When it comes to planning that trip of a lifetime it makes sense to travel in the footsteps of those in the know. So if you’re busy writing or revising your itinerary for the year ahead, we turned to the experts to share their intel. Here, six well-traveled, super stylish, influential people in travel share the destinations on their radar for 2022. Grab your passport and take note.
Travel Influencer: Zach Weiss, @zacharyweiss
If you’re not following Zach Weiss on Instagram, trust us you should be. The brand consultant, writer, Travel Curator contributor, and super stylish (and hilariously funny) man of the world is always somewhere fabulous, doing something equally fabulous.
Destination: Tulum, Mexico
“I live in New York and believe it or not, I have only been to Tulum once. It was for a full moon party, and I was only there a couple of days but I fell in love with the town and can’t wait to get back there this year. Tulum’s got the best vibe, the most gorgeous turquoise waters, and beaches, the perfect mix of relaxation and nightlife, and some of the coolest barefoot luxury boutique hotels and restaurants. Not to mention it’s close to home.”
Where to Stay in Tulum
A tranquil oasis where the jungle meets the sea, Kimpton Aluna Tulum is a luxury boutique resort nestled amid lush greenery in the Aldea Zama region, close to the beach and buzzy downtown area. Inspired by its nature-filled surroundings, modern Mexican meets Mayan spirituality is the design vibe, with spaces, guest rooms, and suites evoking a luxe bohemian feel through soft white walls, handmade wood furnishings, colorful décor, and fresh flora.
Hotel Highlights
Bhanu Sky Kitchen, the resort’s signature rooftop restaurant (with pool, cabanas, and DJ sessions) which uses coal, smoke, and fire to create Mexican-Asian fusion share plates. The ground floor pool with swim-up bar, Maïa, a private beach club and restaurant overlooking the pristine Caribbean Sea, and the sanctuary-like spa Ja’ Spa (be sure to have a Mayan massage ritual).
Travel Influencer: Melissa Hoyer, @MelissaHoyer
Aussie journalist, consultant, and expert travel, lifestyle, and fashion commentator, Melissa Hoyer has been hooked on a great airport lounge, fabulous hotel, and exploring the latest IT travel destination, since taking her first trip to New Zealand as a kid.
Destination: Koh Samui, Thailand
“Every time the word Thailand pops up, Koh Samui enters the conversation. For years I’ve been desperately seeking a trip there — I finally made a booking and the pandemic hit. As the world opens up, Koh Samui is back on this year’s must-do list. Thailand’s second-largest island has a reputation for extraordinary resorts, spas, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, serenity, mountainous rainforest, and the most exquisitely serene Thai people. I’m definitely craving an experience that will be full of zen-moments, the freshest food, days spent doing absolutely nothing, along with others soaking up the sun (slathered in sunscreen), followed by killer cocktails (naturally) and incredible sunsets. Hello Koh Samui, I’m coming for you.”
Where to Stay in Koh Samui
Paradise is found at Kimpton Kitalay Samui, a luxury boutique resort that evokes the romance and history of Koh Samui’s traditional fishing villages. Here the suites and villas come with chic nautical accents and terraces offering stunning water views (some with direct access to the beach and pool), floor-to-ceiling windows, and the luxury of oversized tubs, natural woven rugs, and Thai-crafted artwork.
Hotel Highlights
The lush tropical grounds, seafront infinity pool, and onsite spa, Pimãanda by HARNN, where the signature ritual is inspired by the Manora dance of southern Thailand. And let’s not forget fresh seafood dinners on the beachfront at Fish House, just one of five of the resort’s signature restaurants.
Travel Influencer: Meagan Morrison, @travelwritedraw
Artist and illustrator Meagan Morrison’s blog and Instagram, Travel Write Draw, is a visual feast that takes her audience on an artful, emotional journey around the world. Inspired by dreamy destinations known for their vivid colors and textures, her stunning imagery celebrates the intersection of travel, fashion, and art.
Destination: Sydney, Australia
“My first time traveling to Sydney was August 2017, on the heels of an incredible press trip to Melbourne, for the opening of the Dior exhibit at the National Gallery of Victoria. I will never forget landing in that glorious Sydney morning sunshine and seeing Bondi Beach and the Harbour absolutely glistening for the very first time. But what impressed me even more than its natural beauty (and it is truly one of the most beautiful cities in the world) was the outrageously inspiring food and fashion scenes. Coming from NYC, I often see much of the same in other major metropolises, but Sydney truly has its own culture and style signature and the happy, easygoing way of life and energy of the locals is infectious. I can’t wait to go back now that it has reopened its doors to international visitors.”
Where to Stay in Sydney
The latest luxury hotel to open in Sydney, Kimpton Margot Sydney is generating major buzz for its next-level design and gastronomy offering. Opening its doors between the scenic Sydney Harbour and buzzy Chinatown, this new gem fuses Art-Deco architecture — it occupies an iconic heritage-listed building —with bold artworks, grand patterns, and that quintessential modern coastal Australian style, with plush, light-filled, rooms and suites and plenty of botanicals.
Hotel Highlights
The name — ‘Margot’ is a nod to the many women who shaped Australia’s vibrant art scene, thus the emphasis on whimsical works by local and international artists. The opulent 1930s-style lobby lounge that transforms into a buzzy cocktail bar at night, the cool rooftop pool and bar (for epic views of the sparkling city skyline), and the red hot restaurant line-up helmed by top Aussie chef Luke Mangan.
Travel Influencer: Dylan Grace Essertier @dylangracetravels
Travel journalist and founder Dylan Grace Essertier has tens of thousands of dreamers following her adventures to the best places on the planet.
Destination: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
“From spending the day marveling at the city’s Van Gogh Museum to cruising along the marvelous canals, a trip to Amsterdam is always unforgettable. Go for the hyper-creative hospitality scene, vintage-filled boutiques, and the chance to stop and smell the tulips. After being cooped up for the past few years, I can’t wait to visit this lively city again and catch some live music at one of the countless concert halls.”
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
A boutique hideaway in Amsterdam’s city center, Kimpton De Witt exudes historic and boutique while making a case for modern luxury and Dutch architecture and design. Step inside to discover Imaginative spaces, contemporary millwork, and eclectic treasures that cultivate a creative retreat-style escape, that takes its cue from the energy, urban vibe, unmistakable culture, and rich artistic past of enchanting Amsterdam.
Hotel Highlights
The 274 guest rooms (some housed in original 17th century buildings) evoke the same curated art and creativity focus as the public spaces, with a palette of bold green and blue lush textures and highlight art works. Celia, the hotel’s signature modern-American restaurant is also a standout, bringing a touch of California cool and regular hosting nights with cocktails and DJ sets.
Travel Influencer: Kelli Delaney Kot @kdhamptons
Luxury lifestyle and travel influencer Kelli Delaney Kot is the founder of KDHamptons, which takes an insider look into the enviable style, design and restaurant scene in The Hamptons. A global traveler and foodie, Kelli’s travels often inspire the lavish dinner parties and soirees she throws at her country home in The Hamptons.
Destination: Mallorca
I’m longing to return to stunning Mallorca, part of the Balearic Islands off the coast of Spain. What it lacks in size — it takes just two hours to traverse the length of the island by car — it makes up for with its sexy summer vibe, laid-back Mediterranean way of life, white sandy beaches with vivid turquoise water, picturesque coves, bustling nightlife and first-rate culinary scene (high on the list for this foodie). I love exploring the island’s little villages all with their distinct personality like the charming Valldemossa and quaint port town of Puerto Pollensa.
Where to Stay in Mallorca
Nestled among lush native gardens, Kimpton Aylsa Mallorca – set to open its doors this May – is an immersive wellness retreat in Santa Ponsa-Calvia, a short distance from Palma. A sanctuary of calm, relaxation and seclusion, the walled-off resort is an exercise in laidback luxury, chic Mediterranean style and escapism. All of the 79 rooms, which reflect the nature-filled surroundings with lots of lush green, come with private balconies and the space is designed for you to wander through multiple walkways, losing yourself while feeling right at home.
Hotel Highlights
The feeling of going off grid in luxury and with everything you need to elevate your health and wellness. Think inspiring morning workouts, yummy health-conscious food and wine (Saba Restaurant serves up the freshest ingredients and progressive pan Asian techniques), the indoor-outdoor Saba Bar for cocktails and sunsets and the dreamy pools to unwind and dine.
