Extraordinary Escapes

Though we may travel for different reasons, one thing is certain — we all return home with stories. Our aim is to distill the essence of these stories – the details that make an experience extraordinary, the destinations with transformative potential, and of course, the architects, hoteliers and visionaries with the imaginative spirit who bring all of the most incredible journeys to life. Presented in volumes, these extraordinary escapes embody the bold and the beautiful in our world, and offer endless inspiration for your next getaway.

We believe that travel can teach us something about the world that no textbook or classroom can. Perhaps travel’s greatest lesson lies in its continuous state of transformation – that as we move through life and change, so does the world that we move through, and while we cannot change the past, we can always decide where we will go next.

In anticipation for the decade ahead, we culled together a list of the most innovative, awe-inspiring and extraordinary destinations to present in a series of volumes. From the groundbreaking hotels pushing the boundaries in hospitality – including the world’s first energy positive hotel – to the unconventional experiences that rival world class amenities, these are just a few of the journeys on our list for the decade ahead, bound to impress even the most discerning travelers.

Stay tuned for Volume Two…

"Volume 01 – Destinations for the decade ahead"

Svart, Norway

68° 49' 44.7924'' N 16° 23' 16.98'' E (68.829109, 16.388050)

Photo: Snøhetta

SVART

Svartisen Glacier, Norway

Perched atop the crystal-clear waters of the Holandsfjorden fjord, the world’s first ‘energy-positive’ hotel, Svart, will open in Norway’s Arctic Circle in 2022. A low-impact, ground-breaking design will allow the project to produce more energy than it uses, consuming approximately 85% less energy than the traditional hotel. Guests of Svart will enjoy exhilarating arctic experiences year-round, from ice climbing on the glacier to practicing yoga in the midnight sun.

Las Islas Secas, Panama

ISLAS SECAS RESERVE & LODGE

Chiriqui, Panama

Panama’s only private island reserve and lodge, Islas Secas, is a secluded and sustainable destination to experience one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. The reserve encompasses 14 islands just 15 miles off the coast of Panama’s mainland where steep-roofed wood casitas, inspired by traditional Panama Canal Gamboa houses, host no more than 18 guests at a time. Offering bespoke excursions and activities, such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, scuba diving, kayaking, hiking, sailing and surfing, Isla Secas Reserve & Lodge promises an unforgettable eco-luxe experience.

8° 23' 47.58'' N 82° 19' 16.644'' W (8.396550, -82.321290)

Shiki Shima Train, Japan

34° 45' 44.9604'' N 136° 8' 8.5056'' E (34.762489, 136.135696)

SUITE TRAIN SHIKI-SHIMA

Departs from Ueno Station in Tokyo

Experience Japan from a new perspective with East Japan Railway’s sleeper service, Train Suite Shiki-shima. The luxurious high speed train features a five-star lounge, dining and observatory cars with a menu devised by a Michelin-starred chef. The journey departs from Ueno Station in Tokyo and stops at various points throughout the regions of Tohoku and Hokkaido. Train Suite Shiki-shima accommodates a maximum of 34 passengers per ride, so seats can be hard to come by. Plan to book in advance – we hear the journey is well worth the wait.

Willow House, Texas

WILLOW HOUSE

Terlingua, Texas

An unexpected desert retreat in the remote town of Terlingua, Texas at the basin of Big Bend National Park, Willow House is an invitation to marvel at the magical, otherworldly landscape. On her first visit to Big Bend, California-native, Lauren Werner, fell in love with the landscape and was inspired to create a place where other admirers and visitors of the park could appreciate the landscape throughout their stay. Willow House consists of 12 casitas with unobstructed views of the landscape, and a main house which serves as a communal gathering place.