Tom Marchant is the co-founder of Black Tomato, a luxury travel firm and trip planner that provides premium experiences across the world through imaginative itineraries and access to the world’s most distant and up-and-coming destinations. Marchant has an unrivaled understanding of travel trends and the top hotels, restaurants, locations, and honeymoons in the world–and he’s sharing his knowledge and curated lists of places to visit, stay, eat, and more with BAZAAR.com.
Coming face to face with the unknown and becoming lost in the beauty of a place on the verge of discovery is the true wonder of travel. There is no better sense of success than being among the first to arrive at and explore a new site. This magnificent planet is constantly at the ready with new untapped destinations to make even the most intrepid traveler swoon in awe-struck delight. From inaccessible islands to uncharted deserts and rainforests teaming with species, this magnificent globe is always ready to surprise even the most daring travellers.traveller swoon in awe-struck delight. Get out there, true adventurers, and discover this latest wealth of unspoilt world treasures, and find your own source of inspiration.
1.Puglia, Italy
Borgo Egnazia, a stone-carved refuge located among Puglia’s shaded olive trees, is one of the region’s most magnificent hotels. Borgo Egnazia is designed like a typical Apulian borgo and was created by one of the most creative hoteliers, Aldo Melpignano, and his family (village). The cream-hued estate has romantic suites and villas that are exquisitely equipped to meet every creature’s comfort and are decked out in tranquil tones. While you’re in town, pay a visit to Masseria Torre Maizza, their lovely sister boutique hotel, which opens in May 2019 under the Rocco Forte label and is shaping out to be a very elegant retreat indeed.
With kilometers of beautiful coastline teeming with verdant vistas of olive orchards and vineyards, this pristine region produces some of the country’s best, frequently undiscovered wines and olive oils. Enjoy Puglia’s renowned cucina povera, a stripped-down, authentic style of Italian cooking focusing on basic, fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods–the slow-food movement at its finest.
2. Madagascar
Look no further than untamed and almost undiscovered Madagascar for a “still relatively off the radar” retreat. This thriving biodiversity hotspot is a dream come true for naturalists and explorers alike; the island is filled with indigenous fauna, with 80 percent of it found nowhere else on the planet.
Puglia, the stylish heel of Italy’s boot, has a really unique appeal because of its pastoral setting and patchwork legacy of Norman, Spanish, Greek, and Byzantine influences. The region is gradually catching up to Tuscany in terms of culinary prowess, providing a glimpse into authentic Italian traditions and values.
Madagascar offers some of the nicest beaches in the Indian Ocean, which most people are unaware of. Visit Nosy Be, Madagascar’s most beautiful coastal site, where visitors may see humpback whales and lemurs on the beach. Miavana, on the island’s north-eastern shore, is the ideal secluded retreat. Staying at this magnificent eco-lodge will make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto your own Robinson Crusoe refuge, with only 14 private villas. Days spent exploring lush tropical rainforests and seeing turtles lay their eggs on desolate white sand beaches come to mind.
3.Ladakh
Ladakh, a Himalayan kingdom, is one of the few places on Earth that has remained largely unknown. Ladakh is crisscrossed by four mountain ranges: The Great Himalaya, The Ladakh, The Zanskar, and The Karakoram, with an average altitude of 11,500 feet. It’s one of India’s best kept secrets, with breathtaking views around every corner. Enjoy the peaceful quiet of the fresh mountain air, breathtaking scenery, and the region’s rich Buddhist heritage. Guests in Ladakh can stay in magnificent homestays like the Shakti Village Houses in isolated luxury tented camps or in unknown villages in the Indus Valley. Tour Leh with local aristocracy, meet local monks, stargaze endlessly, and even watch a game of Ladakhi football.
4.Salta, Argentina
Argentina’s northwestern region, in contrast to the Italo-Spanish capital of Buenos Aires and the surrounding grassy Pampas, has a significant Andean and spiritual legacy as a meeting point for South America’s indigenous communities. The region is known for its breathtaking scenery and vibrantly colorful landscapes—think red rock valleys, multi-hued and monochromatic hills, and terra-cotta peaks set against a backdrop of deep blue skies. This area’s diversity makes it ideal for trekking, horseback riding, rafting, 4×4 driving, and a variety of other adventure sports.
Salta is a cultural gem off the usual path since it has some of Argentina’s best preserved colonial architecture, picturesque plazas, and regional cuisine. As you enter La Merced del Alto, in the heart of the Calchaqu Valley, you’ll feel as if you’ve been let in on a local secret. La Merced del Alto is a lovely reflection of its rustic surroundings in the middle of the Argentinian countryside, built as a mediaeval manor home with spacious interior patios and soaring galleries.
5. Faroe Islands, Denmark
The Faroe Islands, located in the icy waters between Scotland and Iceland, are a true haven. The spectacular vistas fundamentally change the concept of a “untouched archipelago,” allowing visitors to see a more wild side of Denmark.
Natural treasures can be found along rugged coasts that were formerly considered Viking land and are best explored in antique fishing boats for a mystical impression. The Faroe Islands, on the other hand, are making their first moves toward modernization, with trendy stores and KOKS, the island’s two-Michelin-starred restaurant, offering up inspired Faroese specialties.
Stay at the new boutique Hotel Havgrim Seaside Hotel, a wonderfully restored old property with Nordic charm located on the water. Large glass windows and individual balconies with captivating views are featured in the design, which is influenced by the tranquil waters. The property exudes a tangible sense of tranquilly, reminding you that you are precisely where you should be. The Faroe Islands are restricting tourism for good reason, in order to conserve the nature and original culture, so plan ahead (far ahead) if this experience appeals to you.
6. Georgia
With the increasing interest in Georgia and its significance in the Silk Road’s history, now is the best time to visit while it’s still extremely ‘in the know.’ Underneath the surface of this mostly rural country lies a unique European culture that most travellers are unfamiliar with, where hospitality and warmth are valued as ‘gifts from God’ to travellers and guests.
Georgia will immediately attract your interest with its rich history, unique culinary traditions, green hilltops, snow-capped mountains, and spring waters. Signagi, Georgia’s cradle of wine, has been making wine since the fifth millennium BC, and many vintners still use the same methods as their forefathers. The rare opportunity to stay at Chateau Svanidze, owned by its namesake family of winemakers, will delight oenophiles, providing a really compelling method to learn about the importance of wine (and even bring back a bespoke bottle yourself).
Georgia’s decadent cuisine, which includes cheese-filled khachapuri and mtsvadi skewers roasted on aged grapevine, will only leave room for a glass of chacha, a local whisky that is frequently on the menu for Georgians, so check out the local bars.
The art-deco Stamba Hotel in Tbilisi, a converted Soviet printing firm headquarters, today stands as a tribute to modern Georgia’s expanding art and design interests, providing an inspiring background to the city’s historic churches, prominent statues, and 11th-century fortresses.
7. Stockholm Archipelago
The Stockholm Archipelago, located east of Stockholm, is a secluded place where Sweden’s well-heeled flock for the summer. Sailing is the greatest way to observe all of the skerries and rocks in this Swedish beauty, known locally as skärgrden.
The Stockholm Archipelago is a cluster of 3,000 islands that offer incredible views and access to Stockholm’s scenic soft sand beaches, historic castles, lush forests, and stunning coastlines. The Stockholm Archipelago is a cluster of 3,000 islands that offer incredible views and access to Stockholm’s scenic soft sand beaches, historic castles, lush forests, and stunning coastlines. Locals and visitors alike can cruise like royalty by splitting their time between land and sea, cruising through pristine, picturesque waters in the mornings and touring storybook towns and Stockholm’s Old Town in the afternoons.
The Stockholm Archipelago’s stunning vistas from the seas and cobblestoned alleyways from the land are just enchanting, from the tranquil waters of Grinda to the charm of Wardhaus. Stay at the sleek and lovely Rival Hotel, which is owned by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and is ideal for Swedish cultural aficionados.
8. Guacalito De La Isla, Nicaragua
Guacalito De La Isla, located on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast and boasting 30 miles of unspoiled beaches, is a little-known Central American gem. Make a reservation at the Mukul Resort, which was founded by local entrepreneur Don Carlos Pellas and his family in an effort to preserve the region’s natural beauty and share it with like-minded people. The name comes from the Mayan word for’secret,’ and the resort lives up to its reputation as a hidden gem, with fairy-tale beach villas and ‘bohios’ tucked on the gorgeous, mile-long Manzanillo beach, which is awash with light powdery sand and spectacular Pacific sunsets.
The possibilities for adventure here are unlimited, from surfing and ash boarding down volcanoes to hiking and cycling paths through beautiful jungles teeming with monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds. The many delights of doing nothing are not to be overlooked here; simply lie back, relax, and take in the panoramic vistas of the Pacific.
9.Sao Tome and Principe
Principe is a tiny, secluded island haven in the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa, surrounded by exquisite flora and animals, ocean breezes, and thick tropical woods.
Environmentally conscious visitors will appreciate the pristine, well-protected environment as a wonderful starting point for exploring this lost world of beaches, bays, and jungles. Sundy Praia’s luxurious tented lodgings on the island of Principe’s rugged northwest tip will enable you lose track of time and place while looking for turtles, whales, birds, and dolphins. True explorers will delight in uncovering historical churches throughout the island’s biosphere paths.
Between September and April, you may witness the spectacular sea turtle hatching, and year-round, you can identify any of the island’s 29 indigenous bird species. When you’re not relaxing in an own tented villa or on a four-wheel drive through the surrounding plantations, dine at Sundy Praia’s excellent restaurant, which features tuna, wahoo, passion fruit, and pineapple. It’s a necessity to have a meal (or two) here.
10.Congo
There are few destinations that can compare to the Congo for travellers wishing to get off the beaten path and visit places where few tourists have gone before. The Congo is a brand-new kind of safari destination, with lush woods, unique and unusual species, and safe cities in between.
Brazzaville, the Congolese capital, is renowned as “Africa’s Paris” and is a must-see destination with some of the safest and cleanest streets in the continent. Track rare Western Lowland Gorillas on a trek, kayak, or cruise through the heart of the Odzala-Kokua National Park before wading through the Lango bais in search of Forest Elephants and Buffalo.
Stay at Odzala Discovery Camps and you’ll discover a lush green paradise where you may get closer to nature than you’ve ever been. These three stunning lodges in the North-West Congo are all about simple luxury and letting your inner adventurer run wild. This is authentic adventure in its purest form for the true globetrotter.
11.Mancora, Peru
Mancora, Peru is home to the peaceful Mancora Beach and the KiChic boutique hotel, which is made of stone, wood, and mud. Kichic, once the owner’s personal residence, is now a destination in and of itself for tourists looking to relax and unwind while practising yoga, fishing for the day’s catch, and eating nutritious, pescatarian, and vegetarian soul food. Naturally, indigenous products and flavours such as coconut and gomasio are used in all of the recipes.
Mancora’s barefoot bohemian vibes, rooted in a passion for the sun, fresh seafood, and surfing, make it a must-visit destination for individuals with an unrestrained affection for the natural world. Mancora, which appears to be in perpetual summer, is a year-round refuge for kitesurfing, plunge pools, and fresh food options. Humpback
12. Wadi Rum, Jordan
For millennia, Jordan’s spectacular and bleak desert vistas have lured travellers to venture through its harsh terrain. But what most people don’t realise is that it’s closer than you might think; Wadi Rum, a must-see on any intrepid traveler’s bucket list, unlocks the area’s hidden beauties and Bedouin culture.
Planning a complete trekking journey through this historic, surreal region is strongly recommended and the best way to see the actual location where scenes from Lawrence of Arabia were filmed. The seven jagged rock columns natural landmark from which T.E. Lawrence’s famous novel, “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom,” draws its name is a cultural must-see. Thrill-seekers can take a camel or Jeep tour of the desert, stopping at Bedouin villages along the way and staying in luxury desert camps where traditional dinners are served around a fire beneath the stars.
13. Andaman Islands
The Andaman Islands are a remote refuge noted for clean shores and amazing marine life off the coast of West India. After spending time on India’s mainlands, a vacation to the tropical woods and hidden islands is a relaxing (and quite wonderful) way to end your journey.
Havelock’s newly opened Taj Exotica Resort & Spa gives visitors more reasons than ever to visit. The Taj Exotica Resort and its surrounding surroundings, with its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, set the stage for days spent leisurely exploring the archipelago and indulging at the hotel’s sun-drenched pool and spa. After being immersed in the brilliant colours, busy crowds, and buzz of the city, a few days on the Andamans will help you refresh and rejuvenate.
14. Lofoten Archipelago, Norway
For intrepid tourists, this unmatched wildness provides the ideal location for sailing, kayaking, and hiking in Norway’s isolated Fjords. Spend a few nights at Manshausen, a lonely island enclave with glass cabins high above the Lofoten waters, to trek mountain ranges over the islands of Malya and Grtya, rock-climb the red-hued cliffs of nearby Nordskot, or simply relax in your accommodation with a fresh water bath.
On foot, explore the majestic mountains that dominate the environment and take in the breathtaking vistas of the icy wildness’ sharp jagged peaks and the ocean. Ski down virgin powder slopes to the water’s edge, where a historic sailing schooner awaits for a show-stopping experience. Look skyward when you’re out on the polar waters; the Northern Lights’ grandeur is heightened from the water. There are also some wildlife views not to be missed; white-tailed eagles are frequently seen on the Lofoten islands during the summer, when access to steep-sided fjords like Trollfjorden is available.
15.Ethiopia
Intrepid visitors have just recently gained access to one of Africa’s most unique and culturally captivating countries. A slew of new immersive lodges have opened in (now more easily accessible) distant sections of Ethiopia, allowing visitors to learn about the country’s cultural and environmental treasures (which is home to the most UNESCO world heritage sites of any country in Africa).
Set off on a safari in quest of the elusive Ethiopian wolf, and thoroughly immerse yourself in the local culture by sampling coffee and wild honey at local markets. Sojourn through the Denakil Depression, where guests may journey over salt lakes on camels, see volcanoes that light up the night sky, and ascend to the summit of Erta Ale for a spectacular sunrise view.
The memorable, rustic Bale Mountain Lodge and the majestic Simien Lodge, Africa’s highest hotel, nestled above a UNESCO world heritage site, are both excellent places to stay.
16.Southern Namib Desert, Namibia
This distant Namibian location is famed for its beautiful black skies, which provide a serene and inspiring setting for nighttime stargazing (and one of the best spots in the world to do so).
The elegant, beautiful, and newly-opened Sonop Lodge tented camp is positioned above boulders with sweeping desert views in the Karis region, and it is certainly the ideal site to enjoy this destination. Take in the delicious smells floating from the sumptuous cigar lounge while walking, motorcycling, horseback riding, or hot air ballooning. At the lodge’s white glove, five-course gala-style dinner, aromas and flavours abound.
Stay at the resort and drink up the gorgeous surroundings and wildlife, or travel to other Namibian locations such as Sossuvlei, Windhock, and Omaanda camp. Take a dip in the infinity pool with views of Namibia’s stunning desert if you’re looking for the ultimate in tranquility.
