Written in Partnership with Amir Bakian
Those yearning for wanderlust certainly can speak to the need to travel whenever possible. With so many locations around the world, those having garnered reputations as top spots, but also places less explored, one can probably not imagine visiting them all.
Carlos Alvarez is the founder of Sui Generis Entertainment & Travel. He, along with his wife and business partner, Ana Laura, have visited 63 countries and are making traveler’s dreams a reality with beautiful bookings in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceana, the Middle East and many others.
We caught up with Alvarez to hear him dish on some of his trending, luxurious ‘hotspots’ that he is currently booking for his clients, as well as the best places to stay in the cities.
Trending Luxury Travel Destinations to Check Out Right Now
Culture trips are some of the most exciting but also rewarding experiences travelers can partake in. Each of the following seven destinations, in no particular order, make for enlightening and unforgettable memories.
Tokyo and Kyoto, Japan
Two of the more popular destinations in Japan are Tokyo and Kyoto. Both are entrenched in historical and cultural significance while both also carry laundry lists of things to do when staying there.
“We are already getting many requests to visit Japan, which had been previously closed, but is finally welcoming visa entry starting on October 11, 2022,” Alvarez said. “With China also closed and no tourists roaming, it is definitely trending because it is not as crowded.”
Top sites in Japan include the Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Asakusa, Senso-Ji Temple and the Ginza District, which features some of the most popular shopping in the city.
In Kyoto, travelers are encouraged to visit the Nijo Castle, Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, Kinkaku-Ji: The Golden Pavilion, and the Kiyomizu-Dera and Sanjusangen-Do Temples.
Some of the marquee places to stay while in Tokyo include the luxurious Aman Tokyo, The Peninsula Tokyo, or the Tokyo Palace Hotel. For those traveling to Kyoto, try booking at the Kamogawa River Ritz-Carlton, The Four Seasons or the Aman Kyoto.
Bangkok, Thailand
The obvious place to see is the Grand Palace when visiting Bangkok, but there are so many more popular stops and tourist attractions there. The city is exciting, popular, colorful, artsy and features numerous centuries-old sites and temples. The city also serves as a connector to many other popular surrounding cities.
Tourists typically flock to the Palace, as well as the Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Suthat, and Wat Traimit: Temple of the Golden Buddha. However, Alvarez believes, the markets and street food are some gems to see when visiting.
Top luxurious stays in the city come via the, The Four Seasons Chao Phraya, The Capella and the Siam, just to name a few. Typically, travelers can find great places to stay anywhere along the Chao Phraya River.
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is often hailed as Cambodia’s top place to visit in the country by travelers and experts. The town has garnered a lot of popularity over the past few years because of the offering of shopping, temple hopping and parks and trails.
The best sites in the city include the country’s greatest tourist attraction, Angkor Wat, an archaeological park, but also the Angkor National Museum, Flight of the Gibbon Zipline Tours, Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre and be sure to check out the Cambodian Circus Show too!
The most-luxurious places to stay while in Siem Reap are led by Phum Baitang, Amansara and followed by Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, among many other top spots.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
In what is arguably the most-beautiful coastline in all of Italy, the Amalfi Coast stretches nearly 30 miles and makes for a great all-day road trip. It features nothing but colorful towns, carved into cliffs and hugged tight by the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Popular stops along the 30-mile stretch of coast include Amalfi, Positano, which features the Santa Maria Assunta and Marina Grande ‘hotspots’, followed by Grotta dello Smeraldo, Ravello, Villa Rufulo, Villa Cimbrone Gardens, and a series of beautiful white sand beaches.
Alvarez encourages travelers to stay in Amalfi as it is serving the coast as a true ‘hotspot’ and one of Italy’s ‘most delightful places to visit’. Some luxurious hotels include Belmond Hotel Caruso, Le Sirenuse, Borgo Santandrea, and Il San Pietro di Positano.
Boka Bay (Bay of Kotor), Montenegro
The Boka makes for a stunning location along the Adriatic Coast. The city features cobblestone streets, lively markets and squares and a stout cafe culture, for all the coffee heads. Though often hailed as a top place to visit for young tourists, history lovers will appreciate the medieval culture the city preserves as well. Either way, both Perast and Kotor make for great Instagram shots!
Top tourist attractions include the City Walls, which serves as a running dam, featuring River Gate and Our Lady Health. Alvarez also guides his clients to places like the Castle of San Giovanni, Our Lady on the Rocks, St. Tryphon Cathedral and St. Nikolas’ Church.
Travelers typically make a day trip out of visiting this city, usually via a cruise ship, but Alvarez recommends a three-night beach stay at the new One & Only Portonovi.
The Island of Hvar, Croatia
Hvar has a little bit of everything for travelers, whether those who enjoy getting lost, outdoor and water enthusiasts or seasoned expeditionists. Top things to do include snorkeling, wine tours, paddleboarding, shopping and boating, just to name a few.
The top attractions on the island include Tvrdava Fortica, Pakleni Island, Mlini Beach, the Harbour of Hvar, Venetian Loggia and Clocktower, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Spanjola Fortress, and the Franciscan Monastery.
Some of the more prominent stays in the city include Maslina Resort, and Palace Elisabeth, Hvar Heritage Hotel.
Rwanda, Africa
This is one of the more cleaner countries on the continent as Rwanda banned plastic bags back in 2008. Because the people are so proud of their country, travelers are challenged to find any litter along the streets. Most importantly, however, the ‘Land of a Thousand Hills’ is safe, the people are friendly, it’s pollution free and there are animals literally everywhere!
Places to visit are primarily centered on animal lovers and nature enthusiasts, which include Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest and Akagera National Park. Each has animals like gorillas, rhinos, cheetahs, elephants and so much more.
“We actually have bookings already lined up for people who want to see one of 11 gorilla families at Volcanoes National Park,” stated Alvarez. “In fact, bookings are through November of 2023.”
Some of the better places to stay while visiting Rwanda include The Retreat by Heaven in Kigali, Bisate Lodge, Singita Kwitonda and One & Only Gorilla’s nest in Volcanoes National Park and One & Only Nyungwe Forest.
With so many places to visit around the world, these five destinations will surely serve budding travelers and seasoned explorers, alike, well in getting out there and experiencing life!
About Carlos Alvarez and Sui Generis Entertainment & Travel
Sui Generis Entertainment & Travel, Inc is a boutique luxury travel company that provides top tier immersive global travel experiences. Founded by Carlos and Ana Laura Alvarez, Sui Generis can custom tailor your next trip for a one-of-a-kind adventure for families, friends, weddings and solo travelers. For more information, please visithttps://www.suigeneris-travel.com/
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