Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: My 2024 trips that I am most excited about
I wish you all a happy, safe, healthy and prosperous 2024! In these challenging and divisive times, we all could benefit by reminding ourselves of the powerful words of Martin Luther King Jr: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." At the end of the past year, I reflected on my most memorable travel experiences of 2023. But now that 2024 is finally here, it's time to look forward and share with you 10 great trips that I am planning for the coming year and that I am looking forward to share with you in my Wednesday blog posts (which always feature a flight trip reports or luxury hotel reviews) and on my YouTube channel.
If you have some tips and suggestions for my upcoming 2024 trips, please share them in the comments section below!
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10. FLYING UNITED AIRLINES' POLARIS BUSINESS CLASS (FINALLY)
United Airlines used to be my carrier of choice for transatlantic flights, although I shifted to Delta since the introduction of Delta's awesome Delta One suite (which I reviewed here). I've flown a dozen of times on United's Boeing 777s and Dreamliners, but so far, I never got a chance to try out the carrier's new Polaris Business Class seats. I was supposed to fly to New York on a United Boeing 787-10 featuring the new Polaris seats in 2020, 2021 and 2022 , but unfortunately, all three trips were cancelled because of COVID19. I now have a trip planned to Washington D.C. onboard United Airlines' flagship B777-300ER, featuring the 'new' Polaris product. Named after the North Star, Polaris is promoted as a "reimagined, sleep-enhancing, departure-to-landing experience." Each suite-like pod features a do-not-disturb sign, mood lighting, one-touch lumbar support, several storage areas, multiple surfaces for simultaneous working and dining, a HD entertainment screen, direct access to the aisle, 180-degree flat-bed recline and electronic privacy dividers.
9. STAYING AT DUBAI'S WORLD-FAMOUS BURJ AL ARAB HOTEL
My 2024 travel plans will bring me to the Dubai, where I'll spend a couple of nights in one of the world's most famous and iconic hotels, the self-acclaimed 7 star Burj Al Arab, flagship hotel of the Jumeirah Hotel Group. I've always been intrigued by the hotel's reputation and its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette, which represents a glittering architectural marvel in the middle of the Arabian Gulf and a symbol of modern Dubai. According to the hotel's website, the Burj Al Arab features "oversized suite-only accommodations where you can glide between the suite's two floors along a marble staircase and soothe your soul in a spa-like bathroom with Jacuzzi, mosaic floor, and full-size Hermes products." A few years ago, the hotel also unveiled a new manmade outdoor deck area – the so-called North Deck – which comprises two pools, a restaurant and a bar. During my Dubai trip, I'll also explore the brand new Atlantis The Royal Hotel. The 795-room resort is housed in three 43-storey towers. Facilities include 17 restaurants including outposts from blue-chip chefs like Heston Blumenthal and Jose Andres, an enormous spa, an infinity sky pool, and the largest private beach in the United Arab Emirates.
8. A WINTER GETAWAY AT ALPINA GSTAAD IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is a small landlocked country right in the heart of the Alps, bordered by Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Liechtenstein. The country's ravishing mountain scenery, rural villages, glitzy ski resorts, pristine lakes, and green rolling pastures offer unbeatable winter adventures and summer outdoor experiences. The variety of different sights to see in Switzerland is incredible, ranging from giant glaciers, epic mountains, and wild rivers, to vibrant cities, world-class museums, and scenic train journeys. Luxury hotels are in abundant supply in Switzerland, and include Alpine retreats and stylish lakeside resorts. I have previously stayed at The Dolder Grand (Zurich), The Chedi Andermatt (Alps), and The Gstaad Palace (Alps), and in 2022 I am going back to Gstaad village to try out another sublime 5-star hotel that has single-handedly redefined luxury and alpine chic: Alpina Gstaad. According to the hotel website, the cosmopolitan The Alpina Gstaad is a discreet, exclusive icon and a unique establishment where authenticity combines with Swiss refinement to create an alpine experience like no other. The property is home to 55 rooms, a Six Senses Spa, and three restaurants, including a Michelin starred restaurant.
7. SPENDING A WEEKEND AT AMAN NEW YORK
It is no secret that I am a devoted 'Amanjunkie' (in addition to being a Soneva addict). Aman is known as the world's most exclusive hotel brand, operating uberluxurious resorts and hotels in 21 destinations. Early 2024, I'll stay at Aman New York, which opened its door two years ago inside the Crown Building on Fifth Avenue building, overlooking Central Park. The building is designed by Warren & Wetmore, architects of some of New York's most influential buildings, including Grand Central Station and the Helmsley Building. Formerly the first home of the Museum of Modern Art, the 100-year-old building has undergone a monumental transformation, which has seen it fully restored to its original splendor, marking its next chapter as an urban Aman sanctuary. With 83 suites and 22 residences, the Aman group has finally brough the peace promised by Aman's Sanskrit-derived name to the heart of Manhattan. The hotel is the second in a new, pioneering generation of Aman properties in urban settings, following in the footsteps of Aman Tokyo and taking the brand to 34 properties worldwide.
6. A BEACH HOLIDAY AT MEXICO'S RIVIERA MAYA
Mexico is one of the world's most beautiful countries, with a diverse cultural scene, spectacular nature, a rich history, and a vibrant society. The sunny nation is also known for its stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, which are the playground of Europeans and Americans during the northern hemisphere's colder winter months. Mexico's privileged location allows it to be "bathed" by the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, which make the country a paradisiacal destination for tourists seeking sun and sand. The marine flora and fauna also make Mexico a magnet for visitors from all over the world. My 2024 trip to Mexico will take me to the Riviera Maya, the well known resort district south of Cancun in the eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula. The Riviera Maya features wonderful beaches, turquoise waters, archeological sites, freshwater lagoons, and underwater caves and cenotes. The Riviera Maya is also famous for its hotels - including large scale all-inclusive resorts, - and during my 2024 trip, I'll stay at the three best resorts in the area: the Belmond Maroma (which just reopened following a massive refurbishment), the Rosewood Mayakoba, and the brand new St. Regis Kanai.
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