Luxury

There is something otherworldly about arriving at Sandals Barbados. This is the stuff of James Bond films and multi-million-pound music videos. But arriving at Sandals Barbados, the company’s newest resort after a $65 million makeover, it is all real. From the inventive accommodations spanning three unique villages, with luxurious suites, 11 restaurants and a spa and the eternally pouring beach bars to the gently swaying palm trees, Sandals Barbados is an almost inconceivable slice of luxurious exclusivity.

It’s has been given the nickname ‘the Gem of the Caribbean Sea’.  Whether you're looking to lounge on a pristine white beach, get a taste of local food or soak up lively Caribbean culture, your perfect holiday awaits you in Barbados. This picture-perfect tropical island really does have it all.  From a UNESCO World Heritage capital to a jaw-dropping coastline, and lush, wild interiors, it’s idyllic Caribbean scenery at its finest.  There’s  always something to entice visitors, including festivities, sport, music, nightlife, local traditions and delicious cuisine.

Why have just one luxury holiday when you can plump for two if you are flying over to Mauritius via Dubai . Here are two phrases I never thought I’d hear in my life: one of them is, ahem, ‘foot virtuoso’ (more of which later), the other is ‘pastry library’. I am confronted with the latter at Stay, the swanky signature restaurant situated in One&Only The Palm, sister hotel to the brand’s Royal Mirage resort – itself located a ten-minute speedboat ride away on what passes for Dubai’s ‘mainland’.

With its luxe marinas, clubs and well-heeled clientele from Istanbul, the vibe of this peninsula is French Riviera with an exotic twist.  Bodrum was once a forgotten destination but now with increasing visits from the A-list and equally big spenders, it’s become a sun-drenched oasis.

YORK
York is an ideal destination for a weekend break, with its historic 14th century streets known as The Shambles, the impressive Minster gothic cathedral and the York Castle Museum offering plenty of culture and charm.  The historic city has many establishments or hotels for visitors to choose from but only one offers true, unadulterated elegance and that’s The Cedar Court Grand hotel; York’s only five-star hotel.

I you are one of those that are willing to pay for an holiday experience where the cost is not an issue then we have found five that you would be interested in. Whatever you are interested in sun, snow or adrenaline rush adventure – with a bit of glamping. The locations include the Caribbean, Europe the southern hemisphere South Africa and New Zealand - as far as the South Pole.

Like the Disneyland resorts the 4000 passenger capacity Disney Dream Boat caters for moms, dads and children from three months to 17 years.  At a tune of £565 million Disney created an on sea dream holiday experience, offering the world’s first on sea water coaster – ‘The Aquaduck’, French gourmet restaurant, inspired by Michelin-starred chefs (with 200-strong wine list)and a host of other entertainment features.

The island is said to be one of the Caribbean’s best kept secret for luxury and relaxation.  Canouan Island is the place to get away from it all in style and comfort.  The island has received rave reviews on travel forums from those that have visited the island.

The Canouan island  is 3.5 miles by 1.25 miles and lies at the south-eastern tip of the Caribbean and forms part of the Grenadines islands and lies approximately 25 miles south of St. Vincent with the Caribbean Sea on the West* and the Atlantic ocean on the East side*.  The average temperature for the island range from 24c/75f to 30c/87f.  Driest season is December to May.  The coolest months occur between November and February.