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10 Destinations To Visit in 2019

By: Arushi Mehra

From admiring the cascading waterfalls in Laos to checking into a retreat in the Negev to treating ourselves to sun-soaked weekend getaways—here are 10 destinations that Skylark editors are looking forward to visiting in 2019. 

LOS CABOS, MEXICO

Just a 90-minute flight from LAX and you'll be in the sunny southernmost tip of Baja California. Cabo's got beaches for days, gorgeous resorts, humpbacks and grey whales playing offshore and 350 days of warm Mexican sunshine.

Where To Stay: Glossy design magazine-worthy architecture, a serenely cool vibe and seriously comfy rooms—Viceroy Los Cabos is where we're headed. Enjoy a smokey Mezcal at Nidito—the resort's poolside bar under the beautiful latticed roof.

ST BARTHS

After extensive reconstruction following Hurrican Irma, our favorite tiny French commune is once again welcoming those looking for some sophisticated sunshine. Slip into your fashionable finest and sip rosé by the ocean, enjoy Latin-French flavors at the famous Bonito St Barth or simply indulge in an afternoon nap on one of the island's 16 beaches.

Where To Stay: Following an elegant style transformation by French designer Jacques Grange—the newly-re-opened Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France is the place to be this year. Look forward to a lush, serene atmosphere with Caribbean views, manicured jungles, white sands and airy accommodations—all paired with the resort's highly-personalized service.

LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

The aroma of frangipani in the air, saffron-clad monks roaming the alleys, striking French colonial architecture and cascading waterfalls—just some of the things that have deemed Luang Prabang a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Wat Xieng Thong, the city’s best-known Buddhist monastery, check-out the night-markets lining Th Sisavangvong and dig into authentic Laotian flavors at Dyen Sabai Restaurant.

Where To Stay: Check-into Rosewood Luang Prabang, a tranquil hideaway tucked away in the lush rainforest, featuring a sleek fusion of traditional Laos splendor and elegant French design.

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Marrakech will always be one of our favorites. An eclectic mix of Arab, Berber and European culture, this marvel is home to majestic gardens, bustling souks filled with intricate ceramics and textiles, traditional Moroccan riads and delicious tagines. We highly recommend spending the afternoon at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum—don't miss the Jardin Majorelle and Berber Museum next door.

Where To Stay: Located in the heart of Marrakech, Royal Mansour is a Moroccan fairytale—1,500 artisans handcrafted the colorful mosaics, incredibly detailed engravings and handwoven crafts that adorn the royal space. Make sure you visit the spa—its ethereal beauty is as transcendent as the treatments.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS

With Delta now offering daily non-stop flights from JFK to Nassau, reaching the Bahamas has never been easier. Once you're there, a plethora of activities is at your fingertips: snorkeling, hiking in the Lucayan National Park, swimming with dolphins, tasting pirate rum at John Watling's Distillery, or simply strolling along the sparkling beaches.

Where To Stay: Nassau's hottest address—SLS Baha Mar is a chic beachfront playground with vibrant interiors, a swanky rooftop bar and a Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole golf course. Get your tan on at one of the palm-lined pools before dining at the property's Japanese hotspot—an edgy, sultry space with the finest sushi in Nassau.

PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS & CAICOS

Powder white beaches, water that's a hundred shades of blue, the best snorkeling in the Caribbean and exceedingly pleasant weather—a long weekend in Turks and Caicos is just what your windswept self needs. Swap the socks for a sunhat and saunter down to the feathery sand, revel in a sun-kissed glow and order up a feast of sea-to-table cuisine for dinner.

Where To Stay: Check-into COMO Parrot Cay—a celebrity-frequented, private island resort with top-notch service, airy villas and a Shambhala spa that offers holistic treatments that channel Indonesian and Balinese wellbeing secrets.

HONG KONG

Hong Kong is a ball of idiosyncratic magic: dimsum for days, designer retail-therapy, eccentric nightlife, Michelin-starred dining in the subway, soaring skyscrapers juxtaposed with Victoria Peak.

Where To Stay: Debuting in early 2019, Rosewood Hong Kong is high on our must-visit list. Right on the Victoria Harbor waterfront, the 43-floor hotel will feature modern interiors, a spa and fitness center as well as the first urban-setting for Asana—Rosewood's holistic wellness program.

PUEBLA, MEXICO

When you visit the charming colonial city, be prepared to feast—try the crispy Chalupas with shredded pork, green chilies stuffed with ground beef and mole poblano, a spicy sauce made of peppers, fruits and chocolate are not to be missed. After your culinary expedition, stop by Biblioteca Palafoxiana, Mexico's first public library, before visiting the Great Pyramid of Cholula, the largest archaeological site known to date.

Where To Stay: Located steps away from the city's main square is Rosewood Puebla—the spectacular 5-star property that has put Puebla on the map as Mexico's coolest new destination.

WARSAW, POLAND

Poland turns 100 this year—but its sprawling capital is still one of Europe's best-kept secrets: cobblestone streets edged with chic cafes, museums, public gardens and modern skyscrapers juxtaposed with Gothic churches. Stroll through the Old Town on your way to the Royal Castle, view contemporary Polish art at The National Museum and embrace your curiosity at Warsaw's tallest building, The Palace of Culture and Science.

Where To Stay: A newly-opened, unbelievably beautiful hotspot on Warsaw's Royal Route—Raffles Europejski Warsaw makes a splash with its modern Polish artistry, spacious rooms and a spa guaranteed to make you feel like a royal.

NEGEV, ISRAEL

While most visitors to Israel head to the Holy City or Tel Aviv—far too few spend more than an afternoon in the spectacular, rugged landscape that spreads over more than half of the country—the Negev Desert. Boasting 365 days of sunshine, this rocky landscape houses several geological wonders—box canyons, deep craters and ancient wadis carved into the valleys. For a day of adventure, explore En Avdat National Park and find the canyon where spring water flows year-round into a series of waterfalls.

Where To Stay: Look out for the highly anticipated Six Senses Shahrut opening late summer 2019. Perched on a dramatic cliff in the Arava Valley, the 46-acre property will feature modern villas with panoramic sunset views and out of this world star-gazing opportunities.