Luxury Travel

At last, people are now recognizing that Slovenia exists, not only that, the high quality of the experience which is complemented by stunning scenery is also recognized.  The catalyst was surely the introduction of a Slovenian Michelin Guide in 2020 that included a 3* restaurant from the start.  There are now nine-starred Michelin restaurants with a total of twelve stars and a total of 59 restaurants recommended.  Monaco has seven star restaurants with a total of eleven stars. 

Are you having trouble sleeping? According to the University of Bristol, 20% of Brits sleep poorly. Even more concerning, a recent 2022 survey by HNI revealed that 74% of adults reported a decline in sleep quality over the past year.

The Maslina Resort on the lavender-strewn island of Hvar in Croatia might be able to help.

There are many reasons to visit the Caribbean - the sea, sand, sun, and seafood along with a cosmopolitan culture influenced by France, Africa, England and East India. However, I visited Saint Lucia this time, for its infamous Jazz Festival, where the likes of pop rock legends Air Supply, Davido, Samara Joy, Jon Secada and Chloe Bailey performed.

The View Hotel in Agadir is a newly launched 5-star luxury hotel that opened in March 2024. Situated just south of Essaouira, it overlooks a pristine, expansive beach on the Atlantic coast. Guests are greeted with freshly squeezed lemon juice, Moroccan teas, desserts, and macarons as part of the traditional welcome. Located only 35 minutes from Agadir airport, the journey is convenient and quick. Check-in is seamlessly handled while guests enjoy their refreshments, taking in views of the vast, oasis-shaped pool winding around beautiful palm trees and adjacent to the beach.

The Idyllic Isle of Bequia

What divine inspiration dreamt up the island of Bequia?

Pronounced ‘Bekwey’ this 7-mile stretch means ‘island of the clouds’ in ancient Arawak. It’s one of 32 islands that make up St Vincent and The Grenadines. Home originally to a small group of Caribs, the French and later the Brits then presided. Bequia developed less from sugar as from sea-island cotton and indigo, from boat building (especially schooners), whaling and merchant seamen.

North Cyprus, or the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as it’s also known as, is one of those parts of our continent that evades most travellers’ radars. Following its creation as a de facto state in 1983, it remains one of the more remote and unexplored regions of Europe. 

So it’s certainly an interesting locational choice for an exclusive €120 million development, on the island’s Karpaz peninsula, incorporating the country’s first international standard marina and a brand new 52-room boutique hotel. 

Making an entrance

An hour and a half away from Phuket International Airport, in a beautiful secluded paradise, is Avani+ Khao Lak. Situated on an exquisite stretch of white beach, looking out onto the furious Andaman Sea - a beautiful juxtaposition. With five restaurants, a skate park, two climbing walls, two pools, an all-purpose gym, and more available excursions than you could ever imagine, I would challenge you to be bored!

Rascal Voyages' new $ 12000-a-day Rebel Yacht is a traditional handmade teak and ironwood "pinisi" super-luxury charter accommodating up to 10 guests across five suites and four spacious common areas, including a fine wine cellar and an under-the-stars outdoor cinema.  

“Committed to uncovering destinations with soul - with a ‘floating villa’ concept rather than that of a traditional yacht” - Rascal Voyage offers bespoke itineraries year-round, off-the-grid expeditions aboard the Rascal and its new sister yacht. 

As we drove the rather superb Audi R8 noisily (V10 engine) over the Clopton Bridge across the River Avon we could see the white walls and red clay roofs of the Arden Hotel behind the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

The Arden Hotel in Stratford is set in the most perfect location, right on the river across the street from the RSC and the Swan Theatre. You are bang centre in the middle of the richest history in England. 

William Shakespeare's last home and the church where he is buried are a hundred yards away through parkland and quaint narrow streets.

Mr Prayat’s T-shirt said it all. It instructed me how to drive an elephant and reminded me how to speak elementary mahout.

“Pai!! (Forward). “Ben Kwa!” (Turn right), “Ben Sai! (Turn left) Toi  Sock!” (Back). There is no elephantese for “Stop!”  An elephant stops when it wants to. It rarely gives way and normally assumes it has the right of the way. Together we walked under the kapok silk trees, river figs and elephant ears and elephant apple trees of north Thailand, beside the River Ruak.