LUXURY HOTELS IN SRI LANKA

This small island at the foot of India is a mouth-watering concentration of history, food, culture and nature. Its beach resorts and great diving are a big pull for leisure travellers. Culture vultures flock to the ancient forts, temples and food spots. And nature lovers explore the inland lakes and reserves – home to cheetah and elephant. Others simply sit at a luxury hotel pool or spa, sipping tea from the plantations that carpet the mountainous interior. 
Explore striking landscapes, stunning seascapes and culture that’s been left untouched.
Sri Lanka is a perfect year-round escape. It’s hottest from June to September when, with temperatures averaging around 35°C, a chilled pool and an icy cocktail feel like heaven. There are two rainy seasons in May/June and November/December – but the typically short showers provide nothing more than delightful refreshment. 
Seafood lovers get ready: the spicy barbecued tamarind fish and coconut shrimp curry are a must.

Luxury Hotels in Cook Islands

With so much natural beauty surrounding them, it’s no wonder Cook Islanders are so happy. Each of the fifteen tropical islands promises something different. Snorkel untouched coral reefs around your luxury hotel by day and experience traditional music and dancing at night. Savour wonderfully fresh seafood and local dishes, and browse the markets for local arts and crafts. 

Blue lagoons, white sands, exotic forests – welcome to the epitome of South Pacific paradise. 

As you’d expect from a tropical escape, the Cook Islands are generally warm and sunny all year round. It’s drier April to November, while there’s a chance of some refreshing rain between December and March – and the tropical showers can be a sight to behold. If you’re coming in April, the Dancer of the Year Contest is a spectacular event. 

‘Island time’ is an old Polynesian tradition, and means ‘the clock moves slowly’. Service may be slower than you’re used to, but why worry – you’re here to relax.

 

LUXURY HOTELS IN BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The very best in beach resorts, the British Virgin Islands are the epitome of tropical paradise. With so many beaches and so few people, you’re sure to find your own secluded spot. This is a sailor’s heaven too, with lots of boats waiting to be chartered, and plenty of islands to explore (over 60, to be exact). 
Lounge in a palm-shaded hammock, stroll acres of untouched sand or dive into warm, welcoming water. 
Temperatures are warm all year round, and although there’s officially a rainy season many visitors leave the islands never having seen a drop of rain. If you’re in the British Virgin Islands in July, make sure to catch the HiHo windsurfing race. 
If you’d like to come home with some truly authentic island gifts, look out for crocheted souvenirs, straw hats and rum. You can find them all at Tortola market.

Luxury Hotels in Thailand

Nowhere captures the charms of Asia quite like Thailand and its people. It has extraordinary beach escapes, spa retreats and exclusive island resorts that belong in the movies. If luxuriating isn’t your thing, there are energising city breaks in Bangkok or the historic Chiang Mai, alive with cultural and culinary surprises. Or why not jump on an elephant? Idyllic jungles with waterfalls, rock pools and frangipane-scented valleys are begging to be explored.  

Exotic beaches, fascinating cities, warm-hearted people and culinary wonders are just for starters.

Like most countries in Asia, the weather varies as much by region as by time of year. Most people travel to Thailand between November and February, when the weather is gloriously balmy and the festivals are in full throw. The quietest months are from April to October, when the heat gives ways to a refreshing evening shower and the landscape goes radiantly green.

Prepare to smile a lot, greet a lot and have your heart melted by the incredible warmth of the people.

Luxury Hotels in Russia

By day, venture from the warmth of your luxury hotel into Russia’s colourful cities and towns, in the steps of historical figures and literary characters. You’ll find opulent palaces, colourful architecture, exclusive boutiques and a country that’s as intriguing as it is surprising. When night falls, join in with the locals and sip ice-cold vodka between spoonfuls of beluga caviar – it’s an experience not be missed.

As multi-layered as the doll that bears its name, Russia blends rich history with cool, contemporary culture.

For warm weather you’ll need to visit in July and August – but don’t forget to pack an umbrella as showers aren’t uncommon. Early summer and the autumn months are mild and the countryside turns rust red and golden in colour. But if you’ve been dreaming of snow-dusted scenes and the Russia of literature and film, winter is your best bet. Hotels and public buildings are geared up for freezing temperatures, and you’ll find them invitingly warm.

Russia’s white nights – known locally as “belye nochi” – are a magical time to visit. Join in St. Petersburg’s lively festivals and all-night parties as the city stays light well into the night.

Luxury Hotels in Maldives

Here, the loudest thing you’ll hear is a palm tree swaying in the wind, warm waters lapping powdery sand, tiger prawns sizzling on a beach barbecue, or the pop of a champagne cork. This is the exclusive castaway life. Go island-hopping in seaplanes and catamarans, snorkelling with parrotfish by your private cabin or savour Creole fine dining on the beach. 

Ditch your shoes and pinch yourself – this is a tropical utopia with island spa retreats and luxury hotels on stilts.

The Maldives enjoys a superb climate. With temperatures at around 30°C for most of the year, it’s always ideal for diving and evenings al fresco at your luxury beach resort. The quietest season is from May to November when occasional rain storms freshen things up, and when sailing and surfing are particularly good.