Luxury Travel

Most of all, a 60ft Infinity pool, fabulous spa, championship-designed golfing facility, and private beach complete the picture of this serene resort. Bespoke crafted furniture, marble bathrooms, private terraces, and heavenly views creatively blend with sophisticated in-room sound and entertainment systems and wi-fi. You can enjoy gourmet dining in the beautiful dining area of Vistamare restaurant or on a lovely terrace overlooking the Italian Riviera. Privateupgrades is a global luxury travel club with over 20 years of experience in luxury hotels, ensuring exclusive VIP privileges like upgrades, free breakfast, free nights, rate discounts, free airport transfers, free massages and much more.

The only lodge on the Napo River located within the Yasuni National Park, this scenic lakeside eco-lodge that’s owned and managed by the local Añangu Kichwa indigenous community. Designed for the physically active eco-adventure traveler seeking close contact with the unique natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands – while enjoying the highest level of comfort and services in a remote, eco-sensitive location – the Pikaia Lodge promises an ideal stay in the enchanting Galapagos Islands. Located near the center of Santa Cruz Island, itself in the center of the Galapagos archipelago, the lodge is situated on 31 hectares of property that rise to 450 meters above sea level – a transition zone that provides panoramic views of the surrounding sunny, arid savanna and the lush tropical mist forest of the volcanic highlands. Due to this central location in the archipelago, the lodge is close to, secluded white sandy beaches and wildlife sites of the most interesting islands of the Galapagos, thus making it the perfect jumping-off point for daily land and sea tours on the lodge’s private yacht.

A journey through Costa Rica can not be without a visit to the Monteverde cloud forest, via suspension bridges of up to 35 meters high or abseiling via cables from platform to platform, this is a unique way to see the various animals of this park high in the trees. The protected Corcovado located there is not only one of the country’s most important national parks because of its size and diversity of flora and fauna, Isla Caño in Corcovado Bay is also a fantastic diving destination. When we think of Panama, we first of all think of vibrant Panama-City and the famous canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and is one of the most important waterways in the world. The backbone of the country is formed by cloud forest covered mountain ranges where some of the world’s best hotspots for birdwatchers are located and where a rich fauna can be discovered.

Here are a few of the best places to sleep under the stars in Kenya: As part of Segera Retreat in the heart of the Laikipia Plateau in central Kenya is their one-of-a-kind Bird Nest. At night, the birds nest will be lit up by candlelight and lanterns, and as you are escorted to the nest, you will enjoy views of the Laikipia plains, along with the star-lit sky. The Birds Nest is part of a larger conservation project called the Zeitz Foundation and your stay here is donated towards the land conservation and wildlife protection programs in this area of central Kenya. Located in its own private conservancy in the Masai Mara Greater Reserve in Kenya is an iconic camp named Cottars.

Casual Pub food at Cougar Point, Southern BBQ at Osprey Point, Italian at Turtle Point and local fish and seafood at The Ocean Course; but there are also several delicious options on-property at The Sanctuary. Relax and unwind by the pools or on the beach; rent a bicycle to enjoy miles of trails around the island; visit the world-class tennis facilities, get adventurous on a paddleboard or kayak; check out one of the many nature walks and adventures; setup a fishing trip or inquire about the yoga classes and other wellness options. Where to Eat: The Sea Pines Resort loves that they have more than 20 dining options to accommodate all their guests, and I tend to agree that there’s certainly something for everyone. Heron Point by Pete Dye has been designed to provide every level of golfer a challenge thanks to seven different tee boxes, while also being simply a beautiful experience among the natural environments that make The Sea Pines Resort so special.

St Catherine’s Island, or Ynys Catrin, to give it its Welsh name, is a small tidal island, set upon the sloping bay of Tenby Castle Beach. The island’s fortunes over the years have always been a matter of subjectivity, but one order or another, has typically always occupied the island, creating a very spiritual place to visit, as well as a holy one for many to make regular pilgrimages. And around 100 years ago, without the modern conveniences of regular boats to and from the island, local farmers were forced to swim their herds of cattle across the short stretch of water and land them on Castle Beach in Tenby, and then drive them up into the town to the local market. In 2018, the New York Times ran a September article, which featured a large editorial on the Ironman Wales event that had taken place just a few weeks prior, entitled ‘Iron Town’ in reference to Tenby’s ferocious support of this Welsh leg of a global sporting event.

The most beautiful, Veli Žal, rightly claiming blue flag status, is located in the bay of Suncana Uvala (Sunny Bay) with a promenade above the beach leading to shaded areas strewn with pine trees and ideal for relaxation. Outside the town, beautiful Kalifront Forest is the largest on the island and has protected status, while the famous sands at Paradise Beach are ideal for families with children. Between the main coast and the long and wild island of Kornat, discover a beautifully protected stretch of water where picture-perfect anchorages are strewn amongst an array of idyllic bays. A charter in Croatia on board SEAGULL II is an exceptional experience – wake up to a new view every day and visit secluded bays and private beaches that are exclusively accessible from the water.

They even have their own vegetable garden which isn’t a standard on every tropical island, not to mention the special kids menu which features some of the best food I’ve seen in a very long time. Safaris and family travel go hand in hand, as only few things in life will disconnect you more from the real world than being with your family in the middle of a wildlife reserve. Maybe a game of four-ball at the golf course is the perfect way to settle once and for all who’s the best in the family, or some horse riding in the stunning landscape surrounding this luxurious hotel to see if mom is a better equestrian than dad or any of the kids. The kids might have other plans for the day though, as this resort houses one of the dedicated “Play by COMO” spaces which is the ideal place for the kids to have some proper fun.

The elephant, lion, leopard, Cape buffalo and rhino came to be known collectively as the ‘Big 5’ in the 1800s when big game hunters found these animals to be the most dangerous and difficult in Africa to successfully – and safely – bring down. With their iconic mane of golden hair and adorable cubs, the lion has become symbolic of Africa and the ultimate Big 5 safari. By eating large amounts of medium length grass, buffalo play a critical role in maintaining a functioning ecosystem as they reduce tall grasslands and open areas for antelope that feed on short grasses. Safaris is an award-winning luxury 1920s safari camp and private bush villa located in the famous ‘seventh’ natural wonder of the world, the Maasai Mara in Kenya, and owned and managed by the oldest established and continuing safari family in Africa.

In Toledo, the 13th Century cathedral  is one of the finest examples of its kind in the world and home to a magnificent El Greco oil painting of Christ’s resurrection. North-east of Madrid, the university town of Siguenza played an integral role in civil wars that have left indelible marks on Spain’s chequered history. Some restaurants, like Noma in Siguenza have achieved international acclaim but others, like El Doncel in the same town are experimenting with local produce and, despite the accolade of a Michelin star, still almost entirely frequented by locals. Thanks to EU grants, brand new highways make a smooth and easy ride across relatively long distances but the true excitement comes when you veer off the main road and let little country tracks lead you to new and unexpected places.