We just returned from an amazing week exploring Comporta with the family for the second time. The first time was a discovery, the second time we know the scene a bit more and what works for us, and two small kids. We have a special connection with this place, and lots of local knowledge thanks to my sister in law (our honoury Portuguese family member and a fountain of knowledge! ) and her wonderful family having had ties to Comporta long before it became ‘trendy’. We stayed in their amazing villa and can’t thank them enough ( no sorry, it’s not for rent!). We now know where to get the best daily caught fresh fish from a local fish monger and what Portuguese cheese and wine to buy ( thanks to her father’s passion and specialist wine shop in Lisbon @merceariadovinho_lisboa ) . We went to the beach every day, swam in the sea despite everyone saying it’s too cold being the Atlantic - it’s definitely not! We all spent hours in it. Went riding with the kids, had long evenings, walks in the forest, discovered Melides and its great boutiques, boating on the lake and ate great food - mainly seafood! We also had a great time checking out @quintadacomporta and @sublimecomporta - both great for different reasons. MSG me if you’d like my thoughts! I really can’t rate Comporta and the surroundings areas highly enough. One thing I would say is if you’re thinking about villas/family options at hotels for next summer - start looking into it now! Even off season, the hotels were completely full.
A quick hop , skip and jump over to Paris this weekend hosted by @familytwist @hotelbelami. This trip was to test drive a family trip to Paris (my niece and nephew, are 7 and 9 years old). It started with a private guided treasure hunt around the Louvre, we the. hired a little toy sailing boat in the Tuileries gardens, walked 30,000 steps around Paris seeing all the sites, introduced them to snails, fuelled them with ice cream and Nutella crepes, climbed the Eiffel Tower at 10pm and bed at midnight. One day in Paris is totally doable with young kids, and they were troopers!
It’s quite a bold statement to say this place ( a 200 year old Kasbah on the edge of the Skouda desert in Morocco ) is the best hotel experience I’ve had but I’m not the only one who agrees judging by how highly it’s spoken ( and written about ) about by clients and colleagues and the press.
Thierry Teyssier (the Parisian ‘un-hotelier’ hotelier as @condenasttraveller dubbed him) has a loyal following of all his projects with @Dar Ahlam , translated as “House of Dreams”, being his first hotel in his established collection. With his background in theatre as a Director, everything he touches turns to magic and every encounter you have with nature, design, meals, storytelling and community whilst there creates your own unforgettable and completely bespoke experience. Photos can’t do it justice and I’ve only found a few writers who have managed to put the magic he creates into text. I certainly cannot. All I will say is go there and you’ll know.
It also helps that @dar_ahlam is at the forefront of refined regenerative tourism with this hotel having a hugely positive impact on the local Berber communities in the area, an aspect that you can’t help but notice from the moment you arrive and which is integrated so beautifully into the guests experience.
If you’re looking for a special place to reset in the New Year, definitely consider Morocco. Yes, it’s off season but often the days are sunny and warm enough to sit outside in a t-shirt and the evenings are spent in a cosy setting around the fire. It’s a beautiful time to go.
I’ve spent many years working and travelling around Morocco , it’s a country I specialise in for my clients and am completely passionate about, so please reach out if you would to enquire about arranging a holiday there in 2024.
#morocco #darahlam #skouda #desert #regenerativetravel #luxurytravel #extraordinaryispersonal #experientialtravel #desert #trekking
This Friday’s sundowner wish list! 🍹 🌅 The beautiful Soneva Jani at So Starstruck.
@ishotmaldives @discoversoneva
This hidden away @relaischateaux property is a foodie heaven! Tucked away in its own little corner of Istria in Croatia, surrounded by centuries old cypress trees and olive groves and with its own winery ( producing 14 labels ) and vineyard on property, along with extensive gardens, a spa, and a stone’s throwaway from its own private beach club you won’t be short of ways to fill up your time. Great for a long weekend or part of a more in depth Croatia itinerary.
For room or residence bookings over 4 nights , you currently receive one night complimentary ( valid for September and October only. )
Looking for some heat in October and November? Plan is a balmy 25-30 degrees Celsius and has a unique blend of tradition and modernity to explore in unforgettable ways!
1. Wahiba Sands Dune Bashing: thrilling desert rides over the golden dunes
2. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque : an architectural marvel in its grand elegance
3. Bimmah Sinkhole Kayaking: Crystal clear waters in a natural wonder
4. Wadi Shab exploration: Hike, swim and discover hidden gems
5. Barka Camel Racing: Traditional sport in a vibrant spectacle!
6. Nizwa Fort: views, history and an architectural wonder
7. Daymaniyat Islands Snorkelling : marine paradise beneath the waves
… the list goes on. From chartering your own exclusive Dhow to staying is some incredible luxury hotels. Oman is the place to go this Autumn. Perfect for a short break or longer exploratory journey. 🐪 🌵 ☀️ 🐬 🌟
Beautiful Oman. The perfect place to go for some October and November sunshine when the cooler months start averaging between 25-30 degrees Celsius. More to come on what you can do in Oman tomorrow!
There’s no better way of getting over summer holiday blues than by planning your next trip! If you’re thinking of going away for some Winter sun, now is the time to start looking and booking! One destination that is having a resurgence of travellers is Sri Lanka and some of the top hotels and private villas still have some availability over Christmas and New Year, but it is limited!
🏖️ Whether you’re seeking pristine beaches, ancient ruins, vibrant culture, or breathtaking landscapes, Sri Lanka has it all. From the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress to the stunning tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, there are endless wonders waiting to be explored. 🏰🍃
🌸 Immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of Sri Lanka as you visit ancient temples, indulge in mouthwatering cuisine, and witness colorful festivals. The warmth and friendliness of the locals will make your journey even more memorable. 🙏🏽❤️
📲 Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover the magic of Sri Lanka. Having lived in Sri Lanka and travelled there extensively over two decades, let ES Travel Design organsie a trip of a lifetime this winter. December - March are the best times to explore the popular Southern Coast and Golden Triangle. Get in touch pronto!
#LuxuryWinterEscape #SriLankaGetaway #WinterWonderlandInSriLanka #LuxuryTravel #ExquisiteExperiences #LuxuryLifestyle #LuxuryVacation #WinterRetreat #LuxuryDestination #SriLankaLuxury #LuxuryTravelGram #LuxuryEscape #WinterParadise #LuxuryResort #LuxuryHoliday #LuxuryTraveler #LuxuryExperience #LuxuryLiving #LuxuryStay #LuxuryTravelGoals #LuxuryTravelInspiration
A lovely visit to the Cotswolds today to visit the newly refurbed Cowley Manor, part of the Experimental Group. The hotel has recently reopened after extensive renovations and highlights included the stable rooms with own private decks, the amazing bar ( which I didn’t get a photo of damn it! ) and the indoor and outdoor heated pools. Food wise, the honey cake made by their own bees was the highlight. Delicious! Thank you to @_sarahfalconer_ @experimentalgroup @cowleymanor for hosting such a wonderful lunch.
What an amazing experience I was given this weekend . Managed to climb to 2000m on a thermal ( thanks to my teacher not me! ) and was given control of flying the beauty for a while. Not going to lie , felt somewhat terrified doing that bit, especially when I went a tad over enthusiastic on a very sensitive gear stick, but the teacher was amazing and totally in control of the situation - was wonderful experience and total peace up in the sky! Can’t recommend it enough and always so refreshing to try something new.
‘Leave the stress behind of the day to day world and savour the healing qualities of Lapland’s stunningly beautiful natural environment’
- spoken by my good friend and founder of this special and unique wilderness retreat in Lapland, Janne Honkanen. Please get in touch for more information.
Keeping it local in the UK today! Looking for a quintessential English getaway? Normally sold out months in advance over the Summer, Wilderness Reserve in Suffolk have just updated me with their last minute availability in June - they have 1,3,4 and 6 bed cottages available 23-26 June. A fantastic reserve of 8,000 acres of woodland, lakes and rolling pasture. Each home has been lovingly restored by artisans and with a unique character. Perfect for families or friends, you can roll away the days in the spa, paddle boarding, carving, axe throwing to name but three of the forty activities on offer. By night bbq and bonfire feasts can be organised for you. It’s a truly unique and special place to have fun with your nearest and dearest. Please contact me directly on email if you would like to take advantage of their special offer. 🎣 🔥 🌳 💦 🇬🇧
Cempedak Private Island in Indonesia proves that sustainability and luxury can co-exist 🍃 From recycling and reducing plastic waste to supporting local businesses, this private island is truly committed to an eco-friendly future. 🌴 Forget air conditioning, your room is wall-less for you to enjoy the sea breeze at night. Not only will you enjoy the breathtaking views and luxurious amenities, but you can also feel good about making a positive impact on the planet. 🌱Just a couple of boat rides away from Singapore, it’s well worth a dedicated stop over for three to four nights. #Sustainability #cempedakisland #EcoFriendly #GreenLiving #SupportLocal #PositiveImpact” 🌺🌊
Looking for an adventure that will leave you speechless? It’s time to head to Alaska, where majestic glaciers, awe-inspiring wildlife, and natural beauty awaits you in abundance. You will be travelling by private plane and helicopters to access the most remote locations, and relaxing in the most luxurious of lodges. This adventure can suit all fitness levels and will be accustomed to your exact desires and interests. 🏔️⛴️
#becauseextraordinaryispersonal
#alaska #luxury #bespoke #helitravel #experiential #holiday #adverure #lodges #auroraborealis #wildlife #huskies