If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, Seminyak and Venice take a look at these alternative cities in 2019
BALI - Swap Seminyak for Manggis
If you are looking for the quiet life, head to Manggis on the East coast of Bali. It comes with a lovely, sleepy fishing village type of vibe. Though this doesn’t mean that you’ll be roughing it, as none other than Amankila can be found on the cliff top overlooking the Lombok Strait. Stretch your legs on the hotel’s private beach, visit a nearby floating palace or pull on your fins and explore the deep.
FRANCE - Swap Paris for Bordeaux
If you want to enjoy a bottle of red in peace, hotfoot it to the vineyards of Bordeaux. The new high speed train from Paris will get you there in two hours, and then you will be able to get your culture fix by visiting the new wine museum and sampling a vintage or two in the vineyards. Need to relax a little more? Book into the Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa where you can bathe in red wine extracts.
UK - Swap London for Edinburgh
Looking for a city that’s steeped in culture and history and comes with a real buzz? Then leave your luggage in the capital of Scotland – Edinburgh. Not only will the TedSummit be held there in 2019 and the Six Nations Rugby Championships be played there too, but Potter fans will know that it’s also the home of J.K Rowling. So check out the sights – including the Royal Yacht Britannia if you still want your royal fix – then relax with your favourite Harry Potter book in front of a log fire at the Scone & Crombie Suite at The Balmoral, named Scotland’s most jaw-dropping suite by Architectural Digest.
VIETNAM - Swap Hoi An for Quoy Nhon
Catch the new Anantara spa train to the picturesque town of Quoy Nhon in Vietnam. Arrive relaxed at this idyllic Vietnamese hideaway that features the ancient Cham Towers, striking rock formations by the sea and the chance to go island hopping in a traditional Vietnamese basket boat.
SPAIN - Swap Barcelona for Valencia
Barcelona may have Gaudi, Madrid may have the Prado, but Valencia comes with a festivals, a UNESCO Site and is also the birthplace of Spain’s most famous dish – paella. Visit the ornate Central Market where you can find gourmet treats from local artisans, dine alongside the waterfront where Ernest Hemingway was known to relax, and take a tour of the fine art museum that is said to be second only to the Prado.
ITALY - Swap Venice for Verona
Get ready to fall in love with Shakespeare’s fair Verona. Burn a few calories taking a stroll through the historic streets, then give your tastebuds a treat with decadent helpings of gelato. Go shopping at chic boutiques such as Lazzari that has an array of quirky tea dresses then take a seat in the piazza and watch the world go by as you order another plate of pasta. Before you leave, don’t forget to take the ultimate Instagram shot – Juliet’s balcony.
CHILE - Swap Santiago for Valparaiso
Chile’s second city is ready to step out from behind the capital’s shadow with its combination of hip beaches, coastal cuisine and World Heritage status. Instagrammers will love it wealth of street art and painted houses, foodies will fall for its empanadas and will also be delighted to discover the street escalators if they eat too many.
PHILIPPINES - Swap Boracay for El Nido
If you want to give Boracay a break, take a trip to El Nido. It comes with crystal clear water, caves, lagoons and empty golden beaches. And as it’s part of Palawan, if you hit the surf you have a chance of seeing dolphins, turtles and even whales. Spend your day trekking to waterfalls, kayaking through caves and exploring the picturesque coral reefs. Book into Pangulasian Island Resort to be pampered.
