The Top Ten Destinations on Virtuoso Wanderlist

Last year, I welcomed you to create a profile on Virtuoso Wanderlist – Virtuoso’s new trip-inspiration platform – to browse, save, and share vacation ideas with your friends, family, and me. For a quick introduction to the amazing platform, watch the video above. Below is a list of Wanderlist’s ten most-saved destinations - do any of these align with your own travel dreams? And if you have not yet, click here to create your own Wanderlist!

1. Italy

From Dolomite summits to Sicilian shores, the allure of la dolce vita continues unabated.

2. France

The 72-room Cheval Blanc Paris was set to open last spring, but the pandemic pushed its long-awaited debut to 2021. Rooms overlook the Seine, facing the Left Bank; spa rituals are by Dior; and French chef Arnaud Donckele will oversee the dining program, which includes a rooftop terrace with Eiffel Tower views. It’s a très chic way to return to the City of Light. Virtuoso travelers will receive fast-track customs service, complimentary private round-trip airport transfers, and breakfast daily.

3. Australia

We can’t wait for the land down under to reopen to travelers.

4. Greece

Virtuoso advisors have fielded a huge increase in private yacht inquiries – and private yachting doesn’t get much dreamier than the Greek isles. The Moorings offers crewed charters from Athens on a six-passenger catamaran, with a completely customizable itinerary: Visit ancient Olympia on the Peloponnese, island-hop (hikers love Kea; families shouldn’t skip Hydra), and snorkel in the Saronic Gulf. Eight-day crewed (captain and chef) charters available April through October.

5. Japan

Travelers remain in wait-and-see mode regarding Tokyo’s postponed Summer Olympic Games, which have been rescheduled for July. The Japanese government is planning to allow spectators to attend as is deemed safe and prudent – your Virtuoso travel advisor can keep you updated. International sporting events aside, Japan’s draw remains, and Artisans of Leisure is launching new experiences in the country to satisfy demand. On our Wanderlist: a 14-day spa-, nature-, and spirituality-focused jaunt from Tokyo, with stops for tea ceremonies in Kyoto, healing hot springs soaks in Hakone, shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) sessions on Yakushima Island, and more. It’s a two-week master class in the Zen we’re channeling in the months ahead. Departures: Any day through 2021.

6. South Africa

Winelands, safaris, and Cape Town cool are perennial draws.

7. United Kingdom

The English countryside is an ideal place to socially distance, and there’s plenty of space to spread out at 70-room Coworth Park, set on 240 acres in Berkshire County. The hotel is debuting North Lodge, an exclusive-use, three-bedroom Georgian gatehouse. Guests can gather for a chef-prepared dinner in their cottage’s private garden or stroll over to the main house for a meal at Michelin-starred Restaurant Coworth Park. Virtuoso travelers receive breakfast daily and a $100 dining credit.

8. Iceland

After months of exploring our own backyards, we’re not surprised to see Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes at the top of travelers’ minds. Make plans to spy the country’s dramatic coastline from the bow of Ponant’s new hybrid powered ship, the 270-passenger Commandant-Charcot, which is set to debut in May. A 15-day expedition to Greenland begins in Le Havre and ends in Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík.

9. Spain

Barcelona, San Sebastián, and the Iberian Peninsula’s sunny southern shores beckon.

Kayaking past Maori carvings in Taupo, New Zealand.

10. New Zealand

When the time is right, knock out two top-ten destinations at once on Abercrombie & Kent’s new 17-day trip to New Zealand and Australia. The ultraluxe, small-group adventure (capped at 18 travelers) focuses on exclusive access to some of the countries’ most popular places, including a day sailing along the Great Barrier Reef, a VIP tour of the Sydney Opera House, and a private wine tasting in Queenstown. Departures: Any day through 2021.

Article originally posted on Virtuoso.com

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Cadence TravelJanuary 20, 2021