Hotel Reviews

It’s been a tough time for the island of Maui in Hawaii. More specifically, for the people of Lahaina, the region on the western coastline devastated by fire in August 2023. But the tide has turned, with tourists welcomed back as the economy and its people embrace the green shoots poking through the charred soil….

The Ilikai Hotel & Luxury Suites is a great accommodation option for people who want the thrills of Waikiki Beach, without the hustle and bustle. You’ll find it at the very western edge of the famed Honolulu beach, sitting just behind the boat harbour. It offers direct access down to the lagoon, rock wall and…

Nowadays, the word “luxury” is vague and overused in the travel industry. Every influencer and their Pomeranian specialises in “luxury.” Every travel writer and blogger specialises in “luxury”. Everyone wants a piece of that upper-crust lifestyle (very understandable), but few understand that genuine luxury goes far, far beyond aesthetics, location and exclusivity. You cannot claim…

One of the largest rooftops in L.A., a prime position tucked away from crowds of first-time tourists, and 220 comfortable, light-filled rooms that look like they’re paying homage to Hollywood’s black-and-white era. This is The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood, which has been pitched as one of the neighbourhood’s most fashionable boltholes since opening in the second…

The Crowne Plaza brand is one of the most recognisable banners for IHG, sitting comfortably in the “affordable premium” market as opposed to outright luxury, often fashioned as that mid-to-upscale that values balance over priced-out exclusivity. It’s been that way for decades, which is why Crowne Plaza is such a prolific brand for every type…

Imagine waking up to the sound of the Mediterranean Sea gently lapping at the dock below. You open your shutters and step out onto your balcony, where you are met with vast shades of cerulean sparkling under the morning sun. You’re on the French Riviera in a hotel that is steeped in a history so…

It had been 13 years since I’d set foot in Nice, but I still had vivid memories of posing for photos in front of the Fontaine du Soleil, resting in bright blue chairs on the promenade while gazing out over the Mediterranean Sea, and gorging myself on socca as I strolled down Old Town alleyways….

At first, I felt a little out of place. When I pulled up the opulent driveaway to the front doors of the JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, I came to a stop besides a shiny, new, red Ferrari. I looked down on the flashy vehicle from the seat of my beat-up old Toyota…

A few months back, I was lucky enough to spend a couple of nights on the North Shore of the Hawaiian Island of O’ahu. It’s a place that feels worlds apart from the busy paradise that is Waikiki – and it’s not a quick commute, either. The North Shore of the island is at least…

There aren’t many city hotels outside of NYC that make you feel like you’ve just stepped onto a movie set, but the historic Fontainebleau Miami Beach has built an experience untethered to the tyranny of time, unconcerned with formidable competition; standing confidently on South Beach with the kind of swagger only a chiseled Grand Dame…

I slowly open my sleepy eyes, and the first thing I see is a tilted mirror above me reflecting the soft rhythm of the ocean’s waves. I sit up in my gold-framed king-sized bed, mesmerised by the breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean unfolding through floor-to-ceiling windows. I can’t help but wonder if I’ve ever…

The most magical places aren’t always found on bustling city streets. Sometimes, you have to dart down back alleys or venture along winding country roads to uncover the real hidden gems — and Bali is full of them. Despite having visited the Island of the Gods eight times, K-Club Ubud had somehow completely eluded me….

While we’re all still reeling from The White Lotus finale in Thailand, I wanted to take us back to those beautiful vibes in Hawaii from season one. But we won’t be travelling to the same island where they filmed (Maui), rather to the fourth largest island in Hawaii, also known as “The Garden Isle”. At…

Big rooms, killer location and a great pool; there’s plenty to like about Rydges Port Macquarie. Fingers fumbling with excitement, I shove the fresh, shiny metal point of my fishing hook straight up the prawn’s backside, curving it around and digging it into the hardest part of the head. So far I’m four from five….

Situated just a short walk from the iconic Potato Head Beach Club, Villa Ananya puts you right in the centre of Seminyak’s nightlife, dining, and shopping scene. Its prime location also places you close to the stunning Petitenget and Batu Belig beaches. So, whether you want to enjoy a day at the beach or dive…

Tucked along the peaceful banks of the Petanu River, Leona Valley View is a secluded sanctuary crafted with adult guests in mind – ideal for romantic getaways or those simply seeking a quiet retreat. The villa’s two-story design offers intimate comfort with two spacious bedrooms, each equipped with a king-sized bed and private ensuite bathroom….

JIMMY has always been my favourite rooftop bar in Manhattan. Despite its location on the west side of Soho, it remains an unpretentious, benevolent beacon for both the self-fashioned influencer types and art nerds that parade regularly parade around Lower Manhattan’s eternally hip and trendy villages. It’s but one of several spaces that makes ModernHaus…

As someone who has written about hotels for more than a decade now, I stumble when asked what my favourites are. Forestis in The Dolomites is a singular experience and easily one of the most unforgettable stays in the world. The Baccarat New York is pure indulgence, and its bar has some of the finest…

Visiting New York City is expensive, and it doesn’t look like prices will be dropping anytime soon. Food? Sure. You can eat well in New York City on a budget. If you’re staying in Manhattan, walk over to Adele’s Famous Halal Truck on the Avenue of the Americas for one of the best value meals…

Towards the end of last year, I had the privilege of staying at the much lauded TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in Queens, New York City. Opening in May 2019 (in fact, I was there for that!), the hotel brings together a 1960s aesthetic with modern comforts and charm. Within its walls they have engineered…

Stepping into Puri Tempo Doeloe felt like entering a different world – a quiet, beautiful retreat tucked away in the heart of Sanur, Bali. This isn’t just any hotel. It’s a place that feels more like a hidden treasure. A space that makes you slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy being in the…

Villa Avaya, located inside a gated compound in Jimbaran, Bali, may just be one of my new favourite places to stay. A quick walk from Jimbaran Beach, this stunning villa offers the best of both worlds – privacy and seclusion, yet easy access to everything you could want. The villa itself is a true masterpiece,…

Luxury with such heart, cinematic appeal and playfulness is rare. Amid all the showiness and exclusivity of a snooty five-star in Manhattan, there can be a real sense of disconnection as the soullessness of it all starts to take hold and that all-important sense of place drops off. That’s why feeling a deep sense of…

Concrete Jungle where dreams are made of? The now immortal phrase refers to New York City’s most distinctive visuals, where bright, vivid colours of nature snake through the urban sprawl like a dystopian fever dream. Few places in the world are as symbolic of biophilic design, which is why it works having two properties from…

There are hotels, and then there are institutions—places that have woven themselves into the fabric of a city’s history, where the past is packed into every ornate detail, nook and cranny. Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel in Chicago is one such place. A transportive capsule of elegance since the 19th century, this landmark property is…

Kampi Villas was unlike anywhere I’ve stayed before – secluded, serene, and surrounded by nature. Perched on Kampial High Hill on the outskirts of Nusa Dua, offering sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, it really is a perfect backdrop for anyone seeking privacy and escape from the everyday. The compound has six private villas, three…

Nestled in a quiet corner of Umalas Village, just a short ride from the bustling heart of Canggu, Villa Alamanda at Bumbak Park Villas offers a slice of paradise for those looking to experience Bali in all its serene beauty. From the moment we arrived to smiling faces and warm welcomes, it was clear that…

Barefoot luxury meets active adventure and education in a resort experience that almost eclipses the incredible landscape on Tasmania’s east coast. I’m sitting on a comfortable couch, the heat from a distant fire running its warm fingers down my neck. In front of me is a large glass wall: floor to ultra-high ceiling and curving…

If you’re looking for an active Maldivian adventure with all-inclusive benefits, then it’s hard to go past Club Med Kani. I think I’ve fallen in love with Club Med. Only a year ago, I’d never been to one. Almost by chance my family and I stayed at Club Med Bintan Island and we had such…

Having visited Bali six times, I thought I’d discovered all the hidden gems the island had to offer. So, when I found Amarta Beach Retreat, with its infinity pools overlooking the black sands of Pasut Beach, I was pleasantly surprised. Nestled on the serene coastline of Tabanan in Bali, Amarta Beach Retreat is a slice…