Holiday inspiration and must-visit destinations

By Beverley Uddin Khandakar

Costa Smerelda

Holiday inspiration and must-visit destinations

Costa Smerelda

If there’s one New Year’s resolution we never hope to break, it’s the one to travel more. Here’s a selection of Glossy Magazine’s must-visit destinations. 

Alpine adventures in Andermatt

With some of the best hiking and biking trails in the world, the Swiss Alps make for a spectacular summer holiday. Natural beauty is everywhere, with colourful wildflower meadows, picturesque peaks and some of the highest quality air in the world all within easy reach from The Chedi Andermatt.

Alpine adventures in Andermatt
The Chedi Andermatt

Sitting 1,447 metres, admire the dramatic beauty of the sunny Swiss Alps from the comfort of the Asian-meets-Alpine resort, The Chedi Andermatt. To wind down after a day of hiking in the scenic surroundings, visit The Chedi Andematt’s spa, a world of calm – and perfect for swimmers, given the 35-metre indoor pool. At the spa, choose from a variety of Asian-inspired treatments, all curated to achieve a balance of energy, body and mind. 

Whilst the Alps are often known for their distinct cheese-heavy cuisine, at The Chedi Andermatt, the top choice is The Japanese, a Michelin-starred restaurant that brings the highest level of authentic Japanese cuisine to Andermatt. Dinner pairs perfectly with a taste of sake – and The Chedi Andermatt has the most extensive sake menu in all of Switzerland. 

Canal cruising and romance in Venice 

Venice is known for its romantic, artistic and quirky personality, all of which makes it one of the most ideal destinations for a romantic getaway this year. Take a gondola ride for a slow drift along the Grand Canal and weave through the narrow waterways of the city, taking in the sights and sounds before reaching St Mark’s Square for sunset.

hotel palazzina venice by philippe starck
hotel palazzina venice by philippe starck room

For those looking to explore Venice’s artistic history, Palazzina Grassi is the place to stay. Located in the San Marco district, this is a sultry hotel, designed entirely by Philippe Starck and sat just behind a 16th-century facade by the Grand Canal. The hotel is full of unexpected delights, including a champagne bar and contemporary suites with terraces. Then, at midnight, the masks come off as world-class DJs take over at Palazzina’s glamorous The Club – an exclusive concept-space accessible by invitation only to VIP guests.

For slow travellers – Brussels

Just two hours from London by train, Brussels makes for the perfect weekender trip if you’re trying to travel in the ‘slow lane’ and avoid airports this year. 

Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo facade

In the heart of the city lies Hotel Amigo, a Rocco Forte Hotel, seamlessly blending art, culture, heritage and creativity. The hotel, located moments from the giant Tintin mural on Rue de L’Etuve, is the perfect hub for those visiting Brussels looking to get lost in its world-class contemporary art, historic and cultural sights. 

Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo dining

Treat yourself to some delicious Belgian waffles at Maison Dandoy, see the infamous 17th-century Manneken Pis in the city centre – a statue that has been repeatedly stolen and damaged throughout its history – and after a day of exploring, relax in the signature Tintin Suite that features artworks, books and prints hand-picked by the Hergé Foundation – including a drawing signed by Steven Spielberg when he stayed at Hotel Amigo during the Tintin film launch.

For a dose of sport in the sunshine – Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Sardinia is often overlooked for its neighbouring island, Sicily, but this year, the northeast corner of the island, Costa Smeralda, will be buzzing with new restaurants, pop-up fashion boutiques and as always, a roster of exciting sporting events. 

Costa Smerelda

Already considered a ‘foodie’ destination, Costa Smeralda is home to countless global restaurants, such as Novikov and Nikki Beach Club, and in 2022, international contemporary Japanese restaurant Zuma also landed in Porto Cervo. Zuma returns for another season this summer, bringing its signature izakaya dining experience to Costa Smeralda. 

Zuma Porto Cervo

With endless dining opportunities abound, you may wish to work off your lunch with a few rounds at the Pevero Golf Club under the Sardinian sun or dabble in some light-hearted rallies of tennis and padel at Club Cervo, all set against the verdant backdrop of North-east Sardinia. 

For riviera elegance – the French Riviera 

The Côte d’Azur is known for glitz and glamour, and the iconic Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel, embodies this spirit, tucked away in the pines of the Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula. 

Four Seasons Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat

The hotel is now more family-friendly than ever, with a new five-bedroom villa opening in 2023. Ideal for big groups and trips with grandparents and grandchildren, Villa Beauchamp has its own 16-metre pool and entertainment centre, with a home cinema, sauna, hammam and fitness centre.

Four Seasons Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat Pool

Jump on a golf buggy up to the hotel for Michelin-star dining with sweeping views over the sparkling coastline before heading out into Nice.

For a 60s-style escape – Positano

Italy is, and always will be, a top pick for a summer holiday, but no other era was quite as glamorous as the 60s and 70s. If you’re seeking a hit of nostalgia this year, rather than a sleek new hotel, head for Villa Treville, a cliffside estate that spans 12 floors and overlooks Positano. 

Hotel Villa Treville Positano pool

More family home than hotel, Villa Treville is a celebration of 60s and 70s Amalfi life. Formerly the private home of Italian film and opera director Franco Zefirelli, the villas that make up Treville retain all of their historic charm, filled with oddities and eccentric items, which tell a theatrical and colourful story of Positano’s history. 

Hotel Villa Treville Positano dining

Directly overlooking the azure waters of Amalfi and the cliffside town of Positano, this charming, dramatic cliffside property has such a warm, homely feel, with old-world glamour to be found in every corner in secret tunnels, private plunge pools and terraced hideaways with steps that lead down to a private seaside sundeck and jetty. 

For culture vultures – Porto’s Cultural District

Porto gets its namesake from the liquor that we so often associate with Christmas, but there is much more to discover, with museums and restaurants aplenty. 

Porto’s Cultural District
Porto’s Cultural District

Nowhere embodies this more than Porto’s Cultural District, where you can get your fill of culture thanks to the district’s 12 restaurants and cafés and seven museums, all dedicated to Portuguese and local culture. Start with a visit to Planet Cork and learn why cork was used in rockets going to space before sitting down and enjoying a rich ‘Francesinha’, a local delicacy in Porto. Pop into the Wine School to top up your wine knowledge (and your glass) before heading to the Pink Palace and take picture-perfect snaps in a pink Cadillac whilst sipping on five different types of rosé.

For a wellness reset – Hoi An, Vietnam

For a well-deserved break and escape from modern life, head east to Vietnam – known for its ancient and holistic approach to wellness.

Four Seasons Resort Hoi An The Nam Hai Beach
Four Seasons Resort Hoi An The Nam Hai Room

Four Seasons Resort Hoi An (The Nam Hai) is home to an award-winning spa, with tailored programmes to tired travellers, ensuring that people return to work refreshed and rejuvenated. Don’t miss out on the new ‘Five Elements Bodywork’, designed to balance the body and improve circulation as well as mental and physical wellbeing. Crystal singing bowls as well as stretching and palm effleurage are followed by healing from within with fresh food from the resort’s garden, which tastes as good as it looks. 

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