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.

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

The reason why the park does not receive many visitors is because it is relatively inaccessible.  It has more game viewing opportunities than the neighbouring Selous but it does not offer any boating safaris.  There are excellent predator concentrations as well as good numbers of elephant and buffalos that roam the plains in large herds.  There are very few camps in the Ruaha – so relative to its size, it offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy a truly remote Tanzania safari experience.

The Ruaha National Park is a dry season park and the game viewing gets better towards the end of the season when the waterholes are beginning to dry up, and the game congregates in large herds at the remaining water supplies. There are good game viewing opportunities throughout the year but during the low season you are pretty much guaranteed not to come across any other visitors.  The best time for bird watching is between the months of December to March.

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

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Ruaha National Park – one of Tanzania’s best kept secrets is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The first reports came in last week from the guides in the Serengeti; the Great Migration has started calving! Is now the very best time to be in the Serengeti? Many experts believe this is the finest time to witness the herds. Travel now and the Serengeti is lush and green, alive with wildlife and pumping with action. The calving season will last for the next six weeks, with approximately 8,000 young wildebeest born every day in the peak calving period. Witnessing a newly born calf capable of running in a matter of minutes is one of nature’s most incredible events.

It is also now that the Southern Serengeti and Western Ngorongoro Conservation Area (around Lake Ndutu), host the highest concentration of predators anywhere in Africa. Huge lion prides, spotted hyena clans, and high concentrations of cheetah patrol the vast short grass plains. With approximately 500,000 wildebeest born in a matter of months, there is a huge amount of predation.

The concentration of predators guarantees a healthy wild environment with the full plethora of Africa’s big game on show. The cats and the wildebeest herds however are the main attraction with the next two months regarded as the finest times to witness cheetah hunts anywhere in Africa. The lion prides here are equally impressive. Found virtually everywhere, prides often number over twenty individuals and are ruled by some of the most impressive males to be seen anywhere.

Other predators include huge numbers of spotted hyena, jackal as well as the prize spots – honey badger, aardwolf and the lesser known cats, caracal and serval.

So why are the herds here?

Drawn by the countries short rains, November and early December saw the Migration move down from the Northern Serengeti to the short grass plains of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Each and every wildebeest you ever see was born here.

Due to the volcanic fertility of the soil, enriched by hundreds of years of volcanic eruptions from various Rift Valley volcanoes (notably Oldonyo Lengai recently), the grasses are particularly rich in minerals, including phosphorous. Phosphorous is found in every cell in a wildebeest body. No other mineral is more important and there are no richer phosphorous grazing grounds than the southern short grass plains; the perfect place to raise young.

The last few weeks has seen the herds spread out with wildebeest stretching all the way from the southern Serengeti to the south of the Loliondo reserve and Western Ngorongoro Conservation Area. For the next two to three months they will stay in the area, constantly moving and following the rains in the search for new shoots and the richest grasses. All the while, they will be raising their young, under watchful eyes!

This high risk game continues until the dry season starts – when a combination of lack of food and  permanent water means the herds face no alternative but to migrate north to the lush grazing grounds of the northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. This ‘Great Migration’ will take place anytime throughout April, May and early June with the herds finally reaching their destination from the beginning of July onwards.

Where to stay?

Calving season is the time of the Serengeti’s mobile camps as none of the Serengeti’s super luxurious camps have good locations for the herds. Our favourite, Alex Walker’s Serian, has the best location from which to view the herds from December through to late March.  This truly exceptional mobile camp has a quieter location away from the busier Ndutu region but remains within easy reach of the prolific big game areas. Loved by us for its charismatic hosts and exceptional guides (Alex himself and John Moller),  Alex Walker’s Serian offers game driving, village visits to some of Tanzania’s most remote tribes as well as walking safaris and trips to the Ngorongoro Crater. There is also the opportunity for clients to set off on private mobile expeditions down onto the Rift Valley and around the northern shores of Lake Eyasi.

Marc Harris is Managing Director of Africa Odyssey.

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Wildebeest calving season in the Serengeti 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.

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

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is set on the northern ridge of the crater and the design and architecture has been inspired by the Maasai mud and stick huts that are typical of the region.  The interiors are opulent and very spacious and the central living and expansive private decks offer fabulous views over the Crater floor.  The quality of guiding is excellent and activities include traditional game drives, walking safaris and cultural excursions to the local villages.  The Conservation area is inhabited by about 40 000 Masai pastoralist and the interaction between man and nature in this region is one of Africa’s best examples of peaceful co-existence between humans and animals.

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

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Explore the Ngorongoro Crater – one of the great natural wonders of the world is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

African safaris are best suited for children age 5 and up.  Each one is specially designed to suit each family’s interests and preferences and the camps will happily accommodate special dietary requirements.  Your safari experience will be very private and you will be kept well away from the crowds and minibuses that you see in the busier reserves that cater for cheaper package tours.  Africa is a year round safari destination and there are always good game viewing opportunities – whether you are visiting over Christmas, Easter, the summer holiday or one of the half term breaks.

South Africa and Kenya are the obvious family safari destinations but Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia also offer some excellent family accommodation.  South Africa is popular because it offers malaria free safaris and Kenya is popular for its easy access from the UK and Europe as well as its wonderful variety of activities and cultural interaction. A Botswana safari and a Zambia safari are well suited for active families with teenagers who enjoy traditional game viewing activities like walking safaris and game drives.

A luxury family safari in Africa combines well with a Robinson Crusoe style beach holiday in Mozambique, Mauritius or Zanzibar where the whole family can enjoy a variety of water sports.  If you are planning a malaria free South Africa safari, then you should definitely spend a few days in Cape Town – exploring the city and the Cape Winelands.

A few family safari camps and lodges:

Lagoon Camp

Lagoon Camp lies on the banks of a permanent lagoon formed by the Kwando River.  The camp consists of 6 tents and is the perfect place for families who are very into wildlife.  The activities are focussed on the game viewing experience and include canoeing safaris, boating safaris, walking safaris and traditional game drives as well as tiger fishing – a popular activity for boys of all ages.

Chitabe Lediba

Chitabe Lediba is situated in the Chitabe Concession, neighbouring the Moremi Game Reserve.  It is just south f the Okavango Delta and features a seasonal landscape that changes from brown scrub in the dry season to a lush green oasis in the wet season.  Chitabe is a small camp that consists of five tented suites that have been built on raised teak platforms.  Some of the tents are inter leading – making it a great choice for family groups.  The wildlife is prolific and activities include walking safaris, game drives and sleep outs in the hides.

Sabuk Lodge

Sabuk Lodge is situated in the northern frontier district and is perched on a cliff that overlooks the Ewaso River.  The camp has far reaching views over the Laikipia plains and offers the very best in family accommodation.  Activities are adventurous and include camel safaris, walking safaris, game drives, bush craft, fire lighting, animal tracking and cultural interaction with the Samburu guides who will teach your kids about their traditional way of life.

Vamizi Island Lodge

Vamizi Island Lodge is a Robinson Crusoe style beach lodge on the northern coast of Mozambique.  It offers private accommodation that is surrounded by miles and miles of white powdery sand and crystal clear and warm Indian Ocean waters.  Activities include scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, game walks and picnic to the neighbouring islands.

Impodimo

Impodimo is situated in the malaria free Madikwe reserve. At Impodimo, staff go out of their way to welcome children of all ages.  All children are given a good y bag on arrival and activities are designed to be fun and informative.  They include bush baking, bush crafts, animal tracking, paper mask making, swimming and guided nature walks around the camp.  Impodimo also offers a baby sitting service so parents can enjoy a much needed rest.

Kiba Point

Kiba Point is a beautiful Tanzania safari lodge situated in the Northern Selous.  It offers one of the best family safari experiences in Tanzania and is suited for children of all ages.  The camp has been built in a lovely quiet spot on the banks of the Rufiji River and consists of four spacious and well appointed cottages with private plunge pools.  You will also have a private vehicle and guide who will accompany you on all your bush activities.  Activities include game drives, walking safaris, boating safaris and fishing.

Cape Grace

Although the Cape Grace is not a safari camp it has great family accommodation choices and is worth a stay if you are visiting Cape Town.  The Cape Grace is situated on the bustling Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – in the shadow of Table Mountain.  The accommodation is spacious and very luxurious and it is the ideal base from which to explore the city.  The hotel is very welcoming to families and even offers a baby sitting service.  Children are given a welcome pack on arrival and are invited to enjoy bedtime stories in the library every evening.  The hotel also has a luxury yacht that is available for exclusive use.

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.

7 great places to experience a luxury family safari in Africa is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Ten years ago I lived in Dar es Salaam, and since then I’ve been back and forth to Tanzania trying to find the best of the best, so that I can introduce my clients to the country I love. I’ve been to world-famous game reserves, and wilderness areas that few outsiders have ever heard of (Pare Mountains anyone?) to come up with my list of Tanzania’s properties that deliver the ultimate luxuries: charm, beauty and unforgettable memories.

Beho Beho, Selous Game Reserve

In spite of years travelling the globe in considerable style, all travel experts have their favourites, the treasures we’d pay to return to again and again. For me, this place is Beho Beho, in the Selous Game Reserve. Staff welcome guests as old friends, the guides are amongst the best I’ve ever had, and the food is out of this world. Best of all, the Selous is the size of Switzerland, so you don’t share the experience.

Sayari, Northern Serengeti

When I first went to the Northern Serengeti, we drove for hours without seeing a soul, and accommodation was almost impossible to come by. With the wildlife and beauty of the Masai Mara, but none of the visitors, the rest of the world has caught on, and this area is big news for 2012. One of the few places where visitors stand a chance of enjoying a river crossing to themselves, there are just two permanent camps here. My pick of the bunch is Sayari, which has blossomed from a seasonal mobile camp into a serious luxury camp, with game viewing and views to die for.

The Oyster Bay, Dar es Salaam

Normally, a hotel in Dar es Salaam is simply a place to crash out before an early morning flight. The Oyster Bay has changed all of this. Such is the warmth of the welcome and the charm of the staff, it’s rapidly becoming a destination by itself. When a hotel’s “standby supper” is effortlessly produced lobster, delicious enough to satisfy one of London’s toughest restaurant critics (a dinner companion on my last visit), you know you’re on to something special.

Greystoke, Mahale Mountains

In an era when it seems that every hotel has a pillow menu, wi-fi in the bath, and 1,000 TV channels, a mere few cater to those who like their luxuries a little more authentic. Intrepid travellers will find their ultimate reward at Greystoke Mahale. A six hour flight from the Serengeti on one of the world’s most beautiful lakes, Greystoke’s location is second to none. My visit delivered spine-tingling chimp viewing, swimming in the clearest water, and shooting stars like burning balls of fire. I’d actually be nervous to return, in case it didn’t live up to my memories, but each of my clients comes back similarly entranced.

Mwagusi, Ruaha National Park

It’s hard to put a price on adventure, but in our safe and largely circumscribed lives, it’s certainly a luxury worth travelling for. The Ruaha National Park delivers in spades. Wild dogs making kills in camp and elephants blocking the path to dinner- it always seems to happen here. It’s rare that I have a guest return from the Ruaha without a glint in their eye and a thrilling tale of adventure. Pack your bags – you won’t regret it.

Alexandra Matts is a Director at Exsus.

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Tanzania’s undiscovered gems is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Now personally, gimmicks aside, I think a serene swimming experience depends a lot on the surroundings, so in this post I have picked out 5 incredible hotel swimming pools with simply breathtaking views to help with your relaxation.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

so, this is the pool for you. The massive infinity pool at the luxurious Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore sits atop the roof on a platform 55 storeys above the city. From here you can see for miles and you will feel like you are literally about to swim off the edge of the building. Enjoy!

Sasakwa Lodge, Singita Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania

If you like a more natural sort of beauty when you swim, the Sasakwa Lodge in Tanzania might be just what you are looking for. Whilst the pool itself may not be as astounding as others you could mention (although each villa does have it’s own private infinity pool), the view over the Singita Grumeti reserves is second to none. Where else could you relax in your own pool (1:03 in the video) with a genuine opportunity to see wild game wonder past?

Banyan Tree, Mahe, Seychelles

This has to be about as opulent as swimming can get. The Seychelles are world renowned as a picture of paradise and if you have the money where better to spend your time off than in your private infinity pool on the edge of the island with expansive views over the golden sands and crystal clear ocean?

Villa D’Este, Lake Como, Italy

Villa D’este in Italy is about as exclusive as a hotel gets really, certainly worth checking out in more detail if you are so inclined. But it’s the swimming pool that interests me – literally floating in Lake Como this simple but exquisite pool has 360 degree views and the stunning hills surrounding the lake, as well as of the fabulous Renaissance building that is the Villa D’este of course.

Ubud Hanging Gardens, Bali

I have saved the best till last: I honestly can’t think of anything more beautiful than the view from one of the private infinity pools at the Hanging Gardens in Bali. This private resort is nestled in the Bali rainforest and offers it’s guests the unique chance to relax in luxury whilst watching tropical birds and wild monkeys in their natural habitat, not to mention the presence of an ancient temple in clear view from your sunbed.

Tim Roberts is Owner of BirminghamAirportParking.

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5 luxury swimming pools with a view is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Between July and October the great herds arrive in the Masai Mara in Kenya. When they start to deplete the grasses, they move south again towards the Serengeti where they start to arrive in November and December. This is an epic 1,800 mile journey, where these animals follow the food flow in a clockwise direction.

When the animals commence their great migration, more than 1.8 million wildebeest congregate with more than 200,000 zebras, 500,000 Thomson’s Gazelles and more than 100,000 other animals including large quantities of the small deer including dik dik and impala. They are closely watched by the marauding predators that include lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas.

This African army is equivalent to the human army gathered by the Nazis for the invasion of the Soviet Union – codenamed Barbarossa – on 22nd June 1941. This was the biggest gathering in human history with more than 4.5 million soldiers from the seven Axis armies of Germany, Italy, Finland, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia and Romania. They had a journey of more than 1,800 miles in front of them. They were also accompanied by 600,000 mechanized vehicles and 250,000 horses. They were opposed by the Soviet army of more 3.9 million soldiers.

The great African army is also faced by formidable foes. In their invasion of Masai Mara in Kenya they are opposed by the tank battalions of crocodiles who lie in wait in the Grumeti and Mara Rivers. To oppose this enemy, the wildebeest use Blitzkrieg tactics, amassing in huge numbers, before launching a lightening strike to cross the river in huge numbers. The crocodile tanks await the invasion, coolly spotting the weaker wildebeest and zebra while in the water and rapidly closing in on their chosen victims, attacking them and pulling them away to slowly drown them, then crunching them with their big jaws.

No enemy can deal with this African army head on; rather, they attack the weak and vulnerable, and normally older and younger soldiers on their flanks. When the huge herds of wildebeest and zebra are in migration, they are closely watched by lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas who engage in guerrilla tactics, attacking the herds from their sides and flanks, picking on the smaller and weaker elements, before retiring with their prey.

The African army does suffer serious casualties en route, and it is estimated that at least 250,000 wildebeest die in the great migration. However, the casualties they suffer are nothing compared to those suffered on both sides in the Barbarossa operation. Operation Barbarossa was the largest military operation in human history in terms of both manpower and casualties. It is estimated than more 850,000 German forces were killed or injured in Operation Barbarossa, but the Soviet side suffered losses running into many millions.

The Nazis invaded Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union to seek Lebensraum (living space) for the growing German peoples, and also to seize and control the wheat fields of the Ukraine and the Caucasian oil fields to supply its motorized army. The African army seeks new grazing fields, but its logistical supplies are always in front of it, thus ensuring its success.

Operation Barbarossa become the site of some the largest battles, most deadly atrocities, the highest casualties, and the most barbaric acts of human activity in the history of warfare. All of these were to vitally influence the course of World War II and the history of the world.

In contrast, the African army goes about its great migration with a solid determination and great dignity which maintains the delicate balances between the different species which make up this splendid army. In its own way, this army has had its own decisive influence on world history, which has achieved recognition by it being designated as one of the ten natural wonders of the natural world. There is certainly much that the human race could learn from the great African army, and should we ever spoil, sabotage or destroy this army, this would surely be one of the biggest atrocities committed by humans in any war.

Recent wars in Africa have not had happy endings, and record a catalogue of shame and disaster. The sight of most African armies in recent years has brought horror and dread to the population, and spread terror and fear wherever they have gone. But Africa can feel especially proud of this African army from the Serengeti. It is an awesome, proud and successful army, and provides one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, as well as preserving the freedom and integrity of all the animals that grace the plains of the Serengeti. This animal army brings wonder, excitement, splendour and a heart warming feeling to all those who have had the privilege to witness in action the greatest army of them all.

Gerard Moxon is Founder of Luxury Hedonist.

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The Serengeti, home to the greatest army of them all is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

This one is a personal favourite of mine as we spent a few nights of our honeymoon here.  A truly incredible location with a restaurant that overlooks one of the finest locations in Africa.

2. Skyline Restaurant – Queenstown, New Zealand

A stunning location with great staff and lovely views.

3. Sirocco Restaurant – Bangkok, Thailand

This is the world’s tallest al fresco restaurant, located at the Lebua State Tower.

4. Sierra Mar – California, USA

Perched above the ocean, the views from Sierra Mar are simply breathtaking. (Fast forward to 2 minutes in the video and watch from there…)

5. Al Mahara – Dubai, UAE

Relax and admire the aquarium at this underwater restaurant which has over 70 species of fish.

5 of the best restaurant views in the world is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The Indian Ocean has become synonymous with remote beauty and unspoiled majesty. The gem like islands that dot its continental rims are recognised as some of the most breathtaking places on earth; a kaleidoscope of granitic paradises and shimmering coral sands that unassumingly nestle amongst a vast expanse of blue. It is this seemingly ethereal magnificence supplemented by a select portfolio of exclusive resorts and holiday properties that asserts the Indian Ocean as the home of the luxury retreat.

Mnemba Island, Tanzania – A country perhaps better known for its safaris than its sun downers; the territories of the Republic of Tanzania in fact extend from the mainland to 40 coastal islands ranging in size from the largest, Zanzibar, to the smallest uninhabited cays such as Toten and Maziwi. Mnemba Island is itself situated east of the quiet northern peninsula of Zanzibar. A tiny but beautifully formed island, Mnemba was named by Condé Nast Traveller as one of the three most romantic places on earth, perhaps in no small part thanks to the island’s heart shaped coastline. Mnemba is encompassed by a large oval reef that not only protects the island from strong tides but is a haven for marine life and thus a hotspot for divers. Mnemba is home to only one guest property, the eponymously named Mnemba Island Resort. Famed for its Robinson Crusoe-esque beach chic the resort consists of ten beautifully crafted en-suite bungalows featuring thatched pine branches and traditional Zanzibari palm matting.

Denis Private Island, Seychelles – We already know that this group of remote granitic islands is a favourite haunt for the likes of Prince William and Princess Catherine and even the briefest of glances will give you some idea why. An archipelago of 115 islands situated North East of Madagascar this smattering of idyllic islands offers unrivalled seclusion and intimacy. Without doubt one of the most detached and remote communities in the Seychelles is that of Denis Island; lying 95km north of the main island of Mahé, Denis is the epitome of seclusion and romance. The private island resort features only 25 stunningly appointed chalets dotted amongst the dense foliage and coconut trees and all featuring a panoramic sea view. The island is a haven for wildlife both on land and in the water so whether you decide to stroll down the meandering jungle pathways listening to the sweet serenade of bird song or explore the vibrant corals of the nearby reef you are sure to uncover something marvellous and exciting everyday.

Kanuhura, Maldives – In a remote corner of one of the most isolated island groups on Earth you will find Kanuhura, a microscopic white sandy isle hiding inconspicuously in the Lhaviyani Atoll. Accessed by sea plane a long wooden planked jetty leads in towards the 18 overwater bungalows that dominate the western shoreline. Boasting some of the best dive sites in the Maldives, a fitness studio, gymnasium, tennis courts, squash courts and a water sports centre as well as a boutique and spa guests can choose to do as much or as little as they wish. If Kanuhura itself isn’t quite remote enough for you then by day boat transfers will convey you to the nearby uninhabited Jenuhura island to relax and lounge or by night offer you the ultimate candle lit dining experience. Although the resort is an ideal retreat for honeymooners and couples, families are also welcome with a number of luxury duplex beach villas established to provide the space and amenities to satisfy the needs of any travelling party.

Vamizi Island, Mozmabique – Another destination you may not immediately associate with remote island chic, Mozambique in fact veils a star studded crest of islands that dot its coast in two distinctive archipelagos. Vamizi Island is located on the northern Quirimbas Island group and for those in search of a more rugged, authentic island adventure this is certainly the place to go. A desert island in every sense of the word there is no natural store of fresh water here so until a group of enthusiastic but environmentally sympathetic British investors established the lavish Vamizi Island resort and built a desalination plant and airstrip to boot there had been minimal human interaction on the island. Not as manicured as other more commercialised islands Vamizi still harbours that sense of wilderness and the excitement of the unknown.  With just 13 villas each of which features a number of beautiful colonial furnishings as well as private gardens, guests are treated to a kind of by-gone elegance. Combined with miles of unspoiled beaches and the clearest of turquoise waters Vamizi certainly earns it place on my list.

James Bell is a Director of 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 of the most remote retreats in the Indian Ocean is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

So, if you really want to get away from it all, a little lateral thinking is in order, or else all will have a horrible habit of turning up just when you do. So, thinking laterally while looking at the continent of Africa, look at Tanzania, and then cast your eyes into the ocean off the coast. There lies the island of Zanzibar, one of the original Spice Islands, far away from all’s thoughts, and a real get away from it all island. And here you really can get away from all.

Zanzibar is the original trading island. Amongst the first visitors to Zanzibar were Arab traders who arrived in the 8th Century to trade gold, silks, ivory, spices, animal skins and slaves. A whole array of other nationalities arrived later, and many stayed and intermarried with the locals to form a culture that is uniquely diverse, and producing a race of people who regard hospitality to strangers as a sacred duty.

Zanzibar has lots of activities associated with its waters. Swimming, snorkeling and diving are all part of the norm. There is also deep sea fishing, windsurfing and sailing in the traditional Arab dhows.

Food is of the highest standard with seafood being amongst the best in Africa. The Indian Ocean has plentiful populations of fish, all of which are served up fresh, in various mixtures and combinations. The infiltrations of so many different cultures mean that food is exotic and delicious.

On the island of Zanzibar itself, I recommend two locations, the Palms Zanzibar, which contains the Sanctuary Spa, and Matemwe Bungalows, composed of 14 thatched bungalow suites in a stunning setting.

If you really want to get further away from it all, I recommend Fundu Lagoon on Pemba Island, which forms part of the Zanzibar archipelago. Here there are 16 spacious rooms with wonderful ocean rooms. Another recommendation is the Mnemba Island Lodge on a tiny atoll off the north coast of Zanzibar. Here is the ultimate in barefoot luxury, surrounded by some of the best diving and fishing in the whole of Africa.

So if you really want to get away from it all, Zanzibar offers an exclusivity and style only available to the discerning few….

Gerard Moxon is Founder of Luxury Hedonist.

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Getting away from it all in Zanzibar is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Depending upon your personal tastes and definition of “luxury”, there are basically three ways to go on this outing. The most adventurous among us will most likely desire a true “tented” safari in the wilds of Uganda, Rwanda, or Tanzania. These trips can be tailored to your liking and involve living in the wild, pitching tents each day at a new site, and roaming about viewing the local “inhabitants” in all their glory. For a tamer version, select a travel package to Kenya on the Masai Mara plain. Balloon over the Great Migration and go on picture-taking journeys, before and after wining and dining at your central lodging location. However, both of these journeys require special shots and malaria pill regimens, including mosquito netting protective gear.

For less hassle and medical concerns, fly the extra mile to South Africa and the Kruger National Park. No pills or shots required, and a side trip to Cape Town and the nearby wine country would be an excellent way to finish the trip. [Editor's note: this is not correct!  Please note that whilst many South African parks are malaria free, two of them are not - these are Kruger National Park and Mapungubwe National Park.  Thank you to @WildernessEnc for pointing this out.] There are a plethora of resorts that will compete for your patronage, but the standout for many has been the MalaMala Game Reserve. Noted as a “blueprint” for all safari providers, the enormous reserve offers a photographic opportunity unlike any other to observe the “Big Five” (Lion, Elephant, Water Buffalo, Leopard, and Rhinoceros) and capture them on film for a lifetime.

A typical journey begins with landing on an isolated airstrip, while the local Kudus and Springboks welcome your arrival with gazing stares from a distance. Next stop is your luxury lodge and individual sleeping cottages. After a welcoming cocktail and hors d’oeuvres, it is off to the wild for your first ride in the bush. You and four of your compatriots will sit in an open-top rover while the driver and tracker drive over hill and dale in search of anything that moves. Your eyes will soon adjust to picking up any movement hundreds of yards away, although at first, you will be astounded by the tracker’s ability to spot clearly camouflaged animals a mile away.

The intensity of these daily journeys, morning, noon, and night, will heighten your senses to an amazing level that can only breathe life into memory cells long forgotten to exist. With each return to home base, you will dine and drink away the hours discussing what “miracles” you have witnessed – a pride of lions eating their kill, a cheetah chasing down its prey, or a herd of elephants crashing through the brush, all within a few feet of your rover.

The animals have become accustomed to the presence of rovers, but do not stand up or exit the vehicle. If you break the “silhouette”, then you will get their attention. Leaving the security of your vehicle is not a good idea, so stay in the rover!

Beaches are nice, but a safari will stir the passions of your soul. Start planning now!

Tom Cleveland is a Senior Editor at Forex Traders.

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Experience the sensual adventure of a luxury African safari is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Can for example, luxury travel be challenging and at times difficult? Well in my opinion, yes, certainly it can be. In fact few experiences in life can elicit the kind of pleasure that overcoming a major physical or psychological barrier does. These moments, epochal as they are, function as the map pins that chart the courses of our lives; those pivotal events that punctuate the everyday and ordinary and shine in our minds like celestial beacons.

For me, when it comes to travel in Africa, one such defining act involves overcoming the continent’s greatest geographical phenomena; climbing to the roof of the world, standing aloft the colossal Mt Kilimanjaro and for those fleeting minutes, feeling the most pure and undiluted sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.

Kilimanjaro is both the tallest peak in Africa and the highest free standing mountain in the world (not being part of distinct range) and offers the trip of a lifetime for anyone who considers the task of taming it. Nestled in the north-east corner of Tanzania, just off from the Kenyan border, the extinct volcano rises up from the African plains with a dramatic solitude and resoluteness that is observable from hundreds of miles away. Despite it being falsely promoted as a, ‘celebrity climb’ and an easy ascent for anyone and everyone who acknowledges the whim to leg themselves up to the summit, Kilimanjaro is indeed a hostile environment and should be approached as such. Taking this into consideration though, it should also be noted that many people with a reasonable level of fitness and a steely determination to boot should at the very least be able to attempt the climb. Travellers from around the world have journeyed to Tanzania to take on the task of conquering ‘Kili’ from 7 year old Los Angeles resident Keats Boyd to retired Buckinghamshire professor George Solt who made the climb last summer aged 82.

Although some fitness and resistance training is recommended to prepare your body for the exertions it will face,  the main reason climbers do not manage to reach the summit, known as Uhuru, is not fatigue but altitude sickness. This condition is caused by persistent exposure to low levels of oxygen in the air which is a feature of higher altitudes. The non specific symptoms are manifested in a general feeling of grogginess similar to having the flu or a hangover. ‘Pole Pole’ is the unofficial motto climbers who have experience of Kilimanjaro use, which in Swahili is translated to ‘slowly slowly’. Prospective mountaineers should, whether vastly experienced or complete novices, keep in mind that an ascent of Kilimanjaro is a marathon and not a race. Moving up the slopes slowly and carefully offers the best chance of reaching the top and in any case a more calculated trek will afford travellers more time to appreciate the spectacular scenery that unfolds before them.

For a luxury travel encounter with a difference, taking on Mt. Kilimanjaro has to be acknowledged as one of the most spectacular and life affirming experiences on Earth.

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.

Luxury travel with a twist: conquering Kili is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

In this article I have focused upon some of the most exclusive luxury eco-properties in the world, resorts and hotels that prove resoundingly that it is possible to maintain a greener and cleaner management scheme without compromising quality or service.

Spice Island Resort, Grenada

Renowned across Grenada as a cornerstone of the country’s tourism industry the Spice Island Resort endeavours to blend seamlessly into its surrounding environment; it would after all it be ineffectual to try to upstage the beauty and grandeur of the sweeping Grand Anse Bay. Family run and owned the hotel provides the ideal symmetry between modern and chic architecture with an ecologically sympathetic design. Complete with a spa and a choice of luxury villas and suites the property is ideal for honeymooners and families alike.

Soneva Fushi by Six Senses, Maldives

A community with perhaps more to lose than most if we are lead to believe some scientific reports. With the highest point in the Maldives reaching only 2.4m above sea level this country could be under serious threat by rising sea levels. As such, the Maldivian government has stated that by 2020 the nation will be completely carbon neutral and leading the way with this initiative are resorts such as Soneva Fushi. Although not completely carbon neutral yet the resort is consistently innovating and reassessing its energy usage policies to create a greener experience for all. The property is itself the epitome of barefoot elegance, quite literally, as after you check in you will be provided with a bag for your shoes and are invited, along with the managers and staff, to stroll around Kunfunadhoo Island barefoot. Beautifully constructed using local materials and traditional methods the resort only has 65 private villas, meaning that the conscientious staff have all the time in the world to attend to your needs.

Chumbe Island, Zanzibar

Recognised as one of the world’s most successful eco-tourism properties, Chumbe Island is also a private nature reserve and coral park supporting a delicate but extensive range of eco-systems both on land and out at sea. Solar power, recycled rainwater, inventive odour-free compost toilets and an education program that concentrates on issues such as sustainable methods of fishing are all features of this eco-mecca. The dramatically constructed ‘bandas’ (traditional huts) have been likened to the shape of the Sydney Opera house and offer a startling sight when approaching the beach. A palm thatched wall on the bed platform that can be fully lowered offers bedfellows the most romantic view of the starry night sky they will ever see. Meals are cooked by local villagers using freshly caught fish and locally grown vegetables herbs and spices with recipes passed down through the generations. Chumbe truly offers an experience unlike any other.

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa

Situated less than two hours from Cape Town but culturally a world away, Grootbos offers guests matchless levels of privacy and intimacy coupled with unremitting eco-luxury. Set in amongst its own exclusive estate boasting extensive Milkwood forests and over 650 different species of plant the various cabins and lodges have been crafted to effortlessly blend in to the beautiful reserve. Guests can also stroll down to nearby Walker Bay and explore the pristine beaches, rock pools and remote sea caves. A multiple award winner, Grootbos really is a must for discerning travellers visiting South Africa’s famed Western Cape.

James Bell is a Director of 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 of the world’s most exclusive eco-resorts is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

This kind of holiday is becoming increasingly attractive to families and couples alike because of the flexibility and variety it offers. With a twin centre deal you can enjoy a more panoramic encounter with your chosen destination(s). Consider, for example, a country like South Africa; a beautiful and vibrant landscape which features beaches, forests, savannahs, urban metropolises and charming remote communities. No one might expect to be able to embrace all that this nation has to offer in one single trip, but similarly I imagine that most people would appreciate a more extensive interaction than a single city or resort. What twin centre therefore promises is a more memorable, more comprehensive and more unique travel experience.

What a twin centre holiday also accommodates is the varying and conflicting interests and desires of individual travellers. Even, or perhaps, particularly newlywed couples may disagree as to what they expect from a dream honeymoon, a remote island, a big city, hustle and bustle or intimate seclusion. Families too have different agendas and ideas, particularly in a child vs. parent scenario; mum may want to spend her time putting her feet up, whilst the kids crave excitement and adventure.

A twin centre holiday solves this problem by allowing a single holiday itinerary to contain all things for all people. Why compromise when instead you can simply enjoy the best of both worlds and keep everyone happy?

As far as twin centre vacations go, Africa is an ideal destination and compliments perfectly this arrangement. With the Seychelles, Mauritius or Zanzibar all within a short flight of the most spectacular safaris in the world, as well as wonders like Lake Victoria, the Great Rift Valley, Victoria Falls or Mt Kilimanjaro, the potential that a twin centre holiday offers is virtually limitless. Imagine cruising the plains of Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara taking in the majesty and roar power of one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, the Great Wildebeest Migration and then jetting off for rejuvenation and reminiscence in an exclusive private island resort in the Seychelles.

The beauty of the twin centre format is its malleability, a holiday that works for you rather than you for it; you can tailor every aspect to ensure that all of your criteria are addressed. If you would rather spend more of your time in one place than another then that’s fine, if you think that you’d prefer longer on the beach than in the bush then a twin centre holiday can accommodate your needs. After experiencing a twin centre holiday, a typical single stay alternative may never quite measure up again.

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.

Twin centre holidays – twice the holiday, twice the luxury is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Sentosa Island, Singapore – For the ultimate juxtaposition between natural beauty and metropolitan bustle, Singapore’s Sentosa Island is a must. Sentosa is a popular tourist destination with beaches and varied attractions and just off its coast operates one of the busiest shipping lanes in South East Asia with several established oil refineries. Although this last disclosure may not immediately portray Sentosa as the ideal location to embrace the ephemeral splendour of a sunset, for a completely unique experience there is no place quite like it. Lurching just beyond the bay the tankers appear more like great metallic sea monsters than freight ships lending an almost surreal grandeur to the scene.

Serengeti, Tanzania – A place synonymous with the beguiling power of nature and the cyclical drama of life in the wild, the Serengeti is often considered the ultimate safari destination. Whether you are embarking on a night-drive or simply looking out from the comfort of your lodge, sunsets on the Serengeti are humbling experiences. Watch as the sky burns with the most spectacular wash of crimsons, oranges and pinks, defiantly opposed by the black silhouettes of solitary acacia trees or the slow melodic gait of a herd of elephants.

Milford Sound, New Zealand – Referred to by Rudyard Kipling as the Eighth Wonder of the World; Milford Sound is consistently ranked as one of the most beloved and celebrated tourist destinations in the world. The primordial drama of this landscape is truly breathtaking with expansive fjords stretching 15 kilometres inland from the Tasman Sea. The sparkling clear waters, permanent waterfalls, towering rocky outcrops and resident pods of bottle nose dolphins makes this place a theatre of natural spectacle at anytime during the day, but particularly beautiful are the sunsets. As the piercing rays of light flicker through the grand peaks and reflect off the tranquil waters the Sound transforms into a kaleidoscope of colour and light.

Cape Town, South Africa – A city of contrasts, Cape Town offers the perfect symmetry between cosmopolitan living and rugged wilderness. Perched on the Western Cape overlooking the expansive Indian Ocean, this is an exceptional place to watch the sunset; whether you experience it from aloft Table Mountain or from the V&A Waterfront the views are just as glorious. Similarly wonderful is Blouberg beach, nestled within Table Bay offering excellent views looking back towards the Mountain.

North Malé Atoll, Maldives – A genuine island paradise, the Maldives is a name that is now so utterly intrinsic to tropical luxury and picture postcard beauty that it has almost become a cliché. It is very difficult to talk about the Maldives in terms of any individual region because the entire catalogue of individual islands, atolls and cays offer something so individually unique but simultaneously unmistakably Maldivian that it almost seems an incongruity to discuss them separately. Complete seclusion; cloudless skies; tranquil, azure waters and soft powdery sands, what more could a person ask for? With a profusion of fiery hues that would render even Monet’s Venetian waterways a picture of inadequate gloom the Maldives promises one of the most enchanting sunsets in the world.

James Bell is a Director of 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.

5 luxury destinations where you can catch that perfect sunset is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

When recommending where to visit in Tanzania, I would suggest starting with some of the parks in the Northern part of the country, unless you have previously been to Tanzania and already toured the Northern circuit, in which case I’d suggest visiting some of the Southern parks.

The Best Wildlife Parks in Northern Tanzania

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Crater is the end result of a volcano collapsing in on itself several millions of years ago. Over time, the crater and its surrounding ‘walls’ have flourished and have become scenically breath taking, as well as a safe place for wildlife to thrive – protected from the dangers of poachers, which can be a problem in other parks. For this exact reason, there is much better chance of seeing a rare black rhino in the Ngorongoro Crater than most other Tanzanian parks.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is a moderately small park, but fits in allot of big things, such as many of the large African Baobab trees and the biggest population of elephants in Northern Tanzania, with numbers estimated to have reached 2,500! During Tanzania’s dry season, you can spend the majority of your time in the park at the Tarangire River, as you watch wildlife in all its varieties come to rehydrate at the watering hole.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is not the most popular wildlife park in the world for no reason, this destination has well and truly earned its title. Its land is split into an amazing mixture of different ecosystems, such as; open grassy plains, swamps, woodlands, riverines and rocky hills. The variety of these ecosystems helps to attract a large variation of different animals.

A unique selling point of the Serengeti is that it is home to the most amazing mass movement of animals on this planet, the ‘great migration’. This mesmerising event sees over 2 million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle make their annual journey from the dryness of the Serengeti to the green, fresh grazing pastures of the Masai Mara in Kenya. If you are lucky enough to see the migration in action, then you may get the chance to witness the mass birthing of several thousand wildebeest calves in February, or the crossing of the Grumeti River in June.

The Best Wildlife Parks in Southern Tanzania

Ruaha National Park

For those wanting to get stuck into a bit of everything, and not wanting to be limited to touring the park in a safari vehicle, you can take a boating safari along the Great Ruaha River to get a bit closer to the animal and bird life which resides in around it. There are said to be over 400 species of bird which inhabit the park, and just as impressively, the population of elephants there is estimated to be over 10,000!

Selous Game Reserve

Selous is the largest wildlife park on this planet, measuring over 50,000 square Kilometres. It is host to many different types of animals, but there is one in particular that sets this park aside from others in Tanzania, the African wild dog. You are more likely to see this endangered canine in Selous than any other park in the world, as one third of the total African wild dog population live there.

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi is actually an extension of the same ecosystem that makes up Selous, however it still has its own unique characteristics. It is said that you are more likely to see a lion climbing a tree in Mikumi than in any other park, it is also a fantastic place to spot eland, which are the largest antelope in the world.

Tom Powell is the Marketing Manager of Tanzania safari experts Ziara Safaris.

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

The best wildlife parks in Tanzania is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

What is it that you do exactly?

If I’m not going to our London office, I’m up by 6.45am and drive my children to school. I’m usually in the office for 8.30am to look at emails and catch up with my PA to run through the appointments for the week ahead, answer letters and sign off any paperwork. I tend to travel a lot, developing our relationships with overseas suppliers. We are presently developing more Scott Dunn Children’s Clubs and OurSpace (a complete management solution for five star resorts who value professional childcare). Another aspect of my work is meeting with key suppliers such as British Airways and hotel groups. I also handle all key relationships with partners such as Mercedes Benz and Laurent-Perrier. At the end of day, I review the days’ sales figures, then after supper clear down emails and plan for the following day.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Overseeing the entire Scott Dunn experience and product offering. I’ve always been passionate about the details and ensuring our guests have the very best holiday. I’m now spending time looking after our loyalty programmes as our repeat business is phenomenal.

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

I love skiing and I have wonderful holidays in Chalet Artemis in St Anton – the wellness area there is to die for. Africa is my second passion and the tranquillity and endless plains of the Masai Mara and Serengeti never ceases to amaze me. With a planet of six billion people it is just astounding how alone we can feel in Africa; there is something magical and godly about the place. I recently visited the Maldives for the first time and it is the consummate bucket and spade experience of the very highest order and truly sublime.

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

I’ve been lucky to have eaten at a few chefs tables over time but the most memorable was sharing a joint 40th with friends at Gordon Ramsay’s Maze; however, we did walk out of there after countless delicious courses feeling twice the size.

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

The answer is yes, but the one thing you should know about Scott Dunn is that we never talk about our guests.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

Peru is very high up on the wishlist. I’ve yet to see Machu Picchu – which is incredible given the length of time we’ve had a Latin America programme.

Thank you for taking part in our interview series, Andrew, and well done for not ‘tripping up’ with the penultimate question!

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Interview with Andrew Dunn of Scott Dunn is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The Pemba in question nestles just north east of its more famous and larger sister island of Zanzibar in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. It makes up part of Zanzibar’s eponymous archipelago, a semi autonomous region of the Kingdom of Tanzania and an area that seems to experience a very contradictory relationship with the tourism industry. Despite being only 50km equidistant from the coast of Tanzania and north of Zanzibar, Pemba is a relatively anonymous holiday destination. Having searched through this eclectic blog site I could find only one other reference to Pemba Island so I determined that in this post I might finally shine the spotlight on this rather unassuming little land mass.

So why does Pemba Island deserve your attention? Well in my opinion, it represents one of the few remaining unspoiled areas of Eastern Africa. That isn’t to say the likes of Mozambique, Tanzania or Kenya have become culturally diluted by the tourist influx, but that simply relatively speaking Pemba is a haven for seclusion and intimacy; tourism here in every sense of the word is still in its infancy.  Historically, Pemba, which along with Zanzibar and the other constituent islands of the archipelago were referred to as the, ‘Spice Islands’, due to their value as agricultural centres for growing expensive crops and spices. The area was first inhabited by Europeans over 500 years ago with Vasco de Gama’s famous exploration of south eastern Africa and the earliest examples of permanent fortification in the whole of East Africa can be found here at the Mkama Ndume ruins at Pujini Village.

Aside from its history, modern day Pemba is a self sustaining community of friendly but hard working individuals who concentrate their practices mainly on agriculture or fishing, the two major industries on the island. It was Pemba’s rich and fertile landscape that in the past asserted it as the most economically productive and therefore important of the Spice Islands and today the earth is still maintained and cultivated by the people. Unlike the flatter, sandier geography of Zanzibar, on Pemba you can expect to find an astonishing variety of natural features and micro-ecosystems. Thick naturally forested areas, the habitat for an array of endemic animal and birdlife, offer particularly attractive views, especially the Ngezi Forest on the northern peninsula and the smaller Ras Kiuyu Forest Reserve to the south. Dense mangroves also sprawl across large swathes of the landscape, and frequently trail down to the water’s edge but where they retreat from the coast line some of the most exclusive and pristine beaches in Africa are hidden away. Beyond that, beneath the crystal waters, a nursery reef that encompasses much of the island provides a home for a wealth of sea life and vibrant corals. Pemba has in fact become famous for offering some of the most ideal diving conditions in the world and has established itself as a base from which a handful of enthusiasts explore neighbouring islands such as Misali and Shamiani.

Major townships on Pemba include the capital, Chake-Chake, Mkoani and Wete, the most populous community. Though infrastructure remains quite basic the island does enjoy the services of an international airport and the roads are being slowly improved. Most passenger ships will arrive into the port town of Mkoani on the south west coast, although the actual dock is 10km further along in Wesha.  A small number of resorts and exclusive hotels are being established on the island to provide the tourists who do find their way here with luxury and comfort; the two properties I would recommend particularly are the Fundu Lagoon resort and the Manta Resort. At both Fundu and Manta you will be reminded of those luxury safari lodges back in Tanzania, traditionally built with a rustic but charming architecture, they seamlessly marry luxury with authenticity.

A jewel of the East Africa, to really appreciate Pemba, you need to get out there and see it! As a private retreat to recuperate from the hectic schedule of an African safari, or as a destination in its own right, Pemba is a wonderful, romantic and undiscovered alternative Indian Ocean hideaway.

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.

Pemba – a name to remember is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog