Latest news with #LuxuryTravel
TTG
9 hours ago
- Business
- TTG
Finalists revealed for first-ever Top 20 Luxury Travel Agencies
'We received almost 100 entries for the inaugural Top 20 Luxury Travel Agencies, which shows how keen these fantastic companies are to share their hard work, and contribute to creating a luxury travel community built on excellence,' said April Hutchinson, editor and publisher of TTG Luxury. 'We thank and respect everyone who took part in this process in its fledgling year, and the hard work continues now, as our shortlisted agencies will enter into the next judging phase, which includes a video interview.' All entrants will also receive a copy of the new Top 20 Luxury Travel Agencies Insight Report, offering unprecedented industry benchmarking and showcasing impactful trends among leading luxury agents. This new initiative sits under Day of Luxury, a dual event that combines TTG Media's successful one-to-one meetings event Luxpo during the day, followed by the networking and celebration elements of the Top 20 Luxury Travel Agencies in the evening. During Luxpo, agents will be able to meet a host of luxury suppliers, including Aqua Expeditions, Explora Journeys, Grecotel, ITC Travel Group, Lujo Hotel Bodrum, Oman Tourism, Visit Portugal and a collection of Luxury Ireland partners with Tourism Ireland, with many more to be announced. 'Shortlisted Top 20 agencies will be our priority guests for Luxpo, giving a range of luxury partners the chance to meet with the very best companies in the business,' added Hutchinson. 'All attendees will have the opportunity to mutually-match for their meetings too, giving them the opportunity to shape the day as they see fit.'
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
5 Airlines Where Premium Economy Food Is Worth The Upgrade
Premium economy dining Premium economy fares are often double the price of regular economy, and passengers increasingly expect more. Some airlines are delivering, especially when it comes to food and beverage offerings. From multi-course meals served on real china to locally inspired dishes and curated wine lists, here's what's being served in premium economy on five major airlines, and why it's worth the splurge. Premium meal Emirates With its cream leather seats and woodgrain finishes, Emirates' premium economy is one of the most luxurious cabins in its class. Meals are served on Royal Doulton china, and menus always feature a dish inspired by the flight's destination, such as Thai pepper beef or grilled chicken with mushroom sauce and barley risotto. Three-course meals include salad, cheese, and dessert, with a complimentary wine list to match. For an extra indulgence, passengers can pre-order a vanilla cake and a 20‑cl bottle of Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial for $30. EVA Air New Premium Economy 3 EVA Air EVA Air, Taiwan's first privately owned international airline, has been a pioneer in premium economy since debuting the class in 1992. It's long been praised for comfort, with an industry-leading seat pitch of 42 inches. Also, a brand-new, fourth-generation Premium Economy cabin launches October 3 on the Taipei–Dallas Fort Worth route. Many routes include the option to pre-select meals. Expect elevated offerings like braised beef short ribs, Japanese A5 wagyu, stir-fried noodles, or traditional Taiwanese-style congee with a wide array of toppings. In between meals, hot snacks and fresh fruit are available on demand. Complimentary drinks include local Taiwanese beer, sparkling wines, plum liqueur, Calpis water, and premium green tea. Even in economy class, Taiwanese snack options abound. Premium economy wine service Qantas Qantas greets premium economy passengers with complimentary sparkling wine before takeoff. Menus include seasonal dishes like braised beef or poached ocean trout, served on custom-designed David Caon tableware. Wines are curated by the airline's Sommeliers in the Sky program and may include pours like Piper-Heidsieck Brut or bold local Shiraz. On 787-9 and A380 aircraft, passengers can help themselves to snacks from a self-serve bar. Alcohol is served in real glassware, and options include local wines, Sofi Spritz (an Aussie take on an Italian aperitivo), and cocktails. Singapore Singapore Airlines is known for its 'Book the Cook' service, available in premium economy across 27 departure cities. Passengers can pre-order meals curated by the airline's International Culinary Panel. Standouts include lamb ragout, beef bourguignon, pork fricassee with lyonnaise potatoes, and Southeast Asian favorites like nasi lemak with rendang chicken or char siew wonton mee. In-flight drink offerings include premium picks like Charles de Cazanove Brut NV Champagne. Snack options are generous and range from sandwiches and muffins to nuts and chips. Chicken tikka masala Virgin Atlantic Virgin Atlantic calls its product simply 'Premium,' but there's nothing basic about the experience. Passengers are welcomed with a drink, and meals come with whimsical touches, like airplane-shaped salt and pepper shakers. Entrees range from red Thai curry and chicken tikka masala to tomato mascarpone pasta and venison stew. Drink options include red, white, and rosé wines; premium spirits like Bombay Sapphire gin and Jack Daniel's; Fever-Tree mixers; and the signature Virgin Atlantic Bloody Mary. There's even a 'Wander Wall' stocked with sweet and savory snacks for mid-flight browsing. For routes between the U.S., Caribbean, and U.K., don't miss their British Mile High Tea service.
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Travel + Leisure
2 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
20 Under-the-Radar Destinations in Japan
Luxury travelers to Japan often stick to well-known destinations: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Niseko for skiing. But there are hidden gems all over the country. High-end hotels and ryokans (Japanese inns) that cater to the domestic market have been built in rural areas and tiny villages—and rarely get international travelers. Here are 20 lesser-known towns, prefectures, and islands in Japan with top-tier accommodations and authentic experiences . The coastline of Atami City. Sean Pavone/iStockphoto/Getty Images Atami This coastal town is known for its beaches in the summer and onsens (hot spring baths) in the winter. It's home to Atami Kaihourou, a four-room luxury resort with a stunning glass design by renowned architect Kengo Kuma. Awaji Island In Japanese mythology, Awaji was believed to be the first island created by the gods. Visitors today can tour the island's many structures and gardens designed by Kuma and Tadao Ando, another famous Japanese architect. Awaji Hamarikyu, a vintage western-style beachfront resort, is beloved by Japanese families. Chiba This small city is the eponymous capital of Chiba Prefecture, known for its charming canals lined with cute little shops and cafés. Stay in Nipponia Sawara Merchant Town Hotel, a centuries-old merchant's house. Dazaifu Looking for a short trip outside of Fukuoka? Visit the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shinto shrine. Walk around the stunning gardens and grounds, and then stay at Cultia Dazaifu right across the street. Gotō Islands These islands off the coast of Kyushu are dotted with dozens of historic small churches built by early Christians fleeing the shogunate. Book a room at the Gotō Retreat Ray for a wellness-focused stay. Hamamachi Onyado Fukuchiyo—one of Japan's finest sake breweries—has its own fabulous two-bedroom villa here. Don't skip the sake pairing with your kaiseki dinner. Izu Peninsula Ochiairo, a hot-spring inn built in 1874, can be found along a riverbank in this picturesque mountain landscape. A shopping street in Karuizawa. Cassandra Lord/iStockphoto/Getty Images Karuizawa Known as 'The Hamptons of Japan', Tokyoites spend weekends here soaking in the onsens and hiking through the mountains. High-end accommodations include Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Hiramatsu Karuizawa Miyota and Fufu Karuizawa. Kirishima Book your stay at Tenku No Mori, 150-acre mountaintop retreat with just 5 villas in this nature-filled area. Each villa is made of glass and has its own private onsen . Kinosaki The main activity in this ultimate onsen town is hot spring-hopping in your yukata (a light weight kimono). Stay at Nishimuraya Honkan. Kumano After hiking along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, unwind at the Resort Kumano Club, a 38-room all-inclusive stay with unlimited beer and sake. A canal in Kurashiki. Korekore/iStockphoto/Getty Images Kurashiki I call this charming town the 'Bruges of Japan' for its narrow streets, cute bridges and canals, and world-class art museums. Ryokan Kurashiki is a tiny gem of a ryokan . Lake Kawaguchiko Hiking, biking, boating, and wine tasting are some of the popular activities in this resort town. I love staying at either Hoshinoya Fuji or Fufu Kawaguchiko , and waking up with Mount Fuji directly in front of me Lake Shikotsu I visit this lake during the summer to escape the heat and stay at Mizu no Uta, conveniently located near Sapporo's New Chitose airport. Shodoshima The Setouchi Triennale Art Festival is held every three years on this island, but it's a wonderful destination to visit at any time for its olive trees and soy sauce factories. Shimayado Mari is my preferred ryokan here. Matsuyama Setouchi Aonagi—originally designed by Tadao Ando as a private museum—is now a hotel with extraordinary architecture in this castle town that claims the oldest onsen in Japan. Mount Zaō Visit this range of volcanic mountains for its exciting views and outdoor activities, then stay in Chikusenso Mt. Zao Onsen Resort and Spa. Naruto The Shikoku Pilgrimage, which includes 88 temples, starts here. Stay at Hotel Ridge, an 11-room luxury hotel with views of Naruto Bridge and Awaji Island. Uda Spend a night at Sasayuri-Ann, a 200-year-old thatched-roof villa overlooking tranquil rice terraces in this small town in Nara Prefecture. The Sankara Hotel & Spa in Yakushima. Yakushima Island Book a room at Sankara Hotel & Spa on this island known for its sacred forest of 1,000-year-old sugi cedar trees. Catherine Heald is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in trips to Japan and Southeast Asia. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Heald at [email protected] .
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
The tourist invasion of 'Instagram island': Thousands of selfie-hunting holidaymakers pack the narrow streets of Santorini to capture sunset view loved by influencers
Thousands of selfie-hunting holidaymakers have packed the narrow streets of Santorini in a desperate bid to capture sunset views adored by influencers. Videos have shown the shocking reality of visiting one of the world's most idealised holiday destinations - with an 'overflow' of tourists piling together to catch a glimpse of the evening sun on the once-idyllic Greek isle of Santorini. Known for its white and blue architecture, volcanic landscape and charming villages, up to 17,000 tourists descend on the idyllic Aegan isle in the peak summer months. But sunseekers have been left far from impressed with the reality of holidaying on the volcanic island, arguing that it falls short of their expectations due to 'jam-packed streets' and 'soaring' hotel prices. Gabriella Barrass visited the picturesque coastal island in early July, forking out £2,200 on a four-day trip having been initially captivated by pictures of the crystal clear waters and small quaint Greek streets. However, the Dubai resident said that any once-breathtaking views had now become tarnished by crowds of tourists battling ferociously for the perfect spot, while another popular destination, Oia, had become so full of donkey pool that it smelt 'terrible'. Ms Barrass added that the 'incredible' photos of Santorni were somewhat deceptive, with the 'commecialised' nature of the island leaving it swamped with hordes of holidaymakers that had stripped it of its 'old school tradition and culture'. She told Luxury Travel Daily: 'The overflow of tourists at every given spot we went to was overwhelming and definitely not the gorgeous, relaxing retreat I was expecting. 'There were hundreds of people trying to see the sunset at once.' Meanwhile Claire, who had travelled more than 9,000 miles from Sydney, Australia described Oia as synonymous with 'animalistic mayhem', adding that that the relentless torrent of holidaymakers had left it 'crowded and jam packed'. Oia, famous for its whitewashed buildings with blue-domed churches, is frequented by up to 170,000 cruise ship passengers who disembark on the island every day. But shocking images of the small village shared last summer showed masses of tourists queuing on narrow walkways in a bid to get the best holiday shots. Due to the growing numbers of visitors, queues to reach the viewing spot in the clifftop village can often take more than 20 minutes. The island has now introduced new rules and measures to manage the influx of tourists, including a tourist tax, restrictions on access and parking, alongside a proposed 'saturation law' limiting daily visitor numbers. A limit of 8,000 cruise ship passengers per day has also been enforced. While Claire had hoped to 'explore the beaches and relax', she was left bitterly disappointed by 'jam packed streets that took ages to walk through', adding: 'It was also super hot with no shade anywhere. Gabriella Barrass visited the picturesque coastal island in early July, forking out £2,200 on a four-day trip. However, the Dubai resident said that any once-breathtaking views had now become tarnished by crowds of tourists battling ferociously for the perfect sunset spot 'That was probably the worst part. 'We walked the steps down to Ammoudi Bay, which were covered in donkey poo, so it smelled pretty bad. 'I had to squeeze up against a wall on the way back up, as there were donkeys on their way down. 'I was kind of worried they'd squash me.' Due to Ms Barras' negative experience, she remarked that 'I wouldn't go again', adding that there are 'much better' and 'less commercialised' islands on offer for tourists to enjoy. Meanwhile Claire added that any prospective holidaymakers should avoid staying in Oia, adding: 'Avoid July and August if you hate the crowds and peak summer heat.' On social media, viewers were quick to express their outrage at the ensuing crowds descending on Santorini, with one commenter saying: 'this gives me so much anxiety', while another remarked: 'This is why I travel right before the season hits'. Last summer, one aggravated tourist took to social media to say that Santorini, which had been a stop during their cruise trip, had been a bitter disappointment, remarking: 'Should never have got off (and won't next time). 'One Instagram spot, litter everywhere and absolutely rammed streets.' Meanwhile, another individual who said they work 'seasonally' in Santorini, said that there was 'no respect for the island or for us, from garbage, to times when the buses don't take us.' The growing numbers of tourists flocking to the volcanic island has continued to be a point of great contention for furious locals who have even threatened to leave the Greek island after officials told them to keep out of tourists' way. Last summer, local resident Onur Killic, 28, said that there are just 'too many tourists' coming to Santorini who leave rubbish behind and sometimes even a 'bad smell'. 'It's hard for locals because we live here. The roads are too crowded and the traffic is much worse; it's bad for environment and the cost of everything is out of control, locals cannot pay as prices have gone up,' the hotel worker told the i. 'They need to find the right balance, they could limit the amount of cruise ships, but the government is not doing enough – if this continues I will leave the island.' It came just days after Santorini councillor Panos Kavallaris urged residents in a since-deleted Facebook post to stay at home and avoid the influx of thousands of tourists per day. 'Another difficult day for our city and island is ahead with the arrival of 17,000 visitors from cruise ships. We ask for your attention: limit your movements as much as possible,' Kavallaris said, but the post quickly caused outrage among locals. Residents criticised the councillor's request, with one commenting on social media: '[He] officially asks locals to lock themselves at home, so that tourists can wander around free. Marvelous.' LIFO, a popular Greek newspaper, said that while Kavallaris' announcement was made 'with the best intentions', it was clear that the situation in Santorini in regards to the amount of tourists coming to the island was getting out of control. Of the record 32.7 million people who visited Greece in 2023, around 3.4 million, or one in 10, went to the small island of Santorini that has just 15,500 residents. The Greek isle has relied on tourism since the 1960s, before which it largely depended on agriculture to support its economy. But Santorini's mayor Nikos Zorzos stressed last year that there need to be 'limits' to the numbers of tourists descending on the island, warning that they could begin to 'sink under overtourism'. He added: 'There must not be a single extra bed... whether in the large hotels or Airbnb rentals.' Some locals in Oia have even resorted to putting signs up urging visitors to respect their home, with one sign from the Save Oia group reading: 'RESPECT... It's your holiday... but it's our home'. Shaped by a volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago, Santorini's landscape is 'unique', the mayor said, and 'should not be harmed by new infrastructure'. Around a fifth of the island is currently occupied by buildings, many of which are expensive luxury hotels featuring infinity swimming pools and jacuzzis. In 2023, 800 cruise ships brought some 1.3 million passengers, according to the Hellenic Ports Association. Cruisecritic, a Tripadvisor company, says that up to seven cruise ships can dock simultaneously on the island, which means that they could bring over 14,000 passengers if at full capacity. Cruise ships 'do a lot of harm to the island', said Chantal Metakides, a Belgian resident of Santorini for 26 years. 'When there are eight or nine ships pumping out smoke, you can see the layer of pollution in the caldera,' she said. In June last year, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis voiced his desire for the capping of cruise ship arrivals to Greece's most popular islands. He told Bloomberg: 'There are people spending a lot of money to be on Santorini and they don't want the island to be swamped'. In an interview, Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni echoed this sentiment and said: 'We must set quotas because it's impossible for an island such as Santorini... to have five cruise ships arriving at the same time.' It comes as several of Europe's most popular cities have been captured becoming overrun this summer, with record-breaking tourist numbers turning some of Europe's most scenic streets into overcrowded, chaotic hotspots. In the Italian capital of Rome, tourists are crammed shoulder-to-shoulder as they try to take in the city's famous architecture, with one likening the experience to being 'part of one big sweaty herd.' Meanwhile, in Athens, known for its ancient ruins and historic streets, the crowds are so dense that visitors can barely squeeze past each other. And in Florence, the tourist crush has reached such extremes that some travellers are siding with protesters, with one saying the situation is 'out of hand'. One woman posted a video showing a huge queue of people waiting to see the Parthenon in Athens. The caption simply read: 'This was painful'. A tourist in Rome filmed a busy square and asked, 'why is it so crowded?' Viewers shared their thoughts in the comments section, with one person complaining that when they visited the city it was so busy they couldn't find a place to eat. Another said: 'I don't understand why people decide to visit Rome in the summer. That's insane.' In Florence, one tourist shared footage of a huge crowd and wrote across it, 'I don't blame the locals for wanting to protest against tourists'. The caption read: 'This has gotten out of hand ..as a fellow tourist right now.. I'm so sorry. I'm annoyed for y'all.'
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The New Ritz-Carlton Superyacht, Italy's Most Beautiful Villages And More Travel News
. Want to live out your Roman Holiday fantasy on your next vacation? The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California recently unveiled its Villa & Vespa Experience as part of its Ciao Bella! summer programming. Guests who book a villa (beginning at $11,000) through September 24 will be given a Vespa Primavera to use during their stay with dedicated parking around the property. Don't want to return it? The resort will arrange for the purchase of the scooter via Vespa LA and can arrange shipping it home along with two helmets. . Some ships sail by the stars, others invite them to join a celebrity-filled launch. For the maiden voyage of Luminara, the third superyacht in the Ritz-Carlton collection, a fleet of bold-faced names—including Tom Brady, Sofia Vergara, Colman Domingo, Janelle Monáe and Martha Stewart—recently enjoyed a two-day trip to Malta. As for the ship itself, the 794-foot-long Luminara features 226 luxury suites (which can accommodate 450 passengers), five restaurants, multiple pools and a spa. There are also Chanel and Cartier boutiques for guests who want to bring home a souvenir. . Why argue about which Italian villages are the most beautiful when it can be decided on Italian television? Broadcast annually since 2014, Borgo dei Borghi (which translates to The Village of Villages) highlights Italy's most beautiful small villages—places that still feel like undiscovered gems. Each year, 20 villages (one from each region) compete for the title. The winners are chosen by a public vote and a panel of experts in history, art and culture. This year's winning village is Militello in Val di Catania in Sicily. See the complete list of the most beautiful villages in Italy for 2025. 'You may have the universe if I may have Italy.' This is the published version of Forbes' Passport newsletter, which offers a first-class guide to luxury travel. Click here to get it delivered to your inbox every Friday. . After nearly 20 years of grumbling from barefoot travelers, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that passengers will now be able keep their shoes on at security checkpoints. Those who don't have TSA PreCheck will still have to remove belts, coats and laptops from carry-on bags. Here's what you need to know about the new TSA security policy. . Looking for a really cool getaway this summer? Consider a stay in one of Norway's ice hotels. Longtime Forbes travel contributor David Nikel recently returned from the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel and reports on what to expect. Guests typically arrive in the afternoon, check into a nearby (warm) cabin or lodge, and then can take part in activities such as snowmobiling, husky sledding, or watching the Northern Lights (depending on the location). Later that night, you begin your stay in the ice suite—and, yes, it's very cold, between 19°F to 25°F. But that's what thermal sleeping bag is for. And the extra blankets.
