4 Travel Tastemakers Share Their Bucket-List Destinations For 2023
Whether they’re returning to favored resorts or exploring exciting new regions, four travel tastemakers share their vacation hopes and highlights for the year ahead. By KATIE BERRINGTON
Juliet Kinsman
“I can’t wait to get back to The Datai Langkawi in Malaysia this year. I’ll be in this million-year-old rainforest for Earth Day on April 22 (join me on Instagram!), where primordial mountains and pristine rainforest provide the backdrop to dusky langurs, tokay geckos and sunda colugos at the award-winning luxury resort. This hotel is close to my heart for its wildlife, of course, but especially because of its resident naturalist Irshad Mobarak, who brings to life Langkawi’s rich history in the nature center.
“I was excited to be planning an extended residency here back in 2020, to really get under the skin of its sustainability initiatives and share stories from behind the scenes, so to be finally making it happen [is exciting]. I try to ensure my emissions from flying count for something – and I’ve been saving up my carbon budget to get to this tropical paradise, where the white-sand beach is regularly listed as one of the world's best. You’d think it might be the beautiful suites or the sophisticated spa that won my heart, but actually it was the permaculture program. Since the greatest garbage generator is food waste – and, in nature, there’s no such thing as trash – it’s enlightening to see a model where organic matter becomes part of a virtuous circle. Mimicking nature’s principles, from worm farms in old baths that produce rich soil to turning waste goods into material for arts and crafts activities, The Datai Langkawi demos how it goes the extra mile with recycling.
“I try to ensure my emissions from flying count for something – and I’ve been saving up my carbon budget to get to this tropical paradise, where the white-sand beach is regularly listed as one of the world’s best
”Juliet Kinsman
“I’m also dreaming of visiting &Beyond Mnemba Island in Zanzibar. One day I hope to help tend to the turtles in the Tanzanian archipelago at this private resort, where barefoot luxury and breathtaking marine wildlife are the main selling points. It’s also an important breeding site for green and hawksbill turtles, and guests can participate in sea-turtle tagging and observation programs with Oceans Without Borders, a collaboration between &Beyond and the Africa Foundation. Alternatively, you can just enjoy the magical sight of turtle hatchlings making their way from their sandy nests into the ocean.”
Juliet Kinsman is the founder of Bouteco, sustainability editor of Condé Nast Traveller, host of the Funny Old World podcast, and author of The Bucket List Eco Experiences: Traveling the World, Sustaining the Earth (published by Rizzoli)
Lee Litumbe
“I accidentally spent almost three months in Indonesia once, and still feel like I barely scratched the surface, so Nihi Sumba and Sumbawa Island are at the top of my list to visit. I don’t typically have expectations when I travel anywhere, but I do love to be inspired by nature, design and local culture. A highlight at Nihi Sumba that I would love to experience is seeing the horses that roam free on the beach.
“I took a short flight to Vilanculos and road-tripped my way back south to Tofu and then back to Maputo. The landscapes, the people, the nature – it was a breathtaking experience
”Lee Litumbe
“I would love to go back to Mozambique and explore it slower and deeper this year, too; I first went about four years ago and completely fell in love. Landing in Maputo, I took a short flight to Vilanculos and road-tripped my way back south to Tofu and then back to Maputo. The landscapes, the people, the nature – it was a breathtaking experience. Spending time in the Bazaruto archipelago was also a highlight and, for my next trip, I would love to see more of its raw, untouched nature and stay in design- and sustainability- focused boutique properties, like Sussurro. It’s important to note that there has been conflict in the northern part of the country, though, which saddens me, so I would need to do some extensive research before planning my next trip there.”
Lee Litumbe is a photographer, storyteller, and founder of Spirited Pursuit
Holly Rubenstein
“On my podcast, The Travel Diaries, guests pick their all-time favorite destinations. Time and again, the Greek islands are chosen for their beauty, charm and fabulous food, so this year I’m hoping to explore a few more. I’ll fly into Mykonos to check out the much-hyped new opening of Cali Mykonos on the tranquil and lesser-known east side of the island, away from the tourist crowds. I hope to while away many an evening in nearby Kalafatis, with its pretty waterfront tavernas, and drop into Soho House’s Scorpios, which is just a few miles away. With quick transfer ferries, I’ll then be well situated to explore the neighboring island of Paros – a podcast favorite and Cycladic gem that has managed to retain its traditional architecture and authenticity, despite its gaining popularity; Kolymbithres beach, with its warm shallows and rocky lunar landscape, will be my first stop.
“With quick transfer ferries, I’ll be well situated to explore the neighboring island of Paros – a Cycladic gem that has managed to retain its traditional architecture and authenticity, despite its gaining popularity
”Holly Rubenstein
“This year is my first traveling with a baby in tow, too, so we’ve picked Andalusia in southern Spain for our holiday as a family. Having previously fallen hard for the rich heritage and buzzing nightlife of Seville, plus the spectacular mountaintop city of Ronda, this time we are heading to Casares on the coast, to stay at Finca Cortesin. Relaxing by the pool and pottering around Bahia de Casares beach will be the main agenda, and as Gibraltar is only 40 minutes away, we’ll have to fit in a visit to see the rock’s famous barbary macaque monkeys. The whitewashed village of Jimena de la Frontera is also a must-see while there, and since I last visited, Malaga has become quite a foodie hotspot, so a day trip for some tapas and sightseeing before our flight home will round off the trip perfectly.”
Holly Rubenstein is a travel journalist and host of The Travel Diaries podcast
Sarah Khan
“Japan has recently jumped to the top of my bucket list. As a lover of mega-cities, I’m so fascinated by Tokyo and can’t wait to dive in and let myself be utterly (and delightfully, I hope) overwhelmed. My husband and I have never been and had wanted to spend our honeymoon there last year, but it hadn’t yet reopened for travel, so we’re hoping we can make it a first-anniversary trip instead.
“I’ve visited India almost every year of my life. However, due to the pandemic, my last trip was in January 2020, making this the longest I’ve ever gone without returning, and it feels like a gaping void in my life. I hope I can finally make it back to see family in Hyderabad and friends in Bombay this year
”Sarah Khan
“I’ve always considered India the closest place I have to a childhood home – I’ve lived in six countries, so change was the only constant – and I’ve visited India almost every year of my life since living there for two years when I was younger. However, due to the pandemic, my last trip was in January 2020, making this the longest I’ve ever gone without returning, and it feels like a gaping void in my life. I hope I can finally make it back to see family in Hyderabad and friends in Bombay this year.”
Sarah Khan is a travel journalist and co-founder of Travel is Better in Color