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THE PLACES TO BE IN 2006 From Las Vegas to Easter Island, we select this year's most tempting far-flung destinations(The Sunday Telegraph Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)NORTH AMERICA Boston Why? To help celebrate the Fourth of July where the American Revolution started. Stay at the stylish Lenox Hotel, take in the 25th Boston Harborfest (June 28-July 4), then join crowds on Independence Day for the free Boston Pops concert by the Charles River, followed by spectacular fireworks. pounds 1,020, with Funway Holidays (0870 444 0770; www.funway holidays.co.uk). California Why? To meet star Sonoma and Napa winemakers and avoid the hoi polloi on a specialist wine-lovers' trip. Tim Clarke, the "Jeremy Clarkson of wine guides'' leads you to top-class Cabernet Sauvignons at Heitz and Stag's Leap, and Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays at Saintsbury and Acacia. pounds 1,849, with Arblaster & Clarke (01730 893344; www. arblasterandclarke.com), including most meals, transport and tastings; flights extra. From May 27-June 4. Canadian Rockies Why? The Rockies' chocolate-box splendour may almost make them a cliche, but no other scenery in North America comes close to the combination of mountain, lake and forest around the key national parks of Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay. Contact Journeys of Distinction (0870 777 0557; www.jod.uk.com) or Titan HiTours (01293 440033; www.titanhitours.co.uk) for escorted tours; or try Tailor Made Travel (0845 456 8006; www.tailor-made.co.uk) for self-guided fly-drives. Las Vegas Why? Nothing tops Vegas, with its glitzy Strip, casinos, shows and wedding chapels. But there are also art galleries and some of America's top restaurants. Stay at the posh Bellagio, take a side trip to the Grand Canyon by helicopter and overnight at a ranch. From pounds 1,079, with Virgin Holidays (0871 222 0306; www.virgin.com/holidays). Miami Why? The Setai. Since it opened last summer, this hotel's stylish Asian design, tropical gardens and chic outdoor dining pods have ensured that it's the only place to be seen in Miami. Seven nights' b & b costs from pounds 2,132 with Carrier (0161 491 7640; www.carrier.co.uk). New York Why? So you can be a New Yorker for half term; take the family to stay in a Greenwich Village apartment. Use a new Children's Concierge service to arrange visits to the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty, and indulge in a dance lesson with the Radio City Rockettes or a Central Park Scavenger Hunt. From pounds 3,150, with America As You Like It (020 8742 8299; www.americaas youlikeit.com), for two adults and two children. San Francisco Why? To savour the sights of the US's most romantic city by land, sea and air. Stay at the Clift Hotel, the city's coolest; take a sunset dinner cruise; and see Alcatraz, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges on a helicopter ride. From pounds 889, for five nights with Trailfinders (0845 054 7777; www.trailfinders.com), valid until April 5. Walking the national parks Why? To hike in America's magnificent national parks: Zion, Bryce, Moab and Monument Valley. Cool off beneath 200ft waterfalls; photograph hoodoos and sandstone arches; explore Tribal Lands with a Navajo guide. Travel by maxi-van, enjoy campfire cooking, sleep in a tent under the stars. From pounds 614 for 10 days with Footloose (0870 444 8735; www. footloose.com). Flights, food and options such as trip on the Colorado river extra. Washington DC Why? The nation's capital will look pretty in pink during the 94th National Cherry Blossom Festival (March 25-April 9), when 3,700 trees flower around the Jefferson Memorial. There are 250 cultural events plus the April 8 parade, the city's largest spectator event. From pounds 825, with United Vacations (0870 606 6358; www.unitedvacations.co.uk), including free flight connections from main UK regional airports. Yellowstone National Park Why? Just you, snow and the buffalo, elk, coyote and wolves in America's first national park. Stay in a cosy log cabin on nearby Goosewing Ranch, go snowmobiling in pristine backcountry and film the wildlife that gathers at the hot springs. From pounds 1,995, with Ranch America (01923 671831; www.ranchamerica.co.uk). LATIN AMERICA Central American Odyssey Why? In case you can't decide between Panama's beaches, Costa Rica's wildlife, unspoilt Nicaragua, Honduras's ruins, and Guatemala's rich culture. This tour lets you see all five in one trip, journeying overland and crossing the Panama Canal, going dolphin watching on the Caribbean, taking in the cloud forests and exploring the Mayan temples at Copan and Tikal. From pounds 1,869 with Explore (0870 333 4001; www. explore.co.uk), including flights, all transport, 25 nights' accommodation and the services of a tour leader. Venezuela Why? Venezuela is the next big South American destination. The Angel Falls are stunning in the wet season (June to October) and in the dry season wildlife gathers at the watering holes of Los Llanos. From pounds 2,609 with Sunvil Latin America (020 8758 4774; www.sunvil.co.uk), which offers a 16-night tour to the falls, plus mountains of the Gran Sabana, the inspiration for Conan Doyle's The Lost World, and Los Roques, an archipelago of 41 beautiful cays around a huge lagoon. Includes flights, accommodation and some meals. Yucatan Why? Renting a luxury hacienda is a new alternative to the Yucatan's many luxury hotels. The 17th-century house, Petac, is half-an-hour's drive from Merida, the colonial capital, and within striking distance of ancient ruins, convents and the Gulf beaches. From pounds 1,650 per person, based on group of eight, full board, including all flights, with Steppes Travel 01285 885333 (www.steppestravel.co.uk). Brazil Why? In World Cup year, take the children to play football in on Copacabana Beach in Brazil, a family friendly country with attractions that all ages can enjoy. From pounds 1,709 per child (minimum age five) and pounds 1,859 per adult for 10 nights with the The Adventure Company (0845 450 5311; www. adventurecompany.co.uk), including flights, all transport, 10 nights' accommodation, most meals and a group leader. The Andes Why? The chance to stay in northern Chile's stylish Explora hotel in the Atacama, the planet's driest desert, with high-level hikes and a comfy base. From pounds 3,950 with Exsus Travel (020 7292 5050; www.exsus.com), including 16 days' full board and flights. CARIBBEAN Anguilla Why? Ku, the Caribbean's first budget boutique hotel, opened late last year, offering all the luxury and style of a five-star resort. From pounds 1,139 for seven nights' room only, through Abercrombie & Kent (0845 070 0614; www. abercroombiekent.co.uk). Antigua Why? To stay at Carlisle Bay. Although Antigua is feasible for a short break, only a few hotels offer accommodation for fewer than seven nights. Carlisle Bay does and it also happens to be one of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. From pounds 1,495 for four nights, including breakfast and afternoon tea, one three-course dinner and two spa treatments, with Carrier Caribbean (0161 491 7620; www.carrier.co.uk). Grenada Spice Island Resort Why? Badly damaged by Hurricane Ivan, Spice Island has been rebuilt and is now a fabulously chic resort on a beautiful stretch of white beach. From pounds 1,709 for seven nights' all-inclusive, with Azure (01244 322770; www.azurecollection.com). Cuba Why? Cuba is poised to boom, so go before the developers move in and it loses its magic. A seven-night guided island tour comprising four nights in Havana, one in Cienfuegos, one in Sancti Spritus and one in Santa Clara, costs from pounds 910, with Caribtours (020 7751 0660; www.caribtours.co.uk). Montserrat Why? For the diving. The island's airport has finally reopened but not many operators are offering the island as a holiday destination this year. Dive Worldwide is one of the few, providing excellent diving and a chance to be one of the first tourists to rediscover the island. From pounds 1,159 for a seven-night, 10-dive package, with Dive Worldwide (0845 130 6980; www. dive worldwide.com). St Barths Eden Rock Why? Eden Rock has always been a favourite with the jetset and last year's extensive renovation has made it more glamorous than ever. Treat yourself to the Howard Hughes loft suite (if you can get in). From pounds 2,348 for seven nights' b & b, with Azure (01244 322770; www. azurecollection.com). St Lucia Why? The Plantation on Cotton Bay, the most talked-about new luxury resort on the island (it opened in December), comprises apartments, townhouses or villas, so is excellent for families. From pounds 1,473 for seven nights' room only, with Caribtours (020 7751 0660; www.caribtours.co.uk). Turks & Caicos, Amanyara Why? Opening in March, this is Aman resorts' first property in the region and is absolutely the place to be in 2006. From pounds 2,605 for seven nights' room only, with ITC Classics (01244 355527; www.itcclassics.co.uk). AUSTRALASIA AND THE PACIFIC Australia, Arnhem Land Why? A glorious wilderness lodge set in 1,000 acres in the Northern Territory's first flora and fauna reserve on the Cobourg Peninsula, a magnificent tropical region. From pounds 2,084 for Seven nights' full board at Spirit Bay Wilderness Lodge with Travelmood (08700 664556; www.travelmood.com), including flights to Darwin and transfers. Australia, Great Barrier Reef Cruise Why? Small ships can access the shallow bays, small islands and remote reef's finest corners, with time to snorkel and stops for excursions. From pounds 938 for four days, as part of a tailor-made package from Qantas Holidays (0870 567 3464; www.qantas.co.uk/holidays). Australia, Melbourne & Sydney Why? The Fourth and Fifth Ashes Tests in the two cities between December 21, 2006 and January 8, 2007, are going to be some of the year's hottest sporting tickets. ITC Sports (01244 355527; www. itcsports.co.uk) has an 18-night package from pounds 3,395 per person, including flights, transfers, b & b in four-star hotels, some meals and cricket functions. Match tickets (still to be released) will be additional. Australia, Mornington Peninsula Why? The peninsula is spectacular (and has some great food) and the Woodman Estate, a fine 1890s house in 50 acres of grounds an hour from Melbourne, is one of several properties in the "Australia's Little Gems'' brochure. From pounds 74 per person per night through Travelbag (0870 814 6344; www. travelbag.co.uk) or ebookers (0800 082 3000; www. ebookers.com). Australia, Queensland Why? For the contrast between a luxurious ranch in the Outback and remote Bederra Island. Wrotham Park Lodge is a luxurious, hotel on a million-acre ranch on the River Mitchell; Bederra Island, by contrast, is an exclusive 16-villa rainforest hideaway. From pounds 4,239 with Austravel (0870 166 2070; www.austravel.com), including flights, transfers and full board. Easter Island Why? Chilean group Explora (00 562 206 6060; www.explora. com), which specialises in fine hotels in remote regions, has just opened the Travesias Explora on Easter Island. Explore the mysterious island and its celebrated moai monoliths, then return to a comfortable base. For details of packages, contact Cazenove & Loyd (020 7384 2332; www.cazloyd.com). New Zealand, South Island Why? The South Island has the pick of New Zealand's best scenery and a self-drive 10-day tour is long enough to do it some sort of justice. From pounds 718, through Discover the World (01737 218800; www.discover-the-world.co.uk), including accommodation and car hire, but not flights. New Zealand, Waiheke Island Why? To stay in the Glass House, Rocky Bay, near Auckland, one of many outstanding beach houses and villas in New Zealand offered by Turquoise (01494 678400; www.turquoise holidays.co.uk), a great and flexible alternative to hotels or lodges. From pounds 73 per person per night, including breakfast. New Zealand, Catlins and Stewart Island Why? The southernmost region of the South Island is virtually untainted wilderness, with thrilling coastal drives and rare wildlife. From pounds 635 per person through Mount Cook Line (020 7569 3075; www. mountcookline.com), for a five-day Southland "Nature, Wildlife and Native Bush'' tour, including accommodation and internal flights. THE INDIAN OCEAN Maldives, Dhonakulhi Spa Resort Why? This 45-villa boutique resort opened in August last year and, while not as grand as some in the archipelego, it is in the quieter northern part. Villas have individual splash pools, terraces and Jacuzzis, and there is a good Mandara spa. From pounds 1,457 for seven night's b & b with Emirates Tours (0870 128 6000; www.emiratestours.co.uk), including flights with Emirates. Maldives, Cocoa Island Why? For once the phrase "barefoot luxury'' is more than just brochure-speak: this tiny island is intimate and laid-back, the rooms are cool and chic, the sea and sand is perfect, the food superb, and the spa and pool sublime. From pounds 1,657 for seven nights' b & b, through Emirates Tours (0870 128 6000; www.emiratestours. co.uk), including all transfers and flights with Emirates. Seychelles, North Island Why? The words "eco'' and "friendly'' usually smack of hairshirts, cold water and washing without soap, but not here: this is as perfect a private island (just 11 jungle-secreted villas opening on to an icing-sugar beach) as it's possible to imagine. Book direct (00248 293100; www.north-island. com) - villas from around pounds 475 daily, all-inclusive - or through Western & Oriental (020 7821 4000; www. westernoriental.com): from pounds 7,114, all-inclusive, in May or June, including flights and helicopter transfers. MIDDLE EAST Dubai, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa. Why? Because it's not in the city, but 45 minutes away in the desert, with an exotic setting and the chance to explore from a luxurious base. From pounds 1,871 for three nights' full board, with flights, plus four nights at the new Grosvenor House hotel, part of Dubai's most stylish recent development, The Marina, through Beachcomber (01483 445685; www.beachcomber tours.co.uk). Oman, The Chedi Muscat Why? Oman is the more fashionable, less touristy alternative to Dubai. The Chedi is a fabulous destination resort, set on a private beach with a mountainous backdrop, and is just a short drive from the airport. From pounds 1,475 with Elegant Resorts (01244 897888; www.elegantresorts.co.uk). THE FAR EAST Bali Bali Bali Why? The bombers came to Bali a second time last year, but struck the busy tourist resorts on the coast. Inland, the jungles, rice terraces, temples and exclusive (and security-conscious) hotels are as peaceful as ever. Newly revamped this year is the outstanding Como Shambhala Estate at Bagawan Giri (0062 361 978888; www.cse.comoshambhala.bz), perched above the island's most beautiful gorge, which has been given a makeover by super-chic hotelier Christina Ong. From pounds 2,025, for seven nights' b & b, including flights, through ITC Classics (01244 355527; www. itcclassics.co.uk). Japan Why? Exotic in the extreme, and little-visited. Audley Travel (01869 276217; www.audleytravel. com) offers a range of tailor-made tours. Malaysia Why? Think Far East and you usually think of Thailand, Bali and - latterly - Vietnam and Cambodia. Malaysia, by contrast, barely features on the radar, yet it boasts all the beach, jungle, cultural and other attractions of the Far East's better-known countries, as well as plenty of world-class hotels. Newest is the Four Seasons Langkawi (0060 4 950 8888; www.fourseasons.com), opened in May last year, set on Tanjung Rhu, one of the country's best beaches. From pounds 3,155 per person for a seven-night package, including flights and transfers, through Elegant Resorts (01244 897518; www.elegantresorts.co.uk). Shanghai Why? You're going to one of the buzziest, most booming cities in the world, so why not stay in a hotel that embodies these and all the other big, bold and spectacular qualities of Shanghai - the Grand Hyatt (0086 21 5049 1234; www.shanghai.grand. hyatt.com; doubles from around pounds 200). Long-established China specialist CTS Horizons (020 7836 4338; www. ctshorizons.com) has five nights' b & b at the hotel for pounds 895, including flights. Alternatively, take a guided tour: 21-day guided tour visiting Beijing, Xi'an, a cruise on the Yangtze, Shanghai, Guilin and Hong Kong, from pounds 2,895, with Journeys of Distinction (0870 777 0557; www. jod.uk.com). Thailand, Chiang Mai Why? Tranquil, spiritual Northern Thailand feels more like the real deal than the beaches in the south. Stay at the superb new Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi, a collection of temple-style buildings, set in 60 acres of tropical landscape. From pounds 1,650 for seven nights' room-only, through Scott Dunn (020 8682 5060; www.scottdunn.com). Vietnam Why? Hoteliers Sonu and Eva Shivdashani were luxury pioneers in the Maldives with their Soneva Fushi resort (opened in 1995) and now they've opened the Evason Hideaway (0084 58 829829; www.sixsenses.com; doubles from pounds 290) at Ana Mandara: 53 sybaritic villas on a pristine sickle of beach, with the same wonderfully conjured air of laid-back luxury the couple perfected in the Maldives. INDIA AND THE HIMALAYAS Bhutan Why? This Buddhist mountain kingdom has been open for some time, but only last year did it acquire a hotel (two, in fact) that could be described as anything more than barely adequate. Uma Paro (00 975 8 271597; www.uma.como.bz), another chic, understated hotel from Christina Ong, is less expensive and more amenable than its rival, the Aman. Take an archery lesson (it's the national sport), mountain-bike downhill from 10,000ft, and immerse yourself in Buddhist culture (and the utterly charming people). Climb to rock temples, or just kick back in the spa and a traditional hot-stone bath. From pounds 3,059 for seven nights' full board, including treks and tours daily and flights via Delhi with BA and Druk Air, through Abercrombie & Kent (0845 070 0615; www.abercrombiekent.co.uk). India, Arunachal Pradesh Why? The mountains and jungles of this area of the Eastern Himalayas are still little visited, even by Indian standards. Witness the timeless lifestyles of 125 different tribes, cruise the waters of the Brahmaputra River and enjoy the region's diverse flora and fauna - swamp deer, one-horned rhinos, leopards, tigers and more all roam freely. From pounds 2,330 for a 16-day tour with Indus Tours (020 8901 7320; www.industours. co.uk), including b & b, flights, transfers and guides. Udaipur Why? Normal water levels in Lake Pichola - which virtually dried up last year - have now been restored, making this one of the most magical Indian destinations once again. Ask for a lakeside Udaivilas room opening on to a semi-private moated pool. From pounds 1,840 for seven nights with Greaves Travel (020 7487 9111; www. greavesindia.com). Sri Lanka, Koggala Why? The island saw the opening of two ultra-stylish Aman resorts last year, Amangalla and Amanwella. This year they will be joined by a third luxurious property, The Fortress, on the beach at Koggala, near Galle. From pounds 1,435 for seven nights' b & b, half board, with Expressions Indian Ocean (020 7433 2636; www.expressions holidays.co.uk). AFRICA Botswana, Okavango Delta Why? During the rainy season and annual floods, the delta, with its lakes, lush greenery and benign grasslands, is a world away from the popular image of a dry, dusty Africa. An intimate and stunning new camp, Baines, with just seven spacious rooms alongside a hippo-filled lake, is the perfect place to see the area's rich game - and as this is a private concession you won't see another soul. From pounds 2,495 per person, for three nights at Baines Camp and four nights at Chobe (another camp in the same region), including flights, transfers, game drives and food, through Abercrombie & Kent (0845 070 0611; www.abercrombiekent.co.uk). Mozambique, Quilalea Why? Mozambique is one of the last unspoilt areas on the east African coast, with pristine beaches and coral reefs. Several barefoot-luxury-style lodges have opened on the virtually uninhabited islands of the Bazaruto archipelago, including this nine-villa island resort on the Quirimbas. From pounds 725 for three nights' full board, through Rainbow Tours (020 7226 1004; www.rainbowtours. co.uk); helicopter transfers from the mainland are pounds 145. Alternatively, try Vamizi Island Lodge, in Mulane, which opened in December; seven nights' all-inclusive from pounds 2,650, with Magic Globe (0870 011 0270; www.magicglobe.co.uk). South Africa, Northern Kruger National Park Why? Southern Kruger may be a disappointment these days, but the remote northern Kruger is still wonderfully unspoilt and it now offers a couple of small camps. The best is Parfuri Camp, which has 20 tented rooms overlooking the Luvuvu River. From pounds 1,945 per person for seven nights' all-inclusive, plus two game drives and one walk a day through Audley Travel (01869 276250; www. audleytravel.com). BODY & SOUL Caribbean, Cap Juluca, Anguilla Why? The resort's Mind, Body, Spirit courses are a bit whacky but the road to spiritual awareness doesn't get more glamorous than this. From pounds 3,319 per couple for five nights' half board, plus course and treatments, through Lotus Journeys (020 8965 5727; www.lotusjourneys.com). India, Ananda Spa Why? There's nothing gimmicky about Ananda in the Himalayas. It's still the most authentic place for yoga and Ayruvedic treatments. From pounds 2,335 for four nights at the spa, including a consultation with an Ayurvedic physician and a programme of treatments, plus two nights in Delhi, through Western & Oriental (020 7821 4000; www. westernoriental.com). India, Swa Swara Why? Set in a coconut grove overlooking a beach just south of Goa, this is southern India's newest holistic resort, offering yoga, meditation, Ayurveda and spa treatments. From pounds 1,198 for two weeks, through Tansindus (020 8566 2729; www.transindus.co.uk). Italy, Dolomites Why? Fresh air and exercise in Europe's most spectacular mountains. Stay in the spa town of Merano at the 1906 Grand Hotel Palace, Merano (0039 0473 271000; www. palace.it; doubles from pounds 170), which has a superb wellbeing centre. Franz Kafka was a former guest. Italy, Terme di Saturnia Why? Built around an ancient thermal spring, this hydrotherapy centre concentrates on wellbeing and preventative therapy. Perfect for those who feel resort spas are a little too superficial. From pounds 815 for three nights through Erna Low (020 7594 0290; www. bodyandsoulholidays.com). Kenya, Shaanti Holistic Health Retreat Why? The beachfront lodge offers a genuine holistic holiday, which can be followed by a safari. From pounds 2,089 for seven nights', plus a three-night safari, through Wellbeing Escapes (0845 602 6202; www.well beingescapes.co.uk). Morocco, Jnane Tamsna Why? Marrakesh is the location for one of In:Spa's excellent courses, run by a carefully selected team of massage therapists, chefs, yoga teachers and personal trainers. There are also hikes in the Atlas mountains and a visit to the medina. From pounds 1,950 for seven nights' all inclusive, through with In:Spa (0845 458 0723: www.inspa-retreats.com). Portugal, Algarve Why? A renovated farmhouse is the base for fitness holidays, a combination of vigorous exercise (including swimming, running strength circuits and biking), adventure and relaxation. From pounds 450 for four days, including flights and full board, through Wild Fitness (0845 056 8343; www. wildfitness.com). Additional research by Chris Moss, Paul Wade and Kathy Arnold. |