A Luxury Travel Blog

It’s that time of year once again when Travel+Leisure releases its World’s Best Awards. I haven’t had time to study them in detail just yet, but have noted that Singita Sabi Sand at Kruger has taken top spot in the World’s Best Hotels section, up one place from last year. Second is Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, India, up from 11th place last year, and Fairmont Mara Safari Club in Kenya’s Masai Mara makes one of the most impressive climbs to third place (up from 48th spot in 2007).

In the Masai Mara, the migration is beginning. The first zebras - precursors of two million wildebeest - have started to pick their way across the Mara River, a sign that the 2008 migration will be starting early. Olonana is perhaps the Mara’s leading luxury camp and is ideally positioned on the edge of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Guests can follow the migration at will, with easy daytime access into the reserve. As the camp is positioned outside the park itself, guests can also take night drives, game walks and interact with local Maasai communities. The camp itself has 14 tented pavilions each with two queen-sized beds, en suites with twin basins and showers, a personal valet and large private viewing decks overlooking a hippo filled Mara River.

Hey, everyone… it’s Valentine’s Day!  Have you been whisked off your feet to some exotic location?  Are you saving your celebrations until the weekend?  If you’re somewhere special, heading somewhere special, or just got back, we want to hear from you!  Just click on the comments link below.  As for the picture, that’s a shot of a double rose petal bath at Kilalinda Lodge in Kenya’s Tsavo National Park.  It looks heavenly, doesn’t it?!

A weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…

• Low priced private jet travel from Jump Jet
• Enjoy the culinary sensation that is Oud Sluis
• Discover the warmth of Barcelona at Hotel Majestic
• On an island off Mombasa, The Funzi Keys

A weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…

• Helicopter rides in the Canaries from Blue Canarias
• Cosy Kenyan homestay courtesy of Ngong House
• Dine at Peter Goossens’ Hof van Cleve in Belgium
• Where one great experience leads to another: Dubai

CC Africa’s award-winning Bateleur Camp at Kichwa Tembo in Kenya now boasts a second exclusive and intimate luxury tented camp. Featuring nine tented suites, spacious guest areas and its own access areas, the camp offers the epitome of tented luxury in the renowned Masai Mara. The camp overlooks the massive Masai Mara plains, where lion, elephant and giraffe roam freely. During the Great Migration guests can witness the passing throngs of animals, including zebra and wildebeest.

Inspiring footage of the migration from Kenya’s Masai Mara to the Serengeti, courtesy of CAT Safaris.

A luxury lodge in the Lewa Downs Conservancy of Kenya, Il Ngwesi, is today facing an £800,000 lawsuit from a British woman who was lucky to survive an incident where she was trampled and gored by an elephant after going for a run with two friends and a local guide. The attack - which happened 6 years ago - left her with serious injuries and having to undergo 13 operations. She’s claiming that she wasn’t made properly aware of the dangers whilst the owner’s barrister is claiming that she must take responsibility for her decision.  It’ll be interesting to hear the outcome.

Promotional video from Nairobi-based Private Wilderness.

This is post six of twelve in our daily look at the best islands in the world to visit, when to visit them and where to stay (where individual recommendations are made). For June, the following are recommended:

• British Virgin Islands
• Capri: Grand Hotel Quisisana and Villa Brunella
• Galápagos, Ecuador
• Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts: The Edgartown Inn and Harbor View Hotel
• Mfangano, Kenya: Governors’ Camp
• Naoshima, Japan: Benesse House

The Mombasa Serena Beach Hotel re-opens today, having closed last May for renovations. The hotel now has a new Maisha spa facility, a renovation and extension of the Village Wing rooms, as well as the family rooms, and improvements to the interior design of the public areas. Styled to resemble a 13th century Swahili town complete with winding lanes, carved balconies, fountained courts and bustling market squares, the Serena Beach Hotel provides an oasis of tranquillity whilst delivering a unique mix of high-action water sports, sybaritic sun worship, world-class cuisine and vibrant nightlife.

The Kenyan travel destination management company Maniago has quickly established itself as one of the leading names in African safaris. Now, with the introduction of their prestigious Luxury Adventure Safari Experience, they have redefined the term luxury. The safari will provide its clients with an unforgettable encounter with the people, wildlife and landscape of one of the last remaining unspoiled regions in the world. The more adventurous among you can take in the magnificent landscape at sunrise from the aerial tranquillity of a hot air balloon.

Reflecting the rich, natural beauty of the African continent, the Nairobi Serena Hotel is nestled in meticulously tended gardens, overlooking Central Park and the city centre. To complement the tastefully furnished rooms, the Maisha Health Club offers a variety of exercise and therapy treatments that invigorate the spirit and relax the mind.