Where to travel in 2023

Now that holidays are back, travel plans are in full swing. In the spirit of making up for lost time, many of us are already booking out our calendars for 2023 (and even 2024). But with a huge choice of destinations now unlocked, how do you decide where to go? If you’re thinking ahead to next year or beyond, here are a few of our most sought-after destinations to put on your radar.

Beeline to the beaches of Mauritius

Mauritius is a long-standing Kuoni favourite. The best time to visit is from October through to December when you can expect balmy days and low rainfall across the island. But the subtropical climate is blissful all year round; there are fantastic offers during Mauritius’s low season (May-August) when temperatures average around 25 degrees, and Easter is particularly popular.

One of our favourite resorts is Zilwa Attitude. Embrace ‘islander’ life with sunrise pirogue trips, Creole cookery lessons and barbecues on their private island. We suggest pairing a beach stay with a few nights at Lakaz Chamarel Exclusive Lodge; a boutique eco-hotel tucked in the mountains of the Black Gorges National Park. Wow-factors here include private pool suites with breath-taking views and zen-inducing activities such as meditation in the outdoor labyrinth, nature hikes and spa treatments.

Splash out in the Maldives

We’re not surprised that our Maldives holidays are flying off the shelves for 2023. The Carpe Diem attitude is well and truly in the air, meaning big blow-out trips are high on our wishlists.

Visit during peak season ( November to late April) when the rainfall is at its lowest, or take advantage of lower rates and special offers during our summer months; ask your expert about free nights or meal upgrades if you plan to travel at this time of year. 

For the ultimate uplifting escape, we recommend Kagi Maldives Spa Island. This relatively new island focuses on wellbeing with restoring yoga sessions, an immersive spa, and good-for-you menus. Or head off to Kuramathi Maldives to see why it’s our top-selling resort. This is one of our largest islands and is a great all-rounder, thanks to the vast array of villas and restaurants. If you want to try out the à la carte eateries, upgrade to the Select All Inclusive package; culinary delights include flambé steaks at the toes-in-the-sand Island Barbecue and Maldivian seafood at The Reef.

Celebrate in style in Saint Lucia

If you’re looking for the perfect place to mark a romantic milestone in 2023, Saint Lucia is a worthy contender. For eight years, this spectacularly scenic island has taken the crown as the ‘World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination’ in the World Travel Awards. Petite StolenTime by Rendezvous is all about romance – think candlelit date nights, couples’ massages and movies under the stars. Pretty much everything is included here; watersports (including scuba diving), dining in a choice of restaurants and premium brand drinks, including bottomless fizz in the Champagne Bar. To balance out all the indulgence, hop in a taxi to their sister resort BodyHoliday, Saint Lucia, where you can dance off the holiday calories with a Zumba class.

To take the luxury levels up a notch, stay at Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort. At this rainforest-cocooned retreat, you’ll spend your days lazing on white sands below the Pitons, unwinding with treatments in the treehouse spa or simply chilling out in your villa’s private plunge pool, which comes with a personal butler.

Explore Bali

Planning a trip to the Far East has been tricky over the last few years, so we’re thrilled to see this exotic continent making a solid comeback for 2023. Bali is a top pick; not only is this exotic island brimming with beautiful spa hideaways, there’s plenty of adventure to be found beyond the hotel walls. 

The best way to fully appreciate Bali’s beauty is on a twin-centre trip. Begin in artsy Ubud, a great base to discover the island’s temples, waterfalls and picture-perfect villages. If you’re not ready to give up your private pool, opt for a River Pool Villa at Sankara Suites & Villas, a spa sanctuary hidden among lime-green rice paddies. After a day of exploring, there’s nothing quite like dipping into the cool waters of your pool and listening to rippling water and birdsong.

Round off your holiday on the golden beaches in the south; we love Seminyak for its surf vibe, stylish boutiques and bars. At The Elysian, start your day with a tasty in-villa breakfast before relaxing under a frangipani tree by your private pool. In the afternoon, book a one-on-one yoga session in your villa or wander into town to hunt for bargains in the Flea Market, and don’t miss the legendary sunsets at the hip Potato Head Beach Club.