Tatler - Into the Wild
June 2016

This year’s hot new destinations happen to be some of the most remote, bonkers corners of the planet. So it’s time to dust off those backpacks and work on your travel brags...

Iceland

Why now Discover the World’s new flights to Egilsstaðir are opening up the wild East Fjords.
Don’t miss Hotel Aldan, in the town of Seyðisfjörður, where Manhattan chefs do stints at the country’s best seafood restaurants.
While there This is perfect touring country: fishing villages, scenery to make your head spin, glacial treks, thermal baths and whale-watching, Hike to the Hengifoss Waterfall and visit the tiny village at Mjóifjörður (population 17).
PS Up in the north-west is soon-to-open Deplar Farm, from top private operator Eleven Experience, where you can held-ski from summit to seashore, and fly0fish the remotest of rivers.
Book it Discover the World

Peru

Why now BA’s new direct flight to Lima is opening up darkest Peru.
Don’t miss Cool bolthole Hotel B has given the Barranco neighbourhood a shot in the arm, and its terrace is just the spot for a pisco sour. The owner also has the Lucia de La Puente Gallery next door, and it’s a mere skip to the Museu de Arte Contemporaneo and Mario Testino’s MATE. Eat at local Isolina, or NOS by Virgilio Martinez of Central fame.
While there Stay at the brand new hacienda-style Explora in the the Sacred Valley and yomp though the mountains or whiz down whitewater rapids.
PS If you’re feeling especially ballsy, stay overnight at the daredevil Sky Lodge which offers sleeping pods suspended from actual cliffs.
Book it Dehouche Travel

Iran

Why now Sanctions are off, Iran is everyone’s NBF and BA is launching direct flights to Tehran from July. So the country’s becoming more open but it’s still a little edgy.
Don’t miss Isfahan, the glorious former capital, and Persepolis, one of the world’s most important ancient sites. Wander around with a book of Rumi poetry in your hands if you’re feeling that way inclined.
While there Travel restrictions are relaxed in the hinterland, so for bragging rights, go find the Bakhtiyari nomads, in the Sheikh-Alikhan region, or the Qashqai, around Shiraz.
PS Golden Eagle Luxury Trains have launched vintage-style journeys between Budapest and Tehran.
Book it Steppes Travel

Nepal

Why now A year after the devastating earthquake, most trails are open again and the welcome will warm your cockles.
Don’t miss Local specialist Ker and Downey has added to its luxed-up trekking circuit: now there’s Mala Lodge, in the shadow of Machhapuchhre Mountain, and in Gurkha territory, La Bee, with stonking views of the Annapurna range.
While there Down in the Terai lowlands, new operator Tears for Tigers, which is all about conservation, is bigging up Tiger Tops, where Elephant Aid International are now in charge of animal welfare — which means that elephant-back safaris are being phased out (you can still spot tigers and rhinos from 4x4s), while hanging out with the friendly pachyderms is in.
PS Taj Safaris’ new Meghauli Jungle Lodge offer dreamy canoe trips on the Rapt river in Chitwan National Park.
Book it The Ultimate Travel Company

Ethiopia

Why now Smart types who have ‘done’ safari are not turning their gaze to this, one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, for full-on adventure (and handy well-connected internal flights).
Don’t miss The 13th-century churches of Lalibela are the stuff of Indiana Jones dreams — some guides say they were built by aliens. And the Chapel of the Tablet, in Axum, which is said to be home to the Ark of the Covenant and is guarded by monks who never leave the grounds.
While there Check into the new Limalimo Lodge in the Simien Mountains, Ethiopia’s first showstopper hotel. There’s plenty of trekking — plus the joys of tracking the very fluffy Gelada monkeys.
Book it Scott Dunn

Costa Rica

Why now Why, oh why, did it take so long for direct flights to arrive at this perfect, peaceful slice of Central America with its spine-tinglingly beautiful beaches, kaleidoscopic wildlife, rollicking jungles and real-life volcanoes? Thankfully, BA has just launched a non-stop service.
Don’t miss Got a head for heights? Show off on the canopy tour of the Monteverde Conservation Area, with zip lines and suspension bridges.
While there Check into the new Hacienda AltaGracia with 28 stables and guided rides through the rainforest. The hotel has its own ultralight aircraft for extra-thrilling aerial tours, along with the biggest spa in the region.
PS Central America’s first tented camp opens this year in the Arenal Volcano National Park. Nayara Tented Resort will have 24 safari-style suites with plunge pools filled with water from nearby hot springs. Keep an eye out for sloths and toucans in the trees before awarding yourself a day of whitewater adrenalin.
Book it Audley Travel

Zimbabwe

Why now The brand new Victoria Falls International Airport means you can now zoom straight to the good stuff (and skip Harare). And, FYI, there are rumours that they’re about to ease the rules on cross-border travel to Zambia around the falls. Yes, that gets you an extra stamp in your passport.
Don’t miss Hole up at the refurbed Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, with its new restaurant and west-facing decks for sundowners.
While there Hwange is the country’s largest game reserve and an elephant stronghold, with new lodges such as Jozibanini, Camelthorn and Linkwasha Camp.
PS The reopened Elephant Express rail transfer in the south-east corner of Hwange offers a 40-mile chug along the Cecil Rhodes railway line.
Book it Africa Albida

Cuba

Why now The Americans are coming. There’s even talk of a McDonalds. Seriously. Go before the crowds — and this time we mean it.
Don’t miss Havana (obvs). The crumbling colonial cityscape, the booty-shaking music, the Buicks and Cadillacs… The hotels are a bit meh, so stay at a casa particular, a kind of fancy homestay. We like the Atlantic Penthouse, overlooking the seafront Malecon.
While there Head to magical Baracoa, in the remote north-east — a town chock-full of myths, legends and a few crazies.
PS Have fun with mojitos on the terrace of the gloriously faded Hotel Nacional, which has just been bought and will inevitably go glossy.
Book it cazenove+loyd