Welcome
We are proud to partner with awardwinning tour operator Carrier to bring you our all-time favourite travel destinations. We love what we do and, after many years, we consider it a privilege to arrange the best days of your year – hard-earned, well-deserved and thoroughly necessary R+R. Over the following pages, you will discover captivating destinations, the latest luxury hotel updates and fascinating travel experiences. And whilst it would be remiss of us not to highlight the hottest hotels and destinations for your consideration in 2017, we want to celebrate the timeless classics, the
iconic, the crème-de-le-crème – those places that have an enduring appeal and consistently get it right. We’ve asked some of the most trusted industry professionals – authorities in the world of travel – to reminisce with us… because why not hear them enthuse about the special places they hold most dear? You will also find some exclusive savings specially negotiated just for you. We hope you enjoy...
Our Contributors We’ve collaborated with some of the most highly regarded travel experts in the industry – each recommending their all-time favourite holidays… Annabelle Thorpe – The Times Francisca Kellett – Tatler Issy Von Simson – Condé Nast Traveller Kate Simon – The Daily Telegraph, The Independent Laura Houldsworth – House & Garden Laura Millar – Woman & Home, City A.M. Lucy Cleland – Country & Town House Lydia Bell – House & Garden, The Times, FT How To Spend It Maria Pieri – National Geographic Traveller (UK) Sasha Slater – Telegraph Magazines
Barbados
Kate Simon A journalist with over 30 years’ experience, and previously Travel Editor of The Independent on Sunday, Kate continues to write for The Independent, The Daily Telegraph and London Evening Standard. She is also the co-founder of Traveltappers. Easy – that’s the word for Barbados. And it’s why I keep returning. Sure, every Caribbean island promises a taste of the easy life. But here, easy doesn’t just mean kicking back, rum cocktail in hand, on glittering sands by glassy waters (though that’s an undoubted highlight). Here, everything is easy. It’s easy to explore all corners of this small island, thanks to its good roads. It’s easy to uncover its past in the virgin forest
at Turners Hall Woods and the fine colonial architecture at Bridgetown and its Garrison. It’s easy to lime with the locals at the weekly fish fry at Oistins and the Crop Over summer carnival. It’s easy to add a touch of glamour, shopping for designer numbers at Limegrove Lifestyle Centre in ritzy Holetown and dining with the jet-set at The Cliff. On Barbados, the only way is easy.
Sandy Lane
Added value Stay 7 nights and receive US$700 complimentary food and beverage credit. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 30 Sep 17. Blackout dates apply. Prices from ÂŁ4020pp including breakfast.
Welcoming its first guests in 1961 on the site of an old sugar plantation, Sandy Lane has long been considered the premier address in the Caribbean. A veritable Bajan institution and celebrity magnet, it is forever loved for the warmth of its exemplary service, deluxe accommodation across four wings, three highly acclaimed golf courses, delectable dining in its four restaurants and the extravagant Romanesque spa. Modern amenities such as the swimming pool’s underwater sound system and GPS-installed golf carts add to the draw. With sailing lessons, outdoor movies and mocktail parties, younger guests are just as indulged, making it a hit with families too.
For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover.
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Coral Reef Club
Sister property to The Sandpiper, this is a grande dame of the Barbados hotel scene. Its success is a tribute to the professionalism, creativity and vision of Budge and Cynthia O’Hara who came to run the hotel in 1956 and never wanted to leave. Still managed by the younger O’Hara family, it oozes unrivalled elegance, old-school luxury and classic charm.
Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a complimentary Foot Ritual spa treatment. Valid for travel 07 May - 28 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £410 per couple. Prices from £2085pp including breakfast.
This 50 room hotel consistently draws discerning repeat visitors. And it’s easy to see why it is firmly entrenched in the hearts of such a loyal crowd. The food is excellent, particularly the eclectic haute cuisine of Chef Christophe Poupardin, and the service is laudable thanks to Wayne and Karen Capaldi’s eagle-eyed attention to detail. Most of the staff have been in place for decades; island treasure Harold has his own beach bar named after him.
The Sandpiper
Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a complimentary Foot Ritual spa treatment. Valid for travel 07 May - 28 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £410 per couple. Prices from £2085pp including breakfast.
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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.
The Fairmont Royal Pavilion
One of the earliest hotels on Barbados and the first on the west coast, The Fairmont Royal Pavilion benefits from an unrivalled beachfront location; rooms offer direct access to the white powder beach. Reminiscent of a plantation house, it gives the feeling of being privileged guests in a private home, coupled with the modern comforts expected from an exclusive resort.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 50% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 01 Jan - 19 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Jan 17. Save up to £2080 per couple. Prices from £1885pp including breakfast.
Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort & Residences
Still considered to be a newcomer on the Platinum Coast, Saint Peter’s Bay is an inspiring alternative to a hotel. It offers a range of luxury residences situated on the unspoiled northwest coast; what impresses us most is the space proffered by the plush beachfront homes. Groups will appreciate joining the two or threebedroom residences together. Find Barbados’ finest rum punch here, served by Gilbert, a humble Bajan gentleman with a megawatt smile.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel until 14 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £870 per family. Prices from £6240 per family of four. For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover.
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Antigua
Issy Von Simson Starting her career at Condé Nast 11 years ago producing the supplements at Tatler, Issy became the magazine’s Beauty Director before moving to Condé Nast Traveller where she is now Deputy Editor. Sometimes you need a holiday that is outrageously easy, straightforward and properly relaxed, with a direct flight, quick transfers and the guarantee of a knockout beach and warm shallow seas at the other end. This is the joy of Antigua. It has more glorious stretches of sand than you could ever need in a lifetime (not one’s a dud) and a smattering of hotels that really nail
the fly and flop brief. The Inn at English Harbour is for grown-up kicking back in a colonial setting, Carlisle Bay is the dream with a postcard perfect bay. Then there’s Jumby Bay, a Rosewood-run private island of absurd comfort, hot and cold running rum punches, starfish in the surf and swaying palms. Just like Antigua as a whole, you really can’t go wrong here.
Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort
This is a lush dot of an island only accessible by boat. Beginning its time as an ancient coral reef that became part of Christopher Columbus’ discovery on his second journey to the Americas, it is now an understated paradise boasting some of the best accommodation in the region – we have a soft spot for expansively stylish villa – Lazy Lizard. Transport on island is by bicycle, creating a peaceful vibe that encompasses you the moment you arrive. Nature lovers will delight in the variety of wildlife, from the Persian black head sheep to the hawksbill sea turtles. A highlight: fine dining at the historic and newly refurbished Estate House.
Complimentary night Stay 7 nights, pay for 6. Valid for travel 23 Apr - 17 Dec 17. Save up to £1680 per couple. Prices from £5870pp all-inclusive. For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover.
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The Inn
There is a wonderful old-world nostalgia at this unsung bolthole on its pretty wooded headland overlooking Nelson’s Dockyard. Plump for a beach cabana and you’re just steps away from the private silk-soft sand, with hammocks stretched between rustling palms. A cocktail bar filled with nautical memorabilia and the gorgeous Terrace restaurant housed in the original stone house, are just two more highlights.
Complimentary nights & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 and receive three complimentary lunches. Valid for travel 11 May - 31 Aug 17. Book by 30 Apr 17. Save up to £1200 per couple. Prices from £2305pp including half board.
One of the longest established resorts on the island, this family-owned gem sits above its own beach in Soldier’s Bay and is popular for its secluded location and welcoming atmosphere. The character is modern, yet infused with colonial Caribbean style. Rooms come with private decks to make the most of the sea views, but for those who wish to splurge or are looking for the ultimate private retreat, Rock Cottage comes highly recommended.
Blue Waters
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 30% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 21 Apr - 19 Dec 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £800 per couple. Prices from £1745pp including breakfast.
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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.
Curtain Bluff
This is a renowned beachfront hotel in the area and for good reason; it’s set on not one but two soft sandy beaches. The tennis facilities are some of the finest, with dedicated weeks led by the likes of Tracy Austin. There’s always an appropriate vintage too, served by sommelier George, from one of the first controlled wine cellars in the Caribbean.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 35% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 28 Oct - 15 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £2670 per couple. Prices from £3380pp all-inclusive.
Carlisle Bay
Situated on its own divine bay with a lovely beach, Carlisle Bay set a new vogue when it opened in 2003 with sophisticated muted tones in its 82 ocean-facing suites. With the exceptional Blue Spa, a yoga pavilion, private screening room and numerous restaurants and bars, nothing is too much trouble at this contemporary-chic hotel.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive US$200 complimentary spa credit. Valid for travel 04 Jan - 30 Nov 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Prices from £2805pp including breakfast. For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover. | 11
Greece
Lucy Cleland Editor in Chief of Country & Town House, Lucy has been in the glossy magazine business for around 20 years, and divides her time between West London and the mud of the New Forest with her husband and two children. When you find yourself thinking that you’re possibly trespassing in the back garden of scholar and soldier Patrick Leigh Fermor’s Kardamyli house on the Mani Peninsula (he was still alive at the time), and the only escape is down a scraggy rockface to the sea, it’s a moment to take stock, plant your feet firmly on the ground and imbibe the beauty, exhilaration and terror that is besieging
you at that moment. Greece is like that. It has a wildness and timelessness that gets under your skin. It has had its fair share of knocks recently but ignore the headlines and you find charm and generosity round every corner, and – what I love most – a complete lack of pretention. Greece doesn’t have to try too hard. Its magic is already so deeply embedded.
Grace Mykonos & Grace Santorini
Captivating in equal measures, these two Greek island hotspots are guaranteed to seduce. Grace Mykonos charms with its whitewashed architecture and beachside location, whilst being within close proximity to the nightlife of Mykonos Town. From the medieval dwellings of Little Venice to the archaeological remains of Delos, a rich history constitutes this remarkable destination. After undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2016, the elegant Grace Santorini now boasts a new Champagne lounge and a yoga and Pilates studio; the luxury retreat will also welcome two new suites with private infinity pools this year and a wellness spa in 2018.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary dinner, spa treatment and yoga session at Grace Mykonos and Grace Santorini. Valid for travel 20 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to ÂŁ830 per couple. Prices from ÂŁ2265pp including breakfast. For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover. | 13
Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection
Designed in homage to the colours and textures of UNESCO-protected Spinalonga island nestling in the bay just opposite, suites and villas are dotted amongst the verdant gardens and olive groves. For the ultimate in cosseted luxury, opt for the new Haute Living Selection – enjoy private check-in, a 24/7 Executive Lounge, an in-villa open bar service, exclusive entry to Spina Beach Club and more.
Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% reduction on accommodation, complimentary half board and a dinner. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £1060 per couple. Prices from £1130pp including half board.
This all-suite retreat is part of the outstanding Sani Resort, a five-hotel family-owned fixture in Halkidiki. The all-encompassing Greek getaway is a favourite with world-weary parents and loved by every brood in tow. Hidden in its own ecological reserve, it’s surrounded by pine-cloaked hills, ancient olive groves, peaceful wetlands and five miles of gorgeous golden sand.
Porto Sani
Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and save up to 20% on accommodation and receive €150 complimentary spa credit. Valid for travel 13 Apr - 28 Oct 17. Book by 15 Feb 17. Save up to £380 per couple. Prices from £1110pp including half board.
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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.
Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection
Adults-only is the punch line for this retreat. Striking exterior architecture borders on the futuristic and inside it’s all clean lines and contemporary kit. Accommodations (all with a heated plunge pool or outdoor Jacuzzi) come in three categories: Upbeat Retreats, Sublime Lofts and Haven Suites. Outside these sleek pods, are two swimming pools, the super-cool Raw Bar serving sushi, and Zeen restaurant.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 25% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 31 Mar - 15 Nov 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £470 per couple. Prices from £975pp including breakfast.
The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort
Whilst also an exceptional family-friendly resort, things have a more adult-focused feel and a real sense of sophisticated exclusivity at this hotel. Contemporary rooms and suites, most with private infinity pools accessed from expansive wooden decks, effortlessly combine modern touches with traditional Greek architecture; influenced by the site’s rich 4,500 years of history. Opt for a villa for pampering perfection courtesy of a personalised butler service.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 25% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 25 May - 30 Sep 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £510 per couple. Prices from £1160pp including breakfast. For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover. | 15
Seychelles
Sasha Slater Sasha is Head of Magazines at the Telegraph and contributing editor to Harper’s BAZAAR and Town & Country. She lives in Clerkenwell and travels both for work and pleasure as much as she can – preferably with her husband and two children – leaving the two Siamese cats at home. There are plenty of islands around the globe that offer white sand and turquoise seas – even the Outer Hebrides if you are lucky with the weather. But the Seychelles are special for much more than the softness of the archipelago’s deserted beaches and the indigo splendour of its ocean. There are the granite boulders that dot the shore and give each island its
soaring silhouette. There are the equally monumental giant tortoises that plod the dirt tracks on the smaller islands. There’s the angular beauty of the whitetailed tropicbird as it scythes through the darkening sky at sunset. But most importantly, there’s the welcoming charm of the islanders as they invite you to their paradise on earth.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles
Already established as a premier resort in the archipelago and renowned for its impeccable service, castaway luxury and pristine Petite Anse beach, this exceptional hotel has now added a new string to its bow. A surfer’s paradise, the panoramic spa situated 80 metres above sea level, now offers a dedicated Surfer’s Massage focused on soothing those muscles used most on the waves.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 25% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 16 Jan - 20 Dec 17. Save up to £1060 per couple. Prices from £2970pp including breakfast.
This all-villa resort’s tag line is Stop. Stay. Begin again. And it couldn’t be more accurate. A peaceful, private five star sanctuary overlooking Anse Louis, a stay here is beyond relaxation. Its thatched roofed villas are heavenly bubbles, blocking out reality and the Spa, part of which is built into the rock, takes ‘at one with nature’ to new levels. What’s more, the Beyond-AllInclusive package includes yoga and Qi Gong sessions, plus unlimited scuba diving.
MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa
Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a complimentary 60 minute massage. Valid for travel until 31 Oct 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £2280 per couple. Prices from £5855pp all-inclusive. For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover. | 17
Portugal
Laura Houldsworth Laura grew up in Scotland and after studying Architectural History at Edinburgh University, she headed south for a job with House & Garden magazine in London, where she has been for the last seven years. Her role as Executive Retail Editor allows her to indulge her passion for design, food and travel. I’ve spent every summer for as long as I can remember in Portugal. Perfect for a short-haul dose of Vitamin-D, the mild climate, beguiling beaches, uber-fresh fish, Vinho Verde and port wines, and cosmopolitan cities keep pulling me back for more. With the maze of cobbled streets and rumbling wooden trams both Lisbon
and Porto are spot-on for a city break and nothing beats a coffee and fresh pastel de nata from one of the many cafĂŠs. While the impressive beaches in the Algarve remain popular, the Douro Valley wine region has captured my imagination this year with its undulating hills and knowledgeable wine connoisseurs.
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa
A real dining destination par excellence, this hotel has ten restaurants to tantalise the tastebuds. The new Clubhouse is home to three of these (as well as an infinity pool and bars). Yet it’s the seafront two Michelin-star, Ocean, that is the main attraction. One of only two restaurants in Portugal to hold the accolade, enjoy elegant dishes with sophisticated wine pairings courtesy of the Cave de Vinhos’ selection – visit in May to be part of the Vila Vita Fine Wines & Food Fair. Amongst the resort’s cobbled walkways recreational facilities abound. Tennis, watersports, pitch and putt and the Hypoxi weight-loss treatments in the Roman spa are all popular with guests.
Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive a 10% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary dinner. Valid for travel 23 Jun - 31 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Book a minimum of 60 days prior to arrival. Save up to £210 per couple. Prices from £1295pp including breakfast. For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover. | 19
Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort
The great outdoors beckons at this stylish, family-friendly resort situated within a protected national park on the rugged western Algarve. Explore by bicycle, or get back to nature with dolphin watching, horse riding and fishing trips. Back at the hotel, the powder-soft sands of the Praia do Martinhal beckon – the refreshing Atlantic breeze makes it the perfect setting for surfing.
Prices from Stay 7 nights from £1125pp including breakfast. Valid for travel until 28 Dec 17.
Anantara Vilamoura Resort Algarve This is Anantara’s first foray into Europe. Formerly the Tivoli Victoria, it is gearing up to reopen as an Anantara property in April 2017. The location remains as fabulous as ever: slap bang in the middle of the renowned Oceânico Victoria golf course. In addition, the hotel will feature five restaurants and a sumptuous spa.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 15% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary dinner. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £530 per couple. Prices from £955pp including breakfast.
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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.
Six Senses Douro Valley
Set in a 19th Century manor house overlooking the vine-covered hills of the Douro Valley and the river below, the location of this Six Senses property is blissfully serene. Nature is all around: there’s an organic garden on the estate; guests can feast on seasonal dishes at Vale d’Abraao restaurant with its open kitchen and intimate dining room or indulge in evening tasting sessions in the Wine Library. Head to the spa, a haven that goes beyond the ordinary with locally-inspired therapies such as the Citrus Energizer and Complete Grape Rejuvenation. This is a very special place, in an unsung part of the world, where wine and wellness unite to create a completely unique escape.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 5 nights and receive a 15% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary wine tasting session. Valid for travel until 30 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £250 per couple. Prices from £1130pp. For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover. | 21
The Grenadines
Annabelle Thorpe Annabelle is a novelist and award-winning travel writer for The Times. She has visited over 50 countries, and divides her time between London and the Sussex Coast. It’s from above that you first get the sense of how extraordinary a holiday in the Grenadines is going to be. Flying in, the scattered islands and cays rise up from the ocean, fringed by azure waters that roll onto palm-backed swathes of sand. Tiny, thatched-roofed airports welcome you; palm-lined roads weave through pastel-hued villages to palatial villas and luxurious hotels that open out
onto sparkling, sun-drenched beaches. A British colony until 1979, the Grenadines have long been the Caribbean’s most elegant playground; the recent opening of Pink Sands Club – a luxurious, 26-room bolthole on the sleepy island of Canouan – upped the luxe factor further. Paradise for sailors, lovers and those who just dream of escape.
Pink Sands Club
Measuring just two miles long by a mile wide, the tiny island of Canouan is renowned for its most desirable location. As the first to get a sneak peak of the superlative 26 suite, six villa Pink Sands Club (which welcomed guests from October 2016), we were wowed from the outset by the cutting-edge technology including the floor-to-ceiling mirror and inbuilt TV that moves aside to reveal mesmerising sea views. The historic charm of the beautifully restored 17th Century church is pretty special too. Those booking a suite can travel in style with a complimentary private jet from Barbados.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive two complimentary dinners, a boat excursion to Tobago Cays and two rounds of golf or two 60 minute spa treatments per person. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 Oct 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Prices from ÂŁ5495pp including breakfast.
For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover. | 23
The Cotton House
Originally a local cotton plantation, the hotel was made famous as a private island hideaway by Princess Margaret in the sixties following a wedding gift of a 10 acre plot from Lord Glenconner. It has long since enjoyed a reputation as a fashionable retreat, drawing in the chic and famous with its 1,400 acres of natural beauty and white sandy beaches. The late fashion designer Oliver Messel helped style this coral-white boutique hotel; the Great Room with its Art Deco oval bar is the property’s hotspot where guests and well-heeled villa owners (including Tommy Hilfiger and Bryan Adams) congregate every Tuesday for a cocktail and canapé party.
Complimentary nights & added value Stay 9 nights, pay for 7 and receive complimentary return inter-island flights. Valid for travel 01 May - 20 Dec 17. Save up to £2110 per couple. Prices from £2545pp including breakfast.
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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.
Petit St Vincent
Whilst many properties strive to be ahead of the curve with the latest mod-cons and technological developments, PSV (as it’s lovingly known by repeat guests) is the polar opposite. Ringed by almost two miles of white sands; WiFi, televisions and telephones are replaced with treatments at the Balinese-run treetop spa and sea-based activities, staying true to its mission as a place for dreamy castaway simplicity.
Complimentary nights & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 and receive a complimentary upgrade to all-inclusive. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 31 Aug 17. Save up to £2300 per couple. Prices from £4100pp.
Set on Friendship Beach – the premier location on this island – this boutique hotel is relatively undiscovered. With views across to party isle Mustique, Bequia conjures up a sense of oldschool Caribbean charm – a place where you can kick off your shoes in the beach bar or settle down with a good book in the reading room. Spend your day out on the water, before devouring exquisite food on the beachside veranda.
Bequia Beach Hotel
Added value Stay 7 nights and receive a complimentary 30 minute spa treatment. Valid for travel 01 Mar - 31 Aug 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Prices from £1965pp including breakfast. For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover. | 25
New York
Laura Millar Laura is an award-winning travel and food writer whose work appears regularly in publications such as Metro, Escapism, Foodism, Square Mile, Marie Claire, Fabulous, Saturday Express magazine, The Scotsman, Scottish Sun, Sunday Mirror, City A.M. and more. New York, New York – so good, they named it twice. The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of… years before I first ever visited, I fell in love with it, through movies, music and TV. Yellow taxis; steam rising up through manholes on every street corner; pizza by the slice; Tiffany’s for breakfast (or lunch, or
dinner); Batman protecting his beloved Gotham City; the Chrysler building (my all-time favourite edifice); great ‘cawfee’; the Statue of Liberty – the reality was even better than the images. It pulses with energy, 24 hours a day, and I truly feel more alive here than in any other city in the world; basically, I just heart NY.
The St. Regis New York
On Fifth Avenue, just a block away from MoMA, The St. Regis deals in nostalgia. A New York icon, founded in 1904 by John Jacob Astor IV, it remains world-class from top-to-toe. The rooms have high ceilings, huge windows and crystal chandeliers; there’s a library home to 3,000 leather-bound books, butlers cater to your every whim and a fleet of Bentleys are at your disposal.
Complimentary night Stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Valid for travel until 05 Mar 17. Book by 30 Jan 17. Save up to £720 per couple. Prices from £2010pp.
Location, location, location. Who can resist being across the street from Central Park? The hotel is elegance personified: think afternoon tea in the wood-panelled lounge and sensational cocktails from legendary bartender Norman Bukofzer. Guests will find traditions stand strong. Then there are the unique little touches: the noontime ritual of feeding the Central Park carriage horses and the sevenstrong choice of pillow.
The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park
Complimentary night Stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Valid for travel 20 Jun - 04 Sep 17. Save up to £710 per couple. Prices from £2145pp. For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover. | 27
California
Francisca Kellett Francisca is the Travel Editor at Tatler magazine, having previously worked as Digital Travel Editor for the Daily Telegraph and spending years galloping around the globe as a freelance travel writer. First memories have a lot to answer for. My earliest is from San Francisco, tottering over the Golden Gate Bridge, terrifically pleased at the wind, the height, the sea, the rusty-redness of it all. That memory has never left me. It draws me back again and again. But San Fran and all its fog-blurred up-and-down gorgeousness is just a small slice of the Californian pie.
There are the corduroy vineyards of Napa and Sonoma. There’s salt-washed, ocean-lashed Big Sur; the epic peaks of Yosemite and the moss-green giants of the redwood forests; the surfers, the hippies, the farmers, the Hollywood starlets. There’s nowhere else like it and I can’t wait to get back.
Coastal California
From the epicentre of connectivity, the Fairmont, discover the rich heritage of San Francisco. Along the journey, admire the impressive granite cliffs of El Capitan in Yosemite, the Monterey Peninsula’s breathtaking coastal landscapes at Pebble Beach and surf in the sandy coves of Laguna Niguel. Spend your final nights at The U.S. Grant in the lively and historic Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego.
Prices from Stay 15 nights at Fairmont San Francisco; The Majestic Yosemite Hotel; Casa Palmero™ at Pebble Beach Resorts®; Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa; Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore; Casa Del Mar; The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and at The U.S. Grant from £6130pp including car hire.
Located directly on the beach with panoramic ocean views and home to the sea wellness spa, Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica is a most sought-after place to unwind. Combine this with Los Cabos Mexico for the ultimate beach escape. Sit back on a private oceanfront terrace at the One&Only Palmilla and enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine, spa treatments and access to one of the few swimmable beaches in the region.
Cali & Cabo
Early booking reduction Stay 10 nights at Casa Del Mar; and at One&Only Pamilla including a 5% reduction on accommodation and breakfast. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 30 Sep 17. Book by 15 Feb 17. Prices from £6950pp. For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover. | 29
Australia
Lydia Bell Lydia is a travel and features journalist contributing to newspapers including The Times, Financial Times (How To Spend It), Telegraph, Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian and magazines including Condé Nast Traveller, Australian Gourmet Traveller and Net-a-Porter’s The Edit. My connection with Australia is, above and beyond, personal. My father is English and I grew up in England, but my mother is a fifth-generation Australian and the pulse of Australia definitely runs deep within me. My memories of the country go back to childhood holidays. They are memories of eye-popping colour – the vivid blues of the Australian ocean and sunburst-filled days with my grandparents on the Central Coast of
New South Wales. After university, I spent four, carefree, happy and under-paid years in Sydney, training as a journalist and at The Australian newspaper. Over the years, I’ve travelled to most corners of this wonderful country. As a travel destination, Australia’s unique selling point is its amazing diversity. Australia has absolutely every landscape, from the balmy subtropics to idealized desert islands, and an atmospheric outback of epic proportions.
Western Winelands
Your Australian experience begins at the grand Richardson Hotel & Spa in Perth, designed by renowned architect Sir Terry Farrell. After three nights, you’ll arrive in the flourishing Margaret River region for a four night stay at Cape Lodge; this area was once described by British wine critic Jancis Robinson as “being the closest thing to paradise…”. Conclude your adventure at the eco-friendly Sal Salis safari camp on the shores of Ningaloo Reef.
Prices from Stay 10 nights at The Richardson Hotel & Spa including breakfast; at Cape Lodge including breakfast; and at Sal Salis all-inclusive from £5895pp including car hire.
Park Hyatt Sydney commands a much coveted waterfront spot on the edge of Sydney Harbour. Next, head inland to the Blue Mountains and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. Its 7,000 acre wilderness setting is breathtaking. For further faraway luxury, fly off to another One&Only wonder: Hayman Island; its Great Barrier Reef setting and iconic luxury provide a fabuloso five star finale.
East Coast Escape
Prices from Stay 11 nights at Park Hyatt Sydney including breakfast; at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley all-inclusive; and at One&Only Hayman Island including breakfast from £7725pp. For more information or to book, please refer to our contact details on the back cover. | 31
Thailand
Maria Pieri Maria is the Editorial Director for National Geographic Traveller (UK). A frequent and curious traveller, she continues to be inspired by travel with a purpose, dragging her (usually) willing family with her in this great pursuit. I was thoroughly spoilt on that first trip to Thailand. The hospitality, the people, the food, the sights – all were phenomenal. The highlight? A surprise beach barbecue, complete with ubiquitous lobster and the fresh smell of lemongrass, lime leaves and ginger. The trip shaped my memories and my thoughts of Asia in a way I hadn’t anticipated. I was lucky enough to return to Thailand this year with my family.
On this visit, we combined Koh Samui with Chiang Mai – the interior of the country giving me another, entirely different, perspective. We planted rice in the paddy fields, cycled to the local temples, and practised Muay Thai. These days, Thailand hardly needs an introduction, yet it continues to offer something new to visitors every time they return.
Four Seasons Resorts Thailand
Combine adventure and relaxation with Four Seasons’ luxury and discover the essence of Thailand. Begin at the captivating, all-inclusive Tented Camp in Chiang Rai, set in the heart of Thailand’s Golden Triangle; the scenery is utterly beguiling. Further cultural exploration beckons in the lush foothills of Chiang Mai where you can visit the local hill tribes, pick rice in the picture-perfect paddy fields and cook terrific Thai cuisine under the watchful eye of world-class masters. End the adventure with a taste of island life in Koh Samui for secluded bays, sandy beaches and private villa pools.
Prices from Stay 13 nights at Four Seasons Tented Camp all-inclusive including a complimentary spa treatment; at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai including breakfast; and at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui including breakfast from £7145pp.
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Banyan Tree Experience
The Banyan Tree Bangkok is in a prime location for exploring the capital city. Famed for its rooftop restaurant Vertigo and its award-winning spa, guests can relax and unwind after a day of discovering this bustling metropolis. For the utmost seclusion and exclusivity, the DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree Phuket are nestled within tropical gardens, featuring bedrooms that seemingly hover over the private wading pools, giving the impression of floating villas.
Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 15% early booking reduction at Banyan Tree Bangkok and at Banyan Tree Phuket. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Save up to £190 per couple. Prices from £1905pp including breakfast.
Approaching the majestic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay by boat, Dr Shinawate Sarasart envisioned the gateway to a luxury resort. This vision soon became a reality in the form of Six Senses Yao Noi, where spacious private villas are constructed from premium quality wood and thatched sago palm leaves. There is a focus on wellness and sustainability here, with elevated yoga and nature bike trails.
Six Senses Yao Noi
Complimentary nights & early booking reduction Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 and receive up to a 10% early booking reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 22 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Save up to £1150 per couple. Prices from £1875pp including breakfast.
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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.
Exclusive Offers
We have negotiated a handful of savings just for you. Our top picks include…
Milaidhoo Island, Maldives
Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a 10% early booking reduction and a romantic Champagne breakfast. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Book by 31 Jan 17. Save up to £1740 per couple. Prices from £3845pp including half board.
Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 30% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary upgrade to full board. Valid for travel 05 Jan - 19 Dec 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £1300 per couple. Prices from £2845pp.
One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai
Hotel Jerome, Aspen
Stay 5 nights and save up to a third with complimentary half board. Valid for travel 09 Jan - 06 May 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £1990 per couple. Prices from £2065pp.
Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive complimentary breakfast. Valid for travel until 02 April 17. Blackout dates apply. Save up to £1510 per couple. Prices from £3595pp including breakfast.
Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Abu Dhabi
Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 40% reduction on accommodation, complimentary upgrade to full board and 30 minute massage. Valid for travel 16 May - 15 Sep 17. Save up to £1440 per couple. Prices from £2105pp.
Stay 5 nights and receive up to a 30% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 08 Jan - 30 Jun 17. Book by 31 Jan 17. Save up to £730 per couple. Prices from £1305pp including breakfast.
Terms and Conditions
All offers are subject to availability. Terms, conditions and date restrictions apply. Prices may vary throughout the duration of a special offer. The prices published in this brochure are the lowest available over the offer period. All prices are based on two adults sharing and include return economy flights and transfers unless otherwise stated. Please call for full details and a personalised quotation.