Author Archive for Paul Johnson
Paul Johnson is Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog and has worked in the travel industry for more than 30 years. He is Winner of the Innovations in Travel 'Best Travel Influencer' Award from WIRED magazine. In addition to other awards, the blog has also been voted "one of the world's best travel blogs" and "best for luxury" by The Daily Telegraph.
Discovery Princess: the newest cruise ship in the Princess Cruises fleet
The newest cruise ship in the Princess Cruises fleet – Discovery Princess – was delivered on 28th January 2022 during an official handover at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. The new cruise ship expands the Princess Cruises fleet to 15 MedallionClass vessels and features an evolution of the design platform used for the cruise
Have a fear of flying? Now you can chat with a pilot...
By Paul Johnson on Feb 01, 2022 in Air Travel, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Videos, Websites
Many people who feel afraid of flying often feel alone. They feel like they are alone in their fear, while everyone else is enjoying the flight. This is obviously not true since it’s said that at least one third of people feel uncomfortable about flying, and 16% has a moderate to extreme fear of flying 
The Philippines to re-open to tourists
The Philippines has announced that it will start to accept fully-vaccinated foreign leisure travelers from visa-free countries beginning 10th February 2022. Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat made the announcement after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved the proposal of the Department of Tourism (DOT). It is the first time
7 of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Tohoku
By Paul Johnson on Jan 31, 2022 in Asia, Attractions, Events, Going Out, Japan, Regions, Travel Miscellany
Wandering through a blanket of pink-and-white fluffy cherry blossoms is on everyone’s Japan bucket list. And why shouldn’t it be? Cherry blossoms are synonymous with Japan and the iconic blossoms are a sublime sight that kicks off spring. From early April to mid May, the Tohoku area becomes a sakura wonderland for would-be flower watchers. 
Hong Kong cuts the quarantine period for inbound travellers
The government of Hong Kong has announced that from the 5th February 2022, the compulsory quarantine period for inbound travellers from overseas destinations will be adjusted to 14 days (from 21 days previously) in designated quarantine hotels (DQHs), to be followed by a seven-day self-monitoring period. Strict coronavirus rules have previously made Hong Kong one
Luxury travel news for the week ending 30th January 2022
Here’s a round-up of luxury travel stories that have caught the eye this week. To make sure you receive regular updates from A Luxury Travel Blog, please make sure you subscribe to our mailing list. Elon Musks offers teen $5k to stop tracking his private jet location The SpaceX CEO and the richest man Elon
Is this the future for accessing hotel rooms?
By Paul Johnson on Jan 30, 2022 in Accommodation, California, Florida, Hawaii, Hotels, Illinois, North America, Regions, Texas, USA
A new video from Apple Inside shows how you can use a digital room key stored in Apple Wallet to access your hotel room. It looks to work a charm but they do warn that you shouldn’t expect to be able to open your hotel room door with your iPhone everywhere just yet. The 56-second 
Coming in 2024: Rosewood Residences Kamala
By Paul Johnson on Jan 30, 2022 in Accommodation, Asia, Real Estate, Regions, Resorts, Thailand, Vacation Rentals
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has announced Rosewood Residences Kamala, the first branded residential project in Kamala on the island of Phuket, Thailand. Located next to one of the most discrete coastlines along the lush tropical hillside of Kamala Bay and set in a posh neighborhood brimming with shops and restaurants, the property’s 14 stand-alone luxury 
Top 9 ways to celebrate Valentine's Day at Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai
By Paul Johnson on Jan 29, 2022 in Accommodation, Going Out, Hotels, Middle East, Regions, Resorts, Restaurants, United Arab Emirates
With an iconic backdrop, world-class eateries, celebrity chefs and unique dining experiences, Atlantis, The Palm has cemented itself as one of the most romantic resorts in the city. Whether looking to surprise a loved one with a Tiffany & co gift set to the backdrop of a mermaid show or dine under the stars on 
Win a Mayfair suite experience at Brown's Hotel, London!
By Paul Johnson on Jan 29, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Experience a taste of 5-star luxury with the chance to win a stay at one of the world’s greatest hotels; Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, London. Courtesy of Rocco Forte Hotels, you and a guest will share a Classic Suite for two nights with daily full English breakfast and added Rocco Forte Suite Experience benefits including 
Another spectacular ad from Emirates
By Paul Johnson on Jan 29, 2022 in Air Travel, Middle East, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Arab Emirates, Videos
Some of you may recall the ad that Emirates ran last August, showing a member of their cabin crew standing atop of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. The “We’re on top of the world” advertisement unsurprisingly went viral. In the UK version, which has had more than 7 million views, passengers were welcomed 
New Nobu hotel and restaurant on the Greek island of Santorini
By Paul Johnson on Jan 29, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Going Out, Greece, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Western Europe
Nobu Hospitality, the global lifestyle brand founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper, is delighted to announce its first hotel and restaurant in Greece – the Nobu Hotel and Restaurant Santorini, scheduled to open in spring 2022. Situated on the island’s captivating northeast coast, the boutique hotel houses a signature Nobu Restaurant, 
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve: 22 things to do in 2022
By Paul Johnson on Jan 28, 2022 in Family Travel, Leisure Travel, North America, Regions, Speciality Travel, USA, West Virginia
It’s been just over a year since New River Gorge reached the “Gold Standard” of being designated a national park, and excitement among visitors continues to increase. “For the first time that I can recall, the entire country seems to be talking about West Virginia – and Southern West Virginia in particular – as a 
The first voco hotel in Germany opens in Dusseldorf
By Paul Johnson on Jan 28, 2022 in Accommodation, Business Travel, Europe, Germany, Hotels, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel groups, has announced the opening of its first voco hotel in Germany; voco Dusseldorf Seestern. Located in the Lörick district of the city, voco Dusseldorf Seestern is a great premium option for those visiting Dusseldorf for business or leisure. The hotel is within walking to 
