A visit to Hong Kong has long been among the most thrilling, incomparable experiences of urban life in the world, never mind Asia. Many of the former British colony’s highlights are evergreen – think hiking Victoria Peak, the view of Hong Kong Island’s skyline from Kowloon, the bustling nightlife of Lan Kwai Fong and dim sum the morning after. However, a series of new developments are reinvigorating the city’s appeal, honoring its history and energetically lifting up creativity and the arts.
All of this is set against a backdrop of political uncertainty. Twenty-two years after the end of British rule, there’s growing pessimism about Hong Kong’s ability to retain its distinctive identity, as Beijing steadily asserts its sovereignty over the territory. These changes seem inevitable, so visit now and discover why Hong Kong is our Best of Asia winner in our 2019 Experts’ Choice Awards.
Victoria Peak
Hong Kong’s energy is infectious, and you feel it as soon as you step into the densely populated hustle of downtown Kowloon or Hong Kong Island’s hectic business districts. You’ll hear conversations going on in Cantonese, English, Mandarin and many other languages besides, and the city’s iconic neon signs compete for your attention from all directions.
The food in Hong Kong is spectacular, in every category, at every price point and any hour of the day. From dim sum steamers filled with siu mai and har gow, to fishball noodle soup, char siu BBQ goose and pork, and the East-meets-West charm of the city’s cha caan teng, there’s so much variety, craftsmanship and history just in the local cuisine. Join one of the many food tours, who’ll make your life easy and allow you to get on with enjoying the food. You can also enjoy incredible food from all over the world, with 63 Michelin-starred restaurants including Caprice, Bo Innovation and Lung King Heen.
You can end your evenings convening with other globetrotters to watch the fireworks over Victoria Harbor, or exploring creative, beautifully presented cocktails at bars like The Old Man, Quinary, The Iron Fairies and Ping Pong 129. And when it’s time to get some rest, Hong Kong has some of the world’s
The Peninsula
finest hotels, many offering stunning views. Leading the TripExpert pack this year are The Peninsula, InterContinental, Mandarin Oriental and The Upper House, but look out for newly opened spots like the St. Regis and Rosewood to climb the rankings in the year ahead.
Hong Kong’s creative side has often been overlooked, but a range of new developments in the arts is raising the city’s game. This year will see the opening of the highly anticipated M+ Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District, which also contains the already-open Arts Park and the Xiqu Centre, a theater celebrating the art of Chinese opera and other traditional performing arts. The WKCD also adds welcome parkland to the Kowloon harbor-front.
Other developments embrace contemporary art while also spotlighting Hong Kong’s history and heritage: Set in a 19th century building that once housed the Central Police Station, Tai Kwun features an art gallery and auditorium as well as a number of restaurants and shops. Back across Victoria Harbor on the Kowloon waterfront, the 457-meter Avenue of Stars – Hong Kong’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame – has just reopened after a transformative facelift headed by James Corner, the architect behind Manhattan’s High Line. The Avenue of Stars renovation is one plank of the USD 2.6 billion Victoria Dockside project, which will be boosted later in 2019 by the launch of mixed-use art and retail development K11 Musea. For family fun, Hong Kong Disneyland is currently being expanded, with the first stage set to be completed over the next 12 months.
Kowloon
Finally, don’t forget to get away from the skyscrapers and explore Hong Kong’s stunning surroundings. To the north of Kowloon, the New Territories offer fantastic hiking opportunities, and the MTR network is your friend: hop on a train and hit a hiking trail to burn some calories, making way for more eating. Take a ferry across to the former Portuguese colony of Macau, and make time to visit one or two of the smaller islands (there are over 200) to wander fishing villages and beaches.
French Polynesia is comprised of 118 volcanic and coral laden islands and 5 archipelagos, but a few of the most popular hotspots include Bora Bora, Mo’orea, and Tahiti. It’s a destination favored by the jet-set and A-listers, to include the Obamas, Tom Hanks, Bruce Springsteen, and Oprah. Based on our best-of lists from esteemed and credible travel media and our own algorithms that identify the world’s top hotels, restaurants, and attractions, we’ve named French Polynesia the Best of Oceania for 2019 in our Experts’ Choice Awards.
The five island groups that make up French Polynesia include: the Society (the Windward Islands and Leeward Islands combined) Tuamotu, Gambier, Austral, and the Marquesas Islands. Only 67 of the 118 islands are inhabited, with the most populated being Tahiti. While the main languages spoken are French and Reo Maohi (Tahitian),
Tahiti
you won’t have a problem speaking English as the the islands due to its popularity as a vacation destination for travelers from all over the world.
Not matter where you decide to hang up your hat, the environment lends itself to indulgent relaxation, whether that means laying on the beach with a good read (and libation) or getting pampered at a spa that incorporates indigenous ingredients into its treatment menu. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of activities to keep you busy, too. If you’re into snorkeling and scuba diving, then you can’t miss the Garuae Pass. Perfectly positioned north of Fakarava—a UNESCO biosphere—this watery abyss is known for being one of the best diving sites in the world. Fun fact: The pass was first crossed by R.L. Stevenson (writer and author of “Treasure Island,” amongst other works) in 1888. There’s also kitesurfing, golf, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, jet-skiing, and paddle-boarding to help you burn off all of that delicious island cuisine.
Speaking of food, eating out in French Polynesia is a natural version of fusion that incorporates French, Chinese, and Polynesian flavors. Think traditional Tahitian fare (Ma0a Tahiti) such as fat-heavy pork or fish (raw or cooked) plus veggies and a healthy dose of coconut milk. Like Hawaii, cooking a pig in a pit with
Bora Bora
banana leaves is also a popular tradition. Do yourself a favor and skip the tourist trap restaurants selling eats such as burgers, pizza, and pasta—you can almost always find something acceptable for kids at a more traditional restaurant if you communicate with the staff. Don’t miss out on tropical fruits such as lychee, grapefruits, pineapples, and bananas, a much-needed detox if you’ve been imbibing. Consider a freshly pressed fruit juice or coconut water (pape harri) for ultimate refreshment and replenishment.
To be fair, the majority of the accomodations in French Polynesia are are on the high-end side, to include expert picks in Bora Bora such as the Four Seasons (90) and the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort (88). There’s also famed resort, The Brando, on the small island of Tetiaroa. As the name suggests, this private escape is the brainchild of Marlon Brando and Richard Bailey—a long-time resident of Tahiti—who shared the same goals regarding to the preservation of the environment and scientific research, all while giving curious guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in this unspoilt world. Regardless of all the glitz and glamour, you can find a good selection of proper guesthouses for a more rustic yet charming experience that won’t deprive you of your entire vacation budget.
Marquesas Islands
French Polynesia is an expansive area that should be equally researched in advance as it is explored in person. When it comes to where you choose to stay, you truly can’t go wrong—just be sure to consider your interests, whether that means adventure-seeker, foodie, beach bum, or history buff.
Sri Lanka has worked hard to attract tourists since the end of its civil war, building hotels, developing adventure tourism, and promoting national parks. Add to this everything else the island offers – ancient cities, delectable food and miles of sandy beaches – and it is no wonder visitor numbers are growing year on year. Using expert reviews and our algorithms that identify top hotels, restaurants and attractions, we have named Sri Lanka the winner of our Experts’ Choice Award for Best Emerging Destination for 2019.
Sri Lanka’s 22 million people include Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians and many different ethnic groups. In the middle of the country, Kandy is the heart of Buddhist Sri Lanka; in the second city of Jaffna, the majority of people are Tamil Hindus.
Jaffna Fort
The West Coast is the most developed part of the island, where you’ll find the capital city Colombo and the popular beach resorts of Negombo. On the South Coast is Galle Fort, a Dutch colonial fort, now full of chic hotels and boutiques. In recent years the East has begun attracting tourists, and the area around the old port town of Trincomalee has the island’s best beaches.
For such a small country, Sri Lanka has remarkable natural diversity. At its center, mountains and forests are scattered with the ruins of ancient palaces, dagobas and cave temples. Dozens of rivers wind their way to the coast, creating scenic waterfalls. Almost a third of all land is protected, offering fantastic wildlife spotting opportunities. Much of the coastline is blessed with coral reefs and clean, sandy beaches. In the far North, Sri Lanka’s Jaffna Peninsula is another contrasting landscape of lagoons and remote islands.
Sri Lanka’s first civilization formed as early as 500 BC. Today you can explore the ruins of the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa as well as many of the early monasteries and cave temples. In more recent history the island was occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and
Polonnaruwa
British who traded cinnamon, gemstones, coffee and tea. As a result, it is full of colonial influences, including old Catholic churches, Dutch canals and forts, and grand municipal buildings built during British rule like Colombo Town Hall and the National Museum.
TripExpert’s top-rated attraction in Sri Lanka is the UNESCO World Heritage siteSigiriya, an incredible palace and fortress hewn out of a huge 180 metre-high rock. Currently Sri Lanka’s most-visited tourist attraction, climbing to the top to see the views is a must-do while on the island. Also known as ‘Lion Mountain’ 1600-year-old Sigiriya has a giant carved gateway of lion’s feet. Its landscaped gardens are some of the oldest in the world, and its frescoes are some of the world’s rarest.
Colombo National Museum
Another top attraction in Sri Lanka is theCeylon Tea Factory. Tea was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 1860s by the Scotsman James Taylor and is one of the island’s top exports. The Museum is located high in the hills of Hantana, the location of the very first plantations. With panoramic views and a café where you can enjoy a tasting session, a visit here is the perfect day trip from Kandy.
Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo is modernizing fast and offers an interesting mix of sights, from the traditional markets of Pettah to the uber-development Port City. The city’s mix of faiths means you can explore many fascinating places of worship including the BuddhistGangaramaya Temple, the mesmerizingJami Ul Alfar Mosque and the Hindu temples of Sea Street. There is an emerging restaurant scene, so head to Park Street Mews for the latest food offerings. TripExpert’s number one hotel is theColombo Court Hotel and Spa, a boutique hideaway on the edge of Cinnamon Gardens. Visit our blog for moretop-rated hotels in Colombo.
We’ve ranked612 hotels across Sri Lanka, with the number one spot going toAditya on the South Coast. Well-positioned for beaches and the beautifulGalle Fort, it has light, airy suites, some with private gardens and plunge pools. In second place isCeylon Tea Trails,
Gangaramaya Temple
a colonial-style resort in Hill Country where you can hike, cycle and treat yourself to a tea-themed spa treatment. At an altitude of 1250 metres, between Horton Plains National Park and the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, this hotel could not be better positioned for romantic views of mist-shrouded tea estates.
Sri Lanka has activities to suit you whether you are a beach bum, nature lover or cultural tourist. One of the island’s best assets is its coastline. Take a boat trip from Kalpitiya or Mount Lavinia for fantastic snorkelling and scuba diving or get into the island’s booming surf scene at Arugam Bay, Hiriketiya or Kabalana. If relaxing in the sun is more your thing, there are hundreds of beaches to choose from, including the popular stretch from Unawatuna to Mirissa on the South Coast, and the area around Trincomalee in the East.
Elephants, leopards and blue whales are just some of the wild animals you can see in Sri Lanka, and there is no end of tours, safaris and boat trips available. While Yala andUdawalaweare the most visited national parks, many of the less well-known parks are experiencing a resurgence. Wilpattu in the North and Gal
Jami Ul Alfar Mosque
Oya in the East are just two places where you can see wildlife without the crowds. Visit our blog to read more about Sri Lanka’s national parks.
The lush countryside is perfect for hikers – whether you prefer mountain peaks, windswept plains or rainforests. Some of the best hiking trails can be found near the town of Ella, from where you can also take the famous Ella to Kandy train with its world-class views. Another popular area for hikers is the Knuckles Mountains, which offer more challenging routes.
Udawalawe
With tourist numbers reaching an all-time high in December 2018, and some striking hotels opening in 2019 (including the Geoffrey-Bawa-inspiredHarding Boutique Hotel, theJetwing Kandy GalleryandHaritha Villas in Hikkaduwa), Sri Lanka is continuing to bloom. So, if you are planning to visit this wonderfully diverse island, take a look at our recommendations and stories for more inspiration.
The EU’s smallest member state is on just about everybody’s must-visit list for 2018. The Maltese capital, Valletta is also the European Capital of Culture this year. Based on a combination of factors, including travel media best-of-2018 lists and our own algorithms that identify the world’s top hotels, restaurants, and attractions, we’ve named Malta the Best Overall Destination in our inaugural Experts’ Choice destination awards.
The Maltese archipelago consists of three main islands. On Malta, which gives its name to the country, you’ll find picturesque Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Scenic, hilly Gozo is known for its megalithic Ġgantija Temples. Sandwiched between the two is mostly uninhabited Comino, home to the celebrated Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon, Comino
The country is home to fewer than half a million people, making it the smallest European Union country by population. The Maltese have a rich heritage that, in one way or another, embraces just about every Mediterranean people who have taken to the sea. The Maltese language reflects this — it descends from Arabic, but has only ever been written in a Latin script, with Romance languages like Sicilian and Italian having heavily influenced it over the years.
History buffs will be excited by the many well-preserved ruins that date back several thousand years, some of the oldest of their kind still standing anywhere in the world. UNESCO has recognizing their importance by naming them World Heritage sites. The Megalithic Temples of Malta site comprises the two temples of Ggantija on Gozo as well as the Hagar Qin, the Tarxien, and the Mnajdra, all on Malta.
TripExpert’s top-rated attraction in Malta is the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a vast underground complex dating back to the middle of the 3rd millennium BCE. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site in its own right. Like the other structures, it is thought to have had some religious significance, perhaps first serving as a sanctuary before becoming a necropolis.
Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
To provide context for Malta’s well-preserved ancient past, consider visiting the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta where you’ll see millennia-old artifacts, many of them from the UNESCO sites above.
Malta’s third World Heritage site is of newer vintage: construction on the city of Valletta was begun in the 16th century, following the siege of Malta. The city’s grid layout and fortifications were designed by military engineers, commissioned by the Knights of Saint John. UNESCO calls the city, “an ideal creation of the late Renaissance” notable for its “compact ensemble of 320 monuments that encapsulate every aspect of the civil, religious, artistic and military functions of its illustrious founders.”
Valletta
Some of the highest-rated attractions in the country are found here in its capital, including the Grandmaster’s Palace, the Co-Cathedral of St. John (which contains a pair of spectacular Caravaggio paintings), and the 18th-century Manoel Theatre, one of Europe’s oldest.
For culture vultures, Valletta’s present is a rich as its past. As part of its year as a European Capital of Culture, the city will welcome 1,000s of artists and host numerous exhibitions, installations, and performances. There is no shortage of excitement for Muża. The name of the new national fine arts museum is an inventive contraction of Mużew Nazzjonali tal-Arti that puns on the Maltese word for ‘muse’ or ‘inspiration.’ Housed in the Auberge d’Italie, a 16th-century structure that is a work of art in its own right, Muża will contain the collection of the former national gallery as well as a host of new acquisitions.
In creating Valletta’s City Gate and the new Maltese parliament building, world-renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano demonstrated that the country’s contemporary architecture is culturally significant too. Created with limestone from Gozo, Piano’s creation features prominently in this year’s Capital of Culture celebrations.
The Auberge d’Italie, new home of Muża
The Guardian highlights upcoming musical festivals too — the Earth Garden festival, starting at the end of May, Malta Calls, and Kentaro!! — another sign of a fresh energy in the islands, one thats flows through Strait Street, an up-and-coming nightlife hub, and which is also enlivening the area with a host of newly-opened and about-to-open boutique hotels.
The experts’ favorite boutique hotel in the country is the Xara Palace in Mdina, the former capital. The Baroque palazzo’s 17 luxury rooms and suites are each individually designed and offer stunning views.
In its 2018 Go List, Fodor’s recommends both Casa Ellul, “a small boutique hotel in Valletta” that “offers luxury in a Victorian palazzo,” and the “tasteful Hotel Juliani, with balconies overlooking the sea” in Saint Julian’s, an area known for its beaches and nightlife.
Xara Palace
On a larger scale and also in St. Julian’s, the Hilton Malta is the island’s “first coastal luxury mega-property,” excelling “in its role as a premier destination on this busy tourist strip.” This handful is far from all of the Experts’ Choice award-winning properties — Malta is chock full of them, so be sure to visit our hotels page.
We’ve gotten this far and haven’t even shared everyone’s favorite fact about Valletta (which extends, more or less, to the whole island) — it’s the sunniest city in Europe. So even if you’re not in utter awe of the rich ancient and Renaissance history or the art and architecture, you can’t possible pass up Malta if you’re a sun-worshipper.
There are many ways to put the sun to good use, whether you want to take in the endless views of Malta’s natural beauty that it illuminates or soak it up by the sea. Some of the best views near the capital are to be had at the Upper Barrakka Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour. For those rays, Fodor’s and the Michelin Guide agree that the beach on Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is a must — come to swim, sunbathe, and surf. Little Comino’s Blue Lagoon is movie set-gorgeous (it’s been the backdrop for several films) and is worth a day or afternoon trip from Malta or Gozo. When you’d have enough of sun and sand, leave the beach behind and hop on a boat to take in the phosphorescent beauty of the Blue Grotto, a network of sea caverns.
Everyone is talking about this year’s Experts’ Choice winner for Best Overall Destination. Malta’s a must-visit for 2018. With increased tourism and cruise ship-traffic, you’ll want to be a part of the vanguard to avoid the crowds in what’ll definitely be even more of a holiday hub down the road. When this one-of-a-kind Mediterranean nation seduces you with its history, the art and architecture, and sunshine, use TripExpert to plan your 2018 trip.
Our new Experts’ Choice destination awards work from must-visit lists for 2018, travel media coverage, and our own proprietary algorithm to identify the hottest spots to visit this year in every region of the globe. Greater Cairo, a cultural crossroads and Africa’s second-largest urban area, is our inaugural winner for Best African Destination.
Millions call Cairo home and millions more visit the city every year. Egypt’s tourism sector was impacted by the 2011 Arab Spring and the events that followed, but the United Nations World Tourism Organization ranked Egypt second worldwide for the percentage increase in visitor numbers last year.
The recovery’s caught the attention of publications like The Guardian, which has placed the Egyptian capital on their 2018 hot list. Buzziest among their reasons to return to Egypt or to visit for the first time is the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), due to partially open any month now in the immediate vicinity of the pyramids.
Rendering of the Grand Egyptian Museum
Many of Egypt’s most famous antiquities will be moved to the new state-of-the-art facility from the beautiful but cramped Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. King Tutankhamen’s famous golden mask will make the move in November, it was recently announced. Other artifacts associated with the famous pharaoh have already been moved from the Luxor Museum.
As in the case of its grand new museum, what’s old here is new again. Many of the most famous draws to Cairo are historic sites and museums celebrating Egypt’s rich ancient, Coptic, and Islamic heritage. These include the Coptic Museum, which Concierge calls a “bridge between the art of ancient Egypt and the Islamic era,” and the Museum of Islamic Arts, called by the Michelin Guide, “one of the world’s most exceptional collections of Islamic art.”
Museum of Islamic Arts
Cairo’s many mosques are a gorgeous hallmark of the city, one often forgotten by those who think of Egypt in terms of pharaohs and pyramids. The Mosque of Ibn Tulun dates to the 9th century making it the oldest original mosque that continues to function in the country. The Al-Azhar, a century newer than that of Ibn Tulun, anchors one of the most prestigious centers of learning in the Muslim world.
Newer on the scene, the six-hundred-year-old Mosque and Madrasa of Sultan Hasan are “Monumental examples of Mameluke architecture and engineering, and should be high on your list of things to see,” according to Frommer’s. Then there’s the Al-Hakim Mosque, the Mosque of Amr Ibn El-Aas — the list of these spectacular places of worship is almost endless.
Mosque of Ibn Tulun
There are also historically significant Christian sites in Cairo: the Hanging Church in the heart of Coptic Cairo dates back to the 7th century while the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus is said to be built over a cave where the Holy Family took refuge during their flight from Herod.
Steeped in thousands of years in history, Cairo is nevertheless anything but a fossil. It’s full of life, which you’ll find at sites like the Khan al-Khalili, a colorful souk crammed with people and wares. If you wind your way down the right alley here, you’ll find yourself at the celebrated Naguib Mahfouz Café, a respite from the busyness, or seek out refreshing mint lemonade and shisha at El Fishawy.
Al-Fishawy Café
Al-Azhar Park, the lungs of Cairo, offer a more relaxed environment to rub elbows with locals. For a small entry fee, you can stroll the landscaped green space, taking in views of the city’s varied skyline. There are several decent restaurants on the premises here, too, like Citadel View, named for the nearby Citadel.
Al-Azhar Park
After full days of sightseeing, especially if you hit Cairo during the majority of the year when temperatures are high, you’ll want your hotel to be a haven. As befits a cosmopolitan capital, Cairo boasts world-class hotels like the Experts’ Choice-winning Four Seasons Hotel at Nile Plaza, which Fodor’s calls the “most sophisticated address in the city […] the top place to see and be seen.”
Hotel Longchamps, on the leafy island of Zamalek, is not a chain luxury property, but rather, “feels more like a Parisian private house than a hotel,” according to Insight Guides. It’s one of the best values for money in the city, but only has 22 rooms, so can be hard to book.
The Four Seasons at Nile Plaza
In the vein of large and luxurious, the Fairmont Cairo, Nile City, is among the best. Sitting Nileside, the hotel has smart Art Deco interiors and offers guests a number of restaurants and bars as well as a spa. Near the pyramids at Giza is the Mena House Hotel, built in the 19th century as a hunting lodge for Khedive Ismail. Pay a little more for rooms with views of the pyramids themselves.
On the rebound, this vibrant city at the crossroads of Africa and Middle East, is worth your while in 2018. As safe to visit, according to the U.S. State Department, as many European destinations, Cairo should be on your itinerary for both its ancient allure and future-focused vibrancy.
Working from lists of must-visit destinations for 2018 from leading travel media as well as our proprietary algorithm that serves up the best accommodations, restaurants, and attractions, we have compiled our own best-ofs for this year. Grenada, with “uncrowded beaches, preserved rain forests, and a lively local culture and cuisine,” (Travel + Leisure) takes the inaugural award for Best Caribbean Destination.
Lying at the southern end of the Hurricane Belt, Grenada is relatively sheltered from the storms that ravage its neighbors to the north. It escaped last year’s brutal hurricane season unscathed. Its location makes it a more reliable plan-ahead destination. For now, it’s also safer from the hordes of tourists that make other Caribbean destinations feel overcrowded.
Silversands
Another major draw: Grenada’s family of gorgeous vacation properties is being joined by several highly anticipated new resorts. Silversands debuts this year, shaking up the Grand Anse Beach scene with its suites, villas, and the longest pool in the Caribbean. The Kimpton Kawana Bay is due to open in 2019.
In its list of best places to travel in 2018, Travel + Leisure highlights the recent renovation of one our favorites, Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel. Post-refresh Calabash earned entry into Relais & Châteaux, one of only five Caribbean resorts to join the exclusive fellowship of luxury hotels.
And of course, there are our perennial favorites: the incomparable Maca Bana, a hillside cottage colony; and Spice Island Beach Resort, a sanctuary on Grand Anse Beach with personalized service and incredible amenities. Laluna Hotel, a 16-villa resort tucked away on a hillside in Morne Rouge, is also spectacular — called a “glittery, hedonistic niche” by Frommer’s.
Spice Island Beach Resort
With an eco-tourist, family-friendly vibe, Blue Horizons Garden Resort charms with the simple, relaxed aesthetic of its 32 suites and studios, all with kitchenettes. And then there’s Mount Cinnamon Resort and Beach Club, which Condé Nast Traveler calls “so infused with the full spectrum of sea and sky that it seems to have sprung fully formed from its surroundings.”
Grenada’s resorts offer a variety of dining experiences. Many holiday-makers stick to these convenient and, by all accounts, excellent dining options. Atop our Experts’ Choice list is the Aquarium Restaurant, connected to Maca Bana and known for its seafood and West Indian barbecue served right on Magazine Beach.
The Aquarium Restaurant
A Lonely Planet favorite, Coconut Beach is an independent, family-run place serving up French and Creole seafood in an old beach house. If you’re after an Italian flare when it comes to the fruits of the sea, Laluna‘s restaurant is rightly proud of its imported Italian ingredients and its imported Sicilian chef. If you’re thirstier than hungry, there’s also the celebrated River Antoine Rum Distillery, which claims to be the oldest, continuously operational distillery in the Caribbean.
While Grenada’s cuisine delights the taste buds, its beaches are a feast for the eyes. Writer Audre Lorde, visiting in the 1980s, described seeing schoolchildren on Grand Anse Beach “trying to decide between the lure of coco palm adventure to one side and the delicious morning sea on the other.” In the decades that’ve passed, a lot has changed — developments, an increase in tourism — but the white-sand beach is still a favorite.
Grand Anse Beach
Off the beach, there’s much more to commend Grenada. The picturesque capital, St. George’s, earns comparisons with oil paintings. TripExpert’s top-rated attractions can all be found here. Fort George, a centuries-old French-built structure is an iconic element in the city’s skyline. There’s bustling Market Square, busiest on Friday and Saturday mornings with exquisite fruits and spices on offer alongside souvenirs and crafts.
Fort George
And finally, active adventurers will love the over 30 diving sites off the coast including the famed underwater sculptures, a submarine gallery created by sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor.
Or, if you’d like to be on the water instead of under it, you can go tubing right through the rainforest on the Balthazar River. Hike to gorgeous waterfalls — Concord Falls and Annandale Falls are the experts’ favorites.
River tubing through the rainforest
Whatever brings you to Grenada, you’re sure to discover an island unlike any other. Experts’ agree that Grenada is a unique experience, not yet overdeveloped and have been spared from many of the disastrous storms that’ve struck the Caribbean in recent history, not to mention its distinctive culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Start planning your trip to this Experts’ Choice Best Caribbean Destination with our help.
Drawing on rankings from top travel experts and our expert review-fueled algorithm that identifies the world’s best hotels, restaurants, and attractions together, we’re debuting our Experts’ Choice destination awards. In Oceania, it’s Queensland’s Gold Coast, known for its miles of beaches, that takes this year’s prize.
Sea kayaking
Over half a million people are will flock to the Gold Coast for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, which kicked off Wednesday and continues through April 15th. Beyond the Games, perfect weather, nightlife, theme parks and water sports draw these and 12 million other visitors yearly to this sunny stretch south of Brisbane.
Festival 2018, a celebration of the arts, coincides with the Commonwealth games and will feature both local and global music, theater, circus, dance, and visual arts. Events are taking place at multiple venues, like Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. Even after the festival’s over, HOTA (Home of the Arts) is an arts and entertainment hub that’ll help you get your fill.
The Guardian, in its ‘Where to go in 2018’ list, describes Surfers Paradise as a “high-rise strip of nightlife and theme parks that colours this coastline with a reputation for raucous partying.” Indeed, the Gold Coast is known the country over for hosting “Schoolies Week,” the equivalent of Spring Break for Australian students, which happens in mid- to late November.
The area’s not just for teenage revelers, though, with more grown-up nightlife options, high-end shopping and luxury accommodations, not to mention Surfers Paradise Beach. Families flock to Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, and Warner Brothers Movie World, all owned by the same company, which offers a multipark pass.
Surfers Paradise Beach
Surfers Paradise is host to loads of events too, like the Surf Life Saving competitions and the Castrol Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercars race in October. The beachfront markets offer a lower-octane option in between partying and event-going.
Springbrook National Park
The Gold Coast is most famous for its miles of beaches, too numerous for us to introduce you to individually, but the local tourism corporation has a handy guide to which beaches are best for which activities. It’s not all about the beaches, though: there is some pretty spectacular scenery to behold when you hit the trails at Springbrook and Lamington National Parks — among The Telegraph’s reasons for naming the Gold Coast one of its 20 destinations to visit in 2018. Wildlife lovers will be won over by Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and its cuddly koalas.
When choosing where to stay during your Gold Coast visit, you’ll have a variety of options to fit budget and style. TripExpert’s glitzy top hotel truly epitomizes the over-the-top Gold Coast itself — Palazzo Versace is a fashion house-branded waterfront property with gorgeous views, a lagoon pool, imported Italian artwork and fabrics, and, of course, an in-house Versace boutique.
Mr and Mrs Smith calls QT Gold Coast a “hedonistic high-rise” that “aims to please, with dreamy dining, a cool pool, stylish spa and sea-view rooms.” It’s a TripExpert Best of Gold Coast winner that offers “retro surfer chic” (The Telegraph) for less than you’ll pay for Versace luxury.
QT Gold Coast
One more hotel worth mentioning is the Sheraton Grand Mirage, a Lonely Planet top choice that has for decades been an attractive beachfront beauty. The rooms are spacious and there are 18 private luxury villas favored by long-stay guests.
Whether it’s the Gold Coast‘s status as a party capital, its iconic beaches, its family attractions, or its natural beauty, there are as many reasons to visit the Experts’ Choice Best of Oceania winner for 2018 as there are days of sunshine here. So start planning that trip with our help!
Together with the best-of lists from top travel writers and critics, we used the rankings from our own algorithms that aggregate and weight info on hotels, restaurants, and attractions to determine the winners in a number of categories for our inaugural Experts’ Choice destination awards. Bali wows year-in-and-year out, so it’s no surprise that they’ve won our 2018 award for Best Asian Destination.
An island with over 4 million people and what seems like as many temples, Bali is inexhaustible. Tourists come for the gorgeous beaches as well as the breathtaking scenery inland — lush jungles, terraced rice paddies, and an active volcano. U.S. News and World Report recommends a hike in Kintamani up to Mount Batur.
Telegalang rice terraces
Other visitors are in it for the food — the island offers unforgettable gustatory experiences. The celebrated Ubud Food Festival is coming up in mid-April. The theme this year is “Generation of Innovation,” an exploration of innovative and sustainable ideas in Indonesia’s food scene.
Restaurants like Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomique in Ubud, which offers the island’s top fine-dining experience and Warung Sulawesi, a traditional café serving authentic local food, represent the range of options — great food can be had here on any budget. Sardine in Kerobakan is our top pick for seafood.
Mozaic Restaurant Gastronomique
We should also mention that breakfast is a big deal here. Smoothie bowls, gorgeous fresh fruit, and traditional western brunch fare are in ample supply. Try Watercress in Kerobokan, where you can get an excellent Revolver Coffee cup of joe, and Kafe in Ubud, which serves up some mean banana pancakes.
Traveler + Leisure likes newcomer Spice by Chris Salans, the New York-tested chef behind Mozaic. You’ll find hefty portions of contemporary Indonesian deliciousness at reasonable prices. MOKSA a plant-based restaurant newish to the scene, is part of a complex that includes a dojo and a permaculture garden.
Spice by Chris Salans
Travelers in pursuit of luxury will feel pampered in Bali in an ever-growing collection of resorts and spas. The Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay, an Experts’ Choice winner, boasts bigger bedrooms and better ocean views after a two-year renovation while Travel + Leisure reports that its sister property, the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan is offering something else new — the opportunity to be “rocked to sleep in a silk hammock in a bamboo hut by an former Buddhist nun.”
Hoshinoya Bali, outside of Ubud, has been bringing its uniquely Japanese ryokan approach to hospitality to Indonesia for just over a year now. Canal-like pools and treehouse gazebos make the cluster of 30 thatched-roof villas feel like a magical hidden community. New in 2018, highly anticipated newcomer Capella Ubud offers an original experience from renowned designer Bill Bensley: ultra-luxe tents each with their own saltwater hot tubs.
Hoshinoya Bali
Amandari, TripExpert’s top-rated hotel in Bali, is a luxury resort that aims to feel like a traditional Balinese village has stood the test of time. Its villas offer both opulence and a sense of peace and seclusion. You can swim in the Ubud area’s first infinity pool, visit the centuries-old shrine nearby, or book at the spa, all in a quest to find balance.
For its breathtaking scenery, world-renowned luxury accommodations, and sun-drenched beaches, Bali has earned the Experts’ Choice Best Asian Destination designation for 2018. Plan to dodge the rainy season by visiting sometime between April and October and be sure to visit our Bali destination page for information from travel experts on the island’s best hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
Critics and writers from leading travel media power the Experts’ Choice awards. We draw on “best-of 2018” lists and our proprietary scoring algorithm that aggregate and weight experts reviews for hotels, restaurants and attractions. Based on these criteria, San Sebastian (Donostia) has won this year’s award for Best European Destination.
One of U.S. News & World Report‘s World’s Best Vacations destinations, Donostia-San Sebastián possesses an entrancing beauty and “world-class culinary offerings” liable to take your tastebuds hostage. In fact, this gorgeous seaside town has the highest density of Michelin-starred restaurants of any city in the world.
The Lab, Arzak’s test kitchen
If there’s one restaurant that encapsulates this gastronomic excellence, it’s Arzak. The father-daughter team that runs the restaurant expertly craft completely original dishes inflected with the flavors and traditions of the local Basque culture earning Arzak three Michelin stars. Eating here is truly a experience.
Almost always mentioned in the next breath is Andoni Luis Aduriz’s Mugaritz. There are no menus here, but rather the chef prepares a personalized 24-course tasting menu. Gayot and Lonely Planet love the unusual here — cutlery you can eat, edible stones, scarlet shrimp perfume. These innovations elevate rather than obscure seasonal ingredients, creating a wholly unique experience.
San Sebastián is not only about fine dining, though. The Telegraph explains that what makes the city special is the “quality of the everyday food” at pintxo bars and “simple drinking dens selling everything from rustic snacks to high-end gourmet dishes.” Try a fuego negro and Bar Bergara to get a taste. In short, whether you’re after elaborate tasting menus or simple food that’ll blow your mind, San Sebastián is sure to wow you.
Bar Bergara
When your hunger and thirst have been sated, the sea and sand are the answer to your appetite for incomparable natural beauty. San Sebastián boasts some of the best beaches in Spain and, because of its cooler northerly location, beachgoers often flock here in summer months to escape the steamier south.
La Concha Beach
Each of the town’s three beaches has its own character. La Concha is the best known and most popular, having been named among the best city beaches in Europe by Travel + Leisure. Ondarreta, between Monte Igueldo and Miramar Palace, is great for beach sports and, when the waves are good, surfing. Zurriola Beach, near Mount Urgull (whose Paseo Nuevo is worth a stroll) is less touristy, more local, and another favorite spot for surfers.
The sumptuousness of San Sebastián from plate to playa shouldn’t end with your accommodations. There are incredible accommodations across a range of budgets. As anyone can tell you, the queen of San Sebastián hotels is the Hotel Maria Cristina, named for queen of Spain who made her summer residence in the seaside town, increasing its desirability as a tourist destination. Designed by the architects behind the Ritz in London, the hotel was inaugurated by the queen herself in 1912. It retains its Belle Epoque charm and reputation for luxury to this day.
Hotel Maria Cristina
Another superb option is the Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra, which Star Service cheekily calls the “working man’s version of the Hotel Maria Cristina.” It is indeed more affordable, but still offers the opulence that hearkens back to the days when Spanish royals flocked to San Sebastián. There are incredible views out over La Concha Bay and the beach.
The food alone is worth the trip to Donostia-San Sebastián, but you’ll want to stay for the gorgeous beaches and seaside scenes. It’s obvious why so many of the world’s travel critics are recommending you see this beautiful city, winner of our 2018 Experts’ Choice Best European Destination designation, this year. Ernesto Gasco, Councillor for Tourism in Donostia/San Sebastián has this to say about the award and his city:
I want to express my joy and satisfaction on behalf of the city of San Sebastián for the Expert’s Choice Award for Best European Destination. The award is a testament to the shared commitment of the City Council, the private sector, and civil society to making our city a quality tourist destination. I hope that those who visit us enjoy the beauty of our city, our exquisite cuisine and, above all, its people.
We base our Experts’ Choice awards on recommendations from leading travel media. Winners are determined by taking into account placement in published “best of 2018” lists, as well as the quantity and quality of reviews for hotels, restaurants and attractions. Tbilisi has earned this year’s Best Emerging Destination designation.
Tbilisi cityscape
Travel experts from National Geographic, The Guardian, and Rough Guides agree that now is the time to visit the Georgian capital. Tbilisi’s rich history dates back, according to legend, over fifteen hundred years. The city, which has been influenced by countless cultures and been part of many empires, remains intrinsically itself while striving to embrace change.
A burgeoning arts scene is breathing new life into Old Tbilisi. Project ArtBeat, a gallery whose focus is on emerging and mid-career artists from Georgia and around the world, established a permanent presence in the neighborhood of narrow streets and buildings known for their shambolic charm.
Writer’s House of Georgia
Also worth visiting in the area is the storied Writer’s House, which has survived as a center of culture for over a century despite the shift politics of the powers that be.
Embodying the spirit of the district’s growing cool factor, Fabrika Hostel is an affordable 98-room property in a converted textile factory. The Guardian likes it for its “huge courtyard surrounded by independent bars and shops.”
Across the river and in another category altogether is the gorgeous Rooms Hotel, which Lonely Planet calls “by far Tbilisi’s most stylish hotel.” The 137-room converted Soviet-era publishing house boats a number of unique suites and interiors that weave together a contemporary sensibility with a vintage Georgian aesthetic.
Rooms Hotel
The amenities are many: personalized tours (including by helicopter), a well-liked in-house restaurant serving contemporary Georgian cuisine, and a buzzy bar with handcrafted cocktails.
Beyond Rooms’s in-house Bar Room, Tbilisi’s brimming with bars and clubs. In fact, the city’s nightlife is said to be attracting hip Berliners and revelers from all over. Vice asked last year if Bassiani, an industrial chic club built under a soccer stadium, might be the new Berghain. There’s increasing openness to the LGBTQ community and venues like Bassiani are destinations for travels of diverse identities. What’s relatively rare in the nightlife scene (compared with Europe, anyway) is drugs. Georgia has strict drug laws and possession of even a small amount can have serious consequences.
If EDM-fueled all-nighters aren’t your jam, you might be attracted to some of Tbilisi’s more traditional attractions like its 24-hour sulfur baths, its ancient wine culture, and its cuisine. Word of mouth and best-of lists are unequivocal when it comes to the best restaurant in town: Shavi Lomi, the beloved creation of chef Meriko Gubeladze, serves up unique Georgian fusion in a cozy atmosphere.
Shavi Lomi
Gubeladze has inspired countless other restaurants in town to update stodgy staples into truly pleasurable dishes. Traditional Georgian cuisine is also elevated at Barbarestan where a cookbook penned in the 1800s is the menu’s ultimate inspiration. Not to be left out is Cafe Littera, another standout in the New Georgian scene. You’ll have no doubt discovered it already in your visit to the Writers’ House.
2018 is the year to visit Tbilisi, which, as it marks 100 years since it first gained its independence from Russia, celebrates the myriad influences which have shaped its rich culture. Even as it looks toward the future, it does so with a nod to the past — with pride in its celebrated authors and artists and the impressive reimagining of Georgian cuisine that’ve gained its chefs the notice of critics worldwide.
