The Places Everyone Will Be Booking Next |
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I’ve looked into the future and noticed a few destinations are about to get very popular. My advice? Visit these areas on the cusp of change, and get there before they change forever. |
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Top Left: Panarea, Sicily | Top Right: Palermo, Sicily Bottom Left: Alberobello, Puglia | Bottom Right: Aragonese Castle, Ischia |
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Italy has more than one destination on the rise right now. Puglia, the “heel” of the boot, has long been a favorite for those in the know, with whitewashed villages, Adriatic coastline, and family-run hotels offering a more relaxed alternative to Tuscany. That window may not last, especially with a Four Seasons beachside retreat set to open in 2028. Sicily is also gaining momentum. The White Lotus may have introduced it to a wider audience, but it still feels relatively undiscovered compared to other coastal hotspots. New openings, including Rocco Forte’s intimate 31-room palace in Noto, signal what’s next. Nearby, Ischia is gaining attention as a more relaxed island destination, known for its thermal waters and spa culture. Ask me about the new Relais and Châteaux property and ideal booking timing. |
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Top Left: Patuxai Victory Monument, Vientiane | Top Right: Vang Vieng Bottom Left: Kuang Si Waterfall | Bottom Right: Luang Prabang |
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Laos, the country surrounded by Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand, is brimming with Buddhist monuments and culture, unforgettable food, and a welcoming people, but it has not yet been overwhelmed with tourists like its neighbors. Some call it the “silent sibling of Southeast Asia.” That’s slowly changing, and several luxury brands are upgrading and improving existing hotels. |
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Top Left: Kabira Bay, Ishigaki | Top Right: Aerial View, Okinawa Bottom Left: Cherry Blossoms, Okinawa | Bottom Right: Snorkeling, Okinawa |
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Okinawa offers a different side of Japan, where subtropical islands, clear blue water, and a slower pace shaped by the Ryukyu Kingdom’s distinct culture set the tone. The region has long flown under the radar, but that’s beginning to shift. Ultra-luxury brands are already making moves, with the recent opening of Rosewood Miyakojima setting a new benchmark for the destination. |
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Let me guide you to what’s next, before everyone else catches on. |
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Small Hotels with a Big Point of View |
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Have you heard the saying, “money talks but luxury whispers”? Well, lean in, I’m about to reveal a few secrets. The best boutique hotels, those with fewer than, say, 50 rooms, can offer the kind of genuine hospitality and personalized attention that’s often missing from the big-box brands that focus on points, status, and award upgrades. |
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Glenapp Castle - Ayrshire, Scotland | andBeyond Vira Vira - Lake District, Chile |
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One of the biggest differences is the connection to the destination. Boutique properties are often locally owned or deeply rooted in the area, which shows up in everything from the architecture and interiors to the food and experiences offered. You’re not getting the same hotel in a different location. You’re getting something that reflects exactly where you are. |
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Fogo Island Inn - Newfoundland, Canada | Parīlio - Paros, Greece |
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Privacy plays a role as well. Fewer rooms, more space, and a lower guest count naturally create a more comfortable environment. For many travelers, that alone is reason enough to choose a boutique stay over a larger resort.
Boutique hotels also tend to unlock a more insider level of access. Smaller properties work closely with local guides, drivers, and experience providers, which can lead to more intimate excursions, better timing, and experiences that feel less transactional and more tailored to how you like to travel. |
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Hermitage Bay - Antigua, Caribbean | Hotel Esencia - Quintana Roo, Mexico |
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Design is another factor that often gets overlooked. Boutique hotels tend to have a stronger point of view, expressed through restored historic spaces, modern architectural statements, or designs that reflect the surrounding landscape. The result is a stay that feels more considered and far less interchangeable.
Not every boutique hotel delivers on all of this. Knowing which properties consistently deliver the right experience and which are best suited to your travel style is what makes the difference between a good stay and the right one. |
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Share your preferences, and I’ll match you with the right boutique stay. |
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Have You Experienced the True Art of Hospitality? |
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Travelers may not think too much about the art of hospitality, but they sure know when it is missing or gone awry. How are they greeted when arriving exhausted and a little flustered at their hotel? Are staff picking up on a guest’s preferences and unspoken clues to make a stay seamless? Can a moment of surprise and delight be offered during their visit? Staying at the best hotels means a guest feels no friction; these properties have trained staff to make hospitality inclusive, warm, and almost invisible.
Travel advisors approach travel in much the same way. Beyond logistics, it’s about understanding what matters to you and shaping each detail with intention. Every element is considered so your experience feels seamless from beginning to end, from selecting the right property to anticipating the moments that will define your trip.
Working together allows me to get a clear sense of what matters most to you, often in ways that go beyond what you initially had in mind. To me, that’s the art of hospitality, anticipating needs, introducing you to experiences you wouldn’t have discovered on your own, and handling the details so you can fully relax and enjoy. |
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The right travel advisor is the first step to experiencing the true art of hospitality. |
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3307 Starlight Vista, Round Rock, TX 78665, US |
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