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September 14 2022
It’s that time of year again, when we look ahead to how the travel landscape is shaping up for the coming year. 2022 has been the year for much-needed getaways and we are looking forward to 2023 continuing in the same way, if not better! Here are some travel experiences to inspire you for the months ahead.
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Published: September 14 2022
We are as committed as ever to planning as many lovely trips as possible for our clients – flexibility and security is paramount. One thing is certain – we know that there are still so many missed travel opportunities that will need to be made up for in the coming months and years.
Booking with an independent agent like us really has its benefits in offering tailored guidance every step of the way. Here are some unforgettable experiences which are ranking highly on our travel wish lists.
Mallorca is a fabulous year-round destination, with an abundance of culture to explore, an impressive foodie scene and of course beautiful beaches. Take a trip to this beautiful hidden gem of a hotel – Can Bordoy Grand House & Garden – which is located in the heart of historic Palma, just a stone’s throw from the city’s major shopping, gastronomic and cultural attractions. With 24 exquisite suites, it has recently topped Condé Nast Johansen’s chart as the Most Romantic Hotel in the World in 2021. Suites from £245 per night.
Private homes and villas have become even more desirable since the arrival of the pandemic, whether a cosy seaside retreat or a beautiful villa for groups to enjoy safely together. We are partnered with fabulous suppliers around the world and we can source the perfect home from home for you in which to relax and unwind either with family or friends. Catering can be organised for you through our concierge service so you can arrive to a full fridge, and a private chef at your disposal if you wish. We are working with the most flexible terms possible with our suppliers so you can book with confidence knowing that we can amend your dates during these uncertain times.
Currently known as Project Sama, with its actual name to be revealed at a later date, this is one for the bucket list as the megayacht will officially launch in 2025. The 183-metre vessel will feature 50 spacious suites, each with private balcony, and while its itineraries have yet to be announced, the brand said it will “bring the cherished spirit of Amān to the world’s seas and oceans”. In addition to the 50 suites, the vessel will be home to an informal all-day restaurant, plus international dining options, along with a lounge, spacious Amān Spa with Japanese garden, two helipads and the expansive Beach Club, which will offer guests direct access to the water at the stern of the yacht.
The wonderful One&Only group is planning to open its second property in Greece, and third overall in Europe, outside of Athens this year. One&Only Aesthesis will be on a 21-hectare beachfront estate, within a forest reserve in Glyfada, a suburb just south of Athens. This exclusive beachfront location, just outside the city centre, makes it a great spot to begin, or end, any Greek adventure. As with all One&Only properties, the resort will offer plenty of activities for families with children, while also preserving space for adults only. One&Only Aesthesis will also be home to Chenot Spa and for additional pampering, guests can head to Lake Vouliagmeni, a “rare geological phenomenon”, offering a thermal spa experience with natural healing properties. There will be 127 rooms, suites and villas and the majority of accommodation will be secluded villas with private pools, with options for both families and couples. We can’t wait!
Giraffe Manor is an exclusive boutique hotel, set in private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi. One of the most fascinating (and Instagrammable!) things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary. The Retreat at Giraffe Manor is a brand new addition, providing wellness experiences in a space designed in harmony with the main Manor. Indulge in a spa treatment, relax by the 21-metre infinity pool overlooking the sanctuary where the Rothschild’s giraffes make their home and enjoy leisurely al fresco lunches at Daisy’s restaurant. Giraffe Manor can be booked as a standalone trip, or as part of a complete tailor-made Kenyan safari.
Tucked away in the microcosm between Cancun and Riviera Maya lies the fabulous eco-conscious Riviera resort of Rosewood Mayakoba with its own mile-long stretch of powdery white sand beach.The epitome of barefoot luxe living, this is a wild place where foliage outnumbers buildings – the secluded 129 stylish suites and collection of private residences are built around natural lagoons and hide among the greenery. The Rosewood Explorers Club offers captivating activities such as eco-boat tours, scavenger hunts and cooking classes which focus on engaging children in the rich heritage of the Mexican Riviera and its immediate surrounds. Keen golfers can enjoy Greg Norman’s El Camaleón championship course next door, whilst those seeking to give a little something back can visit the nearby school for the employees’ children and local youth. Prices from £3,415 per person based on flights, 7 nights’ accommodation with breakfast and private transfers.
A trip to Lapland in the winter is always a popular choice with our clients and their families, and it is an undeniably magical experience. Stay in true Lappish luxury with an equally impressive itinerary of activities at your door including cross-country, snowmobiling through the forests, husky and reindeer safaris, and of course meeting Santa! There are also adult-only safaris which offer plenty of adventures in this magical wilderness. Contact us for more information about tailoring an itinerary!
8. Weekend in Paris
We’ve been dreaming of jumping on the Eurostar to Paris, and we know just the place to stay! The wonderful La Fiermontina Vendôme is a unique 2 bedroom residence, located in the middle of the city’s most exclusive and historical square, Place Vendôme. The interiors of this apartment are exquisite including Versailles flooring and gold leaf décor, along with a collection of rare artistic pieces belonging to the owner’s family, including amongst others pieces by Modigliani and Francis Bacon. Guests are treated to VIP services during their stay which include Meet & Greet airport transfers, breakfast prepared by a personal chef, daily fresh flowers and an unpacking/packing service. Furthermore, the wonderful Concierge team is at your disposal to organise memorable experiences such as a helicopter flight over Versailles and a private tour of the castle, a cooking lesson at the neighbouring Ritz Hotel on Place Vendôme, or a private boat tour of Paris along the River Seine.
Make the most of the upcoming spring holiday at the exquisite Vakkaru Maldives with plenty of reasons to celebrate Easter. Enjoy up to 25% savings on accommodation and a complimentary upgrade to Half Board.
Located within the historic Akrotiri village on the island of Zakynthos (Zante), surrounded by rolling countryside on the eastern coast, the new Lesante Cape Resort & Villas opens its doors on 28th May with 55 suites and 10 one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. This village-style resort is great for family holidays and offers unique access to a private beach, Spa, a dedicated Agora with artisanal shops and a taverna. Foodies will get a true taste of traditional fare at the three main restaurants headed by Greek culinary marvel Aggelos Bakopoulos using local produce, some from the on-site Bio farm. Activities include mountain hiking and marine park exploration to live music evenings, wine-tastings, farm-to-fork cookery lessons and bespoke workshops with local artisans.
Surrounded by lush gardens on the eastern crescent of Palm Jumeirah sits the luxurious 5-star Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Inspired by traditional Thai architecture and uniquely designed with contemporary Asian flair, this beachside resort boasts 293 luxurious rooms and villas overlooking the resort’s lagoon pools, including Beach Pool Villas with private infinity pools and Over Water Villas with glass floors that give direct views of the ocean below. Experience an exciting world of flavours that range from Pan-Asian delicacies to international dishes, including Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese, relaxed Mediterranean cuisine at The Beach House, live cooking stations at Crescendo and healthy dishes at Revo Café. Up to 40% savings - prices from £1,295 per person based on two people sharing a Double Standard Room on a bed & breakfast basis, including private transfers and economy flights with Emirates. Book by 28th February 2022 for stays up to 10th January 2023.
The borders are now open for UK travellers into France, and this is great news for anyone wanting to bag themselves a visit to the slopes over the next few months! We can advise on all the latest availability, whether you’re looking for a private catered chalet, or a ski in ski out hotel. Contact us for all the latest updates - 020 8935 5779.
Romantic boltholes for the ultimate weekend escape are a Wilderness Reserve speciality. This special Valentine’s package starts with a 35 minute panoramic helicopter flight from Battersea out of central London to Wilderness Reserve in this idyllic corner of Suffolk. Your weekend in your own secluded hideaway will be filled with spa treatments, outdoor activities, an intimate fire feast dining experience, dinner at one of Suffolk’s best Pubs, wild swimming (for the brave), a visit to the seaside at Southwold and use of your very own beautiful Morris Minor Traveller during your stay. Price: £5,999 per couple for a 4 night stay
Designed by award winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, Leobo is the ultimate in private luxury, set in a private 23,000 acre game reserve within the stunning and malaria-free Waterberg Mountains of Northern South Africa. Always booked exclusively, the house sleeps up to six adults and four children, and there are nine guest chalets on the reserve that can be utilised for larger groups or private staff. Activities include hippo camping, quad biking, horse riding, bass fishing, target shooting, helicopter paint-balling, and phenomenal astronomy from the research grade observatory dome. A great post-safari hang-out for all the family!
Canada is open to vaccinated travellers this ski season and if you’re a Whistler fan, this one is for you! Escape to The Brew Creek Centre, a unique 20-acre secluded property surrounded by coastal forests where guests can walk from their room to the helicopter to access world-class skiing, with Whistler Village just 15 minutes away by car. This all-inclusive lodge based heli-ski experience in the heart of British Columbia’s Sea to Sky region gives guests the opportunity to explore 247,000 acres of alpine and treeline terrain - ski through the dramatic Tantalus range, the southern reaches of Sky Pilot Mountain or to the remote Ashlu Range. Available activities include: guided skiing on Whistler Blackcomb, ski or split board touring, nordic skiing, a day at the spa, local cultural experiences, snowmobiling, ice skating, bungee jumping, dog sledding, zip lines, art galleries and more - it really is endless.
Stay at the stunning Palazzo Avino on Italy’s famed Amalfi Coast and surprise a loved one with the special ‘Sea of Love’ dining experience, perfect for that unforgettable proposal, anniversary or special birthday. The stunning five-star deluxe hotel perched some 1,000ft above sea level was once a 12th century private villa for an Italian noble family and opened as a hotel in 1997 - Palazzo Avino has been rated as one of the world’s finest hotels and boasts one-star Michelin dining. This sunset experience is set on the rooftop of the hotel with sweeping views across the Amalfi coastline - Head Chef Giovanni Vanacore takes guests on a culinary journey as he prepares an exquisite Italian meal tailored whilst the Head Sommelier pairs each dish with local wines from the region. It’s a family run hotel which means spellbinding service but it’s understated and quite possibly one of the most romantic spots on earth!
Certainly one of the most prestigious events in the motor racing calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix offers the ultimate in glamour and opulence, with a magnificent seafront setting on top! Prices from £2,815 per person (also includes economy flights from London Heathrow, private airport transfers and 3 nights’ hotel accommodation).
Board the newest hi-tech vessel in Quark’s fleet, Ultramarine, on the ultimate South American adventure. Retrace Charles Darwin’s epic voyage to the ‘edge of the world’ on the Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine expedition, a comprehensive journey into Chile’s spectacular network of fjords and channels. Helicopter flight-seeing and Zodiac cruises along this enchanting stretch of coastline provide awe-inspiring perspectives of some of the most remote and picturesque landscapes on Earth. From Magellanic penguin colonies and other seabirds to South American sea lions and southern elephant seals, the fascinating array of wildlife is as abundant as the majestic blue-toned tidewater glaciers. Contact us for information on plenty more adventure cruise destinations.
After New York, Chicago is America’s most vital cultural capital and is a hard-to-beat choice for a scintillating city break. Fabulous restaurants like three-Michelin-star Alinea, memorable museums like the Art Institute of Chicago, parades of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, and a jazz, blues and music scene that’s second to none are all just a few of the Windy City’s highlights. We recommend staying at the Viceroy Chicago, a swanky mix of vintage and contemporary in Chicago’s ritzy Gold Coast neighbourhood, just a couple of blocks from Oak Street Beach. Devereaux, the rooftop lounge on the 18th floor, is the place to relax when not out exploring, serving cocktails and light bites with wonderful skyline views. The roof is also the setting for the seasonal outdoor pool, a real treat through the summer. Best months to visit: April-May, and September-October. Prices from £1,295 per person including flights, private transfers and 3 nights’ accommodation at the Viceroy Chicago.
Sleep under the stars in the newly enhanced iconic Beach Bubble at Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, with its new en-suite living room, indoor bathroom and outdoor bathtub. Conceived and custom-designed by leading Spanish design firm Eye In the Sky, the transparent inflatable bubble is a unique, inspiring environment where guests can enjoy an incredible, closer-to-nature experience – without compromising on high-spec design and luxurious comforts. The interior provides a UV-protected, fully waterproof, climate-controlled cocoon that offers guests a unique experience. 20% Early Bird Offer for bookings 60 days before arrival until 4th January 2023 (offer applicable to all Villa types).
Slow living is all about being conscious of the ‘here and now’ and experiencing life at a less frenetic pace. Embrace this approach on a slower paced itinerary around Sri Lanka, staying a minimum of 4 nights in each city. Enjoy a culinary journey with a chef slow cooking in Ceylon, experience a Planter’s journey from Hanthane to Ella where you will get a taste for ‘walking meditation’ through the tea trails, or be hosted through Colombo with knowledgeable guides regaling you with stories about the local art, architecture, street food and heritage. Prices from £2,315 per person .
Now that Mauritius is open again to UK visitors, it’s a perfect opportunity to visit the new flagship resort LUX* Grande Baie in Mauritius. Located on the northern coast, it is set on a bay with one of the most perfect sugar-like sand beaches, just 10 minutes away from the fishing village of Grand Baie itself. Guests can enjoy new experiences such as private dining in the garden ‘cocoons’ (circular tables set into the slope next to the beach), visiting rum distilleries, private island breakfasts and local jewellery workshops. Stunning suites, villas and residences are beautifully styled by designer Kelly Hoppen and furnished with cloud-like king beds, terrazzo-tiled bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the beach, gardens or lagoon. Upgrade from the Junior Suite to a Villa, Penthouse or Residence and you’ll also have private pools, lavish living areas and butler service.
Need a little guidance on plotting your next holiday? Please get in touch to have an informal chat about any of the above experiences, or to pick our brains on a special trip or holiday which you’d like to plan! Give us a call on 020 8935 5779 or you can email Louisa at louisa@gobespoketravel.com / Olivia at olivia@gobespoketravel.com
Hanna joined Go Bespoke in February 2018 and has over 15 years’ experience working in Marketing & PR. She studied Modern Languages at University, and lived in Granada in Spain before working for a city-based tour operator and then at Orient Express. Hanna is our resident Spanish speaker, and also speaks French and a bit of Portuguese. She looks after all our social media and marketing collateral, including the website and anything visual that you might see!
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