Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: My 2024 trips that I am most excited about
I wish you all a happy, safe, healthy and prosperous 2024! In these challenging and divisive times, we all could benefit by reminding ourselves of the powerful words of Martin Luther King Jr: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” At the end of the past year, I reflected on my most memorable travel experiences of 2023. But now that 2024 is finally here, it’s time to look forward and share with you 10 great trips that I am planning for the coming year and that I am looking forward to share with you in my Wednesday blog posts (which always feature a flight trip reports or luxury hotel reviews) and on my YouTube channel.
If you have some tips and suggestions for my upcoming 2024 trips, please share them in the comments section below!
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10. FLYING UNITED AIRLINES’ POLARIS BUSINESS CLASS (FINALLY)
United Airlines used to be my carrier of choice for transatlantic flights, although I shifted to Delta since the introduction of Delta’s awesome Delta One suite (which I reviewed here). I’ve flown a dozen of times on United’s Boeing 777s and Dreamliners, but so far, I never got a chance to try out the carrier’s new Polaris Business Class seats. I was supposed to fly to New York on a United Boeing 787-10 featuring the new Polaris seats in 2020, 2021 and 2022 , but unfortunately, all three trips were cancelled because of COVID19. I now have a trip planned to Washington D.C. onboard United Airlines’ flagship B777-300ER, featuring the ‘new’ Polaris product. Named after the North Star, Polaris is promoted as a “reimagined, sleep-enhancing, departure-to-landing experience.” Each suite-like pod features a do-not-disturb sign, mood lighting, one-touch lumbar support, several storage areas, multiple surfaces for simultaneous working and dining, a HD entertainment screen, direct access to the aisle, 180-degree flat-bed recline and electronic privacy dividers.
9. STAYING AT DUBAI’S WORLD-FAMOUS BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL
My 2024 travel plans will bring me to the Dubai, where I’ll spend a couple of nights in one of the world’s most famous and iconic hotels, the self-acclaimed 7 star Burj Al Arab, flagship hotel of the Jumeirah Hotel Group. I’ve always been intrigued by the hotel’s reputation and its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette, which represents a glittering architectural marvel in the middle of the Arabian Gulf and a symbol of modern Dubai. According to the hotel’s website, the Burj Al Arab features “oversized suite-only accommodations where you can glide between the suite’s two floors along a marble staircase and soothe your soul in a spa-like bathroom with Jacuzzi, mosaic floor, and full-size Hermes products.” A few years ago, the hotel also unveiled a new manmade outdoor deck area – the so-called North Deck – which comprises two pools, a restaurant and a bar. During my Dubai trip, I’ll also explore the brand new Atlantis The Royal Hotel. The 795-room resort is housed in three 43-storey towers. Facilities include 17 restaurants including outposts from blue-chip chefs like Heston Blumenthal and Jose Andres, an enormous spa, an infinity sky pool, and the largest private beach in the United Arab Emirates.
8. A WINTER GETAWAY AT ALPINA GSTAAD IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is a small landlocked country right in the heart of the Alps, bordered by Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein. The country’s ravishing mountain scenery, rural villages, glitzy ski resorts, pristine lakes, and green rolling pastures offer unbeatable winter adventures and summer outdoor experiences. The variety of different sights to see in Switzerland is incredible, ranging from giant glaciers, epic mountains and wild rivers, to vibrant cities, world-class museums, and scenic train journeys. Luxury hotels are in abundant supply in Switzerland, and include Alpine retreats and stylish lakeside resorts. I have previously stayed at The Dolder Grand (Zurich), The Chedi Andermatt (Alps), and The Gstaad Palace (Alps), and in 2024 I am going back to Gstaad village to try out another sublime hotel that has single-handedly redefined luxury and alpine chic: Alpina Gstaad. According to the hotel website, the Alpina Gstaad is a discreet, exclusive icon and a unique establishment where authenticity combines with Swiss refinement to create an alpine experience like no other. The property is home to 55 rooms, a Six Senses Spa, and three restaurants, including a Michelin starred restaurant.
7. SPENDING A WEEKEND AT AMAN NEW YORK
It is no secret that I am a devoted ‘Amanjunkie’ (in addition to being a Soneva addict). Aman is known as the world’s most exclusive hotel brand, operating uberluxurious resorts and hotels in 21 destinations. Early 2024, I’ll stay at Aman New York, which opened its door two years ago inside the Crown Building on Fifth Avenue building, overlooking Central Park. The building is designed by Warren & Wetmore, architects of some of New York’s most influential buildings, including Grand Central Station and the Helmsley Building. Formerly the first home of the Museum of Modern Art, the 100-year-old building has undergone a monumental transformation, which has seen it fully restored to its original splendor, marking its next chapter as an urban Aman sanctuary. With 83 suites and 22 residences, the Aman group has finally brough the peace promised by Aman’s Sanskrit-derived name to the heart of Manhattan. The hotel is the second in a new, pioneering generation of Aman properties in urban settings, following in the footsteps of Aman Tokyo and taking the brand to 34 properties worldwide.
6. A BEACH HOLIDAY AT MEXICO’S RIVIERA MAYA
Mexico is one of the world’s most beautiful countries, with a diverse cultural scene, spectacular nature, a rich history, and a vibrant society. The sunny nation is also known for its stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, which are the playground of Europeans and Americans during the northern hemisphere’s colder winter months. Mexico’s privileged location allows it to be “bathed” by the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, which make the country a paradisiacal destination for tourists seeking sun and sand. The marine flora and fauna also make Mexico a magnet for visitors from all over the world. My 2024 trip to Mexico will take me to the Riviera Maya, the well known resort district south of Cancun in the eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula. The Riviera Maya features wonderful beaches, turquoise waters, archeological sites, freshwater lagoons, and underwater caves and cenotes. The Riviera Maya is also famous for its hotels – including large scale all-inclusive resorts, – and during my 2024 trip, I’ll stay at the three best resorts in the area: the Belmond Maroma (which just reopened following a massive refurbishment), the Rosewood Mayakoba, and the brand 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 leading British designers Acumen to roll out a total of twelve completely redesigned Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. At the heart of ANA’s new product investment is a brand new seat design for Business Class called “The Room.” Inspired by modern, multifunctional Japanese living spaces, The Room offers flexible doors for personal privacy that can be adjusted to share the space with fellow travel companions – from dining together with the family to conducting meetings with colleagues. With its bold forward and rearward seat layout, The Room offers one of the largest Business Class seating environments in the world – with a wide sofa which is double the width to previous Business Class seating. With a design focus on minimization and de-cluttering, the Business Class seat offers a ‘place for everything’ including discreet areas for all personal belongings, with deep blue accent hues precisely placed inside each compartment. After my previous trips onboard The Room were cancelled because of the pandemic, I will now try out The Room this summer 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 fully encircled by shallow reefs, about 30 km (19 mi) southeast of the island of St Maarten. Whether in quest of exotic scenery or seeking exclusive travel, this prestigious jewel in the French West Indies is internationally renowned for its laid back refinement and its French ‘art de vivre’, especially among celebrities and jetsetter. But the island is far from snobby and also more accessible than you might think as St. Barts’ (or St. Barth’s) 14 beaches are all open to the public. The island is ideal for those seeking a Euro-themed utopia with plenty of shoreline to unwind and enjoy toes-in-the-sand lunches and quiet dinners under the stars – with a bottle of fine French wine. Those looking for an island with exciting nightlife and off-shore activities should check out St Barts’ neighbors Martinique or St Martin. The small island is also home to several ultra-luxe resorts and during my upcoming trip, I’ll stay at several of them, including Le Sereno Hotel (sister hotel of Il Sereno Lake Como, which I reviewed here) and Rosewood Le Guanahani.
3. EXPLORING PERU
Although nothing is booked yet, I am currently planning a trip to Peru in summer 2024 (a country which I’ve already visited as a student 20 years ago). Without any doubt, Peru’s greatest attraction is the mist-shrouded Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was only discovered in 1911 and is believed to have been used by the Incas as a secret ceremonial city. No matter how many times you have seen a photograph of the iconic Inca ruins, nothing prepares you for the sense of awe that this magical place elicits in its Andes mountain setting, clinging as it does to rock and jungle. And there’s nothing like the satisfaction of approaching Machu Picchu by feet, which is why the incredibly scenic Inca Trail is back on my bucket list for 2014. Of course, Peru is so much more than just Machu Picchu and I also plan to include the following stops in my Peru itinerary: Lima (the culinary capital of South America), Ballestas Island (often referred to as Peru’s Galapagos), the Nazca Lines (a collection of giant geoglyphs), the Colca Canyon (the world’s deepest land canyon), the beautiful city of Arequipa, ancient Cusco with the Sacred Valley, and magical Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world).
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 2024 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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