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Paul Johnson
Editor of A Luxury Travel Blog - www.aluxurytravelblog.com
5 of the best boutique hotels in Colombia and Panama - A Luxury Travel BlogAfter many years of being known as one of the most dangerous countries in the world due to their Narcos and extremist groups, Colombia is now coming out the other side and becoming one of the hottest up and coming travel destinations. I recently spent a month in Colombia and Panama and found these countries …
3Top 5 luxury ecolodges in Central America - A Luxury Travel BlogVisitors to the rainforest are faced with a conundrum – how to see the rainforest without damaging its delicate ecosystem? More and more, you can choose form an array of hotels that recognize that have found a way to provide luxurious accommodations while minimizing their carbon footprint. You’ll notice these hotels usually have a few …
44 hard-to-reach destinations that are worth the trek - A Luxury Travel BlogSome corners of the world defy human interference. These remote locations aren’t easy to reach, but they are well worth the extra effort. To get to the spots on this list you have to take a plane, a boat, or a ride in an all-terrain vehicle down a rough road. These are sights that will …
35 Andean markets that will take you back in time - A Luxury Travel BlogIf you want a souvenir of your trip to the Andes, don’t settle for a last-minute purchase at the duty-free shop. Ever since the Spanish imposed their city-planning styles on Andean communities, the central square has served as a gathering place where people can peddle their wares and catch up with their neighbors. Marketplaces in …
3The 5 coolest places you've probably never heard of - A Luxury Travel BlogAs the world becomes increasingly interconnected and international travel all the more common, it can be hard to find new destinations that aren’t totally packed with tourists. If you’re a seasoned traveler, visiting mainstream destinations can be dull and unsatisfying. Big crowds, jaded locals, and overpriced hotels are what you often find in a country’s …
45 surprisingly sumptuous hotels in Guatemala - A Luxury Travel BlogBetween Mayan chocolate and volcanic hot springs, ancient ruins and textile markets, Guatemala has a little something for everyone. But no matter what your itinerary is like on your trip to this friendly Central American country, you’re going to need a place to lay your head. Guatemala may not be well known as a vacation …
24 ways to get your adrenaline-fuelled fix in Central America - A Luxury Travel BlogCosta Rica is known for its glorious coastlines, romantic beauty spots, sloths and much more but it is also a fabulous place to visit for the adrenalin junkies out there who want non-stop, heart-racing adventure from a holiday, with a selfie to prove it. Here are some suggestions for living on the edge when coming …
36 of the best Central American journeys - A Luxury Travel BlogFor those considering Central America for the first time, we offer a handy guide to six of the best Central American journeys. Discover the rainforest canopies of Costa Rica, snow-white beaches of Belize, old colonial towns of Guatemala and much more. Guatemala A breathtakingly beautiful country that is fast becoming one of the most sought-after destinations …
6Top 10 luxury country breaks in Central America - A Luxury Travel BlogIn Central America there are so many luxuries awaiting your discovery. Here we’ve selected 10 of the best remote luxury escapes to be found across the region, from a boutique hotel in Costa Rica – possibly all too often overlooked by luxury travellers as a budget destination – to a world class resort in Belize, …
5Wake up on your own private island in an almost untouched part of the world - A Luxury Travel BlogWake up to a spectacular sunrise on your own private island. Struggle with the difficult decision of choosing between room service or a walk through a piece of paradise to take you to your tropical breakfast feast. Feel the white sand between your toes as you make your way by the coconut trees that line …
1Top 6 wildlife experiences in Central America - A Luxury Travel BlogCosta Rica has a well-deserved reputation as a dream wildlife-watching destination. A quarter of the country is protected land (national park or reserve) and these wildernesses shelter many endangered or threatened animal and bird species, including the rare resplendent quetzal. It’s not the only country in Central America for wildlife encounters. Whale enthusiasts should head …
47 amazing sights to see in Central America - A Luxury Travel BlogDespite Mexico’s soaring popularity as a holiday destination, the rest of Central America seems to have fallen by the wayside. Years of turmoil may have put visitors off, but there are so many sites to see from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific Ring of Fire that have gone unnoticed. Here are 7 places to …
5Central America's luxury trio: Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama - A Luxury Travel BlogWhile Costa Rica has been a well-known tourist destination for more than a decade, its neighboring countries Nicaragua and Panama are still a mystery for most luxury travelers. All the better for those who do make their way to the under-the-radar luxury resorts that are now cropping up throughout southern Central America. Want to dive …
3Top 5 luxury skiing destinations - A Luxury Travel BlogNow summer’s gone we’re looking for holidays which make winter seem a little bit brighter. There’s nothing more exhilarating and luxurious than a skiing holiday, surrounded by snowy mountaintops and roaring log fires; seasoned skiers and complete amateurs can soak up the indulgent atmosphere of our five chosen luxury skiing destinations. Canada Whistler in Canada …
55 of Asia's best yoga and meditation retreats - A Luxury Travel BlogAlways wanted to go on a yoga and meditation retreat but just didn’t know where to go? Here are some of my favourite resorts that not only offer a serene and tranquil environment but are located in some of Asia’s most exotic destinations. From the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Angkor Wat in Cambodia and …
6Namaste from Nepal! #SilkTrail2013 - A Luxury Travel BlogI landed in Kathmandu this morning to join leg 8 of the Land Rover Silk Trail 2013 expedition. The expedition commenced on 23rd August 2013 from Land Rover’s base in Solihull, Birmingham and will finish – all being well – on 15th October 2013 in Mumbai, home of Tata Motors Ltd. which acquired Land Rover …
1The 4 best tour guides in the world? - A Luxury Travel BlogWanderlust magazine, the bible for independent-minded travellers, has announced the four winners in its annual World Guide Awards, which honour the very best tour leaders from across the globe. In a ceremony at London’s Royal Geographical Society, Italian Luca Alfatti from Dragoman, Burmese Nyi Nyi ‘Frankie’ Naing who guides for Panoramic Journeys, G Adventures guide …
16 of the best adventure destinations - A Luxury Travel BlogAdventure holidays no longer have to be the exclusive domain of the intrepid, young, single traveller, ready to rough it in the world’s most remote places. Many couples and families like a bit of an adrenaline rush too. Here are just some ideas for those who would like to inject a spot of action into …
69 adrenaline thrills for the daredevil in you - A Luxury Travel BlogSeeking out danger is not everyone’s idea of a luxury vacation yet for many a week or two of bliss in a lovely hotel is prime time for a thrill or three, if only just to reaffirm just how much you enjoy the feel of a marble floor beneath your feet and a finely made …
7Nepal: a new perspective - A Luxury Travel BlogNo bigger than England with a small slice of Wales, Nepal is home to eight of the highest peaks in the world. Looking out across Nepal Himalaya, it is hard to believe that anything could stand so high in the sky and still have its feet on the ground. But you needn’t don crampons and …
110 of the loveliest experiences to have in Nepal - A Luxury Travel BlogNepal is best known for trekking and a lot of hard physical work! However there also many non-physically exhausting wonderful experiences that Nepal has to offer. Here are my top ten: 1. Dinner at Krishna Dwarikas Kathmandu Dwarika’s Krishna is most likely the best restaurant in Kathmandu and possibly in Nepal. It is the place …
3The 5 best luxury resorts in Brazil - A Luxury Travel BlogWith a huge coastline and plenty of gorgeous beaches, we should expect beautiful and charming accommodations in Brazil. In fact you will find luxury resorts and hotels all over the the country, especially on the beaches. More than 45 famous hotels brand stamp their names on the best resorts and V.I.P. hotels. Selecting one may …
1To Infiniti and beyond: living the luxury lifestyle in Lisbon - A Luxury Travel BlogAs one of the best city destinations in Europe for combining a city and beach experience, Lisbon enjoys an excellent, almost year-round climate with warm winds continuing to blow across from the Sahara until well into November. And it was during this month that I was invited to a luxury weekend with Infiniti, to test …
2Discover Alentejo: The Garden of Portugal - A Luxury Travel BlogCovering around a third of Portugal, Alentejo offers a smooth transition from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon through to the glorious holiday resorts of the Algarve in the South. Affectionately labelled the 'Garden of Portugal', Alentejo is a diverse landscape of wildflower meadows, verdant vineyards and dense cork forests.
1Alentejo: Portugal's cork country - A Luxury Travel BlogThe Alentejo is a mystical place of gliding plains, sudden mountains, and the largest cork forests in the world. With open horizons, the rhythm of life follows the rhythm of regional songs. More than half of the world’s total cork supply is produced on this very land. To many of those who have not visited …
15 things to do in Lisbon, Portugal - A Luxury Travel BlogA city of trams, tiles and iron funiculars, Lisbon remains a glorious European gem. It is one of the world’s oldest (and coincidentally friendliest) cities and has the honour of being the oldest capital in Western Europe. And this sense of history is ever-present. Positively buzzing and regularly drenched in sunlight, there is much to …
15 reasons why you should go to Portugal right now - A Luxury Travel BlogSomething's up in Portugal. Despite a stellar history and a heritage that saw the nation become the great seafaring pioneers of the Age of Discovery in the 1500s, this small country on the geographic (and, dare we say, metaphorical) margins of Western Europe has of late been happier flying under the radar.
15 stylish reasons to visit Portugal - A Luxury Travel BlogThe past few years A-listers (think David Beckham, Ronan Keating, Pamela Anderson…) have been flying to this tiny country to go under the radar and it is all very hush-hush. So until now, the 300 days of sunshine a year are reserved exclusively for those in the know. Portugal, unbeknownst to most is a glamorous …
18 reasons why you really need to visit Cascais in Portugal - A Luxury Travel BlogPortugal’s Cascais region is gaining a reputation as one of country’s best areas to visit. It is a place of wild coastlines, natural beauty, history, and Portugal’s famous cuisine and hospitality. And here are eight reasons why Cascais is becoming Portugal’s best region to visit: 1. It’s easy to get to Hugging mainland Europe’s most …
1The ultimate luxury in Portugal - A Luxury Travel BlogPortugal’s Algarve is home to some of the most enchanting, dramatic coastlines to be found in Europe, not to mention the superb golf courses, delicious food and charming towns. The Portuguese are especially hospitable people, which makes a trip there even more enjoyable. Add to this the fact that the Algarve boasts some incredible, spectacular …
15 must-see places in Porto, Portugal - A Luxury Travel BlogA symbol of Portugal’s illustrious wine making heritage and a captivating swirl of medieval, Baroque and 19th century grandeur, Porto makes her stately home at the end of the mighty Douro River. An ancient city birthed from a confluence of Celtic and Roman cultures, Porto abounds with alluring charms, from the historic Port lodges of …
1Portugal's best kept secret - A Luxury Travel BlogWhat are the two most popular spots in Portugal for foreign travelers? If you guessed Porto and Lisbon, you’re right! Traveling between them along the sparkling Iberian coast is certainly a delightful journey. But for those who are bit more adventurous and who want to explore beyond the tourist crowds, it’s best to venture further …
1Short stay: Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, Westminster, London, UK - A Luxury Travel BlogTucked away towards the rear of St. James’ Court, a Taj hotel, and only a short distance from Buckingham Palace, is the exclusive, five-star Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences. This luxurious, all-suite hotel was built at the turn of the 20th century and today consists of 86 luxury suites, ranging from one to …
213 of the best national parks to visit in May - A Luxury Travel BlogMay is a wonderful time of year to get out and explore the countryside. The weather is getting sunnier (for much of the northern hemisphere, at least) and yet most places are not yet overrun by tourism. With many families staying at home (whilst school and university examinations are in full swing), it’s a great …
8Getting lost to find Venice - A Luxury Travel BlogThe only way to immerse oneself into the true medieval atmosphere of Venice is to get totally lost amidst the labyrinth of canals and narrow alleys. And what a surprise to find so many beautiful places without a soul in sight. Just turn a corner into any narrow, lonely alley which will either reach a …
2Luxury travel Las Vegas style - A Luxury Travel BlogThey say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. And though this gambling capital of the world is known as “Sin City”, there are actually countless luxury and family experiences to be had. Between the countless breathtaking show options, gorgeous resorts, and pools, plus restaurants and local attractions, there is more than one way to …
2Short stay: Slaley Hall, Slaley, Hexham, Northumberland, UK - A Luxury Travel BlogSlaley Hall is a large hotel set in a 1,000 acre Northumberland estate, between Consett and Hexham, and part of the QHotels chain. This elegant Edwardian mansion enjoys a winding approach that gives a feeling of grandeur before you even reach the main building. Enjoying a rural location surrounded by moorland and forest, the hotel …
37 alternative experiences on 7 exclusive Greek islands - A Luxury Travel BlogWhen vacationers think of Greece, the 3 “S’s” pop up in their heads: sea, sun and sand. Those are the top 3 reasons Greece is so appealing to all those who want to relax in the country where hospitality is a necessity and gastronomy is unbeatable. However, are those 3 “S’s” enough though? Can a …
1Paros Island is Greece’s new hot destination - A Luxury Travel BlogParos Island is part of the Cyclades complex in the Aegean Sea, standing out for its long blonde sandy beaches, the local cuisine and the strong winds, which invite surfers from all over the world. The islandcites the heart of the Cycladic Islands, with serene landscapes, fertile valleys and rolling hills dotted with small churches …
1On safari in 9 private houses: the perfect family trip - A Luxury Travel BlogMy own childhood memories of going on safari determined the entire arc of my adult life. In some way, those delicious safari feelings, smells and sights are the treasures that I have been chasing, ever since I came home from the Kruger Park for the first time. It wasn’t until I had my own children …
6Top 5 wilderness and splendid isolation holidays - A Luxury Travel BlogIt’s not that you’re not sociable, you just want to get away from it all. Us too. For those off-the-grid moments that we all crave, here’s our pick of the five best remote places for when silence is golden. Clayoquot Wilderness Resort, British Colombia, Canada An intimate retreat in the picture-postcard backwaters of Clayoquot Sound in …
5Summer in the Alps - A Luxury Travel BlogSummer is on the horizon. As we near the end of another cold winter, those longer days that renew your soul are just around the corner. As winter awakens into spring and summer, the Alps are transformed from a fairytale winter wonderland into a riot of colour and a myriad of wild flowers dancing in …
3Take your honeymoon to the secluded shores of the Galapagos - A Luxury Travel BlogAfter months of preparation and organizing with family, friends and planners, take your first few weeks of marriage to a place where you can truly begin your new adventure together – an archipelago of not only stunning beauty, but also unworldly diversity, where everything from the sand that borders the crystalline waters to the beaks …
2Edinburgh: a city that thrives in winter - A Luxury Travel BlogAs records prove, Edinburgh is not a warm city. Not even the most ardent festival fanatic will claim that the weather, as well as the laughs, are incredible in August. So don’t deny or ignore the cold – embrace it. Because Edinburgh is built for it, Edinburgh thrives in winter: It’s built for short days …
2Top 5 luxury ranches in North America - A Luxury Travel BlogThat is quite a bold claim and of course, it is subjective, but I think these are the best. They vary in size and facilities but they all offer exemplary service, excellent food, good riding and the wonderful chance to be the cowboy of one’s childhood dreams. A ranch holiday is a wonderful thing as …
1Winter in Provence - A Luxury Travel BlogWhen you think of Provence you might well think of warm, sunny days, lavender fields and cold glasses of Rose. With only a couple of weeks until November and the real onset of Winter here in Provence, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to dispel the myth that the only really good time to visit …
1First time in Bali? Which area should I stay? - A Luxury Travel BlogBali, the number one holiday destination for 2017 (according to TripAdvisor), is attracting tourists from all over the world. And a question often asked: which area in Bali should I stay? Bali is a large island with many different towns and villages, each with different characteristics and offering something different. And the island has grown …
1Top 6 luxury lodgings around Lake Tahoe - A Luxury Travel BlogLake Tahoe is one of my favourite places on the planet. And I’m not alone. Mark Twain author of Huckleberry Finn – wrote this about that view: “…at last the Lake burst upon us—a noble sheet of blue water lifted six thousand three hundred feet above the level of the sea… As it lay there …
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