6. Australia

Australia has always been a go-to for adventurers, culture lovers, and beachgoers. And with new hotels from some of my favourite hotel partners popping up throughout the country-slash-continent, its appeal has only grown.

Hotel happenings: Melbourne is finally getting the attention it deserves. Last year, The Ritz-Carlton arrived in Melbourne. Early this year, the Standard will bring its cheeky charm to Victoria’s capital to debut a new concept called The StandardX; the first property will open in Melbourne’s Fitzroy neighbourhood. Lastly, one of my favourite (sustainable, ultra-chic) brands, 1 Hotel, will open its first Australian property in Melbourne in 2025. My bags are already packed!

In Sydney, Capella opened in spring 2023. I’m already dreaming of their ultra-elegant suites. In the Great Barrier Reef, the luxe Lizard Island Resort recently levelled up with the addition of The House, a three-bedroom villa. Plus, after damage from a fire, the paradisiacal Southern Ocean Lodge on the coast of Kangaroo Island reopened late last year.

In 2022, The Langham, Gold Coast opened its doors, marking it the newest luxury edition to Australia’s holiday capital in 30+ years. Don’t let the building’s modern exterior fool you: the interior boasts a classic elegance. The property offers visitors a home just one step from the beach, perfect for exploring the famous strip of golden sands.

Special Perks just for you at Capella Sydney:  

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

The Langham, Gold Coast:

When you book Langham with me, you’ll enjoy exclusive Preferred Partner amenities. Reach out to learn more. romantic holiday

7. Greece

Now is the time to venture to the islands you haven’t heard about yet. Plus, the Athenian Riviera has gotten a major upgrade with the introduction of One&Only Aesthesis, making it the prime escape located just outside of the city’s centre. 

Hotel happenings: Don’t sleep on Corfu, where Angsana beckons all types of travellers, including families, or Kos, where the adults-only, super-sexy OKU Kos awaits with a clean geometric aesthetic, a private beach, and locally sourced cuisine. 

Although Crete is larger than the other Greek islands, I love it for its down-to-earth vibe. You can’t go wrong with Domes Zeen Chania, designed to resemble a traditional Greek village. Or, check into Phaea Blue Palace, a new boutique property with more than half of the 47 rooms boasting private pools. Hint: look for Rosewood Blue Palace coming in 2025.

Mykonos is anything but under the radar, but the chic, eco-minded Cali Mykonos (which opened in 2023) is on the quieter side of the island, and it’s a much-needed breath of fresh air.  

Finally, One&Only, an expert in spectacular hotels in relatively untouched, distinctive locales, gifted Greece with Aesthesis, a beauty on the Athenian Riviera (translation: far enough from the crowds of Athens but close enough for a day trip to see the sites). 

Special perks at Cosme, Paros:

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

Luxury couples retreat

8. Continental Classics: Paris & Florence

As Audrey Hepburn famously said in Sabrina, Paris is always a good idea. A palpable energy had filled the City of Light all year, courtesy of the summer 2024 Olympics, with new hotels.

Brimming with captivating art and architecture, Florence is always a good idea too, especially when one of my favourite luxury brands is heading to the Tuscan capital.

Hotel happenings: The Paris moment isn’t palace hotels; it’s all about bougie boutique properties with playful designs, cool bars and locations in more local neighbourhoods. This is about seeing a different side of the City of Lights. I’m particularly excited about La Fantaisie, Paris, which opened in late 2022. Designed by the legendary Martin Brudnizki, La Fantaisie, Paris boasts a dreamy garden setting in the 9th arrondissement.

2023 saw the openings of the vibrantly chic Le Grand Mazarin in the Marais, the opulent Hôtel Dame des Arts in the Latin Quarter, and the discreet Maison Delano, an 18th-century mansion with impeccable taste.

Collegio alla Querce, a collection of restored 16th-century buildings in Florence, has recently opened its doors. The hotel’s terraced gardens, authentic Tuscan style, and lavish outdoor pool are already buzzing in the industry.

If you’re daydreaming of shopping in Firenze, don’t miss La Gemma, a new boutique property that opened in 2023 and is a stone’s throw away from some of the city’s best retail therapy locations.your romantic gateway Romantic luxury getaway

9. Thailand

Thailand offers a vibrant tapestry of experiences, from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket. From exploring ancient temples and savouring delectable street food to trekking through the lush jungle or beach, Thailand delivers.

Hotel happenings: I can’t stop eyeing the much-anticipated Aman Nai Lert Bangkok opening this year. Expect spectacular Aman service and equally spectacular city views from the rooftop infinity pool. 

Speaking of Bangkok, Intercontinental has been quietly expanding and updating in the hub city, including a new luxe gem in the shape of InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit, and also as a meticulous renovation of InterContinental Bangkok that refreshed all 381 rooms. Also new and on my radar is the new InterContinental Khao Yai Resort, which opened in 2022. Designed by revered Bill Bensley, the hotel includes a series of historic train carriages restored into suites.

Thanks to the 2023 opening of Le Meridien Mai Khao, a kid-friendly vibe in Phuket is possible. Located on a quieter strip on Phuket’s northern beaches, the property is the secret to access adventure when you want it and peace when you need it (hello, kids’ club drop-off).  

Perks at InterContinental Chiang Mai:

$100 hotel/resort credit, welcome amenities, breakfast daily, upgrade & late check-out whenever possible.

Luxury romantic honeymoon

10. First-time cruises

2023 was the year that non-cruisers became cruisers. The trend isn’t going anywhere, and interest in cruising — especially on less stereotypical charters — is rising.

Cruise happenings: I'm not a big fan of large boat cruises, but I've consulted my preferred partners and experts to provide us with the latest updates. Here's what you can look forward to!

Virgin Voyage has adult-only routes around the world. Virgin’s Valiant Lady is on its way to its newest home port, San Juan. Now, the ship can visit the lesser Antilles, adding many new destinations to its lineup. The signature Scarlet Lady will also introduce longer itineraries across the Mediterranean and a return to the home port of Portsmouth, United Kingdom.

Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent purchased Crystal Cruises (now re-envisioned as simply Crystal). Expect a whole new level of luxury at sea in 2024 to the tune of a $150 million Italian refurbishing. Penthouses now sprawl across the upper floors for cruisers to relish in what can only be described as what feels like a luxury apartment at sea. Explora Journeys is also new in the luxury cruising world, and it welcomed its first guests in 2023 with the Explora I. Five more ships outfitted with penthouse-like accommodations are set to follow. And their eyes are on the Four Seasons yacht, which takes its maiden voyage in 2025 — and when reservations open up, they’ll go fast. 

And a hop, skip, and river boat ride from Paris, they’re eyeing the Coquelicot, A Belmond Boat, and Champagne. The newest addition to the fleet of Belmond river boats, complete with opulent suites, an indoor salon and a Champagne bar. 

For a Disney moment, they love the Disney Dream, which started sailing European itineraries this past summer.

For an intimate and eco-friendly adventure cruise, opt for an expedition with the newly rebranded HX (Hurtigruten). The brand unveiled its much-anticipated voyages to West Africa in its inaugural season to the continent late last year.

eRomantic luxurious gateway luxury romantic honeymoon

I hope you’re inspired by the openings, unique destinations, and exclusive offers I’ve shared with you! Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing beach escape, a luxury romantic holiday, a honeymoon, or a unique resort experience, I’m here to make it happen.