Let’s be blunt: this may not suit you. It’s fairly chilly and the seclusion is absolute. In fact ‘silence’ is officially listed among Octola’s key attributes. Not deterred, and feeling robust? Grand: you’re going to marvel at the crystalline magic and tingling clean air surrounding this wonderful retreat in the forests of Finnish Lapland …and be amazed at the flavours built up by your personal Nordic chef from locally-foraged ingredients.
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You know that when there’s a house reef on offer then you’re heading somewhere rather special. At the sensational Six Senses Laamu – which is the one and only resort on the dreamy Laamu Atoll in the Maldives – the underwater vista is almost unparalleled, whether you’re deep-diving or snorkelling. On the surface, you might find yourself cruising at dawn or dusk on a traditional dhoni sailing boat, island-hopping to deserted beaches, surfing, sunbathing. Then there’s the resort itself…
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The Collector’s Villa at Iniala Beach House is, they say, the most luxurious and beautiful three-bedroom villa in the whole of Southern Thailand. A towering claim. Yet, we think, one that stands up. From its golden teak construction to the truly wondrous ceramic courtyard, the exclusive pool with its pillared perimeter to the crystal dining room, and – oh, my – that view… You’ve probably been to Phuket many times, but there’s nowhere like this.
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Our regular clients have enjoyed several astonishing holidays this year, but where to round off the year somewhere comfortable but contrasting? If you’re not on the beach this Christmas or New Year, then we heartily recommend Coworth Park, an English country house near Ascot where the flowing hospitality and beautiful, misty countryside makes a fairytale backdrop to the festive season.
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There are 10 entire countries around this world that are each smaller than the Loisaba Conservancy in Laikipia, northern Kenya. It’d take you months to explore all its 57,000 acres, treading carefully in the homeland of giraffe, elephant and zebra herds, and a big cat population mixing lions, leopards and cheetahs. Even then, if you came back you could do it differently time after time via camels, mountain bikes, on foot or horseback, or simply in the company of Masai locals. But where to stay in the lap of luxury as the sun sets each magical day? Well, let’s see…
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We’ve been thinking about places to go for a chilled-out break in the early autumn that boasts uplifting aromas, tastes and vistas. That’s when Villa La Coste stopped us in our holiday-planning tracks. Superlux style in an idyllic South of France setting, where the spa and dining room are equally delectable …and the finest of its suites come with private pools. It even has it’s very own vineyard too. Dive in!
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