Where To Stay In 2024

Mexico is no stranger to tourists, with its popularity as a destination du jour steadily rising over the last few decades. No trip to Oaxaca state, Mexico’s mezcal mecca, is complete without sampling the famed spirit; and where better to try it than Casa Silencio, a desert distillery and hotel with six sultry suites. Design inspiration is drawn from the surrounding sierra’s earthy tones, and raw materials are sourced from the local landscape, creating a self-sustaining retreat. A distillery tour and mezcal tasting are included in your stay. Over on the Yucatán peninsula, nature-swathed Boca de Agua (pictured above) sits on the banks of Bacalar’s seven-shades-of-blue namesake lake. These conscientiously constructed jungle casitas bring sustainable Japanese wabi-sabi design to lagoon-side living.

Thanks to Instagram, we’re all well aware when cherry blossom season has sprung into action, but if you fancy seeing the blooms IRL, Kyoto in spring is the ultimate destination. The super-boutique hotel Shinsho-An (it has just four exclusive suites) is usually by invitation only, but luckily, the extended Smith family is on the list. The temple-like rooms are peaceful, with an onsen-style bathtub, Italian furniture elevating the interiors and comfortable clothing for guests to borrow so that they can be fully aligned with their Zen. Shinsho-An has one of the best restaurants in Kyoto, too. Ogata’s bookings open a year in advance, but hotel guests get priority access to the chef’s masterful kaiseki cooking.

Always dreamed of seeing Victoria Falls in full flow? Then plan your trip to Zimbabwe between February and May, after the showery season has come to an end. Victoria Falls River Lodge is a short journey from the famously thundering waterfall (you’ll be able to hear it in the distance as you sleep), with romantic indoor-outdoor style, including alfresco bathtubs, from which you might spot wandering elephants, and the option of sundowners with a once-in-a-lifetime view.

The leafy Spanish region of Asturias relishes its undiscovered status. Bursting with historic charm and unspoilt, picture-perfect villages, it offers the perfect landscape for surfers and hikers alike. Get a sense of its timelessness, natural beauty and comfort eating at Solo Palacio hotel in Quirós, a series of centuries-old buildings overlooking Las Ubiñas-La Mesa Natural Park. With a deliberately pared-back aesthetic, Finnish sauna overlooking the mountain vista and experiences such as tea ceremonies and meditation on offer, there’s no better place to switch off and clear your mind.

Few hotels have enjoyed as much buzz as Estelle Manor, a go-to destination of the style set thanks to its jaw-dropping interiors and bucolic Oxfordshire setting. The Jacobean estate near Witney was transformed by hotelier Sharan Pasricha with the help of his wife Eiesha Bharti Pasricha, who acts as artistic director at the venue (read our cover interview with her here). Later this year will see the opening of Eynsham Baths at the destination, a Roman-inspired bath house complete with tepidarium, multiple pools, couples’ suites, thermal cabins and a bar. Honestly, what more could you want from a UK stay?

Yves Saint Laurent’s former home in Marrakech has long been a draw for visitors to the Moroccan capital – and now you can stay right next to it. The recently opened Maison Brummell Majorelle (pictured above) situated on the parallel street, is a feat of contemporary-architecture-meets-traditional-Moroccan-design with views overlooking Saint Laurent’s magical gardens. An oasis of a whole different kind awaits an hour southwest of the city at Caravan by Habitas Agafay, where the hubbub quiets into Atlas Mountain-backed scenery, camel trains silhouetted against soaring dunes and nights carpeted with stars. Habitas has a holistic approach to the ways you can pass the time, with meditation on the sand, interpretive dance classes, calligraphy lessons, evening tea ceremonies and other pursuits that dig a bit deeper.

If seeing the aurora borealis has always been on your bucket list, take this as your sign to book a trip to Iceland for 2024. Make a reservation at Torfhús Retreat, a romantic, rural stay in the heart of the Golden Circle, Iceland’s most famous scenic route. Set in 50 breathtaking hectares, there’s a wealth of experiences to be had, from saddling up on Icelandic horses for a tour of the countryside to soaking in your very own basalt stone hot pool. Stay in one of the charming turf houses, decked out in chalet-style interiors and crafted from local stone and reclaimed wood.

So often mentioned in movies and books, Martha’s Vineyard is a timeless summer playground, beloved by the rich and famous – but it’s so much more besides. Bursting with incredible restaurants, great boutiques, stunning beaches and art galleries, it’s a picturesque getaway you’ll remember forever. Ready to receive guests once the season kicks into swing (just before Memorial Day) are The Sydney, The Christopher and The Edgartown Inn (pictured above), all located in the harbourside hub of Edgartown. Also to be found along the town’s cobblestone streets are Faraway Martha’s Vineyard and charming bed and breakfast The Richard.

The many beautiful islands of Greece continue to remain a popular destination, with each year seemingly uncovering another lesser-known gem. Right now, Sifnos is the place to go, where you can stay at the recently-opened Nós (pictured above), a sleek hotel with a modern bohemian vibe. Want somewhere even more under-the-radar? Head to Kastellorizo, one of the smallest islands in the Dodecanese complex, where you’ll be utterly charmed by Casa Mediterraneo, the colourful, charming vision of an architect-turned-hotelier.

The Dolomites may be best known as a destination for skiing and snowboarding, but there is so much more to be uncovered in the Italian provinces in which they lie, including South Tyrol. The region’s capital, Bolzano, is home to Parkhotel Monsdchein (pictured above), a restored, centuries-old building that hosts a dynamic programme of events including wellness ceremonies, restaurant pop-ups, alfresco art and music gigs, plus artists in residence. Or, for an adults-only retreat, head to sister hotel Villa Arnica in Lana, set in a magical walled garden. Looking for chic minimalism, Pinterest-worthy interiors and amazing food? Look no further than Fink Restaurant & Suites, set in the old town of Brixen.