10 Destinations to Visit in 2020
10 DESTINATIONS TO VISIT IN 2020
MEXICO
SAN JOSÉ DEL CABO
Baja California Sur — the state at the tip of the 1,200km-long peninsula that separates the Mexican mainland from the Pacific Ocean — is having a resurgence of interest thanks to the arrival of multiple luxury resorts at the 1,000-acre development known as Costa Palmas.
WHERE TO STAY?
Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas is a new resort development nestled on two miles of untouched beachfront overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Try your hand at organic farming or explore an underwater paradise at the nearby Cabo Pulmo Marine Park.
DON’T MISS…
Chef Enrique Olvera’s Manta Cabo at The Cape Hotel, which boasts sublime oceanfront views.
WHEN TO GO?
April to mid-July in summer or October to February in the winter.
Four Seasons Los Cabos, Guest-room
Manta Restaurant, The Cape Hotel
San José del Cabo
PERU
RAILWAY JOURNEYS THROUGH
SOUTH AMERICA
Belmond provide unforgettable journeys by rail to some of the world's most idyllic locations. Dine and dance your way between Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru aboard Belmond’s enchanting luxury train the Belmond Hiram Bingham.
WHERE TO STAY
Stay on board the Hiram Bingham or combine your trip with a stay at any one of six sensational hotels like the Belmond Sanctuary Lodge and Belmond Hotel Rio Sagrado in locations including Cusco, Lima and Machu Picchu.
WHEN TO GO?
Between May and October to take advantage of the sunny days and clear blue skies.
Belmond Hiram Bingham, interior
Belmond Hiram Bingham, interior
Crossing Peru’s Sacred Valley on this unique train, you’ll become wholly aware that, as the philosopher Martin Buber observed: “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveller is unaware.”
Traditional Peruvian dancers
BOLIVIA
UYUNI SALT FLATS
A must for adventure seekers, the Uyuni Salt Flats in the Bolivian desert provide the backdrop for an immersive,
one-of-a-kind experience.
WHERE TO STAY?
Opt for a stay inside a luxury dome at Kachi Lodge, voted in The World's 100 Greatest Places 2019 by Time Magazine.
DON’T MISS…
If you're travelling into La Paz, check out Atix Hotel. Designed as a live-in art gallery, the boutique hotel sits 15km from downtown La Paz in Calacoto — known for it's popular food scene — and boasts a rooftop bar set next to an enticing infinity pool and Jacuzzi. Don’t miss a journey on Mi Teleférico — the longest and highest cable car system in the world.
WHEN TO GO?
May to October.
Kachi Lodge, Bolivia
Luxury Dome, Kachi Lodge
Atix Hotel, La Paz
U.A.E
ABU DHABI
With a reputation for being the finer of the Emirates, the U.A.E’s capital city is a splendour in sight.
WHERE TO STAY?
Abu Dhabi has no shortage of luxe hotels. We recommend the brand-new Abu Dhabi EDITION which overlooks Al Bateen Marina, Park Hyatt over on Saadiyat is a beach-front property a ten-minute drive from the island’s burgeoning art and culture scene, or rev up at the refurbished W Abu Dhabi which straddles a Formula 1 race track and boasts a superb rooftop pool.
W Abu Dhabi
DON’T MISS…
Venture across the city’s sublime islands on board a private yacht and stop-off at Saadiyat, home to the floating Louvre Abu Dhabi. Marvel at the behemoth Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque before enjoying a peaceful stroll through Al Zain’s cooling oasis. Don’t miss experiencing a desert safari and opt for a stay at the world’s most instagramable hotel, Anantara Qasar al Sarab.
WHEN TO GO?
October to April, when temperatures are comfortable for lounging outdoors.
The Library, Abu Dhabi EDITION
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Anantara Qasr al Sarab
BRAZIL
ITACARÉ, MARANHÃO & THE AMAZON
Journey across the world’s fifth largest country and discover rhythm-filled cities, staggering natural beauty and charming hospitality.
WHERE TO STAY?
Ka Bru offer rental villas and a boutique hotel in Campinho and Itacaré that are off the beaten track but luxurious in every sense. Why not begin your trip in vibrant São Paulo (we recommend Hotel Emiliano) or Brazil's preeminent icon Rio de Janeiro and stay at the eco-chic Janeiro Hotel, which overlooks Ipanema Beach.
DON’T MISS…
As the fifth largest country in the world, Brazil's landscape is diverse. Eco lovers should head north to Maranhão and the Amazon to capture the sublime Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and Reserva Extrativista Baixo Rio Branco-Jauaperi. Stay at the beachside La Ferme de Georges, a self-sustaining hotel and organic farm located on Brazil’s north-eastern coast. If you're here to see the Amazon in its pristine state, this place should be high on your list.
WHEN TO GO?
September through to March makes Brazil the ideal destination for winter, when temperatures are at their peak.
KA BRU River Villa, Itacaré
Janeiro Hotel
Hotel Emiliano
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
THE MALDIVES
MALDIVES
WHERE TO STAY?
A recent surge in new properties in the Maldives means you're spoilt for choice. Our favourites include newcomers Waldorf Astoria and the Baglioni Resort, which lies on the sun-drenched island of Maagau and offers 96 amply-appointed villas designed with optimum sustainability in mind. For ultimate seclusion and privacy, opt for a stay at the Raffles Maldives on Meradhoo or The Nautilus on the Baa Atoll — a highly personalised, immensely private resort of 26 beach and ocean houses.
WHEN TO GO?
Year-round, though November to April tend to be the best months to visit.
AWaldorf Astoria, Maldives
Beach Villa, Baglioni Resort Maldives
Beach Villa, Raffles Maldives
The Nautilus, Maldives
BALEARIC ISLANDS
IBIZA & FORMENTERA
Despite the island's reputation for night-life glamour, Ibiza retains its timeless tranquility.
WHERE TO STAY?
Aguas de Ibiza melds soulful Mediterranean spirit with sleek interiors and lies east of the island in Santa Eulalia. Check out Sir Joan with its high-end amenities and epic rooftop bar, a short stroll from Ibiza’s epicenter — Talamanca or retreat west of the island at the 7Pines Resort, which boasts white-washed interiors and an infinity pool overlooking the island of Es Vedrá.
DON’T MISS…
Ex-Noma Chef Boris Buono's Taller de Tapas by Ibiza Food Studio blends new Nordic cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Ibizan institution Pikes still packs a punch, whilst the Adrià brothers' fusion of food, music and live performances at HEART Ibiza is sure to dazzle.
WHEN TO GO?
April to October.
Aguas de Ibiza
Taller de Tapas, Ibiza
Gecko Beach, Formentera
AFRICA
NAMIBIA
Climb the highest sand dunes in the world. Descend to the floor of the deepest canyon in Africa. Immerse yourself in the past at one of Africa's richest rock art sites, and watch wildlife shimmer against one of the most spectacular pans on earth.
WHERE TO STAY?
Take refuge at andBeyond Sossusvlei in Namibia’s ancient Namib Desert. Endless horizons and the extraordinary light make this area one of Africa’s most compelling landscapes. Overlooking the pristine natural terrain, 10 exquisite suites offer comfort with sophistication and cater to solo-travellers, couples, families and groups. Guest areas feature floor to ceiling, frameless glass panels revealing unobstructed desert vistas, whilst the Lodge's wellness centre offers treatments that harness ancient traditions using eco-friendly skincare range Healing Earth Africa.
DON’T MISS…
The specialist-led guided desert drives and experiences, early morning scenic hot air ballooning, outdoor dune dining and awe-inspiring stargazing at a world-class observatory, accompanied by the experienced resident astronomer.
WHEN TO GO?
July to October, when the temperatures are just above 20°C and the chance of rain is low. This is also the best time for outdoor safari and wildlife adventures.
Outdoor dining, andBeyond Sossusvlei
Star Dune Suite, andBeyond Sossusvlei
Infinity pool, andBeyond Sossusvlei
CAMBODIA
KRABEY ISLAND
A place where modern and ancient worlds collide, Cambodia's spell-binding natural landscapes, ancient wonders, tropical wilderness and paradisal islands make it a must-see for 2020.
WHERE TO STAY?
We recommend staying at the Six Senses Krabey Island. Located three miles off Ream National Park in the Gulf of Thailand; 15 minutes from the mainland. Remote enough yet not cut-off from a country offering abundant culture and history, the 40 Pool Villas are set around natural landscaping with excellent amenities.
DON’T MISS…
Visit pristine environments like Ream National Park and Koh Thmei — with its unspoilt coastline. Take a dip with nature in cool mountain waters at Kbal Chhay Waterfalls or venture to the ancient city of Siem Riep, the gateway to the ruins of Angkor.
WHEN TO GO?
Thanks to its tropical climate, Cambodia is a year-round destination. November to February sees the cooler season, whilst temperatures rise between March and May as the wet season approaches.
Koh Thmei
Six Senses Krabey Island
Tree Restaurant, Six Senses Krabey Island
JAPAN
TOKYO & KYOTO
Currently in the spotlight as the host city for the 2020 Olympics, the Japanese capital is finally becoming a tourist magnet. Kyoto — with its imperial palaces, Buddhist temples and historical gardens — retains its serene tranquility.
WHERE TO STAY?
Opt for a stay in a landmark skyscraper hotel such as the cool Park Hyatt Tokyo in buzzy Shinjuku or the serene Aman Tokyo — which features a light-filled spa replete with 30-metre pool and panoramic views over Tokyo and Mount Fuji. The Mandarin Oriental Tokyo — in the city's sleek Nihonbashi neighbourhood — is amongst our favourites and features spacious accommodation with an acclaimed spa.
When in Kyoto, check into the all new Aman Kyoto, which lies within reach of the city’s 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or the Ritz Carlton Kyoto, which mixes traditional craft with edgy presentation.
DON’T MISS…
Tokyo's Aoyama and Ginza districts for a dose of retail-architecture therapy and a traditional tea experience at Sakurai. Kyoto's unmissable sites include the Golden Pavilion, the 17th-century Kiyomizudera and the enchanting bamboo groves of Sagano Chikurin.
WHEN TO GO?
A year-round destination makes Japan a must for 2020. We recommend visiting in spring (cherry blossom season) and autumn to witness stunning colourful foliage.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
Aman Kyoto
The Bamboo groves of Sagano Chikurin
For information, rates and bookings at any of the properties listed, contact us directly via the link below.