The Haute Travel Writer

RESORTS

JustLuxe •

Australia's Underwater Hotel: A Night in the Great Barrier Reef at Cruise Whitsundays Reefsuites.

Australis's Underwater Hotel: A Night in the Great Barrier Reef at Cruise Whitsundays Reefsuites. Sleeping with the Fishes sounds like a line from the Sopranos and surely not something that any of us would want to personally experience. However, in this case, it is something completely different and refers to a once in a lifetime chance to sleep under the sea surrounded by Australia’s greatest treasure. The Reefsuites, from Cruise Whitsundays offer guests a submerged hotel room with a surreal
JustLuxe •

Mother Nature's Crown Jewel, Exploring New Zealand's Blanket Bay Lodge

Mother Nature's Crown Jewel, Exploring New Zealand's South Island and a stay at The Blanket Bay Lodge Paradise is a cliché term bandied about when the natural landscape in front of the viewer is beyond any other descriptor. The South Island of New Zealand is such place of crisp fresh air, majestic snow-capped alpine mountains, emerald forests, and crystal-clear fjord lakes where to describe it as paradise could be considered an understatement. This pristine wilderness is literally Middle Eart
Beau Monde Traveler Luxury Travel Magazine •

New Zealand Luxury Lodge & Billionaire's Retreat, The Helena Bay Lodge

When money is no object, we can be unbound in our pursuit of ways to enjoy life. Today, not even a flight to outer space is beyond our reach. When this ability is applied to creating a resort, you’ll most likely find it in a beautiful corner of the world, secluded and away from the masses. The next part of the dream resort plan would be to make it exclusive with just a few uber posh accommodations, provide Michelin star level dining, over the top amenities and then add a staff the size of a smal
Beau Monde Traveler Luxury Travel Magazine •

Four Season Golden Triangle: Elephants, Glamping and an Adventure of a Lifetime in Northern Thailand

Located in Northern Thailand, the Four Seasons Golden Triangle property is spread over 400 verdant acres on a hillside along the country’s and Myanmar’s borders. The Golden Triangle – whose region derives its name from the confluence of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and meeting point of the Ruak River and Mekong River . It is here that the all-inclusive tented escape invites travellers to experience a magical luxury camp. Spread out in a lush tropical forest of three-story-high bamboo trees, the c
JustLuxe •

The Hotel Arts Barcelona, The Ritz-Carlton's Catalonian Work of Art

There’s a reason why so many people love Barcelona, in fact, there are many. The capital of Catalonia oozes with culture as an art lovers paradise, foodie mecca, and has a nightlife scene that doesn’t sleep. The city is fronted by the beautiful blue hues of the Balearic Sea and miles and miles of sandy coastlines where beachgoers dip in the sea, surf waves and perfect their tans. One of its most ideal neighborhoods is Barceloneta and its Sant Sebastià Beach and promenade. Rising over it all is o
JustLuxe •

Jet-Setting at The Posh Playground of Bulgari Resort Bali

Bali. The name is synonymous with a place of utter peace and tranquility, beautiful beaches and the place to literally get away from it all. Bali is large island with many areas offering a variety of different vacation options, from Ubud’s tropical forests to the pulsating beach party scene of Seminyak. For those looking for something a bit different, head the island’s isolated and rugged southernmost point of Uluwatu and a stay at the Bulgari Resort Bali. Needless to say, Bulgari is a brand sy
JustLuxe •

Experiencing Tuscan-style Good Living and the Castello Banfi-Il Borgo Winery Estate

For the well-heeled epicurean, a destination that is a must see is Tuscany. There’s a mystique and legend around it built over water coolers in faraway places as those who return regale stories of rolling hills of grape, golden sunsets over wide open fields, rustic estates dotting the landscape and, of course, the wine. The fantasy of Tuscany builds beyond that with dreams of staying in the luxurious accommodations in a grand estate and having an exquisite gourmet dinner under the stars with you
JustLuxe •

Exploring South Africa's Ultra Glam Urban Resort: The One&Only Cape Town

Most who have been to Cape Town, South Africa will argue that is among the most beautiful cities in the word. It is flanked by the prestigious Table Mountain on one side and its V&A harbor development on the other. The V&A harborfront is a tourists mecca filled with all types of activities, shopping, restaurants and cafés and attractions. In the center of all of this is the truly spectacular urban resort aptly named One & Only Cape Town. Cape Town is one of those must-visit cosmopolitan cities
JustLuxe •

Going Down to the Lowest Place on Earth: Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea Jordan

Weary bodies from around the world flock to the lowest point on earth. They walk around like a strange tribe covered with black sea mud to allow the nutrients from the rich earth sink deep into their skin. Others wade through the salt crusted banks into the sea and float, buoyant by the dense water filled with salt and other nourishing minerals.  After hours taking in the natural and curative powers of the sea, they will return to for further luxuriating at one of the top resorts in the Middle E
JustLuxe •

The Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah: A U.A.E. Watering Hole for the Well-Heeled

When you hear the name Waldorf Astoria, the image of a spectacular and grand hotel instantly comes to mind. A place of dapper gentlemen and regal ladies dashing about without a care in the world. One envisions men in tuxedos and tails and women in sequined dresses off to a gala as they did in 1900s when the Waldorf and the Astoria hotels opened in New York City. The Waldorf Astoria Ras al Khaimah is one such a regal place. A royal and grand resort that provides the finest luxury travel experienc
JustLuxe •

Elephants, Glamping and Al Fresco Spa Treatments in Thailand

Mena, a 35-year-old Indian elephant that was rescued from a Thai logging camp 10 years ago, was my ride for the afternoon. We waded into the Ruak River as my mahout (elephant trainer) barked his orders for her to turn, stop and sit down. The water was cold but we couldn’t care less, as we were having the most memorable experiences of our lives riding these amazing animals.This excursion is only part of what makes a stay at the Four Seasons Golden Triangle so great. The camp has partnered with t
JustLuxe •

The JW Marriott Phu Quoc Island is Vietnam's Hot Spot for the Well-Heeled

Phu Quoc Island is the up and coming hot destination for the well-heeled traveler. Vietnam’s largest island and has just become a rival for the next best island vacation with the 2017 opening of the JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay. This resort is perfect for the “been there, done that” traveler and is an experience unlike any other. Five years ago, Phu Quoc opened its first international airport, ushering in a slew of tourist and new hotel developments. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, the isl
JustLuxe •

Exploring Spain's Costa Brava and the Old World Glamour of Hostal de la Gavina

Exploring Spain's Costa Brava and the Old World Glamour of Hostal de la Gavina Spain’s Costa Brava runs from just north of Barcelona to the border of France. Along the coast are beautiful beaches, coves and seaside towns with their own distinct personality. In the sleepy sea town of S’Garo, on a peninsula that juts into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea, is where you’ll find one of Spain’s holiday treasures which have been welcoming international guests since the 1930s. It is the Ho
JustLuxe •

The Fairmont St. Andrews, Scotland, The Mecca and Golf and So Much More

St. Andrews. The work strikes excitement as well as fear in the hearts of golfers. It’s a golfer’s mecca with 11 world-class golf courses in the county of Fife just outside of Edinburgh Scotland. The literal mother of all golf courses, the Old Course, is there along with some of the top courses in the world. Enthusiast travel afar to the golf resort voted among the best in the world by Conde Nast and that has two of the top fifty golf courses in the world, the Fairmont St Andrews. The resort si
JustLuxe •

Miami's Iconic Enclave for the Privileged Class, the Fisher Island Resort and Spa

Miami's Iconic Enclave for the Privileged Class, the Fisher Island Resort and Spa Across a Miami’s waterway and only accessible by ferry or yacht is another world called Fisher Island. This iconic landmark for the well-to-do is a surreal and secretive place that is not only separated by water but by wealth and privilege. The zip code is the wealthiest in America with a median income over $1 million and as evidenced by the steady flow of Bentleys, Rolls Royce’s, Lamborghinis as well as the ubiqu
JustLuxe •

The Breakers Palm Beach Resort, Florida's Respite for Unapologetic Luxury and Seaside Glamour

A long red-brick driveway passes through manicured gardens toward the imposing turn-of-the-century style respite for the well-to-do. One cannot help but wonder what it was like 125 years ago here when the industrialist Henry Flagler built his homage to opulence, the Breakers Hotel. Today this grand dame of hotels continues as a modern mecca of elegance on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in Palm Beach, Florida. The oil and railroad tycoon Henry Flagler built the Breakers Hotel in 1896 and it is
JustLuxe •

Japan's Mystical Masterpiece, The Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

For those who have never been, Kyoto is a mystical destination and the land of the samurai, geishas and center of Japan’s Imperial golden age. This is the cultural center of Japan, rich in history as well as natural beauty with countless unforgettable attractions to visit. In the heart of it all is one of Japan’s most luxurious hide aways, The Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto. Kyoto is a beguiling destination with UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, ancient Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, and pala
JustLuxe •

Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach Keeps its Tastefully Elegant Vibe

Dubai is an international cosmopolitan center known for its brand of Middle Eastern extravagance and opulence. Most hotels compete in this space by having the biggest this or the tallest that in the city. In the midst of this ocean of excess, the recently opened The Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach opted to go in another direction. To the delight of its guests and industry critics, this tastefully elegant low rise beach front resort bucked the trend of hospitality excess and remained
JustLuxe •

The Four Seasons Resort Bali At Jimbaran Bay, Indulge in Bali's Grand Dam of Beach Resorts

Bali is more than one place. It is a destination of destinations offering a range of experiences from the full-on party central of Seminyak to the spiritual calm and serenity of Ubud. The cerulean seas and their beaches are simply perfect as are the tropical landscapes. One of its most scenic beaches is Jimbaran Bay, an enormous horseshoe-shaped bay of white sand beaches and blue seas. Perched along the beach and hillside is where you’ll find the
JustLuxe •

South Beach Glitz hits the Middle East with a stay at the Mondrian Doha

South Beach is a special kind of place. It is a mélange of Miami chic where urban-cool New Yorkers and Euro travelers come to warm up in winter and where Latin America has created a home away from home in the US. That Miami style created some of the coolest and most chic hotels and hospitality that the world over has come to love. One of Miami’s hippest hotel icons is the Mondrian, a fantastical Alice in Wonderland-like inspired hotel with whimsical design elements of pure opulence, high style a
Load More Articles