Ron Otto, Author at A Luxury Travel Blog : A Luxury Travel Blog

4 of the best private island escapes

By Ron Otto on May 18, 2016 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Belize, Cambodia, Central America, Maldives, Mozambique, Regions, Resorts

What is it about private islands that makes us dream about them so? Many of us have done it, we sit there in front of our computer, in the office, on a cold and rainy day and dream of a warm tropical place, where we are far from all the craziness in our lives. We

3 of the best 5 star Mallorca hotels to know before you go to

By Ron Otto on Apr 16, 2016 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

Offering everything from a vibrant city life to lush countryside escapes Mallorca has been a long time favorite for many europeans seeking sea and sun. I had always thought it was just a vacation place that Germans frequented for summer holidays but I quickly realized on my very first visit that that was not the

Top 5 design wineries in Spain

By Ron Otto on Mar 16, 2016 in Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Wine making is a craft that date back thousands of years and in Spain wine makers not only strive to create the best wine possible they design spectacular facilities in which to do so, making a destination in itself. There are thousands of vineyards all across Spain, big and small producing some of the best

3 hot hotels not to miss in Spain

By Ron Otto on Feb 15, 2016 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

For a long time Spain’s hotel industry has offered mid level properties weighted down in tradition, regulation and poor design with many properties offering only the minimum requirements for 5 star hotels. But over the last few years things have been changing for the better. Hotels are incorporating great design with in demand amenities while

5 luxury musts in Menorca

By Ron Otto on Feb 11, 2016 in Europe, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

Just northeast of Mallorca and the party isle of Ibiza, is an exotic island that offers the best mix of ancient culture, casual beach life and subtle luxury. Menorca, the least known of the Balearic Islands and not yet over run with DJ junkies or masses of budget tours, is an idyllic escape which more

A bright Christmas and New Year in Madrid

By Ron Otto on Dec 15, 2015 in Attractions, Europe, Events, Going Out, Regions, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

When I first got to Madrid in 2002 I have to say I was not particularly impressed with what was on offer at Christmas time but Madrid has come a long way since then and this year is no exception. In addition to all the monuments, museums, and activities in Madrid, the city is packed

My favorite rental properties in Spain

By Ron Otto on Nov 25, 2015 in Accommodation, Europe, Spain, Vacation Rentals, Western Europe

One of my favorite ways for a more authentic yet luxurious experience of Spain is to rent a villa or apartment instead of a hotel especially if you are traveling in a family group or just a group of friends. I think it gives a greater opportunity to relax while setting the tone for a

The 10 best boutique hotels in Spain

By Ron Otto on Oct 09, 2015 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

Historical and architectural preservation and city building codes play a big role in the level of creativity needed to design boutique hotels in cities that date back hundreds and thousands of years. Designing a contemporary hotel in old but beautiful buildings can be a challenge not only in design but also delivering a great experience

5 luxury products not to miss when visiting Spain

By Ron Otto on Sep 15, 2015 in Europe, Food and Drink, Regions, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

One of Spain’s biggest attractions is its culinary culture, whether it is a family meal at home, bar hopping for tapas, or 3 star Micheline dining. The Spaniards excel at making simple food taste extraordinary, they use quality ingredients and mix tradition with innovation to produce a finished product that in uncomplicated and delicious. There

5 favorite dishes in Madrid

By Ron Otto on Aug 18, 2015 in Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

One of my favorite pleasures of Spain is the food. No matter which corner of the country you may find yourself in you can count on one thing, that there is excellent food near by. Whether it’s a small family-run tavern that features homemade cooking to one of the many starred culinary monuments that are

6 of the best beaches for a special Summer in Spain

By Ron Otto on Jul 27, 2015 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Spain, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Spain has 4,964 kilometers of coastline and between 150 and 300 days of sun, depending on where you are on around the peninsula. Not all beaches were created equal in Spain, many are rammed with people lying about like sea lions in front of miles and miles of unattractive hotels and out dated apartment buildings.

The 5 most indulgent activities in Madrid

By Ron Otto on Mar 21, 2015 in Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Spain, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Madrid is one of the biggest small towns I know. It has all the benefits of a major cosmopolitan capital with a great diversity of food, nightlife, art and culture while contained in a central location thats easily walkable. Most importantly a diversity of people, in Madrid you encounter people from all parts of Spain

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