the times Saturday January 1 202240 Travel 100 trips for 2022
30 Party time
on Mykonos
Best for Cycladic delights
Mykonians don’t think they have the
best party scene in Europe, they think
they have the best nightlife in the
world. So if you’re planning a special
get-together with family or friends,
put this indefatigable Greek island on
your radar. Villa Elia Aspro makes the
perfect pad. Its classic Cycladic
white-on-white minimalist architecture
has been designed so that every
window has uninterrupted views of the
sparkling Aegean and provides the ideal
frame for sunsets. The house sits above
Elia beach, arguably the best bay on the
island, which is also home to an
excellent fish restaurant right at the
water’s edge.
Details Seven nights’ self-catering for
ten from £7,046 (oliverstravels.com).
Fly to Mykonos
31 Sri Lanka coast
and jungle
Best for Leopards and reefs
Improved transport links and cool
new hotels make Sri Lanka’s bounty
of timeless temples, golden beaches,
tropical safaris and fascinating history
even more irresistible. It’s now so
easy to combine the interior’s lush
tea plantations with watching
elephants and sloth bears in Yala
National Park. Even if you don’t
spot a leopard here, you’re guaranteed
a sighting of a big-cat paw as the
incredible new Wild Coast Tented
Lodge’s layout mimics the elusive
animal’s footprint. Finish at Cape
Weligama, a surfers’ paradise that’s
within striking distance of the ancient
town of Galle.
Details Ten nights’ B&B from £3,049pp,
including flights and transfers
(turquoiseholidays.co.uk)32 The Ritz-Carlton
Maldives
Best for Luxury family adventure
Why settle for one private island when
you can have three? The hot new place
to stay is the Ritz-Carlton Maldives,
Fari Islands, which is strung across a
trio of tropical dots, with 100 sleek pool
villas, specialising in peel-me-a-grape
indulgence. Unlike most Maldivian
resorts, this place has space for five
restaurants and bars, a spa with nine
overwater treatment rooms, a Ritz
Kids Club and tennis courts. It also has
Fari Marina Village on its doorstep,
which has a buzzy beach club, live
music, designer stores and eight
more dining options. You won’t get
claustrophobic or bored.
Details Seven nights’ B&B from £5,115pp,
including flights and transfers
(elegantresorts.co.uk)33 Drive the
Canyonlands
Best for A great American road trip
Arizona and the Canyonlands are
the stuff of dreams for petrolheads,38 Taj Mahal, Agra, India