If, like us, you’ve now got to fit all your 2020 holiday ideas into 2021 (and your friends and family are going all out in talks about extra annual leave and holidays next year) deciding where to go is going to be a toughy. And we’re not about to make it any easier…
We’ve already talked about destinations we think should be on your radar for next year, and we gave a nod to some newbies we recently added to our portfolio. But this article is all about delving into those newbie holiday destinations – because while travel may have been one of the hardest hit industries this year, our destination experts have been busy worker bees and have been out hunting for up-and-coming destinations (or finalising seriously lustworthy destinations).
So here they are, our new holiday destinations for 2021 – have a leisurely scroll, or just skip straight to your country of choice with these links.
France | Spain | Greece | Italy | Mexico | Maldives | South Africa
This picturesque island off the west coast of France is a favourite among locals. If you’re looking for those classic seaside vibes somewhere a touch warmer than the UK, then this is the place for you. This small bit of land is like a treasure trove with its sandy bays, charming fishing ports and gorgeous villages – it’s basically the perfect setting for a feel-good book! Hire bikes and go exploring, wander the old cobblestoned paths, and soak up the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Check out our Île de Ré collection >
If you’re more about a holiday skiing down snowy mountains, then you’ll be happy to hear we’ve added Morzine to our list. A ski resort in the French Alps, this traditional Alpine town is the capital of the Portes du Soleil area and is ideal for all ages – whether you’re a family with young beginners, or a seasoned pro on the slopes. The après scene is alive and well here, with a selection of lively bars to sink a couple of drinks after a “hard” days skiing! Morzine doesn’t go to sleep after ski season though (the snow keeps well into April, sometimes even May) because it’s a year-round destination, the mountains and the meadows are the perfect setting for outdoor adventures, with mountain biking, walking and swimming top of the agenda.
Check out our Morzine collection >
Another exciting family-friendly ski resort, Val Thorens is up there with one of the best places to take your family skiing. Family plus Mountain accredited, it’s well-catered to youngsters, offering lessons, a nursery and fun zones to keep the kids occupied if the adults want their own time on the slopes. Again, the après scene is kicking about here too, so it’s not just a resort for families – plus they’ve got a jam-packed events and entertainment calendar… so there’s no chance of being bored!
Check out our Val Thorens collection >
Photo by Michal Mrozek on Unsplash
The Canary Islands has always been popular with our customers, so it’s only right that we added Fuerteventura to our list, with its white-sand beaches, volcanic landscapes and emerald-green waters! Only 100km off the north coast of Africa, this island benefits from a dry subtropical climate (meaning year-round warm weather) so it’s ideal if you’re wanting to avoid the busy summer months. It was even declared a Biosphere and Starlight reserve by UNESCO in 2009 because of its rich fossil record, untouched western coastline and exceptional stargazing conditions. Match all of that up with its water-sports activities, stunning beaches and sweet villages and you’ve got yourself a seriously amazing holiday destination.
Check out our Fuerteventura collection >
This historic town is situated on the island of Mallorca, and we added this to our portfolio of holiday destinations because it’s got the best of both worlds: A modern infrastructure with plenty of bars, shops and restaurants for an easy family holiday, while it also retains a lot of its traditional charm. So, whether you’re looking to spend your days by the poolside, down by the beach or exploring local villages – you’ve got it all within reach.
Check out our Calvia collection >
Another Mallorca addition, this little port village is situated in a large bay on the west coast and until recently, managed to stave off a lot of development projects, meaning in comparison to a lot of other villages on the island, Port de Soller still retains a lot of its old village authenticity. Backed by the Tramuntana Mountains and overlooking the dazzling sea, it offers a unique holiday where you could just as easily go hiking in the mountains as you can go sunbathing at the beach. Plus, there’s a vintage tram and train that can take you all the way to Palma, through fruit groves, valleys and over mountains – a must if you decide to stay there!
Check out our Port de Soller collection >
An autonomous community in north-west Spain, Asturias is a holiday destination for those who like to go out and explore. This region has remained relatively under-the-radar, meaning it’s avoided over-development – and that’s why we love it! Its mountainous scenery, medieval towns, heavily-forested interior and rugged coastline is enough to attract tourists looking for lesser-known destinations, but it’s also known for its smattering of religious sites, historic architecture and foodie hotspots. It’s no wonder National Geographic named it as one of its best trips in 2020. If you want to visit more religious sites, then check out sites like https://www.immanuel-tours.com for a Jerusalem tour.
Check out our Asturias collection >
Sugar-white beaches and crystal-clear bluer-than-blue water: It’s what everyone wants from their beach holiday, and that’s exactly what Zakynthos (aka Zante) delivers. More known for its clubbing offerings for the younger crowds, people often overlook the island, which actually offers up way more for those that want a relaxing holiday away from the party spots. Known as the Flower of the East (due to its 7,000+ species of flowers), Zakynthos has a diverse landscape – sandy bays on one side, and rugged cliffs on the other so you can get up to all manner of outdoor activities. Plus, there are a number of historic sites and incredible old churches to be visited, like the Venetian Castle or the Aghios Nikolaos church.
Check out our Zakynthos collection >
This region is an underrated gem, and we are all about bringing it into the limelight. So were Lonely Planet when they declared it one of the best regions to visit in 2019! Why? Well, like most places in Italy it’s heaven for foodies, from its world-famous truffles and chocolate (the HQ of Ferrero is here – just saying) it’s also home to some of the finest vineyards in the world, in the Langhe area. Fans of Barolo wines will know what we’re talking about! And the wine region landscapes have helped Piedmont acquire UNESCO World Heritage status, so there’s that too. If that’s not enough, you can also go hiking through the vineyards, explore the medieval towns and villages, hunt for truffles, and gaze at historic castles.
Check out our Piedmont collection >
We’re so excited about our Mexico additions – they’ve got us dreaming of an exotic holiday (as soon as the travel Gods allow). Baja California is the peninsula bordering the US state of California (second longest peninsula in the world, apparently!), and we love it for its mystical landscapes. Think sweet little village towns next to sandy beaches, colourful snorkelling spots alongside jagged cliffs, and a deep blue sea backed by dramatic mountain ranges. This place has got it all – plus, it’s sparsely populated, meaning you could get some spots all to yourself!
Check out our Baja California collection >
The impressive – and gorgeous – Pacific Coast winds all the way to Guatemala, so you know you’re in for a treat. First things first, and the clue is in the name, this stretch of land is home to some incredible beaches – many highly-rated among the surfing community! But it’s not all about living that beach life, the Pacific Coast is ideal for active travellers looking for mountain hikes (it’s home to the Sierra Madre mountain range), jungle treks at the foothills of the mountains, or some historic exploring around the colonial towns and villages. A holiday destination for everyone!
Check out our Pacific Coast collection >
Both located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancun and the Riviera Maya are in close proximity but offer totally different experiences. You’ve got the large city of Cancun on the northeast tip of the peninsula, offering everything you could ever want from a city break and then some, with its sandy beaches, turquoise waters and the natural playground of Mexico jungles nearby (think magical cenotes and mangroves) and then you’ve got the Riviera Maya – a region just south of Cancun that stretches down the Caribbean coastline til it reaches the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. The Riviera Maya is well-known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, laid-back beach resorts, jungle beauty and its ancient Mayan roots (and ruins, that you can visit in places like Tulum).
Check out our Cancun and Riviera Maya collection >
The Maldives is synonymous with luxury holidays, and it’s clear to see why. If you look at the photos of this archipelagic island, you’d think it looks like a total dream: Crystal-clear calm waters, whiter-than-white beaches, gorgeous water villas on stilts where you can just jump in the ocean from your terrace, and the most gorgeous looking sunsets. Spend your days snorkelling and diving, paddleboarding and kayaking, treat yourself to spa treatments and decadent fresh seafood meals, or kick back on the serene beaches. It’s the most idyllic holiday destination, there’s no doubt.
Check out our Maldives collection >
Mountains, beaches, safaris, vineyards – Cape Town is perfectly placed for all kinds of South African adventures! Whether you want to climb to the top of Table Mountain, go for a scenic drive along the cape, go surfing at one of the beaches, or go for a safari experience in one of the wildlife reserves near the city. This area is literally jam-packed with activities you and the family can get stuck into! The V&A waterfront is a must too, as it’s the oldest working harbour in the country, bustling with life – from the local arts and crafts stores to the eateries and the live music spots. Plus, it’s backed by the famous Table Mountain, so it’s as pretty as a postcard!
Check out our Cape Town collection >
Nambiti is a private game reserve, where you can have a safari experience all to yourself (or within an intimate group) spot the big 5, and get up to all sorts of adventures in a luxury setting. The Esiweni Lodge is perched on a dramatic clifftop, commanding stunning views across the reserve, plus you can organise a private sunset dinner in the bush, two game drives a day, spa treatments and local day trips.
So, there we have it – our newest destinations for 2021. While this year may have been hard, we wanted to make sure we had lots of exciting new holiday destinations for you to all go crazy over next year… we think you’ll all agree our destination experts have done a top-notch job. Now it’s just about the painstaking wait to find out when we’re able to go off and explore this unbelievable (and seriously missed) world of ours.
If you’re not sure how in the world you’re going to pick your 2021 holiday destination (or villa!) then get in touch with our concierge team, who will be more than happy to help.
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