By Imogen Cox, Digital Marketing Executive
As a team, we spend most of our days perusing hotels & hideaways around the world, planning our clients’ trips, and reviewing unique places to stay. However, we’ve all got somewhere that’s top of our own bucket list. I asked around the office to find out what everyone’s dream destination would be. All are different, all are bucket-list-worthy!
The Directors
Nikki
Director of Research & Content
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
Bawah Reserve is a remote archipelago of pristine coral islands cast adrift in the South China Sea. Saved from destruction by illegal dynamite fishing, this private atoll is now a marine reserve and ultra-exclusive eco-retreat.
“I love the sense of remoteness of these tiny Indonesian islands and the stunning mix of pristine beaches and virgin jungle”
Michael
Director of Hotel Partnerships
Tierra Atacama, Chile
Tierra Atacama is a revitalising oasis where cool design and attentive service meet against a spectacular desert backdrop. Think startlingly blue sky, terracotta mountains, lush green vegetation, rocky paths and a babbling river.
“I’ve always been struck by these spectacular high desert landscapes, I can’t imagine a more otherworldly place to escape day-to-day life.”
Aidan
Director of Operations
Lyngen Experience, Norway
Lyngen Experience is among the world’s most northerly hotels. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to sleep beneath aurora-lit skies, get up close to whales, dog sled across snowy tundra, and ascend the great peaks of the Lyngen Alps.
“I just love where it is on the map.”
The Hotel Specialists
Kate
Head of Reservations
Batu Batu, Malaysia
Hugging a stretch of pristine coastline, between thriving coral reefs and swaying coconut palms, Batu Batu is the only resort on an otherwise uninhabited tropical island. This is barefoot luxury in a completely unspoilt setting – ideal for relaxed romance, diving and family stays.
“The perfect desert island getaway to visit as a family. Remote but surrounded by nature, and with plenty of activities but also a spa. What’s not to love?”
Marta
Bookings Consultant
Madikwe Safari Lodge, South Africa
Bordering Botswana, and within easy reach of Jo’burg, Madikwe is one of South Africa’s largest game reserves. It houses a stylish trio of lodges, which work for families and couples, and offers some of the best malaria-free safaris in the country – we’re talking Big Five and hundreds of bird species.
“Where else can you experience such a luxurious all-inclusive stay, your own plunge pool as well seeing the Big Five all in one trip? Plus it’s situated in a malaria-free zone. Win-win!”
Ben
Bookings Consultant
Rayavadee, Thailand
In Thailand’s far south, on a slim stretch of Krabi coastline crowded with coconut palms, lies the exotic Rayavadee. This piece of paradise has Thai-style villas and four restaurants lying among tropical jungle, three beaches and the shimmering Andaman Sea.
“I distinctly remember spotting this hotel many moons ago as a backpacker. I told myself I would go back and do it in style one day. I’m still saving the pennies, but the determination to realise my prophecy remains!”
Leah
Bookings Consultant
Zannier Hotels Sonop, Namibia
Set in the spectacularly remote heart of the Namib desert, Sonop boasts stylish luxury tents, built on stilts and connected together by meandering walkways. All look out onto one of the most mesmerising and inspiring landscapes we have ever seen.
“It looks like a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Peace and quiet amongst nature, the warmth of the sun, breath-taking views; what an adventure!”
The Creatives
Nadine
Kids Collection & New Hotels
Chena Huts, Sri Lanka
Luxurious lodge by leopard-rich Yala National Park. You get plush cabins, plunge pools, safaris with near-guaranteed sightings, gourmet all-inclusive food, excellent service, and a small spa. Chena Huts is perfect for comfort-seeking nature lovers.
“Perfectly positioned between sea, lagoon and bush for maximum wildlife viewing in the Yala National Park – birding is my lifelong passion.”
Lucy
Editor
The Outpost, South Africa
The Outpost is as unique as it is beautiful, with cantilevered living spaces and lodges set on open-sided platforms. The location, high above the Luvuvhu River, has soaring views across one of South Africa’s last true wilderness areas.
“Look at the views from those luxurious open-sided suites! Safari while soaking in the bath? Yes, please.”
Ben
Head of Digital Marketing
Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Song Saa is a luxe resort with a conscience, set in a secluded archipelago 45 mins by speedboat from Sihanoukville. Infinity pools, sandy beaches, private villas with 4-poster beds, and a bar & restaurant with 360-degree ocean views; it’s all here.
“To me, somewhere like this is the height of relaxing luxury, the sort of once-in-a-lifetime experience where you wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world.”
Imogen
Digital Marketing Executive
Awasi Patagonia, Chile
Awasi Patagonia is a remote, rustic-luxe retreat overlooking the spectacular Torres del Paine, the so-called ‘eighth wonder of the world’. The 14 designer villas are set a good distance apart for maximum privacy, and each offers awe-inspiring views of the national park. Explore it by private 4×4 with a personal guide.
“So far from anything else I’ve ever done. I can’t think of a better view to wake up to, and I love the idea of being so remote and sheltered.”
Alice
Editorial & Marketing Assistant
Bambu Indah, Bali
Extraordinary, eco-chic Bambu Indah has utterly unique houses set in an organic garden with magnificent rice field views. The accommodation is like nothing we’ve seen before: a mixture of romantic woven pods and jaw-dropping treehouses made from hand-carved teak and bamboo, all open to the jungle.
“I love how each unique bamboo house is incorporated to emphasise the beauty of it’s surroundings. Sustainability and style go hand-in-hand here!”
The Rates Experts
Katya
Rates & Distribution Manager
Ulpotha, Sri Lanka
At Ulpotha you live close to nature in simple but comfortable huts dotted around a beautiful 22-acre organic farm. Spend relaxing days swimming in a lake half-smothered in tiny water lilies, and eat delicious home-grown curries and sambals.
“I love how secluded and close to nature it is. It just looks so peaceful and calm. I enjoy hiking, yoga and relaxing, so this place is just perfect, for me at least.”
Laura
Rates & Distribution Executive
Zannier Bai San Ho, Vietnam
Zannier Bai San Ho is a stunning beach resort on Vietnam’s little-visited mid-east coast, with luxe villas, watersports, a spa and fine dining. But it’s the fine-sand, half-mile beach that’s the star of the show, with excellent snorkelling offshore.
“When I picture my perfect holiday, this hotel is as close as it gets. Untouched beaches, luxury villas and fine dining – a slice of paradise!”