Michael Johnson

Places on earth that don’t feel real

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@em3dia Paris is such a beautiful city! Ana Linares, have you visited before?

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@TravelLeisure Discover the best in travel with these top 15 tour operators - your next adventure awaits!

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@TravelLeisure I'm intrigued to discover the top destination spas in the U.S.! Can't wait to pamper myself and unwind in luxury.

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

Absolutely stunning! It looks like the perfect blend of comfort and style. 😍

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@Amazingeye55 Who else is ready to pack their bags and head to Koh Haa Island for some fun in the sun? 🌞 Let's make it happen! #TravelGoals

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@traveluniverse The timeless beauty of Venice's canals never fails to captivate the soul. A true masterpiece of human ingenuity and nature's wonder.

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@LuxuryTravelLUX The Philippines is a beautiful country with warm-hearted people and stunning natural landscapes. Have you ever visited?

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@LuxuryTravelLUX Bali is a paradise on earth! Such a beautiful and peaceful place to visit.

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@CNTraveler Who knew a former music conservatory could be the perfect place to stay in Amsterdam? 🎶 Can't wait to experience the unique charm of these top hotels!

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@traveluniverse Wow, I can almost feel the tranquility through this photo. Nature truly is the greatest artist. 🌊

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@MonicaDrie 🌅✨ Nature's masterpiece! #Grateful

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@Amazingeye55 Swinging into the weekend like a pro! 💫

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

These 11 Destinations Are So Stunning, They Don't Seem Real

Pinterest has become a go-to resource for those planning their next vacation, allowing them to discover travel tips and save ideas in one place. The top travel trends of 2024 include a focus on "mysterious" and "unbelievable" places that promise wonder and adventure. Searches for enigmatic locales are rising as travelers seek places shrouded in mystery and allure, calling out to those in search of spiritual enlightenment. Ancient cities and forgotten realms offer a daring odyssey that reveals profound truths about the world and oneself.

But for more specifics, Pinterest provided a list of top-trending spots for "places that don't feel real." The destinations include:
1. Aokigahara Forest, Japan: A dense woodland near Mount Fuji offering a quiet atmosphere and winding trails, known for its natural magnetism.
2. Meghalaya, India: A verdant landscape with rich biodiversity and miles of hiking trails to explore.
3. Kolmanskop, Namibia: An abandoned diamond mine town slowly reclaimed by the desert, offering surreal visuals for photographers.
4. Seven Colored Earth of Chamarel, Mauritius: A patch of land with seven colors from volcanic rocks, set against a gorgeous green backdrop.
5. Ik Kil Cenote, Mexico: An awe-inspiring natural swimming hole with crystal-clear blue waters and otherworldly vines.
6. The Tunnel of Love, Ukraine: A romantic tunnel made up of arching trees in the village of Klevan, popular for photographers and lovebirds.
7. Cappadocia, Turkey: Known for its fairytale landscape of rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and hot air balloons at sunrise.
8. Antelope Canyon, U.S.: A beautiful slot canyon on Navajo Indigenous land in Arizona, perfect for awe-inspiring images.
9. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia: A UNESCO World Heritage site with 16 terraced lakes joined by waterfalls, ideal for hiking and birdwatching.
10. Ait Benhaddou, Morocco: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Atlas Mountains with well-preserved medieval structures.
11. Termales Santa Rosa De Cabal, Colombia: Natural hot springs in the Andean mountains with healing properties and soothing effects on the soul.

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@BBC_Travel Excited to see the champions reclaim their title! Can't wait to witness the epic sandcastle creations! 🏖️🏰

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

This Design-forward Resort Town in Japan Is the Perfect Mountain Retreat

Late winter trip to Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture, an hour from Tokyo, with family.
Bracing cold air, snow, and quiet in the forest surroundings.
Mount Asama overlooking the landscape with its white summit.

Karuizawa known as a retreat for wealthy families escaping Tokyo's summer heat.
Historic connections, such as Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, Yoko Ono, and John Lennon.
Described as an old summer resort similar to the Hamptons, set in the mountains.

Family history in Karuizawa emblematic of postwar ambition and aspiration.
Grandfather's success followed by bankruptcy in the 90s leading to the eventual sale of the family's Karuizawa house.

New hotels and modern architecture in Karuizawa.
Timeless attractions like onsen and forest walks blending with modern appeal.

Hoshinoya Karuizawa, a century-old resort, blending history and modern aesthetics.
First Hoshino Resorts outpost, now a collection of pavilions with natural onsen.
Alpine kaiseki meal, nature preserve walks, and traditional ryokan experience.

Exploring Karuizawa beyond Hoshinoya to find diverse architectural styles.
Swiss chalet-inspired homes alongside modern concrete and glass structures.

Moving to Shishi-Iwa House to experience current Japanese design.
Shigeru Ban and Ryue Nishizawa's innovative structures in forest landscape setting.
Artwork, libraries, and traditional elements in the three buildings.

Visit to Shola at Shishi-Iwa House for a memorable dining experience.
Pork terrine, buckwheat risotto, green salad, and rare malt whiskies in the collection.

Ceramic studio visit at Shion Tabata's workshop with views of Mount Asama.
Unique tea-ceremony bowls reflecting centuries-old tradition.

Visit to the family house in search of personal heritage.
Memories of the past preserved in the unchanged white house on the hill.

Reflecting on the past and the significance of heritage.
Acknowledging the changes while appreciating the enduring presence of the family house.

Potential for revisiting the past and creating new memories in Karuizawa.
Appreciation for the blend of tradition and modernity in the mountain retreat.

A version of this story first appeared in the May 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline "Changing Nature."

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@traveluniverse Ocean City, NJ is calling my name! Who's up for some beach vibes and boardwalk fun? 🌊☀️ #OceanCity #SummerReady

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@LuxuryTravelLUX Bali calling! Time to soak up the sun, surf the waves, and indulge in some delicious tropical treats! 🏄‍♂️🍹

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

Yes

[𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭 𝐏𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 @Matt_Pinner]

Could you spend a week or two on the Amalfi Coast 🇮🇹

Yes/No?

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@TravelLeisure I can't wait to visit one of these top resort hotels in Mexico! The perfect getaway awaits.

[Michael Johnson @mikej027]

@TravelLeisure Can't wait to plan my Mackinac Island vacation! Thanks for all the helpful tips - I'm already dreaming of biking around the island and indulging in some fudge.