Here is one of the first awe-inspiring places to add to your list of possibilities for this year—and beyond.
French Polynesia
Why: Tahiti, Bora Bora—their mere mention conjures sun-streaked visions of stilted bungalows (одноэтажный летний дом) hovering over turquoise shores. But the more than 100 islands that make up the rest of French Polynesia offer just as much beauty—sky-high volcanoes, black sand beaches, roaring waterfalls, active coral reefs, and ancient stone temples; a sensory (чувствительное) wonderland of earth and water sure to enchant (очаровывать) anyone. As a heavenly punctuation to all that delight, the islands will get a cosmic show this year, too: they’re in the path of totality for July’s big solar eclipse.
Where to stay: The Yucatan’s beloved Coqui Coqui perfumery, spa, and residences will open its first hotel outside of Mexico on Bora Bora in early 2019; to mark the occasion, owner Nicholas Maleville has created eight new signature Coqui Coqui scents inspired by the locale.
