6 Destinations For An Enchanting Vacation In 2023
From island escapes and desert immersion to an artisanal hideaway and a mythological haven, these are the six enthralling destinations to have on your radar for 2023. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Agafay Desert, Morocco
Less than an hour from Marrakech, the Agafay Desert is an ethereal expanse of rocky dunes with captivating views across to the Atlas Mountains. The best way to experience its rugged wonders is with a camping immersion – and there are wonderfully comfortable ways to do so. The newly unveiled Habitas Caravan Agafay has created a ‘nomadic home’ across five hectares, embracing traditional Bedouin influences and celebrating the spirit of communal living. Guests sleep in 20 beautiful canvas tents and eat in the open-air Olivar restaurant. There are two swimming pools, a horse and camel stable, an outdoor cinema, and plenty of places to gather with fellow guests. Activities include horseback riding and camel trekking, live music, yoga, and moon and star gazing. The proximity to Marrakech also makes for a perfect two-stop trip to enjoy the vibrancy of the city and then a make a remote getaway. The Hivernage district is the destination for the new Nobu Hotel Marrakech, close to the souks of the ancient city center, where a state-of-the-art spa and indoor and outdoor swimming pools are well worth a visit.
Menorca, Spain
Now rivalling its famous Balearic neighbors of Ibiza and Mallorca for high-profile new openings, Menorca retains its quieter, low-key charm, while capturing increased attention and acclaim. And no wonder, given the isle’s glistening, turquoise waters and wild landscape is matched in magnetism by its cultural offerings. We love Nonna Bazaar, a conceptual dining and lifestyle experience set on a 400-hectare, century-old finca. Launched by the owners of Zannier Hotels, its farm-to-table Mediterranean menu in a laid-back outdoor setting sits perfectly alongside an eclectic arts and music program, artisanal farm shop, plus intimate chapel for hosting private events. The island was also chosen by Hauser & Wirth as a destination to blend art, education, nature and conservation, in a lovingly restored 18th-century naval hospital.
Sumba, Indonesia
For an immersive escape into island life, idyllic Sumba in eastern Indonesia is an utterly entrancing spot to soak up culture, craft and some of the most spectacular beaches in the southern hemisphere. The island is already home to a few standout retreats, including the remote and renowned Nihi Sumba, famed for its surfing, yoga sessions and sunset horseback riding through the crashing Indian Ocean. Now, Sumba is set to welcome a particularly notable opening in December, too: Cap Karoso, a passion project from French adventurers Fabrice and Evguenia Ivara. This immaculate design-led hotel celebrates the region’s rich heritage, traditional and contemporary Sumbanese art, farm-to-table dining, and the spectacle of its unspoiled surroundings – from wild waterfalls and tropical jungle, to sweeping plains and exhilarating ocean.
Muscat, Oman
Few destinations are as dazzling as Oman, where the magic lies in the divine meeting of sea and mountains, culture and wellness. In this marvelous spot on the Arabian Peninsula, there is rich history to discover, phenomenal scenery to explore and endless relaxation opportunities to revel in. The recently opened Jumeirah Muscat Bay – the brand’s first outpost in Oman – sits between the Hajar mountains and Gulf of Oman, in a serene and isolated cove that offers unrivalled vistas. Highlighting the beauty of its locale, the interiors are a mix of traditional Omani craftsmanship and contemporary design. Think several fine-dining restaurants and its signature Talise Spa, which occupies two storeys and includes a Hammam and dramatic pools overlooking the Gulf.
Puglia, Italy
Puglia has truly taken its place as one of Italy’s most revered vacation destinations, steadily growing a portfolio of chic hotels and culinary thrills. Plus, the distinctive Baroque architecture found in the intricate labyrinth of towns make the heel a particularly picturesque region to road trip around. An enthralling new addition is the Baglioni Masseria Muzza, close to Otranto, surrounded by a wealth of olive groves and overlooking the Adriatic. A blissful base from which to explore, the masseria is restored from a magnificent 17th-century building, paying homage to traditional Puglian style with elegant, whitewashed limestone architecture and exposed masonry, surrounded by verdant gardens.
Athens, Greece
While hopping around the Greek islands is a perennial favorite, it’s the mainland that is garnering particular attention for 2023. The ancient town of Eleusis – half an hour from Athens – is one of the European capitals for culture in the coming year. A ‘sacred city’ of Ancient Greece, it is, unsurprisingly, the fabled history and well-preserved archaeological sites that make this small town well worth a day trip from the nearby capital. Also in the region is One&Only, which is launching its first property in Greece, and second in Europe, on the cinematic Athenian riviera. One&Only Aesthesis is set to be an elegant addition to the Glyfada marina, offering privileged access to the many nearby delights – including the mythological marvels of Athens, the gleaming coves of the Aegean and the natural thermal springs of Lake Vouliagmeni – as well as a Chenot Spa back at base for indulgent Grecian treatments.