While the majority of our 2020 travels were canceled this year, it is never too early to start planning for a getaway next summer. Many of our favorite destinations fill up quickly and are offering more flexible rates and cancellation policies than ever before. Below are our picks for our tried and true favorites and new, exciting places to visit! 

Puglia (Apulia), Italy 

Italy is always at the top of our list when it comes to summer vacations! There are countless cities and villages that provide breathtaking views, historic landmarks and stunning luxurious hotels and villas; however, there is something special about the less-traveled Eastern coast of Italy that has our attention. Puglia is easy to get to once you land from the US in any of the major Italian cities and provides a landscape of farmland, wineries and hundreds of miles of Mediterranean Coast. 

 Andiamo Pick- Borgo Egnazia

This destination is designed in the essence of a typical Puglian village and is located where the Itria Valley meets the Adriatic Sea. The resort is composed of three sections of the hotel – La Corte, Il Borgo and Le Ville – and boasts a fabulous private beach, the San Domenico Golf course and the Vair Spa. The property has garnered countless accolades, such as the 2018 #1 Top Italian Resort by Travel + Leisure and #4 in the Top 10 European Resort Hotels category.

 French Wine Country

While Paris is always a good idea, we have our hearts set on visiting the romantic, rolling hills of French Wine Country next summer. We are huge fans of the Loire Valley, but does anything sound more elegant than sipping Champagne in the region that coined the name? The region features many boutique Chateau accommodations and hundreds of tasting opportunities.

 Andiamo Pick- Chateau les Crayeres.

Nestled in the heart of Reims, just 80 miles from Paris and the region’s capital, is Le Domaine Les Crayeres. With just 20 classical-style rooms and suites, over 600 champagne labels on their exhaustive wine list and two-Michelin-Star restaurant Le Parc, this chateau is the ultimate in sophisticated destinations. Outside of the obvious food and beverage offerings, the property also offerings horseback riding, golf, tennis, biking and hiking.

Norway 

Too often beautiful countries, such as Norway, get overshadowed by their more popular neighboring countries. We recommend a 4-5 night stay in order to experience the country from Oslo to Bergen, which is a journey composed of city exploration and immersing yourself in nature. Oslo is the largest, most well-known city in the country and is home to all Norwegian trade and industry. On the other hand, Bergen is the second latest city in Norway and is often referred to as the “Gateway to the fjords” due to its close proximity to Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord. This seaside town is composted of the old town along the wharf area and the modern center of the city stretching inland.

Andiamo Pick- Grand Hotel Oslo
Ask us about our full-scale itineraries with Nordic Luxury. Expect the extraordinary in unique and luxurious accommodations. In Oslo, our go-to hotel is the Grand Hotel Oslo, a property dating back to 1874 that has hosted countless international guests and world leaders.

Bali, Indonesia

Although it’s on the other side of the world, Bali is well worth the travel to spend a week or two on the lush beaches, exploring the ocean with scuba diving or surfing excursions in Uluwatu or visiting the jungles of Ubud for hiking and yoga. The island is well-known for its delicious Bintang beer, wellness retreats and a thriving expat community. We also love how easy it is to get around between cities. If you’re brave, we recommend trying a motor bike to get around one day! As a popular island for English-speaking visitors, you truly have your pick for luxurious accommodations. Whether you prefer a private villa at your favorite resort or want to try something different and spend a night or two in a converted, upscale treehouse, we can find something for everyone.   

Andiamo Picks- Mandapa, a Ritz Carlton Reserve | Alila Villas

For Ubud, the Mandapa, Ritz Reserve will definitely not disappoint. Located in a central yet secluded location along Ubud’s Ayung River, the resort is nestled amongst the rice paddy fields and rolling hills leading into the jungle. The property is designed for lovers to experience the magic of Bali together. Let Andiamo setup a private dinner on The Cliff at Sawah or a day of pampering at the spa, which offers Western and Eastern-inspired treatments as well as fitness, yoga and meditation

 For Uluwatu, we recommend planning ahead to secure one of the exclusive Alila Villas. Your private 1-, 2-or 3-bedroom villa comes equipped with an ocean view, 24-hour butler service, large open indoor and outdoor floorplan and private plunge pool. Outside your door you will find fabulous beachside restaurants and cocktail lounges. Test your skills with a variety of watersports, including surfing, snorkeling and paddle boarding.

 Kigali, Rwanda 

Visiting Rwanda for the unique experience of Gorilla Trekking topped our travel bucket lists for this year, but due to mountain gorillas endangered species status and the likelihood that apes are susceptible to the virus, these type of experiences are being put on hold this year. The country has put extremely strict COVID-19 prevention protocols in place to protect a country who has already experienced much tragedy in the modern age and to hopefully allow for the boom of tourism to continue into 2021. While technically guests are allowed to visit, we recommend getting a head start and booking your trip for next summer! 

Andiamo Pick- Kwitonda Lodge, Singita

Located on the edge of Volcanoes National Park, this Singita lodge offers unparalleled access to gorilla-trekking experiences. The lodge features eight luxurious suites with heated plunge pools and large private outdoor areas for taking in the breathtaking scenery. Kwitonda’s farm-to-table dining allows guests to enjoy Rwandese cuisine and reap the benefits of the Akarabo Nursery that is part  of the ongoing long-term conversation of endangered mountain gorillas through reforestation.

 *For more information on the ongoing International Gorilla Conservation Programme in Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, please visit http://igcp.org/