Europe
Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Italy
Stepping aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is akin to entering into a bygone era dripping with elegance and charm. This legendary train meanders through Europe's picturesque landscapes, connecting iconic cities like London, Paris, and, finally, Venice. Onboard, Art Deco interiors, gourmet dining, and attentive service evoke the glamour of 1920s travel – Hercule Poirot, eat your heart out. And then there are the cabins! All rich marquetry and plush fabrics, they are almost as astonishing as the scenery that unfolds outside.
Stay:
While the train itself is a moving hotel, consider extending your journey with a stay at Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice. Perched on the edges of the Giudecca, this stalwart offers opulent rooms with lagoon views, lush gardens, and a general sense of extraordinary wellbeing – there is no finer place than its water-lapped terrace for a morning coffee or an evening sundowner. The perfect finale to your rail adventure.
Santorini, Greece
The crescent-shaped island of Santorini, born from volcanic activity, is a symphony of whitewashed architecture set against azure seas. Exploring its cliffside villages, feasting on the freshest seafood, and witnessing sunsets that paint the sky in hues of gold and crimson are experiences that etch themselves into one's soul for life.
Stay:
Mystique, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Oia offers suites carved into the cliffs, each with private terraces overlooking the caldera. The minimalist design, coupled with unparalleled views, creates an atmosphere of imperturbable serenity.
Asia
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan, enchants visitors with its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and, of course, its extreme beauty. Whether it's the cherry blossoms of spring or the vivid-hued foliage of autumn, its cocktail of tradition, modernity and tranquility is endlessly seductive.
Stay:
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto sits gracefully along the Kamogawa River, offering rooms that fuse Japanese aesthetics with contemporary comfort. The hotel's Michelin-starred dining and serene spa provide a luxurious retreat after days spent exploring.
Maldives
The Maldives, a collection of over 1,000 jaw-dropping coral islands in the Indian Ocean, is synonymous with overwater bungalows, diverse marine life, and crystalline waters. It's a haven for those seeking both adventure and relaxation, where snorkelling amidst the knock-out, colourful reefs and unwinding on secluded beaches are the only two pastimes required of any visitor. We think we’d manage just fine.
Stay:
LUX* South Ari Atoll redefines Maldivian luxury with its penthouse-style villas, each boasting a private pool. But of course. The resort's contemporary design and personalised service ensure that a stay here is as close to an earthly paradise as it’s possible to get.
Africa
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti is a spectacle that leaves one humbled by nature's grandeur and wonder – as well as with a million new and never-to-be-forgotten memories. Vast herds of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains, pursued by predators, in an ancient rhythm of survival.
Stay:
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti offers elevated rooms with panoramic views of the savannah. An infinity pool overlooking a watering hole frequented by elephants adds to the immersive experience as only such a miraculous thing could. Pure, unadulterated joy.
Cape Town, South Africa
Between the imposing Table Mountain and the expansive Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town offers an endlessly fascinating mosaic of cultures, cuisines, and landscapes. From the historic Robben Island to the lush vineyards of nearby Stellenbosch, you will never be stuck for unforgettable things to do.
Stay:
One&Only Cape Town is situated on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, providing luxurious rooms with views of Table Mountain. The resort's acclaimed dining and spa facilities lends it a real sense of sanctuary within the city.
North America
Banff National Park, Canada
Amidst the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a wilderness paradise of turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and abundant wildlife. Whether hiking in summer or skiing in winter, the park's natural beauty is awe-inspiring. Perfect for nature lovers.
Stay:
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits on the shores of Lake Louise, surrounded by mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier, and a glistening emerald lake. The historic hotel combines rustic charm with modern luxury. A true icon.
New Orleans, USA
New Orleans, with its rich tapestry of French, Spanish, and Creole influences, is a city that dances to the rhythm of its own drum. Jazz fills the air, and the culinary scene is an appositely inclusive melting pot, encompassing flavours from all the above, as well as some Cajun, African, and Caribbean tastes thrown in for good measure too. Hot, in every sense.
Stay:
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel in the city’s French Quarter exudes Southern charm with its grand architecture and opulent interiors. We love it dressed up for Mardi Gras.
South America
Machu Picchu, Peru
Perched high in the Andes Mountains, Machu Picchu is testament to the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. They say that life is about the journey and so it proves here: the trek to this ancient citadel, whether by train or the Inca Trail, is as transformative and transcendent as the site itself.
Stay:
Belmond Sanctuary Lodge
Patagonia, Chile/Argentina
The windswept plains and jagged peaks of Patagonia offer a frontier-like experience for adventurers. Glaciers, fjords, and expansive steppes create a landscape that feels both otherworldly and profoundly grounding. Unlike anywhere else on this planet.
Stay:
Explora Patagonia in Torres del Paine National Park provides lodgings that feel as if they are entirely one with the environment. With guided explorations and sustainable practices, it offers a fully immersive experience.
Oceania
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a vibrant underwater ecosystem teeming with marine life. Snorkelling or diving here offers a glimpse into a world of stunningly colourful corals and diverse sea creatures. Breathtaking.
Stay:
Lizard Island Resort is located on a secluded island within the reef, offering private beaches and luxurious suites. The resort's commitment to conservation ensures the reef's beauty is preserved.
Island Hopping in Fiji
Fiji, an archipelago of over 300 islands, is a tropical paradise characterised by its rainforests, pristine beaches and coral-rich waters. Whether you're after adventure or relaxation, island hopping offers an unforgettable way to experience Fiji’s diverse landscapes and culture. From the Mamanuca Islands’ luxury resorts and world-class surf breaks to the remote Yasawa Islands, where dramatic volcanic peaks meet secluded beaches, every stop promises something little short of magic. Take a traditional sailing trip on a ‘drua’ canoe, snorkel with manta rays, or immerse yourself in local Fijian village life.
Stay:
Kokomo Private Island is an ultra-luxurious, all-inclusive resort offering beachfront villas and overwater residences. How does world-class diving, farm-to-table cuisine, and an unparalleled connection to Fiji’s breathtaking marine ecosystem sound? Pretty passable, as far we’re concerned.
