Get your passports ready, because this year is sure to be an epic travel year to remember. Our top trip destinations will have you rainforest trekking in the heart of Myanmar and beach lounging on the Croatian coast, rock climbing in the mountain ranges of Oman and dancing till dawn in Lisbon. From regional favourites to far-flung locales, we have found the ultimate in luxury, culture, adventure, food, rejuvenation, nightlife and beach destinations for 2017.
Aswan, Egypt
Stay: Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan
A 6-star hotel resort boasting luxury rooms and amenities, this former 19th century palace is known for its rich history, sweeping Nile views and celebrity clientele.
Eat: 1902
The hotel’s signature restaurant, 1902 features classically prepared French fare in an iconic setting, where guests can dine beneath the grand Arabian dome by a Qualaun crypt.
Culture: Aswan Museum
Housed in the former villa of William Wilcocks, the architect of the Aswan Dam, the museum features antiquities from historic Nubia.
Musandam Peninsula, Oman
Stay: Six Senses Hideaway Zinghy Bay
Featuring luxury indigenous village-style accommodations, sandy beaches and dramatic mountain ranges, Six Senses is a secluded getaway in the heart of the Gulf.
Eat: Spices
The resorts dedicated breakfast restaurant features a veritable spread of Arabic breakfast dishes including a bread-cooking station, along with fresh juices and smoothies.
Rejuvinate: Six Senses Spa
A refuge for both the mind and body, the Six Senses spa offers integrated fitness and health packages along with ancient and holistic spa treatments.
Mulashidi, Myanmar
Stay: Malikha Lodge
Perched above the Nam Lang River, Malikha Lodge offers luxury bungalows, boutique spa services and a range of adventure activities.
Eat: The Lodge at Malikha
Located in the main area of the Malikha Lodge, the cozy guests-only restaurant features classic local fare.
Adventure: The lodge offers a number of day trip packages including elephant treks, river cruises, rafting adventures and cultural excursions.
Umag, Croatia
Stay: Meliá Istran Villas
A pristine refuge on the shores of the Adriatic, Meliá Istran Villas features elegant private residences and an array of recreation options.
Eat: Konoba Stella Maris
Enjoy regional Croatian dishes featuring fresh and local ingredients in a classically rustic setting.
Beach: Each villa offers access to the resorts private beaches, along sweeping indoor and outdoor infinity pools.
Lima, Peru
Stay: Foresta Hotel Lima
Set in the vibrant district of San Isidro, this ecclectic all-suite luxury hotel is in close proximity to cultural, dining and shopping attractions.
Eat: Aguaymanto
Foresta’s adjacent restaurant features a hearty array of Peruvian fare, aperitifs and craft cocktails.
Food: Rafael
Take a trip over to the Miraflores district for Mediterranean-Peruvian fusion cuisine by world-renowned chef Rafael Osterling.
Lisbon, Portugal
Stay: International Design Hotel
Unique and trendy, the Hotel International offers an unrivalled blend of cosmopolitan comfort, personalized service and local insider knowledge that set’s it as a place apart.
Eat: The Bastardo
Classic Portuguese cuisine gets an update, with a menu featuring sophisticated snacks and small plates in a new bistro setting.
Nightlife: The Dock’s Club
A full-fledged nightclub experience featuring six bars, three private areas, a terrace and music for all tastes.
Antalya, Turkey
Stay: Mardan Palace Hotel
Widely known as Europe and the Mediterranean’s most expensive luxury resort, this all-inclusive hotel is known for its sweeping executive suites featuring sumptuous textiles and opulent accents.
Eat: Aquamarine Restaurant
Located in the centre of the hotel’s 5-acre swimming pool and surrounded by aquariums, Aquamarine serves local and signature seafood dishes in a unique fine dining setting.
Luxury: Choose from the vast array of luxury hotel amenities including thalasso therapy and Turkish spa treatments, a snow room, tennis courts, a bowling alley and an amphitheatre, among others.
Written by: Kate Dannies