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Sometimes the most memorable trips are the ones that go beyond the places everyone already knows.

And that doesn’t always mean travelling somewhere completely unfamiliar. Sometimes it’s about discovering a different side of a favourite country, swapping the usual hotspots for somewhere less expected or choosing an experience that makes the trip feel completely different.

From the energy of Tirana and the shores of Boka Bay to the tropical landscapes of Penang, the volcanic scenery of the Azores, the character of Essaouira and the wild landscapes of South Africa, these six stays offer plenty of inspiration for clients ready to experience something different.

Here are six standout properties to put on your radar.

ALBANIA

4* Xheko Imperial, Tirana

Albania continues to attract travellers looking for something a little different, and its colourful capital makes a fascinating place to start.

Located close to the heart of Tirana, Xheko Imperial combines grand, palace-inspired interiors with an intimate feel. Its 102 rooms feature vintage wooden furnishings with Renaissance influences, while the hotel also offers a rooftop with views across Tirana, dining and extensive spa and wellness facilities.

With the city waiting to be explored beyond the hotel, it’s an appealing choice for clients looking for a sophisticated base from which to discover Albania’s capital.

MONTENEGRO

5* One&Only Portonovi, Herceg Novi

For clients who love the beauty of the Adriatic but want to experience somewhere beyond its most familiar holiday destinations, Montenegro is well worth considering.

One&Only Portonovi sits on the edge of spectacular Boka Bay, surrounded by mountains and the waters of the Adriatic. Rooms, suites and villas make the most of the setting with expansive bay and mountain views and seamless indoor-outdoor spaces.

The resort also brings together a private beach, distinctive dining and the Chenot Espace wellness centre, while Boka Bay provides opportunities for exploring the coastline, historic towns and surrounding landscapes.

For clients seeking a premium stay somewhere that still feels a little unexpected, this is one to remember.

MALAYSIA

5* Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang

Malaysia may already be familiar to many travellers, but Penang offers the opportunity to discover a very different side of the country.

Set amongst expansive tropical gardens beside Batu Feringgi Beach, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang combines the feel of a relaxing island resort with easy access to Penang’s rich culture and heritage.

The resort features 303 rooms and suites across two wings, with garden or sea views, alongside lagoon-style pools, a choice of dining experiences and Chi, The Spa.

It’s an appealing option for clients who want to combine relaxation with discovery, whether that means unwinding amongst the tropical surroundings or heading out to experience the sights, flavours and character that make Penang so distinctive.

PORTUGAL

4* VIP Executive Azores Hotel, Ponta Delgada

Portugal might be a firm favourite, but venture into the Atlantic and an entirely different experience awaits.

Ponta Delgada sits on São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores, providing a gateway to an archipelago known for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and extraordinary natural scenery.

Located close to the city centre, VIP Executive Azores Hotel offers 229 rooms alongside two restaurants, a bar, indoor swimming pool and fitness facilities. A terrace overlooking the sea and city provides another place to relax after a day spent exploring.

For clients who already know mainland Portugal but are ready to see another side of the country, the Azores could provide exactly the change of scenery they’re looking for.

MOROCCO

5* Atlas Essaouira Riad Resort, Essaouira

For clients who think they already know Morocco, Essaouira offers another side to discover.

Sitting on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, the historic port city has its own distinctive atmosphere, with an 18th-century medina, impressive ramparts, fishing boats filling the harbour and a long stretch of coastline.

Atlas Essaouira Riad Resort enjoys a beachfront setting, combining comfortable accommodation with sea views, swimming pools, dining and spa facilities.

It’s a great option for clients who are attracted to Morocco but want to look beyond the more familiar resorts and city stays, combining culture, coast and relaxation in one trip.

SOUTH AFRICA

5* Kapama River Lodge, Hoedspruit

For clients looking to go well beyond the usual, few experiences are quite as memorable as waking up in the African bush.

Set within the 15,000-hectare Kapama Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger area, Kapama River Lodge combines the excitement of a safari with the comforts of a five-star stay. The reserve is home to the Big Five and a wealth of other wildlife, with twice-daily game drives and guided bush walks giving guests the opportunity to experience the surrounding wilderness.

Back at the lodge, spacious accommodation, swimming pools and a dedicated wellness centre provide plenty of opportunity to slow down and relax between adventures.

It’s an excellent choice for clients who want their accommodation to be part of the experience itself, bringing together wildlife, beautiful landscapes and luxury for an unforgettable South African escape.

Discover somewhere different

Going beyond the usual doesn’t have to mean leaving the familiar behind completely. It could mean discovering Penang instead of Malaysia’s more obvious stops, venturing beyond mainland Portugal to the Azores or experiencing Morocco from the Atlantic shores of Essaouira.

Clients could explore Tirana, escape to beautiful Boka Bay or swap South Africa’s cities and coastline for an unforgettable safari in the bush.

From culture and coastlines to islands, landscapes and incredible wildlife, there’s a whole world beyond the usual waiting to be discovered.