Where to Go in 2024
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Yes, we too can’t believe how fast another year has gone by. But as much as this is the time to ruminate on the highs and the lows—and everything in between—of 2023, it’s also a wonderful time to look ahead. What do you want to achieve in 2024? Or perhaps most importantly, where do you want to go? Traveling more, in our opinion, is always a good resolution to put on the list. And while there are a million fabulous destinations around the world to jet off to, we've narrowed it down to 10 places that feel particularly right for right now. From extreme adventure pursuits in remote Iceland, to an environmentally conscious way to do safari, to the newsiest of Caribbean islands, presenting T&C's guide to where to travel in 2024.
Palm Springs, California
The iconic desert town may have fallen off the radar in recent years (except if you're a Coachella regular), but there seems to be a fresh energy swirling around. There are the can't-miss perennial classics, like the hot springs and the city's midcentury-modern masterpieces, like Sunnylands, which was built for Walter and Leonore Annenberg as their winter retreat in the '60s (and is open to the public). And new things, too, namely the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, devoted the history of the Coachella Valley's indigenous Cahuilla tribes, which opened in the fall and is now part of the second largest Native American cultural center in the U.S. As for where to stay, the Parker Palm Springs is a quirky, Jonathan Adler-designed institution—and the former home of Gene Autry—that's hard to beat.
Read Reviews Parker Palm Springs
Champagne, France
Booze cruise, but make it chic? That's the idea behind Belmond's Coquelicot, a privately chartered river boat the company is launching in April 2024. The route snakes down the Marne river of France's celebrated Champagne region. Have we mentioned Belmond is owned by LVMH, the company that also has seven of the world's best champagne houses in its portfolio? Coquelicot will partner with one of them, Ruinart, to provide guests (there are just 3 cabins onboard) with experiences like lunches prepared by the maison's chef, private tours of the vineyard, and, most importantly, liquid gold on tap.
Strawberry Hill, Jamaica
With its good vibes and warm hospitality, Jamaica is always a great choice. In 2024 it will feel even more culturally relevant thanks to the Bob Marley biopic that comes out in January. Fans of the reggae legend can tour his Kingston home and visit Trench Town, the neighborhood where reggae was born. And if you want to R&R like Marley, put Strawberry Hill on the list. The serene property, a cluster of standalone cottages tucked in the famed Blue Mountains, is owned by Chris Blackwell, who signed the artist to his Island Records label (and who owns the storied Goldeneye property in Oracabessa too). Another historical link: this is also the place where Marley came to recuperate after his attempted assassination in 1976.
Read Reviews Strawberry Hill
Marbella, Spain
Before Ibiza, there was Marbella. Once upon a time, the seaside enclave on Spain's southern coast was an obligatory stop on every jetsetting aristo's holiday (the immense trove of Slim Aarons photos from the destination proves it). And they all hung out at the Marbella Club, founded by one of their own, Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, as a private hideaway for his glamorous friends. Now a 115-room and 17-villa hotel, the property celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2024, and, in recent years, has been leading a renaissance for the destination. Which, by the way, is easier to get to than ever: United launched direct flights to Malaga this past summer.
Read Reviews Marbella Club Hotel
Troll Peninsula, Iceland
Why not make 2024 the year you push yourself out of your comfort zone? Eleven has been in the business of curating adrenaline-pumping experiences around the world for more than a decade. It also has stunning lodges in its arsenal (because adventure travel does not have to mean roughing it). For daredevil plankers, it's hard to beat heli-skiing in the most remote corners of the world—like, say, the Fljót Valley in northern Iceland. That's where Eleven has a 13-suite luxury property, Deplar Farm, which has two private helipads to whisk you away to the best slopes. Plus, all of the amenities—geothermal pools, isopod flotation tanks, saunas and a cold plunge—will feel heaven-sent after a day of vertiginous carving.
Read Reviews Eleven Deplar Farm
Costa Rica
If Gisele Bundchen was able to find peace, solace, and healing in Costa Rica following her divorce from Tom Brady, so can you. And the best pura vida vibes can be found at Nayara, the complex of three interconnected resorts—Nayara Gardens, Nayara Springs, and Nayara Tented Camps—sprawled out in the shadow of the majestic Arenal volcano. Each is fabulous—and visitors can freely move among the trio's restaurants and facilities, like the pools, hot springs, and yoga pavilions (except for Springs, which is adults-only)—but come January 2024, Nayara Gardens will be unveiling a complete facelift. Each casita now has a private plunge pool, the spa has been overhauled, and there is a new family education center where kids can learn about all the wildlife living on property.
Read Reviews Nayara Gardens
Tokyo, Japan
Japan has been hot ever since it lifted all Covid-related restrictions in April. The country brims with fantastic, culturally unique destinations, but Tokyo's star seems to be burning particularly bright as of late (and will continue to do so when the highly anticipated second season of Tokyo Vice finally premieres in February on HBO Max). Note, for example, the shiny new hotels adding a dose of glamour to the skyline. First, the 98-room Bulgari Tokyo opened last spring on the top five floors of the Midtown Yaesu skyscraper. And in March 2024, Janu, the Aman company's new sister brand, is opening its first flagship in the city, with 122 rooms, 8 restaurants, and a 43,000-square-foot spa.
Read Reviews Bulgari Tokyo
Serengeti, Tanzania
The safari trip has exploded in popularity over the past decade, and with that has come an unfortunate side effect: feverish overdevelopment of lands and overcrowding of parks that threaten the very things—wild animals in their natural habitats—people are paying top dollar to witness up close. Which is not to say there aren't tour operators out there who have figured out how to respect the environment and still deliver a five-star bucket list-worthy experience. Count Roving Bushtops as one of them. Rather than staking claim on a permanent patch of land, these are mobile units (akin to a superyacht on wheels) that not only leave zero footprint but can move with the migration— without sacrificing luxury (think private hot tubs, king-size beds, even a restaurant, all of which magically emerge from a box).
Read Reviews Roving Bushtops
Sorrento, Italy
The Amalfi Coast sure is photogenic—and at the top of many an Italian holiday itinerary for good reason. But there is a similarly tony enclave around the corner that is even prettier: Sorrento. Nestled in the Bay of Naples (which means you have stunning views of Mount Vesuvius), the town exudes equal parts understated old world glamour and quintessential village charm. And you'll get these in spades at the exquisite Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, a gem that has been owned by the same family for nearly a century, where A-listers have long sought refuge for a discreetly grand time—and where everyone, famous or not, is treated like royalty.
Read Reviews Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria
Grenada
The vibrant Caribbean island—its capital, St. George's, is known for its pastel-colored architecture, relics from its colonial past—is having a moment. Case in point: the luxury hotels that are springing up. First, in February, the 5-year-old Silversands Grenada is expanding its footprint with the opening of Silversands Beach House, a 28-key boutique hotel of standalone villas on Portici Beach. Then in May, a Six Senses is moving in. With 56 suites, each equipped with a private plunge pool, as well as 15 villas, the Six Senses La Sagesse will pay homage to the island with design meant to mimic a traditional fishing village, fresh local catches on the menu, and an activities list that includes shipwreck dives and hikes on spice trails.
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