The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Hotels are no longer one size fits all. Today’s traveler demands hotel experiences with a style and the amenities that fits their individual tastes and desires. Beau Monde Traveler shares reviews on authentic and uncommon hotels in your journey’s destination. Our editors and journalists give insights and tips on where to stay from grand city hotels, to historic castles to hip designer boutique hotels and intimate beach resorts.
Banwa Private Island boasts breathtaking views, verdant landscapes, pristine beaches and is surround
A romantic bucket-list destination for many, the Maldives is a beautiful island paradise of natural
"It's surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a
Staying at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich is like staying in a sumptuous wedding cake: you enjo
As the smoke fills the room, guests start to peer over at your table. It doesn’t take long for the
The all-in-one location: a mesmerizing view to watch the sunset, walking-distance from the famous si
Five-star resorts of every configuration are spread across the tip of the Baja California peninsula
Großarl flies under the radar among Austria’s big hitters, but its award-winning, family-run hote
Travel can fulfill many desires, from exploring vibrant cities to reconnecting with loved ones. Howe
For decades, European vineyards were the undisputed leaders in the world of fine wine. But in 1954,
Sunlight glints on smooth waters as the old paddle steamer motors gently along the shores of Lake Ge
Like most of the world, the Brits love to drink good wine. Not too long ago, it was perceived that g
“This is the fairest picture on our planet, the most enchanting to look upon, the most satisfying
Claude Monet found inspiration in the lily ponds of France, while John Constable found his muse in t
Many of us will agree that franticness of how we live today often drain us to our very core. One way
HOTELS REVIEWS ON GRAND DAME URBAN ICONS TO HIDDEN HIDEAWAYS WITH YOUR OWN PRIVATE BEACH, BEAU MONDE TRAVELER SHARES WITH YOU THE INSIDER INSIGHTS ON WHERE TO STAY
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“Throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the
Tucked between Belgium, France, and Germany, the oft-overlooked Luxembourg is a little country with
When we think of gourmet food and fine wine, most will instantly think of France. And when we think
BEAU MONDE TRAVEL SHARES INSPIRING BRANDS VIDEOS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE.
Banwa Private Island boasts breathtaking views, verdant landscapes, pristine beaches and is surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Sulu Sea in north-eastern Palawan in Philippines. The private island sanctuary is remote, yet not removed. Accessible via charter private jet...
A romantic bucket-list destination for many, the Maldives is a beautiful island paradise of natural beauty. Presenting secluded locations and marine life galore, he far-flung destination is famous for its over-water cabins on stilts. It is a dream holiday destination...
“It’s surely our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth,” Sir David Attenborough once said. Now more than ever, it is difficult...
Staying at the Bayerischer Hof Hotel in Munich is like staying in a sumptuous wedding cake: you enjoy layers of history, each offering a different flavor. Your eyes wander through the classical white decorations, creating a grand and airy feel,...
As the smoke fills the room, guests start to peer over at your table. It doesn’t take long for the bubble of grey vapor to lift, unveiling your cocktail of choice for the night. As you take the first sip...
The all-in-one location: a mesmerizing view to watch the sunset, walking-distance from the famous sights and a fine dining restaurant located within the same building. Guests could pack a bag for a year and find all they need to live...
Five-star resorts of every configuration are spread across the tip of the Baja California peninsula like bougainvillea, from San Jose del Cabo to Los Cabos, Loreto, and La Paz. Just outside Todos Santos and El Pescadero, the Kimpton Mas Olas Resort...
Großarl flies under the radar among Austria’s big hitters, but its award-winning, family-run hotel makes it more than worth a visit. Is there anything more soothing than the tinkling of cowbells and the scent of Alpine flowers carried on the...
Travel can fulfill many desires, from exploring vibrant cities to reconnecting with loved ones. However, for those seeking a more profound sense of tranquility, a retreat that offers true peace of mind, Sri Lanka presents an unparalleled experience. In the...
For decades, European vineyards were the undisputed leaders in the world of fine wine. But in 1954, Chateau Ste. Michelle emerged in Washington State, challenging that dominance and proving that world-class wines could flourish in the Pacific Northwest. Today, Chateau...
Sunlight glints on smooth waters as the old paddle steamer motors gently along the shores of Lake Geneva, gliding quietly past neat rows of vines cascading to the water’s edge. The ferry halts briefly at the quay to drop off...
Like most of the world, the Brits love to drink good wine. Not too long ago, it was perceived that good wines only came from Spain, Italy, and France as well as new world wines from Australia, South Africa, and...
“This is the fairest picture on our planet, the most enchanting to look upon, the most satisfying to the eye and the spirit. ” Mark Twain’s poetic words were penned in 1892 during his time in Florence, a city renowned...
Claude Monet found inspiration in the lily ponds of France, while John Constable found his muse in the English countryside. Some destinations are so beautiful that artists have captured their essence through art since ancient times. St. Lucia, in the...
Many of us will agree that franticness of how we live today often drain us to our very core. One way to restore our soul is found in nature and surrounding ourselves with peace and solitude. Amidst the unspoiled reaches...
There’s no denying that beloved Bangkok riverfront outposts like the Shangri-La, Anantara, and Four Seasons are wow-inducing and gorgeous. However, the Salil Hotel Riverside Bangkok’s aesthetic makes it an only-in-Thailand immersion with its interior décor, spa, dining, and retail outlets....
One of England’s most cherished treasures is its grand estates in the countryside. A place where the well-to-do once lived away from the big city in their stately homes surrounded by vast farms, parklands, and well-coiffed gardens. One could imagine...
“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –...
One could argue that most successful chefs don’t just love food. They love cooking. Cooking for the people we cherish is a manifestation of love; an undertaking to ensure that they are nourished, healthy, and well-fed. A good cook is...
On one of the Caribbean’s best beaches, Sea Breeze Beach House provides all-inclusive Barbados luxury. Relaxing on a prime oceanside site, the 121 key hotel has 1,000 feet of white sugar-soft sand. An idyll of a tropical beach for relaxing...
The English countryside is the place where Londoners and other city slickers go to exhale. After all, London has been known as ‘the big smoke” from years past when the skyline was crowned with chimneys billowing smoke and turning their...
Situated on a crossroad of two oceans, Panama City is undoubtedly one of the most vibrant destinations in South America. Weaving together the threads of modernity and tradition, this tropical metropolis is a fusion of modern aspirations and rich historical...
Perfectly poised on a natural and rather historic peninsula, The Westin Malta surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea defines elegance. From soft blue tones inspired by the island’s beauty to expansive windows with views of the Maltese coastline – The Westin...
‘The land down under’, a destination deep rooted in the history of the indigenous people and home to the largest coral reef system on planet Earth. From ancient rain-forests to the great outback, Australia’s natural wonders are truly diverse. In...
It requires 200 muscles just to take one step. This is why walking, an otherwise mundane activity, is actually considered a type of full-body exercise. So why not do it whilst exploring some of England’s most dramatic landscapes and historical...
It is only known to a select clientele. A secret gem hidden inconspicuously off the main pedestrian-only shopping street in Alacati. Word has been spreading amongst not only the Turkish jetset, but international travelers as well. Alavya turned ten in...
Luxury river cruising in Europe is much like a classical music piece that never loses its appeal, even as competing cruise lines offer their mix of off-shore excursions, cruise themes, onboard ambiance, culinary offerings, and luxuriant decor to appeal to...
For Francophiles, the three-bedroom gite in the grounds of the 15th century Chateau de la Fuye, is the most luxurious French gite. For romantics there is also a tower for two. Chateau de la Fuye is a white honey coloured...
Alacati is a charming, traditional Turkish town full of spirit on the western coast of Turkey on the Cesme Peninsula. It has been making noise lately as a gourmet scene complimented with hillsides of tumbling vineyards for wonderful wine tastings,...
If you’ve visited Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo, you’ve gotten a good taste of Brazil, but not a fully-rounded one. However, add Belo Horizonte to your itinerary, and you’ll gain a greater appreciation of the country. “BH,” Brazil’s 6th...
Alacati is rapidly becoming a special escape for native Turks from big cities like Istanbul as well as jetsetters in the know. Its spirited street life and stylish boutique hotels have caught the attention of the top tier. Here, they...
The ancient population believed that Zeus personally created Datca due to its absolute perfection. And an ancient philosopher said, “God sent his beloved creatures to Datca so they would live longer.” And famous Turkish poet, Can Yucel wholeheartedly agreed and...
Whether a calm soothing ocean or choppy rushing seas, the sounds and smells associated with it have a certain meditative quality to them, bringing thoughts of tropical paradise with them. But South Queensferry, Scotland has probably never been the setting...
“Welcome to Sofitel Saigon Plaza, where all modern travelers can discover Saigon through the French lens”. Mario Mendis’ words could not be more true. He is the hotel manager of one of Ho Chi Minh’s most established locations, Sofitel Saigon...
Seventy-three villas spread out across 98-hectares of a fine-sand beach and paddy field hills is the general overview of Zannier Bãi San Hô. What follows is a compilation of rustically remote, luxuriously thought-out and traditionally designed architecture, activities and cuisine....
Meliá Hotels International did more than just plan for the return of international luxury travel. Management used the pause in international travel during 2020 and 2021 to rethink the resort experience with changes as relevant and environmentally sound as they...
Hoi An harbors Vietnam’s artistic flair. It is considered as a tiny haven between the Thu Bon River and relaxing beaches. Unlike numerous other cities in Vietnam, Hoi An is thought to be relatively untouched by the modern age, in...
As the water droplets fall against the skin, it is uncertain whether they are coming from the grey clouds or the shower. Whatever its source, the heat and humidity welcome the fresh splash. Standing completely in the nude in nature,...
The Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun, built in 1990, is swimming against the tide of new luxury resort developments and complete transformations. Instead of closing down during its metamorphosis, resort upgrades are being subtly implemented so it can remain...
AVacations are a time to kick back, relax, and unwind. But if you really want to take your vacation to the next level, consider a luxury cruise. With the best of both worlds—a relaxing vacation destination and upscale amenities—a luxury...
Celebrity Beyond is positioned by the brand to be part of a shift in the way experienced travelers think of cruise vacations. It falls snugly between larger cruise lines that take a “one ship fits all” approach shaping up as...
In the northernmost part of England is a storied landscape where Roman occupiers guarded a wall that divided kingdoms, Anglican invaders fought with Celtic natives and Noman lords built castles that still stand today. Amidst the sprawling hills, you’ll find...
In the heart of Japan, Osaka emerges as a kaleidoscopic canvas of tradition and modernity. Lanterns illuminate small side-streets and towering skyscrapers reach for the heavens. Visitors could wander for miles and always manage to find something new to explore,...
A mere two hours from Colombo Airport, Rosyth Estate House is the perfect first stop on a Sri Lanka tour. A boutique hotel of just 10 rooms and suites, Rosyth introduces guests to Sri Lanka: fine Sri Lankan cuisine, tea-tasting, relaxing...
As ‘Chang: A Drama of Wilderness’ projects on the screen, it may be opportune to take another sip of the cocktail, or at least another bite of the fried spring roll. Everyone in attendance is captivated to find out how...
Some 1,600 islands rise from the emerald waters that make up Halong Bay. Rainforests, limestone caves and the varieties of wildlife present still remain untouched by human presence. This is why Halong stays synonymous with Vietnam’s biodiversity, nature-forward priorities and...
Approaching Dominica, by sea or by air, is a magical affair. There you’ll see volcanic mountains shrouded in unspoiled rainforest rise sharply from the emerald waters of the Caribbean Sea. Tumbling waterfalls, ‘boiling’ lakes and jagged gorges pepper the landscape;...
The Great Outback. An otherworldly landscape where the earth is painted red and ochre, horizons seem endless, and craggy mountain ranges beckon the intrepid explorer. The vast expanse becomes an adventurer’s playground, teeming with native wildlife and rich with history....
“On the inside, gentlemen, is Guillermo. See how green she is and full of promise?” -Ernest Hemingway. Cuba was Hemingway’s long-time love and home of more than twenty years. He found solace in the country’s white sand beaches, vibrant cities, and...
The economy and culture of Brazil’s Minas Gerais state, like its hearty stews, are built on a foundation rich in “minerals,” including gold, diamonds, iron, and numerous precious gems. However, its diverse population nourished Brazil’s growth over several centuries and...
When it comes to luxury getaways, Hawaii has always been a top choice for breathtaking landscapes and world-class resorts. In our previous post, we featured the independently-owned Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani, a streamlined version of a lush tropical paradise. Here,...
185 years ago, Arthur Hardy a wealthy business man and bon vivant decided to create a summer estate where he could leave the smothering heat of the Australia’s Adelaide city for the cooler atmosphere on top of the nearby mountains...
There’s so much more to a fabulous hotel than just a comfortable bed. An unforgettable hotel experience is about myriad details. It’s about how the staff smiles at you at check-in, the coffee roast quality at breakfast, the temperature in...
The impenetrable and commanding defensive ramparts of Mdina, a medieval city in the heart of Malta, coils around a high plateau like an army ready to defend its home at whatever cost. At 200 metres above sea level, it’s not...
Lima is one of the most fascinating cities in South America. It is the gateway to Peru’s exotic Amazon rainforest and the cultural riches of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Beyond its status as a traveler’s hub, it is...
As you wind the roads into Napa Valley, the world out your window seems to transform. Vineyards, their rows perfectly aligned, unfurl on either side, extending a welcome that seems lifted straight from the opening scenes of Amy Poehler’s “Wine...
“Divorced, beheaded, died. Divorced, beheaded, survived.” That is a famous quote from a children’s rhyme about King Henry VIII and his love life. Whilst his ways of ruling the country are long gone, his legacy is still talked about today....
“The bird war, the bird attack, plague – call it what you like. They’re amassing out there someplace and they’ll be back. You can count on it… Unless we do something right now, unless we get Bodega Bay on the...
Few places on earth are more captivating than the mountains. There you’ll find a range of experiences from horseback rides over rugged landscapes in the summer to slicing through diamond-white snow on the ski slopes in the winter. Visitors are...
When you think of the Mediterranean you may picture blue skies, the sun shining and beautiful towns to explore – and you would be right! The Mediterranean is full of stunning places to explore, but often it can be hard...
“Let me be surrounded by luxury, I can do without the necessities!” This quote from Oscar Wilde, one of the most venerated writers in London in the early 1890s, encapsulates his quest for grandeur. Roseate House in London, a luxury...
A symphony of vibrant hues and captivating aromas dances in the air as the sun ascends over the cerulean horizon, casting its golden rays upon the shores of Uruguay. Welcome to L’Auberge in Uruguay where the sight of palm-fringed beaches...
Hawaii is an eternally popular destination, and yet capital city Honolulu had been regarded as more of a gateway to paradise than the main destination. As sprawling Waikiki resorts, large international hospitality chains, and the city’s urban expanse appeared to...
This is what an ultimate luxury escape looks like. You are whisked in a small chopper flying over the endless blue of the Coral Sea to a secluded cove amidst the lush rainforest-clad hills. A handful of thatched bungalows hide...
Thomas Mann, the celebrated German novelist, once said that ‘at the Frankfurter Hof I have realized the meaning of a real grand hotel again.’ His analysis still rings true today. Everything about the Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof says ‘grand’; from...
There’s a big, red cat in the middle of a swarm of birds. For some, that may be cause for concern. For others, they’re just experiencing a kaleidoscopic stay at The Bird in Bath. Artwork ranging from a red cat...
‘The only sustainable city… is a city in balance with its countryside’, mused American poet Wendell Berry. For as long as there have been metropolises there have been people wanting to escape to greener pastures and poets willing to describe...
Arresting the senses with its vibrant culture is a rich island nation that produced Bob Marley, Usain Bolt, and an Olympic bobsled team. Renowned for its laid-back pace of life this Caribbean location was once the home of Ian Fleming...
As you step into The Pig near Bath, senses awaken by the signts, sounds, smells and of course, tastes. The air is infused with the aroma of fresh herbs from the kitchen garden, mingling with the scent of damp forest...
Private islands are the epitome of luxury. It is no surprise that famous faces such as Tim McGraw, Johnny Depp and Shakira can often be found lounging on sandy sanctuaries of their own. Private islands are treasure troves of privacy,...
The Philippines is ripe with gorgeous hotspots for culture and sophistication, with a laidback atmosphere that invites you to take it easy and bask in the sun. While Bicol and Manila are the primary luxury destinations in Luzon, Boracay is...
To many visitors to the UK, a Tudor castle true to its original grandeur and décor is a unique find. For Brits, it’s not necessarily something out of the ordinary. The UK has a host of show-stopping historical sites and...
As Mary Shelley once said, ‘the name of Italy has magic in its very syllables’, a sentiment visitors begin to understand as they reach the perimeter of the grounds. A cool mist swells among the contours of the valley, the...
‘With me, it’s about a different kind of luxury’, explains Alicia, to whom ‘the luxury lies in the experience’. Instead of attentive butlers or über-modern properties, the director of Luxeco Holidays values the creation of lasting memories over anything else....
‘A drum that beats an African identity into the complex soul of Morocco’ – Marrakesh Delighting all who bears witness to her undisputed beauty, the daughter of the desert is home to many special treasures. Rosy-peach walls decorate the Medina...
One of the greatest joys about travel is experiencing the destination like a local. Strolling down a hidden side street to the best cafe in town. Or discovering a cocktail bar off the beaten track, soaking up the atmosphere sitting...
Industry without Art Is Brutality, John Ruskin once mused. Indeed, art is an expression of individuality and creativity. It can transform the ordinary and functional into something extraordinary and exciting. This maxim applies to a former power station that once...
The stately cream-colored Georgian estate appears on the property’s grounds. Guests lounge under shaded umbrellas while others stroll through the sublime gardens. Lilac wisteria climbs along the front of the hotel’s exterior, adding a contrast against the vibrant green trees....
Online searches for ‘sustainable travel’ have been rapidly increasing over the past few years with more than 80% of travellers actively seeking more eco-friendly options for their next holiday. Sustainable stays are springing up all over the world and often...
This is the land of the midnight sun, towering blue glaciers, geothermal spas, and the world-famous Northern Lights. Few locations across the world offer the natural wonders and breathtaking scenery found in Iceland. The combination of unrivalled landscapes and epic...
Luxury hotels encompass a wide range of elegance from scenic room views to fine dining offered on-site. This expectation of luxury has now broadened to include a focus on sustainability specifically with supporting the local community. One boutique hotel named...
On the perfectly coiffed green, the golfer measures the position of her ball, the lay of the hole, and the distance. As she tees off, a nervous heartbeat drums over the quietude of the atmosphere. The fans eye the ball...
The platform swarms with activity as smartly dressed passengers board the train. Once guests are seated, liveried stewards appear with cocktails and excited chatter fills the carriages. As the train glides out of the station guests marvel at the cuisine...
The use of geothermal baths for therapeutic purposes is clearly nothing new. There is evidence from tens of thousands of years ago during the Neolith Age when nomadic tribes used thermal pools as relief from the frigid winters. The Greeks...
It’s a clear spring morning as the chattering of songbirds and the scent of flowers fills the air around the stately Victorian estate. An itinerary of exploring the nearby historic attractions such as the Roman Baths or just gazing at...
In an increasingly fast-paced world, it is important to occasionally step back from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and take a moment to breathe and experience a moment of suaimhneas, or tranquillity in Gaelic. Seafield Hotel & Spa...
Famous for its sensational natural beauty, Wales’ rolling hills, majestic peaks, enchanting woodlands and picturesque valleys are generously sprinkled across the landscape. A vivid blanket of greenery covers the land here, stretching towards the horizon as it undulates over the...
The three plus hour drive from Quito to Mashpi Lodge is as much of a pilgrimage from one destination to another as it is an unwinding — from the clash and chaos of urban to an experience beyond rural. Mashpi...
They say that spending time in ‘green spaces’ can provide health benefits across the board. From improving mental health to increasing life expectancy, it’s easy to see why. Here at Another Place, you can let nature do the leg work;...
Synonymous with romance, art and culture and great adventures, Paris has it all, but sometimes the pace of life can get so furiously frantic, one craves the solace of the country. Just half an hour’s drive from the Eiffel Tower...
‘’Tis sweet to muse in leafy June, ‘’Tis doubly sweet this afternoon, So I’ll remain to muse and moon Before the Swan at Streatley!’ — ‘A Streatley Sonata’, John Ashby-Sterry (1886) Today, those who visit Streatley will find that not...
Marylin Monroe was a maverick thinker. Many beautiful and talented aspiring actors could have had a career like hers if they understood people as she did. She knew that star quality was an attitude and not something that one was...
On the morning of November 1st, 1755 an earthquake like never before hit the City of Lisbon. Forty minutes later a tsunami followed, obliterating much of the city. Ironically it was All Saints Day and Lisbon’s strong Catholic community meant...
Lighthouses are magical places. They are comforting, welcoming and romantic. One beguiling lighthouse called Faro Punta Imperatore, on a remote Italian island, offers an unforgettable holiday option for those seeking serenity and the ultimate in privacy. From the moment explorers arrive...
Sometimes you walk into a place and it commands a presence. You think of all the people who have trodden those floorboards before you and you stand in awe. Well, at the end of Kensington High Street is a storied...
Overhearing an American congressman compare the River Thames unfavourably with the Mississippi, MP John Burns famously retorted: ‘The Mississippi is muddy water, but the River Thames is liquid history.’ This exchange happened in 1929, but the phrase ‘liquid history’ has...
During the summer, the Mediterranean Sea is arguably the sexiest place on Earth. With jet-set hotspots from Ibiza, to St. Tropez, Capri, or the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini, the hedonistic hangouts offer steamy days and sultry nights. Each...
Tucked between Belgium, France, and Germany, the oft-overlooked Luxembourg is a little country with a big spirit. It is true that it’s significantly smaller than its neighbours in the heart of Western Europe. Yet, the only remaining Grand Duchy is...
Stepping into the Ametis Villa compound feels like descending into a hot lotus soak or returning to the arms of a long-missed lover. Palatial pakarangan-style villas with open-air courtyards and private pools reside in a discreet compound in the knotted...
An unassuming staircase meets the entrance to a narrow townhouse at 164 Avenida Liberdade, Lisbon. The uncomely entrance appears as if it leads to nowhere; a perplexing and Carrollian “down the rabbit hole” moment for many a first-time visitor. The...
High in the Adelaide Hills, there lies a place where the troubles of everyday life melt away. This is the heart of South Australian wine country, with views overlooking the ripe green Piccadilly Valley. Koalas play amongst the trees, speckles...
The Ungasan is an ivory tower in the art of lofty living. Cut out of the southern Balinese jungle, pointed bamboo-coconut thatched roofs and crisp infinity pools linger on the outermost contours of Uluwatu’s limestone cliffs. They bid a final...
The Golden Gate Bridge has a twin. It is the Ponte de 25 Avril in Lisbon, a suspension bridge over 190 metres high spanning over two kilometres joining Lisbon to Caparica on the south side of the Tagus River. South...
In our increasingly globalized world, feeling connected should be easy. Yet, in the hectic pace of everyday life, it is easy to become isolated. Six Senses Resorts and Spas aims to rebuild lost connections with one’s environment, friends and family, and...
Mykonos is known for its heat, both physical and metaphorical. Here, the Mediterranean sun blankets beachgoers, grazing bare skin with the touch of its rays. Yet nowhere is it hotter than at Kenshō Ornos boutique resort. Kenshō Ornos is more...
Named after the Sanskrit for ‘peace’, Aman Resorts embraces this precept like no other. To this luxury brand, peace is more than passive enjoyment; it is a state of mind nurtured through active, authentic encounters with the cultures and traditions that...
There’s a spell that settles over all who visit Runnymede. Laying just out of reach of London’s metropolitan grip, this district is the enchanting gateway to the Thames Valley, offering precious views of pastoral England. From the Anglo-Saxon runiegmede (‘meeting...
It was Frank Lloyd Wright who once said: “Dining is and always was a great artistic opportunity,” and where better to find this artistic opportunity than on the eighth floor of Leicester Square’s honorary boutique hotel. Much true to Wright’s...
When he commissioned the creation of a Royal Observatory in 1675, King Charles II hoped that an improved study of the moon and stars would perfect navigation at sea. The architect tasked with such a mission: Sir Christopher Wren. It...
In the place where it was born, whisky is often referred to as ‘the water of life’. This is a place where the air is crisp and fresh beyond belief. The land is green and rich in resources. Plus, the...
Whether you are a true Londoner or a visitor, when looking for an escape from the noise of the city without the stress of travelling too far, The Recharge Rooms at The Laslett Hotel is just the place for you....
In the oldest part of the city of Reykjavik sits a piece of history that tells how this barren little city in Iceland became a world renown destination for travellers. This European capital offers unforgettable sights of the Northern Lights,...
A place where one could easily lose sense of time, strolling down the historical pavements of this charming European capital with a lot of heart and soul – Ljubljana. One spot, in the middle of Ljubljana, will indeed make anyone...
Remember when that new kid transferred to your school, they seemed to have it all. The clothes, the demeanour and that magnetic authenticity. It left you wondering how can I be like them, what do I have to do? Every...
Thousands of secrets have passed through the walls of palaces, many lost to history, but some have been preserved forever. The secrets of the Beau Rivage are no different. The hotel itself has never been a secret, but the walls...
It’s the most instagrammed hotel on the planet, and there’s a reason for it. The Qasr Al Sarab is a castle stretched across an ocean of sand and it really is a thing of beauty. The endless desert, disturbed only...
Snuggled above the mountainous region, far from the flurry of everyday life, there is a peaceful ambience surrounding the Alila Jabal Akhdar resort. But then again, there is something unexpected about this place, it is somewhat puzzling that what surrounds...
It’s the city that draws the world’s eyes every October Fest, but Hotel München Palace is here to prove that a stay in Munich can be special year-round. Found near the sprawling English Garden, this hotel is like a boutique garden...
In a softly-lit room at Eyja Guldsmeden Reyjkavik, white curtains flutter around a four-poster teakwood bed, a setting so serene that it could well be found in a lazy, tropical seaside resort. And yet, when you peek outside the window,...
From May until September, there is arguably not a sexier place on Earth than Mykonos. One can envision tanned bodies by poolside, a nightlife that never quits, and white surfaced respites dotting the Mediterranean coastline. A hotel that stands at...
1898 The Post Ghent is a case study in how a city’s heritage can be preserved and simultaneously reimagined. This luxury hotel in Belgium weaves a spell-binding fantasy that mixes the medieval with the industrial. Looking out at the city from...
Cambridge is widely believed to be one of the UK’s most historic cities since it is home to the University of Cambridge, the second oldest university in the world. One can even visit the grounds of the 31 colleges the...
You know you’re heading towards something special when the country roads you’ve been travelling transform into private lanes, bedecked with roaming pheasants and culminating in grand wrought-iron gates. Partially concealed by a colony of enormous trees, behind these gates stands...
Hotels often fade into the background of traveller’s memories when they go abroad since most modern hotels are decorated with similar 21st-century interior design. When recalling a past vacation, one might be more likely to remember the white bay beach...
Upon seeing The Grove Hotel for the first time, visitors might imagine they’re in a Jane Austen novel such as Emma or Sense and Sensibility. They envisage emerging from a horse-drawn carriage as they casually stroll towards a magnificent 19th-century...
From the instant one steps onto Bateaux London’s divine vessels; they’ll be set to sail on a memorable experience on the River Thames. This river cruise lets their guest dive into local culture and explore hidden gems, away from touristy...
There is something magical about being able to enjoy the luxury of a 5-star hotel as if it were your own home. Surrounded in lavish décor, being treated like royalty while relaxed enough to sit back in an armchair, feet...
In the heart of Provence, guests find themselves surrounded by a lush landscape with a hillside carved with vineyards as far as the eyes can see. A day filled with biking around the Mediterranean hillside, tasting wine grown in its...
Alaska Cruises are an unforgettable experience, and the best time to visit Alaska is during the summer season. From mid-May to mid-September the sun shines 16 to 24 hours a day. The midnight sun brings a wealth of warm weather,...
Burleigh Court is a tempting Cotswold country escape and yet his is a rural retreat with a difference. Guests and non-residents can go foraging as they acquire the knowledge to safely search for food. Discover tastes long lost to the...
An outdoor pool in central Edinburgh is a rare occurrence. And a steam room with a gigantic amethyst in the middle that helps heal the body and soul is even rarer. While most locals do not even know of its...
Dubai is a city packed with a hundred skyscrapers and striking architectural marvels, but in an area known as Wafi, the pyramid-shaped Raffles Dubai stands out amongst the bold buildings of the city. The Egyptian-themed hotel fuses Asian flair with...
Some might say London is the energetic center of England. The streets are full of people commuting to work with lattes hastily bought in hand, as they meander around packs of tourists marveling at the city’s sites. London is an...
That mystical feeling of the walls whispering stories of what used to be, what never came to light, and the love stories long lost in time and space. Some buildings carry that sense of the nostalgic past, which guests would...
As soft classical music playing in a luxurious inner courtyard soothes the soul, one cannot help but wonder how a single building can carry so much beauty. The marble floors, the gold details, the flawlessly restored walls and a 400-year-old...
It’s hard to believe that American travelers are not familiar with Madeira beyond the fortified wine bearing its name. However, generations of Europeans and British travelers have thought of it as their equivalent to Hawaii. Like our 50th state, Europe’s...
Conrad Seoul is the epitome of industrial luxury. Here, business tycoons come together to mix business with pleasure and relax among skyscrapers. In Seoul, the Yeouido Business District is famously nicknamed Asia’s “Wall Street.” Situated in the bosom of that chaos and...
True wellness is not one prescribed set of rules. Instead, it can mean so many things to different individuals. Across the UK, some of the finest hotels, resorts and retreats have recognised this and curated an array of experiences aimed...
CroisiEurope’s luxurious barge hotel cruises through the unique delta of the Camargue. The purpose-built MS Anne-Marie takes guests on a Charming Provence cruise. This is slow travel, the good life at its very best with lingering lunches and sun-bathing on...
Many of us had childhood fantasies in our youth and pondered what it was like to live in past centuries. Perhaps these musings came about during history class as we learned about long-dead kings and queens, the American Civil War,...
The ferry glides across the open sparkling water, moving further away from Drøbak’s contemporary Norwegian architecture. The islands are fast approaching. The row of enormous grey machine guns is startling at first as they peak out amongst the island’s grass...
In the beautiful county of Cornwall, stands an incredible Grade II Listed building and Parkland. We are talking about Mount Edgcumbe. World War II caused significant damage to Mount Edgcumbe, which was built in 1547. Seeing all the aspects of...
In the heart of Plymouth, stands a grand Victorian Gothic building which is The Duke Of Cornwall Hotel. The iconic Duke of Cornwall has produced a first class service for over 150 years. A place where you can stay, meet,...
What if you could have it all? A sense of belonging, elegance, sophistication, and warmth – all in one place. Or pure luxury and homeliness as a perfect balance of the space. Whatever your definition of ‘it all’ is, Paul...
It’s as if time stops for a short while, or perhaps for a weekend. This interval for your own good allows guests to focus on their mind, body, and overall health. Guests visit to escape their comfort zone for some...
Is it a hotel? A performance centre? A music library? A great restaurant? A cutting edge bar? An on-trend place to hang-out? M.Ou.Co is Porto’s Stay, Play, and Listen Music Hotel and so much more And more. No doubt that...
Paris is renowned as the city of romance, yet it is so much more complex than this myopic view. The city pulses with energy and life and, at times, runs at a manic pace. Romantic experiences are expected when we...
Most vacations are about the destination. At Torel Avantgarde in Porto, Portugal, it’s the opposite. It’s not about what the city has to offer, but what the building represents. Here, art rules supreme and the ultimate experience is found inside...
There are only officially Seven Wonders of the World. But, over time, people began to ruminate on the possibility of adding the Eighth Wonder to the list. The unofficial title is often given to buildings of great grandeur, stunning natural...
Lisbon’s only remaining Art Deco hotel, The Britania Hotel Lisbon, located close to the designer paradise of Avenida da Liberdade, provides a stylish base for exploring Portugal’s capital. The arched double front door is pure Art Deco. Black metallic rods,...
The Greek Gods weren’t kidding around when they created the Greek Islands in the Aegean Sea. The most popular among them all is Mykonos, which is having another fifteen minutes of fame. Mykonos has once again become the hotspot for...
France’s seductive lifestyle has long been a magnet for well-heeled travellers. The French have a diverse range of destinations to visit, whether you are looking to spend Summers sipping wine in vineyards in the South or Winter’s carving snow tracks...
The beauty of river cruises is that it hits that sweet spot between a pre-planned packaged vacation and one you plan yourself. Enjoy City Cruises on European Rivers. And after 18 months of COVID-19 lockdowns and uncertainty, an unplug-and-play itinerary such as such...
As Gertrude Stein said: “America is my country and Paris is my hometown”. Paris has a knack for adopting its visitors. And Maison Mere echoes this Parisian sentiment with a gracious aim to provide a ‘second home’ in every room....
One’s reposeful retreat begins well before entering Hotel du Vin and its 18th-century townhouse and contemporary extension. Its redbrick fences, white picket gates, and Georgian-columned doorways capture an element of timeless elegance. This sophistication continues within, with vintage and speakeasy-like...
Stratford-upon-Avon is synonymous with William Shakespeare, and arriving at the Arden Hotel puts guests at the centre of his life. It’s flanked by the RSC theatre; Shakespeare’s Schoolroom and Guildhall; and his final home, New Place. The rest of the...
On a cobbled courtyard square overlooking the mélange of historical and futuristic architecture that gives London its iconic landscape, sits an unassuming building in the heart of the trendy City district. You might miss it if you weren’t looking for...
The Caledonian Canal flows from Fort William on Scotland’s western Atlantic coast and through to Inverness on the North Sea. This waterway is an epic journey which provides a stunning panorama of Scottish Highlands Life. Millions of years ago two...
The Welsh have a word for a place where one feels a sense of belonging, a sort of home away from home, its draw nearly impossible to describe: cynefin. A cynefin is an ancient notion that survives today, each of...
“Throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”. If Mark Twain lived in the 21st century, there is no doubt he would have still been a cruise enthusiast....
“Negotiate a river by following its bends, enter a country by following its customs,” a Cambodian proverb tells listeners. And, at Phum Baitang, you can luxuriously immerse yourself in Cambodian customs, architecture, cuisine, and culture. Across 20 acres of native...
These are chambers turned into nests of nature. Scarred driftwood, shaven pebbles and corkscrew pinecones have been lifted from the groves and dunes of the central Portuguese shore and planted into rooms galvanised by the seacoast. A mingling between nature...
Redbrick, extensive English gardens – who needs a time capsule when Rockliffe Hall can whisk you back to 18th Century England? Whether you want to wander the 375 acres of maintained estate grounds or don your best outfit to walk...
“God made the country, and man made the town”, William Cowper famously said. And, Yorkshire locals retain Cowper’s sentiment, coining the county’s rural areas ‘God’s Own Country’. So deep is the affection for the Yorkshire countryside that much of it...
There is nothing quite like solitude for cleansing the soul. A silence that drowns out the noise, making way for a lighter consciousness. Solitude and stillness is a bounty that comes with travelling to remote locations. These places are a...
Balance, complexity and finish. For years, sommeliers have sought fine wines with harmonious components, depth of flavour and an effect which lingers on the senses. However, at the Castellani Wine Estate in Tuscany, it’s not just the produce which meets...
It is the little details at The Thyme Hotel which speak to the serenity of this English countryside escape. The crunch of gravel beneath your boots as you walk the grounds, the sight of rare-breed sheep grazing in the distance,...
There is something playful about train travel. From the moment you hop onboard, it reawakens the child in you. How can any traveler contain their youthful enthusiasm as the carriages slowly pull out of the station? There is so much...
Many of us enjoy going to somewhere unusual with a storied past. One such place in London allows guests to uncover the ultimate spy adventure. Visitors find themselves on the set of a James Bond movie. Surrounded by espionage in...
La Dolce Vita is the iconic 1960s film directed by Federico Fellini that captures the essence of the Italian phrase meaning “the sweet life.” Fast forward to today, and the sweet life can be found tucked away in a fabulous...
Built with no expense spared at the behest of Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, Royal Mansour Marrakech presents a masterpiece of Moorish-Andalusian architecture in Marrakech. To highlight and with respect to the rich culture and beauty of his Kingdom, King Mohammed...
Within the English countryside in Hampshire emerges an historic estate surrounded by acres of gardens and fields. Highclere Castle will whisk any dreamer away, transporting them to another era when art deco, jazz, and flapper dresses were at their height...
‘We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities’ – The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde. If Oscar Wilde stepped back into this place – the place he knew so well that it became his arrest spot...
A stay at Maison de la Luz invokes the feeling of having snuck into the residence of an outlandish explorer who has yet to return from their travels. That, combined with some noticeable supernatural influences and the incorporation of minimalist...
Like a boy racer’s favourite Ferrari or a puppy’s beloved ball, the Union Jack flag stands tall above the entrance of The Gore Hotel. This luxury boutique hotel is quintessentially British – and proudly so. With just 50 rooms The...
Which golfing legends have sat at that dining table in the lounge of the Sunningdale suite of the Belfry Hotel and Resort? Has Tony Jacklin, Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson plotted their strategy for the next day of competition at...
Marrying together every rustic element of the jungle with a chic, modern twist – Kanan Hotel is a marvel of interior design and architecture. Walking into Kanan, guests are met with a hidden tunnel entrance. The winding corridors are set...
Croatia’s is a destination well known for its picturesque coastline of crystalline waters, warming sun, quaint seaside villages and the embracing splash of the Adriatic Sea. To the west of Split, further down this bend of coastline, you will find...
The Hellenic white and blues of the Greek flag have been interpreted to represent the colours of the land and sea, the nine stripes also said to symbolize the nine muses with the blue canton on the upper left-side bearing...
Despite living under the shadow of Kruger National Park and Cape Town for years, The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s overlooked journeys. In fact, the coastal route has far more to offer travelers. From mind-boggling scenery to the...
Benjamin Disraeli stayed here, and William Shakespeare visited too. Since the Roman times, when a villa sat on the banks of Warwickshire’s River Stour, the various incarnations of Ettington Park’s houses have welcomed the great and the good. Today, however,...
Waking to the sound of tumbling waves and the soft brushing of palm leaves in the wind is something that can never be tired of. The heat of the morning sun warms the sand and sea each day, setting the...
There’s nothing like a summer road trip. Where the sun beams down, warming your exposed nape, wind blowing through your hair. Blaring through the speakers is Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered the theme song of the California Highway One, in...
There is something special in the air of Bali. Maybe it is the humidity, hot from the sun and sticky from an afternoon of rain, or perhaps its being surrounded by nature with the smell of frangipani and sandalwood incense...
Azure waters, palm trees, white sandy beaches and coconut rum. The archipelago paradise of the Caribbean is home to an array of breath-taking isles, stretching over 100 square miles of sea. There’s a reason the Caribbean is the destination of...
This is tinsel town and a place where dreams come true. Not far away from the Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Strip are two gleaming towers, that almost touch the clouds as they cast their long shadow over a nearby movie...
River cruising, particularly in Europe, offers the pursuit of human enlightenment from new experiences with nature and culture. Aboard Viking River Cruise’s route down the Elbe, guests feel the anticipation of seeing historic places as part of their extensive array...
The word ‘hall’ conjures images of grand fireplaces, where roaring flames transform sturdy logs into dancing ribbons of light. A comparable scene awaits you at Askham Hall. Its vast drawing room is bathed in orange hues from the fireplace and...
The idea of staying in a castle can seem like a distant, unattainable dream. Their monumental facades are as beguiling as their checkered histories, royal owners and sumptuous interior designs. However, castles are often dismissed as a relic of the...
Sat with a sundowner overlooking the Andaman Sea and looking forward to a frame of billiards and dinner in Planter’s chandeliered restaurant, guests at The Danna may feel that they might have slotted seamlessly into Langkawi life a century or...
Once, having a family meant waving goodbye to luxury travel – yet seeing the world is one of the most powerful ways to meaningfully educate children. So, what if there is a way that parents who want luxury travel with kids...
It’s Big Sky country, with air so clear you can see for a hundred miles. In a picturesque valley, golden grasses swirl like brushstrokes and the Ponderosa pines paint patterns in the sky. This land appears wild, untouched but for...
The cathedral bells chime the hour along Summit Avenue, a stretch of stately mansions in brownstone and brick – relics of the Guilded Age. Here one will find the best view of St. Paul, Minnesota, where each day waxes poetically in a...
Following from part one of our ‘Top 10 Hidden Luxury Glamping retreats’ comes five more exceptional stays. Each and every location is completely unique – from the landscape and surroundings to the design of the bedrooms and what the retreat has to...
With the selection of the right property, a quick jaunt to tried-and-true beach destination Cancun is a fine antidote to the cabin fever you experienced last year. Although face masks and hand sanitizer will accompany swimwear, chic cover-ups and sunscreen...
When dreaming of a luxury escape, we are naturally drawn to picturesque beach resorts; chalets covered by snow and surrounded by crisp mountain air; or a bustling city filled with incredible sights to see, and all of the fine cuisines...
Here are two things that are indisputably true: 2020 was tough, and you deserve a break. As we venture further into 2021, the annual cries of ‘new year, new me’ are beginning to fade, and the determined conviction (with which you...
As city breaks go, you can’t go wrong with choosing Athens as your European destination. Aside from the ancient sites such as the world-famous Acropolis and Hadrian’s Arch, you can watch the changing of the Greek Parliament Guards – on...
Escaping from the whirl of life into the sublime warm waters and luxury of the Bunaken Oasis Dive in North Sulawesi is pure unadulterated bliss, and an experience not to be missed. If seeking adventure with unparalleled five-star service, ethical...
The wind rustling through papyrus thickets sounds like crinkling paper. Ships wander down the languid Nile in rows, their white sails translucent in the fierce sun. Large beetles, glossy like gemstones, buzz drunkenly through the air, thick with the dust...
Walking a line between grand Victorian mansion and light contemporary, Hampton Manor reinvents the classic country house break. Warmly informal, in fact they have even picked up a Michelin award for their welcome, the hosting Hill family tell a story...
Despite paying homage to the Bard, like almost every hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon, and maintaining the elegance of the IHG brand, The Crowne Plaza Hotel has managed to establish an identity of its own – one with a chic yet homely...
The seaside town of Plettenberg Bay (Plett) is situated on South Africa’s most famous road trip route – the Garden Route. Known for its beautiful beaches and pristine natural surroundings, Plettenberg Bay has much to offer visitors. As a result,...
From delving deep through the Okavango Delta to hiking the Tiger’s Nest nestled on the cliff faced mountains of Bhutan; AndBeyond offers some of the most unique experiences, whilst caring for and supporting the communities they bring business to. A...
Architects were the latest shiny new profession in the 1840s. Designing Westbourne Terrace, in semi-rural West London, gave them the chance to show off their skills. And they weren’t going to let the Westbourne River limit their aspirations. The tributary...
A romantic destination conjures images of an isolated tropical island where natural beauty and seclusion know no bounds. In the Maldives, there are 1,200 of them in a chain, all less than one metre high and only a couple of...
London weekenders make their way along Brighton’s bustling beach-side promenade, passing sunbathing coeds, runners and dog walkers, and fearless swimmers bracing the English Channel. Further west, the clatter of Brighton fades, leaving only the sounds of the waves and squawking...
Greece is known for her Hellenic white and blues of the flag representing the land and sea, respectively. And yet travel through the mainland and you will experience so much more; pine-clad forests, olive groves and ancient Byzantine villages. One such...
The demise of the British pub has been greatly exaggerated. In Ellastone, Staffordshire, The Duncombe Arms has stylishly risen from the rubble to be more than just a pub. It’s a restaurant with a Michelin Bib Gourmand, a tasteful boutique...
Like taking a step into a fairy-tale, the beauty encapsulated by Prague merges gothic architecture with magical views, a city steeped in history and charm. Every corner amazes with mystery and enchantment, from the majesty of Prague Castle to David...
When you think about fire, words like destruction and devastation come to mind, but also, resilience. Fire can burn for hours on end, to destroy everything in its path, yet it also makes things stronger and more beautiful. In the...
Some travelers head to Switzerland for skiing, mountaineering and outdoor adventure, while others come for idyllic scenery, hearty cuisine, history and culture. Given that Switzerland’s spas intersect all of these realms, an itinerary without a spa visit, or stay at...
Step into the eighteenth-century at Middlethorpe Hall Hotel and Spa and live like the lords and ladies of a lost era. As the porter, with green and gold-braided uniform, takes your luggage, you’ll feel as if a title of nobility...
Needless to say, there are countless holiday choices for the well-heeled traveler. Japan is a destination that offers something unique with a rich culture built on thousands of years tradition and where brave samurai and beautiful geishas capture our imagination. Japan offers...
Immerse yourself amongst the serene waves, the breath-taking views across the horizon, and the freedom of the wind around you, all from the privacy and intimacy aboard a river cruiseship. Experience a whole host of cultures amidst different destinations, whilst...
Once described as a giant’s stepping-stones to England, the Scilly Isles sit some 30 miles south west of Lands End. So, Hell Bay Hotel, on the tiny island of Bryher which is a mere mile long and just half a...
Nowadays, travellers are tired of staying in glamorous resorts in urban settings comprised of standard horizons and impersonal atmospheres. It’s no secret that the great outdoors heals, calms and rejuvenates the mind, body and soul. Many are looking for this realignment...
There are certain destinations that are shrouded in mystery, fraught with hints of danger, and so exotic that to explore them requires one to muster their innermost fortitude. Such a place is the Peruvian Amazon, with 1,000 species of ancient...
There is a grand vision to Riad Spice, a luxuriously spacious ten-room boutique hotel hidden amongst the labyrinthine ochre derbs of Marrakech’s Médina. The three-storey house, dating from the early 1600s, is both a place for self-indulgence and a chance...
For years, the thought of European river cruising seemed more like a summer activity, walking cobblestone streets under an azure sky, exploring historic ruins, vineyards, and going on truffle hunts. But now the winter cruise has become quite popular, due...
Gliding across the silky Amazonian waters, the Aria Amazon looks like something from a dystopian film – a dark, sleek machine, built with large slabs of glass reflecting the shimmering glint of the tropical sun, as it cruises amongst the...
Nothing says summer in the Hamptons more than a chilled glass of rose. This refreshing drink rests in the sun-kissed hands of New York City residents on their escape from the densely populated streets of Manhattan to the fruitful vineyards...
Indonesia. The name itself conjures images of dancers clad in sumptuous gold colours compounded with the most vibrant and energetic blues, greens and pinks. Fleeting pictures of exquisite temples, dense forests, soft powdered beaches with transparent turquoise sea and mountainous...
Stari Grad town is home to the newest boutique resort on the Croatian island of Hvar, the five-star Maslina Resort. The island is known for yachts which fill its harbors in the summer, a robust nightlife and lively bars as...
If your tropical fantasy consists of sugary-white beaches, swaying palms, and pristine water, look no further than Ko Samui, located in the Gulf of Thailand. Nestled on its own private bay, Tongsai Bay is a holistic luxury eco-retreat and sustainable...
Ireland is one of the most visibly stunning places on earth. Away from the cities, there are endless miles of rolling green hills, farmlands dotted with grazing cows and sheep, pretty little quaint villages with colorful row houses, and those...
There are a handful of destinations in this world – from the Great Wall of China to the Banaue Rice Terraces of the Philippines – that evoke a profound sense of wonder, inquiry and euphoria. Surpassing perhaps even these, are...
There’s a mild obsession that most have with castles. Perhaps it’s those Robin Hood and King Arthur tales from our childhood or for a bride dreaming of her fairytale wedding in a castle and to feel like a princess for...
“Glass of Champagne?” asked the British Airways lady as I settled into my seat. It was only breakfast time, but it seemed impolite to say no. After a highly efficient meet and greet service at London’s Gatwick Airport, I was...
The sky illuminates with orange, violet, and pink hues. On the steep caldera cliffs, blue domed chapels and chalky white buildings take on a romantic glow. Then, the sun disappears slowly underneath the water. Such sunsets are discoverable on the...
Spain, France and Italy are an unrivalled trio, famed for being holiday destinations of romance, cuisine and sightseeing. From the Eiffel Tower to the Pantheon, there are numerous wonders to behold, but with hundreds of thousands flocking every year, they...
Thousands of years ago, volcanic eruptions blanketed the lands of Cappadocia with thick, black ash. This ash then formed the solid rock that has now evolved into beautiful caves, and unique geological formations. Since before Biblical times, residents tunnelled into...
The natural beauty of Ireland is only enhanced by that warm Irish hospitality that the country is known for. Ireland is a lush green gem that makes up for its small size with plenty of spirit. Whether one prefers bustling...
Deep in the North Devon countryside, at Chittlehamholt, Highbullen Hotel, Golf and Country Club recalls the height of William Morris’s Arts and Crafts movement. When you have entered the Neo-Gothic mansion, completed in 1879, with its steep gables and plentiful...
When money is no object, we can be unbound in our pursuit of ways to enjoy life. Today, not even a flight to outer space is beyond our reach. When this ability is applied to creating a resort, you’ll most...
Civilisation is gone and, in its place, enchanting sceneries of vivacious green mountains, hollows of mahogany brown and oceans of sapphire blue command the eye. There’s certainly nowhere in the world that has such evocative landscape as Scotland. But this...
In the tranquil waters of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea lies Greece’s largest island and the birthplace of Zeus, the mythical King of the Greek Gods. This is Crete, or ‘Kriti’, as the Greeks call it. Crete boasts many breath-taking cities...
There is not a cloud in sight. The sun shines through tall palm trees swaying in the warm salty breeze. The beach waves hush as they meet the sand and retract back into the Pacific Ocean. All is quiet. Only...
Surrey is known for its outstanding natural beauty, from seventeenth-century manor houses to the captivating Surrey Hills. The county has left a lasting impression on its visitors for hundreds of years and has been a source of inspiration for novelists...
For the well-travelled, adventures to a remote South Pacific Island will always be worth searching for. The cool breeze blowing off from the sea onto warm white sands; the tweeting of exotic birds and hum of insects; and the rays...
“A lioness is living under the bridge at the moment,” says our guide as he slowly manoeuvres the grumbling four-wheel drive onto an expanse of interconnected logs designed to span a sizeable lagoon. At first, I think he’s joking and...
Paradise. That’s the word that immediately comes to mind when one thinks of the beauty and serenity of the Maldives. A literal paradise of pristine white sand, characteristic isolated huts on stilts above the crystal clear waters, the abundance of...
As the sun sets over the tall dunes of the Sahara Desert, sending beams of light bouncing off the golden sand, guests travel by camel’s back down to their luxurious camp for the night. The feeling of the warm sand...
In or out? The answer isn’t immediately clear. Dusk is approaching as we’re making our way through one of Australia’s premier luxury resorts. There, just off the trail, is a bare-nosed wombat. When the faint-hearted marsupial spots us, he holds...
When we think about a holiday in the Mediterranean, we think of that golden sun like nowhere else in the world, the crystal clear cerulean blue seas, and perhaps a nearby seaside village with friendly locals and a seafood dinner...
I first heard of Raja Ampat from a diving buddy of mine. It was one of those destinations whispered by avid scuba divers over a few cold beers, its mention so often followed by a moment of silent wonder and...
Amongst the 9,500 alleys of Fez’s labyrinthine Médina resides the luxurious Palais Amani, an 18 room boutique riad. A welcome of chilled flannel, iced lemonade and crisp biscotti epitomises the Palais’ invitation to relax into Fez life. Arabic calligraphy courses,...
Seasoned travellers are typically globe trotters who know the importance of having an unforgettable experience in the places they’ve visited. As such they realize their part in the process which is to leave these places unspoilt for the traveller that...
Mr & Mrs Smith is a preeminent curated collection of international luxury hotels. What has become one of the most respected luxury traveller’s bibles, began in 2003 when two lovers of travel and adventure sought to create a reference for...
About an hour’s drive southwest of London in bucolic Surrey Hills is where you’ll find a quaint little town Godalming and the Hambledon’s Merry Harriers pub. Step over the threshold of the 17th century tavern and into a time warp...
Many of us have daydreamed of heading to the northern frontier in search of a winter fantasy land. To live like the Vikings, surrounded by untouched nature, with crisp Nordic air filling our lungs. Exploring the frozen tundra, where towering...
France is a region known for doing things well. Where luxury is a word that applies to their fashion, lifestyle and of course the best in food and wine. Viking River Cruises takes guests on an eight day journey into...
Getting to Treetops Lodge & Estate, one of New Zealand’s original luxury lodges, takes some serious faith in one’s GPS. After a three-hour drive from Auckland, I follow the purple line on the screen intently as the route descends deeper...
There’s a reason the Ionian island of Paxos attracts the well-to-do and an A-list crowd: it’s remote, the azure seas rival that of the Caribbean and people generally leave you alone. It’s an island that exudes that famous Greek philoxenia...
In the evening, along Melbourne’s Yarra River boardwalk, eight pillars shoot massive fireballs high into the sky. Every hour these brilliant meteor-like flashes reflect off the downtown waterfront skyscrapers as well as the river itself and can be seen from...
Melbourne is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with a skyline of towering shiny buildings, a swanky art scene and a diverse culture that adds and undeniable flavor to the city. The winding Yarra River that cuts through the city and down...
Lugano is a beguiling lakeside city surrounded by the majestic mountains and is sure to take your breath away. It’s a love at first sight kind of place where the wealthy like to hide, yet is not too far away...
Budapest is one of Europe’s most vibrant and pulsating cities. Hungary’s capital city could not be more beautiful with decadent art nouveau, barouche, Gothic, Renaissance buildings, ornate monuments, and museum quality outdoor sculptures at every turn. The culture has been...
You can find yourself – or you can lose yourself. Deep in the Langkawi jungle, Ambong Pool Villas is a serene Malaysian rainforest retreat, a creation of just nine idyllic villas hidden away at Teluk Baru. A lanai of a...
So, you want to get away from it all? How does a luxurious beach lodge on a small island in the middle of Lake Malawi sound? Welcome to the serial award-winning Kaya Mawa on Likoma Island. ‘Kaya mawa’, incidentally, means...
Today, Hartwell House is a luxury hotel that does the past with a regal service and tasteful immaculate decor that didn’t always exist in the 19th century. Not even for kings. Not even when three of them resided in this...
While most people enjoying a beach escape in Tanzania will flock to the white sands of Zanzibar, there is much to be said for remaining on the mainland – where long stretches of unspoiled beaches more than rival their illustrious...
An ostrich, stuffed but still looking quite pleased with life, keeps an eye on guests in Paschoe House’s Library Bar. This is a boutique luxury hotel – in an rural emerald corner of Devon – far distant from the ostrich’s...
Tintswalo Safari Lodge is a special place with an atmosphere, unlike any other game lodge. From the moment guests arrive, usually greeted by the local herd of elephants having a drink in front of the deck, they are swept into...
“In fourteen hundred and ninety two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue”, runs the traditional poem. It was in December of that year that Christopher Columbus set foot on the island now known as Hispaniola, today shared by two nations, Haiti...
Bali is an island with several destinations from the spiritual mecca and dense jungles of Ubud to the incredible rocky cliffs and endless horizon views of Uluwatu in the south. Those seeking the hectic pace of night clubs and beach...
Like a well-tuned chorus, the railways band, resplendent in its crisp, military-style uniform, strikes up as the towering red locomotive of the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express wheezes its way into Moscow’s Kazansky Railway Station. It’s nothing if not impressive, nine...
From the vast picture windows in spacious cabins, passengers see a panorama of the Danube’s history: hill-top castles, medieval monasteries, the Visegrád mountains and centuries old vineyards. But bin that romantic cliche of the “Blue” Danube. That was pure poetic...
It’s that magical moment between day and night, when the sun puts on an awe-inspiring encore while the inky darkness of night swallows up its stage. Far below, another performance is being enjoyed by guests of a sleek superyacht; a...
When Richard Branson puts his name on something, everyone knows that it will be exceptional. That is exactly what can be said of his two private luxury game lodges, Ulusaba Rock Lodge and Ulusaba Safari Lodge. Ulusaba is located within...
The traditional English pub, sophisticated Côte d’Azur living and New England vibes coalesce stylishly at the Cary Arms and Spa at Babbacombe, Devon. This is an idyllic spot on the red cliffs, turquoise sea English Riviera. Palm trees, pods of...
Looking along Scotland’s Golf Coast from the Fairmont St Andrews Hotel there is a momentous sense of history. Long ago shepherds hand-crafted their wooden clubs to hack a ball over the fast-draining smooth sheep-grazed turf. Perhaps those shepherds looked up...
When most think of a beach holiday, a Caribbean Island, the Mediterranean Sea or perhaps drinking a fruity cocktail the swaying palm trees in the Maldives comes to mind. The polar opposite would be the Middle East which would conjure...
Golf courses are like people. Each has it’s own character. Some are affable and attractive. Others mean and vindictive. A golf course is often as much a psychological profile of its designer as 18 holes in the ground. The Dom...
How would you feel if you were given the Byron Suite at the Nutfield Priory Hotel and Spa, a Hotel sat in 12 acres of glorious grounds, overlooking the mature beech and ash trees of the extensive Surrey Downs? Would...
There’s a flamingo in the bathroom. No, not a real one. He or she is about a metre tall, plaster-cast, eyeing the flamboyant Belle Époque gold fittings – and just about to get down to some serious preening. This is...
“In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight”, or so the popular song goes, only at Jamala Wildlife Lodge the lions often don’t sleep when you do, and when they do, you all but share a bed with...
Domaine de Perches, the ultimate restoration project, a 17th Century wine Chateau gloriously reborn, is everyone’s dream home. There is a welcoming grandeur to the light filled drawing rooms, an enviable elegance to the decor. From the decking by the...
A beautiful young Indonesian woman approaches with a large basket tray supported by a neck strap and says “Would you like Jamu today?” Her smile brightens the day as she describes the Indonesian tradition of drinking health tonics to start...
For those who love to cruise, there’s no better vacation out there. To experience several exciting destinations without arranging it yourself or repacking with each move makes cruises the ultimate hassle free holiday. The Celebrity Edge has taken the art...
Sherborne is the perfect retreat for a short-break or a side trip from London. A quiet market town of golden sandstone and timbers, with a magnificent Abbey, it frequently featured in Thomas Hardy’s Wessex. As a reminder of those 19th...
!Xaus Lodge, with the poetic address of Sand Dune 91, is beyond off-grid, beyond digital detox remote. Baking in the heart of South Africa’s vast Kalahari Desert, !Xaus provides the opportunity to get to know an arid landscape intimately. That...
Located near a small fishing village on the north coast of Mauritius, LUX* Grand Gaube is the ultimate luxury destination. The property is on a secluded peninsula that has a number of heavenly hidden coves for guests to enjoy. From...
Located in Northern Thailand, the Four Seasons Golden Triangle property is spread over 400 verdant acres on a hillside along the country’s and Myanmar’s borders. The Golden Triangle – whose region derives its name from the confluence of Laos, Myanmar...
To have designed 22 churches, three cathedrals, three convents and a plethora of other buildings by the time you are 30, you must be a man on a mission. Remember, back in the 19th Century, that would all have been...
The Douro, Portugal’s famous River of Gold, starts its westward journey to the sea in France, crossing into Portugal at Barca d’Alva. From there it flow another 125 miles until it reaches the Atlantic at the historic city of Porto,...
With summer drawing to a close in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s easy to start feeling anxious about the beginning of the dark depths of winter. And if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, you’re obviously in the depths of above mentioned...
Even Tiger Woods might have seen this as an Instagram opportunity. Taking a putt on a green dusted with occasional spots of icing-sugar white sand, a back-drop of wind-swept palm trees and blue ocean luminescence. This is golf, on Egypt’s...
“17 lions, 2 leopards and more giraffes than you can shake a stick at,” said a middle-aged sunburnt man in Jo’burg departures. With all the naive enthusiasm of a schoolboy playing Top Trumps, he showed off his safari scorebook to...
Most of us have dreamed of a holiday on a sailing yacht with the wind in the sails and our hair as we travel through crystal blue seas to arrive at a private island. This if often where you’ll see...
Along a tony street of fine 18th century Georgian homes in the posh and stately area of Georgian Dublin, there is a doorman in a green suit with a top hat and tail. Fashionable guests come and go with some...
Jetsetters know where to find the next hip scene and for 18 years the Buddha-Bar has been such a place. Whether it’s their entrancing electro-ethnic lounge music or their uber-cool restaurants around the world, Buddha-Bar is known for creating an...
Bali. The word is synonymous with a place of utter peace and tranquility, beautiful beaches, and the place to literally get away from it all. Bali is large island with many areas offering a completely different holiday. From Ubud’s tropical...
Norway is a country of cosmopolitan centers, snowcapped mountain villages, and hundreds of coastal towns along the Norwegian Sea. There is a steady flow of Norwegian and international travelers to Larvik, a quaint port town a few hours south of...
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most beguiling cities. It’s known for its liberal lifestyle as well as a place of rich history, culture, nightlife and culinary scene. The idea of taking a boat through centuries-old canals or strolling on cobblestone...
Italy has so much to offer travelers from its stunning Roman cities steeped in millenniums of history, museums filled with countless treasures, and outdoor piazzas with mesmerizing statues. Italy is a mecca for devotees of wine and culinary experiences and...
Inspired by its beautiful surroundings, Singita Boulders Lodge is set along the banks of the Sand River in Singita’s privately owned reserve within the Sabi Sand Reserve. Singita Boulders Lodge assists with travel to and from the Lodge as they...
When we think of gourmet food and fine wine, most will instantly think of France. And when we think of where to find the finest wine in France is of course Bordeaux. It was Napoleon III, who first organized the...
With a keen sense of its history and a vision to preserve the future, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve is ecologically and geographically integrated with the Greater Kruger National Park. Situated within one of the oldest and largest proclaimed private...
With summer drawing to a close in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s easy to start feeling anxious about the beginning of the dark depths of winter. And if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, you’re obviously in the depths of above mentioned...
In the evening, along Melbourne’s Yarra River boardwalk, eight pillars shoot massive fireballs high into the sky. Every hour these brilliant meteor-like flashes reflect off the downtown waterfront’s skyscrapers as well as the river itself and can be seen from...
For those who have never been to Dubai, you are somewhat behind the times on your international travel must-do list. Over the past few decades, it has gone from an exotic destination only for the Avant-garde to one of the...
France is a region known for doing things well. Where luxury is a word that applies to their fashion, lifestyle, and of course the best in food and wine. Viking River Cruises takes guests on an eight-day journey into the...
In Belfast Ireland, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim Coastline is where you’ll find The Culloden estate. This palatial estate with a rich history dating back to 1876 when it was originally built for the Bishop of Down. Today...
185 years ago, Arthur Hardy, a wealthy businessman and bon vivant decided to create a summer estate where he could leave the smothering heat of Australia’s Adelaide city for the cooler atmosphere on top of the nearby mountains overlooking the...
