Indholdsfortegnelse for Luxury Holiday Destinations i Luxury Holiday Destinations

Regent Seven Seas Cruises claim to be the ‘World’s Most Luxurious Cruise Line’, and there are so many reasons that’s true. For starters, Regent keeps its ships both small and spacious – there are never more than 750 guests – and the line boasts an ‘all-suite fleet’, meaning that almost every stateroom has a balcony of its own. Along with a welcome bottle of champagne on ice, naturally. Complimentary room service is included, should you decide to bask in your decadent suite, but with gourmet restaurants (think flavoursome family-style Italian dining in Sette Mari, or an indulgent 14-layer chocolate cake in the Prime 7 steakhouse) plus top-shelf spirits included in the cruise fare, it’s well worth leaving your suite to explore all your ship has to offer. Décor on board…

ANTARCTICA Sailings to the epic ice fields of Antarctica are rapidly gaining popularity, so why not see the southern hemisphere in style? All of Seabourn’s high-end expedition ships are equipped with ice-strengthened hulls, which ensure a smooth ride, even when weaving between sheets of broken ice. The fully-inclusive line is known for its large, balconyequipped suites and spacious ships; think nearly 2,800 square metres of open deck space to survey the frozen vista, or taking the best seat in the theatre without needing to show up really early. Smaller ships also make for a more relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and the crew operate an open bridge policy, so passengers get exclusive access to the control room and can ask questions about maritime navigation or life on board. A 13-day sailing to…

Hotel Fouquet’s Barrière 8TH ARRONDISSEMENT This iconic hotel is perfect for a romantic trip away. With a spa and swimming pool beneath the Champs-Elysées, two restaurants, three bars and interiors by furniture designer Jacques Garcia, you’ll be staying in exceptional rooms and elegant suites overlooking the city. BEST FOR Unmatched elegance JK Place Paris 7TH ARRONDISSEMENT This boutique hotel only has 29 rooms but each one is the height of luxury. You’ll find black-and-white marble bathrooms, hair dryers made by Dyson, ornate fireplaces and furniture that wouldn’t look out of place in a palace. There is also a spa, pool and a well-equipped gym and you can request your room to be created specially for work or play. BEST FOR A bespoke room Park Hyatt Paris – Vendôme 2ND ARRONDISSEMENT…

Are you ready to have your breath taken away? One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the 1.6-kilometredeep Grand Canyon is well worth the hour and a half detour from Flagstaff on Route 66. However you choose to soak up the spectacular scenery, it will stay with you forever. Perhaps you’ll take a helicopter tour and chopper your way through the 446-kilometre-long canyon, watching the Colorado River snaking below. Or maybe you’ll channel your inner cowperson to explore the gorge by mule or on horseback, either on a short ride or a multi-day adventure. Pack grit. If camping doesn’t appeal, Under Canvas is a nearby luxury glamping experience complete with morning yoga, organic bath products and nightly s’mores around a firepit. Treat yourself to a stargazer tent for…

LA has many fancy neighbourhoods. Cruise around Bel-Air, Malibu, Orange County and Beverly Hills, taking in the magnificent mansions, pristine palm trees and intoxicating smell of money. Stop off at Rodeo Drive for a browse/splurge in the shops. Flagship stores like Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton provide personalised shopping experiences. Nearby, The Beverly Center and Melrose Avenue offer a mix of designer boutiques and more ‘everyday’ fashion stores. Buy some beachwear, then head to one of LA’s beaches for a dip/surf in the Pacific and bask under the toasty Californian sun. Venice Beach has a bohemian vibe with street performers, skateparks and eclectic shops, while Santa Monica is a lively spot with a bustling pier. The official finishing point of Route 66 is at the end of this pier, so…

The Iberian Peninsula and Spain has long been an affordable, accessible mecca for those from Northern European climes. But sheltered away from the tourist hubs of Benidorm and Torremolinos, in hidden coves, in quaint inland villages and the most prestigious districts of the area’s cosmopolitan cities, lies a long tradition of refined taste and luxury, fantastical aristocratic mansions versus shimmering new-build havens. Over the next few pages, we’ll shine to spotlight on some of the regions offering the best travel experiences money can buy: from the gastronomical delights of the bourgeois hotspots in the Basque Country, the groundbreaking fine art of Barcelona, to near-tropical white sand and beach party experiences in the Balearics.…

Fiercely independent and offbeat, Catalonian capital Barcelona’s architectural skyline defies trends and sometimes the laws of physics – see the Sagrada Familia. Its streets, like the stylish Passeig De Gracia, are packed with some of the world’s finest boutiques, bars and restaurants and its galleries boast names like Picasso on their very doors. Head north of the city, and you’ll find the sweeping coastline of Costa Brava full of heavenly beach hotspots. Head to the glamorous playgrounds of modern-day patricians, S’Agaro and Sitge, embrace the sumptuous madness of Dali’s home near Cadaqués, and explore Game of Thrones filming locations in Girona. WHERE TO EAT Try and nab a table at Disfrutar, Barcelona, considered by some as the world’s current number one. But if that doesn’t work out, don’t be alarmed.…

Part of Les Trois Vallées (The Three Valleys) – the largest interconnected ski area in the world – Courchevel offers up more than 150 kilometres of varied terrain to suit all skiing abilities. Private ski guides are available, who can lead you to hidden powder pockets and secret trails. For expert skiers, heliskiing is a blood-pumping way to explore untouched snow. Other wow-factor adventures on offer are helicopter tours, hot air balloon rides and ice driving, where you can test your skills on a purpose-built ice track. Pedal to the metal! For a more sedate experience, there are plenty of calming, five-star spas to choose from. Venture inside Les Airelles Spa by La Mer and you’ll find a stunning snow cave, bubbling waterfalls, sensorial showers and your own inner calm.…

With enticing sandy beaches and crystal blue waters full of beautiful and diverse marine and wildlife, the islands of the Caribbean offer visitors long, lazy days beneath blue skies. In the place where dreams become reality, you can wander under waterfalls or swim with the most exotic fish imaginable, before relaxing in a resort where your own personal butler takes care of your every need, from luxury spa experiences to gourmet cuisine cooked by world-class chefs. St Barths Enjoy the millionaire lifestyle with a stay at Eden Rock, the place to be seen in this playground for the rich and famous, or go all out and rent the Palmier Royal Estate with its own pirate beach. Spend your days shopping in designer stores or on board a private yacht, with…

Thousand of kilometres from the nearest mainland, French Polynesia is made up of five archipelagos. Though its remote position makes it difficult and expensive to visit, it does mean you’re guaranteed an exclusive visit, well away from the hassles of modern life. This haven in the South Seas is the very definition of unspoiled, offering stunning native wildlife, traditional cultural experiences and stretches of secluded beaches and rainforest, where private guides can take you on the adventure of a lifetime. French Polynesia has it all. Bora Bora The island group of Bora Bora is famed for its selection of accommodation, from five-star hotels to private villas, offering unbeatable views over the lagoons and mountains of this tropical paradise. Some of the most premium accommodation even comes with glass-bottomed terraces and…

The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands, situated between the glittering waters of the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea. In the relaxed atmosphere of the Philippines, you’ll find a world of wonderful contrasts and warm welcomes. In a land where smoking volcanoes rub shoulders with lush emerald rice fields and vast cities offer the epitome of modern living, you’ll also experience diverse wildlife, secluded beaches and a place that is as bewitching as it is beautiful. Banwa Private Island For the ultimate wedding venue, Banwa Private Island in Palawan could be the location of your dreams. Accessible only by helicopter or seaplane, this intimate island offers everything you could wish for. Whether you take your vows on the beach in a coconut grove or the…

Say ‘kalimera’ to Greece, a nation of more than 6,000 islands. It’s a favourite of the well-heeled, with glittering blue seas ripe for boating and secluded beaches perfect for soaking up summer sunshine. Greece isn’t short on blue skies, ancient history and hospitable locals, but it’s the opulent accommodation to be found on Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes that makes the islands a cut above the rest. Wherever it is that you choose to stay on your Hellenic hideaway, you’ll find something to float your boat at these four islands. Rhodes Rhodes’ coastlines are lined with five-star resorts: some cater to families with on-site waterparks and private beaches, while others are exclusively for grown-ups and offer cosy cabanas on the sand. The Lindos Blu Hotel and Suites even has butler-service…

When it comes to the last word in luxury, there are a few options for the traveller who simply must have the very best of everything. The premium hotel suites aren’t available to just anyone, though, and might even need you to be vetted before your reservation is accepted. For the chosen few, however, the rewards are well worth the effort. You’ll enjoy palatial surroundings and private staff, where nothing is too much trouble. From the big brands to more intimate surroundings, it’s all about that experience of a lifetime. If you fancy something a little more unusual, meanwhile, you might prefer to check into a palace in India or China, or enjoy a warrior’s welcome in Japan. And if sleeping in a cave doesn’t sound like the height of…

Corinthia London WESTMINSTER Overlooking Britain’s seat of power, the Palace of Westminster, the Corinthia Hotel offers the height of excellence within walls that, if they could talk, would tell a million stories. Opt to stay in the Royal Penthouse and you’ll benefit from a terrace with views of the Thames as well as a private butler. BEST FOR Bursting with history Blakes SOUTH KENSINGTON If you’re after some romantic nights away, you really can’t go wrong with a stay at this beautiful boutique hotel. Adult-only and perfect for a honeymoon or special weekend treat, it’s a stones throw from King’s Road, offering all who stay the utmost privacy and discretion, hence its popularity among celebrities and royalty. BEST FOR Romance rules 11 Cadogan Gardens CHELSEA Situated off Sloane Square and…

The Beekman LOWER MANHATTAN Housed in a landmark building constructed in the 19th century, The Beekman oozes sophistication and it provides a great sense of history in its every nook and cranny. Gloriously old-fashioned and imposing yet also wonderfully comfortable and stylish, it offers an experience like no other. BEST FOR Steeped in history Crosby Street Hotel SOHO Splendidly chic and classy while also being undeniably quirky, the Crosby Street Hotel is bursting with fun. Aimed at couples and located down a quiet cobbled street in the bustling SoHo district, it has a 99-seat screening room for Sunday night movies and a roof kitchen garden as well as a lovely inner courtyard. BEST FOR Quirky and fun Casa Cipriani FINANCIAL DISTRICT Located in the Battery Maritime Building, which was once…

If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then Cape Town is set to feel like a home from home. The city has become synonymous with these gems since they were first discovered there in 1867 and you can enjoy many diamond experiences to truly appreciate why they’re highly sought. The Cape Town Diamond Museum should be your first stop. Located at the V&A Waterfront, it offers a 45-minute guided tour by a diamond professional and you can learn how rough diamonds are formed and transformed. You can then take a ten-minute walk to Rockwell Shimansky, Africa’s largest jewellery showroom. Make an appointment and you can embark on the private Rockwell Diamond Experience Tour of the factory where you’ll see jewellery being manufactured and learn about the techniques that are used.…

Start your Route 66 adventure in Chicago where, if you’re a sports fan, you’ll have an absolute ball. Watch a Chicago Bulls basketball game from a courtside seat at the iconic United Center and delight in every close-range slam dunk, air pass and swish. Courtside tickets come with VIP perks like access to exclusive lounges and gourmet dining. If the players’ fancy footwork – and footwear – inspires you to play your own (style) game, head to the Chicago School of Shoemaking to create your very own custom Air Jordan sneakers. Just do it! If you’d rather your shoes were already constructed, the Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin stores on Oak Street, Chicago’s luxury shopping district, will oblige. This chic street is lined with many other high-end boutiques, where you…

From the outstanding natural beauty of the Grand Canyon to the glitzy, not-so-natural bright lights of Las Vegas, these two must-visits are world’s apart. About a four-hour drive from the Grand Canyon, Vegas is known as the Entertainment Capital of the World… and, boy, will you be entertained! Treat yourself to front-row seats at a legendary performance by the likes of Adele and Britney Spears, or if you prefer, an Elvis impersonator. A Cirque du Soleil show is also a delight, as is Le Cirque restaurant – serving exquisite French food – inside the Bellagio Hotel (of Ocean’s Eleven fame). If you’re staying at the Bellagio, splash out on a room with a view of the Las Vegas Strip, and perhaps even a personal butler if Lady Luck has been…

The French Riviera, or Côte d’Azur, has been a byword for relaxation, sophistication and glamour for centuries. From the moment that the doors of the Nice-Ville train station opened to travellers from across Europe in 1864, top flight nobility from Queen Victoria to the tsars of Russia have been flocking to this shimmering capital of all things luxe to receive the noted health benefits, sample its haute cuisine and generally enjoy the good life. But the French Riviera’s reputation was truly turbo-charged a century later when Grace Kelly’s wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco was televised in 1956. In this guide we’ll whisk you from the well used helicopter pads at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, on the short hop to Monaco, before working our way back westerly down the coast…

The small city of Cannes west of Nice, is worth a visit all-year-round. You’ll find gorgeous views across the bay to the Esterel mountains, a quaint old town quarter in the form of Le Suquet, and world-class luxury brand shopping on La Croisette. The Lérins Islands across the water make for a tranquil retreat on a yacht trip, passing by the underwater sculpture park and stunning monastery buildings. But let’s not kid ourselves – the main event, naturally, is the Cannes Film Festival, held in May each year since 1946, at the Palais des Festivals et Des Congres. Now, it will come as no surprise that tickets to such an exclusive event – and its many satellite galas, parties and junkets – are not bookable by the public. But find…

This lush, mountainous corner of the Iberian Peninsula has a fascinating, mysterious history, pre-dating almost all others in Europe. There is a particular cultural energy to the region, following the earlier attempted repression of its language and culture as recently as the 1970s. Yet its current, defiant incarnation is one of a buzzing, cosmopolitan, glamorous region boasting some of the world’s greatest fine art collections, a film festival that attracts swarms of Hollywood stars and an exhilarating, gourmet culture that is renowned worldwide. Even if the stacked itinerary of a luxury tour in the region’s main sites of San Sebastián, Bilbao, Pamplona and Biarritz knock you for six, there’s also time for relaxation. EATING Pintxos is almost an elevated version of tapas – more of a small, delicate, bread-mounted piece…

Statistics Canada shows that BC has the highest cost of living in Canada, so a holiday here isn’t going to be cheap, but if you have the cash, they can certainly show you a luxurious time. Packing for a holiday is always a nightmare. Will you need a jacket? Will you need formal clothes (almost certainly)? What if you forget something vital? If money is no issue, then the answer is simple… don’t pack at all! When your first-class flight touches down, head straight for Alberni Street, known internationally as Vancouver’s ‘Luxury Row’, and pick up everything you need from one of the many designer stores. When the holiday comes to an end, you can donate them to a charity on your way to the airport. When it comes to…

Nestled in the sapphire blue waters of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles might be made up of 115 islands, but it’s still the smallest country in Africa, with over half of its islands being uninhabited. The Seychelles has long been a tempting haven for travellers seeking paradise, thanks to its small population, its lush vegetation, stunning and secluded beaches and diverse aquatic life. Boasting one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, made famous in everything from Bacardi ads to the movie Castaway, and some very personable tortoises, the Seychelles is perfect for romantic honeymoons and family getaways. Add in five-star resorts and it’s the ideal place to get away from it all. You’ll find a romantic paradise like no other North Island As soon as you step off your private…

As the world’s largest archipelago, Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands, including five major islands. Its diverse landscape offers everything from volcanoes to rainforests and idyllic beaches, while the islands provide a melting pot of cultural traditions and cuisines. With a population known for its hospitality and a selection of luxury resorts and exclusive experiences, it really is the perfect place to unwind. Bali After a day spent in a private luxury helicopter, viewing Bali’s dramatic volcanoes, you might want to slow the pace with a romantic evening for two. Though Bali’s Tanah Lot Temple is a tourist hotspot, you can enjoy a private sunset tour to soak in the history of this magical location as the sun slowly sinks into the ocean. As night falls, you’ll…

A re you desperate for a detox, seeking a spot to unwind and destress, looking to indulge in first-rate beauty treatments or do a spot of soul-searching? If so, find yourself – or lose yourself – at one of the most sumptuous, spectacular, serene and satisfying sanctuaries in the world, for a self-care sojourn in a class of its own. Whether it’s yoga in India, cheese making in Italy, breathwork in New Zealand or napping in America, each getaway promises that you’ll feel like a new you on the journey home. Prepare to feel calm, cleansed and positively healed after a stay Go With Your Gut LANSERHOF SYLT SYLT, GERMANY Located on the isle of Sylt – known as the ‘Hamptons of Germany’ – prepare to feel calm, cleansed and…

With the world’s most iconic ancient wonders on its doorstep and a tourism industry that is almost as old, Cairo has always provided a gateway to luxury. Few places stimulate the senses like Egypt’s capital. With so many years of history and culture, it seems that the city has been linked to the opulent and ostentatious forever. Travel back in time to experience the grandeur of kings and queens as you enjoy the extravagance of one of Africa’s most evocative locations. A personal chauffeur service offers the most comfortable way to get to the awe-inspiring Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx. Before you visit the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, hire a professional Egyptologist as your private guide to learn about the world’s largest collection of Egyptian antiquities. When you…

From the Enlightenment period onwards, The Grand Tour of Europe was a rite of passage for aristocratic youngsters – and Italy was hailed as the jewel in its crown. In that vein, over the next few pages we will trace our own tour, arriving in our yacht into Salerno, moving up the coast through UNESCO-protected coastal towns, taking in the vineyards and fine art of Tuscany and Florence, fashion capital Milan, glitzy Alpine views and wellness in the Lakes, before setting sail for the lagoons of Venice. But this is far from an interrailing tour – we’ll sample only the best culinary delights, deck ourselves out in the finest garbs and generally enjoy La Dolce Vita as it was intended. You’ll find Byzantine architecture alongside Belle Époque hotels Amalfi VISTAS…

Sky-skimming mountains… Crystal-clear lakes… Positively pristine valleys… Mother Nature cordially invites you to explore one of her most impressive playgrounds: the Alps. Measuring 1,200 kilometres in length, this mountain range spans eight countries across Europe, so whether you’re seeking exhilaration, relaxation or cheese fondue, you won’t be disappointed. Although the winter sports – skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing – in this corner of the world are outstanding, the spring and summer months bring equal amounts of beauty, adventure and opportunities for fun. Hiking through flower-filled meadows, mountain biking down thrilling tracks and kayaking in flowing rivers are just a few activities to tick off the extensive to-do list. Each Alpine retreat – whether in the premier peaks of Austria, the serene Dolomite mountains of Italy, the storybook Swiss countryside or the chic…

Known as the ‘Queen of the Dolomites’, Cortina d’Ampezzo became famous after hosting the 1956 Winter Olympics and has been hosting the rich and famous ever since, including celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Frank Sinatra, Tina Turner and, more recently, George Clooney. It’s also been featured in several Hollywood movies, including For Your Eyes Only, Cliffhanger and The Pink Panther. So, what makes this Italian resort so special? Firstly, the world-class skiing. Part of the Dolomiti Superski area, Cortina d’Ampezzo has around 120 kilometres of beautifully groomed pistes just waiting to be explored. Other places to explore include Michelin-starred restaurants (Ristorante Tivoli Cortina, Tilia Restaurant), luxurious spas (Cristallo Spa, Grand Hotel Savoia Spa) and high-end boutiques (Moncler for chic fashion, Bartorelli for sparkling jewellery). Upscale mountain huts like Baita Pié…

If your nerves and stamina happen to match your bank balance, British Columbia offers some exciting bespoke adventures. The ten mountain ranges provide outstanding hiking opportunities but if you want a real adrenaline rush, how about ziplining in the Kootenay Rockies, kite surfing in Tofino or bungee jumping in Whistler? Luxury tour operators will happily organise a private helicopter flight over the waterfalls at Tumbler Ridge, which is a UNESCO Global Geopark, and you can even take a circuit of shipwreck sites with an additional scuba-diving opportunity. Skiing holidays abound here and there are plenty of deluxe options. If you want complete privacy, Northern Escape offers thrilling heli-skiing and snowboarding adventures with your own personal guides, helicopters, staff and chef. The boutique experience means you can stay in your own…

Fiji is an archipelago in the South Pacific, made of over 300 islands. In this idyllic nation you’ll find endless stretches of golden sand fringed with palm trees, awe-inspiring coral reefs, crystal-clear lagoons and rugged, dramatic vistas that will tempt you into the mountainous interior of the islands. Beloved by celebrities for its relaxed atmosphere, it offers a place to unwind away from the bustle of real life. In this welcoming land you’ll hear the traditional greeting of “bula” everywhere you go and once you’ve enjoyed the welcome that Fiji has to offer, you might find that you don’t want to leave. Nanuku Resort Fiji Just a short flight from Nadi, Nanuku Resort offers a unique, A-list dining experience that’s perfect for romance. On a platform nestled high in the…

Situated southwest of Sri Lanka and India, the Maldives is a string of beautiful coral islands that is a real jewel in the Indian Ocean. And even though it may be the smallest country in Southern Asia, the warm welcome and wonderful experiences that you’ll enjoy there more than make up for the lack of real estate! The Maldives is celebrated for its white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons, which are filled with diverse marine life. There is dining to rival any major city and resorts that will take your breath away. What are you waiting for? The Maldives is celebrated for its white sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons The Muraka If you’re looking for the true pinnacle of Maldives hospitality, then the Muraka, at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island…