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).

Historically bays have had an incredible impact upon the evolution and socioeconomic architecture of the modern world. In an age when the globe was ruled by oar and by sail the calm waters and safe anchorage offered by natural harbours were pivotal to establishing trade links and founding colonial communities. It is no wonder then that today some of the most recognised metropolises in the world were originally established at these strategic sites.

Not only that but there is something about the juxtaposition of land and sea that awards an individual with a sense of perspective and peace; as well as beauty and grandeur.  Although peering out across the shimmering waters and past the horizon may not invoke the same sense of pioneering and mystery that once inspired the adventurers of the history books there is still an incomparable resonance of freedom and  wonder associated with coastal living that has in recent decades seen tourists flock to these areas.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand- Combining history and beauty the bay features an archipelago of 144 islands and was the first part of New Zealand to be colonised by European settlers. The area’s geography is defined by several ‘arms’ of land that extend out into the waters to form its distinctively irregular coastline. Home to fashionable townships such as Russell and Paihia; the bay is the epitome of picturesque. Visitors can explore the local communities, take a private yacht ride out and tour the beautiful islands and formations or visit the famous Waitangi Treaty grounds where modern New Zealand was born. Accommodation includes the boutique Cavalli Beach House in Mahinepua; the peerlessly chic Bird’s Nest, in Russell and for the no expenses spared treatment how about Cavallii Island Retreat & Spa; a private island which accommodates only 6 guests at a time and offers complimentary use of its own luxury yacht.

Victoria Harbour- An icon of South East Asia, the glimmering skyline of Hong Kong Island is made even more impressive at night when a striking spectrum of glowing neon reflects off the waters of Victoria Harbour in brilliant columns of light. Often regarded as the gateway to South East Asia Hong Kong has one of the highest population densities in the world; the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong’s busy shopping districts and traditional markets is a sight to behold and a real insight into spirit and vibrancy of the culture and people of this proud city state. One of the most spectacular views afforded visitors to Hong Kong is from Victoria Peak or simply ‘The Peak’ as it is locally known; a mountain located in the west of the island. With accommodation available such as the Landmark Madarn Oriental and its sister property Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong as well as the grand Peninsula Hong Kong you will have no problem finding a refined and relaxing oasis of calm to unwind from the bright lights of the big city.

Bay of Kotor- A land once troubled and quite understandably ostracized by the global political community let alone by the tourism trail; today Montenegro is tipped by many as the new Monte Carlo. A small but friendly and very proud people the 620,000 or so Montenegrins that call this land home are distributed throughout this mountainous area with almost a third of the entire population residing in the capital of Podgorica. The country shares a coastline with the Adriatic Sea and it is in this narrow strip in the South West of Montenegro that the beautiful Bay of Kotor can be found; itself a World Heritage Site. The area has been inhabited since antiquity and evidence of its ancient heritage can be observed in the surviving medieval architecture that still can be readily seen. The beautiful submerged river canyon boasts dramatic winding mountains and crystal clear waters and over the past few years the townships of Kotor, Risan, Tivat and Perast amongst others have become popular tourist attractions.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam- Legend has it that this stunning formation of rock islets was formed when during a war with the Chinese the Gods sent a family of dragons to defend Vietnam from the foreign marauders. The dragons spat out jewels that formed the islands and islets that today make up the bay, forming a wall of rock to safeguard the community. Whether or not you believe in its divine inception it is certainly undeniable that there is something quite ethereal about Ha Long Bay. Found in the North East of the country, around 140km due east of Ha Noi this once quiet fishing community is today one of Vietnam’s most popular attractions. The 1,600 permanent inhabitants are distributed amongst four floating communities of fishermen and their families who quite astonishingly can sometimes spend their entire lives on open water without ever stepping foot on terra firma.

Is you’re favourite landmark missing from the list? Let me know about it!

Vietnam and Cambodia are Asian culture centres, full of sights and sounds that will remind you of Asia of old, even though you’ve never been there.  Both countries are treasure troves of ruinous buildings, Cambodia especially, and can take you on an amazing journey through time, so that by the end of your holiday or honeymoon you’ll feel you’ve really gone on an adventure through history.

Start your journey off in Hanoi.  You’ll probably be exhausted after your lengthy flights, but there are a great deal of excellent things to see and do in this wonderful Vietnamese city.  You can view the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, or the museum of Ethnology.  You’ll be able to meet people who have experienced all the recent turmoil in Vietnam, who can tell you what it was like before and after the war, and who can guide you through the exciting parts of the city with ease.  You may be tempted to spend your whole holiday just in Hanoi, but there is so much more to Vietnam. Former imperial capital Hue is also a very desirable location, with an impressive Imperial Citadel and ruinous buildings scattered around the city.

You might also consider a stop in Hoi An, part of which is charmingly called “Old Town” and has the architecture to match.  Explore tiny Chinese-style temples and cross the Japanese covered bridge.  There are excellent restaurants in Hoi An and some amazing resorts on the beachfront; for the holidayer interested in culture and beachfront real estate, Hoi An is a wonderful stop.

Your last stop in Vietnam should rightly be former Saigon, capital city of the country.  This is now called Ho Chi Minh City and is an enchanting mix of old and new; a city that is moving on from turmoil and thriving while embracing its history.  You’ll see skyscrapers, carefully decorated to the mandates of feng shui, cheek by jowl with tiny traditional markets and still extant temples.  Since Vietnam was once a French colony, you’ll see plenty of French influence in much of the architecture surviving, and you’ll have plenty of museums to explore to clue you in on the rest of the country’s history.  If you’d like to travel around the countryside a bit, you can head to nearby Cai Be where you’ll be able to take a slow cruise along the Mekong River; if you’re there at the right time, you might spot farmers in their traditional conical hats along with Vietnam’s famous floating markets.

Cambodia, which is situated tantalisingly close to Vietnam, is amazing in its own right.  Phnom Penh is the capital city and boasts its own excellent landmarks; you can explore the National Museum, Royal Palace, and Silver Pagoda.  It’s also worth having a sobering moment at the Tuol Sleng Museum, which is a memorial to the suffering inflicted by the Khmer Rouge on the Cambodian people.  You can’t miss finishing your journey at the iconic Angkor Wat, the world’s most extensive ancient temple complex, well worth several hours exploration.  In addition, you can also explore the jungle temple of Ta Prohm, the Bayon, which has giant carved smiling faces, and Banteay Srei.  You’ll feel like an intrepid explorer by the time you’re finished, wondering when a few ancient corpses are going to appear and give chase!

A trip combining Vietnam and Cambodia will send you on an adventure that combines luxury and culture in a way you’ll never forget.

Have you ever considered taking a luxury holiday to Vietnam?  Though a formerly volatile country, Vietnam is now a cultural goldmine.  It still has a few problems, but its history and beautiful scenery are both not to be missed.  Parts of the country also serve as a powerful reminder of the damage that war can cause and a stark warning for the future.

Vietnam’s rich history means that there are a few awesome experiences you can take part in whenever you travel to this lovely country.  Travelling through the countryside is particularly magical; what’s even better is what you might find there.  It’s worth visiting both of the country’s biggest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, for their culture, and then spending a week or so touring the countryside or staying at luxurious seaside resorts.

While in the city, why not spend some time learning about the culture that has so influenced the way it’s laid out?  This is, of course, the ancient Asian practice of Feng Shui.  Many Vietnamese people still practice this in their homes and it’s unthinkable to plan a house or business without giving it at least some consideration.  Feng shui was originally Chinese but eventually spread throughout all of Eastern Asia.  If you’re really interested, you can attend talks by Feng Shui experts and visit the former resident of US Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge, which is a perfect example of immaculate Feng Shui.

If your holiday is of the romantic sort, perhaps a luxury honeymoon, you’ll definitely enjoy participating in a traditional Buddhist prayer ceremony to bless your marriage.  The historic city of Hue is the perfect backdrop for this quiet ceremony.  You’ll visit the ancient pagoda of Ba La Mat, where monks still live and pray throughout their days.  After they’ve blessed your marriage, you’ll even receive a small gift to commemorate your journey.  What could be a better start to your marriage than such a wonderful blessing?

While you’re in Hue, it’s worth experimenting with the city’s fantastic culinary culture.  As the former imperial capital city, Hue has a huge variety of cultural undertones that are a bit more lacking in the rest of the country.  Dine the way that the emperors did, on Bun Bo Hu soup or the Banh Khoai pancake.  You can also tour Emperor Dong Khanh’s traditional residence, which has been completely restored, and explore such luxury for yourself.  Parts of Hue are still ruinous and worth exploring for both a taste of adventure and a bit of a reality check.

A luxury holiday in Vietnam is the perfect opportunity to explore the history of a fascinating Asian culture and spend some time indulging in delicious food and wine, luxurious resorts, and poking through exciting ruins.  Consider this exciting country for your next luxury holiday.

It is coming up to the start of a new year and we hope that Xmas went without a hitch. The New Year has the potential to be great for holiday goers across the world with an excellent long summer predicted by the Met office (accuracy still unknown).

We thought that it might be worth mentioning some early January sales just in case you’ve been promised a holiday for a Christmas present. (Fingers crossed)

Six senses have announced a great last minute deal for the Hideaway Ninh Van Bay in Vietnam offering free nights as well as a complimentary dinner for two, the resort has exquisite views of the Ninh Van Bay overlooking the crystal clear waters of the South China Sea. The resort has exceptional Water villas overlooking the sea giving you a chance to be immersed in absolute luxury. Only accessible by boat the resort gives you something that is rarely experienced elsewhere.

The Six sense spa is a class leading facility with an excellent variety of holistic and natural treatments. You can have a half day session with the in house Wellness Consultant where you can undergo acupuncture and holistic treatments including yoga, traditional healing, Reiki and Thai, Indian and Vietnamese massage.

The accommodation is wonderful providing a calming personal space and uncompromised standard of luxury, the 58 pool villas are placed discretely on the beach, hillside and over rock formations in which private swimming pools have been placed. Several hilltop villas located near the Six Senses Spa have personal Spa Suites along with exceptional views.

Luxury holidays in Vietnam can be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don’t miss out!