There is a particular kind of panic that every seasoned traveller knows. You are somewhere far from home, you need to access a booking confirmation or contact your bank, and something’s not working the way it should. Now add a compromised email account to that scenario and the panic becomes something considerably more serious. Email […]
Wanting a Last-Minute Holiday to Escape the Doom & Gloom? Here are Some Great Destinations
Given the state of the world (or, rather, the picture of it that you might glean from the news media), it’s easy to feel downcast. If the pressures of social media, work-related stress, and the weather are conspiring to wear you down, then it might be time to book a trip. Last-minute holiday packages can […]
Choosing your location in the Balearic Islands: A short guide to Mallorca and Ibiza
Planning your vacation to the Balearic Islands? This Spanish archipelago of four islands is very diverse. It’s where beach towns meet mountain villages, modern villas overlook historical landmarks, and a world-renowned party reputation that’s only eclipsed by the scenic sunsets. With so much to offer, choosing where you stay on Mallorca and Ibiza can influence […]
Ancient African rock art at Bushman’s Kloof in South Africa
Early one morning, five of us climbed aboard a safari vehicle and headed into the Bushman’s Kloof wilderness of the Cederberg Mountains in South Africa’s Western Cape. This was not, however, a safari in the usual sense. We had no expectations of seeing lions, elephants, giraffes, or any of the other fabled African game animals. […]
Review: Lord of the Highlands with Hebridean Island Cruises
Caledonian Springtime on the Lord of the Highlands, with Hebridean Island Cruises, is a unique cruise. It sails the high seas from Oban to the Hebridean islands of Mull and Iona before heading inland through the Caledonian Canal to Inverness. Dark wood, plush carpets and flashes of tartan give a country house feel to the 19-cabin […]
Autumn in Wānaka: New Zealand’s best-kept secret
The poplar trees that line the fence rows and creek beds of the Wānaka basin were planted for practical reasons: erosion control, shelter, farm boundaries. Yet every April, they turn a shade of gold that stops visitors in their tracks, provides a sense of familiar knowing for locals and draws photographers and selfie takers alike. […]
Why Ziplining Is the Perfect Aerial Adventure for Thrill Seekers
Oahu, Hawaii, has a way of making adventure feel bigger the moment you look beyond the shoreline. The island’s dramatic greenery, open skies, and sweeping views create the perfect setting for experiences that lift you out of the ordinary. For thrill seekers, that sense of height and motion adds something special to a day outdoors. […]
Our vegan Business Class experience with Vietnam Airlines
When planning our trip to Seoul, we decided on flying with Vietnam Airlines, allowing us to enjoy a city stopover in Ho Chi Minh City on the way home. Having never flown in the premium cabins with Vietnam Airlines, we were excited for a new experience, but of course also interested to see how they […]
The most sought-after destinations for your 2026 luxury villa holiday
There is something genuinely pleasurable about planning a trip well in advance. The anticipation builds slowly and satisfyingly — the research, the narrowing down, the moment when a destination stops being a possibility and starts feeling inevitable. For those already thinking about 2026, that process is well underway, and the destinations rising to the top […]
The new cultural luxury: Art, design and makers over attractions in New Zealand
What gives a place its identity? A few years ago, while hosting a couple from the US for Aroha Luxury New Zealand Tours, I took them to see a glassblower in Whanganui; it wasn’t on their itinerary, but it happened to be on the main route we were following. I had a sense that they […]
Spring Spa Trail Escape returns to Gilpin Lake House, Lake District
This Spring, Gilpin Hotel & Lake House – soon to be reviewed on A Luxury Travel Blog – has announced the return of its much-loved Spring Spa Trail Escape, reintroduced with a special introductory price for April 2026, from £673 per room, saving £100. Designed as a deeply restorative countryside retreat, the experience invites guests […]
Luxury villa stays versus luxury hotels: A value comparison
With the boom in popularity for the short-term rental market, the debate stands: should you choose a villa rental or a hotel? Private villas around the world are more accessible than ever for luxury travelers seeking that once-in-a-lifetime stay for hosting big groups. Opting for a short-term private villa rental rather than a luxury hotel […]
Dressing With Confidence: More Than Just an Outfit
Fashion is often framed as something seasonal and fast-moving — a rotation of trends to follow and discard — but when you look at it through the lens of travel, its meaning shifts entirely. Style becomes less about keeping up and more about how you move through the world. The right outfit doesn’t just look […]
The Unexpected Side of Thailand That Most Travel Guides Ignore
When you think of Thailand, your mind probably jumps straight to the neon lights of Bangkok or the turquoise waters of Phuket. Most travel guides tell you to eat Pad Thai at a night market, take a selfie with an elephant, and visit a golden temple. While those are great, they only scratch the surface. […]
Top 5 off-the-beaten-track wildlife experiences in Latin America
Finally, Latin America’s wildlife credentials seem to be getting their due. Rich with striking landscapes and astonishingly diverse biomes (sometimes within a single country!) Latin America can offer exceptional wildlife encounters on par with anything travellers might expect on an African safari. But beyond the obvious destinations of the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon rainforest, and […]