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Ring-shaped atolls made up of more than 1,000 coral islands, white sand beaches, crystal clear lagoons and a diverse marine life awaits in the Maldives. Known as one of the most beautiful locations in the world, the Maldives is about to step it up a notch in the world of luxury accommodations. Say goodbye to the traditional thatched roofs and hello to the new double story residences of Lux* North Male Atoll.
Image courtesy Maldives
In the wilds of Africa, surrounded by rolling grassland plateaus and watering holes where animals gather, you will find some of the world’s most luxurious (and most expensive) hotels and private game reserve lodges. Boasting intimacy and the finest service, here are our top five game lodges in Africa.
Image courtesy of Singita
Fat bumblebees hum as they dip in and out of violet trumpet flowers languidly swaying over the verandah. Tiny yellow-bellied warblers dart in between sucking nectar as they sing. Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat and Spa is only 50 minutes from Bali’s international airport but stepping through its ornately carved wooden door is like entering the land of the lotus eaters, Homer’s mythical isle of honey-sweet fruit, which once tasted banishes any desire to leave.
Image courtesy of Sukhavati Bali
When you first become a vampire, you’re fixated on the small things. You look for hours at a pattern on a carpet, a stained glass window or even life itself, according to Ann Rice in The Vampire Lestat. This is the book I take with me for my week at Golden Door in NSW’s Hunter Valley. And whilst perhaps the Golden Door is not the perfect place for vampires: lack of night life, in bed by nine and up at sunrise, being there does transform you into a mindful mortal. You take time to watch nature such as the flight of the butterfly who mesmerised me with its golden wings that flitted and danced upwards to the clear sky and back to the magnolia tree with its white flowers and large brown leaves.
Image courtesy of Golden Door
Located in the natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone, Bisate Lodge offers guests breathtaking views of the Virunga volcanoes of the Afro-alpine forests. It’s here, at Bisate Lodge, guests can experience one of the most humbling moments in their lives – the chance to walk with gorillas.
Image courtesy of Wetu
One of the most exciting cities in the world to visit and Cuba’s capital city, is Havana. Havana has a rich and colourful history which is reflected in the people, the buildings and the music of the city. It will take you back in time, inspire you and have you dancing in the streets (daiquiri in hand, of course) in no time.
Image courtesy of The Star
When I was younger, I either wanted to be an actor or an archaeologist (Indiana Jones was regularly watched in my house). But over time that dream changed. Before I had realised I wanted to be a writer, I was fortunate enough to already be doing it professionally. One thing which has stuck with me from my childhood dreams is a love for the back story, for learning about the history of a place, a person or in this case a building, specifically the B2 Boutique Hotel and Spa in Zurich.
Image courtesy of the B2 Boutique Hotel and Spa
I stopped mid conversation with my Uber driver as the Dolder Grand came into sight. Unable to look away, my eyes widened. I had seen the photographs and even a walk-through video on the website, but nothing quite compared to seeing the Dolder Grand in real life. Their motto is ‘be our guest’. And from the moment I walked in I felt like the only guest in the hotel. The warmth and genuine desire to make you feel welcome is truly refreshing. Living up to its name The Dolder Grand is grand in every sense of the word.
Image courtesy of The Dolder Grand. Photo by Zeljko Gataric.
Made up of over three hundred islands, Fiji is a haven for conservation, sustainability and refined luxury. Found in the South Pacific, these tropical islands sure know how to draw a crowd. With their azure waters, lush rainforests and warm-hearted communities it makes for a perfect family getaway.
Image courtesy of Kokomo Private Island
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have been on a whirlwind adventure visiting Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji during their first international tour as a married couple. For those wanting to embark on their own romantic royal tour, look no further than the stunning hotels in Fraser Island and Fiji enjoyed by everyone’s favourite royal couple.
Image courtesy of Kingfisher Bay Resort