Memories of 2022? Girlahead instantly thinks of Windstar’s superb Presidential cruise around French Polynesia. And one of the top moments of that week-long journey was when the luxury cruise yachts’ President, Chris Prelog, and his wife-of-20 years, Silke, renewed their vows on a distant motu private island, after which they cut a giant chocolate cake – see above.
And now, foretaste of 2023? Let us turn to creative travel designer Jack Ezon, of New York-based Embark Beyond. Over to the sage: ”Pre-covid Southeast Asia was on one of the steepest growth trajectories; now people are clamoring to return. In fact, one of the hottest ski destinations for 2023 is Niseko!
“Look Italy beyond the obvious – Look at Piemonte, Veneto and Emilia Romagna to pop up as the new Tuscany! Great new properties like Casa di Langa are providing posh digs to catch up with the incredible food scene that secretly dominates the peninsula.
“Montenegro is back on the hot list. The new One&Only Portonovi is a hot new resort that is the new yacht haven of the Med. Couple this with the spectacular fjords of Kotor and a short boat ride to Croatia, it’s the ultimate summer getaway.
“A new set of luxe Antarctica expedition ships are attracting a whole new crowd to the frozen continent. And now that you can fly over the dreaded Drake’s Passage, you can literally do an Antarctic cruise for 4 days (or even jaunt over from Chile or Argentina for 2-3 nights). New ships like the Silversea Endeavor, the Viking Polaris, Atlas Ocean Voyage, Aurora Expeditions and the Seabourn Venture attract a new luxury set to what used to be reserved for intrepid explorers.
“Galapagos is one of the hottest eco-destinations for 2023. Not surprisingly, almost 80% of Galapagos goers have been on an African safari and looking for the next great alternative. New experiences like the incredible Aqua Mare along with Pikaia Lodge add an element of luxury expected in Africa to the incredible archipelago preserve.
“The safari, it seems, is the ultimate antidote to urban lock-up. Kenya and Tanzania top the lists of safari destinations growing almost 40% since 2019. While South Africa was historically 90% of our Sub-Saharan Africa bookings, East Africa accounts for almost 35% of safari experiences. Clients are especially keen to explore the Grumeti Game Reserve operated by acclaimed outfitter Singita and the Laikipia Plateau. Meanwhile, Amboseli National Park gets its first luxury lodge as Angama opens the first luxury camp in the park known for its giant elephant herds. Resorts like the new Kisawa Sanctuary are turning heads as the hottest new beach resort in Mozambique – the post- safari retreat du jour.
“As soon as restrictions were lifted, Egypt fast became one of the hottest destinations for our clients. In fact, it has become so popular that you can barely get a room on the Nile. Renovation of the Old Cataract is a dream as are a host of new and renovated Nile cruises shuttling between Luxor and Aswan.”
So spake Jack Ezon… more 2023 predictions to come. Watch this space. Meanwhile let’s listen to Kerzner CEO Philippe Zuber, whose brands include One@Only:
