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Luxury Vacations To Add To Your Bucket List

Posted on April 9, 2022November 16, 2023 by Lucky n Love

Whether you’ve hit the jackpot, have spent years saving for the trip of a lifetime, or simply have a generous annual travel budget, you won’t want to miss these luxury vacations to add to your bucket list for a trip you’ll never forget.

luxury vacations to add to your bucket list

Yachting in the Med

One of the best ways to explore Europe is by boat, but if you’d rather have your own captain and crew instead of sharing staff (and amenities) on a large vessel – then a Mediterranean yacht charter could be for you.

These luxurious floating hotels offer five-star service paired with jaw-dropping scenic views. Drop anchor along scenic coastlines and go for a dip, enjoy a gourmet picnic set among a crumbling fortress, or relax on your sundeck with a drink in hand. While each boat differs, most come equipped with gyms, hot tubs, dining rooms, and beautiful master suites. Water-sport enthusiasts will rejoice over the ample options for frolicking in the Med, from enormous waterslides to jet skis and overwater trampolines.

Mediterranean yacht charters generally run from April to October, and one of the best times to visit the Med is in September when the crowds die down, the kids go back to school, and the weather is still warm (sometimes hot, depending on where you are).

Renting a Private Island

It doesn’t get much more luxurious than a private island, and if you’re looking for the ultimate in privacy, luxury, and discretion – a private island is for you. Options abound, from thatched-roof cottages set amongst the trees in Canada’s Pacific Northwest to luxurious and sprawling villas in tropical climates.

One of the best destinations for private island rentals in the Caribbean, home to the famous Necker Island (owned by Virgin founder and business mogul Richard Branson). Located in the British Virgin Islands, this 74-acre paradise can accommodate up to 54 guests comfortably. With multiple properties scattered throughout the island, guests can opt to rent a room, villa, or the entire island.

Another Caribbean island available for rent is Musha Cay, located in the southern Bahamas Exuma Chain. Available for one party at a time, visitors have exclusive access to Musha Cay and its wealth of amenities for the duration of their stay. 150 acres of powder-soft beaches. With a fleet of outdoor water toys and elegant accommodations, visitors to Musha Cay receive the finest five-star treatment. With 30 staff members to a maximum of 24 guests, vacationers here will want for nothing. If you like it well enough, you may even start to look into Buying A House In The Bahamas. There are plenty of options, and living in a lovely place makes everyday enjoyable.

A Cozy Winter Villa

Imagine curling up in front of a roaring fire. Getting snug under a blanket as the snow silently falls outside. Warm-up in an outdoor jacuzzi as you’re delivered a flute of champagne. These are part and parcel when renting a mountain villa or luxury chalet.

While not all come fully staffed, it’s an easy adjustment to include a chef, butler, daily housekeeper, and even a yoga instructor!

If you’re a ski or snowboard buff, staying at a villa in Whistler, British Columbia is an easy decision. The Belmont Estate in Whistler’s exclusive Stonebridge enclave rests on 7 acres of wilderness and can accommodate groups of up to 14. The helipad allows for a discreet arrival and departure. Your private driver is available to whisk you away to the lifts each day.

An Alaskan Wilderness Lodge

Have you always wanted to explore the Last Frontier, but in style? No two Alaskan wilderness lodges are alike. There are a select few that provide elegant luxury in rugged Alaskan surroundings. The crème de la crème, Sheldon Chalet, combines jaw-dropping views with gourmet dining, and fly-in-only access. It doesn’t get more luxurious (or remote) than this!

Sheldon Chalet is a five-star lodge resting on a nunatak in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater of Denali’s magnificent Ruth Glacier. Days spent at the chalet are yours to explore, and activities include snow cavern spelunking, sledding, rappelling, or crevasse exploration. Nights usher in magnificent light shows, as you watch the Aurora Borealis dance across the sky. Dining at Sheldon Chalet is top-notch. Complete with a celebrity chef who has been selected to cook for the likes of Barak Obama and Neil Young.

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An African Safari

With countless luxury resorts and safari experiences to choose from across Africa, it may seem impossible to narrow it down! If you must pick just one, venture deep into the heart of Kenya.

Nestled on the edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is Angama Mara, overlooking the Great Rift Valley. This owner-run safari lodge offers two intimate camps with only fifteen luxurious tented suites each. Set as the location for the Oscar-award-winning movie Out of Africa, the romance of this resort and the region itself is undeniable. Complemented by the lodge, is the Angama Safari Camp. An exclusive-use mobile tented campsite located deep in the Mara triangle. Here you can spot lions, cheetahs, leopards, large elephant herds, and buffalo. Therefore, perfectly positioned for a front-row seat to the annual migration.

While I’ve only mentioned five luxury vacations to add to your bucket list, others across the globe are not to be missed! If you’d like support in planning your next luxurious getaway, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

The Best Overwater Bungalows Across the World

Posted on April 2, 2022April 2, 2022 by Lucky n Love

Nothing quite says luxury like an overwater bungalow. Dotting tropical beaches, atolls, and lagoons, these thatched-roof escapes offer unparalleled views and the ultimate in island escape-ism. From Bora Bora to Vietnam, these opulent overwater bungalows across the world need to be added to your bucket list.

best overwater bungalows across the world

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam

Six Senses properties are ubiquitous with sustainability and wellness, and the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay delivers both in spades. Moving beyond resorts as simply destination getaways, Six Senses promotes connection to the places in which they host guests. Their Ninh Van Bay property, with the property’s villas thoughtfully built into rock formations. Each villa is secluded. The only person you’re likely to run into is your personal Experience Maker, on-call 24/7. Ocean views come guaranteed, as do private pools. Local activities are endless. Day trips to nearby uninhabited islands, taking a dip in the local hot springs (complete with mineral-rich mud), or sampling the goods from your in-villa wine cellar on your private sundeck.

Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia

Nestled in the middle of the Koh Rong archipelago. This unique private island offers 24 thatched-roof villas set amidst a 247-acre marine reserve. Nature and sustainability are at the forefront and nearly every building and piece of furniture uses upcycled wood found on the island itself. Alongside the resident marine biologist, guests can kayak through mangroves as they learn about the local ecosystem. The overwater villas do not disappoint, with luxurious one and two-bedroom options. For the ultimate overwater experience, there’s the Royal Villa. Which comes complete with a large private pool and dining for up to 12 guests. The most unique aspect of Song Saa Private Island is its related foundation, the Song Saa Collective. Established in 2013, this not-for-profit organization is dedicated to protecting the habitat of the Koh Rong archipelago, therefore improving the welfare of its communities.

El Dorado Maroma, Mexico

If you’re based in North America you don’t have to travel far to experience these overwater bungalows. Set out from the shores of Maroma Beach, just forty minutes from the Cancun airport. Mexico’s only overwater bungalows come equipped with full butler service and glass floors. Breakfast is delivered each morning. Touting themselves as ‘Gourmet Inclusive’, the El Dorado Maroma is an adults-only property offering seven restaurants and five bars. Don’t miss strolling Maroma Beach, nearly five miles of unspoiled white sand and aquamarine water.

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Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

With stunning views of Mount Otemanu, the Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora does not disappoint. There are a variety of overwater bungalow options to suit everyone. From honeymooners to families, with two-bedroom suites offering up over 2,000 square feet of pure luxury. Enjoy the non-motorized watersports that are included in your stay. Offering everything from badminton and volleyball to kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel equipment. Adventures abound. From jet boating or deep-sea fishing with a chef to exploring the island on a 4×4 (additional costs apply). The five-star concierge team can arrange just about anything, and never hesitate to go above and beyond for their guests.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

While overwater bungalows are aplenty in the Maldives, some stand out from the crowd. Comprised of only 45 overwater bungalows, Gili Lankanfushi is perched on one of the largest lagoons in the Maldives. It is only a 20-minute speedboat ride from the Velana International Airport. The “No News No Shoes” spirit of the Maldives is evident from the moment you step into the boat. Shoes are collected and placed in tote bags by staff aboard the vessel. Expect approachable luxury at every turn, beginning with the bubbly canapes that greet you on arrival. Thoughtful touches are evident throughout, with SPF and bug spray stocked alongside standard in-room amenities. The bungalows themselves range from 2200 square foot one-bedroom villas (their smallest). To the whopping Private Reserve, a palatial 18,000 square feet. If you’re seeking opulence in the Maldives, look no further.

Are you looking for a once-in-a-lifetime overwater bungalow experience?

Contact me here. I’d love to build your dream getaway to explore some of the best overwater bungalows across the world!

Top Mistakes Travelers Make (and What to Do Instead!)

Posted on March 26, 2022July 14, 2023 by Lucky n Love

Even the most seasoned travelers (myself included) have fallen prey to travel blunders over the years. From dining at bland tourist traps to getting lost, to even tipping 50 dollars instead of 50 pesos (yes, that really happened) – mistakes are bound to happen. Let’s count down a few of the most common (and easily fixed) top mistakes travelers make.

Saving Money at the Expense of Time

Don’t book a flight with three stopovers just to save $200, when it will eat into 36 hours of your journey. I always look for the most direct route for my travelers, with the least amount of stopovers, and the shortest amount of total travel time.

Think you want to take the local transit instead? Be certain you’re well versed with the directions, the stops, and the duration of your travel – it’s often far longer (and more complicated) navigating public transit in foreign countries, especially if you don’t speak the language. Make sure that you will have someone waiting for you at the airport, to whisk you off to the resorts or hotels that you booked.

Having an Overly Ambitious Itinerary

I get it, if you’ve never been to Europe it may be tempting to want to hop on the Eurail and see 18 countries in 14 days, but I strongly discourage it. Not only is it exhausting, but you also don’t get the true sense of a destination without immersing yourself in it, and this takes time. Paris is so much more than the Eiffel Tower and Champs Elysee, and New York much more than just the island of Manhattan. Spend some time really getting to know a particular country, city, or region, and you’ll come away richer for it. Yes, you should enjoy your time in your hotel room or Oceanfront Bed And Breakfast but you should also make the most of your visit and explore.

Never Leaving the Tourist Areas

Of course, when you travel to Rome you want to see the Colosseum or take a walk through Times Square when visiting Manhattan. But that doesn’t mean you need to stick to the major attractions only. The areas closest to world-famous attractions often have overpriced restaurants catering to tourists and don’t showcase local culture the same way other neighborhoods do. By all means, take in all the attractions, but take some time to explore further afield and visit some neighborhoods that are filled with restaurants, shops, and markets that locals use regularly. Together we can add some special adventures to your trip. For example, an authentic cooking class.

Never Leaving Your Comfort Zone

Great things happen outside your comfort zone, and this applies to travel especially. Sit at an old bar alone in a small town, and chat with the locals. You’ll learn far more about local life and culture than you could ever read in a travel guide. Hop on that zipline above a canopy of trees, even if you’re scared of heights. Pushing yourself out of what you would do in your day-to-day life is part of what makes travel so memorable. It gives you the stories that you’ll share for years after you get back home.

Software Slipups

If you snap away on your iPhone everywhere you go, make sure you have the photos being backed up. The cloud or Google photos are a great place to store your favorite travel images. The last thing you want is to lose all of your travel memories if your phone gets lost or stolen.

Stay connected. Consider getting a decent travel plan that gives you some data. So you can check emails, text friends or family, or even go on social media while you are away. The last thing you want is to return home to a hefty phone bill.

Money Trouble

This is one of the biggest mistakes that travelers make. Be sure to inform your credit card company of any major impending travel you have. You don’t want your account flagged and frozen for possible fraud charges. While you’ve got them on the phone, find out what the foreign currency transaction fees are on purchases abroad. Some major credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees; I can provide you with a list of the cards that I recommend when traveling.