Eiffel Tower from Hotel George V

Paris: the city of light, of romance, of cliches. Paris boasts arguably the world’s best art galleries and museums - but for the dedicated shopper Paris has got to be high on their luxury destination list and not for the museums!

Whether your shopping list is haute couture, exotic chocolates, wine, unique antiques or art pieces Paris will have it. Paris has been doing fantastic food, magnificent hotels and really invented luxury shopping why settle for second best? And if Gautier, Yves St Laurent and Chanel are on your shopping list why not come to their home - Paris.

For a short break any time of the year three or four days of being based in one Paris’s best hotels such as the magnificent 5-star Hotel George V, central to the Champs Elysees shopping and just a quick stroll the cavernous Louis Vuitton store, could be just the luxury shopping break you need.

Or maybe check in to the Hotel Bristol which is popular where the Saturday Fashion High Tea is an interesting combination of cakes and pastries accompanied by a haut couture catwalk show from some of the big name fashion houses such as Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Lanvin, Hermes, Gaultier, Laroche and Versace.

The great shopping destination stores are well known: the designer stores on the Champs Elysees and the luxury department store Printemps. Printemps has now established a personalized shopping service - which given that the store now flows over three buildings seems like a good way to get started.

Paris Passage

Photo Credit: Todd Mecklam

Paris shopping is not all about the large stores on the Champs Elysees. The back streets of Paris have many gems: the trick is finding them, especially if your French is rusty. Although guidebooks usually have extensive listings in the “shopping” section, as anywhere the locals know the best spots. With this mind expatriot American Rebecca Mangiant launched her boutique shopping guide service Chic Shopping Paris.

According to Rebecca :

Our expert bilingual guides do not work on commission & can therefore offer you objective, unbiased advice. Our goal is to help you use your time in Paris wisely, whether it’s your first time here or your fifth. Rather than offer tours on a variety of topics, we organize shopping tours exclusively, focusing all of our attention on discovering new shops & trends for your benefit. Chic Shopping Paris’ private guided tours are devoted to helping you take back “Paris in your bag.”

Chic Shopping Paris skips the guidebook’s listing of restaurants, museums and shops - instead she takes you to the hidden corners of Paris with your own bilingual guide and personal shopper. What better introduction to Paris shopping?

Waterford Castle Hotel, Ireland is a genuine Irish Castle turned luxury hotel barely 10 minutes out of the centre of the busy town of Waterford - and yes this is where the famous Waterford Crystal comes from.

Waterford Castle is located on an island in the estuary of the River Suir, about 2 miles downstream from Waterford, the largest city in South East Ireland. The castle is accessed by a 5 minute ferry ride.  Waterford city can be reached from the either Dublin or Cork in a little over 2 hours. Even the west coast international gateway of Shannon airport is only 100 miles or 3.5 hours driving time from Waterford. Ireland is compact and easy to get around, though you do need to remember to drive on the left.

Waterford Castle is a genuinely 800-year old castle so if you prefer your hotel to be up-to-date and squeaky clean then you might prefer to check in somewhere else. If you are looking for romance and history then this top-class boutique castle may be the spot for your next vacation.

The castle only accommodates a maximum of 38 guests with 19 period bedrooms, accommodating, including The Presidential Suite, 4 Deluxe Four Poster Suites and 14 Double/Twin Rooms each with private bath. History comes complete with modern amenities, a nightly turn down service, bathrobes, hairdryers, bottled mineral water and deluxe toiletries.

Dining options include the award winning Munster Dining Room with with its original oak panelled walls and ornate ceilings. The menu showcases the best of Irish fresh food particularly game, venison, lamb and seafood.

There is a lighter menu and a less formal atmosphere in the Fitzgerald Room, better known as the “lounge”. A light menu including is available as as well as a full bar service. The log fire makes the room cosy even in the bleakest of Irish weather.

You should also check the Front Hall, in the oldest part of the castle, which offers an oak panelling and 17th century tapestry backdrop for your afternoon tea of pastries and scones.

If your interests run to golf you may well choose to stay at the Waterford to try out their championship golf course. The course claims to be Ireland’s only genuine island golf resort. Designed by Des Smyth, former Ryder Cup player, and opened in 1992, this 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course, complete with luxurious clubhouse, leads you through mature woodland and parkland.

The location of Waterford Castle makes it a good base to explore local landmarks such as the 9th century Ardmore Cathedral. There are also opportunities for locally arranged horse trekking, fishing, hill walking, and clay pigeon shooting. Maybe not the flashiest of luxury destination hotels, but unique and charming Waterford Castle Hotel is worth a look. And if you are interested in castles, there is a detailed look at luxury real estate - castles for sale here.

Brunei has wealth to rival even that of Dubai’s. The tiny Sultanate located on the north-west tip of Borneo is surrounded by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. At only 5,765 square kilometres Brunei is also one of the world’s smallest states. The Sultan of Brunei is reputed to own more Rolls Royces than anyone else in the world and the his subjects aren’t doing too badly either.

The capital of Bandar Seri Begawan is a spectacularly clean town featuring gorgeous palaces, well-maintained gardens and mosques, lots of mosques. The sultan’s population aren’t living in poverty either so although you will see the centuries old picturesque over-water village of Kampung Ayer, rest assure that the residents have garages for their Mercedes, just they are a boat ride away.

The country is actually 70% undisturbed tropical jungle, the oil-wealth means there is no reason to log and destroy this beautiful land. A 20-minute longboat ride from towns will bring you to Bandar River home of a huge array of wildlife one of the best preserved areas of mangroves in South East Asia.

To be honest, Brunei doesn’t write up as one of the world’s must see destinations. The star attraction of Brunei may well be the Empire Hotel and Country Club. Located in the centre of the capital the Empire’s mission appears to be to showcase the country’s wealth. So bring on the unadulterated opulence: jewel-studded staircases, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, 12-storey high pillars, 11,000 square meter swimming pool, eight-lane bowling alley, a theatre and cinema. All are uber-luxurious but have you ever seen such as classy bowling alley?

Multiple first-class restaurants serving everything for fragrant Malaysian cuisine to English High Tea. A word of warning though: one thing you won’t find anywhere in Brunei is alcohol, unlike neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia, Brunei is dead serious about its no alcohol policy. BYO is OK though - so consider bringing in some with you - and no Royal Brunei Airlines doesn’t serve alcohol either.

If you are feeling energetic then maybe try out the Empire’s gold course which in their own words is:

“An awe-inspiring course. 7,029 yards. Cliffs and ravines. Tight fairways. Large bunkers. Floodlit for nighttime games. The front nine overlook the ocean from high ground, while the back nine reach to the sea. The signature 15th hole takes you right along the beach, hugging the coastline and challenging you with sprawling bunkers.”

The Empire has a full range of 5-star plus luxury rooms and suites but maybe just go right for the top end and check out the award-winning, Presidential Suite. At over 650 sqm its more a large private home than a hotel room. It includes its own private pool where you can entertain your guests with a DVD projection system of professional quality. Then onto the personal steam room and sauna. Anyone care to play? The grand piano is a statement in the living room, and don’t forget to checkout the bedroom, dining room, bathrooms, study and drawing room. You might even forget to go out and check out the rest of Brunei with all of this to play with.

There are so many luxury destinations to choose. The world is full of fantastic luxury hotels and resorts, luxury flights are available. If you don’t like to fly you can always take a luxury train or luxury ship.

For most people though there is a weak spot. Although a first-class air ticket will guarantee you a painless check in and a comfortable lounge to wait in there is nothing much the most airlines can do about the intrusive security regulations particularly in the US, Europe and Australia. Its a down-to-earth moment when the luxury traveller has to remove their shoes and remove their laptop for scanning.

Scheduled airlines have issues too: a flight delay may seriously disrupt your holiday: the cruise can’t wait, the train will be gone: you loose your first night’s dinner reservation.

Now there is an solution. Abercrombie and Kent, who modestly bill themselves as the “epitome of luxury travel”, are offering a range of around the world 25-day around the world adventures is a luxury private plane. The price of happiness: just a shade under US$100,000, an extra $10,000 if travelling solo: all gratuities included. That’s not even that expensive compared to first class hotels and air tickets.

Abercrombie and Kent have been in the luxury tour business for a long time, but their private jet charters concept is inspired. The entire entire journey will be in a luxury private 757-200, commissioned for Abercrombie and Kent. The plane, on loan with its pilots and cabin crew from Icelandic Air, can carry 230 economy passengers, but Abercrombie and Kent have gutted it and replaced the sardine configuration with one more appropriate for such an expensive trip.

With only fifty-two leather seats there is more than enough leg room for everyone. The only plain cloth economy seats on the plane are reserved for cabin crew! There is lounge / dining areas where guests can relax with canapes (prepared by one of the two chefs on-board), drink French champagne and expensive brandies. Overall the staff/guest ratio is an impressive 10 to 1, and includes a “luggage manager”, an engineer and four escorts provided by Abercrombie and Kent, who assist the guests with planning their jaunts into whatever native wonderland they find themselves in.

Oh and all that pesky immigration stuff? Well guests are escorted through express immigration while their luggage travels separately to meet them again in their hotel room.

Here a couple of Abercrombie and Kent’s 2009 private jet itineraries: but hurry some are already booked out!

Africa: Desert Kingdoms and Natural Splendors: New York > MADEIRA Funchal > ETHIOPIA Addis Ababa, Lalibela > TANZANIA Serengeti > MAURITIUS > SOUTH AFRICA Cape Town, Kruger > ZIMBABWE Victoria Falls > MALI Bamako, Timbuktu > MOROCCO Marrakech > New York

Nine World Wonders: Miami >, PERU Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu > EASTER ISLAND > SAMOA Apia > AUSTRALIA Sydney > CAMBODIA Angkor Wat > MYANMAR Schwedagan Pagoda > INDIA Jodhpur, Taj Mahal > OMAN Muscat > JORDAN Petra, Wadi Rum > EGYPT Cairo, Pyramids > New York

Mozambique has emerged from decades of civil war and, as unlikely as it sounds, has turned its fortunes using their natural assets of beautiful national parks, a vibrant culture and world-class diving sites in the Indian Ocean.

Only 15 years ago Mozambique was racked by civil war which left a million people dead. However, as a rare African success story, Mozambique now appears to have put its past behind it as is currently opening a rash of new lodges and resorts in the formerly undeveloped northern part of the country.

Getting there will probably land you in the small colonial capital, Maputo. The nightlife is vibrant - check out the Afro jazz scene while you are there. International flight connections are generally via South Africa. There are also direct connections from Portugal (the former colonial power), Tanzania and Kenya. Portuguese is still the official language although English is widely spoken. Mozambique’s government is investing in their National Parks and wildlife numbers including antelope and zebra herds are increasing. Coral reefs fringe 1500 miles of gorgeous unspoilt Indian Ocean coastline and off-shore islands.

Our pick for luxury hotels in Maputo would be the boutique 23-room boutique hotel Villa das Arabies which combines funky Arabic decor with all the usual luxuries: LCD TV’s, wireless Internet and video games. They also include the less usual such as an “aquarium swimming pool” - sounds fun!

Most of the luxury resort action appears to be in the formerly undeveloped northern region. The uber-luxurious Vamizi Lodge has a well-heeled international following with good reason. Vamizi located in the Quirimbas archipelago surrounded by white-sand beaches, translucent water and undamaged coral reef. Vamizi comes complete with dhows with while sails (available for you to take a run too), contrasting nicely against the blue Indian Ocean.

Most of the local nightlife at Vamizi will consist of interacting with curious monkeys and lumbering turtles. Each individual hut comes complete with king sized beds with romantic billowing mosquito nets to view the sun rise over the sea from. During the day you can move out to the day bed to do some more serious relaxing. However if you want to get more active read on.

Vamizi is getting a name for combining luxury accommodation and world-class diving. There are at least 10 excellent dive sites less than 30 minutes boat ride from the resort. Vamizi runs a full diving and fishing charter service. Big Game and fly fishing charters are available. If fishing isn’t yout thing enjoy the local seafood cuisine at the Vamizi’s restaraunts instead. Time your visit right and there is whale watching as well.

Mozambique is not quite as convenient as some destinations, African airlines still have their scheduling issues, but look for lodges such as Vamizi becoming more hip than the better known destinations of Asia and the Caribbean; novelty plus undeniable beauty - a winning combination.

More and more new luxury resorts are opening in Australia as more and more people realize just how attractive this huge country is. The Great Barrier Reef is a crowd pleaser with thousands of resorts which range from backpacker drinking camps, through Club Med, to the family friendly and through to the truly luxurious.

Bedarra Island has had a name as one of the top-notch Queensland 5-star resorts for quite a long time - and its not giving up its crown anytime soon. Sure its not as isolated as say Wrothram Park Lodgeand probably doesn’t boast as much wildlife as Kangaroo Island but if you want warm ocean, tranquil beaches, excellent food and a “total get away from it all”stay Bedarra Island is an excellent luxury choice in northern Queensland.

As Bedarra say themselves

“When you simply don’t wish to be found, when you need to escape, unwind and experience the finer things in life, there is no better place to disappear to than Bedarra Island; an exclusive tropical private hideaway…

Bedarra Island only has the one resort - guaranteeing no noisy visitors - oh and under-12’s aren’t catered for either. The 100 hectare island is a 20-minute launch ride away from Dunk Island - which is accessible by a scenic flight from Cairns in far north Queensland. Cairns has direct flights to every major Australian city and Japan.

With only 16 secluded villas, and a maximum of 32 guests at any time Bedarra is definitely boutique. All meals and an open bar are included in the tariff so you will probably meet everyone at the famous self-serve bar.

As for the activities:snorkeling,canoing and boating are all inclusive.If you’re more adventurous a free shuttle over to Dunk Is and you can indulge in jet skiing or book a reef tour at extra cost.

Superbly appointed, each villa has a separate living area, contemporary bathroom and king size bed. On the balcony, guests can relax in a hammock and contemplate the beauty and calm of this elegant retreat.

The most luxurious room is number 1 “The Point” which was situated down a private path at least 70 metres from your nearest neighbours. The Point offered ultimate privacy, a wonderful plunge infinity pool, staggering views and pleasant breezes (which in the summer heat and humidity will be welcome). Watch out for the wildlife though: lizards and the occasional snake on the path at night.

Bedarra is well known for its fantastic food with an emphasis on local seafood. Sample local delicacies on the open-air terrace restaurant, with a freshly prepared menu every day. A popular lunch option is a romantic beach picnic with a gourmet hamper.

Although after a day or two you may summer up the energy for a short bush walk or sail on a catamaran the whole point of somewhere like Bedarra is to chill out and be in a perfectly beautiful environment. Although Internet access is available and all rooms include LCD TV’s and DVD-players you wonder why. Surely this is a resort designed for doozing on a hammock with a good book.

Easter Island (Rapa Nui locally or Isla de Pascula in Spanish), is arguably one of the most remote islands on the planet. Certainly one of the most remote luxury destinations we’ve reviewed!

Located roughly half-way between Tahiti and Chile, Easter Island’s nearest inhabited neighbour is 2075 kilometres away, tiny Pitcairn Island or 3,600 kilometers to Chile. At only 163.6 km² (63 sq mi), and with a high point of 507 metres Rapa Nui is easy to explore over 3 or 4 days which more airline’s schedules allow you.
The island is a volcanic peak, not an atoll. You don’t come to Easter Island for the diving or snorkeling. Nor do you come for the nightlife or the beach scene. Rapa Nui is far enough south to have a cool winter and a mild summer.

Why should you add Easter Island to your must see list? Because of the strange statues - the Moai - and the even stranger history of Easter Island. Because Rapa Nui does deserve that over-used adjective: unique. The combination of Pacific Island (if you speak Maori or Hawaiian you will understand the local’s language) and South America - with a side-order of Thor Heyerdahl and Von Daniken. The mystery of what happened to the statue builders. What happened to destroy an apparently vibrant and unique culture whose decline started before the arrival of the Europeans?

When Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen discovered the islands on - yes - Easter Sunday 1722 he estimated there were 2,000 to 3,000 inhabitants on the island. The next western visitors didn’t come by until 1770, and they reported that the gardens were uncultivated, 4 years later when Captain James Cook visited, he described the statues as being neglected with some having fallen down. By 1825, another British ship, HMS Blossom, visited and reported no standing statues. Every statue had fallen face down. Many have since been resurrected.

In the 1860’s the combination of Peruvian slave traders, and introduced European diseases decimated the island. In less than a decade, 97% of the population was dead or removed - and with them went most of the Rapa Nui’s cultural knowledge. Uniquely in the Pacific Rapa Nui had a written language: which is yet to be translated. Today Rapa Nui has a population of 3,700, all but 500 of which live in the only settlement: Hanga Roa. Around 60% of the population are ethnic Rapa Nui, the remainder are Chilean immigrants.
Posada de Mike Rapu
Until very recently your only option for accommodation have been several small, family run lodges and hotels. Comfortable enough, but not 5-star luxury which we like to write about. Now however the new Explora’s Posada de Mike Rapu has changed all that.

This 30-room lodge has green certification and was designed to blend into the landscape. using local wood and stone. The interiors are simple, the intent is to showcase the natural scenery. Innovative use of natural wood and stone especially in the ensuites. All meals and a open bar is also part of the price and food is getting top marks from guests: especially the locally caught seafood. There is a pool - but unless you are there at the high of summer you may find it a bit cool: the wild horses enjoy coming up and drinking from it though!

The room prices are fully-inclusive of daily sightseeing - which is useful on Easter Island which doesn’t have a lot of tourist infrastructure. The nature of the island is that you will enjoy visit more if you are capable of walking or cycling a few kilometres as the road network is limited. The Moai statues are scattered across the island, including some which appear to have been abandoned in the middle of the manufacturing process. There is a surprisingly lot to see and it will take 3 or 4 days to get a good feel for the island.

Photo credit: Travel South America