THE JOURNAL
La Lancha’s open-air restaurant. Photograph courtesy of La Lancha
From an Argentinian city to the coast of Fiji – where you should be going this year.
Ah, January. The cold, hard price we pay for the excesses of December. A month of parties, gift buying and family gatherings has stretched our livers, waistlines and credit cards to their respective limits. It’s freezing, it’s dark and we’re suffering. But January also has one golden Get Out Of Jail Free card to raise it – and us – from the doldrums. A new year also means new holiday allowance. So grab that pristine diary and start pencilling in some dates. Interesting and unspoiled, here are five destinations travel insiders recommend for 2018.
THE ANDAMAN ISLANDS
The Andaman Islands. Photograph courtesy of Taj Exotica Resort and Spa
So you’ve never heard of the Andamans? You will. For the record, they’re Indian, there are roughly 300 of them floating in the Bay of Bengal and they’re home to some of the most spectacular beaches – and sunsets – on the planet. Better still, the destination’s first luxury resort, Taj Exotica, opened on Havelock Island in December. Think state-of-the-art villas, fine dining and a world class spa. There are direct weekly flights from Calcutta or – to start as you mean to go on and eviscerate stress – Ampersand Travel will book you a 10-night itinerary with all you need.
Where to stay: Taj Exotica Resort and Spa andamans.gov.in
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Puente de la Mujer, Buenos Aires. Photograph by Ms Stacie Flinner, courtesy of Alvear Palace
The message from the Paris of South America is clear: don’t cry for me any more, Argentina. Buenos Aires is home to some dazzling new hotels, including the long-awaited Alvear Icon, stylish younger sibling to the iconic Alvear Palace. Meanwhile, the city’s restaurant scene also welcomed some stellar newcomers during its tenure as Ibero-American Capital of Gastronomy 2017, including Casa Cavia and Fayer. Norwegian is starting direct flights from London Gatwick to Buenos Aires on 14 February, meaning South America’s most glamorous city just became an affordable long weekend option for Valentine’s Day and beyond.
Where to stay: Alvear Icon ** argentina.travel **
GUATEMALA
Lake Petén Itzá and Flores Tour. Photograph courtesy of La Lancha
This Central American country is finally about to enjoy its moment in the sun. You’ll still find plenty of ancient ruins and vibrant Mayan history, but thanks to a tech boom, pockets of Guatemala City now have a fresher, modern feel (check out design-focused restaurant La Esquina for example). Ditto the pretty colonial city of Antigua, where hip hotel and co-working brand Selina opened last summer. Craving more of an adrenaline hit? A new network of mountain biking trails on the outskirts of Antigua will see you swooping through pristine cloud forest, while those craving complete immersion in nature should look no further than Mr Francis Ford Coppola’s extraordinary lakeside hotel La Lancha, near Tikal.
Where to stay: La Lancha visitguatemala.com
NASHVILLE, USA
Main Street in Nashville. Photograph courtesy of Flash Pack
This May, British Airways is launching direct flights from London Heathrow to Nashville. A mecca for music fans, “Nashvegas” is also a major hub for foodies and art-lovers. (Not to mention that in Acme Feed & Seed it boasts one of the finest rooftop bars in America). Positioned plum in the middle of the Deep South, Nashville is a superb starting point for road trips, with tour operators like Flash Pack launching lively 2018 itineraries starting in Music City and heading onto nearby destinations such as New Orleans and Austin.
Where to stay: 21c Nashville visitmusiccity.com
FIJI
Beachfront Pool Villa at Six Senses Fiji. Photograph courtesy of Six Senses
The big news for Fiji is that a brand new Six Senses resort is scheduled to open on Malolo Island in the spring. The game-changing eco-luxe hotel is spread over 10 acres and will be 100 per cent solar powered - the first micro-grid in the world to use Tesla batteries. It will be a great base from which to explore Fiji’s 332 islands and atolls and it’ll also boast world class scuba diving and snorkelling facilities from a magnificent private bay. Plus, for surfing fans, it’s only a 15-minute boat ride from the most famous wave of them all, Cloudbreak. No wonder Fiji was recently granted International Day of Happiness member state status. If you’re looking for genuine escape this year, this is the ace to keep tucked into the pocket of your board shorts.
**Where to stay: Six Senses Fiji ** ** fiji.travel **
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