Category: A Luxury Travel Blog

Nestled amidst the postcard-perfect scenery of the Tyrolean Alps, Igls is more than just an escape for nature lovers — it’s also a haven for adrenaline junkies. At Heilgwasserwiese 1, at the foot of the Patscherkofel mountain and the home of Innsbruck’s Olympic bobsleigh track, a new experience awaits us – bob rafting!

Think of it as bobsleigh for beginners with absolutely no prior experience required; you sit in a padded ‘raft’ and are pushed down the 1,270 metre downhill ice track – the same one the bobsleighs use. It was constructed for the 1976 Winter Olympics and is the only artificial ice bobsleigh run in Austria.

Our experience began at building K14, conveniently located near the bobsleigh car park, where there’s also a café. Here we checked in and were provided with lightweight balaclavas to wear under our helmets. A little nervous laughter filled the air as

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Although Barcelona is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and incredible gastronomy, the city is also located near some of the best ski resorts, located in the incredible Pyrenees mountains. Ski enthusiasts can discover thrilling slopes, unforgettable views and exciting activities for snowboarders and skiers alike at all kinds of levels. Whether you are searching for adrenaline or simply want to enjoy the apres during a relaxing winter getaway, these ski resorts have something for everyone. So, keep reading to discover more about memorable Alpine adventures!

1. Masella

Situated in La Cerdanya Valley, you can find one of the best ski resorts. Popular for its night skiing options, this getaway is definitely a choice for adrenaline junkies. This unique experience offers the largest illuminated area to ski in the Pyrenees, with 74 kilometres of pistes with impeccable sights of forests and greenery, and

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Innsbruck has long been a haven for adventurers. With its history steeped in mountaineering, this city breathes a culture of climbing in addition to many other outdoor pursuits. From simple bouldering opportunities to the limestone cliffs of the Karwendel, Innsbruck offers a vertical playground for climbers of all abilities. Whilst we’ve done a little climbing in the past, we’re very much beginners so we were happy to find ourselves at the K1 Climbing Centre, ready to test our skills with some low-level bouldering.

Having opened in May 2017, the K1 Climbing Centre is a modern purpose-built centre with a spacious interior. With walls reaching up to 17 metres, the centre caters for a whole range of abilities.

Thankfully, we were bouldering at low levels so all we needed was climbing shoes – no ropes or harnesses, just us, the wall and gravity… and crucially

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As it celebrates its fifth anniversary, Dorp (Afrikaans for village) has maintained a rather low profile, as is often the case with certain hidden gems. Following the development of a loyal following and significant features in international magazines, the name is now heard more frequently – and, as I discovered over two visits, for good reason.

The welcome

A year after my first visit, I once again stepped through the doors, and the same staff warmly greeted me – impressively remembering me from my previous stay. There are handshakes and even a few hugs as I walk through the hotel. As I enter my cottage, the entrance table bears a welcome note signed from “your Dorp family,” rather than “the Dorp family.” 

This subtle pronoun change reflects the Dorp ethos. It conveys the ‘welcome home’ sentiment that many hotels claim but struggle to deliver. Knowing it was a special

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Rising above Innsbruck – and often said to look like a cobra from afar – the Bergisel Ski Jump is more than a monument to sport — it’s a place where history and adrenaline collide. And ski jumping in Austria couldn’t be at a more pivotal moment. Just days before our visit to Bergisel Ski Jump, Daniel Tschofenig came from behind in the prestigious Four Hills Tournament to complete an Austrian 1-2-3 on home snow.

We set out to explore this iconic venue on a crisp morning, having skipped the hotel breakfast. Catching tram 1 to Bergisel, we walked to the ski jump where the funicular whisked us up the hillside, followed by a lift to Bergisel Sky, a glassy vantage point perched high above the city.

The views from this sleek look-out are breathtaking—in the foreground, the skip jump and a panorama of the city beyond, against

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As twilight descended upon Innsbruck, we ventured into the Hofgarten, where LUMAGICA awaited — an impressive series of lights displayed throughout this historic park.

The park dates back to the 15th Century having been initially created as part of the imperial gardens for the ruling Habsburg dynasty. And this annual light festival, running from November to February, transforms the gardens into a realm of enchantment, inviting visitors to experience the magic of peace, love and family.

LUMAGICA dates back to an installation at Hückelhoven, Germany, where an installation was displayed on a former coal hill. The concept has since been extended to locations all over Europe, including Warsaw, Trondheim, Barcelona, and – of course – now Innsbruck.

It’s a spectacle that will delight young and old alike. The over one-kilometre circular route is adorned with

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Every year, I have the privilege of spending a month in New Zealand with family and always seize the chance to scout out luxurious new staycations in the land of the Long White Cloud. Here are five of my current favourites to add to the bucket list.

InterContinental Wellington

In the heart of the capital city, the InterContinental is one of its iconic 5-star hotels and has been a firm favourite of mine for years. The recently refurbished rooms provide every creature comfort – from our 9th-floor harbour-view room, we could observe the people, weather, and cityscapes of Wellington. Furthermore, the hotel features the city’s largest indoor heated pool, complete with a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam bath; all perfect for downtime between urban explorations.

The InterContinental also offers enviable dining options in New Zealand’s capital city. First GPO is the hotel’s beautiful dining space where breakfast buffets and

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We didn’t know quite what to expect when we visited Experience Tirol on the top floor of a shopping centre in the heart of Innsbruck.

We’d previously visited Fly Over Iceland, an attraction in Reykjavik, but this was something quite different – a series of interactive rooms and experiences, enveloping us in the essence of Tyrol. It’s an immersive show that transcends traditional exhibitions, offering a sensory journey through the region’s history and culture.

Upon arrival, the friendly staff provided us with a brief introduction and guidance on using the VR equipment. The adventure begins in a room where holographic figures – a father and his daughter – narrate the of Tyrolean customs – a seamless blend of storytelling and technology.

With virtual reality headsets, we’re next transported back to pivotal moments in Tyrol’s past. We stood alongside Ötzi, traversed the reign of Emperor

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New Zealand’s luxury travel sector is transforming profoundly in 2025, combining sustainable practices with luxury indulgence. The country is not just reaching new heights in the basic luxury travel offerings but making those offerings even more exclusive. Mostly, that’s playing out at the level of accommodations and experiences. From what we’ve seen, private and guided travel experiences will likely be New Zealand’s luxury hallmark.

2025 redefining luxury accommodations

There are several impressive new properties and accommodations set to open in 2025. In Queenstown, the anticipated ROKI Collection is set to open in mid-2025, promising 15 luxury suites with spectacular lake and mountain views. The property’s Roman bathhouse-inspired spa offers respite, while luxuries like private bathtubs, fireplaces, and walk-in robes ensure utmost comfort.

One of the most anticipated events is the March 2025 reopening of the iconic Huka Lodge, which arises from an extensive luxury $20 million

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