Madrid might be the capital of Spain but when it comes to luxury hotels, Barcelona cuts the manchego.

List all the ingredients of a great city break and Barcelona has them in abundance, with the added bonus of being a major gateway to the rest of Spain.

The iconic Hotel Arts, Ritz-Carlton’s first property of three in Spain and still the flagship, is at the heart of the action. I love arranging client meetings in its lobby as the flowers are always breathtaking and the atmosphere buzzing. Check in to one of the higher floors, or the Six Senses Spa on 42, to check out the views.

If you are on a mission to seek out all that is Gaudi, then you will love the Hotel Casa Fuster on Passeig de Gracia, just down the road from the Gaudi House with its eclectic style and focus on the arts.

The Majestic is true to its name, particularly if you can climb the lofty heights to the penthouse suites which have their own rooftop decks with hot tubs and spectacular city views.

One of my favourite stays is in a corner suite of the Gran Hotel la Florida. The hotel is a 30 minute drive from the centre, perched 500m above the city and ideal if you want a mix of culture and retreat. From my bedroom window, I could see the entire city laid out beneath me in miniature as well as the trademark indoor/outdoor pool in the Zen Zone Spa and huge panoramic deck.

A little further afield is one of our favourite hidden gems in Kiwi Collection. The Alva Park is an Asian oasis slap bang in the middle of Lloret del Mar; kids get the bucket and spade vibe they love while you languish in unadulterated luxury.

Make time for the Molton Brown Spa with its unique Indian Princess Bath where tiny rain drops fall from a 24-carat gold-tiled ceiling, book a tee-off on your pick of championship golf courses in the virtual club, experience Japanese food like never before in a multi-sensory experience and, if you really love your little tikes, check into the Children’s Kingdom Suite where they have their own mini bathroom and amenities, over-sized railway set and Victorian dolls house. I won’t give the game away but suffice to say this hotel is not one to skimp on guest amenities…

Kiwi Collection CEO Erik Haugen offers journey suggestions to travellers based upon his own personal experiences travelling around the globe.

Fly to Rome, hire car

Stay 3 nights in Rome at the Portrait Suites, situated by the beautiful Spanish Steps and close to great shopping and the historic splendour of the coliseum and Roman Forum

Stay 2 nights at the Hotel Brufani Palace, in the historic Tuscan town of Perugia

Stay 3 nights in romantic Florence, staying at the Hotel Savoy, close to the Uffizi Gallery and Ponte Vecchio

Stay 4 nights at the Hotel Splendido in Portofino, stunningly perched on a cliff overlooking the sea

Stay 2 nights in Milan at the Hotel Principe di Savoia, a landmark building overlooking the central Piazza and next to the famous shops of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele

It occurred to me recently at a dinner party conversation that my favourite German city of Munich, hardly gets a mention when is comes to visiting Europe’s great cities! An excited traveler mentioned how they were off to visit the great cities and towns of Europe. When I inquired, with a few friends where? The answers were for Madrid, Paris, London, Rome, but never Munich!

The wonderful city of Munich is the capital city of Bavaria, Germany and is located on the River Isar north of the Bavarian Alps. Munich is the third largest city in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg with approximately 1.35 million inhabitants. Munich offers everything that a big capital city has, from the stunning architecture, wonderful hotels, a fascinating history, sensational shopping and a great entertainment.

My first visit was during the soccer World Cup in 2006 where I was following the Australian Socceroos’s. I can’t say that I got to experience much else then great soccer at the sensational Allianz Arena and a few beer gardens! It has to be said that they are a “must” as part of any visit to Munich, the atmosphere, cuisine and delightful beer is classic German, and explains why this is the capital of the annual October fest.

My second visit gave me a chance to really enjoy the many pleasures that the city offers in the company of Kiwi Collection’s President Philippe Kjellgren. Our chosen hotel was the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Kempinski located in the heart of the city. The hotel typifies the city, the inimitable charm from the moment you step in, the hotel has been sensitively updated through the centuries to meet the changing demands of its guests without ever losing the signs of its great past.

Equally excellent is the Mandarin Oriental Munich, the location of two grand hotels is close to galleries, theatres and the State Opera House makes them ideal.

That history is felt through-out the city and is what make the place so special, mixed in between is elegant fashion stores with all the big names, you will find wonderful gardens and a city rich with churches. You really get a great sense of the city as you walk around and admire the deep history that has been rebuilt after the Second World War. The open-air market in the centre where locals shop and dine is perfect venue to people watch and feel the city’s heartbeat. The many café’s offer a southern European feel, they are almost hidden in old buildings with classic German restaurants, wine bars and wonderful French pastry shops offering you some of Germany’s best dining experiences.

The state of Bavaria is well known for the Black Forrest and stunning Alps that borders with Austria and Switzerland. The area is also home to one of Europe’s greatest chefs, the award wining and three stars Michelin Guide Chef Heinz Winkler. A simple 45 min drive south of Munich and you arrive in town Aschau. As you enter the late medieval building you sense that have entered a gourmet paradise. Our dinner was fabulous, the lightness and infinite variations of aromas, was a true reflection of his great creativity. The details from extensive wine list to the impeccable service, health spa, cosy Alpine feel made this quite a unique experience and one that we both will never forget. As we departed and drove towards the airport we both acknowledged that the dinner was one of best meals we had enjoyed, for me personally it typified Munich, pure style and elegance!

There are few corners of England as authentic as the Cotswolds with its rolling hills, quant stone villages and cream teas, which is why it’s a favourite for indulgent weekend breaks in luxury hotels.

I took my little red Mazda for a run last month and was pleasantly surprised to find an absence of chintz in the Kiwi Collection luxury hotels that pepper the area – probably the largest concentration of 5* rooms outside London.

Cowley Manor, with its coveted location in the Cheltenham countryside and pantone-registered signature green, had the painters in. Come October, expect a fresh new look in the same quirky style but with a riot of colour.

For the girls, this has always been a favourite with its indoor and outdoor pools, treatment rooms and idyllic picnic spots but the new ‘Village Shop’ onsite takes some beating – a good place to stock up on Christmas gifts away from the bustle of the high street.

Lords of the Manor in Upper Slaughter and Lower Slaughter Manor have both been given a makeover and the rooms are simply gorgeous. We are often wary of converted stable blocks which can be nothing like the manor house rooms advertised on a hotel website but, in the case of Lower Slaughter Manor, the ‘garden suites’ were my favourite with private gardens, outdoor hot tubs and acres of space.

I spent the night in Cotswold House, right in the heart of Chipping Camden, and loved every minute of it. From the street, the hotel blends into the honey stone village but the back reveals a fabulous hidden garden that, by year-end, will host one of the area’s best spas along with an indoor pool and spa suite.

Cotswold House gets everything right, from the blend of luxury and comfort in the contemporary rooms and suites to the eye-catching artwork, intimate bar and casual Hicks’ brasserie with its own on-street entrance.

But it does one thing exceptionally well and that’s the food in its main restaurant, Juliana’s. I sat down alone for dinner at 8pm with a book to keep me company and was still there 3 hours’ later with not a page turned thanks to the delectable creations of Head Chef Steve Love and the company of Bill, the waiter who brought every dish to life and made exceptional service seem effortless.

They even got breakfast right, which is a rarity, with a menu featuring traditional English starters and main courses and a view into the garden. I still remember every dish I ate (and there were many) and have already planned my return visit – a 40th birthday dinner in the high-beamed Grammar School Suite with 10 girlfriends, a roaring fire and Mamma Mia on the 42” plasma screen.

Kiwi Collection CEO Erik Haugen offers journey suggestions to travellers based upon his own personal experiences travelling around the globe.

Stay 3 nights in Delhi at the Imperial, one of Asia’s best hotels which has played an integral part in India’s history

Train transfer to Agra

Stay 1 night at the Oberoi Amarvillas in Agra, boasting great views of the World’s greatest monument to love, the Taj Mahal

Hire driver and car

Stay 2 nights in the pink city of Jaipur, staying at the Samode Palace, sumptuously decorated in the local style

Stay 3 nights in Ranthambhore at the luxury tent resort of Aman-i-Khas offering the chance to see leopards and tigers

Stay 3 nights in Udaipur at the 250 year old Taj Lake Palace, one of the most romantic hotels in the world

Stay 2 nights in Alwar to unwind in the countryside at the Amabagh Hotel and Spa

As I plan my next business travel, my health promise to myself has to be taken in to account. I am over 40 and the spread is beginning to show. I have always used the excuse of my travels, but now more then ever I am committed to loosing weight and creating a new fitness regime to get healthy. After all a healthy body is a healthy mind!

The spa and fitness business has become big business with hotels worldwide; it’s no longer enough just to have a room stashed away in some corner with a few pieces of equipment. Now clients expect a facility that will cater to all the needs, from a swimming pool to the complete gym to spa treatment rooms. But its not only hotels guests who crave this facility, city location hotels have realised that there is big business to be made in the gym business, but clients are also actively searching for hotels with extended facilities.

Athens, Greece: The Grande Bretagne
The newly renovated hotel has combined the complete health facility in the basement. As you enter into this almost Roman bath area a wonderful combination of boutique gym, lap pool, various steam rooms awaits you. Relax after and then enjoy a truly grand hotel experience, maybe with breakfast or dinner on top floor looking over Athens.

London, England: The Grove
This award wining Sequoia Spa was voted Best UK Spa Retreat’ Condé Nast Traveller. The wonderful gym with every dreamable work out tool and personal trainers is complemented by a superb spa centre and to cap it all a beautiful black swimming pool. The centre is built in an old farm house sunk into the ground and is a spectacular sight by night time. If the gym is not enough, then why not try 18 holes on one of the world great PGA courses. Even a certain Tiger had his challenges with that course!

Sydney, Australia: The Sydney Hilton
This gym is most likely one of Australia’s best gym facilities. Well planned and maintained the facility incorporates a 25 m lap pool with various spas & sauna’s and a smaller spa treatment area. Sydney residents can join up and have few excuses not to do with such a facility.

Melbourne, Australia: Crown Towers
Located on the 8th floor the gym looks over the brilliantly designed pool and spa area. The gym has a large glass panels face area and also looks on to the tennis courts in addition to the pool.

New Zealand: Kauri Cliffs Lodge
The latest edition to the brilliant Kauri Cliffs Lodge and golf course. Hidden in a small kauri forest, the spa has been designed with privacy in mind. A perfect boutique gym and lap pool is incorporated with 8 treatment rooms and even a small river that run along side the spa, offering the complete relaxation.

Hong Kong: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Located on the 11th floor, you step into another world. Welcome to the www.plateau.com.hk. With stunning views of Victoria harbour the spa is a step above most. Outdoor 50-metre heated swimming pool, open year round 400-metre jogging track.

Las Vegas, America: The MGM Skylofts
In a world of it’s own lies the MGM Spa. Away from the many restaurants, gaming machines and action lays a facility that may not loose you few dollars, but maybe a few pounds! A serious work out can be attained here, with machines you did not even know would exist.

Kiwi Collection CEO Erik Haugen offers journey suggestions to travellers based upon his own personal experiences travelling around the globe.

Stay 2 nights in Sao Paolo at the Hotel Unique, which truly lives up to its name through amazing architecture and a rooftop bar with a majestic view

Transfer by car or helicopter

Stay 4 nights at the Pousada Picinguaba, an authentic getaway located on a 3 kilometre sandy beach halfway between Sao Paolo and Rio

Transfer to Rio

Stay 3 nights in buzzing Rio at the Copacabana Palace, located on the legendary beach

Fly to Manaus

Stay 3 nights in the Amazon at the Ariau Amazon Towers, built at the height of the rainforest canopy and in the midst of an array of wildlife

The Anaconda Walk – shown – includes a 200-yard wood bridge built over Peru’s Aguajales wetlands close to Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica.

The bridge has four sections and three platforms, allowing you to experience firsthand the biodiversity and wildlife in this fascinating ecosystem: the wide variety of flora and fauna species in this area includes the low foliage Heliconia plants, Renaco trees, two-toned Elachistochleis toads and Gonatodes lizards.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica jungle lodge is on the shores of the Madre de Dios River (Tambopata) in Peru’s southern Amazon rainforest basin. You check in at Butterfly House, so-called because Peru is home to over 3,700 species of butterflies, the greatest number in the world. The Butterfly House has a butterfly garden and information center offering an interactive experience with these fascinating colourful creatures. You can watch larvae being grown in the laboratory and observe butterflies in their natural habitat whilst sipping a drink in the center’s large garden.

At Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica jungle lodge you will find the Tambopata Suites, Ese’ Eja-style wooden cabañas, offer the ultimate rainforest retreat. You have a private plunge pool and terrace plus a hidden outdoor shower, which allows the mystique of the jungle to be embraced in elegant seclusion. A tall roof of fishtail palm tops four integrated rooms in your suite. The bathroom is open plan, and the toiletries are eco-friendly.

Jose Koechlin von Stein started Lima-based Inkaterra in 1975, and it remains led by the family, namely his wife Deny and her children Ignacio and Sandra. It is the pre-eminent Peruvian sustainable tourism organization, focusing on preserving and rescuing Peru’s geography, nature, customs and cultures and sharing them with the world. Inkaterra also runs Inkaterra Machu Picchu, in a 20-acre luxury mountainside refuge within the cloud forest, near its namesake, plus Inkaterra La Casona, in the heart of historic Cusco. In addition, in a quaint hamlet in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, you have Villas Urubamba, which offer the experience of staying in what seems like a private Peruvian home, and, the newest baby, Titilaca, on Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake.

Traveling abroad can be an exciting undertaking and an invaluable experience packed with fond memories lasting a lifetime. Depending on the amount of time you will be in a foreign country, preparing for a trip overseas can take anywhere from a couple days to many months. Like many travelers, your primary thoughts probably consist of what clothing to pack, buying extra memory cards for your digital camera and figuring out if your cell phone will work in the country you’re going to be in.  Most importantly, you want to prepare as much as possible in advance to ensure a pleasant trip. After all, you’ll likely be in unfamiliar surroundings and amongst people that may not speak your language. Here are some valuable travel trips to help make sure your trip is everything you imagined and more!

DO safeguard your valuables when traveling to a foreign country. Use a fanny pack or something with a zipper, instead of an open pocket or purse. Before departure, alert your bank and credit card companies of dates and locations of travel. Pack as few credit cards as possible and keep a separate quick reference sheet with International numbers to report a theft. There are also services that will do this for you.

DO become conversationally proficient (if possible) or at least learn some key phrases and practice the local language before taking a trip to a foreign country. These days you don’t need costly books or software instruction programs. You can visit a site like www.livemocha.com to get free instruction and practice with native speakers through online chats.

DO make sure someone (friends or family) has a copy of your itinerary and appropriate contact details. Designate someone that you can check in with once you arrive and provide them with a general guideline on how often you will be checking in.

DO familiarize yourself with the local customs and laws – although you might only be a tourist, you are still responsible for following the laws of that country. The last thing you want to do is spend your valuable vacation time behind bars.

DO use the local currency. Find an easy formula for converting numbers in your head. www.xe.com has accurate and timely currency conversion rates.

DO map out destinations in advance. Ask your friends, family and colleagues for recommendations of safe places/areas to visit, as well as areas to avoid. If you’re taking a short trip, this will help to make sure you go everywhere you wanted to visit.

DON’T look like a tourist. Try to observe the styles of the locals, so you don’t become a target for people looking to prey on tourists. No need to purchase an entirely new wardrobe, but depending on your destination you may want to leave the Hawaiian shirt and beach shorts at home.

DO remember your humility and gratitude. Locals will be pleased to help you in a pinch if you smile and show your appreciation!

Agree? Disagree? Have other tips you’d like to share with us? Please submit your comments.

Kiwi Collection CEO Erik Haugen offers journey suggestions to travellers based upon his own personal experiences travelling around the globe.

Fly into Auckland, hire car

Stay 2 nights in Auckland at Mollies, located perfectly for wandering around the city’s harbour

Stay 2 nights in the Bay of Islands at the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, an ocean view hotel with stunning views and offering a number of outdoor pursuits

Stay 1 night half way up bay of islands at Matakana

Stay for 2 nights at Huka Lodge near Lake Taupo, a great place to take a helicopter flight to see the nearby scenery, soak in the hot pools or, for the brave, sky dive for the ultimate adrenaline rush

Stay 1 night at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Te Awanga, fitting in a round of golf on one of the most dramatically located courses in the world

Stay 3 nights at Wharekauhau, a coastal hotel on a working sheep station a short distance from Wellington, providing the chance to sample great cuisine in a stunning setting

Take the ferry from Wellington to Picton, drive to Blenheim

Stay 1 night in Blenheim, in the beautiful Art Deco Hotel d’Urville in the heart of Marlborough wine country

Following a beautiful drive from Blenheim,

Stay 2 nights at the Hapuku Lodge and Tree Houses near Kaikoura, which is situated in stunning scenery and famed for whale watching

Stay 3 nights in Tai Tapu at Otahuna Lodge, an elegant homestead with outstanding food and wine, offering horse riding, wine tasting and a spa for those looking for pampering

Spend 4 nights at The Spire hotel, ideally situated in central Queenstown to make the most of the activities of the town and take a trip to Milford Sound

Fly out of Queenstown

(Note: this journey would involve a lot of driving, but this is the best way to appreciate the stunning scenery in the country)

By James Dutton

Upon escaping the hustle and bustle of Hamilton Island Airport, we were welcomed with cool glasses of water, hand towels and a Mercedes, the ‘Qualia treatment‘ was just beginning. We entered the front gates of the retreat and negotiated the winding driveway up to the main entrance and were overwhelmed by the magnificent view which was reminiscent of a Jurassic Park landscape. We were treated to champagne on arrival and left to relax and absorb the view.

Qualia’s harmonious design is the work of Australian architect Chris Beckingham. His philosophy was to create a luxurious Australian retreat that stimulates the senses and draws the outside in. The resulting design combines a unique sense of space, openness and harmony. Set amongst native Eucalypts, each pavilion has been handcrafted from the finest imported and local timber and stone. To complement the natural surrounds, Dennis Nona’s artworks adorn the walls and Freedman Rembel has furnished the interiors with fabrics and patterns inspired by nature. Guests can choose from two types of spacious, one-bedroom freestanding pavilions or a private Beach House. An array of timber in the entrance area and an intriguing mirror of water created by the infinity edge pool expanding to the north and to the open water of the Whitsundays conveys a sense of connection to the elements. The usual paraphernalia of a front desk and concierge are out of immediate sight, club seating and a library down a discreet hallway create a relaxed atmosphere.

Upon check-in we learned that all food was included in the package, with some small charges on mini bar, alcohol and spa treatments. We were then taken by golf buggy to our retreat at the top of the resort. Luscious greenery, timber and high stone walls conceal the amazing view that awaits your entrance. The furniture and fit-out is plush with Australian flair. Our service manager ensured us that everything, and I mean everything, was at our disposal. From a fully stocked mini bar consisting of my favourite Grey Goose vodka, Turkish delights, to a full entertainment system allowing our iPod and camera to be plugged in to view the day’s activities. An icemaker, private plunge pool and outdoor shower to relax and take in the abundance of natural surroundings and warmth of the Whitsundays as well as a very well-planned air-conditioning system to cool off if the warmth was too much to take in.

This 61-room and suite luxury hotel, part of Bob Oatley’s big plans for Hamilton Island, has some specialty suites and I look forward to seeing much more of his work on the island. The main room is entirely wood-panelled and decorated in soft fabrics custom-designed to suit the hotel. The window coverings allow guests to sleep uninterrupted throughout the night then well into the morning if desired. Soft-covered arm chairs, and a cream sofa with matching large outdoor bed allows you to lie down outside whilst being protected from direct sun, accompanied by an outdoor teak dining setting. The flat screen television is set into the soft fabric wall.

The main pool has been designed to once again blend in with the beauty of the region. Lunch, which is served whenever desired, was a choice of food to satisfy all palettes, and a selection of house cocktails to sip by the bar. Mention must be made of the degree of aptitude and attention from the staff as we ordered lunch when it was noted that I had an intolerance to a certain ingredient. The next day at dinner, served by another staff member, we were advised that this ingredient would not be in the food we were ordering. Qualia deserves an excellent reputation with this attention to detail after only 6 months of operation. I was truly impressed. Qualia staff take their role seriously and with pride.

The quality of the cuisine was extremely high. Meals were meticulously presented, the cocktails were worth the trip alone and there was even a never-ending supply of chocolate croissants baked especially and hand-delivered even when guests are poolside.

Spa Qualia offers the ultimate in anti-stress, anti-ageing, detoxifying and cleansing treatments. It makes use of international organic product ranges from Phyto and Eminence. I received the signature hot stone treatment with ancient ‘Bularri Yarrul’ stones, and chakra-therapy sessions using a range of Australian essential oils from Anoint. They were as special and relaxing as the rest of my stay in the resort.

After two days at Qualia we then chartered a 47-foot Riviera called Ocean Magic for another two days. The charters are run by Ocean Dynamics and complement the service and style of Qualia their attention to detail and quality of their charter vessels are the best in the Whitsundays. The Charter took us to the northern tip of Hayman Island and then returned to Hamilton Island. Should guests wish to book these boats, we will have a charter section very soon on duttondirect.com.

Throughout your stay you receive crisp white linens and stunning Aesop essentials. Wonderful coffee, sensational selection of gastronomical choices from the daily menus and stunning service make for a truly special retreat experience.

I always thought I was pretty good at my geography…after all, I was a whiz in high school geography class many moons ago…but looking back, I realize that I must have been asleep during class, after testing my luck with the highly addictive: Traveler IQ challenge . (Hey, I’m not killing time…its research).

Kiwi Collection CEO Erik Haugen offers journey suggestions to travellers based upon his own personal experiences travelling around the globe.

Fly into Saigon

Stay for 3 nights at the centrally located Park Hyatt Saigon, close to the excellent shopping district and boasting a bar with an excellent view over the city

Car or train transfer

Stay for 3 nights at the beach front Evason Hideaway Spa in Nha Trang, the perfect hotel for relaxation and indulging in spa treatments

Fly to Danang, taxi transfer to Hoi An:

Spend 3 nights in the Nam Hai Hotel in Hoi An, situated on white sands and close to some of the a multitude of tailors and French colonial architecture

Fly to Hanoi:

Stay for 2 nights in the Sofitel Metropole Hotel in Hanoi, a beautiful property in the French colonial style, centrally located near to the buzzing heart of North Vietnam

(Add on: 3 nights by the stunning Angkor complex in Siem Reap, staying at the Hotel de La Paix in Siem Reap which plays a pivotal role in supporting the local community)

Tourism has been part of Boracay for the past 30 years on this sleepy little island, but luxury tourism has never really been part of the scene, until now.

Located at the north-western tip of Panay and a 35 min flight from Manila, Boracay the beautiful small island that is home to world-class powder-fine white beaches including the four-kilometre “White Beach” with deep blue waters. Well-travelled visitors claim it to be one of Asia’s finest beaches.

The 1,000 hectare or 3.9 square mile island has a number of natural tourist attractions like the Preserved Dead Forest, which is located on the eastern side of the island and the Bat Caves located on the northern end of the island. The island, roughly shaped like a dumb-bell, is 7 km. long and the narrowest spot is nearly 1 km. wide.

Up until recently Boracay was a sleepy holiday destination for locals from Manila. In 1990, the 18 hole “Fairway Golf “ course opened up. The planned private luxury suites and villa’s never really took off until recently when the Manila based hotel group, Discovery Hotels, headed up by Annabel Wisniewski took the bold decision to open up the first small luxury boutique hotel on the island. “ We had been visitors to Boracay for 15 years, but always found the accommodation an issue, no where could we find a really nice hotel, so we set about to create the dream of a contempery luxury hotel” says Annabel. By January 2007, the 88-room Discovery Shores Boracay Island opened its doors. With its architecture, interiors and landscape the resort is designed to fit in with the environment’s culture. The stunning resort is set on the White Beach next door to Fridays, the original pioneers of a luxury resort in Boracay. The two resorts are very contrasting, with Discovery Shores modern designs and Fridays, a more the traditional island feel, but both located on the exclusive Station 1 section of the beach. The service is five stars all the way, as you enter your room you are greeted by a masseur who welcomes you with a complimentary foot-massage! This is just the beginning to the holiday. Cool fresh lemon juice awaits you after a swim in the sea as you sit down under the palm trees and relax…all part of the service.

The hotel’s décor and design fits in beautifully with the beach environment. The bedrooms and suites have incorporated all the modern amenities of today’s luxury hotels, from the flat screen TV to the pillow’s of your choice, be it the Danish Dream or European Duckdown to ensure that your dreams are sweet! The layout is excellent and spacious. With a white sandy beach as your backdrop one could be forgiven for thinking that a light coloured scheme would not work, but a few added contrast colours of green and black add a great touch to the overall feel. The pool was a clear favourite with the children, and no wonder when the parents can sit and relax in the lounge bar overlooking the pool and beach, whilst enjoying a dish or long drink. The food was perfect. A well-organised buffet for breakfast with all the trimmings and a dinner buffer with heaps of seafood and local specialities ensures you can’t go wrong. If all else fails then the ala carte menu is great, my club sandwich at lunch was fresh and very tasty. The one thing that does stand out is the friendly and very sincere service. I have always felt that Philippine staff offer great service and it was not just here, but all the way through the two Discovery Hotels in Manila and other hospitality venues in Manila. Their English is perfect and they are always happy to help.

As Discovery Shores neared the completion, Shangri-la Hotels & Resorts announced they would build a 280-room resort and spa. The face of Boracay is changing; even small guesthouses are suddenly undertaking renovations in the hope of attracting the new traveller.

Restaurants range form the native fast food stalls to establishments that would satisfy even a gourmet. A walk along the 4 km White Beach will take past many of these establishments that are set facing the stunning beach. If you desire a nightspot or two or a beach bar serving ice cold San Miguel then there are plenty to chose from. The food is as varied as the people, a mix of international cuisine with local seafood make this an easy destination to enjoy your meal at. Excellent value and service ensures that most restaurants are lively.

Boracay is accessible by plane (Philippines Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Asian Spirit and SEA Air) from Manila via Caticlan. A 35 minutes trip and a five minutes boat ride and you have arrived on the island.

This small island has become the prime destination in the Philippines and it is positioned, as a sun-beach and holiday destination, but now golfers are keen to play a round. Designed by Graham V Marsh, the 18-hole par 72 Fairways and Bluewater Golf Resort and Country Club, has lush green and fairways with breathtaking view water features, rushing waterfalls and lakes. Fairways has just launched the third phase of the Mulligan Golf Hotel that will add 24 studio, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units for non-members visiting the island.

Apart from golf there many other activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, trekking, windsurfing or more land based sports such as beach volleyball, tennis, bowling and even horseback riding to enjoy on the island of smiles. If you want to explore the natural beauty alone then rent a motorbike or mountain bike to roam the island.

The island was a delight to visit and I for one cannot wait to return and walk along the white sandy beach and experience the most beautiful sunset on earth with the warm clear waters around my ankles.

New Zealand’s second capital Auckland has always been a nice town, located on the Hauraki Gulf and with small islands spread throughout, it has always been a boat lovers dream destination.

The face of Auckland has changed. The waterfront and harbour has undergone major changes and Auckland has suddenly become alive. With the newly completed “Viaduct” area on the harbour front, city life has move to this fascinating development. The Viaduct now perfectly compliments the older “city” feel adding a new and vibrant feeling.

Compromising of excellent luxury hotels in the Hilton Auckland and the brand new Westin Auckland Lighter Quay, dining venues & late nightspots, the Viaduct is for sure a destination worth spending time at. As yachts arrive to drop of friends who now reside in new apartments others just layze about and take in the action & atmosphere of the harbour.

If you want a slightly calmer pace, but are still looking for life’s pleasures, then head north to the Matakana Coast and be ready for a gourmet experience.

Just 75 km north of Auckland lays the Matakana village & Coast. The area has been blessed with rolling hills, pristine golden sandy beaches, superb surfing beaches, award wining wines and vineyards and now stunning accommodation at Takatu Vineyard & Lodge.

The village is rich with artisan bakeries, café’s, galleries and has embraced the “slow food” concept. This is place for fun, a place for romance and a place to slow down and enjoy the finer things in life. The vineyards are now not only producing stunning wines, but have also produced first class accommodation and dinning venues. Set in-between the vines, the design and views are quite breathtaking.

As I drove back sipping my take-away organic coffee, taking in the views of the Auckland coast, my thoughts began to wonder what restaurant in the Viaduct would be my choice. My friends had told me to meet them at “the Office”, a strange place to meet on a Saturday evening I thought! Until I turned up at the Westin’s new trendy bar and we headed off into Viaduct for a great night out.

Auckland has really changed for the better.