Hawaii: They say the ancient civilisations of Lemuria and Atlantis once resided here, and as a result the spiritual energy on the islands is incredible. I can definitely vouch for that as there is a special magic in Hawaii that cannot be compared. It is also one of the most beautiful and natural places in the world.
Maldives: This is a place I go to when I need peace and calm. The islands are so small they force you to stop and take in the beauty around you. Some people think it may be boring, but there is so much to do, like water sports and excursions to local islands and communities.
Dubai: After living and working here for 10 years, Dubai will also be special to me. There aren’t many places where you can drive 25 minutes max to reach a ski resort, a beach and a desert all in one day. This city is one of a kind and I never get bored there. It is so ahead of its time and takes risks like no other destination I know.
Amalfi Coast: Probably one of the most scenic and romantic places I have visited. The drive along the coast is breath-taking, and each little corner has a hidden hotel amongst the hillside which serves authentic Italian dishes.
Bali: A place full of culture and tradition and beauty. The food is so fresh and yet so cheap. The people are welcoming and wherever you go you will see green rice fields along your journey. There are many temples to visit and the best way to get around is to learn how to ride a moped. It’s a lot of fun too.
Seychelles: These islands are tropical and pristine. The islands are so well kept and have a lot of history and natural beauty. It also has one of the most photographed beaches in the world called Anse Source D’argent. The locals are warm and love their annual creole carnival festival.
Hong Kong: A city of great contrasts. You can either stay in the hustling centre full of skyscrapers, bars, restaurants and markets or head to one of the 200 islands for some peace and quiet. A great place with a selection of something for everyone, including art, food, hotels and theme parks. The Big Buddha is one of the best sights to visit as you have to get a cable car over the mountain.
Oman: A quaint country with so many natural wadis (valleys) and mountains. There are beautiful hotels on top of mountains and traditional markets in towns such as Muscat. One of the best trips I took there was a boat ride while watching 500 dolphins swimming around us.
San Francisco: This is a place I could live in. It has a unique, funky vibe. As well as being a busy city, it is also next to the ocean, which I love, so there is that balance. You are also not too far from vineyards and ski resorts. The food scene there is incredible as well as the whole wellbeing and health scene too.
Lake Como (Italy): A quiet area north of Milan, where George Clooney also lives part-time. To get to each little town you have to use a local boat. Off season, the islands are quiet and all look over the lake. But you will find some traditional trattorias there with home-cooked food.
- Punam Verma is the host and producer of TV travel show Soul Traveller on Sky TV airing Wednesdays at 7.30pm, Channel 212 and available online.
Visit www.soultraveller magazine.com and www.punamverma.com
