We asked each of our team members what their top two destinations are for 2023. Here's what RLT’s travel experts came up with (In order of appearance, not preference):
1. Bali
2. New England
3. Sicily, Sardinia, & The Aeolian Islands.
4. Faroe Islands
5. Yacht Charters (Croatia/Greece/Italy/France
6. New Zealand
7. Telluride, Colorado
8. Punta Mita
9. Bavaria
10. Sedona & Santa Fe
Bali
It sounds too good to be true, but almost everything about Bali is magical. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, rich topography or cuisine, spiritual healing or culture, Bali is the spot. From the traditional temples and flower gardens to the iconic rice fields and sacred rivers, nature truly took its time on this magnificent province. Bali holds countless activities to take part in whether it's watching the surfers catch wave breaks in Uluwatu, experiencing a traditional Balinese massage, roaming around the rice fields of Ubud, hiking across the lush greenery, or wandering along the local markets, there is something for everyone in this special place. Discover all its beauty & be sure to bring your camera!
Red Letter Favorites: Sunset at Uluwatu Cliffs & Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Markets of Ubud, Traditional Spa Treatment, Balinese cuisine (especially traditional Balinese BBQ dishes)
Where to Stay:
New England
Because New England is known for its charming vacation destination, Nantucket, the rest of the area tends to fly under the radar. While the island does live up to the hype, visitors in the northeast often miss out on other magnificent areas such as Newport, RI, Burlington VT, Mystic, CT, and the quaint towns of Rockport and Gloucester, MA. Fun fact: Block Island, RI was listed in Conde Nast Traveler as one of the most beautiful islands in the country!
Whether you’re seeking a small fishing town or prefer mountains and lakes, New England truly has it all. Great for families or a romantic trip for two, everything is a car ride away. See all six states in one vacation, or choose from just a few. You could stay a weekend or weeks up there exploring each state on its own, or travel up the coast from either Providence, RI or Boston, MA. There’s rich American history stops all along the way with wonderful opportunities to combine both city and coastal visits. And you simply cannot beat the weather in terms of breezy summer days and cool sweatshirt worthy evenings.
Where to Stay:
Faroe Islands
In a world of over tourism, dare to travel differently. Get off the beaten path and travel to destinations less known. Let me introduce you to the Faroe Islands, a self-governing archipelago, part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Located between Iceland and Norway, these 18 volcanic islands should be on every adventurers travel list. In addition to offering scenic landscapes and vibrant wildlife, the Faroe Islands have a rich history, stretching back more than a thousand years. So, what would a trip here look like? Experiences are rich in the Faroe Islands and we will be sharing our sample itinerary in our Faroe Islands blog, but expect helicopter transfers, private acoustic concerts inside the caves on the coast, dining with the one Michelin chef on the islands, cliff jumping, and so much more.
Where to Stay:
Sicily
Sicily is the largest of the Italian islands and known as the pearls of Southern Italy. Ancient ruins, incredible seafood, and gorgeous beaches lure travelers to this Southern Italian island. Nature seems to have endowed all its wonders to this land: mountains, hills and above all the sea, with its incredible colors, its crystal-clear water, and the beauty of its seabed’s. The island has many little islands scattered around the coasts of Sicily and Last but not least, its great volcanoes are symbols of the irresistible beauty and vitality of this incredibly charming region. Revel in the unique charms of the largest island in the Mediterranean, from its bustling capital of Palermo to the shadow of smoldering Mount Etna, and experience the enduring influences of the cultures that have ruled this historic crossroads, including the Romans, Spanish, Greeks, French and Moors.
Where to Stay:
Telluride
Nothing compares to the wild west, all year-round destination of Telluride. In winter, it is a drop-dead gorgeous ski resort with an eclectic charming town to eat, drink and play après ski.
In the summertime, Telluride hosts multiple music festivals. It’s a perfect destination for those who wish to enjoy hiking, kayaking, hot air balloons, fishing and general amazing outdoor adventures! Telluride even offers "soar & raft", where you can take a short private, scenic flight to Moab for an incredible rafting experience.
Where to Stay: Th e Madeline Hotel,an Auberge Resort
Punta Mita
Punta Mita is located on the north end of Banderas Bay in the Mexican state of Nayarit, about 10 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. It is a bit of hidden gem in Mexico and is a peaceful alternative to Cancun and Cabo. From luxury oceanfront suites to treehouse villas, the destination has resorts that are perfect for all travelers. Whale watching, sunset sails and a day trip to Sayulita surf town can be a nice diversion, but you seriously never have to leave any of these beautiful resorts! Located just off the coast of Punta Mita are a small group of islands called Islas Marietas. It is here you can find the iconic hidden beach reachable to curious visitors, Playa Escondida. Punta Mita is also a top destination for golfers and is home to two Jack Nickalaus Signature Courses. Punta Mita really does have it all.
Where to Stay:
Four Seasons Punta Mita or Naviva by Four Seasons (a nature retreat featuring 15 luxury tents overlooking the Pacific Ocean)
Bavaria
Rich in scenery and in history, Bavaria is perfect for those who want to feel like the just stepped out of a time machine and into the 18th century. Throw on your dirndl and lederhosen for Oktoberfest in Munich, visit the castle that inspired Cinderella, hike or ski the alps, or drink beer in the gardens and watch pros surf the Eisbach river. Want to get out of the city? Escape to
the countryside and visit an old school buttermilk farm or crash a traditional party at a cottage sitting in the Bavarian Hills. There you'll find yodelers and musicians, Bavarian dancing, Glühwein, and lots of pancake soup amongst other authentic cuisine. Bavaria arguably one of the most traditional parts of Germany. If you're ready for a vacation unlike anything you'll ever experience, it's definitely the place for you.
Where to Stay:
Sedona & Sante Fe
The beauty of both Sedona and Santa Fe is that you could stay in either city for one night or one month and have endless stories to tell. A six-hour drive from one another, these two destinations make for a beautiful getaway on their own or as part of a road trip.
Sedona is considered a spiritual vortex, with seven main vortex sites that you can visit alone or led by a tour guide. It is a spiritual mecca, home to some of the world’s best healers, intuitives, artists and spiritual guides. Spirituality isn't your thing? No worries. There are countless hikes and tours offered through the red rocks and evergreen vegetation. The downtown stores and shops could keep you busy for an entire day, too.
Santa Fe is known as "The Different City", and for good reason. There are no skyscrapers here. In fact, many of the distinguished rooftops found in Santa Fe are used as restaurants, bars and galleries. Home to the Georgia O'Keeffe, Santa Fe is an artist’s paradise. Explore Canyon Road's art scene or spoil yourself with some of the most delicious food you've ever had, inspired by flavors from Mexico. Santa Fe is sure to be one of the most unique destinations you'll go to not just in 2023, but in your lifetime.
Where to Stay:
Yacht Charters (Croatia/Greece/Italy/France)
If you want total freedom of "cruising" without the crowds, set itineraries, and only experiencing 9:00 - 5:00 in port - then chartering a yacht is perfect for you! More and more clients are experiencing yachting and loving it. AND the best part is that it can be affordable for most budgets. Whether it's a week long catamaran adventure in the Caribbean or a one-month Luxury Motor Yacht off the coast of Monaco - you can gather your family/friends and enjoy total freedom on the seas.
We are offering our clients the opportunity to experience "off the beaten path" spots they cannot visit on the larger cruise ships. You can visit still unspoiled uninhabited islands by bicycle or enjoy the water "toys" many of these charters make available to you. Imagine snorkeling in a private cove with no one else around - enjoying a private dinner onboard overlooking the French Riveria (without having to make reservations weeks in advance). Or perhaps going "under sail" off the coast of the Greek isles - the way the original explorers felt - with nothing but the sound of the wind in the sails......a truly peaceful way to experience the Med!
These yachts are fully staffed with a captain and crew to cater to your every need. We conspire with you to create the perfect itinerary for you wherever that may be. If you are not sure yachting is for you and need an "introduction"- we also partner with Sea Dream Yacht cruises to offer a "beginner" sailing with only 50 cabins and more authentic itineraries.
Where to Stay:
Yacht Charters (of course!)
New Zealand
Kia Ora! Nowhere is this statement more true than New Zealand. Meaning "the state of living or being alive" in Maori language - New Zealand provides this and more. After almost two years of quarantine - New Zealand is open - refreshed - and better than ever!
From the dreamy to the dramatic there are few destinations that can boast so many breathtaking natural wonders packed into just two small islands. In New Zealand, mother nature’s movie set rolls between waterfalls and waterways, forests and fiordlands, glistening glaciers and bubbling geysers, fish-filled rivers and emerald-coloured lakes. There is a reason Lord of the Rings filmed so many of it's movies here - incredible does not begin to describe this beautiful land.
The accommodations are elegant (5 star lodges) - vibrant cities with lovely boutique hotels - to treetop houses and charming country guesthouses. We can even set you up in your own "home away from home" villa for total privacy. You can experience it all in New Zealand.
We recommend a minimum of 2 weeks "in country" to allow yourself time for wine tasting in/around Hawks Bay, enjoy the bustling city of Melbourne, go "on safari" in the midlands (while experiencing the hot springs of Rotorua), land a helicopter on a glacier for a private picnic, or taking a jet boat ride through the beautiful fjords. And for the avid golfer there are amazing top ranked courses to enjoy - such as Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs, and Tara Iti - you can even watch a kangaroo "play through" on the back nine.....We can arrange a self drive itinerary and curate the stops along the way or have a private driver at your disposal to whisk you off to each area for total relaxation and enjoyment.
Give us three weeks and we can even get you off to Tasmania to experience the "Devil" firsthand.
Where to Stay:
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