Kiwi Curated
Travel Insiders’ 2018 Bucket List
What do a fashion CEO and travel photographer have in common? They both clock a whole lot of air miles. This makes them highly discerning about where they go in their off-time, which is why we asked 11 globe-trotting professionals for their most-wanted destination of the new year. Next question: can we come with?
Emilie Ristevski, Travel Photographer, @helloemilie | India
I’ve been dreaming of revisiting and photographing India for a long time. The bright, colourful and vibrant culture has left me in awe. I am always drawn to beautiful architecture and attention to detail that allows you to escape into another world. I love discovering a country’s traditions and culture and it is always inspiring to find a property like The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, which embodies these elements in a subtle and intricate way.
Ana Linares, Art Director & Photographer, @ananewyork | Morocco
It’s been on the top of my bucket list to visit Marrakech for years. In particular I would like to experience El Fenn for its beautiful interiors and use of tile and colors throughout the property. It looks like the dreamiest hotel in Morocco.
Helle Them-Enger + Sara-Jane Abrahams, Co-founder, @faithfullthebrand | Spain
In our minds, nothing signifies relaxation more than a private slice of the Spanish Sun, from our own infinity pool amidst the hidden cliffs of Mallorca. Cap Rocat is a true picturesque dream, where you can choose to spend your days lazing on the white leather sun beds with red wine in hand or exploring the dreamy emerald shores of glistening Palma Bay. See you there! #faithfulltravels
Grant Legan, Art Director & Photographer, @grantlegan | Brazil
My 2018 travel plan is absolutely Brazil. I have heard Fasano Rio de Janeiro is incredible and there are some architectural gems in the city I am dying to check out. Brazilian culture has always intrigued me. It’s all about celebrating your community and your family, as well as your city, and I love that.
Georgia Hopkins, Writer & Content Creator, @_itsbeautifulhere | Rwanda
For as long as I can remember, it has been my greatest dream to travel to Rwanda to trek with the Silverback mountain gorillas. To be immersed deep in the wilds of Africa with these magnificent beasts would be the greatest privilege. Kiwi Collection’s Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge would be the perfect home base for this trip.
Jillian Magenheim, Editorial Director, @oliviapalermodotcom | Maldives
As I often travel to busy cities for work, I’d love to get away to somewhere I’ve never been and do nothing but enjoy a vacation that consists of sun, beach and nature. The Gili Lankanfushi, Maldives is the perfect setting for just this. With 45 private villas, gourmet food, luxury amenities and options for snorkeling and scuba diving in some of the world’s most beautiful lagoons, I can’t think of a better place to relax and unwind in 2018.
Madeline Lu, Food & Travel Photographer, @lumadeline | South Africa
Imagine waking up to see giraffe or elephant walking in front of your bedroom window, sleeping in a tree house under a canopy and millions of stars or lying in a bathtub seeing nothing but beautiful trees; what a mesmerizing experience that would be! To me, Makanyane Safari Lodge is my “Out of Africa” dream come true.
Maurice Li, Creative Service Director, @stayandwander | New Zealand
My first trip to New Zealand has been a long time coming and I would love for my introduction to “Middle Earth” to start with explorations of the South Island by land, sea and air. The remote locale and luxury setting of the Matakauri Lodge seems like it would be at once dreamy and ideal—the perfect base for adventure, rest & relaxation.
Nick Brown, Founder & CEO, @soludos | Sri Lanka
I’ve been dreaming of traveling to Sri Lanka for years. A few days at the beautiful Amanwella, exploring the wonder of the lush tea trails region, then meandering between endless palm trees along the South coast tasting local seafood and early morning surf sessions.
Rebecca Tay, Head of Content Marketing, @netaporter | Japan
I was supposed to go to Tokyo in October for my best friend’s 40th birthday, but couldn’t make it—and ever since then I’ve had other friends go and come back raving, and while I’m not one for FOMO, it has really risen to the top of my bucket list. From its amazing food and incredible culture and history to the beautiful scenery and bustling cityscapes, I just know that there’s nowhere else like Japan.As for hotels, my pick would be the stunning Aman Tokyo.
Sara Escudero, Fashion Influencer, @collagevintage | Argentina
In 2018, I would love to visit Argentina. I adore exploring new countries, especially those with a storied history, beautiful beaches, astounding nature and lively cities, making Argentina a natural fit. An added bonus? I love Argentinean food and the world-class wine will pair perfectly with the authentic cuisine served at Entre Cielos; a secluded retreat set in the renowned Malbec wine region.