The 5 Best National Parks In The World

The world is filled with a staggering amount of natural beauty, taking the form of unique rock formations or expansive forests which are home to some of the rarest animals. It is important to protect these places, to ensure that they remain undisturbed and stand the test of time. Of all the national parks out there, here are my favorite five:

Kruger

South Africa is renowned for its remarkable landscapes, filled with a plethora of flora and fauna which promises to bewitch natives and tourists alike. As one of the largest game reserves in Africa, Kruger National Park covers an area of 19,633 square kilometers and is home to some of the world’s rarest and most incredible animals, such as the lion, rhino, elephant and cheetah. Over the years South Africa’s tourism industry has taken off, with many people booking safari holidays to witness the amazing wildlife. The rugged landscape of Kruger National Park ensures that visitors will go away with a camera stocked with countless unforgettable photographs.

Yosemite

Yosemite National Park spans over 3,080 square kilometres, and is filled with spectacular cliffs, waterfalls and forestry. Over 3.7 million people visit Yosemite every year, with many choosing to spend their time in Yosemite Valley. Home to sights such as the Half Dome, Yosemite Valley is an area bursting with natural beauty, as well as a rich history which visitors will surely enjoy learning about. Nowadays the adventurous choose to go hiking in Yosemite, or even rock climbing; its beautiful scenery makes it the ideal place to combine sport with beauty.

Galapagos

The Galapagos National Park is a relatively new national park and World Heritage Site, having been established in 1959. Consisting of an archipelago of small islands, visits to the Galapagos National Park have been restricted, due to the area’s fragile ecosystem. The Galapagos Islands are home to an array of incredible wildlife, such as giant tortoises, sea lions and birds of prey, not to mention volcanoes which visitors are able to hike across. Although the Galapagos Islands are a somewhat exclusive location that can cost a pretty penny, they are well worth travelling to.

Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is an icon of the US and is the 15th oldest national park in the country. Its history dates back to 1919 when it first became a national park, but is said to be thousands of years old. There are many ways to take in the Grand Canyon, whether it is on foot or on a helicopter ride. No matter what angle it is viewed at, the Canyon never falters to amaze those who look upon it.

Activities such as hiking and rafting are commonly enjoyed at the Grand Canyon, as well as camping in one of the established campgrounds. The Grand Canyon Skywalk is also a popular way to view the Canyon – the transparent bridge juts out over the Canyon, providing a once in a lifetime view.

Everglades

The Everglades is an extraordinary location, and is the largest subtropical area in the United States, where a whole host of interesting wildlife resides. It was first declared a national park in 1947, to help maintain the area’s fragile ecosystem. The Everglades is home to 36 endangered species of animal, including the American crocodile and Florida panther. Visitors of the national park can explore it on foot or on an airboat tour.

Contributed by Matthew Coe, Online Marketing Manager for Wanderforth. www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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8 of The World’s ‘Ultra Luxe’ Bathrooms

We spend a lot of time in the bathroom. A good bathroom is a necessity, a beautiful bathroom is a luxury, but the following bathrooms, are just out of this world. I like to put them in the ‘Ultra Luxe’ box. A section of the ‘marketing mix’ which has been thoroughly thought about and is all about the experience. I am sure you won’t forget a shower or bath in the following properties in a hurry. I have travelled the world to bring you my top 8 ‘ultra luxe’ bathrooms.

The Outpost Lodge overlooks the Luvuvha River, found in one of the most remote parts of Kruger National Park in in South Africa. All bedrooms are en suite and have amazing views over the park & river. Each suite comes with an outdoor terrace and day bed.

The Tree House at Beho Beho Game Reserve, Selous, Tanzania. Outdoor showers are not a new concept, but this is a tree house… with running water and flushing toilets. Luxury safari’s have stepped up and now you can shower in luxury in the most rural of areas.

The Romantic Pool Residence on Velaa Private Island in the Maldives. Cast away and only accessible by boat, could one ever get bored of bathing and looking out over the Indian Ocean?

Villa Le Rose in Tuscany, a property of one of the Ferragamo brothers, this bathroom was big enough for a 3 piece sofa and completely made out of marble. One of the most incredible bathrooms I have seen. Step just outside the bedroom and you arrive in the ballroom – a great setting for a ball!

Chalet N in Lech, Austria is like showering in a rainforest of diamonds. The impressive chalet proves that luxury has no bounds.

The Luxury Beach Suite, Desroches Island, Seychelles. The spacious air-conditioned double bedroom overlooks the private deck, with its secluded outdoor shower under the exotic island foliage on the water’s edge. To boost the sensual experience, the large bathroom is intimately enclosed by lush island vegetation and boasts four showers!

The honeymoon bath in Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge is built into a well concealed corner of your private terrace where you can soak under the African skies and watch the Big 5 casually pass you by.

Chalet Quezac in Tignes les Brevieres – this is one of only two glass baths in the world! A difficult concept to grasp, and for many, not sure how enticing it is. But for the sheer fact these baths are a very limited edition, it had to be included.

Contributed by Holly McQueen, Sales Manager for Indigo Lodges. www.aluxurytravelblog.com

7 Of The World’s Best High-End Shopping Streets

For those of you traveling fashion victims out there, stepping foot on a high-end shopping street is similar to a child walking in a candy store. Let’s face it: while shopping malls are convenient, keeping you warm and dry during colder seasons, they get depressing as well, considering you won’t see the light of day for hours. In some parts of the world, like North America and Asia, shopping malls continue to become bigger and better, but frankly, there is nothing more liberating than to flaunt your stuff out in the open.

PC Hooftstraat, Amsterdam

Merely a few steps from the famous museum district, a narrow street is home to fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Chanel. The mix of exclusive cars, parked on the street, and rusty bicycles on the sidewalk give this shopping street an edge; however, with high-end fashion brands and shoppers who have money burning in their pockets, it’s the most sophisticated place in Amsterdam.

Ginza, Tokyo

Ginza is not your regular high-end shopping street. It’s an entire neighborhood, housing high-end brands like Chanel, Burberry and Seiko. The best thing about Ginza is its diversity, as it’s also a hub for upscale dining and entertainment, like art galleries and night clubs. Ginza is most pleasant during weekends, when the streets are blocked for vehicles. The mix of shopping, fine dining and night clubs makes this neighborhood one of the most vibrant and exclusive neighborhoods in the world.

Bond Street, London

Bond Street in London is perfect. The street is not too wide, not too narrow, and the buildings not too high. Chic boutiques and some of the greatest jewelry stores have a presence here. Situated in London’s West End, it’s home to brands like Bvlgari, Mulberry and D&G, as well as some posh restaurants for an elegant afternoon tea.

5th Avenue, New York City

While you empty your pockets at Fendi, Prada or Valentino, don’t forget to look up to the skyscrapers every now and then. Who doesn’t love Fifth Avenue? And even those with a modest budget can get their fashion fix at brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Victoria’s Secret and Zara. This major avenue is also home to museums, galleries and restaurants.

Via Montenapoleone, Milan

A walk on the Via Montenapoleone will make you feel like a million dollar, as glamour doesn’t get any better than here. Famous for its ready-to-wear fashion and jewelry stores, it is considered to be the most renowned street in the fashion district; an absolute must for fashion addicts traveling to Milan. Céline, Dior, Salvatore Ferragamo and Valentino are only a few of the names that you’ll find here, along with some of the most exclusive Italian shoemakers who take pride in their craft.

Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills

Hollywood’s glitter and glamour would be incomplete without Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Christian Dior, Giorgio Armani and Maxmara are only a few of the names that will make your shopping spree one to never forget. Tired of carrying around all those bags? Just book a room at the nearby Four Seasons or Beverly Hills Hotel and drop your shopping bags in a whip, before indulging in a beauty treatment at the hotel spa.

Avenue Montaigne, Paris

The Champs Elysées may be impressive, but for high-end fashion you go to Avenue Montaigne. Once you step foot on this avenue, you’ll smell the Parisian elegance and style, and with fashion houses like Chloé, Valentino and Chanel, it’s no wonder. The area is also great for fine dining at restaurants like L’Avenue and Maison Blanche, which overlooks the Eiffel Tower.

Contributed by Diana Herst, www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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Lesser-Known Luxury Island Escapes You Should Know About

Ask people to draw up a bucket list of islands they would most like to visit and Zanzibar, Barbados,, Tahiti and Sri Lanka are the likeliest candidates to top the polls. Here, we look at a quartet of smaller, lesser know islands that offer an intriguing alternative to the A list and might well be the answer to those in search of something a little different.

For beauty: Vamizi, Mozambique

Often referred to as the ‘new Maldives’, the Quirimbas is an archipelago of sparkling islands in the Indian Ocean off the coast of northern Mozambique. Aside from some of the most jaw-dropping beaches on the planet, the islands are home to a huge amount of protected wildlife, including turtles, whale sharks, dolphins and Manta rays.

Vamizi Island, slender and crescent-shaped, was home to the first lodge in the Quirimbas. The island now boasts a collection of luxurious private villas, each with a chef, housekeeping and hospitality manager; there are also ten smaller, beachfront villas.  Daily life revolved around beach barbeques, remote picnics, diving, big game fishing, pampering and sunset dhow cruises.

For topography: Lord Howe, Australia

Few Australians have ever been, but Lord Howe is a true gem. A two-hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane, this World Heritage Listed island is Australia’s very own South Sea island. Dominated by volcanic highlands and fringed by a lagoon that is protected by the most southerly reef on the planet. . There are many endemic species of wildlife, including a flightless woodhen, so it is no wonder Sir David Attenborough described the island as “so extraordinary it is almost unbelievable”.

For the real Caribbean: Bequia

Other than to yachties island-hopping the string of Grenadines, Bequia (only seven square miles) is one of the least known of the Caribbean islands, but has all the usual assets of warm seas and sunshine.

Those wanting to get involved in local life and hang out with local fishermen and boat builders – the Frangipani on the harbour is its heartbeat – will fall in love with Bequia. The island has excellent beaches, Princess Margaret and Lower Bay, are both walkable or a short water taxi from Port Elizabeth, the village-size capital.

For history: Nantucket, USA

Nantucket, the so-called ‘Faraway Island’, lies as far from US mainland as France does from Folkestone. Fourteen miles long and four miles wide, the island has become one of the most affluent vacation spots in the USA. As well as fantastic beaches, Nantucket also boats an incredible history. In the 1800s it was the whaling capital of the world until, with the demise of whaling, the population shrank. Today, however, the whole island is classified as a National Historic Monument, an America without shopping malls, traffic lights and McDonald’s.

The lack of development lies at the root of its charm. Nantucket is about old money, its ‘cottages’ owned by people whose names mean less than the corporations they skipper.

Contributed by Nick Van Gruisen, Managing Director of The Ultimate Travel Company. www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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6 Of The Best Adventure Destinations In the World

Adventure holidays no longer have to be the exclusive domain of the intrepid, young, single traveler, ready to rough it in the world’s most remote places. Many couples and families like a bit of an adrenaline rush too. Here are just some ideas for those who would like to inject a spot of action into their travels, whilst not losing out on comfort and luxury.

Costa Rica

With more protected land than any other country in the world, more bird species than the whole of North America, more butterflies than Africa and beaches on tow oceans, Costa Rica could have been put on the planet as a living classroom for natural history. A two-week trip could encompass Pacific rainforests, nights in a jungle loge, an exhilarating river-rafting trip, the impressively active Arenal volcano and the cloud forest of Monteverde where you can test your nerve on a canopy walkway high in treetops. And there’s a final wind-down at a beachfront hotel on the Pacific coast, with swimming, surfing, horse-riding and turtle watching on the menu.

Morocco

First to Marrakech and ‘the biggest circus in the world’ on Djemma El Fna, the main square, with its daily show of juggles, acrobats, snake charmers and drummers. From there, drive to the exotic south, to Ouarzazate, the gate to the desert. You can then drive by 4WD through the palm groves of the Draa valley, visiting the kasbahs of ancient warlords who guarded the caravan routes through the Atlas Mountains, before spending the final few days on the beach of Essaouria.

Nepal

Why not give skiing miss this year and go trekking, white-water rafting and elephant riding in the world’s greatest adventure playground? On trek in the Himalayan foothills, you can either camp o stay in warm, comfortable lodges if the rigours of life under canvas do not appeal, before running the rapids of the beautiful Seti River down to the Royal Chitwan National Park. Here you stay in lodges built on stilts, track one-horned rhinoceros and Royal Bengal tiger through the lowland jungles of this spectacular wildlife, and even get to wash your own elephant at the end of the day – animal therapy at its very best!

Thailand

A mixed bag of exotic pleasures, starting with the high-octane capital of Bangkok. After doing the hot rounds of historical sights, including the Grand Palace, a walled, magical inner city filled with a fantasia of murals, ceramics, gold-leaf and mother-of-pearl topped by dreaming spires, there’s also time for hair-raising jaunts by tuk-tuk and longtail boats. From there we would recommend heading north to Chiang Mai and up to Chiang Rai, gateway to the so-called Golden Triangle, an elephant camp and visit exotic hill tribes before spending time on once of Thailand’s fabulous beaches.

Oman

Arguably the most interesting of the Middle East destinations and ideal for couples and families who would like to inject a measure of education into their holidays. As well as beach, Oman reveals a rich seam of history, markets unchanged since Biblical times, nights in the desert with adventures ranging from dune bashing to camel rides and spectacular mountain scenery.

Peru

Woven into its geography of coastal desert, a backbone of soaring Andean peaks and Amazonian jungle are fabled archaeological sites, a vibrant Indian culture and a veneer of Spanish colonialism. Plus there’s Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world with its unique Uros islands made form floating reeds, the Inca capital of Cuzco and the classic trek to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, past waterfalls, ruins and cloud forest. Or you can take the train for ease and speed. We would also recommend, if time permits, adding a cruise of the Galapagos Islands, Darwin’s ‘Living Laboratory’.

Conributed by Nick Van Gruisen, Managing Director of The Ultimate Travel Company. www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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The World's Best Rail Journeys

Train journeys offer a more relaxed pace of travel and often evoke a feeling of a bygone era, with elaborately decorated carriages and the opportunity to mingle with likeminded people. There are countless rail journeys across the world all of which offer something different, but for me there are a few that really stand out. Here are five of my favourite rail journeys from around the world.

The Eastern & Oriental Express, Southeast Asia

Travel from Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, through the country’s beautiful landscape and into Malaysia and Singapore on board the Eastern & Oriental Express. This is Asia’s most luxurious train ,with lavish carriages full of brass fittings, rich wood and comfortable ensuite compartments.

Take the opportunity to dress in your finest clothes for an evening of fine food and wine in the ambient dining car, where you are surrounded by the elegant style of the Twenties and Thirties. Stops include Georgetown in Penang, the bridge over the River Kwai.

Rovos Rail, South Africa

If you’re visiting South Africa, why not take in the beautiful scenery from the comfort of the luxurious and historic Rovos Rail. The train’s carriages, including restaurant cars, observation carriages and sleeping compartments, have all been restored to their former glory, and a journey on this wonderful train is like taking a step back in time.

Designed for pioneering travellers and colonial grandees, the train is decorated with dark woods and period fittings – just perfect for enjoying a drink as you meet fellow passengers.

Rocky Mountaineer, Canada

A journey on the Rocky Mountaineer in Canada takes you through grasslands, canyons, past thundering waterfalls and through mountain tunnels. There are three classes available on this famous train, Red, Silver and Gold Leaf, the latter offering a superb bi-level glass-dome coach with a wonderful viewing platform. Gourmet meals served below in the dining car for those travelling in Gold Leaf.

The train is one of Canada’s most well-known and operates a few routes in the summer months – between Calgary, Banff, or Jasper and Vancouver, and between Jasper and Whistler.

Trans-Siberian Railway

A fantastic overland journey awaits those who travel on this epic route. A series of railways which connect Moscow in the west of Russia to either Vladivostok in the far east of the country (the true Trans-Siberian route) or Beijing in China (known as the Trans-Mongolian as it crosses through Mongolia), the Trans-Siberian traverses several landscapes, time-zones and cultures whichever route you choose. Travelling by public trains, the Trans-Siberian may not be the most luxurious on this list but it is certainly one of the most impressive, attracting travellers from all over the world with a sense of adventure and a desire to experience the might and splendour of European Russia and the mysterious Far East. For those who prefer a more luxurious stance, there are a couple of private trains which offer set itineraries.

The Hiram Bingham, Peru

Chosen by the readers of Condé Nast Traveller UK as the best train in the world (2011) the Hiram Binghamis a luxurious train in Peru that takes you from the small village of Poroy, just outside of Cuzco, and on towards the world-famous site of Machu Picchu.

Enjoy a hearty brunch, learn how to make a Pisco Sour in the bar car or take in the scenery from the observation carriage, as you journey alongside the mighty Urubamba River in the Sacred Valley.

Contributed by Craig Burkinshaw, a Founder Director of Audley Travel. www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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