What makes us unique?

Some moments in life deserve more than a quick weekend away or a celebratory toast over champagne or dinner. Moments like birthdays, anniversaries, a graduation or a reunion sometimes need a little extra; something memorable, worth time and money. As our lives and our world become less IRL and more digital, as we become less connected, one can understand why more travellers are choosing to mark special moments with intention by choosing a place that gives the occasion the space it deserves. New Zealand does this beautifully. And Aroha Luxury New Zealand Tours understands this sentiment more than most because we have been hosting these celebratory moments for many, many years. New Zealand has a way of making celebration feel natural because the scenery does so much of the work for us. With the most magnificent mountains, lakes, and ocean views, the gravitas of a celebratory moment makes even more of an impression. For many travellers, this balance is the appeal. The sense that the occasion is being honoured. Moment’s worth travelling for There has been a noticeable rise in journeys planned around life events rather than holidays. Luxury travel advisors around the world are seeing travellers organise trips to

Frequent flyer programmes are evolving quickly, and the Avios ecosystem is no exception. Used across multiple airlines including British Airways, Iberia and Qatar Airways, Avios has become one of the most flexible and dominant loyalty currencies in the world. As we move further into 2026, travellers using Avios to book reward seats on flights are likely to encounter a mix of opportunity and change. Airlines are growing and refining loyalty programmes at a rapid pace – adjusting award pricing, and experimenting with new reward seat redemption models. British Airways and Iberia, for example, both revamped numerous elements of their Avios Club loyalty programs in 2025, including earning rates and status levels. At the same time, demand for premium travel continues to grow, as earning and spending Avios points becomes more accessible to all.  Understanding the key trends shaping Avios reward travel is a key part of my work (and a personal hobby). Here I impart some of my knowledge and predictions, to help other travellers extract maximum value from their points in the year ahead. The continued shift toward dynamic reward pricing One of the most important trends I have spotted in the last two years affecting Avios redemptions is

With February, the month of love, drawing to a close, what could be more romantic than heading off to Africa for a safari for two? Picture open plains dotted with incredible wildlife, sundowner bubbles in the bush – and just the right mix of romance, relaxation and adventure. The perfect recipe for celebrating love! Africa is renowned for its sumptuous hotels and lodges in breathtaking locations, its discreet but personable service and delectable cuisine, all setting the scene for unforgettable memories – be it a honeymoon, anniversary or simply a romantic getaway. Here are a few beautiful locations across Africa to reignite the romance in your life… Spa-fari at Mara Bushtops in Kenya You would be hard pressed to find a more romantic location in Kenya than Mara Bushtops. Not only is it home to the ‘Best Safari Spa in Africa’ (their Amani Spa has won this title multiple years in a row at The World Luxury Spa Awards) but the accommodation oozes romance, with beautiful king sized beds and fabulous views from its private hot tub over a busy salt lick that attracts wildlife from miles around. Couples can enjoy private bush breakfasts, sundowners at dusk with a campfire for two

When winter comes to the Southern Alps, Wānaka transforms from lakeside retreat into alpine resort and the epicentre of New Zealand’s most accessible skiing. All being aligned on the weather front, from June through October visitors and locals alike trade the lake for the peaks. What sets Wānaka apart: you can ski New Zealand’s largest ski field one day and its most technically demanding terrain another, all from the same lakeside luxury holiday home. Wānaka is not only the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and Central Otago’s backcountry. It’s also the only place in the country where you can unpack once and access multiple ski experiences: learner slopes and family-friendly groomed runs as well as expert-only terrain and untouched backcountry snow accessed by helicopter. For discerning travellers who want their winter holidays to balance serious skiing with the refinement of a luxury base, this combination is hard to beat. Why Wānaka for a ski holiday Queenstown might feel like the obvious alpine choice. It’s the international gateway, the adrenalin hub, the place where ski holidays are built around après-ski energy and crowds. Wānaka offers something different: space, privacy, and the rare luxury of choosing your ski experience each morning