Where to Go in 2023 with Hidden Doorways
January 6, 2023 by Perrie Hartz
It’s the start of a new year, and a new season of travel! After nearly three years of restrictions and other disruptions, people are starting to travel internationally again—in large numbers. The pent-up demand for adventure, experience, and excitement sees travelers eager to visit new destinations worldwide. But where to go? Whether you’re a foodie, a wine-lover, a city explorer, an art enthusiast, a nature adventurer, or a wellness aficionado, there truly is something for everyone. Hidden Doorways has assembled the travel trends that we think will be big in 2023, along with some stunning properties sure to please every kind of traveler. Happy exploring!
CALLING ALL WINE LOVERS:
Herdade da Malhadinha Nova | Alentejo, Portugal
Chic and under-the-radar, Portugal’s family run boutique Relais & Chateaux hotel and vineyard Herdade da Malhadinha Nova sits in the heart of the Baixo Alentejo region in the charming village of Albernoa. The perfect escape for wine-lovers, this estate is surrounded by 450 hectares of vineyards and rolling fields and includes a lovely communal wine-tasting room along with vineyard tours, classes, wine pairings, and more.
The Madrona | Healdsburg, California
Deep in the heart of California’s famed wine region is The Madrona, Sonoma county’s newest boutique hotel and dining destination located in Healdsburg, California. This historic 24-room property sits on 8 acres of pristine land and is directly next to Napa Valley. Visitors will instantly be enamored with Healdsburg’s quaint small-town charm, along with its world-class wineries and impressive culinary scene. The hotel itself has perfectly-manicured gardens and fragrant citrus groves, a heated outdoor pool where guests can lounge on daybeds, and nearby fire pits that create the ideal atmosphere for relaxing and sipping wine year-round.
L’Andana | Tuscany, Italy
A gorgeous Relais & Chateaux hotel in the Tuscan countryside, L’Andana is the perfect escape for wine enthusiasts. This 61-room property is just 7 km from the Tyrrhenian coastline, so guests may choose to venture to the charming seaside villages, or perhaps just enjoy the gorgeous grounds where they can indulge in wine classes and private tastings. And, for true oenophiles, there are also Tuscan winery tours and tastings offered at the nearby Tenuta La Badiola winery.
L’Albereta | Franciacorta (Lake Iseo), Italy
The 53-room boutique hotel L’Albereta is a stunning ivy-covered villa situated in Brescia, in Italy’s Lombardy region, just one hour from Milan. This charming Relais & Chateaux property is surrounded by vine-blanketed hills, historic castles, lush greenery, and superb wineries. It also has a world-class Espace Chenot Spa, four gourmet restaurants, and two wineries on property. L’Albereta is a true haven for foodies, wine-lovers, and anyone who craves a bit of la dolce vita.
Pereh Mountain Resort | Golan Heights, Israel
Israel’s Pereh Mountain Resort is a true hidden gem located in Golan Heights. Known for its world-class wineries, this historic area is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for any wine-lover. Surrounded by lush gardens and freshly-scented orchards, this 27-room new boutique hotel offers sprawling scenic terraces, a fine-dining restaurant, and a superb wine cellar that champions the best of local wines. The property’s convenient location allows for an abundance of outdoor adventures and activities, including hiking trails and sports, and guests can also enjoy the fresh air while taking a relaxing stroll through the rolling Golan vineyards.
Son Net | Mallorca, Spain
Tucked away on one of Spain’s most breathtaking Balearic Islands, Son Net is a peaceful, bucolic retreat that is perched dramatically on the crest of a hill overlooking the village of Puigpunyent with a magnificent backdrop of the Tramuntana mountains, an UNESCO world heritage site. Situated in Mallorca’s northwest region, this gorgeous ivy-covered property boasts a private Malvasia grape vineyard along with a farm, vegetable garden, and centuries-old olive trees. Reopening in Spring 2023, this exquisite private estate, with historic roots dating back to the 17th century, is lovingly restored by renowned Spanish interior designer, Lorenzo Castillo, and the masterminds of Finca Cortesin, a renowned Andalusian property located near Marbella, Spain.
FOR THE ART ENTHUSIAST:
Ellerman House | Cape Town, South Africa
Perched cliffside overlooking the sparkling Atlantic Ocean with mesmerizing views of Cape Town, Ellerman House is a gorgeous retreat with an Old-world elegance that boasts a truly unparalleled collection of artworks that adorns nearly every wall. Owner Paul Harris’ impressive South African art collection covers two centuries and paints a rich story about the country’s defining people, landscapes, and diverse culture. Art lovers can admire even more art at the Ellerman House Art Gallery, where guided tours are available by their private art guide. Beyond the artwork, guests can indulge in al-fresco dining, a 7,500-bottle wine cellar, luxurious spa, lush gardens, and much more.
The Fife Arms | Braemar, Scotland
A true hidden gem in the wild and wondrous Scottish Highlands, The Fife Arms is a stunning historic boutique property that feels more like the chic private country retreat owned by a friend with a particularly good eye for art. Originally built in the 19th century by the Duke of Fife, this 46-room art-filled haven has been meticulously restored by owners and international art gallery curators Iwan and Manuela Wirth, who fused their passions for contemporary art and Scottish heritage to create a cultural hub for the local community as well as a much sought-after travel destination. Highlights of the ever-growing international art collection include pieces by Zhang Enli, Subodh Gupta, and Pablo Picasso. The hotel also has a lovely boutique which champions Scottish artisans including Araminta Campbell, the designer of The Fife Arms’ gorgeous tartan print.
The Norman | Tel Aviv, Israel
The only luxury boutique hotel in Tel Aviv, The Norman is a 50-suite property that lies in a picturesque city square in the heart of the White City, Israel’s world-famous UNESCO heritage site. Aside from the rooftop infinity pool and world-renowned restaurant, The Norman also boasts beautiful Bauhaus architecture that pairs perfectly with its impressive collection of modern art by local Israeli artists.
The Dupont Circle | Washington D.C.
Perfectly situated in the center of DC’s lively arts scene, The Dupont Circle is a stunning 327-room property filled with incredible artwork by internationally-renowned artists. Owner and art-lover Bernadette Gallagher worked in collaboration with world-renowned designers Martin Brudnizki and the New York-based Clodagh Design to imbue the property with a sleek, avant-garde aesthetic, which functions not just as a hotel but almost as a gallery itself. The museum-worthy art collection includes pieces by notable artists like New York-based furniture sculptor Silas Seandel, famed photographer and actor Dennis Hopper, Finnish award-winning photographer Esko Männikkö, and British collaborative painting duo Olly Williams and Suzi Winstanley.
Villa Bokéh | Antigua, Guatemala
Tucked away 15-minutes outside of the soulful city of Antigua, a UNESCO heritage site, Villa Bokéh is a stunning 16-room Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel designed by Guatemalan artisans. Each room is named after a color with hand-crafted artisanal tiles, textiles, and interior touches. The property is a true oasis nestled on six-acres of lush botanical garden, which is a place of tranquility and inspiration, whether it is to write, paint or just savor the moment. Design mavens will love how intentional the details of the property are: some rooms have a fire pit that feels like you are connecting to the natural elements of the earth, all converging into one.
SPACE TO BREATH:
Pikaia Lodge | Galapágos Islands, Ecuador
The famed Galapágos Islands, located off the coast of Ecuador, plays home to one of South America’s leading green hotels: Pikaia Lodge, proud member of Relais & Chateaux. This 14-room luxury property sits atop two extinct volcanic craters on Santa Cruz Island in the center of the archipelago. Adventurers and travelers looking for a beautiful natural escape will be in heaven here, where they can choose to scuba dive in the surrounding marine reserve, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, named one of the Seven Underground Wonders of the World. The hotel also has a 100-foot private yacht perfect for those who want to explore above sea level as well.
SUJÁN | Rajasthan, India
SUJÁN is a Relais & Chateaux collection of three sumptuous, tented camps located in the dramatic wilderness of India’s Rajasthan. SUJÁN Sher Bagh transports guests to the glamorous 1920s in India’s most celebrated Tiger Reserve. SUJÁN The Serai is a haven of peace and tranquility amidst 100 acres of private estate in the desert, and SUJÁN Jawai celebrates the great outdoors with panache, surrounded by dramatic wilderness and wildlife. There is no better place to discover some of India’s most enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes than in one of these incredible luxury safari camps.
Kokomo Private Island Fiji | Kadavu Islands, Fiji
Kokomo Private Island is a truly untouched Fijian gem set in the pristine Kadavu Islands in the South Pacific. A 140-acre tropical haven of world-class comfort and style surrounded by lush green topography and turquoise waters, each of Kokomo’s 21 secluded beachfront villas offer the utmost privacy, luxury and comfort to guests who crave some peace and quiet in the most gorgeous of all island settings.
The Brando | Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Off-the-beaten-path meets iconic luxury at The Brando, a spectacular destination for those who don’t simply want to check Tahiti off their bucket list, but instead wish to dive into the dazzling marine life and verdant islands of French Polynesia in the South Pacific and truly experience an off-the-grid, unforgettable experience. Located on Tetiaroa Atoll, this 36-villa property has stunning private beaches, delicious cuisine, and countless land and sea adventures to choose from in a spectacular, almost-too-beautiful-to-be-real setting.
Casa Palopó | Lake Atitlán, Guatemala
Guatemala is a fascinating country and a transformative place, one that is deeply connected to its ancient Mayan traditions and that offers a distinct culture and breathtaking natural beauty. Straddling the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Guatemala is home to stunning topography, including 37 volcanoes–the highest density in all central America–archeological sites, and incredible biodiversity. Casa Palopó, the first Relais & Chateaux property in the country, is discreetly tucked away in the lush hilltops surrounding Lake Atitlán. This chic 15-room boutique hotel feels more like a stylish friend’s secret vacation home hideaway. At dusk, guests can experience a traditional Shaman ceremony. Beyond Casa Palopó’s incredible Shaman experience, there are a variety of other activities to choose from, including kayaking, yoga, hiking, and paragliding for the adventurous, or exploring nearby villages nestled around Lake Atitlán.
Lesante Cape | Zakynthos, Greece
Discover the untouched beauty of Greece’s Ionian Islands on Zakynthos, a hidden gem teeming with culture and stunning natural beauty that feels worlds apart from the other more visited islands in the Aegean Sea. One of many draws to Zakynthos is the incredible Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), a stunning natural wonder which attracts visitors from around the world who flock to see this famous cove. Lesante Cape, proud member of Leading Hotels of the World, is the newest property on the island, located in a serene setting that welcomes both adults and families. Designed to look and feel like a traditional Greek village, this luxurious yet intimate resort makes guests feel completely transported to another world from the moment they arrive.
CITYSCAPES:
Casa Polanco | Mexico City D.F., Mexico
Nestled in one of Mexico City’s most upscale neighborhoods, Casa Polanco is a design-forward, über-luxe boutique hotel that feels more like a friend’s exceptionally chic private home. This 19-suite property has a pleasing mix of modern and classic Spanish colonial revival architecture and is perfectly located in a quieter area of the ever-bustling urban oasis that is Mexico City, brimming with art, culture, delicious world-renowned cuisine, and lively nightlife.
La Suite Dior | Paris, France
There is truly no escape in Paris quite like La Suite Dior, which ushers guests into a glistening dream world of haute couture fashion, incredible French history, and incomparable luxury that truly incapsulates the Parisian way of life. Located in the heart of the Golden Triangle at Dior’s flagship, 30 Avenue Montaigne, La Suite Dior is a stunning private suite designed by LVMH architect Peter Marino. Booking this suite means gaining access to exclusive, tailor-made experiences, from an intimate cocktail party in the Salon Historique to a private overnight shopping event in the boutique. Additional ultimate privileges, which are completely private, include a tour of La Galerie Dior, a gourmet getaway in the Conservatory created by Chef Jean Imbert, and a tour of Dior Heritage.
The Goring | London (Belgravia), London
Considered London’s last family-owned luxury hotel, The Goring remains a firm favorite for travelers seeking a city escape with the very best in personalized service, intuitive hospitality, and impeccable English luxury. Situated on a quiet, leafy side street in central London’s elegant Belgravia neighborhood, The Goring has only 69 luxurious suites and rooms and enjoys a convenient central location, intimate ambiance, and personalized attention.
The Beaumont | London (Mayfair), England
Set in the heart of London’s chicest neighborhood of Mayfair, The Beaumont brings to life the sophistication of the roaring twenties. Equal parts grand and intimate, the property has just 50 inviting, uniquely designed art deco–style bedrooms and 22 suites. The sleek interiors have recently been reimagined and refurbished by the leading New York-based designer Thierry Despont and London-based architects Reardon Smith, adding new layers of comfort and luxury to this perfect city escape. This urban oasis also has a chic bar and cocktail lounge, a renowned restaurant, and a lovely terrace facing the Brown Hart Gardens.
Six Senses Rome | Rome, Italy
A new addition to Six Senses’ ever-growing portfolio of luxury properties, Six Senses Rome is a peaceful oasis set in the very heart of the Eternal City. In collaboration with renowned architect Patricia Urquiola, Six Senses Rome emerged as a stunning, minimalist-chic haven and green oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. Within the 96 guest rooms and suites, classic Roman elements blend seamlessly with contemporary design, lush greenery, warm natural light, and a breezy, open atmosphere— the perfect urban paradise. The property is situated just steps away from all the major historical landmarks, making it one of the most desirable locations in the city.
The Maybourne Beverly Hills | Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, United States
A gorgeous retreat in the center of the most iconic neighborhood in Los Angeles, The Maybourne Beverly Hills is an oasis of art and design that offers guests a sophisticated escape. Reflecting a quintessential southern Californian lifestyle mixed with European flair, this 146-room property—part of the world-renowned Maybourne Hotel Group—is the perfect balance of laid back and luxurious, spanning nine floors and boasting sun-dappled balconies, a rooftop pool, and panoramic city views.
HARVESTING LOCAL:
Heckfield Place | Hampshire, England
Heckfield Place is a lovingly restored, luxurious Georgian family estate set on 438 acres in North Hampshire, England. At this gracious 45-bedroom country residence, just about everything is rooted in the estate’s rich soil, including the biodynamic Home Farm and practices, walled gardens and 500-tree orchard that enrich the hotel’s cuisine. Each day, produce is picked fresh from the gardens and farm and served in restaurants Marle and Hearth helmed by Culinary Director and Chef Skye Gyngell. In summer, the upper walled garden offers afternoon tea served at the Glass House, including freshly baked house cakes and produce from the Home Farm.
Southall Farm & Inn | Franklin, Tennessee, United States
Nestled in the lush rolling hills of Franklin, Tennessee, Southall Farm & Inn is a sweeping countryside enclave and sustainable farm-based luxury resort. There are 325 acres of green that include an inn with 62 guest rooms and suites and 16 cottages, Tennessee’s largest spa, a working farm, and two dining options for anyone looking for some incredible local fare. Southall’s signature restaurant, Mary Amelia, offers a multi-course, farm-to-table cuisine experience from chef Tyler Brown, who prepares a dinner menu that incorporates the freshest of seasonal ingredients all grown and raised on site.
Brush Creek Ranch | Saratoga, Wyoming
An iconic American property set on 30,000 acres of working cattle ranch in southern Wyoming, Brush Creek Ranch recently launched The Farm at Brush Creek, an immersive range of culinary experiences rooted in the property’s seed-to-table ethos. The 40,000-square-foot complex includes a brewery, distillery, creamery, greenhouse, wine cellar, bakery, event space and The Cheyenne Club, a chef-driven destination restaurant.
FAMILY GETAWAYS:
Costa Rican Trails | Costa Rica
Costa Rican Trails offers intrepid families the opportunity to capture the unusual: endangered species in their habitat, rare ecosystems, magical natural phenomena, and indigenous native cultures. With its unspoiled rainforests, immaculate beaches, warm locale, and a vibrant cultural heritage, Costa Rica and Panama are a dream destination for an immersive family holiday.
Brush Creek Ranch | Saratoga, Wyoming
Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming is the perfect place for an old fashioned, American West-style family trip. This ultimate Western adventure is coupled with memorable dining and expertly guided outdoor experiences for the entire family to enjoy. Everything is included in the stay, including a wide array of ranch activities with guides, gear, and instruction – think fly-fishing, horseback riding and hiking – throughout the ranch’s 30,000 rugged acres. After a day on the range, hearty appetites are indulged with family-style feasts in the Great Room, casual Chuckwagon barbecues, or a sunset picnic on top of the mountain.
Extraordinary Britain | United Kingdom
Families looking to explore the very best that Britain has to offer will find their perfect itinerary with Extraordinary Britain, a close-knit team with a penchant for personalized journeys throughout the British Isles that offers exceptional explorations of Britain’s history, heritage and culture in comfort and style. From helicopter rides over Stonehenge to an overnight stay with a duke in his stately home, there’s nothing they can’t arrange, and all members of the family will love it.
DEEP DIVE INTO ASIA:
Asia Concierge | Asia & South East Asia
A travel design company with over 25 years of experience, Asia Concierge specializes in the art of travel through Asia and Southeast Asia. Using their intimate and unmatched knowledge of the vast region, they create meticulously crafted, highly curated itineraries that make their customers truly feel a part of the destination. Travelers will venture off the beaten path to explore places beyond their comfort zones, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the incredible surroundings. These upscale, custom adventures are offered throughout Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and China.
Trisara | Phuket, Thailand
If Thailand is on your 2023 bucket list, then head to Trisara. Sun-kissed and secluded, Trisara lives up to its namesake as a palm-filled resort paradise in northwestern Phuket. Guests are easily at home in this stunning seaside escape, where Thailand’s rich heritage exudes from every corner, whether it’s the sincere and gracious service or the treatments at Jara Spa, which are rooted in centuries-old healing practices.
Six Senses Bhutan | Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro
Experience Bhutan like never before. Six Senses Bhutan has crafted a journey that encompasses five unique experiences in five separate luxury lodges. Guests can embark on a circuit around this majestic kingdom, relishing in the heritage and hospitality of Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro. Ranging in size and amenities, each lodge spotlights spa, wellness, healthy dining, comfortable sleeping, and self-discovery.
EMBRACING SLOW WELLBEING AND SPIRITUALITY:
Mii amo | Sedona, Arizona
Beloved destination spa Mii amo’s recent renovations have made this Sedona-based property even more stunning—if that’s even possible—with all-new facilities, luxury casitas, gorgeous grounds, and delicious gourmet cuisine. Recognized as a pioneer and leader amongst luxury spa and wellbeing resorts, Mii amo is continuously lauded for its team of professionals, wellness programs, setting, architecture, and design. The retreat’s holistic approach to “slow wellbeing” helps to foster clarity, deepen insight, and guide guests towards finding peace and inner wisdom in the new year.
Kamalaya | Koh Samui, Thailand
Kamalaya is a multi-award-winning Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa located amid a tropical landscape on the southern coastline of Koh Samui, Thailand. Centered around a cave that once served Buddhist monks as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat, Kamalaya’s essence is expressed in its name, ‘Lotus (kamal) Realm (alaya)’, an ancient symbol for the growth and unfolding of the human spirit. Guests looking for a full reset of the mind, body, and soul will find it through Kamalaya’s incredible holistic wellness experiences. With a menu of over 70 services, Kamalaya offers 16 wellness programs that fall into five different categories including Healthy Lifestyle, Detox & Reset, Stress & Burnout, Cultivating Heart, Body & Spirit, and a Taste of Kamalaya.
The Retreat | Barrio Jesús de Atenas, Costa Rica
Costa Rica is calling those who are craving the healing power of nature, exotic wildlife, and seclusion. The Retreat is an adults-only (16 years +) wellness resort that imbues tranquility and harmony. Perched on 50 acres overlooking the majestic Quartz Mountain and Pacific Ocean, The Retreat is an intimate and luxurious 13-room oasis that provides a world-class holistic healing approach to wellness in a gorgeous setting charged with an energy that inspires deep renewal.
Six Senses Ibiza | Ibiza, Spain
Explore the soulful hideaway of Six Senses Ibiza, situated on the island’s secluded rugged northern coast overlooking the crystalline Xarraca Bay. With a wild and free-spirited energy, Six Senses channels Ibiza’s bohemian legacy to create incredible, unscripted moments. Having celebrated its grand opening in the summer of 2021, this wellness property pays homage to the island’s love of community, celebration, and spirituality while being rooted in the local culture that elevates music, art, and sustainable fashion, all of which have become synonymous with the island. Here, guests can set their 2023 intentions with Six Senses’ multi-day immersion programs specializing in detox, anti-aging, energy medicine, crystal healing or shamanic journeys.
Contact:
Hidden Doorways
Email: mail@hiddendoorwaystravel.com
Website: www.hiddendoorwaystravel.com
