WHERE TO GO IN 2021

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INSIDE ISTANBUL Ignacio Maza’s Turkey Page 50

The next FACTOR

WHERE TO GO IN 2021? As we think about venturing out again, savvy travelers are on the lookout for new frontiers. Editor at Large Ignacio Maza is always in search of authenticity, unique destinations, and what’s next in travel. Here are his top picks for 2021, including close-to-home escapes and top global destinations.

CLOSER TO HOME North America

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

Soak up nearly 300 years of history as you explore Georgia’s oldest city and its preserved historic district. Discover Savannah’s collection of 22 unique and distinctive squares. Wander around beloved Forsyth Park, shop at Fancy Parker’s for delicious treats, eat fried chicken at The Olde Pink House, and dine at The Grey, housed in a former Greyhound station. Explore the contemporary art scene, revel in the vibrant nightlife, or relax by the sea at nearby Tybee Island, just minutes away.

Clockwise from top: Arches National Park in Moab, Utah; the One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico; Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia.

LOS CABOS, MEXICO

Mexico’s sunniest destination offers endless adventure. Discover Cabo Pulmo Marine Preserve—the northernmost coral reef in the Pacific—and snorkel with tropical fish and friendly sea lions. Hike the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range, explore the art galleries of San José del Cabo, go mountain biking, or visit the picturesque village of Todos Santos, with farm-to-table cuisine at Jazamango Restaurant. Stay at the legendary One&Only Palmilla, book one of several new, design-forward resorts, or unwind with beachside glamping at Isla Espíritu Santo.

UTAH

The state with magnificent landscapes is nirvana for outdoor enthusiasts and home to the “Mighty Five” National parks, including Bryce Canyon, Zion, Capitol Reef, Canyonlands, and Arches. Mountain bike Moab’s Slickrock Trail, raft

Opposite: Slovenia’s scenic Lake Bled. Dusk lights up the capital city of Ljubljana.

the Green River, or hike the Buckskin Gulch slot canyon. Come winter, head to Park City, America’s largest ski resort. Drive through Monument Valley (the backdrop to countless cowboy films), and visit Bonneville Salt Flats for otherworldly Instagram posts. Revel in mountainside luxury at Montage Deer Valley, or stay in a dreamy tent at Amangiri’s recently opened Camp Sarika in southern Utah.

ST. BARTHS, FRENCH WEST INDIES

The Caribbean’s answer to St. Tropez is back in business after two hurricanes. Fly Tradewinds’ upscale air service from San Juan and arrive in style. This tiny island, measuring only nine square miles, has a loyal following of visitors who love spending lazy days at stunning beaches like Salines and Gouverneur, dining at celebrated restaurants like L’Isola and Le Sélect, and shopping small boutiques in walkable Gustavia. Stay in newly renovated, beloved resorts like Eden Rock and Guanahani (which are looking better than ever!).

VERMONT

Although it’s one of the smallest states in the U.S., Vermont offers year-round culture and adventure. Marvel at America’s most brilliant fall foliage, with its concentration of colorful maple trees. Tackle nearly every winter sport imaginable, as the state consistently reports record-breaking snowfall. In spring and summer, hike, bike, fish, canoe, or swim in Lake Champlain. Taste the purest maple syrup in the country and visit the Ben & Jerry’s factory store for a lesson in ice cream history. Stay at acclaimed resorts like The Equinox, The Pitcher Inn, or the ultimate experience: Twin Farms.

VANCOUVER ISLAND, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Unique experiences and Canada’s warmest temperatures await at this 300-mile long island. Start in Victoria, the oldest city in the Pacific Northwest. Sample fresh coastal menus and then discover First Nations art at the Royal BC Museum. Surf Tofino’s beaches, paddle the Sayward canoe route, hike one of five provincial parks, snorkel with seals, spot orcas and humpback whales, and trek through old-growth forests with giant trees. After working up an appetite, the Cowichan Valley gourmet trail features artisanal cuisine and the Duncan Farmers Market. What’s more, take flight in a seaplane that soars above Nanaimo’s spectacular landscape and then stay at five-star Wickaninnish Inn, a luxury tent at Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, or opt for a cozy treehouse at Qualicum Beach.

FURTHER AFIELD Global Escapes

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

This wild and alluring wonderland (three times the size of Texas!), should be on your 2021 radar. Start in Perth, which blends urban cool with natural beauty and is home to the new WA Museum. Visit the Margaret River Wine Region and vineyard-hop between award-winning wineries and restaurants. The new Kalbarri Skywalk, located 300 feet above the Murchison River Gorge, is a must for any adventurist. Hike the outback with an aboriginal guide, cruise the horizontal waterfalls in Talbot Bay by jetboat, or catch the sunset by riding a camel on Cable Beach. Stay at Sal Salis, the seaside safari camp, and swim with whale sharks off The Ningaloo Reef.

Opposite: Brilliant blue hues line St. Barths. From top left: the new Kalbarri Skywalk in Austrailia; Vermont lures leaf peepers in the fall.

From top left: Volcano El Misti overlooks the city of Arequipa in southern Peru; a curious leopard in Zambia. Opposite: A birds-eye view of Reine in Lofoten, Norway.

PERU

A world beyond Machu Picchu awaits! Join the bicentennial celebrations, marking independence from Spain in 1821. Visit the untrammeled and colonial city of Arequipa while staying at the new Hotel CIRQA. Hike the Cordillera Blanca, the second highest mountain range after the Himalayas. Explore the enigmatic ruins of Chan Chan and Kuélap, surf at Cabo Blanco, or sail to the Ballestas Islands, considered Peru’s Galápagos. Stay on the shores of Lake Titicaca, high in the Andes, or cruise down Peru’s Amazon basin in search of pink dolphins. Don’t miss Lima’s world-class museums and restaurants, which serve mouthwatering ceviche.

SICILY

The island of year-round summer has it all: historic cities like Palermo and Siracusa, a glorious countryside, ancient archaeological sites, turquoise waters, and enchanting villages like Noto and Modica. Taste some of Italy’s most delicious food, including decadent seafood, pasta, and such desserts as cassata. Laze on a beautiful beach, hike an active volcano, or elevate your sojourn with a private visit to Teatro Massimo or a nighttime stroll around the Valley of the Temples. Stay at Taormina’s Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, Palermo’s newly renovated Villa Igiea, or at the palatial Seven Rooms Villadorata.

ZAMBIA

Africa’s next destination is land-locked Zambia— unspoiled, safe, and home to bountiful wildlife. Visit legendary and uncrowded national parks like Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa, and Kafue (Zambia’s largest). Marvel at the abundance of