WHAT TO BOOK MARK FOR WHEN WE CAN TRAVEL AGAIN!

Our ‘new normal’ has forced us to become armchair travelers, filled with wanderlust but confined to our living rooms. At Billions Luxury Portal, we are looking beyond the current situation to when travel restrictions are lifted and have put together our top picks of bucket list destinations to bookmark for when we can travel again...

From the new Six Senses resort deep in the Israeli desert to a private paradise island in the remote Anambas Islands, there is an escape that promises to inspire everyone.

PRIVATE ISLAND PLAYGROUND IN THE REMOTE ANAMBAS ISLANDS, INDONESIA  – BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO EXPLORE BAWAH’S EXCLUSIVE NEW ISLAND ‘ELANG’ ..

Situated in the remote Anambas Islands, Indonesia, between Malaysia and Borneo, Bawah Reserve is made up of six tropical islands, 13 white sand beaches and two crystal clear lagoons ready to be explored by land and sea. In addition to its current 36 lodges (including some of the only overwater villas in Indonesia), Bawah is launching six brand new cliffside lodges on a previously untouched island named Elang later this year.

Further enhancing the reserve’s private island experience, guests over 18 can opt to book one lodge or to take over the entire island. It will be home to its own guest-only clubhouse which has been carefully designed around a rock formation and inspired by tribal communal houses in Indonesia as well as a beachside restaurant and bar, spa, private beach and salt water infinity pool, created from a natural hollow and refreshed with every tidal change, complete with a water slide. Guests of Elang will have full access to the reserve’s main island, just a short boat trip away and can take part in the plethora of activities included in the rate, in addition to full board dining experiences as well as a daily spa treatment. Guests even have the option to spend a morning as castaways on a one of the reserve’s uninhabited islands, where they will have free run of the deserted island and enjoy total seclusion from the outside world.

HOW: Rates on Elang in a one-bedroom lodge will start from $3,280 USD (approx. £2,500) per night. Rates on the main island at Bawah Reserve start from $1,980 USD (approx. £1,700) per night. www.bawahreserve.com

LUXURY ISLAND PARADISE ON THE IDYLLIC ISLAND OF MALOLO – SIX SENSES FIJI, HOME TO BEAUTIFUL BEACHES, LUXURIOUS VILLAS & WORLD-CLASS SPA ..

Six Senses Fiji is located on the tropical volcanic island of Malolo – part of the stunning Mamanuca Islands archipelago, just 15.5 miles from Nadi International Airport. The island is set amidst crystal waters, pale ivory sands and thick tropical forest. The resort is comprised of 24 spacious pool villas and 60 residential villas, each offering privacy, seclusion and luxury.  Situated on one of the most dramatically beautiful isles in the 333-island nation with consistent warm, tropical weather making it an ideal year-round destination. Experiences on offer include hiking the hilltop trail and enjoying a private sunrise breakfast, prepared by Six Senses Fiji’s expert chefs at the top.

HOW: Rates at Six Senses Fiji start from FJD 2,137 (currently approx. £771) based on two sharing a Hideaway Pool Villa on a B&B basis. www.sixsenses.com

A MAGICAL FLOATING PALACE IN THE MIDDLE OF LAKE PICHOLA IN UDAIPUR, ONLY ACCESSIBLE BY BOAT – TAJ LAKE PALACE, UDAIPUR ...

This 270-year-old white marble palace floats like a mirage in the middle of Lake Pichola and looks dazzling from the shore, making it one of the most private and exclusive hotspots in the world. Reached by a short boat ride, it was built as a summer retreat by Maharana Jagjit Singh who ruled Udaipur in the 17th century.

It has undergone major refurbishment which has gone a long way to restore its palatial feel with marble floors and rich furnishings, making incredibly opulent and ideal for an unforgettable Indian escape. Meals can be enjoyed from Jharokha – an informal all-day restaurant serving both buffet and a la carte from around the world, Neel Kahal – a fine dining option specializing in signature Rajasthani food which overlooks the famous lily pond and Bhairo – a breath taking rooftop contemporary western cuisine restaurant offering scintillating views of the beautifully lit Palace of the King of Mewar and the sparkling waters of Lake Pichola. Special experiences at Taj Lake Palace include the in-house fortune teller who is available each afternoon to read guests palms, beautiful traditional dance performances each evening to be enjoyed alongside cocktails and snacks and relaxing treatments onboard the hotels exclusive Jiva Spa Boat.

HOW: Rates at Taj Lake Palace start from approx.  £541 per person per night on a B&B basis. For more information please visit: www.tajhotels.com

DRAMATIC DESERT RESORT SET DEEP IN ISRAEL’S NEGEV  – SIX SENSES SHAHARUT, OPENING SEPTEMBER 2020

Set in the Israeli Negev Desert, Six Senses Shaharut will open in September 2020.  Lain into a dramatic cliff with panoramic views of the desert landscape, the resort will comprise suites and villas including one three-bedroom retreat. The villas will be built from, and inspired by, local rocks and pigments and the landscape will utilise regional cacti and indigenous desert blooms while much of the resort’s furnishings will be sourced from local community artisans. There will be a Six Senses Spa, one main restaurant, a poolside bar and grill, an authentic tented Bedouin dining experience with a fire pit for late night feasting and a desert activity centre.

HOW: Rates at Six Senses Shaharut will start from $1,000 (currently approx. £860) per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis. www.sixsenses.com

CHIC HOTEL, PERFECT FOR TURTLE SPOTTING, ON THE RIVIERA MAYA ...

Located on Mexico’s pristine Caribbean coast surrounded by lush Mayan jungle, sits the idyllic Hotel Esencia, on an exclusive 50-acre private estate. Hotel Esencia is positioned right on the stunning, tranquil beach, Xpu-Ha (pronounced ‘shpooo-ha’ by those in the know), hailed as being the finest stretch of sand in the region and one of the most protected and untouched beaches in Mexico where sea turtles make their nests each year.

The boutique hotel is perfectly situated, equally between Tulum, Playa del Carmen, under cenotes and Mayan Pyramids, treating guests to some of Mexico’s finest cultural spots, all within easy reach. For those seeking aquatic adventure, just steps off the hotel’s beach lies a reef sanctuary teeming with sea turtles and colourful exotic fish – one of the region’s best kept secrets. In the five years since being purchased by American entrepreneur and entertainment powerhouse, Kevin Wendle, the hotel has cemented its reputation as one of the world’s hottest beach resorts – a spot that prides itself on excellent service as much as it does gorgeous interiors and offering its well-heeled guests the utmost privacy.

HOW: Located just 50 minutes from Cancun and 30 from Tulum, Hotel Esencia is full of character, charm and heritage.  Rates start from $700++ per night (currently approx. £606) in an entry-level Jungle Room Suite. The rates are based on two people sharing on a room-only basis and is subject to 19% tax and 10% service per night. www.hotelesencia.com