LUX Guide: The Best Places to Visit in 2016 According to 20 of the World’s Top Luxury Travel Bloggers

We asked our 20 favourite luxury travel blogs their top tips on places to go and things to see this year. From city breaks in San Sebastian to beach holidays in Anguilla, these travel experts have scoured the globe to provide these insider insights…

Dr. Paul Johnson at A Luxury Travel Blog

“Despite its financial difficulties in recent years, Greece deservedly remains a firm favourite with luxury travellers. Idyllic Greek islands such as Crete, Santorini and Mykonos offer a climate, cuisine and coastline that you can’t help but love. My personal favourite on Crete is Elounda which is home to many of the best hotels and rental properties on the island, some looking out over the picturesque island of Spinalonga.”

Monica at Travel Hack

“I’d recommend visiting Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in the Maldives. This luxury resort has a laid back and relaxed vibe with perfect little bungalows tucked away in the trees. The bungalows lead out to the incredible white sandy beaches and it really is a remote island paradise – the perfect luxury place to unwind!”

Yasmin at Luxury Travel Diary

“I am a huge fan of Venice. Get off the plane and straight into a water taxi – is there anything more glamorous? For me the best hotels are the Aman Venice and the Belmond Hotel Cipriani. For something better value whilst still being a luxury destination, try the new JW Marriott. Built on its very own private island you choose a room with its own private pool!”

Ana at Mrs O Around the World

“My pick is Seville, Spain, which I recently visited after a 20-year hiatus and fell in love with. It is perfect for a weekend trip. It is a classic Spanish city, with a very strong cultural identity (the capital of Andalusia) and yet few have visited. And yes, there are Seville orange trees everywhere! It is pretty much an all-year destination, except for the Summer, where temperatures are above 40c. The Plaza de Espana is one of a kind, and it was built as the centre of the 1920 World Expo – really unlike anything I had ever seen before. The city is very walkable and I would definitely recommend a tapas tour with Sevilla Tapas – you will be taken to places you would never venture in and eat things that you would never think. It made our trip, as well as the other foodie recommendations they gave us.”

Misha at Wildluxe

“Rajasthan, India. Specifically, the city of Udaipur, known as the “Venice of the East”, and Ranthambore National Park, where you can go on safari to see wild tigers and a wide array of wildlife. Both of these cities offer lavish accommodations with a level of service that is second to none. Additionally, Rajasthan as a whole is rich in culture, breathtaking sunsets, and some seriously delicious authentic Indian food.”

Keith at Velvet Escape

“I recommend a city break in the Basque city of San Sebastián, a coastal city with beautiful beaches and a long tradition of gastronomic heaven! The city is 2016’s European Capital of Culture so there will be lots going on throughout the year. Join the cultural activities, indulge yourself at one of the many pintxos (tapas) bars or Michelin-starred restaurants, laze on the beach or pamper yourself at the Belle Époque-style La Perla Spa.”

Nyssa at The Cultureur

“Blending the casualness of a village with big-city know-how, Reykjavik is the fabulous Icelandic capital city that is merely the gateway to one of the most magical countries in the world.”

Jean at Holy Smithereens!

“The Maldives is only getting more and more popular so the best time to visit it would be this year before it gets too touristy. The Indian Ocean is also quite calm and warm, very inviting, so it’s perfect for snorkeling and diving. The resorts in the Maldives take luxury to a very competitive level. They are all in their own private islands, so your choice of resort will greatly affect your experience. Part of the fun in travelling to the Maldives is planning and choosing which resort to go to.”

Emyr at Bonvivant

“With the arrival of Il Sereno this summer, Lake Como is going to become a go-to destination for the younger, more modern luxury traveller. While Lake Como has a number of gorgeous hotels, they’re rather grand and traditional, but Il Sereno, sister to Le Sereno in St Barths, will open as a contemporary 34-suite hotel with a stylish design by Patricia Urquiola. With easy access from Milan and Venice, Lake Como is ideal as part of a wider Italian holiday”

Bonnie at The Style Traveller

“My top tip for 2016 is to explore Anguilla, the hidden gem of the Caribbean. This year sees the opening of beautiful boutique, Zemi Beach House, the first property to open on the island in six years, due to strict government planning rules preventing the over-commercialisation of the ecological area. It also happens to be located on Shoal Bay, which has been voted the best beach in the world, what more reason do you need?”

Angie at Silverspoon London

“South Africa is the place to go this year. Explore beautiful scenery, eat incredible food and drink world-class in Cape Town followed with the experience of a lifetime – a safari in Kruger Park or Sabi Sands.”

Carmen at Carmens Luxury Travel

“Cuba is a hot destination for everyone this year. Most individuals only dream of going to Cuba to experience the culture, sites, and cuisines first hand.  So if you get the opportunity to go, explore some of the historical towns like Havana, Vinales, and Trinidad which make it so unique.”

Suze at Luxury Columnist

“Costa Rica has it all, from rainforests to immaculate beaches and is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure with jungle treks and ziplining. In 2016 there are new direct flights from the US and the UK, further strengthening its appeal.”

Roxanne at Luxe in a City

“I have just returned from a stay at Dar Layyina near Marrakech, a boutique luxury hotel that is both affordable and fit for a Royal family. Aicha’s lamb or chicken tagine alone is worth a trip to this little piece of paradise. I count this weekend escape as one of my favorite in the last 15 years of travel.”

Ross at The Luxury Editor

“I am an Asia fanatic so anywhere in the Far East ticks all my boxes. Hong Kong is my favourite city for a city-break. Stay island side near Soho to be right in the middle of the action. A hour away by hovercraft and you are in the party city of Macau and when you have shop shop shopped, take a two hour flight from Hong Kong and you can be on the beaches of the Philippines, Thailand or Vietnam, Hong Kong really has everything you could want on a holiday.”

Francois at The Luxe Insider

“One of the most anticipated events in the luxury travel industry this year will be held in Paris, with the grand reopening of the legendary Ritz Paris this summer after 4 years of renovation. We definitely recommend to enjoy few days, you are sure to have a memorable time in a temple of Parisian indulgence.”

Kim-Marie at Luxury Travel Mom

“Everyone, not just Americans, should visit Cuba. This charming country is on the verge of a seismic change and the energy is in the air, stay in historic Havana, have a drink in Hemingway’s favourite bars and take a ride along the Malecon in a classic soft top convertible. The world will be headed to Dubai in the next few years, no longer just a stopover point this slick Arab nation offers the best of everything alongside traditional bedouin experiences. Stay at the beautiful new Four Seasons Jumeirah, go for a ride in the desert on horseback and enjoy a dinner at Madinat under the shadow of the Burj Al Arab.”

Kara at Kara on the Coast 

“Miami continues to be a hot destination for luxury travelers because of the city’s up-and-coming dining scene, 24/7 nightlife venues, upscale hotels and, of course, access to a perfect white sand beach. And there’s always something fun going on like Ultra Music Festival, Art Basel Miami Beach, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival and many more.”

David at The Gentleman Traveller

“Trusting the manta “always exceeding expectations” can be hard when booking holidays abroad, especially now the internet has opened up a huge opportunity for pre-booking research, however GT’s experience of consistent reliability from Four Seasons has proven this is a mantra we recommend you take heed of.

For 2016 GT recommends Four Seasons The Westcliff in Johannesburg. Fresh from a complete renovation this urban retreat offers guests an alternative view of what is considered a controversial city thanks to a hill-top position that looks over Johannesburg’s lush gardens and greenery offering serenity, spacious rooms and suites and the complete confidence that the level of service truly will exceed your expectation.

Tip: There are 10 million planted trees in the greater Johannesburg area so book a Deluxe Room to ensure your own terrace to fully admire the view.”

Lauren Fisher