A brand new year is upon us! Whilst it’s not quite the start to 2021 we had hoped for—with much of the world still facing restrictions due to the pandemic—with the roll-out of vaccines, there is certainly hope on the horizon. Many of us have already begun pondering where exactly we’ll be travelling to this year, apparent by the rise in bookings recently, but will you be embracing old favourites or plunging into a more once-in-a-lifetime experience?

The official trade association, ABTA, have brought forth their forecasts for the state of travel for the coming year and it's certainly looking promising. Bookings are on the rise and ten destinations are said to be at the top of our travel lists for 2021. Want some inspiration for your 2021 adventures? Allow us to help.

Spain

Spain has long been a favourite holiday destination, especially for Brits, and that’s not set to change in 2021. Whilst travel is currently restricted, Spanish authorities are hoping by spring, the allowance of visitors without needing to quarantine will be possible. The Canary Islands are already on the UK’s travel corridors list, so these are sure to be a firm favourite once the state of safe travel becomes more apparent.

Promising a balmy Mediterranean climate through most of spring and summer, Spain’s variety of destinations makes it an ideal place for reinstating your love of travel this year. From the coastal plains of Valencia, idyllic islands and flawless sandy beaches to the sophisticated majesty of Barcelona and the energetic hum of Madrid, Spain packages the beauty of great food, fun people, storied history and amazing cities into one wondrous offering. Part of the beauty of Spain is the distinctiveness of each region, where you’ll find utterly independent foods, cultures, fashion and style—each of them bringing something magical in their own right. The laidback countryside of Asturias is a far cry from the energetic vibrance of Ibiza, but each offers something different and exciting the other cannot, making Spain one of the best places to visit this year.

Where to stay

Hacienda de Abajo, La Palma Island

Lavish takes on a new meaning at the lovingly restored seventeenth-century estate of Hacienda de Abajo. Nestled within Tazacorte, the banana capital of La Palma, you’ll be afforded wonderful panoramic views across the ocean and plantations, and you’ll rest your head in elegant rooms adorned with museum-worthy artwork, gilded furnishings, lavish chandeliers and reclaimed wooden doors.

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The Serras, Barcelona

We’re all going to need a helping of city energy once things begin to return to normal and The Serras in Barcelona can certainly oblige where that’s concerned. Situated in Barcelona’s celebrated Gothic Quarter, this trendy stay overlooks Port Vell, so you can watch the luxury yachts come and go, amid the wondrously modern and chilled ambience of The Serras, whether that’s on your balcony or from the admirable position of the rooftop bar.

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France

The romantic mysticism and laidback simplicity of the French way of life cannot be denied. From rustic villages that decorate the countryside and the picturesque beaches of St. Tropez to the snow-blanketed slopes of the Alps and the majesty of cities such as Paris and Versailles, France is charm and passion rolled into one. Its biodiversity ranges from the cliffs in northern France to the beautiful waters of the French Riviera and Corsica’s wondrous forests. With ease of access via the UK, France has always been an ideal destination to slip away to for a weekend or extended break, and 2021 will be no exception. There’s something about France’s atmosphere that makes it feel wholly familiar regardless of whether one has visited before or never set foot in the nation—its air of seductive sensibilities and repertoire of landmarks allows stays that combine relaxation and exploration in good measure.

Where to stay

L’Albiousse, Languedoc-Roussillon

Preserving classic ways of French living, L’Albiousse graces the south of France in a charming small town named Uzès. Comprising only five bedrooms, and centred around an endearing cobbled courtyard, you can guarantee all the privacy and exclusivity you desire with a wonderful country house feel. High ceilings and French windows offer a setting of informal elegance combined with contemporary chic and historic charm.

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La Baye des Anges, Provence

A beautiful villa that can be booked in its entirety, La Baye des Anges doesn’t disappoint when it comes to space and experiences to enjoy. Luminous visions of Mount Ventoux offer plenty of opportunities for excursions and a haven for cycling enthusiasts. With five suites and sleeping up to ten people, each space is stylish and comfortable, offering all of the privacy you could desire for a wondrous experience in the medieval town of Vaison la Romaine.

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USA

Whilst the USA has suffered immensely due to the pandemic, bearing the brunt of having the most cases of the virus, it’s still been selected as one of the top overseas destinations for 2021 by ABTA. Perhaps it’s due to yearning for what we can’t have, or perhaps it's the USA’s wonderfully varied and larger than life nature that us overseas individuals just can’t quite resist.

Evoking visions of the American dream, everyone has their own needs and desires for wanting to explore this country’s vast expanses. From endless country towns, open beaches, snow-covered peaks and redwood forests, encounter nearly every ethnicity and culture, climate and landscape you can imagine. A big attraction of why people travel to the USA is certainly for her national parks and trails, of which there are 63 protected areas. From the popular and iconic Yosemite to Yellowstone and Zion, if exploring is your game, the USA can gladly accommodate. If not for wandering in nature, another attraction is definitely the dazzling amazement of New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, to name but a few. Each representing a microcosm of culture, entertainment and cuisine aplenty, that contributes to the splendid patchwork quilt that is America.

Where to stay

Mondrian Park Avenue, New York

Encapsulating the epitome of New York’s vibrant spirit, Mondrian Park Avenue places you in the heart of Manhattan’s NoMad neighbourhood, a place that has been transformed in recent years to become a hub of luxury, close to the Empire State Building and Madison Square Park. The overall vibe is one of sophistication with the eclectic tones of the area. 189 guestrooms are by the iconic Philippe Starck in a feat of sleek and original design. This, paired with soaring views over the city are enough reason to understand what makes Mondrian Park Avenue such a draw.

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Los Poblanos, Los Ranchos de Albuquerque

The historic inn and organic farm of Los Poblanos brings forth the natural magic of the Rio Grande River Valley. Seeking to preserve the agricultural history of the area, a significant proportion of the land is dedicated to organic farming, which you’ll reap the benefits of, through delectable cuisine and charming artisanal products that can be purchased from the Farm Shop. Rooms designed by John Gaw Meem follow a classic New Mexican style that is warm and cosy. Rustic woodburners, original hardwood floors and quaint views of the gardens make for a stay hard to resist.

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Italy

At the front of Western civilisation since the Roman Empire, Italy is a cultural treasure trove of art, music and food, and is the epicentre of the Renaissance era which influenced much of the rest of Europe’s customs and traditions. Whether it’s the warming visions of the Amalfi Coast, the iconic enticements of Venice, or the northwest Aosta valley, heart of the Alps, bordering France and Switzerland, Italy isn’t short of delights, with a trip to please every kind of traveller. If all is well, experiencing Italy in spring will be a truly rewarding time. This is the time when the temperature warms and flowers begin to bloom, giving villages and towns a sheen of vibrancy and charm. Italy is a true treat for the senses, evoking the passions of Romeo & Juliet and the rise of the Roman empire at the same time.

Where to stay

Maison La Minervetta

Sure to bring vibrancy into your life, you’ll feel like a sailor aboard a ship at the beautiful Maison La Minervetta. One of our new members for 2021, this nautical abode places you overlooking the Marina Grande, the original fishing port in the beautiful Italian town of Sorrento. Picture-perfect Mediterranean environments blend perfectly with the laidback yet energetic feeling of Minervetta.

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Hotel Vilòn

What was once a boarding school has been transformed into this wonderfully stylish mix of 19th-century sophistication and exciting modern design. Beautifully intimate and lavish, with views overlooking Palazzo Borghese, you get the best of both worlds at Hotel Vilòn — plant-lined outdoor spaces combined with the proximity to the best Rome has to offer, from the Vatican Museum and the Trevi Fountain to the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum.

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