THE INSIDER HIT LIST

Three travel experts share the destinations they’re (wander)lusting after right now

JONNY BEALBY

FOUNDER OF WILD FRONTIERS GEORGIA

Despite the beautiful mountains, epic scenery and ancient fortresses, Georgia was once almost off-limits, as getting there was such a hassle it put people off going. But now, Emirates flies from Sydney to the capital of Tbilisi via Dubai. Stay at Hotel Kazbegi in the mountains or Hotel Tbilisi in town (designhotels.com).

KYRGYZSTAN

If you ever needed a reason to go to Kyrgyzstan beyond the spectacular natural beauty of Song Kol Lake and the Mountains of Heaven, now you’ve got the World Nomad Games 2018. Athletes from more than 40 countries will compete in traditional nomadic sports such as horseriding, archery and eagle hunting in September. Meanwhile, Wild Frontiers’ 15-day Kyrgyzstan Explorer takes in the highlights of the country, including Tash Rabat and Song Kol Lake. TOM BARBER

CO-FOUNDER OF ORIGINAL TRAVEL

2018’s European Capital of Culture is, according to UNESCO, “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world”, with beautifully preserved streets that are home to 320 designated monuments. This year sees more than 140 special projects and 400 events planned, but the biggest buzz is the opening of The Phoenicia, just outside the massive city gates. The latest project from Gordon Campbell Gray (also behind Beirut’s Le Gray), The Phoenicia has a threehectare garden and a stunning pool (campbellgrayhotels.com).

MOROCCO

A trip to this exotic destination just got easier thanks to a new internal flight route linking Marrakech and Fez, usually a sixhour drive apart. Adding to Marrakech’s ranks of swanky hotels, the Oberoi (oberoihotels.com), with 10 hectares of citrus orchards and olive groves, is opening soon. Fez is a medieval treasure, and the gateway to the less-explored north. Take a road trip from Fez to Tamuda Bay, home of a new Banyan Tree (banyantree.com), and with a Ritzcarlton (ritzcarlton.com) and Chedi (ghmhotels.com) to come, this is set to be the new Moroccan beach hangout.

ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA

Look out for Zuri Zanzibar (zurizanzibar. com), which opens in May; the resort will have a beach within a large cove, resulting in a longer-lasting high tide than other local beaches (the tide goes out for hundreds of metres, meaning no swimming until it comes back). There’s a sustainability angle, too, with as many local products as possible used throughout the hotel. TOM MARCHANT

CO-FOUNDER OF BLACK TOMATO CORN ISLANDS, NICARAGUA

These two islands, with their lush jungles, Creole culture, underwater worlds and the best lobster I’ve ever tasted, are the dream beach retreat. The opening of the ultra-exclusive, ultra-private Calala Island (calala-island.com) means guests can be Robinson Crusoe-d in style in luxe bungalow suites right on the beach.

TASMANIA

I’m pinning Tasmania as one to watch in 2018 – it has a thriving arts scene, hip foodie haunts and flavour-packed wines to rival those of the mainland. And the new MACQ 01 Hotel (macq01.com.au) gives you a chic place to rest your head.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

Named the World Design Capital for 2018, and renowned for its inventive food scene and architecture, Mexico City is at the top of many must-see lists. Its thriving arts environment is home to hot new designers, architecture tours and after-hours trips to galleries and artist collectives.