Image courtesy of Kokomo Private Island, Fiji
The Fora community is buzzing about what’s trending for 2024 (check out our recently unveiled Hot List for alll the wanderlust). So, we’re tapping several trusted travel outlets for inspiration on what’s new and shiny — and sharing the perks you unlock when you book your travel with Fora.
Here, we’re spotlighting the hotels on Condé Nast's Gold List 2024 — from castaway beach retreats to urban hideaways. Read on for some major travel inspo, plus the perks you get when booking with a Fora Advisor. (In fact, out of the 75 properties featured in the 2024 list, Fora has perks at nearly 85% of them.) And remember, even if the hotel doesn't offer specific perks, your Fora Advisor will always work their magic to ensure your hotel stay is extra special.
Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your 2024 trip today.
Highlights of Condé Nast's Gold List 2024
Image courtesy of Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bali
Asia
Song Saa, Cambodia
This luxurious private island resort in Cambodia offers a serene escape with overwater villas and pristine beaches.
“Cambodia is often overlooked as a beach destination, which makes this 24-villa resort an exclusive hidden gem,” said Fora Advisor Elizabeth Kaczka.
Fora perks:
Breakfast daily, $100 resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
For stays of 4+ nights, the following additional amenities will be included: $100 spa credit & a one-hour private yoga session
Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bali
One of our favorite Bali properties, Mandapa is all about cultural immersion. We love its pristine setting, surrounded by verdant rice paddies, winding pathways and gently rolling hills beside Ubud’s Ayung River.
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Mitsui Kyoto
A standout property on our 2024 Hot List, this recently opened resort is getting tons of buzz thanks to its all-star creative team, including Andre Fu, who oversaw The Upper House in Hong Kong.
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Other Asia hotels on the list (all bookable through Fora):
Ahilya Fort Heritage Hotel Maheshwar, India
Amanpuri, Phuket
Bawah Reserve, Indonesia
The Leela Palace Chennai, India
COMO Uma Punakha, Bhutan
Josun Palace, Seoul
Lunuganga, Sri Lanka
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Peninsula Shanghai
Rosewood Hong Kong
Soneva Jani, Maldives
Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa, India
The Siam, Bangkok
Australia and New Zealand
Image courtesy of Kokomo Private Island, Fiji
Fora’s take: One property that stood out to us in CNT’s list Down Under was the under-the-radar — yet community rising star — nestled within the ancient Daintree Rainforest in Queensland, Australia. We’re also obsessed with Kokomo Private Island, with its castaway-meets-five-star vibe.
Silky Oaks Lodge, Australia
This eco-luxe lodge features spacious treehouse-style accommodations with stunning views, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the rainforest. Expect top-tier spa treatments and tours of the nearby Great Barrier Reef.
Kokomo Private Island, Fiji
Nestled within the pristine turquoise waters of the South Pacific, Kokomo Private Island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and lush tropical foliage. But the main event is the white-sand beach, second only to the world-class cuisine and Fijan hospitality.
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Africa and the Middle East
Image courtesy of Dar Ahlam
Fora’s take: This month, our eyes are on Morocco — the mesmerizing destination has bucket list written all over it, with something for adventurers, foodies and everyone in between. CNT spotlighted two of our favorite hotels in the destination, including a world-class adventure resort and a chic Marrakech hideaway.
Dar Ahlam, Morocco
At this 14-room desert oasis, days are spent exploring the region (think visiting an Amazigh village, partaking in a traditional tea ceremony, trekking to the Valley of Roses) and enjoying fanciful al fresco meals. (Amazigh is the local, Indigenous name for what is typically referred to as Berber by many foreigners.)
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily, complimentary 50-minute massage for two, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
El Fenn, Marrakech
El Fenn’s individually designed rooms adorned with exquisite furnishings make it a must-stay in Marrakech’s medina.
In the words of Fora Advisor Jaime Windau, “El Fenn is the perfect boutique hotel in Marrakech. Pro tip: Book a personal shopper for the souks via the concierge for a bucket list experience.”
Other Africa & Middle East hotels on the list (all bookable through Fora):
Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf , Dubai
Bab al Shams, Dubai
Lolebezi, Zambia
Londolozi, South Africa
Miavana by Time + Tide, Madagascar
Singita Sasakwa, Tanzania
Europe
Image courtesy of Domaine des Etangs, Auberge Resorts Collection
Fora’s take: From capital cities to hidden gems, it’s no secret we’re obsessed with Europe travel. While it was hard to choose our favorites across the pond, here’s a roundup of some of our most notable hotel darlings for the year ahead.
Badrutt's Palace, Switzerland
One of the top-three booked hotels in Switzerland, this fairytale palace in St. Moritz is what European ski dreams are made of. Come for the lavish suites, stay for the epic views of the lake.
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Domaine des Etangs
It’s safe to say our community has a love affair with Auberge as a brand, as their properties across the world are some of our most-booked (check out our list of the best Auberge hotels and resorts). Our latest favorite is Domaine des Etangs in the French countryside, a restored 11th-century château.
“Staying at Domaine de Etangs is a fairytale experience if ever there was one,” said Fora Advisor Elizabeth Coffey. “Its charm lies in the seamless blending of historical elegance, culinary excellence and a stunning natural environment. You must enjoy the rowboats and visit with the resident cows!”
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace, Budapest
Following our Fora FAM to Eastern Europe, Budapest is all the rage, and the Four Seasons is to thank. Nestled along the banks of the Danube River, this palace hotel is housed within the meticulously restored Gresham Palace, an iconic Art Nouveau masterpiece built in 1906. The hotel recently opened a new bar, showcasing the original elevator for butlers and stained glass from 1905.
Fora Perks:
When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid
As our top-booked hotel in Madrid, this luxury hotel in the heart of Madrid is a favorite for its antiques-filled rooms, old-school grandeur and excellent spa.
Fora Perks:
When you book Mandarin Oriental with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Fan Club preferred partner amenities. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Other Europe hotels on the list (all bookable through Fora):
UK & Ireland:
Claridge's, London
Cashel Palace, Ireland
The Dorchester, London
Gleneagles, Scotland
Heckfield Place, Hampshire, England
Lucknam Park, England
Lundies House, Scottish Highlands
Spain:
Finca Cortesin, Malaga, Spain
Hacienda San Rafael, Seville, Spain
Italy:
The Gritti Palace, Venice
Hotel d'Inghilterra, Rome
Il Sereno, Lake Como, Italy
Palazzo Avino, Amalfi Coast
Regina Isabella, Ischia, Italy
France:
Hotel du Cap Eden Roc, Antibes, France
The Ritz, Paris
Portugal:
Palacio Principe Real, Lisbon
Sublime Comporta, Portugal
Greece:
Porto Zante, Zakynthos, Greece
Poseidonion Grand Hotel, Spetses, Greece
Plus…
Hotel de L'Europe, Amsterdam
Schloss Elmau, Germany
Union Øye – Norway
Hotel Imperial, Vienna
Kempinski Ciragan Palace, Istanbul
Mexico, Central & South America
Image courtesy of Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel
Fora’s take: While CNT didn’t include many of our favorite (and top-booked) hotels South of the Border, we love their pick in San Miguel De Allende, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Mexico's highlands. (Check out our FAM recap of our scouting trip to San Miguel De Allende.)
Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, Mexico
This chic Belmond hideaway is comprised of 17th- and 18th-century mansions and boasts bespoke activities and exceptional dining.
“Don't leave your swimsuit behind - the hidden garden pool awaits,” said Fora Advisor Aimee Suthann.
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Other Mexico, Central & South America hotels on the list (all bookable through Fora):
Cirqa, Relais & Châteaux, Arequipa, Peru
Copacabana Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Rio de Janeiro
Explora Patagonia National Park, Chile
US, Canada & the Caribbean
Image courtesy of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Fora’s take: From a wellness hotspot in Hawaii to a Fora HQ-adored watering hole in the Big Apple, CNT included some of our favorites in this bunch.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
The stunning Hanalei Bay is the setting of the 1 Hotel brand’s most recent carbon-neutral hotel. Guests can choose between sublime oceanfront suites and treehouse-style villas, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and farm-to-table cuisine.
“1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is the perfect resort to enjoy a honeymoon, babymoon or family adventure,” said Fora Advisor Carlie Lee. “Pro tip: take the short (albeit steep) walk to the nearby and stunningly beautiful Hideaway Beach.”
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Charleston Place, South Carolina
Charleston is having a moment – and the Southern Belle metropolis shows no signs of stopping. In this city, the most elegant stay is The Charleston Place, which is just as much a beloved landmark as it is a luxe hotel.
“At The Charleston Place, you don’t have to venture out for great dining, as the hotel has one of the top restaurants in the city, the Charleston Grill,” added Fora Advisor Jeff Goldstein.
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
The Greenwich, New York City
It’s no surprise why celebrities and travel cognoscenti flock to this downtown gem: The Greenwich is truly in a league of its own, with an exceptional spa and ultra-stylish interiors.
“The Greenwich’s neighborhood is also perfect for exploring,” added Fora Advisor Hannah Corderman.
Fora Perks:
Breakfast daily, $100 hotel / resort credit, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Other US, Canada & the Caribbean hotels on the list (all bookable through Fora):
The Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix
The Breakers Palm Beach, Florida
Casa Cipriani, New York City
Chateau Marmont, Los Angeles
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Canada
Farmhouse Inn, Sonoma, California
Four Seasons at the Surf Club, Miami
Meadowood, Napa, California
Thompson Seattle
White Elephant, Nantucket
XV Beacon, Boston
Eden Rock St Barths
Round Hill Hotel and Villas, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Ready to travel? Connect with Fora to plan and book your trip 2024 today.
