The post-Covid-19 new normal is finally becoming a reality.
The borders of many countries have opened and everyone from families to singles are chomping at the bit to sate their wanderlust.
The latest findings by the International Air Transport Association (Iata) show that total air traffic in March jumped 76 per cent compared with the same time last year. Although that figure is lower than the 115.9 per cent spike in February, volumes in March this year are the closest to 2019 pre-pandemic levels.
Iata also said that as barriers to travel are being dismantled in most countries this year, the long-expected surge in pent-up demand is “finally being realised”.
Tripadvisor, the world’s largest online travel guidance platform, recently released its 2022 Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best rankings for Singapore, Asia and the world. It has identified more top stays in six continents and 90 countries that have been highly rated by travellers on its platform.
The Best of the Best Awards are based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings posted on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period from Jan 1 to Dec 31, 2021.
While Tripadvisor lists thousands of hotels around the world, only the cream of the crop – which is less than 1 per cent – makes the cut for Best of the Best.
Now in its 20th year, the Travellers’ Choice Awards for Hotels include, for the first time, three new categories – Out of the Ordinary Hotels, Hotels on Water, and Mountain Resorts and Lodges.
The world’s No. 1 hotel this year is Tulemar Bungalows and Villas in Costa Rica. This jungle resort is designed on sloping ground on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It is consistently ranked in Best of the Best Awards and described as an “amazing stay in paradise” by guests.
Topping the Singapore list is Capella Singapore, which is no newcomer to the listings. In 2017, it was one of the top hotels in the Luxury category, and in 2020, it won in the Overall Top Hotels category.
An ultra-luxe resort on Sentosa Island, Capella Singapore features designs that create a setting of peace and tranquillity. Guests are drawn to its stunning landscape design which overlooks the South China Sea.
Singapore also made strong appearances in the Romance category, with Villa Samadhi Singapore – a 20-room boutique colonial hotel in Labrador Villa Road – ranking among the Top 20 Best in Asia.
In the wider Asian region, Bali dominates the listings.
Padma Resort Ubud is in the Top 10 global list, with The Royal Purnama and Viceroy Bali in the Top 10 Best in Asia list. In the Hottest New Hotels category, Adiwana Suweta took the top spot worldwide.
Ms Sarah Mathews, director of media partnerships for the Asia-Pacific region at Tripadvisor, is upbeat about 2022, saying that the optimism is almost palpable.
“This year is definitely better as can be seen in the places that have already opened up,” says Ms Mathews. “In Singapore, for instance, you can feel the change and excitement in the air by simply being at the airport.”
Tripadvisor also recently released survey results for its Seasonal Travel Index and found that in Singapore, travel remains a top priority, with 84 per cent of Singaporean respondents planning to travel this year, which is 39 per cent more than last year.
The survey also revealed that Singaporeans are so determined to have that all-important holiday that they are willing to make sacrifices. Top chops for non-essential spending this year to help fund overseas getaways include dining out (64 per cent) and clothing purchases (62 per cent).
Ms Mathews says that Singaporeans’ most popular destinations this year, according to recent Tripadvisor surveys, are London, Paris, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Melbourne.
Topping the Singapore list is Capella Singapore, which is no newcomer to the listings. In 2017, it was one of the top hotels in the Luxury category, and in 2020, it won in the Overall Top Hotels category.
In Asia, Six Senses Laamu on the Laamu Atoll in the Indian Ocean was the top choice. Offering 97 villas which include accommodation that is designed to be over-water as well as lining the beach, the resort is sought-after for its turquoise blue, almost see-through, waters and pristine beaches.
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Adiwana Suweta took the top spot worldwide in the Hottest New Hotels category,
The 34-room hotel pipped other contenders from the United States, Europe and South America to the post with its stunning design and locale.
Meanwhile, Ikos Aria topped the Luxury list with high ratings from guests who rave about the hotel’s five pools, seven restaurants and nine bars that are designed around breathtaking beachfront views.
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MCI (P) 031/10/2021, MCI (P) 032/10/2021. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No. 202120748H. Copyright © 2021 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.