Luxury Travel The Editor’s Edit 2016
Our Contributors Melinda Stevens – Condé Nast Traveller Justine Picardie – Harper’s BAZAAR Heidi Gosman – Heidi Klein Nigel Tisdall – Marie Claire Graham Boynton – Newsweek Paul Johnson – A Luxury Travel Blog Issy Von Simson – Condé Nast Traveller Geordie Greig – Mail on Sunday Jane Anderson – Family Traveller Peter Browne – Condé Nast Traveller Lydia Gard – House & Garden, Tatler, Mr Fox Dylan Jones – GQ Arnie Wilson – Financial Times Amanda Valmorbida – cntraveller.com Rick Jordan – Condé Nast Traveller
Welcome Good holiday planning starts with a little inspiration, and this guide draws together expert opinion from near and far to get you started for 2016.
Carrier has been established for a long time and we have great relationships in all areas of luxury travel. After a little cajoling – we are no strangers to this, it gets our clients what they want – a few of our friends at authoritative titles like Condé Nast Traveller, Harper’s BAZAAR, GQ and The Telegraph have shared their hotspots and revealed the places that hold the most enduring appeal for them. Our people, too, are mines of information – renowned as being some of the most knowledgeable and experienced in the industry – veritable frequent fliers who know exactly what to look for from hotels and their environs. We have promised not to give away all of their secrets.
So, this could well be the definitive round-up of where to go in 2016, from the experts – those truly at the cutting edge of luxury travel. Read on to discover the latest happenings in NYC; find out which islands will be in the most celebratory mood; the favourites that never grow old and why this might be the year where you truly take the time to reconnect with nature. We know that few times of the year are more loaded with anticipation and expectation than a holiday, so it needs to be right. Remember, Carrier holidays don’t exist until we create them for you, from the ground up; they are not made at the click of a button but conceived by specialists for those who appreciate high standards, personal service and value for money. We hope this guide inspires you to get in touch so we may breathe life into your own holiday this year.
Contents
We’ve got the globe covered. From the immaculate beauty of the Indian Ocean islands to the big sky and vast lands of the USA, the rich tapestry of culture and history of Europe to the vibrant diversity of South East Asia. 2016 is your year to be filled with inspirational travel – take it from the experts.
0 6. Italy
47.
11. Barbados
51. Caribbean
18.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
23.
South Africa
29. Oman
Safari
Islands
58. Greek
Islands
63.
Greece
& Abu Dhabi
70. Maldives
34.
81.
Seychelles
Spain
37. Bali
86. Bermuda
42.
9 0. Kenya
New York
Voted ‘Favourite Tour Operator’ at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards 2014. Carrier specialises in luxury tailor-made holidays worldwide. Service is personal, flexible and haute couture.
93.
US National Parks
97. Mauritius 1 03. Thailand 1 08. Touring
128. Florida 1 32.
St Lucia
1 37. Dubai 1 42.
Pacific Islands
1 45.
North America Ski & Snow
Destinations
1 14. Antigua
149. Europe
1 19. California 1 23.
Croatia & Montenegro
Ski & Snow
1 53. Cruise 156. Airlines
Justine Picardie Justine Picardie is the Editor in Chief of Harper’s BAZAAR and Town & Country. She is also the author of five books, the most recent a best-selling biography of Coco Chanel, and co-founder of the Lavender Trust.
Italy I first travelled to Italy as a student, criss-crossing the country on slow trains, tracing the steps of the writers I loved – Henry James, Edith Wharton, and the Romantic poets. Since then, I’ve returned many times and, on each occasion, I fall in love with this beguiling country even more. Lake Como, Venice, Rome, Amalfi... all seem ever more beautiful; and miraculously timeless, however many years pass since my 18-year-old self set off to discover the land of Dante and Botticelli and, in doing so, discovered that this was a country that was written into my heart... My colleague, Avril Mair, also adores this country – in particular the wild, underdeveloped Puglia. Ionian and Adriatic beaches shimmer below medieval hilltop towns glistening in the white heat. With countless archaeological sites left behind by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines and the Normans, Puglia is truly a place of wonder.
Borgo Egnazia Open year round, this resort echoes the true authenticity of a Puglian Village, thanks to its dazzling interiors that combine tradition with modernity. The 155 rooms, suites and private townhouses and the 28 villas create a sense of intimacy, despite its vast size. This is a place that truly caters for all passions. There is an in-house cookery school specialising in plotto-plate dining, the sumptuous Vair Spa for pampering perfection, creative clubs for kids and teens, whilst golfers are well catered for with the 18-hole San Domenico course within putting-distance of the property.
Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% early booking reduction. Valid for travel 07 Jan 16 - 06 Jan 17. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to ÂŁ230 per couple. Prices from ÂŁ730pp in a La Corte Belle Room including breakfast.
Verdura Resort – A Rocco Forte Hotel Nestled amongst the citrus-scented groves of the Sicilian countryside, lies Rocco Forte’s renowned luxury resort. Verdura is a strikingly streamlined piece of architecture, which beautifully contrasts with its rugged coastal location. Four fine dining restaurants, three golf courses, a spa, private beach and even a football pitch, are all discreetly enclosed within the spacious grounds, ensuring that guests are well entertained. Rooms are decorated in a modern Italian style, marrying the warmth and ambience of Sicily with contemporary restraint.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 25% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel until 31 Oct 16. Save up to £360 per couple. Prices from £930pp including breakfast.
Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Lake Como With all the romantic nostalgia of the grand hotels of the past, the Tremezzo is a beautiful Art Nouveau palace overlooking Lake Como. This is classic, Italian luxury at its most refined. Belle Epoque elegance greets guests at every turn with decadent interiors that perfectly evoke the drama and sophistication of bygone times. Exclusivity is where this hotel excels; Rooftop Suites boast spectacular views and come with their own private jacuzzis and butlers. A clay tennis court, luxury spa, three swimming pools (one floating on the lake), private sandy beach, ancient gardens and five restaurants complete the stylish picture.
Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights pay for 6 and receive €100 spa credit. Valid for travel 11 Mar - 19 May & 28 Aug - 05 Nov 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £330 per couple. Prices from £1305pp including breakfast.
Belmond Cipriani Just four minutes away by private launch from Piazza San Marco, guests at Belmond Cipriani can experience true Venetian authenticity. Presiding on Giudecca island with uninterrupted views of Doge’s Palace, the Belmond Cipriani is a destination hotel for the discerning (and for the deeply romantic – legend has it that Casanova had a few dalliances in the Cipriani’s manicured gardens). A stunning showcase for contemporary and heritage Venetian craft, the hotel is richly furnished with Murano glass, Fortuny-designed pieces and Rubelli fabrics.
Complimentary night Stay 4 nights pay for 3. Valid for travel 17 Mar - 28 Apr & 09 Oct - 08 Nov 16. Save up to £760 per couple. Prices from £1285pp including breakfast.
Jenny Basham Reservations Manager for the Caribbean, Mexico, USA and Canada team, Jenny is known for her impressive Caribbean knowledge. Barbados is her favorite island of all having first visited ten years ago.
Barbados
Barbados celebrates 50 years of independence this year, and I could give just as many reasons as to why this remains one of my favourite Caribbean destinations. Yes, many involve the local cuisine – I love how there are endless ways to enjoy the best of Bajan food. Delicious lobster at the Friday fish fry at Oistins Bay Gardens, seared tuna with superb sunsets at fine-dining institution The Cliff, and now, a playful à la carte menu courtesy of new younger sister, The Cliff Beach Club. Every November, the Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival pays homage to local and international culinary delights with cooking demonstrations, world-class rum, polo, shopping, beach entertainment and parties. Thanks to the big anniversary, 2016 promises to be the best yet with a full programme of exciting events and activities planned.
Sandy Lane
Widely considered as the grand dame of luxury resorts in Barbados, Sandy Lane remains the place to be and be seen in 2016. Somewhat of a Bajan institution, we don’t need to dwell on the three acclaimed golf courses, the impressive spa or beach – not to be missed is the famous Sunday brunch at Bajan Blue. Share a little of the Sandy Lane magic with your little ones when visiting over the school holidays; arranged on dedicated dates throughout the year, the sports camps are great for aspiring athletes – choose from complimentary swimming, waterskiing, golf, tennis and football lessons.
Added value Stay 7 nights and receive a bottle of Champagne on arrival, a candlelight dinner, a couples massage, a round of golf or a full body massage per person and a catamaran cruise. Valid for travel 09 Apr - 16 Dec 16. Prices from £3560pp including breakfast.
Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort & Residences Enjoy the luxury of space at 2016’s up-andcoming West Coast resort. Close to historic Speightstown’s stalls and restaurants to the north and laid-back-but-lively Mullins Beach Bar to the south, this property is perfectly located for exploring – we recommend travelling by complimentary water taxi to the renowned Lone Star restaurant. Back at Saint Peter’s Bay, the sea-facing suites have a contemporary Caribbean aesthetic and are supremely spacious; a feeling that seems to permeate the resort. Make sure you visit The Gazebo where Gilbert – a humble Bajan gentleman – will fix you one of the finest rum punches on the island, served with a megawatt smile.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive US$100 resort credit per night and an in-villa dining experience. Valid for travel until 29 Mar & 18 Apr - 30 Jun 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Prices from £2355pp.
Cobblers Cove
As Barbados’ only Relais & Châteaux property, this renowned hotel is the ultimate foodie haven. In true R&C style, memorable meals are guaranteed: begin with a cocktail before enjoying fine dining at the Camelot Restaurant, Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association’s 2014/15 Restaurant of the Year. Head Chef Jason Joseph
infuses his menus with fresh local produce and the wine list is equally impressive. The hotel regularly hosts Michelin-starred chefs, the most recent being British Chef Andrew Pern from The Star Inn, North Yorkshire. After an evening of culinary indulgence, retire to your recently refurbished Ocean Front Suite to recharge the batteries.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive an early booking reduction and complimentary US$200 food and beverage credit. Valid for travel 01 May 12 Aug 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £780 per couple. Prices from £1620pp including breakfast.
The Sandpiper
Firmly entrenched in the hearts of established Barbados faithfuls, The Sandpiper’s already outstanding offering has been strengthened since re-opening in November. Be amongst the first to stay at the newly reimagined beach house – bought by the O’Hara’s five years ago, it has been given an impressive
facelift. Couples will love the additional Tree Top Suite with plunge pool, whilst the ground floor has a brand new option. The two ocean front Beach House Suites come complete with large terraces – connect with the top floor to create a family-friendly three bedroom villa. A spectacular 50 metre lap pool completes the upgrade.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights pay for 6 and receive a complimentary Foot Ritual spa treatment. Valid for travel 01 - 30 Jun 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £370 per couple. Prices from £1735pp including breakfast.
Coral Reef Club Managed by the O’Hara family for over 50 years, Coral Reef Club has built up a loyal following from those who love the landscaped gardens and complimentary non-motorised watersports. But what undoubtedly is one of the main draws enticing guests to return, is the focus on health and wellbeing. With just four treatment rooms, each with a private garden, the boutique spa is housed within a beautiful colonial building. Relax by the hydro-pool in a shaded cabana or in the thermal suite. Returning for 2016 are three Wellness Retreat weeks featuring tailored programmes including yoga, Caribbean-style Zumba, healthy menus and holistic treatments – we recommend the Muscle Melt massage.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive a complimentary Foot Ritual spa treatment. Valid for travel 01 Mar - 30 Nov 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Prices from £1895pp including breakfast.
The Fairmont Royal Pavilion This idyllic hideaway is great for couples seeking a quiet yet sophisticated retreat. The real draw here is the accommodation – the hotel is one of few in Barbados with rooms offering direct beach access. Step straight from your Beachfront Junior Suite onto the sand for a sunrise swim in front of your terrace. For romantic dining, reserve a top table at the acclaimed Palm Terrace Restaurant and savour haute cuisine and enviable sunset views. Alternatively, enjoy the indulgent Afternoon Tea at Taboras – try the Darjeeling with a freshly baked scone. Delicious.
Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive an early booking reduction. Valid for travel 17 Apr - 27 May & 06 - 30 Jun 16. Save up to £980 per couple. Prices from £1850pp including breakfast.
Heidi Gosman Heidi Gosman is the co-founder of beachwear brand Heidi Klein. Starting with a boutique in Notting Hill, the brand is now sold in over 150 stores across 41 countries.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
Riviera Maya is one of those gorgeous locations you will want to return to time and time again, an ideal setting for relaxation, from sunrise to sunset. Apart from lounging on the pristine sandy beaches, the area is filled with so many attractions that, on our recent trip, we couldn’t fit it all in. We all like to stay active on holiday, and really loved cycling to the ancient Mayan ruins with the famous Temple of the Descending God, where you can take in amazing views of the stunning coastline. My children love snorkelling, so a day was spent exploring the magnificent underwater caves, or cenotes. Definitely a highlight of our trip. The food is also divine; our favourite restaurant was Oh Lala! in Playa del Carmen. There is so much to do in Riviera Maya; either for active families like us or for a romantic getaway for couples.
Grand Velas Riviera Maya This all-suite, all-inclusive resort is nestled between verdant jungle and a pristine beach. All rooms feature private terraces and the adults-only Grand Class suites provide the ultimate in privacy – hot tubs and incredible sea views. A foodie’s paradise, there are eight eateries to choose from, but be sure to book a coveted table at Cocina de Autor; the first restaurant at an all-inclusive resort to receive Five Diamonds from the AAA. Adrenaline junkies will love the new kitesurfing and flyboarding lessons – strap your feet into a personal watercraft and soar up to heights of 55 feet above the waves.
Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive a 10% early booking reduction. Valid for travel 04 Apr - 19 Dec 16. Book by 26 Feb 16. Save up to £360 per couple. Prices from £2465pp all-inclusive.
Hotel Esencia
Originally the holiday home of an Italian Duchess, the stylish, boutique Hotel Esencia feels authentically Mexican. Set in a majestic 50 acre estate, the interiors juxtapose vivid colours against soft, white décor and come with black-out blinds and courtesy Havaianas flip-flops for lazy days spent around the exquisite pool
or in the organic spa (where treatments are based on herbs grown on the premises). If you can tear yourself away from paradise, the ancient Mayan ruins of Tulum are well worth a visit, or for adventure just steps away from the hotel’s beach, the sea turtle reef sanctuary beckons – a truly hidden gem.
Complimentary night Stay 7 nights pay for 6. Valid for travel 05 Jan 20 Dec 16. Save up to £470 per couple. Prices from £2265pp including breakfast.
Viceroy Riviera Maya Completely at one with its surroundings, Viceroy Riviera Maya is an intimate, eco-focused escape. Adults-only, the romantic thatched roofed villas are tucked away amongst the rainforest – home to families of spider monkeys – and come with private plunge pools, outdoor showers and some with their own butler or majordomo. Treatments at the Wayak Spa are based on Mayan traditions – try the Temezcal, a mystical sweat lodge ritual that is both therapeutic and cleansing. Oenophiles will love the wine cellar’s 500 bottles from around the world, whilst spirit fans can learn the secrets of tequila from a maestro tequilero in a ceviche and tequila tasting lesson.
Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive a 35% early booking reduction and US$100 resort credit. Valid for travel 30 May - 14 Dec 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £1250 per couple. Prices from £2020pp including breakfast.
Rosewood Mayakoba Impeccable service, ultra-luxe accommodation and a spa set on its own island – just three reasons why Rosewood Mayakoba is a perennial favourite for discerning travellers. Add that to the mile-long stretch of white sand, exceptional eateries and the Greg Norman-designed golf course next door and it’s perfectly understandable why the resort is a must-visit in 2016. There’s also world-class scuba diving on site, or for an ethereal diving experience, head to Museo Subacuático de Arte nearby – the world’s first underwater sculpture park. After a day of aquatic adventures, return to the serenity of your suite and relax on the rooftop sundeck.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive reduced rates. Valid for travel until 10 Feb 16. Book by 06 Feb 16. Save up to £750 per couple. Prices from £3075pp including breakfast.
Vanessa Dean Vanessa joined Carrier in 2011 as Product Manager for Europe, the Indian Ocean and Arabia. South African born and bred, she now also looks after our Africa portfolio.
South Africa
South Africa is a country bursting at the seams with an almost unbeatable variety of holiday experiences coupled with year-round allure – something for any season or mood. A proud local, I think it’s one of the most versatile countries in the world. Those seeking sun can visit the Western Cape from November to April and explore beaches, the Cape Winelands, Table Mountain, Robben Island and, of course, the city of Cape Town, with its endless restaurants, museums and viewpoints. Travelling outside of this period also offers reward, with superb whale watching from the Cape south coast; peak calving season is in July and August. For world-class safari, the cooler months of May to October are more comfortable, ideal for exploring the Sabi Sands Game Reserve and bordering Kruger National Park in pursuit of the Big Five. For British travellers, South Africa is currently exceptionally good value thanks to a favourable exchange rate, making it an ideal time to visit.
One&Only Cape Town Located on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, central to the Mother City’s buzzing nightlife and entertainment, this property brought an unprecedented level of luxury to Cape Town with a serene island spa and the largest bedrooms in the area and, of course, breathtaking views of Table Mountain. Dining is a culinary pleasure (probably the best in the city) with restaurants from the legendary Nobu Matsuhisa and local celebrity chef Reuben Riffel. There’s also a spectacular tri-level Wine Loft. Shopping is a highlight with the designer collections at NEO Boutique; winter 2015 saw the introduction of menswear and childrenswear to One&Only’s exclusive fashion label.
Complimentary night Stay 4 nights pay for 3. Valid for travel 29 Feb - 17 Dec 16. Save up to £320 per couple. Prices from £480pp including breakfast. Excludes flights and transfers. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of South Africa.
Steenberg
Exchange the urban landscape of Cape Town for a bucolic pocket of the Constantia Valley in just 30 minutes. The property, which consists of three original 1682 farmhouse buildings, recently underwent a series of renovations. The bedrooms are brighter and airier, whilst the bathrooms have received the majority of attention with the introduction of modern day comforts. There are plans to extend the pool area and add sun loungers too. The state-of-the-art winery (the second oldest wine-producing estate in South Africa) never fails to impress – their newly released Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc represents the more creative side of winemaking.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 4 nights pay for 3 and receive a 15% reduction on accommodation and ZAR600 dining credit. Valid for travel 01 Mar - 30 Sep 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £350 per couple. Prices from £315pp in a Premier Room including breakfast. Excludes flights and transfers. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of South Africa.
Cape Grace & La Clé des Montagnes For sophisticated style against breathtaking backdrops, this is a duo par excellence. Handily located on its own private quay on the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Grace has a great choice of shops and restaurants on its doorstep. Stay put: you can drink in the views from the outdoor swimming pool or from stylish Signal Restaurant. Swap shops and restaurants for a working wine estate on your doorstep at La Clé de Montagnes (there’s just four uniquely themed villas). Hiking, cycling, fishing – and of course, wine tasting are on the cards before cooking up a feast on your patio barbecue. Private chefs are also available.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 8 nights pay for 7 at Cape Grace including ZAR600 credit for Signal Restaurant per room and at La Clé des Montagnes. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 14 Dec 16 & 16 Mar - 31 Aug 17. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £440 per couple. Prices from £2595pp including breakfast.
Delaire Graff Estate Situated on the highest crest along the magnificent Helshoogte mountain pass, British-born diamond jewellery merchant, Laurence Graff OBE, transformed the modest Delaire vineyard into a hotbed of art, wine and hospitality. Original art from his personal collection, including striking sculptures by Deborah Bell and Tretchikoff’s Chinese Girl, feature throughout. Ten sumptuous lodges invite relaxation and indulgence; enjoy sweeping views over vineyards and olive groves with a glass of Delaire wine from your private plunge pool. There is also a fine dining restaurant and a spa with products by Swiss Perfection.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 3 nights pay for 2. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 Oct 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £520 per couple. Prices from £520pp including breakfast. Excludes flights and transfers. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of South Africa.
Mont Rochelle & Ulusaba Private Game Reserve From a traditional vineyard town to an exquisite safari experience in Sabi Sand; rustic luxury is the name of the game thanks to Virgin Limited Edition. Amidst elegant surroundings, Mont Rochelle proffers a home from home feeling coupled with quirky touches including Andy Warhol-esque images
of Mandela. Accommodation favourite: Pinotage Suite #29 in the Garden Wing. Guests might like to share their time between both lodges at Ulusaba – Rock Lodge is perched on a granite koppie with unmatched views over the South African Bushveld, whilst elephants and lion pass by Safari Lodge on the banks of the Mabrak riverbed.
Complimentary nights Stay 7 nights pay for 5 at Mont Rochelle including breakfast and at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve all-inclusive. Valid for travel 01 May 30 Sep 16. Save up to £780 per couple. Prices from £2835pp.
Nigel Tisdall Nigel Tisdall is Travel Editor of Marie Claire and a frequent contributor to Telegraph Travel. In 2015 he made over 20 trips worldwide writing about everything from an aerial safari in Kenya to Caribbean superyachts.
Oman & Abu Dhabi
For instant winter warmth matched with top class, family-friendly hotels and soul-stirring landscapes you can’t beat this most civilised Sultanate. In Oman you can bag a memorable glimpse of Arabia, ancient and modern, in a week. Start with the classic apricot dunes of the Sharqiya Sands, famously crossed by Thesiger in 1949; then climb up to the cool-aired mountains of Jabal Akhdar with its orchards and rose fields; finish off with some poolside R&R in Muscat and a trip to its splendid Royal Opera House. If Dubai is the wild child of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is its wise old uncle. Luxurious fly-and-flop in manicured hotels with global cuisine restaurants, sporty activities and Asian-style spas is what it’s all about here: there’s nothing you have to see, so pack the panama and hardback and soak up the sunshine without guilt.
Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort Abu Dhabi
Taking three years and 5,000 workers to build, this impressive mythical fortress-like resort lies in the Empty Quarter of the Liwa Desert, one of the world’s largest pure sand deserts at over 1,000 kilometres long and 500 kilometres wide. Lounge by the large outdoor pool and take a moment to absorb the awe-inspiring views; or join a Bedouin-style camel trek through the surrounding valleys with the locals that grew up there (4x4s are also available). Dine at the rooftop grill to sample some of the best cuts of beef from all over the globe, accompanied by one of 120 labels from the award-winning wine list.
Reduced rates Stay 5 nights and receive up to a 25% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel until 30 Apr & 01 - 31 Oct 16. Save up to £780 per couple. Prices from £1745pp including breakfast.
Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz-Carlton Hotel Oman
Originally built to host the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in 1985, it is now widely regarded as one of the top hotels in the Arabian Gulf. Meticulously designed rooms and suites reflect both local traditions and art deco designs; Executive Suites provide sea views. There are chic and casual dining options and a wealth of sports and leisure facilities. If you needed another reason to visit, the new palatial Six Senses Spa opened in Autumn 2015. A blissful sanctuary set over three levels for massages, wraps and beauty treatments; there’s even a ladies-only club with private beach.
Reduced rates Stay 5 nights and receive up to a 30% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel until 28 Jan & 01 Feb - 30 Apr 16. Save up to £410 per couple. Prices from £1720pp including breakfast.
Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman
We have often talked about the opportunity to paraglide into the resort – arguably one of the best ways in the world to arrive at your chosen holiday destination. But the adventure certainly doesn’t end there. Trek into the canyons to climb and swim through rocky gorges. Experience a dhow cruise and explore unique fishing villages carved into the Fjords or scuba dive Oman’s most spectacular reefs and witness colourful marine life. Then, at the end of an adventurous day, take refuge for your mind and body in the spa – voted the Best Overseas Hotel Spa by readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine in 2015.
Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights pay for 6 and receive a 10% reduction on accommodation and complimentary return transfers. Valid for travel 10 Jan - 07 Feb, 20 Feb - 22 Mar, 04 Apr - 15 May & 01 Sep - 20 Oct 16. Book a minimum of 60 days prior to arrival. Save up to £2290 per couple. Prices from £2130pp including breakfast.
Shangri-La's Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Oman
A trio of hotels hidden amongst the Omani mountains with everything you need for a splendid winter sun retreat, away from the stresses of everyday life. Family-friendly Al Waha, Al Bandar at the heart of the resort, and romantic and sophisticated 180 room Al Husn flank the magnificent beach. Three pools (two of which are connected by a fun lazy river), CHI Spa, dive centre (explore wreckages or learn about underwater photography) and tennis courts are all available, as is some of the country’s best food. Chef Mohammed Ettaib cooks up not-to-be-missed authentic Moroccan food at Shahrazad.
Prices from Stay 5 nights at Al Waha from ÂŁ1155pp including breakfast.
Sally Yendley One of Carrier’s most experienced Indian Ocean specialists, Sally has visited all of our destinations in this part of the world, building invaluable relationships and gaining expert knowledge along the way.
Seychelles Offering a raw beauty that includes two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Seychelles is my paradise of preference. The some 115 islands surge with an astonishing tricolour across varied and rugged landscapes; the green of lush vegetation and native Takamaka trees blends with icing sugar white sands and sparkling turquoise waters brimming with marine life. Jungle walks, boat excursions and diving offer ideal ways to discover the natural splendour here, in a country that holds ecotourism dear. And, with a time difference of just four hours, enjoy jet-lag free bliss from the moment you arrive. Island hopping is unsurprisingly popular, with the largest, MahĂŠ, providing a suitably dazzling starting point. Board a luxury catamaran and combine with a stay at an outer private island for the ultimate indulgence.
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles Make 2016 your year to sample treetop living. On Mahé’s lesser-explored south western coast, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles enjoys a tranquil hillside setting directly overlooking Petite Anse beach – regarded as one of the most swoonworthy bays on the island. Peeping out of the treetops are 67 stilted villas and a spa emanating a castaway yet glamorous vibe. Flanked by giant black granite boulders, the calm waters of the resort’s private bay are perfect for swimming and watersports. And all of this is topped off with the legendary Four Seasons service.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive a 20% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 12 - 27 Apr, 12 May - 04 Jul, 18 Jul - 10 Sep & 12 Nov - 20 Dec 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £1020 per couple. Prices from £2995pp including breakfast.
Denis Private Island This privately owned sanctuary offers its visitors a stay that is unapologetically back-to-nature. There are 25 immaculate cottages each with an outdoor shower, spread out across the 375 acre land. The pace is unhurried enabling guests to do as much or as little as they wish; a digital detox is encouraged with a lack of TVs and phone signal. Owners Kathy and Micky Mason are committed to supporting conservation resulting in indigenous wildlife that serves to emphasise the beauty around you. Some of the finest cuisine in the Seychelles is also on offer; made from ingredients sourced from their own farm.
Complimentary night & reduced rates Stay 7 nights pay for 6 and receive a 10% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 09 Jan - 22 Jul & 27 Aug 30 Sep 16. Book a minimum of 60 days prior to arrival. Save up to ÂŁ1020 per couple. Prices from ÂŁ2990pp including full board.
Amanda Valmorbida With Italian and Lebanese heritage, Amanda Valmorbida was born in Melbourne and currently resides in London. She is now Editorial Assistant at cntraveller.com.
Bali
Bali is having a moment. From markets pulsating with colourful spices to calm and crisp rice paddies, the tropical island has emerged as a magnet for the international, creative set. Seminyak is fast establishing itself as the new culinary and nightlife hotspot with a young artistic community. Maurice Terzini (of Sydney’s Bondi beach restaurant Icebergs) will introduce exceptional wood-fired pizzas at his new Italian beach club. Frank Camorra is taking Australia’s favourite Spanish restaurant MoVida there and the bar barons behind Sydney’s Double Bay hangout Mrs Sippy will unveil Mrs Sippy Pool Club in May 2016. Life on Bali can now happen in dreamy slow motion or at an electrifying pace. Head out on a bicycle tour and observe centuries-old temples in the cultural heart of Ubud; embark upon a journey of wellness amidst lush jungle; or sip on a margarita 14 metres above the ocean at The Rock Bar. That’s the beauty of Bali – it’s a tapestry of many threads.
Amandari, Amankila & Amanusa
Aman’s first venture into Indonesia started over 25 years ago, when Amandari, designed in the style of a traditional Balinese village, first opened its statue-lined walkways to guests. A further two resorts in Bali soon followed, Amankila and Amanusa, providing somewhat of a holy trinity for the travel cognoscenti. Begin
in the artistic hub of Ubud at Amandari, exploring the various galleries, museums and the colourful Pasar Seni market, before a scenic drive up the coast to Manggis, where Amankila provides a haven of tranquillity. Then journey on to Amanusa, in vibrant Nusa Dua, renowned for its dining and entertainment.
Reduced rates Stay 10 nights at Amandari, Amankila and Amanusa and receive reduced rates on accommodation and one activity per resort. Valid for travel until 31 Mar 17. Save up to ÂŁ770 per couple. Prices from ÂŁ3145pp including breakfast.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan A long wooden bridge welcomes visitors and offers a lasting first impression, suspended in the air above a lotus pond with surrounding views of the Ayung River, bamboo and rice fields, with the hotel below your footsteps. The perfect Balinese sojourn, just minutes from the island’s cultural epicentre of Ubud, this resort unravels authentic experiences alongside ultra-modern accommodations. Spend a day in the life of a local farmer, master Indonesian cuisine or balance your chakra with one of seven ceremonies. Enjoy laid back luxe in the contemporary residences, offering serene views of either the tropical gardens or meandering river.
Complimentary night, early booking reduction & added value Stay 4 nights pay for 3 and receive a 10% early booking reduction, a complimentary room upgrade and one lunch for two. Valid for travel until 23 Dec 16. Book a minimum of 45 days prior to arrival. Save up to ÂŁ920 per couple. Prices from ÂŁ695pp including breakfast. Excludes flights. Contact our specialists for a tailor-made itinerary of Indonesia.
COMO Shambhala Estate Amidst rice fields and lush jungle, here you find a true representation of the word sanctuary. Taking its name from a mythical, spiritual kingdom, every aspect has been carefully considered to ensure you are immersed in a bespoke and holistic journey of wellness, from your initial consultation to the design of the villas and suites, or the Indonesian cuisine with a focus on nutrition. The exceptional spa needs no introduction (the winner of many accolades) and resident experts on hand include a yoga teacher, Ayurvedic doctor and dietician. The natural landscape provides the ultimate training centre, offering mountain biking, white water rafting and trekking.
Complimentary night Book any Wellness Programme for 5 nights or more and receive a complimentary night including breakfast. Valid for travel 07 Jan - 03 Feb, 11 Feb - 22 Mar, 01 Apr - 15 Jul & 16 Sep - 19 Dec 16. Save up to ÂŁ530 per couple. Prices from ÂŁ2665pp including full board.
The Legian Bali A tranquil retreat on the golden shores of Seminyak Beach, relaxation is paramount during a stay here. Read a book over a cup of jamu – a refreshing herbal drink – or feel the benefit of Balinese healing traditions and therapies at the spa. Enjoy vibrant sunsets from the sea-facing suites or beachfront restaurants and, if the mood suits, head out for cocktails on Petitenget Beach, which springs to life when the sun goes down. On the doorstep, Seminyak is a hub of designer boutiques offering stylish beachwear, handcrafted jewellery and quirky home furnishings.
Complimentary night Stay 7 nights pay for 6. Valid for travel until 31 Jul, 21 Aug - 27 Dec 16 & 04 Jan - 31 Mar 17. Save up to £370 per couple. Prices from £1990pp including breakfast.
Melinda Stevens Melinda Stevens is Editor of Condé Nast Traveller. Previously she worked as Tatler’s Travel Editor and a columnist in The Sunday Times Style and London Evening Standard. Melinda won BSME New Editor of the Year 2013.
New York
New York has always been, and will always be my favourite city. It has electricity pumped out through its air vents and diamonds on the soles of its shoes. There isn’t a zone from Manhattan to beyond that isn’t enjoying some kind of kick: Queens is getting the Brooklyn treatment, superarchitect Thomas Heatherwick is building a vast island park right on the Hudson; Downtown is shrugging off its shirt and tie and getting a little shimmy in its tailfeather. Slap bang in the literal middle of the frenzy is Midtown. You’ve got Times Square, MOMA, The Empire State Building, Broadway and Bloomingdales. The High Line, which having completed its third and final stage has pulled into Hudson Yard and in Spring 2016, Claus Meyer (who co-founded Noma in Copenhagen) is setting up a Nordic food hall in Grand Central Station which will also have a brasserie by Icelandic chef Gunnar Gíslason. In other words, Midtown is a fabulous place to be right now because it’s bang in the middle of everything that makes New York New York.
Four Seasons Hotel New York On Midtown’s exclusive East 57th Street, the Four Seasons delivers the ultimate in modern New York luxury, courtesy of a 52-storey tower designed by I.M. Pei. If space is a prerequisite, you’re in the right place. There are 368 enormous rooms, and with a maximum of 16 per floor, it feels more like private apartment living than a hotel. For views, check into one of the Upper Tower rooms, for blow-the-budget there’s only one place to go: the Ty Warner Penthouse with its four glass balconies, a round-the-clock butler and chauffeur, not to mention unlimited caviar, Champagne and massages. Other hugely alluring highlights include the unique L.RAPHAEL spa and an enchanted forest-like restaurant.
Reduced rates Stay 4 nights and receive a 25% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 04 Sep & 13 Dec 16 - 31 Mar 17. Save up to £510 per couple. Prices from £1655pp in a Cityview Deluxe. Excludes transfers.
Mandarin Oriental, New York For a bird’s eye view of New York head to the Mandarin Oriental, towering above it all from floor 35 to 54 of the Time Warner Center. Five-star luxury meets Asian influences in super-sized suites with floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking views over the Hudson River and Central Park. Just staying here is a trip highlight, but hotel standouts include the sizzling hot MObar, Asiate for modern American food, and its beautiful tree branch ceiling sculpture, and the spa – another Mandarin Oriental masterpiece with a tantalising array of treatments.
Complimentary night Stay 4 nights pay for 3. Valid for travel until 03 Apr & 26 Jun - 05 Sep 16. Save up to £760 per couple. Prices from £2035pp in a Central Park View Room. Excludes transfers.
Trump International Central Park This black skyscraper is a showstopper. A 30 million dollar renovation, overseen by Donald’s daughter Ivanka, has propelled this super-swish hotel to the upper echelons of the New York property scene. There are no half measures: lots of gold leaf and bronze, beautiful artwork, handcrafted crystal chandeliers and all the technology you could dream up. Service is exceptional with the Trump Attaché offering personal and business assistance – everything from personalised stationary to customstocking your suite’s kitchen can be arranged. But the jewel in the crown remains Jean Georges, an outstanding destination restaurant headed up by the eponymous chef and his trio of Michelin stars.
Complimentary night Stay 4 nights pay for 3. Valid for travel until 31 Mar & 01 Jun - 31 Aug 16. Save up to £990 per couple. Prices from £2235pp in an Executive Park View Suite. Excludes transfers.
Ritz-Carlton, Central Park For step-back-in-time New York glamour, it’s hard not to fall head-over-heels for this 19th Century building with its art deco façade, brilliant south Central Park location and refined elegance. This gem of a base feels more like an oversized home with super-comfortable bedrooms (the park view ones come complete with telescopes). Other unique touches include the horse-drawn carriages for trots around Central Park, the daily noontime ritual of feeding the horses, the first La Prairie Spa in the USA, the farm-to-food dishes of Mark Arnao and Auden Bar, which is run by legendary New York bartender Norman Bukofzer.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 4 nights pay for 3 and receive a complimentary room upgrade from a Deluxe King to a City View. Valid for travel until 31 Mar, 15 Jun - 07 Sep & 18 - 25 Dec 16. Save up to £660 per couple. Prices from £1465pp. Excludes transfers.
Graham Boynton A newspaper and magazine journalist in Britain, the USA and Africa for more than 40 years, author of the critically acclaimed book on the final days of white rule in Africa, Last Days in Cloud Cuckooland, and former Group Travel Editor of the Telegraph Media Group, Graham is currently Travel Editor of Newsweek.
Safari
I go into the African bushveldt at least twice a year and have been doing so for four decades. I go to recalibrate and to reconnect with the earth, with wild animals and with the timeless beat of nature. I realised how much I take these rituals for granted when I accompanied a group of 16 British travellers on a Zimbabwean safari this year. Every one of them was left awestruck by our safari experience and several of them rated it the best trip of their lives. So, where do you go? If you want easy access to the animals with all the (luxury) comforts of home then South Africa’s Sabi Sands is a perfect choice. If you want something a little wilder, with dramatic landscapes and often dramatic predatorprey interactions, again with serious comforts, then you’ll want to go on safari in Botswana. Wherever you choose, that first African safari will hook you for life. And your life will be better for it.
Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve South Africa
Renowned for the splendour of the great outdoors on its doorstep, now a full revamp of all suites, a freshly furnished reception, boma, dining and bar area, as well as a new curio shop and library has bolstered the offering at this lodge further. Set in the western sector of the Sabi Sand Reserve, the game is superb, with over 10,000 hectares of ecosystems to explore on foot or four wheels. Private sundecks and plunge pools boast bushveldt views, with an active waterhole on the plains below. With fine dining, an extensive wine cellar and personal service, this is a lesson in safari-luxe.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 5 nights pay for 4 and receive a complimentary massage. Valid for travel 06 Jan - 20 Dec 16. Save up to ÂŁ1060 per couple. Prices from ÂŁ2120pp on a fully-inclusive basis with game viewing activities. Excludes flights and transfers. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of South Africa.
andBeyond Botswana
The lush Okavango Delta’s incredible landscape is a maze of waterways and grassy floodplains, a true safari haven, andBeyond’s lodges and camps are strategically placed around these ever-changing lands. From a choice of camps your luxe adventure begins, and the beauty of Botswana (home to the world’s largest elephant population) can be seen from the air as you journey between. Cruise the channels in a mokoro canoe or gallop with the herds on horseback before enjoying your final safari sundowner at andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge – recently rebuilt, it offers grandeur in an untouched location.
Reduced rates & complimentary flights Stay 7 nights at andBeyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge and two other andBeyond properties in Botswana and receive a reduction on accommodation and complimentary domestic flights. Prices from £4720pp on a fully-inclusive basis.
Serengeti Bushtops Tanzania
This luxurious, contemporary camp offers spacious and impeccably furnished tents on the turning circle of the Great Migration. Just 15 miles from the Mara River, these canvassed canopies are open on two sides to offer endless views. Perfectly positioned to offer seclusion, it feels as though the entire bush is yours. Butlers are on hand should private dining be desired, or sample the à la carte cuisine and fine wines in the mess tent. Game drives across the Serengeti grasslands are exceptional. Afterwards, cool off in the infinity pool, or relax with an ambient massage amidst the sounds of nature.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 4 nights pay for 3 and receive a complimentary private sundowner on Simba’s Rock. Valid for travel until 31 Mar 16. Save up to £850 per couple. Prices from £1465pp on a fully-inclusive basis including game viewing activities. Excludes flights and transfers. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of Tanzania.
Lucy Barton Our Reservations Supervisor for the Caribbean, Mexico, USA and Canada, Lucy has a huge passion for the Caribbean and has visited the destination 15 times over her career.
Caribbean Islands
Choosing from more than 700 islands could be somewhat overwhelming, yet it is well worth casting the net – some of my favourites are those outside of the ever-popular. Turks & Caicos, within easier reach thanks to new flights with British Airways via Antigua, is a true reflection of quintessential Caribbean, a chance to discover untouched natural beauty and some of the best diving in the world. The British Virgin Islands each have their own distinct characters – I highly recommend Peter Island. The BVIs offer perfect private island living without the price tag, they are best explored by boat – and so ideally suited to those who love to yacht only by day. Undeveloped in comparison to their near neighbour Barbados, both Grenada and Mustique (part of St Vincent and the Grenadines) are an escapists dream, with even their most renowned beaches remaining quiet.
Amanyara Turks & Caicos
Monastic in stature but graceful and contemporary in equal measures, as destination architecture goes, Amanyara ticks all the boxes. Spacious villas blur the line between indoor and outdoor, and many come with private terraces that lap at the ocean’s edge. Striking design is underpinned by a clear ecological conscience; guests are invited to assist in a local project to protect indigenous turtles with the aid of the resort’s resident naturalist. And with over 27 kilometres of protected coral reef to explore, this is truly a diver’s paradise.
Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights pay for 6 and receive a complimentary upgrade to full board, two complimentary 60 minute massages and a private Ocean Cove dinner for two. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 31 Oct 16. Save up to £4240 per couple. Prices from £4140pp.
Parrot Cay by COMO Turks & Caicos
Privacy and tranquillity at every turn awaits at the multi-award winning Parrot Cay by COMO, where the lush natural environment of the Turks & Caicos inspires every touchpoint. Fresh, contemporary-colonial interiors reflect the incredible light of the landscape. The COMO Shambhala Retreat is the island’s holistic heart where Asian-inspired therapies are personally tailored to every guest’s need. Also on-island is Donna Karan’s villa, The Sanctuary. Guests staying at this designer home from home can luxuriate amidst Donna’s personally curated collection of curios.
Complimentary nights Stay 7 nights pay for 5. Valid for travel 10 Apr - 24 May, 01 - 28 Jun, 06 Jul - 30 Aug & 07 Sep - 19 Dec 16. Save up to £990 per couple. Prices from £1760pp including breakfast.
The Cotton House Mustique
From sampling the catch of the day at the Beach Café to sipping sundowners in the Great Room, the historical Cotton House is the beating heart of Mustique’s captivating social scene. And when the sun dips into the Caribbean, guests can slip out of cocktail hour and back into their private villa-style rooms, fresh from a redesign ready for the 2016 season. Wellbeing is never far from the itinerary either, thanks to the soul-affirming organic ila spa, where local traditions and natural ingredients combine to nourish the body and mind.
Complimentary nights & inter-island flights Stay 9 nights pay for 7 and receive complimentary inter-island flights. Valid for travel 01 May - 26 Aug & 01 Nov - 20 Dec 16. Save up to £1800 per couple. Prices from £2040pp including breakfast.
Calabash Grenada
This Caribbean classic raises the bar when it comes to tailor-made services – carried out with all the charm and friendly efficiency that you would expect from a true family-run hotel. Fine dining goes hand-in-hand with impeccable service; Rhodes Restaurant by Gary Rhodes utilises Grenada’s unique fresh produce to create memorable dinners served at sundown, whilst guests can amble down to the private beach for cocktails and club sandwiches during the day. 2016 brings the first ever Pure Grenada Music Festival to the island – Joss Stone headlines the celebration of Grenada’s rich musical heritage.
Added value Stay 7 nights and receive a massage per person, two days car hire, dinner for two at an island restaurant including transfers and lunch for two at Prickly Bay Marina with boat transfers. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 Oct 16. Prices from £2870pp all-inclusive.
Spice Island Beach Resort
Grenada
Last September saw the Princess Royal’s second visit, but you don’t have to be a royal to be treated like one at this superb hotel. Every guest feels part of the family; excellent service is instilled by owner Sir Royston Hopkin, a leading light in Grenada’s tourism industry. Location
is also a major draw with 64 contemporary suites set upon the island’s best beach, Grand Anse, which is also one of the best in the Caribbean. Cuisine deserves a special mention too, especially the elevated Creole fare in Oliver’s Restaurant. And there’s more: this is Grenada’s year of festivals so it’s an even better time to visit.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights pay for 6 and receive an early booking reduction. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 Oct 16. Book 29 Feb 16. Save up to £1080 per couple. Prices from £2410pp all-inclusive.
Peter Island British Virgin Islands
Everything points towards nature at Peter Island. With the crystal clear waters of the British Virgin Islands just a toe-dip away from most rooms, guests can truly kick-back and relax with over 1,800 acres of private beach to explore. Nurturing and preserving the island’s idyllic environment is a top priority, with development kept to an absolute minimum. This sense of holistic wellbeing extends to the destination spa, where the Ayurvedic treatments take care of rejuvenating the body and mind. Sunset is best enjoyed with a private dining experience, lit by tiki torch and taken at the water’s edge.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive an early booking reduction and a complimentary upgrade to full board. Valid for travel until 19 Dec 16. Book by 01 Apr 16. Save up to £1070 per couple. Prices from £2515pp.
Paul Johnson Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog, Paul has worked in the travel industry for 30 years and his site has been voted one of the world's best travel blogs by The Daily Telegraph.
Greek Islands
Greece deservedly remains a firm favourite with luxury travellers. Idyllic Greek islands such as Crete, Santorini and Mykonos offer a climate, cuisine and coastline that you can’t help but love. My personal favourite on Crete is Elounda. Home to many of the best hotels on the island, some looking out over the picturesque island of Spinalonga; spend a long lazy lunch gazing out across the Gulf of Mirabello, dining on lobster so fresh it is almost sweet, at one of the family-run local harbour-side tavernas in Plaka. If its views you crave, though, head to the volcanic island of Santorini, home to some of Greece’s most stunning scenery. And for beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife, spare a thought for the historic island of Mykonos.
Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection Hotels Crete
A stones throw from the UNESCO-protected Spinalonga Island (an ancient fortress of outstanding cultural significance and the setting for Victoria Hislop’s book The Island), this is certainly one of the most culturally rich island getaways in the world. When not exploring the history, relax on the private beach, in one of five pools or on one of the hotel’s boats in search of deserted coves – snorkelling is a must. Recently rebranded (now part of the Autograph Collection), this all-suite-and-villa spa resort has also recently completed a multi-million pound expansion including 28 Domes Luxury Residences and a great new family area.
Early booking reduction & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% early booking reduction and complimentary half board. Valid for travel 25 Mar - 31 Oct 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £840 per couple. Prices from £870pp.
Grace Mykonos & Grace Santorini Amazing Grace on two of Greece’s Cyclades Islands; these picture-perfect locations are guaranteed to seduce. The beachside boutique hotel in Mykonos is a relaxing retreat amongst the party island lifestyle. A chic reception area sets a tone of understated elegance which continues in the 32 rooms and suites, many of which have a private plunge pool. Next, a short hop across to Grace Santorini – also a perennial favourite. It’s a pinch yourself moment when you climb the whitewashed steps that zigzag up the side of the caldera for the resplendent Santorini sunsets, with a cocktail in hand of course.
Early booking reduction & reduced rates Stay 7 nights at Grace Mykonos and at Grace Santorini and receive a 10% early booking reduction and 10% twin centre reduced rates. Valid for travel 27 Apr - 16 Oct 16. Book a minimum of 90 days prior to arrival. Save up to £400 per couple. Prices from £1175pp including breakfast.
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Crete
Soak up sun, sea and sophisticated seclusion in Agios Nikolaos. Cut into a steep-sided rugged bay, Daios Cove boasts 290 luxury rooms, suites and villas set above the private beach below (served by a funicular for ease). The beach is safe with calm waters, making it a popular choice with families; relax on your sun lounger whilst your little ones happily play with their bucket and spade. There are watersports and a heated infinity seawater pool for quality family time. Work-weary and need to escape to the spa for an Anne Semonin treatment? A kids’ club and babysitting are available.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 35% early booking reduction and €100 resort credit per room. Valid for travel 22 Apr - 30 Oct 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £950 per couple. Prices from £730pp including half board.
Elounda Mare Crete
Built in the style of a Cretan mansion, the hotel has been a Relais & Châteaux member since 1988 – the only one on the island. Whilst retaining the traditional charm it had when owners Spyros and Eliana Kokotos opened it in 1982, it offers exceptional dining and first-class service. Views of Mirabello Bay and the Aegean Sea are outstanding; the beach is one of the most private in the area. Every one of the homely bungalows, decorated with authentic antiques and scattered across the gardens, have private pools (the first in the Mediterranean to offer this). Sister to the Elounda Peninsula, you can use the facilities here too.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive a 20% early booking reduction, one complimentary spa treatment and one complimentary lunch. Valid for travel 28 Apr - 21 Oct 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £575 per couple. Prices from £1075pp in a Superior Bungalow with Private Pool including breakfast.
Claire Howes Claire Howes has over 11 years’ experience in the travel industry and holds a true passion for Europe. In her time with Carrier, Claire has travelled extensively around the continent and adores the people, culture, food and wine.
Greece
Often overlooked in favour of her islands, I believe that the Greek mainland remains somewhat of a well-kept secret, especially if you dig a little deeper past the well-known archaeological sites of the Acropolis and Olympia. With many diverse and interesting regions, and a natural beauty, when I visit Greece, I can’t help but feel that this is the Mediterranean – magnified. Less developed than other areas, Halkidiki in the north blends golden sands and turquoise waters with ancient villages and traditional architecture. It is also home to Parthenon, one of the oldest villages in the country and, I think, a definite must-visit. The Peloponnese peninsula forms the southernmost part of the country where mountain and seascapes abound. To the east, discover towns such as Porto Heli, idyllically positioned on the bay of the Argolic Gulf, or to the south picturesque Pylos, historically also known under its Italian name Navarino.
Eagles Palace Close to UNESCO World Heritage site Mount Athos (the men-only monastic state constructed in the 10th Century, of which Prince Charles is a repeat visitor), Eagles Palace offers a peaceful retreat. Opt for a luxury suite with direct access to the beach – considered to be one of the best in Greece – where the sand gently shelves into the sea and the water is remarkably clear. There are four superb eateries (from Greek specialities to Italian delicacies), an exceptional children’s club and aquatic fun aplenty including river rafting and sea kayaking. Bring your boots for a trek to Ouranoupolis or book yourself into the spa for a relaxing Elemis treatment.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% early booking reduction and €150 resort credit. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 28 Jul & 22 Aug 26 Sep 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £435 per couple. Prices from £905pp in a Superior Room Sea View including breakfast.
Amanzo’e
A classically inspired hilltop hideaway on the eastern Peloponnesian peninsula, here you will find a ‘peaceful life’ – which is what its name translates to. Thirty-eight freestanding pavilions boast an airy open plan space, each one with its own pool. The retreat’s impressive private Beach Club is just six kilometres away (a ten minute complimentary shuttle or 30 minute walk) but we guarantee you will want to spend all your time in this glitteringly picturesque bay. The most likely contender to lure you away? The Aman Spa with its seven double treatment rooms, Watsu pool, yoga pavilion and Pilates sessions.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive a complimentary bottle of wine. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 31 Oct 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Prices from £3110pp including breakfast.
The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort The Costa Navarino development in Messinia is comprised of several sites set against 4,500 years of history and pristine nature. In the lesser-crowded Navarino Dunes sits The Romanos, a sophisticated hideaway amidst wonderful olive trees. Aimed at couples, the 321 rooms, suites – almost all of which benefit from an individual infinity pool – and villas are an impeccable blend of contemporary style and traditional Greek architecture. At the heart of the resort is The Agora – filled with enticing eateries, shops, open-air cinema and amphitheatre. There’s an 18-hole golf course, designed by Bernhard Langer, with panoramic sea views and a delightful spa.
Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 30% early booking reduction. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 30 Sep 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £480 per couple. Prices from £855pp including breakfast.
Ikos Olivia
Ikos Resorts have created a wholly contemporary resort in southern Halkidiki, an ideal sun-soaked location (it’s right on the beach – and the waters are warm) for couples and families alike. Opening in May last year, the food here takes the spotlight. Within the resort, Michelin-starred chefs offer exquisite menus of the best French, Italian, Greek and Asian cuisine, complemented by fine wine and exemplary service. An exclusive dining out experience also bestows guests with the opportunity to sample authentic Greek food at the popular local eateries (you won’t need to take your wallet as this is at no extra cost).
Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% early booking reduction. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 30 Oct 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £190 per couple. Prices from £635pp all-inclusive.
Porto Sani Village A three-pronged peninsula (belonging to Halkidiki) juts out into the Aegean Sea from the north of the Greek mainland. On Kassandra, the closest to the mainland and perhaps the better known, lies family-owned Sani. This purposebuilt resort is fronted by a blue flag beach and a yacht-filled elegant marina. New last summer: taking advantage of the calm waters, Sani Resort introduced their Optimist Sailing Academy. Children as young as six can now learn to sail with highly trained experts, adding to an already extensive list of things to do. Plus, visit in July or August for Sani Festival which includes dance performances, classical music and fine art exhibitions.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% early booking reduction and €100 spa credit. Valid for travel 15 Apr - 20 May & 03 Sep 30 Oct 16. Book by 15 Feb 16. Save up to £405 per couple. Prices from £930pp in an Upper Floor Suite with Garden View including half board.
The Westin Resort Costa Navarino Sister to The Romanos, The Westin Resort Costa Navarino shares the same beautiful location with views of the Ionian Sea, the wide range of facilities and half-mile sandy beach. This is the family-friendly option and it comes highly recommended – it’s livelier, more laid back and the room set-up offers both family and connecting rooms. Children are entertained at the kids’ clubs (SandCastle and Cocoon) and at the on-site Aqua Park. For those families seeking more, rich cultural expeditions abound from exploring the nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites to discovering the neighbouring town of Pylos with its 16th Century Ottoman Neokastro castle.
Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 25% early booking reduction. Valid for travel 23 Jul - 20 Nov 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £390 per couple. Prices from £870pp including half board.
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.
Maldives
It’s been said a million times before, but really you fly all the way to the middle of the Indian Ocean for the sea, those minty-toothpastecoloured, bath-water warm lagoons, the indigo deep drop offs, the little sandbank humps nosing above the lapping waves, the necklaces of islands like pancake batter droplets in a vast pan. Even if you feel you have seen it a million times in magazines and brochures, it’s still knockout in the flesh. And what those atolls and the seas around them provide is a dreamy cocoon. For families with children there are gently sloping shallows for paddling, the softest squeakiest sand for building castles, rustling palms to cast shade on each mini wonderland island with no cars, no shoes, no rules. And if you come just the two of you, this is where to switch off, where you can do absolutely nothing other than loll from daybed to outdoor shower to pool to lunch. Or you can swim and surf and snorkel and scuba. Staying close to Malé makes the journey snappier, but if you can scoot yourself onto one last plane, the views as you fly to the distant edges of the Maldives are well worth the extra travel time.
One&Only Reethi Rah Encompassing an extraordinary six kilometres of coastline, this glamorous hotel has a choice of 12 beaches, the PADI Gold Palm Resort dive centre (one of the country’s best shark sites is near) and seven dining spots. And for sleeping options? There are discreetly placed villas, each with their own secluded piece of sugar white shore or private deck with direct access to the lagoon, all equally impressive choices. Until June this year, guests can attend events such as wine dinners with esteemed winemakers around the globe, culinary adventures with Michelin-starred chefs and consultations with leading health and wellness experts – all part of the hotel’s tenth anniversary celebrations.
Complimentary nights & added value Stay 7 nights pay for 5 and receive complimentary half board and complimentary return transfers. Valid for travel 09 May - 23 Oct & 08 Nov - 18 Dec 16. Save up to £4490 per couple. Prices from £3030pp.
PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi A long-time Maldives favourite, and for good reason; Huvafen Fushi does island escapology well. So much so that it is consistently voted one of the best island paradises in the world, mostly due to its ridiculously beautiful beaches and delectable dining options (a must is ‘On the Rock’). Yet the majority of the allure is actually underwater. The world’s first underwater spa has just been redesigned to remove its frown lines, by none other than Isabelle Miaja, worldrenowned interiors whizz and a PER AQUUM favourite. We don’t think you will suffer from island-fever, but if you did you could take an expedition snorkelling around one of the best coral reefs in the Maldives, with the resident marine biologist.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights pay for 5 and receive a 10% reduction on accommodation, complimentary half board and a complimentary couples massage. Valid for travel 11 Apr - 19 Dec 16. Book a minimum of 45 days prior to arrival and by 15 Mar 16. Save up to £3810 per couple. Prices from £2855pp.
Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru & Kuda Huraa Four Seasons are fortunate enough to have two island resorts in the Maldives, and luckily you don’t have to choose between them. Landaa Giraavaru is one of the larger and more remote islands. Set in a coconut plantation, the villas are big and well-spaced. The spa alone would make the journey worthwhile. In comparison, Kuda Huraa is one of the smallest with a traditional rustic vibe but it could easily keep you busy all day with an all-natural spa and a surf school. A real highlight: they have the largest resort marine biology operation in the country. This could well be the definitive Maldives experience.
Complimentary nights & added value Stay 10 nights pay for 8 at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, including complimentary half board and transfers. Valid for travel 11 May - 31 Jul & 01 30 Sep 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £4840 per couple. Prices from £4055pp.
Maalifushi by COMO & Cocoa Island by COMO
Both of these luxury resorts capture the essence of Indian Ocean living on two very different atolls. Maalifushi – a secluded eight acre island retreat and the first luxury resort on the Thaa Atoll – is a feast for the senses with top-notch dining, yoga, surfing, family-friendly activities and undiscovered dive sites. Only an hour’s seaplane ride away (there’s no need to go back to Malé), its sister, Cocoa Island offers pared back simplicity; it takes just ten minutes to walk around the islet. Whether you begin the day diving into the lagoon from your private deck or savouring a beach breakfast, days here are blissfully unhurried. The COMO Shambhala spa is a destination in its own right.
Complimentary nights, reduced rates & added value Stay 8 nights pay for 6 and receive a 10% reduction on accommodation at Maalifushi by COMO and Cocoa Island by COMO, including complimentary transfers. Valid for travel 01 Mar - 25 Dec 16. Book a minimum of 90 days prior to arrival. Save up to £2650 per couple. Prices from £2460pp including breakfast.
Amilla Fushi
Nestled in a pristine location in an UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve (acknowledged for amazing marine life), Amilla Fushi is a refreshing addition to the Carrier portfolio and the only Maldivian property to feature on the Condé Nast Traveller Hot List in 2015. Here, it’s all about maximising on space and privacy with contemporary
accommodations; a true home from home, not just rooms or suites. Ocean Reef Houses are likely the best on the water in the archipelago, whilst the Wellness Tree Houses are the tallest. Reason to leave your island home? To delight in one of the many culinary experiences – internationally renowned chef Luke Mangan is at the helm.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights pay for 5 and receive a complimentary cheese and wine tasting session. Valid for travel 11 May 30 Sep 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £1790 per couple. Prices from £3525pp including breakfast.
Velaa Private Island In 2010, there was nothing but dense shrubbery and papaya fields. Now, this resort truly impresses with materials that were specifically brought in to create this boutique hideaway (the paving stones from Jordan don’t absorb the heat). There is a geography-defying snow room – a first in the Maldives. For sporty types, there is a golf swing studio designed by José Maria Olazábal, the only shaded tennis court and some of the best watersports facilities in the country. To rest your weary head, there are 47 private villas on the island; honeymooners should opt for the residence only reached by boat. Romance. Epitomised.
Prices from Stay 7 nights from £6940pp including breakfast.
Baros Maldives It takes little more than ten minutes to complete a lap of this secluded island (or half an hour if you opt to swim around it), this makes the house reef-fringed Baros the ideal atoll for those in search of utmost relaxation. And it’s only a 25 minute speedboat ride away from the airport. The island was one of the first to open to international visitors and guests here certainly benefit from the hotel’s expertise. Not only is it one of the friendliest of the resort islands, dining is a real treat at any of its three restaurants, there are seven types of accommodation to choose from, and the spa set in a tropical garden is heavenly.
Complimentary night, early booking reduction & added value Stay 7 nights pay for 6 and receive a 10% early booking reduction and a romantic in-villa Champagne breakfast. Valid for travel 01 May - 30 Sep 16. Book a minimum of 90 days prior to arrival and by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £640 per couple. Prices from £2055pp including breakfast.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Specialists in decadence, this private island resort is renowned for unique dining experiences; from their underground cellar offering over 20,000 bottles of wine, the Cheese & Wine Bar stocked with 101 of the world’s finest cheeses and Ithaa Undersea Restaurant – set 16 feet below sea level where diners can watch marine life dancing overhead. Savour worldly inspired gastronomy by a celebrity chef at Ufaa by Jereme Leung – the Chinese fare is served on the beach. Watch flames dance on the teppan under the starry night sky as chef presents up to 10 courses of Japanese cuisine at Koko Grill.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights pay for 5 and receive a 15% reduction, complimentary half board and a sunset cruise dining experience. Valid for travel 12 May - 30 Sep 16. Book a minimum of 90 days prior to arrival, and by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £2460 per couple. Prices from £2295pp.
Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa The southernmost island in the Maldives (and the first luxury resort to be located south of the equator), Villingili presents a sense of space that is nonpareil. It has over six kilometres of natural coastline with nearly two kilometres of white-sand beach, but a stay here is more about beyond-the-beach explorations. There is plenty to keep guests busy including a 9-hole golf course, a fantastic kite surfing spot and nature trails to explore – the natural, dense vegetation of the island sets it apart from many other Maldives resorts. There are also four islands close by waiting to be discovered.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive a 25% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 09 Jan - 05 Feb & 14 Feb - 17 Dec 16. Save up to £1050 per couple. Prices from £2790pp including breakfast.
Geordie Greig Geordie Greig is the Editor of The Mail on Sunday and has held various editor positions at The Sunday Times, Tatler, London Evening Standard and The Independent.
Spain Why does Spain seem like a secret waiting to be told? Is it the Pyrenees and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada which rises up improbably from the sun-baked plains of AndalucĂa or the allure of the Mediterranean coast? The charm is in the villages in valleys and hidden coves, often tiny but resilient outposts of Old Spain. This is the motherland of Dali, Picasso and Gaudi with all that they created with their restless imaginations, daring to change how we see the world. The tapas, and other deceptively simple Spanish feasts, in cafes and restaurants seem taken for granted but are also decadent. Sherry is transformed – uncorked in bars, fresh, potent and chillingly desirous. The sacred and the soulful combine: all senses are ignited by time spent in Spain, be it by fiery flamenco dancers or ancient Roman ruins and all that goes before and after them. Hasta la vista.
The Ritz-Carlton, Abama Tenerife not only enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other part of Spain, it’s home to Carrier favourite Ritz-Carlton, Abama. Sparkling with five stars, it gets our vote for all-round appeal. Positioned on a cliff looking out to La Gomera, this is a true has-it-all destination. The spa is a cosseting cocoon of luxury – perfect for a proper pamper-fest; the food comes courtesy of ten restaurants including the two-Michelin-starred signature restaurant of Basque chef Martin Berasategui; a cable car whisks you down to sweeping golden sands and the mindboggling amount of leisure facilities includes a staggering 72 holes of golf.
Complimentary night & early booking reduction Stay 7 nights pay for 6 and receive a 15% early booking reduction. Valid for travel 06 Jun - 14 Jul & 29 Aug 10 Oct 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £390 per couple. Prices from £845pp including breakfast.
Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa Perched on a clifftop on Mallorca’s rugged north west coast, this relaxing retreat is far from the madding crowd. A ten minute walk to the pretty fishing village of Port de Sóller and surrounded by the UNESCO-protected Tramuntana mountain range, it gets A* for location, seemingly floating between sea and sky. But what we love most is that it embraces its location. The Talise Spa has a tantalising menu of treatments using citrus, almonds and olive oil; there are outdoor yoga and Pilates sessions; the two restaurants both serve regional food using island ingredients and there’s a great local wine list. But don’t hole up for too long; hiking or cycling the spectacular mountain trails is a must.
Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% early booking reduction. Valid for travel 01 - 25 Apr, 18 May - 18 Jun, 10 - 24 Sep & 04 - 29 Oct 16. Book a minimum of 60 days prior to arrival. Save up to £530 per couple. Prices from £1015pp including breakfast.
Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa Built in the style of an Andalucian village, we’re even more in love with Puente Romano now that it’s home to a new Six Senses Spa. Last summer’s opening has catapulted this wonderful Spanish resort onto the spa savvy’s short-haul wish list. There’s an impressive wet area featuring a hydrotherapy pool, heat and ice experience, herbal steam room, sauna and hammam; the nine beautiful treatment rooms include three with canopied roofs, swing cabanas and sea views; but it is the spa menu that will have you tearing up your passport. Yoga programmes and wellness retreats are on the cards too, so watch this spa space.
Early booking reduction Stay 5 nights and receive a 20% early booking reduction. Book by 31 Jan 16 for travel 01 May 06 Jul & 29 Jul - 15 Aug 16. Book by 31 Mar 16 for travel 28 Aug - 31 Dec 16. Save up to £230 per couple. Prices from £755pp including breakfast.
Finca Cortesin Check-in and switch off at this rural idyll tucked away in the hills between Estepona and Sotogrande. Finca Cortesin leads the way for its R&R qualities. The suites are gorgeous and come in palatial proportions (particularly the super-sized bathrooms) and there are two four bedroom villas perfect for families or groups of friends. However tempting it is to retreat within the cocoon-like walls, the hotel is also brilliantly located for exploring. Drive up through mountain villages to Ronda, head to Marbella or five minutes down the road to the hotel’s brilliant beach club. Other wow factors include exceptional golf and a spa snow cave.
Prices from Stay 5 nights from ÂŁ1395pp including breakfast. Valid for travel 01 May - 28 Oct 16.
Jane Anderson Jane Anderson has been a travel writer for almost 20 years. Currently she is Editor of Family Traveller magazine and also writes the travel pages for Prima magazine.
Bermuda
Following a recent visit, I feel that this Atlantic island just seven hours from London and two hours from New York (making it a great twocentre break), is on the brink of being rediscovered as a top holiday destination. Not only is St. George’s an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site, the island is a hub for ocean conservation and home to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute; they are also developing the Old Railway Trail into a glorious cycle network. The new ‘Live Like a Local’ initiative on the island connects visitors with locals. I took my children to the home of Jose and Zakia for a fishing trip on their boat in Harrington Sound, after which we all cooked our catch together in their home and shared dinner by the Sound – both magical and memorable. And of course, don’t forget that all eyes will be on Bermuda for the 2017 America’s Cup.
Elbow Beach This long-established Bermudan hotel has occupied a prime beachfront position since 1908. Today, the eponymous pink sand beach remains a big draw, however it is more than just the location that continues to enchant guests. The pastel-hued, Beachfront Cottages are equipped with all mod cons and have extraordinary panoramic views of the South Shore’s calm swells, 50 acres of verdant gardens are landscaped to perfection and the food is superb. Head to Lido for ocean views, Mickey’s Bistro for beachfront dining or the alfresco Sea Breeze Terrace for sushi, tapas and cocktails.
Prices from Stay 7 nights from £2145pp.
Fairmont Southampton Perched on Bermuda’s highest point, breathtaking panoramas are found in abundance here. The spacious suites are among the largest on the island, eight restaurants tantalise the tastebuds including award-winning Waterlot Inn, yet arguably the real attraction here is the golf. Perfect your swing at Turtle Hill Golf Club; ranked one of the top five par 3 courses in the world by Golf Magazine and host of the National Par 3 Championship. A complimentary ferry takes you to nearby Hamilton – head to Front Street and casually linger over a Rum Swizzle whilst watching the boats sail into the port.
Complimentary nights & added value Stay 8 nights pay for 6 and receive a complimentary room upgrade. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 Oct 16. Save up to £890 per couple. Prices from £1815pp.
Rosewood Tucker’s Point True to Rosewood’s A Sense of Place® philosophy, this regal resort feels quintessentially Bermudan. The colonial-style accommodation gives a nod to the island’s British heritage and the extraordinary 80 foot long mural found in The Point restaurant – courtesy of Sky Club of New York’s MetLife Building – embodies this timeless elegance. In the acclaimed Sense Spa®, treatments are inspired by their surroundings. Try the Bermuda Triangle: a trio of indulgences beginning with tropical rain therapy in the Silver TAG® shower – where 18 showerheads massage weary limbs – followed by an aloe vera massage, using hand-picked aloe from the garden and culminating in an invigorating citrus facial. Pure Bermudan bliss guaranteed.
Complimentary nights Stay 7 nights pay for 5. Valid for travel 01 - 25 May & 06 Sep - 31 Oct 16. Save up to £1370 per couple. Prices from £2275pp.
Steve Kimber Steve has been working in travel for over 30 years, and joined Carrier as Managing Director in 2010. This year alone Steve has visited over four continents and seven countries.
Kenya We’ve been captivated by Kenya for over 30 years, and I’m not just talking about Robert Redford and Meryl Streep in Out of Africa. When Carrier first started, Africa was our first and only destination, and we’ve been creating tailor-made luxury holidays to the most alluring of the continents ever since. After a difficult year in 2015, Kenya is now rising to superstar status once more, and game-changing new hotels such as Angama Mara are setting a new precedent. Ok, I’m referencing the movie again, but a few years ago I visited the Moth Tree where Denys Finch Hatton’s burial scene was filmed – this is now next to Angama Mara’s Pavilion; so I can vouch for its location. Yet it’s Kenya’s age-old attractions which, for me, still have the ultimate draw. Vast plains that meet a dreamlike horizon, the Big Five and nature’s greatest live show on earth; the Great Migration.
Angama Mara Described as a ‘game-changer’ by Victoria Mather, this one-of-a-kind safari lodge on the Oloololo Escarpment (home to many a scene from Out of Africa) is heading for every hotel hot list out there. Owned and run by Steve and Nicky Fitzgerald, it opened just last summer and is a dream come true for them and anyone lucky enough to stay. Named after the Swahili word for ‘suspended in mid-air’, Angama Mara seems to float above the Great Rift Valley, with views stretching over the rare beauty of the Masai Mara. There are two camps with end-toend glass frontage, sweeping canvas and large decks. This safari lodge is true to Kenya, and there is no place like East Africa for viewing creatures great and small.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 4 nights pay for 3 and receive a complimentary private Champagne picnic on the Out of Africa kopje and a massage for two. Valid for travel 05 Jan - 30 Jun & 01 Nov - 16 Dec 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £990 per couple. Prices from £1805pp on a fully-inclusive basis including game viewing activities, park and conservancy fees. Excludes flights and transfers. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of Kenya.
Mahali Mzuri Just north of the Masai Mara in Olare Motorogi Conservancy, the 2013 opening of Mahali Mzuri added another property to Sir Richard Branson’s eclectic portfolio of retreats. The name in Swahili means ‘beautiful place’, one that is perfectly placed for the annual migration of a million-plus wildebeest. The 12 tented suites promise a view of this great spectacle that takes place every July. During the other 11 months it won’t disappoint as the area teems with elephants, zebra, lion, leopard, giraffe and buffalo. There are game drives, night drives and hot air balloon rides whilst, back at the lodge, heavenly tented cocoons with huge beds, roll-top baths, viewing decks, delicious cuisine and Champagne await your return.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 4 nights pay for 3 and receive a complimentary pass into the Mara Reserve. Valid for travel until 31 May 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £950 per couple. Prices from £1430pp on a fully-inclusive basis. Excludes flights and transfers. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of Kenya.
Gina Riley With a notable 26 years’ of experience in travel and having lived and worked in Arizona in the past, Gina is an expert on our USA and Canada portfolio. She visits the USA every year for personal holidays to the National Parks.
USA National Parks
This year the National Park Service celebrates 100 years of protecting and maintaining America’s 59 national parks and many more historic landmarks. And, in my opinion, there couldn’t be a better time to visit than in this Centennial year. A rich tapestry of untouched landscapes, wildlife, jaw-dropping scenery and outdoor pursuits spans the world’s third largest nation. Spot grizzly bears and bald eagles at Yellowstone (believed to be the first recognised park), admire the spectacular combination of hoodoos and forest at Bryce Canyon or brave the scary Angels Landing hiking trail in Zion, which runs along the narrow edge of a cliff, with only a chain rail on one side and a 2,000 foot drop on the other. For the active, I recommend the Canyonlands – a haven with river rafting, tubing, horse riding and balloon tours.
The Ranch at Rock Creek For a taste of the Wild West, this is a great place to saddle up and play cowboy. Surrounded by the mountains and big skies of Montana’s Granite County, there is nothing within miles of this brilliantly remote 19th Century homestead. An authentic outdoor adventure like no other, it offers fly-fishing, horseback riding, archery, hiking, mountain biking and clay pigeon shooting, all on the doorstep. The property itself is spectacular with a variety of accommodation ranging from luxury canvas cabins on the banks of the river to gorgeous suites in Granite Lodge. The design is more home than hotel and there’s a spa, bowling alley, library and wonderful food. What’s more, everything is included.
Added value Stay 5 nights and receive US$100 ranch credit and a premium bottle of wine. Valid for travel until 30 Jun & 01 Sep 31 Dec 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Prices from £3800pp all-inclusive with on-ranch activities. Excludes flights and transfers. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of Montana.
Amangiri
Location, location, location… the breathtaking natural stone Amangiri in southern Utah is not only within easy reach of the Grand Canyon but also the Colorado River, Monument Valley and Zion National Park – an epic all-season escape with oodles of natural allure. The region around the resort is sparsely populated and with only 34 suites in this vast natural arena, you feel a strong sense of solitude. There’s a must-book (huge) spa, a homely restaurant with wood-fired oven and a remarkable walk-in wine cellar. But it is the great outdoors that provides the real wow factor: the towering rocks and deep canyons create a raw perspective-changing landscape – an American rural beauty.
Prices from Stay 5 nights from £2420pp including full board, daily guided group hikes, group yoga and Pilates classes, complimentary mini bar and return transfers. Excludes flights. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of Utah.
Arizona, Utah & Wyoming Discover sandstone masterpieces, natural wonders and backdrops of contrasting colours on this epic journey. Your adventure starts in Las Vegas, close to one of America’s most spectacular natural monuments – The Grand Canyon. Be left breathless by the soaring stone pinnacles layered with two billion years of the earth’s history. Next up: absorb the magnificent panoramas surrounding the open-air amphitheatre in Zion before continuing to explore the winding valleys and auburn-hued monoliths at Bryce Canyon. Make time for a little R&R at Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa and indulge in a Slick Rock Massage with spectacular views of the Colorado River. Take in world-famous spectacles of Mitten and Merrick Buttes in Monument Valley and enjoy your final stopover in an enclave of luxury at Amangiri.
Prices from Stay 12 nights at ARIA Resort & Casino, Las Vegas; Cliffrose Lodge & Gardens, Zion; Ruby’s Inn, Bryce Canyon; Sorrel River Ranch Resort & Spa, Moab; The View Hotel, Monument Valley and Amangiri, Canyon Point. Prices from £4029pp including car hire.
Peter Browne Zimbabwean-born Peter Browne is the Senior Editor on Condé Nast Traveller magazine, where he was part of the original launch team. He edits the annual Hot List, Gold Standard and Readers’ Travel Awards special issues.
Mauritius
I adore Mauritius unconditionally. I know this love should be tempered by the knowledge that a lot of others feel the same way, and that there is barely a scrap of beachfront not already appropriated by a lovely hotel with an army of expert sand-rakers, but it makes not one jot of difference to me. The island is the perfect size: manageable and easily negotiated but also big enough to get lost on. It is made for three or four days’ exploration – hiking in the brooding Black River Gorges National Park; strolling through the shady botanical gardens on dozy afternoons; tackling the market madness in Port Louis. And, between bouts of unremitting self-indulgence, staring glassy eyed out at a sea the colour of robin’s eggs; fine-sand beaches the colour of spun sugar, and always the rumble of waves reaching a reef where the snorkelling is sensational. Mauritius is an enchanting place, but thankfully not without bite and character.
Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa The legendary resort of Le Touessrok – one of the most famous on Mauritius – is the latest contender for the island country’s ‘hotspot’ following an extensive six month long renovation and re-brand in 2015. Shangri-La has now very much arrived on the white sands of Trou d’Eau Douce bay on the desirable east side. Their signature Asian hospitality, gastronomy (there are five new restaurants and bars including Republik Beach Club & Grill which serves delicious barbecue food) and style are all very much in evidence. A must: chill out at the trendy beach club on Ilot Mangénie – a paradisiacal island exclusively for guests.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive a 30% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 01 May - 30 Sep 16. Save up to £700 per couple. Prices from £1795pp including breakfast.
Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita Exuding quintessential Four Seasons service and style, this villa retreat is the ideal tropical island escape. But where this resort comes into its own is with its outdoor activities. The 18-hole par-72 Ernie Els-designed golf course is revered for its beauty and playability; the rugged Bambou Mountains (a one-time sugar plantation) provides an outstanding backdrop, whilst the giant Aldabra tortoises will keep you company next to the 9th hole. There’s also big game fishing, watersports, tennis and beautiful swimming pools. If you do want down time, there’s an overwater spa or your own private villa pool – available on the mainland or the resort’s private island.
Complimentary nights Stay 7 nights pay for 5. Valid for travel 12 Jan - 07 May & 16 Oct - 20 Dec 16. Save up to £1090 per couple. Prices from £2365pp including half board.
The St. Regis Mauritius Resort Well established in front of the dramatic Le Morne mountain, offering old-school charm, it’s easy to forget that this is one of the newest hotels on Mauritius. Opening in 2012 with 172 rooms including spa suites and villas decorated in a traditional colonial style (true to its roots – it was the former sugar baron’s plantation house), this retreat is for those looking for pampered refinement. The butler service is unparalleled (eButler means they can take care of your every whim at any time), the 960 metre beach is one of the best on the island and there’s an outdoor cinema for an island take on a cosy night in.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive a 45% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel until 08 Jan 17. Book a minimum of 61 days prior to arrival. Save up to £1920 per couple. Prices from £2075pp including half board.
One&Only Le Saint Géran Named after the famous Le Saint Géran shipwreck, this resort – known as the Grand Dame of Mauritius hotels – enjoys an enviable location on its own private peninsula surrounded by coconut groves and white sand beaches. There really is little reason to leave this hideaway resort with plenty to occupy you here. You will soothe into a sense of bliss at the spa; take advantage of the calm waters of the cove with a spot of kayaking; and feast on delicious food at all three restaurants. Dining is an experience of the best of the world and the pick of Mauritius.
Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive a 40% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary upgrade to half board. Valid for travel 06 Jan - 16 Oct & 24 Oct - 16 Dec 16. Save up to £2580 per couple. Prices from £2195pp.
Constance Le Prince Maurice On a sheltered turquoise lagoon on the magnificent north east coast of this tropical island, this acclaimed property was voted one of the ‘Top 25 Hotels in the World’ in the 2015 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards. And there is no disputing that it is deserving of such an accolade. Spacious, modern suites (mostly under thatch) are scattered throughout the 60 hectare resort either at the beachfront or on stilts above the mangroves – through the water, you’ll also find a floating seafood restaurant (one of its kind on the island). A Sisley spa completes the picture.
Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive a 40% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary upgrade to full board. Valid for travel 16 May - 15 Sep 16. Book a minimum of 45 days prior to arrival. Save up to £1670 per couple. Prices from £1970pp.
Julie Barker With a remarkable 34 years’ experience within the travel industry, Julie is Head of Reservations and our longest serving employee. She has travelled to every continent in the world apart from South America.
Thailand
My recent memories of Thailand are built up of authentic experiences, delicious local food, vibrant markets and idyllic islands. I recommend taking a thrilling helicopter flight for a bird’s eye view of Thailand’s capital, or enjoy breathtaking views of Chiang Mai’s temples, rice paddy fields and mountains from the skies too, in a hot air balloon. Cruise the wide Mekong River in a traditional long-tailed river boat with a private guide, or head to Koh Samui and Phuket for some of the finest resorts in the country (at different times – Samui is perfectly suited to UK summertime). Both destinations provide a gateway to two of my other favourite Thai hotspots; from Phuket, I recommend a visit to Khao Lak, an hour north, and from Bangkok, the lesser known but impressive Koh Kood nods to a Thailand of old, again just an hour away.
Banyan Tree Boltholes Bustling Bangkok. Tropical island seclusion. Thailand is renowned for wonderful contrasts and vibrant juxtaposition and, with a twin centre stay, guests can truly enjoy the best of both. There are few better places to witness the hypnotic thrum of activity of Silom Road than the renowned rooftop bar of Banyan Tree Bangkok, a hotel ideally located for exploration of this vibrant city. The romantic tranquillity of DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree on Phuket provide indulgence of a more leisurely nature; beautiful grounds bursting with tropical fauna and flora surround exquisitely exclusive private pools.
Complimentary night, early booking reduction & added value Stay 10 nights pay for 9 at Banyan Tree Bangkok including a 10% early booking reduction; and at DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree including breakfast, an in-villa barbecue and a complimentary massage. Valid for travel 11 Jan - 05 Feb, 11 Feb - 26 Mar, 01 Apr - 30 Sep & 07 Oct - 23 Dec 16. Book a minimum of 15 days prior to arrival. Save up to ÂŁ640 per couple. Prices from ÂŁ3010pp.
The Sarojin The Sarojin offers the ultimate in Thai-style laid-back luxe; local hospitality and quiet elegance are even further enhanced by the spectacular location. A beach resort with a boutique ethos, The Sarojin is intimate with an emphasis on personalised services and immaculate attention to detail. A dedicated ‘imagineering team’ make almost any request come true – be it dinner for two on a secluded beach or white water rafting for the more adventurous. Serene interiors inspired by the natural environment complement the hotel’s dedication to sustainable tourism.
Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive a 50% saving on accommodation. Valid for travel 16 Apr - 31 Oct 16. Save up to £910 per couple. Prices from £1330pp including breakfast.
Four Seasons Experience Discover the best parts of Thailand without any compromise on service. First stop is Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle area (where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet) at an enchanting all-inclusive 15 tent camp. Whilst the scenery is astonishing, the main attraction is certainly the elephants – especially learning to ride one mahout-style. Cultural explorations don’t stop there – next, set off on a drive north for a stay in Chiang Mai with superb cooking classes (the chefs are world-class masters) and visit the local hill tribes. Concluding the trip, a relaxing retreat in Koh Samui; bask in the sun whilst floating in your private villa pool.
Complimentary nights Stay 13 nights pay for 10 at Four Seasons Tented Camp all-inclusive; Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai including breakfast; and Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui including breakfast. Valid for travel 04 Apr - 30 Sep 16. Save up to £1230 per couple. Prices from £5795pp.
Bustling Bangkok & Secret Island Escape Opulent interiors abound at The Peninsula where guests can experience true Thai elegance against the pulsating backdrop of Bangkok. From this buzzing metropolis, transport yourself to one of Thailand’s best kept secrets; the exclusive Koh Kood island where you will find Soneva Kiri. This secluded retreat is a true tropical paradise surrounded by crystal blue waters, palms and powder soft sands. Guests are immersed in island life with the help of their own Mr and Mrs Friday who can arrange everything from treetop dining experiences to moonlit astronomy classes.
Complimentary nights & added value Stay 10 nights pay for 7 at The Peninsula Bangkok including breakfast; and at Soneva Kiri Resort including complimentary half board. Valid for travel 01 - 19 Mar, 03 Apr - 20 Oct & 10 Nov - 19 Dec 16. Book a minimum of 90 days prior to arrival. Save up to £3090 per couple. Prices from £5145pp.
John Mullen John Mullen has recently joined Carrier as Product Manager for the Indian Subcontinent, Far East and Australasia. With a big appetite for adventurous travel, one of his all-time favourite destinations includes Malaysia.
Touring Destinations
There are some corners of the world that can only truly be discovered once you have really dedicated your time; time to tour, do more, explore. These are what I feel are some of our most inspiring itineraries – the journeys that I believe are truly enriching. Travel to a land virtually unchanged in centuries to experience the beauty of Bhutan, a relatively young country in terms of welcoming tourists through its borders – which only serves to add to the distinctly unique charm. Prepare for an attack on the senses and bask in the colourful culture of India; a country that tells a tale of two halves, rich yet poor – always welcoming. Enjoy Australia’s East Coast, from the iconic to the unforgettable; unearth the character of Vietnam with a tour of its cities and beaches; or sample both the busy streets and remote rainforests of Malaysia.
Amankora Journey Bhutan
Scattered amongst the Himalayas, five Aman lodges combine exploration of a country that has changed little over the centuries with the highest levels of luxury – each offering unrivalled personal service, regional delicacies and world-class spas. A private driver and guide accompany your journey, first to Thimpu –
the charming capital teeming with museums, markets and art. Enjoy many scenic drives travelling between Gangtey, Bumthang and Punakha, before finally descending from the Dochu La Mountain Pass for your stay amongst the pine forests of Paro. Here, be sure to visit the Paro Dzong – a jewel of Bhutanese architecture.
Prices from Stay 12 nights at The Imperial, New Delhi and at Amankora lodges Thimpu, Punakha, Gangtey, Bumthang and Paro including a private vehicle, guide, mountain permits and a spa treatment. Prices from £7235pp including full board.
Palaces & Tigers India
Packed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and India’s tigers, this is culture, colour and nature at its most striking. The Oberoi group provide exquisite hotels along the way, beginning in Delhi, sample authentic Indian food at the Chandni Chowk market before heading to Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal. Onward to Ranthambhore National Park, the wildlife is diverse – but it’s the tigers that are most coveted. Spend your last nights at ‘The Pink City’ of Jaipur followed by Udaipur, and enjoy an exclusive evening cruise on Lake Pichola.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 12 nights at The Oberoi, New Delhi; The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra; The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore; The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur; The Oberoi Udaivilas, Udaipur and The Oberoi, Gurgaon and receive reduced rates and added value amenities. Valid for travel until 04 Nov & 21 Nov 19 Dec 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £730 per couple. Prices from £3295pp including breakfast.
East Coast Escape
Australia
Down under, upscale. A tricolour of Australian landscapes, this is a journey of bucket lists. At Park Hyatt Sydney, sumptuous suites offer a front-row seat to one of the world’s most recognisable feats of architecture, the Opera House. Untangle this culture-filled city before travelling to Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, a picturesque conservation retreat in the Greater Blue Mountains, nestled between two spectacular national parks. Your ‘hooroo’, an Aussie farewell, comes from the vibrant Great Barrier Reef, where One&Only Hayman Island, the northernmost of the Whitsunday Islands, pairs astonishing natural beauty with private island peace.
Early booking reduction & added value Stay 11 nights at Park Hyatt Sydney including breakfast; at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley including all meals and two on-site nature activities per day; and at One&Only Hayman Island including a 20% early booking reduction on accommodation and breakfast. Valid for travel 10 Apr - 19 May, 22 May 23 Jul & 28 Jul - 15 Sep 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £390 per couple. Prices from £4715pp.
Culture & Heritage Vietnam
Hanoi – a mesh of ancient pagodas and tree-fringed boulevards. Bustling narrow roads are lined with delicious street food, whilst the serene Hoàn Kiêm Lake feels like a well-kept secret. From here, head for the preserved cobbled streets of Hoi An, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and Vietnam’s most atmospheric town. Set along a dramatic beachfront, amidst tropical gardens you will find The Nam Hai, inspired by the feng shui philosophy. Villas are suitably lavish, each equipped with a butler. Saigon, a blur of quaint colonial houses and soaring skyscrapers, is your final stopover.
Complimentary nights, early booking reduction & added value Stay 13 nights pay for 11 at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi including a half day city tour; at The Nam Hai including a 10% early booking reduction, a massage and evening dinner for two; and at Park Hyatt Saigon including a half day city tour. Valid for travel 01 May - 30 Jun & 01 Sep 22 Dec 16. Book a minimum of 60 days prior to arrival. Save up to £1060 per couple. Prices from £2955pp including breakfast.
City Escape to Natural Retreat Malaysia
Malaysia’s capital is a melting pot of ancient cultures with a contemporary buzz. From peaceful parks to steel-clad skyscrapers to historic monuments, Kuala Lumpur is entertaining yet unassuming. Stay at Mandarin Oriental, adjacent to the iconic Petronas Towers. Then to remote rainforests, Langkawi is a nature lovers dream. The Datai Langkawi is revered on this mystical isle, overlooking the green canopy and beguiling beach of Datai Bay. Spend the day spotting wildlife on foot with the resident naturalist, or enjoying the Ernie Els-designed golf course and afterwards try the authentic cuisine or traditional spa treatments.
Complimentary nights, early booking reduction & added value Stay 10 nights pay for 8 at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur including breakfast and complimentary room upgrade; and at The Datai Langkawi including a 15% early booking reduction and breakfast. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 23 Dec 16. Book a minimum of 60 days prior to arrival. Save up to £790 per couple. Prices from £1720pp.
Melanie Marsh Melanie Marsh has worked in travel for an impressive 28 years – 11 of those have been with Carrier. The Caribbean has always been one of her favourite holiday destinations; her most recent trips include Barbados, The Grenadines and, of course, Antigua.
Antigua Picture the Caribbean and you are probably thinking of Antigua. Barbados may have the social life and St Lucia the rugged beauty, but it’s Antigua, with its fabled beaches and laid-back character, that epitomises West Indian charm. It’s an oft-repeated fact that there’s a different beach for every day of the year, and they are among the most inviting in the Caribbean. Driving the roads that hug the coastline is great fun and the best way to find a bay to call your own; there’s expanses of golden sand and shimmering ocean at almost every turn. Inland, donkeys linger under the shade of palms, stone sugar mills peek from hillsides and roadside stalls proffer freshly picked fruit and sugar cane. So why go in 2016? Well, the swish new airport terminal brings a welcome improvement to the journey, but that has to be paid for by tourism – and with the number of hotel rooms imminently set to double, now is the time to enjoy Antigua’s timelessness.
Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort Already a dining destination par excellence thanks to its A Sense of Taste programme, this private island resort has expanded its culinary offering to include a new Beach Shack – making it a must-visit for cultivated food mavens in 2016. Designed by local artists and inspired by the colourful food shacks found around Antigua, sample delicious West Indian-style street food with your toes in the sand. Fine Mediterraneanstyle dining is the order of the day at the Estate House and for something different, foodies can opt for Barbudan lobster salad and rum on The Black Pineapple and Mango Farm Tour.
Complimentary night Stay 7 nights pay for 6. Valid for travel 03 Apr - 17 Dec 16. Save up to £830 per couple. Prices from £4675pp all-inclusive.
Carlisle Bay
Perennially a multi-generational favourite, Strictly Come Dancing’s Claudia Winkleman has already given what she deems “the greatest hotel on earth” her seal of approval. Contemporary in style, the much-loved rainforest trekking, professional tennis tuition and complimentary non-motorised watersports remain for 2016, but Carlisle Bay is not one to rest on its laurels. The adults-only Bay Suites are a welcome addition to the family-friendly resort. Four poster beds? Check. Butler service? Check. Fantastic ocean views from a spacious terrace or balcony? Of course. If you can tear yourself away from the pool, kayak to the nearby mangrove lagoon to spot herons, egrets, snook and tarpons.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive a complimentary room upgrade and US$100 spa credit per suite. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 14 Oct & 30 Oct 19 Dec 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £860 per couple. Prices from £2295pp including breakfast.
Hermitage Bay 2016 promises to be the year of the romantic retreat at this must-visit, adults-only hideaway. Blissfully boutique, Hermitage Bay’s Hillside Pool Suites provide amazing Antiguan views from the private plunge pools, freestanding baths and curtained daybeds – don’t worry about the climb, there are golf buggies to assist. Beachfront Suites are near the water’s edge; the perfect location for hand-in-hand sunset strolls. There’s also a plethora of activities for couples to enjoy – choose from complimentary yoga, stress-melting massages or bagging the most intimate spot at the restaurant – the corner table on the lower tier.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights pay for 6. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 23 Aug & 11 Oct 20 Dec 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £810 per couple. Prices from £3025pp all-inclusive.
The Inn
If you want to be right at the centre of Antigua’s beating cultural heart in 2016, The Inn is a must-visit. Overlooking yacht-dotted English Harbour, perch on a stool in the colonial-style Stone Bar and enjoy panoramic pre-dinner aperitifs overlooking the bay – barman Tully makes the perfect piña colada. On the beach, kayaking and laser sailing are popular pursuits, beach cabanas are just steps from the waves and a complimentary water taxi is available to ferry you to historic Nelson’s Dockyard across the bay. Visit in April to reserve your place at the epicentre of Antigua Sailing Week’s famous races and parties.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights pay for 5 and receive three complimentary lunches. Valid for travel 11 May - 31 Aug 16. Save up to £960 per couple. Prices from £1870pp including half board.
Jessica Read Jessica Read is one of our most experienced Caribbean, Mexico, USA & Canada Reservations experts. She has recently returned from visiting some of our finest properties in California – a trip that has left a lasting impression.
California
For me, 2016 is the year of the road trip, and there is no better place than California for driven discovery. Make reality those daydreams of hiring a Mustang and cruise the Golden State, enjoying iconic cities, dazzling beaches and national parks along the way. Route 1 is one of America’s most beautiful drives, winding along the Pacific Coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and these two cities, as well as San Diego, provide the perfect vantage points to kick-start or end your itinerary, each with their own distinct personality. Two of my favourite California combinations: for a classic city and beach stay – Cabo on Mexico’s Baja California peninsula twinned with LA; whilst San Francisco and Napa Valley is perfect for wine-lovers. Internationally renowned for superb wine, the landscape is somewhat of a star too – undulating hills, wildflowers and interweaving vineyards create the ultimate backdrop to your highway haven.
SoCal Road Trip
Two weeks’ annual leave? Use it wisely with an adventure along one of the world’s most celebrated routes. This twisting coasthugging self-drive takes in seaside villages, sandy beaches and breathtaking sights – and we’ll hole you up in the most exquisite properties along the way. Start by exploring the Spanish influences of San
Diego in the south before shopping and dining in Los Angeles. Your next resting place is elegant Santa Barbara and the surrounding wine country. Take in some of the best views in America at Big Sur before a pit stop at beautiful Pebble Beach. End in the ultimate ‘City by the Bay’, San Francisco.
Prices from Stay 14 nights at The U.S. Grant; Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel; Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore; Post Ranch Inn; The Lodge at Pebble Beach; and at The Fairmont San Francisco. Prices from £4195pp including car hire.
Quintessential California & Cabo Two stretches of paradise that have it all: sun, sand, surfing and style by the truckload. Begin at the charming enclave of Shutters on the Beach (think wealthy Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyardstyle house). Unrivalled direct beach access permits the most archetypal SoCal lifestyle experience. Brunch at Coast and visit the spa which boasts treatments by Hollywood’s hottest skincare specialist, Ole Henriksen. Next up: another mainstay for celebrities, the legendary One&Only Palmilla, overlooking the Sea of Cortez on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Since it re-opened in June last year, it is better than ever with SEARED restaurant created in collaboration with JeanGeorges Vongerichten and new accommodation.
Complimentary nights & added value Stay 10 nights pay for 8 at Shutters on the Beach and at One&Only Palmilla including breakfast and complimentary transfers. Valid for travel until 11 Feb, 16 Feb 19 Mar, 03 Apr - 26 May, 31 May - 23 Nov & 29 Nov - 16 Dec 16. Save up to £1950 per couple. Prices from £4170pp.
Winelands & Highlands
Combine the culture of San Francisco, lush vineyards of the Napa Valley and highlands around Lake Tahoe on this self-drive. Your first base is The Fairmont San Francisco, an opulent turn of the century hotel; opt for a signature suite for unparalleled views of the bay. Next stop: it’s all about food, wine and nature at Calistoga Ranch, nestled away in a private canyon on 157 acres. There’s open-air garden showers, private mineral water tubs and a lakeside restaurant. The trip concludes in a fantastic mid-mountain location at sophisticated The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. A year round destination with boating, hiking, biking and winter skiing (bonus: it’s ski in, ski out).
Prices from Stay 9 nights at The Fairmont San Francisco; Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort; and at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. Prices from £3055pp including car hire.
Rick Jordan Rick Jordan is currently Chief Sub-Editor at Condé Nast Traveller. He has travelled extensively around Eastern Europe and South-East Asia, but for some reason has yet to return to Sierra Leone, where he spent his early childhood.
Croatia & Montenegro They don’t have the monster-grappling mythology of Italy and Greece, yet it’s easy to imagine titans clashing along the rugged coastlines of Croatia and Montenegro. Insiders have always known their dramatic, smouldering landscapes are the match of anything in the Aegean or Puglia – the pine-scented forests that hide cascading waterfalls, the crinkly terracotta rooftops and Byzantine architecture. For lunch, hunker down with barbecued fish, fresh from the quayside, drizzled with olive oil, and carve slices of tangy sheep’s cheese. There’s an increasingly sophisticated, open-minded attitude that just didn’t exist 10 years ago. A new wave of chefs champion local food, small-scale vineyards are creating exquisite, honeyed whites and rich reds. It’s possible to stay here and feel as if you’re on a grand tour of the 18th Century.
Regent Porto Montenegro Porto Montenegro is a super-yacht haven, but if you don’t know your port from your starboard, the Regent Porto Montenegro is the address to note down. There are 51 rooms and 35 one to three bedroom residences, all with fabulous mountain or sea views. Interiors are elegant; there’s a very good spa, the Library Bar provides a cosy spot with an array of cognac, whisky and Champagne and anyone with a sweet tooth will love the Gourmet Corner brimming with cakes, pastries and truffles. Porto Montenegro looks set to become the next St Tropez and this 2014 opening is a super-stylish step in the right direction.
Complimentary night & early booking reduction Stay 7 nights pay for 6 and receive a 15% early booking reduction. Valid for travel until 31 Dec 16. Book a minimum of 30 days prior to arrival. Save up to £270 per couple. Prices from £665pp including breakfast.
Villa Orsula
Dubrovnik, Croatia
This gem on the Dalmatian coast is totally charming and a welcome boutique addition to Dubrovnik. Set in a 1930s villa, it has just 13 rooms, a simple but modern dĂŠcor and an intimate vibe. Time drifts by with guests whiling away the hours in the pretty terraced gardens, reading amidst wild orange trees and lavender; keeping cool in the arched bar or following the little path to chill out on the beach. For Dubrovnik-bound foodies this is the place to bed down as it is also home to the first Peruvian restaurant address in the Adriatic. Set on a vine-draped terrace, Victoria is a destination in itself, loved for its creative dishes.
Prices from Stay 3 nights from ÂŁ555pp including breakfast. Excludes transfers. Valid for travel until 27 Dec 16.
Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, Croatia
A Dubrovnik landmark since 1913, this hotel is a Croatian icon. Five star from top to toe, it gets our vote for its sea-meets-city location. From one side it looks out to the medieval Old Town of Dubrovnik, whilst on the other is the glinting boat-speckled Adriatic and pine-clad island of Lokrum. Hotel Excelsior has hosted starlets from Francis Ford Coppola to Jackie Onassis and retains an elegant air. The facilities are excellent, particularly Prora beach restaurant with its lovely views and melt-in-the-mouth seafood. Top spot for its gentle five-minute walk along the coast to the Old Town’s eastern gate.
Early booking reduction Stay 3 nights and receive a 10% early booking reduction. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 27 Dec 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £130 per couple. Prices from £715pp in an Executive Suite. Excludes transfers.
Aman Sveti Stefan Montenegro
It took Amanresorts four years to restore this remote islet just south of the old town of Budva. Aman’s entrance into Montenegro has cemented the country’s coming of age as a go-to destination. This charming seaside hideaway is a higgledy-piggledy array of stone passageways, restored fisherman cottages, shaded courtyards and pink-sand beaches. The hotel gets understated luxury spot-on with a rustic chic look and lots of original features. Stately Villa Milocer ˇ on the mainland was once the summer residence of - - ´ Here parquetQueen Marija Karadordevic. floored rooms are filled with silk, leather and antique furnishings. This is an escape in the truest sense of the word.
Prices from Stay 7 nights from £2495pp including breakfast. Valid for travel 01 May - 30 Sep 16.
Dylan Jones Dylan Jones is the award-winning Editor of GQ, receiving the BSME Editor of the Year award a record nine times. Dylan has also penned several novels and is Chairman of London Collections: Men.
Florida
So many of my American friends told me that I shouldn’t visit Florida in the summer (apparently it was too hot, too muggy, while my holiday would be constantly interrupted by thunder storms) that for one minute I thought twice about going. But how wrong they were. Florida in the summer is even better than it is in the winter, as the beaches are less crowded, the hotels are cheaper, and the place is as beautiful as ever. I loved the Keys, loved the Gulf coast, and especially loved the warm water on the Atlantic coast, warmed by the gulf stream down south. The art scene in Miami is fabulous, as is the design district, and of course the fact that it is a great hub for jumping off to the Bahamas or the theme parks up in Orlando. Miami also has one of the very best Cuban restaurants in the world, the mighty Versailles. It is worth travelling to Florida for this alone.
Ritz-Carlton Luxury
Opulence meets the great outdoors at The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando where 500 acres of breathtaking natural beauty unfurl beneath one of Florida’s most lavish resorts, inspired by the grand palazzos of Italy. For a contrast of experiences, guests can exchange all the adrenalin thrills of Orlando’s world famous theme parks for plot-to-plate dining, guided kayak tours of Shingle Creek or a leisurely round of golf on the Greg Norman-designed course. At The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota guests can switch from beach-to-city, with the ocean in one direction and the cultural district in the other.
Complimentary night & early booking reduction Stay 10 nights pay for 9 at The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando including a 35% early booking reduction; and at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. Valid for travel 01 May - 30 Sep 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £550 per couple. Prices from £1800pp including car hire.
Orlando & Palm Beach Playgrounds Theme park thrills and beachside fun is a Floridian combination par excellence. Four Seasons is set right in the heart of Walt Disney World Resort® and just moments from all four theme parks; so close to the action, you can even choose balconied rooms overlooking the Magic Kingdom’s nightly fireworks. After adrenalin-fuelled days on rollercoasters, move on to action-packed days of a different kind. The Breakers sets you directly on the expansive golden sands of Palm Beach. Try the daily complimentary fitness classes including beachside yoga and Pilates, or improve your game at the two 18-hole golf courses and tennis courts; watersports include sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing.
Complimentary nights & added value Stay 10 nights pay for 8 at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort® and at The Breakers including complimentary tennis court fees and 30% savings on golf green fees. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 30 Sep 16. Save up to £680 per couple. Prices from £2090pp including car hire.
South Beach Cool & Bahamian Style Contemporary design meets 1920s elegance at the Metropolitan by COMO, where the soothing interiors by Italian designer Paola Navone take their inspiration from the city’s unique light. Miami’s hottest new design hotel is in striking distance of South Beach with personal pampering coming courtesy of COMO’s award-winning Shambhala Wellness Retreat. Take the pace down a notch or two from the understated cool of the Metropolitan to the ultimate in relaxation at the One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas where decadent destination dining, miles of private beaches and a Balinese-inspired spa all await exploration.
Complimentary nights & added value Stay 10 nights pay for 8 and receive complimentary breakfast at Metropolitan by COMO and at One&Only Ocean Club. Valid for travel 01 May - 01 Oct 16. Book by 01 Aug 16. Save up to £1960 per couple. Prices from £4235pp.
Maxine Roberts With over 17 years’ experience specialising in luxury travel marketing, Maxine has spent plenty of time in the Caribbean (including a day-long visit, but it was by private jet). She is Carrier’s Head of Marketing.
St Lucia
St Lucia is beautiful but not in a pastel-chattel-house-sandy-beach way. Unlike Barbados and Antigua, it’s volcanic, so the landscape is altogether wilder, the island more verdant with banana and cocoa plantations, palm fronds and tropical foliage spiking the skies. Driving on the (slightly unloved) island roads, it is near impossible not to stop to photograph the sheer magnificence of the jungle valleys and soaring Pitons before me, although the better views are from a helicopter on the way back to the airport. I loved the marina at Marigot Bay with its shops and restaurants serving conch, mahi-mahi and king fish but the most memorable, fun evening was at St Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival. I went the year Diana Ross headlined, reaching Pigeon Island by boat feeling much like one of the performers myself. 2016 is the event’s 25th anniversary so all stops will be pulled out; Jimmy Cliff, Robin Thicke and Flo Rida take the honours this time.
Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort
The site of a former 18th Century sugar plantation, Sugar Beach has attracted somewhat of a celebrity following – counting Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow amongst its fans. And for good reason. Yes, the sand is exceedingly white and powdery, the service is genuinely superb and the location between the
majestic Pitons makes this the premier address on St Lucia, but there is much more to this exceptional resort. There’s a breathtakingly beautiful treehouse spa, gourmet fare to savour in the charming Great Room and spectacular dive sites to explore in the nearby protected underwater park and National Marine Reserve.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights pay for 6 including daily breakfast. Valid for travel 16 Apr 18 Dec 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £740 per couple. Prices from £1680pp.
The BodyHoliday Continually at the cutting edge of health and wellness, it is unsurprising to learn that The BodyHoliday has been voted one of the Caribbean’s top resorts in Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards in 2015. From Tai Chi to waterskiing to the unique treetop spinning studio, whatever your interests and needs, the team of renowned practitioners create personalised rejuvenation programmes for each guest. And, with a daily spa treatment included, R&R is assured. Returning for 2016 is April’s ‘WellFit Retreat’ bootcamp, ‘Jive June’ will explore the health benefits of Salsa, Tango and American Jive, whilst the ‘WellFit Families’ weeks return for the summer – families can bond whilst sailing, abseiling and cycling.
Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive a 35% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 Oct 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £1540 per couple. Prices from £2070pp all-inclusive.
Capella Marigot Bay Resort and Marina Marigot Bay is the sensational setting for this uber-chic resort. Once described by welltravelled author James Michener as “the most beautiful in the Caribbean”, this is where the global glitterati moor their superyachts. Soak up the lively atmosphere from the best spot in town at hillside restaurant The Grill at 14°61°, or enjoy your own VIP sailing experience aboard a private yacht on a sunset sail. Or, if you’d prefer a day on dry land, relax poolside and try the hotel’s new signature beer, Capella’s Moon Bay Chocolate Stout, before luxuriating in Auriga Spa where the celebrated treatments are based on the lunar cycle.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive a 40% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary rum tasting session. Valid for travel 10 Apr - 05 Nov 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £950 per couple. Prices from £1390pp including breakfast.
East Winds
This intimate boutique hotel has unique cottage-style accommodation nestled in 12 acres of flower-filled gardens. Savour exceptional cuisine at the open-air restaurant, Flamboyant Room and, new for 2016, is a light bites beach menu – enjoy nibbles and drinks from the comfort of your lounger before dancing the night away on the sand accompanied by the calypso sounds from a local St Lucian band. Guests can now join a member of staff on exclusive cultural trips around St Lucia – choose from rum tasting, sunset tours and a picnic to historic Pigeon Island. The highly-anticipated new Spa Pavilion completes the offering.
Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive a 30% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 01 May - 20 Dec 16. Book by 28 Feb 16. Save up to £1010 per couple. Prices from £1850pp all-inclusive.
Vicki Holding One of our most travelled experts at Carrier, Vicki was initially a member of our Caribbean and USA team and is now Reservations Manager for the Indian Ocean and Arabia.
Dubai
I can’t help but be won over by Dubai’s ambition. With a focus on the World Expo in 2020, the country is full steam ahead to ensure that visitors leave nothing short of mesmerised. Every time I visit, I get the sense that the city is just warming up in terms of tourism, and, with each trip, I become more and more enamoured with this incredible destination. The mid-haul flight and guaranteed sunshine are obvious attractions; it is the fusion of ancient and modern that also has real appeal. From dune safaris and camel riding in the heat of the desert, to relaxing with a cocktail in the Azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, this is a city of contrasts and surprises. The glittering skyline is something to behold, home to designer shopping, luxury hotels and speciality restaurants from around the world. Perfectly poised for extended holidays, Dubai also offers a gateway to the Indian Ocean, Far East and Australasia.
One&Only Royal Mirage The hotel’s exceptional beach location is ideal, and with plenty to do in the immediate vicinity, you won’t have to venture far at all. Paying homage to the architecture of the region, here you get a true Arabian feel (less common in the city). There are three distinct properties, each flowing effortlessly into the next. For families, The Palace and Arabian Court offer the KidsOnly programme whilst the Residence & Spa is more reserved, its rooms all sea-facing with private balconies, ideal for couples. Together they offer eight restaurants so ranks highly as one of Dubai’s best hotels for dining. Combine with the Dubai World Cup horse racing this March.
Reduced rates & added value Stay 5 nights at The Palace and receive up to a 40% saving on accommodation, complimentary half board and one admission to Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm. Valid for travel 03 Sep 16 - 08 Jan 17. Book by 15 Jun 16. Save up to £1400 per couple. Prices from £1410pp.
One&Only The Palm Peace and tranquillity prevail at this unique hideaway on the iconic tree-shaped island. And you should definitely make the most of it: sit back, relax and have cocktails delivered to your lounger. Or visit the award-winning spa for an ESPA treat (we recommend the One&Only Tiger Shell Treatment). The cherry on top? The awesome views of both city skyline and sea. Low-rise mansions and beachfront villas surround its private marina; the beach just steps away. ZEST, STAY and the overwater 101 Dining Lounge & Bar make up the three elegant dining options; the cuisine overseen by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno.
Reduced rates & added value Stay 5 nights and receive up to a 40% saving on accommodation, complimentary half board and one admission to Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm. Valid for travel 01 May - 30 Sep 16. Book by 31 Mar 16. Save up to £1920 per couple. Prices from £1685pp.
Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach Dusky pink low-rise buildings and a pristine natural beach await 20 minutes from downtown Dubai. On the sixth floor, a large glass zorb forms a focal point; views on one side overlook the Burj Khalifa and on the other, the Arabian Gulf. This is Mercury, a definite entry on any ‘world’s coolest rooftop
bars’ list – we’ll see you there for caviar on ice. Or a Mai Tai served in a baby bottle. Whilst this is Four Seasons Dubai’s coup de maître, the hotel continues to ooze understated glamour throughout with the indulgent Pearl Spa, fine dining Sea Fu bar and of course, top-notch service.
Reduced rates Stay 5 nights and receive a 20% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 09 Jan - 16 Mar & 04 Apr - 09 May 16. Save up to £540 per couple. Prices from £1680pp including breakfast.
Burj Al Arab Everyone knows this is the one built in the shape of a billowing sail set on a man-made island off Jumeirah Beach, the most iconic and instagrammed building in the city (and now as symbolic as Big Ben or the Sydney Opera House). Inside, you will find sybaritic pleasure at every turn. The Royal Suite has a revolving bed, there are gold-plated iPads in every duplex two-floor suite, a private reception on every floor and even gold leaf sprinkled on top of your cappuccino; this hotel has really pushed the boundaries, so the list goes on. Let us be clear: this is a magnificent hotel.
Reduced rates Stay 5 nights and receive up to a 30% reduction on accommodation and complimentary unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark. Valid for travel 11 Apr - 30 Sep 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to ÂŁ2960 per couple. Prices from ÂŁ3510pp including breakfast.
Lydia Gard Lydia Gard is a travel writer and regular contributor to Condé Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Tatler among others. She is the editor of Mr Fox, the weekly email newsletter for modern parents.
Pacific Islands
You can’t get much more exotic – or remote – than the islands of French Polynesia. Hailed as a honeymoon destination and immortalized in picture postcards of icing-sugar beaches fringed by thatched bungalows, the 1,000-or-so islands that make up five archipelagos have hugely varied terrain – from mountains and waterfalls to silent lagoons and dense jungles of wild mango. This is prime adventure territory: dive with the blue-banded triggerfish, swim or canoe at dawn whilst sea turtles turn your unplugged kids into budding ecologists; hike the hilly interiors or embark upon off-road adventures in a 4x4 along the rutted dirt tracks of the mountains. Bora Bora and Tahiti throw up Instagram sunsets at every turn; the South Pacific is as far removed from modern life as you can get, and all the more alluring for it.
Four Seasons Getaway Bora Bora
Close to Sunset Boulevard and the boutiques of Rodeo Drive, the Four Seasons is in prime position for your LA stay. Wine and dine at award-winning Culina and soak up the glamour of Beverly Hills. Go from city to oh-so-pristine beach at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. This is the South Pacific at its most breathtaking. There’s wow factor everywhere: from bungalows with jaw-dropping views of Mount Otemanu to a killer spa; the food sets the Four Seasons a notch above its neighbours. There’s a lovely light menu at Faré Hoa Beach Bar, delicious Asian cuisine, sushi and fresh fruit cocktails at Sunset Restaurant & Bar and amazing French-Polynesian fusion dishes at the utterly romantic Arii Moana.
Prices from Stay 10 nights at Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills; and at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora including breakfast. Valid for travel 22 Apr - 18 May, 02 Jun 18 Sep, 14 Oct - 04 Nov & 15 Nov - 20 Dec 16. Save up to £840 per couple. Prices from £5010pp.
Royal Davui Fiji
Honeymooners take note, this is one for those in search of an ultra-romantic getaway – this adult-only desert island getaway accommodates just a handful of guests with 16 exquisitely appointed Vales (Fijian word for home). It’s a laidback scene with an SOS Emergency Cocktail flag next to your sunbed. Snorkelling is a big deal here – the reef surrounding the island has been declared as ‘tabu’ (sacred); no fishing within a mile results in wonderful marine life waiting to be discovered. Venture to the outer reef on a jetski safari to discover hidden swimming holes. The evening is all about sunset cocktails and crab races before dinner.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 5 nights pay for 4 and receive FJD350 spa credit per suite. Valid for travel until 20 Dec 16. Book by 29 Feb 16. Save up to £790 per couple. Prices from £1690pp including full-board. Excludes flights. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of Fiji.
Liz Goodwin Product Co-ordinator Liz Goodwin has over 13 years’ experience specialising in luxury ski holidays. She has recently returned from exploring the slopes of Vail, Aspen and Snowmass – an unforgettable trip for an avid ski enthusiast.
North America Ski & Snow
For skiers in search of Champagne powder, expansive slopes and wild scenery, North America is more than worth the transatlantic flight. And for the 2015/16 season, the rumours of an El Niño winter (with the promise of plenty of snow) and the favourable Canadian Dollar exchange rate, there couldn’t be a better time to visit Whistler – celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Visitors to Stowe in Vermont this winter will be the first to enjoy enhanced services at the Spruce Peak ski area – including a new ice rink in the Spruce Plaza, alongside a children’s Adventure Centre with ski school and day care, new shops, restaurants and food markets. Make the most of American Airlines’ new non-stop flights from Chicago O’Hare to Aspen Airport to enjoy the superb world-class skiing of Aspen-Snowmass.
City & Slopes A brilliant twin centre trip is to combine New York with skiing in Vermont. First stop, the city that never sleeps with The RitzCarlton, Central Park as your base. Choose from the kaleidoscope of activities; from the dazzling lights of Broadway and the blues clubs of Harlem, to the eclectic boutiques of Greenwich Village and the modern art at the Guggenheim. In wonderful contrast to NYC is the natural playground of Vermont and Stowe Mountain Lodge. King of the hill for location, this is another ski-in, ski-out sensation. Its picture-postcard New England setting is dreamy and we love the rustic-meetscontemporary interiors, authentic food and sigh-worthy spa.
Complimentary night Stay 10 nights pay for 9 at The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park and at Stowe Mountain Lodge. Valid for travel until 14 Jan, 19 Jan - 11 Feb & 22 Feb - 30 Apr 16. Save up to ÂŁ200 per couple. Prices from ÂŁ2195pp including breakfast.
Viceroy Snowmass
Just minutes from downtown Aspen, the Viceroy Snowmass is the perfect ski-in, ski-out base from which to explore the Colorado Rocky Mountains. On the doorstep are thousands of snow-coated acres, courtesy of four majestic mountains: Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen and Aspen Highlands. This is a wintry wonderland for the outdoorsy type. And we love this eco-friendly hotel: the chic self-catering suites, the heated outdoor pool and the wonderful Ute Indian-inspired spa. The après ski scene is super-cool at slopeside Nest with its 100 vodkas and there’s wonderful mountain food and a wall of wine at Eight K.
Complimentary night Stay 7 nights pay for 6. Valid for travel until 05 Feb & 18 Feb – 04 Mar, 12 – 27 Mar & 03 - 09 Apr 16. Save up to £170 per couple. Prices from £1765pp.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler This is the best of the best, the leading luxury hotel in Whistler, something of a feat when you consider the calibre of the competition. Grand in scale, intimate in nature, this Four Seasons resort is almost impossible to fault. It has fluff factor in abundance: the rooms are like heavenly cocoons; the bathrooms are as lavish as they are enormous, and the awardwinning spa is worth crossing the Atlantic for alone. An après ski mention must go to Mallard Bar – try the delicious hot whiskey, and back at the resort, Sidecut serves the best steak in town.
Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 25% early booking reduction. Valid for travel until 22 Jan & 24 Jan 09 Apr 16. Book by 31 Jan 16. Save up to £250 per couple. Prices from £1780pp.
Arnie Wilson Arnie Wilson was the Financial Times Ski Correspondent for 15 years. In 1994, Arnie and Lucy Dicker entered the Guinness Book of Records by skiing every day for a year – visiting 240 resorts in 13 countries.
Europe Ski & Snow
The excitement of skiing is what helps many of us get through the cold winter months. But where to go in 2016? There can’t be many skiers who haven’t heard of Courchevel, gateway to the legendary Trois Vallées – the most amazing joined-up ski region in the world, with links to Les Menuires, Val Thorens and Méribel. You’d be hard pressed to decide between this and the linked Espace Killy resorts of Val d’Isère and Tignes. And yet… what about less well-known gems like Baqueira-Beret, which true skiing cognoscenti know is arguably not only Spain’s finest resort, but one which is every bit as good as better known classics such as the French resort of Megève or Italian Cervinia. And for a snow experience even more intriguing and equally impressive, visit the celebrated ICEHOTEL, standing 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle in Swedish Lapland.
Hôtel Le K2, Courchevel France
Having opened its super-swish doors in December 2011, Hôtel Le K2 is relatively new to the ski scene, but has instantly carved its name into Courchevel’s snowy slopes. A great location with ski-in, ski-out access to the Cospillot piste, it forms its own little hamlet. The main building houses 29 beautiful rooms and there are five gorgeous chalets in the grounds, the combination provides the perfect balance between ski residence and five star hotel. Highlights include a children’s area complete with racing car arcade games and an interactive dance floor, killer views from the Goji Spa by La Prairie and the intimate restaurant Kintessence, awarded its second Michelin star in 2014.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights pay for 6 and receive a complimentary room upgrade. Valid for travel 10 Jan - 09 Apr 16. Save up to £1070 per couple. Prices from £3340pp including half board. Excludes transfers.
Hotel Val de Neu, Baqueira-Beret Spain
Hidden away in the Spanish Pyrenees is the wonderful ski resort of Baqueira-Beret, a real gem in the northwestern-most corner of Catalonia. Here, one hotel stands out from the mountains: the only five star Grand Luxury offering, Hotel Val de Neu. Its location, just 50 yards from the recently opened ski lift is fabulous, and we like the contemporary rooms and sociable Spanish vibe. The spa is top-notch and ultra-comprehensive with heated pool, massage cabins, aromatherapy showers, Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, thermal circuit, Sisley treatments, an outdoor hot tub and the list goes on. What’s more there is a choice of three restaurants including La Fondue, guaranteed to put you in the mountain mood.
Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights pay for 6 and receive one entry to the thermal spa circuit, a room upgrade and late check-out. Valid for travel until 31 Mar 16. Save up to £200 per couple. Prices from £690pp. Excludes transfers.
ICEHOTEL
Sweden
A once-in-a-lifetime trip, the ICEHOTEL is back again for 2016, its 26th rendition. The construction period takes place between October and December every year, with artists chosen from hundreds of applications, to design a unique art suite. This year they are creating 19 individually themed and handcrafted suites including
‘Elephant in the Room’, featuring a three-metre tall African elephant overlooking the ice framed bed courtesy of ice artist AnnaSofia Mååg. There will also be ‘Hibernate’ by ICEHOTEL old-timers Viktor Tsarski and Wouter Biegelaar, and ‘Counting Sheep’ by Luca Roncoroni, among other artistic wonders. The hotel will melt again come spring, so book soon.
Prices from Stay 3 nights from £605pp including breakfast. Excludes transfers. Valid for travel until 12 Apr 16.
Fiona Greenhalgh Fiona Greenhalgh has an impressive 22 years’ experience within the travel industry. She has worked across Marketing, Sales and Product and, in 2010, Fiona joined Carrier as Head of Product and Commercial.
Cruise
I’m actually a bit of a newcomer when it comes to cruise, taking my first voyage only last year. And, I’m hooked. There is definitely something special about exploring different cities, countries and even continents from the water, being transported to faraway lands in impeccable style. The ever-changing scenery is the unassuming companion that makes each trip so memorable, and with fantastic on-shore excursions available, you can have the best both on land and at sea. All-inclusive translates as speciality restaurants and stylish cocktails, entertainment is live jazz and West End singers, and on-board activities come in the form of tennis courts, spa treatments and even golf. The organisation that goes into such impeccable service is mind-blowing, as is the standard of, well, everything. Foodies will adore the many dining experiences, from award-winning à la carte menus to authentic local dishes. This is the world of modern-day luxury cruising.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises® Embark on the intimate, 490 guest, Seven Seas Navigator® on a seven night roundtrip from Miami. Fine dining and complimentary Champagne in addition to a generous offering of amenities are present and correct as you cruise to Mexico, Belize and Honduras. But it’s the unlimited complimentary shore excursions that command attention. First port Cozumel (a mostly undeveloped island) boasts fantastic dive sites including Museo Subacuático de Arte’s submerged sculptures. Next, when anchored off Belize City, visit a selection of Mayan ruins and enjoy a Belize rum-tasting – unmissable. And there’s more: kayak over the Mayan Reef at Honduras’ Bay Islands, cycle through laid-back Key West or take a cooking class when in Miami.
Prices from 9 nights departing 08 Mar 16 from £3315pp including 2 nights at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach in Miami and 7 nights onboard Seven Seas Navigator® full board with complimentary shore excursions. Additional itineraries are available please contact our specialists for further details.
Silversea
Departing from Hong Kong and taking in two of Southeast Asia’s jewels – Vietnam and Thailand – this voyage allows travellers to lounge on the beaches of beautiful Ko Samui, explore the culturally rich and diverse towns of Hoi An, Nha Trang and Chan May and discover the gilded palaces of Bangkok, before concluding the trip in Singapore. Silver Shadow will provide the utmost comfort – and the service is excellent – specifically the butler service (this is the only cruise line to offer it in every suite).
Prices from 13 nights departing 18 Oct 16 from £4810pp including 2 nights at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong; 10 nights onboard Silver Shadow all-inclusive with complimentary shore excursions; and 1 night at Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. Additional itineraries are available, please contact our specialists for more details.
British Airways New look
With fresh new interiors and a state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system, British Airways has given extended life to their much-beloved Boeing 747s. Eighteen planes in total are being treated to the cabin makeover, with these revamped jumbos operating on selected flights including New York, Chicago, Dubai and Boston, with further routes to be added in the summer. The new cabin structure will hold 16 extra Club World seats, and Panasonic’s next generation eX3 system has been installed, with over 1,300 hours of entertainment on larger, high-resolution screens.
Route update
The sun-drenched Silicon Valley is to get a direct service from London Heathrow in May 2016 with non-stop flights to San Jose. This exciting new route puts the airline’s Californian city count to a fab four, alongside
daily flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego – ideal for exploring the Golden State. New short-haul additions include Cagliari, Madeira and Seville in Europe and, in the Caribbean, Turks & Caicos is now within easy reach thanks to a second weekly flight to Providenciales via Antigua.
Lounging about
British Airways lounges are second-to-none but the London and New York spaces have taken it up a notch due to their partnership with Elemis. This acclaimed British spa and skincare brand offers a complimentary 15 minute treatment to First and Club World travellers as well as Gold card members. You can also pre-book longer treatments.
Taste test
Your sense of taste changes when flying at 30,000 feet, so, after extensive research, British Airways has tweaked their food offerings so that it tastes even better in the air.
Virgin Atlantic Like a dream
The 787-9 Dreamliner first launched in 2014 and offers an incredible on-board experience. The Dreamliner is regarded as Virgin’s flagship aircraft; setting the benchmark for in-flight service and comfort, there’s more space, the mood lighting makes it easier to adjust to destination time zones and stave off jet-lag and WiFi is available throughout the flight. Upper Class now features a bar for an Aperol Spritz at altitude, and Premium Economy has a ‘wander wall’, where fliers can help themselves to snacks, drinks and newspapers. What’s more, at 21% more fuel efficient, it’s more environmentally friendly: a win/win situation.
Club news
Overlooking the Hollywood Hills, Virgin Atlantic’s new Los Angeles Clubhouse is the perfect place to relax before boarding your flight. Enjoy lasting views of the iconic Hollywood sign whilst sipping a signature cocktail, or try one of many delicious dishes from the travel inspired menu – courtesy of top LA restaurant, Hinoki & the Bird, one of LA’s most exciting and innovative restaurants. Located in Terminal 2, the £2.5 million creation has a décor inspired by the west coast landscape. The Hong Kong Clubhouse has also had a revamp, featuring a TV wall and sink-into armchairs.
Stay connected
Virgin Atlantic is in the process of rolling out WiFi across its whole fleet with a view to completion by the end of 2016.
A smooth ride
Take the hassle out of your journey and make the most of the complimentary Chauffeur-drive service from your front door when you fly First or Business Class.
Emirates Innovative flying
Emirates are one of the fastest growing airlines in the world and renowned for their innovative outlook and continuous evolution. The airline is currently the largest operator of the double-decker Airbus A380, and from January Emirates will have 10 daily A380 departures flying out from key UK airports. For First Class passengers, the A380s offer a state-of-the-art Shower Spa stocked with a selection of Bvlgari toiletries and signature Timeless Spa products. Once pampered, replenish your energy before you land with one of the detoxifying fresh juices.
The entertainer
Emirates’ in-flight entertainment system ‘ice’ is outstanding. Fliers can now choose from more than 2,000 channels of films, television shows, music and games. If that’s not enough, Emirates’ Wi-Fi in the sky service lets you connect to the internet whilst in flight. Ever the entertainer, Emirates’ dining experience is as finely tuned as its planes. Travellers can enjoy delicious regionally-inspired dishes using locally sourced ingredients: think wild Iranian caviar, braised beef in coconut milk and aubergine lasagne. In First Class, enjoy little extras such as high tea and canapés.
Get away
Time together is precious. Our curated selection of family holidays provides the perfect starting point to explore some of the finest experiences designed with families in mind. What your family needs from their holiday is personal, decided by the way you spend time together. We can create a tailored trip to suit the whole tribe, for children of all ages. Peak school holiday dates, the best flight times and interconnecting rooms are in high demand, so visit our website now and allow us to provide the inspiration for your next family getaway.
www.carrier.co.uk/ family
Testimonial: Sasha Slater - Th
e Telegraph, Saturday Ma
gazine We took a trip with Carrier last spring and absolutely loved every minute. We were beautifully looked after and coss eted. We travelled as a family and this is where Carrier came into its own as the children were looked after so car eful ly. Their enjoyment was at the heart of the experience and – as all parents kno w – the more fun your children are having, the more you get out of a holiday you rself too.
Ideas & Inspiration Visit our award-winning website www.carrier.co.uk/edit for more information, personal reviews, the latest luxury travel news, additional offers and further inspiration on where to travel in the coming year.
Introduced into our 2016/17 collections:
China | Duoro Valley | Finland | Lanzarote | La Thuile | Mozambique | Seattle | Spanish Pyrenees | The Hamptons | Vermont Plus:
Private Villas in the Caribbean and Europe | River Cruising
Our full portfolio of 2016/17 brochures: Africa Caribbean, Bermuda & Mexico Indian Subcontinent, Far East & Australasia USA, Canada & Mexico Europe & North Africa Indian Ocean & Arabia Luxury Ski & Snow www.carrier.co.uk
Follow us @carrierholidays
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.