Explore The Elegance of Luxury Travel
Independent Travel Advisor of Fora Travel
Di's Luxury Edit
I have experienced each of these exceptional properties firsthand and am sharing a few of my favorite places to stay, chosen for their design, service and ability to create truly memorable moments. These are destinations I have returned to, trust deeply, and confidently recommend, knowing every detail has been thoughtfully considered.​
Phinda Private Game Reserve
Kwa Zulu Natal - South Africa
Having grown up in Durban on the east coast of South Africa, I’ve spent time in this region experiencing the landscapes, its culture, the ocean and the bush firsthand.
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Instead of an open plains or cliffside lodge, we chose Phinda Forest Lodge, tucked deep within a quiet forest, where our secluded suite offered floor-to-ceiling reinforced glass walls and uninterrupted views of the bush and wildlife, fully immersing us in the natural surroundings.
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With curated Big Five encounters and meticulous attention to every detail, Phinda offered a safari that was indulgently comfortable, yet deeply connected to the wild. Zulu dancers and drummers brought the evenings to life, leaving the rhythm of Mother Africa lingering long after we had departed.
Raffles Hotel
Singapore
My stay at Raffles Hotel, is an experience I will never forget. Built in 1887, this iconic hotel carries more than a century of history. The hotel is set in the heart of the vibrant cityscape, just moments from iconic landmarks and fine dining and world-class shopping.
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Early evenings at the legendary Long Bar, were a study in the timeless charm of 1920’s Malayan plantation life. Anchored by a gleaming wood counter, rich timber accents, and warm earth tones, the bar is famous as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling and invites guests to join the playful tradition of tossing peanut shells to the floor.
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In a city where littering is strictly prohibited, this joyful ritual felt delightfully rebellious and charmingly irreverent, connecting me to over a century of history, and the countless stories that have unfolded in this iconic space.​
Las Ventanas
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Arriving at Las Ventanas felt like entering a private sanctuary of refined elegance. Our villa and private infinity pool set the tone for our stay: open, airy and thoughtfully deigned, to welcome the Sea of Cortez to flow seamlessly through the space.
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The resort is renowned for its breathtaking setting, but what truly captivated me was its devotion to personalized service, embodied by the Department of Romance, a team committed to creating deeply meaningful, bespoke moments for each couple from arrival until the final farewell. If you're thinking of a vow renewal, a proposal or a special celebration, this is the place to celebrate.​​
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Discovering La Botica, the hotel’s hidden speakeasy, was an unforgettable highlight. Behind a cheeky wall sign warning, “You can be as naughty as you want, just don’t get caught,” we stepped into a glamorous Prohibition-era lounge alive with charm and playful secrecy.
Hotel Alfonso XIII
Seville, Spain
Game Of Thrones Fans ... this is for you! A Marriott Luxury Collection Hotel, this incredible building was commissioned by the King of Spain for the 1929 Ibero-American Exhibition.
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Hotel Alfonso XIII with its distinguished architecture and Moorish detailing celebrate Andalusian heritage proudly. An iconic cultural landmark in the heart of Seville’s historic Santa Cruz quarter, the hotel issteps from the Royal Palace of Seville, known as the Reales Alcázares, and the majestic Seville Cathedral.
Strolling through the fragrant gardens of the Reales Alcázares, which were immortalized in Game of Thrones, we could feel the history and hear the whispers of centuries past.
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We stayed in a heavenly penthouse suite with a private balcony, where the cobbled streets below came alive with horse-drawn carts. Evenings at Bar Americano, where expertly crafted Gin Martinis in one of my favorite top ten most beautifully designed bar interiors made every night feel cinematic.
Marlebone Hotel
London
London has long been one of the cities we return to again and again, and since the 1980s our home base has been the Clifton Ford Hotel, now the magnificent Marlebone Hotel on Welbeck Street.
There is something deeply comforting about returning to a place that has welcomed you for decades. Each arrival felt special, particularly the impeccable service and the warm greeting from the doormen who welcomed us by name as we stepped from our cab, setting the tone for every stay.
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Perfectly positioned in the elegant Marylebone neighborhood, the hotel offers a refined retreat in the heart of London, just moments from world-class shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks.
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