1. Argentina

This trip really had it all – lots of outdoor activities, a taste of local culture, and plenty of variety. From boat rides and polo lessons in Buenos Aires, to horseback riding on the pampas, to hiking the Perito Moreno glacier, to zip-lining through the rainforest at Iguazu Falls, Argentina’s opportunities for light adventure are practically limitless. It’s also a very family-focused culture that welcomes kids even at a black-tie New Year’s gala. I would say this is still our all-time favorite family trip.

2. African Safari

There was a time when kids weren’t allowed on most safaris, but that has changed. Not only is it safe (with sensible precautions), it’s an adventure your family will never forget. We’ve gone on safari twice – they were enchanting but very different experiences. In Tanzania, we followed the animals in our mobile tented camps, and had the same guide the whole time, which was great for continuity. In Botswana, we stayed in established lodges, and did safaris by boat and elephant-back. In both places, we were far removed from the usual distractions, and we got to see exotic animals in the wild – a thrill which never gets old.

3. London

Medieval castles, spooky dungeons, vast gardens, high tea and royal guards – London may be the word’s best city for a family holiday. There’s something here to capture everyone’s imagination. My daughter, a budding artist and journalist, loves the National Gallery and British Museum, while my sons and husband are fascinated by Churchill – I’ll never forget their excitement at visiting Parliament and the Imperial War Rooms. But the thing we all like most is exploring the diverse neighborhoods, quiet lanes, and sprawling parks of this cosmopolitan capital.

4. Greek Islands

We’re big fans of boating holidays – you unpack only once, start each day somewhere new, live in swimsuits and coverups, and have time to really bond as a family. Some of our best boating trips have been Greek Island cruises, filled with variety and simple pleasures like swimming, snorkeling and exploring caves. Best of all, we had knowledgeable, capable captains and kid-friendly crews who not only took care of but anticipated our every need. Talk about relaxing!

5. China

There are few places better than China for broadening your kids’ cultural experiences (and your own). Everything is fascinatingly different here, from the toys to the cuisine – and it all seems designed to delight and entertain kids. To make the most of it, avoid Westernized tourist options and instead plan interactive activities that let them explore the local culture, like dumpling-making lessons, calligraphy classes, or putting on traditional costumes and makeup at the Beijing Opera. My kids loved everything about this trip: the junk-boat cruises, the acrobatics shows, and especially the terracotta warriors in Xi’an!

Katrina Garnett is the Founder of My Little Swans.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

The top 5 luxury travel destinations for families is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Located in Tanzania’s remote Mahale Mountains National Park, Nomad Tanzania’s Greystoke stakes its claim as one of the finest camps on the continent. A worthy contender for the most striking design of any camp, Greystoke sits on an idyllic beach at the bottom of a chimpanzee filled mountain range on the edge of Lake Tanganyika. Greystoke is one of Africa’s most iconic lodges. Offering an experience that of an exceptionally high quality, yet one that cannot be described as overtly luxurious, Greystoke is a camp that epitomises the adventure of African travel. Amazing sunsets and the clearest possible skies are the norm here whilst the chimpanzee viewing is the finest in Africa.

Tafika and Remote Africa’s bush camps, Luangwa Valley – Central Zambia

The Luangwa Valley is the National Park that safari enthusiasts savour the most. High quality camps, superlative guiding, high game densities and the best walking safaris in Africa tick the boxes for what, makes one safari park better than others. The company that epitomises the Luangwa valley is John Coppinger’s Remote Africa. One of the very few owner run companies left in Africa today, Tafika is Carol and John Coppinger’s home. This beautiful camp has a team of exceptional guides operating some of Africa’s finest walking safaris into the North and South Luangwa at Crocodile Camp, Chikoko and Mwaleshi.

Beho Beho, Selous Game Reserve – Southern Tanzania

Sitting up in the hills in the Northern sector of Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve, Beho Beho is the first of our truly luxurious camps in the top ten. With sweeping views across the valley below, Beho Beho’s stone cottages are quite unlike any other property we work with. Individually crafted from local stone and thatch, the rooms have antique furniture and open fronts along with outside showers and a meticulous attention to finer details. Quite simply, this camp is utterly beautiful yet manages to retain that personal, unpretentious charm that Africa’s remote Wilderness areas deserve. Amazing guiding and some of the best walking anywhere, Beho Beho backs it all up with superb food and service. All of this in the Selous itself – Africa’s oldest and largest Game Reserve; a vast, beautiful area of true wilderness.

Old Mondoro, Lower Zambezi National Park – Southern Zambia

With only four rooms, Old Mondoro is one of the smallest camps to make our top ten. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi in Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park, Old Mondoro looks out over an island in the middle of the Zambezi and across to Zimbabwe beyond. Striking the perfect balance of comfort and respect for such a wild and beautiful location, Old Mondoro offers some of the best boating and canoeing on the continent as well as great game drives at day and night and also superb walking. In short, this little camp offers a huge number of different activities in a stunning location.

Duba Plains, Okavango Delta – Northern Botswana

Located in the North of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, Duba Plains is famous for its incredible lion and buffalo viewing. Trapped on a large island, approximately 1,200 buffalo face the daily challenge of being surrounded by one of the highest concentrations of lion anywhere in Africa. Filmed by National Geographic and made famous by Derek and Beverley Joubert’s two films, the lions of Duba have taken on an almost mythical status. The lions here are diurnal hunters and guests staying in this lovely little camp have the opportunity of witnessing these two beasts of the African savannah at their most ferocious.

Savuti Camp, Linyanti Reserve – Northern Botswana

Wilderness Safaris’ fantastic Savuti Camp is located in Botswana’s Linyanti Reserve. As with Duba Plains, Savuti Camp is located in one of Africa’s finest private reserves. Paying the high prices of Botswana’s private reserves guarantees you exclusivity; huge tracts of pristine wilderness all to yourself. Savuti sits on the banks of the Linyanti river, flowing again for the first time in 25 years. The camp has an unexplainable charm and a location in a phenomenally good game viewing area. One of the best small camps in Africa, without any doubt.

Alex Walker’s Serian, Serengeti National Park – Northern Tanzania

Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is the mother of all safari parks. Justifiably famous for the mobile camps that follow the Great Migration herds throughout the year, no list of top ten camps would be complete without a Serengeti mobiles. Alex Walker’s Serengeti Serian is our pick of the bunch, especially from December through to March when the camp offers guests the opportunity of exploring the Rift Valley and untouched tribes, as well as thousands of acres of untouched short grass plains filled with the largest herds on the planet. What we love about this classic camp however is Alex’s determination to keep guests guessing about what they are going to do the next day.

Mombo Camp, Moremi Game Reserve – Northern Botswana

Generally regarded as the finest safari camp in Africa, it came as a bit of a surprise that Mombo Camp didn’t simply cruise into our top ten! Debate raged in the office about whether this camp deserved its place given that the activities from Mombo are so limited; no night driving or walking is permitted and due to the shallow flood plains, no boating is possible either. However, no one was arguing about was the sheer quality of game viewing on offer here. This is the ‘predator capital’ of Africa. And what a beautiful camp. Our conclusion: rightfully in the top ten.

The Schoeman’s Skeleton Coast Safaris – Kunene Camp, Northern Namibia

Many of Africa’s finest experiences are more basic than one might expect and the Schoeman’s Kunene Camp on the Kunene river in Northern Namibia is no exception. This camp does not offer bells, whistles and chandeliers, but a simple camp that’s located in the absolute middle of nowhere. Privately guided by one of the Schoeman brothers themselves, your hosted stay at Kunene Camp offers an experience that will genuinely take your breath away, on numerous occasions. Located on the top of a cliff directly above the Kunene river itself, Kunene camp is Africa’s most remote camp, in one of the most extraordinary locations we have ever seen.

Sasakwa and the Singita Grumeti Reserves, Serengeti National Park – Northern Tanzania

The Serengeti’s most expensive lodge, Sasakwa easily makes the top ten. The lodge is as luxurious as any we’ve ever seen, and the sheer volume of cash that is going into the Grumeti Reserve itself (courtesy of an American philanthropist/hedge fund owner) has resulted in a huge protected zone where the Great Migration and the Serengeti’s immense predator concentrations roam free. The lodge is also one of the most brilliantly run properties we have ever seen and offers a huge range of activities including riding

Marc Harris is Managing Director of Africa Odyssey.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Africa’s top 10 safari camps is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

What is it that you do exactly?

I am here to create and fulfil dreams and souvenirs, for our guests planning their holidays, looking at the website, looking for a relaxing time together. Souvenirs as our aim is that that they will leave with fond memories of their stay, tell everyone around them and return. To do that I need to orchestrate that every aspect of our guests’ experience runs flawlessly like in a movie plus add some wow factor and a genuine care from the team.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Developing new things, services, products, concepts. They can be major undertakings or small details added to an existing service. These little things make a difference at the end of a stay and there is nothing that is more heartwarming than a fond farewell to an appreciative and happy guest.

What would you say are the three best places you’ve ever stayed?

About 20 years ago on a break from buzzing Hong Kong to Boracay in the Philippines – in those days there was no electricity on the island. To see the chambermaid setting a petrol lamp on the porch of the bungalow at turn down illustrated a magic moment and set the tone for a few days out of time.

A safari in the Okavango Delta in Botswana in several tented camps left unforgettable memories with a sense of being within the animal kingdom with elephants grazing around the tent at night and lion roars in the not-too-far distance!

A trip to Venice a few years ago in a quiet period of the year. There is magic in the place and wherever you look, something to catch your eye. Plus the inimitable Italian flair and style for a certain art de vivre. A Campari soda or an espresso never taste better than on a terrace of a piazza in Venice.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

When I was studying at hotel school I had the chance to dine at Girardet, a famous 3 Michelin star restaurant in Switzerland. That evening was perfection from beginning to end and rests engraved on my mind as what hospitality, creativity, attention to detail all carefully thought through was all about to make for unforgettable experiences. It was an inspiration especially at the beginning of my career as a hotelier.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Some members of the British Royal family used to holiday in a resort on a small island off Antigua in the Caribbean and afterwards I had the opportunity to welcome guests from the British jetset, wanting to stay at the same place. More recently in the Maldives we would host some well-known people from the music and fashion industry. Another person who stayed with us was a famous entrepreneur in the airline industry, who also happened to own an island amongst other business ventures. Most if not all were down to earth, appreciative of the care provided by the team and a pleasure to have as guests.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

I always try to discover new places in the region where I work. After Northern Thailand and the temples of Angkor in Cambodia, Australia and perhaps Tibet are next on the list. A cruise on a sailboat with friends in the Andaman Sea is also in planning.

It was a great pleasure to meet you, JC. Thank you for your time in answering our questions and best of luck with fulfilling your travel wish list.  Our regular readers may remember that we ran a special feature about the Passions Programme at The Pavilions recently.

Interview with Jean-Christophe Nager, General Manager, The Pavilions, Phuket is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

•    Exploring the watery channels of the Okavango Delta in a mokoro

•     Tracking down the manes lions in the Kalahari

•     Enjoy a walking safari with a San Bushman guide and learn about their ancient culture and tracking skills

•     Spend some quiet time at the Makgadikgadi saltpans

•     Follow in the footsteps of David Livingstone and track the Chobe National Park’s large concentrations of elephant

•     Visit Linyanti – big game wilderness

Rebecca Sparrow is Marketing Manager at Safari.co.uk.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Some of the highlights to look out for on a Botswana safari is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

3. Chief’s Island in the Moremi Game Reserve – Botswana

Botswana is uniquely situated in Africa between the Kalahari Desert and Okavango Delta, positioning it perfectly for a vast array of wildlife and culture. Botswana offers some of the most luxurious safari experiences available, and there are a good number of luxury retreats across the country. Chief’s Island is home to some of the nicest private lodges you will find. With spacious living areas and beautiful bedrooms, you will have a tranquil and comfortable base while you aren’t exploring the reserves. The hotel is situated in the Moremi Game Reserve which is known to be the ‘predator capital’ of Africa, so is perfectly suited for a high end safari holiday. The lodge also offers a swimming pool and a range of spa treatments if you want to really treat yourself.

2. Manda Bay – Lamu

Taking a safari in Lamu is a quieter affair than to some of the better known African countries, but this doesn’t mean they can’t provide luxury. Manda Bay is a fabulous private resort offering 10 cottages with en-suite facilities. Situated among coral gardens and woodland, Manda Bay feels secluded, which is exactly what you want when you are resting in the cool of the tamarind and coconut trees. The resort offers plenty for all the family, including private boat trips, deep sea fishing and of course safari excursions. Manda Bay is graced by white, unspoilt beaches and a pure blue sea where you can dine under the stars and enjoy the finer things life has to offer.

1. Funzi Keys – Kenya

Funzi Keys offers pure, unadulterated luxury on the Coast of Kenya. The resort offers unparalelled hospitality and gardens of paradise surrounding its remote location. The idyllic beachfront private cabins come complete with king-size four poster beds, jacuzzis, and of course a picturesque view. The heart of the resort has a restaurant and bar offering the finest in local food and freshly caught fish. The onsite concierges can arrange water sports or excursions at your convenience, so you can enjoy a private safari. Kenya is known for having the most diverse array of wildlife in Africa, and this place proves that Kenya can also be all about luxury.

If a week or two doesn’t seem long enough, Funzi Keys even has a private island for sale; if you’d like to indulge yourself in paradise all year round.

Peter Richards is a Digital Marketing Manager at Tropical Sky.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Top 3 luxury safari resorts in Africa is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Chiefs Island is the largest island in the Delta and is situated at the very centre of it.  The plains are fertile and dotted with termite mounds and palm trees, and the vegetation is diverse with a mix of marula trees, leadwood, acacia and rain trees.  This rich ecosystem attracts large concentrations of animals including red lechwe, impala, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, vervet monkeys, elephants and huge troops of baboons.  The predator numbers are equally good with large prides of lion, large packs of hyena, cheetah and the elusive leopard species.  The channels are teaming with hippo and crocodiles.

Chiefs Island is home to some of Botswana’s finest safari camps.  Chiefs Camp, Mombo Camp and Little Mombo offer Botswana safari enthusiasts the ultimate luxury experience without compromising on authenticity.

The Reserve offers guests the opportunity to explore the region in a traditional 4×4 or by foot on a walking safari or in a dug out canoe called a mokoro.  The best time to visit the Reserve is between the months of July to October when the region is dry and the wildlife congregates in huge numbers at the permanent water sources.  The months of November and December can be exceptionally hot.  Access between the camps is by light aircraft and it is a good idea to combine a stay at three camps to fully appreciate the contrasting scenery and huge array of wildlife in the Reserve.

Rebecca Sparrow is Marketing Manager at Safari.co.uk.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

A Botswana safari to the Moremi Game Reserve is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

There are about 50,000 small islands scattered all over the Delta – all of which are different in shape and form. The woodlands that surround the islands are lush and luxuriant and support many species that would not be bale to adapt to the harsh desert landscapes of the Kalahari. Chiefs Island is the largest of these islands and where most of the wildlife congregates.

The Delta is home to the Big 5 and a host of other species including vast herds of elephant, buffalo and hippo as well as antelope, giraffe, zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog and many smaller predators.  There are no fences in the region and wildlife passes freely between the reserves.  The Moremi Game Reserve is a national park that spreads along the eastern side of the Delta – it was named after Chief Moremi of the Ba Tawana tribe. The Moremi landscape consists of permanent waters and drier areas that create an interesting contrast for visitors.

The Delta is also a breeding ground for hundreds of bird species including large numbers of migrant birds that visit between November and March.  Wattled Cranes and Pel’s Fishing Owls are particularly notable bird species that inhabit this ecosystem.  There are 71 species of fish living in the watery channels including catfish, tigerfish and tilapia.

Rebecca Sparrow is Marketing Manager at Safari.co.uk.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

What is it that you do exactly?

That is what I love about my job…day to day I do so many different things.

I get an early start, dropping off my son at nursery, followed by a walk along the beach with Sprokit the dog. Once in the office, the main focus of my work nowadays revolves around developing new products, but this involves so many different job descriptions.

In the first instance, the ground work must be done and this involves experiencing the product. For example, launching World Bear Safaris involved a lot of travel to various bear haunts throughout 2010. From there, I build a website, work on SEO and launch the experience to our clients. Usually we develop a new product on the back of client demand so feedback from clients is always gratefully received.

Managing a company such as Natural World Safaris is a forever changing job role and aside from developing new products my daily routine can include anything from assisting the sales team with enquiries, training our consultants on destination knowledge, and updating websites to liaising with our in country staff and ensuring a quality experience to our client base.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Liaising with clients is a personal favourite. Receiving feedback from clients that have travelled with us in the past and who have had a thoroughly enjoyable and unique experience makes the long days worthwhile. Client satisfaction and providing a truly quality experience are the foundations of the company.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Zarafa Camp – a truly exclusive luxury camp based in the private Selinda concession in Botswana. With only 4 luxury tents, private plunge pools and exclusive high class game viewing, Zarafa Camp is hard to beat.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge – a luxury lodge located in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Stunning views across the valleys and countryside of Rwanda and the ideal place from where to set off on one of the best wildlife experiences there is…gorilla tracking.

Anjajavy – located in a private nature reserve on the north west coast of Madagascar this lodge offers comfort at the same time as a remote wilderness experience. You have sifakas (a type of lemur) dancing across the lawns, sandy beaches and a tropical climate.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

A meal with my father at the George V in Paris in celebration of my upcoming marriage to my now wife Ciara. Are there really that many different olive oils…?!

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Surely this is a trick question?! Yes…but as a company we would never reveal who, where or when.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

Even though I have been to Botswana numerous times it is still up there. Otherwise, the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, a return trip to Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. As to travel gadgets, a Nikon 200-400mm lens is very tempting…

Thank you for a fascinating insight into your world, Will, and we hope your safari business goes from strength to strength. Great name for a dog, by the way!

If you would like to be interviewed on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Interview with Will Bolsover, Managing Director of World Safaris is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Although I am a huge fan of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy I think perhaps it has had enough attention for one week and so in this post I have decided to take a closer look at some of Africa’s, other, luxurious lodges; alternatives if you will, to the William and Kate experience. Perhaps someday soon you might be sharing your own special moment, with bended knee or not, in a luxury African Lodge.

Shambala Game Reserve, South Africa – Tucked away in the stunning Waterberg Mountains, Shambala consists of 10,000 hectares of pristine South African countryside; a place that, though relatively small compared to other reserves, still boasts the chance to see Africa’s elusive ‘Big Five’, (Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos and Buffalos). As well as its animal interests the reserve also has a human heart at its core, a family run cultural village which acts as a living, breathing information centre where visitors can learn all about South Africa’s incredible history. The accommodation is preoccupied with authenticity and tradition, the Zulu camp, consisting of six fantastically appointed Zulu Huts, offers five-star accommodation but with a real sense of cultural legitimacy. All of the huts come with spacious double bedrooms and full shower facilities, providing all the comfort you might need to create some magical memories.

Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana – The only permanently fixed lodge within the Chobe National Park, the site is perfectly located along the Chobe River to observe the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. The sleek lines and elegant qualities of the lodge’s Moorish architecture create a sense of light and space; the typical features which include high arches, barrel-vaulted ceilings and tiled floors all contribute towards a clean and classic aesthetic. The 47 rooms are adorned with original African paintings and carvings, retaining a real sense of place as well as boasting all of the comforts of modern living; the accommodation’s considered design also makes it ideal for families and children.

Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia – Sossusvlei is quite literally a desert oasis, nestled between the spectacular dunes of the Namib Desert and the jagged outcrops of the rocky escarpment. You’ll feel like you’re really part of the African experience when you stay at Sossusvlei, where the ten individual villas constructed out of stone and glass offer the perfect symmetry between modern minimalist design and traditional African design. All are air conditioned to keep you fresh during the day and cosy fireplaces have been installed for those cooler winter nights. Despite being located on the periphery of a desert there is still an incredible array of wildlife to be seen, including the iconic oryx, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, antelopes, springbok and smaller mammals such as the bat-eared fox, aardwolf and porcupine.

Thanda Game Reserve, South Africa – Thanda, a word derived from the Zulu for love, was awarded the prize of ‘World’s Leading Luxury Lodge’ at the recent World Travel Awards. Thanda offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes, from the opulence of the royal private villas or the warmth of the main lodge to the rugged refinement of the tented camp. Located 23 kilometres north of Hluhluwe in Zululand, the reserve is a tribute to South African cultural heritage, and as a romantic sanctuary of peace and tranquility, many would consider it peerless in all of Africa. Catering for adults and children alike, it boasts fine dining and a wellness centre, were natural holistic approaches to treatment will leave you feeling revived and refreshed. Let’s not also forget the wildlife, the big five are at your doorstep and because the reserve is so close to the Indian Ocean, horse riding on the nearby beaches or a trip to the Isimangaliso wetlands are also a must.

Greg Fox is a Director at luxury travel specialists Mahlatini.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

The most luxurious lodges in Africa is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

1.       Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds have to be considered as New Zealand’s pre-eminent historical site. It was on February 6, 1840 that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori chiefs and the British Crown, a fundamental act in the evolution of modern New Zealand. The Trust estate comprises 507 hectares, ranging from the lower reaches of the Waitangi River to the northern coastline of Wairoa Bay. To the east of the estate resides the 4.8 hectare historical precinct, home to the Treaty House, the Whare Runanga and the renowned naval flagstaff which marks the place where the treaty was first signed. As well as its historical interest the area boasts extensive grounds inhabited by native birdlife, trees and heritage gardens.

2.       Okavango Delta, Botswana

As the world’s largest inland delta the arterial Okavango’s precious water supply is the life blood of northern Botswana, including the Moremi Game Reserve which extends across its eastern plains. The ecosystem incorporates a variety of habitats, from woodlands, riverine forests and grasslands, to floodplains and sand veldt islands. The delta also supports an incredible biodiversity of life including 150 species of mammals, over 500 species of birds, 90 species of fish, as well as plants, reptiles, invertebrates and amphibious creatures.

3.       Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius

In the hilly south west of Mauritius, the Black River Gorges National Park is the primary habitat for a majority of the endemic animal, bird and plant life in Mauritius, including several of its rarest species. Only established in 1994, the park has already asserted itself as a haven for wildlife and a popular tourist destination. As well as the Mauritian fly fox and the Mauritian kestrel this habitat is also home to the world’s rarest pigeon, the pink pigeon and the world’s rarest parakeet, the Echo parakeet.

4.       Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia

Taman Negara, literally translated as National Park, has been a real ecotourism success story and could serve as a model for many of the other mismanaged sites that still retain UNESCO World Heritage status. The park, originally called King George V National park until the country gained independence in 1957, is Malaysia’s first and largest conservation area, encompassing three separate states. Popular with climbers because of Gunung Tahan, the highest point of the Malay Peninsula, the park is home to some of the rarest species in Malaysia, including the majestic Indochinese Tiger, the crab-eating macaque, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Asian Elephant. As well as spectacular views, tourists can enjoy canopy and cave walking and rafting.

James Bell is the Sales and Marketing Director for Turquoise Holidays.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

4 sites that should be on the World Heritage list is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

• Enriching lives through distinctive journeys: Big Five
• Luxury in the Lake District from Kendal Cottages
• Untamed wilderness from the Botswana Tourist Board
• See the exclusive  La Posada Villas with pools

Luxury travel links of the week is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

What is it that  you do exactly?

My primary task is to be there for our clients, whether it be dealing with a new enquiry or ensuring that their travel plans run smoothly. Beyond that I do the administration tasks necessary to make sure that the agency runs smoothly, allowing the other members of staff to concentrate on dealing with their clients.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I’m a self-confessed travel geek, so I enjoy all aspects of the industry. I love reading the magazines, watching the travel channels and talking to clients about my favourite destinations, but most of all I love having the opportunity to visit places I wouldn’t otherwise be able to. I’ve seen parts of the globe that most people never will and I’m very grateful to be in such a position.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Savute Under Canvas, Botswana – I stayed at 4 of the &Beyond properties in this amazing country, but this was the highlight for me. Staying in a tent whilst outside you could hear lions and hyenas close by was an experience that will stay with me forever. It was also the first time I’d seen a leopard on safari.

Baltschug Kempinski, Moscow – We arrived late into Moscow and didn’t get a real impression until the following morning when I looked out of my bedroom window across the Moscow River to St Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square and the Kremlin. Whilst Moscow might not be as pretty as St Petersburg, you get a real feeling of being somewhere special, somewhere important.

Four Seasons Sayan, Bali – After a long journey this was a real sight for sore eyes. Beautifully set in the Ayung river valley near Ubud, this was the perfect place to relax.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

If you ever find yourself in Ibiza you must visit the Cardamom Club in Santa Eulalia. Superb Indian cuisine in a wonderful setting – chicken jalfrezi with a cold beer, outdoors under a canopy of trees on a Mediterranean evening……paradise!

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

We do have a few high profile clients, but best to respect their privacy. I’ve been shouted at by the late Hughie Green in a hotel in Edinburgh if that counts, but it was a case of mistaken identity, he apologised and even bought me a drink. I’ve also met Iggy Pop and John Peel. Oops, almost forgot… I am currently in an awkward relationship triangle with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Carmen Electra…

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

This changes on an almost daily basis, but at the moment I would love to see Norway, preferably on a Hurtigruten cruise. The scenery looks like it would literally awesome.

Thank you, David. I can heartily recommend Norway – it’s been 20 years since I was there but I still have fond recollections of the scenery.

If you would like to be interviewed on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Interview with David Sutcliffe of Traveltalk is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Luxury on the banks of the Chobe River, Botswana is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The 45-metre steel hulled river boat features just 14 suites and master suites. All have private balconies and full-length sliding shutters. There’s an open-plan lounge with a wood-burning fireplace, an astronomical telescope and a stylish bar area. The top deck features a swimming pool, sunbathing area and shaded seating area, where guests can also have massages and manicures / pedicures. On the third floor is the spacious dining room, which offers unobstructed views of the Chobe River.

Chobe safari aboard new luxury boat is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Beauty in Botswana is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Two new properties in Botswana is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

• Black Rock Lodge, Belize
• The Lodge at Sun Ranch, Montana
• Savute Under Canvas, Botswana
• Arenas del Mar, Costa Rica
• Baghvan, India
• Centro EcolĂłgico Sian Ka’an (CESiaK), Mexico
• Ranweli Holiday Village, Sri Lanka
• EcoCamp Patagonia, Chile
• Nimmo Bay, British Columbia, Canada
• Avalon Coastal Retreat, Australia

Where to go green – in luxury is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

X Marks the Spot is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Botswana is buzzing is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

• 1 Singita Private Game Reserve, Sabi Sands, South Africa   97.56
• 2 Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan 96.11
• 3 Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur, India   94.28
• 4 Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur, India   93.50
• 5 Inverlochy Castle, Fort William, Scotland   92.86
• 6 Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, India   91.79
• 7 Four Seasons Resort, Chiang Mai, Thailand   91.72
• 8 Sooke Harbour House, Sooke, Vancouver Island   91.54
• 9 Waterloo House, Hamilton, Bermuda   91.45
• 10 Charlotte Inn, Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard   91.25
• 11 Château Les Crayères, Reims, France   91.23
• 12 Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Virginia   90.87
• 13 Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino, Vancouver Island   90.83
• 14 Chief’s Camp, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana   90.53
• 15 Mombo Camp, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana   90.39

T+L’s World’s Best Small Hotels is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog