Hotel Hit List: places our experts dream of staying
We’re extremely lucky with the amount of jet-setting we get to do, but with gorgeous new hotels cropping up all the time, and travel trends ever evolving, we’re constantly adding new places to our wish list.

We’re extremely lucky with the amount of jet-setting we get to do, but with gorgeous new hotels cropping up all the time, and travel trends ever evolving, we’re constantly adding new places to our wish list.
1. North Island, Seychelles
If it’s good enough for Will and Kate’s honeymoon, it’s good enough for me! North Island is the ultimate island hideaway: you can only get there by boat or heli, and with just 11 villas you’d feel like you had the whole island to yourself. I want to wake up to softly lapping waves; stroll along the “Bounty ad” beach, and then go looking for the giant tortoises and other protected wildlife that makes the island unique. To top it all off, I’d have a private BBQ on the beach, and hopefully see the tiny hatchling turtles making their way back to sea.
2. Tiger Blue, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
I saw an aerial shot of Raja Ampat in the Indonesian archipelago, with thousands of lush green islands peppering the turquoise sea, and ever since then I’ve been dying to explore it. The Tiger Blue yacht is the most luxurious way to do it, so I’d charter it with a group of friends and have a once in a lifetime adventure. Diving and snorkeling would be amazing, as the coral reefs are some of the most diverse in the world, but I’d also love mooring at the tiny islands which have barely been touched, and just the general sense of freedom.
3. Santorini Grace, Santorini, Greece
With the dazzling white buildings, blue sea, and bright pink flowers, Santorini is the definition of romantic so I’d love to go with my other half. I’d stay at the Santorini Grace which has a stunning infinity pool: I dream of lounging in it whilst the staff dressed head to toe in linen brought me cocktails! People also rave about the hotel’s sea-bass moussaka, and chocolate lava pudding – it’s making my mouth water just thinking about it.
4. Amankila, Manggis, Bali
I’m a huge fan of Aman properties, so the chance to combine one with Bali’s unspoiled East Coast would be bliss. The three tiered pool is one of the best I’ve ever seen: imagine basking in it with the sea in front, and jungle covered mountains behind. I’d also like a private dinner on the beach (they reserve the whole beach club just for you), and after I’d made the most of Aman’s flawless service I’d cycle into the rice paddies to experience the ‘real’ Bali, and also head to Ubud for arts and culture.
5. Belmond Villa Sant’ Andrea, Sicily, Italy
I’ve explored Italy quite a bit but Sicily has such a distinctive culture that it’s practically a different country. I’d love to try the unique cuisine of fresh fish, spices, and Sicilian lemon: everything that tastes of the sun and the sea. Where would I stay? Belmond Villa Sant’ Andrea as it’s right on the waterfront with all the fishing boats, but then you can take a cable car up to the drama of Taormina. I’d definitely come here for the June film festival which is held in the ancient amphitheater.