Features

Bespoke Ski Holidays with Alpine Guru

2012-01-25T14:57:17Z

Alpine Guru was founded around one simple premise, to use a passion for the mountains, personal knowledge and expertise to create bespoke ski holidays. In little over a year the company has grown from a small chalet brokerage to include a Russian language website and a collection of some of the finest mountain hotels. They can create pretty much any winter or summer alpine escapes imaginable (with a little notice of course.)

From ‘bucket list’ adventures that come out of dreams to family holidays, corporate incentives and event-focused travel, you’ll receive the ultimate service, before, during and after your holiday.

All of Alpine Guru’s chalet and hotel collection are handpicked and you can’t buy your way onto our list. All are selected for reputation, service and design. The good thing about the collection is that it saves you the time of sifting through everything that’s available, the team discuss what you’re looking for and are able to quickly suggest appropriate properties that suit any budget with levels of service, privacy and design to match.

Despite the place where you rest your head being the biggest holiday decision it’s usually other elements that can cause the most holiday stresses, such luggage going missing, making sure popular restaurants are booked in advance or even making sure a car (or indeed helicopter) is there to meet you as soon as your jet lands.

These are the details that Alpine Guru never overlooks. The team love challenges and have had requests to source rare food products from far-flung destinations with little notice, to gain access to exclusive events and create once-in-a-lifetime adventures. It doesn’t matter how big or small the task may seem: Alpine Guru places the same level of importance on it because they understand that to you it will make the difference.

Top 10 Hotels in India

2011-11-10T22:55:41Z

From best dining options & fabulous desert retreats to majestic structures & romantic escapades, India's luxe hotels will pamper you to the hilt!

Nargis Namazi, Editor of Business Review India presents the ten best:-

1) Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur: bohemian crystals, ornate glass work, green lotus leaves and cusped arches all over, romance is in the air at Taj Lake Palace. Floating atop Lake Pichola on its four-acre island pedestal, this luxury palace hotel is the epitome of style, comfort and luxury. Besides being the most romantic inn in India, it is also the most expensive – the most basic bedroom option would set up back by Rs. 36, 000 while the Grand Presidential Suite a whopping Rs. 6 lakh! Sure you’re treated like a King but get your own throne!

Best for: Honeymoons

2) Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad: one of the finest palaces in Hyderabad, this hotel was formerly home to the Nizam of Hyderabad. In Urdu, Falak-numa literally means "Like the Sky" or "Mirror of the Sky". The Jade collection in the Palace is truly unique in the world and the Falaknuma is a rare blend of Italian and Tudor architecture. Rs. 5 lakh a night (another bomb of a price!) for the Grand Presidential Suite.

Best for: Architectural marvel & to get a glimpse of the nizams’ affluent lifestyles

3) The Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai: This elegant 5-star hotel is located right next to the Gateway of India and is a landmark for every tourist in the city. Considered the flagship property of the Taj Group, the hotel fuses Moorish, Oriental and Florentine styles together. The Taj in Mumbai is best known to host guests like The Beatles, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Bill Clinton and more recently Michelle & Barack Obama. Fabulous dining options too.

Best for: Dining & Architecture

4) The Leela Palace Kempinski, Udaipur: This lavish hotel offers breathtaking views of the Aravalli Mountains and opulence of an era gone by. Overlooking Lake Pichola, its luxurious ESPA tented spa is the perfect spot for some indulgence and relaxation. Expect only the finest service, facilities and accommodation options here.

Best for: Reckless Indulgence

5) The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur: is ranked the thirteenth best hotel in the world. Set in 32 acres of grounds outside Jaipur, this palace hotel has an incredible range of 71 luxury rooms, tents and villas with Burmese-teak floor and four-poster beds. A lot of work has gone in creating the ambiance of an ancient Rajasthani fort balanced beautifully with contemporary Italian designs.

Best for: Experiencing the grandeur of India’s royal Rajput past

6) The Leela Palace Kempinksi, New Delhi: is the newest addition to Leela Hotel Group’s marvelous collection. The lobby offers stunning views of rare Indian artworks & the most exquisite display of flowers in sparkling crystal vases. All 260 -bedrooms are plush and the Maharaja Suite is endowed with bullet-proof windows; inspired by Edwin Lutyens, New Delhi's architectural godfather. The menu’s unapologetically international and spa facilities, like the rest of the amenities, are top-notch!

Best for: Super-luxe fun in Delhi!

7) Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra: Taking inspiration from Moorish and Mughal architectural styles, Oberoi Amarvilas offers a visual treat of terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions with rich interiors. And of course, unforgettable views of the Taj Mahal – right from your window!

Best for: The Splendid View of the Taj Mahal

8) The Leela Palace Kempinski, Bangalore: perfectly reflects the lushness of the Garden City. Gold leaf domes, ornate ceiling and grand arches of the hotel are all inspired by the royal heritage of the Vijaynagar Dynasty. Sprinkled well with business essentials as well as holiday comforts, the hotel promises an exceptional experience always. Be prepared to rub shoulders with CEO’s (especially Biocon’s Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, a regular patron) from across the world here.

Best for: Business Visits

9) The Oberoi, Mumbai: Gazing the Queen’s necklace is yet another luxurious property from the Oberoi group. Service is flawless, the luxury understated and very business-traveler friendly. With 333 rooms and suites, the Oberoi in also one of the most expensive with Deluxe Rooms at Rs. 25, 000 and Presedential Suites at around Rs. 3 lakh! Former US President, Bill Clinton, stayed here on his visit to India.

Best for: Cool Sophistication

10) Taj Lands End, Mumbai: Situated in Bandra, the queen of the suburbs, the Lands End overlooks the Arabian Sea. First-rate dining options, business amenities and accommodation are offered with the same old-world Taj hospitality. Gorgeous style and great comfort!

Best for: Excessive treats and views of picturesque sunsets

The Perfect Family Holiday- For Less

2011-11-09T15:04:51Z

Looking for the perfect family holiday without breaking the bank? Laura Dixon, associate editor at i-escape.com tells all...

I know well enough that finding the perfect holiday is easy – you just have to have a bottomless pit of cash and a job that allows you to take plenty of time off to indulge yourself whenever you want. Back in the real world, finding that perfect holiday isn’t easy, and when you have kids it gets more difficult.

Don’t panic though – there is a solution. It’s a bit of a secret though, so keep it under your hat. At I-escape.com/kids, we’ve got a selection of hip yet affordable hideaways that won’t break the bank and will give you everything you’re looking for. Here are three of the best; if you want more, use our advanced search, clicking ‘£’ and ‘Recommended for families’. If you’re looking for a good value holiday for summer 2012, I’d recommend booking in January. We wish we could help with the fact that prices shoot up during summer holidays but that’s out of our hands…sorry.

From £86 per night: Casa das Penhas Douradas, Portugal

This chic Portuguese mountain hideaway has had rave reviews from family visitors and is very family friendly. It offers a kids menu, baby equipment and free food for under 4s, as well as plenty of places for outdoorsy kids to play. The owner Joao can tailormake hiking programmes for your family so you can explore the Serra da Estrela together, along with its mountain streams and swimming lakes, and he can pick you up half way in his jeep if little legs can’t quite make it back. There’s a spa at the hotel too, perfect for tired mums.

Rooms sleeping 2 adults and 1 child from £86 per night

From £79 per night: Brilliant Apartments, Berlin

One of the things that teenagers have said to me is that holidaying with their parents in a hotel can be a bit claustrophobic. And I’ve certainly found that city breaks are more fun when you have the chance to live like a local. These apartments in the funky Prenzlauer Berg area of Berlin should please parents and older kids – you can cook in, or bring takeaway back with you, and there’s plenty of space. Berlin, incidentally, is a great spot for Christmas shopping as a family – the twinkling lights and warming gluhwein in the markets really amps up the Christmas spirit.

Apartments sleeping 2 adults and 1 child from £79 per night, or for up to 4 adults from £91 per night.

From £77 per night: Dolphin Beach, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the world’s best value long haul destinations, and these comfortable and stylish tents on Kalapitiya beach in the northwest of the island are a real steal. They seem romantic, adventurous and fun at the same time, and as you’d sleeping in a bed, not a sleeping bag on the floor, they’ve got a real touch of luxury to them too. Just offshore you can watch dolphins play, and being off the beaten track means that you’re not harassed by beach sellers. It’s a great place to get back to nature and spend quality time together as a family; the food served here is fresh and child-friendly too.

Family tents sleeping up to 6 from £77 per night.

Introducing OS Private Travel

2011-09-21T15:11:07Z

An exciting launch from The Oxford Ski Company is coming soon in the form of OS Private Travel, a hand-picked collection of luxury villas, yacht

charters, private islands and summer alpine retreats.

The Oxford Ski Company has been offering the definitive collection of luxury chalets and lodges in the Alps and North America since 1998. Fans of The Oxford Ski Company will already be familiar with the exceptional service they deliver to their clients, with continued success largely due to the way in which they carefully choose and monitor the properties featured in their portfolio and the in-depth, personal knowledge of their staff.

For some time now, existing clients from around the world have been requesting to book their non-skiing holidays through The Oxford Ski Company and this winter it will now be possible. OS Private Travel will not only provide access to a specially selected, diverse collection of luxury properties and holiday experiences, but will also offer unrivalled levels of bespoke customer service to meet the specific demands of even the most discerning of clients. In addition, the focus will be to ensure that the same level of customer service is followed through within the holiday itself – whether it be in-house fine dining, exceptional childcare, effortless and discreet housekeeping or booking the best table in the most talked-about restaurant in town.

OS Private Travel will offer a hand-picked portfolio of luxurious villa properties in a select number of destinations, including a selection of yacht charters in the best sailing destinations in the world, a number of private islands for those seeking the ultimate in exclusivity and privacy and a unique selection of properties for those seeking the adventure and stunning scenery that the Alps have to offer during the summer months.

Set to launch Autumn 2011, register your interest now at OS Private Travel

The Perfect Bikini

2011-07-13T22:31:23Z

This is it! I have been searching for a long time and the ViX Bia Tube is definitely the perfect bikini for me. The shape and fit are excellent and it's available in a wide range of colours. So who is behind the ViX Swimwear brand?

The brainchild of Paula Hermanny, ViX is named after the stunning beach city of Vittoria in Brazil where Paula was brought up. One grandmother a seamstress, the other a glamorous, world-traveling beauty queen with impeccable taste. These are the influences that, from childhood, shaped Paula Hermanny into one of the most consistently innovative and creative individuals working in the swimwear industry today.

“I used to watch my father’s mother, Joana, and she was always absolutely perfect -- from her Chanel flats to her little Burberry raincoat -- she always just looked classic and beautiful,” Paula said. From her earliest years, Paula knew Joana had those rare qualities -- grace and taste -- and she vowed to bask in her style until she learned her secrets. But inspiration and an eye for true beauty is not everything. Paula learned the fundamentals of design and the craft of sewing and stitching from her maternal grandmother, Izaura, who led her around the stores and markets of Vitoria and Rio de Janeiro in search of beautiful fabrics and accessories. The two women would take their treasures home and transform them into works of art that each would proudly wear the following day.

The spark of Joana’s passion for design, combined with the nimble fingers bestowed upon her by Izaura’s teaching, infused Paula Hermanny with a lifelong love for beautiful clothing and the search for perfection in fashion. From her home in La Jolla, California, Paula soaks up the sun and treads the sand of one of the most progressive fashion markets in the world of beach and resort wear. Her frequent trips to Europe and her beloved homeland, Brazil, keep her sense of style sharp and her eye for detail focused. She remains committed to the art of taking fabric and accessories and creating the sort of timeless, beautiful art that Joana would swoon at with techniques that would make Izaura proud.

It's been a long time since I was in La Jolla but if memory serves me right, it's certainly a great place for fabulous beachwear. All I need now is International Delivery!

LUXE GUIDES & GRANTOURISMO GRAND TOUR COMPETITION

2011-07-08T13:41:48Z

To celebrate the start of the sparkling northern hemisphere summer when travellers traditionally set out on their grand tours of Europe, those hardy travellers over at Grantourismo have teamed up with their lovely friends at LUXE City Guides to host a month of contests in which they'll be giving away some of their gorgeous Grand Tour Boxed Sets of city guides.

Throughout July they'll be holding four weekly contests with handsome LUXE prizes. For first prize winners, they have one European Grand Tour Box of eight guides, an Asian Grand Tour Box of eight guides, a Blue Velvet Bespoke Box of five guides, and a World Grand Tour Box of a whopping 12 guides. For runners-up they've got some individual guides, including two guides of choice for second prize winners and one guide of choice for third prize winners.

All you need to do to enter is create an inspiring grand tour itinerary, taking in five (5) Luxe cities, and telling them in up to 100 words what you’d loved to do in each destination.

Lara says "Yes, we want you to do something! The original grand tourists didn’t set off on a grand tour just to sun themselves by the sea – they did things and they learnt stuff. They hiked in Switzerland and picnicked by the Lakes. They learnt to paint in Paris and studied Italian in Florence. Archery and boules were also big favourites. These days, a modern grand tourist might master the art of macaron making in Montmartre, learn African drumming in Cape Town, or take up silver-making in Mexico City. Cruise the Mekong River. Tango in Buenos Aires. Vintage shopping in Berlin. Thai massage in Bangkok. All fine grand tour activities!

Your Asian-inspired Grand Tour, for instance, might go something like this: First stop Tokyo to learn the art of tea ceremony, Hanoi to purchase some contemporary art, Luang Prabang to make morning offerings to the monks, Siem Reap to learn Khmer cooking and play at being Lara Croft, and Bangkok to recuperate with a spa break."

So how do you enter the weekly LUXE-GRANTOURISMO contests?

Easy! Just visit Grantourismo for all the details

Throughout July Lara and Terence will be sharing inspirational travel tips on Twitter on all destinations covered by LUXE City Guides at @gran_tourismo and @luxeguides. Have you been to any of the 33 LUXE destinations? If so, do pop over and share your tips too!

Stylish City Guide Apps- A Brief Guide

2011-06-23T07:23:17Z

So you want a stylish city guide on your iPhone? Here's a comparison of chic city guides available to buy now from the App Store.

Unlike City Guide

Price: £1.19

Sections: Shop, Club, Bar, Food, Hotel, Culture, Art, Wellness

Search: Browse by category & district

Features: Location based technology, My Tour personalised itinerary, Maps, Events

Like: Finding your bearings with the help of location based technology, underground stations on every listing.

Dislike: No general overview of city. almost too much information- can feel a little swamped.

Available now: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, London, Miami, Paris, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Vienna

Wallpaper City Guide

Price: £1.79

Sections: City at a Glance, Introduction, Essential Info, Neighbourhoods, Landmarks, Hotels, 24 Hours, Urban life, Insider's Guide, Architour, Shopping, Sports & Spas, Escapes

Search: No

Features: Directions based on location, Contact details for all listings.

Like: Good introduction and writing, Insider's Guide

Dislike: Uninspiring and not particularly interactive.

Available now: Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, London, Los Angeles, Milan, New York, Paris, Rome, Tokyo

Luxe City Guide

Price: £3.49

Sections: Introductions & Blah Blah, Accommodation, Wine & Dine, Spa & Beauty, Activities, Shopping, Very Useful, Loves & Loathes, Anecdotes

Search: Full text search

Features: Personalised itinerary and favourites feature, maps, free updates for a year.

Like: Concise listings, easy to use, fun writing.

Dislike: Price

Available now: Bali, Bangkok, Barcelona, Beijing, Berlin, Dubai, Florence, Hong Kong & Macau, Istanbul, London, Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Rome, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, Venice

CN Traveller

Price: £3.49

Sections: Neighbourhoods, See & Do, Places to stay, Eat & Drink, Shopping, Nightlife, Word of Mouth

Search: Full text search and filters for each category eg you can browse restaurants by price, neighbourhood, mood and cuisine.

Features: Augmented reality technology, offline maps, sharing functionality by email, facebook, twitter and flickr (I could find share by email but only found the social networks in the settings tab!), updated quarterly, To Do List.

Like: Word of mouth, audio tours, to do list, easy search and magazine articles

Dislike: Not much however I do think it would benefit from an overview in each section.

Available Now: Paris, Rome, Barcelona, New York

Hg2

Price: £9.99

Sections: Bars, Cafes, Clubs, Hotels, Restaurants, Shops, Sights, Things to do

Search: Sort each section by distance or alphabetically

Features: Augmented reality technology, integrated Foursquare check in, sharing functionality by Email, Facebook and Twitter, Add to favourites, Add to Itinerary, Maps

Like: Intelligent reviews, ease of use and value for money.

Dislike: Nothing although a brief outline on the different neighbourhoods would be useful.

Available Now: The price includes 41 cities:

Almaty & Astana, Amsterdam, Baku, Barcelona, Beijing, Beirut, Berlin, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Chamonix, Courchevel, Damascus & Aleppo, Dubai, Eat London, Eat New York, Istanbul, Jo'burg, Johannesburg, La Grave, Lisbon, London, Los Angeles, Madrid, Marrakech, Megeve, Miami, Milan, Monte Rosa, Moscow, New York, Paris, Prague, Rome, St. Moritz, Stockholm, Tallinn, Tignes, Tokyo, Val d'Anniviers, Val d'Isere, Verbier, Zermatt

50 places to visit before I'm 50- Part 1

2011-05-20T14:27:08Z

On a recent night out for a friend's birthday the topic came around to milestone birthdays and the idea of a bucket list. My list very quickly turned into places I wanted to visit and hotels I would 'love' to stay in. Thankfully I have nine years before I actually reach half a century but should be interesting to look back and see how many places I can tick off. Think I might need to win the lottery first but then we can all dream...

To be continued!

1) Singita Grumeti Reserves, Tanzania

2) Mnemba Island Lodge, Zanzibar

3) Stay in a W hotel

4) The Cotswolds

5) Cruise around the Caribbean aboard Seadream

6) Kayak around Venice

7) Travel to Paris on Eurostar

8) Argentina

9) Hotel Fasano Las Piedras, Punta Del Este, Uruguay

10) Napa Valley and Sonoma, California

New adventurous honeymoon itineraries from Scott Dunn

2011-05-15T10:20:11Z

From tiger safaris in India and tented camps in the Galapagos to isolated luxury on Lake Malawi, honeymoon specialists Scott Dunn have launched a collection of new exotic itineraries redefining the traditional safari and beach honeymoon. Who says you have to be on honeymoon?

Tigers, Calcutta & the Andaman Islands from £3,695 per person

Ideal for those wanting unique, off the beaten track experiences, this adventurous journey combines the tiger parks of Madhya Pradesh, the dynamism of Calcutta, and the remote turquoise waters of the Andaman Islands.

Tiger, Tiger: discover the thrill of catching a glimpse of orange and black stripes through the dense forest foliage and experience Indian hospitality at its best from the exclusive boutique tiger lodges, Monsoon Forest and Flame of the Forest.

City chic: spend two days exploring the vibrant city of Calcutta the Scott Dunn way, looked after by local socialites to get a true insider’s guide to the city.

Desert island fantasy: journey to the remote turquoise waters of the still unspoilt Andaman Islands for some final R&R at Barefoot at Havelock, nestled on one of the best beaches in Asia and offering some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean.

Scott Dunn offers a tailor-made itinerary to India and the Andaman Islands from £3,695 per person based on 13 nights accommodation, including full board and game drives at the tiger parks. Guide price includes international flights, domestic flights, private transfers and expert guide in Calcutta.

Call Scott Dunn’s India & Arabia specialists on 020 8682 5075 and visit www.scottdunn.com/tigertiger

Margaritas, Galapagos Safari & Jungle Spa from £3,870 per person

A heavenly new honeymoon combination of dazzling white Caribbean beach, a thrilling tented camp in the Galapagos and perfect chill time at an ocean view jungle retreat in Costa Rica.

Barefoot beach luxury: fly and flop for four nights at the chic and exclusive beach hideaway, Esencia on Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

Once in a lifetime adventure: venture to the unique luxury tented Galapagos Safari Camp situated on a volcano on Santa Cruz Island and snorkel with sea lions or trek amongst giant tortoises. Follow this with two nights at Finca Rosa Blanca located in the Central Valley of Costa Rica near San Jose, with stunning views of cloud forests and coffee plantations.

Ocean jungle spa: final four nights at Oxygen Jungle Villas, a serene paradise retreat located in southwest Costa Rica, with just twelve individual villas offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean

Scott Dunn offers a tailor-made itinerary to Mexico, the Galapagos and Costa Rica from £3,870 per person including international and domestic flights, transfers and 15-nights accommodation.

Call Scott Dunn’s Latin America specialists on 020 8682 5030 and visit www.scottdunn.com/junglespa

Luangwa Leopards and Lake Malawi from £4,475 per person

Experience a new kind of safari and beach holiday with superb wildlife viewing in South Luangwa National Park followed by a few relaxing nights on the shores of Lake Malawi.

Safari with a difference: South Luangwa National Park sits at the heart of the Zambian wilderness with some of the best game viewing in Africa. Explore the remote wilderness and the majestic Zambezi River by 4x4 or venture out on foot.

Island hideout: Kaya Mawa is a small and beautiful lodge on Likoma Island on Lake Malawi. Deemed one of the most isolated and unique destinations in Malawi with just 10 cottages that are the epitome of privacy and exclusivity.

Scott Dunn offers a tailor-made itinerary combining Zambia and Malawi from £4,475 per person including four nights at Nkwali and six nights at Kaya Mawa on a fully inclusive basis including all flights, transfers and air taxes.

Call Scott Dunn’s Africa specialists on 020 8682 5070 and visit www.scottdunn.com/leopards

Top Tips For A Lazy Safari

2011-05-13T07:40:49Z

i-escape has the perfect solution for those who like the idea of a wildlife holiday but worry it might be too much like hard work - the lazy safari! This is all about spotting indigenous animals without moving a muscle - after all, you are on holiday.

Forget about spending hours in the back of a jeep, and think instead of watching whales from your terrace, spotting howler monkeys from your hammock, even viewing elephants at a watering hole as you lounge in bed.

Here are i-escape’s top 10 lazy safari suggestions:

1. Sayari Camp, Northern Serengeti, Tanzania - Zebra, Impala and Wildebeest

Wildlife: You don’t need to venture from this luxury camp to see numerous animals. Zebra, impala and wildebeest roam freely through the camp on a daily basis, and if you're really lucky you might be radio-ed and told to stay in your tent while a family of elephants wanders through.

Overview: Located next to the Mara River, this place is genuinely luxurious - more like a boutique hotel than a remote camp. The 14 spacious tents are thoroughly decadent inside, with polished wood floors, kingsize beds, free-standing baths big enough for 2, vast rain showers and private terraces. There's a genuinely relaxed atmosphere here: rather than tearing around with a tick-list of animals, you're encouraged to just sit and watch the river with its constant parade of animals.

When to go: Between July and November if you want to see the Great Migration and river crossings, though the area has a high density of big cats, elephants, crocodiles and hippos all year round.

From £567 per room per night (including all taxes), based on 2 sharing. All internal transfers (road or air), meals, drinks and game drives are normally included (although this depends on your itinerary), as well as laundry and emergency medical evacuation insurance.

2. Alegria Villas, Baja California, Mexico - Whales, Dolphins and Birds

Wildlife: Spot whales from the window of your self-catering villa, or sit back on your terrace and watch dolphins, turtles, herons, osprey, pelicans and countless marine birds frolicking in the surf.

Overview: This trio of rustic villas (each sleeping 2-6) overlooks a shimmering lagoon and the Pacific. The villas have thatched roofs and adobe walls alongside modern comforts such as heavenly beds, leather chairs and Jacuzzis. This place is all about privacy and serenity - walk along the sands, take in the abundant wildlife on your doorstep, and fall asleep to the sound of the waves.

When to go: November to April, when the heat, humidity and risk of storms are lowest.

From £60 per villa per night (plus 15% tax), based on 2 sharing, with a 3-night minimum stay.

3. Tonic Hotel, New South Wales, Australia - Kangaroos and Other Creatures

Wildlife: Creatures great and small will be swimming, hopping and flying all around you at this remote and romantic hotel - expect to see kangaroos, hares, ducks, herons, falcons and parrots during your stay.

Overview: Located in the Hunter Valley (2 hours from Sydney), this peaceful retreat overlooks a dam and an island created specifically to encourage wildlife. There are 8 contemporary-chic rooms, with big picture windows, verandas and vast valley vistas. The hotel is an eclectic mix of modern and vintage, with gloriously comfortable beds, stylish bathrooms with under-floor heating, a slinky swimming pool and a funky lounge.

When to go: Any time of year - there’s always plenty to see. The landscape is particularly beautiful during autumn (March-May) and spring (October-November).

Bed and breakfast from £210 per room per night (including all taxes), based on 2 sharing.

4. Onguma Treetop Camp, Onguma Reserve, Namibia - Elephants, Zebras and Lions

Wildlife: This all-inclusive camp sits right next to a watering hole, so the animal-spotting opportunities are endless. All the tented and stilted rooms have open sides and direct views of the water, so you can lie in bed and watch elephants, zebras, lions and flamingos come and go.

Overview: The stilted design of this luxury lodge means guests stay at the level of the surrounding acacia treetops. The whole place sleeps just 8, so the ambiance is secluded and intimate. The hide-like nature of the camp, the boma fires at night and the uber-friendly staff make for a unique Namibian safari experience - and you don’t have to leave your tent to see the wildlife.

When to go: The dry season lasts from July to mid November.

From £603 per room per night (including all taxes), based on 2 sharing. This includes all meals, scheduled activities, house wines, drinks, airport transfers, charter costs and pilot accommodation.

5. La Gratitude, Hermanus, South Africa - Whales

Wildlife: This self-catering villa is in a prime location for land-based whale watching - you can see humpback whales breaching out to sea from the comfort of your terrace, swimming pool or Jacuzzi.

Overview: Sleeping 5-10, this Cape Dutch homestead is set within pristine grounds close to Hermanus' vast beach, just 90 minutes from Cape Town. Enjoy peace and seclusion in the 3000sqm garden, chill out in the smart outdoor pool or the Jacuzzi, and take in the uninterrupted views across Walker Bay. The interior of the historic Arts and Crafts-style house is all understated luxury and elegance, with lots of space to spread out and relax.

When to go: June to November for the best whale-watching opportunities.

From £365 per night (including all taxes), based on 10 sharing, with a 7-night minimum stay.

6. Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica - Monkeys and Topical Birds

Wildlife: There are animal-, bird- and insect-spotting opportunities right under your nose at this all-inclusive rainforest lodge. Watch howler and spider monkeys, fluttering butterflies and tropical birds from a hammock on your secluded balcony, check out the observation deck above the restaurant, or - if you’re feeling more energetic - head into the jungle with an expert guide.

Overview: This collection of 16 gorgeous cabins offers the perfect rainforest experience, with spectacular ocean views, fine food and lots of comforts. Poised high on the hillside, every cabin looks down over a lush valley and has a romantic feel, complete with comfortable beds, fluffy towels and organic toiletries.

When to go: January to April are the drier months, when this place is at its most idyllic.

From £327 per room per night (including all taxes), based on 2 sharing. This includes all meals and 2 guided tours.

7. Casa Colvale, Goa, India - Water Buffalo, Butterflies and Birds

Wildlife: Sit back on a riverside deck at this boutique hotel to watch water buffalo making their daily crossing and spot egrets by the water's edge. Your private sit-out is also the ideal location for spying frogs, insects, butterflies and birds - and keep an eye out for one of the local crocs!

Overview: This contemporary and exclusive retreat is set on the banks of the Chapora river in North Goa's unspoilt backwaters. Enjoy lazy days by the infinity pools, tuck into fabulous home-cooked buffets, or relax in your luxuriously-furnished room.

When to go: November to March is dry and warm, but nature-lovers will enjoy visiting during the monsoon months, when the area is teeming with wildlife.

Bed and breakfast from £68 per room per night (plus 12% tax), based on 2 sharing.

8. Hotel Budir, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Iceland - Seals and Whales

Wildlife: This historic hotel is set beside a small inlet where seals bob in the water and bask on rocks. Some rooms have direct views over the bay, and there are wildlife viewing areas all over the hotel - you might even spot whales from the bar.

Overview: This is a wilderness retreat par excellence, offering romance and gourmet dining amid the lunar landscapes, glaciers and volcanoes of Western Iceland. Interiors are mostly white and light, with hints of earthy tones reflecting the surrounding landscape, and the 28 bedrooms meld simple, unfussy décor with mind-blowing views.

When to go: From November to April for the northern lights, or from June to August to experience the midnight sun.

Bed and breakfast from £130 per room per night (including all taxes), based on 2 sharing.

9. Ruaha River Lodge, Ruaha, Tanzania - Hippos and Crocs

Wildlife: Each banda (thatched room) at this riverside lodge has a private balcony facing the water, where you'll spy wallowing hippos, crocs gliding through the shadows, fish eagles swooping for their catch, and monkeys swinging in trees. Also visiting regularly are cheetahs, leopards, lions, elephants, wild dogs and antelopes - you name it, there's a chance you'll see it at close quarters here.

Overview: One of East Africa's best kept safari secrets, this fabulous lodge has a sublime setting in Tanzania's Ruaha Park, with views across to the Charawindi hills. It takes on a romantic allure at night, when oil lamps are lit and a big boma fire is made on the sandy banks of the river.

When to go: The dry season (June to early December) is the prime time for game viewing.

From £309 per room per night (including all taxes), based on 2 sharing. This includes all meals, park entry fees, airstrip transfers, 2 shared game drives per day, tea and coffee, laundry and shared charter flights in a light aircraft.

10. Paradise Bay Eco Escape, Whitsunday Islands, Australia - Wallabies and Turtles

Wildlife: Curlews and wallabies wander around the gazebo-style beach house at this all-inclusive eco lodge, while giant green turtles frequent the shallows near the restaurant. You can even spot humpback whales from the shore during their annual migration north.

Overview: Hidden in a private bay in Australia’s beautiful Whitsunday Islands (part of the Great Barrier Reef), Paradise Bay is a secluded retreat with an impressive eco ethos. Its 10 waterside bungalows are solar-powered, and all are cleverly positioned so you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the stunning bay without seeing your neighbours. The décor is simple and deliberately uncluttered to create soothing spaces, with wooden floors, whitewashed walls, wooden furniture and a vibrant piece of original aboriginal art in each room.

When to go: The Australian summer (October-February) brings the sunniest weather, but come from July to September if you want the chance to see whales.

From £656 per room per night (including all taxes), based on 2 sharing, with a minimum 3-night stay. This includes all meals, daily yacht cruises and tours (except on Sundays), house wines, beers, soft drinks, park entry fees and use of all equipment (snorkels, masks, fins, wetsuits and sea kayaks).