Our travel bucket list for 2023: 5 top destinations

Visualising how to make the most of 2023 and dreaming about what countries to explore next? From Bali’s most idyllic towns to Amsterdam’s culture gems, here are some of the best travel destinations to visit in 2023. 

1. Bali: Private villa surrounded by lush scenery

From pristine beaches to tropical landscapes, Bali is a natural haven. The towns of Canggu, Seminyak and Ubud in the south of the island are all less than two hours away from each other by car.

 

Canggu, as well as offering plenty of idyllic surf spots, is known for its boutique retreats and treatments. To recharge your batteries, join the healing and aura-cleansing yoga and meditation group for morning yoga and meditation in the Penulisan Temple Chakra. Here you will be encour-aged to release negative energy and connect with the natural surroundings in the heart of Bali. But as well as being a place to unwind and indulge in therapeutic programmes, Canggu is also known for its vibrant beach clubs. Finn’s Beach Club is located on the beachfront and is the go-to spot for partying. The club includes five party areas each with individual styles to suit different guests and features four pools, nine bars, and two swim-up bars, hosting DJs and live vocalists daily.

 

Seminyak, a seaside town in the south of Bali, is also a vibrant beach destination. For a delicious meal, there's no place like Potato Head Beach Club, a waterfront beach venue designed by Rem Koolhaas’ architecture firm OMA, featuring an infinity pool and known for its zero-waste policy (single plastic is banned).

 

For a little respite during the day, the D Nyuh Spa and Beauty Salon in Seminyak offers an exotic spa experience. Relax in your own private treatment room surrounded by natural materials from Bali and let yourself be pampered. To immerse into the Bali culture, opt for a Balinese massage, which involves acupressure, skin rolling, firm and gentle stroking and essential oils.

 

 

In Ubud, one of the highlights is the Tegenungan waterfall, located 30 minutes away from Ubud. The 25-metre-high waterfall can be found in the tropical jungle and you can even swim in the pool below it. Stay at the Four Seasons Resort at Sayan Ubud, which is nestled in the forest.

 

For the adventurous, climbing Mount Batur is a once-in-a lifetime-experience with rewarding views from the top. This mountain is an active volcano which last exploded in 2000 and it will take you around two hours to climb to the top.

 

Fancy staying in a private Villa with a pool and enjoying a floating breakfast? Villa Ubud Sunshine features a large private pool, a private dining area and access to the forest. This villa is located in Jalan Bisma, Ubud and is in a good central location to travel to other areas.

 

In 2023, Bali will be hosting the Bali Spirit Festival in celebration of yoga, dance and music. This festival is located in Ubud and will have activities in areas such as holistic healing, laughter yoga and biodynamic yoga from May 4-7.

2. Japan: Delicious food and cherry trees

Japan first opened to travellers in 1853 and is one of the leading economic centres of the world, as well as being famous for its traditional cuisine.

Top restaurants for fine dining experiences include Alain Ducasse's Michelin-starred restaurant Beige in Tokyo. Located on the 10th floor of the Chanel Ginza Building, its minimalist decor, lush textiles and natural hues make for a stylish yet welcoming atmosphere.

 

For a tranquil stroll during the day, visit the ancient gardens at Kanazawa Castle, where you'll find mirror-like lakes and cherry trees in bloom.

 

Kyoto is an ancient city, rich in history and culture. Fushimi Inari Taisha which is Kyoto’s most im-portant shrine was founded in 711 and features a striking red torii gate, traditionally found at shrines which marks the transition from the mundane to the sacred.

Visiting between March and May will allow you to take part in the annual cherry tree blossom. In Yoshino, Kansai, there are 200 kinds of cherry trees, known as Sakura in Japan.

 

The Japan National Tourism Organisation has recently lifted travel bans to the country meaning Japan is open to travellers for the first time since the pandemic. With this, the Yokohama Biennale art festival will be running, this festival features galleries, art classes and a book bazaar.