Author Archive for Hilary Stockton
5 of Switzerland's top luxury hotels
By Hilary Stockton on Sep 22, 2017 in Accommodation, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, Western Europe
Switzerland is well known for its stunning alpine scenery, its extensive rail network, including cog railways that lead to the highest railway station in Europe, skiing, fondue, and Swiss chocolate. The country is also home to several of Europe’s finest luxury hotels, several of them perfect not only for luxury ski holidays, but for a 
5 of the best modern Russian cuisine restaurants in St. Petersburg
By Hilary Stockton on Aug 20, 2017 in Eastern Europe, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Russia, Travel Miscellany
If you’re intrigued by a visit to Russia but assume that restaurant food will be unappealing and revolve around potatoes, cabbages and beets, think again. There’s a new generation of young and talented chefs at work, who make the most of locally sourced produce, seafood and meat. They draw not only from traditional Russian cuisine 
The 5 best Paris luxury hotels with a pool
By Hilary Stockton on Jul 25, 2017 in Accommodation, Europe, France, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Paris is a favorite destination for couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, as well as families seeking a cultural city break.And from its legendary museums, such as the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Musee Rodin to its lovely gardens, such as the Jardin du Luxembourg to its excellent Michelin star restaurants and farmers markets, there’s so 
24 hours in Kyoto
By Hilary Stockton on Jun 19, 2017 in Accommodation, Asia, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Japan, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany
If Tokyo is Japan’s business center, Kyoto is Japan’s cultural center, and a must for any first time visitor to Japan. It was Japan’s ancient capital for over 1000 years, until 1869, and its 2000 temples and shrines attract Japanese pilgrims as well as international visitors. While 4 days or more are ideal for a 
Top 5 luxury cruise ships
Many cruise lines market themselves as luxury, but which luxury cruise ships truly deserve the moniker? For most luxury travelers, it’s not just about the suite or stateroom, but also the level of service, food, and overall attention to detail. Here are the luxury cruise ships I’d most recommend: 1. Crystal Esprit The 62 passenger
24 hours in Tokyo
By Hilary Stockton on Apr 21, 2017 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Asia, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Japan, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany
Tokyo is a fascinating city, with a greater Tokyo population of nearly 40 million, and deserves far more than 24 hours, but if that’s all you have, en route to another destination in Asia, I have some recommendations for making the most of your visit. 1. Arrive refreshed in ANA First Class, JAL First Class 
Top 5 luxury hotel perks and where to find them
There are many great reasons to stay in luxury hotels, from round the clock attentive service, lavish bathrooms with separate rain showers and soaking tubs, in-room espresso machines, and superb amenities such as Michelin starred restaurants, swimming pools, and award winning spas. And by now savvy travelers understand how to reserve these hotels with complimentary
3 of the world's best luxury treehouse hotels
By Hilary Stockton on Feb 27, 2017 in Accommodation, Asia, California, Europe, Hotels, Maldives, North America, Regions, Resorts, United Kingdom, USA, Western Europe
Remember the sheer joy of hiding out in a treehouse as a child, surrounded by leafy branches and sky? You can share that wonderful feeling with your significant other or your family, yet with the convenience of creature comforts and even a jacuzzi or pool, at these luxury hotels with treehouses. Since these are unique 
5 reasons to use your miles and points for first class and business class flights
By Hilary Stockton on Jan 15, 2017 in Air Travel, Special Offers & Packages, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany
If you’re sitting on hundreds of thousands of frequent flyer miles and points, don’t cash them out for gift cards, a toaster, or use the Pay with Points option if you want to maximize their value. Instead, consider planning your trips well in advance (we plan ours about a year in advance) in order to 
5 foodie experiences not to miss in Paris
By Hilary Stockton on Dec 21, 2016 in Europe, Food and Drink, France, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Paris offers a veritable feast for the senses, from beautiful gardens, museums and historical sights to some of the world’s finest luxury hotels, offering elegant and stylish rooms and suites, pools with underwater music, intuitive service, and stunning flowers and decor that change with the season. But in a very literal sense, Paris is an edible 
6 top tips for a perfect weekend in Washington, DC
By Hilary Stockton on Nov 19, 2016 in Accommodation, Attractions, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, North America, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, USA, Washington DC
Washington, DC may be best known to international visitors as the capital of the U.S. and home of the White House, which will soon have a new occupant, but its many museums and memorials make it a popular destination for U.S. residents as well. Since the city is often hot and humid during the summer 
Top 3 must-visit Vietnam luxury resorts and hotels
Vietnam, long popular with backpackers, now offers luxury experiences for the discerning traveler as well. Pair this with beautiful scenery and fantastic French-inflected Vietnamese cuisine and it’s well worth wrapping up an adventurous Asia trip with a stay at one or all three of these Vietnamese luxury resorts and hotels. 1. Amanoi Amanoi is situated
4 great airport lounge perks and where to find them
By Hilary Stockton on Sep 15, 2016 in Air Travel, Family Travel, Leisure Travel, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel
Airport lounges are known for offering a more peaceful respite from chaotic boarding gates, complimentary food and drinks, and sometimes a refreshing shower. But some First Class lounges offer other fantastic perks. Here are four of my favorite lounge perks, and where to find them: 1. Sleeping room It often seems to me that the 
3 must-try restaurants in St. Petersburg, Russia
By Hilary Stockton on Aug 18, 2016 in Eastern Europe, Europe, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Russia
St. Petersburg, Russia may not come to mind when you’re thinking of foodie destinations, but this “Venice of the North” has come into its own recently, with gastropubs serving new Russian cuisine popping up, in addition to a number of stalwarts serving excellent classics, not to mention restaurants serving the justly popular dishes of the 
4 superb London luxury boutique hotels
By Hilary Stockton on Jul 25, 2016 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe
London is a favorite city to visit, both as the main destination and as part of an extended European trip. And for Europeans, it’s a great long weekend break (or even a staycation, for Londoners). Tastes often diverge when it comes to where to stay, even in the luxury hotel market, but fortunately London offers superb 
