If 2022 felt like the year we finally got our travel mojo back, then 2023 is going to be even more adventurous. From immersive wellbeing retreats to Netflix-inspired set-jetting and multi-centre trips, here’s Muddy’s guide to this year’s hot spots. 

SET-JETTING

If, like Muddy, you’ve spent time wishing you were lying beneath a parasol at The White Lotus you’re not alone, with more of us than ever using TV as our holiday inspo (FYI it was filmed at the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace in Sicily. I bet you’re already checking out the rates…). Online booking site Expedia concurs, confirming 40 per cent of its travellers have also found inspiration through television tourism, while Hotels.com claims it saw a 50 per cent spike in Brits wanting to travel to the French capital following the release of the latest series of Emily in Paris on Netflix. Little wonder hotels such as Pavillon Faubourg Saint-Germain on the Left Bank have taken note, and are now offering walking routes of the show’s most iconic locations. C’est bon.

EXTRA ALL-INCLUSIVE

We love quaffing cocktails without worrying about the bill as much as the next holidaymaker, but there’s no doubt dining at the same hotel can get a bit, well, samey. Which is why we’re saluting the new wave of all-inclusive hotels recognising variety is the spice of life, such as Residence Falhumaafushi and its sister property The Residence Dhigurah which are set on private islands in the Maldives and inviting guests to travel between them (via a 1km private bridge), to dine in any restaurant they like. And kudos to Ikos which is opening Porto Petro, a dazzling all-inclusive in Mallorca in June which allows guests to book some of the best local restaurants for no extra cost as part of its Dine Out experience. 

CULTURAL IMMERSION

Judging by a recent Turquoise Holiday’s survey, lots of us are looking for complete escapism via other cultures this year. According to the luxury holiday company, 53 per cent of its clients want complete submersion in a different place, whether that’s cruising through the remote outer islands of Fiji or sleeping in a treehouse on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. It doesn’t get more real than indigenous-owned hotel Klahoose Wilderness Resort, an off-grid, luxe eco escape in British Columbia built to reflect the values and traditions of the Klahoose people, or head to Haida House, also in BC.

MULTI-CENTRE TRIPS

Why go on one holiday when you can have three? Holiday companies are reporting increased interest in mega trips, an idea we love because dividing a trip between several countries makes it feel way more of an adventure than staying in the same hotel for a couple of weeks. Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel company Black Tomato, says it has seen a 94 per cent increase in client inquiries for this kind of travel, “There has been a strong return to multi-centre trips, where clients want to experience not one but multiple destinations, think Egypt, Jordan and Turkey.”  Help keep travel costs down by using another trend, hybrid transport: flights, trains and ferries (which makes it greener too).

HOLIDAYS FOR HEALTH

Wellbeing breaks continue to rise in popularity as we seek to care and repair after a tumultuous last couple of years. Spa breaks are a no-brainer, but we’re also talking transformational journeys, full-on health MOTs, emotional detoxing and resilience retreats. See our 6 wellness retreat trends to try in 2023.

POSITIVE IMPACT TRAVEL

Ditching plastic straws and not changing your hotel towels daily is great, but it’s time to dig a little deeper in 2023 and think sustainability. Global travel network Virtuoso has revealed that 74 per cent of its users are willing to pay more to travel sustainably if they know where their money is going, and that 70 per cent agree that travelling sustainably actually enhances their holiday experience. Step forward Thanda Island, a tiny island in Tanzania’s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve that’s a guilt-free getaway thanks to its marine and environment preservation initiatives, sustainability strategies and community, education and entrepreneurship programmes. For more ideas check our guide to the hottest eco escapes in 2023.

MUDDY MUST-VISIT DESTINATIONS 2023

1. Córdoba, Argentina 

All eyes were on Argentina at the end of last year when their footie team lifted the World Cup, so it’s no surprise interest in travel to the South American country has seen an increase. Side-step Buenos Aires and head instead to its second city, Córdoba, with its well-preserved historic centre, vibrant night life and incredible surrounding countryside for hiking, biking and horse-riding. Book a room at Azur Real Hotel Boutique in the heart of the city and get set for a sizzling adventure.

2. Vilnius, Lithuania

You might be familiar with Vilnius as a name on a budget airline destination board, but this year it’s time to hop on a flight and visit the country’s capital as it celebrates its 700th anniversary with a year-long calendar of events, including music festivals. The old town’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with beautiful Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture and flights are cheap as chips, so it’s basically the ideal long weekend break. 

3. Målaga, Spain 

Picasso’s birthplace is the cultural hub of the Costa del Sol and Airbnb’s most searched for city for 2023 so far. Doubtful? Fly there and check out for yourself the new Centre Pompidou, a modern art museum designed as a multi-coloured glass cube, Arabic palace, Roman theatre and 16 sun-drenched beaches.

4. Essaouira, Morocco

New direct flights from the UK to this picturesque north African seaside town in 2023 make it an appealing holiday prospect, as do its year-round warm climate, fascinating culture and beautiful riads and hotels. Read Muddy’s full review here. 

5. Melides, Portugal 

Shoe designer Christian Louboutin is opening a much-anticipated hotel at this secluded seaside spot backed by pine forests and rice fields. Penciled to open in Spring, Vermelho will be a boutique retreat filled with traditional Portuguese design and furnishings. Can’t wait? Book a stay now at Pa.te.os, a recently opened, jaw-droppingly gorgeous design-led escape consisting of four houses plus its own fragrance line.