Thimphu, Bhutan
Travel experts will tell you there's no place on earth that hasn't been discovered by tourists. But because of new hotels, cultural campaigns, or celebrity visits, these locales are next up to become trafficked not only by ambitious backpackers, but also by pampered travelers.
Lijiang, China
In northwest China, the Unesco World Heritage site of Dayan—an 800-year-old town known for cobblestone streets and distinctive peaked roofs—has its first luxury resort. The Banyan Tree Lijiang, opened in May 2006, has 55 villas, each with pool and garden, nestled in a green landscape with panoramic views of the mountains. The resort has a spa where guests can get treatments that draw on ancient Chinese traditions.
Moscow, Russia
Previously, grand but creaky hotels like the Metropol were the best Moscow had to offer. As of July 1, visitors can enjoy the Kremlin, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the city's dining scene (a shot of limonnaya—lemon vodka—is a must) from the comfort of the new Ritz-Carlton, positioned near Red Square. The new Ritz even has a three-star Michelin chef.
Swakopmund, Namibia
Namibia—especially the high-end hotels on its Atlantic coast—is getting lots of attention from luxury travelers since a visit from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. The pair reportedly stayed at the Burning Shore Hotel, in Swakopmund. Inland and south, the Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge nature reserve (in the Namib Desert) offers game drives, quad biking, and safari tours. Winter starts in May, cooling the desert.
Hoi An, Vietnam
Vietnam's central coast is dry from spring through fall, so summer is a great time to visit Hoi An, once a major Southeast Asian trading port that is now prized for its well-maintained French, Japanese, and Chinese architectural influences. The Nam Hai, a $56 million luxury resort, opened in December 2006. It sits on China Beach and has 100 private villas with flat-screen TVs, iPods, Sound Docks, and rain showers.
Damascus, Syria
Ever since the Four Seasons Damascus opened in 2005, with marble bathrooms and Oriental artwork, luxury travelers have been giving Syria's largest city the once-over. The Omayyad Mosque is a must-see example of early Islamic architecture, and the bazaars sell everything from spices to antique silver. And now there's also a boutique hotel, Beit Al Mamlouka, an 18th-century home with a courtyard full of orange trees.
Helsinki, Finland
In 2005, a Design District was established in Helsinki, the Finnish capital, to better showcase the city's galleries, restaurants, and museums, as well the myriad small stores manned by emerging designers. Since then, upscale artsy types have rediscovered Helsinki style. Topping the list of cool local accommodations is Hotel Kämp, a gracious building with a classical facade.
Thimphu, Bhutan
Since 2005, when Amanresorts opened its first outpost there, Bhutan has been positioning itself as a luxury destination. Three more Amanresorts have opened since, and Taj plans to open a hotel this August in the country's capital. Thimphu, located in a high valley of the Himalayas, is known for its traditional architecture, monasteries, and royal palace. For a day trip, visit dizzying Dochula Pass, three hours away.
Pench, India
Baghvan Lodge opened in 2007 in a grove of teak trees five minutes from the Pench National Park, the location that inspired Rudyard Kipling to write The Jungle Book, and where tigers, leopards, and monkeys, plus obscure animals like Indian tree shrews and flying squirrels, are on view. The lodge has just 12 suites and a pool, and full air-conditioning throughout.
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