Stephen Moran

Hotel Unique’s striking silhouette stuns as soon as you turn into the drive. Once you’ve admired its theatrical interiors, head to the rooftop pool and sip a custom cocktail while gazing over São Paulo’s cityscape.

As the sun goes down and hundreds of candles are lit along the beach, you’ll see that the Sarojin truly lives up to its reputation as one of the most romantic hotels in Thailand. If available, be sure to book the private dining evening by the jungle waterfall.

The Marlborough is a marvel of understated luxury and impeccable personal service. Spend your days exploring New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes and kayaking through the Marlborough Sounds before heading back for a wine tasting at the hotel’s vineyard.

Framed by rising cityscapes and the dramatic Sugar Loaf mountains, there’s nowhere that quite matches the magic of walking along Ipanema Beach for the first time. As the sun goes down, locals and tourists alike await an evening of the city’s famed nightlife.

This city is packed with hidden gems. Wander through the City Lights bookshop, marvel at the California Academy of Sciences (which also has cocktails and live music come evening) or go classic with a trip to the Golden Gate Bridge and infamous Alcatraz.

As an adventure-fiend, I was surprised by how much I loved the Maldives. I spent days snorkelling, soaking up the sun and sipping on cocktails, between extraordinary meals served in spectacular settings.