Twenty One for 2021

Ksenia Emelina on 19 January 2021
With 2021 arrival, our my team and I came up with the 21 destinations that you should be considering for your travels next year. These destinations reflect the feelings we’re all having towards travel at the minute with many of us seeing the new year as an opportunity to fulfil our wanderlust and throw ourselves into new experiences that have been off-limits for so long now, whilst others remain cautious, preferring to travel closer to home exploring the UAE-based destinations that made our list. Here are our my favorite picks out of our list of 21 destinations for 2021 travel.

1. Porto/Douro Valley, Portugal

Why?

Portugal has truly great food, freshest seafood, fine wine, scenic views, perfect weather and reasonable prices.

Must do: Hand-painted azulezu tiles that you can find all over Porto, cruise through the Douro Valley and visit wineries.

2. Mexico

Why? Amazingly beautiful nature, sunny warm climate throughout the year, delicious food, lots of places of interest to explore. Mexico’s Riviera Maya is the long strip of famed white-sand coastline stretching south from Cancun. A tourism hotspot, there are many premium resorts to choose from, and many feature pool suites or swim-up rooms.

Must do: I would recommend to visit stunning Rosewood Mayakoba has a deserved reputation as one of the best hotels in the region. Its open-plan suites are particularly spacious and set beachfront, with ocean views or overlooking the beauty of Mayakoba’s winding lagoon and lush mangrove jungle. Choose the Deluxe Overwater Lagoon Suite for a unique overwater setting and outdoor lounge terrace with heated plunge pool, garden shower and private boat dock.

3. Thailand

Why? Delicious Thai food, sunny and warm climate, beautiful lush greenery, lots of fun things to do

Must do: For those who haven’t visited Elephant Hills, we dare you. Elephant Hills comprises a collection of luxury canvas African-style safari tents, with wooden flooring, private western-style bathrooms and solid roof structures. Here, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your leisure, dive into the lake’s 28°C waters, hop into a private canoe, and get up close and personal with the camp’s gentle Asian elephants in a responsible way.

4. Cape Town, South Africa

Why?

Because of the extraordinary ocean views and amazing botanical gardens, this metropolis is one of the most attractive places to visit all year round. Who's it for? Cape Town is attractive for family trips, and active tourists and adventurers. Located in the nearby wine region of Stellenbosch, known for its wine pinotage. Must-do: Visit Table Mountain, which offers stunning views of the city, the Atlantic Ocean and, if you look south, the Cape of Good Hope. Also, stroll through the luxurious Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

5. Bariloche/Patagonia, Argentina

Why? Bariloche, the northern part of Patagonia, is famous for its picturesque lakes and is well suited for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, golf and water sports.

Who's it for? For those who prefer outdoor recreation, hiking and cycling, rock climbing, water sports, and skiing in the summer.

Must-do: Hike on the Perito Moreno Glacier

6.. Sri Lanka, a stunning island surrounded by dense jungles and mountains framed by sandy beaches, is one of the most interesting places in the Indian Ocean. Why? It is worth visiting Sri Lanka once to fall in love with it once and for all.

Must do: Jeep safari at Yala National Park, visit Fort Galle and purchase natural cosmetics, jewellery, leather goods, take a train ride on the famous 9 arch bridge, release sea turtles into the ocean.

7. Maldives

Why? These are islands of stunning beauty in the Indian Ocean. White sand, turquoise crystal-clear water, palm trees - all as from the picture. Who lives in the Emirates are very lucky, because we are only 4 hours from the Maldives. It is generally believed that the Maldives is an expensive pleasure that not everyone can afford. This is not quite so, as the islands offer a completely different holiday - from luxurious to quite budget, but no less beautiful.

Must do: diving, snorkelling, sunset cruise in Dhoney's boat, candlelit dinner on the beach.

8. Ubud, Bali

Why? Ubud, which is located in a mountainous area in the central part of Bali island - a unique resort, unlike the rest. It is more than an hour's drive to the sea, with jungle-covered hills, rice fields and rivers running between the steep banks. Tourists go to Ubud to escape from the hustle and bustle and recharge the energy pulsating in the green jungle.

Must do: Here you'll find plenty of yoga classes and meditations to help disconnect from all the problems and "charge batteries." There is a well-known jewellery gallery, a centre of wood carving and a batik gallery - a unique technique of painting fabric.

9. Mauritius

Why? it's sandy beaches, green mountains, blue water of the Indian Ocean. paradise on Earth. as Mark Twain used to say.

Many people think that Mauritius is good only lazy rest - swinging yourself in a hammock, sipping a cocktail amid such natural beauty and all .. Full Relax. But this is far from the case. What makes Mauritius different is its Dutch, French and British legacy - reflected in colonial mansions and botanical gardens – blended with the African, Indian and Chinese heritage and warmth of its people. Beyond the beaches, you can explore colorful markets and temples, fusion cuisine, and se´ga rhythms.

Must do: Mauritius offers a huge variety of activities. If you want - climb to the top of the mountain, swim at the waterfall, jump with a parachute. go diving or ride on the beach on horseback - here you go!

10. Mediterranean luxury -Spain and Greece

Why? Explore Mediterranean beachside haven for the whole family, where you can experience a World of Safety and Care and create memories that last a lifetime.

Must do: I am recommending to visit award-winning Ikos Resorts. Whichever stunning Ikos resort you choose, expect an unsurpassed experience with first-class facilities, stylish accommodation and extra touches of luxury, such as beach and poolside waiter service, exciting excursions and activities, Michelin-star menus, 24-hour room service and so much more. Each of Ikos’ exclusive resorts are set in spectacular locations across the Mediterranean, from Greece’s breathtaking Halkidiki Peninsula to her gorgeous island of Corfu. Plus, the newly introduced Ikos Andalusia - the brand’s first Spanish resort.