INSPIRATION
Here's a small snapshot of travel ideas to get you dreaming!
Enjoy!
HIDDEN HIDEAWAYS
Aah, getting away from it all – there’s nothing like it. Or so we thought. The super-luxury and soul-soothing silence at Amangiri and Camp Sarika at Canyon Point is one thing, but getting out there in its 600 acres of rugged vastness and National Parks is an experience like no other. Walk through millions of years of history, the colour changing geology couldn't be more dramatic.
You know, adventurous as you may feel in general, sometimes you just crave peace, tranquillity, and an enchanting vista of subtly shifting light… without the rigours of long-haul. So, here is Myconian Utopia, a laid back yet luxurious oasis perched on a rocky outcrop in balmy Mykonos. Close to civilisation – the birthplace of civilisation, indeed – but with the sort of seclusion that’ll make you relive your honeymoon.
Rosewood, Luang Prabang, Laos
Rosewood has opened a nature-rich hideaway in Laos, delightfully and cleverly crafted by designer Bill Bensley in a style that would have been familiar to travellers 120 years ago. It’s an intriguing new part of a little-known country coming to terms with its past, and keen to beguile today’s pleasure-seekers. A keen appetite for discovery is essential, mind.
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
It’s hard to say which is the more surreal and beautiful: the majestic elephants ambling by a few yards away, always scoping for their next snack or shepherding their frisky youngsters; or the fact you’re cocooned in your very own transparent pod clinging to the edge of the verdant, teeming forest. The two combine to make the Jungle Bubbles at the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp something sensational for anyone who thinks safaris are been-there, done-that.
A working holiday? Not really – this is the best place on Earth to see endangered gorillas and stunning birdlife in the natural tranquillity they crave. And Bisate Lodge, opened in 2017, oozes opulence while avoiding the garish trappings of modern life. But… there are fulfilling ways in which you really can help boost Rwanda’s national treasure trove.
There are 10 entire countries around this world that are each smaller than the Loisaba Conservancy in Laikipia, northern Kenya. Treading carefully in the homeland of giraffe, elephant and zebra herds, and a big cat population mixing lions, leopards and cheetahs. It would take months to explore it all, even then, if you came back you could do it differently every time via camels, mountain bikes, on foot or horseback; all in the company of Masai locals. But where to stay? Well, let’s see…
TOUR & EXPLORE
Ahoy! Crazy about diving and snorkelling but want a holiday with gorgeous accommodation and chilled-out ‘barefoot’ luxury? Welcome aboard Rascal, a wonderfully hand-crafted teak ‘Phinisi’ yacht that will gently waft you around the beautiful seas and remote islands of Indonesia. Fully crewed with a divemaster, yoga instructor and chef, everything is taken care of while you dive with Manta Rays and explore the Komodo Islands, witnessing the magnificent Dragons.
Around the World by Private Jet
This could easily be labelled as a once-in-a-lifetime trip, except like most, once you've done it you'll want to do it again! Embark on a luxury flatbed airborne odyssey, soaring the skies on a 24+ day adventure with just one or two amazing stop-offs. How does Japan, Bali, Seychelles, meeting the gorillas in Rwanda, exploring the spices in Marrakech, then jetting off to Colombia and the Galapagos before finishing in Miami grab you? All the while never joining the hoi-polloi at any airport. Step this way…
Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru
The first luxury sleeper train comes to South America; where the unfolding Peruvian vista is absolutely breath-taking. The accommodation and attentive service aboard is a global standard-setter, who better to operate it than Belmond, formally Orient-Express. The rails carve through the highest plains in the Andes where you can combine a stay at Colca Canyon (where the Condors fly) and Lake Titicaca (the highest lake in the world) travelling between the Inca capital Cusco and Arequipa.
PRIVATE PLACES
A glittering turquoise sea surrounds this exquisite Caribbean island paradise, the staff keep a respectful distance – in fact, they live ‘abroad’ but can be with you in minutes to supply anything you could want.
I can’t wait to get you out to Alphonse Island, on the outer periphery of the Seychelles where its remoteness really sets it apart from its stablemates dotted in the Indian Ocean just below the Equator. Newer editions to the sublime accommodation on offer include two, four bedroom beach villas. They are some of the most luxurious and spacious holiday spaces imaginable.
360 Private Villas, Europe
360 Private Villas is a collection of modern, contemporary luxury holiday villas across Europe where many have ‘designer’ status and all have a wow factor. Each state-of-the-art villa is carefully sourced to ensure only the best is represented. Hand picked from Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Croatia and Greece. Nearly all the villas have a luxurious private pool or are on the beach.
LIFE'S A BEACH
You know that when there’s a house reef on offer then you’re heading somewhere rather special. At the sensational Six Senses Laamu – which is the one and only resort on the dreamy Laamu Atoll in the Maldives – the underwater vista is almost unparalleled, whether you’re deep-diving or snorkelling. On the surface, you might find yourself cruising at dawn or dusk on a traditional dhoni sailing boat, island-hopping to deserted beaches, surfing, sunbathing. Then there’s the resort itself…
Jumby Bay, Antigua
Live the all-inclusive Caribbean dream at Jumby Bay, where spontaneity and freedom is the principle of your stay. Undisturbed, on an Island with no cars, matched by the delightfully soothing spa suites. They face the grand, turquoise sweep of the Caribbean and here you can enjoy massages, treatments and private yoga coaching in a true paradise environment. You can’t fail to relax. But that’s not the only peaceful aspect…
We’re always hunting for places offering ‘the ultimate’ in luxury, relaxation and invigoration. When you take off for Bawah Reserve, though, you’re bound for somewhere extra-special with six islands and 13 beaches encircled by three lagoons…
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
A night in the museum? You probably know the movie of that name. What you may not know is that there’s a magical spot in Turkey where such a fantasy comes to life in vivid splendour. The Museum Hotel in the dramatically rugged Cappadocia region reflects the collecting passion of its founder, whose eclectic taste in antiques means it’s stuffed with artefacts from the Ottoman, Seljuk, Roman and Hittite periods.
Kasbah Tamadot, Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Here is how to lose yourself in the real Morocco, distanced from the tourist throng while still enjoying the most truly opulent and peaceful of surroundings. This hotel is a personal favourite of mine, I am lucky to have been many times and would count the local Berber staff among my friends. Private dinner on the terrace is an absolute must for the Romantics in you!
Here are two compelling reasons to head for Masseria Torre Maizza hotel on Italy’s Adriatic coast. First and foremost is the utter gorgeousness of its Puglia location, and the rambling, converted 16th century farmhouse at its centre. Second, when you book with your 360 Travel Partner, you reap the exceptional benefits of the Rocco Forte Knights scheme, adding wonderful extras to the famous hotelier’s renowned hospitality.
SHORT BUT SWEET
Bulgari, Dubai,
UAE
Weighted down with luxury awards as heavy as the onyx and marble that contribute to its signature Italian architecture, Bulgari Dubai has now been open since 2018. That’s long enough for the true reputation of a super-top-end resort to become apparent. And this stunning island retreat really is everything you could hope for from the most expensive and sophisticated hotel complex in Dubai.
Park Hyatt,
New York, USA
With a vantage point right at the very crest of the world’s sexiest city. From here, 59 floors above New York street level, you could book a stay every three months, and see the stunning display of the trees in Central Park as they turn through the seasons. Nowhere but the Manhattan Sky Suite can be reserved to provide such a heavenly view and such truly palatial accommodation. Have your personal butler mix you a cocktail and slowly, delightfully, drink it all in.
FAMILY FUN
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
It’s never truly a holiday unless everyone gets an oversize dollop of the things they really want. We don’t doubt that when you go to Soneva Fushi you’ll click with its ‘No news, no shoes’ ethos. Exquisite tranquillity, white sand, mouth-watering yet delicate cuisine and numerous ways to unwind around, on, in and under the crystal-clear water. There is plenty to keep even the most boisterous, inquisitive children entertained…
The Collector’s Villa at Iniala Beach House is, they say, the most luxurious and beautiful three-bedroom villa in the whole of Southern Thailand. A towering claim. Yet, we think, one that stands up. From its golden teak construction to the truly wondrous ceramic courtyard, the exclusive pool with its pillared perimeter to the crystal dining room, and – oh, my – that view… You’ve probably been to Phuket many times, but there’s nowhere like this.
Six Senses, Zighy Bay, Oman
Only two hours by car from Dubai, this stunning family friendly retreat offers a plethora of activities for all ages. With a newly revamped kids club the younger ones are spoilt - leaving you to enjoy the most relaxing of surroundings on the spectacular and secluded Musandam Peninsula. Days of reviving sunshine and divine food, snuggling up for beach cinema nights followed by the best possible night’s sleep will leave you feeling fully recharged.
NATURE CALLS
A white tented safari-style outpost on British Columbia's Pacific Coast - here the experience is "Luxury gone wild". The most wonderful aspect of this natural enclave is its breathtaking wildlife and access to the UNESCO Reserve. Retreat to this eco-friendly, authentic, intimate retreat for a bespoke adventure and restorative escape. Being Relais & Châteaux the food is quite incredible too!
Shipwreck Lodge, Skeleton Coast, Namibia
Staying in a quirky luxurious cabin lost in the wilderness of the Namibian sand dunes, you’ll venture out into some of the most atmospheric of places on the West African seaboard – once a place that sailors, and maybe even seals, viewed with trepidation! Embracing the camps light footprint you'll learn the mysteries of this untamed land.
OK, I have A LOT of travel dreams - but this has to be in my top ten yet to be fulfilled! You’ll learn to drive cattle like a proper wrangler, shoot, climb, and then land a trout of legendary proportions. In the Montana twilight there’ll be plenty of opportunity to talk about every activity-filled day over dinner…even if your tales involve all the time you've spent in Spa Town (yes really!) or how many S’mores you've devoured from dawn till dusk!
WINTER WONDERLAND
If there are two nations in this world that insist on excellence in everything they do then it’s Switzerland and Japan. So when we heard about the subtle Asian influences at one of the most acclaimed luxury hotels in the Alps, we just had to take a look at the breath-taking Chedi in Andermatt.
Time spent at Sheldon Chalet in Alaska is an experience once reserved only for the hardiest mountaineers. You’ll feel the tingling intimidation of being a human speck in an astounding, glacial wilderness… but come back each night to cosy luxury. And a helicopter there and back – the only transport – just adds to the surreal atmosphere.
Bold statements abound at the pinnacle of the travel world where 360 Private Travel operates. But we’re pretty certain there’s no skiing trip anywhere to beat the exhilaration of Canada’s Revelstoke, especially when combined with a stay at Bighorn, one of the world’s most stylish and detail-perfect chalets. The purest of powdery snow is waiting for you…
Natalie Homan Private Travel
Partnered with 360 Private Travel
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Natalie Homan Private Travel is an independent agent for 360 Private Travel, members of Virtuoso.
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