What's hot for 2012 - seven ideas
Published: 11 November 2011
What's hot in 2012
We've handpicked our Hot List for 2012. Our top seven hotspots include Vietnam, Mexico, Cambodia, Oman, Australia, Greenland and Burma. Whether it's a cultural sojourn, a luxury beach holiday or an active adventure there is sure to be something to capture the imagination.
Vietnam - now seven hours closer to London
Riverfront, Hoi An
Access to Vietnam will become even easier with the introduction of four weekly, direct flights from London Gatwick to both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Launching on 08 December 2011, Vietnam Airlines' new flights will cut up to seven hours off the flight time making Indochina more accessible, and even more appealing. In addition, the new 26-stateroom colonial cruiser The Jahan, which made its maiden voyage on 29 October, is the latest and most exclusive cruiser on the Mekong Delta, whilst February 2012 sees the opening of Epikurean's An Lam Saigon River, the hottest boutique hotel in Saigon. The seven riverside villas are only a short speed boat ride from downtown Saigon.
‘Best of Vietnam' - From £2,969pp A 15-day itinerary starting in Hanoi, includes a cruise in Halong Bay, visits to the villages of Sapa, the former imperial capital of Hue, Hoi An, the city sights of Ho Chi Minh and the Mekong Delta.
Mexico - Celebrate the end of the Mayan Calendar
Chichen Itza, Yucatán Peninsula
2012 signifies the end of the Mayan Calendar, the point when the solar system completes its 26,000 year cycle. To celebrate, the Mexican President, Felipe Calderon, has announced the launch of Munda Maya 2012 - a countrywide celebrate of Mexico's impressive and rich cultural heritage.
‘Highlights of Colonial Mayan Mexico' - From £2,995pp A 12-night itinerary discovering the legacy of the Aztec, Mayan and Spanish Empires. Wander through pyramids, temples and colonial cities; valleys canyons and waterfalls.
Cambodia's first private island resort
Song Saa Island
Song Saa Private Island Resort also opens in February 2012, in Cambodia's untouched Koh Rong Archipelago. The retreat and its 27 intimate villas are inspired by Cambodian fishing villages. Complete with a spa and world-class dining, this is set to be the new sanctuary of Indochina.
‘Cambodia's south coast' - Prices from £2,520pp An 11-day itinerary includes Phnom Penh, the countryside around Kep, Sihanoukville, Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor and Battambang.
Oman - the new hub for culture buffs
The opening of The Royal Opera House in Muscat in October continues to bridge the cultural gap between East and West. With 16th-century Italian-style interiors and a grand Omani exterior, it is the first of its kind in the Arabian peninsula and will play host to the finest acts from across the world; including Andrea Bocelli, Teatro all Scala Ballet and Bizet's Carmen. As Muscat's International Airport planned expansion is set for completion by 2014, Oman is gearing up for an influx of cultural tourism.
Desert Nights Camp, Ibra
‘Northern Oman Scenic Adventure' - From £2,250pp. This 6-day itinerary is action-packed. Drive in 4WD style and stay in deeply luxurious accommodation, from Muscat and along the Indian Ocean coastline, delving deep into the deserts, lush mountain valleys and beautiful beaches. Another must visit is Nizwa, the birthplace of Islam in Oman.
Australia - a new 5* indigenous eco-retreat
Cicada Lodge - a ten-bedroom eco-retreat opens late 2012. Privately owned by the Jawoyn indigenous people, Cicada Lodge is set in Nitmiluk National Park and is ideally placed for an outback adventure with all the creature comforts.
Currently rates and bookings are unavailable with Cicada Lodge. However, a similar experience can be had on the combined Luxury Wilderness Experience.
Bamurru Plains and Kakadu 4WD safari
Luxury Kakadu Experience From £2,775 per person, twin share
Package includes 4 days intermediate car hire from Darwin, 3 nights accommodation at Wildman Wilderness Lodge in a habitat room, full breakfast & dinner daily, Rock Hole Cruise (3 hours) and Kakadu Day Tour (full day) plus 2 nights at Bamurru Plains including full breakfast, lunch, dinner, selected beverages, selected activities and return air transfers from Darwin (flights depart daily from Darwin at 3:00pm and Bamurru at 3:45pm).
The iceberg town of Ilulissat Greenland
Ilulissat iceberg cruise
Ilulissat in Western Greenland, just north of the arctic circle, is a spectacular iceberg town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Book with WEXAS Travel for an unforgettable experience and a chance to discover a destination hardly explored by the UK traveller. Stay in igloo cabins and sail amongst icebergs; visit the dramatic Eqi glacier to witness the regular calving (when the ice breaks from the glacier) and the 4,000 year old settlement at Sermermiut. Price includes return flights from London to Ilulissat (via Copenhagen), accommodation, activities and hotel transfers.
The iceberg town of Ilulissat, Greenland - From £2,250pp for 7 days
New itineraries to delve deeper into Burma
This unspoilt corner of Indochina has long been cut off from the outside world. Burma is full of untouched jungles, clusters of ancient temples and genuine warmth. Explore the glittering Shwedagon pagoda in Rangoon, the floating villages of Inle Lake and colonial Kalaw - a former British hill station which guests can visit in one of WEXAS Travel's two new escorted itineraries. Price includes international flights with Singapore Airlines, accommodation, expert guides, activities and transfers.
Shwedagon pagoda, Rangoon
Highlights of Burma. From £1,995pp (9 days Touring)
Burma Revealed. From £2,319pp (13 days Touring)
Editor: Stacey Bedford
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