5 Top Trips of a Lifetime

Hua Hin, Thailand with Anantara Hua Hin Resort & Spa

Why go: The annual King's Cup Elephant Polo Tournament is a wild spectacle bringing together celebrities, professional polo players, and pachyderm advocates all in the name of charity.

What to Know: This year's 11th annual tournament takes place in Hua Hin, Thailand, from September 12-16. It raises funds for the National Elephant Institute and for research efforts in elephant therapy as a treatment for autism.

Don't Miss: When you need some pampering at the pitch, enjoy a traditional Thai massage by one of Anantara's specialists.
Rates: Start from about $283 per night in a Premium Garden View Room.



Europe and Burma with Orient-Express

Why go: For anyone who craves Old World charm, Orient-Express transports guests to the Golden Age of travel while exploring some of the most of-the-moment destinations.

What to Know: Orient-Express offers signature train and river cruise journeys all over the world. Channel Agatha Christie and travel through Europe aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Road to Mandalay sails Burma's Ayeyarwady River to Bagan, Lake Inle, and Mandalay.

Don't Miss: For the first time, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will travel to Scandinavia from Venice to Stockholm with a stop in Copenhagen in April 2013. Road to Mandalay travels far north to Bhamo (near the Chinese border) during August and September each year.

Rates: Start from $2,760 for a two-day/one-night Paris-Venice journey on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and from $2,400 for a four-day/three-night Mandalay-Bagan journey.



Bhutan with Uma Paro and Uma Punakha by COMO

Why go: Uma Paro is a mecca for adventure-seekers in the Asian Kingdom. COMO will open its second property in September – the 11-room Uma Punakha lodge with its own restaurant and spa.

What to Know: The properties reflect authentic Bhutanese lifestyle in service and décor, boasting views of the Himalayas and offering a plethora of outdoor opportunities from mountain biking, archery, trekking, and fly fishing.

Don't miss: Throughout the year, Uma Paro offers Adventure Retreats ranging from photography and trekking expeditions to multi-day bike trips. With the new lodge in Punakha, guests can now see even more of Bhutan with COMO.

Rates: Start from $290 per night for a Forest View Room at Uma Paro and from $390 per night for a Valley View Room at Uma Punakha.



Australia and New Zealand with Crystal Symphony's Southern Holiday Sailing

Why go: Sydney is among the first cities to celebrate the New Year. This cruise offers an opportunity to ring in 2013 beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge and enjoy its renowned New Year's Eve fireworks spectacle. Guests can cross “travel more” off of their list of resolutions.

What to know: Departing from Auckland, New Zealand on December 20, 2012, this 16-day sailing includes ports-of-call in Tauranga, Napier, Christchurch/Lyttleton, and Dunedin in New Zealand – as well as Sydney and Melbourne in Australia.

Don't miss: Guests can cross another resolution – "exercise more” – off the list with fitness expert Debbie Rocker's Walk-On-Water WOW® program exclusively designed for Crystal.

Rates: Start from $8,505 per person, all-inclusive (not including port, security and handling charges) when booked by August 31.



The Maldives with COMO Hotels and Resorts, Anantara, and Park Hyatt

Left: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa; Right: Cocoa Island

Why go: It's now or never. Due to global climate change, it's been reported that the Maldives will be completely under water within the next 50 years.

What to Know: The Maldives is a collection of 1190 islands, 90 of them are individual island resorts, each with its own point of distinction. Here are a few recommended options for every type of traveler:

• Design Diehards: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa takes a contemporary approach to traditional Maldivian design.
• Snorkeling Spa-lovers: Cocoa Island by COMO's overwater rooms allow guests to jump right into some of the best diving in the Maldives. Its COMO Shambhala spa provides the perfect antidote to a long day of flipping the fins.
• Soon-to-be Surfers: Anantara Veli Resort & Spa and Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa partner with surf school Tropicsurf to utilize some of the area's best waters.
• Deep-sea Diners: Anantara Kihavah Villas is home to one of the only underwater restaurants in the world.
• Cuddling Couples: Naladhu offers the ultimate privacy (read: guests here need to pack way less).

Don't Miss: Guests can take in the aerial views of the islands by seaplane transfer or an exciting speed boat ride to the respective resorts.

Rates: Vary by property and by season; check hotel websites for most accurate rates.