Just Landed: the best travel news for September 2017

Forget stomach-lurching rollercoasters, there’s a new kind of amusement park in town – although it’s equally about getting your stomach going. FICO Eataly World, located in Bologna, north-east Italy, will be the world’s first food theme park, showcasing every aspect of Italian food, from making it to eating it. It’s co-owned by wunderchef Mario Batali who’s helped curate the lineup – so you know it’s going to be good. There’ll be everything from breeding programmes to organic markets, as well as 40 restaurants and cafés, making it the perfect appetiser before exploring a region celebrated for its culinary prowess. Launching in October. 

If you’re big on the great outdoors, you’ll probably already know of Páramo for its high performance, moisture-managing clothing. But what you might not know is that the brand has just decided to offset all of the carbon emissions it’s ever been responsible for in its 25-year history. This means even more sustainable gear for you to hit the trail in, as well as a continuation of the rainforest and wildlife rehabilitation Páramo’s been involved with for the last ten years. Impressive.

We’re really passionate about recycling at Escapism HQ – and one of the things we love best is when disused buildings are turned into something amazing. That’s why we’re applauding starchitect Thomas Heatherwick and his studio, who have redesigned Cape Town’s historic grain silo to become the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, which opens this month. It joins the uber-luxury, breathtakingly beautiful Silo Hotel that launched earlier this year, and forms part of a massive development of the city’s V&A Waterfront. 

Too edgy for Reykjavik? Head up north to Akureyri, where you’ll find the same cool cafés, top-notch restaurants, underground art scene and nightlife – but, with a population of just 18,000, far fewer crowds. This alone makes Iceland’s second city a must-visit, but getting there has always proved tricky – until now. Tour operator Super Break is launching new arctic experiences with exclusive flights direct from the UK to the northern Icelandic city. Go on a lava walk, visit a volcano, or, er, try a beer spa. From £699 per person for three nights and including flights.

What if you could help the environment just by eating something tasty? St Lucia’s Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet resorts have created a six-course menu that makes use of the lionfish being culled to prevent their destruction of the coral reefs. Estimates suggest that lionfish can eat up to 80% of an area’s baby reef fish in the space of just five weeks. Greedy buggers, eh? Thankfully, lionfish themselves actually taste pretty damn good – especially when paired with New World wines and served as part of a candlelit dinner on the beach. We’re sold. Dinner from £135 per person.