As summer approaches, wanderlust is kicking in. Leveraging my affiliation with Fora Travel, I have access to insider insights on trending destinations, which I've compiled into a must-visit list for this summer. Let's dive into the hotspots and discover where to stay.
1. Hidden Gems in the USA
Why These Cities?
Forget LA and NYC—smaller cities are stepping into the spotlight. These often-overlooked destinations are perfect for quick getaways where you can eat well, stay stylish, and be back by Monday.
Hotel Highlights:
Austin has long been a hotel hotspot, but now cities like Fort Worth and Houston are stepping up. Check out the new Bowie House by Auberge in Fort Worth and the Thompson Hotel in downtown Houston.
In the West, Aspen welcomes MOLLIE, a newcomer, while Sedona boasts a renovated Mii Amo.
On the East Coast, New Orleans is back with a bang. The Virgin Hotels New Orleans opened in 2021, and the upcoming Nobu Hotel and Restaurant are set to transform Harrah’s New Orleans. The Four Seasons has also become a hotspot.
For college town vibes, Charlottesville, Virginia now has a chic Kimpton Hotel.
Images courtesy of Virgin Hotel, New Orleans
VBS Travel Perks:
Thompson Houston: $75 hotel credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & early check-in when possible.
Thompson Denver: $100 hotel credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & early check-in when possible.
Mii Amo: $100 spa credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & early check-in when possible.
Virgin Hotel New Orleans: $25 daily food/beverage credit, welcome amenity, upgrade & late check-out when possible.
Four Seasons New Orleans: Exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities.
2. San Sebastian + Biarritz
Why These Spots?
While Madrid and Barcelona remain popular, the Basque Country offers a unique blend of Michelin-starred meals, pintxos bars, surfing, art, and new hotels.
Hotel Highlights:
San Sebastian: Nobu's new property is a must-visit. Also, the Hotel Maria Cristina offers a classic experience with modern updates.
Biarritz: The Regina Experimental and Le Garage are two stunning new properties. The renovated Hotel du Palais is another gem.
VBS Travel Perks:
Nobu Hotel San Sebastián: $100 food/beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
Hôtel Du Palais, Biarritz: $100 food/beverage credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
Hotel Maria Cristina: $100 food/beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
3. Panama
Why Panama?
Move over Costa Rica and Belize—Panama is stealing the spotlight with its mix of city culture and secluded island escapes, plus great flight options via Copa Airlines.
Hotel Highlights:
Panama City: Check out the new Hotel La Compañia and Sofitel Legend.
For island retreats, head to Islas Secas for luxury casitas or Isla Palenque for a laid-back vibe with beachfront casitas.
VBS Travel Perks:
Hotel La Compañia: Welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo: $100 food/beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
Islas Secas Private Island & Reserve: $100 hotel/resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
Resort at Isla Palenque: $100 hotel/resort credit, welcome amenity, upgrade & late check-out when possible.
4. St. Kitts + Nevis
Why Visit?
With new flight routes from JetBlue, St. Kitts and Nevis are becoming easier to reach, offering a perfect two-for-one island experience.
Hotel Highlights:
Park Hyatt St. Kitts: A contemporary beach getaway.
Four Seasons Nevis: Affordable luxury with great amenities.
Golden Rock Inn Nevis: An eco haven with beautiful surroundings.
Belle Mont: A farm-to-table experience with Caribbean vibes.
VBS Travel Perks:
Park Hyatt St. Kitts: $100 food/beverage credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
Four Seasons Nevis: Exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities.
Golden Rock Inn Nevis: Complimentary garden tour, welcome amenity, complimentary bottle of prosecco, upgrade when possible.
5. Bucket-list Asia: Japan & Bhutan
Why Visit?
Japan and Bhutan are top bucket-list destinations for 2024, offering unique cultural experiences, incredible food, and meaningful traditions.
Hotel Highlights:
Tokyo: Bulgari Hotel and Janu Tokyo (Aman's sister brand).
Osaka: The upcoming Four Seasons Hotel.
Kyoto: The Shinmonzen and Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto for a mix of modern and historical stays.
Niseko: Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono for prime skiing.
Bhutan: Six Senses Bumthang and & Beyond’s Punakha River Lodge.
Images courtesy of Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono
Why Visit?
Australia remains a top destination with new luxury hotels popping up in cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
Hotel Highlights:
Melbourne: The Ritz-Carlton, The StandardX, and 1 Hotels are all new additions.
Sydney: Capella Sydney opened in spring 2023.
Great Barrier Reef: Lizard Island Resort has added a new villa.
Gold Coast: The Langham opened as a new luxury option.
VBS Travel Perks:
The Langham, Gold Coast: Exclusive Preferred Partner amenities.
The StandardX, Melbourne: VIP perks via Fora's membership in Standard Secret Agent’s preferred partner program.
Capella Sydney: $100 hotel/resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
Lizard Island Resort: $100 hotel/resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
7. Greece
Why Visit?
While Greece's popular spots remain attractive, exploring lesser-known islands offers a more relaxed and authentic experience.
Hotel Highlights:
Corfu: Angsana Corfu beckons all travelers.
Kos: The adults-only OKU Kos is a stylish retreat.
Crete: Domes Zeen Chania and Phaea Blue Palace offer luxurious stays.
Paros: Avant Mar and Cosme are new chic retreats.
Mykonos: Cali Mykonos is an eco-minded, quieter spot on the island.
Athenian Riviera: One&Only Aesthesis provides a luxurious escape just outside Athens.
VBS Travel Perks:
Domes Zeen Chania: $100 hotel/resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible. .
Cali Mykonos: $100 hotel/resort credit, welcome amenities, one complimentary beach club boat transfer, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.n: far enough from the crowds of Athens, but close enough for a day trip to see the sites).
Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa: $100 hotel/resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
Blue Palace: $100 hotel/resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
Images courtesy of Cosme, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paros
Cosme, Paros: $100 hotel/resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
8. Continental Classics: Paris & Florence
Why Visit?
Paris and Florence are classic destinations with new hotels and events keeping them fresh and exciting.
Hotel Highlights:
Paris: La Fantaisie, Le Grand Mazarin, Hôtel Dame des Arts, Maison Delano, and SO/ Paris are new boutique hotels to check out.
Florence: Auberge's Collegio alla Querce opens in 2024, while La Gemma offers a boutique experience in the heart of the city.
VBS Travel Perks:
Domaine de Primard: $100 hotel/resort credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
Hotel Le Grand Mazarin: VIP perks via Fora's membership in Marriott's STARS program.
SO/ Paris: VIP perks via Fora's membership in Accor's Impresario preferred partner program.
Auberge Resorts, Collegio alla Querce: VIP perks via Fora's membership in Auberge's preferred partner program.
9. Thailand
Why It's a Must-Visit:
Two words: White Lotus. Remember how Sicily bookings soared after the show's spotlight? Get ready for Thailand to take center stage in 2024, especially with the direct NYC to Palermo flights via Neos airlines. Mike White, the show's creator, is bringing the magic to Thailand, making it the next bucket-list destination.
Thailand offers an unparalleled mix of experiences—from the bustling energy of Bangkok to the tranquil beaches of Phuket. Dive into ancient temples, indulge in mouth-watering street food, and explore lush jungles or sun-drenched shores.
Hotel Highlights:
Aman Nai Lert Bangkok: Opening this year, this much-anticipated spot promises Aman’s signature service and stunning city views from a rooftop infinity pool.
InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit & InterContinental Bangkok: Both properties have undergone significant updates, ensuring luxurious stays in the heart of Bangkok.
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort: Opened in 2022 and designed by Bill Bensley, this resort features historic train carriages transformed into unique suites.
InterContinental Chiang Mai: Launched at the end of 2023, this hotel focuses on local cuisine and the warm hospitality of Lanna culture.
Le Meridien Mai Khao, Phuket: Perfect for families, this new property on Phuket’s northern beaches offers a blend of adventure and relaxation, complete with a kids’ club.
VBS Travel Perks:
InterContinental Bangkok: $100 resort credit, welcome amenities, breakfast daily, upgrade & late check-out when possible.
InterContinental Khao Yai Resort: $100 resort credit, welcome amenities, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out when possible.
InterContinental Chiang Mai: $100 resort credit, welcome amenities, breakfast daily, upgrade & late check-out when possible.
10. First-time cruises
Why It's Trending:
2023 saw a wave of non-cruisers converting into cruise enthusiasts, and the momentum is only growing. Interest in unique and less traditional charters is skyrocketing.
Cruise Highlights:
Virgin Voyages: With its adults-only routes, Virgin’s Valiant Lady now calls San Juan home, offering new itineraries in the Lesser Antilles. The Scarlet Lady is introducing longer Mediterranean voyages and returning to Portsmouth, UK.
Crystal Cruises: Reimagined under Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal has undergone a $150 million refurbishment, featuring luxurious penthouses that feel like high-end apartments at sea.
Explora Journeys: Explora I debuted in 2023, with five more ships featuring penthouse-style accommodations set to follow.
Four Seasons Yacht: Set for its maiden voyage in 2025, this ultra-luxury yacht will be a hot ticket, so keep an eye out for reservation openings.
Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, Champagne: This luxurious riverboat offers opulent suites, an indoor salon, and a Champagne bar—perfect for a serene cruise through the French countryside.
Disney Dream: Now sailing European itineraries, it’s a family favorite with sprawling spas for grown-ups to escape.
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions): Newly rebranded, HX offers eco-friendly adventures, including inaugural voyages to West Africa, providing intimate and sustainable cruising experiences.
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