Craving crisp mountain air while your city plays hide-and-seek with clear skies? While everyone is reaching for their masks, we’ve sniffed out some escapes for you to recharge and reconnect with nature.
From island paradises to snowy mountain escapes, we have handpicked getaways where your lungs can breathe easily even as you immerse yourself in local cultures and cuisine.
Clear Skies Ahead in Antarctica
The only traffic you will face here is waddles of penguins right before they jump into the icy cold water. Cruise through the South Shetland Islands, a 540 km-long chain of islands lined with fjords and icebergs, and local sightings of penguins, sunbathing seals, and whales. The best way to explore this continent is through Antarctica21’s fly-cruise expedition. After a comfortable flight to the peninsula, once you get onboard, you can reach the islands on inflatable Zodiacs accompanied by polar guides. Here’s the cool part – all routes are altered as per the climate, rendering a different experience every time.
Estimated AQI: Less than 15 (Accuweather.com)
Paddle through Paradise in Seychelles
La Digue, in Seychelles, flaunts its beauty with Mother Nature’s finest artwork, with its quintessential granite boulders, white sand beaches, and palm trees swaying to their own island rhythm. A car-free paradise with only clear skies, this island lends the perfect backdrop to your adventures. Hop on a kayak and dive into adventures in crystal-clear bays make friends with the local tortoises or simply take in the jaw-dropping views at Anse Source D’Argent, take a dip in the natural pools of Anse Cocos or trek to Anse Marron.
Estimated AQI: Less than 20 (Accuweather.com)
Away from the Hustle in Hungary
Nestled in northwestern Hungary, Sopron is a quaint wine-producing town with fresh air and centuries of stories woven into its cobblestone street. This charming town is dotted with heritage sites and ancient Roman Empire ruins. You can soak in the views from the 13th Century Fire Tower before reliving the past at Fabricius house, just a short walk away. Hike the Fertő-Hanság National Park, which is home to Lake Fertő, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which has been around for 20,000 years. End the
evening with wine-tasting at celebrated wineries like Taschner Wine and Champagne House for Blue Frankish and Green Veltliner.
Estimated AQI: Less than 18 (Accuweather.com)
Mountain air meets Mindfulness in Bhutan
Perched in the Punakha Valley alongside the Mo Chhu River is Pemako Punakha. Within each of their 21 private sanctuaries, heated pools mirror mountain skies with spacious decks that embrace the valley’s whispers that promise you fresh air and a tranquil escape. Savour Bhutanese cuisine at the Alchemy House where dishes crafted from in-season, local ingredients showcase the region’s culinary heritage. For the ultimate relaxation, experience ancient Sowa Rigpa treatments at the spa, where skilled Dungtshos (traditional medicine doctors) guide the path to your much-needed well-being.
Estimated AQI: Less than 16 (Accuweather.com)
Breathe in Alpine Air in St. Moritz
At 1,856 m above sea level, St. Moritz is where crisp mountain air meets luxe lifestyle. Perched high up in the Swiss Alps, this winter playground serves up air so crisp it makes your cheek tingle. Whizz through powder slopes where Olympic legends once raced or take up skiing lessons on gentler slopes. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride across the town before stopping for artisanal hot chocolate or join one of the many legendary après-ski parties on the slopes as you rub shoulders with elites.
Estimated AQI: Less than 19 (Accuweather.com)
Going wild in Kenya
In Amboseli National Park, elephants’ silhouettes perfectly frame against Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped crown and the only dust is caused by zebras galloping. The air here comes unfiltered with anything but the smell of acacia leaves. For the ultimate breath of fresh air, float above it all in a hot air balloon, watching elephants become dots in the savannah below. As the sun sets, trade your usual buffet for a bush dinner where you are greeted with the Milky Way above you.
Estimated AQI: Less than 23 (Accuweather.com)
Filter Free in Krabi
Where the emerald waters meet golden sands and limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the Andaman Sea, Krabi in Thailand is where you can breathe in pollution-free air. Here, the rhythm of life is set by the tides and the only ones to disturb your
slumber in the morning are the wake-up calls of the tropical birds. For the ultimate escape, head to Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve where you can swoon over the ocean from their infinity pool by the Phang Nga Bay. At this 3-Michelin Keys resort, you can take Batik painting classes in the morning, Thai cooking classes in the evening and unwind with a dinner on the beach.
Estimated AQI: Less than 28 (Accuweather.com)
Coastal Dreams in Muscat
A quick flight away to Muscat is where ancient traditions meet natural beauty. Nestled between dramatic Omani landscapes and the Gulf of Oman, Shangri-La Muscat offers the perfect escape with a blend of relaxation and adventure. Float along the winding lazy river or unwind at the resort’s spa, that’s designed to detox both the body and mind. Explore local culture through the guidance of the country’s first and only Frankincense sommelier Khalid and savour authentic Omani delicacies at Turath Café at Shangri-La Muscat.
Estimated AQI: Less than 38 (Accuweather.com)
