10 unforgettable luxury holidays
Want to get away from words like recession, financial downturn and economic turmoil? With the holiday season upon us, Campden FB has compiled a list of luxury holidays in the most exclusive locations to inspire even the seasoned traveller. Indulgence, tranquillity and natural beauty await…
Amanyara, Turks & Caicos, Caribbean
Occupying a secluded beachside setting, the Amanyara resort is built of timber and glass to reflect its dramatic location and create an atmosphere of graceful tropical modernity. For years the island has been overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, leaving it relatively untainted and untouched. The resort offers modern luxuries, from spa treatments to sailing, while maintaining the feeling of an island paradise. All bedrooms suites offer three outdoor terraces and fantastic sea views. www.amanresorts.com/amanyara/home.aspx
Royal Malewane (Africa House), South Africa
This luxury-meets-wild-Safari experience combines fantastic, close-up sightings with the most elegant and indulgent lodgings. Situated within a private reserve of Kruger National Park, the resort houses only 20 guests in suites overlooked by no one but the wildlife. Expert trackers ensure sightings of the Big Five and the spa provides the perfect place to unwind after an exhilarating day of Safari. www.royalmalewane.com
Aqua Expeditions in the Amazon
Aqua Expeditions offers guests the opportunity to sail up the Amazon in complete luxury while experiencing some of the most remote and spectacular parts of the world. The ship was designed in 2007 and custom built to provide an extraordinary level of comfort for passengers, with 12 cruise-ship style suites, comfortable communal areas and even on-board shopping. The expeditions venture deep into the Amazon rainforest, exploring some of Peru's most famous and breathtaking sights, to create an experience its guests will never forget. www.aquaexpeditions.com
The Farm, Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand
The Farm is a haven of comfortable elegance set atop 6,000 acres of beautiful New Zealand pastureland and overlooking rugged coastline. Famed for its modern and challenging golf course, the resort caters to all activity levels and tastes, boasting features such as a beautiful infinity pool and private dining areas. The rustic buildings are reminiscent of a Montana farmhouse but the luxury interior is closer to a five star hotel and the stunning views are unique to this part of the world. www.capekidnappers.com
Qualia, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Situated at the southernmost tip of Hamilton Island, Qualia resort is easily accessible from mainland Australia but still in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The island is surrounded by some of the clearest waters in the world and the diving is second to none. For those who prefer to stay dry, Qualia offers chartered yachts as an alternative way to see the other picturesque Whitsunday Islands. The resorts' secluded suites allow for privacy and the strict over 18s only policy makes it perfect for a relaxing, romantic getaway. www.qualia.com.au
Amanbagh, Alwar India
Amanbagh, or "peaceful garden", was formerly the Maharajah of Alwar's hunting lodge and pleasure garden. Today it is a beautifully restored haveli (private mansion) in a secluded and sumptuous location surrounded by the Aravedi hills. It offers guests the opportunity to explore the fascinating remnants of Rajasthan's Moghul dynasty from the comfort of an Indian palace. The eucalyptus trees, frangipani and jade garden are complimented by the serenity of the lake. www.aman.la
Oberoi Zahra Cruises the Nile
The luxury hotel chain Oberoi offers a sybaritic Nile cruise aboard its cruise liner the Oberoi Zahra. Sailing from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa, the seven day cruise takes in many of Egypt's most famous sites whilst indulging your every whim. It even claims to have the only full-service spa on the Nile. The luxury suites are over 50 m2 in size and feature private terraces and an open air Jacuzzi. www.oberoizahra.com
Cap Estel, Eze France
Cap Estel is a haven for relaxation on the French Riviera between Nice and Monte Carlo. It combines elegant luxury with a convivial spirit. Located on a private five acre peninsula that includes gardens and panoramic coastal views, this resort will take your breath away. The 14 suites subtly mix the modern and traditional while chef Nicholas Vie creates food to impress the most discerning connoisseur. Finally, the infinity pool overlooking the sea will leave you wanting to stay forever. www.capestel.com
Fregate, Seychelles
Taking its name from the Fregate bird, (also known as the pirate of the air for its acrobatic manoeuvres to capture the prey of other seabirds) this idyllic island paradise is the most remote and secluded of the Seychelles granite islands. Fregate is a 20 minute flight from Mahe and covers three square kilometers of tropical tranquility. Villas are made of mahogany and fit seamlessly into their surroundings. Excursions include snorkelling, game fishing and kayaking. www.fregate.com
Le Taha'a, Polynesia
Located in the Society Islands archipelago of Polynesia, Taha'a is often called the "Vanilla Island" with the precious vanilla orchid growing under the humid shade of tropical forest. Le Ta'h'ha resort boasts 34 overwater suites – they are perched on stilts in the sea - offering panoramic views of the aquamarine ocean. It is deserving of its reputation as an exclusive resort and has excursions to match such as a helicopter ride over neighbouring Bora Bora, whale watching and spectacular diving. www.letahaa.com
Compiled by Katie Barker,
Margie Goldsmith
and Viren Vaghela.
Photo courtesy of Qualia Resort, Australia
