Need some travel inspiration for 2023? Well, lucky for you, our editors have some suggestions. Learn about all of them below.
Puebla & Cholula, Mexico
Located in the central part of Mexico, Puebla and Cholula are two Mexican colonial towns with colorful buildings, heaps of churches, storied culinary traditions (opt to try the Mole Poblano), and quintessential-to-the-area Talavera pottery shops. When in Puebla, grab Mole Poblano at Augurio for lunch, learn about Mexico’s past at Museo Amparo, and if you are bookstore- and library-obsessed like us, check out the historic Biblioteca Palafoxiana, with its 41,000+ books and stunning wood-heavy interior and yellow-striped vaulted roof. Head 30 minutes away and visit the provincial town of Cholula, which is home to iconic summited cathedral, Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios. – Brandon Berkson
To Stay:
A short walk to Puebla’s exuberant town center, Puebla’s Banyan Tree Puebla is the best luxe hotel in the area. When here, expect Talavera-tinged décor, a tantalizing spa, rooftop pool, restaurant, plus bar with sensational views of the locale and distant volcanoes. But its most unseemly feature? The centuries-old ruins in the hotel’s backyard (Oh, and it gets better: You can also access them via an underground tunnel from the lobby).
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St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz is a sybarite-centric Swiss town that’s just as great in summer as it’s come winter. If skiing is your jam, the St Moritz ski areas of Corviglia, Corvatsch, and Diavolezza-Lagalb boast some of the best-powdered slopes in winter and spring. Year-round, take a joyous stroll along St. Moritzersee, the resident lake, and after that, head into the pedestrian-friendly town to do some shopping at the destination’s chic-as-they-come selection of boutiques — two of our favorites are Modes and Joy Fashion. — Brandon Berkson
To Stay:
Since opening its doors in 1856, The Kulm Hotel has been a St. Moritz icon. Storied European glamour is the name of the game here, from the lobby’s ritzy fluorescent patterns to its exquisite chandeliers indicative of the high-echelon guestlist that has frequented the hotel for more than a century. Rooms look out at the lake and enveloping peaks — to describe the accommodations’ vantage points as “awe-inspiring” would be an understatement. The spa is a nourishing alpine haven, from its impressive indoor pool to its heated outdoor hydrotherapy zone.
New York City, New York
Yes, HAP’s headquarters are here — that said, we promise we aren’t biased when we suggest you visit New York City next year. The city is flush with stimuli that have appeared (or reappeared) over the past two years, from Little Island — an architecturally-significant micro-park atop the Hudson River — to Summit One Vanderbilt — a 1,405-foot-high observatory tower with loads of interactive art embedded in it. Dine at American Bar — an American eatery inspired by the USA’s country club culture. Sip cocktails while peering out at the Manhattan skyline at Central Park South’s only rooftop lounge, the exceedingly refined Darling at Park Lane New York. — Brandon Berkson
To Stay:
If you’re looking for luxury, opt to rest your head at Hotel Barrière Fouquet’s New York — a hyper-chic boutique stay in Tribeca that’s bona fide French luxury at its finest (the Biologique Recherche treatments at their Spa Diane Barrière revitalize all entrants). If you’re looking to stay somewhere stylish that doesn’t break the bank, check out The Moore — a contemporary-cool boutique hotel in local-heavy, tourist-absent neighborhood, Chelsea.
Ischia, Italy
The idyllic island of Ischia is quietly the most exotic and mesmerizing of the volcanic archipelagos situated within Italy’s Gulf of Naples. Surrounded by some of the world’s most active volcanoes, the run-off creates thermal pools for which the island has come to be known. As the largest in the bay, the island––up until recently––has been largely untapped and embodies the ideals of southern Italian living. Days are spent in the harbor district “Ischia Porto,” replete with trattorias and bars, or in “Ischia Ponte,” the historic quarter made up of stone streets worn with centuries past. — Megan Shelton
To Stay:
From a sixteenth century watchtower built by the Aragonese comes the strangely enchanted Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa. Here, wind fragrant with jasmine and wild thyme blows through the pine-wooded park that shares the hotel’s seven hectares, which overlooks Mezzatorre’s cove and thermal pools. Retro glam and shades of blue inspired by the surrounding landscape are sprinkled throughout the light and airy guest rooms. Serenity is at the heart of every space, whether it be under a parasol by the pool, or while lounging on one of the coral pink sunchaises in the piazzetta.
Auckland, New Zealand
Lauded for its effective containment of Covid-19, New Zealand cautiously held tight to its travel restrictions until September 2022. But that doesn’t mean the island nation was at a complete standstill — it’s been quite the opposite in Auckland, the nation’s most populous city. In anticipation of the imminent rebound of international travelers, the local tourism industry kept the ball rolling. Connectivity to the U.S. has never been stronger, with new routes like Air New Zealand’s New York City to Auckland — currently the fourth-longest leg — debuting within weeks of the country’s highly anticipated reopening. — Paul Jebara
To Stay:
Auckland’s luxury hotel scene has also become meatier over the past few years, with recently opened Hotel Fitzroy, and Hotel Britomart (New Zealand’s only 5-Green-Star certified hotel) now welcoming foreign guests. Perhaps most significant is the return of Auckland’s events calendar: After years on hiatus, the city’s most cherished cultural happenings, including the Lantern Festival and Pasifika. What’s more, the quadrennial FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will also be hosted in the city’s Eden Park.
Ionian Islands, Greece
With verdant mountains and Venetian-influenced architecture, Greece’s seven Ionian islands are a stark foil to the Cyclades’ barren windswept landscape and two-toned jewel box buildings. Americans have traditionally defaulted to the latter, specifically Santorini and Mykonos for their first-time Grecian getaways, but a slew of new design-centric hotels and easy flight connections from Athens and other European capitals have made the West Coast island group an enticing and accessible alternative. — Paul Jebara
To Stay:
In bustling Corfu, pair a stay at boutique Carpofoli in the UNESCO-designated old town with new countryside resorts Angsana or Ikos Odisia. For a more wellness-oriented trip, check into Lesante Cape Zakynthos or F Zeen in Kefalonia for a sun-soaked slice of zen. Or if a multigenerational trip with the family is on your radar, a villa in slow-paced Paxos or Meganissi from The Thinking Traveller should hit the spot.
Seville, Spain
Steeped in European cultural history, it’s no wonder why Seville, Spain, remains the capital city of the Andalusian province. With exquisite Moorish-style churches and palaces such as Royal Alcázar of Seville, Seville Cathedral, and Plaza de España, the city’s old-age is gracefully displayed. Strolling down orange-tree-lined cobblestone streets and through narrow village corridors, visitors can expect to find rows of tapas restaurants, flamenco dancing theatres, and unique boutiques celebrating its long-lasting vibrance. — Britney Eschelman
To Stay:
The Querencia de Sevilla, Autograph Collection sits in the former headquarters of Banco Andalucía, steps away from Seville’s entrancing Sevilla Cathedral on the city’s most famous square. Elegantly remodeled, the hotel’s interiors reflect traditional Sevillian style with upscale, modern twists. Neutral-toned wood floors are complemented by gray floral-patterned wallpaper, along with violet-purple and emerald-green accented furnishings, which, collectively, elevate guestrooms’ aesthetic. Luxe suites feature plush king-sized beds, tranquil overhead rain showers, and private balconies overlooking the city’s storied monuments.
Big Sky, Montana
Set alongside the Rocky Mountains in the Gallatin National Forest, Montana’s Big Sky mountain town epitomizes the definition of living in the great outdoors. With Big Sky Resort sprawling over 5,800 acres of skiable terrain, this year-round mountain destination is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Elect to walk around the Mountain Village for leisurely shopping at the outerwear boutiques and casual dining at Westward Social (P.S. if you’re a skier, this is the spot to indulge in the après scene), or take a quick 10-minute drive to Yellowstone National Park for gushing geysers, bubbling geothermal pools, and diverse wildlife as far as the eye can see. To sum it all up, Big Sky offers a medley of activities for any kind of traveler to experience the Mountain West frontier. — Britney Eschelman
To Stay:
Established in 1915, Lone Mountain Ranch is the quintessential western hospitality stay in Big Sky. With a lodging history that spans over 100 years in Montana, the 30 unique log cabins and guest rooms are cozy to their core: Cast iron fireplaces, plaid-patterned window shades, and log wood walls dress the interiors of these spaces. Enjoy morning coffee in a comfortable rocking chair on the front porch while taking in the forest views and sounds of the flowing river. Fly fishing and horseback riding are dude ranch musts.
Arosa, Switzerland
Arosa is an alpine resort village located at the base of the scenic Swiss Alps in the Schanfigg Valley. Traveling to Arosa requires a Hogwarts-esque train ride with omnipresent trees (the fall foliage here is a visual treat), staggering mountain peaks, and magical waterfalls that appear outside the car window — but alas, it makes it well worth the journey. During the winter months, hop on the gondola to the top of Lenzerheide Ski Resort for a day of powder skiing, followed by lunch at the Hörnlihütte Arosa, an eatery that boasts expansive views of the Alps from every direction. — Britney Eschelman
To Stay:
Tschuggen Grand Hotel is a luxurious mountain lodge tucked up against the Swiss Alps and Lenzerheide Ski Resort. Here, guestrooms and suites’ blueprints embed a cozy mountain lodge feel. Among other nature-inspired elements, doors sport beautiful floral paintings that make hallways look like art pieces. Plaid-patterned headboards, background plush king-size beds, and the view when you wake up… let’s just say you may never want to leave your bed. Plus, floor-to-ceiling windows display the Swiss Alps right from the comfort of your own bed.
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