THE HOT LIST

From pristine beaches and turquoise seas to historic sites, ancient cities and emerging destinations, we all have that bucket list of places we long to visit in our lifetime.

Here are some of the places we would love to tick off.

When it comes to making an entrance, surely nothing can top walking up the narrow stone path chiselled through pink-hued cliffs to The Siq, where AlKhazneh, the Treasury, reveals itself in all its breathtaking grandeur. The Treasury is the best-known site at Petra, a 39-metre high façade carved into a sandstone wall thousands of years ago as a tomb for one of the Nabataean kings. There are 500 tombs here, and 800 archaeological sites. But Petra is not the only jewel in Jordan’s crown, the Mars-like desert landscape of Wadi Rum is a magical mystical tour where you can sleep in a Bedouin camp or go for a camel ride. Float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, and explore the exciting and culturally fascinating city of Amman.

Coast with the most

Ah, the Amalfi. A drop-dead-dreamy destination we all covet, imagining ourselves sipping decadent cocktails on cliffside terraces dripping with bougainvillea and wisteria, looking out over the storied Mediterranean Sea. This celebrity-clad strip of coast is home to postcard-pretty Positano, five-star hotels spilling down the cliffside in a landslide of pastel luxury and sun lovers basking on balconies and beach sides. Visits to Amalfi and Ravello are a must, as is Sorrento, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. History buffs will want to stroll through historic Pompeii, and the island of Capri has a hypnotic allure, with much to see including the Blue Grotto, Monte Solaro, the natural Arch, Gardens of Augustus and Villas of Tiberius.

A touch of spice

Dramatic jungles, stunning beaches, a fascinating cultural heritage and some of the most flavourpacked food on earth are just part of Sri Lanka’s charm. Colombo, the island’s capital, boasts an eclectic mix of colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers and bustling street markets, while ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura, features impressive Buddhist stupas and ruins. Other must-visit destinations are the charming coastal city of Galle, the ancient rock temple of Sigiriya, and Nuwara Eliya, a pretty hillcountry town dotted with colonial-era architecture and scenic tea gardens. The country is home to many national parks, such as Yala and Udawalawe, where visitors can see elephants, leopards, and other wildlife.

Land of smiles

An enchanted land brimming with intriguing mythology, the eastern Himalayan country of Bhutan measures its progress by Gross National Happiness, prioritising holistic development beyond economics by placing an emphasis on the wellbeing and happiness of its citizens. Visitors to Bhutan will certainly be left smiling after experiencing the country’s unique culture in its ancient monasteries and colourful festivals, and indulging in spicy, flavourful Bhutanese cuisine, washed down with butter tea. Enjoy Bhutan’s breathtaking natural beauty hiking, biking, and rafting through pristine forests with a private guide. Experience happiness in style at one of several high-end hotels including the sublime fivestar sanctuaries of Amankora Resort, COMO Uma Paro and Taj Tashi. For a more rustic experience, the Tiger’s Nest Resort overlooks the stunning Taktshang Monastery, which clings to a rocky cliff-face in the mountains above Paro.

Arabian nights

Home to forts and frankincense-fragranced air, souks and Sinbad, the Sultanate of Oman is something of a fairy tale destination, offering visitors a perfect combination of culture, nature, and pampering. One of the friendliest countries in all of Arabia, its rugged deep-water fjords, dramatic swathes of sandy desert, shimmering seas and pretty coral reefs make Oman an adventurer’s paradise. Experience ancient culture and traditions as you explore historic forts, mosques and souks, visit remote villages, take a private dhow cruise along the breathtaking coast, and enjoy Omani cuisine – a delicious blend of Arab, Indian, and African flavours. Oman is bursting with opulent resorts such as the village inspired Six Senses Zighy Bay, which has a rather unusual entry – via zipline.

It's all Greece to me

The sun-drenched, history-laden islands of Greece are on everyone’s bucket list, and with good reason. Who wouldn’t want to go to Santorini, wandering through the higgledy-piggledy alleys among whitewashed shops and hotels that cling to the sides of a caldera that is said to house the legend that is Atlantis. In Mykonos, stroll through Little Venice, relax at ever-sotrendy beach clubs and munch on fresh calamari at the water’s edge. Island hop to Paros, Naxos, Milos, Crete, Corfu, Rhodes. And spend time in Athens, just soaking in the history that is all around you, no site more important or dramatic than the Acropolis. Visits to Olympia – home of the Olympic Games – and the spectacular Meteora with its clifftop monasteries should also be on the itinerary.

Indian ocean gems

This seafaring nation has 1192 islands in 26 atolls, scattered like sparkling jewels across 871 kilometres of the Indian Ocean. The dreamy images you see in brochures and magazines of crystal clear azure water lapping white sand beaches on tiny palm-topped islands are just the beginning of what is a stay in paradise. Under the surface, the reefs abound with marine life, with 1000 species of fish, including manta rays and whale sharks. Divers and surfers are also in heaven here. If you can bring yourself to leave your idyllic island haven, you can do tours to the capital, Malé, or visit local islands such as Thulusdhoo –known for its traditional bodu beru (big drums), or the dhoni (boat) building islands of Huraa, Alifushi and Gulhi.

In the footsteps of the pharaohs

A land of timeless allure and mystery, the sights, sounds, and smells of Egypt will awaken your senses and transport you back in time. The Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel and the temples of Luxor and Karnak are just a few of the country’s ancient treasures. The long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum – the largest archaeological museum complex in the world with more than 100,000 artifacts including King Tut’s entire treasure collection – will open late in 2023. But there is more to Egypt than just its history. Its vibrant culture, bustling bazaars, and mouth-watering cuisine will tantalise your tastebuds and capture your heart. A fantastic way of exploring the hidden gems of Egypt is on a Nile cruise, visiting ancient temples and tombs while enjoying indulgent onboard amenities.

African dream

Africa is a continent of immense diversity, boasting a range of landscapes and cultures. From the streets of mystical Marrakesh to the cosmopolitan vibe of Cape Town, African cities are brimming with character and charm. South Africa's wine route and regions like Stellenbosch and Franschhoek offer a cultural heritage as rich as their reserves. The majestic Victoria Falls, the stunning savannahs of the Serengeti, and the surreal sight of Etosha National

Park's vast salt pan in Namibia are just a few of Africa’s awe-inspiring natural wonders. Spotting the "Big Five" on a game drive is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, while the annual migration in Kenya's Maasai Mara is a spectacle like no other. Treks through the lush gorilla forests of Uganda and Rwanda offer a rare opportunity to witness the gentle giants in their natural habitat. And for those seeking relaxation, Zanzibar’s dazzling beaches will leave you spellbound. Whatever your travel style, this extraordinary continent is the stuff of dreams.