1. San Sebastian + Biarritz

Madrid and Barcelona may always be Spain’s busiest cities, but the destination I’m most excited about is farther north and spans two countries. Ideal for the casual couple or girls’ weekend away, the Basque Country is perfect for a multi-stop bender of Michelin-starred meals, casual pintxos bars, surfing, art, and, of course, new hotels.

2024 Hotel Openings and Recent Launches: Nobu was at it again with a new property in San Sebastián—and it’s a good thing they got in now, as the Spanish city has announced that it will ban new hotels to protect against overtourism. Not brand new but still newsworthy is the Hotel Maria Cristina, a refreshed classic that reemerged from a $25 million renovation completed in time for its 100th anniversary in 2012.

Moving north to Biarritz, Experimental Group brought not one but two properties to this seaside city: the Regina Experimental, a Belle-Époque beauty brought back to life, and Le Garage, a 27-room stunner in, yes, a former garage. Both are within walking distance to shops, dining, and beach-ing. Hotel du Palais is also noteworthy. It is a beloved resort that received a much-needed renovation and is now managed by Hyatt.

Special Perks just for you Nobu Hotel, San Sebastián:

$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hôtel Du Palais, Biarritz:

$100 food / beverage credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hotel Maria Cristina:

$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.ry romantic holiday

2. US Cities

Move over, LA and NYC: smaller cities are having a moment! Second-tier cities (which are sometimes overlooked) are an easy way to maximize a weekend trip or longer vacation. If you live not too far away, you can eat well, stay somewhere stylish, and make it back to the office by Monday morning.

2024 Hotel Openings and Recent Launches: Austin has always been a hotspot for hip hotels. However, additional Texan cities are stepping up their game: Fort Worth recently welcomed Auberge’s Bowie House.

Out west, explore the Mollie, a newcomer to Aspen, and the headline-grabbing renovation of Mii Amo in Sedona.

For East Coasters, New Orleans is back, big time. The hip Virgin Hotels New Orleans opened in 2021 and continues to welcome guests craving a vibrant Nola experience, good vibes, and a cheeky sense of play. Nobu Hotel and Restaurant New Orleans are set to open at the end of this year, housed within the multi-million dollar transformation of Harrah’s New Orleans. And the Four Seasons, which launched quietly in the pandemic, is now a total hot spot. Look for a lobby full of athletes and power brokers checking in.

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Luxury couples retreat

3. Panama

We love Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Belize! But Panama, which was at times overlooked, is now taking centre stage. This Central American country crushes the combo of city and seclusion: enjoy a weekend or holiday of culture and history in Panama City’s Casco Antiguo, followed by island escapes that the crowds haven’t found.

2024 Hotel Openings and Launches: Panama City’s top places to stay are two new properties, Hotel La Compañia and the Sofitel Legend. In a city once known for hotels that delivered on setting but stalled on service, you now have two fantastic options within walking distance from anything you’ll want to do.

Spend a weekend in the city, then fly west to David, the entry point to two private islands. Choose Islas Secas for the ultimate splurge-y hideaway in design-forward casitas (amongst the sexiest resorts I’ve seen popping up for honeymooners).

Or, Isla Palenque is a barefoot beach retreat with only eight beachfront casitas, plus a villa estate, for a laid-back luxury experience complete with wild monkeys swinging from the trees over the outdoor soaking tubs.

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4. St. Kitts + Nevis

We’ve seen the launch of new routes spark big trends (ahem, United and Mallorca), and now Jetblue is bringing its lift to St. Kitts. Even better, you’ll get a two-for-one: St. Kitts and Nevis comprise one country. Sample the hotels on one, then hop over to the other to taste everything the islands offer.

2024 Hotel Openings and Recent Launches: Despite the new route, the hotels have been solid for years while also being challenging to reach. Here’s what you missed: the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, a contemporary beach getaway; the Four Seasons Nevis, a sprawling resort that’s amongst the more affordable hotels within the brand (get there now before that changes); Golden Rock, an off-the-grid eco haven on the slopes of Mt. Nevis; and Belle Mont, a farm-to-table hotel and restaurant that’s giving Blackberry Farm with Caribbean vibes.

Exclusive Perks Park Hyatt St. Kitts:

$100 food / beverage credit, welcome amenity, breakfast daily, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Luxury romantic honeymoon

Book your luxury romantic holiday

5. Bucket-list Asia: Japan & Bhutan

One is a bottleneck of pre-pandemic demand that’s never stopped, and the other is a mysterious mountain kingdom that’s rising: Japan and Bhutan are the two bucket-list destinations trending hard in 2024. Both are excellent options to experience something entirely new and out-of-the-box: uber-intentional culture, incredible food, regenerative isolation, meaningful traditions…I could go on and on, but you should just go.

2024 Hotel Openings and Launches: Head to the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo in Japan’s capital, which gorgeously combines Italian and Japanese aesthetics. Janu Tokyo opened in March, and the property offers guests a more social vibe and lower entry point—building the next generation of Amanjunkies starts now.

The Four Seasons has also opened its doors in Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city (after Tokyo), this year. Four Seasons collaborated with notable design studios to imbue the urban retreat, spread across 10 floors in the city’s One Dojima Project high-rise, with a sleek, soothing aesthetic. Even better, every room comes with an A+ view.

Venture to Kyoto for an immersive vacation into Japanese culture. For a property steeped in history, visit Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto, a recently opened 161-room resort that formerly belonged to the Mitsui clan for over 250 years. The dream team of creatives who brought Mitsui Kyoto’s vision to life included Andre Fu, who oversaw The Upper House in Hong Kong.

For my skiers, I’ve seen you eying Niseko on the island of Hokkaido (the skiing is second to none – many tout the Niseko powder as the best in the world). Avid skiers have traditionally opted for the usual suspects (Vail or Aspen) — but 2024 was the year to prioritize the Japanese bucket-list trip. And with the Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono located in a prime slopeside location, there’s never been a better time to travel. In early 2020, the Six Senses brand opened its fifth luxury lodge in Bhutan, Six Senses Bumthang.

In September 2023, &Beyond opened Punakha River Lodge, the luxury travel company’s first lodge in Asia. Plus, Bhutan has recently reduced the daily travel fee, making it easier to get there. Translation? Now is the time to go.Bes

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I hope you're feeling inspired by the incredible destinations and exclusive offers I've shared with you! Whether you're dreaming of a relaxing beach escape, a luxury romantic holiday, honeymoon or a unique resort experience, I'm here to make it happen.

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