We recently brought you Virtuoso’s Luxe Report for 2016. Now, we are diving deeper into the findings and the top five emerging destinations. Read our firsthand suggestions, insider information and A-list ideas coming out of Cuba, Iceland, Croatia, Myanmar and Antarctica.
Cuba
Cuba snagged the number one emerging destination for next year, and we can tell you why. Our correspondent, Irvina Lew, flew off to Cuba this year, and we are happy to say the sites didn't dissapont.
We suggest admiring the view of the old-time cars, open-air cafes and the UNESCO World Heratige Site, La Habana Vieja. This site runs from Plaza de Armas through cobblestone streets and 19th century buildings, of which many have been restored under direction of Eusebio Leal Spengler, historian of the city.
Iceland
Iceland is the place for eco-conscious travelers and adventurers. Here are some insider suggestions to please all parties.
Travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path yet eco-friendly travel experience may want to check out the new Hotel Husafell, a luxury lodge perched on the edge of a glacier at the border of Iceland's unihabited interior wildlands.
The hotel is 90 minutes from Reykjavik and 20 minutes from Langjokull glacier, recently named a Top 10 Region to visit in 2016 by Lonely Planet. The property can serve as a base for exploring glaciers, lava caves, hiking trails, horse riding, Saga history, fishing and the Into the Glacier travel experience, which is accessible by free daily shuttle from the hotel.
Craving more adventure? Frontiers is introducing a Land Rover "self-drive" itinerary across Iceland -- fasten those seatbelts. Inside a Land Rover Discovery 4, travelers will roam across glaciers, magma fields and volcanoes.
Croatia
Croatia is bringing the spotlight to Eastern Europe, and it should be highlighted because it has a lot to offer travelers, including luxury hotels that were the talk from Mary Winston Nicklin's time there. Read what she had to say below.
Where to Stay: Dubrovnik
Visitors should stay at Villa Dubrovnik, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. This luxe stay is literally built into the tall cliffs and offers a unique overlook to the sea and the ancient walled city. Guests won't miss a things thanks to the glass walls, providing the view.
Then it's off to the island of Korčula, where it is said Marco Polo was born. Visitors will see loads of vegetation here and the preserved town, which looks mighty good for its age. Lešić Dimitri Palace, a Relais & Chateaux, property is where history buffs should stay, as it is next to Marco Polo's possible birthplace.
Myanmar
We’ve seen a lot of new, exciting travel options developing in Myanmar. Recently, it’s been about new cruise options, which offer travelers the chance to experience this location without much hassle.
The Strand Cruise, a new river cruise line in Myanmar, has announced details of two Christmas and New Year 2015 maiden voyages between Bagan and Mandalay, as well as a special launch offer valid for sailings from January-March 2016. During the Christmas and New Year 2015 sailings, each passenger booking at published rates can be accompanied by a companion sharing the same cabin on a complimentary basis.
Antarctica
Of course Antarctica made the list -- we see travel to this remote land mass growing. Here’s what is happening and how you can get there.
Crystal Cruises is offering six abbreviated segments available to sail on its 2017 World Cruise. The segments, ranging from 10-23 days and each featuring at least one overnight stay, include offerings in South America and the Caribbean, as well as the first World Cruise visit to Antarctica in 10 years, Crystal said. The 94-day World Cruise sails roundtrip from Miami onboard Crystal Serenity starting January 10, 2017.
Hurtigruten is moving the Midnatsol to Antarctica for the 2016/2017 season, more than tripling the company’s guest capacity for sailings in the cool region. The Midnatsol will join the Fram, increasing the company’s seasonal berth total from 2,268 in 2015/2016 to 6,800 berths in 2016/2017. Antarctica itineraries include highlights such as the Falkland Islands, Patagonia, the Strait of Magellan and Cape Horn. Sailings will depart from October 2016 to March 2017.