20 Destinations That Never Get Old

La ville de l’amour. The city of love. Take it from Audrey Hepburn—Paris is always a good idea. From the iconic Eiffel Tower to the picturesque banks of the Seine River, with plenty of museums and cathedrals in between, Paris certainly has that je ne sais quoi travelers love. Its romantic allure trickles into the halls of Hôtel de Crillon, a grand residence perched over Place de la Concorde fit for kings, queens, French history buffs and honeymooners (Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s Parisian choice, naturally).

Writer Agatha Christie once said, “It is ridiculous to set a detective story in New York City. New York City is itself a detective story.” And she was right: The Big Apple is full of twists and turns to discover, from the many corners of Central Park to the countless ins and outs of Times Square. No wonder they call it the city that never sleeps. The city’s boundless spirit runs through The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, an Upper East Side landmark serving up quintessential New York glamour since 1930.

London is the type of city you write songs about—just give Adele, The Clash and David Bowie a listen. With 170 museums, 3,000 parks and 3,500 pubs, to count a few, the city certainly provides inspiration through its many impressive features—the seamless integration of a rich historical tapestry with a cosmopolitan atmosphere is what sets London apart. In the heart of this vibrant city, The Biltmore Mayfair stands proudly, situated in the prestigious Grosvenor Square, with its distinct character and an impeccable afternoon tea crafted by Michelin-starred chef Jason Atherton.

The largest shopping mall, the tallest skyscraper, the deepest swimming pool—the sprawling desert metropolis of Dubai is home to some of the world’s most remarkable achievements; it’s hard to believe that most were built within the last 50 years. At the intersection of modern architecture and tradition stands the man-made wonder known as Palm Jumeirah, a tree-shaped island renowned for its glitzy hotels. Among them is the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, complete with a private beach, kids club and six renowned restaurants.

All it takes is someone saying, “Party in the city where the heat is on…” and you instantly know where you are: Welcome to Miami. With its sun-kissed beaches, art deco architecture and glamorous nightlife, Miami is America’s continual warm-weather getaway. Striking a perfect balance between luxury and charm in the city is Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, a one-of-a-kind experience on the shores of Miami Beach cultivated by world-famous Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Academy Award-winning actor, Robert De Niro.

We have Antoni Gaudí to thank for shaping the wondrous architectural landscape of Barcelona, with his extraordinary creations, such as the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família and whimsical Park Güell. Gaudí’s influence has become synonymous with the city’s identity, making Barcelona a global hotspot for modernist masterpieces. Near the very best of Gaudí’s work, in the famed Gothic Quarter, Kimpton Vividora is a relaxing escape and vibrant hub for locals and travelers alike.

Once described as “the little village on the edge of the rainforest,” Vancouver has famously become so much more. While the city’s breathtaking natural allure—snow-capped mountains on one side, the Pacific on the other—endures, it has also become a cultural hub with a vibrant restaurant, shopping and arts scene (not to mention it’s the city Kiwi Collection calls home). Positioned in mountain-backed Coal Harbour near the famed Seawall, Fairmont Pacific Rim is your front-row seat to the very best of Canada’s third-largest city.

While Seoul is far from being an under-the-radar destination, the rise of K-culture, which encompasses beauty, pop music, television and film, has propelled the metropolis to a well-deserved heavyweight status. Whether immersing yourself in its rich history or exploring temples and mountain trails, travelers can choose to stay at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas. This sophisticated urban oasis is nestled amidst the glitz and glamour of the city’s famed Gangnam neighborhood.

Big things come in small packages, and Singapore knows that to be true. Despite being one of the smallest nations globally, the island city-state has swiftly evolved into a futuristic marvel, boasting impeccable urban planning, lush botanical gardens and a rich tapestry of diverse cultures. Exemplifying the city’s dynamism is Andaz Singapore, a gleaming skyscraper complete with a sky-high eatery and infinity pool.

With its maze of canals and bridges, lavish palazzos and Renaissance masterpieces such as St. Mark’s Basilica, Venice‘s charm lies in its unique blend of history and ethereal beauty. Even its nickname, “The Floating City,” is dreamy. Standing as a radiant jewel amidst the city’s timeless charm is Hotel Metropole Venice, a family-owned and character-filled hideaway overlooking Bacino di San Marco and beloved by both Sigmund Freud and Antonio Vivaldi.

In 1953, American writer John Steinbeck eloquently described Positano as “a dream place that isn’t quite real when you are there and becomes beckoningly real after you’ve gone.” Referring to the postcard-perfect bay adorned with pastel-hued buildings and charming cobbled alleys lined with lemon trees, this Amalfi Coast gem has embodied the essence of la dolce vita for jet-setters ever since. One of the town’s trendiest hangouts is Villa Franca, a hilltop retreat overlooking the dramatic coastline and complete with one of the world’s best rooftop swimming pools.

Sprawling over 28,600 miles, the Mediterranean coastline boasts its most glamorous stretch along the glittering Côte d’Azur, famously known as the French Riviera. From the celebrity allure of Saint-Tropez to the chic beaches of Cannes, this coastal haven radiates a sophisticated beach charm found nowhere else. Embracing the vibrant colors, alluring scents and captivating sounds of the riviera, Tiara Yaktsa Côte d’Azur stands as an incredibly intimate retreat in picturesque Théoule-sur-Mer, surrounded by lush gardens and commanding sea views dotted with yachts.

Nestled in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a tropical paradise that seems almost too good to be true. The archipelago, adorned with coral atolls, overwater bungalows, crystal-clear lagoons and vibrant marine life, stands as the quintessential bucket-list destination. Cross it off your list with a stay at dazzling Mirihi Island Resort. Set on a private island amid the warm waters of the South Ari Atoll, it’s known for its world-class slate of activities—watersports and wellness, anyone?

Mexico City is a creative tour de force. Just look at the artists who have called this vibrant capital home—Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, Lola Álvarez Bravo. From the historic Zócalo to the artistic neighborhood of Coyoacán, the city is a cultural mosaic with a rich history and contemporary energy. Reigning over all the sights and sounds is Sofitel Mexico City Reforma, a 42-story wonder featuring five restaurants and bars, including Cityzen Rooftop Bar which boasts unparalleled views of the Paseo de la Reforma, Angel of Independence and Chapultepec Castle.

Where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean, you’ll find Punta Cana, one of the region’s most beautiful destinations. With its iconic palm-fringed coastline, turquoise waters and world-class golf course, this Dominican paradise is swiftly earning acclaim throughout the Caribbean, solidifying its reputation as a world-class luxury destination. There’s no better place to soak up the sun than Tortuga Bay Puntacana Resort & Club, an Oscar de la Renta-designed oasis nestled in a 1,500-acre ecological reserve with miles of private beaches.

Upon arrival in Fiji, one cardinal rule prevails: embrace island time. This South Pacific archipelago, a nation adorned with lush, vibrant landscapes, is home to locals whose warmth knows no bounds. Among the 300 islands, your sun-drenched oasis awaits on Malolo Island at Six Senses Fiji. Enveloped by crystal-clear waters and boasting a picture-perfect white sandy beach, this retreat caters to tourists and ocean enthusiasts seeking their own slice of tropical paradise.

Strolling along Buenos Aires’ many tree-lined avenues, it’s easy to see why the city has earned the moniker “the Paris of South America.” The Neoclassical architecture, monuments and public spaces collectively exude electrifying charm and grandeur. Plan a visit to the opera, enjoy local wine and immerse yourself in the passion of tango (it is the birthplace, after all) at Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires. Located on the famous Avenida Alvear, it places you right in the center of the city’s most exclusive and fashionable shopping district.

A mega city (we’re talking the largest in the world), where 38 million people flow in and out, Tokyo coexists seamlessly in the past and the future. Whether exploring the historic temples of Asakusa or the neon-lit streets of Shibuya, Tokyo offers a sensory journey through both ancient rituals and cutting-edge technology. Take, for example, Hotel New Otani Tokyo EXECUTIVE HOUSE ZEN. Nestled within a stunning 10-acre Japanese Garden with a history spanning over 400 years, this state-of-the-art boutique hotel offers a sanctuary amid the bustle of a fast-paced metropolis.

In a world where many cities can leave you breathless, experiencing one nestled between the majestic Table Mountain and the brilliant blue Atlantic Ocean is truly awe-inspiring. Cape Town, with its unparalleled natural beauty, seamlessly blends modern developments like the V&A Waterfront with historic charm. An establishment Winston Churchill hailed as “a most excellent one” is Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, affectionately known as the Pink Lady—a blushing oasis that has been the beating heart of The Mother City since 1899.

Home to some 6,000 islands spread across the stunning waters of the Aegean and Ionian Seas, Greece has been dazzling adventurers since the dawn of travel. From the ruins of Athens, including the Parthenon atop the Acropolis, to the eclectic spirit of Corfu, Greece opens its doors for you to take it all in. On the sun-drenched island of Santorini with its white-washed buildings and crystal-clear waters, Canaves Oia Suites is a stunning collection of unique accommodations equipped with private plunge pools that look onto the Aegean Sea.