Destination: dreamland

Where to go in 2018? Put these spots on your bucket list!

Magical Marrakech

Palaces, snow-capped mountains, sensational shopping, fabulous food, great history… Marrakech is truly memorable. Founded 1 000 years ago, this UNESCO heritage site bursts with colour and intensity, from snake charmers to hammams (Turkish baths) which will leave you feeling like melted butter.

To do

 See the Majorelle Garden’s Yves Saint Laurent Museum, a tribute to the genius who loved the city.  Have a drink on a rooftop like Kechmara Bar Restaurant.  Experience a hammam – like a spa, but better! You’ll be steamed, scrubbed and massaged.  Shop the labyrinthan Souk for treasures, from scented oils to gorgeous jewellery.  Walk the historic Kasbah for vibrant street life, rich architecture and the scent of orange blossoms.  Explore the Maison de la Photographie, then have lunch on the museum’s top terrace.  Wonder at the craftsmanship and beauty of the 16th-century Saadian Tombs.

To stay

If you love luxe romance, the renowned La Sultana hotel is a haven of courtyards, chandeliers and rose-filled fountains. The highlights include the spa and the rooftop terrace for Berber pancakes and pastries, or sundowners overlooking the Saadian Tombs and distant Atlas mountains. Visit lasultanahotels.com.

To buy

Get ready to bargain – and to buy an extra suitcase! Perfumes, carvings, carpets, richly embellished jewellery, stunning kaftans, leather slippers, hand-woven fabrics, and argan oil by the barrel… if you love exotic crafts, fragrant pleasures and beauty, you’ll love shopping here – and at prices that won’t make your SA eyes water.

Cool Copenhagen

The Kingdom boasts stunning design, secret cocktail bars, great restaurants, fascinating sights, hip and beautiful people, plus hygge (pronounced hoo-guh), meaning cosiness, warmth and wellbeing.

To do

 Be charmed by the Tivoli Gardens, a lush park filled with amusement rides, theatres, restaurants, bandstands, cafes, shops and regular firework shows (a Danish passion).  Hang out in Nyhavn, a vibrant historic harbour lined with restaurants and bars.  Feel regal at the National Museum. This 1744 palace exhibits Viking artefacts, and classical Eastern and Danish antiquities.

To eat

 Join the world’s hippest areas in the Vesterbro neighbourhood.  Stroll down one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets. Strøget Street offers luxe and affordable brands, a great vibe, musicians and acrobats.  Be dazzled by the historic Christiansborg Palace on the Slotsholmen Island.  Hit the nightlife: the city is known for its brilliant DJS and clubs, including Culture Box, one of Europe’s top electronic-music venues. New York has cupcakes, Paris has macarons and Copenhagen is all about flødebolle, biscuits topped with chocolate-coated meringue. You’d never say so, though, to see the lithe Danes – must be all that cycling! Also on the menu: outstanding cheeses, crispy breads, the best salmon and heavenly coffee. Danish food is influencing world cuisine, so don’t miss the Meatpacking District for food trucks and superb restaurants like Paté Paté.

To stay

Decor and architecture lovers come from around the world to revel in the iconic Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, designed by the brilliant architect Arne Jacobsen. But it’s not only decor fans who marvel at the spiral staircase and signature Swan and Egg chairs. Everyone from the Dalai Lama and Nelson Mandela to Snoop Dogg have stayed here, enjoying its location in the heart of the city, across the road from Tivoli Gardens. The big buzz is the stunning lobby, but there’s also the Café Royal (try brunch or a classy new Nordic cuisine dinner) and fantastically friendly staff. Visit radissonblu.com.

Incredible Istanbul

Situated on the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, Istanbul straddles ancient and modern, with great history, trendy spots, warm people and plenty to explore. You’ll be spoilt for reasonable shopping and eating choices, too.

To do

 Walk the old Sultanahmet area, with its fairy tale domes, minarets and cobbled streets.  Explore the nightlife in the entertainment area of Beyoglu, Karaköy and Galata.  Wonder at the magnificent Church of the Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia or Aya Sofya).  Imagine wearing all that jewellery at the Topkapı Palace.  Visit the Blue Mosque and hilltop Süleymaniye Mosque.  Shop till you drop at the huge Medieval Grand Bazaar.  Take a boat ride across the Golden Horn.  Dine on flavoursome local dishes at a rooftop restaurant.  Unwind at a Turkish bath.

To buy

Sharpen your negotiating skills (it’s expected) and then shop up a storm on well-priced carpets, leather, antiques, clothes, jewellery, inlaid boxes, wooden carvings and spices. The Turkish delight is also wonderful, but best fresh and on the spot, although you won’t be sorry if you carry some home.

Sensational Stockholm

Way beyond Nordic Noir series, Stockholm is beautiful, relaxed and inviting. One of the world’s sexiest cities, from vintage stores to great design, H&M to eco-everything.

To stay

Wonderfully located, a stroll from the historic centre, chic shops, hip bars, Royal Palace and island cruise departure points, the Radisson Blu Strand Hotel opened for the 1912 Olympic Games, becoming a favourite with Sweden’s biggest stars – Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman. It now hosts the likes of Rihanna and Lady Gaga. For grand romance, splash out on a waterside room above the sparkling harbour. And visit the Strand brasserie, a new hot spot for sexy mixologists, music and food, the decor includes a canopy that hung above the bed of Napoleon’s mistress.

To do

Tips from Daniel Ogalde, events and communications manager of the landmark Radisson Blu Strand.  Visit the Mångkulturellt Centrum for brunch and artistic exhibits.  Train to Varberg market: clothes, food and more. (Do bargain!) Then visit the Fotografiska photographic museum.  Try culinary theatre at Punk Royale where caviar is served on your hand with a vodka shot, and the foie gras comes with a rubber duck.  Hit Södermalm (hipster central) for cool stores, trendy bars, vintage and more.

To buy

You’ll need deep pockets for the likes of Acne and Filippa K, but it’s hard to beat the vintage and charity spots for retro scores. Try Herr Judit, Lisa Larssen and Emmaus – even rands go far here.

To be wowed

The jewel box Ett Hemm, with just 12 rooms is rated one of the world’s greatest hotels. For pure Swedish seduction, have lunch or dinner in the conservatory, kitchen or mind-blowing dining area.