region, which is part of China, can be difficult for Americans: at a minimum, visitors need both a Chinese visa and the assistance of a specialist tour operator to handle other formalities. The U.S. Department of State estimates that fewer than 10,000 Americans make the trip annually—but those who do will find the trend toward more interesting, higher-end accommodations has also touched this corner of the Himalayas. Songtsam Linka Retreat Lake Basong Tso, for example, is situated on an emerald lake surrounded by towering peaks. The hotel has 122 rooms and access to activities such as monastery visits, incense making, hikes, and cycling.

A version of this story first appeared in the October 2025 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline “The High Life.”

As the Faroes become increasingly popular with international travelers—a trickle of visitors has turned into more of a cascade in recent years, particularly since 2023—there is a greater need for creatively expanding infrastructure, while prioritizing the needs and lifestyle of locals. The Faroese are essentially asking themselves: How can we invite visitors into the home we love, without losing what we love about it?

I hoped to find out. In April, my husband and I flew into the airport on Vágar, the third-largest island, with a plan to drive to the Northern Isles before slowly making our way back through Eysturoy and Streymoy. It was a route that would allow us to also travel through those undersea tunnels, while also being conscious of the number of pricey tolls we’d rack up from using them. We hoped to also tap into the Faroese rhythm of daily life. What would it mean to take cues from the people who know these wild landscapes best?

On our first day, we beelined for the Visit North tourism office in Klaksvík, a small city of brightly colored houses on a spit of land between the open ocean and a sheltered bay of fishing boats. Reni Heimustovu, who staffs the front desk, smiled when we asked about hiking that day. “Last time someone wanted to go hiking in weather like this, we told them, ‘Choose life!’” she laughed knowingly. Outside, the long grass was blown flat on the surrounding mountains.

And so we learned our first lessons of traveling in the Faroes: One must always be adaptable.

We climbed back into the car, and ditched the hike, instead driving along a muddy road toward Klakkur Viewpoint, below which the sea yawned expansively. In scenic, rural parts of the islands, which describes just about everywhere in the Faroes, a source of tension with rising tourist numbers has come from the fact that visitors aren’t always prepared for sheep on the road. There are so many of the animals here, that in 2016, locals used their ovine population to map areas not yet canvassed by Google Maps’ cars; famously, the Faroes have more sheep than people, and their wavy wool provides a living for many locals. New signage on roads like these gently reminds visitors which grazing lands are off limits to hiking and sightseeing: the sheep have the right of way.

Sheep, whose wooly coats provide a living for many locals, outnumber people on the Faroes—and road trippers are reminded that the animals retain the right of way.

Smitt

If you’ve ever dreamed of kayaking or camping in Antarctica, this might be your chance.

HX Expeditions, the world’s oldest cruise company, recently announced that they will launch the industry’s most diverse kayaking and camping program in Antarctica, greatly expanding their existing capacity. From October 2025, HX Expeditions will increase their kayaking capacity by 188 percent and double their number of camping spots, enabling more visitors to experience Antarctica in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.

There will also be opportunities for solo traveler access to camping and kayaking without a partner required. HX Expeditions is introducing new solo, inflatable “Discovery Kayaks” for self-guided paddling with no language requirement, as well as new “Bivvy Bags” for camping, which are lightweight, Scandinavia-sourced, and custom built. The activities on offer now will include two types of kayaking, two styles of camping, snowshoeing, a polar plunge, and extended hikes.

“With expanded kayaking and camping capacity, plus greater flexibility and access, we’re opening the polar regions to more adventurers than ever before. It’s about making these once-in-a-lifetime moments available to everyone on board, while delivering them in small, intimate and responsible groups,” Karin Strand, VP of Expeditions Development, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Whether you’re gliding past icebergs on your kayak or sleeping under the stars, we’re here to help you write your own Antarctic story. And importantly, all experiences are designed in harmony with nature and in strict adherence to the environmental regulations that govern human activity in Antarctica.”

HX Expeditions has over 20 years of experience programming Antarctic travel, and is a founding member of IAATO, a member organization that advocates for safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel in Antarctica. 

“Experiencing Antarctica must come with responsibility,” Strand stated. “Every step we take is guided by the principles of sustainable tourism. We work within the framework of IAATO guidelines to ensure our presence leaves no trace, minimising impact, respecting wildlife, and preserving the pristine beauty of the polar environment for generations to come.”

All kayaking and camping bookings in the new 2025/2026 season will be managed in real-time by the Expedition Team onboard, allowing for flexibility based on guest preferences and weather. The bookings will be made on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the previous lottery system in use has been discontinued. If activities get cancelled, the company will either reschedule or provide a full refund for that activity. 

Jakarta is the busy and bustling capital city of Indonesia and home to more than 11 million people. From business travellers looking for a luxury base to leisure travellers seeking a luxurious escape while in town, the choice of five-star hotels can feel overwhelming, with all the major global brands represented across the city. We decided to split our stay between two luxury hotels, spending two nights at Raffles Jakarta and two nights at Le Méridien Jakarta. We’re familiar with both brands, having stayed with them elsewhere in the region, and always enjoyed our time with them. Read on to discover our luxury living experience in Jakarta, and why we think our choices were spot on – especially if you’re planning your next trip to the Indonesian capital.

Stay at Raffles Jakarta

We were guests of Raffles Jakarta, one of the city’s leading luxury hotels and a brand synonymous with refined service and elegant surroundings for those who enjoy the finer things in life.

As big fans of both Raffles properties in Cambodia, we were excited for Raffles Jakarta to be our ‘home away from home’ and intrigued to see how it compared to Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap and Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh. After our weekend staycation, we were very impressed with our latest Raffles experience and can’t wait to return.

Wellness and sustainability at Raffles Jakarta

Raffles Jakarta boasts a number of sustainability initiatives, which were explained to us by the passionate Sustainability Director, Mr Indra, during our meeting on the 14th floor. This is also the location of Raffles Spa, where we experienced a couples massage like no other. Arriving early, we made the most of the stylish hydrotherapy and spa facilities, preparing us to be luxuriously pampered in the most memorable fashion. Everything about our afternoon at Raffles Spa was first rate and must be experienced to be truly appreciated.

The sustainability efforts at Raffles Jakarta go well beyond eliminating single-use plastics, in-room water filters, and biodegradable coffee capsules. This is a hotel that takes sustainability seriously and leads from the front. From using grey water to keep the lush gardens verdant to repurposing coffee grounds as fertiliser, there were thoughtful innovations throughout. Shower caps made from cassava, toothpaste in paper sachets, and bamboo razors and toothbrushes in our room were just some of the steps they’ve taken to make a difference. Education and training underpin everything they do, with staff encouraged to understand the impact of hospitality on the environment. Corporate Social Responsibility is not just a departmental initiative but a personal achievement for each colleague.

Dining at Raffles Jakarta

Our dining experiences at Raffles Jakarta included long and leisurely breakfasts (with plenty of choice), an in-room dining selection from Navina Pool Bar, and a special vegan set lunch served with style at Arts Café by Raffles. The menus listed both vegetarian and vegan options, but it was the staff’s willingness to adapt and create bespoke dishes that truly impressed.

From elegant plant-based sushi freshly prepared at the breakfast sushi bar to a divine miso vegan lobster that tasted even better than it looked, our vegan travel adventure was a delight. A flatbread topped with breaded local mushrooms, delivered to our room, made the perfect afternoon treat. We will never forget the excellent service and warm welcome we received each time we dined at Arts Café by Raffles.

Stay at Le Méridien Jakarta

We were also guests of Le Méridien Jakarta, a five-star hotel in the heart of the capital that offers an excellent base for both business and leisure travellers.

Situated in the CBD, it provides convenient access to nearby offices, glimmering towers, and several luxury shopping malls. The newly opened metro offers a great way to avoid Jakarta’s infamous traffic and explore the city. During your stay at Le Méridien Jakarta, unwind in your well-appointed room or suite, relax beside the inviting pool, or make a reservation at one of the on-site restaurants to enjoy a wide array of creative culinary offerings – which we’ll talk about next.

Wellness and sustainability at Le Méridien Jakarta

Speaking with General Manager Mrs Jennifer Suryadi about current and future sustainability plans, she highlighted three key focus areas: waste reduction, water conservation, and sustainable certification. Single-use plastic water bottles have been eliminated, replaced by refillable glass bottles, and bathroom amenities are provided in refillable dispensers.

These efforts align with Marriott International’s 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals. Notably, Le Méridien Jakarta is the only hotel in the city with its own in-house mineral water production facility, thanks to a partnership with Tigris – a Singapore-based company driving sustainability innovation in the industry. This initiative also helps reduce the environmental footprint associated with transporting bottled water. In March 2025, the hotel received Green Key certification in recognition of its comprehensive commitment to sustainability, including rigorous standards across waste management, energy efficiency, and water use. While there’s an inviting pool and a 24-hour gym on-site, we spent most of our time discovering vegan options both in and around the hotel so didn’t fully enjoy the leisure facilities.

Dining at Le Méridien Jakarta

We were delighted to find a wide range of vegan options at Le Méridien Jakarta, including an exciting partnership with Green Rebel, which we’ll explore in more detail below. Plant-based dishes are available at all food and beverage outlets, with Handi (Indian) and Al Nafoura (Lebanese) offering particularly strong vegan selections.

These cuisines naturally lend themselves to plant-based eating, with dishes such as dal, vegetable curries, hummus, and falafel either already vegan or easily adapted. During World Vegan Month in 2024, Le Méridien Jakarta partnered with Green Rebel to introduce a special plant-based menu at Al Nafoura, La Brasserie (the hotel’s all-day dining venue), and through in-room dining. While demand for vegan dishes in Jakarta is still relatively niche, the hotel is proud to include these options to support guest wellbeing and environmental sustainability.

Who are Green Rebel?

Green Rebel Foods is Indonesia’s leading plant-based food tech startup, launched in 2020. They specialise in developing plant protein and dairy alternatives that are delicious, healthy, and affordable – all while aiming to minimise environmental impact. For travellers wanting an authentic taste of Indonesia, the partnership between Green Rebel and Le Méridien Jakarta provides the perfect opportunity to experience local comfort food with a modern, sustainable twist.

This includes a rich and flavourful plant-based rendang and a hearty spaghetti dish with plant-based meatballs and vegan parmesan, all served in the elegant surroundings of Le Méridien. Speaking with Max Mandias, one of Green Rebel’s founders, he told us: “We believe this collaboration allows guests to experience Indonesian culinary heritage while making conscious choices, whether through in-room dining or at one of the restaurants.” We loved sampling the culinary creations and applaud Le Méridien Jakarta for choosing to support a local startup – and we have to say, that rendang was seriously tasty.

Our luxury living experience in Jakarta exceeded all expectations. We’re already scanning our travel calendars to see when we can return. Both Raffles Jakarta and Le Méridien Jakarta offer exceptional options for a luxurious city break, combining thoughtful sustainability, excellent service, and delicious vegan dining. Whether you’re visiting for business or leisure, Jakarta’s top-tier hotels are ready to welcome you with style and substance – and a touch of plant-based indulgence for good measure.

Paul Eyers

Paul Eyers is co-founder of Vegan Food Quest who write about luxury hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia with a focus on sustainable travel, eco travel and vegan travel. Currently based in Malaysia, Paul also writes about sporting events and some of the finest golf courses throughout the region.