With a passion for travel in every staff member, our teams often travel extensively to gather insider knowledge and first-hand experience of some of the worlds most luxurious destinations. We've complied a list of some of our favourite travel highlights...
Turkish Delights
Rachel Gainer, Luxury Travel Specialist
"Whilst in Istanbul we visited the Blue Mosque, The Bazaars and climbed on the rooftops to see where the James Bond film 'Skyfall' was filmed the views over Istanbul were breath-taking. Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul is contemporary in design, with excellent dining facilities, attentive staff and stunning views over the Bosphorus. I then flew with Turkish Airlines to Bodrum for the final leg of my trip, staying at Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum a stunning hotel with views over the Aegean Sea, two private beaches, excellent spa facilities and one of the best rooms I have ever stayed in. On my last day I went on a private boat trip for the afternoon, with a tour guide, to learn about the history of the area, which was amazing. The scenery and little coves where you could moor up and swim were incredible. During my stay I dined in both hotels, which have award-winning restaurants. Overall, it was an amazing experience, from the hustle and bustle of a busy city steeped in history, to Bodrum's amazing weather and seafront location, both destinations have captured my heart."
Spa Vitality Pool at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum
Lake Como Chic
Vicky Arrowsmith, Luxury Travel Specialist
Suite Greta Terrace
"This was my first time travelling to see the stunning Lake Como and surrounding mountains. I stayed for
two nights at Grand Hotel Tremezzo which sits right on the lakeside of Lake Como. It's such a beautiful building, it has always been a hotel, so it has a very warm, romantic and boutique feel. The staff were also incredibly attentive, friendly and warm, all at the same time. The whole area surrounding the hotel is so chic, from the stylish private beach club to the famous floating swimming pool, it's the perfect place to sit and drink an Aperol spritz whilst watching the world go by. We even caught a glimpse of a luxury fashion shoot which was taking place while we were there! On one of the days, we took a boat ride out to see one of the latest openings in the region, Passalacqua, a historic private villa, now transformed into a gorgeous five-star hotel right on the shores of Lake Como. We also visited the village of Bellagio, known for its cobbled lanes, elegant buildings, and 18th-century terraced garden with superb lake views, making it the perfect place for a relaxing stroll or a laid-back lunch. My trip concluded with a stay at Villa d'Este. Arriving by boat, this is another wonderfully historic building, set within its own grounds. Decorated in an older Italian style, this property felt absolutely iconic! Dinner at Veranda restaurant was a truly grand affair, with six exquisite courses making it a very unique experience!"
Return to the Seas
Lyndsey Berry, Luxury Travel Specialist
"I was thrilled when I received an invitation to sail aboard the brand-new Silversea ship, Silver Dawn. We cruised
from Lisbon down to Portimao, where we were docked for two days. Whilst in Portimao, we were fortunate to visit Vila Vita Parc and enjoyed a delicious lunch at Atlantico. Not only did we enjoy amazing food on board, we had the opportunity to take part in a culinary experience in the S.A.L.T lab on the ship, where we made a traditional Portuguese soup and pork sandwich."
Delicious Dining
Italian Inspiration
Francesca Hoyes, Luxury Travel Specialist
Francesca and Debra in Italy
"On our first evening onboard Voyager, with Regent Seven Seas Cruises®, we dined at Prime 7 which was a highlight for me. I went for the surf & turf which had been highly recommended, and I was not disappointed! Next, we travelled from Civitavecchia Port in Rometo Corsica, where I took part in one of the included excursions, which showcased the highlights of Ajaccio, before heading back to Rome to board the ship. Here I disembarked for a whistle stop tour of this historic city, visiting the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps - I even sampled some authentic gelato which was amazing. Finally, I visited Villa Spalletti Trivelli which is a stunning luxury home, now transformed into a hotel. I dined on a wonderful lunch, sampling sumptuous homemade wine and delicious fresh pasta."
Tuscan Treasures
Rebecca Turner, Head of Product
"Just a 90-minute drive from Pisa, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, lies just 15 mins outside the city of Florence. The resort is beautifully perched on the hillside, within stunning gardens overlooking the whole city of Florence. The historical main building was converted from a former monastery, and has so much character and history, including its own fresco of The Last Supper. It's definitely a place to enjoy the city but away from the crowds. Next, we went to Tuscany, which is possibly one of the most beautiful places I've even seen. At Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, traditional buildings surrounded a courtyard filled with lemon and orange trees, alongside rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, as well as the best pizza I've ever eaten! We even experienced a cooking course with the resident chef, where we made our own Gnocchi, Tagliatelle and Ravioli."
Villa San Michele
Charming Corfu
Karen Ashton, Luxury Travel Specialist
Promenade and Piazza
"At Grecotel Corfu Imperial it's all about location! The hotel is set on a peninsula, giving all rooms in the main building a beautiful sea view. The accommodation has a light and airy feel, which perfectly frames the turquoise ocean. The new villas, which are set back from the sea, are a great addition to the property, offering families a great location as well as having the privacy of their own pool. For adults wanting to be away from the children, the resort has a separate adult-only pool which is a nice feature, whilst the beach area is gorgeous with a calm waters edge, safe for swimming. During my visit I was lucky enough to experience a boat ride around the peninsula, which was incredible - I would recommend it to anyone.
Corfu town is only a 15-minute journey away - it's a truly beautiful place to visit, which reminded me very much of Venice, thanks to the architectural prowess brought over by The Venetians who resided here from 1386 to
1797."
Venetian Retreat
Kate Evans, Luxury Travel Specialis
"I spent two wonderful nights at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, a fantastic resort set on its own private island. Due to this unique location, the only way to arrive is by complimentary shuttle boat! On our first night we had a fantastic evening at our very own Italian Cookery course, where we learnt how to make, and eat, pasta. At JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, the dining options for guests are plentiful, with the jewel in the crown being the gourmet restaurant Fiola at Dopolavoro Venezia by Michelin Star Chef Fabio Trabocchi. This incredible eatery even has its own boat dock, for diners who are not staying at the resort. The resort also features the largest spa in Venice, with an outdoor pool overlooking the lagoon. During our stay we took the short boat trip across the lagoon to Venice for a private tour of the city. It's an amazing place to explore, full of history, tradition and culture, where visitors can venture off the well-beaten track, to explore the backstreets and canals, for it's here that many of Venice's most rewarding, lesser-known treasures lie. For guests who have time, I would recommend taking a trip to Murano Island, to see where all the iconic glass work, found throughout Venice, is made."
Sapori Cooking Academy