What’s that in the air? Oh, it’s summer. There’s a reason why it’s everyone’s favourite time of year: sun loungers, relaxation, delicious outside dining, and not to mention; there’s always a reason for an Aperol spritz.
The rain is finally banished, and we’re all gearing up for our summer trips. If you’re looking for a way to level up your trip this year, you’ve come to the right place.
First and foremost, our most significant piece of advice would be to hire a personal assistant to help facilitate the ultimate luxe trip that you and your family deserve.
Sen-sea-tional Travelling
Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn
Best for intuitive service
Seabourn Odyssey is one of the most luxurious ships at sea and provides its 462 passengers with the highest standards of fine dining and accommodation of any cruise ship. The Grill’s head chef Thomas Keller delivers classic steakhouse dishes from one of America’s most acclaimed chefs. The Colonnade is transformed into the perfect romantic outside dining experience by night. If you are looking for an all-day snack and coffee, Seabourn Square is the place to be: a perfect combination of a concierge lounge, library and friendly gathering place. Service across this vessel is excellent; even the most junior crew will go above and beyond to assist you with anything you need. With little to no entertainment for children, this is the perfect cruise liner for a sophisticated audience and laid-back holiday.
Silver Muse, Silversea
Best for the highest levels of luxury
Silver Muse is a serene and elegant cruise liner hosting 596 passengers. This luxurious ship offers a butler service and refined cuisine across various venues. Every inch of the vessel has the finest finishes showcasing its quality, from the acres of Italian marble to the polished wood and buttery leather. The Silver Muse features one of the largest swimming pools at sea. What’s great about this liner is the variety of places for you to eat. Why not try the Silver Notes, an intimate venue featuring live music like jazz and blues singers.
Mekong Navigator, Lotus Cruises
Best for boutique hotel vibes
The 68-passenger Mekong Navigator is a beautifully designed river cruiser with ceiling fans and elegant décor. To make the Mekong a comfortable way to cruise, they have included luxury touches like their spa, marble-lined bathrooms and a social lounge. Indulge in full-board luxury dining and relax on their spacious sun decks.
If You Need Me, I’ll be in First Class
American Airlines
American Airlines fly to over 70 countries worldwide, including domestic destinations. Their first-class travel is luxury and available on all Boeing 777-300 aircraft. Flagship suite seats are fully reclinable and provide aisle access with amenities and services designed specifically for your comfort.
Partnering with James Beard Foundation, American Airlines ensures that the in-flight menu has been created and approved by a team of professional chefs. They strive to maximise the ease of travel and movement with their ground experience, even on long-haul flights. The Flagship’s first-class check-in and lounge (only available in certain cities) provide fine dining, a premium cocktail bar and the chance for guests to shower and refresh as part of their journey.
Emirates
With an economy class that feels premium, it shouldn’t be a shock that the UAE flagship won the World’s Best First Class 2020 Traveller’s Choice award. Once on board the A380, you will fall gracefully into your private suite, with reclining chairs, ambient lighting and a personal cinematic screen. The only problem is that once you have experienced the on-board shower spa and cocktail lounge, you won’t want to leave when the plane touches down.
Singapore Airlines
When you want to travel first class, look no further than Singapore Airlines. The international airline is embracing the opportunity to offer private travel to its guests. They also can lower the divider between the rooms if you are travelling with company. Kitted out with swivel chairs and a separate bed, Singapore Airline Suites creates a cosy and comfortable experience, almost like being in a hotel.
Regal Railways
Seven Stars in Kyushu, Japan
Considered the most spacious and comfortable of trains, it’s no surprise that this opulent Japanese locomotive is a train lover favourite. Everything on the train is handmade by Japanese artists, from the beds to the porcelain dinner plates. It’s not just the onboard experience that makes Seven Stars worth seven stars. These trains travel the circuit around Kyushu and make stops at some of the island’s best shrines, onsens and porcelain studios, making your trip more of ad adventure.
Belmond Eastern & Oriental Express, Asia
Travelling between Singapore and Bangkok, the Eastern & Oriental Express is a legendary train in the eyes of enthusiasts. The cars are classically designed with polished wood panelling trimmed with silk, white-linen covered tables and the Bar Car is reminiscent of 1920s Jazz Clubs. Whist travelling in a bygone era of glamorous travel, order a Singapore Sling and take it out to the viewing platform to watch the Malaysian jungle rolling by.
Heavenly Holiday Destinations
Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa — Trancoso, Brazil
Uxua has been described as a post-hippie utopia, and this description is not wrong. Based in dense rainforest and high up on a ridge overlooking the Atlantic, this is a utopia. Dutch owner Wilbert Das converted the hotel into a selection of rustic Casas, cottages, a treehouse and a tribal-inspired spa. All centre around a pool that is lined with therapeutic green aventurine quartz. With days beds for post-breakfast snoozing and a beach bar, you can lie down all day, and another glass of fizz will be brought to you.
L’Horizon Resort & Spa — Palm Springs, California
Steve Hermann spent two years renovating the L’Horizon to create a luxurious boutique hotel. Each bungalow has been renovated with a mixture of modern and vintage designs and an open-air spa and alfresco restaurant. Whilst this is a fun hotel, it’s also a place for significant indulgence. The pool is guest access only, with therapists offering complimentary foot and shoulder massages poolside. The hotel also provides unexpected treats to your room each afternoon. Request a west-facing bungalow equipped with an outdoor shower to relax as you watch the sun go down.
Naladhu Private Island Maldives — the Maldives
Only providing 19 guest quarters in South Malé Atoll, this intimate resort offers a high level of privacy and personal attention. The wood accommodations come with a private garden, infinity pool, high ceilings, private garden and more. The dining spaces range from tables around an all-glass wine cellar to cushioned daybeds under the stars. Personal butlers exceed all expectations with a quiet, smiling service. With the resort just a short speedboat ride from the closest international airport, it’s the perfect exclusive destination.
A Helping Hand
So much to do, but so little time…
We know the feeling. It can be hard to juggle your already busy schedule, with social plans, childcare needs, and work commitments all precedent. To combat this, why not hire a personal assistant to take care of your summer activity needs?
From a personal assistant, you can expect:
- Supporting all administrative requirements and correspondence
- Overseeing household staff and staff schedules
- Extensive travel & diary management and reservations
- Basic bookkeeping and managing household bills
- Undertaking ad hoc personal errands
- Household purchases/returns and credit card/account reconciliations
- Assisting with event planning
- Managing contacts
- Discretion and trustworthiness
- Flexibility and adaptability
