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. […]

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 […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

It is ten in the morning at Seljalandsfoss, and the car park is full. Coaches are arriving in sequence. A queue has formed along the path that leads behind the waterfall — the shot everyone came for — and the mist rising off the cascade has turned the ground into a mud slick that claims […]

If you collect Avios in the UK, chances are you mainly redeem them through British Airways. But there’s a lesser-known way to use your points, that comes with its own set of perks: booking Iberia reward flights. For many experienced points collectors, Iberia isn’t just an alternative. It’s a part of their core strategy. This […]

Windstar Cruises are for travellers who love the romance of the sea, who seek leisurely small ship exploration that is intimate and personal.  With small ships, distinctive itineraries and a relaxed yacht-style atmosphere, sailing with Windstar feels closer to a private voyage than a typical cruise. The fleet is expanding too; Star Seeker launched at the […]

Tucked away, in the greater Serengeti ecosystem, lies a slice of pure safari magic. Right at the banks of the Grumeti river you’ll find the stunning andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, a 10-suite luxury safari retreat that is widely regarded as one of the finest in Tanzania. Reason enough to check it out and see […]

With the Easter bank holiday just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about that first big getaway of the year. If your idea of a long weekend involves more passport stamps and scenic road trips than just hunting for chocolate in the garden, you’re in the right place. We’ve handpicked a […]

Treat yourself to the Mykonos waterfront view experience: illuminated sunrises, seductive sunsets, and captivating views of nearby Greek isles. While the typical tourist relies on beachfront restaurants and sea view beach clubs for these views, the most exclusive waterfront views are reserved for the lucky guests who get a chance to stay in one of […]