Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana
Set in the Okavango Delta, the recently opened Xigera Safari Lodge features 12 elegantly lavish suites inspired by the wingspan of the region’s rare Pel’s fishing owl. This safari lodge is part of Red Carnation’s African Collection, which includes the multi-award-winning Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat in South Africa’s Western Cape. An impressive collaboration with African artists and artisans makes every interior at Xigera a celebration of the continent’s craftsmanship, and Xigera’s daily game drives are at guests’ leisure, rather than at set times. The optional adventure of sleeping out in a baobab- shaped tree house might be just the tonic today’s traveller needs. xigera.com
Elang Resort, Indonesia
Dreaming of putting the past year behind you and jetting off to a private island in a pristine, remote location? Consider Elang. Set on a small, previously untouched island, this eco-minded nature resort is part of Bawah Reserve in Indonesia’s Anambas archipelago. Each of the six sustainably built cliffside lodges has balconies with ocean views and private paths leading directly to the sea. The resort is adults-only with a full butler service, spa, restaurant, clubhouse and a rock-hewn saltwater pool with a water slide. You might call it blissfully distanced. bawahreserve.com
Six Senses Botanique, Brazil
Capoeira classes in the forests of Brazil? A few hours from both Rio and São Paulo, Six Senses’ first resort in South America sits 1,200 metres above sea level in the Paulo Mantiqueira Mountains, known as The Mountains That Weep after the abundant natural springs. The rebranded hotel, sensitively designed by regional architects using local wood, stone and slate, has seven suites and 11 private villas that are distanced from one another in the forest, with uninterrupted views of the countryside, plus a spa that utilises potent Brazilian botanicals in its treatments. The program of rituals, workshops and festivals will focus on guests living with nature in a reciprocal way. sixsenses.com
Aman New York, United States
Not all escapes in 2021 will be of the wilderness kind. Anticipation is high for Aman’s second urban hotel, which comes several years after the success of the beautiful Aman Tokyo. As befits Aman, the location — in the 100-year- old Crown building at 57th Street and Fifth Avenue — is iconic; the striking building was the first home of the Museum of Modern Art, after all. Guestrooms are generous and all feature fireplaces, which make them the cosiest hotel rooms in the city. The three dining venues include signature Italian restaurant Arva, with a wraparound terrace that has knockout Central Park views. However, all eyes are on the three-storey spa. The property will also include 22 residences, Aman’s first in an urban hotel. Staying here feels about as sophisticated as you can get. aman.com
The Legian Sire, Indonesia
The gracious Legian Seminyak has long been one of Bali’s most loved resorts, so the prospect of another Legian-branded hotel, this time on the slower- paced island of Lombok, a short flight from Denpasar, is cause for celebration. Situated on the long sweep of Sire beach, the hotel has 46 spacious suites and 15 pool villas, wellness gardens, an apothecary bar, spa treatments using local volcanic clay and the first vegetarian restaurant on the island. A complimentary exclusive shuttle service to the nearby Gili islands means guests are just a few minutes away from superb diving and snorkelling that only intrepid adventurers have been able to explore until now. lhm-hotels.com