Time magazine has unveiled its annual World’s Greatest Places list, highlighting 100 extraordinary hotels, cruises, restaurants, attractions, museums and parks. The list – compiled in part through the nominations of global correspondents and contributors – features eco-conscious glamping sites, billion-dollar hotels, villages in Egypt and museums in Tokyo, all conveniently categorised into ‘places to stay’ and ‘places to visit’.
“Travel industry trends often reflect the id of humanity: what the collective we desires most when unburdened from daily stressors and responsibilities,” Time writes. “In 2024, that includes other-worldly art and design, like at China’s Aranya; active travel, like Natural Selection’s Guided Cycling Safari in Botswana; learning more deeply about the communities and areas we’re travelling to, like at Antarctica’s White Desert, Maui Cultural Lands in Hawaii and Kamba in Republic of the Congo; and learning more deeply about ourselves, like at New Mexico’s Modern Elder Academy.”
We’ve highlighted some of the standouts, organised by continent, but you can explore the full list here.
Extraordinary Destinations in Oceania
Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat
Sitting pretty on the waters of New Zealand’s Lake Pukaki – underneath the otherworldly Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and surrounded by the majestic Ben Ohau Range – this spectacular five-star retreat takes guests away from it all. Remote, unspoilt and wildly beautiful, the lack of light pollution makes this one of the best spots in the world for stargazing.
Wukalina Walk
This three-night, four-day guided walk through Tasmania’s northeast combines the ancient stories of one of the world’s oldest cultures, told first-hand by Tasmanian Aboriginal Elders and Peoples, with the untouched beauty of the remote wilderness. Along the way, spot wallabies and wombats, sample bush tucker and experience a traditional smoking ceremony.
Extraordinary Destinations in the United States and Canada
The Wayback
“Inspired by retro roadside motels and mid-century modern architecture, The Wayback envelops guests in bright colours and funky artwork that’s sleek and stylish,” writes Time. Guests can enjoy Paloma, the hotel’s Mexican-inspired restaurant and bar (home to an extensive tequila selection) and relax at the vintage swimming pool and design-forward Swim Club.
Bowie House
The saying rings true: everything does seem bigger and better in Texas. Bowie House, a recent addition to the luxury Auberge Resorts Collection, combines Western charm with modern sophistication. Guests can savour gourmet dining, go on trail rides and enjoy step-and-line dancing.
Omni Homestead Resort
According to Time, “guests revel in the bygone days here, with formal dinners, horseback riding, a daily afternoon social hour in the Great Hall and classic movie screenings, while also enjoying modern amenities like a game room, Virginia wine tastings and skiing and ice skating in winter (the resort even has its own lift and ski slope).” Opening in 1766, Omni Homestead Resort is America’s oldest resort, having hosted notable figures such as Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States.
Extraordinary Destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico
The Potlatch Club
In the mid-20th century, The Potlach Club in the Bahamas was a retreat for top celebrities, including silver-screen stars and music legends like Paul McCartney. After closing more than fifty years ago, the 12-acre property has been undergoing a near decade-long restoration. Now revitalised, it offers elegant suites, whitewashed cottages, ocean-view villas, clubhouses, two outdoor pools and a spa.
Olivia Foundation
In February, an unassuming couple from Mexico City chose to share their private art collection with the public, leading to the establishment of the Olivia Foundation. Located in the Roma Norte neighbourhood, the exhibition space is housed in a neoclassical townhouse and invites visitors to explore abstract art from the post-war era to the present.
Extraordinary Destinations in South America
Ruta de los Abastos
“Where on Earth can you try your hand at beekeeping in the morning, lunch on fresh uni then gather algae with a female-led harvesting collective as the sun sets over a legendary point break?” writes Time. This rural agricultural community in O’Higgins, just south of Santiago, Chile, has been transformed into a food tourism hub, offering magical gastronomic experiences.
Extraordinary Destinations in Europe
Raffles London at the OWO
From Winston Churchill’s residence to a palatial 120-room, five-star hotel, the building now home to Raffles London at the OWO boasts a storied past. Guests can stay in oak-panelled suites, enjoy nine restaurants, three bars and the multi-level Guerlain Spa and Health Club, and take part in exclusive private historical tours.
Anantara Convento di Amalfi Grand Hotel
Set in a 13th-century cliffside convent on the Amalfi Coast, this 52-room boutique hotel boasts sun-dappled terraces and walkways with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. Guests can relax in airy, meticulously restored rooms and suites, enjoy the Anantara Spa with massages enhanced by citrus oils from the hotel’s lemon groves and savour exquisite Italian cuisine.
Extraordinary Destinations in the Middle East
One Za’abeel
This desert jewel redefines luxury, with the United Arab Emirates’ longest rooftop infinity pool, complete with sunken seating, cabanas and unparalleled views of the city. A revolutionary three-storey wellness centre and a breathtaking constellation of immaculate dining experiences across ten onsite restaurants and bars make for an unforgettable escape.
Extraordinary Destinations in Africa
Kwetu Nairobi
Kwetu, meaning ‘our home’ in Swahili, is the inaugural property from the upscale Curio Collection by Hilton in Kenya and only the second on the African continent. The hotel features a superb, retro-inspired outdoor pool, complemented by diverse dining options, including the Brew Bar and rooftop Upepo restaurant.
Extraordinary Destinations in Asia
Bambu Indah
Featuring uniquely curated organic bamboo houses, this oasis in Bali offers a choice of staying high up in the treetops or by the river. Enjoy farm-to-table delights and Balinese delicacies at the picturesque Riverside Warung and fruity cocktails at the Elevator Sunset Bar.
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
This Thailand retreat features luxurious sea-facing pool suites and spacious four-bedroom villas, all set against pristine sandy beaches and lush tropical greenery. Guests can unwind in style by the infinity pool or laze on their private deck, savouring breathtaking views of the idyllic Gulf of Siam.
The World’s Greatest Cruise Ships and Trains
Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas
With a length more than three times that of a standard football field, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is the biggest cruise ship to ever set sail. Highlights include seven pools, the largest water park at sea and the largest ice arena on water.
Inspired? Read Where To Holiday in Australia, No Matter the Time of Year
Feature image: One Za’abeel
