Inspiring travel destinations for 2020

Travel is an activity close to our hearts and we’ll never exhaust our list of new destinations to discover and old favourites to revisit. But still, each year brings a new spin of the globe and a fresh crop of ideas. Whether you’re considering an urban adventure or an island getaway, these destinations should be top of your travel list for 2020.

For seclusion by the seaside: Nay Palad Hideaway, Philippines

Those in the know are already comparing the Philippines’ Siargao Island to the unspoiled beauty of Bali 30 years ago. This tiny-but-heavenly island has immaculate beaches, tropical mangroves and world-famous surf breaks (the legendary Cloud 9 wave attracts pros like Kelly Slater).

The Nay Palad Hideaway is the creation of soccer-player-turned-entrepreneur Bobby Dekeyser and his daughter Carolin, who have built it around their idea of “barefoot luxury”. Surrounded by tropical jungles and waterways, the resort looks directly onto a pristine white beach. A full menu of services – from adventurous day trips to the ultimate in holistic pampering – means no two days at Nay Palad are alike.

For old-world luxury meets sustainability: Iveagh Garden Hotel, Dublin

Billing itself as Europe’s first sustainable hotel, the Iveagh Garden Hotel draws the energy for all of its electricity, heating and cooling from an underground river. While these impressively eco-friendly moves happen behind the scenes, it’s all luxury upfront. Housed in a Georgian terrace building, the palette of black marble, brass and teal furnishings is chic and sophisticated. 

Living up to its name, the hotel is also surrounded by blooms, from the outdoors botanical terrace to the namesake Iveagh Gardens just a short stroll away.

For a blend of tradition and modernity: Aman, Kyoto

Awarded best new hotel by Wallpaper magazine in late 2019, the Aman Kyoto is set against the backdrop of a secluded garden, complete with running streams and mossy paths. More than 400 years ago, the grounds were home to a renowned artistic community and the sensitivity to art and design is reflected in the resort itself.

Designed as a series of pavilions, it’s modeled on traditional Japanese architecture and features the work of local artisans. The inspiring blend of tradition and modernity is also captured in activities such as ikebana classes and meditation workshops.

For eclectic Scandi style: The Apartment, Copenhagen

Although it’s not new – The Apartment first opened as a homewares boutique in 2011 and added accommodation in 2018 – the popularity of this exquisitely decorated two-bedroom jewel box is only increasing. The combination of Denmark’s rising status as a global capital of cool and the fact that The Apartment only has one premise on offer means that booking early is seriously recommended.

Located behind the canals in Copenhagen’s Christianshavn neighbourhood, The Apartment is the brainchild of Tina Seidenfaden Busck, who’s styled it in an eclectic mix of mid-century style meets Scandinavian arts and crafts.

If The Apartment isn’t available on your preferred dates, the recently opened Hotel Sanders is another eclectic choice in Copenhagen.

Written by Michelle Bateman