Travel
The Breathtaking Alila Villas Uluwatu
We arrived at Alila Villas Uluwatu well into the evening, exhausted from our flight and from the chaos that was the traffic. As soon as our feet landed on Alila grounds we instantly felt we were in a different place completely and that all that travel up to that moment was worth it.
Even during nightfall, Alila is a remarkable site. The way that it sits on a clifftop plateau along Bali’s southern coastline with no distractions apart from panoramic Indian ocean views and the powerful crashing of the waves amidst the very streamlined architecture, makes one feel like they’re at the edge of the world here.
Read the full story
More Travel
The Ultimate Family-cation at Shangri-la Singapore
Having tried and tested various hotels around the world (with our children) it is very rare that a hotel will offer such thoughtful consideration when it comes to catering for both parents and children equally. For those of you planning a trip to Singapore with your kids in tow, we can't recommend this hotel highly enough.
Q&A with Mr. Marshall Orton of Fairmont
The Fairmont Maldives is one of the first resorts to initiate their coral regeneration project, in this special Q&A Mr. Orton the General Manager tells us more.
Featuring Luxury Scotland: The best 5 star hotels of 2022
Diageo has opened its eight-story, immersive Johnnie Walker Princes Street complex as part of a £185m investment to re-build Scotch whisky. Diageo has opened another new whisky visitor centre on the Isle of Skye. The Talisker Distillery, situated on the shores of Loch Harport in the village of Carbost on the Minginish peninsula, was founded in 1830 but Hugh and Kenneth MacAskill. The Scotch whisky industry attracts over 2m visitors a year, allowing ample opportunities to stay in some of the finest luxury hotels in the UK and Europe.
Review of Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa
Nestled in hundreds of acres of ancient parkland and just a 10-minute drive from the M1, Whittlebury Park is within easy reach of Oxford, Stowe and Stratford-upon-Avon. As I waited for my friend to arrive I soaked up the English sunshine and watched the golfers teeing off on the green. After dropping our bags off with the reception we headed straight for the spa. We had booked a Pure Opulence Spa Stay which includes use of the spa, two 50 minute treatments, two course lunch, cream tea, three course dinner, room and breakfast. We were given robes, slippers and also a little bag of Espa treats on arrival. There are two parts to the spa, the main swimming pool area, which has a roman Greek theme and then the heat and ice rooms. We decided to have a little catch up around the pool before enjoying lunch with a glass of fizz.
Featuring Churchill's luxury port house escape
For three days in September, Churchill's is offering tourists the opportunity to get under the skin of the local fruit and trend grapes in the company's traditional granite "Lagares", which date back to 1852. Quinta da Gricha, the company's flagship vineyard, is inviting visitors for its annual 'vindima' on 10, 11 and 25 September. The day begins with a grape picking challenge with Churchill's viticultural team, and a tasting follows the shift on the terraces.
Review of Cora Cora Maldives: An effortless luxury destination
But in this wonderful, colourful and effortlessly luxurious Maldivian resort, this tagline is more than just a marketing line, but a way of life. Cora Cora is located in the small island of Raa Maamigilli and is only accessible via scenic sea plane. No matter where your original point of embarkation may have been, all the travel-related stress instantly melts away once you set foot at Cora Cora. It is a kind of inexplicable magic that only a resort like this can deliver.
Featuring Ragdale Hall – pure heaven in the Leicestershire...
What better way to treat myself than head to Ragdale Hall Health Hydro and Thermal Spa. With a team of over 460 staff, this privately owned retreat set amongst the soothing peace of the Leicestershire countryside is a relaxing heaven. The guests are predominantly women (90%) and the 93-bedroom spa offers luxurious pampering with a huge range of facilities including six pools, heat experiences, tennis, boules, pitch ‘n’ putt, croquet, cycling, and a mind gym are all available. My aim for my Overnight Reviver Break was total relaxation. On arrival, my mum and I were greeted by the friendly and polite Guest Liaison team who offered a refreshing drink while we were booked in. Valet parking is offered to all guests, and our luggage was whisked up to the room in a matter if minutes.
Review of Hong Kong’s best kept secret – the Pottinger review
Discover this luxury Hong Kong hotel in the centre of the city's hustle and bustle is actually a quiet respite from the busy pedestrian-filled streets of Central. With 68 beautifully adorned rooms, The Pottinger stands out as a true luxury boutique hotel in a city that is already saturated with much larger five-star establishments. The aesthetic appeal is second to none, adorned with chinoiserie objects and oriental decor throughout the internal spaces. This is quite befitting as Pottinger Street is one of the oldest streets in the district and named after Hong Kong’s first Governor, Sir Henry Eldred Curen Pottinger.
Review of The Middle House Shanghai review
Floor to ceiling windows seem to be an important theme for each of the hotels as is the service, and most notably, the locations and architecture. Take for example The Upper House in Hong Kong, though located in the city center its infrastructure evokes discretion, minimalism and above all the characteristics of luxury living in a subtle sort of matter. These qualities are intrinsically similar to The Middle House except for its architecture. What you get at each of these houses are individualism at its core and by that we mean to say that each house has been designated an architect to design the hotels based on their own style whilst heavily incorporating the essence of the brand. Located on Shanghai’s Hongqiao side of the city, The Middle House is well advantaged when it comes to proximity from the city center whilst maintaining an air of discretion and calm. Not far from the main high way and directly in between the shopping centers, boutiques and the park within walking distance, The Middle House makes for a well-positioned luxury hotel in Shanghai.
Review of Ultimate luxury – Erosantorini hotel review
Dangling on the edge of the caldera, Erosantorini is equipped with a concierge, chef, trainer and masseur to cater to your every need. Not to mention the secluded setting (two-acre plot of land) offers a pool terrace with a three-tiered infinity pool, dotted with beanbags and daybeds to sink into, a projector and screen for ‘movie nights’ and a hidden staircase leads to an underground cigar and wine cellar. So. Much. Drama. The design has a modern-take on luxury, with a monochrome palette and cubist structures that give way to vernacular architecture, Italian designer Paola Navone has kitted out the property with her bold yet energetic style; floating fireplaces, antique mirrors and heated flooring which exude a cosy bohemian vibe. The five independent suites are located on three levels, with 180-degree views of the Aegean and a private jacuzzi which is perfect for a spot of skinny-dipping.
Review of Luxury in the medina of Marrakech – Riad timila review
As the riad lies on a pedestrian-only street, the riad’s butler, Ismail, arranged to meet us as we got out of our hired car. He led us through the winding streets of Marrakech and to straight to Riad Timila, where we were immediately given a quick tour and shown to our room. We stayed in the master suite called Chambre Bronze. Our room featured a seating area, fireplace, and private bathroom and shower. A moucharabie window looks out over onto the pool and courtyard below. The super king-sized bed was extremely comfortable and had Egyptian cotton sheets and goose-down pillows. Like the rest of the hotel, our room was adorned with art and decor by local artisans. Downstairs, a wall dedicated to the lucky Hand of Fatima hides the inviting dark blue plunge pool.
Review of Santorini traditionalism – ikies hotel review
Some believe the Caldera Island may have been one of the possible locations of the fabled island of Atlantis. Another legend has it, Euphemus, son of Poseidon, created the island following a dream where he made love to a nymph. Certainly explaining the island’s tendency of a romantic nature; one does not find a more beautiful view of the Mediterranean sea than from this Greek island, and the sunsets are the most photographed in the world. Ikies Traditional Houses is a special type of boutique hotel; a five-star complex of dug-out cave houses, it’s elegant design comprising of honeymoon suites, maisonettes, and studios located at the edge and facing the picturesque village of Oia, which guests can watch as the sun rises and sets on the private terrace. The staff are incredibly helpful - attentive but inconspicuous, which only adds to the privacy of the hotel.