Welcome to the 28th annual edition of Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot List! Every year, our team embarks on a global adventure to find the most remarkable hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships. This year, we discovered a treasure trove of unique and exciting destinations, and we know you’ll be equally impressed. From a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office to the world’s largest cruise ship, this Hot List truly showcases the diversity and excellence of travel today.
But be warned: It’s almost impossible to choose a favorite! We found ourselves captivated by each destination, whether it was a converted farmhouse in the heart of an olive grove outside Marrakech or a luxurious cruise along the icy shores of Antarctica.
So, grab your passport and get ready to explore! This year’s Hot List is more than just a list; it’s an invitation to experience the world in all its vibrant glory.
Parisian Elegance Meets Haute Private Living
Paris, the city of love and luxury, has no shortage of hotels to choose from. But amidst the dazzling and trendy hotspots, there’s a new jewel in the crown: 1 Place Vendôme, the first hotel from Swiss fine jewelry and watchmaker Chopard. This opulent hotel offers a level of refined elegance that’s unlike anything else in the city.
Imagine entering through an imposing blue door, unbranded except for an enigmatic cursive C. The atmosphere is more exclusive and intimate than a traditional hotel, resembling a members-only club. Instead of a grand lobby, you’ll find an 18th-century stone fireplace and a sweeping staircase.
The hotel’s 15 rooms and suites are a feast for the senses. Each one is beautifully appointed with unique details, from the glass-walled table d’hôte that allows guests to watch the chefs prepare their meals to the Winter Garden conservatory with a jungle-themed mosaic mural made from thousands of gemstones.
The highlight, however, is the double-height, Versailles-worthy Appartement Chopard. This magnificent suite is perfect for those who want to experience the epitome of Parisian luxury.
1 Place Vendôme is classic Paris, but with a touch of haute private living.
From $1,525 per night.
A Safari Adventure With a Conservation Focus
Kenya’s Amboseli National Park is home to some of the world’s most incredible wildlife. From the majestic elephants to the elusive lions, the park is a true sanctuary for nature lovers. Angama, a safari outfit known for its luxury lodges, has just opened its third property in the Kimana community sanctuary.
This 10-suite lodge, with its canvas-roofed tents, is nestled within an elephant corridor, connecting Amboseli with protected areas in the Chyulu Hills and Tsavo West National Park. Angama’s commitment to conservation is evident in the lodge’s design and partnerships. They’ve teamed up with the Big Life Foundation NGO to protect the elephants and their habitat.
The lodge offers breathtaking views of the park, with Mount Kilimanjaro looming in the distance. Guests can watch herds of elephants parade across swamps at sunset as lights from nearby villages twinkle on the horizon. The interior design is inspired by elephants, from the pillars resembling their legs to the placemats mimicking their skin.
Angama is more than just a luxury safari lodge; it’s a chance to experience the raw beauty of nature and to be part of a vital conservation effort.
From $1,638 per night.
