10 Destinations to Visit in 2023
10 Destinations to Visit in 2023
SPIRIT-LIFTING DESTINATIONS FROM BALI TO BRAZIL
Whether you're already planning or just simply dreaming, see how suited these ten travel spots are to be your next destination in 2023.
SRI LANKA
An enchanting, tropical paradise where the ancient ruins and immaculate beaches offer endless opportunities for adventure.
WHERE TO STAY?
Sri Lanka packs eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is where 2000 years of culture and history can be discovered. For island novices, we recommend the sun-drenched southern coast, where properties such as Amanwella offer blissful seclusion. This contemporary beach resort claims a vast swathe of golden sand, fringed with coconut palms and lies close to revered temples, rolling tea plantations and Sri Lanka’s finest National Parks. The ocean-front jewel Cape Weligama occupies a prime spot perfect for a pause and reset, whilst over in Galle the historic Amangalla presents lofty-ceilinged suites, elegant fine dining and a tranquil spa complex.
Sri Lankan safaris offer diverse experiences on any one of the country's 100 protected areas, all of which are operated by the government's Department of Wildlife Conservation. Sojourn at the beautiful Uga Chena Huts on Sri Lanka's southern peninsula, or at Wild Coast Tented Lodge. With just 28 luxurious tents — outfitted with double-height ceilings, canvas walls, teak floors, and air conditioning — the resort is in a prime location for game drives and all kinds of R&R in between.
DON’T MISS…
A brace of national parks promise wildlife sightings to rival the most celebrated African game reserves. If you happen to be visiting between December and April, the south coast of Sri Lanka is considered one of the best places in the world to sight whales and dolphins. Do try your hand at catching a break with a one-on-one surf lesson.
Suite, Amanwella
Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Yala National Park
MARRAKECH &
THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS
Marrakech’s heady mix of sights and sounds promise to dazzle and heading off-the-beaten-track might be easier than one would expect.
WHERE TO STAY
As an ancient imperial capital, Marrakech is home to some beautiful examples of Islamic architecture most impressively the Koutoubia minaret, a 77-metre-tall spire that juts out from the city’s horizontal skyline. Where you choose to bed down holds the key to your experience in Marrakech and with a myriad of properties on offer, from ultra-luxe to low-tariff, you’ll be sure to sleep amid unique artisan splendour. Properties like the Mandarin Oriental and the Four Seasons Resort Marrakech are undoubtedly luxurious in every sense, but for a true taste of the orient, we recommend checking into La Mamounia or the emblematic Marrakshi Palace — Le Royal Mansour. Boutique properties like El Fenn and Riad Mena provide artfully styled rooms and suites in the heart of the Medina (old town) whilst Palais Namaskar over in La Palmeraie, is perfectly situated between the desert and the majestic Atlas Mountains. Once there, check into Olinto or Kasbah Bab Ourika. Perched on a hilltop beneath the snowy Atlas peaks, amid olive groves and meandering valleys, the Kasbah is a welcoming retreat with luxury amenities, outdoor pools and an onsite spa, all of which make the resort feel like a well orchestrated haven.
LOCAL FAVOURITES
In a city like Marrakech, word-of-mouth may land you in a tight spot. For dining and entertainment, we recommend La Famille, Le Jardin and La Trattoria. Grand Cafe de la Poste in Marrakech’s new town is a popular institution that serves continental fare. Be sure to venture out of town to Beldi Country Club or towards the Agafay Desert where properties like Berber Lodge and La Pause offer luxury accommodations in picture perfect surroundings.
El Fenn
Le Royal Mansour
Olinto, Morocco
CALIFORNIA
California’s vast landscape spans dry deserts, national parks, award-winning vineyards, cosmopolitan cities and a cinematic coastline.
WHERE TO STAY?
Narrowing down your field, especially given the size of the State, is a good place to start. If your itinerary begins south under the desert sun of Palm Springs, opt for a stay at the stylish Parker — a Mid-century modern abode that’s surrounded by fruit trees and herb gardens. The impressive Parker estate is also home to Palm Springs Yacht Club a refuge designed for full-on pampering and self-indulgence. Arriving on a scenic route into Los Angeles, health and beach enthusiasts should make a beeline for Venice or Santa Monica where luxury hotels like Santa Monica Proper number amongst our favourites. If tranquility is your motive, opt for a stay at Hotel Bel-Air or Nobu Ryokan in Malibu — where 16 intimate rooms honouring the traditional Japanese ‘inn’ sit above breathtaking ocean views. Over on Sunset Blvd, highly-rated properties like the WeHo EDITION beckon a hip crowd.
Journeying to Santa Barbara and up the Pacific Highway coast taking in the American Riviera’s pristine beaches is a must before arriving at Post Ranch Inn. High atop the cliffs of Big Sur, the striking views and otherworldly serenity can’t help but stir your soul.
Known for its cool summers, steep rolling hills and eclectic mix of architectural landmarks, San Francisco is a natural succeeding choice. We recommend taking root at 1 Hotel San Francisco, an eco-luxury hideaway that sits along the city’s eastern shoreline and offers guests a roster of localised events to tie-up your down-time.
DON’T MISS
Worth a detour before heading up to Los Angeles is the Joshua Tree National Park. California is also home to its wine country — Napa Valley, famed for it’s 400 wineries and prized Cabernet Sauvignon. An overnight stay wouldn’t go amiss, our top picks include the Alila Napa Valley or Four Seasons Resort & Residences. From there, a three-hour drive into Yosemite National Park to crown off your trip is a must. Explore local favourites in Los Angeles with our Instagram Destinaiton Guide.
Santa Monica Proper, Los Angeles
Pacific coastline
1 Hotel San Francisco
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?
Beneath its Middle Eastern veneer, Abu Dhabi is an economic powerhouse with unmistakable ambition. As the region’s cultural epicentre landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are an example of how Abu Dhabi manages to retain traces of its Emirati heritage. Architecture aficionado’s should begin with a tour of Saadiyat Island where Pritzker Prize winners are laying the foundations for some of the world’s most ambitious cultural projects.
With its cluster of natural islands, Abu Dhabi is also home to National parks, indigenous wildlife and some of the region’s best public beaches. When it comes to hotels, visitors will be pleasantly surprised at the choice on offer. We recommend the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, the W Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, which straddles an F1 racetrack, or the The Abu Dhabi EDITION situated in the downtown district on the waterfront of Al Bateen Marina. Make time to venture afield to the small suburb of Al Wathba, and stay at Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, a retreat suffused with natural beauty.
LOCAL FAVOURITES
Venture across the city’s sublime islands on board a private yacht and stop-off at Saadiyat, home to the floating Louvre. 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 sumptuous Anantara Qasar al Sarab.
W Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
RIO DE JANEIRO &
MARANHÃO
Journey across the world’s fifth largest country and discover rhythm-filled cities, staggering natural beauty and charming hospitality.
WHERE TO STAY?
Looking out from the 710-metre peak of Corcovado, you will see why Rio is called the “Cidade Maravilhosa” (marvellous city). Brazil's preeminent icon is fringed by forested mountains, golden beaches and turquoise bays best enjoyed from Vila Santa Teresa or Chez Georges — a modernist haven designed by local architect Wladimir Alves de Souza, which sits high on a hilltop with unobstructed views over Sugarloaf Mountain and Guanabara Bay. Through the hills, the Rodrigo Freitas lagoon and Leblon Beach are easily reachable by car, but if you opt to stay close to the action we recommend the eco-chic Janeiro Hotel on Leblon or Fasano Rio de Janeiro, which looks out onto Ipanema Beach. Sip poolside Caipirinhas with sunset views at the art deco landmark Copacabana Palace — Rio’s legendary playground of glamour — before indulging in the city’s Samba-fueled nightlife.
DON’T MISS…
As the fifth largest country in the world, Brazil's landscape is diverse. From Rio, eco-lovers should head north to Maranhão to capture the sublime Lençóis Maranhenses National Park and Reserva Extrativista Baixo Rio Branco-Jauaperi. Stay at the beachside Vila Guará or La Ferme de Georges — a self-sustaining hotel and organic farm located on Brazil’s north-eastern coast. If you're here to see a glimpse of the Amazon in its pristine state, this place should be high on your list.
Chez Georges, Rio de Janeiro
Chez Georges, Rio de Janeiro
Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Maranhão
TURKS & CAICOS
Hiding at the southern tip of the Bahamian Archipelago, the Turks & Caicos Islands elude most travellers' radars.
WHERE TO STAY?
In spite of remaining sparsely populated the Turks and Caicos boast some of the world’s most spectacular coral reefs and pristine beaches paired with a lively yet laid-back atmosphere, all of which have encouraged luxury properties to take refuge here. Set on the shores of an 18,000 acre nature reserve on the north-west tip of Providenciales, the sublime Amanyara is a secluded beachside getaway perfectly located between land and sea; with 36 pavilions, 20 villas, an on-site spa and nature discovery centre — acclaimed for some of the world’s best wall and reef diving. A scenic 50-minute transfer from Providenciales is COMO Parrot Cay the ultimate paradise-hunter’s dream. Here, on 1,000 unspoilt acres, sun-drenched beach houses and large private residences offer barefoot luxury with soothing contemporary style. A recent addition to the accommodation scene is The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, which occupies a prime beachfront location on Grace Bay.
LOCAL FAVOURITES
Venture to the less populated islands, and you'll be enchanted by colourful postcards of fading colonial glories. Coco Bostro serves-up local cuisine al fresco. Coyaba is a fine-dining favourite with a menu that strives to be fresh and innovative.
Suite, COMO Parrot Cay
COMO Parrot Cay
Amanyara
TBILISI & KAZBEGI
Georgia’s capital city has many cultural affinities all of which create a beautiful convergence of old and new.
WHERE TO STAY?
Tbilisi is the vibrant, beating heart of Georgia, often nicknamed the “miniature Europe” or “Asian Paris” because of its scenic setting on both banks of the Mtkvari River and its contribution to fashion, the arts and culture, all of which come from a unique perspective — one of multiculturalism. In the city’s Vera district where 19th-century mansions rub shoulders with contemporary glass and concrete structures, Rooms Hotel melds traditional-meets-contemporary across its 125 rooms and suites. Stamba Hotel — which occupies a former publishing factory — uses elements of its reclaimed past and embodies the spirit of contemporary Tbilisi, evident in its soaring five-storey-high concrete atrium. In the city’s historic quarter, The House Hotel Old Tbilisi resembles Istanbul’s Fatih neighbourhood, with it’s colourful, decorative homes and burgeoning art and culinary outlets.
Just over 3 hours by car, Rooms Hotel Kazbegi is a geometric edifice in the shadow of the Caucasus Mountain range. Here, guests are encouraged to connect to the local Georgian culture — think horseback riding, self-guided treks, spiritual pilgrims and guided nature tours before retreating to the hotel’s many beguiling delights. It’s a place you may fall in love with, if you haven’t already.
LOCAL FAVOURITES
Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi is a key cultural destination in its own right, playing host to some of the country’s most prestigious landmarks, such as the Georgian National Museum and the Opera & Ballet Theatre.
ROOMS, Tbilisi
ROOMS, Kazbegi
SOUTH TYROL
Home to the spectacular Dolomites, South Tyrol and its surroundings offer immense natural beauty with Alpine influences abound.
WHERE TO STAY?
A dynamic region that borders Switzerland, Italy and Austria, you may feel like you’re one foot in all three. Many residents speak German or the ancient Ladin language, trains run with Swiss precision, and pristine recreation paths wind through vine and orchard-covered hillsides. The region’s larger cities like Bolzano and Merano are alluringly charismatic, while accommodation — from bashful mountain huts to five-star spa resorts — are expertly well run. Why not take refuge at Forestis, situated just outside of Brixen, this regenerative retreat on the south-facing slope of the Plose mountain is slated to have the highest rooftop bar in the world with expansive views over the awe-inspiring Dolomites. Over in Castelrotto, the family-run Schgaguler reveals a contemporary spin on Scandinavian-alpine meets Japanese-modern. Similarly, the all season Milla Montis lies in the heart of the pretty village of Meransen; a ski and hiking paradise surrounded by the beauty of the Dolomites with 25-rooms designed to be at one with nature. Lefay Resort & Spa lies on one of the largest ski areas in Trentino, that includes 150 km of slopes and four snowboard parks. Take refuge inside the hotel’s temple-like 5,000 sq m spa where nature, luxury and unspoiled beauty harmoniously co-exist. Miramonti Boutique Hotel is worth the check-in alone for its impressive spa complex — a feat in the art of wellbeing that includes a forest sauna and two swimming pools one of which floats high above the Merano basin.
DON’T MISS…
Specialist-led and expertly curated experiences at each property will immerse you in South Tyrolean culture, whichever season you choose to visit in.
The Schgaguler, Castelrotto
Penthouse Suite – Forestis, Brixen
Miramonti Boutique Hotel, Merano
BALI
Bali evokes a tropical state of mind, verdant jungles, endless horizons and joyful hospitality.
WHERE TO STAY?
Almost everything has spiritual meaning in Bali. Dominated by dramatic volcanoes, hillside temples and verdant jungles, the island is abundantly rich. Ubud is the heart of Bali, a place where the culture of the island is most accessible, and it shares the island's most beautiful rice fields and ancient monuments. Hewn under a canopy of forest, Capella Ubud is a modern explorer’s hidden paradise with 22 one-bedroom tents that rest in spacious seclusion. If you prefer floating above treetops, check into Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, a dramatic, circular-shaped resort with locally inspired experiences. Beach lovers should turn tail at the eco-luxe Nirjhara which combines recycled materials sourced throughout the archipelago in its construct to create a sense of destination where travellers feel utterly transported. Nearby favourite COMO Uma Canggu is chic and cosmopolitan. Opt for one of the COMO Penthouses, which offer breathtaking panoramic sea views. Journey to five-star bliss at properties like Amankila on Bali’s eastern shore or at Bulgari Resort in Uluwatu.
DON’T MISS…
Grab a surf board as Bali is celebrated as one of the top spots for surfing on the planet. Raft the white waters of the Ayung Valley, and witness the pristine environments in Ubud. As Southeast Asia’s yoga capital, there’s no better time to align your chakras and live the yogi dream.
Bvlgari, Uluwatu
Ubud
TOKYO & KYOTO
Let yourself be dazzled by the megapolis Tokyo before pulling into Kyoto — with its imperial palaces, Buddhist temples and historical gardens — this city retains its serene tranquility.
WHERE TO STAY?
Each area of Tokyo has its own style — teen tribes flock to Shibuya, well-heeled ladies frequent Ginza for its department stores and designer boutiques whilst over in Marunouchi, the district west of Tokyo Station and east of the Imperial Palace, has been totally transformed. The once humdrum business zone is now buzzing with beautiful stores and cafés. Tokyo’s Otemachi financial district is precipitously, a luxury destination. No better place to experience this new-found luxury than at the sky-high sanctuary Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi. In buzzy Shinjuku — a bustling district that offers a compact microcosm of the city — we recommend the Park Hyatt Tokyo or the serene Aman Tokyo with its black-granite-lined infinity pool and panoramic views over the city’s skyline 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, boutique accommodations are abound and the city’s Ryokans offer a uniquely Japanese style of hospitality. Check in at Bijuu or Hotel Kanra where architect Norito Nakahara designed a five-storey, 29-room hotel, which channel the style of local Machiya houses and feature fragrant hiba-wood soaking tubs. Designer Peter Remedios employed a host of Kyoto artisans to dress The Ritz Carlton, and the result mixes traditional craft with edgy presentation. Other luxury offerings include Four Seasons Kyoto — the perfect base for city novices. Roku Kyoto is a secluded sanctuary on the outskirts of the city beneath the breathtaking panorama of the Takagamine mountains and Tenjin River. Similarly, the sublime Aman Kyoto sits within easy reach of Kyoto's 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The luxury resort and spa is set within a spectacular garden with spacious and light-filled interiors, paying homage to the traditional Ryokan Inn.
LOCAL FAVOURITES
Tokyo's Aoyama and Ginza districts are perfect 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.
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
Bijuu – Suite 501, Kyoto
The Bamboo groves of Sagano Chikurin, Kyoto
For more information, rates and bookings at any of the properties listed, contact us directly via the link below.