Travel hot list, July 2023: The top new hotels and attractions
A stunning resort just an hour from Fiji’s main airport, a cool US hotel brand hits Japan, and Hollywood embracing the motel revival trend are among this month’s highlights.
★★★★
This large resort sits on one of Fiji’s most beautiful beaches
The InterContinental Fiji is a Coral Coast stunner, just over one hour’s drive from Nadi Airport.
- by Sheriden Rhodes
Hotel of converted train carriages is stunning, shame about the service
The star attractions at this rail-themed Thai hotel are the 16 luxury suites upcycled from real train cars.
- by Justin Meneguzzi
Iconic UK museum unveils transformation after three-year upgrade
When the National Portrait Gallery reopens June 22, the extent of the reimagining of the 127-year-old gallery will perhaps explain the lengthy closure.
- by Julietta Jameson
Want to avoid crowds and save money? Cruise Europe’s rivers in winter
Viking River Cruises is introducing a new Middle Rhine itinerary that will run throughout winter.
- by Julietta Jameson
New ‘urban resort’ brings elevated luxury to central Rome
Inhabiting a historic palazzo on the Italian capital’s hectic Via del Corso, this hotel is a world away from the look and feel of the original Bangkok-based Six Senses brand.
- by Julietta Jameson
Cunard hopes to attract new passengers with fresh luxury experiences
Themed cruises are on the rise, providing holidays afloat dedicated to special interests ranging from gardening to 1980s music.
- by Julietta Jameson
Motel revival hits Hollywood with Sunset Boulevard property’s revamp
This kitschy 1958 Hollywood overnighter sensation has been thoroughly renovated to become the cute and cool Palihotel Hollywood.
- by Julietta Jameson
★★★★½
Achingly-hip US brand brings famed tacos and coffee to Japan hotspot
Mirror mirror on the wall, where’s the fairest Ace of all? With its warm, inviting design, and so much great dining in-house, it’s Ace Kyoto.
- by Kylie McLaughlin
Aussie island’s comeback after New York Times, Time magazine accolades
Named one of the best places to visit in 2023 by major US publications, Kangaroo Island has cast off the dark clouds of the 2020 fires.
- by Julietta Jameson
Stylish hinterland villas embrace hot new farm stay trend
Sixty6 Acres on the Sunshine Coast taps into demand for authentic rural retreats.
- by Julietta Jameson
★★★★
You can stay in this extraordinary castle for a little over $200 a night
This Italian hotel has more than 2000 years of history and a bird’s eye view of Ischia and the Gulf of Naples.
- by Justine Costigan
Rome opens site of Julius Caesar’s murder to tourists for first time
With help from luxury jeweller Bulgari, a grouping of temples, including the site of one of the most famous murders in history, can be accessed by the public for the first time.
- by Frances D’Emilio
Why you should visit this undersold, teardrop-shaped island right now
Sri Lanka has had a troubled few years but as it makes a resounding comeback, there has never been a better time to visit.
- by Lee Tulloch