Travelers are seeking more authentic travel experiences satisfied by off-the-beaten path vacations. One in two (55%) people use travel to venture beyond their comfort zone (source: hospitalitynet), best achieved by visiting untapped locations.
Corfu, Greece
An ideal alternative to Greece’s more populated islands swarming with tourists, Corfu is home to lush green scenery, idyllic pine-framed white-sand beaches, historic landmarks and a fascinating food. It is the second biggest Greek Island in the Ionian Sea and as of late, is home to Banyan Tree Group’s first-ever European property, Angsana Corfu. A collection of 159 guest rooms and 37 one to four-bedroom luxury villas built in the style of local architecture are perched on an idyllic hilltop overlooking the turquoise waters of the historical bay of Benitses and serve as a true Mediterranean sanctuary for travelers just minutes away from the town of Corfu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Belize
About the destination: Named one of TIME Magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places of 2021”, Belize continues to be a hidden gem of the Caribbean that remains under the radar for most travelers. With little to no crowds, visitors can have personalized experiences exploring the Belize Barrier Reef (the second largest reef in the world), scuba dive the Great Blue Hole, relax on the “Secret Beach,” visit the Mayan temples with no lines, and more. Easier to get there now than ever, United, Alaska Airlines, Westjet and Frontier have extended their routes to Belize City (BZE) this year, including non-stop flights from hubs like LA, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, New York, Toronto and Calgary (read more about post-pandemic travel to Belize here).
Where to stay: Set among the beautiful and culturally rich southern part of the island of Ambergris Caye in Belize, Alaia debuted as the first Marriott International Autograph Collection hotel in Belize. As the first project in San Pedro Town with over 1,000 linear feet of beach, the 155-unit complex features a hotel, 71 studios, two-and three-bedroom condominiums with lock off option and eight oceanfront villas with an authentic and stylish atmosphere. A modern real estate and sophisticated hospitality brand, Andrew Ashcroft (managing principal) has set his sights on his first legacy project, curating a development with the best that Belize can offer. Alaia boasts world-class amenities, including Belize’s first-ever rooftop suspended pool and lounge with spectacular ocean views, full-service spa, fitness center, kids club and dive shop. For more information about Alaia, please visit www.alaiabelize.com.
Curaçao
Located only five minutes from Curaçao’s capital, Willemstad, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort sits on six acres of oceanfront property and is perfect destination for the active traveler who enjoys diving and swimming, alongside relaxing and enjoying the island’s famous tropical weather. Located on the fringes of the hurricane belt, Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort’s prime location means tropical hurricanes are typically not a threat to vacation plans! With many different cultures and ethnicities present on the island such as European, Afro-Caribbean, Asian and Latin American, Curaçao is rich in diversity. Perfect for the budget-conscious traveler due to newly added North American flight routes from Newark and Miami, the property has recently added a Covid-19 testing facility onsite and is currently investing in new property additions such as a dive shop and a palapa.
Merida, Mexico
Voted the Cultural Capital of the Americas, the quaint city of Mérida boasts a diverse panoply of art, architecture, and food. For truly authentic accommodations, visitors should look no further than Hacienda Xcanatun by Angsana , an oasis of charm and beauty conveniently located within the walls of an XVIII century hacienda. In Q1 2022, the resort will add 36 additional suites to its current roster of 18, each totaling over 500 square feet. Guests are exposed to immersive Mayan-focused cultural experiences within the four walls of the resort, including cooking classes and access to local wildlife in Suite 319, which doubles as a veterinary hospital for iguanas, squirrels, herons and other rare bird species (including the fascinating Mayan songbird). The Sikil Pak cooking class is a favorite among guests and taught by Executive Chef Reyna Garcia. Chef Reyna teaches guests how to make traditional Mayan pepita salad, a starter staple on every table in the Yucatán.
Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Nestled between the tranquil Pacific Ocean and the Sierra de Vallejo mountains, Nuevo Vallarta is one of 23 micro-destinations in Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit. The exclusive resort community has yet to be explored by many U.S. travelers compared to its popular coastal counterparts – Cabo San Lucas, Cancún and Tulum. The three-mile shoreline is well-known among locals and voted 3 out of the top 5 destinations Mexican nationals want to visit in 2021 by Expedia. For those seeking authentic Mexican hospitality and luxurious accommodations in an under-the-radar locale, AAA Four-Diamond Resort Villa La Estancia in Nuevo Vallarta is a perfect fit. Located on the shoreline of Banderas Bay’s Flamingos Beach, travelers will awake to azure ocean views from the private patios of their 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom luxury suites outfitted in elegant Spanish Colonial and Hacienda-style furnishings. Guests will find everything they need onsite from relaxing treatments at Tatewari Spa – the #1 Spa & Wellness experience in Nuevo Vallarta – to intimate dining at top-rated onsite steakhouse La Casona. The resort is also positioned just 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta and 20 minutes from the airport offering accessible and direct flights from major US outposts (LAX, ORD, SFO and more).
Asheville, NC
Known for its quirky culture and natural beauty, Asheville, NC is an up-and-coming mountain city, ideal for travelers who want a little bit of everything out of their vacation. The city is located within the Blue Ridge Mountain region, providing travelers with an abundance of nearby outdoor activities including kayaking and fishing on the French Broad River, and day tours of the legendary Biltmore Estate. The Foundry Hotel immerses guests in local culture with one-on-one neighborhood tours with an on-site historian, chauffeured brewery visits via the hotel’s Tesla Model X house car and more. James Beard nominee John Fleer leads the hotel’s culinary program, complete with a 100-seat Appalachian-inspired soul food restaurant and second-floor lobby bar, Workshop Lounge. The Foundry recently launched a partnership with Asheville Hot Air Balloons to offer an intimate, private, outdoor experience for those who are opting to avoid crowds. Additional outdoor amenities include fire pits, rocking chairs and live music.
Cape Coral, Florida Florida’s best kept secret and hidden gem is Cape Coral, and the tranquil destination’s leading hotel, The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Caloosahatchee River and San Carlos Bay. With access to 400 miles of navigable canals and waterways rich with marine life, Westin Cape Coral offers guests secluded adventures from private fishing charters, kayaks, paddleboards and Dolphin & Sunset Cruises. The resort recently underwent a $15 million renovation of all guestrooms and suites and serves as a lavish Floridian escape for those seeking a luxurious, open-air retreat near the water. With enchanting waterfront views, new visitors to the area can choose to lounge at one of four exceptional resort pools throughout their stay (a different pool for every day or mood). While exploring this peaceful location, visitors will enjoy a great food scene as well. The resort just launched new dining menus at its two restaurants – The Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill, a relaxing, waterfront Florida eatery and Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro, with an elegant indoor dining room and outdoor patio. The new menus are inspired by the restaurants’ locales, waterfront settings and relationships with local purveyors, where the dishes incorporate ingredients sourced primarily from regional farmers and fishermen to showcase the best local bounty.
Bray on Thames, England
England is beautiful in the fall - the leaves change to a golden red color and the weather cools down - and Bray on Thames, just 40 minutes outside of London, boasts many experiences for travelers to enjoy. With a three-mile frontage on the Thames, visitors can stroll the streets of Bray taking in the stunning fall foliage by foot, charter a boat to float down the river and go on a culinary tour of the town’s many Michelin-starred restaurants. Travelers can also visit the nearby market towns of Henley and Marlow, stop at Windsor to see the world's largest inhabited royal castle, and head to London for a day of sightseeing - Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Hyde Park are less than an hour away.
Monkey Island Estate is located on a private island in Bray on the River Thames. With a history dating back 800 years, the property has been the haunt of monks, royalty, aristocrats, and a host of famous writers and performers looking for a secluded getaway away from the city. Monkey Island is surrounded by elegant gardens and seven acres of land, and is accessible only by footbridge, boat or helicopter, offering a quiet country fall escape. The hotel boasts 41 guest rooms, six luxury residences, a modern brasserie, the Monkey Room with original 17th century ceiling frescos, a whimsical Whisky Snug, and the Floating Spa on a canal boat.
Niseko Village, Japan
Resting at the foot of Mount Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Village is considered one of the best places on Hokkaido to enjoy the mild fall days. Travelers can hike, bike, golf, explore the local market streets, and even raft down the Shiribetsu River to admire the changing surroundings. In terms of accommodations, the brand-new Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is a haven for travelers with an affinity for nature, especially during the fall. The property offers hot springs, an amazing culinary scene, access to extensive trails, and deep historical roots in the local culture, all with amazing views of the colorful changing leaves.
Pangkor Laut Island, Malaysia
A non-traditional fall destination, Malaysia is perfect for travelers looking to extend their summer and enjoy hot weather during the fall in the US. With tropical climates averaging in the 80s F year-round, Pangkor Laut Island is nestled alongside the Straits of Malacca and located three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia. The paradise wonderland weaves together natural beauty as the resort is surrounded by beaches and glowing evening sunsets, giving off a vibe of serenity and relaxation. The private island has been two million years in the making, and is home to Pangkor Laut Resort, featuring 143 chic private rooms that perfectly compliment its romantic surroundings and clear turquoise waters. Guests can spend their days lounging on the private beaches, unwinding with a spa treatment, delighting in a traditional meal, and relaxing on their balcony taking in the unique sounds of macaque monkeys in the background while enjoying glorious sea views.
Edinburgh, Scotland
The charming city of Edinburgh, Scotland is the quintessential destination for those seeking a fall escape to a historic place. The city of Edinburgh has a magic about it that takes visitors a step back in time. During their trip, travelers can take a stroll through history, touring the sites and medieval streets of Old Town, the oldest part of the city, hike up to the towering cliff called Arthur’s Seat for unparalleled views, or head up the less strenuous path to the scenic Calton Hill. For accommodations, travelers should look no further than the iconic, five-star Glasshouse Hotel in the center of Scotland’s beautiful and historic capital city. The luxurious Glasshouse has a rich history, having been converted in 2003 from the 160-year-old Lady Glenorchy Church into what it is today. Leaving only the original front of the Gothic building, this 77-room boutique hotel is one of the best places to stay in Edinburgh, with its cozy-contemporary interiors and warm Scottish service. The two-acre rooftop garden is a nice escape for guests hoping to steal away for some spectacular views of the city center and Calton Hill, which is a part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
