The new year brings a renewed sense of adventure, with fresh hotels to check into and wish-list-topping destinations to discover. Our latest additions will have you looking (and bookmarking) ahead to game drives across Tanzania’s wild plains, sailing down the Nile, and getting under the skin of New York, Porto, Bangkok, and more.
1. Siringit Serengeti Camp, Tanzania
Journeying to this luxury campsite in the heart of the Serengeti is part of the adventure, with a chance to spot roaming wildlife as you wing your way across the Seronera Airstrip or approach from Naabi Hill Gate (by the Ngorongoro conservation area). The stylish tents at Siringit Serengeti Camp are kitted out with African textiles, game-viewing verandas, and ensuite bathrooms with all the creature comforts you’ll need after exploring the national park. Break for a picnic beneath the shade of an acacia tree on the vast plains, or head back to camp for fine dining under the stars.
2. Siringit Migration Camp, Tanzania
With its on-the-move tents following the herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle from northern to southern Serengeti, Siringit Migration Camp returns intrepid travellers to the roots of safari. The stretched canvas panels have been cut, handstitched and custom-made using locally sourced and recycled materials, designed to blur the boundaries between indoors and the great outdoors. The Bedouin-style sleeping quarters are set on raised platforms for panoramic views across plains, while daily game drives and walking safaris will take you even closer to nature.
3. Siringit Villa, Tanzania
With far-reaching views towards Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru, Siringit Villa is an exclusive retreat in northern Tanzania within convenient distance of bustling Arusha. Impala and gazelle graze nearby this six-bedroom stay, with breezy balconies for nature watching and a parasol-dotted pool for lounging by. When the wilderness inevitably calls, climb into a vintage Land Rover and prepare to meet the locals: elephant, zebra, lions, leopard, giraffe, gazelle, and hundreds of bird species thriving amid splendid scenery.
4. Aqua the Dahabeya, Egypt
Step aboard Aqua the Dahabeya and seek out your cabin, one of just a handful on this exclusive vessel which glides between Luxor and Aswan. Egyptian cotton linens (what else?) and a refreshing breeze rippling across the Nile keep the temperatures balmy as you take in the river views and history-steeped surroundings from one of the three decks (including a terrace, solarium and plunge pool). With a completely tailorable itinerary, the crew are on hand to organise land-based activities too — from discovering ancient temples and tombs to dining by candlelight along the banks of the Nile.
5. Taru Villas Villu, Sri Lanka
Lying on the fringes of one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated, and extensive national parks, Taru Villas Villu promises up-close safari encounters and wild-side ways to relax. Thatched villas are discreetly dotted across 11 acres, with plunge pools, private decks, and jungle surround-sound bringing nature to your doorstep. Cosseted as you are within the hotel, exploration is an essential part of the experience here. Take to the water on a tranquil boat ride where the lake meets the sea at Gange Wadiya, and venture into the Wilpattu National Park on a guided bush walk or epic jeep safari for a chance to glimpse leopards, elephants, sloth bears, whales and dolphins.
6. Hotel on Rivington, USA
There’s a ‘top of the world’ feeling about stays at Hotel on Rivington, with its cloud-level bedrooms putting the Lower East Side on full, dazzling display. Look out across legendary landmarks through glass curtain walls and from soaring terraces, towards Midtown in one direction and Brooklyn Bridge in the other. The high life even extends to the bathrooms, with Manhattan-fronting showers at the skyline’s edge. The hotel’s Japanese fusion restaurant embraces the art of izakaya, as a place to stop, sip and settle in for the night.
7. Wine & Books Porto Hotel, Portugal
Just a few doors down from Livraria Lello, a literary-inspired stay at Wine & Books Porto Hotel puts you in prime position to stock up on holiday reading materials from the city’s most beautiful bookshop. Each room is designed with absolute tranquillity in mind, balancing warm neutral tones with metallic accents and soft textiles. After hitting Porto’s hilly streets, curl up with a page-turner on the rooftop terrace and watch the sunset with a glass of Portuguese sparkling wine.
8. Oriental Residence Bangkok, Thailand
Set within one of Bangkok’s most buzzing districts, Oriental Residence Bangkok houses serviced apartment-style suites which combine classic style with contemporary comfort. Striking Bangkok vistas unfold from each of the one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, and there’s a cabana-flanked pool up on the fourth floor for skyscraper level swims. When Bangkok beckons, you’re a short stroll from Lumphini Park, Sukhumvit Road, and the overground Skytrain for zipping over to street food stalls, night markets, and must-visit temples from the comfort of air-conditioned carriages.
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