Some of the most visited countries in the world lie within the continent of Europe, which is bordered by Africa, Asia and two oceans – the Atlantic and the Arctic. Europe may be the world’s second-smallest continent by land surface area, but there is no lack of diversity in the countries that are part of it. Visitors are generally amazed at just how quickly a separation of a few miles can transform one culture into another. Languages change and the taste buds are exposed to a whole new range of gastronomic delights.
Europe packs quite a punch on all fronts, be it the spectacular natural scenery of the Alps, the romance of Venice, the lure of Scotland’s glens and lochs or the beaches of the Mediterranean, there’s no dearth of stunning scenery to leave you ‘starry-eyed.’ For those interested in history and the arts, the attractions are mind-boggling. One can literally step back in time in the numerous medieval cities like York, Siena, Saint Paul de Vence or Prague or get lost in the Moorish palaces of Andalucia or the imperial palaces of St. Petersburg. If spirituality is what you seek, the grand monasteries and spectacular churches of Europe are sure to satiate the restless heart.
When the Beach Boys crooned “Aruba, ooh I wanna take ya”, they sure knew what they were going on about. We loved our trip to this gorgeous “One Happy Island” which is home to aquamarine-turquoise waters, long stretches of pristine white-sand beaches, and an ever-present zephyr that’s just the right temperature. The best bit? Aruba conveniently…
The capital of Greece, Athens, is a timeless city that offers travelers everything, right from an ancient culture and civilization to true-blue coastal beaches. While few world cities can match the millennia of human culture crammed into its historic center, it’s also known for its street food delights, local vibe, and pulsating nightlife. Athens also…
Around two hours east of Vienna lies the charming hidden gem of a town of Linz, sprawled across the Danube River. While most tourists visit other famous Austrian cities of Vienna and Salzburg, Linz, with its historic structures and pastel-hued buildings, is equally charming. We got a real taste of Austrian life when we visited…
Caves are underground chambers that have formed over thousands of years. While some are found at the edge of the coastline, others are formed by the erosion of waves. There are yet others that are the result of the cooling and hardening of a lava tube’s outer surface, which causes the interior molten rock to…
France — dubbed ‘l’hexagone’ for its six-sided shape — is home to what are some of the most glamorous and glitziest destinations on the planet. Fabulous European rivieras, luxe mountain towns in the snowy French Alps, the world’s fashion capital, and the most romantic city in the world — the country has it all. So,…
If there’s any place on the planet that deserves to be called postcard-perfect, it has to be the Maldives. Picture this: islets and atolls of white sand sprinkled with tropical vegetation, turquoise waters, sandbars, coral islands, and amazing marine life. Better yet, imagine them as the setting for some of the world’s most luxurious resorts.…
When you’d hear “Cabo” decades ago, it would mean buckets of Corona, tequila incidents, and all-night discos. However, Cabo has grown up and is now known for its impeccable service, delicious cuisine, and the sun, sand, and sea. Aside from the fact that it has an enviable location on the tip of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, Cabo…
Few cities in the world have as many designed-focused and wealthy resorts as Paris does. Whether it’s the 1st arrondissement’s palatial grande dames or affordably charming boutique properties in further-flung neighborhoods, travelers are sure to find an option suiting them. And just when you think there can’t possibly be another hotel to enhance the experience,…
The capital of the Republic of Ireland, Dublin, is an addictive blend of hedonism and heritage, topped off with a dash of the friendly and warm Irish spirit. It’s a city chock-full of history, whether it’s its Viking past, its elegant Georgian architecture, or the cathedrals and medieval castles. What makes it all the better…
Leafy, quirky neighborhoods, world-class museums, and a spider’s web of Golden Age canals – Amsterdam has it all. The Dutch capital, a.k.a. the Venice of the North, is all about fabulous dining and drinking scenes, vintage shops, and treasure-packed structures. It’s also one of the best places to go for structures with glorious pasts; think…
When one dreams of the Greek Islands, most are picturing Santorini. The whitewashed Cycladic architecture on the edge of a volcanic caldera and stunning turquoise waters might be a romantic cliché – but it’s a breathtaking one, at that. With dramatic, craggy cliffs, the deep blue of the Aegean, and black sand beaches, the stunning natural beauty…
Barna, as locals call Barcelona, sits on Spain’s northeastern coast, overlooking the Balearic Sea and the great blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea beyond. It’s one of the world’s most visited and greatest cities and is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and many, many Gaudi landmarks. But the Catalan capital is so much more;…
In Southwest England, the stunning Cotswolds region undulates gracefully across six counties and almost 800 sq. miles. It is a delightful tangle of honey-colored mansions, evocative churches, thatched cottages, and golden villages. In fact, due to the picturesque villages and towns, it was designated an “Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty” in 1966. It’s no wonder…
The ‘City of Light,’ Paris, is one of the prettiest places in the world. The wide cobblestoned streets with candlelit restaurants, the arched bridges, and the nocturnal twinkle of the Seine, Paris certainly makes romance easy. There is no dearth of whimsical and sexy boltholes for romantic weekend escapes and honeymoons in the city, and…
Are you dreaming of a magical escape to Disney World but with an extra touch of elegance and indulgence? Well, look no further than the most expensive hotels in Disney World! Whether it’s one in California, Florida, Japan, France, Hong Kong, or China, there’s always a luxurious stay that can make your wish come true.…
No city in the world does luxury hotels quite like London. The Swinging City’s oldest five-star guesthouses, like Claridge’s and Brown’s, date back to the Georgian era. Next came the Victorian age and the rise of the illustrious railway hotel, which is the Landmark London and Andaz Liverpool Street. Then, of course, there are the grand…
Bregenz, or the city by the lake, is one of the best places in the world to enjoy amazing Alpine views. We love this city for its beauty, culture, and serenity. We visited Bregenz several times, and each time, we stayed in different hotels in Bregenz, Austria. Most of the hotels there overlook breathtaking views…
Overlooking the Renaissance city of Florence, Fiesole is the place for tranquillity and magnificent beauty. Steeped in history and culture, we still remember our team’s last trip to Fiesole. We were awed by not only its rustic charm but also its elegance. That said, what better way to experience the magic than by staying in…
Not too long ago, our team had the privilege to visit the city of San Sebastian, one of Spain’s most visited cities. With a rich culture and vibrant food scene, our time in the city was nothing short of spectacular. We’re foodies and culture enthusiasts, so it wasn’t hard for us to fall in love…
Set at the foot of the iconic Matterhorn, Zermatt is a Swiss alpine wonderland that attracts countless adventurers and leisure-seekers alike, like us. However, the Matterhorn isn’t all that Zermatt has to offer. While this charming mountain village is renowned for its upscale hotels, it’s also home to a selection of hotels that offer a…
Not too long ago, I had the chance to visit Firostefani, a charming village nestled on the caldera cliffs of Santorini. To me, it was more than just a picturesque Greek getaway. There were plenty of exciting things that I did, but today, I want to highlight my experience staying at some of the top…
With an enchanting landscape and tons of places to explore, the village of Imerovigli is one of Santorini’s top travel destinations. Of course, as globetrotters, we had to visit this upscale village. While its epic sunsets and all-white buildings are nothing short of impressive, what made our stay perfect was our accommodations, which we think…
Did you know that Italy is the fifth most visited country in the world? It’s not surprising, considering its rich culture, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, delectable cuisine, and stunning coastlines. Whether you want to spend your time exploring historical monuments or catching a tan, there’s always something for everyone here. However, we were here with…