What makes us unique?

This post was originally published on this siteLuxury travel to Machu Picchu isn’t about themed suites, pillow menus, or gilt everything. The luxury is the hush, the quiet. The kind of quiet that feels heavy and so very expensive. It’s the mist that whispers secrets. The low, thrumming energy of the Apus, the mountain gods, holding the place in a permanent, dizzying embrace. Your luxuries? They’re simple. The weight of a well-made blanket. The deep, earthy taste of a Peruvian wine. The profound understanding that you are a very small, very lucky guest in a very old lodge. Machu Picchu is a destination without parallel. Being perched high in the Andes, it remains part enigma, part pilgrimage, and an equal part spectacle. For more discriminating travelers who require the allure of authenticity along with A-level extravagance, the experience of getting to the ruins is almost as important as the ruins themselves. Selecting where to stay on your Machu Picchu pilgrimage is never merely a question of logistics; it’s much about strategy. Your hotel dictates the emotions rising in you when those gates open at dawn and add to your recollections of the landscape late into the night. What follows isn’t

This post was originally published on this siteOne of the most famous cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro has for years captivated the hearts of all who visited it. The Marvellous City lives up to its name in every sense of the word. With its beautiful beaches, mountains and bays, a daily life that revolves around the beach and lively bars and restaurants with a warm and welcoming vibe, it is a place that sweeps you up into its inexorable sense of fun combined with a laidback attitude to life. There is a glamourous side to Rio as well and this is often seen in the places to stay. Humboldt Travel specialise in luxury travel to Brazil. Read on for our favourite hotels in Rio de Janeiro. The Belmond Copacabana Palace The Copacabana Palace is one of the most iconic hotels in the world. Its gleaming white façade sits proudly facing Copacabana beach, and it has for decades been the top spot for celebrities, royalty and all who want a taste of the golden age of Rio. The hotel exudes old-world elegance with suited doormen, wooden and brass revolving doors and polished marble lobby. The enormous floral centrepiece, always

This post was originally published on this siteNew Zealand’s South Island provides an exceptional winter playground that rivals the world’s most exclusive alpine destinations. Spring in the Southern Hemisphere – from September through November – presents discerning travellers with an extraordinary opportunity to experience premier skiing and snowboarding in one of the globe’s most spectacular settings. The South Island’s dramatic tapestry of snow-capped peaks, glacial lakes, and adventure-centric alpine towns creates the ultimate backdrop for a luxury winter sports escape. Two destinations reign supreme as the crown jewels of this alpine paradise: the cosmopolitan resort town of Queenstown and the refined lakeside sanctuary of Wanaka. Together, they deliver an unparalleled fusion of world-class adventure and five-star mountain hospitality that firmly establishes New Zealand amongst the world’s most elite ski destinations. Wanaka: The connoisseur’s spring retreat Often overshadowed by its celebrated neighbour Queenstown, Wanaka reveals itself as the sophisticated traveller’s best-kept secret during New Zealand’s spring season. This year-round luxury destination transforms into an exclusive adult playground where crisp overnight temperatures and bluebird sky days create sublime conditions for both alpine adventures and lakeside indulgence What distinguishes Wanaka for the luxury market is its capacity to deliver that coveted “exclusive access”

This post was originally published on this siteFinding good-quality holiday accommodation for a large gathering is charming in theory, but logistically fraught in practice. Throw in guests travelling from Cumbria, Northumberland and Surrey for a milestone birthday celebration and the search becomes more challenging still. Wressle Grange Farmhouse, available through Premier Cottages, answered the brief: a beautiful period house that sleeps up to 14 across three floors, with ample indoor and outdoor space for a more intimate celebration rather than passing like ships in hotel corridors. The welcome Access was the no-drama, modern-country kind: a lockbox code sent ahead of our arrival and a straightforward self-check-in. But the stay was certainly not impersonal since, within an hour of our arrival, owner Claire came to say hello in person, swapping a few practicalities for local tips and giving us insights into the history of their former home. A small gesture but one that leaves you feeling that the owners care and are on hand if you need. The property Our arrival brings us in through the rear of the farmhouse and our gaze is immediately drawn to the kitchen with its sociable central island, polished worktops, and an abundance of modern