From a shifting city to an ancient trade hub and the English countryside, these places earned their spot on our list…

After globetrotting for months, Panache World has narrowed its list to places that carry their own rhythm and stories, revealed slowly to those who care to listen: a Lapland city moving itself block by block; an ancient Incense Route hub in Saudi Arabia; Maria Island’s cheery wildlife in Australia; Chettinad and the slow revival of its grand mansions; Hanoi’s eclectic food scene; Cumbria’s countryside and cuisine, and many more.

Maria Island and Hobart, Australia

Off Tasmania’s coast, Maria Island offers wildlife encounters without fences, from wombats to rare birds, alongside layers of Aboriginal and colonial history, and scenic walks! Nearby Hobart complements this with a compact city rich in food, art and maritime heritage. Together, they form a journey that balances nature and narrative, where the pace encourages observation rather than consumption.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia

You know the Silk Route, but do you know of the Incense Route? AlUla, a city, was once a vital hub along this ancient trade network carrying aromatics, linking Arabia with the Mediterranean. Today, visitors come for desert landscapes, the UNESCO-listed site of Hegra and new stays built into sandstone surroundings, like the Chedi Hegra hotel near historic rail lines.

Tokyo, Japan 

Japan continues to be a destination darling, with Tokyo as one of the world’s most compelling capitals. It’s a city of precision and play, where discipline underpins daily life. Time is treated with respect, from trains that arrive to the minute to rituals around food, work and leisure. Moving through Tokyo is one of the best ways to understand Japan itself: inventive, kind and attentive to detail.

Retreat from the city buzz by staying at Mandarin Oriental. If you are a coffee lover, visit Koffee Mameya Kakeru for a gourmet coffee omakase.

Hanoi, Vietnam

Hanoi in northern Vietnam, seat of capital, rewards both night owls and early risers. By day, French colonial architecture and centuries-old temples reveal the city’s layered history. By night, pavements turn into open-air kitchens serving bowls of pho, grilled meats and cold beer. The Old Quarter hums with energy, while lakeside walks offer moments of calm. Hanoi’s appeal lies in its balance of tradition and momentum, where daily life unfolds loudly, publicly and with remarkable generosity.

Cumbria, UK

Cumbria, a county, offers countryside air that feels restorative almost on arrival. Here, the Lake District’s walking routes range from gentle lakeside paths to demanding fell climbs. This is a place for early starts, long walks and unhurried meals, where the rhythm of the day is set by weather, light and appetite. Panache World recommends Farlam Hall for a restful stay, where also celebrated chef Hrishikesh Desai offers a fantastic dining experience.

Kiruna, Sweden

Kiruna is quite literally a city on the move. To make way for expanding iron-ore mining, large parts of the town are being relocated, building by building. The result is a rare chance to watch urban planning unfold in real time. Beyond this, Kiruna is the gateway to Swedish Lapland, with access to vast wilderness, northern lights and encounters with the Sámi people, whose reindeer-herding culture continues to shape life here.

Ladakh, India

One of the most intriguing wildlife experiences comes from the mountains. Ladakh is known for snow leopard sightings, particularly in winter, when these elusive cats descend closer to human settlements. The region is also home to ibex, wolves and a rich variety of high-altitude birds. Stark landscapes, silence and scale define the experience. Want to go on this wildlife pilgrimage? Here is what to expect.

Cusco, Peru

Cusco deserves more than a brief stop on the way to Machu Picchu. Once the capital of the Inca empire, the city is a destination in its own right, with stone walls that predate colonial churches and plazas that still shape daily rhythms. High-altitude markets, contemporary Peruvian cooking and access to lesser-visited Andean trails make Cusco a place to linger, acclimatise and understand the region’s layered past.’

Chettinad, India

Chettinad, in Tamil Nadu, is defined by its mega mansions built by merchant families in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these homes – like Visalam, a CGH property – are now being restored, revealing intricate tile work, courtyards and craftsmanship sourced from across Asia and Europe. The region’s cuisine is equally distinctive, as are its Athangudi tiles. Here is Panache’s guide on what to do and where to stay in Chettinad.

Liverpool, Britain

Did you know Liverpool Cathedral, a Gothic Revival beauty, houses an iconic red telephone booth, a nod to its designer Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, who created both? Often reduced to The Beatles and football, Liverpool reveals far more. Art, architecture, maritime history, sport and food combine to create a richly textured city. Base yourself at The Municipal Hotel Liverpool – MGallery, in the city’s heart, and let this guide by Panache co-founder Loveleen Arun shape your 48 hours on Merseyside.

Taormina, Italy

Perched high above the Ionian Sea, Taormina has drawn travellers for centuries. Its Greek theatre, still in use today, offers views across Mount Etna and the coastline below. The town is compact, walkable and filled with small pleasures: early-morning espresso, evening passeggiata and long lunches overlooking the water. 

Stay at San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel and a clifftop sanctuary for an exceptional guest experience.

Paris, France

Paris remains a capital of art and fashion, but its enduring appeal lies in art de vivre. Morning markets, afternoon museum visits and long evenings at neighbourhood cafés still define the city’s rhythm. Beyond landmarks, new galleries, revived riverbanks and quieter districts reward repeat visitors. France and Paris made it to the list of most-visited destinations by Panache clients in 2025!

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Panache World specializes in personalized journeys. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, if any destination sparks your interest, connect with a Panache World travel designer today.