Texel is the largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands, located off the northern coast of the Netherlands and separated from the mainland by the Marsdiep Strait. Its landscape combines broad sandy beaches, coastal dunes, salt marshes, grasslands, polders, and small villages. Den Burg is the island’s main settlement, while De Koog is the principal seaside resort.
Khao Lak rests quietly along Thailand’s Andaman coastline, about an hour north of Phuket, yet it feels worlds apart. This stretch of shoreline runs for miles, with wide sandy beaches that often seem almost untouched. The name itself comes from the nearby mountain that rises behind the coast, giving the area a dramatic backdrop where forest meets sea.
This fishing port in southwestern England's county of Cornwall rests along the sheltered Mount's Bay and is blessed with a mild climate year-round, as evidenced by the subtropical plants in Morrab gardens. Near Penzance is the town of St.Ives, a quaint place with a reputation as an artist's colony.
Ponta do Ouro is a coastal settlement in southern Mozambique, close to the South African border and the southern end of the Mozambique Channel. The town is known for its broad sandy beach, warm waters, coastal dunes, and strong connection to marine activities. It lies within the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve, which protects reefs, seagrass beds, estuaries, mangroves, and surrounding waters.
Nestled in the heart of the Andean mountains, Colombia's Coffee Region, or “Eje Cafetero,” is a lush tapestry of rolling hills, fertile valleys, and towering wax palms. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape is more than just the epicenter of Colombia's coffee production—it is an invitation to explore a culture steeped in tradition, warmth, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Traditional pirogues rest beside a mangrove-lined waterway in Makasutu Culture Forest.
Photo Credit: Mark Hodson Photos
Dense mangrove roots line a tidal creek within Makasutu Culture Forest.
Photo Credit: Jan Kruithof/tjabeljan
Floating lodges reflect in the still waters of Makasutu’s mangrove landscape at twilight.
Photo Credit: Forbes Johnston
Discover Makasutu Culture Forest, a privately managed nature reserve near Brikama where palm groves, hardwood woodland, savanna and mangrove-lined creeks form one of The Gambia’s most varied natural settings. Guided forest walks and peaceful canoe journeys offer opportunities to observe abundant birdlife and other wildlife, while local guides introduce visitors to traditional crafts, music, dance and palm-sap harvesting. Blending nature, culture and community, Makasutu provides an immersive look at the landscapes and traditions of The Gambia.
Other Popular Destinations in The Gambia
Banjul
Banjul, the capital of The Gambia, is located on St. Mary’s Island at the mouth of the Gambia River, giving it a unique waterfront setting.
Tanjeh
Tanjeh, also known as Tanji, is a coastal fishing village in The Gambia’s West Coast Region, facing the Atlantic Ocean south of the main tourist area. The settlement is known for its working fishing beach, where traditional wooden pirogues bring in catches from the sea and fish are sorted, sold, smoked, or dried.