Hilary Stockton, Author at A Luxury Travel Blog - Page 2 of 3 : A Luxury Travel Blog

6 reasons to plan your luxury travel a year in advance

Should you plan a trip far in advance or last minute, to take advantage of possible deals? If the trip you’re planning is one involving luxury hotel or resort stays, cruises and first class or business class, you should plan as far in advance as possible – generally a year in advance. If the procrastinator

4 incredible luxury wildlife experiences

By Hilary Stockton on May 15, 2016 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Asia, Leisure Travel, Maldives, New Zealand, Oceania, Regions, Seychelles, South Africa, Speciality Travel

If you’re fascinated by wildlife, yet also have a taste for luxury and the finer things in life, there are several experiences that should be on your bucket list. There’s nothing better than seeing wild animals in their natural environment, while also being able to enjoy some of the loveliest accommodations and cuisine that money

Top 5 reasons to visit Bora Bora

By Hilary Stockton on Apr 19, 2016 in Accommodation, Going Out, Oceania, Pacific Islands, Regions, Resorts, Restaurants

There are many reasons Bora Bora is such a favorite honeymoon and anniversary destination with my clients – who wouldn’t want to wake up to surreal turquoise water, snorkel and dive with manta rays, and enjoy the privacy of your very own overwater bungalow? In case your other half or family still needs to be

Top 4 new luxury hotel openings in 2016

By Hilary Stockton on Mar 24, 2016 in Accommodation, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, France, Hotels, Japan, Regions, Resorts, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Western Europe

A number of new luxury hotels are opening in 2016, from Japan to Italy to the Caribbean to Hawaii. Although there are many tempting options, my clients are particularly interested in the following, which I consider the top 4 luxury hotel openings of 2016: 1. Amanemu: now Open A new Aman Resort is cause for

The 3 best business class airline seats

By Hilary Stockton on Feb 16, 2016 in Air Travel, Speciality Travel

If you have a long international flight, flying business class is one of the best ways to get proper rest and arrive more refreshed and less jet-lagged at your destination. Business class is of course not as luxurious as first class, so don’t expect the attentive service, closing suite doors, onboard chef, and even onboard

Top 3 luxury hotels in Boston

By Hilary Stockton on Jan 16, 2016 in Accommodation, Hotels, Massachusetts, North America, Regions, USA

Founded in 1630, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., with historical sites that include Paul Revere’s House, Faneuil Hall, the Boston Tea Party Museum, the Old State House, and Boston Common, the nation’s oldest city park. Yet Boston is far from a living museum (although it does have some lovely collections–don’t

5 can't miss experiences in New Zealand

By Hilary Stockton on Dec 19, 2015 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Attractions, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, New Zealand, Oceania, Regions, Speciality Travel

It’s no wonder New Zealand forms the backdrop for The Lord of the Rings films–its dramatic, breathtaking scenery needs no special effects to look otherworldly. It’s a long way from everywhere except Australia, Fiji and a few other places, but the trek is worth it. Here are five can’t miss experiences when exploring New Zealand:

5 can't miss Toronto experiences

By Hilary Stockton on Nov 15, 2015 in Accommodation, Attractions, Canada, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, North America, Restaurants, Speciality Travel

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is perfect for a city break over a long weekend, whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway or a family wanting a nice balance between nature activities for the kids on the Toronto Islands and great culture and food options. Here are my tips for a first visit to Toronto:

5 tips for a perfect weekend in St. Petersburg, Russia

By Hilary Stockton on Oct 16, 2015 in Accommodation, Attractions, Eastern Europe, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Russia

St. Petersburg, Russia is a romantic destination, especially during the White Nights of May-June, when it never gets completely dark. It’s no wonder this former capital of Russia built by Peter the Great has been nicknamed the “Venice of the North” for its many canals and the beautiful European facades that line its main street,

5 top tips for a perfect weekend in Moscow, Russia

By Hilary Stockton on Sep 17, 2015 in Accommodation, Attractions, Eastern Europe, Europe, Events, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Russia, Travel Miscellany

Moscow, Russia is sometimes skipped by visitors focused on the European charm of St. Petersburg. But that would be a mistake. Even if you only have a couple of days, don’t miss the vibrant blend of the old and new in Russia’s cosmopolitan capital, home to nearly 12 million. Here are my tips for a

6 can't miss experiences in Florence

By Hilary Stockton on Aug 17, 2015 in Accommodation, Attractions, Bars, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

Florence (or Firenze, its Italian name) is a magical place to spend a romantic getaway, or even a family holiday. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, magnificent architecture and history confront you at every turn, and as the gateway to Tuscany, the cuisine is no less impressive. Whether it’s a first visit or a return

5 can't miss experiences in Chicago

By Hilary Stockton on Jul 20, 2015 in Accommodation, Attractions, Cruises & Boat Travel, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Illinois, North America, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, USA

Chicago is sometimes overlooked by visitors, who have heard more about NYC, Miami and San Francisco, but it’s a delightful discovery that many miss out on. As a New Yorker, I loved strolling along the riverfront, with its aquamarine water (a beautiful color, thanks to water from Lake Michigan), the clean air, lack of crowds,

Top 6 can't miss experiences in Luang Prabang, Laos

By Hilary Stockton on Jun 19, 2015 in Accommodation, Asia, Attractions, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Laos, Regions, Travel Miscellany

Luang Prabang, Laos isn’t the easiest place to get to, unless you happen to live in Bangkok, Singapore, or a few other cities with a nonstop flight there. The trek is worth it. This UNESCO World Heritage town of just 50,000 has over 30 temples that you can bicycle among, and the tradition of saffron

New York's best pancakes

By Hilary Stockton on May 19, 2015 in Food and Drink, Going Out, New York, North America, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, USA

Brunch in NYC is a favorite weekend meal for couples, families, friends and visitors. And while it’s possible to eat everything from Chinese dim sum to lobster eggs benedict or even carbonara pizza for brunch in NYC, a great plate of pancakes is one of our all time favorite brunch comfort foods. Here are our

4 of the best luxury resorts for families in the Maldives

By Hilary Stockton on Apr 20, 2015 in Accommodation, Asia, Hotels, Maldives, Regions, Resorts

The Maldives is known as a world class destination for honeymooners and scuba divers, but what about families? Fortunately, just because you’re traveling with kids doesn’t mean you’re excluded from the very best luxury resorts in the Maldives. In fact, the savvier properties have recognized that many of their especially well-heeled guests if anything splurge

The 3 best first class airline beds

By Hilary Stockton on Mar 22, 2015 in Air Travel, Speciality Travel

With so many airlines promoting their first class cabins in terms of celebrity chef menus, exclusive first class lounges, complimentary chauffeur services and superb flight attendant service, a key criterion seems to be missing: how comfortable and conducive to sleeping is the bed? In part that’s due to the fact that almost all good international

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