Ken’s heart was pounding as he ventured off on his own through the foothills of Iran’s dramatic mountainside, no one else in sight, gazing at the Saint Stephanos Monastery from above. It wasn’t the altitude or the solitude that had his heart beating, but the adrenaline rush from the same journey Achaemenians had taken more than 2,000 years ago, long before the Monastery was built in the 14th century. Ken Fish, Absolute Travel President, was in the middle of his fourth trip to Iran.

“Many travelers want to witness a country before other people get there, and for visitors to Iran, they will see a virtually unspoiled ancient civilization with an unwavering and incredibly compelling cultural identity, which is only enhanced by Iranian people today.” So much so, that Ken believes visiting Iran is unlike being a guest in any other country; quite an endorsement considering the notches on his travel belt. “Hospitality must run through Persian blood… I am humbled by how warmly received I am as an American.”

Understandably, it is a challenge to look beyond the image of Iran as portrayed in current world events, but Ken speaks of hills carpeted in wildflowers; a well of UNESCO World Heritage sites that could keep any historian busy for weeks (ten official sites and almost sixty on the tentative list); and culinary traditions and styles distinctive of the region, particularly their use of sunshine-grown vegetables and herbs. But what carried the spirit of Ken’s visit was the sincerity of the local people. A photograph (below) taken during a spontaneous moment with university students in Tabriz captured the students’ endearing curiosity about their western visitor. “I will keep that moment with me just as much, if not more, than the students.”

Accompanied by Taghi Aghaei, who after eleven years is not only a business associate but also a dear friend, their travels focused on the northwestern Azerbaijan province, known for its arresting natural beauty. Along the way, it seemed the Persians were just as eager to explore their homeland as Ken was – whether picnicking alongside the windy roads, discovering holy sites, or just relaxing and enjoying themselves – their pride and love of Iran stood out from the scenery.

And there was never a loss of sites to see. Kandovan’s rock dwellings were not relics of the past, but still home to many – in keeping with the timeless soul of the region. Armenian monasteries still dot the mountains surrounding the Aras River on the border with Azerbaijan, and speak to both Iran’s cultural and geographic breadth. And structures like the Dome of Soltanieh only cemented thoughts of how much talent and tenacity, over the centuries and today, have been invested to make Iran what it has become.

Now is the time to visit Iran and see its many other sides – Persians living their day to day lives with passion and open hearts, fiercely proud of their home and happily willing to share it with you. Our Highlights of Persia journey is perfect for first-time visitors; please contact us for more details on this trip or to discuss a customized itinerary with one of our travel specialists. And for those who would like to chat with Ken, he is happy to speak with you personally about his Iran experience!

Find more of Ken’s images of Iran, please check out our Facebook page.

Too often overlooked, Sri Lanka is slowly putting itself back on the map with each visitor that is charmed by its people, history, landscape, wildlife, and wonder. This small island off the southern coast of India is picking up the pieces from the 2004 Tsunami and a long civil war – both of which have kept visitors at bay – but not for long! After my recent visit in May, I can confidently say that my time in Sri Lanka is my most cherished travel experience to date!

I began my journey with a four hour drive from Colombo bringing me to the Heritance Kandalama. Perched on a mountainside, this eco-friendly hotel’s location and exposed rock interior made me feel like I was in a secret hideaway within the mountain itself! I found it was the perfect launching pad to experience local excursions such as an elephant ride through the surrounding jungle and an action-packed excursion to Sigiriya. The 1,002 steps to the top of Sigiriya’s 5th century rock fortress offered sweeping views of the surrounding countryside – I promise the views are well worth the sweat and guaranteed sore muscles!

We continued to the cultural capital of Kandy, where shopaholics (including myself!) delighted in the selection of precious gems, particularly sapphires. We journeyed on through a maze of rolling green hills teeming with tea trees and dotted with tea pickers until we arrived at the absolutely stunning Ceylon Tea Trails in Hatton’s hill country. Each of the four bungalow sanctuaries is equipped with a private butler, chef, and a magnificent staff that make you feel at home. My tour of a local tea factory led by a tea planter (included for all visitors) truly brought the hills to life. Other activities in the region include bike and walking trails, rafting, and for the more active, a trek to Adams Peak, regarded as the holiest mountain in Sri Lanka. But despite all of the exciting excursions, what I will remember the most was high tea at my bungalow (Norwood), complete with a silver platter of delicious scones covered in jam and cream, cakes, petite sandwiches, and of course plenty of tea! Ceylon Tea Trails should be included on everyone’s Sri Lanka itinerary!

As I neared the final days of my visit, I stayed at both the Amanwella in Tangalle followed by the Amangalla in Galle –  both properties are spectacular in their own way which makes for a perfect combination. The Amanwella is a chic, modern retreat located on one of the worlds most unspoiled beaches.

Its open design blends inside and outside, allowing the ocean breeze to sweep across you wherever you may be. Just a 2.5 hour drive brings you to the charming Amangalla, a historic landmark located within the heart of the Galle fort. The Dutch Colonial interior brings you back in time and sets the mood for your entire experience. Another plus to the Amangalla? Complimentary use of their hydrotherapy spa room complete with a sauna, steam room, warm bath, and cold bath. The hotel also offers programs in Ayurveda and offers daily complimentary yoga classes; a true escape for the mind, body, and soul.

And for wildlife lovers, Sri Lanka offers a wide-range of conservation efforts (elephants and cheetahs to name a couple) but my time at the Turtle Conservation Project in Rekawa hit home with me. They play a major role in protecting five of the world’s seven species of marine turtles and I even had the opportunity to hold a sea turtle, hatched just the day before!

Sri Lanka will undoubtedly touch your heart and open your mind as it did mine. Contact me for more details on a customized trip to Sri Lanka!

After traveling throughout China while living in Beijing for eight years, followed by countless return trips to China over 13 years with Absolute Travel, Lisa Sun is firmly established as an expert on all the must-see spots and hidden gems in China.

During her most recent visit in April, Lisa revisited old highlights, but found her daytrip outside of Chengdu, Sichuan to the Ya’an Bifengxia Panda Base and Research Center followed by a visit to the Giant Buddha of Leshan as the unexpected stand-outs of the trip. The word “giant” is all that the two sites share, but the excursion to visit the pandas and the Buddha makes for a dynamic day excursion from Chengdu.

Native to China and sadly one of the most endangered species on the planet, the Giant Panda remains a national treasure.

Since the 2008 Sichuan earthquake which closed the well known Wolong Giant Panda Reserve Center, Bifengxia (pronounced Bee-fung-sha) Panda Base, at 2.5 hours from Chengdu, has become the place to observe pandas in their natural habitat. Best viewed in the morning when pandas are most active (as they fill up on roughly 30 pounds of bamboo a day and tend to nap through the afternoons), visitors to Bifengxia have the rare opportunity to witness pandas in action. Visitors won’t want to miss watching young panda cubs in “kindergarten” where youngsters play on slides, swings, and romp around like their human counterparts! For those of you who can’t get enough of them, Absolute Travel can arrange an opportunity to feed bamboo to a hungry panda - or even better yet: hold a young panda as if it was your very own! But there’s a catch to interacting up close with the pandas: to ensure they are protected and remain healthy, one must wear a uniform similar to a gas station attendant’s, and complete a required health form (which we can assist with)… but trust us, it’s worth it.

After a panda-packed morning, continue for a 1.5 hour drive to the world’s largest stone-cut Buddha, and arguably the most impressive: the Giant Buddha of Leshan. Chiseled from a cliff during the Tang Dynasty on the confluence of the Minjiang, Qingyijiang, and Dadu rivers, it was constructed in the hopes that it would protect boats and passengers from the area’s fatal floods.

The Buddha is quite an imposing sight with 23 feet long ears, and each shoulder area large enough to fit a basketball court. Its grandeur not only lies in its magnitude, but in the genius of its craftsmanship: its coiled hair is made of 1,021 individual buns, and its ears serve as a secret drainage systems with hidden gutters and channels to prevent erosion on its serene face. Visitors have the option of viewing the grand Buddha from a viewing platform, where a staircase winds down to its feet for a close up view, however, we recommend taking in the splendid views of the Grand Buddha in its entirety from a boat ride on the river. The “wow” factor is simply amazing!

Our Family Tour of China itinerary can easily be customized to meet the Giant Pandas and observe the Giant Buddha of Leshan as a day excursion from Chengdu. Contact us for more details on this trip or to discuss a customized itinerary to China with our travel specialists.

* Special note: arranging a private session to hold a panda is subject to the mood of the pandas on the day of your visit and can not be guaranteed.

While most visitors to Brazil put sexy Rio, the historically rich Salvador, and the natural beauty of Iguassu Falls on their short list, we suggest adding a visit to the exquisite Txai Resort on Bahia’s undeveloped Cacoa coast to make your list complete.

Set amongst coconut groves and the Atlantic rainforest, this stylish eco-resort is arguably one of Brazil’s finest properties. Txai (pronounced chai) is a blend of barefoot luxury and chic sophistication and evokes complete relaxation: individually thatched bungalows are positioned with gorgeous seaside views and hidden amongst coconut groves for total exclusivity; pristine beaches await you just a stone’s throw away; six heavenly pools dot the property standing by for a spontaneous soak; and the Shamash Healing (Spa)ce sits perched on a nearby hill ready to enhance your state of well-being.

For those seeking adventure, Txai’s location proves an excellent launching point to discover the savage beauty of the outdoors. Daily excursions include beach and rainforest hikes, discovering local waterfalls, horseback riding, river rafting, and surfing the refreshing waves. To add some local flavor, the small town of Itacaré is developing slowly, allowing it to keep its original charm and colorful cultural ways. Just twenty minutes down the road, a visit offers ample photographic and shopping opportunities.

A rejuvenated state of well-being awaits you just one hour from Ilheus airport. Please contact our South America specialist, Brooke Garnett, to discuss a customized itinerary that includes Brazil and the Txai Resort.