TOP 10 DESTINATIONS FOR 2019

Tasmania is ready to step out of Australia’s shadow. Not only does it want to be the world destination for eco-tourism (one billion dollars been earmarked for hotel developments), but its award-winning artisanal farms and whisky distilleries are already putting it on the world map. It’s the home of the world’s best single malt whisky, yes really. If you want to try some of this delicious produce for yourself go on a tour of the distilleries, visit what’s been named as Australia’s best dining room at Saffire Freycinet or stop by the award-winning Peacock & Jones restaurant found in an old sandstone warehouse on Hobart’s waterfront. Here you can enjoy diamond clams, pasture-fed lamb and fish fresh from the market served with vadouvan, honey bug and fried curry leaves. You can burn off those calories by enjoying the Overland Trek that runs from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair. Then book into Pumphouse Point, a boutique hideaway set in the middle of the lake. Spend the day trekking or fly fishing and the evening, relaxing by the fire.

Japan is the country that really does have it all. From the 400 plus Michelin-star restaurants for the foodies to the ancient temples for the culture vultures and the power-filled mountains of Niseko for the adrenalin addicts. And now it is about to become the venue for the Rugby World Cup in 2019 and the Summer Olympics in 2020. The Rugby World Cup from 20 September to 2 November 2019 is scattered throughout the country, so if you are following your team this gives you the chance to do some sightseeing at the same time. Looking for somewhere to stay in Tokyo? Take a peek at the new Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo, which has to claim the title for being the most well-positioned hotel in the city, set in the middle of the shopping district. Another reason to go to Japan in 2019? Did we mention the cherry blossom season?

Brazil is ready to party. Not only does it have a raft of glamorous new resorts to explore, new ways to explore the country, but Brazil is the host of the 2019 Copa America (the South America world cup) from 14 June to 7 July. Let’s face it, with Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay in the line up, it might as well be the World Cup. Five of your favourite hotels are also about to open properties in Brazil – Anantara, Fairmont, Bulgari, Four Seasons and Six Senses. However, there’s one more than you need to take a peek at. Nannai Fernando de Noronha, which is expected to open in March 2019 will be set on its own private island. It’s owned by the same team as the Muro Alto Resort and Spa, which Conde Nast called the world’s most romantic hotel. It looks as if they will have another contender. And if that’s not enough, you can also take a ride on the new Peralta Boat, which will take you through the Corumbao area of the Pantanal, the best location to spy wildlife in the Americas.

Egypt may be seeing glittering new hotels and a state-of-the-art museum open its doors in Cairo, but surprisingly, the ancient city is still friendly on the wallet. If you want to leave behind the hustle and bustle that surrounds the pyramids and Great Sphinx of Giza, trek through the Sinai Desert, climb Mount Sinai and camp beneath the stars. Or set sail on the Nile and ride in a traditional felucca from Luxor to Aswan. During your four-day journey, you will be able to visit the palaces of the Egyptian kings and queens with an Egyptologist or just watch the world go by from your pool on the deck. But before you fly out of the country, makes sure that squeeze in trip to the new USD$1 billion Grand Egyptian Museum that’s next to the Great Pyramids of Giza. It’s a history lesson that you’ll never forget.

Move aside Thailand and Vietnam, Cambodia is coming through. Not only is the country about to welcome a host of Architectural Digest-style properties, but it’s about to launch a sprawling eco megaproject called Song Saa Reserve near Siem Reap. Seven resorts will be invited to join this eco-town and create a quiet retreat in outside of the bustling UNESCO World Heritage City. But you don’t need to wait until it’s built as when it comes to where to stay in 2019 you will be able to take your pick. If you long to castaway on your own private island book into Six Senses Krabey Island and Alila Koh Russey, or if you would rather spend the night in a Bill Bensley retreat in the Cambodian jungle – Shinta Mani Wild has just opened its doors – or should we say zipline. Yes, that’s how you arrive. The Shinta Mani Wild also comes with lots of unique experiences, such as foraging with the chef in the jungle, then using those ingredients in traditional Cambodian recipes when you return to the kitchen.

Singapore has so much to celebrate — 2019 marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of Singapore, Raffles is about to reopen its doors, it’s the home of the world’s longest flight (Singapore to New York) and thanks to Crazy Rich Asians, It’s Hollywood’s favourite new destination. You can book into Raffles when it opens mid-2019, or you can choose one of Six Senses first urban hotels — Six Senses Duxton or Six Senses Maxwell. Then dine at one of the new celebrity restaurants that are owned by Michelin-starred chefs. Visit The English House for dishes by Marco Pierre White and Raffles for new restaurants by Anne-Sophie Pic and Alain Ducasse. And if you want to feel like a Crazy Rich Asian you can always drive a Ferrari around the Formula One track.

If the idea of white water rafting or trekking doesn’t have you rushing to this high-altitude destination, what about the fact that this Himalayan hideaway is also the home of snow leopards? If you are travelling from June to September, book into the Chamba Camp Thiksey. Pop up camp it may be, but roughing it you won’t. Think four-poster beds, opulent chandeliers and a butler on standby. From picnics to polo matches – almost anything can be arranged. If you stay at Chamba Camp Thiksey you will have four, yes four dining options to choose from. Dine in the cool silk-lined restaurant, enjoy a barbecue under the stars, dine at the private table by the lake or even among the camp’s organic garden. When you are ready to explore, go hiking, rafting, visit the local Thiksey Monastery and head into the wilds to spot those elusive snow leopards.