Luxurious escapes worth planning for…

We’ve waited so long to be able to travel again, so why not splurge and book something really special? Luxury travel is set to become a big travel trend as travellers want to make their first ‘post-Covid’ holiday one to remember.

From a secluded island retreat in Thailand and a hillside honeymoon haven in Bali to nights under lavish canvas in Africa and a historic hotel in Cairo – we’ve got a sensational portfolio of luxury locations and hotels.

We’re always available to curate something that you’ll remember forever – whether you’re looking to begin your journey this year or next.

Viceroy Bali – a honeymoon haven

When searching for the ideal honeymoon resort in Bali, you need not look further than the Viceroy Bali, set on a hillside overlooking a spectacular jungle ravine. Our favourite honeymoon villa is the Deluxe Terrace Villa which comes with a larger infinity pool than many of the other villa types. That, along with the Balinese architecture and traditional outdoor balé seating area, transforms it into the ideal couples’ villa. Located on three different levels, you can choose your villa favorite spot – up close to the Petanu river and immersed in greenery, or near the main pool and restaurant facilities with expansive valley views – and with views like that, you may never want to leave!

Le Riad Hotel de Charme – where every suite tells a different story

On your next trip to Cairo, stay amongst history in the luxury boutique Le Riad Hotel de Charme, which faces the famous Beit el Sehemy with its exceptional old Ottoman houses. The hotel has been designed to reflect the history and style of Old Cairo. Each of the 17 suites features its own design and its own intimate ambience. There’s Bedouin, Mamluk, Syrian, Ottoman, Pharaonic or Modern Arabic styles inspired by Fatimid Cairo, famous artists, writers and kings. Whichever suite you stay in you’ll be treated with plenty of space, rich warm colours, high quality antique wooden furniture, and paintings from local talented artists. Sample exquisite old Egyptian and Lebanese cuisines, and smoke shisha at the rooftop restaurant surrounded by historic buildings.

Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps – open air luxury

The four camps that comprise Honeyguide Tented Safari Camps are Khoya Moya Camp and Mantobeni Camp in the Manyeleti Game Reserve in South Africa; Ranger Camp in the Entabeni Reserve in South Africa; and Tarangire Camp in the Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. Each has been designed with the integrity of the environment at heart, offering a quality safari experience with minimal impact on the environment. Perfectly blending serenity, luxury and adventure, these camps offer a deep and rich immersion in untouched nature within wildlife-rich regions.

Take morning and evening game drives out into the bush on the lookout for the ‘Big Five’. In the evening, sip cocktails while looking out over the watering holes and then indulge in outdoor African-style feasts. Spend the night in comfortable, well-equipped tents and fall asleep to the sound of the bush.

Palazzo Versace Dubai – Expo days & indulgent nights

Expo 2020 Dubai opened on 1^st October with a sensational opening ceremony, and until 31 March 2022 will welcome visitors from all over the world. This is an incredible time to visit Dubai! 

After a hectic day exploring the Expo site, unwind at the most stylish hotel in town – Palazzo Versace Dubai. Choose from a variety of rooms and suites, all furnished with silk fabrics from the Versace Home Collection. Each of the nine restaurants and bars focuses on curated dining and is a tribute to Versace’s signature works. For the ultimate in luxurious pampering, head to the award-winning spa. Every detail of this 1000 sqm wellness sanctuary is exquisite – from the marble floors and white birch wood walls with mother-of- pearl details to the plunge pools covered in vibrant turquoise mosaics. There are seven treatment rooms, a spa suite, a nail studio, two luxury Moroccan Hammams, and relaxation areas with plunge pools, steam rooms and saunas. Choose from facials, holistic massages and energising body treatments. – all using high end luxury brands sourced from all over the world.

Pimalai Resort & Spa – an island sanctuary  

From 1st November, it is highly likely that Koh Lanta will become part of Thailand’s 7+7 Sandbox package which allows travellers to Thailand to spend their first 7 nights in Phuket and then move to certain other areas for the next 7 days. On a hillside leading down to Koh Lanta’s beautiful Ba Kantiang Bay, is Pimalai Resort & Spa – the recent recipient of the Trip Adviser award for 100 five-star ratings in a row! The resort is set amidst 100 acres of vegetation, with the rooms and villas spread out over the hillside and among the forest, leading down to a pristine beach. There’s a variety pf pools, bars, restaurants, activities and watersports to enjoy, as well as a sumptuous spa.
Contact us for details about Early Bird and Long Stay offers.

Hide away at Fusion Cam Ranh, Vietnam

You may already know about Fusion Cam Ranh – the luxury “all-spa-inclusive” resort located in a beautiful bay on the coast of south-central Vietnam. But perhaps you don’t know about The Hideaway – an exclusive resort within this already idyllic resort! Set around an expansive swimming pool, entering The Hideaway is like unlocking the door to a private members-only club. There’s a selection of sophisticated accommodation options, including pool villas and deluxe pool villas. Every afternoon, Breeze poolside restaurant serves a tempting selection of complimentary food and drinks – just one of the exclusive benefits that come with The Hideaway.

Raffles Bali reopening package

With only 32 ocean-facing pool villas set in lush gardens leading onto a private beach, Raffles Bali is an exotic oasis for a tropical vacation. Reopening on 7th December, the resort is ready to welcome us back with the ‘Raffles Bali Exquisite Opening Experience” including: 

• 2 nights in a Hilltop Panoramic Villa with daily breakfast
• Return airport transfers and VIP assistance
• 150-minutes rejuvenation spa treatment
• Indulgent Champagne Cabana Experience – a traditional welcome for royalty
• Degustation Dinner of Indonesian Beef Rendang accompanied by Krug champagne

(Valid for bookings from 7 December 2021 until 28 June 2022)

Sustainable Cruising – giving back to Halong Bay

One silver lining to reduced travel is that Mother Nature has had time to take a much-needed breather. Stepping into a post-pandemic world, Bhaya Cruises in Vietnam’s Halong Bay is pleased to weave sustainable tourism into their “New Normal” cruises featuring a return to nature at blissfully uncrowded destinations. The cruises take place on their completely private 1-5 cabin ships – Bhaya Legend and Bhaya Premium – and offer opportunities rarely found elsewhere. These include a night in a local homestay; involvement in community, conservation and environmental projects; and the chance to venture much further into unexplored areas of the bay.

Read more about the ‘New Normal of Cruising’ here…

Morocco – 50 shades of blue in Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen translates to ‘blue pearl’ and this ethereal city really is a rare gem. Perched amid the dramatic backdrop of the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen, founded in 1471, is one of the prettiest towns you will find in Morocco. The facades of its houses are painted powder-blue and white, so that the whole city appears to be drenched in azure. The appeal of Chefchaouen goes beyond its stunning mountainside location. Thanks to its rich heritage, the town is full of attractions.

Here’s our guide to what to do in this surreal city