London
Though tried and tested, London remains the kind of draw not even riots, economic meltdowns or bouts of Euro-scepticism can dent. Home to some of the world’s best foods and, fashions, not to mention art, nothing’s fading in this Imperial entrepôt. So why now? Because with Olympics 2012, there’s so much more going on. Just make sure you go before the summer! And while you’re waiting for the Shard’s Shangri-La to open next year, try the Corinthia or the newly revamped Savoy.
Iraqi Kurdistan
Somewhat overshadowed by the violence that continues to rend the rest of the country, Iraq’s far north is a quiet success. An oasis of stability, especially compared to the rest of the Middle East, Iraqi Kurdistan now has almost as many direct international flights as Baghdad, a couple of luxury hotels on the way, including Erbil’s Divan Hotel, not to mention thousands of years of history, ethnic diversity and some of the most stunning mountains in the world.
Cali, Colombia
For fairly decent reasons, Colombia has a scary reputation, which often deters travellers. Yet, with its decades-long guerrilla war dead and the drug industry all but back in its box (if only for reasons of self-preservation), former no-go cities such as Cali make great bases to explore the surrounding countryside and coast. Oh yes, and as one of Colombia’s hottest salsa hotspots, it’s a great place to learn how to dance.
Montenegro
Pockets of luxury surrounded by crumbling infrastructure, Montenegro presents a challenge that keeps the jaded on their toes but, with hideaways like the Aman in Sveti Stefan or the Palazzo Radomiri in Kotor, still offers somewhere lovely to sleep at night. Popular with the country-hopping cognoscenti who flocked here in the 1930s, pristine beaches, historical cities and rugged, unspoiled countryside are the name of this game.
Amundsen-Scott, South Pole Station
Even scaling Everest pales in comparison. These days, getting to the South Pole doesn’t even require a dog sled. Though most of Antarctica’s few visitors prefer to mush in and out (or join adventure tours skiing to the base from the coast), it’s now possible for a select few each year to fly from Capetown, straight to the bottom of the world, have drinks and dinner and fly back again the same day. And yes, if you want, you can also stay the night too.
Xishuangbanna, China
Tucked into a corner of China that is culturally and visually more like Thailand or Burma than Middle Kingdom, this autonomous prefecture in Yunnan Province is home to the Dai people, tropical rainforests, with the only reserve in China in fact. It’s also home to some of the most sought-after tea in the country. With an Anatara opening this year, it’s only a matter of time before this becomes another Chiang Rai. Go now and beat the crowds.
Stockholm, Sweden
Another oldie, but a goldie. Sweden’s grand waterfront capital is a combination of gothic splendour and Italianate opulence. Great food – the Nordic revolution kicked off by Rene Redzepi in Copenhagen has made itself felt here too – acres of parks, plentiful water sports, beautiful contemporary design and some excellent examples of mid-century Modernism make it a perfect place to spend an extended weekend. Try the Berns for contemporary opulence, Stockholm-style.
Santiago, Chile
Often overlooked by travellers eager to get on to the fjordlands of Patagonia, the mountains of Torres del Paine or the scorching expanses of the Atacama, Chile’s capital city is well worth a day or two on the way. Sights? Fading colonial splendour around the Plaza de Armas, the eclectic chic of La Chascona (late poet Pablo Neruda’s home) and nouveau Andean cuisine at places like Astrid & Gaston.
To stay? The sexy new Aubrey, no question, at all.
Hong Kong
Some places never go out of fashion. Hong Kong’s heady combination of opulence and street chic, dizzying cityscape, and cornucopia of excellent eateries, offering traditional, fusion and contemporary takes on the assorted cuisines of the world as well as every imaginable kind of Asian cuisine, make it a one-stop gourmet shop. For the night, try the Mira in Kowloon or if you want to keep it classical, the Peninsula near the waterfront.
Ibo Island Lodge, Mozambique
All about getting away, Ibo Island couldn’t be further away from the bustle and boom of Mozambique’s capital city. One of the 27 tropical islands that make up the Quirimbas Archipelago, Ibo offers fewer crowds, unspoiled beaches, amazing diving and plenty of excuses to do nothing but lie in a hammock and dream. When you’ve had enough, you can go into town to admire the Portuguese and Omani influences in the island’s architecture.
