Kay Hart

Bhutan offers an unparalleled luxury nature vacation with its pristine landscapes, sustainable and luxurious accommodations, and immersive cultural experiences, providing a serene and opulent experience for discerning travelers. It's a big vacation with such a big reward. The natural beauty that Bhutan offers cannot be matched. I always say, "The bumpier the road, the further the trek and the most unmapped the destinations you travel, the bigger the payoff upon arrival." I can validate this stands true for Bhutan. You truly cannot imagine or understand until you experience it. If nature, trees, hiking, fresh fruit, wildlife, home-cooked meals, architecture, sustainability, conscious tourism, meditation, reaching great heights and adventure are your thing, to Bhutan you must go. This is a vacation I will never stop thinking about and will aim to return again and again.

Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo is the most exceptional Four Seasons property in Mexico. Offering a unique blend of culture, nature and swimmable beaches — unlike what you'll find in Cabo. The resort captures what I believe true luxury is: an experience and nature. Located in the secluded area of Costa Alegre on Mexico’s Pacific Coast in the Jalisco region, also known as the "Happy Coast," Four Seasons Tamarindo is a destination in its own right. It’s one of the rare hotels I would plan your entire stay around without needing to leave. This is an unusual recommendation from me. I am a travel advisor who usually encourages exploration beyond the resort to experience the local community and culture.

Bacalar is a dreamy destination in Mexico that you truly can't grasp until you experience it with your own eyes and your body submerges in the lagoon. They call Bacalar, the lagoon of seven colors. Throughout the day, as the sun moves across the lagoon, you can honestly see more than seven shades of blue. And most of the day, the the lagoon sparkles. You are also surrounded by the Mayan jungle and it's beautifully lush. Located close to Belize and around a 4-hour drive from Cancun airport, Bacalar is still not overpopulated so it does feel a bit off-the-beaten-path. However, over the last few years over my 3 visits, I have watched it grow in hotel development around the lagoon. We all must treat our visits to Bacalar with respect to the land to continue to keep it as special as it is. For now I can say it is my most favorite zen escape in Mexico that aesthetically transforms me into a very happy existence.

While I typically seek new accommodations with each journey due to my curiosity, Habitas Bacalar and Habitas Tulum have become my cherished regulars. If you appreciate the tranquility of lush jungles, the serenity of natural water (Caribbean to the Seven Colors of Blue Lagoon, relish in eco-chic sophistication without sacrificing luxury and indulge in the finest culinary experiences and textiles – then wow, do I recommend we book you at Habitas. Though combining visits to both locations isn't obligatory, if you're flying into Cancun and have 5-6 days to spare, it's a rewarding option. Especially if you haven't yet experienced Tulum. Keep in mind, Bacalar is a must-visit destination, as it's poised for significant development in the coming years and I want you to see the allure before it's overrun.

I will start off with the major caveat that I personally do not normally travel to Mexico this fancy. I typically flock to the more lush jungle boutique properties. But this bourgeois Mexico trip happened and I have no regrets - I suppose I never have a regret at a Belmond Hotel. In October 2023, I did a site visit and short stay at the Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya. I was able to check out the updates to the property that has been under renovation for a couple years. So here goes my site review!

The Dolli, with natural curves in both the architecture and design, is described best as an 'elegant lady' and in Greek means 'gift of god'. She is an icon in Athens with the best views and a fine art collection supreme to your average boutique gallery and genuine layers of rich iconic history. Every room, every wall, and every corner of your turn is adorned with stories and details that outdoes the next. It doesn't end with the decor; the staff and the location are also charming. The Dolli is the perfect stay when coming through Athens, Greece - especially for first-time visitors wanting access to the city's history and modern restaurant season.

Just 2.5 hours by car from Athens, nestled in the mountains of Greece, lies a hidden gem that offers a perfect blend of nature and luxury. The MANNA Hotel in Arcadia, Greece isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a sanctuary that understands and caters to your every desire, wrapping you in comfort and tranquility. Every detail here has been meticulously thought out, ensuring that your stay is nothing short of heavenly. Whether you’re looking to slow down, reconnect with nature or simply enjoy a luxurious escape, this mountain retreat offers it all. Here, you’ll find a perfect blend of relaxation, sustainability and a deep sense of place. I already want to return again and again and experience each season.

Experience an unforgettable vacation to Sri Lanka, embracing the perfect blend of culture, nature and beach bliss. This itinerary has been validated as perfection by honeymooners, but it is also completely customizable and ideal for the luxury adventurous cultural seeker. Ideal timing is to do this over 12-14 days exploring Sri Lanka (option to follow with the Maldives if you don't make it to the beaches of Sri Lanka).

New Zealand is one of those destinations in your Instagram feed or Apple TV photograph rotation that you without fail ask yourself: where is that and is that real life? It's diverse landscapes in the South Island make it a bucket list destination for the active, nature loving and discerning traveller. I work with local guides to ensure select tours and experiences are personal and supportive to those that know the regions intimately and consciously.

San Miguel de Allende might not be the easiest city to get to in Mexico, but once you arrive you are immediately rewarded with a visual sensation of this picturesque city. To uncover the captivating beauty of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is not hard at all — it's literally everywhere you look in the city center. It's a city that sings to my heart as a creative director who swoons over color palettes and textures and colonial architecture sustained. (The hardest part is not stopping to take a picture of everything and stumbling on the sidewalk.) Mariachi bands line the streets, but also around each corner is a cute cafe with a unique collection of curated art. There is the perfect combination of history and modern spirit.

Sumba is not an escape from life, it IS LIFE.

Sumba is known as the “Forgotten Island” of Indonesia in the East Nusa Tenggara province. But ironically, once you go to Sumba you will never forget it. Sumba is still relatively undiscovered and certainly not geared for all tourists, although it is becoming developed by a few hoteliers and surfers have certainly caught on to the swell opportunities.

Fortunately, for us interested in sustainable travel, there are a few remarkable hotels that value the preservation of Sumba’s ancient indigenous culture and traditions. From the lush dense forests with waterfalls to the white sand beaches that make you question if you are walking in sand that nobody has ever touched before; Sumba can feel like the remote island destination you only see in the movies.

Sumba is worthy of a standalone destination to visit, but it is also an easy extension for those traveling to Bali, being only a 1.5-hour flight from Denpasar. Whether you have three days, seven days or a month - do not miss out on Sumba and all the life it so graciously offers us.

Sweden was ranked one of the top ten happiest countries in the world, and after a visit there it is without question why. Stockholm is full of history, culture and sustainable architecture, not to mention the brilliant food scene. The shopping is unreal; from vintage to designer to home decor, the only issue is how to get it all home. After walking around Stockholm from island to island, it's time for nature! From Stockholm, you take an easy flight to the airport of Luleå which is a 90-minute drive to Harads, Sweden. A stay at Arctic Bath, Loggers Lodge or Tree Hotel are all ideal locations to experience the spirit of Swedish Lapland. Remote luxury among pine tree forests, with a river running nearby (or frozen nearby depending on the time of year), and a star-filled sky make it an ideal place to watch the Northern Lights dance on clear nights. To see the beauty of the Northern Lights, head to Swedish Lapland between early September and late March (but of course, the lights are no guarantee).

Big Sur is my favorite place in California and it is in my top 5 favorite places in the United States (maybe the world). Big Sur, California, is a special place where luxury meets nature. It is here that my definition of luxury is best understood. Big Sur captivates with its stunning beauty, featuring rugged coastlines, majestic redwood forests and breathtaking ocean views. Big Sur has something to offer all year round when you are craving a retreat to nature (yes, even in the winter). Big Sur is not just for those going camping. In fact, Big Sur has two of the most luxurious sustainable hotels in the United States with great ocean views and high-end restaurants serving local, organic food. The hotels I recommend are adults only, so leave those kids at home. You can go solo or as a romantic nature getaway. Whether you're enjoying famous sights like Bixby Creek Bridge, hiking in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park or spending time at the spa, each moment in Big Sur feels like a luxurious escape into nature's heart.