After spending every day drooling over beautiful new regions and tips for 2015, the i-escape team is far from immune to bouts of wanderlust. From the peaks of Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park to the sun-kissed beaches of the stunning Andaman Islands, we share the destinations topping our travel wishlist.
Laila, Founder
Aman Sveti Stefan, near Budva, Montenegro: “This summer I plan to take my teenage kids for some outdoor kicks in Montenegro (think kayaking, wild swimming and canyoning). After a week of this, what better place to relax and indulge than Aman Sveti Stefan, where informal luxury is at its best?”
Nadine, Kids Collection Editor
Cape Weligama, near Galle, Sri Lanka: “I’m longing to discover Sri Lanka and my dream family trip would include a stay at this super new resort on a breathtaking headland close to Galle, which has a kids pool and a kids menu in its lovely restaurant. My son is mad on wildlife so we’d definitely want to go whale- and dolphin-watching!”
Mike, Editor-in-Chief
Dune House, near Paternoster, South Africa: “I’d love to escape life for a week here with my family and my brother’s, so our kids can play on the endless empty beach or around the pool while we enjoy a game of tennis or get spa’d up at the estate next door… followed by a few days of more urban(e) pleasures at Ebb Tide on the coast outside Cape Town.”
Melissa, Senior Editorial Assistant
Koh Pha Ngan Pool Villas, Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand: “I’d love to descend on Koh Pha Ngan Pool Villas with a group of friends. It’s great value, the décor is super-cool, the pool looks beautiful, and the unusual layout of mini-villas surrounding a communal main house strikes a great balance between privacy and socialising.”
Sarah DVD, Marketing Manager
Barefoot at Havelock, Andaman Islands, India: “The Andaman Islands are still a wild and unexplored frontier and, as someone who likes to go off grid every now and then, I can’t think of anywhere better than this eco beach resort. Pristine coral reefs, dense forest and swimming elephants(!), all next to deserted beaches. Sounds like heaven.”
Emily P, Bookings Consultant
Jakes, Treasure Beach, Jamaica: “Ever since my first trip to Jamaica last year, I am in love and constantly daydream about going back. I think Jakes looks so full of character and charm. I can just imagine chilling out at the bar listening to reggae and drinking rum!”
Abi, Assistant Editor
Quinta do Vallado, Douro Valley, Portugal: “Top of my list is Quinta do Vallado in Portugal’s Douro Valley. I’m heading to Porto in March to review the gorgeous 1872 River House and Rosa Et Al Townhouse for i-escape (a tough job, but someone’s got to do it…), and I’m really looking forward to a few days’ relaxation here afterwards. The food sounds delicious, the rooms look super-stylish, and it’s set on a working vineyard with plenty of tasting opportunities – perfect!”
Ben R, Bookings Consultant
The Beach Houses, Mandrem, India: “This is the Goa of my dreams…..set among palm trees overlooking an unspoilt stretch of beach… Goan curry sizzling away in the distance and the aromas wafting through… sunsets in the hammock and early-morning beach combing… sigh…”
Liz, Editor
Areias do Seixo, Costa de Prata, Portugal: “My top ‘wish I was going there this year’ is still Areias do Seixo (which I picked in 2014), so clearly I should just book in! I adore the décor, ethos and location; it all looks sensational. But now that I’m a mum, I’m also yearning to visit our family hotels (the net just got bigger!). Binigaus Vell, part of our new Menorca collection, is my top pick for 2015. A dreamy pool, relaxed breakfasts and close to white-sand beaches… bring it on!”
Olivia, Assistant Rates Manager
The Sarojin, Khao Lak, Thailand: “I’d love to stay here for the chance to experience pure luxury in a beautiful setting – private pools, spa treatments and beautiful food in lush gardens. Plus it’s only a stone’s throw from white-sand beaches and clear seas.”
Ben F, Rates Manager
Kensington Place, Higgovale, South Africa: “Set in the attractive Higgovale area of Cape Town, this small and stylish bolthole provides the ideal base for a relaxing break in this amazing city.”
Kate, Head of Bookings
Esplendido Hotel, Puerto Soller, Mallorca: “We had a near perfect long weekend here 2 years ago and I’d love to go back. It’s the perfect mix of style by the sea. There’s a small spa and steam room , 2 lovely pools, and amazing sea-facing rooms with huge balconies and terraces. We were so lucky with the weather during our April visit that we got caught unprepared and my husband had to buy flip flops, shorts and sun cream in Soller. Bliss. I wish I was there right now.”
Grace, Rates Assistant
The Bale, Bali, Indonesia: “I’ve always wanted to travel in Indonesia and The Bale looks incredible. The pool is amazing and the food sounds delicious.”
Lyndon, Marketing Assistant
Ion hotel, Thingvellir National Park, Iceland: “I love the look of Iceland’s stunningly wild landscape and iconic Ion Hotel – secluded away in a beautiful national park – is the perfect place to enjoy it from. On top of the great spa, exquisite restaurant and outdoor thermal pool, you get the chance to catch a breath-taking glimpse of the Northern Lights.”
