You’ve traveled long distances by airplane. So, you know about megahubs, i.e. the airports that help you connect from one part of the world to another. For example, if you’re traveling from Europe to Australia, you’ll likely stop in Dubai (DXB) or Singapore (SIN). If you’re going from the US to anywhere in Europe, you’ll likely stop in London (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), or Paris (CDG). And those going to Africa or the Middle East from North America often make a…
There are plenty of things that make a hotel memorable. Maybe it’s the expansive view from your room or the perfectly chilled martini at the bar. Perhaps it’s a bed so comfortable that you seriously consider missing your flight home. But sometimes, it’s something much harder to put your finger on — namely, the way a hotel smells. Scent has a direct line to memory. So, it only makes sense that some of the world’s best hotels take fragrance almost…
We know you pride yourself on uncovering those gem restaurants before they end up on social media. We’re all for that. But sometimes, all you want to do is stay put at your $5k-a-night hotel, and head to bed after one too many dirty martini sessions. For when that mood strikes, here are the hotel restaurants that are gems in their own right. No scouting required. Just an elevator ride. Hélène Darroze at The Connaught, London. Photo courtesy of The…
When you know, you know. Maybe you just didn’t know you’d find a hotel with that special something in Kigali. Kigali is the capital of Rwanda, and gateway to the lifetime trip of gorilla trekking, The Pinnacle has made Kigali a destination in itself. It is by far the top luxury hotel in Kigali. When you’ve stayed at the best hotels in the world, it’s hard to be surprised. But then, every so often, a nine-room hotel on a hill…
Cape Town should not be a pit stop on your way to your safari lodge or to your gourmet trip to Franschhoek. Cape Town is a destination in and of itself. Because the city on the very southern tip of the African continent has it all: beaches, mountains, wildlife, an incredible food scene, luxury hotels, and some solid wellness offerings to round off the top. We would recommend spending at least a week in Cape Town to get a good…
There’s glamping, and then there’s kicking it up several notches to Singita Sabora. If you’ve ever dreamt of having your Out of Africa moment, Singita’s tented camp deep in Grumeti country is where to plan that lifetime trip. Photo courtesy of Singita Sabora. About Singita Sabora There is a version of an African safari that lives almost entirely in the imagination. The golden-hour light, the silence of nature, and magnificent animal sightings. In the most unspoiled part of Africa, there’s…
If you’ve been limiting your wine-focused travels to Bordeaux, Napa, and Tuscany, it’s high time to switch gears and book yourself on a trip to South Africa. But not just anywhere in South Africa – you want to go to Franschhoek. Dubbed South Africa’s gourmet capital, the beautiful town of Franschhoek is packed with high-end wineries and restaurants. There’s even a train, the Franschhoek Wine Tram, to take you from one wine estate and tasting venue to another. And because…
If you’re in the early stages of booking a safari, there’s one thing you ought to know: Safari lodges and safari camps aren’t the same thing. A safari lodge is like a boutique hotel in the bush. It has amenities such as restaurants, a pool, a spa, and Wi-Fi, and offers guests spacious, brick-and-mortar accommodations. A safari camp, however, is much more rustic. Accommodations are under canvas and there are very few amenities. Both safari lodges and camps can be…
Dad did well when he built you the treehouse of your dreams as a kid. He did so well that you still have treehouse goals, but your standards have evolved. Whether it’s in Rwanda, Ubud, or New Zealand, these are the treehouse hotels that are worth traveling for. The World’s Best Treehouse Hotels There is something about sleeping suspended in a canopy of ancient trees that throws back to your childhood. But treehouses have evolved from childhood goals into luxury…
When you’ve been to the top hotels in the world like Singita, it’s hard to find better. But then, you go to a sister hotel of Singita, and you realize that with even the best, there is the possibility for better. Singita Kwitonda is a lodge for the goals list. Overview I’ve had the fortune to be in Rwanda several times, for both gorilla trekking as well as humanitarian work with partner organizations. Sometimes, when you’ve already been to a…
