A NEW YEAR means new adventures so let’s dream a little and draw up a wish list for 2018. So many places, so little time. Here are five places on The Luxury Travel Bible's radar this year.
Greece
Not the islands this year but the Peloponnese . This is one of Greece’s most unspoilt regions, renowned as much for its archaeological treasures as its outstanding natural beauty. Myths and legend abound (think Olympia) in this mountainous landscape, which is dotted with colourful villages and fragranced by olive and citrus trees, herbs and flowers. www.visitgreece.gr
Stay at: The beautiful Mandola Rosa Suites & Villas with a sense of grandeur, golden beach and an Elixir Thalassotherapy centre www.mandolarosa.com
Rwanda
Almost everyone goes, of course, to trek to see the mountain gorillas but the country has moved on since the dangers of the 1990s. The county has other adventures to offer such as river rafting and eco-tourism. www.rwandatourism.com
Stay at: This year, luxury hotelier One&Only launches Nyungwe House, set amid the tea plantations of the mountains in the south. www.oneandonlyresorts.com
Malta
Malta’s 16th-century citadel capital, the Unesco World Heritage city of Valletta, is one of the European Capitals of Culture 2018 so that means there is plenty on in the golden city. Think fireworks and festivals. www.visitmalta.com
Stay at: Luxury boutique hotel, Iniala Harbour House (sister property to the innovative Iniala Phuket,Thailand) which opens August 2018 www.iniala.com
Russia
This year Moscow celebrates its 100th anniversary as Russia’s capital. And nationwide, the football World Cup is going to mean plenty of boozy celebrations and events with trademark Russian hospitality.
Stay at: The Four Seasons Hotel Moscow, a former Soviet-era hotel remade in luxury www.fourseasons.com
Hong Kong
There’ s a tripartite of new luxury hotels opening in Hong Kong this year which is a great excuse to revisit this buzzy , foodie destination. The Fleming has just opened, The Murray is set to debut in January and Rosewood open a new hotel later in the year. And of course there’s always a new bar or restaurant opening somewhere in HK. www.discoverhongkong.com
Stay at: The Murray a 1960s office block remodelled and remade by Foster + Partners . Most of Its 336 rooms have stunning views. www.marcopolohotels.com/en/niccolo/hotels/hongkong/central/the_murray