In an increasingly hectic world, sometimes a holiday just needs to be about sheer escapism – be that from the Great British weather (those rainy days just keep coming), the office, from the city, or even from the children. The exclusive escapes suggested here all incorporate more than a little indulgence, and the time and space to take time out from reality back home.
The emphasis here is often more on the hotel and the in-house facilities than on some of our more adventurous trips.
Spa facilities feature prominently, and top class food and wines also play their part in many of these destinations in creating an ambience of sybaritic sophistication. These exclusive escapes will hopefully guarantee you head home revitalised.
Itinerary Ideas
Best for: Couples, Families, Groups and Solo Travellers
Maldives Atoll Explorer
On this luxurious ten-day Maldives trip visit two atolls and two
beautiful private island resorts, with a few magical days cruising
between them...
10 Days
From £6,570pp
Best for: Couples and Groups
The Treasures of Tuscany: Exploring Historic Cities & Hilltop Towns
This week-long exploration of Tuscany's key destinations will
see you immerse yourself in local culture, art, history and, of
course, wine. Beginning...
7 Days
From £1,455pp
Best for: Couples and Honeymoons
A Mauritian Escape
Find out why Mauritius is about more than the beach on this
10-day trip which combines adventure and relaxation.
Itinerary at a Glance:
Hike...
10 Days
From £2,330pp
Best for: Couples and Honeymoons
Private Island Seychelles
Here at Original Travel we're firmly of the opinion that if
you're going to do something, you should do it in style. For those
who agree and...
9 Days
From £4,840pp
Best for: Couples and Honeymoons
Luxury Island Hopping in Hawaii
Hawaii conjures up images of idyllic beaches, and world class
surf. Whilst it offers both of those in spades, that is merely
scratching the surface,...
14 Days
From £5,850pp
Best for: Couples and Honeymoons
Sri Lanka and the Maldives
Spend a dreamy five nights in the Maldives and combine it with a
Sri Lankan stopover for a dose of culture alongside your beach
break. Start...
12 Days
From £3,260pp
Where to Go
The Namib Desert
It doesn’t get much more dramatic than the gigantic dunes of Sossusvlei, in the heart of the Namib Desert, and one of the most iconic sights...
The Winelands and Cape
Sample the many delights accessible via scenic drives from Cape Town, from wine tasting to whale watching, and countryside retreats.
Southern Mozambique & Bazaruto Archipelago
The most striking feature of the Bazaruto Archipelago in Southern Mozambique is its remote untouched beauty.
Northern Mozambique & Quirimbas Archipelago
The remote Quirimbas Archipelago is one of the last untouched wilderness areas on Africa’s Indian Ocean coast.
Mauritius
This tiny Indian Ocean island has long set the standard for tropical luxury holidays.
Seychelles
An ideal choice for anybody looking for lower-key beach time than is provided by the glitzier Maldives or Mauritius.
Vietnam
The 20th century saw Vietnam successively fighting off the French, the Americans and the Chinese, and it is now one of the most appealing destinations...
Dubai
Shop the souqs and the malls, stay in a luxury hotel and enjoy water sports and a desert safari.
Sri Lanka
The teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka, at the southern tip of India, is a small country with a great combination of attractions – culture,...
Borneo
One of the most alluring destinations in the Far East, the island of Borneo offers an unparalleled diversity of activities and cultures, and...
India
Utterly original, which probably explains why we love India so much.
Japan
Quite possibly the most 'other' destination on Earth, and in our humble opinion a must for everyone's bucket list.
Mexico
Forget Cancun, Mexico is a truly diverse country, with a vast array of attractions for travellers of all tastes.
Oman
A wonderful destination combining beautiful beachfront properties and dramatic mountain and desert landscapes to explore.
Coastal Andalucia
Welcome to the Sunshine Coast. (Sounds better than the Costa del Sol).
Hawaii
Aloha. Welcome to the 50th State of the U S of A and one that is completely unlike any of the other 49.
California
A continent's worth of luxury travel in one very, very special state.
Where to Stay
Four Seasons Anguilla
The Four Seasons Anguilla is among the best of the Caribbean luxury hotels, and on one of our favourite islands, too.
Amanpuri
Accommodation consists of traditional Thai-style pavilions and villas scattered amongst the towering coconut palms; all rooms feature king-size...
The Chedi
The award-winning Chedi is one of the very best hotels in the Gulf Region, home to luxurious guestrooms and suites, some of the finest cuisine...
Corral Del Rey
The hotel's original 17th century building has been meticulously restored and incorporates an atrium patio, Roman marble columns and original...
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel
Martinhal Beach Resort & Hotel has set itself a modest goal - to be the finest luxury family resort in Europe. We like what we see so far.
The Viceroy Maldives
The latest addition to the Viceroy Hotel collection, Viceroy Maldives is certainly one to rival its Maldivian neighbours. Located in the remote...
Four Seasons Lana'i at Manele Bay
Four Seasons Lana'i at Manele Bay is perched on top of a red-lava cliff overlooking the lovely Hulopo'e white-sand beach. The resort borders...
Four Seasons Santa Barbara
The Four Seasons group acquired this Spanish-style 1920's hacienda during the Reagan era and restored the 22-acre property to make the most of...
Hotel Amadeus
Located in the historic centre of Seville between Santa Cruz neighbourhood and the Juderia, Hotel Amadeus is way more music themed than even...
Strawberry Hill
There’s more to Jamaica than sandy beaches, nice as they are. The island’s fertile internal slopes are a haven from the heat with spectacular...
Shangri-La Rasa Ria
The resort is set beside the beautiful Pantai Dalit beach, north of Kota Kinabalu, and surrounded by lush tropical forest.
Bab al Shams
The resort is styled as a traditional Arabian fortress, with the rooms located in clusters of two-storey buildings around the atmospheric complex.
Six Senses Zighy Bay
Zighy Bay has a dramatic setting on the Musandam Peninsula, an exclave of the Sultanate of Oman, separated from the rest of Oman by the United...
Park Hyatt Tokyo
Occupying the top 14 floors of Shinjuku Park Tower, Park Hyatt Tokyo hotel is an elegant oasis of space and calm overlooking Tokyo and the Kanto...
Finca Cortesin
Finca Cortesín is a five-star hotel and golf resort on the Mediterranean coast of Andalucía, between Gibraltar and Malaga.
Hawksmoor
There may be smarter places to stay in the Winelands, but we guarantee none have as much character as Hawksmoor.
Belmond Castello di Casole
Belmond Castello Di Casole is part of one of the largest private estates in Italy, with 4200 acres of pristine Tuscan countryside surrounding...
Wolwedans Dunes Lodge
Perched high on a ridge of red sand dunes, Wolwedans Dunes Lodge consists of nine individual chalets strung out on either side of the central...
Jade Mountain
Set into a mountain with spectacular views over the Pitons and Caribbean Sea, Jade Mountain is made even more special by the fact that the entire...
L'And
This truly original retreat is situated in 66 acres of fabulous Alentejo countryside, and combines old school Portuguese vineyards with a 21st...
White Pearl Lodge
With the Indian Ocean to the East and the Maputo Elephant Reserve to the West, the new White Pearl Resort is the perfect location for guests...
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius
The Oberoi Beach Resort is where one heads for privacy and pampering. It is very, very beautiful.
Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris Yala Camp
Leopard Safaris camp sits is blissful isolation in the buffer zone at Yala (read: as close as you can get), bordering the elephant fence. The...
Malabar House
Malabar House is situated on a peaceful green in Fort Cochin. In 1996 Malabar House became India’s first boutique heritage hotel.
Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa
Belmond Maroma Resort & Spa is a former coconut plantation turned idyllic beach resort located on a secluded stretch of the Riviera Maya, on...
Denis Island
Named after Denis de Trobriant, the French explorer who was the first European to discover it in 1773, Denis Island is located some 60 miles...
Ritz Carlton Al Wadi
We know, we know – the Ritz Carlton Al Wadi is not technically in Dubai but actually neighbouring Emirate Ras Al-Khaimah, but it’s a mere...
Amanoi
Amanoi is – surprisingly – Aman resorts’ first venture into Vietnam. We say surprisingly because it seems amazing that it took the hotel...
Six Senses Con Dao
Six Senses Hideaway Con Dao sits on a mile long sandy beach surrounded by dramatic mountains and has significantly raised the bar for beachfront...
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