A Few Favorites: Destination Hotels!

Lake Como, Italy. Natural beauty, hard to enhance unless you can plop at the brilliant sapphire shore to gaze all day from Passalacqua. A stunning 18th century restored villa, owned and refurbished by the owners of nearby Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Best suites are authentically Italian, enormous and have grand lake views, at this intimate 24 room property. Terraced gardens, created for the Italian art of dolce far niente. Every season is memorable. Mosey through the secret tunnel to the lake to board your classic luxury wooden boat.

Amanzoe, Greece an ultra-luxury hilltop resort located near Porto Heli on the east coast of the Peloponnese in Greece.  Soar by helicopter or take the scenic route by car. No matter how you arrive, you’ll never want to depart! Blending classic Greek architecture with modern design, it features private pavilions and villas with individual swimming pools, a comprehensive wellness spa, and an exclusive beach club. Ancient olive trees line the hillsides, white arcades line personal pools, with 10 exceptional Villas and a private beach club. Scattered with UNESCO-protected ruins, the beach-fringed Peloponnese has been at the heart of Greek culture for millennia. A modern-day Acropolis from which 360-degree views encompass olive groves and the Aegean Sea. Pavilions and villas all offer private pools with stunning views and fragrant gardens, while a flagship Aman Spa pampers guests.

Airelles Chateau de Versailles, Versailles France. The days of paying insane fees for private tours has been eliminated by settling in at the grand Chateau! Private access before and after hours is guaranteed for all guests. A dream for Francophiles and foodies – reserve early, the dreamy 13 rooms are in demand!  Immerse yourself in the heart of French history at Le Grand Contrôle. Experience the royal splendor of the 18th century in this exceptional setting. Summer is lived outdoors. La Table des Jardiniers sets its tables on the terrace, facing the Orangerie, for unhurried lunches.  In the evening, the Bar de la Chapelle extends the day until twilight. Versailles, in summer, no longer needs embellishment; you simply settle in and let the moment linger.

Heckfield Place, Hamshire England. My recent visit, all too short, was a reminder of how much I love this Manor House! An inspired 19th Century estate, Heckfield Place is on the top of my list in countryside lodgings. Albeit close to London, but far enough removed, residing amidst 400 glorious acres of secluded Hampshire grounds. Formal garden terraces and provocatively described ‘pleasure grounds’ truly feel like a private park. The Manor house is brimming with the private art collection of owner Gerald Chan – stop and linger, impressive art in every room and hallway. In addition to the gorgeous rooms, Heckfield Place serves destination-worthy bio-dynamic cuisine made with ingredients grown on its Home Farm. When the sun sets, follow me to the Moon Bar. Nestled in the center of the mansion, inspired by the lunar phases, Moon Bar Cocktails are unique to Heckfield in concept, presentation and most importantly in flavor. Love the cocktail salon, with its glittering diamond ball. Finish up an afternoon walk at the Bothy Spa in the endless pool overlooking a meadow, a quiet haven!

Provence, France Art wonderland at Villa La Coste. An ultra-luxury, art-focused 5-star hotel and suite retreat set within a 200-hectare biodynamic vineyard at Château La Coste in Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, France, roughly a 15-minute drive north of Aix-en-Provence Twenty-eight Villa Suites: Private, modernist-inspired, and light-filled suites featuring large terraces, original art pieces, and expansive valley or vineyard views. Private Plunge Pools: Select high-level suites include private slate plunge pools or gardens. Renowned for its open-Air Museum: Set across 600 acres featuring site-specific installations, pavilions, and architecture by masters like Tadao Ando, Frank Gehry, Louise Bourgeois, Oscar Niemeyer, and Richard Serra.

Dar Ahlam “House of Dreams’ near Skoura, Morocco. A hotel of fables and fanciful experiences. There’s little about this 19th-century Kasbah that won’t leave you wanting to return. Relish a land of adventure near Ouarzazate, the gateway to the Moroccan desert. One of the most luxurious properties in Morocco, on the fringes of the Moroccan desert, shaded by ancient palms. Dar Ahlam features 14 luxury rooms and suites divided between a restored 20th-century kasbah and private garden retreats. We prefer the luxurious discreet garden suites offering ground-level indoor-outdoor living, open fireplaces, spacious en-suite layouts, and private terraces surrounded by nine acres of palm and fruit trees.

Sitting on the edge of the Great Sand Sea, Andere Amellal in the Siwa oasis, Egypt eco lodge offers remote lodging in rooms built of mud and rock salt, with no power, evenings are lit by fragrant beeswax candles and the endless starry desert sky.  A sense of place unlike any other, surf the dunes or effortless float in the spring fed pool amid the rows of olive trees. History surrounds you; this remote oasis attracted such explorers as Alexander the Great and his army.

Photo by Alberto Silliotti

Four Seasons Tamarindo, on the secret coast. The Four Seasons brand is an authority on sniffing out secluded locations and creating a beach paradise, before anyone else discovers a serene warm body of water and a private stretch of sandy beach. Escape to a tucked away nature reserve in Mexico’s Tamarindo, the pristine coastline where verdant jungle meets the Pacific Ocean. This rugged and pristine biosphere-protected swath of coastline in western Mexico, all 157 rooms and 63 suites are an expression of the region, with soaring private infinity pools hanging from your cliffside terrace – endless views of the sea. Recognized as the top resort in Mexico.

Ol Jogi, Kenya. One of our favorite Safari destinations: A private home offers one of the most exclusive accommodation experiences on the African continent. With eleven bedrooms housed within eight cottages, the lodge is devoted to private parties. You also have the entire 58,000-acre Conservancy just for you. Ol Jogi’s home was built and crafted over many decades. It is a design masterpiece with a very unique style. A collection of museum quality artworks, china and silverware create an ambiance atypical of the more common lodge offerings. While the home is luxurious, it is also quite comfortable and relaxing. When you stay, you feel like it’s your own home, and the experience will be very different than what you would find in a commercial lodge. The most valuable treasure of Ol Jogi is the amount of wildlife that resides here. Right in front of the house is a watering hole with a constant flow of wildlife. You could probably never leave the home during your stay and you would still see all the wildlife Ol Jogi has to offer.

One of the most exciting features is an underground tunnel that takes you from inside the house directly to a hide at our watering hole. Imagine being a few feet away from a herd of buffalo, or an endangered black rhino, and being close enough to see the marks on its skin and hear its breath, all while being in complete safety and enjoying your favorite cocktail. And the pool… lush vegetation and flowing water streams surround the pool area, the entire experience, including the game drives, the staff and the food is Over The Top!

Fiji Laucala Island – we love and clients agree with so much to do and a fantasy island environment. Formerly owned by Malcolm Forbes, a nut on seclusion, now being refurbished by founder of Red Bull, closed until 2027. A myriad of activities include diving, a noted 18-hole golf course, hiking, horseback riding on land and in the sea, water sports galore, with a ring of spectacular reefs lining the island, snorkel or diving fans love this property!

The Brando, French Polynesia. Our recent honeymooners soaked in the privacy and luxury of The Brando Island. Just 33 miles from Tahiti, a private plane zips you across the sapphire clear seas. An elegant eco resort, sumptuous villas and a floating tree house couples massage suite high on the palm trees! The Ultimate in Every Way!

It’s a start! Highly Recommend!

Summer Stand Outs – Egypt!

Luxury travel in Egypt flawlessly blends ancient wonders with five-star comfort. Egypt has seen an increase in Tourism, recording a 15.6% increase in inbound tourism during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting continued international demand and confidence in the destination. One Journey is not enough!

Egypt’s summer story extends far beyond its ancient wonders. From the turquoise waters and vibrant beach clubs of the North Coast to the marine-rich shores of El Gouna and the tranquil luxury of Soma Bay, the country’s coastline offers exceptional experiences for every type of traveler. Suites or Villas on the seaside!

Based on local insights and firsthand destination knowledge, our exceptional team has selected three standout coastal destinations that combine world-class resorts, unforgettable seaside experiences, and easy access from Egypt’s most popular cultural itineraries.

Summer destinations: North Coast, El Gouna and Soma Bay. While Egypt is renowned for its ancient wonders, summer unveils another side of the destination—pristine coastlines, crystal-clear waters, world-class resorts, and unforgettable seaside experiences. From the Mediterranean glamour of the North Coast to the underwater treasures of the Red Sea, these three destinations offer the perfect extension to any Egyptian itinerary.

Stretching along Egypt’s Mediterranean shoreline, the North Coast has become the country’s most sought-after summer destination. Famous for its powder-soft white sands and breathtaking turquoise waters, the region rivals some of the Mediterranean’s most exclusive beach destinations.

Beyond the beach, travelers can enjoy sophisticated waterfront dining, stylish beach clubs, luxury resorts, and a vibrant nightlife scene. During the summer months, the North Coast comes alive with international DJs, concerts, entertainment events, and exclusive social gatherings that attract visitors from across the region.

Ideal For: Luxury travelers, couples, beach lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, and Mediterranean summer seekers.

Hotel Picks: Al Alamein Hotel, Address Beach Resort Marassi, My Ōtel North Coast, Casa Cook North Coast, Palace Beach Resort Marassi. If you add on Alexandria, there is a fabulous Four Seasons. Barefoot Elegance!

Easy Itinerary Extension: The North Coast pairs naturally with Cairo and Alexandria. After exploring Cairo’s iconic pyramids and Alexandria’s Mediterranean heritage, travelers can continue westward for a relaxing seaside escape before departing Egypt.

Approximate Distance: Located along Egypt’s Mediterranean coastline, Al Alamein is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Alexandria, making it an ideal extension to a Cairo and Alexandria itinerary.

El Gouna: The Red Sea’s Lifestyle Destination El Gouna is a premier, upscale Red Sea destination in Egypt, celebrated for its private beaches, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, and world-class marina. Located just 30 km north of Hurghada International Airport, this eco-friendly resort town offers everything from Michelin style dining to kite surfing!

Located on the Red Sea coast, El Gouna blends luxury, adventure, and laid-back elegance. Built around picturesque lagoons and marinas, the destination offers a unique combination of beach relaxation and vibrant community life.

Beneath the surface lies one of the Red Sea’s greatest treasures: spectacular coral reefs, colorful marine life, and exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. Above water, visitors can enjoy waterfront dining, marina promenades, boutique experiences, beach clubs, and lively nightlife.

Ideal For: Active travelers, divers, snorkelers, couples, luxury FITs, and lifestyle-focused guests.

Hotel Picks: The Chedi El Gouna, Casa Cook El Gouna and La Maison Bleu

Easy Itinerary Extension: El Gouna can be seamlessly added before or after a Nile journey through Luxor and Aswan, allowing visitors to combine Egypt’s ancient history with the Red Sea’s natural beauty. The destination is also easily accessible via a short domestic flight from Cairo to Hurghada, followed by a brief transfer.

Approximate Distance: El Gouna is approximately 4.5 hours by road from Cairo or Luxor and around 40 minutes from Hurghada International Airport.

Soma Bay: Red Sea Serenity. For travelers seeking tranquility and wellness, Soma Bay offers one of Egypt’s most exclusive coastal retreats. Surrounded by pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, the destination is known for its relaxed atmosphere, luxury resorts, and exceptional marine ecosystem.

The vibrant coral reefs just offshore provide outstanding snorkeling and diving experiences, while the destination’s spacious resorts, wellness facilities, and uninterrupted sea views create the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Ideal For: Luxury leisure travelers, wellness seekers, honeymooners, divers, and guests looking for a peaceful beach escape.

Hotel Picks: Kempinski Soma Bay Hotel, Steigenberger Ras Soma and The Cascades Golf Resort, Spa & Thalassa

Easy Itinerary Extension: Like El Gouna, Soma Bay combines effortlessly with Nile itineraries through Luxor and Aswan or can serve as a relaxing Red Sea extension after a stay in Cairo. Convenient domestic flights connect Cairo with nearby Hurghada, making access quick and seamless.

Approximate Distance: Soma Bay is conveniently located approximately 3.5 hours by road from both Cairo and Luxor, and just 50 minutes from Hurghada International Airport.

Whether travelers are seeking Mediterranean glamour, vibrant Red Sea lifestyle experiences, or pure seaside relaxation, Egypt’s coastlines offer the perfect complement to the country’s timeless cultural treasures.

Highly Recommend, Egypt All Year !