The bush pool: it’s not always a necessity, but when you’ve worked up a sweat trying to count all the wildebeest in the Serengeti, you’ll certainly be glad it’s there. Where: Nomad’s Lamai Serengeti, Serengeti National Park, Tanzania Why: After a morning spent watching literally thousands of wildebeest taking a cooling—yet terror filled—swim across the Mara River […]

This is the place to watch day turn into night, as the twinkling lights of the strip come alive, and the wholesome afternoon vibe turns into a heady, fulsome fun. Where: Fasano Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Why: Rio is full of rooftop pools. All along the Copacabana and Ipanema beachfronts there are a plethora of pools for […]

Sometimes it’s about the journey and the destination. Brazil’s massive and magnificent coastline houses many hidden treasures that are well worth seeking out, even if it takes a wee while to arrive there. On a recent trip to Brazil I found a particularly challenging route to reach a remote beach lodge. The first part of the […]

It’s hard to see the differences between two hotels in a similar location without doing a little on-site research. I did just that this spring, and am happy to report that there’s a spot on the beach outside Hoi An suitable for all wallet sizes. High: The Nam Hai 800 USD and up (high season)  The […]

The first time I saw this pool I was moved to tiers. Okay, lame dad joke. What are you going to do, throw me in the pool? Please do (just make sure it’s this one). Where: Amankila, Bali, Indonesia Why: Trickling down the steep green hillside, everything about this resort is delicious and dramatic. Raised […]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen my wife happier than she was at La Clé des Montagnes. It was the kind of happy that spills out in giggles and wows, the kind you try to bottle and carry with you as protection against harder times. La Clé des Montagnes is not open to the public […]

While the safari experience is what most travellers focus on, Africa has its share of great cities too. Cape Town is where our Africa planners threaten to move permanently every January. Here we break down two of our favourite places to stay on both ends of the spectrum. High: Ellerman House 1,180 USD and up […]

A good pool is great at holding a lot of water. A great pool is good at that, plus it can hold its own as a piece of architecture. Where: Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize Why: If you spring for a deluxe cabana at this rustic luxe lodge, they throw in a private plunge pool. But you […]

The infinity pool: there’s a reason it has graced the cover of about 14 billion travel magazines. The illusion of floating in your own private sea is priceless. Where: The Nam Hai, Hoi An Why: Sometimes you need a vacation from your vacation. After whipping around the scooter-frenzied streets of Saigon or exploring the crowded […]

When an email comes in offering you three free nights on a private island in the Maldives, you’d be forgiven for assuming it’s cruel spam. This is the real deal, though: volunteer on one of of three very cool projects and you’ll be repaid in luxury. Ever since our safari planner Greg returned from Soneva […]

The mercury is shooting up to 33°C in Toronto today. What better time to begin our new series on the pools we daydream about all summer. Where: La Sultana Marrakech, Morocco Why: Sitting by a pool and staring at a brick wall isn’t usually that enticing. But when the wall in question is a Gothic-arched […]

Rudston Steward (our Italian guru) has let us in on a couple of his favourite hotels in Sicily, for the big spender and for the little spender. Or why not stay at both to see everything this Mediterranean isle has to offer? High: Grand Hotel Timeo 550 USD and up When you think about a “top […]

There are many options to choose from when visiting the UK’s cultural and financial heart—from the terrific, small boutique choices to the larger, full-on luxury spa hotels. We have many favourites, but some of the closest to our hearts are the Firmdale hotels. Classy, quirky, chic and colourful, the Firmdale properties offer a comfortable and relaxed base […]

Honduras has had bad press of late for the gang violence in its inner cities. Yes, that is a reality in the country, but on a recent visit I found that Honduras is really made up of incredible ruins, amazing natural wonders, friendly folk and a stunning set of Caribbean islands. I had the pleasure […]

In almost every destination where we plan, there’s an opportunity to dive into luxury headfirst (not literally—the private plunge pool is shallow), or simply dip a toe or two into the water. We compare both high and low with two properties in Siem Reap. High: Amansara 850 USD and up With cool white walls, dark woods, […]

The first time Mike visited Asia, he quit his job to do it. This time, he’ll be soaring over the Angkor temples and visiting exclusive new hotels, and it’ll all be part of his current job description. No, we’re not currently taking applications. Meet Mike Poppe. He’s our most recent addition to the Toronto farm, […]