More superb long-haul destinations

This is not a paid post.

Here are some more top long-haul destinations from Trailfinders, an expert in tailor-made travel, to whet your appetite.  

Beverly Wilshire 

USA
With 50 states to visit as well Washington DC (the US capital is a federal district) every trip to the USA is a thrilling adventure. Whether you are lured by the bright lights of the cities, the diverse music scene or prefer to spend time on the beach or in the mountains or desert, the US offers something for everybody.

Stand-out hotel

For Janine Baillie, Manager of Trailfinders Glasgow, the hotel with the wow factor was the Beverly Wilshire (Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills - A Four Seasons Hotel).

“Feel like a celebrity at this fabulous property!” she says. “Classically designed, large rooms – the Signature Balcony is definitely worth the upgrade.

“We loved that the hotel plays on its Pretty Woman fame and still has the original lifts and lobby from the film.”

Oberoi Mauritius

Mauritius, Africa

If you like spending your days on white sandy beaches surrounded by volcanic mountains, then this tropical paradise packed with luxurious hotels is for you. If you can tear yourself away from your sun lounger there are Indian temples and botanical gardens to explore.  Watersports, golf, horse riding and nature walks are among the activities on offer. There are also great spas.

Stand-out hotels

For Melloney Styles, Trailfinders, product department, it was Lakaz Chamarel (Lakaz Chamarel).

“Such a fantastic place to stay! We had two nights/ two full days here in a Garden Pool Suite but perhaps three nights would have been better. I would recommend staying in a garden pool suite, it’s a very small price difference for a big upgrade.”

She goes on to say that this is perfect twin centre with any other beach resort as it gives a different view of the island. “Very jungle-like with beautiful lush vegetation. They consider themselves to be a retreat but we still found plenty to do. Take the complimentary mountain bikes out to see the seven-coloured earths.”  She also points out that there is a spa and free yoga in the mornings. She also rated the food.

For Rachel Humphreys, Trailfinders London West End, it was the Oberoi Mauritius (The Oberoi Mauritius).

“I absolutely loved the Oberoi. “It is a stunning property with incredibly decorative manicured gardens, waterfall feature and ponds often with a couple of ducks swimming around!

“I found the service here to be very attentive and friendly without being too 'in your face'.”

She points out that there are three restaurants. “The fine dining restaurant serves Michelin-standard food, the more casual “Rocks” is good for barbecued meats and fresh seafood while the amazing Gunpowder room, with only three tables and lit by 30 - 40 candles is truly a special experience,” she says. (Pre-booking before leaving home is an absolute must.) 

Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Dubai
This once small fishing settlement on the Gulf is now awash with skyscrapers piercing through the clouds and elegant hotels, all constructed with style and panache. Dubai seems to have taken the best designs from the rest of the world and made them better. This place is not just about glitz and glamour, dig underneath the surface of this sprawling desert city and you will discover it has a heart and soul.

Stand-out hotel
For Tina Hamblin, Trailfinders Concierge Team it was the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah (Burj Al Arab).

“This iconic hotel certainly delivers the wow factor in terms of size and extravagance,” she says. It has been voted the world's most luxurious hotel and even offers personal butlers to cater for your every whim. Tina says that the duplex suits are huge and have commanding views over the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Skyline.  The hotel, which oozes Arabian opulence, also boasts nine signature restaurants and bars. If that is not enough you can dine at the Madinat and Jumeirah Beach which are a 20-minute buggy ride away, giving you another 40 or more options.

For Melissa Ager, Trailfinders Kensington it was Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa (Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa).

“Stay here as a two-centre stay with Dubai, or as something different for a second time stopover,” she advises. “Traditional-designed resort with a great layout, restaurants and an amazing rooftop bar.” 

By Daralyn Danns

Popular long-haul destinations

This is not a paid post.

Here are some more top long-haul destinations and stand-out hotels from Trailfinders (trailfinders.com) which was by far the most professional travel agent I interviewed when I was planning a trip to Australia and New Zealand. 

Thailand
Fascinating culture, idyllic beaches as well as warm and friendly people are but three of the reasons that people keep going back to this exotic destination. The food is good as well.

Stand-out Tented Camp
For Gemma Pauley, Trailfinders Cambridge, it was Elephant Hills Tented Camp, Khao Sok National Park.

“What an amazing experience!  It is so well organised. The tour guides are brilliant. We had one night in the jungle and one night on the lake. We loved our stay at the lake, swimming in the fresh water, canoeing, and with the option to go on the guided jungle trek you will never be bored. The elephant experience is fantastic. They are really well cared for and the close up interaction, washing and feeding them is one I will never forget.”

Daily activities include rum tasting and henna painting as well as complimentary water sports.

Bali
Beautiful beaches, rice fields and culture are some of the charms of Bali as well as a feeling of spirituality.  

The Chedi Club, Tanah Gajah, Ubud

Stand-out hotels

For Claire Hannington, Trailfinders Guildford, it was the Chedi Club (The Chedi Club at Tanah Gajah Ubud).

“Originally built as a private residence, there is great attention to detail in this property,” she says. “Beautiful grounds and ponds complete with swans. The restaurant is surrounded by rice fields and is beautiful. The staff is extremely helpful, and the food is amazing. If you like traditional Balinese cuisine then this is the place!”

For Alex Maidment, Trailfinders marketing, it was Alila Villas Uluwatu (Alila Villas Uluwatu).

“Your first sighting of this hotel will be its lobby which is simply stunning with views of the infinity pool and the ocean beyond, so it has definitely got the wow factor,” she says. “Service throughout the hotel is exceptional with the staff going above and beyond to ensure your stay is memorable.”

Heritance Kandalama, Dambulla

Sri Lanka

Wonderful wildlife, including leopards and elephants, and an abundance of Buddhist temples and tea plantations that hark back to the colonial era as well as beautiful beaches are good reasons to visit. 

Stand-out hotels
For Nathan Long, Trailfinders Private Touring Team, it was Heritance Kandalama (Heritance Kandalama) Dambulla.

“Amazing hotel located in the jungle next to a beautiful lake,” he says. “The hotel has a modern feel to it despite feeling very much at one with its natural surroundings.” He points out that because of its location there is not much else nearby. It is approximately a 30-minute taxi ride into town.

“Amazing infinity pool looking out over the lake, as well as the bedrock being a feature throughout the hotel right up to the floor of the roof top pool,” he adds.

Saman Villas, Bentota

For Adam Mitchell, Trailfinders Editorial Department, it was Saman Villas (Saman Villas) Bentota.

“It is a perfect romantic hideaway located on the south-west coast of the island with spectacular views of the Indian Ocean from the infinity pool,” he says. “I'd highly recommend a visit to the Sahana Spa with its open air pavilions within private gardens as it offers a fantastic range of treatments using local ingredients.”

More destinations allabouthairuk.blogspot.co.uk

By Daralyn Danns