It’s never too late to jet off on a luxury holiday to some far flung corner and with the last few flickers of summer sun behind us why not indulge in a little extra warmth this autumn with an impromptu break. October is a fantastic month in which to travel, a period of transition in many areas in marks the shift from humid summer heat to cooler drier temperatures in South East Asia for example and in the southern hemisphere it is now that the days are beginning to grow longer and warmer. Marking a fantastic shift between the off and peak seasons October can in many instances promise an enviable compromise between better weather, fewer crowds and quite often cheaper prices.

South Africa- October is a fine time to visit South Africa particularly the Western Cape, with summer just on the cusp of blooming into a succession of long, warm and cloudless days. Although the best months for game viewing are considered to be behind us ample opportunity still exists in the many game reserves and parks around the country. The beaches of Durban, the Garden Route and Cape Town are beginning to fill up again and this month also coincides with the spectacular migration of the Southern Right Whale along the Cape south coast.

Vietnam- One of Asia’s most geographically diverse and culturally fascinating destinations, Vietnam has in the last few decades emerged from the ranks of the backpacker’s right of passage to a more mainstream  tourist destination, though still retaining a definite air of mystique and wonder. October is one of the best times to visit Vietnam which experiences across its variant territories of highlands, dense forest, valleys, coastlines and flat plateaus a rather mercurial climate. October usually provides a cooler and less humid atmosphere with much less chance of rain than during the thunderous summer months. With such sites as the stunning Ha Long Bay and capital of Ha Noi and the beautiful beaches of Nha Trang and the ancient city of Ho Chi Minh geographically polarised at either end of the country prioritising what parts of Vietnam you want to see most is essential. The islands and Southern coastal retreats of Vietnam boast some of the country’s most impressive accommodation; the likes of the Six Senses Con Dao and its sister property in Ninh Van Bay as well as the Evason Ana Mandara in Nha Trang offer visitors the ideal escape.

Mauritius- The perennial romance island; Mauritius has become synonymous with glamour and luxury and island that seems to epitomise barefoot chic but with a relative infrastructure that makes getting around a breeze. Avoiding the French school holidays (as a popular destination for Gaelic families) and the more blustery winds of July and August, October is an ideal month to travel to Mauritius. Renowned for the beaches that fringe its rugged coastline Mauritius is the perfect beach break destination and is particularly favoured by water sports and diving enthusiasts. Stalwarts of the hospitality and hotel industry that have already established leading resorts on the island include The Residence, One&Only, Heritage, Four Seasons and Constance.

Australia- Although it may seem like a world away really Australia has never been so accessible. Similar to South Africa the cooler temperatures that bathe the Southern coast of the country have already begun to abate by October promising pleasant and warm days in which to explore some of Australia’s greatest sights. From fabulous shopping in Melbourne to the iconic landmarks of Sydney there is an inordinate amount to see and do in Australia and personally I would recommend a more intimate exploration of a few key aspects rather than attempting a whistle stop tour of a much broader area. From the Winelands of New South Wales and Victoria to the charm of Perth and unspoiled beauty of Western Australia or the dense forests of Northern Queensland there is something here for everyone. Temperatures in the north of the country are usually perennially stable though by October will be starting to reach the mid to high 20s (around 80F).

When people first think of an airport hotel they probably imagine a boxy, low rent and crowded property with the whirring din of jet engines rumbling all night long. The truth, in fact, couldn’t be further from this opinion. Today many of the leading airport hotels in the world are considered as simply as some of the leading hotels in the world, the shackles of the old misconception have been thrown off and more luxury properties are being established in and around airports that provide not only convenience but security and a quality service. For some people even a short time travelling can take it out of you and preparing for a luxury holiday can be a little stressful; making sure not to forget everything, remembering to leave a note for the milkman not to mention travelling to the airport which could potentially be miles away. A stay, even for a night at a luxury airport hotel can elevate a vacation from good to fantastic, eliminating the rush and stress of vacationing and providing a little added style in the process.

Airways Hotel, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea- Recently voted as the leading airport hotel in the world, the Airways Hotel is in fact Papua New Guinea’s most luxurious property full stop. Only 2minutes from Jacksons International Airport yet a world away in terms of atmosphere the hotel is set within private botanical gardens on the mountainside overlooking the stunning Bootleg Bay. With a range of beautifully designed suites, rooms and apartments guests can enjoy a minimalist décor that retains all of the warmth of a homely retreat. Complete with four different dining choices, a range of in-house boutiques and shops and a health centre travelling to the airport will never be quite the same again.

Pan Pacific, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia- A combination of convenience and unabashed luxury makes this one of the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur, let alone at an airport. For arriving guests the hotel makes the process of checking in seamless; as soon as you enter the arrivals hall at the airport in fact you can register your entry and for guests who outbound a 24hr buggy service will whisk you off to your terminal. The hotel’s subtle exterior conceals within a grand palatial manor that harks back to a rich colonial past. The accommodation maintains the levels of quality found throughout the property offering guests a luxurious and relaxed setting, completely sound proofed to offer blissful peace. Featuring two swimming pools, a health centre, fully equipped gymnasium, hair and beauty salon, limousine tours of the city and a convenience store there is always plenty going on. Three dining choices offer guests tastes from around the world with a cuisine that reflects the international nature of the nearby airport.

Stamford Plaza, Sydney- Located within the grounds of Sydney International airport, opposite the domestic terminal and just minutes away from international arrivals and departures this luxury property is setting new standards for airport accommodation in Australasia. Offering superb views out over Sydney’s CBD and Botany Bay this sleek property has been developed with vibration proof glass and is completely sound proofed to ensure the comfort of its clientele. The 315 rooms are all beautifully appointed and with 8mm thick glass and all of the amenities you might expect from a five star hotel. With two renowned restaurants and a location found within a stone’s throw of the city’s main attractions such as the opera house and harbour bridge the Stamford is beautifully poised for an introduction to Sydney.

Le Meridien, Dubai- Set within 38 acres of sub-tropical gardens you might be mistaken for thinking that Le Meridien is hidden away in the remote countryside rather than its central locale in the middle of vibrant Dubai. Across the road from the International Airport, Le Meridien personifies convenience and the 383 guest rooms and suites have all been crafted to the highest standards offering clients comfort and security with stunning garden and pool views. With a tour desk, tennis courts, spa and fitness centre and a choice of pools you will not be without choice and this variety is carried into the dining experience at Le Meridien which offers an incredible 15 separate dining areas, lounges and bars for your enjoyment.

With my latest post I thought I would have a little bit of fun with the layout whilst introducing some of the world’s alternative luxury holiday destinations. Following the initialism of LUXURY, the word that defines the ethos of this blog, here are six more of the most exclusive holiday properties.

Lizard Island, Australia- Lizard Island is enviably sandwiched between the rugged coast of northern Queensland and the world renowned Great Barrier Reef. Australia’s most northerly private island resort hit the headlines recently when it was mooted as the ‘would be’ honeymoon destination of the newlywed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (William and Kate). Regardless of whether or not the couple decide to travel here, Lizard Island remains one of the most exclusive resorts in Oceania. Along with its luxury accommodation the island boasts 24 of its own private beaches ensuring an unrivalled level of intimacy and seclusion. Combining stunning nature, great food, an inexhaustible list of activities and opulent accommodation this is an excellent luxury holiday destination.

Ubud Hanging Gardens, Bali- Bali is a vibrant and beautiful region and despite its relatively diminutive stature offers incredible diversity. A culture renowned the world over for their wisdom, warmth and creativity for a unique insight into Asia, Bali is unrivalled. Ubud hanging gardens is an all villa luxury property hidden away in the depths of the Balinese jungle yet only fifteen minutes away by complimentary shuttle from the vibrant centre of Ubud. Overlooking the Ayang River and the dense vegetation beyond the accommodation blends effortlessly into the hillside designed in true Balinese style with local dark woods and thatched roofs. The hotel boasts its own funicular (inclined) railway which transports guests to and from their villa, the two restaurants and the exclusive Ayang Spa.

eXcellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico- An all inclusive, adults only resort this flagship member of the Excellence hotels portfolio was recently voted as Tripadvisor.com’s most luxurious romantic resort. Located just south of Cancun, one of the world’s best loved holiday destinations, Playa Mujeres is the newest jewel in Mexico’s crown enjoying privacy and seclusion this virgin oasis promises the ideal symphony of convenience, peace, luxury and activity. Built around a private white sandy beach and boasting seven beautifully sculpted swimming pools forming an inland marina the Excellence matches its quality of service with the beauty of its execution. With an extensive fitness and activities centre, spa, Greg Norman designed golf course and an unbelievable choice of 9 different dining experiences you will never need to leave the comfort of the resort.

U Zlate Studne Golden Wall, Czech Republic-  The Czech Republic is quickly asserting a reputation as a new rising star of tourism in Europe. Combing history and culture with the warmth and beauty of its people and the stunning vistas across Bohemia more and more people are discovering this beguiling land. Prague itself is a vibrant and modern city but with a traditional core and this symmetry is certainly reflected in the design of the boutique hotel the Golden Well at U Zlate Studne. Modern luxury meets old age opulence in a milieu of rich woods and fabrics matched with all the amenities one would expect from a five star property. One of the best features of the Golden Well is its dining and a choice of cuisine served in the intimate 26 seated main dining room or (I would recommend) the roof top terrace which offers spectacular views over Prague.

Royal Malewane, South Africa- One of South Africa’s preeminent safari lodges, Royal Malewane has been catering for a discerning clientele since its inception in 2000. A member of the exclusive ‘Royal’ portfolio the property occupies a superb location nestling between the wilds of the famous Kruger National Park and dramatic Drakensburg Mountains. Extravagant décor extends throughout the all suite lodge with colonial style Victorian baths, grand fireplaces and canopied king size beds. One of the major attractions is of course the wild life and Malewane’s private game guides will accompany through the 13,000 acre private reserve set within the larger Kruger Park where you can hope to observe Africa’s ‘big five’; lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos.

Yasawa Island, Fiji- Synonymous with remote luxury and romance the Fiji archipelago is the ultimate island destination. At only 22km long and 1km wide despite Yasawa’s size it offers all of the glamour and grandeur associated with a Fijian island resort and at only a short 35 minute flight from Nadi’s International airport promises convenience too. There are no other hotels on the island other than the 18 ‘bures’ (traditional thatched bungalows) that make up the exclusive Yasawa Island resort. Beautifully understated and elegant all the while this is a place that softly whispers class; there are no overblown gestures just a thoughtfully designed property that harnesses the natural beauty of the surroundings. With a private spa and renowned dining experience the emphasis here is to do as much or as little as you like; from beach picnics to catamaran sailing, snorkelling or strolling through the undergrowth the choice is yours.

In the fast paced and competitive global community that we find ourselves living in today it can be extremely difficult to truly relax and unwind. The stresses of work, of relationships and family as well as the general vicissitudes of life can all contribute towards and manifest feelings of anxiety, tension and frustration.

Sometimes stress management techniques and a few simple pleasures are enough to ease the burden but there are always those occasions when you just want to get away from it all. With this in mind I have taken a closer look at some of the best and most exclusive spa retreats in the world, institutions that offer much needed and genuinely thoughtful, attentive and rejuvenating experiences to relieve and revitalise mind, body and soul. If you feel like you are in of a luxury holiday, a stay at one of these renowned properties might be just what you need.

Four seasons resort, Bora Bora- The distant and secluded island of Bora Bora is place long associated with intimacy and privacy, so much so it has almost become a cliché. Nestled in the Indian Ocean amongst the French Polynesian Islands, Bora Bora is a haven of relaxation and respite. The award winning spa at the Four Seasons Resort harnesses the power of this incredible ecosystem, utilising local ingredients, organic products and the healing powers of the crystal clear Indian Ocean. The spa boasts a range of exclusive treatments including kahaia body scrubs with black pearl and vanilla, deep sea skin treatments and a soothing ‘sun salutation’ ritual engineered to restore moisture and vitality to the skin. The centre also provides a range of holistic body works, facial treatments and yoga. Complimentary facilities include steam room, vitality pool and a sensory and drench shower.

Pezula Resort and Spa, South Africa- Hidden away just outside the fashionable township of Knysna along South Africa’s stunning garden route, the Pezula is considered as one of Africa’s first truly luxury resorts. The award winning Pezula Spa enjoys an incredible array of facilities including a state of the art gymnasium, 12 metre heated indoor pool, outside Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, juice bar, rainforest shower, sunbeds, hair studio, nail bar and nine specified treatment rooms not to mention a post treatment room with heated massage water beds. Specialised treatments range from scrubs, wraps and massages to steam baths, milk baths and hydrotherapy.

One and Only Reethi Rah, The Maldives- Situated within 109 acres of private estate on the North Malé Atoll, this isolated island represents one of the last remaining remote paradises in the world. The spa itself was conceived by the renowned ESPA company, experts in spa design and management. Offering a fantastic array of therapies and treatments complimentary services also include fruits, delicious sorbet, ice tea, a steam room, vitality pool. The resort also maintains an itinerary of exclusive programs which include Hatha and Asthanga yoga, thai chi and cyclic meditation, thai boxing and a post workout regime.

The Sebel Reef House and Spa, Australia- Sebel Reef House is renowned across Australia as an award winning and pioneering boutique property and day spa. Nestled along the palm fringed beaches of the Northern Queensland peninsula the resort is setting new standards for holistic and innovative treatment and is already regarded as one of the leading establishments in Australasia and the South Pacific. The two story spa building is beautifully crafted to reflect the rugged rainforest environment of its locale. The intimate space offers 3 state of the art treatment rooms and a further two dual suites upstairs all equipped with the latest technologies for advanced therapies. The treatments themselves combine the ancient spirituality of the local aboriginal tribes with contemporary aromatherapy and herbalist practices.

Today more and more people are becoming preoccupied with environmentally friendly travel or at least how to lessen the impact of their travel upon the environment. It is an irrefutable fact that (until an alternate means is resolved) international tourism will produce some carbon resonance.

Not wanting to sacrifice the exotic escapism of a luxury holiday, but conscious of its effects upon our planet the trend, or more like necessity, of new eco-resorts is taking off in a big way. Hotels, resorts and private island retreats are looking for new an innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure that the natural beauty upon which they and their industry thrives, is protected and preserved for generations to come.

So here is my selection of some of the most luxurious eco-resorts in the world; properties that endeavour through technology and teaching to slow down the effects of global warming.

Soneva Fushi, Maldives- The Maldives, perhaps more than anywhere else in the world has a need and a desire to go green because it is these low lying islands that could be amongst the first land masses to entirely succumb to the power of rising sea levels. With the highest part of the islands reaching only 2.4m above the Indian Ocean an increase in the height of the tides could have devastating effects. With this in mind, the Soneva Fushi Resort has been established to be an almost carbon neutral property, relying largely upon renewable energy such as wind and solar power. Located on the private Kunfunadhoo Island north of the capital of Malé, Soneva fushi is the epitome of barefoot elegance, quite literally; on arrival you will be given a bag for your shoes and during the rest of your stay will walk barefoot around the hotel along with the other staff and managers. With only 65 villas attention to detail and staff service is paramount here, the beautifully appointed lodges are nestled away amongst thick vegetation lending unrivalled privacy.

Cousine Island, Seychelles- Voted the ‘World’s Leading Green Destination’ at the 2010 World Travel Awards how could I ignore the sympathetic opulence of Cousine Island. A private nature reserve and conservation triumph. Only four couples at a time are accommodated on the island ensuring matchless levels of intimacy and seclusion. Your home will be one of the four neo-French colonial villas that have been carefully crafted into the landscape for minimal environmental impact; after all the island is home to one of the rarest birds in the world, the Seychelles Magpie Robin and two species of sea turtle. The guestbook reads ‘Nature conservation and rehabilitation are at the forefront of the activities’ and this is certainly true; become one with your environment, swimming, walking, diving and fishing

Bamurru Plains, Australia- Encounter a side of Australia that very few actually get to. The so called ‘Top- End’ of the country, the upper reaches of the Northern Territory have an awful lot to offer the open minded traveller, the friendly community of Darwin, Kakadoo, the nation’s oldest and first UNESCO approved National Park and miles of glorious unspoiled natural scenery. Situated on the coastal floodplains of the Mary River Delta, Bamuura takes a new approach and rugged wilderness luxury. Nine rustic and beautifully understated outback bungalows provide guests with a rustically chic experience.

Gayana Eco- Resort, Malaysia- Situated in Eastern Malaysia, off the shore of Borneo on Gaya Island, Gayana Resort exists to preserve and rejuvenate the area’s spectacular marine ecology and is the only such site in the world that boasts its own on site marine ecology research centre. 52 artfully constructed overwater bungalows allow guests to become truly attuned to the natural environment. Guests who want to experience the incredible beauty of the naturally restored corals can be guided through these ethereal fields by one of the resorts experienced diving team. With three dining experiences to enjoy, a spa and a host of complimentary activities, Gayana perfectly matches luxury and environmental sustainability.