27 March 2019

One of the world’s most iconic journeys, the Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express is an unforgettable trip back in time to the heyday of rail travel. The Eastern & Oriental Express operates a number of journeys throughout South East Asia ranging from one to three nights. Their signature three night trip, which I was fortunate enough to experience, travels from Bangkok to Singapore taking in the beautiful Thai and Malaysian country side. Each of the luxurious staterooms comes with its own ensuite facilities, including shower. A beautifully presented Silver Service breakfast is served each morning by your butler as you take in the picturesque views. Daily excursions are included and you have the opportunity to visit the ancient city of Hua Hin, take a visit to the famous ‘Bridge over the River Kwai’, stop in Butterworth, Malaysia to experience authentic local cuisine, arts and crafts or perhaps a cycle through the countryside to spot local flora and fauna. This journey is truly a once in a lifetime experience and as such many guests like to dress for lunch and dinner. The food onboard is simply exquisite and on a par with any top end restaurant. After dinner why not retreat to the piano bar for a cocktail or venture to the open air viewing compartment at the rear of the train to take in a cool evening breeze and discuss the day’s events with your fellow passengers over a drink or two? Along with the Eastern & Oriental Express in Asia, there are a host of incredible luxury rail journeys in Europe, North America, South America, Africa and Australasia. If a luxury rail journey is something you would like to find out more about please feel free to get in touch.

27 March 2019

One of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, St Lucia is a lush and mountainous paradise circled by stunning white sandy beaches and clear blue sea. St Lucia is famous for its stunning Pitons that rise into the clouds and are the perfect viewing points to take in this islands vistas. There are a wide range of activities to explore, from sailing to snorkelling, trekking the many nature trails, ATV tours, zip lining through the forest canopy, golfing, taking in a cricket match or perhaps my favourite, relaxing on the beach or by the pool with a local rum punch cocktail! St Lucia has an excellent range of accommodation from family fun resorts to all-inclusive adults only properties to luxurious Five Star getaways. My personal picks for the ultimate in luxury are the beautiful Sugar Beach by Viceroy (a stunningly resorted planation set on one of the island’s best beaches) or the incredible Jade Mountain (carved into the side of a mountain and offering unparalleled views). Whether it’s a quick week’s break, a family holiday, an indulgent getaway or to celebrate a honeymoon or anniversary, St Lucia has something for everyone. With regular flights year round you could be sipping a rum punch on the beach in St Lucia in no time! Feel free to get in touch and let me help turn your Caribbean dream into a reality!

25 March 2019

It is difficult to describe just how beautiful the Maldives is without sounding cliched. Descending into the capital, Male, you catch your first glimpse of the crystal-clear turquoise waters and stunning atolls that make up this fantastic destination. Depending on which resort you are staying in you will be met off your international flight and transferred by scheduled domestic flight, speedboat or the ever-popular sea plane. Why not plan a two-centre trip so you can experience speedboats and sea planes?! There is only one word to describe the first time you arrive at a resort in the Maldives; Wow! Immaculate white sandy beaches, clear blue seas, palm trees, beautiful flora & fauna, and luxurious beach villas and over water bungalows, as well as friendly warm smiles from the locals. The Maldives is truly a paradise on earth. The Maldives boasts one of the highest concentrations of luxury resorts in the world. All the major luxury hotel chains have properties here as well as a huge array of boutique and locally owned resorts. Traditionally, the Maldives was the playground of the rich and famous wanting to get away from it all. Although this is still the case, in recent years a broader range of resorts opened to cater for different budgets. Whether you’re looking for barefoot luxury, quirky boutique style, indulgent opulence or just somewhere to hitch your hammock, the Maldives has it all! There are experiences in the Maldives that simply cannot be matched by almost anywhere else in the world. Waking up in an over water bungalow and stepping out onto your deck you may see turtles, manta rays and thousands of brightly coloured fish of every variety imaginable. The local government is acutely aware of the need to protect their beautiful habitat and has encouraged hotels to run conservation programs. Most resorts have an onsite marine biologist as well as expert staff who can help you learn how to spot different sea life and what conservation efforts are being made to protect this unique and beautiful environment. The Maldives makes my Top 5 Destinations not to be missed, so if you would like more information on planning a special trip to this special place please feel free to get in touch.