Hot for 2022

Anguilla

Anguilla is tucked away in the eastern Caribbean near St Martin (St Maarten) and St Barts. This beautiful island offers turquoise waters, pristine white-sand beaches, epic food and amazing sunsets. And with hotels to suit every budget and year-round fair weather, it’s easy to love this incredible place. The best time to travel is December through to April, and the rainy season starts around May, although it is normally minimal.

The island’s 33 beaches are enticing, but there is plenty to do besides lounging around in the sun. Water sports are very popular, including night-time kayaking in the sea, where transparent kayaks are lined with LED lights to help lead the way! Another great option is a horseback ride along the beach, or adventure-seekers will love the all-terrain quad bikes. By night, you can enjoy the lively nightlife or sip on a rum punch at one of the laid-back beach bars and listen to the Caribbean music.

• Kenwood Travel offers seven nights at Carimar Beach Club from £1,775pp, based on two adults sharing on a room-only basis, departing 21 May 2022. Includes flights with Virgin Atlantic via Antigua and onwards with Trans Anguilla Airways, plus private transfers. To book, visit Kenwoodtravel.co.uk

Mauritius

There are many reasons to visit Mauritius this year. It has a vibrant cultural mix, mighty waterfalls, amazing food and every type of beach you could ever want, from sleek white sand to rocky beaches and wilder waters that surfers love. But the island’s main draw is that it’s putting a huge effort into responsible tourism. It’s the key focus, as you will notice a heightened sense of awareness around preserving both the environment and the local culture for future generations. Mauritius has always encouraged “live like a local” activities, which allow visitors to give back to the country’s communities, and there is a fantastic array of “beyond the beach” experiences to support local businesses and venture deeper into life on the island. These experiences are perfectly aligned with visitors who are interested in learning a new skill and travelling more slowly to fully immerse themselves in the life of a destination.

The newly opened LUX* Grand Baie Resort and Residence on the north of Mauritius is worth checking out. The hotel features an extensive rooftop bar and restaurant offering the most amazing food and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, and it’s surrounded by lively beachside cafés, bars and local craft shops.

• Southall Travel is offering a seven-night stay in a LUX* Junior Suite at the new LUX* Grand Baie Resort & Residences with prices from £1,405pp. Includes return flights and breakfast. To book, visit Southalltravel.co.uk

Orlando, Florida

There has never been a better time to visit Orlando in Florida, as so much is happening! Disney World Resort are celebrating their 50th Anniversary Celebrations, bringing new experiences to all of their four theme parks. Magic Kingdom has been lit up with a new Enchantment light show every night, and Epcot has the new Harmonious evening show – one of the largest night-time spectaculars a Disney Park has ever created. Harmonious takes you on a thrilling journey through new interpretations of classic Disney songs as they’ve never been heard before, inspired and influenced by cultures and people from around the world. The music plays amid choreographed moving fountains, with lights, lasers, fireworks and other pyrotechnics bursting spectacularly above and around World Showcase Lagoon.

Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy, Pluto and Chip ’n’ Dale will also be dressed in sparkling new looks, custom made for this special occasion, and there are 50 new golden sculptures scattered around the parks for you to spot. There are plenty of fresh attractions to try, like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, a fun 4D ride that all the family will love.

• During the 50th anniversary celebrations at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, Walt Disney Travel Company International is offering 14 nights at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort. Prices are based on two adults and two children (aged three to nine) sharing a Standard Room with return economy flights from London Heathrow to Orlando International and includes a Disney 14-Day Magic Ticket for the price of a seven-day ticket. Visit Disneyholidays.co.uk

Shikoku, Japan

Shikoku might be the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, but it packs a big natural and cultural punch, making it a great addition to a tour of the country. It boasts a picturesque coastline on the glittering Seto Inland Sea, legendary udon noodles, movie-inspiring Onsen and a famous pilgrimage. The island’s stunning Iya Valley, rugged Pacific coastline, mountain ranges and gorgeous free-flowing rivers all beckon to be explored.

Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Japan, the former for hanami (enjoying the cherry blossom), and the latter for momijigari (admiring the leaves). Winter heralds skiing on Ishizuchi-san, while sweltering summers see cooler breezes gusting along the coast.

During your visit, make sure to sample the famous noodles of Kagawa, taste the fragrant sake and take the first steps of the 88 Temple Pilgrimage at Temple number one in Tokushima. When you need a break, we suggest relaxing in the hot waters of Dogo Onsen, the famous hot springs.

• Japan Airways and CA both offer direct flights from the UK to Tokyo, and for a traditional experience, we recommend staying in the Onsen area. The Iya Onsen Hotel is in a secluded region of the mountains and rooms cost from around £130 a night. To book, visit Iyaonsen.co.jp

Please check Gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus for travelling advice following the outbreak of the coronavirus

Words: Carly Honeyfield