Monday newsletters at all times function high 10 journey lists to encourage.
Right this moment: My 2024 journeys that I’m most enthusiastic about
I want you all a contented, protected, wholesome and affluent 2024! In these difficult and divisive instances, all of us may benefit by reminding ourselves of the highly effective phrases of Martin Luther King Jr: “Darkness can not drive out darkness; solely mild can try this. Hate can not drive out hate; solely love can try this.” On the finish of the previous yr, I mirrored on my most memorable journey experiences of 2023. However now that 2024 is lastly right here, it’s time to look ahead and share with you 10 nice journeys that I’m planning for the approaching yr and that I’m trying ahead to share with you in my Wednesday weblog posts (which at all times function a flight journey reviews or luxurious lodge critiques) and on my YouTube channel.
When you’ve got some suggestions and options for my upcoming 2024 journeys, please share them within the feedback part beneath!
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10. FLYING UNITED AIRLINES’ POLARIS BUSINESS CLASS (FINALLY)
United Airways was my provider of alternative for transatlantic flights, though I shifted to Delta for the reason that introduction of Delta’s superior Delta One suite (which I reviewed right here). I’ve flown a dozen of instances on United’s Boeing 777s and Dreamliners, however to this point, I by no means received an opportunity to check out the provider’s new Polaris Enterprise Class seats. I used to be presupposed to fly to New York on a United Boeing 787-10 that includes the brand new Polaris seats in 2020, 2021 and 2022 , however sadly, all three journeys had been cancelled due to COVID19. I now have a visit deliberate to Washington D.C. onboard United Airways’ flagship B777-300ER, that includes the ‘new’ Polaris product. Named after the North Star, Polaris is promoted as a “reimagined, sleep-enhancing, departure-to-landing expertise.” Every suite-like pod contains a do-not-disturb signal, temper lighting, one-touch lumbar help, a number of storage areas, a number of surfaces for simultaneous working and eating, a HD leisure display screen, direct entry to the aisle, 180-degree flat-bed recline and digital privateness dividers.
9. STAYING AT DUBAI’S WORLD-FAMOUS BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL
My 2024 journey plans will carry me to the Dubai, the place I’ll spend a few nights in one of many world’s most well-known and iconic motels, the self-acclaimed 7 star Burj Al Arab, flagship lodge of the Jumeirah Resort Group. I’ve at all times been intrigued by the lodge’s popularity and its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette, which represents a glittering architectural marvel in the midst of the Arabian Gulf and an emblem of recent Dubai. In keeping with the lodge’s web site, the Burj Al Arab options “outsized suite-only lodging the place you possibly can glide between the suite’s two flooring alongside a marble staircase and soothe your soul in a spa-like toilet with Jacuzzi, mosaic ground, and full-size Hermes merchandise.” Just a few years in the past, the lodge additionally unveiled a brand new artifical outside deck space – the so-called North Deck – which includes two swimming pools, a restaurant and a bar. Throughout my Dubai journey, I’ll additionally discover the model new Atlantis The Royal Resort. The 795-room resort is housed in three 43-storey towers. Services embrace 17 eating places together with outposts from blue-chip cooks like Heston Blumenthal and Jose Andres, an infinite spa, an infinity sky pool, and the biggest non-public seaside within the United Arab Emirates.
8. A WINTER GETAWAY AT ALPINA GSTAAD IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is a small landlocked nation proper within the coronary heart of the Alps, bordered by Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein. The nation’s ravishing mountain surroundings, rural villages, glitzy ski resorts, pristine lakes, and inexperienced rolling pastures provide unbeatable winter adventures and summer season outside experiences. The number of completely different sights to see in Switzerland is unbelievable, starting from big glaciers, epic mountains and wild rivers, to vibrant cities, world-class museums, and scenic prepare journeys. Luxurious motels are in plentiful provide in Switzerland, and embrace Alpine retreats and classy lakeside resorts. I’ve beforehand stayed at The Dolder Grand (Zurich), The Chedi Andermatt (Alps), and The Gstaad Palace (Alps), and in 2024 I’m going again to Gstaad village to check out one other chic lodge that has single-handedly redefined luxurious and alpine stylish: Alpina Gstaad. In keeping with the lodge web site, the Alpina Gstaad is a discreet, unique icon and a singular institution the place authenticity combines with Swiss refinement to create an alpine expertise like no different. The property is house to 55 rooms, a Six Senses Spa, and three eating places, together with a Michelin starred restaurant.
7. SPENDING A WEEKEND AT AMAN NEW YORK
It’s no secret that I’m a devoted ‘Amanjunkie’ (along with being a Soneva addict). Aman is understood because the world’s most unique lodge model, working uberluxurious resorts and motels in 21 locations. Early 2024, I’ll keep at Aman New York, which opened its door two years in the past contained in the Crown Constructing on Fifth Avenue constructing, overlooking Central Park. The constructing is designed by Warren & Wetmore, architects of a few of New York’s most influential buildings, together with Grand Central Station and the Helmsley Constructing. Previously the primary house of the Museum of Trendy Artwork, the 100-year-old constructing has undergone a monumental transformation, which has seen it absolutely restored to its authentic splendor, marking its subsequent chapter as an city Aman sanctuary. With 83 suites and 22 residences, the Aman group has lastly brough the peace promised by Aman’s Sanskrit-derived title to the center of Manhattan. The lodge is the second in a brand new, pioneering technology of Aman properties in city settings, following within the footsteps of Aman Tokyo and taking the model to 34 properties worldwide.
6. A BEACH HOLIDAY AT MEXICO’S RIVIERA MAYA
Mexico is among the world’s most stunning nations, with a various cultural scene, spectacular nature, a wealthy historical past, and a vibrant society. The sunny nation can also be identified for its gorgeous white-sand seashores and turquoise waters, that are the playground of Europeans and People through the northern hemisphere’s colder winter months. Mexico’s privileged location permits it to be “bathed” by the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, which make the nation a paradisiacal vacation spot for vacationers searching for solar and sand. The marine wildlife additionally make Mexico a magnet for guests from all around the world. My 2024 journey to Mexico will take me to the Riviera Maya, the well-known resort district south of Cancun within the japanese portion of the Yucatán Peninsula. The Riviera Maya options great seashores, turquoise waters, archeological websites, freshwater lagoons, and underwater caves and cenotes. The Riviera Maya can also be well-known for its motels – together with massive scale all-inclusive resorts, – and through my 2024 journey, I’ll keep on the three greatest resorts within the space: the Belmond Maroma (which simply reopened following a large refurbishment), the Rosewood Mayakoba, and the model new St. Regis Kanai.
5. FLYING ALL NIPPON AIRWAYS’ FABULOUS BUSINESS CLASS
In 2010, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s largest airline, collaborated with famed architect Kengo Kuma and main British designers Acumen to roll out a complete of twelve fully redesigned Boeing 777-300ER plane. On the coronary heart of ANA’s new product funding is a model new seat design for Enterprise Class referred to as “The Room.” Impressed by trendy, multifunctional Japanese residing areas, The Room presents versatile doorways for private privateness that may be adjusted to share the house with fellow journey companions – from eating along with the household to conducting conferences with colleagues. With its daring ahead and rearward seat structure, The Room presents one of many largest Enterprise Class seating environments on the earth – with a large couch which is double the width to earlier Enterprise Class seating. With a design deal with minimization and de-cluttering, the Enterprise Class seat presents a ‘place for the whole lot’ together with discreet areas for all private belongings, with deep blue accent hues exactly positioned inside every compartment. After my earlier journeys onboard The Room had been cancelled due to the pandemic, I’ll now check out The Room this summer season on the London to Tokyo route.
4. VISITING THE CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF ST BARTHS
The French Caribbean island of St Barts (or St Barthélemy) is a volcanic island absolutely encircled by shallow reefs, about 30 km (19 mi) southeast of the island of St Maarten. Whether or not in quest of unique surroundings or searching for unique journey, this prestigious jewel within the French West Indies is internationally famend for its laid again refinement and its French ‘artwork de vivre’, particularly amongst celebrities and jetsetter. However the island is much from snobby and likewise extra accessible than you would possibly assume as St. Barts’ (or St. Barth’s) 14 seashores are all open to the general public. The island is right for these searching for a Euro-themed utopia with loads of shoreline to unwind and luxuriate in toes-in-the-sand lunches and quiet dinners beneath the celebs – with a bottle of nice French wine. These in search of an island with thrilling nightlife and off-shore actions ought to take a look at St Barts’ neighbors Martinique or St Martin. The small island can also be house to a number of ultra-luxe resorts and through my upcoming journey, I’ll keep at a number of of them, together with Le Sereno Resort (sister lodge of Il Sereno Lake Como, which I reviewed right here) and Rosewood Le Guanahani.
3. EXPLORING PERU
Though nothing is booked but, I’m at present planning a visit to Peru in summer season 2024 (a rustic which I’ve already visited as a scholar 20 years in the past). With none doubt, Peru’s biggest attraction is the mist-shrouded Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Website which was solely found in 1911 and is believed to have been utilized by the Incas as a secret ceremonial metropolis. Regardless of what number of instances you will have seen {a photograph} of the enduring Inca ruins, nothing prepares you for the sense of awe that this magical place elicits in its Andes mountain setting, clinging because it does to rock and jungle. And there’s nothing just like the satisfaction of approaching Machu Picchu by toes, which is why the extremely scenic Inca Path is again on my bucket listing for 2014. In fact, Peru is a lot extra than simply Machu Picchu and I additionally plan to incorporate the next stops in my Peru itinerary: Lima (the culinary capital of South America), Ballestas Island (also known as Peru’s Galapagos), the Nazca Strains (a set of big geoglyphs), the Colca Canyon (the world’s deepest land canyon), the attractive metropolis of Arequipa, historic Cusco with the Sacred Valley, and magical Lake Titicaca (the very best navigable lake on the earth).
2. A ROAD TRIP IN THE AMERICAN SOUTHWEST
In spring 2024, I am going on a road trip in the American Southwest (Arizona, Utah and Nevada). The aim is to visit some of the major National Parks in the Colorado Plateau, such as the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park. En route, I’ll stay at several luxury hotels, including two very exciting properties. The first one is Ambiente, a Landscape Hotel, a new property uniquely designed to blend in with the mystical red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. Ambiente is comprised of 40 cubed-shaped guest Atriums that are elevated above the ground by steel piers and constructed using floor-to-ceiling, bronze-tinted glass and matte-charcoal and rusted metal (the photos look stunning). The second property I’ll stay at is Amangiri, the iconic Aman resort tucked into a protected valley with sweeping views towards the Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monument. Built around a central swimming pool with spectacular views, the stunningly beautiful resort blends into its dramatic surrounds where deep canyons and towering plateaus create a raw landscape of immense power. Amangiri also features a high-end ‘glamping’ site – called Camp Sarika – which is linked to the main resort.
1. STAYING AT THE MALDIVES’ NEWEST ULTRA-LUXE RESORT: SONEVA SECRET
Glamorous overwater resorts, pristine white-sand beaches, and a spectacular underwater world make the Maldives one of my favorite holiday destinations in the world. The archipelago – positioned in the Indian Ocean southwest of India – consists of 1192 coral islands and sandbanks (200 inhabited islands, plus 100 islands with tourist resorts), which are the visible tips of an oceanic volcanic mountain range whose outer edge at some points plunge to depths of over 3 km (10,000 ft). The tiny islands are encircled by magnificent beaches and incredibly beautiful lagoons, blessed with crystal clear waters and protected by reef structures. Each resort in the Maldives is located on its own private island, and the top resorts offer world-class restaurants and wellness centers. During my 2024 Maldives trip, I will return to Soneva Fushi and Soneva Jani, my favorite resorts in the archipelago, and I’ll also stay at the brand new Soneva Secret, which will open its doors in February 2023 and aims to become the Maldives’ most exclusive resort. Besides the Soneva properties, I’ll also try out some other resorts in the North Male Atoll, such as Patina Maldives and The Ritz-Carlton Maldives.
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