The summer holidays may get all the attention, but one of our most anticipated aspects of winter is the promise of holiday trips. Whether it’s visiting distant loved ones or just an opportunity to get away from all this and recuperate, a change of scenery is often exactly what we need. Before you pack our travel capsule wardrobe or choose your personal holiday outfit, you need to decide where you want to stay. Whether you run to the next hut or move on, you can expect a full and relaxing holiday season.
1. Birkenhead House
The exterior of the Birkenhead Resort.
Location: Hermanus, South Africa
Award: Named the best resort in Africa by readers of Travel + Leisure magazine in 2024.
Must do: Go diving in shark cages (and feel safe at the same time) with some of the most perilous predators in the world.
Details: There are beach houses, and then there are beach houses, and Birkenhead House is the last one. This resort has been repeatedly included in the list of the best resorts not only in Africa, but also in the world due to its beautiful rooms and even more beautiful location. If you want to watch Cetacean and get surfing lessons, we will help you find what you need. All meals and drinks are included in the price of your stay, and you should visit the spa while you are there.
2. Anantara Resort Chiang Mai, Thailand
An outdoor pool at a luxury resort in Thailand.
Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Award: Recognized as the best resort in Southeast Asia at the Travel + Leisure 2023 Awards ceremony for the best vacation in the world
Must Do: Take part in the Lanna spa celebration while enjoying the natural beauty of your surroundings. You will feel more relaxed than you have in recent years.
Details: At this beautiful resort in Chiang Mai, you will find only 84 rooms that somehow manage to drown out the city noise as you look at the beautiful Mae Ping River while soaking up some vitamin D. The entire hotel is surrounded by a delightful open-air restaurant serving some of the best food Thailand has to offer. And you can even take advantage of unique activities such as Muay Thai kickboxing Thai boxing lessons.
3. Villas Mulia & Mulia
View of the open beach in a luxury island resort.
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Award: Forbes Guide to New Five-star Hotels for 2024
Be sure to stop by: take a look at the truly incomparable Mulia Mansion, a two-storey mansion with 6 bedrooms and a private butler.
Details: This magnificent hotel has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best places to visit in all of Asia (and, in fact, in the world), and it really is only a few seconds drive from the Indian Ocean. The hotel has Bali’s first room with an ice fountain, which maintains a cool temperature of 30 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you get too cold, just go to the Finnish wood-burning sauna or steam bath.
4. Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa
Location: Champillon, France
Award: The best resort in Europe according to Condé Nast magazine
A must-eat: try the royal menu at the Michelin-starred Le Royal restaurant, and yes, you just need to find the right plonk.
Details: There is never too much at Royal Champagne. The name of the resort is inspired by the village of Hautvilliers, where Dom Perignon lived (yes, this House is Perignon). The hotel itself is a converted hotel where Napoleon Bonaparte is said to have once stayed. Of course, the hotel bar has 257 varieties of champagne, and the windows offer stunning views of the vineyards surrounding the estate.
5. Coco Collection
A resort with a luxurious infinity pool connected to the sea.
Location: Maldives
Award: Best Global Luxury Brand, World Luxury Hotel Awards 2017
Be sure to stop by: Take a look at one of the 44 villas in the Maldives, built right on the beautiful white sand beaches. They are surrounded by lush vegetation, so you will live in a perfect secluded paradise.
Details: Each of the two separate boutique island resorts, Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kohlhu, creates a unique Maldivian experience that ranges from luxurious amenities to eco-friendly initiatives to kick-start your unforgettable vacation from the moment you arrive. If you want to add an educational component to your vacation, use the services of marine biologists with a guide who will allow you to take a look at the development of Coco Bodu Hiti coral nurseries.
6. Bora Bora-One
An exotic outdoor beach at the resort.
Location: Bora Bora
Make sure to do it: End the day with water skiing and kayaking on your private island with your own band and dance party — your 24-hour concierge can book almost every experience you can dream of.
Details: If you are looking for resort amenities with a luxurious residential atmosphere, Bora Bora One is a private estate dedicated to local artisans and decorated in an eco-luxury style. The secluded five-bedroom villa is located on an idyllic 7.5-acre plot and is surrounded by clear sapphire water. Ideal for outdoor activities, this resort features a boxing court and a massage table. a tennis court designed according to the specifications of the U.S. Open; and its organic vegetable garden.
7. Lake Sereno-Como
An exotic resort surrounded by water with mountain views.
Location: Lake Como, Italy
Award: Winner of the Conde Nast Reader’s Choice Award 2024
Be sure to stay: Book a penthouse suite with a large outdoor terrace, private hot tub and floor inlaid with Venetian terrazzo to truly enjoy an unforgettable experience. All the interiors and furniture are made by Patricia Urquiola.
Details: Sereno Hotels are located in two of the most popular holiday destinations in the world and are the inspiration behind the creation of award-winning properties such as Saint Bart and Lake Sereno di Como. We are part of the Lake Como property, as you can combine unsurpassed views with the Michelin-starred Berton Al Lago restaurant.
8. Campos House
The environment at a luxury resort in the Dominican Republic.
Location: La Romana, Dominican Republic
Award: Leading Resort of the Dominican Republic, World Travel Awards 2013
Must do: As the world’s leading golf resort, you would be very careless if you left Casa de Campo without playing at least 18 holes. Book a start time and then relax in your villa by the sea.
Details: Casa de Campo has been included in the prestigious list of the world’s leading hotels and offers its guests a wide range of spacious hotel rooms, suites and luxury villas. The hotel’s restaurants and bars serve fine cuisine, fine plonks and spirits, as well as a 370-seat yacht club, a polo and equestrian club, the La Terraza Tennis Center and a 245-acre shooting club.