New year, new destinations to pop on to your bucket list! There’s no better way to beat the January blues than by having some fantastic holidays to look forward to. From sun-soaked beach paradises to snow-powdered mountain getaways, we’ve put together a bucketful of inspirational locations to travel to this year to help kick-start your 2023.

Dolomites, Italy

A real winter wonderland in the heart of Northwest Italy, the Dolomites is a land filled with wonder and adventure. Known for its dramatic mountain peaks, breathtaking landscapes, magnificent architecture and of course, delicious foods, this South Tyrolean region offers something for every kind of traveller. Explore its myriad of hiking trails, cycling paths and climbing routes. In between ski runs, refuel in one of the region's many cosy restaurants and bars. Discover its plethora of spectacular lakes (Lake Braies is a personal favourite), and soak up its 360-degree views of its fairytale-like surroundings. The Dolomites really is the perfect playground for all you adventure enthusiasts out there!

Where to stay:

Whilst here at HIP Hotels we have an abundance of spectacular hotels within the South Tyrol region, Hotel Muchele ticks all the boxes of a charming and warm stay. A small designer hotel with a wonderfully charming focus on architecture and design, combined with a truly contagious family-oriented vibe, this property is perfectly located just 5km from the beautiful spa town of Merano. Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul at the Anna Spa, indulge in some fine local cuisine at the Chef’s Table, and embrace the pure beauty of the mountain peaks that surround you.

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Tulum, Mexico

Calling all free-spirited souls, Tulum is calling your name! Popular amongst the fashion set, this boho chic paradise is an absolute haven for yoga and wellness lovers everywhere. Beaches are picture-perfect – imagine cobalt blue waters glimmering under the year round sun. Its close proximity to the Mayan ruins sets Tulum apart from all other fine beaches in the world. An ancient walled city sitting on a rocky cliff that offers stunning views overlooking a spectacular white sand beach. Whilst it has become touristy, the mesmerising turquoise Caribbean waters make up for the throngs of crowds. Get into the hippie vibe of the place, as not only is it an area of natural beauty, but the relaxed atmosphere will truly put you at ease and in harmony with the spiritual side of life.

Where to stay:

Graced by the ethereal natural lighting of the Caribbean, get that secluded desert-island feel at Jashita, a place where laidback luxury is the name of the game. Situated just north of Tulum along Soliman Bay, this eco-friendly hotel provides access to a lesser-known part of Mexico's Rivièra Maya; one where tropical tranquillity attracts hundreds of honeymooners, stylish romantics, seclusion seekers and boutique hotel lovers each year. With accommodations ranging from glorious honeymoon suites with endless views across the Caribbean Sea, to rooms amid lush bougainvillaeas, Jashita's sun-filled and natural interiors reflect the beauty of the region. Admire beautiful coral formations with diving and snorkelling in front of Jashita beach, get an energising massage at the treetop Caoba Spa, or strike a yoga pose at the daily morning sessions. This is the place to be.

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Daylesford, Australia

If you’re looking to escape your everyday life to the point of wanting to feel like you’re in a whole new world altogether, look no further than Daylesford, Victoria. A stunning town nestled in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range of Victoria, this place is home to pristine waterfalls, Australia’s largest mineral springs and the Wombat State Forest. A trip to Daylesford is perfect for those looking to slow down the pace.

Where to stay:

Offering only six unique suites, Dairy Flat Lodge and Farm is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a quieter escape within Daylesford. With interiors carefully curated by Larissa Wolf-Tasker, each room is adorned with specially commissioned pieces from local artists and artisans, bringing seamless elegance to this charming country lodge. Supplying most of the produce for the phenomenal restaurant at Lake House, be a witness to the inner workings of this sustainable growing facility and watch the gardeners work the harvest. Take a stroll through the lush grounds, absorb the purity of your natural surroundings and indulge in the aromas of nature at its finest. A stay at Dairy Flat Lodge and Farm is an experience that will be remembered for a lifetime.

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Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Wanting to travel a little more sustainably? Well, what could be a more sustainable tourist destination than the land of ‘Pura Vida’? It’s been said that Costa Ricans live longer and healthier lives than the rest of the world, and much of that can probably be attributed to their sustainable way of life. A crown jewel of northwestern Costa Rica, the Guanacaste Coast is a beautiful environment teeming with tropical dry forests, lowland mountain forests and glimmering beaches – this tropical oasis is truly otherworldly. Step into this rainforested, Central American country and feel like you’ve just entered an entirely new planet.

Where to stay:

Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas is a luxury adults-only hotel where romance is the name of the game. Boasting 21 villas that overlook the Sugar and Penca beaches, the Guanacaste coast and the Catalina islands, this is a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the gems of nature that Central America beholds. Featuring an impressive saltwater infinity pool, outdoor rains showers with coral floors, private plunge pools in each villa, and sea-and-farm-to-table ingredients in their cliffside restaurant, this is a place you would only imagine in your wildest dreams. Don’t even get us started on the spine-tingling panoramic sunsets!

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Merida, Mexico

The largest city in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mérida was once a walled city until the mid-19th century and is now nicknamed La Ciudad Blanca (The White City), due to the predominance of the buildings being built with white limestone. Mérida is an inspiring city to explore; from its emblematic architecture and its Mayan heritage, to its stunning museums and broad central plazas. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of Santa María la Meno, the oldest building in mainland America! If you’re searching for a city break filled with culture, this is the place for you.

Where to stay:

Intimate and utterly unique, Decu Downtown Merida is an exclusive paradise in the vibrant capital of the Mexican state of Yucatán. This colonial house gives guests an extraordinary stay with its personalised hospitality, traditional character and stylish interiors, guaranteeing a space of pure relaxation. Since opening its doors to travellers in 2021, Decu Downtown has not only created a haven that combines the classic Mérida style with modern architecture, but has also honoured the magical traditions and memorable details of Yucatán. Housing eight exclusive suites, the excellent attention to detail in the design inspires each and every guest that steps foot inside. From warm wood elements and signature furnishings, to high ceilings and feature tiled flooring, the classic Mérida style combined with a more contemporary design, truly makes the rooms feel like a relaxing haven.

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Sariska National Park, India

A place where you can reset and reconnect with Mother Nature? Count us in! Nestled within the Alwar district of Rajasthan, the Sariska National Park is a wildlife sanctuary that was part of India’s Project Tiger in 1978. Stretching over 881 km of magnificent grasslands, forests and rocky hills, this enchanting landscape thrives throughout every season. Imagine being surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and the magnificent Aravali Mountains, exploring the different tracking trails and embarking on off-the-beaten-track-adventures? From boulder hikes to birdwatching, it's time to grab your boots and experience your very own private safari this 2023!

Where to stay:

Nestled right within this incredible national park lies the enchanting UTSAV Camp Sariska. Designed to encourage guests to develop their own personal relationships with the natural world, here you will be able to relax and recharge your batteries whilst reconnecting with Mother Nature herself. This is a place where you can unplug from the virtual world and indulge in a more restorative and holistic experience. Boasting Stone Cabins that feature floor to ceiling windows, and Swiss Tents that feature private covered porches; wake up to the birds singing, feel that warm glow of sun on your face and be inspired by the panoramic views that surround you. Not to mention the stargazing beds are perfect for those dreamy nights you’ve been searching for. Who needs WiFi anyway?

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Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

If you’re looking for a vacation filled with delicious foods and fine wines, escape to the charming wine region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Tucked away in the far northeast of Italy, bordering Austria, this place is one of the least touristy regions of Italy and is home to the Dolomite Mountains, the magnificent Piazza dell’Unita d’Italia and around 35 varieties of wine (need we say more?). Known as ‘Italy’s secret treasure’, there’s something for everyone in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. From tasting the region’s delicious whites and orange wines to wandering through wildflower-dotted fields, feasting on their famous dry-cured San Daniele PDO to trekking through upland meadows, there are too many reasons as to why you need to visit this intriguing borderland!

Where to stay:

Hotel Savoy Grado offers a taste of elegance; an informal atmosphere that encourages guests to treat the entire space as their own private home. Placing an emphasis on superior service and hospitality, the building consists of only three floors, blending with the natural and historical landscape. From fine wine, fresh and authentic cuisine, a 1,000-metre-squared beauty club and spa, saltwater pools and a private area on Grado's beach, Hotel Savoy Grado is truly the perfect location to relax. Treating guests to a choice of garden or lagoon views, the rooms are flooded with natural light and neutral colours, you'll be left feeling completely refreshed!

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St Wolfgang, Austria

An enchanting lakeside setting is definitely calling your name this 2023. A place brimming with character, narrow cobblestone streets, pretty painted houses, and quaint pavement cafes, slow down the pace in Austria’s picturesque St Wolfgang. Whether you’re wanting to escape everyday life, searching for the ultimate romantic escape for you and your partner, or just looking to regenerate the mind, body and soul in calming nature, the outstanding natural beauty of the lake makes this place even more magical.

Where to stay:

Cortisen Am See is an elegant, stylish and utterly dreamy property perched directly on the glistening Lake Wolfgang. Packed with personality, playful yet modern furnishings and a colourful decor, this adults-only hotel breaks all boundaries when it comes to creativity. Start your day right with a delicious six-course a la carte breakfast in the hotel restaurant. With an extensive selection of tasty local Austrian delicacies, the homemade kitchen specials are completely mouth-watering. Take a dip in the 25-metre pool, relax in the Finnish and Organic Sauna and indulge in the true meaning of relaxation as you look out onto the surrounding mountains from the panorama windows – the views are absolutely breathtaking!

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Zanzibar, Tanzania

Diversity is the word when it comes to Tanzania, this includes the landscape, its demographic composition, the food, the culture and wildlife. A trip to this glorious nation will be one filled with memories and unforeseen experiences that will stick with you forever and always. Home to Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest mountain, the Serengeti National Park, and over 120 African Tribal groups, take a quick 20 minute flight over to Zanzibar for a real taste of barefoot luxury. Imagine white-sand beaches, lush green forests and colonial-style houses. Whether you choose to try your hand at diving or a spot of snorkelling, simply lounging by the waters for hours is also recommended.

Where to stay:

Zanzibar White Sand Luxury Villas and Spa offers you a little corner of paradise. With the white sands of Paje beach at your doorstep, here you have the opportunity to pamper yourself with up to 1,500 sq. m. of private luxury, nestled amongst lush tropical vegetation. Featuring dreamy and romantic beach-front villas, to larger family rooms, the unique architecture, antiques and high quality design of the interiors makes these spacious living areas a breath of fresh air. Enjoy local Zanzibari flavours complemented by international accents at 'Doors to Zanzibar', try out the hotel’s kitesurfing programme, dive into its crystalline depths and enjoy a cocktail or two beachside. Isn’t relaxing by the ocean with a cocktail in hand what 2023 is all about?

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Napa, USA

Whether it's a wine tasting you crave or uncovering the fruits from the labour of local farmers and artisans, downtown Napa is a treasure trove of vibrant historicity and culture. Retreat to the lively food hall of Oxbow Market, enjoy a scenic river walk, visit the many shops and boutiques, and even uncover some craft microbreweries — yes, even in wine country! Where to stay:

Where boutique hotels are concerned, they don't get much more stylish than R INN NAPA. Masterfully converted from a historic building in downtown Napa, unique artworks, fine design details and modern furnishings abound, resulting in a smart, sleek and sophisticated stay. From the stylish rooms to the communal areas, including a beautiful lobby, a breathtaking open-air courtyard and contemporary event spaces, the sense of exclusivity and charm afforded here are completely undeniable.

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