California calling! Visualise swaying palm trees, driving with the top down and soaking in balmy air, witnessing untamed nature and cruising along the Pacific Coastline; this is rightfully called the Golden State, and it summons you for an adventure of a lifetime. There is such incredible breadth and depth to this region, from their varied ecosystems and gastronomy, to burgeoning vineyards and soulful experiences out at sea. This is the land of Giants, honouring many of the oldest trees in America, which is a pilgrimage in itself. There’s really no place like it, so treat yourself by matching several experiences below and stay in standout properties to breathe life and energy back into you.
San Francisco
Exploring the City on a Private Cable Car
Travel in style and enjoy a guided tour of San Francisco from your exclusive vintage cable car. Learn about the historic railways and iconic hilly landmarks as you traverse the endless loop of cables throughout the city.
Stay at: Four Seasons San Francisco’s newly renovated rooms inspired by the city’s redwood trees, ocean, and fog. The MKT Bar offers 180 degrees of downtown and elevates sustainable California cuisine to the next level.
Big Sur
Big Sur Hiking Adventure
For Nature seekers, make the most of Big Sur’s wilderness by exploring its natural wonders with your local guide. Hike through a serpentine canyon while peering over terraced waterfalls, and feel the grandeur of this magnificent corner of the world.
Stay at: Post Ranch Inn for architectural splendor and epic sunset views of the Big Sur coastline. We especially love the glass-walled bedroom and wood-burning fireplace of the Cliff House.
Santa Barbara
Food and Wine in Santa Ynez Valley
For lovers of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, there are over 270 wineries in Santa Ynez Valley alone for your discovery, with great food to match! Take part in a farm-to-table experience which includes mushroom foraging, entering a cheese cave, getting to know a homegrown garden, then savouring a farm-fresh lunch matched with delicious wines.
Stay at: Belmond El Encanto atop the Santa Barbara hills with idyllic gardens and glamourous views across the American Riviera. Enjoy Bellini brunches, local delicacies from their garden and a sensory journey at the Spa.
Los Angeles
Private Half Day Tour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills
A star-studded moment that brings out the glamour of L.A.’s finest and most popular sights, your local driver guide will offer a fresh perspective on Hollywood and Beverly Hills’ historic beauty across the century, while incorporating insightful and lesser-known gems. There’s a reason why people flock to this place from all over the world….!
Stay at: Beverly Hills Hotel for a taste of this iconic hideaway offering celebrity treatment. Each of their glamourous Suites epitomises the Pink Palace’s historic elegance, and you’ll feel transported to another time and place.
San Diego
Private San Diego Sailing Excursion
Set sail aboard a private luxury sailboat for sundowners or a customised sightseeing tour off the scenic coast of San Diego. Outside of the bay, jump on an opportunity to see whales in their element as the outside world simply melts away.
Stay at: Pendry San Diego in the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, steps away from amazing nightlife, beaches and restaurants. Their Pool House at Night offers exceptional soirées with guest DJs and signature cocktails.
As you approach this dramatic coastline, indulge in delicious wines, and let good vibrations wash over, your dreamy time spent in California will put your mind at ease. Get in touch with us and we will create a seamless itinerary from start to finish.
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Carrer son Canals,
07179 Deià,
Illes Balears,
Spain
Can Ferrereta
Carrer de Can Ferrereta, 12,
07650 Santanyí,
Illes Balears,
Spain
Menorca Experimental
Batería Militar de Llucalari,
Camí de Llucalari,
07730 Alaior,
Illes Balears,
Spain
Endless Balearic Blues
Nestled in the nook between Europe and Africa amidst the Balearic Sea, three idyllic islands are beckoning your name like the sirens of the sea. Easily accessible and wholly unique, prepare for your Mediterranean Summer retreat that will rejuvenate and reawaken your Self through healing waters, heavenly properties, and holistic dining and spa experiences. On Ibiza, the bewitching and spiritual White Isle hums at a different frequency with the world’s third most magnetic point. Outside its reputation as a party mecca, discover the majestic aura and beachfront caves. Let inspiration run its course by the creative juices that overflow in Mallorca, with wonderful roads for driving and cycling to reach cliff top views. Menorca is the smallest of the three, yet promises charm aplenty, with opportunities to go horse-riding and trying your hand at ceramics. Choose one, or island-hop all three, and you will be richly rewarded by the powerful pull of this archipelago.
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Nobu Ibiza Bay offers a seductive blend of laid-back luxury, fabulous service and easy-access to the islands’ beach clubs and renowned restaurants of Marina Botafoch and old town. Spend your days lounging between the two pools which are just steps from the beach, and enjoy the finest Asian cuisine at the brand’s iconic Nobu Restaurant. On the shores of Talamanca Bay, the hotel offers an array of ‘holistic hiking,’ guided meditation and sunset sound baths, tapas tours, or a private photo shoot to name just a few of their unique activities.
Six Senses Ibiza
Community, Spirituality and Celebration. When you travel to Six Senses on the northern tip of Ibiza, you not only arrive at a destination, you travel to a different frequency. Escape to a crystalline Cala Xarraca, where the 137 guest accommodations, townhouses, mansions, pool suites and beachfront caves are a meaningful setting for deep spiritual experiences rooted in the local culture, celebrating music, art, sustainable fashion, wellness and spirituality that has become synonymous with the island.
OKU Ibiza
Calling all wanderers who seek laidback luxury and bohemian minimalism to complement their stylish lifestyle, not far from the stunning Cala Gracio bay. Inspired by nature, this is evident in their neutral earth tones and rustic design that sets the mood of your stay. Kickstart your energising mornings with a personal training session, submit to luxuriant spa treatments, indulge in freshly caught fish and fusion cuisine, and dance the night away to their resident DJ. Life feels wholesome in a place where your desires are materialised.
7Pines Resort Ibiza
On the West Coast of Ibiza, sunsets never felt so sublime. This vast suite-only resort boasts whitewashed houses reminiscent of a village and the best infinity pool on the island. Sail along the bluest blues on their pershing yacht, or try cliff diving or quad biking for an adrenaline rush. Wellness is also crucial as you achieve balance at Pure Seven, a holistic spa and relaxation space that aims to harmonise body and soul with bespoke programs to improve your lifestyle.
La Residencia, A Belmond Hotel
Tucked away in a Northwestern hillside facing the Tramuntana Mountains, this is truly ‘an artistic oasis of rustic beauty,’ not far from the village of Deià. An outstanding reinvention of 16th and 17th century manor houses that are embellished in a vast art collection, reinvent yourself as you live an authentic lifestyle of a true Mallorcan bohemian. Spoil yourself with alfresco spa treatments infused with indigenous flora, while your children get busy with a plethora of crafty, creative and active pastimes at the Kids Club.
Can Ferrereta
Converted from a 17th-century grand house, the beauty of this property is the heritage that precedes it; think four-poster beds, stone walls, exposed beams and a collection of local and Spanish art that transports you to another time. This is an adults-only boutique resort that echoes contemporary elegance in just 32 rooms. On the undiscovered South-east corner, expect access to pine-fringed coves, natural parks, quiet inlets perfect for snorkeling, and boutique shopping.
Menorca Experimental
Stretching across 30 hectares of a 19th century finca, retreat to ‘the spirit of an artist’s vacation cottage,’ which will make your heart sing and swell! We love their intimate dipping pool and garden rooms, with meticulous geometric design woven into every crevice. A refuge in nature that feeds you seasonal produce from their vegetable garden and embraces slow living, this is a place you’ll return for.
Rejoice in these wonderful, creative havens and let us take you there effortlessly. Throw caution to the wind and follow your dreams all the way to the Illes Balears, for there’s no time like the present…
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After a long and agonising wait as the borders remained closed to the world, Australia’s reopening on February 21st is a shining light at the end of the tunnel! Ready to welcome fully vaccinated tourists with open arms, this naturally diverse destination has laid dormant for 2 years, home to some of the most stunning luxury lodges of the world.
Whether it’s your first touchdown or a return to your favorite properties, start booking your arrival to their pristine shores, ancient rainforests, tropical oases, and red-rust dunes. With sweet sunlight on your face as the smell of jasmine and gardenias waft through the air, salivate over fresh produce from farmers’ markets, gaze out onto endless horizons, and let the wilderness and kindness of its people transform your state of mind.
Lizard Island
Great Barrier Reef
An hour’s flight by seaplane from Cairns, the scintillating shades of blues must be seen to be believed on this secluded island, recognised as both a national and marine park. Adventure awaits on land and underwater, encouraging nature immersion to its fullest.
From beachfront suites, to panoramic ocean views at The Pavilion, or the ultimate indulgence of The Villa’s private infinity pool, Lizard Island’s elegant and serene design is a breath of fresh air that will leave you pampered and rejuvenated.
Longitude 131
Uluru
Paying homage to ancient Indigenous history of the Anangu people and outback wilderness of Australia’s Red Centre, Uluru’s formation has been 550 million years in the making!
Surrounding the spiritual and cultural heart of this attraction, and forging community connections such as artists in residence, Longitude 131 is an incredible architectural feat that blends canopied luxury tents with lush open-air decks; watch the light change before your eyes and choose to sleep under the stars.
Park Hyatt
Sydney
Boasting sweeping views of the Sydney harbour and Opera House, the contemporary interiors with private balconies will leave you spoiled and speechless. With a rooftop swimming pool, premium event spaces and impeccable service, this is a superb base from which to explore Australia’s oldest city.
Mount Lofty House
Adelaide
Oenophiles and gastronomes escaping to Adelaide Hills in the South will fall in love with surrounding boutique wineries and a 3 Chef Hat Verandah in-house restaurant. This stunning manor built in 1852 was renowned for infamous parties of the elite, whose visionary Arthur Hardy also laid foundations of the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens just next door.
Saffire Freycinet
Tasmania
Nestled in the curve of Tasmania’s protected Freycinet Peninsula overlooking pink-hued Hazards mountains, time spent here stays with you for a lifetime. They have a plethora of experiences, ranging from visiting a marine oyster farm, birdwatching, learning about iconic Tasmanian devils, hiking to Wineglass Bay, beekeeping, flyfishing, and cruising glistening bays.
Ignite your travel desires down under and turn your dreams into an epic itinerary with us. Taking care of all the requirements before, during, and after your journey, all you have to do is arrive…
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Gleneagles Townhouse,
No. 39 St Andrew Square,
Edinburgh
Borgo Santandrea - Italy
Via Giovanni Augustariccio, 33
Amalfi
84011 SA
Four Seasons Tamarindo - Mexico
Four Seasons Tamarindo
La Manzanilla
Jalisco
Aman New York - USA
The Crown Building,
730 5th Ave,
New York,
NY 10019
andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti - Tanzania
andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti
River Lodge
Rosewood Vienna - Austria
Rosewood Vienna
Staudgasse 26 Ecke,
Martinstraße,
1180 Wien
Santa Teresa - Costa Rica
Hotel Santa Teresa
Puntarenas,
Costa Rica
Six Senses La Sagesse - Grenada
Sis Senses La Sagesse
Corinth
Grenada
Ritz Carlton Paradise Valley - USA
7000 East Lincoln Drive
Scottsdale,
Arizona
85253
Fresh New Hotels Opening in 2022
There is an indescribable buzzing sensation once you step foot into someplace new, where the entire experience is geared towards building, (and delivering!) on their newfound reputation in the luxury travel industry. The excitement of the staff is palpable as they strive for service excellence by catering to your every whim and attention to detail.
Continually innovating tailored experiences and always improving from what came before, be surprised by unexpected and modern touches throughout your stay. The year ahead looks bright with plenty of new openings to look forward to, so enjoy the first feature of many…
White Desert, Antartica
January 2022
Discover our newest camp – Wolf’s Fang – where luxury and adventure meets in the mountains of Queen Maud Land.
Offering laidback yet sophisticated interiors that evoke the bygone age of explorers, Wolf’s Fang features six heated bedroom tents that are equipped with en-suite washrooms, replete with shower rooms. The relaxed lounge area is a haven of comfort and warmth, no matter what the conditions outside. The inviting dining area is the ideal space to revisit the day’s exploration with fellow adventurers.
Adrenalin seekers will enjoy a variety of exhilarating activities on this vast continent including abseiling, ice-climbing and rope-walks. Guests looking for peace and serenity will revel in gentle hikes, skidoo rides or simply taking in the dramatic vistas – guests can be as active or as relaxed as they wish during their stay.
Sextantio - Rwanda
March 2022
Traditional huts in the style of the Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda in Butare, made out of local materials following local traditions and with inhabited huts already found in the northern part of Nkombo island, with views over the various islands and both Rwandan and Congolese territory.
The area where the huts are positioned is located on the northern tip of Nkombo Island on Lake Kivu, and is the part, which is furthest away from the mainland, it has the lowest population density and is inhabited by a Muslim minority, who, despite their poverty, are known for their particularly elegant styles of female dress.
As on the rest of the island, life in our huts will also be one of self-subsistence through the farming of our land and the livestock rearing that characterise the local household economy. Crops and animals are those traditionally found in equatorial villages with a few local peculiarities distinct to the island.
Gleneagles Townhouse
March 2022
Gleneagles’ first city hotel, all-day restaurant, roof terrace, and members’ club is coming to Edinburgh’s St. Andrew Square. There are 33 guestrooms embrace our noble building’s heritage. Timeless charm blends with all today’s needs in hotel bedrooms and suites. Deeply comfortable, they’re sanctuaries of downtime as the city sleeps.
There are an array of private rooms making the Townhouse Edinburgh’s in-the-know place to gather, meet, celebrate and exchange ideas. Ideal for formal meetings or private celebrations, our beautiful ground-floor space The Counting Room, seats up to ten people. The Telling Rooms provide an office away from the office. A relaxed snug and a sitting room with a lovely terrace and help-yourself pantry, this is the perfect spot for meetings, calls, and working into the evening.
Borgo Santandrea - Italy
April 2022
Overlooking the enchanting, centuries-old fishing village of Conca dei Marini, Borgo Santandrea is a serene haven situated in the heart of the Amalfi Coast. A 5-star hotel just a few minutes from Amalfi, where you can experience the luxury of a world created for your well-being. Nestled 90 meters above sea level, the resort-style hotel features 29 fully serviced rooms and 16 luxurious suites which offer uninterrupted views in one of the world’s most romantic destinations.
Handmade tiles, bespoke furniture and eclectic antiques are punctuated with burnished brass, local stones and linens to create a spectacular setting that lets you unwind and relax to the sparkling views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Four Seasons Tamarindo - Mexico
April 2022
Escape to a secluded natural reserve in Mexico’s Tamarindo, the pristine coastline where verdant jungle meets the Pacific Ocean. With its unique location on a private peninsula, Four Seasons Resort Tamarindo invites you to leave the world behind and explore this undiscovered region of Mexico – far from everything, yet remotely close.
This particular topography, and the wildlife that calls it home, make the area a treasure to be protected. Within a natural reserve spanning 1,214 hectares (3,000 acres), nestled on a private peninsula, featuring 10 kilometers of coastline, three swimmable beaches, and several hidden coves to snorkel. Named after the only tamarind tree found in this vast nature sanctuary, the resort features a dramatic 200-meter cliff descending to the beachfront below. Reflecting deep respect for the environment, only 2% of the reserve will be developed, giving a pure experience of this natural utopia.
Aman New York - USA
May 2022
Opening soon, Aman unveils a new urban sanctuary with the rebirth of an architectural icon at the heart of Manhattan. Since 1921, the Crown Building has presided over the midpoint of Manhattan; the corner of Fifth Avenue and 57th Street, overlooking Central Park. Rising 26 storeys from the boutique-lined street, the building’s windows and terraces look out over the vast sweep of parkland and survey the world’s most recognisable skyline.
The Crown Building – formerly the first home of Museum of Modern Art – has undergone a monumental transformation, which has seen it fully restored to its original splendour and imbued with the spirit of Aman. Designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, the hotel celebrates Aman’s philosophy of creating sanctuaries beyond commonplace notions of luxury, whilst paying homage to the building’s striking architecture and significant history.
Aman New York will consist of 83 hotel rooms, as well as restaurants, a Garden Terrace & Bar with 7000 square feet of outdoor dining space, private members club, three-floor Aman Spa, Jazz Club and Wine Room.
andBeyond Grumeti Serengeti - Tanzania
June 2022
&BEYOND Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge is located in the remote western reaches of the Serengeti. Due to its far-flung location, there are very few lodges in this pristine section of the park, which means that guests can expect the ultimate in exclusivity. The lodge is perfectly situated on the banks of a tributary of the Grumeti River. Using the natural bow shape of the river, and paying homage to the circular forms of a traditional Masai manyatta, the lodge unfolds to reveal an understated sense of luxury.
Touching the earth lightly and seemingly floating across the landscape, 10 nostalgically elegant, and very spacious, guest suites offer natural light, an enormous bed, bath, an indoor shower (with a spectacular view), and a sparkling private plunge pool. A new family suite has been incorporated featuring a small additional bedroom attached.
Twice-daily game drives from the lodge often encounter large lion prides and clans of hyena, big herds of resident plains game as well as the special black-and-white colobus monkeys, found nowhere else in the Serengeti. Rarely seeing other vehicles makes for an exceptional game viewing experience.
Rosewood Vienna - Austria
Summer 2022
Rosewood Vienna will open in summer 2022 as the brand’s fifth property in Europe. Housed in an historic 19th century building which was the former headquarters for Erste Group Bank AG, Rosewood Vienna will be ideally situated on Petersplatz, one of the most famous squares in Vienna’s Old Town. Located just steps away from the city’s most luxurious shopping and dining and its most famous historical sites, Rosewood Vienna will serve as an unsurpassed gateway to one of Europe’s most charming destinations.
Rosewood Vienna will combine the best of European architecture and design with a refined yet modern style. The hotel will offer 99 spacious guestrooms and suites, all of which will feature separate spaces for entertainment and relaxation. The contemporary accommodations will merge the past and present through a thoughtful combination of elegant textural and artistic elements and the latest technological features. The project’s design will be overseen by BEHF Corporate Architects in Austria and the London-based Alexander Waterworth Interiors firm.
Santa Teresa - Costa Rica
Autumn 2022
Conveniently located in the town of Santa Teresa, only two minutes from the beach, and just north of Mal Pais on the Pacific side of the Nicoya Peninsula. It has been described as “The Best Hotel in Mal Pais and Santa Teresa”. The beaches near the hotel are one of its main attractions, known for their white sands, warm waters, jungle landscapes, surfers, and calming energy. Nearby beaches are Mal Pais, Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, and Playa Hermosa.
Hotel Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is ideal if you love surfing. No need for a wet suit year-round. The water is warm, and the waves are consistent. Trained instructors are available throughout the area, if you want to practice surfing at any level. The waves are biggest from December to April, our summer, especially if you go to the south end of Playa Carmen.
Six Senses La Sagesse - Grenada
Autumn 2022
Grenada is located at the southern end of the Grenadines island chain and is widely regarded as one of the kindest and most welcoming of the Caribbean islands, known for laid-back vibes, a smiling local culture and safe environment. Residences are nestled into the dramatic hillside with 2,000 sq.m. of landscaped gardens, three or four bedrooms with 540 sq.m. of living space, floor-to-ceiling windows and horizon-edge pools.
Spread over 28 acres, using the natural topography of the site to create complete privacy while overlooking the bright blue sea, lagoons and tropical beaches. An eclectic collection of restaurants and bars will spill out onto the beach, with the trademark Six Senses Spa providing an oasis of tranquillity overlooking the edge of the lagoon and accessed only by gondola. With no building higher than a palm tree, the resort truly captures the laid back, smiling spirit of Grenada, reminiscent of a picturesque Caribbean Village bursting with variety along the lakefront promenade and beach walk.
Ritz Carlton Paradise Valley - USA
Autumn 2022
Resting on 20 acres of lush, cooling landscape with the grandeur of Camelback Mountain on the horizon, The Ritz-Carlton, Paradise Valley is an exclusive sanctuary, tucked away yet close enough to touch the vibrant pulse of Scottsdale. The resort evokes a sense of playfulness and escape with delightful discoveries at every turn, including secret gardens, oxygen-enriched guest rooms, on-site citrus groves and a grand 400-foot swimming pool.
With breathtaking beauty, year-round sunny weather, and night skies so dark you are enveloped in a blanket of stars, the resort offers guests a dynamic getaway to remember. The prestigious location at the corner of Lincoln and Scottsdale Roads provides the best in luxury retreat, combining a secluded oasis in Paradise Valley with the vibrant pulse of Scottsdale.
From helicopter rides and hot air balloon expeditions over the beautiful Sonoran Desert to world-class shopping and dining at The Palmeraie, the adventure of all that Scottsdale has to offer is just minutes away.
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There are plenty of opportunities to maximize your holiday days in 2022. Below we have laid out when to take your hard-earnt days off to maximize your time away from the office.
April
TIP: Book off: April 11th to 14th and April 19th to 22nd to get April 9th to April 24th
Booking eight days in April could allow those who work Monday to Friday to get 16 days off work.
Good Friday falls on April 15, with Easter Monday on April 18, so booking four days off either side leads to a 16-day break.
This means you get Saturday 9 April to Sunday 24 April off for eight days annual leave.
WHERE TO GO IN APRIL: Caribbean (Sun) // Alps (Snow)
May
TIP: Book off: May 3 to May 6 to get April 30 to May 8 off
Booking four days off after May 2 – the May Day bank holiday – gives nine days off for the price of four.
This means you get Saturday April 30 to Sunday May 8 for four days of annual leave
WHERE TO GO IN MAY: Europe (City Break) // Botswana (Safari)
June
TIP: Book off: May 30 to June 1 to get off May 28 to June 5
This year is the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee which means the nation will get an extra bank holiday.
While February 6 will mark her 70 years on the throne, Britain won’t celebrate until June, when a four-day weekend is planned for festivities.
To make that work, the May Bank Holiday weekend will be moved to Thursday, June 2, while Friday, June 3, will be turned into a bank holiday.
With June’s Platinum Jubilee weekend, if you book off May 30 to June 1, you get nine days off for just three of annual leave.
WHERE TO GO IN JUNE: San Sebastian (Couples) // Balaeric Islands (Family/Friends)
August
TIP: Book off: August 30 to September 2 to get August 27 to September 4 off
Taking Tuesday to Friday off following the Monday August 29th bank holiday offers another opportunity for nine days off for just four.
This means you get Saturday August 27 to Sunday September 4 for four days annual leave.
WHERE TO GO IN SEPTEMBER: South Africa (Garden Route) // Greece (Couples / Young Families)
December
Book off: December 28 to December 30 to get December 24 to January 2 off
As in 2021, with Christmas Day falling on a weekend its good news for the holiday season.
December 25 is on a Sunday, so Boxing Day falls on a bank holiday, which in turn makes Tuesday December 27 a bank holiday.
New Years Day 2023 also falls on a weekend meaning January 2, 2023 is also a bank holiday.
So by booking December 28 to 30 off, you can get a whopping 10 days off in a row. This means you get December 24 to January 2 for just three days of annual leave.
WHERE TO GO IN DECEMBER: Maldives (Sun) // The Alps (Snow)
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Few countries have such amazing and distinct cities as the UK. Each with their own personality and charm. When it comes to booking a city break, it can be hard to know where to begin, let alone where to stay.
We’ve put together a list of the best UK cities to visit in 2021, whether it’s a quick city break or longer, once local lockdowns have been lifted.
From Grade I listed hotels to countryside manor houses, we’ve added our suggestions of where to stay. We’ve combined the top UK cities from Condé Nast Traveller’s Reader’s Choice Awards with our own top cities to visit in 2021.
Manchester
The very first modern, British industrial city, notable for its unrelenting charm and spirit. Home of The Smiths, Oasis and The Stone Roses.
Find a range of dramatic, brooding architecture in this electrifying, bustling city. From its impressive, Victorian Neo-Gothic town hall, to its Art Deco and Edwardian baroque buildings which line the city streets.
The city is filled with an enormous selection of shops, from boutiques, to high street names The Manchester Arndale is the UK’s largest city centre shopping and there’s more artisanal coffee shops, music bars and nightlife.
Experience the finer things in this grand stone building that (unsurprisingly) once housed the Manchester Stock Exchange. This plush hotel stands in the beating heart of the city centre, not far from the main tram stop.
Looking for a unique, boutique stay in the city? Look no further, the Dakota is for you. With its cosy, intimate feel, with dark, moody interiors that are as inviting as they are cool. Visit for their grill and restaurant (and for photos), stay for the first-class hospitality.
Bath
Number 8 in The Readers’ Choice Awards 2020
Certainly, one of the most picturesque cities on this list, and the only one hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Bath continues to enchant travellers from all over the world, ever since its Roman beginnings, and has been known as a place for relaxation and wellness for centuries.
Photo courtesy of Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
While the city’s spas are still a tantalising draw for tourists, the place is overflowing with places to drink, dine and soak up the scenery alongside the River Avon, against the backdrop of the surrounding Somerset hills.
Only a brief jaunt from the city centre and overlooking the elegant Victoria Park is the magnificent Royal Crescent Hotel. The Royal Crescent is one of Bath’s most iconic landmarks, built in the 1760s. Take in the perfectly manicured lawns overlooking the park, which form a sweeping vista of the surrounding Grade I Listed terrace houses.
For a quintessential, classic British countryside affair, the Lucknam Park Hotel is for you. When you’re not exploring the 500-acre estate by foot or on horseback (if the mood so takes you), or taking in the heritage of this grand country manor, you can relax and unwind in their state of the art spa facilities.
London
Number 3 in The Readers’ Choice Awards 2019
It’s unsurprising that the UK’s capital features on this list, which is consistently voted as one of the best cities in the world. London being the most popular tourist destination in the world (hosting 17.4 million tourists in the last year).
More than 300 languages are spoken in this multicultural melting pot of a city. Some of the best restaurants in the world can be found here, like Lyle’s set in the heart of trendy Shoreditch, or The Clove Club, showcasing the best of seasonal British cuisine.
And between touring historic sights, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London or taking a trip to the Westend or London Zoo, there’s something for everything. There’s plenty of free activities and events on offer throughout the year, and something to suit everyone.
Housed in one of London’s most iconic, contemporary landmarks, a night at The Shangri-La Hotel is distinct and memorable. Opulent, oriental-styled suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and views across the London skyline welcome you.
This immaculate and lavish Regency-style hotel is exactly what you would expect of a Knightsbridge residence, just off Hyde Park corner. Elegant, 19th-century interiors, filled with white marble and sumptuous furnishings make for a warm welcome.
When you’re not enjoying the Library bar, the Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant, or their award-winning afternoon tea service, head to The Lanesborough Club and Spa for some relaxation and respite.
Oxford
Number 2 in The Readers’ Choice Awards 2019
Oxford, the City of Dreaming Spires, is as enchanting as it is culturally significant. Home to the one of the oldest universities in the world, established around the 11th century.
The city is brimming with medieval university colleges, Norman ruins and historic landmarks like the Bridge of Sighs, dotted amongst grand, palatial libraries. A trip to the Covered Market bazaar is a must, especially in the lead up to Christmas.
This five-star hotel consistently features on Best Hotel lists, and was ranked fourth in Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘Top Hotels in the UK’ in their 30th annual Readers’ Choice Awards. The heritage site dates back to the 13th Century, with its 42 suites and rooms overlooking the dreamy spires, historic architecture and university colleges.
If you’re looking for more of a country-manor stay, look no further than Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.
Edinburgh
Voted Number One best city in the UK 2020
Edinburgh, the greenest city in the UK and the capital of Scotland. There’s so much to do and admire in this staggeringly beautiful city, which was voted Top UK Heritage Attraction in the British Travel Awards. And between Edinburgh Castle, its museums, breathtaking architecture, medieval Old Town to the neoclassical buildings in its Georgian New Town.
Shops, cafes, bars and restaurants line the historic city streets. Famed for its literary and scientific heroes, notable residents include Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, J. K. Rowling and Charles Darwin, who studied medicine at The University of Edinburgh.
Spend your city break in Edinburgh’s historic grand railway hotel, the Waldorf Astoria, formerly The Caledonian. Affectionately referred to as ‘The Caley’ by locals, this five-star hotel makes for a memorable stay.
This boutique, Gothic hotel is a crowning jewel in Edinburgh’s old town crown. If you’re looking for an exceptionally unique stay, The Witchery is it. Stay in suites like The Turret, (with views overlooking the Old town), the Inner Sanctum, The Library. With four-poster beds, antiques, lavish regal interiors with hidden Gothic chapel bathrooms and rich furnishings throughout.
Get in touch with Camel Collection and make the most of our exclusive discounts, upgrades or complimentary packages on all of the above hotel stays.
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Irish National War Memorial Gardens, Island Bridge, Ushers, Dublin, Ireland
6 Things You Can Only Experience in Dublin, Ireland
On the east coast of the Republic of Ireland is the bustling, historic and fun-loving city of Dublin. Most people will never forget their first trip to Dublin, the largest city in Ireland. It’s a friendly, warm city filled with culture and history.
There are plenty of things to do, experience, eat and drink in this unique city, that you’ll be hard pushed to find elsewhere.
We’re here to show you what’s the craic (the “crack” being Irish slang for news, fun, entertainment and jovial). So here’s a roundup of six things to do in Dublin that you cannot experience anywhere else in the world.
Visit the oldest pub in Ireland
Ireland is home to some of the most beautifully ornate, historic pubs in the world. And with more than 666 in total, dotted about Dublin, you’ll be sure to find a watering hole to tickle your fancy. Most of the iconic pubs in the area can be found in the Temple Bar area of Dublin, located in the centre of Dublin City.
The oldest of them all, and perhaps the most notorious, is the Brazen Head, established as far back as 1168. Self-described as “the meeting place for historic rebels,” a pilgrimage to Dublin is not complete without the purchase of a Guinness in this extraordinary Irish pub.
Sample local Irish oysters at Temple Bar Food Market
Situated in Meeting House Square, Temple Bar Food Market is a local, artisanal market which takes place every Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Here you can try some of the finest produce Ireland has to offer from soda bread, black and white pudding and hearty Irish stew.
Perhaps the finest delicacies of the area are the freshly-caught oysters, which are shucked and prepared in front of you. (Best served with either a crisp white wine or a smooth black stout.)
Stand on the historic ‘square’ O’Connell bridge
O’Connell Bridge is an 18th Century Portland stone bridge which carries cars and pedestrians over the Liffey, the river which divides Dublin. Buildings works initially started in 1791 but less than 20 years after completion, the foundations were becoming uneven and it was known to be one of the most dangerous bridges in the empire.
Vintage views of Sackville Street and O’Connell Bridge, Dublin
In its time the bridge has witnessed rebels hang from its gallows and shots ring across it during the Irish Civil War. You’ll also find the bridge referenced in local literary hero James Joyce’s Ulysses.
What makes this bridge so unusual (aside from its history) is its aspect ratio. Between 1877 and 1880, the bridge was rebuilt and widened to be almost the same width as the carriageways lengthwise. It was renamed after Irish liberator Daniel O’Connell during this time.
Head to the Guinness storehouse for a brewing tour
Did you know? The Irish recipe for Guinness is older than the United States of America, and it has been brewed in the same place, St James’s Gate brewery, ever since. Learn how Ireland’s most famous liquid export was developed and created in a three-hour walking tour across this seven-storey, immersive visitor experience.
Visit the Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship
Whilst the city of Dublin exudes jovial conviviality, it holds a deep history which has not always been as such. Learn more about the Great Famine, which afflicted Ireland from 1845 to 1849 and killed more than a million people in Ireland. Dotted throughout the city you can find memorials and references to the country’s troubled past.
The Jeanie Johnston is one of them. This magnificent tall ship is permanently docked on the River Liffey, and tells the tales of desperation, bravery and hope. The Jeanie Johnston is a replica of the exact ship used to carry thousands of Irish emigrants to North America during the Great Famine. A tour guide can take you on a 50-minute journey from the upper deck to the galleys as you walk in the footsteps of Irish emigrants.
Great for families and children to learn about this period of Irish history in a completely novel way. History buffs, head to the EPIC Irish emigration museum if you’re appetite for Irish heritage isn’t quite quenched.
Meander through the Irish National War Memorial Gardens
The Irish National War Memorial Gardens are unlike most. Dedicated to the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died during the First World War, a beautiful vista of manicured hedges and verdant foliage frame the labyrinthine stone structure. Sunken rose beds, water features and brightly coloured flower beds punctuate the landscape.
Granite book rooms within the gardens contain immaculately illustrated manuscripts containing all the names of the Irish soldiers who served and died in the war.
The gardens were created by famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens, which make it an attraction not only for remembrance but one for aesthetic appreciation. Word of advice when visiting? Make sure you take a camera to capture it all.
Fancy a trip to Ireland but don’t know where to start? Get in touch with Camel Collection today for tips and recommendations.
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Jardim Botânico Tropical, Tv. Ferreiros a Belém 41, 1300 Lisboa, Portugal
Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo
R. da Bica de Duarte Belo, 1200-109 Lisboa, Portugal
Oceanário de Lisboa
Esplanada Dom Carlos I s/nº, 1990-005 Lisboa, Portugal
Senhor Vinho
Rua do Meio à Lapa 18, 1200-724 Lisboa, Portugal
How to Spend a Weekend in Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal’s thriving capital, has so much to offer. It’s Europe’s second oldest city, after Athens, and has an unmistakeable style that’s hard to replicate anywhere else in the world.
Its rich culture and history can be felt throughout the city, in its grand, eclectic architecture, its distinctive dishes and friendly locals.
The perfect place for a city break
So, what makes Lisbon the ideal destination for a city break? It’s one of the last major European capitals (outside Eastern Europe) where you can eat, drink and make the most of the nightlife without the eye-watering price tags attached.
It’s a brilliant city to experience on foot, or by tram, if you’re looking to experience the area like a local.
Lisbon is a veritable feast for lovers of design and architecture. One of the most notable features of Lisbon’s charming architecture is its vibrantly patterned ceramic tiles dotted throughout the city. Filled with labyrinthine alleyways, secret nooks and hidden gems.
The hardest thing about visiting Lisbon is knowing where to start, and what not to miss. We’ve put together a few must-haves for any first-time visitor.
Eat Pastel de Nata for Breakfast in Belém
Located to the West of Lisbon city centre is Belém, the historical heart of Portugal.
You can get to Belem very easily, via a 20-minute tram journey, departing from Praça da Figueira. There are also several riverboat services that can get you from the city centre to Belem in 45 minutes, with exceptional views of the waterfront architecture.
You don’t have to look too far to see evidence of Portugal’s colonial past, with buildings and monuments harking back to the 15th Century and Portugal’s Age of Discovery. It was in Belém where early Portuguese explorers set off to discover large parts of the globe, only to return with riches and bounty that would enrich the local area for centuries to follow.
It’s the birthplace of the Pastel de Nata, the egg tart pastry dusted in cinnamon, a source of Portuguese pride and certainly not to be missed! First made by the monks of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos in the 18th century, in certain pastry shops, like Pastéis de Belém, you will find the same recipes are still being used.
If Belém were a country, the Torre de Belem is its emblem. Make sure you find time to visit this 16th-Century fortress and admire its intricate architecture.
Stroll through Lisbon’s Tropical Botanical Garden
Before leaving Belém, visit the historic gardens a short walk from Jeronimo’s Monastery. Designated a national monument in 2007, the gardens are the perfect way to escape the summer heat of the city, a tropical paradise overlooking the Atlantic ocean.
Find vintage, Victorian style terrariums and greenhouses nestled among towering great palms and banana trees. Sure to please the kids and provide the necessary respite from the lively city centre for everyone else.
Get lost in the lanes of Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo
Informally known as one of Lisbon’s most photogenic, Instagrammable streets. The Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo is filled with little shops, quaint cafés and bars. Take the Ascensor da Bica funicular up to the Bairro Alta and Bica neighbourhoods for sweeping views across the steep hills.
At the top, be sure to stop by the area’s best-known viewpoint, the Miradouro de Santa Catarina.
Stop by Oceanário, Lisbon’s impressive Oceanarium
The Oceanário de Lisboa is well worth a visit, for all manner of guests to the city, kids, families, single adults, big groups and small.
This vast aquarium is located in Parque das Nações, to the north-west of the city centre. Stroll down to the waterfront, taking in the contemporary art, green spaces and buildings along the way through this redeveloped quarter overlooking the Tagus river.
The Oceanário itself is an imposing building developed by American architect Peter Chermaeff for the Expo98 event. And when we describe it as vast, we really mean it. It’s the largest indoor aquarium in Europe and one of the biggest in the world, holding an impressive 5 million litres of sea water.
The permanent exhibition displays marine habitats from all four corners of the globe, from the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian and Antarctic. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see an out of this world exhibition, and to see otters, puffins and penguins in what comes very close to their natural habitat.
Listen to Fado music in one of Lisbon’s vibrant bars
Fado is one of Lisbon’s most proud heritages. This distinctive musical genre has been played in Lisbon since its birth in the early 1800s.
Listening to a live band play fado is a rite of passage for any far-flung visitors, even if you cannot understand the lyrics. Known for its distinguishing Portuguese guitar and dramatic, somewhat melancholic, vocals from both female and male fado singers. Fado was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists in 2011.
Some of the best places to experience typical fado are in the streets, bars and restaurants, where singers and musicians perform among the tables.
Some great bars to experience fado music include Senhor Vinho (Yes, that’s Sir Wine to you), Clube de Fado and Tasca do Chico.
If you would like to find out more about this package and for prices, get in touch with a Camel Collection rep today.
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Cala d’Hort is a small, beloved beach with a fantastic view of the mysterious island of Es Vedra, which rises dramatically from the sea only several hundred metres from the shore. The beach itself is sandy to one side, pebbly to the other, and in summer is extremely popular. There are many who flock to the inspiring view and tranquil setting of Cala d’hort: old and young locals, visiting families and couples all included.
Backed by cliffs, it is situated at the end of a steep road. During busy times the road is reduced to single track due to the number of parked vehicles, so go early to avoid a long walk uphill back to your car after a hard day’s sunbathing! This is a lovely beach to body surf on breezy days when the waves get a little higher and bash the shore. There is also a small boutique open in high summer selling designer beachwear.
Es Cavallet
Es Cavallet is a fabulously picturesque beach due to its white sand and rolling waves. With views of both Ibiza Town and Formentera on a clear day, Es Cavallet’s location is a boon, with the scenic drive across the salt flats also part of the experience.
The most famous cocktail outpost of this beach is El Chiringuito, a bar and restaurant on the north end of the beach which pulls a sizeable but relaxed crowd in summer and throws a massive opening and closing party to bookend the season. Also on the north end of the beach the exclusive La Escollera restaurant makes for a very popular wedding location.
Aguas Blancas
One of the favourite beaches for island residents. Backed with beautifully coloured and textured high cliffs, it has unblemished surroundings with a dramatic effect. The beach has golden sand that is soft and fine, and the sea bed is also sandy but with some rocks dotted around – so watch your step!
It is an official nudist beach but still very mixed; some go naked, others don’t. And don’t be alarmed if you find people walking around covered in a reddish mud – adding a bit of water to the dirt from the cliffs makes a paste which is very beneficial for the skin!
Cala Benirrás
A beautiful approach, meandering down through hills and valleys, brings you to the beach of Benirrás. It is a pretty beach of partly pebbly sand with rocks either side that you can clamber over and a picturesque view across the water to an interesting rock formation known as Cap Bernat (or referred to locals as ‘the finger of God’).
This sheltered bay is a popular anchoring spot for private yachts and motor boats which gather in the late afternoon to enjoy the romantic sundown, in summer accompanied on Sundays by drummers who descend to the beach to ‘drum down the sunset’ in this iconic hippie ritual. However, the popularity of the event means an absolutely packed beach on Sundays. Parking will be difficult, so we recommend you come early and spend the whole day at the beach.
Las Salinas
Named after the salt lakes in the south of Ibiza, the beach at Las Salinas is the southernmost tip of the island, and know as a party beach. The very long, wide crescent of pale sandy beach is bordered by pine woods. The water is crystal clear with breakers that appear on windy days, perfect for body-surfing.
Small catamarans sit on the sand at the southern-most end of the beach, then walking towards the pirate tower you will pass a string of popular bars and restaurants whose gourmet food and gorgeous location more than make up for the exclusive prices. Further down the beach you will come to a quieter section which is popular among nudists and beyond the nudie-gauntlet, a small stretch of sand with a rocky entrance to the water which houses the lively Sa Trinxa.
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