Editor's Letter: Gemma D'Souza on Issue one: Forests & Falls

Gemma D’Souza introduces issue one of the Unforgettable Travel Magazine

Studies have shown that forests make us happier. They can evoke positive emotions and alleviate stress. It is these awe-inspiring forest environments that leave travellers with a greater sense of perspective. Simply put, the world seems bigger when we are within a forest. I write these words as I think back to an autumnal morning spent walking through the Sagano bamboo forest in Kyoto, Japan. I was always looking up .

Earlier this year, when the world was forced to simply ‘pause’ for months and we were confined to our homes and gardens, our perspectives were considerably compacted. In this first issue of Unforgettable Travel Magazine, I invite you to look up. Not only to look up to the trees, but also to look forward, up to the prospect of more travel and adventure. We are really excited to launch over 60 incredible new destinations and the aim of this bi-monthly magazine is simple – to inspire you.

In each issue, the theme of the magazine will change. The features will be different. The destinations will be different. However, like the forests that still stand tall and strong, our roots will remain the same. We at the Unforgettable Travel Company are passionate and knowledgeable experts and you can trust in us to deliver you unparalleled travel joy and inspiration.

In this issue of Unforgettable Travel Magazine, we feature forests and waterfalls across the world. We explore Borneo in Malaysia – a forest famous for its orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants (page 7). Continuing in Asia, we showcase some of the most stunning treehouse accommodations across Bali (page 33). We also feature beautiful hotels in Portugal that bring the “outside in” (page 23). These hotels are the epitome of what we are all about here at Unforgettable Travel Company – why do ordinary?

We also explore how forests can evoke creativity and spark new experiences. In Tokyo, a Michelin-starred chef named Narisawa cooks delicate dishes inspired by the elements of the forest – employing its variety of leaves, herbs, flowers and wild vegetables (page 11). In Costa Rica, we outline 13 reasons why the country is a top location for family adventures (page 43). As part of the extension of our portfolio to cover the the beautiful continent of Africa, we share stirring “forest and falls” destinations from our Unforgettable African specialists (page 37).

As well as forests, we include a list of the top six waterfalls to visit across the world (page 15). Whatever their size, waterfalls are charming and atmospheric. As water cascades from the top, when sunlight hits at the right time and place, vivid rainbows form. It’s simply magical. Whatever forest you visit, tread carefully on the crunchy forest floor and take in fully the evocative smells, colours and textures.

Whatever waterfall you visit, listen carefully to all of the changing sounds, from the thunderous roars to the gentle tinkling trickles. Forests and falls have long inspired and thrilled artists, poets and novelists around the world. We hope that this first issue of Unforgettable Travel Magazine does the same for you.

Gemma D’Souza

Editor