Here's Your Guide to 2016's Hottest Luxury Destinations

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What is your definition of luxury travel?

Does it include experiencing exquisite lodges set amid some of the world's most stunning winelands in South Africa, or perhaps securing absolute privacy in an exotic Sri Lankan coastal village, or better yet, visiting a 28-tent leopard-safari lodge on a secluded island beach in Yala National Park?

If none of these destinations is on your radar, it's time to up your luxury game.

Luckily, Robb Report is here to help. The luxury lifestyle publication recently issued its annual list of the world's hottest luxury destinations, essential reading for anyone serious about the art of over-the-top travel.

Among the crop of sexy destinations the magazine's editorial staff suggests visiting in 2016 are various lesser-known cities, countries and even archipelagos. There are destinations popular with the ultra wealthy yachting set, urban suggestions for contemporary art lovers and even adventure locales for those who require a bit of excitement mixed with luxury pampering.

Billed as the ultimate insider's guide to the places to be in 2016, the Robb Report annual travel issue includes emerging luxury locations, comeback stories and places that appear to be hitting their stride.

Topping the list this year is South Africa's Cape Winelands, an emerging destination that in previous years was viewed as a place worthy of perhaps a day trip, but little more.

The magazine makes a compelling case for changing this point of view, suggesting that an extended stay is entirely in order thanks to the proliferation of luxury offerings.

Among the notable properties here are La Residence and Delaire Graff Estate, as well as Richard Branson's Mont Rochelle, which is part of the exclusive Virgin Limited Edition collection. (Branson has spent $3.2 million on the property since 2014, creating a new spa, two restaurants and renovating guest rooms.)

"Over the years a number of high-end wineries have opened up, as well as first rate restaurants," says Robb Report's editorial director and resident travel expert Bruce Wallin. "It is the South African equivalent of Napa, and has been gradually emerging over the past decade and a half." 

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Source: Here's Your Guide to 2016's Hottest Luxury Destinations