Destination next
The hottest places to add to your travel list in 2019. By Jo McKay and Akash Arora.
Boracay, the Philippines
After closing for six months to undergo a thorough clean-up, one of the Philippines’ most famous islands has reopened. Beach parties are forbidden, the casinos are gone and fireworks aren’t allowed after 9pm. In short, it’s been restored to the idyllic tropical holiday destination it once was, complete with white-sand beaches and aquamarine waters.
Brisbane, Queensland
The Queensland capital is hotter than ever. Five high-end hotels have opened (or reopened) in the past year – W, Westin, Calile, Emporium and Ovolo the Valley; the city’s eating scene is firing up thanks to restaurants and bars such as Donna Chang and Three Blue Ducks; and a new food-and-drink precinct, Howard Smith Wharves, is quickly hotting up.
The Azores, Portugal
In 2018, social media feeds were flooded with travel shots from Porto, Lisbon, Madeira and the Portuguese Camino. In 2019, expect it to be the Azores, otherwise known as Europe’s Hawaii. These Atlantic islands are home to stunning crater lakes and mountainous countryside, enchanting villages, hot thermal springs and beautiful beaches.
Otago, New Zealand
It’s no secret that New Zealand excels at luxury lodges. But now there’s a new player – The Lindis (thelindis.com) in the Ahuriri Valley, North Otago, which opened in November last year. Considered one of the world’s top fly-fishing spots, the region is a nature lover’s dream destination. Not into angling? There’s hiking, mountain biking, horseriding and more.
Newcastle, NSW
One of Australia’s grittiest cities has undergone a renaissance with quaint bars, hipster cafés, boutique accommodation, of-the-moment restaurants and a soon-to-launch light rail system. (Read more about the Newcastle scene on page 72.)
Singapore
In 2019, Singapore’s – and perhaps the world’s – most iconic hotel, Raffles, will reopen following a twoyear makeover. More importantly, the Lion City will embark on the bicentennial celebration of British statesman Stamford Raffles’ arrival in Singapore (leading to the island-state becoming a British colony, a free port and a modern metropolis). Expect major art exhibitions, a series of historical installations set across the island and a special-edition of the I Light Singapore festival.
Japan
As the host nation of the Rugby World Cup 2019 and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Japan will be in the collective travel consciousness for the next two years. Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima will always be popular but to truly experience the culture and escape the crowds, try lesser-known regions such as the mountainous Iya Valley; the islands of the Seto Inland Sea; and the hiking haven of Tōhoku.
Launceston, Tasmania
After 10 years in Hobart, the state’s largest contemporary music festival, Mona Foma, is moving to the Apple Isle’s second city. That means only one thing: Launceston is about to get seriously cool.
Arizona, United States
Arizona has extraordinary scenery but none as impressive as the Grand Canyon. In 2019, the Grand Canyon National Park marks its 100th anniversary. Time your visit around Founders Day, 26 February, featuring cake, a choral concert and a discussion of the relationship between the canyon and the park’s 11 Native American tribes.