Hotspots for 2007
Hotspots for 2007
by Peter Graham
by Peter Graham
Every year a handful of tourist destinations emerge as the hotspots, the places where everyone wants to be. They can be 'new discoveries' or destinations that have been on the tourist map for ages, but received a new lease on life. As we start off 2007, we take a peek at the places that are destined to become the most sought-after holiday locations this year.
PRAGUE, Czechoslovakia.
This one has been on the hotspot radar for a number of years, but finally makes it onto the A-list as new designer hotels, restaurants and clubs transform it into Europe's capital of cool. Nearly two decades since the end of Communist rule, the city of a hundred spires has acquired a new level of sophistication and style. And the best news of all is that Prague is still a great value-for-money destination, where you can experience the charm, history and tradition of other European capitals without spending a fortune.
The bohemian culture has given way to one that embraces change and innovation. You will still be able to wander along the city's cobblestone streets and maze of narrow alleys or spend time gazing at the amazing city architecture from the Charles Bridge, but you could also wander into a tiny art gallery in the Holfovice district of Prague 7 filled with the yuppie "designer jeans and mobile phone" brigade.
Later you can dance the night away at a hilltop Soviet-era mausoleum or a tram factory. For a touch of history, be stunned by the horrors of the torture museum and be awed by the beauty of St George's Basilica. And don't forget to spend at least one night pub-crawling and enjoying the great beers on offer. The city's most famous son, Franz Kafka, wrote: 'Prague never lets you go' and anyone who has stood in the city's fairytale Old Town Square will agree.
LOMBOK, Indonesia
Long overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Bali, the island of Lombok is finally about to make it in its own right. Only a short flight from Bali, the island boasts a spectacular combination of unspoilt scenery, beautiful beaches and exotic cultures. In fact it is much like Bali - but without the shopping malls, fast-food chains and traffic jams.
Regulars consider it a secret hideaway, but over the past two years, the number of visitors has been increasing steadily. Now's the time to beat the rush and get there before everyone else does. With talk of a new international airport, that won't be too far off. Surprisingly, the island already boasts some great hotels like the Oberoi, the Sheraton and the Novotel, but also has a number of smaller, family-run resorts.
But the resorts do not dominate the island - it still offers a glimpse into the old Indonesia, with pony carts for transport, isolated beaches, traditional villages and dense forests. Must-sees include the Mount Rinjani volcano and the unspoilt Gili Islands, which are heaven for divers and snorkellers. Visit the Bali of 30 years ago - go to Lombok.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa
When it comes to beautiful cities, few can match this gem at the tip of Africa. What other city can boast a magnificent mountain, beautiful beaches, sweeping vineyards and architectural gems? Add to that the friendliness of the Cape's diverse population, the African sunshine and amazing value for money.
Since the collapse of apartheid, Cape Town has become the summer haunt of many of the world's celebrities and well-heeled travellers. As a result, facilities have sprung up to cater for them, resulting in the city leading the way with designer hotels, restaurants and nightspots.
With soccer's World Cup heading for South Africa in 2010, everyone will discover the city's delights. Among the tantalising activities on offer in this city are a cable-car ride to the top of Table Mountain, wine-tasting in the vineyards of Stellenbosch and Paarl, sun-bathing with supermodels at exclusive Clifton Beach and dining at tiny restaurants in the city's Moslem Quarter.
For a peek into the city's past, you can visit the cell once occupied by Nelson Mandela on Robben Island, tour the castle built by Dutch settlers who occupied the Cape and inspect the museums documenting the dark days of apartheid. This fascinating city will soon become one of the world's top destinations, so get there quickly.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates
If you've been enthralled by the fabled cities of the past, here's the chance to visit the growth of one of the miracle cities of today. Only a few decades ago, few people could have imagined that Dubai would become the wonder world that it is today. It takes a special breed of developer to conceive what this city in the United Arab Emirates seems to have achieved remarkably effortlessly.
Dubai is truly a dream city where the impossible has been made possible. A golf course in the dunes? No problem! Vast shopping centres and skyscraper office blocks? Consider it done. A ski slope in the torturous heat? Why not? For hotel buffs, Dubai is heaven. Here you can choose from all the world's top hotel brands, but it is the local developers who have pulled out all the stops. Who has not heard of the Burj al Arab, considered the world's only seven-star hotel?
Part of the city's success lies with its innovative airline, Emirates, who have made Dubai a stopover on most international routes. Travellers have forgotten to question the rationale of travelling through Dubai when other airports seem to be better located. The truth is they now welcome the chance to stop over in this gleaming desert oasis.
Islands being built on land reclaimed from the sea are the latest innovations. As the world watches in amazement, those in the know, like Virgin's Richard Branson, are buying up properties in this flashy, fun, Arabian playground. Dubai is now the fastest-growing city in the world - grab any opportunity to see why.
SALVADOR, Brazil
If you've visited Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, you may think that you have 'done' Brazil. How wrong you would be. The northern part of the country still remains undiscovered and unspoilt, two qualities that today's travellers are searching for. At the cultural heart of this region is Salvador, the bastion of Afro-Brazilian customs and culture. This is where you come to experience the fusion of African and Latin lifestyles, which give Salvador a unique brand of magic that is best experienced during 'Carnaval' in mid-November. From the music to the food, the influence of the former African slaves is strong.
Walk the city's cobblestone streets to soak up the rich heritage of the city, which was once the capital of Brazil. The old city centre, which has been cleaned up and restored, contains many fine colonial buildings and has been designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco. It is home to Brazil's oldest cathedral. In fact, there are so many Catholic houses of worship that the city has earned it the nickname of "Black Rome." It is also the safest city in Brazil.
If you tire of culture and the city's many historical sights, head for one of Salvador's many unspoilt beaches or take a day trip to the island of Itaparica. Have the golden sand to yourself and enjoy a seafood lunch at a beachfront restaurant. This is Brazil as few people experience it.
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San Francisco, United States
Surrounded by San Francisco's most popular waterfront tourist attractions and yet close to downtown, the Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf is a great choice for holiday-makers and business travellers. The hotel is within walking distance of Pier 39, Ghirardelli Square, ferry rides to Sausalito and Alcatraz, Chinatown and great restaurants.
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Lucky winner
This month's lucky winner is Ronald Hohengarten who lives in Germany.
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