Elite Traveler HRS 2022

On the cover Photographer

etr li at ve eler HOTELS, RESORTS & SPAS 2022 09

Robb Aaron Gordon perfectly captures the magic of Lanai, Hawaii with this ethereal shot. The island is home to Four Seasons Resort Lanai and Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort.

Welcome

elitetraveler.com

What a difference a year makes. Or, in the Covid-19 era, what a difference a few years makes. Our annual Hotels, Resorts and Spas guide was in a different place last year. Compiling a travel- focused supplement in the midst of a pandemic is no easy feat, but we aimed to spark inspiration and look at travel in a different way — namely, staying

ALEX MARTIN Web editor

Highlight of 2021: Cruising the streets of London in a Bentley with his newborn baby in the back seat.

Travel prediction for 2022: “I think the US will see a big rise in Europeans visiting, especially in less touristy destinations like Nashville and Atlanta.”

local and exploring all that is within easy reach. Now, that has a renewed importance too. In the face of climate change, lessening our impact on the environment by championing staycations and choosing more sustainable hotels is paramount. At the time of writing, the COP26 climate change conference was taking place in Glasgow, Scotland. Over 190 world leaders met to discuss climate change and seek ways to tackle the critical problem. The main objectives are to “secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach,” with countries pledging to cut methane emissions, phase out coal and restrict deforestation. While the event has been tinged with the kind of controversy one can only expect from such a crucial and seemingly insurmountable battle, it is a topic that cannot be taken too lightly and trickles down into everyday life — challenging brands and individuals to think differently. Take ‘The Whisky Smugglers’ — two brothers from New Zealand who took on a wild swimming excursion through a treacherous whirlpool in Scotland to raise funds for a conservation charity. Oh, and they undertook this challenge with bottles of whisky strapped to them, which will be blended and sold as a limited-edition expression. Elsewhere in this issue, you can find our expert reviews on some of the world’s finest hotels. In the BVI, Richard Branson’s Necker Island is now back (and more sustainable) than ever, following a string of disasters. Idle Rocks is an idyllic spot, located in a charming fishing village in Cornwall, England. Many flock here for the sea air and even better seafood — head chef (and Cornwall native) Dorian Janmaat joined the hotel after eight years at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. Expect seriously local produce and a menu that celebrates all things seaside. Prefer to take to the high seas? Dardanella is a 121-ft explorer yacht, built by prestigious Dutch shipyard Vitters. What makes her unique, though, is that she has a dedicated on-board wellness practitioner who creates bespoke programs that harness the healing powers of the ocean. Or, if you’re looking to reconnect with family and friends after a long stint spent apart, VistaJet’s ‘Surprise Reunion’ package brings loved ones together with a fun itinerary that begins long before takeoff. Samantha Coles Editor samantha.coles@elitetraveler.com

KIM AYLING Senior digital writer

Highlight of 2021: Heading to the Monaco Yacht Show and getting a closer look at some

of the most spectacular superyachts, and spending a week in Cornwall, England visiting her mom after so much time spent apart. Travel prediction for 2022: “As more families and friends reunite as restrictions ease, multi- generational trips will be in high demand.”

EMMA AL-MOUSAWI Digital writer

Highlight of 2021: Getting married in

Scotland and visiting the famed Gleneagles hotel on her honeymoon.

Travel prediction for 2022: “With self-care becoming more important than ever during the pandemic, I think the luxury sector will see a huge surge in demand for wellness- focused escapes.”

IRENIE FORSHAW Digital writer

Highlight of 2021: Exploring the Norfolk coast over the summer and learning how to paddleboard.

Travel prediction for 2022: “I think the luxury sector will see more ‘spontaneous’ vacations — spur of the moment, hopping on a plane and heading somewhere unusual.”