Jamaica
Reggae, the Caribbean & a zest for life
Jamaica combines tropical rainforests, mountains and a coastline fringed by coral reefs. Montego Bay and Negril are among the best-known holiday destinations, boasting stunning beaches and excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. Kingston, the capital, is the heart of reggae culture and home to the Bob Marley Museum. The island lies around 148 km south of Cuba and captivates visitors with its eventful history and warm culture. Edelweiss operates direct flights to Montego Bay every Thursday from October to the end of March. Our Jamaica specialist, Olivier Lorenzo, will be happy to advise you.
Beaches & water sports
Negril’s Seven Mile Beach is perfect for snorkelling, swimming and lively evenings. Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay also attracts visitors with its white sand, turquoise waters and a beachside restaurant. Around Ocho Rios, there are further bays and water-based excursions to enjoy. Those wishing to explore the coast actively can go on a catamaran trip, ride a horse through the sea, go on a quad bike tour or explore the underwater world on a glass-bottom boat trip.
Waterfalls & Adventure
Jamaica’s landscape can be explored through a wide range of outdoor activities. Dunn’s River Falls are among the best-known natural attractions, whilst the Secret Falls at the Blue Hole are perfect for a swim. Adventure seekers can go bamboo rafting on the Martha Brae River, tubing on a jungle river near Ocho Rios or ziplining at Good Hope Adventure Park. At Rick’s Café in Negril, you can also watch the famous cliff diving or give it a go yourself.
Kingston, History & Reggae
Reggae has been recognised as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2018. Kingston is still regarded as the centre of Jamaican reggae culture – so a visit to the Bob Marley Museum is a must. A guided tour also takes you to Nine Mile, Bob Marley’s birthplace. Falmouth delights visitors with its Georgian architecture and the historic Good Hope Estate, a former sugar plantation. The Rose Hall Great House tells the story of Jamaica’s colonial past and is famous for its legends surrounding the ‘White Witch’. In the Blue Mountains, coffee plantations and spectacular views beckon.
Jamaican cuisine
Ackee with saltfish is considered Jamaica’s national dish. Other typical dishes include jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtail and escovitch fish. The Cliff Restaurant at The Cliff Hotel is well worth a visit, offering magnificent views of the Caribbean Sea. Further tips: Office of Nature for seafood, the Rockhouse Restaurant, Pushcart Jerk Centre & Rum Bar, Flag City and Y Knot Bar and Grill. A visit to Jamaica can also be perfectly combined with a tasting session at the Appleton Estate, where the production of the famous Jamaican rum is demonstrated.
Accommodation & Caribbean comfort
The Caves Hotel in Negril is an idyllic coastal retreat, offering twelve private villas with plenty of privacy and sea views. In Montego Bay, we recommend the Half Moon, with its private sandy beach, and the luxury all-inclusive Moon Palace resort – due to open in 2027 – which is particularly suitable for families. The family-friendly Grand Palladium also offers a spacious resort holiday experience. In Ocho Rios, Sandals Royal Plantation combines relaxed luxury with a beachfront location exclusively for adults. Also worth recommending are the Hermosa Cove Villa Resort and Suites and Polkerris Bed and Breakfast in Montego Bay.
Malta
History meets the Mediterranean way of life
Malta lies between Sicily and the North African coast and combines millennia of history with Mediterranean ease. Romans, French, British and many other cultures have left their mark. Megalithic temples, historic towns, elegant palazzi and modern bars are often just a few steps apart. Summers are long and sunny, and winters are mild. Swiss and Malta Airlines operate flights to Malta several times a week. Our Malta specialist, Maria Wiesner, will be happy to advise you.
Valletta & historic cities
Valletta impresses with its magnificent architecture, narrow streets and rich history. From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, there is a sweeping view of the Three Cities: Birgu, Senglea and Bormla. Mdina and Rabat also invite you to take a stroll through their winding streets. At the ‘Malta Experience’ in the St Elmo Bastions, an audiovisual show recounts some 7,000 years of the island’s history.
Islands & turquoise waters
The Blue Lagoon on Comino is one of Malta’s best-known bathing spots. On Gozo – easily accessible by ferry – the beaches of Ramla Bay, the naturally formed saltwater lake known as the ‘Inland Sea’, and the impressive salt pans of Xwejni beckon. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and exploring the coastline. A boat trip to the Blue Grotto offers beautiful views of the distinctive rock formations.
Coast, villages & wonderful experiences
Mellieha delights visitors with its sandy beach and Popeye Village. In picturesque Marsaxlokk, colourful fishing boats are moored in the harbour – a popular photo opportunity. St Julian’s combines Mediterranean coastal life with restaurants and nightlife, whilst Sliema, with its long promenade, is perfect for a leisurely stroll. In St Paul’s Bay, there are more beaches, snorkelling spots and entertainment. Those looking for a break from the sun and sea can visit the Malta Classic Car Collection.
Maltese cuisine
Maltese cuisine blends Mediterranean influences with local traditions. Pastizzi – puff pastry parcels filled with ricotta or peas – are just as much a part of it as ftira, a Maltese bread topped with tuna, capers, olives and tomatoes. Other specialities include Stuffat tal-Fenek, a rabbit stew; Aljotta, a hearty fish soup; and Kapunata. For dessert, try Imqaret, filled with dates. You should also definitely try Kinnie, a typical Maltese soft drink.
Culinary hotspots
Malta boasts a thriving street food culture and numerous excellent restaurants. Among the recommended venues is Bahia in Balzan, which takes its guests on a sensory journey through the island’s various villages. De Mondion delights diners with a menu inspired by Mdina. Other recommendations include the fine-dining restaurant Fernando Gastrotheque in Sliema, the two-Michelin-starred ION Harbour in Valletta, and Rosami in St Julian’s, which holds one Michelin star.
Stylish accommodation
The Phoenicia combines elegant comfort with an excellent location near Valletta. The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz on Gozo is ideal for a relaxing island holiday, featuring a spa, an Ayurveda centre and an oriental hammam, whilst the boutique hotel Casa Bonavita blends historic charm with modern comfort. In the heart of Mdina, The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux offers a unique hotel experience.
Georgia
Between the Caucasus and the Black Sea
Georgia lies at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, combining the landscapes of the Caucasus, the Black Sea coast and a wine-making tradition dating back some 8,000 years. The capital, Tbilisi, captivates visitors with its Art Nouveau architecture, Soviet-era buildings and an atmospheric old town. In winter, the mountains beckon for skiing, whilst in summer hiking, rafting and outdoor adventures are on offer. Edelweiss flies to Tbilisi two to three times a week until the end of January and again from March to September 2027. Our Georgia specialist, Olivier Lorenzo, will be happy to advise you.
Tbilisi – History & Contrasts
Tbilisi tells the story of an eventful history shaped by Persian and Russian influences. The Old Town, with its cobbled streets, historic buildings and sulphur baths, is wonderful to explore on foot. The modern Bridge of Peace provides a striking contrast to the traditional cityscape. Perched on the hill is the ‘Chronicles of Georgia’, a monumental sculpture group depicting the history of Georgia and the life of Christ.
Mountains, Castles & Nature
Stepanzminda, at the foot of the Caucasus, is an ideal starting point for hikes and sweeping mountain panoramas. Around Mestia in the north-west, numerous trails wind through the high-mountain landscape. In winter, Gudauri offers excellent skiing conditions, whilst in summer it’s a great spot for paragliding. The historic fortress walls also provide stunning views of the Caucasus peaks.
Caves, Monasteries & Impressive Sites
Georgia is brimming with cultural and scenic highlights. Vardzia impresses with an extensive cave complex, hewn by hand from the tuff of Mount Erusheti in 1185, as well as a 12th-century monastery. Uplistsikhe is also one of Georgia’s most significant cave cities and looks back on a history of settlement stretching back millennia. The Bagrati Cathedral and Gelati Monastery are also well worth a visit. A visit can be combined with a detour to Prometheus Cave. The spa town of Borjomi, meanwhile, is known for its mineral springs and Central Park.
Wine tradition & Georgian cuisine
Georgia is considered one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. Traditionally, the grapes are fermented in large clay vessels known as quevri. The region around Sighnaghi is highly recommended for wine tasting. Culinary highlights include cheese-filled breads, hearty soup dumplings and dishes featuring walnuts. Recommended venues include Palaty and Wine Bar in Kutaisi, Fanfan and Heart of Batumi, Bread House in Tbilisi, and Check-In Garden in Mtskheta.
Accommodation in the Caucasus
The Paragraph Freedom Square in Tbilisi combines modern elegance with a central location. The Telegraph Hotel offers an urban hotel experience in the capital’s historic, converted post and telegraph office. In Kutaisi, the Best Western Kutaisi City Centre is highly recommended, whilst Signagi Glamping offers a unique experience: luxury tents with panoramic views of the Alazani Valley and the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus. The Paragraph Resort & Spa Shekvetili, Autograph Collection, on the Black Sea coast, is perfect for families.
