Though we are well aware that worldwide travel is off the cards, nothing can stop us from dreaming. In fact, dreaming is what keeps many of us going through these tricky times. Wishing we could whisk ourselves away to an array of wondrous places around the world will make it all the more special and worthwhile when borders open up once again.
Be it Mexico or the Maldives, South Africa or Switzerland, we can’t wait to pack our bags and head off on a holiday to remember, and whether it’s an adrenaline-fuelled trip, a culture or food infused getaway or a few weeks of utter relaxation and tranquillity you seek, the world is truly your oyster.
Read on for eight dreamy destinations to add to your travel bucket list today.
San José del Cabo
Sitting on the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Sur state, San José del Cabo is the perfect spot for those looking for a sunny, sophisticated and serene vacation. This small resort city boasts beautiful sandy beaches, colonial buildings, art galleries and a nature reserve, providing the ideal setting for a relaxing break. Stay at the luxury all-inclusive resort of Paradisus Los Cabos, which offers a private paradise for its guests along with exciting activities, excellent dining options, a signature YHI Spa and life-enriching programs. Book a VIP package via Vacayou and you’ll never want to leave the place.
Switzerland
With its popular ski resorts, stunning lakes and bustling cities, Switzerland is a country sure to impress any new visitor. The famous Matterhorn stands proudly at 4,478m high in the south, while on the northern tip you’ll find Basel, a city blessed with museums, art galleries and interesting architecture while straddling the magnificent Rhine. Don’t miss out on a visit to the stunning Lake Lucerne or the busy cities of Bern and Zurich.
Stay at The Grand Hotel les Trois Rois in Basel and experience the elegant interiors, outstanding service and the utterly delightful cuisine of the three-Michelin Star restaurant, Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl. You’ll be in good company here as previous guests include Queen Elizabeth II, Napoleon and Swiss royalty, Roger Federer.
San Sebastian
Tucked away on the north-eastern tip of Basque Country, near the French border, San Sebastian is the epicentre for food lovers. Boasting an awful lot of Michelin stars, this region in northern Spain is blessed with outstanding restaurants at every turn. Expect plenty of Pintxo (tapas) bars too alongside picturesque views with Bahia de la Concha supplying a sublime beach setting. Stay at the five-star Hotel Maria Cristina, a Luxury Collection Hotel, and don’t miss out on a dinner at Arzak, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant by founder of the New Basque Cuisine culinary movement, Juan Mari Arzak.
St Petersburg
A city so unique and full of culture, St Petersburg is one for history buffs and lovers of exquisite architecture. Split by the Neva River and a selection of canals, the city was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and based on his explorations of other European cities, hence its nickname ‘Venice of the North’.
Visit in summertime to experience a White Night – where the horizon of the night sky burns an array of warm colours; explore the State Hermitage Museum; get your camera at the ready for the iconic Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood; experience a night at the opera or ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre; and most definitely take part in a boat tour and a walking tour of the city with a local guide.
St Lucia
From reef diving sites to dramatic emerald cloaked mountains and luxury resorts to picturesque fishing villages, the Caribbean island nation of St Lucia is popular choice, and for good reason. Some might assume that, being a Caribbean island and honeymoon hot spot, St Lucia is simply a place to recline on a scenic beach and while away the hours with a rum punch in hand. Though we’re not denying that this is a very real possibility and one we’d quite like to embrace right now, there is an awful lot more to do here.
For those with a sense of adventure running through their veins, the forests boast a range of activities to partake in such as hiking, zip-lining and climbing, while the water is host to all manner of exciting opportunities. Stay at the Jade Mountain Resort or marigot Bay Resort and Marina for a blissful retreat.
Tokyo
Fine dining fanatics will be pleased once again with the number of exquisite restaurants they can visit in Tokyo with the city boasting a whopping 226 Michelin starred restaurants, the most in any city in the world. Aside from top-notch cuisine, Japan’s capital city perfectly blends ultra-modern skyscrapers with traditional historic temples.
Around 9.2 million people live in 2,194km2 area, so don’t expect it to be a peaceful trip, unless you head to one of the many green spaces. Museums, shopping, entertainment and interesting sights can be found everywhere and whatever your interests are, your desires will be met in this lively metropolis.
Cape Town
A place like no other, Cape Town is a destination where you go to immerse yourself in the great outdoors. The port city is the ideal place to take up surfing, enjoy a wide range of water sports and sailing adventures, while a visit to Table Mountain National park is an absolute must. The crowning glory of the park, and city is, of course, the flat-topped Table Mountain and a visit to the top via cable car is not to be missed for the views. Adventurers can abseil off, take up some hiking in the natural surroundings or grab a mountain bike and explore.
For a bit of rest and relaxation stay at the One&Only Cape Town, a five-star hotel with pools, a spa and some high-end restaurants, including Nobu.
Maldives
We couldn’t compile a list of dreamy destinations and not include the Maldives. The archipelagic state off the south west of Sri Lanka and India, is home to many an exclusive resort waiting to entice you with their overwater villas, laid-back luxuries, elegant cuisine and sustainable activities. The epitome of a paradisical scene, the turquoise waters and white sands are etched in our minds as to what ‘dreamy’ looks like.
There are many exquisite places to stay here, so have fun searching through the lists of five-star hotels, your wanderlust will only grow stronger. However, if you’re seeking some inspiration then a good place to start would be with Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Arena Beach Hotel or Amilla Resort and Residences.
