Best of the Best - Travel

Lounging in a Maldivian resort, wine-tasting in Bordeaux, putting a sports car through its paces at Sonoma Raceway, curating the best watches from Geneva, perusing the top menswear accoutrements in Milan, testing cutting-edge yachts in Monaco. The life of a Robb Report editor may sound glamorous, but-actually, we can't argue there. Even so, separating the wheat from the chaff is no small task in the luxury realm, since even the chaff can be mighty impressive. In our 36th annual Best of the Best issue, we again offer our assessment of the past year's most exemplary products, places and experiences. And yes, edition number 37 is already underway.

- Chris Cameron, Haziq Yusof, Jen Murphy, Josh Condon, Mark Ellwood, Mary Holland, Paul Croughton and Sarah Khan

Club Med Kani

The Maldives

Island holidays are meant to rejuvenate both body and mind, right? Well, spend a night at the idyllic Club Med Kani in the Maldives and you’ll find a respite that will do exactly that and more.

There’s plenty to love about the resort, starting with stunning 98sqm overwater suites granting direct access to the surrounding turquoise lagoons, and a dedicated concierge service at your beck and call. But apart from the pristine beaches and mesmerising views of the azure-blue Maldivian waters, the island resort holds a trump card that elevates a typical beachfront holiday into an unforgettable experience for the entire family— intuitive and thoughtful service.

Offering everything from all-day dining options to satiate the children’s late-night cravings to adventurous, sunset-illuminated watersports, the resort boasts exceptional activities and amenities catered to both you and your loved ones. There’s even Mini Club Med + for children aged four to 10 years old, where the resort’s childcare-qualified Gentle Organisers will encourage your young ones to develop their strengths, from creativity to self-confidence, through character-building activities such as swinging on a trapeze and specially designed outdoor adventures.

Loapi

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa

You wouldn’t expect to stumble upon six cuttingedge glass, steel and canvas structures in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. Unless perhaps you’re within Tswalu, South Africa’s largest private game reserve. The Oppenheimer family, which owns it, has been restoring these lands since 1999. While conservation and sustainability are top of mind here, so are privacy and high design. Loapi, the aforementioned collection of micro camps, is the third and newest addition to this 114,121-hectare reserve.