The Places Everyone Will Be Booking Next
I’ve looked into the future and noticed a few destinations are about to get very popular. My advice? Visit these areas on the cusp of change, and get there before they change forever.
Italy has more than one destination on the rise right now. Puglia, the “heel” of the boot, has long been a favorite for those in the know, with whitewashed villages, Adriatic coastline, and family-run hotels offering a more relaxed alternative to Tuscany. That window may not last, especially with a Four Seasons beachside retreat set to open in 2028.
Sicily is also gaining momentum. The White Lotus may have introduced it to a wider audience, but it still feels relatively undiscovered compared to other coastal hotspots. New openings, including Rocco Forte’s intimate 31-room palace in Noto, signal what’s next. Nearby, Ischia is gaining attention as a more relaxed island destination, known for its thermal waters and spa culture. Ask me about the new Relais and Châteaux property and ideal booking timing.
Laos, the country surrounded by Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, is brimming with Buddhist monuments and culture, unforgettable food, and a welcoming people, but it has not yet been overwhelmed with tourists like its neighbors. Some call it the “silent sibling of Southeast Asia.” That’s slowly changing, and several luxury brands are upgrading and improving existing hotels.
Okinawa offers a different side of Japan, where subtropical islands, clear blue water, and a slower pace shaped by the Ryukyu Kingdom’s distinct culture set the tone. The region has long flown under the radar, but that’s beginning to shift. Ultra-luxury brands are already making moves, with the recent opening of Rosewood Miyakojima setting a new benchmark for the destination.