Author Archive for Maxine Roberts

Top 4 private guides in Africa

By on Oct 31, 2014 in Adventure Travel, Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Regions, South Africa, Speciality Travel, Zimbabwe
A good private guide is a person of many parts… spotter, tracker, host, storyteller, aide-de-camp, concierge and all of these elements can combine to create a simply unforgettable safari experience. Although hiring a private guide will add to the cost of an itinerary, the knowledge and experience that they bring with them is simply invaluable;
Mexico: East vs West

Mexico: East vs West

By on Sep 25, 2014 in Accommodation, Attractions, Cruises & Boat Travel, Going Out, Hotels, Mexico, North America, Regions, Resorts, Speciality Travel
Mexico. A country with a vibrant soul and colourful contrasts; Mexico has much to offer – whichever coast you choose. Whether it is the sun-soaked eastern coastline dripping with Mayan history or the laid-back-luxe vibe of the Baja California facing the Pacific Ocean; choosing between the two could be one of life’s sweetest travel dilemmas.
Top 3 escapes for gourmands

Top 3 escapes for gourmands

By on Aug 28, 2014 in Accommodation, Caribbean, Europe, Events, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Italy, Middle East, Regions, Resorts, Restaurants, Saint Lucia, Travel Miscellany, United Arab Emirates, Western Europe
Gourmands and epicureans will go where their taste buds lead; lovers of fine food know no bounds, scouring the world for fresh and innovative culinary experiences, and hotels are increasingly aligning themselves with this rise in gastronomic tourism. Here is our pick of the top three ‘foodie’ events this autumn. Arabian avant-garde in an urban
6 of the best hotels for art

6 of the best hotels for art

By on Jul 31, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Caribbean, Europe, France, Guadeloupe, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Morocco, New York, North America, Regions, South Africa, Speciality Travel, Sweden, USA, Western Europe, Worldwide
There is a definitive synergy between art and travel and, increasingly, we are finding that hotels are embracing this superlative relationship to offer guests an enriching and thought-provoking experience. Challenging the norm, art is becoming the new hotel accessory, serving to accentuate the concept that people do not want culture in prescribed pockets. Whether it
Top 4 places to view the Northern Lights

Top 4 places to view the Northern Lights

By on Jun 23, 2014 in Canada, Eastern Europe, Europe, Finland, Leisure Travel, North America, Norway, Regions, Russia, Speciality Travel, Sweden, Western Europe
Considered to be one of the world’s most magical natural resources, the Aurora Borealis is a breathtaking wonder that colours the sky in a multitude of ethereal hues. Best seen between November and March, their spectacular appearance is created by solar particles drawn towards the Pole then crashing into the Earth’s atmosphere. Here is my
Top 5 literary locations

Top 5 literary locations

By on May 27, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Europe, Greece, Hotels, Indonesia, Italy, New York, New Zealand, North America, Oceania, Regions, South Africa, USA, Western Europe
Art and travel have always had a special relationship, with one influencing the other for centuries. And now luxury travellers can truly ‘lose’ themselves in their favourite novel, film or play during their time away. Peter Jackson’s blockbuster The Hobbit focused the world’s eyes on New Zealand as a key destination and, consequently lit the
Top 3 luxury wellness escapes

Top 3 luxury wellness escapes

By on Apr 30, 2014 in Accommodation, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Family Travel, Greece, Indonesia, Regions, Resorts, Saint Lucia, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Discerning spa aficionados are increasingly looking for more complete retreats offering an all-encompassing wellness escape. Here are three of my favourite resorts, each with something unique to offer – whether that be working with specialist practitioners, training en famille on a beautiful white sand beach or getting back to nature in tropical island jungle surroundings.
Top 5 luxury family beach escapes

Top 5 luxury family beach escapes

By on Mar 27, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, Family Travel, Greece, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Regions, Resorts, Saint Lucia, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
With such busy lifestyles, there is no comparable luxury than spending quality time together as a family. Searching for the ideal holiday to suit the collective needs of you and your little ones can be an overwhelming task. One wants relaxation and another cultural discoveries, the children’s preferences are not aligned either with one seeking
Trends for luxury travel in 2014 – spirit of adventure and creative collaborations

Trends for luxury travel in 2014 – spirit of adventure and creative collaborations

By on Feb 25, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Family Travel, Food and Drink, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Maldives, Mauritius, Morocco, Regions, Resorts, Saint Lucia, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany
In earlier posts, we predicted ‘simple pleasures and gourmet discoveries‘ and ‘local life and set-jetting‘ as luxury travel trends to look out for in the year ahead. Here we introduce the final two of our six predicted luxury travel trends for 2014, along with the finest destinations, hotels and resorts that encompass these trends. Spirit
Trends for luxury travel in 2014 – local life and set-jetting

Trends for luxury travel in 2014 – local life and set-jetting

By on Jan 23, 2014 in Accommodation, Barbados, Caribbean, Cyprus, Florida, Hotels, Jamaica, Middle East, North America, Regions, Resorts, USA
In this post, we predict what we think will be the key trends for luxury travel in 2014, and we have also hand-picked a selection of the world’s most luxurious destinations, hotels and resorts that encompass each of these growing trends. Read on to learn more about our predicted trends of ‘local life’ and ‘set-jetting’.
Trends for luxury travel in 2014 - simple pleasures and gourmet discoveries

Trends for luxury travel in 2014 - simple pleasures and gourmet discoveries

By on Jan 14, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Barbados, Caribbean, Egypt, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Maldives, Regions, Resorts, Restaurants, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
Here we predict the key trends that we envisage for luxury travel in 2014, and have carefully hand-picked a selection of the world’s most luxurious destinations, hotels and resorts that encompass each of the growing trends for this year – namely, those of simple pleasures and gourmet discoveries. Simple pleasures For many luxury travellers, a
Iconic Caribbean luxury

Iconic Caribbean luxury

By on Dec 30, 2013 in Accommodation, Barbados, Caribbean, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Resorts, Restaurants
Barbados is a long-standing favourite of the Caribbean jet-set, and Sandy Lane is the long-established beacon of extravagant luxury on the island. When my colleague, Senior Product Manager Suzanne Walford returned from a recent trip to Barbados, I was intrigued to hear if the hotel was still the leading light in ultra-luxe Caribbean accommodation. The lauded
Top 5 must-stay hotels for a luxury city break

Top 5 must-stay hotels for a luxury city break

By on Nov 30, 2013 in Accommodation, Africa, Bars, Europe, France, Going Out, Hotels, Italy, Morocco, New York, North America, Regions, Restaurants, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, USA, Washington DC, Western Europe
Take a break from your daily routine and soak up some culture, indulge in fine dining or enjoy some last minute Christmas shopping in New York, Boston or Chicago. Rekindle the romance in Paris and Rome or immerse yourself in the colourful souks of Marrakech with our top 5 must-stay hotels for a luxury city
5 great places to stay, close to UNESCO World Heritage sites

5 great places to stay, close to UNESCO World Heritage sites

By on Oct 25, 2013 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Attractions, Caribbean, Going Out, Hotels, Malaysia, Mauritius, Regions, Resorts, Saint Lucia, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Tanzania, Vietnam
Stay at some of the finest hotels in the world and visit captivating places, recognised by the World Heritage Organization for their natural or cultural importance. Explore the wilderness, uncover historic ruins and discover glorious buildings with captivating architecture – all sources of life and inspiration and all irreplaceable. Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, Saint
The top ski destinations for 2013/14

The top ski destinations for 2013/14

By on Sep 28, 2013 in Austria, Canada, Colorado, Europe, France, Italy, Leisure Travel, North America, Regions, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, USA, Western Europe
As the end of the year draws nearer and the colder weather rapidly closes in, thoughts naturally turn to where you might wish to venture on your next Winter break. And the ski enthusiast is spoilt for choice, with a seemingly endless selection of charmingly chic resorts on offer. The unquestionable appeal of the Alps competes
Where are the best places to visit in Autumn?

Where are the best places to visit in Autumn?

By on Aug 30, 2013 in Accommodation, Africa, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Caribbean, Croatia, Czech Republic, Eastern Europe, Europe, Hotels, Hungary, Italy, Middle East, Morocco, New York, North America, Oman, Regions, Resorts, Saint Lucia, Serbia and Montenegro, Spain, United Arab Emirates, USA, Western Europe, Worldwide
For many destinations, Autumn is by far the best time of year to visit. Take the Middle East, for example; the temperatures during the day decrease to a more comfortable level, making Oman with its rugged coastline and Abu Dhabi with its glamorous hotels and beach-resorts ideal for the Autumn months. Must stays: Six Senses