DESTINATION GUIDES
Review: The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
The Ritz‑Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is a five‑star resort set in the North Malé Atoll, around 50 minutes by speedboat from Malé International Airport. Part of Marriott International and designed by Kerry Hill, it sits within the Fari Islands, a new luxury development that brings together three resorts — The Ritz‑Carlton, Patina Maldives and the upcoming Capella Maldives — as well as the Fari Marina Village. This village is home to the Fari Beach Club, boutiques and a collection of shared dining and cultural spaces. While guests are free to explore these wider facilities, The Ritz‑Carlton itself feels self‑contained, offering overwater and beachfront villas, a full‑service spa, multiple restaurants and bars, a dive centre and a wide range of recreational and wellness activities.
Review: The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort
The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is a five-star property located in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. Part of Marriott International, the resort follows Westin’s global wellness philosophy built around six pillars: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well. This ethos is reflected throughout the island — from the brand’s signature Heavenly Beds and daily yoga sessions to nourishing dining options and a focus on rest and renewal.
The resort features spacious overwater and beachfront villas, a dedicated spa, and a range of wellness and fitness programmes. Its location also offers seasonal access to Hanifaru Bay, one of the world’s top sites for snorkelling with manta rays. Designed with sustainability and comfort in mind, The Westin caters to travellers looking for a quieter, more balanced Maldives experience.
Luxury vs Ultra-Luxury in the Maldives: What’s the Real Difference?
I’ve just returned from a week in the Maldives, spending three nights at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort and two at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands. Both resorts were incredible — everything you expect from the Maldives: crystal-clear waters, top-level service, delicious food, and excellent amenities. However, these resorts belong to different tiers. While nearly every resort in the Maldives is considered as luxury, a select few are truly ultra-luxury. In this post, I’ll explore the difference between the two. At first glance, there may be little to separate them, but it’s the small, thoughtful touches — and the noticeable jump in price — that elevate some properties to that next level of luxury.
Review: Staying at Marriott Mena House, Cairo
This isn't the result of a viral post making the rounds on social media - Marriott Mena House in Cairo has been captivating visitors for over a century. Nestled just down the road from the Great Pyramids of Giza, this iconic hotel is the pinnacle of ancient history and luxury, offering guests a front-row seat to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. If the Great Pyramids are on your bucket list - as they are for so many - then Mena House is the perfect place to stay, while you give this extraordinary wonder, one big tick.
Ginger Moon Review: New Californian Cuisine at W Dubai - Mina Seyahi
Set above the shoreline at W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Ginger Moon offers something new to the city: a beach club experience without the beach. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Dubai Harbour, with the towers of Dubai Marina rising behind, it’s a relaxed space designed for long afternoons and evenings.
At its centre, a large olive tree grows up from the valet area two floors below and stretches through the heart of the restaurant, forming the bar canopy with seating all around. The kitchen is open, so you can see the chefs at work, and there’s a choice between indoor tables or breezy outdoor seating. We visited for dinner (kindly gifted) and stayed well into the night.
Review: Riu Palace Zanzibar
Tucked away on the northwest coast of Zanzibar, Riu Palace Zanzibar is a luxurious adults-only, all-inclusive resort that looks out over the island’s iconic turquoise waters. We visited last July for our mini-moon, and it was exactly the kind of place we’d hoped for—peaceful, romantic, and effortlessly beautiful. Zanzibar itself feels like a tropical dream, with white sand beaches, crystal-clear shallows, and sunsets that light up the sky in every shade of gold. For honeymooners looking for a mix of laid-back luxury and postcard-perfect surroundings, this is an easy one to recommend.
Review: Caravan AlUla by Our Habitas
There’s something cinematic about arriving in AlUla for the first time. Set deep within the Ashar Valley, this design-led retreat brings a new kind of luxury to the desert: 45 gleaming Airstream caravans, each thoughtfully placed to blend into the Mars-like surroundings. The site itself is more than a place to sleep—it’s a communal experience. Food trucks serve up regional flavours, gathering spaces encourage connection, and activities draw on local Bedouin traditions. For those chasing something different, Caravan AlUla captures the wild beauty of the desert without compromising on comfort.
Review: art'otel London Battersea Power Station
Set against the backdrop of one of London’s most iconic buildings, art'otel London Battersea Power Station brings a new kind of cool to the capital. Located within the vibrant Battersea Power Station development, the hotel is part of a bold transformation that’s turned this once-industrial landmark into a buzzing cultural and lifestyle hub. With shops, restaurants, art spaces and riverside walks, Battersea is quickly becoming one of London’s most exciting areas—and art'otel fits right in. We stayed last September and loved how effortlessly it blended modern design with creative energy. For anyone looking to experience a different side of London, this hotel delivers.
Visiting Four Seasons Resort Seychelles for the Day
Perched above the turquoise curve of Petite Anse, nestled within Mahé’s lush jungle hills, Four Seasons Seychelles is one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. Known for its private hillside villas, impeccable service and £2,000+ per night price tag, this is the kind of place most only dream of staying. But what many don’t realise is that you don’t actually have to book a villa to enjoy it for the day.
Villa Nautica: Luxury Island Resort in The Maldives
As of 2024 there are nearly 200 resorts in The Maldives, so choosing where to stay can be extremely overwhelming. Especially for the honeymooners who have meticulously planned in advance and saved thousands, to go on the most special trip of their life - they don’t want to be disappointed when they arrive.
I was lucky enough to visit The Maldives for my 30th birthday in 2023 - I still can’t believe I can say that! We stayed at the newly upgraded Villa Nautica on the North Malé Atoll, which has been voted the number 1 resort on TripAdvisor for 2024.
Best Hotels in Dubai
Dubai, renowned for its opulence, innovation, and luxurious lifestyle, boasts an array of exceptional hotels that redefine hospitality at every turn. From gleaming skyscrapers gracing the skyline to pristine beaches along the azure Gulf waters, Dubai's hotels offer an unparalleled blend of modern comfort and Arabian hospitality.
Review: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa in Dubai
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa sits in the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, about 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai. Originally opened in 2004, the resort underwent a full renovation and reopened in 2023 with a fresh new look and upgraded facilities. The redesign kept the resort’s desert‑fort aesthetic while adding new restaurants, updated rooms and villas, and refreshed facilities. There are 115 rooms and suites in total, three swimming pools, and seven dining and lounge venues. The resort is surrounded only by sand dunes and wildlife like oryx and gazelles, which makes it feel far removed from the city despite the short drive. After nearly seven years of living in the UAE, this is still, without a doubt, my favourite resort in the country.
Staying in a Bubble Tent in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Have you ever wondered where the movies Martian, Transformers and Lawrence of Arabia were filmed? Wadi Rum is the answer - a Mars-like valley in southern Jordan. The whole landscape makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another planet. The red sand, giant rocks and the crisp starry skies are the stuff of dreams. To get the full experience of Wadi Rum, you can stay at glamping sites tucked away in the extensive desert - managed by Bedouins.
A Night in a 4000 Year Old Cave, in Petra Jordan
Are you wanting to visit Petra and not sure where to stay? Instead of booking one of the many over-priced hotels, why not add a little adventure to your trip. For only around £20 a night, I have the perfect solution for you! The Hakuna Matata Cave in Little Petra is a 15-minute drive away from Petra’s main entrance.
Best Staycations in the UAE
Staycations have become the new go-to—and honestly, I’m not complaining. There’s something special about switching off without needing a passport or a flight. The UAE makes it easy, with so many incredible spots just a short drive away. Whether it’s a desert escape under the stars, a beachfront hotel that feels like a mini honeymoon, or a sleek city stay with skyline views and spa days—there’s something for every kind of weekend.