DARE TO DREAM

Focus on brighter days and be inspired by new hotels, tours and openings for the year ahead, says Sarah Marshall

Although foreign travel is looking complex in the short term, there’s good reason to hope – and believe – we’ll be back on track for foreign adventures in the months ahead. While we are facing more Covid doom and gloom at home, museums, hotels and institutions overseas are still planning for brighter days in the future, with the promise of many exciting new openings, poised to welcome us when we are ready to travel.

Rather than dwell on the current state of affairs, start dreaming and plotting holidays for 2022 when – hopefully – travel will seem more straightforward again.

RAISING A GLASS TO FINE WINE

LISBON, PORTUGAL

Catching up with France, Spain and Italy, Portuguese wine has been gaining recognition in the last few years. The latest project to celebrate the Iberian country’s greatest grapes is the Palacio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel in Lisbon, opening on January 15.

Gazing above the rooftops of the Chiado neighbourhood, this former private residence of Joao Federico Ludovice, architect to King Joao V in the 18th Century, will feature 61 rooms. The hotel’s bar, with a signature floorto-ceiling counter and a wine cellar, will stock vintages from Portugal’s seven key winegrowing regions.

• How: From £177 per night with breakfast. Visit palacioludovice.com

EXPLORING AMERICA’S PAST AND PRESENT

ATLANTA, USA

Highlighted by Lonely Planet as one of the top cities to visit in 2022, Atlanta is buzzing with world-class restaurants, nightlife and entertainment. Discover why the state capital has earned its place in history by visiting museums such as the Atlanta History Center.

New attractions include immersive laser projection show Illuminarium, currently recreating an African safari, and Centennial Yards – a 12 million square foot complex of restaurants, shops and hotels.

• How: America As You Like It (americaasyoulikeit.com; 020 8742 8299) offers a 10-night Georgia fly-drive from £2,120 per person, including return flights from London, car hire and room-only accommodation.