Where to travel to in 2024…

JANUARY

Start the year off right with a total mind and body reboot. Santani is, hands-down, the most genuine wellness retreat that I have experienced. It is located within an easy drive or train journey from Colombo, in the hills northeast of Sri Lanka’s spiritual capital, Kandy. The beauty of its location, its unique architectural design and the food offerings are reasons alone to visit. But it’s the retreat’s professional, holistic and individual approach to wellness that really sets it apart, and makes it worth the spend if you’re in need of a reset or simply want some time to focus on yourself.

N.B. Sri Lanka has seen a huge resurgence in tourism in 2023, and we are already taking bookings for 2025! If you’re a large group, consider a villa (see images on the right)  as it offers better value than multiple hotel rooms. The in-house staff add an extra element of luxury and joy to your stay.

 

february

The 2023/2024 ski season is understandably booking up very late, given 2023’s low snowfall. The good news is that there are still some brilliant options available for skiing from December 2023 through to mid-April 2024. With snow starting to arrive in the Alps this year, many resorts have announced early openings in late November and early December. The hotels and chalets shown here are personally tried and tested, so I have first-hand experience of just how easy the slope-side access is, and where the best places are to eat on the mountain…

 

MARCH

Polar Park, deep in the north, lies in a beautiful, secluded valley, hidden from the outside world. You are guaranteed a spectacular, unparalleled, wildlife experience. This lodge has full, private access to the park outside of opening hours. The welfare of the animals is top priority and the natural environment helps keep the animals stimulated and active. As well as the wildlife experiences, the Arctic activities on offer include dog sledding, Northern Lights chasing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snow-cave building, skiing and whale-watching.

 

april

Booking a Caribbean holiday is rarely straightforward as the choice of islands can be overwhelming. If you prefer direct flights, and like a Caribbean island with some authentic character, the Dominican Republic tops our list. The lesser-known north coast is where you’ll be heading; the beaches on this coastline are quiet and pristine – the ultimate spot to unwind and relax. Similarly, if you like adventure, the island offers paragliding in the hills of Jarabacoa, canyoning over the Hongo Magico, ziplining through lush green jungles and kite-surfing in Carabete.

 

may

The late May break is my favourite time to be in the southern-Med for its mellow temperatures and quiet beaches. Prices are vastly more palatable than the peak Summer months. One property that always receives rave reviews from our clients is the Westin Costa Navarino and its sister property, the Romanos. New for 2024, is their kids NBA basketball camp. If you prefer something quieter, the recent opening of Son Bunyola in Mallorca offers something quite unique in the northwest of the island. For families with younger children, the four and five bedroom villas set in the 1,300 acres of olive groves and vineyards offer privacy and sound-proof, private swimming pools that most families crave. Ask us about our villa portfolio across Europe too…

 

june

My Native is an active member of The Conscious Travel Foundation, established in 2020, with the aim of collaborating, educating and advocating for a more meaningful, sustainable tourism industry. Our members include some of the finest ground agents (our eyes, ears and experts in each destination) plus world-class lodges, resorts and hotels. The Foundation has members from 18 countries globally, ranging from a collection of wildlife conservation-focused camps in India, an Amazonian lodge in Peru offering educational tourism, a group of remote, community-based lodges in Australia, and a unique tented camp in the Lolldaiga Hills of Northern Kenya — pioneers in environmental and social regeneration.

 

july

Kenya: you think you know it: diverse landscapes, amazing wildlife sightings and the friendliest people on earth. No wonder it’s so popular, but if you're looking for someplace a little less busy, head north. Laikipia is the Maasai Mara’s older, and much cooler, big brother. With huge private conservancies filled with wildlife and stunning properties, it’s a ‘must add’ to any itinerary. Our favourite camp here offers guests the chance to join in with a number of ongoing conservation activities, such as joining River Rangers on a patrol along the Timau river, tree wrapping projects and horse riding with Lolldaiga mounted ranger patrols. All this, in addition to spotting the big 5…Finish up with a few days on the Kenyan coast in our favourite beachfront lodge (see images on the right, above).

 

august

Komodo is the summer location in Indonesia to enjoy a very special private charter for wild encounters and underwater experiences. Combine with Sumba, the land of the Indonesian cowboys.  Embark on a journey beyond the ordinary where dragons roam free and cowboys ride the golden shores of Southeast Asia's hidden gem.  Cruise the Komodo National Park, where you can witness the Komodo Dragon in its natural habitat. Enjoy deserted island vibes with a picnic lunch on a secluded beach. All from aboard a luxury private chartered Phinisi liveaboard providing sumptuous accommodation each night at a different location. The island of Sumba is relatively unknown. It is known as the cowboy island of the south seas,— this untouched land offers, in addition to its unique culture, some of Southeast Asia's most impressive scenery. With topography that is starkly different to that of its neighbouring islands such as Lombok, Flores and Bali, the  volcanic landscapes are replaced with vast savannahs, golden sand beaches, and crystal blue waters.

 

september

A holiday to Costa Rica typically involves hotel changes every few days, long drives and domestic flights to tick off the ‘must-see’ places. If you prefer to delve deep when you travel, I love the combination of a week in a villa to understand what pura vida (pure life) really feels like, followed by a week in a conservation-focused ecolodge – a must in the most biodiverse country in the world. Our villa portfolio in Costa Rica caters to different tastes and needs, from design-enthusiasts, big family getaways, and silence-seekers, to show-stopping ocean views, sustainability stars, and surf addicts. 

 

october

Many of you are looking for a final hit of vitamin D during the October break, and, for this, Morocco and Oman are brilliant choices. Southern Med is another option but you have to be prepared for some cooler days and the risk of temperatures not quite hitting the mark. Morocco has had a few new openings on the coast this year which we’d love to tell you about. And I always recommend a few nights in the Atlas Mountains and a desert camp to make your stay a truly well-rounded Moroccan experience. 

 

November

If you’re looking for a staycation gift for a loved one, consider London’s most exciting new hotel opening, Raffles OWO. Located in Whitehall, it couldn’t be more quintessentially British with direct views onto the changing of the guard, a short stroll to Buckingham Palace through neighbouring St James Park, and a remarkable history as the former War Office during WWII.For more modern culture enthusiasts, it has also recently provided the backdrop for many James Bond films.

I am very particular about heritage hotels striking the right balance between retaining and respecting the old while introducing the new and Raffles London does this brilliantly. The Granville Suite, pictured here, named after Christine Granville (who was rumoured to be Churchill’s favourite spy) left me speechless.

 

december

I stayed here in December 2020 and having visited and stayed in many of the best Swedish and Finnish Lapland lodges and hotels, this remains one of my favourites. It unusually works for both families and couples. The split-level suites are spacious and stylish while the surrounding lake and forests are blissfully quiet. There’s a small spa and jacuzzi, and one restaurant which serves brilliant food for adults and kids alike. For your Arctic activities, your guide will collect you from the front door of your cabin and whisk you off to frozen lakes for ice-fishing, remote forests to learn the art of driving a snowmobile, husky dog sledding through pristine landscapes and authentic Sami cultural experiences.

 If you are a larger group with grandparents joining you, or you have another family travelling with you, consider a fully-staffed, private chalet (pictured on the right).