From an architectural marvel perched above the Mediterranean to the rolling hills of José Ignacio, Uruguay to the pristine beaches and turquoise waters of Anguilla, unforgettable journeys await with a range of destinations across the world that promise to be atop every jetsetter’s list.
French Riviera
A jewel tucked along the Mediterranean coast, the French Riviera has long been recognized as a haven for the international chic set. With the highly anticipated debut of The Maybourne Riviera, the Côte d’Azur is poised to draw travelers from across the world to experience firsthand the new gem perfectly positioned on a peninsula with dramatic panoramic views of the coastline. The property will mark Maybourne Hotel Group’s first foray into France, and will be instilled with the inspirational and creative spirit for which its sister properties – Claridge’s, The Connaught and The Berkeley – are renowned. The striking hotel will feature sixty-nine beautifully appointed rooms and suites, all with unrivaled sea views from private terraces. Interior design will reflect the hotel’s collaboration with some of the most renowned talents with one-of-a-kind spaces created by Andre Fu, Bryan O’Sullivan Studio, Marcelo Joulia, Pierre Yovanovitch, Pascal Goujon and Rigby & Rigby, all adding their distinctive style, as well as the Maybourne in-house design team led by Michelle Wu. The Maybourne Riviera is additionally set to become an outstanding gastronomic destination with a host of restaurants under the creative direction of two of the finest chefs and restaurateurs in the world – the legendary Mauro Colagreco of Mirazur and the global super-chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who will launch his first outpost in the South of France. Japanese chef Hiro Sato will also bring his world class sushi experience to the property.
Anguilla
Anguilla, perfectly nestled in the eastern Caribbean and boasting white sand beaches and pristine blue waters, will welcome a new, groundbreaking resort late this year that will quickly secure the island’s spot atop the hottest destinations for 2022 and beyond. Aurora Anguilla Resort & Golf Club will shape the future of the island, offering a soulful sense of place that honors the rich culture of Anguilla, its natural splendor, and the traditions and personalities that make the island so special. Debuting with access to private planes exclusive to the resort with air lift from key markets in the U.S., Aurora Anguilla will make travel to the island easier than ever before. Additional unmatched amenities will include culinary destinations overseen by renowned Chef Abram Bissell – formerly of Eleven Madison Park and The Modern – an 18-hole Greg Norman Signature Design championship golf course, and more. Aurora Anguilla will usher in a complete reimagination of paradise for the property and the island, a magnificent Caribbean jewel. Guided by a commitment to honoring the culture that makes Anguilla so beloved, the Aurora Anguilla will deliver an experience that celebrates every facet of the destination.
Budapest
With a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire, Budapest is a dynamic metropolis with a truly unsurpassed architectural diversity waiting to be discovered. 2022 will see the completion of the revival of the iconic Matild Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site first build during the Belle Epoque era by famous Hungarian architects Kálmán Giergl and Flóris Korb and developed under the patronage of Her Imperial and Royal Highness Maria Klotild of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha to serve as the social hub of the city. Now transformed by award-winning MKV Design, Matild Palace has taken on a new life as a Luxury Collection hotel with palatial high ceilings, 130 elegantly appointed rooms and spectacular Danube River views. Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Budapest, is also home to the city’s first Spago by Wolfgang Puck and will revive one of the oldest cafés in Budapest with the debut of Matild Café & Cabaret. Its adjacent sister palace, Klotild Palace, will also find a second life as the forthcoming home to The St. Regis Budapest slated to open in late 2022/23. Whether you visit for the Budapest Spring Festival or the Sziget Festival in the summer, now is the time to discover the magnetic city of Budapest.
Jose Ignacio, Uruguay (pictured)
Uruguay is gearing up for an exciting year as the country plans to reopen its borders in November for the first time since March 2020. The bohemian fishing village of José Ignacio, which is often described as where St. Tropez meets Marlborough Country, has everything you could want from a vacation, picturesque beaches, luxurious accommodations, unforgettable gastronomic experiences, and a vibrant local culture. Vik Retreats have long drawn the most discerning travelers from around the world to enjoy an authentic experience offering unique immersion into Uruguay. Comprised of Estancia Vik, Playa Vik and Bahia Vik, each offer distinct experiences while working in tandem to provide guests with an unmatched getaway. The properties have been busy with the debut and expansion of The Shack Yoga and Wellness at Bahia Vik. Vik Retreats partnered with Isabella Channing, owner of The Shack Yoga in José Ignacio, a beloved studio frequented by locals and visitors alike, to conceive a new wellness sanctuary and spa experience. Additionally, in December 2021 beloved master of fire, Francis Mallmann returned to Jose Ignacio to open Chiringuito Francis Mallmann, an open-flame restaurant located just down the beach from Bahia Vik.
Italy
There is an undeniable buzz around traveling to Italy, one Europe’s most alluring destinations for 2022. Whatever the time of year or your vacation style, there is an Italian destination for you. Venice offers a travelers a once-of-a-kind experience, with afternoons spent wandering from palace to piazza, exploring art museums, or sipping an Aperol spritz along the Venice canal. Visitors will enjoy historic appeal at the Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel or elegant charm at The St. Regis Venice, which opened in late 2019. The Eternal City is also must visit in the year ahead. Located in the heart of the Rome, the beloved St. Regis Rome is the perfect departure point for visiting Rome’s renowned sites such as the Colosseum or the Trevi Fountain. Those traveling to Milan cannot miss Galleria Vik Milano, Vik Retreat’s first city retreat, which first opened its doors in late 2019. Ideally positioned within the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks, Galleria Vik Milano is a sanctuary of staggering beauty, with mesmerizing views onto the Galleria and its infamous bull. Art and design events in Italy worth special attention include the 59th Venice Biennale, which will take place in Venice from April 23-November 27, 2022, and Salone del Mobile, which will take place in Milan from April 13th-18th, 2022.
Los Angeles
Two global icons recently made their first Los Angeles debut, marking an incredibly exciting moment for the city, which is sure to draw travelers from near and far in the year ahead. Damian, the latest venture and first Los Angeles project from Chef Enrique Olvera, Santiago Perez and their talented team, the culinary talents behind Cosme & ATLA in New York, Pujol in Mexico City, and more, has quickly become one of the destination’s most sought after reservations. Helmed by Chef Jesús “Chuy” Cervantes, the dishes are rooted in Mexican culture while celebrating the best of Californian produce and seasonal ingredients. The beverage program, led by Yana Volfson, has a strong focus on agave, serving small batch productions by artisans throughout Mexico, along with a curated wine list including a house label, Dramian. Ditroit, Damian’s backdoor taqueria, serves up variations on traditional Mexican street food while celebrating the freshest Californian ingredients. The globally beloved Maybourne Hotel Group additionally made its foray into the market with The Maybourne Beverly Hills. Blending Maybourne’s signature service and style perfectly paired with the buzz of Beverly Hills, guests can expect culinary creativity and contemporary comfort all wrapped in a landmark location.
Maldives
The ultimate bucket list destination, the Maldives invites travelers from around the world to experience its breathtaking views and incredible natural environment. With the introduction of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, the destination is more sought after than ever before. The stunning resort offers a villa only experience, set above turquoise waters and tucked along beach coves. Blending immersive design with highly tailored service, the property tailors a journey of meaningful experiences, from a full day of discoveries in North Malé Atoll or the chance to indulge in a powerful healing and organic treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Hobart, Tasmania
While in recent years Sydney and Melbourne have been dominating for travelers heading to Australia, Hobart is poised to become a travel hot spot as new developments make it a not to be missed destination in 2022. Just south of mainland Australia, Hobart is the second-oldest city in the country, and home jaw-dropping landscapes, world-class art, and exceptional fresh local cuisine. The Luxury Collection brand will make its debut in the destination at the end of the year with the opening of The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hobart. The hotel will reside in repurposed heritage buildings in Parliament Square, a new design-led, urban development that is set to revitalize the neighborhood, uniting the city’s unique past with its contemporary culture. Just behind the hotel, travelers can explore local institutions including Salamanca Market and the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA).
