In 1974, the leaders of a tiny, little-known kingdom on the eastern ridge of the Himalayas between India’s northeastern states and China, made a drastic decision. For the first time, Bhutan would throw open its doors to visitors. In that year, just 287 foreigners discovered a mountainous land shrouded in mystery and Buddhist tradition. Almost 50 years later, Bhutan is firmly on the adventurer’s map. Yet, thanks to the singular approach of its government to tourism, even as it has grown, the country retains its almost mythical status. With hotel openings and a growing focus on sustainable – and luxury – travel, 2020 may be the best year yet to sample the delights of the world’s last Shangri-La. Here are eight reasons why.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine told me, in all seriousness, that he wished there were a spa he could go to – “Like, one for men.” I stopped myself from explaining that he could very well go to the same spas where his wife might go because I understood that, if he felt like he needed a place specifically catering to him, then other men might, too. So, with that in mind, here’s an answer for everyone who wants a men’s wellness retreat, for men, that men can go to. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness economy is growing at twice the rate if the larger global economy, with wellness tourism also growing at twice the scale of the sector as a whole. And the fact that men are switching on is helping to power this trend. But it is not actually all that new: Golden Door, a glamorous Californian wellness retreat centre just north of San Diego, has been hosting men’s weeks since the 1960s…

Eleven years ago, I took my first solo holiday. I had a boyfriend at the time, but he was deep into his masters, so I set off to experience Florence without him, or anyone else. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Turns out, I’m OK company and a woman dining solo in Italy may find additional delicacies arrive unbidden at her table, which is never a bad thing. Since then, I’ve set off independently to write about the culture and food of many more nations as well as for sheer pleasure. Unlike journeys with partners or pals, travelling solo invites proper introspection – sometimes uncomfortable, always worthwhile – and allows you to wholly immerse yourself in your destination. You don’t spend dinner discussing people or politics back home. You don’t have to talk at all. And yes, loneliness may occasionally strike, but cafés, restaurants and bars across the world also serve up interlocutors.

The world’s best ski resorts are built for two types of gentlemen: those who fancy flinging themselves down the slopes with the greatest of ease and those who prefer to lounge fireside with a well-mixed cocktail to hand. For members of the latter fold (or even for those who like to do a bit of both), we’ve identified six luxury mountainside chalets each fully equipped with all the trappings of a sublime apres-ski situation, including open fires, cosy furnishings and powder-dusted vistas. Grab a book, a mug of hot chocolate and make yourself comfortable.

In 1974, the leaders of a tiny, little-known kingdom on the eastern ridge of the Himalayas between India’s northeastern states and China, made a drastic decision. For the first time, Bhutan would throw open its doors to visitors. In that year, just 287 foreigners discovered a mountainous land shrouded in mystery and Buddhist tradition. Almost 50 years later, Bhutan is firmly on the adventurer’s map. Yet, thanks to the singular approach of its government to tourism, even as it has grown, the country retains its almost mythical status. With hotel openings and a growing focus on sustainable – and luxury – travel, 2020 may be the best year yet to sample the delights of the world’s last Shangri-La. Here are eight reasons why.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine told me, in all seriousness, that he wished there were a spa he could go to – “Like, one for men.” I stopped myself from explaining that he could very well go to the same spas where his wife might go because I understood that, if he felt like he needed a place specifically catering to him, then other men might, too. So, with that in mind, here’s an answer for everyone who wants a men’s wellness retreat, for men, that men can go to. According to the Global Wellness Institute, the wellness economy is growing at twice the rate if the larger global economy, with wellness tourism also growing at twice the scale of the sector as a whole. And the fact that men are switching on is helping to power this trend. But it is not actually all that new: Golden Door, a glamorous Californian wellness retreat centre just north of San Diego, has been hosting men’s weeks since the 1960s…