Category: A Luxury Travel Blog

When we think of Plitvice Lakes, we often picture a day trip — a quick tour and a few snapshots before heading home. But Plitvice Lakes are so much more than that. To truly experience its magic, you need to slow down, stay longer, and immerse yourself in breathtaking nature around every corner.

Start your day at the heart of the park: Stay at Hotel Jezero

Staying at Hotel Jezero offers more than just comfort; it gives you unrivalled convenience. Step outside, and you’re already on the trail leading to some of the most beautiful sights in the Park. No need for long drives or searching for a parking spot—everything is within reach. Enjoy the immediate natural surroundings and explore the Plitvice Lakes at your own pace, with full access to all trails and viewpoints. Here you can truly enjoy peace and quiet, while all the beauties of the Park

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Why not merge two dream destinations into one? The Cook Islands meet New Zealand, a luxury getaway that will exceed all expectations. There has been a lot of talk about why New Zealand is such a special travel destination; let’s explore the Cook Islands, which is only a 4-hour flight from New Zealand!

The Cook Islands recently won viewers’ hearts in an episode of Travel Guides, with every guide awarding their Cook Islands experience five out of five stars. Aroha Luxury Tours is not surprised by this perfect score. This month’s episode showcased the extraordinary beauty, unique culture, and distinctive experiences that make the Cook Islands a change-your-life destination.

So, what makes the Cook Islands a five-star destination?

The ‘Travel Guides’ episode highlighted what we’ve always known, the Cook Islands offer a dreamy combination of natural beauty, culture, and leisure. Each island provides distinguishable character while preserving that special

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The world’s farthest frontiers continue to be reimagined with this month’s round-up of luxury travel news including Aman’s ultra-elegant yacht and The Ritz-Carlton’s treetop sanctuaries in the Masai Mara. Meanwhile, cruise terminals are reaching incredible new scales and PONANT are planning a polar circumnavigation of Antarctic; for this and more, please read on…

Etihad redefines short and medium haul flights

Etihad Airways is poised to revolutionise short and medium-haul flights with its brand new Airbus A321LR. This game-changer echoestheir long-haul luxury with the unprecedented introduction of private First Suites alongside flat-bed Business Class and enhanced Economy. As Etihad charts its ambitious “Journey 2030,” this ten-strong fleet expansion, connecting Abu Dhabi to sixteen new destinations from Algiers to Zurich, signals a commitment to elevating every passenger’s journey, from door-to-door chauffeur service for First flyers to gate-to-gate streaming Wi-Fi for all, proving that even on shorter hops, the sky’s

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The world of exclusive yacht charters offers much more than just a lavish vessel on the water. It’s a gateway to unforgettable adventures, extraordinary destinations, and tailored experiences that cater to every whim. Whether you’re looking to unwind in ultimate comfort, dine in style or embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition, a luxury yacht offers access to a world of possibilities both on and off deck.

Revealing remote corners of the world

If you are looking for an epic adventure while still experiencing five-star service, then a luxury yacht charter is an exclusive way to explore some of the world’s most spectacular and remote landscapes. Imagine cruising through the icy waters of Antarctica, witnessing towering waterfalls in the fjords of Norway, or immersing yourself in the culture and cuisine of Southeast Asia. With state-of-the-art vessels designed for long-range voyages, these charters are not just about

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Heavenly beaches, world-famous carnivals, and a treasure trove of pristine wildlife: Welcome to Brazil! A trip to South American giant is primed as an adventure to remember. Few places compare to the idyllic golden bays of Paraty’s coastline, the infectious Samba spirit of Rio de Janeiro, or the Afro-Brazilian customs in Salvador de Bahia; not to mention the natural delights of the Amazon rainforest or the Pantanal wetlands.

This enormous nation (the largest country in South America) is brimming with opportunities to explore, learn, and party like the locals. Below, we look at what tour operators have found to be the top destinations in Brazil and what they’ve made easily “doable” for all types of discerning travelers. 

1. Rio de Janeiro: Feel the samba vibes and beats

Rio de Janeiro is a heady, exotic cocktail of samba music, street parties, staggering scenery, and blonde beaches;

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Every now and then, the Maldives calls my name — and this time, it led me to Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, a stunning retreat tucked away in the Lhaviyani Atoll. Known for its powdery white beaches, this relatively new addition to the Maldives’ luxury scene can be found on Thilamaafushi Island and has been making serious waves — especially for families traveling with kids.

With school holidays approaching, and having heard lots of glowing feedback, it felt like the perfect moment to keep the kids entertained and see if this island paradise could live up to the promise.

The welcome

From the moment my family and I stepped out of the seaplane onto the jetty, we were greeted by several staff members who would welcome us with cold towels, refreshing drinks and a warm smile on their faces. A few ladies from the kids

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Half-way through this European Waterways seven days / six nights cruise, pampered passengers, enjoying a bon viveur lifestyle, know that more unique excursions await. Confident that Captain Craig will introduce us to more fascinating people, sights and tastes that capture the very essence of Burgundy’s rich history. 

Leisurely cruising along the Burgundy Canal, we are settling into the sedate rhythms of life on the water. Hearing only birdsong as we make themselves an early morning coffee in this quiet corner of France.

Later in the day, perhaps walking on for a lock or two as La Belle Epoque sedately cruises, at around 5 kmph, between lock-keepers’ houses. Or taking one of the barge’s bikes to cycle along the immaculately maintained towpaths. 

Slow travel provides an opportunity to relax, to savour a region that is quintessential France, on a cruise with aristocratic flavours.

Day 4

Craig drives

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“The population of Antalya was 600,000 nine or ten years ago. Today it’s 3 million,” our certified tour guide Ihsan told us on a recent trip to southern Turkey. I blinked – not because I was being blinded by the sun, but because of the sheer scale of that growth. A five-fold increase in just a decade.

On our return home, I did what all good travel journalists do and Googled it – and that’s when I also discovered Antalya currently ranks sixth place globally for the highest number of international arrivals, ahead of cities such as Dubai and Paris.

I suppose it should come as no surprise. Antalya’s got the sea, the sun, the spellbinding mix of old and new — and, as we found, a pace of life that suits both wanderers and the wildly active.

Antalya’s Old Town

Our Antalya experience had begun with a

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Cruising slowly along the Burgundy Canal, connecting the rivers Yonne and Soane, the 12 berth La Belle Epoque, from European Waterways, explores an almost forgotten French idyll. 

It is an intimate cruise with many privileged moments: lunch at the chateau hosted by the Baron and Baroness, a Chablis creator hosting a private tasting, and an exploration of the spiritually serene Abbaye de Fontenay. 

For six nights, this former log barge, first launched in 1930, provides a luxurious French voyage through the very best of Burgundy living: champagne, chateaux, cheese, culture, gastronomy, history and wine. For Francophiles, this is the ultimate Burgundian education. 

Our week, boarding on Sunday and disembarking on Saturday, is a hotel cruise with guests, usually English-speaking, booking from across the planet. Then getting to know each other for a joyously indulgent boat party.

Though friends and families are increasingly booking the entire barge

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Tucked away in the heart of Reading, The Roseate Reading is a strikingly beautiful boutique hotel set within a Grade II listed building that was once the town’s Shire Hall. Known for its opulent decor, grand spiral staircase and a seamless blend of classic architecture with modern luxury, the hotel is only a short stroll from the historic Abbey ruins and the vibrant town centre.

The welcome

I arrived in Reading by train and walked the short distance from the station to the hotel where I was welcomed at reception.  The check-in process was quick and efficient, and I was entering my room on the second floor within a matter of minutes. 

The room

I stayed in Room 27, a House Premium Suite situated within the Roseate Building, renowned for its traditional design and also housing the reception and restaurant. 

The suite exuded an

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