Holiday Type / Learn from the Experts

Flanked by unspoiled sands on one side and a lagoon and tropical gardens on the other, Hermitage Bay, Antigua is an ideal 5 star retreat for those seeking seclusion and serenity – perfect for luxury romantic getaways. Dotting the hillside and beach, detached suites adopt a minimalist style, featuring crisp, cool linens, contemporary bathrooms, outdoor garden showers and wrap-around verandas. Some of the best views in Antigua can be enjoyed from the freestanding baths and private plunge pools as part of the Hillside Pool Suites. At the resort’s ...

Once described by well-travelled author James Michener as “the most beautiful in the Caribbean”, Marigot Bay is the idyllic setting for this award-winning 5 star resort, transformed by Capella Hotels into one of St Lucia’s most upscale destinations. Deluxe rooms and suites boast extensive resort or bay views, most complete with private Jacuzzis and many overlooking the premier yachts that this luxury resort is recognised for. Surrounding the two freshwater infinity pools, designer cabanas tempt relaxation; savour energising smoothies and refres...

A bewitching welcome awaits you at The Datai – one of the premier resorts on this magical isle, which is swathed in legends of romance and mystery. Get close to nature as you tread footpaths through centuries-old rainforest or head for a white sand beach by the shimmering Andaman Sea. Perfection is all around and begins in your chosen accommodation – a Suite with an expansive private balcony or the new contemporary Beach Villas with generously sized private pools. The cuisine is as beguiling as the setting, with Malaysian and Western fare serve...

Situated on a private island, COMO Parrot Cay is an escapist’s paradise with an emphasis on rejuvenation and is a hotspot for the A-listers. Nature pervades in its beautifully colourful grounds, with organic gardens and a mile long beach of soft, powdery sand. Light and spacious, the rooms and suites are peaceful retreats, the décor delightfully understated with contemporary teakwood furnishings, flowing muslin drapes and indulgent amenities. Beach Houses and villas with private sundecks and heated plunge pool or swimming pool lie just steps fr...

Powder white sands, unusually rich vegetation, crystal clear waters and understated luxury is what the original desert island hideaway is all about. Soneva Fushi is fifty seven vast villas and private residences, ranging from one to nine bedrooms, all hidden amongst dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine, UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve. If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday private butlers who know what you want before you want it. Every vis...

Nestled amidst thirty two acres of lush greenery at the foothills of the tranquil Mae Rim Valley, this serene resort is designed like a traditional Thai village surrounded by rice terraces and flanked by the Suthep Mountains. Two-storey Lanna-style Pavilions have been designed in harmony with the surrounding environment each with a private outdoor sala, the secluded Pool Villas have a private home feel whilst the Residences, some with private pool, offer the ultimate in luxury living. Delectable cuisine ranges from Peruvian to Indian delicacies...

Cascading serenely down a forested hillside on the north west tip of Koh Samui lies a ravishing resort within a hidden cove. From here, the views across the Gulf of Siam and surrounding islands are simply breathtaking. Settle into your freestanding villa or private residence - raised on stilts in the traditional local style - to bask on your spacious deck with its private infinity-edge pool, perhaps working up the energy to slip down to the Coco Rum Bar or to the porcelain-white beach complete with a 50 metre pool. Five individual spa salas (co...

Delightful ‘golden era’ accommodation distinguishes this enchanting all-inclusive camp in the heart of north Thailand’s lush terrain, close to Laos and Myanmar. Hidden away amidst exotic bamboo jungle at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong Rivers the camp offers vast and luxurious air-conditioned living spaces. Deluxe and Superior Tents harken back to 19th century adventure expeditions, dominated by an inviting king-size bed, recycled teak wooden floors and a spacious veranda with hot tub that’s perfect sipping sundowners. Arrive by boat befo...

It takes little more than ten minutes to complete a circuit of reef-fringed Baros, Maldives. Welcoming staff lead the way along shady paths lined with hibiscus and bougainvillaea to a choice of serene accommodations. Beachfront Pool Villas feature a private plunge pool and outdoor garden shower, whilst Deluxe Water Villas line a curving boardwalk – perfect for dipping directly into the glistening lagoon. Beautifully appointed, each has a television concealed in an ottoman and a cushion-strewn daybed on the expansive deck. Two ultra-spacious Pre...

Set amidst the seeming emptiness of the vast Makgadikgadi salt pans and grasslands - geophysical relic of a giant super lake - award-winning Jack’s Camp offers a genuine wilderness experience. Classic 1940’s style canvas tents provide atmospheric living graced with Persian rugs and paraffin lamps, the luxury en-suite bathrooms complemented by indoor and outdoor showers, the private veranda provides rugged wilderness views. Candle-lit dinners, inclusive of excellent wines, are served in the elegant mess tent, while a small library and numerous a...

Inspired by old Messinian mansions, this picture-perfect retreat with a half-mile sandy beach by the glittering Ionian Sea, comprises clusters of stone built low-rise villas. Contemporary rooms and suites decorated in soothing seascape tones feature the Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed® plus a spacious terrace or balcony, many with a private infinity-edge pool. At the heart of the development is the Agora where an outdoor cinema, retail outlets and a Greek amphitheatre rub shoulders with enticing eateries including Da Luigi for Italian treats an...

Perched along a peninsula and flanked by two sandy beaches, this all-inclusive luxury resort boasts a truly panoramic location on the island’s south coast, an outstanding personal service and some of the finest tennis facilities on resort – Curtain Bluff, Antigua. Well-appointed Junior Suites line the bluff, whilst the Morris Bay and Grace Bay suites rank among the island’s finest accommodations. Pre-dinner canapés in the Sugar Mill Bar are a prelude to a gourmet feast of fresh seafood and exceptional meats at The Tamarind Tree restaurant, and ...

Couples, friends and families alike will feel instantly at home in this resort oasis, where staff welcome guests with the hand-on-heart gesture used by the OtomOi Indians of Jalisco. Long established, the resort is one of the world’s premier destinations. Delightfully tasteful in every Mexican detail imaginable, guest rooms are elegant and spacious. Featuring handcrafted Mexican accents, each room faces the sea with a private patio or balcony. The 24 hour butler service assures your every whim is fulfilled. For those seeking the ultimate privac...

Aman have once again excelled themselves with this upscale property in the hills of Nui Chua National Park overlooking Vinh Hy Bay. Set on a hillside, thirty one rooms – some with private pool – are complemented by five lavish villas complete with live-in housekeeper and cook. After a day at the Beach Club with its swimming pool and dining area, meet up in the central pavilion for stylish dining and drinks on the viewing terrace. By the side of a lotus-filled lake, the extensive spa offers treatments incorporating Thai herbs and spices, furthe...

Al Bandar – meaning “the town”– is the focal point of the resort featuring a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and bars. Centrally located within the resort complex its romantic architecture has been inspired by Old Muscat, with buildings of varying height adorned by an array of ornate balconies. The pools and waterways which abound throughout the property make relaxing viewing from the generously sized sea-facing guestrooms decorated in modern Arabian fashion, all with a balcony or patio. There’s complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms along with in...

Set in isolated splendour on the island’s south west coast, the all-villa Residence blends serene tranquillity with studious attention to service and detail. Each luxuriously appointed villa comes with a living room, private pool, a deck furnished with seating, sun loungers and a garden or ocean view. At the Dining Room, international cuisine features a hint of Zanzibar spice with Middle Eastern-to-Mediterranean fare served in palatial style at The Pavilion, or opt for a more casual, seafood affair on your sun lounger at the beach. Bicycles are...