Want to know what’s hot in the world of travel? Just ask the experts at Abercrombie & Kent who have put together their Hot List for 2018.
Want to know what’s hot in the world of travel? Just ask the experts at Abercrombie & Kent who have put together their Hot List for 2018. It’s the definitive go-to inventory for discerning travellers who want to stay ahead of the game and rack up new experiences. Whether it’s a wildlife-focused adventure, an off the beaten track discovery, cultural engagement or a must-see natural phenomenon, there’s a journey to suit.
Argentina
Home of the tango and engrained with a deep-seated
Latin vibe, Argentina is richly romantic and hauntingly beautiful. Its
landscapes are vast and its beef world famous. The gaucho culture is an
integral part of the estancia experience and the cosmopolitan capital, Buenos
Aires, is European sophistication with more than a dash of Latin zeal. From the
high altitude vineyards and desert gorges of the north to the southern
glaciers, the thundering Iguazu Falls in the east and the Andes-dominated wine
country to the west, it is one of the most diverse and fascinating destinations
with a richly rewarding culture to match.
Bedouin camping in Morocco
Channel your inner Lawrence of Arabia when bedding
down in A&K’s unique Bedouin camp which is set up exclusively for guests in
the Erg Chebbi sand dunes near Erfoud on the edge of the Sahara. After a camel
ride through the dunes and dreamy sundowners, sit down to a candlelit dinner
and drinks by a crackling camp fire. Retire to your atmospheric Caidale tent
decorated with warm earthy colours complete with thoughtful luxe touches – hand-woven
rugs, hot water and flush toilets and camp staff on hand to look after every
guest need. The incredible beauty, the silence and the solitude is
unforgettable.
Georgia
It’s a little known fact that Georgia was one of the first countries to adopt
Christianity and, as a result, this former Soviet Republic boasts some
magnificent Orthodox churches in the most unexpected locations, many of them
dating from the 10th and 11th centuries. It also lays claim to the world’s
oldest wine industry centred around the Kakheti region where the wine is skin-fermented
and stored underground in egg-shaped clay jars. So unique is this method that UNESCO
added it to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Add to that, old world
European charm, extraordinary alpine landscapes, excellent food and warm,
hospitable people and it’s guaranteed to excite.
Helena Bay, New Zealand
Three kilometres of pristine coastline, four private beaches and your
choice of secluded coves, that’s what awaits at Helena Bay, New Zealand’s
newest addition to the luxury lodge scene. Already featuring in the most
prestigious award lists, Helena Bay in the Northland region of New Zealand’s
North Island is a chic hideaway with just five sophisticated suites and nothing
left to chance. Expect the finest European linen, plump Austrian duvets, Swiss
bathrobes and Molton Brown products. And you can look forward to ‘estate to
plate’ cuisine from a Michelin-starred chef with dining locations around the
property. The lodge is available for exclusive use if planning a celebration.
Istrian Peninsula
Shared by Croatia, Slovenia and Italy, the Istrian
Peninsula is a stunning coastal area in the northern Adriatic littered with medieval
walled cities, Roman monuments and atmospheric tavernas. The superb regional
cuisine has a distinctly Italian flavour, think rustic pasta with fine Istrian
olive oil and traces of white truffle - a local delicacy – and its little known
wine industry most famous for the dry white, malvisas varietal. It’s hard to
pick just one highlight on the Istrian Coast but Rovinj has to go close with
its cobblestone streets, brightly coloured Venetian-styled houses, lively bars
and restaurants.
Norway
With year-round appeal, Norway is one of those magical destinations with
endless natural attractions and a rich heritage. It is achingly beautiful in
any season and in summer and spring, one of the best things to do is take a
drive along the Atlantic Road, one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes.
Oslo is jam-packed with museums and galleries as well as great restaurants
dishing up fine Nordic cuisine. In the winter months, when the north is heavily
blanketed in snow, there are unique opportunities to interact with the indigenous
Sami reindeer herders of Lapland, ride snow mobiles into the winter wilderness,
go dog sledding and of course look out for the Northern Lights.
Portugal
Thanks to its incredible diversity and the hospitality of its people and their
lifestyle, Portugal is entirely entrancing. It has a rich design heritage,
ancient walled towns and mountaintop palaces, it also has magical Mediterranean
landscapes, delicious food, earthy wines and is one of Europe’s sunniest spots.
There are two coastlines to choose from and a bevy of beautiful beaches,
vineyards and olive groves to explore plus an eclectic capital which is busy
reinventing itself. Expect warmth and worldliness in abundance when you visit,
and of course port.
Rwanda
One of the most outstanding wildlife experiences open to adventurous travellers
is gorilla tracking and Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans is one of the best
places to do it. Once on the brink of extinction, the mountain gorillas of
Rwanda have increased in number thanks to the conservation work begun by Dian
Fossey. Tracking through the rainforest in small groups is challenging and a
good level of fitness is recommended but the experience is entirely worth it.
On encountering a family, guests are rewarded with time spent observing these
marvellous primates at close quarters - priceless. An easy drive from the park,
the luxurious new Bisate Lodge adds another eco-experience that will be
remembered for years to come.
Sri Lanka
With a raft of new hotel openings, Sri Lanka is hotter than ever. Its compact
size belies the wealth of its fascinating ruins and it lays claim to no less
than seven World Heritage sites dotted throughout the country. Its mist-covered
mountains and lush tea estates boast charming, colonial style boutique lodgings
like the new Camellia Hills and along the palm-lined south coast there are
stylish beach resorts and villas to equal the world’s best. A flavourful
cuisine and a warm tropical glow make Sri Lanka utterly beguiling.
West Africa
Properly off the beaten track, the West African countries of Ghana, Togo and
Benin are steeped in mystery. Voodoo is still practiced widely and attending a
trance dance conducted by a village witch doctor is one of the most memorable
experiences a traveller can have there. Voodoo markets are full of magic charms
and ancestor worship is commonplace. Ghana’s art scene is flourishing too with
its flamboyant fantasy coffins exhibited in museums the world over and a
thriving textile industry producing the brightly coloured wax printed fabrics widely
admired in European fashion houses. Ritual celebrations like the Akwasidae
Festival which honours former kings and ancestors, are another highlight and
travellers can take part in a traditional Ashanti funeral – a sacred
experience.
