2018 Destination Picks
Specialising in creating luxurious, experiential trips across the globe, London and New York based travel company, Black Tomato strive to innovate and help discerning travellers push their boundaries. We’ve been catching up with their co-founder, Tom Marchant, who’s been talking us through some of their destination picks for 2018. From the new World Design Capital to the highest plateau on earth, read their picks below and get inspired to explore in 2018.
MEXICO CITY AND THE YUCATAN PENINSULA, MEXICO
The allure of Mexico City has long been a calling card for curious travellers, but 2018 promises to enhance its offering further with myriad immersive experiences thanks to its new status as 2018 World Design Capital. Regeneration is underway in low-income areas and together with the city’s extensive gardens, inventive food scene and architectural fusion of old and new, the city is a must for 2018.
After exploring the capital, we recommend venturing east to the Yucatan Peninsula where natural wonders, endemic wildlife and new luxury abodes await. Our favourite lies just a short flight from Mexico City near the storied city of Merida; Chable Resort, the new posterchild for blissful relaxation, tried and tested wellness techniques and barefoot luxury.
KEKE XILI, THE TIBETAN PLATEAU CHINA
Offering rolling verdant hills, yellow wildflowers that stretch for miles and traditional monasteries at every turn, Qinghai province in China has far more in common with Tibet than the rest of the country. This area has attracted our attention over the past few months with its promise of a stripped-back, authentic adventure that puts you in the heart of Asia’s untouched beauty.
As the largest and highest plateau in the world, Keke Xili is often considered to be the world’s ‘Third Pole’, and at 4,5000 metres above sea level the region consists of truly striking landscapes that blend alpine mountains and rolling steppe systems. A must visit for 2018, this area has nurtured a truly unique biodiversity that few have laid eyes on before.
Last year saw Lima take centre stage as a gastronomic haven, but 2018 promises to be La Paz’s time in the spotlight. The Bolivian capital is a haven of culinary talent, drawing in world-renowned Noma co-founder, Claus Meyer, to set up the neighbourhood’s haute-cuisine offering, Gustu. The Bolivian capital also has an appeal beyond its cuisine, and walking the streets of La Paz evokes a feeling of true diversity.
Eclectic architecture, people and outer-city landscapes all combine to unveil a fascinating new side to this Latin American city. After what seems like years of peaceful slumber, La Paz is coming to life and evolving fast, making 2018, more than ever, the time to visit the world’s highest capital.
We’re always on the search for the newest culinary destinations that are hidden in plain sight, and our latest search led us to one of Italy’s most unique regions, Emilia Romagna. Home to the city where Mozart, Rossini and Wagner introduced their works, there’s a creative undertone to this region that never fails to inspire.
In 2018 this creative energy will be channelled through Eataly World, Bologna’s new ‘foodie theme park’ that hosts cutting edge culinary workshops with a focus on eco-responsibility. We recommend starting your visit here before embarking on a culinary tour through Bologna, Modena and the surrounding areas, sampling the finest flavours of this unique region.
One for the adventure enthusiasts, Uganda epitomises our obsession with Eastern African wildlife. Often overshadowed by its southern neighbour, Uganda offers rugged gorilla treks that rival Rwanda both in terms of experience and value for money. Throw in unique chimpanzees treks in Kibale Forest National Park and Uganda offers a combination of endemic species and old favourites that simply can’t be beaten.
And with the recent 100% increase in Rwandan permit prices, Uganda offers more untapped experiences at a much more affordable rate, meaning you can spend longer exploring this truly enchanting nation.
Travel Contributor: Tom Marchant, Black Tomato
Image credits: Black Tomato