Abercrombie & Kent has named its 2023 hot list for the year ahead. Read on for everything that’s trending in the world of travel — from perennial destinations, to emerging gems, sustainability and beyond.

Australia and New Zealand, MD Deb Fox said: “With the world well and truly open, travel possibilities for the year ahead are endless!

“Whether it’s an exotic cultural immersion, a hands-on active adventure, or a food and wine journey — we’re helping you get started with our 2023 Hot List, with an extra nod to some emerging destinations that are out of this world.”

New Horizons

Namibia

Namibia is now home to A&K’s latest African operation with a new office in Windhoek and two new luxury camps adding to its Sanctuary Retreats portfolio. This destination features the red sands of the world’s oldest desert meeting the azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean and rare wildlife inhabits shimmering salt pans and lush oases. There is a vibrant ethnic mix too and a rich tapestry of tribal culture from the San Bushmen of the Kalahari to the ochre-painted Himba of Damaraland.

12-Day Namibia Desert Discovery by Air, from $26,750 pp twin share.

Colombia

A&K has recently opened an office in Bogota, which extends its reach in South America to six offices. This means guests will have curated journeys pieced together by the country’s foremost experts showcasing its diversity. From mountains and tropical grasslands to coffee plantations and sandy beaches, world class museums and galleries, and a host of creative locals, an A&K journey to Colombia is inspiring travel.

14-Day Colombia Revealed, from $8,995 pp twin share.

Finland

Thousands of islands with a rich maritime history dot the world’s largest archipelago, and emerald-green forests and deep lakes make up Europe’s most expansive lake region. The northern reaches of Lapland are home to the indigenous Sami dwellings, where snowbound winter adventures reveal the Northern Lights, and where summer days glow under the Midnight Sun. There is a vibrant foraged food tradition and saunas galore plus art, architecture and innovation in its petite capital, Helsinki.

8-Day Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland, from $15,225 pp twin share.

Expertly Revealed

Japan

Recently reopened to the world, new hotels and boutique lodgings are popping up right across the country and there’s a flood of new eateries with chefs recreating classic Japanese delicacies. Buddhist shrines beckon alongside skyscrapers, and the artistry of peaceful gardens offer a serene escape to the hustle and bustle of contemporary city life. For a glimpse behind the scenes of the country’s curious national sport, travellers can visit a sumo stable or discover rare colours, landscapes and pastel-coloured blossoms, mountains, thermal springs and forests.

9-day Classic Japan — A Luxury Small Group Journey, from $16,895 pp twin share.

Departure dates: March–May and September–November 2023.

India

From the Taj Mahal and the colourful palaces of Rajasthan to the lesser explored corners of Kerala and the Indian Himalayas, there are festivals and ceremonies to relish, flavoursome cuisine to tantalise, rare landscapes to admire, and a wealth of diverse heritage. Witness age-old religious rituals, explore vast ruined cities, wander through sultry tea plantations and float along palm-lined waterways.

9-days Splendours of Rajasthan, from $5,125 pp twin share.

12-day Wings Over India — A Luxury Small Group Journey, from $48,585 pp twin share.

Wings Over India Departures dates: 11–22 October and 8–19 November 2023.

Malta

Malta’s temples, forts, palaces and churches tell a story of the many civilisations which have contested and ruled its sun-drenched shores. Even a short visit to this idyllic coastal jewel reveals unimaginable architectural riches, an eclectic food culture, age-old agricultural traditions, beguiling beaches and a surprising modern art scene.

5-day Malta: A Journey Through the Ages, from $5,970 pp twin share.

Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island’s 500-kilometre-long coastal fringe protects contrasting landscapes; from the wild, pounding surf of the rugged south coast to the calm waters, soft sandy beaches and open eucalypt forests of the north. Discover some of the country’s best wildlife viewing and an abundance of nature-based activities. With two exciting ventures set to launch in 2023 — the reopening of celebrated luxury Southern Ocean Lodge, and world-class golf course The Cliffs on Dudley Peninsula — there’s even more reason to visit this rugged Australian gem.

7-day Boutique Barossa and Kangaroo Island, from $7,130 pp twin share

Featured Image: Namibia, the Namib desert, landscape of yellow dunes falling into the sea, the wind blowing on the sand (iStock/Pascale Gueret)