It’s the time of year when everybody is doing it so why not lovers of luxury too. Here are five resolutions that anyone who is serious about travelling in style should add to their 2008 aspirations. You’ll be glad to know that not one of them demands that you take more exercise, read more uplifting literature or go on a diet. Your New Year Luxury Travel resolutions should be:
1. ALWAYS BOOK A LIMO FROM THE AIRPORT.
Begin travelling luxuriously from the minute you land. This way you avoid unseemly fights for taxis at the rank and taxi sharks who promise to deliver you to your destination in their brother-in-law’s clapped out car. A simple sign with your name on as you step through customs control ensures that someone else pushes your trolley, negotiates airport madness and takes you to your hotel in air conditioned, engine-purring splendour; usually with a bottle of mineral water, the day’s paper and a warm towel laid on.
2. MAKE THE WORD 'SUITE' PART OF YOUR EVERY DAY VOCABULARY.
Resolve never to book the entry-rate room at a hotel, a small up grade will ensure you stay in something which is inevitably called a suite not a room, or at the very least has the word ‘deluxe’ in front of it. A little basic negotiation at the check-in desk, or before you arrive will often ensure that your upgrade is free, or at very little extra cost.
3. MAKE THE POOL YOU PLUNGE INTO PRIVATE.
Resolve that at least one resort you stay at this year will have a private plunge pool. This ensures your stays really are luxurious. Hotel groups such as Banyan Tree, Sixth Senses, Four Seasons, Taj and Oberoi all offer this kind of paradise in places like the Maldives, Thailand or Mauritius. Heaven.
4. EXTEND ALL WEEKEND BREAKS BY ONE DAY.
Go on, it isn’t as hard as you think to get away from work for a little longer and you’ll feel SO much better if you do. Take a Friday or a Monday to make that break just a little more indulgent – and take more of them why don’t you. There are some wonderfully
luxurious guest houses out there just waiting for you to book in.
5. GO SOMEWHERE NEW IN STYLE.
Pick a new country to explore then book into one of the best hotels you can. So what is on the hot-list for 2008 luxury destinations? The places that the in-crowd are heading to this year? You’ll have to wait for the next Editor’s Tips to find out.
Here’s to a World of Luxury in 2008
- YOUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS. Everyone’s idea of luxury is different so what are YOUR travel resolutions for 2008 ? Send me a letter and let us know. Simply email
hdoling@luxurytravelmag.com.au. The best letter to the Editor published in Luxury Travel Magazine's Autumn magazine will
win a Mandarina Duck duffle bag.