places

44 of 50 Courtesy of Six Senses Zil Pasyon Seychelles There are beaches, and then there are beaches. This 115-island nation off Africa’s eastern shore has some of the world’s most beautiful white sands—and lavish new resorts, so you can experience them in style. On the private island of...

38 of 50 Serge Chapuis Provence, France Wineries and hilltop bastides have always lured travelers to Provence, but a recent wave of modish auberges has turned the destination downright stylish. Take the Domaine de Fontenille, a refurbished 17th-century Luberon estate that now includes a 17-room...

5Houska Castle The 13th-century gothic mansion build over Czech countryside has a bizarre and disturbing reputation. Local legends say that the castle has a bottomless pit beneath its structure which is a direct doorway to hell. People around the place claim that they have experienced strange...

25 of 50 Courtesy of Hyatt Centric Montevideo Montevideo, Uruguay Montevideo, the quiet capital of Uruguay, is making a name for itself in design, fashion, and food. The new Rotunda Estudio—a sleek three-story boutique, design studio, and workshop in residential Punta Carretas—sells capsule...

20 of 50 Richard I'Anson/Getty Images Lake Lucerne, Switzerland The city of Lucerne’s medieval charms continue to draw busloads of tourists, but neighboring Lake Lucerne is full of developments that entice visitors to venture out as well. Make your base the ultramodern Bürgenstock, a $480...

14 of 50 Peter Frank Edwards/Redux Indianapolis, Indiana The city shattered expectations of Midwestern dining a couple of years ago with the opening of beloved brunch spot Milktooth, and the culinary scene has only gathered steam since then. In the fall, Indy hopped on the fried-chicken trend...

9 of 50 Westend61/Getty Images Guayaquil, Ecuador As a gateway to the Galápagos, Guayaquil has seen its fair share of overnight visitors en route to the islands. But additions to the tropical port city are enticing travelers to stay longer. The just-opened Hotel del Parque sets a new standard in...

Technology and globalization can make the world feel small and thoroughly explored. But there are always places to discover—and rediscover—for yourself. 1 of 50 SambaPhoto/Cassio Vasconcellos/Getty Images Angra dos Reis, Brazil Brazil’s visa waiver during the Olympics was a success for one...