6 Dream Travel Destinations, Chosen By The PORTER Editors
From first-time trips to long-time loves and bucket-list destinations, these are the vacations the PORTER team is enamored with this year
MILOS, GREECE – Colleen Ross, fashion content editor
“I’ve wanted to visit Milos ever since I set eyes on Sarakiniko – the beach famed for its undulating lunar landscape and chalky volcanic rock formations that are so surreal, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve landed on the moon. I dream of the day I can dive from its cliffs into the crystal-clear turquoise waters below. When I eventually get round to booking my trip, I’d love to stay at the blissfully serene and quintessentially Cycladic Domes White Coast Milos Reserve, where each suite has a pool and cocktails are served alongside majestic views of the Aegean sunset – said to be the most spectacular of all in the Cyclades. Also on the list is Skinopi Lodge, a secluded spot nestled just above the picturesque fishing village it’s named after. Spread across nine acres of land abundant with wild herbs and olive trees are seven beautifully designed stone villas inspired by syrmata – traditional fisherman houses unique to the island. I could happily while away a few days perched on the terrace with a book, before beach-hopping my way across the island.”
THE SERENGETI, TANZANIA – Victoria Newton-Syms, content manager
“Last year, I finally fulfilled a bucket-list dream with a safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti. From the moment our tiny bush plane touched down on a dusty airstrip – zebra grazing nearby – I knew the journey would be extraordinary. Cherero Camp was the perfect base from which to explore this iconic wilderness. With just six beautifully crafted tented suites and no other camps in sight, it offered complete immersion in the wild, while still delivering every luxurious comfort. Each day brought moments I’ll never forget: sunrise breakfasts overlooking endless grassy plains, game drives in search of the Big Five, and drifting off to sleep to the distant roar of lions. And beyond the wildlife, the vast, golden Serengeti sunsets were simply breathtaking.”
ZAKYNTHOS, GREECE – Alice Casely-Hayford, content director
“I visited Greece for the first time a few years ago for my best friend’s wedding. We island-hopped between Mykonos and Andros, and I was completely enchanted by the food, the vistas, the atmosphere and the people. For the past three summers, we have returned to Greece, but headed to Zakynthos. These vacations were slightly different to the trips my husband and I used to take; now that we have two small children, the constant quest is to find a location that is family-friendly yet doesn’t compromise on style, relaxation and good food. For that reason, we chose The Peligoni Club, which was highly recommended by friends whose criteria included fun for parents and kids in equal measure. A beautiful boutique hotel with plenty of activities for everyone, it provided the most glorious stay, and we will be booking to go back and discover more of Greece’s island magic.”
AN ITALIAN ROAD TRIP – Katie Berrington, senior editor
“Italy never leaves my travel wish list, thanks to the endless realm of possibilities, whether it’s returning to places I’ve loved before or discovering somewhere new. I haven’t been to Rome since I was a child (when family folklore says I tried to jump into the Trevi Fountain), and it’s high on my must-visit list at the moment. With an incredible array of hotels to choose between, I’d be very tempted to try one of Rome’s eminent new openings: Orient Express La Minerva, the first hotel from the legendary luxe-train brand and housed in an exquisitely reimagined 17th-century palace (apt for the city of eternal architectural wonders). The dream would be to then drive from the capital down through the rolling Tuscan countryside to stop in Florence, where I’d love to stay at Collegio alla Querce. This Renaissance-era villa was once an educational institution, now transformed into a stunningly scenic retreat, with the most amazing vistas across the city skyline. I’ll have a tiny baby in tow this year, which might make a longer road trip overly ambitious, but this would be a magical way to start making new family memories.”
MALLORCA, SPAIN – Olivia Wakefield, senior entertainment editor
“Hotel Corazón has been on my bucket list since the second it opened its doors in 2019. Hidden in the Tramuntana mountains, halfway between Deia and Soller, it’s out-and-out Balearic bliss. The owner, artist Kate Bellm, has brought a gorgeous bohemian touch to the spot. The rosemary-lined pool is surrounded by Dr. Seuss-like oversized thatch umbrellas, while the rooms are all raw plaster, earthy linens and terracotta, offset with 1970s details like kidney-shaped sofas and sunken beds. It’s Graceland-meets-Mallorca – and I’m absolutely here for it.”
STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – Gillian Brett, head of fashion content
“In 2020, I had a trip to Stockholm planned that remains on my ‘to be rescheduled’ list. Five years on and I’m still dreaming about a stay at Ett Hem (which translates as ‘a home’ in Swedish) in the pretty Lärkstan neighborhood. Owner Jeanette Mix worked with British interior designer Ilse Crawford to thoughtfully create a welcoming and relaxing ambiance in this elegant yet laid-back red-brick townhouse. What began as just 12 rooms and suites expanded in 2022 into two neighboring townhouses to offer a total of 22 rooms and three long-stay apartments – available from two weeks up to six months. While I sadly don’t think I could manage to escape for half the year, I would love at least a weekend break, where I’d start my day with yoga in the basement, then head to the library, perusing the shelves before indulging in a delicious lunch in the serene conservatory. Tranquility with a side of chic Scandi interiors puts Ett Hem at the very top of my must-visit list.”