Photos by Peter Woodcock
When I see the letters, ‘B&B’, I think cosy chintz, a selection of jams in little pots, maybe a snarly cat curled up in the corner. I do not think modern design done subtly and well, ceilings so high and white that a whole wall beneath can be painted jet black and [...]

New Zealand has a lot of luxury accommodation and I’m lucky enough to have stayed at many of them but there’s a new standard on the landscape with A Touch of Spice. Its portfolio of luxury villas and exclusive holiday home accommodation is available throughout New Zealand with their most extensive selection being in [...]

Image Courtesy of treehugger.com

Who says that space equals luxury? Yo! Sushi mogul Simon Woodroffe is challenging this idea with his new compact hotel rooms that gives you everything you would like in a lavish suite in the comfort of your airport. Woodroffe was inspired by the idea while traveling, “I was lucky enough to [...]

Photo by Geoff Mason
What have Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Vice President Dick Cheeny, Bill Gates, Michael Douglas, Burt Reynolds, Joan Crawford and myself all got in common? We’ve all stayed at Huka Lodge in New Zealand’s central North Island. Her Majesty can’t get enough. She’s stayed there three times!
As you might have figured out [...]

I know I should keep my most favourite places a secret, but this was way too cool to not share. Rather than staying at a hotel in Queenstown, I found this great rental. It’s one of seven great A-frame chalets overlooking Lake Wakatipu and 5 minutes from the centre of town. The house we stayed [...]

For such a huge city that’s so driven by aesthetic Tokyo has very few chic boutique hotels. In fact, I’ve only ever been able to find one, The Claska. But then, one is all you need and when it’s as good as The Claska. It’s a little bit away from the traditionally groovy areas but [...]

Auckland, The Hilton
The interior may be generic 90’s minimalism but the sensational location on a wharf over the harbour makes this a wonderful spot for a hotel. Make sure you have a room on the sea side of the building but take care to shut your curtains at night as cruise ships often moor next [...]

The Westin
The Westin may be a big hotel and as such it may be modern generic but the location, smack bang in the center of Melbourne, is great and the service is sensational - it feels almost boutique in its mood. If you want to be central, this is the best spot.
The Westin, 205 Collins [...]

Story by Karen Walker
Photo by Mikhail Gherman
After years of hotels being all about the modern, post Philippe Starck thing I think it’s time to revisit the chintzy, fluffy old world look. On a recent trip to London I got to enjoy three of the best - afternoon tea at Claridge’s, drinks at Brown’s Hotel and [...]