Nightlife, islands and nature: where designers are traveling in summer 2021

With whispers of borders reopening, and vaccination rates on the rapid incline, many countries are cautiously optimistic that international holidays will resume this year. While the ‘where’ is still somewhat unknown, there are some assumptions – spurred by our collective at-home travel hiatus – that can be made about the ‘what’: conscious travel is on the rise; the journey is now just as important as the destination; outdoor space, with access to nature and fresh air, is where we feel safest; and, in general, travelers have a desire to stay for longer and fully immerse themselves in local, hyper-personalized experiences.

With these trends in mind, we asked our global team of WATG and Wimberly Interiors designers to share their travel hot list for summer 2021, from cocktails and maximum relaxation to holidays that give back, island hopping opportunities, and a destination that offers the ultimate in social distancing.

For cocktails and coastlines: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, Cabo needs little to no introduction. Known for its white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, marine life, luxury lifestyle accommodations and fun, youthful vibe, it’s the perfect destination to relax, unwind, and spend your days outdoors – preferably poolside, Margarita in-hand. When you’re not sipping cocktails, explore its stunning minimalist architecture, colorful markets and artisan wares, and excellent restaurants and eateries.

Nobu Hotel Los Cabos

Merging Japanese sophistication and simplicity with the rugged and powerful Pacific coastline, this WATG architecture and landscape project, with interiors by Studio PCH, was shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival in 2019 and is frequented by the ‘who’s who’ of US socialites and celebrities. The first Nobu Hotel in Latin America, it’s modern luxury and minimalism rolled into one – from the Zen gardens, to private plunge pools, exquisite local cuisine, and more.

Hard Rock Hotel Los Cabos

Capturing the brand’s unmistakable hip and relaxed yet high-energy vibe, this one’s for those seeking the best of Cabo’s nightlife and cabanas. With the tagline ‘all day, all night, all-inclusive’, the recently opened resort offers the best of both worlds for all kinds of travelers – with an extensive kids’ offering, and adults-only escapes as well. Another WATG architecture and landscape project, this time with Wimberly Interiors to boot.

For a trip that gives back: Hawaii

When you think of spectacular natural and cultural resources, Hawaii is one of the first destinations that come to mind. Like many places, last year’s tourism lull has allowed its native habits to thrive, and accelerated conversations about how to keep it that way. Drawing on the islands’ principle of malama – giving back – Hawaii invites travelers to reconnect, rethink, stay longer, travel deeper and make a positive impact. Supported by hotel operators, volunteer organizations and other industry partners, partaking in designated volunteer activities during your stay will not only benefit the planet, but it’ll also earn you free room nights at some of Hawaii’s top resorts. See the participating businesses here, and view the volunteer initiatives here.

‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach

A modern oasis that balances energy and calm in a lively, urban location, this home-away-from-home recently underwent a $125 million renovation by WATG with Rockwell Group and Pacific Asia Design Group, along with a rebrand. Featuring an open-air lobby, chic pool deck and Morimoto Asia Waikiki restaurant, you’d be forgiven for never wanting to leave – but through 2021 guests can make a special trip to HLRI’s Gunstock Ranch on Oahu’s north shore via horseback, helicopter or UTV, and plant a tree. Tagged with an identification chip, guests can track their tree throughout its lifetime and, later, enjoy a swag of benefits as part of Hawaii’s voluntourism scheme. More information here.

The Royal Hawaiian

Dubbed “the first resort hostelry in America” when it opened in 1927, the iconic Pink Palace of the Pacific was abruptly converted to a Naval rest and relaxation center in December 1941. Following the war, this beloved icon needed to be restored back to its elegance – with WATG taking the lead on a refurbishment of unparalleled romance and luxury that not only launched the firm’s legacy, but made Waikiki Beach one of the most iconic destinations in the world. Partnering with the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative, sponsor a tree or plant one for yourself, and enjoy an additional night’s stay for free. More information here.

For outdoor dining and island hopping: Greece

With its abundance of outdoor hospitality and experiences and more than 6000 islands and islets (not to mention rumors of the borders reopening just in time for the European summer), Greece continues to top travel lists – and for good reason. Its idyllic beaches, fresh seafood, white-washed buildings, family businesses and abundance of photo opportunities ensure there is something for everyone, from families to lone travelers, love birds, party goers and everyone in between. In the warmer months, the climate’s particularly favorable to outdoor dining and entertainment, making it a prime destination for, dare we say it, safe pandemic travel.

Elounda Peninsula, Crete

Perched atop a peninsula stretching over the waters of the Aegean, and with views of the Sitia mountains, this newly refurbished collection of private suites and villas, designed by Wimberly Interiors, feature opulent marble bathrooms, your own pools and olive tree-laden gardens. Designed to accommodate personalized experiences, guests looking to add some adventure to their stay can play tennis or golf, or charter a private yacht to explore the island’s ancient ruins (said to be home to Zeus, no less); indulge in treatments in the 2,200 square-feet Six Senses spa; swim at the WATG-designed main pool; or dine at one of eight restaurants, sampling hyper-localized produce such as fresh honey, octopus, and other Cretan delicacies.

Mitsis Summer Palace, Kos

This all-inclusive, five-star resort on the island of Kos – ten minutes’ drive from Kardamena – is one of several family-run properties for the Mitsis Group, known for its outstanding hospitality in stunning settings. Positioned on an elevated site above a Blue Flag-awarded beach, the resort boasts 360-degree views across the Aegean Sea towards Nissiros Island and the Bay of Kardamena, right through to the coastline of Turkey. Breaking the usual Grecian aesthetic, the property’s dark-tiled pool by WATG’s landscape team is a focal point – complemented throughout by pops of teal and coral, selected by Wimberly Interiors.

For the ultimate in social distancing: Laucala Island, Fiji

Since opening almost a decade ago, this private island in the South Pacific has become widely regarded as one of the most luxurious getaways in the world. Usually shrouded in mystery, Laucala Island made headlines last year for its lavish, US $700,000 pandemic travel package, which allows guests and up to twenty friends to ‘bypass’ restrictions and arrive in paradise via their own Fiji Airways jet.

Departing LAX, guests are granted lounge access on either side, before undergoing the necessary COVID-19 checks and making their way to ten of the island’s 25 WATG-designed private villas positioned in various parts of the island – beach, hilltop, and mountain plantation. Conceived to respect and enhance the local design aesthetic and reap the benefits of nature, thatch roofs of sago palms, doga timber and coconut husk weave blend in with the tropical surrounds, ensuring that each villa is an understated, authentic gateway to all that the 3,000-plus-acre atoll has to offer – white sand beaches, dreamy blue waters, tropical gardens, diving, snorkeling, golf, horseback riding, private themed dinners and more.

For more information or to book, email info@laucala.com.

For a peaceful flow of natural waterways and sand dunes: Amelia Island, Florida

Throughout 2020, Florida has been a respite for weary urbanites seeking the mental and physical health and wellbeing benefits of wide open outdoor spaces and the tranquillity of uncrowded beaches. The northern coast – where the Low Country meanders along South Carolina and Georgia until reaching the southernmost tip of the barrier islands at Amelia Island – has been a favourite in particular. Amelia’s white sands span thirteen miles and form part of the 3,000-mile-long East Coast Greenway connecting Maine to Florida. Edged by natural Appalachian quartz beaches and 40-foot dunes, Amelia is a haven for outdoor adventurers, eco-enthusiasts, spa junkies and retail addicts alike. 

The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island is an iconic and eternal favorite for the world’s modern luxury travelers. Led by Wimberly Interiors, the property recently reopened following a full transformation of its rooms and suites, restaurants, resort experiences, and meeting and events spaces. Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking natural surrounds, the property epitomises the classic coastal luxury vacation – with ocean views, spectacular sunsets, and an interior color palette that is rich in land-inspired neutral tones, and accented with colors of the sand, sea, Spanish moss and live oaks. Take part in a barrier island ecology field trips and personalized wellness retreats, or relax in the spa.

For a tropical time out: Bali, Indonesia

For decades, travelers have flocked to Bali – one of 17,000 islands in Indonesia – for its tropical climate, emphasis on wellbeing and immersion with nature, vibrant beach culture, spiritual energy, and some of the world’s best resorts and villas. Often referred to as ‘the Paradise Island’, Bali is a destination that is hard not to fall in love with – offering adventure, relaxation, shopping, dining, surfing, culture and more, all within easy access. Like many places, traveling to the island this year may be a longshot, but for countries deemed to be ‘green’ those chances could be increasing. If not, save it to your bucket list for 2022.

The Ritz-Carlton Bali

Adding to the magic of its surroundings and hospitality, the guest experience at this WATG-designed five-star property begins atop a cliff with a 70-meter-high glass elevator ride down to the beach and resort facilities beneath. Inside, luxury villas set within lush gardens take inspiration from Balinese concepts of space and roof forms, with timber and stone detailing complemented by decorative screens and carvings. Enjoy a signature floating breakfast in your private pool while taking in the view.

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort

You might already be familiar with this property for its pool, which is enough to attract influencers and luxury seekers year-round in its own right. Snaking its way through architecture by WATG that celebrates local craftsmanship, heritage, and the unique rice terraced hills of central Bali to the sandy beaches of the south, the property is perfect for all kinds of travelers, including families, who are seeking rest and relaxation – all within the one location.