Hyper personalisation and exclusivity in luxury travel

First-class cabins used to be considered the pinnacle of luxury travel, but all that changed when airlines started offering points and rewards to frequent flyers, and the exclusivity it once promised all but vanished. Private jets quickly filled that position and became the better option for wealthy passengers seeking relative comfort and privacy.

With sustainability at the top of everyone’s minds today, affluent travellers are returning to commercial airlines. But not necessarily to first-class cabins. These are now almost non-existent and have been replaced by premium accommodations and upgraded business-class spaces that offer better privacy, more ‘à la carte’ options and increased comfort thanks to newer technologies. For example, Etihad’s exclusive Residence and Emirates’ private suites, both of which employ the latest tech and trends to enable passengers personalise their cabins however way they feel best.

Per Deloitte, travelling via a superyacht is the most preferred means of transport for the very rich because of the exclusivity it offers, in addition of course to other benefits which include “high-end interior design to bespoke onboard services and amenities … [that allow the rich unfettered access to] the highest form of privacy and personalisation.”

Hyper-personalisation and exclusivity in the hospitality and tourism industries

The hospitality industry has been rather quick to embrace the concept of hyper-personalisation, offering distinct solutions ranging from targeted messages aimed at different customer segments to incorporating novel tech that allows guests to customise their rooms to their tastes. Some hotels and resorts even suggest local and authentic activities and attractions via a dedicated app; others include special requests from guests, like getting a particular chef to provide meals throughout their stay.

But for the very affluent, even this is not enough.

It is not enough to sleep on the most exquisite bed surrounded by the finest luxury amenities. High-end wellness packages, designed to improve everything health-wise from sleep to mindfulness are the new normal.

It is not enough to enjoy the finest local cuisine: cooking classes from Michelin-starred chefs; wine pairings featuring unique ‘boissons’ from small, domestic chateaux; and bespoke culinary experiences tailored to each guest’s individual needs are now on the menu for the ultra-rich.

Family vacations may still be in, but for affluent travellers, multi-generational travel or large-group vacations with loved ones are on the rise, leading to an increased demand for exclusive, fully-staffed villas and hotels, private residences, bespoke camps, and, standalone suites. Large group travel also means an uptick in the demand for exclusive yacht charters and private jets.

And what do you give to an experienced traveller who has been to almost every country in the world? Perhaps a private safari and a chance to have a one-on-one encounter with the animals; or trekking the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with a dedicated guide, or even camping and experiential expeditions in Antarctica are in order.

Hyper-personalised and exclusive luxury services

As the ultra-rich engage in a race against time to balance all the aspects of their very busy lives, getting their hands on limited-edition products, highly-coveted-yet-restricted luxury goods or even putting together the itinerary of a different kind of trip is a mission-impossible task.

Enter the specialists experienced in solving this challenge.

In the luxury beauty and fashion world, these specialists have chosen to be known as Fashion Sourcers, per Vogue. Fashion sourcers are upgraded personal shoppers who ‘offer a fresh, hyper-personalised retail model for luxury’s top spenders … providing almost 24-hour, one-stop-shop luxury retail, with virtually no limits, all via Whatsapp or Instagram DM.’

When the affluent need a Birkin 35 in ebene Barenia calfskin leather and palladium hardware, instead of suing Hermès when they cannot get their hands on one, they simply engage the services of a trusted fashion sourcer who is sure to get one from their vast network of connections globally.

A bespoke luxury travel specialist provides an equally sought-after service in the travel and hospitality industry. Like every other person, the very rich have their quirks, and even more so since they have the funds to make them happen. But not even they can put together a ridiculously unusual vacation on their own; for example, go on a holiday modelled after a particular action movie and get the same cinematographer who worked on the film to cover your trip and produce a video just like the movie.

While there is an increased clamour from aspirationals and outsiders to democratise luxury, stakeholders who truly understand that this can never be the case are creating more barriers to entry, making modern-day luxury more exclusive and hyper-personalised than ever before.

The post Luxury is Becoming Increasingly Exclusive. And Hyper-personalised first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

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According to a recent survey conducted by Travel Mag, top of the list is a private island resort in Seychelles, followed by luxury lodges in places you may least expect. Want to find out what these hotels are? Here’s a list of the top 10 most expensive hotels in the world for 2022.

1. North Island, Seychelles

Dubbed “(perhaps) the most exclusive private island destination in the world”, North Island is located 30km north of Mahé, Seychelles’ main island. It has just 11 villas, each individually handcrafted to be unique from the others.

Guests are promised bespoke, extraordinary experiences on a slice of untouched, unspoiled nature complete with all the frills and thrills that make for a true luxury escape.

A minimum of 4-7 nights is required to confirm rates and availability, and, at an average nightly rate of $6,851 for two adults, it tops the list of the priciest hotels in the world.

2. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Rwanda

In what may come as a surprise to some, the next on this list is yet another luxury resort in Africa, the One & Only Gorilla’s Nest. In fact, most of the hotels in the top 10 are situated on the continent.

The One & Only Gorilla’s Nest does not only grant front-row access to the mountain gorillas, but it also immerses you in a vibrant ecosystem that is designed to stimulate and relax you simultaneously.

Nightly rates start at $6,800 for 2 adults.

3. Como Laucala Island, Fiji

Picture brilliant white sand, dazzlingly blue waters, lush green leafy trees, and nature at its finest. That is what you’ll be getting at the Como Laucala Island resort in Fiji.

Add to this private pools for each of the lodge’s 25 residences, a wellness retreat that allows you to create your own soaps and lotions, and other luxury facilities, and its $6,440 nightly fee for 2 adults just might sound well worth it.

4. Singita Grumeti Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania

What do you get for a $5,800/night stay (for 2 adults) at the Singita Grumeti Sasakwa Lodge in Tanzania?

Access to untouched nature and top-notch luxury so that you can truly relax and connect with the universe without sacrificing the comforts you have come to know and love.

5. Amangiri, USA

At Amangiri, nature at its finest and rawest is once again the principal offering, with luxury amenities as the bonus.

If you love the desert and are looking to unwind in a location cut off from our busy world, then at an average of $4,913/night for two, the Amangiri resort in Utah will offer you this on a platter of sheer luxury.

6. Singita Lebombo Lodge, South Africa

At an average price of $4,688/night for 2, South Africa’s Singita Lebombo is number six on the list of the most expensive hotels in the world currently.

And if you’re wondering whether its price tag is justified, maybe a mental picture of traditionally-designed yet luxurious structures suspended between river and sky with the best of nature filtering in through open spaces will convince you.

7. Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, Botswana

Set on a private island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Belmond Eagle is yet another resort that allows its guests to enjoy the finest offerings of nature, whether they are ensconced in the comfortable luxury of their rooms, or are out in the open, traversing land, water or sky.

All these are available to guests for an average price of $4,550/night for two.

8. Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Maldives

Wondering if $4,473 for 2 guests is a good price to pay nightly for resort accommodation?

Well, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island believes that when the offer includes exceptional cuisine, leisure and wellness activities which can be planned with the help of a personal butler, and, a fully solar-powered facility among other perks, the price is well worth it.

9&10. Singita Boulders Lodge and Singita Ebony Lodge, South Africa

Whether you choose to stay at Singita Boulders Lodge or the Singita Ebony Lodge both in Sabi Sands, the promise is an exceptional safari experience in tastefully-designed lodges for an average of $4,456/night for two.

The post The Top 10 Most Expensive Hotels in the World, 2022 first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post The Top 10 Most Expensive Hotels in the World, 2022 appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Nairobi, Kenya

You probably know Kenya for its long-distance runners and its safari, but the East African country is offering tourists so much more.

Only recently, the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute (NCAI) celebrated its opening with an exhibit showcasing Nairobian artist Sane Wadu. Last year, renowned fashion designer Anna Trzebinski converted her home into Eden Nairobi, a hub for creatives that doubles as a luxury hotel. And if you’re wondering about appropriate luxury accommodation in the city, the Hilton brand is set to open an all-new property – Kwetu Nairobi: Curio Collection by Hilton – toward the end of the year.

The food scene is equally as promising. There is Cultiva Farm Kenya, where Ecuadorian restaurateur Ariel Moscardi renders East African ingredients and flavours with South American techniques. You could also check out Mawimbi Seafood restaurant, as well as a host of other dining establishments all over the city.

Of course, going on a safari is not a problem, if that is what you would rather do. The Giraffe Manor and Angama Mara are good lodges to consider for this experience.

Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

If you’re passionate about conservation and the environment, then Zimbabwe’s largest park, the Hwange National Park, might just be the right destination for your next vacation.

Just this year, the country kickstarted a landmark conservation project. The Community Rhino Conservation Initiative and Imvelo Safari Lodges translocated two white rhinos to community lands bordering Hwange National Park in late May, giving the local community a new opportunity to protect a species that was eradicated from the park by poaching by the early 2000s.

The project is the first and only instance in Zimbabwe of rhinos being translocated to community land, which was donated by the local population, who will also care for the animals. As a visitor, you’ll be able to see the endangered white rhino up close and meet the local teams protecting the animals. You can also visit the historic Victoria Falls which is about 120 miles from the park’s Main Camp.

Most lodges have activities centred around the wildlife and its surroundings, as well as the community, so you can be sure there’ll scarcely be a dull moment on your trip.

Franschhoek, South Africa

You probably already know this, but perchance you do not, South Africa is one of the not-so-talked-about wine destinations in the world.

If you’re looking to combine rich history with your love for wines, visit Paul Siguqa’s Klein Geoderust, Franschhoek’s first Black-owned wine farm. The farm is more than 100 years old, and today it produces Chenin Blanc, a peppery Shiraz 2020, a vibrantly fruity Noble Late Harvest 2020, and a 2018 cab-merlot blend. All can be enjoyed alongside a meal at the estate’s restaurant run by chef Linda Abrahams.

Should you rather prefer a food and wine experience, you should check out the Country Ground restaurant at Dieu Donné Vineyards, a newly-opened dining establishment that promises fresh seafood dishes and delicious pizzas to be enjoyed alongside breathtaking views of the farm and wines from the vineyard. There is also the Deux Lions restaurant at La Bourgogne Wine Estate, headed by chef Nanda Cardoso. Using local ingredients, chef Cardoso has put together a menu featuring cheese and charcuterie boards, grilled seafood, meat, and vegetarian selections.

Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia

Just like its neighbours south, Zambia is a great safari destination, and one of its must-see locations is the Lower Zambezi National Park, which is also a UNESCO Heritage site.

Lower Zambezi is a haven for the wild acacia forest and herds of elephants and now boasts of the Lolebezi Safari Lodge, the latest addition to African Bush Camps’ Zambia portfolio. Here, families and large groups can rest in any one of its six suite accommodations which have thatched roofs and private plunge pools, as well as an on-site spa and yoga deck. And of course, when you’re ready to explore your surroundings, the lodge offers game drives (except during the rainy season from December to March), canoe trips, and walking safaris where you’ll see hippos, leopards, lions, and water buffalos, or hear the shrill call of the fish eagle.

Kigali, Rwanda

For a more forward-facing, sustainable kind of vacation on our list of top African destinations, consider Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali.

Described as Africa’s friendliest city, Kigali is pushing toward a green future, especially for its growing tourism trade. GuraRide, the new Rwandan bike-sharing app, provides easy, affordable access to scooters, road bikes, and e-bikes, with docks peppered throughout the city. The roads are also going through an upgrade that will see them being less congested, less polluted and more directly connected to hard-to-reach neighbourhoods. Newly created car-free zones, the most recent launched in Gisimenti, let residents and visitors take back city streets on weekends.

For fun activities, you can visit the city’s first 18-hole golf course in the city at the new Kigali Golf Resort and Villas, where a golf tournament was held last December for the first time. Another option is the Nyandugu Wetland Ecotourism Park which just opened in January and is a safe sanctuary for 121 hectares of endangered wetlands, including more than 70 bird species and a fig forest – viewable from walking routes and cycling paths.

Source: Time

The post Top 5 African Destinations to Consider for a Memorable Vacation first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Top 5 African Destinations to Consider for a Memorable Vacation appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Opened in July 2020, LVL was a passion project for Anne-Caroline Frey, a former Paris art dealer who set out to create an environment that blends art with the natural world. Each of the lodge’s 18 tree houses (built on stilts) is decorated by a different contemporary artist and has floor-to-ceiling windows for full exposure to the surrounding nature.

Each tree house has been designed to be a haven of relaxation, with all outfitted with a fully-furnished outdoor terrace and either a hot tub or a sauna. Breakfast is delivered daily and left at the bottom of the stairs in a large wicker basket. When you’re ready to eat, you’ll simply pull on the rope to raise your basket and savour your morning café au lait and croissant en plein air.

Bicycles are available for transporting yourself around the property, and you can seek out one of the intentionally placed benches or chairs to soak up the surroundings and its active wildlife, which includes birds, owls, deer, and the occasional wild boar. There are also vegetable and flower gardens, a glass-enclosed ‘bee house’ for watching the insects make honey, a forest bathing experience led by a local naturalist, and even an opera singer for hire to sing arias in the woods.

The main lodge, which retains its centuries-old exterior, houses a reception area; a shop with all things art, nature, and wellness; a bar; and a restaurant that serves lunch daily and dinner three nights a week. There’s an inviting pool outside the main lodge, too — perfect for cooling off after a day of touring the nearby villages, chateaus, and wineries.

Overall, Loire Valley Lodges brings a modern twist with creature comforts to nature lovers and glamping enthusiasts in a region that thrives on history. Here, the history lies in the 200-year-old trees.

Source: Travel + Leisure

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These new additions come on the heels of the opening of the first Marriott hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, which took place last year. While visitors to Nigeria can enjoy luxury and the quality that is the mark of the brand at the hotel, travellers to South Africa, especially those travelling in large groups, can now take advantage of these new offerings for better privacy, comfort and independence on their trip.

Leveraging Marriott International’s decades of delivering exceptional hospitality experience, each home listed on Homes and Villas by Marriott International is professionally managed and meets the company’s design, cleanliness, safety and amenity standards.

Homes and Villas by Marriott International is also the only home rental offering that participates in the award-winning travel programme, Marriott Bonvoy, which enables members to earn and redeem points for stays across home rentals and over 7000+ hotels and resorts globally. Each stay includes 24/7 support, professional cleaning, high-speed Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, premium linens, towels and bath amenities, laundry, and children’s items upon request.

Some of the selected homes immediately available to guests for the summer include

1. A tranquil modern three-bedroom villa with a mountain view in the serene neighbourhood of Bishopscourt, Cape Town

2. The Emerald, a modern two-bedroom luxury apartment with a private balcony. Guests can enjoy lunch at the on-site restaurant overlooking the green suburb of Hyde Park, Johannesburg.

3. A Contemporary African beach-chic-styled four-bedroom home with a pool overlooking the stunning Clifton Beach.

As in all its other markets, Homes and Villas by Marriott International works exclusively in South Africa with trusted property management professionals who not only provide 24/7 guest support but ensure that the portfolio of homes meets Marriott International product and service standards when it comes to design, cleanliness, safety, reliability, and high-end amenities.

Travellers can search and book homes on the Homes and Villas by Marriott International site.

Source: APO Group

The post You can now stay in One of Almost 300 Marriott Homes and Villas in South Africa first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post You can now stay in One of Almost 300 Marriott Homes and Villas in South Africa appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

“Namibia is an enigmatic country of contrasts, vast open spaces, and breathtaking scenery. It is a great safari destination for an adventurous traveller who has visited Africa before, or honeymooners looking for a romantic escape away from the crowds,” says Lisa Nel, group head of product and marketing at Ker & Downey.

The trip, which will bring guests to one of only six International Dark Sky Reserves in the world, starts with a private fly-in that delivers them straight to carefully-selected luxury lodges chosen to maximize their celestial safari adventure. As part of the trip, guests will get to stargaze alongside astronomers in state-of-the-art observatories, enjoy an open-air desert cinema experience, and spend a night atop a custom-built Land Cruiser in Namibia’s pristine wilderness.

The itinerary comprises five destinations by private charter including Zannier Private Reserve, Onguma Game Reserve, Damaraland, Sossusvlei, and the Namib Desert. First off is a stay at the ultra-luxurious Omaanda in Zannier Reserve where guests can take part in a bespoke safari activity matched to their personal interests.

The journey continues to Etosha National Park where visitors can participate in both day and night safaris, as well as a unique sleepout experience on Onguma’s Dream Cruiser, a custom-built Land Cruiser with two levels that sleeps two people.

Then, guests will fly to Damaraland, a region renowned for its impressive rock formations, ancient river terraces, and desert-adapted wildlife, where they will check into Onduli Ridge. Next stop is at Sossusvlei, which is home to some of the tallest sand dunes and dramatic desert landscapes in the world. Here, visitors will sleep at the Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, a secluded retreat on the border of an International Dark Sky Reserve, where they are guaranteed a stargazing night unlike any other.

At the lodge, guests can visit its world-class observatory, complete with a Celestron CPC 1100 GPS computerized telescope so they can look up to the stars above with the lodge’s resident astronomer and learn a thing or two about outer space.

The final leg of the trip takes them to the exclusive Sonop camp at the southernmost part of the ancient Namib Desert where they will enjoy a few more nature drives, a horseback excursion in the desert, and even guided desert walks.

Pricing for the 12-day Stargazing Desert Safari in Namibia starts from $12,019 per person and is available year-round. Visit the company’s website for the full itinerary and to book now.

Source: Travel + Leisure

The post This Holiday, go on a ‘Celestial Safari’ that Combines Animal Spotting with Stargazing first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post This Holiday, go on a ‘Celestial Safari’ that Combines Animal Spotting with Stargazing appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The online short-term rental company and mineral water brand have teamed up to organize a lavish, one-night-only stay for just two lucky adventurers this September in the Chaîne des Puys volcanic field, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.

While you will surely not be attacked by fiery lava, you will definitely get to experience everything the UNESCO World Heritage Site has to offer, along with gourmet meals and unforgettable activities. Even more enticing might be the cost for the whole experience: a single euro.

You’ll spend a night in a “Lumipod” mini-home owned by record-breaking mountain athlete and Volvic Global Ambassador Kilian Jornet. The tiny dwelling has just enough room for a queen-size bed and an en suite bathroom and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding volcanos.

In case that somehow isn’t enough to pique your interest, your stay comes with a load of extras. These include a guided tour of the area, a volcanic hike designed by Jornet, a locally sourced dinner for two by local Michelin star chef Adrien Descouls, a morning yoga session and, possibly best of all, a hot air balloon ride over the Chaîne des Puys. Better yet, none of this will cost a cent more, as they’re all included in the one-night, one euro rate.

“We are thrilled to partner with Volvic and Kilian to offer this exciting and exclusive stay that celebrates one of the natural wonders that France has to offer to the world,” Airbnb’s Europe, Middle East and Africa director, Emmanuel Marill said in a statement. “The past year demonstrated how connecting with nature is an important resource to regenerate and deal with stress. Natural parks provide endless opportunities for adventure for everyone”

The listing for Jornet’s house goes live at 3 a.m. ET Monday, July 19, for a stay on September 18. Set an alarm, too, because there’s only one booking slot available–and it will go the first person who meets the requirements, on a first-come, first-served basis. One other thing to note: You and your guest will be responsible for your transportation to and from the location. But that seems like a small price to pay for what’s sure to be a truly special experience.

Source: Robb Report

The post Enjoy an Iconic One-Night Stay at the Foot of A Volcano in France – For One Euro first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Enjoy an Iconic One-Night Stay at the Foot of A Volcano in France – For One Euro appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Lion World Travel – We Love Africa contest

Fancy a safari vacation somewhere on the African continent?

Lion World Travel, the “affordable luxury safari operator” specializing in safaris and tours in Southern Africa, East Africa, and Egypt has launched the We Love Africa contest that started on the 10^th of May 2021 and will run through till the 31^st of May 2021.

The prizes up for grabs include a three-night stay for two at the newly opened Xigera Safari Lodge in the Okavango Delta of Botswana, 21-inch Heys Ecolite luggage (so that you have no trouble packing for the trip), and, a 5-piece set of Ecotex packing cubes.

To enter, visit the contest page and write a 100-word maximum essay on why you want to visit Africa. The more inspiring, creative or funny your story, the better your chances of winning.

The contest is open to only US and Canadian residents, excluding Quebec.

St Lucia – Mother’s Day Sweepstakes.

St Lucia launched a new contest on Mothers’ Day, and since it claims to be the only sovereign nation named after a woman, it only seemed fitting that it would create a competition for women. You do not have to be a mom to win, but if you do, then you are advised to bring your mom along.

Called the Mother’s Day Sweepstakes, the winning prize is a four-night stay at Calabash Cove Resort & Spa in the Sunset Ocean View Jr. suite including breakfast and a spa treatment. This contest is open from May 9 to June 9, 2021, to US and Canadian residents only, excluding Quebec. The winner will be announced on June 14, 2021.

Source: Forbes

The post US and Canadian Residents Can Win a Luxury Vacation to Botswana or St Lucia first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

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Vacations are traditionally our avenues to put our busy lives on hold and truly live in new experiences that leave us rejuvenated and recharged for our realities. However, this year is nothing like a lot of us are accustomed to, and adjusting to a new reality in addition to everyday living has been rather challenging. As if this is not enough, most of us have now had to cancel our vacation plans due to the novel Coronavirus, and it is uncertain we would get any vacation time before the end of the year.

But these are not enough reasons to stop you from enjoying one, even if it’s from the comfort of your home. You have worked hard for it, your body needs it and you deserve it. Why not consider a staycation instead? Wondering how you can pull it off?

A. Plan well ahead of time.

If you were travelling for a vacation, you would make plans on where to stay and what to do. A vacation at home is no different.

Draw up a list of activities you would want to indulge in. This could include movies, visiting local tourist spots, a spa day, playing a game at home, camping in your backyard or even shopping in unknown spots. Resist the urge to stay in and sleep, as this will only reduce the fun a vacation gives.

B. Set the mood.

Fill your home with scented candles or diffusers to give it a different smell from what you are used to. Get ultra-high thread count sheets for your bed (like you needed any reason to indulge). Pull curtains or blinds shut to keep the outside world away. Basically turn your home to the luxury hotel or resort you would have stayed in if you had travelled.

C. Hire a chef.

Or order out if you can. You would not be cooking on a vacation now, would you? Well, a staycation is still a vacation, so make sure you stay away from your kitchen throughout the duration. Unless it is part of the fun activity you have lined up. In which case avoid cooking meals you are used to and look up new recipes. Involve the whole family and turn it into an interesting adventure!

D. And a house cleaner or a cleaning agency while you are at it.

The last thing you need on a vacation is stress, which is why your hotel room gets cleaned out for you.

Replicate the same service at your staycation. Hire someone to do the cleaning for you throughout this time.

E. Schedule a weekend visit to local tourist spots.

If you can. Sometimes, our immediate environment may not have tourist attractions, or we may have already visited them.

You can include an out-of-state visit to a tourist attraction in your plans. This can be a one day trip if it is not too far off or it could become your actual staycation. You can decide to go out of state with your family and rent a hotel room or a short-stay apartment close to the tourist attraction.

In the end, whether your staycation is for a week or just the weekend, remember to shut out the world and transform the experience into a proper adventure. Turn off phones or at least put them away while you relax. Make sure you have an out-of-office notification for your email so that no one is coming to disrupt your fun. A pandemic is no barrier to quality me-time or family time, and a staycation is a great way to still enjoy these moments even in the midst of travel uncertainty.

The post A 5 Step Guide to Plan a Luxurious Staycation first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post A 5 Step Guide to Plan a Luxurious Staycation appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Here are 10 luxury accommodation to make your vacation experience an absolute delight!

Segera Retreat

Segera is a unique lodge that sits on a vast open landscape in Laikipia, one of Kenya’s most famous safari spots, and houses eight luxury villas in a 50,000-acre private game reserve. It is the perfect destination for anyone looking for a combination of fun, adventure, and absolute luxury with its safari tours and local experiences, as well as its peaceful environment that keeps you in tune with nature.

Arijiju Retreat

Located also on the Laikipia Plateau, Arijiju Resort consists of five large luxury en-suite bedrooms, as well as open-plan living and dining areas with floor-to-ceiling windows that let you freely take in the outstanding views. There is also a lounge and bar area that is lit by candles in the evening to create an intimate and relaxed ambience.

With more than 90,000 acres of land devoted to activities such as quad bike safaris, abseiling, horse riding, and game drives, there’s something for everyone at this glorious resort. It is also a world-class wellness retreat, offering a memorable health experience with its spa, gym, yoga deck, tennis court, and squash court.

Hemingways Nairobi

This is the perfect destination for anyone looking to escape the commotion of city life. Equipped with 45 rooms, each with a private balcony overlooking the magnificent Ngong Hills, you can enjoy fine dining in a sophisticated and tranquil atmosphere, indulge in luxury spa treatments, relax beside the pool, or take a refreshing walk in the beautifully manicured gardens.

Would you rather do more fun activities on your vacation? Just around the corner is the Out of Africa author, Karen Blixen’s house, which has been turned into a museum. The Giraffe Centre, David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, and Nairobi National Park are just a few minutes away too!

Angama Rama

The name ‘Angama’ is a Swahili word meaning ‘suspended in mid-air’, a name that was symbolically chosen to express the uniqueness of a lodge that is set high above the great rift valley, overlooking the Maasai Mara, one of Kenya’s top game reserves.

The resort contains 15 tent-suites that feature swanky floor-to-ceiling windows, which give you unobstructed, mesmerising views of the mighty Maasai Mara Game Reserve and the surrounding areas. Every morning, hot air balloons glide past, enticing you to join in on the fun. The lodge also offers walking safaris, game drives, village visits, and picnics.

Tribe Hotel

This beautiful luxury hotel in Nairobi is a burst of vibrant colours and yet, offers warm comfort that makes you feel like you are home from the very first step you take into it.

The Tribe Hotel boasts a host of bedrooms that all feature king-sized beds, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and LCD televisions. There is also a heated pool surrounded by waterfalls and lush gardens, and a rooftop bar perfect for when you want to relax. It also has a well-equipped gym and spa that offers African and Thai treatments. It is conveniently located close to the Village Market, a large shopping mall with over 150 stores for your shopping pleasure.

Medina Palms

Situated in Watamu, in the Northern part of Kenya, Medina Palms offers more than just rooms – it has villas, too. The large five-bedroom villas are en-suite and come with a kitchen, private lounge, and roof terraces with a plunge pool.

Activities to enjoy include scuba diving, snorkelling, windsurfing, and sports fishing, while a rooftop spa and a cocktail bar provide the ultimate relaxation experience.

Leopard Beach Resort & Spa

Perfectly located on the beautiful white sands of Diani Beach in the South Coast, Leopard Beach Resort offers excellent accommodation and facilities that make it the preferred destination for holidaymakers and destination wedding lovers.

You can choose between standard and superior rooms, suites, cottages, and luxurious private villas, all scattered across the 26-acre space and surrounded by lush tropical gardens. You can also dine in an array of restaurants, including a Chaine des Rotisseurs grill room, stir-fry beach restaurant, fresh pizza and pasta restaurant, and a nyama choma (barbecue) restaurant.

For an unforgettable, all-round experience, don’t leave without indulging at the Uzuri Spa, which has an adult-only private pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room.

Sanctuary Olonana

Sanctuary Olonana is a private tented camp positioned in Kenya’s most popular reserve, the Maasai Mara. If you’re looking for a close encounter with animals, Sanctuary Olonana offers the best sightings of the Big Five and a host of other resident animals. It also gives you the opportunity to witness the epic Wildebeest Migration between July and October, where over a million animals journey between the Maasai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park in search of better grazing lands.

Sanctuary Olonana caters to the whole family and offers romantic honeymoon suites for lovers too. Apart from game drives, you can take part in other activities such as cultural visits and hot air balloon rides.

Elsa’s Kopje Lodge

This eco-friendly lodge is located in the heart of Meru National Park and offers a romantic escape surrounded by doum palms, giant baobab trees, and lush flora. Named after Elsa the Lioness from the award-winning book and film Born Free, the lodge boasts luxurious cottages that have elegant interiors made of local wood and stone. Each cottage has large open-fronted bedrooms and sitting rooms, where you can lounge and gaze out at the scenic views.

Fun activities to choose from include day and night game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, nature walks, river fishing, a visit to the park’s rhino sanctuary or a picnic at the Tana River, Kenya’s longest river.

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort And Spa

Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect destination for a family getaway with children, a romantic retreat with your special someone, or a beach wedding.

Boasting stylishly-furnished rooms that have spectacular views of the ocean, the retreat also provides a delicious array of restaurants with menus that will please your palate. You will enjoy different cuisines such as indigenous African dishes; continental, Asian, Arabic, and Mediterranean meals. You can also have a relaxing drink or sundowner at the beachside bar while taking in the beautiful ocean views.

Source: Africa.com

The post A Perfect Escape: Choose 1 of 10 Kenyan Luxury Hotels and Resorts first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post A Perfect Escape: Choose 1 of 10 Kenyan Luxury Hotels and Resorts appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.