WHERE TO GO IN 2023

What better way to jump start the new year than to let nature be your playground at One&Only’s remarkable and soul-nourishing properties in Rwanda? Whether hiking alongside endangered mountain gorillas in the pristine eucalyptus forests that surround One&Only Gorilla’s Nest—a breathtakingly gorgeous 14-room, 7-suite retreat in the foothills of Volcanoes National Park—trekking to see chimpanzees or simply taking a moment to bask in the deeply beautiful dream that is One&Only Nyungwe House—an exclusive 22-room retreat within a high altitude working tea plantation—One&Only provides direct access to the world’s most extraordinary destinations with no expense or luxury spared.

February is the perfect time to visit the Maldives—it falls right in the middle of the dry season and … can you think of a more romantic Valentine's getaway? If you’re the type of person who craves pampering spa treatments but also seeks exhilarating adventures across sand, surf, and sky, then you’ll want to stay at the Maldives’ OG: One&Only Reethi Rah. Uber-private rooms coupled with public areas lively enough to keep you entertained, the luxe resort is gorgeous and a perfect balance. Also romantic, but also decidedly family-friendly, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has 77 villas, pristine white beaches, lagoons as clear as glass, a spa set directly atop the Indian Ocean, and activities to keep any age engaged: scavenger hunts, a 66-foot yacht Norma, cooking classes, and Socialite Club—a place outfitted with air hockey, table tennis and PS4 video games for the teenage crowd to hide out.

Mexico's sun-soaked Riviera Maya stretches down the Yucatán Peninsula’s coastline—as you drive south from Cancún, the bustle of the big resort strip gives way to miles of quiet sandy beaches, Mayan ruins, boutique hotels, boho chic vibes when you end up in Tulum, and from August to as late as November, sea turtles. So why go in March? This is when the high winter season prices drop, demand thins, and the threat of rain virtually vanishes. It’s an easy win-win.

Where to stay? Hotel Esencia. Full Stop. If Milton is still looking for Paradise, let him know we found it. Originally built as the private hideaway home of an Italian duchess, Esencia is a 50-acre estate tucked into a natural bend on the beach which gives a level of intimate privacy that is very, very rare in this neck of the woods. What else makes this secret getaway so special? Other than the location (sea turtles are in on it too, by the way—they return to this particular stretch of sand to nest year after year), the spa overlooking the estate’s very own cenote is doing absolutely everything right underneath its traditional palapa thatched roof, the 45 suites and 3 villas are straight out of the pages of Architectural Digest, and the resort’s daily roster of things to do will keep you entertained from sunrise yoga to noshing at the 3 restaurants to batting around a tennis ball on the resort’s U.S. Open standard court.

For a resort with an all-the-bells-and-whistles feeling, the newly-opened Waldorf Astoria Cancun is a beachfront oasis on 100 acres of secluded coastline just 15 minutes from the airport—magically without feeling like it’s downtown Cancún. Last but certainly not least is Chablé Maroma, one of our favorite hotels in Riviera Maya. This beachfront boutique prioritizes leisurely wellness and is just off the aptly-named Unnamed Road in Quintana Roo, a half an hour north of Playa del Carmen. You'll find us at the spa. 

Washington D.C.’s cherry blossoms typically reach peak bloom in early April, making it the best time of the year to plan a trip—just solidify those plans in advance, because you won’t be the only one. On the D.C. harbor with Washington’s best waterfront views and a central location, Pendry Washington DC welcomes you to the capital’s hottest new neighborhood. The hotel has a fashionably European feel and a residential-inspired aesthetic, making for an inevitably pleasant stay. If you’re a foodie and looking for something with more of a charming feel outside of the buzz, stay at The Inn at Little Washington. This inn is nestled in a classic American Colonial village and just roughly an hour away from the international airports in D.C. Fun Fact: The Inn at Little Washington is the first and only three-star Michelin restaurant in D.C.

Australia in May is our favorite. Nearing the end of their autumn, temperatures are cooler and crowds are limited. Luckily, Sydney stays reasonably warm thanks to being coastal and Tasmania is far drier and sunnier than the dreary west coast, especially during May. There is no view more iconic than the Sydney Opera House and luckily, Park Hyatt Sydney has the perfect view. The views at this five star hotel speak for themselves, and you won’t want to miss the Australian art pieces that are on display in all 155 guest rooms and suites. If you’re looking for something a little less urban or a place to stay after visiting Sydney, you’ll want to check-in to Saffire Freycinet which is a striking eco-chic lodge that sits on the east coast of Tasmania. Every single one of the 20 individual suites are carefully positioned to give amazing views of Great Oyster Bay and The Hazards. The food and wine is produced right on Saffire’s doorstep and the range of excursions are endless and satisfy every mood and moment. This hotel is extraordinary in every way. 

As the lakeside flowers are in full-bloom, June makes for an ideal month to visit Lake Como. If you're looking to be pampered, book your stay at Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Grand, indeed. Each one of the 90 rooms at this Como classic has stunning views and yes, your room really does have a green marble bath overlooking the water. Grand Hotel Tremezzo feels like a Belle Époque-period movie set, too delicious to be believed. Believe it. Yes, that private beach lined with daybeds—the only private beach on Lake Como—is yours for the frolicking. The masterminds behind the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo, hoteliers Paolo, Antonella, and Valentina De Santis, recently opened their sister property, Passalacqua, which is a stunning 24-room lakeside hotel that will make all your Lake Como fantasies come to life. Although Passalacqua is a third the size, it is equally as luxurious and you can't go wrong with either of these lakeside hotels.

If you love hot, perfect, sunny days then you need to visit Santorini in July. Not only is it the perfect weather, but it is the height of the season for gorgeous beaches. If you’re the type of traveler who appreciates a hotel that puts an emphasis on health and wellness, stay at Noūs Santorini, where you can enjoy yoga, private pools, jacuzzis, gardens and a meditative fire pit. For couples looking for a romantic getaway, check-into Canaves Oia Hotel and enjoy the most picture-perfect Greek retreat. Canaves translates to “cave houses,” but the suites are anything but cave-like. Domed ceilings, wooden accents and a minimalist aesthetic create an intimate, contemporary feel. Anyone looking for the famed Santorini sunset should check out this blissful, bright-white boutique. 

California is the perfect place to relax and wrap up your summer. The views at Big Sur are as breathtaking as they are romantic. Speaking of romance, check out the Post Ranch Inn if you’re looking for unparalleled natural beauty, but make sure to leave the kids at home as this hotel does not allow any guests under 18 years of age. On the contrary, Carmel Valley Ranch is a 500-acre oasis focused on fun where people rekindle romances and reunite with friends. Here, you will never run out of activities or time to escape and relax.

Just because summer is technically over, doesn’t mean that vacations have to be! Now that the kids are back in school and the summer crowds are dwindling, it’s the ideal time to plan a vacation. We suggest checking out the American West. Amangiri in Canyon Point, Utah, is one of our all-time favorite hotels! If you’re looking to experience the beauty of the American Southwest while also experiencing high-end luxury, then it’s a no-brainer. While Sundance Mountain Resort is often ranked as the top ski resort in the country, it’s also home to every other covetable vacation exploit: from art studios to fly fishing and horseback riding, to name a few. These activities, along with the three legendary restaurants and Utah’s longest zipline, make this 5,000 acre retreat the perfect September getaway. Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley offers similar activities such as mountain biking, fly fishing, and horseback riding, not to mention the in-house restaurant and spa, offering one of the most pleasant dining experiences as well as the absolute best in treatments and amenities for the ultimate relaxation. 

Ah, New York City in October! This is when the fall foliage is at its peak and there are endless things to do, concerts to attend, and other food, art, and fashion events happening throughout the city. New York City is one of the most vibrant places in the world with an array of museums, top-notch restaurants, and beautiful sights. However, if you’re not new to the city and would prefer staying in a low-key neighborhood away from all the tourist attractions, we recommend you visit The Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. If you would rather be closer to the action, the brand new Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad sits at the center of the city—short walks to Central Park, Times Square, and just east of the Highline. Take the liberty of tasting some of José Andrés’s famous food and then check out the Morgan Library. If you’re looking for an iconic landmark that offers some of the best service, stunning views, and exquisite meals, book a stay at The Towers at Lotte New York Palace, and for those looking for a hotel designed around fitness, nutrition and regeneration, book a room at the Equinox Hotel and enjoy being steps Hudson Yards and the surrounding 100+ shops and restaurants.

November marks the end of the rain season in Thailand, making it the best time to visit, not that you need an excuse… If you’re looking for an ultra-luxe, villa-only retreat on a jungly overlook of Phang Nga Bay, you’ll want to check out Six Senses Yao Noi. This property will make you feel like you found paradise, but don’t sleep on the activities! Snorkeling with a divemaster, learning muay thai, and yachting through the Andaman archipelago with your own private chef are some of the amazing things to do at this resort, just to name a few. Amanpuri is Aman Resorts’ first destination, but the peaceful, serene, and luxurious beach resort still feels brand new—be sure to visit the Holistic Wellness Centre and get the toxin-expelling Royal Thai massage.

Head to St. Barths if you’re looking to be utterly spoiled by some of the world’s finest amenities, tailored to however you like to have fun in the sun! Regardless of whether that means chartering a yacht, getting a massage, shopping at designer boutique stores, or celebrating at Nikki Beach. Check-into Hotel Le Toiny if you’re looking for some r&r, but also the option for sports and activities and trust us, you won’t be disappointed by the incredible food or the uninterrupted views. Similarly, if you’re looking to get away from the party scene, book a room at the seamlessly elegant Cheval Blanc St. Barth Isle de France and enjoy the prized white sands of Flamand Beach, delicious restaurants, and close proximity to Gustavia. 

Enjoy fresh powder, cozy fireplaces, and steaming hot chocolate out in the American west. Traveling with the family? Everyone will love Montage Deer Valley - a 220 room mountainside resort that offers white glove service and a week’s worth of convenient evening options aprés-ski. If you’re looking for something sophisticated in the quieter Colorado high country, but still family-friendly, you’ll want to stay at Viceroy Snowmass, where you’ll find incredible mountain views and easy access to Snowmass’s 91 trails. Prefer your scene a little more global chic? Stay at The Little Nell and be sure to enjoy dinner at Element 47, one of Aspen’s hottest tables. Lucky for you, all three of these properties are ski-in/ski-out and you simply can’t go wrong.