Luxx Collective – The New Way To Do 5 Star Travel With Travel Seen

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We are thrilled to introduce Luxx Collective, the newest member of the Travel Seen family. Luxx is not just about five star finishes and glossy hotel lobbies – although you will find plenty of those. It is about how a trip makes you feel weeks and months later. The stories you still tell at dinner not just the photos you scroll back to on your phone.

Our version of paradise

Luxx Collective
Journeys that go beyond luxury

Luxx Collective specialises in journeys that are built around you. No off the shelf itineraries, no copy and paste holidays. Every trip is shaped from real conversations about how you like to travel, what you are curious about, what you never want to compromise on.

Think local guides who show you their version of the city, reservations at the restaurant you would never have found on your own, late check outs that mean one more swim before the airport. It is those details that make you pause and think yes – this is why we travel.

Luxury without
the faff

Planning a holiday should not feel like another job on your to do list. With Luxx Collective the whole process is smooth, simple and surprisingly enjoyable.

You tell the team what you love, what you need, what you absolutely do not want. They turn that into a clear plan, handle the logistics and keep you updated at each step so you always know what is happening without having to manage it yourself.

From boutique boltholes and private islands to world renowned hotels and villas, everything is handpicked, road tested and curated so you can just turn up and sink into it.

Trips that stay
with you

The best journeys are the ones that linger. A sunset that looked unreal. A street café you stumbled across by accident. A hotel that felt like your home from the moment you walked through the door.

Luxx Collective is designed to create more of those moments. Not just another week away but the kind of trip that quietly changes the way you think about travel.

Part of the Travel Seen
Collection

Luxx Collective now sits alongside eShores – our tailor made multi centre specialists – as part of Travel Seen’s growing collection of boutique travel brands. Each brand has its own personality and area of expertise yet they all share the same approach to service, insight and attention to detail.

So whether you are picturing a long haul island escape, a European weekend with a bit of edge or a once in a lifetime celebration trip, there is someone in the Travel Seen collective who lives and breathes that style of travel.

How to book
cleverly in December

If you want to turn “I should book something” into an actual plan December is the time to do it with intention.

 

A few smart moves:

 

Decide how you want to feel not just where you want to go


Do you want to arrive home energised, deeply rested or social and buzzy
That answer will naturally nudge you towards ski spa or winter sun.

 

Be specific about your non-negotiables


It might be a spa with serious facilities, interconnecting rooms for the family, a kids club that runs all day or somewhere you can walk straight to restaurants. Know what matters before you browse.

 

Use December to secure the key details


Prioritise room category and flight times first. Transfers, activities and restaurant plans can follow once the foundations are in place.

 

Lean on expert curation


This is where Travel Seen comes in. We cut through the noise and present a short list of hotels and itineraries that genuinely fit you rather than a generic “top ten” pulled from a search engine.

Final Thoughts

If you are going to take the time off, it is worth making it count. Luxx Collective exists for the trips where you want everything to feel considered – from the hotel you check into to the memories you bring back.

 

If you are starting to picture your next escape, get in touch with Luxx Collective and let our team design it with you.

 

Call us on 0333 305 9912 share a rough budget and a few preferences then let us curate the sort of winter trip that feels quietly clever long after everyone else starts shouting about “deals”.

More From Our Blogs

Luxx Collective – The New Way To Do 5 Star Travel With Travel Seen

Why December is the smartest month to book your ski spa and winter sun escapes

The Smart November Planner

Why December is the smartest month to book your ski spa and winter sun escapes

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Most travellers wait for the January sales to plan their holidays. The inbox fills with “last chance” offers and suddenly everyone is scrambling for the same rooms on the same dates.

Quietly in the background the savviest travellers have already booked.
They do it in December when availability, choice and genuine value are all at their best.

Whether you are dreaming of a luxury ski spa break or a sun-soaked reset December is the smartest time to secure the rooms, suites and flight times you actually want.

Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus

The myth of the
January sale

January feels like the obvious time to book. You are back at your desk with a fresh diary and a strong craving for something to look forward to. Travel brands know this and build campaigns around it.

 

The problem is timing.

 

By January many of the most desirable options have already gone.

 

Premium room categories sell first. Key flight times are snapped up by those who planned in November and December. The “sale” prices you see are often attached to what is left rather than what you really wanted.

 

December is different. It sits in that sweet spot where:

 

Availability is still strong for peak periods

 

Pricing has not yet felt the full force of demand

 

Planning can happen calmly before year end rather than in the chaos after it

This is where smart December booking comes in.

Aman Le Mélézin

CERVO Mountain Resort

Why December gives
you the best choice

Before the January rush December quietly delivers advantages that do not show up on a simple price comparison.

 

1. Better rooms and suites

 

Top tier categories are usually still in play in December. Think:

 

Mountain-view suites with private balconies

 

Ski-in ski-out rooms close to the lifts

 

Spa-level floors with direct access to pools and thermal areas

 

Sea-view suites and private pool villas in winter sun hotels

 

Leave it too late and you can still book the hotel yet lose the magic details that make the trip feel genuinely special.

2. Ideal flight times

 

By December you can usually see the full spread of airline schedules. Early planners still have their pick of:

 

Civilised morning departures rather than 6am scrambles

 

Afternoon flights that work with school pick-ups and childcare

 

Sociable return times that do not wipe out the next working day

 

Wait for January and you are more likely to compromise on night flights and awkward connections simply because those are what remain.

3. Smarter calmer planning

 

December planning has a different energy.

 

You can talk through dates, budgets and preferences without that frantic January “book it before it goes” mindset. There is time to consider:

 

How long you really want to be away

Which airport works best for you

 

Whether this is a wellness-heavy trip or something more sociable

 

You trade panic booking for considered choices. No fake countdown timers just a clear view of what works for your life.

Airelles Val d’Isère

Ski spa vs winter sun
two luxury paths

Once you decide to book in December the next question is simple. Are you a ski spa person or a winter sun person this year.

 

For ski spa lovers

 

If you crave crisp alpine air and nights that end in a robe rather than a taxi queue a ski spa break is your lane.

 

December bookings matter because:

 

The most atmospheric resorts and design-led hotels fill quickly for prime weeks

 

Spa-category rooms and suites are limited by design

 

Private guides instructors and childcare are easier to secure when you move early

For winter sun
seekers

If warmth is your reset button winter sun is your answer.

Booking in December lets you:

Beat peak pricing for the most in-demand islands and beach resorts

 

Secure oceanfront suites instead of standard garden rooms

 

Lock in direct flights on sensible days for your work rota or school term dates

 

Think of it as your chance to design the exact sort of winter escape you actually need whether that is:

Total stillness on a quiet beach

 

A chic resort with great restaurants and a soft dress code

 

A family-friendly hotel where kids are entertained and you still feel like you have had a grown-up holiday

 

By the time the January rush begins your plans are already confirmed and you are simply counting down.

How to book
cleverly in December

If you want to turn “I should book something” into an actual plan December is the time to do it with intention.

 

A few smart moves:

 

Decide how you want to feel not just where you want to go


Do you want to arrive home energised, deeply rested or social and buzzy
That answer will naturally nudge you towards ski spa or winter sun.

 

Be specific about your non-negotiables


It might be a spa with serious facilities, interconnecting rooms for the family, a kids club that runs all day or somewhere you can walk straight to restaurants. Know what matters before you browse.

 

Use December to secure the key details


Prioritise room category and flight times first. Transfers, activities and restaurant plans can follow once the foundations are in place.

 

Lean on expert curation


This is where Travel Seen comes in. We cut through the noise and present a short list of hotels and itineraries that genuinely fit you rather than a generic “top ten” pulled from a search engine.

Final Thoughts

At Travel Seen we see the same pattern every year. The travellers who book in December are the ones who sit on sun loungers thinking “this is exactly what I needed” not “this was all that was left”.

 

They:

 

Have the suite category they wanted

 

Travel on dates that work rather than dates that remained

 

Feel that their holiday reflects them rather than the algorithm

 

If you already know you want a ski spa escape, a winter sun reset or you are torn between the two December is the moment to talk it through.

Call us on 0333 305 9912 share a rough budget and a few preferences then let us curate the sort of winter trip that feels quietly clever long after everyone else starts shouting about “deals”.

The Smart November Planner

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When to book ski, winter sun & city breaks – without chasing fake deals

November is the quiet power move in the travel calendar.

Not yet festive chaos, not quite New Year panic – it is the month where smart travellers quietly lock in the trips that everyone else ends up scrambling for later.

At Travel Seen, we see the same pattern every year: the real value is rarely in “flash sales” or countdown timers. It is in timing.

This is your clean, clear guide to what to book now – and why November is the smartest month to do it.

Ski
season

Book now for first-choice rooms, not last-minute leftovers
 
In luxury ski, positioning is everything.
The suites with mountain views, slopeside rooms and beautifully designed chalets do not hang around until December.
 
Why November matters for ski:
 
The best room categories are still available
 
You get more choice on flight times and smoother connections
 
Ski passes, instructors and childcare can be reserved in advance
 
You plan on your terms – not around whatever is left
 
If you are picturing Courchevel glamour or a design-led hideaway in Zermatt, November is when you quietly make it happen.

Courchevel, France

Zermatt, Switzerland

Winter
sun

Beat peak pricing before it hits and meet Luxx Collective
 
Think Maldives, Dubai, Mauritius, Tenerife, Barbados.
 
These are not destinations that rely on heavy discounting in peak season. The best rooms simply sell out.
 
Your November advantage for winter sun:
 
Prices typically lift from mid-December into high season
 
Overwater villas and beachfront suites are limited
 
Families, couples and groups all compete for the same dates
 
You secure sunshine while everyone else is still “thinking about it”
 
This is also where Travel Seen’s new launch comes in.
 
Luxx Collective, under the Travel Seen umbrella, is our dedicated arm for five-star beach and island escapes – curated for those who want quiet luxury, beautiful design and a smoother booking experience for long-haul sun.
 
From Indian Ocean idylls to glamorous Middle Eastern stays, Luxx Collective focuses on the kind of resorts where service, setting and room category genuinely matter.
 
To mark the launch, we currently have a standout Maldives offer live – ideal if you want to experience peak-season conditions without paying peak-season rates.
 
In winter sun, “waiting for a sale” often works against you. November is your moment to be strategic, not reactive.

Paris, France

Winter
city breaks

The pre-festive sweet spot
 
Paris, Rome, Lisbon, Vienna, Copenhagen – all softly lit, increasingly festive, not yet overwhelmed.
 
Why to line up your city breaks now:
 
Hotel rates are often kinder before December premiums kick in
 
Christmas markets and winter pop-ups begin early
 
There is more flexibility on flight times
 
Perfect for spontaneous-feeling weekends that are actually well planned
 
You get all the atmosphere – lights, late lunches, Christmas shopping – without the full festive stress.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

Barbados, Caribbean

Dubai, UAE

Stepping away
from fake deals

November is famous for countdown timers, “exclusive offers” and promo codes that promise more than they deliver. In luxury travel, true value is rarely created by a flashing banner.
 
What to ignore:
 
Inflated prices dressed up as “discounts”
 
Thin, low-quality sale packages
 
Rigid dates or awkward routings that don’t suit your life
 
What to focus on instead:
 
The exact trip you want
 
At the right time of year
 
With honest pricing, transparent value and expert planning behind it
 
That is where a curated approach makes the difference. No noise, just the smartest options for the way you actually want to travel.

Rome, Italy

The smart
November checklist

If it is seasonal, limited or design-led, November is prime time.
 
This is when to move:
 
Ski trips for December to March
 
Winter sun escapes
 
Festive city breaks
 
Early 2025 half-term and Easter 2025 honeymoons and milestone anniversaries
 
Think of November as the month where you quietly secure the experiences that will feel “impossible to find” for everyone else later.

Ready to plan smarter?

Let Travel Seen – and now Luxx Collective for five-star beach escapes – curate the trips you will be glad you booked early.

 

Enquire now and we will help you build a winter of ski, sun and city that feels considered, not chaotic. Your next escape is already there – November is simply the smartest time to claim it.

 

Interested? Call us on 0333 305 9912 and we can plan your trip for you.

Escape to paradise: Why we love the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

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There are some places that stop you in your tracks – places that make you exhale, slow down and remember what peace really feels like. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is one of them. Tucked away on a tiny private island in one of the most untouched atolls in the Maldives, it feels a million miles from anywhere (in the best possible way). From the moment you arrive, time moves differently – mornings start with the sound of waves and evenings end under skies full of stars.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Natural Island
Luxury

The villas here are a dream for anyone craving privacy and calm. The overwater Villas, with direct access to the vibrant 360 house reef, let you slip straight into the ocean for a swim before breakfast, while the Beach Villas are shaded by palms, with private plunge pools and sun-drenched terraces perfect for an afternoon nap. Inside, every detail feels considered – soft linens, deep bathtubs, outdoor rain showers and subtle Maldivian touches that make the space feel special without ever trying too hard.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

That effortless
feel

What we really love about this place is how it celebrates simplicity. There’s no flash, no fuss – just thoughtful luxury that blends beautifully with nature. You can snorkel through coral reefs just steps from your villa, unwind with a spa treatment as the ocean hums around you, or enjoy freshly caught seafood with your toes in the sand. It’s the kind of experience that feels deeply personal – not just a holiday, but a reset.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Why our team loves
Park Hyatt Hadahaa

Park Hyatt Hadahaa has a magic to it – quiet, warm and wonderfully human. It’s a place that reminds you how good it feels to do absolutely nothing and still feel completely fulfilled.

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Your
exclusive offer

We want you to experience that same feeling – so we’ve created a special offer just for you. Because everyone deserves a slice of this Maldivian magic.

Final Thoughts

Park Hyatt Maldives offers the perfect blend of style, privacy and effortless luxury. Unwind in serene surroundings without feeling overwhelmed, immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the islands and savour experiences that stay with you long after you’ve returned home. 

Interested? Call us on 0333 305 9912 and we can plan your trip for you.

Say hello to our new team member, Poppy

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We’re so excited to welcome Poppy to the Travel Seen family as our new Product & Sales Manager!
 
With over eight years of experience in the luxury travel world, Poppy has worn many hats. From marketing and social media to sales and product, she brings a brilliant mix of creativity, strategy and genuine passion for travel to the team.
 
Her journey began with an internship that turned into a full-blown career (and what’s shaping up to be a long-term love for the industry!)
Poppy has a real knack for bringing travel experiences to life – she’s all about creating trips that feel personal and meaningful. Thanks to her trusted relationships with suppliers around the world, she knows exactly how to make those moments happen. With her collaborative approach and love for connecting people through travel, she’s already feeling right at home here at Travel Seen.
 
We caught up with Poppy in our Didsbury office to ask her a few quick-fire questions to get to know her a little better…

New York, USA

South Africa

Q&A's
with Poppy

Q: What drew you to the luxury travel industry?
 
A: After a successful internship where I was offered a permanent position, I dropped out of college to dive deep into the industry and I’ve never looked back!
 
Q: What excites you most about joining Travel Seen?
 
A: The chance to grow professionally with an inspiring team, contribute to an organically growing business and build on my existing supplier partnerships.
 
Q: Do you have a favourite destination or travel experience?
 
A: Destination-wise, I love New York and could visit in any season. For experiences, nothing beats a safari in South Africa. There’s just something magical about being close to nature and wildlife and of course combining with pre and post visits to Cape Town and the Winelands. 

Welcome aboard, Poppy. We’re so happy to have you! 

Gemma’s day with the eShores team

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At Travel Seen, we love shining a light on the incredible brands within our family, the ones who live and breathe travel just as much as we do.

Recently, I spent a day with eShores, one of our standout brands specialising in tailor-made, multi-centre holidays.

Gavin Lapidus – Director of eShores

Nadine Brown – Director of eShores

Meeting
the founders

My visit began with a warm welcome from Gavin and Nadine, the founders of eShores. Their energy and passion for travel were instantly clear. They started eShores with a simple idea: to create holidays that feel as unique as the people taking them, no generic packages, no cookie-cutter itineraries, just authentic, personalised journeys.

“Every holiday starts with a conversation,” Gavin told me. “We listen, we learn, and then we build something unique.”


Nadine added, “It’s about bringing our clients’ ideas to life and turning those ‘ideas’ into beautifully balanced, unforgettable trips.”

Tailor made travel
done differently

What sets eShores apart, and why we’re so proud to have them as part of the Travel Seen family is their expertise in multi-centre holidays. These are the kind of trips that let you see more of the world in one seamless journey. eShores curate trips which are much more than your fly and flop. They are for people with a more adventurous side, those who want to experience a bit of culture and not your standard, off the shelf holiday.

Think New York and Las Vegas for an iconic U.S. adventure, Maldives and Sri Lanka for the perfect blend of relaxation and culture, or Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia for an unforgettable Asian escape. Each itinerary is hand-built by a travel expert who knows every stop inside out, from the best rooftop bars to the most peaceful hidden beaches.

Their attention to detail and genuine passion for getting it right is what keeps clients coming back time and again.

Behind
the scenes

Spending time in their Rochdale office felt like stepping into a creative studio rather than a travel agency. Maps, photos and notes filled the walls and the air buzzed with conversation, ideas flowing, details being fine-tuned. It’s clear this is a place where travel dreams take shape.

Each consultant takes real pride in their work, crafting experiences that feel both effortless and extraordinary.

Part of the
Travel Seen family

At Travel Seen, we celebrate brands that share our vision of meaningful, story-driven travel and eShores embodies that perfectly. Their thoughtful, personalised approach reflects exactly what we believe travel should be: inspiring, seamless and deeply human.

If you’ve ever dreamed of connecting multiple destinations into one unforgettable journey, the team at eShores are the experts who can make it happen, with care, creativity, and that all-important personal touch.

Introducing Club Avandra: a new world for solo female travellers

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This month, our Travel Seen team had the pleasure of attending the incredible launch of Club Avandra – an exclusive new community founded by Debbie Flynn, designed for solo female travellers who crave adventure, connection and experiences that money simply can’t buy.

The
launch

The event took place at the beautiful Marylebone Hotel in London, where we were welcomed with glasses of Champagne PIAF and an atmosphere full of inspiration. We loved connecting with so many amazing people within the travel industry and listening to the powerful panel discussion led by Debbie, featuring Marianne Jones, Kathy Lette, and Rosie Green. Their stories of travel, independence, and empowerment truly resonated with us.

The room sparkled with incredible guests, including Kate Garraway and Arlene Phillips, making the evening one to remember.

Club Avandra is so much more than just glamorous events –

it’s a space for women to connect and explore unforgettable destinations, from Malta to Verbier and Helsinki, with exclusive stays at world-class hotels such as Gili Lankanfushi, Passalacqua, and Capella Ubud.

Welcoming
Club Avandra

As the official travel partner, we’re thrilled to help bring these one-of-a-kind experiences to life. Here’s to new friendships, inspiring adventures, and the empowering journey that lies ahead. 

Best winter city breaks in Europe for 2025

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Europe in winter has a certain kind of magic, twinkling lights on cobblestone streets, the scent of mulled wine drifting through squares, and that perfect mix of crisp air and cosy cafés. Summer has its shine, yet winter turns familiar cities into something cinematic.

If you’re dreaming of a winter escape that balances charm, culture, and a touch of luxury, these are our five favourite winter city breaks in Europe for 2025 – a blend of hidden treasures and beloved classics with a fresh twist.

Ghent, Belgium

Ghent, Belgium
Medieval glow and canal-side cafés

Tucked between Bruges and Brussels, Ghent is a winter wonderland that keeps its cool. Medieval façades, snow-dusted rooftops, and glowing stalls set the scene for a weekend that feels romantic without the crowds.

Don’t miss: A slow wander along Graslei, the gothic Gravensteen Castle, and a Belgian hot chocolate or a trappist beer by the canal.

When to go: Late November to February.

Travel Seen Tip: Visit in February for the Ghent Light Festival, when the city becomes an open-air gallery of installations.

Where to stay

1898 The Post — storybook boutique inside Ghent’s former post office, moody and elegant.

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof — refined, central, with a serene courtyard and a quietly luxurious feel.

Pair with: A day trip to Bruges by train for wintry canal views, then back to Ghent’s lively dining scene.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, Slovenia
Fairytale lights and riverside strolls

Ljubljana is winter charm in pocket-size form. The old town glows beneath festive lights, riverside cafés feel like a Christmas card come to life, and December brings music pop-ups around the centre.

Don’t miss: Ljubljana Castle for views over terracotta rooftops, a stroll along the Ljubljanica River, and an arty detour to Metelkova.

When to go: Early December to mid-January for peak sparkle.

Travel Seen Tip: Pair your city break with Lake Bled — just 40 minutes away and even more magical under a dusting of snow.

Where to stay

Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel — intimate, design-led, and steps from the river.

InterContinental Ljubljana — modern skyline views, spa, and an easy base for winter wanders.

Pair with: A half-day at Thermana Laško or Therme Olimia if you fancy Alpine-adjacent wellness.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest, Hungary
Thermal baths and river lights

Few cities do winter like Budapest. Imagine easing into Széchenyi or Gellért as steam curls into frosty air, then stepping out to grand boulevards, market squares, and candlelit dinners by the Danube.

Don’t miss: Vörösmarty Square Christmas Market, the Parliament glowing at dusk, and a Danube dinner cruise for warm plates and city lights.

When to go: Late November to early January for markets and the famous fairy-lit Christmas trams.

Travel Seen Tip: Book thermal baths with timed entry to skip queues and keep the day unhurried.

Where to stay

Four Seasons Gresham Palace — Art Nouveau icon opposite the Chain Bridge.

Matild Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel — palatial glamour with a standout bar.

Aria Hotel Budapest — music-inspired boutique with a glass-roofed atrium.

Pair with: A morning at Ruin Bars for photos without the crowds, then a pastry stop at Gerbeaud.

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg, Austria

Salzburg, Austria
Baroque spires and snow-globe romance

Home to Mozart and the Sound of Music, Salzburg turns delightfully old-world in winter. Baroque spires, snow-topped rooftops, and elegant markets create a city break that’s timeless without trying.

Don’t miss: Hohensalzburg Fortress, mulled wine in Residenzplatz, and a classical concert in a gilded hall.

When to go: Advent weekends through Christmas for market energy, January for calmer streets.

Travel Seen Tip: Stay in the Altstadt to wake up to church bells and buttery pastries.

Where to stay

Hotel Sacher Salzburg – riverfront grand dame, chocolate torte included.

Hotel Goldgasse – chic rooms on a tiny historic lane, perfect for walkers.

Hotel Bristol Salzburg – classic style with theatre-night energy.

Pair with: A snowy day trip to Hallstatt if conditions are favourable.

Kraków, Poland

Kraków, Poland
Cinematic squares and serious comfort food

Kraków’s cobbles glint under fairy lights, with Rynek Główny transforming into a festive hub of wooden stalls and hand-crafted gifts. When the snow falls over the Cloth Hall, it’s pure film set.

Don’t miss: Wawel Castle, the cafés and galleries of Kazimierz, and a hot-chocolate stop so thick your spoon stands up.

When to go: Early December to mid-January for markets, late January for fewer crowds.

Travel Seen Tip: Try winter comfort plates – pierogi, goulash, warming soups — then a late-night jazz bar in Kazimierz.

Where to stay

Hotel Copernicus – vaulted ceilings and historic gravitas near Wawel.

PURO Kraków Kazimierz – contemporary, design-forward, walkable to everywhere.

Hotel Saski, Curio Collection – heritage shell with smart modern touches by the square.

Pair with: Daytime culture at MOCAK then evening drinks on Szeroka Street.

Kraków, Poland

Kraków, Poland

FAQs

What are the best winter city breaks in Europe for 2025?
Ghent, Ljubljana, Budapest, Salzburg, and Kraków for festive markets, cosy cafés, and standout hotels.

When is the best time to visit Europe for winter markets?
Late November to early January, with many markets closing around 24 December. Some cities keep lights and pop-ups into early January.

Is winter a good time for luxury hotels in Europe?
Yes. Outside peak Christmas and New Year, winter often brings excellent value with upgraded room types and short-stay offers.

Which winter city break is best for spa lovers?
Budapest for thermal baths. Salzburg pairs nicely with Alpine wellness. Ljubljana offers easy day trips to lakes and Slovene spas.

Where can I avoid heavy crowds but keep the festive feel?
Ghent and Ljubljana are brilliant for a calmer, more local atmosphere while still feeling celebratory.

Find your winter escape with Travel Seen

Ready to plan? Our team will tailor flights, transfers, stays, and restaurant bookings, with on-the-ground insight from places we actually visit.

Interested? Call us on 0333 305 9912 and we can plan your trip for you.

Ikos Andalusia: our go-to “all included” family escape on the Costa del Sol

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When we say Ikos Andalusia is a unicorn for families, we mean it. Jen calls it “all included” because it feels nothing like a standard all inclusive. It’s polished and genuinely luxurious yet completely effortless. No mental maths over how many ice creams the kids have had. No decision fatigue. Just sun, service, and a very happy family.

Why
we love it

  • Truly “all included” – à la carte dining, premium drinks, beach and pool service, 24-hour room service, kids clubs, the lot
  • Serious family hardware – nine pools, direct beach access, brilliant kids and teens clubs run by pros
  • Rooms that work hard – gorgeous suites and larger private-pool villas for families who want space
  • Location that delivers – on a wide sandy stretch between Marbella and Estepona so it’s easy to dip out for day trips
  • Service with warmth – attentive without fuss which is why we keep going back

Rooms
we'd book again

We stayed in a Deluxe Collection set-up then toured the two-bedroom villas with private pools for a future trip. Bedrooms are calm and contemporary with clever storage. The villas are the win for multi-gen or friends with kids – separate living, proper terraces, and your own pool so nap time doesn’t derail your day.

Dining
that feels like a treat

This is not buffet-and-hope. It’s à la carte with menus by Michelin-starred chefs, Mediterranean to Asian, plus a Dine Out programme so you can try local favourites off-resort. Lazy lunches by the sea, sunset dinners with the Med as your backdrop, and room service when little legs tap out.

Kids happy
parents relaxed

Ikos nails the balance. Kids clubs by qualified teams, beach games, paddle boards, creative sessions, teen hangouts. You get a guilt-free hour at the spa or an iced coffee by the pool. Everyone gets what they need which is why family trips here feel easy.

Wellness
and play

Mornings start with sunrise yoga or a beach walk. The Ikos Spa by Anne Semonin Paris is calm and clinical in the best way. There’s tennis, bikes, water sports, gym classes, then the kind of loungers you actually want to lie on.

Good to know:

25–45 minutes from Malaga airport depending on traffic

Pre-book restaurants and kids clubs in peak dates

Deluxe Collection extras add lounge access and other nice touches

Final Thoughts

We’ve been, we know the room-by-room differences, and we hold the contacts that unlock the best set-ups for families. Tell us nap windows and non-negotiables. We’ll handle the rest.

Ready for the ease of “all included”?
Message us and we’ll plan a tailored 5-night stay at Ikos Andalusia with the right room configuration, transfers, and dining already lined up.

Call us on 0333 305 9912.

Marbella in autumn – our kind of late sun

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Kimpton Los Monteros, the stay we’d book again

We’ve just come back from Marbella where autumn softens the edges in all the right ways. It’s still warm enough to swim, tables are easier to get and golden hour lingers. Kimpton Los Monteros hosted our stay last weekend and it’s exactly the right fit for an easy grown-up escape.

Why
autumn works here

  • Days sit around 25°C so pool or beach is still a yes
  • Fewer crowds which means calmer beach clubs and easier dinner plans
  • Better room choice and value than peak summer

Kimpton Los Monteros

Kimpton Los Monteros

Kimpton Los Monteros
what stood out for us

Location & setting
A little out of the bustle which is a plus in autumn. You’re on the prestigious Los Monteros estate where A-listers keep houses yet it’s a quick cab or a relaxed beachside walk to Old Town or Puerto Banús. Best of both worlds.

Look & feel
Interiors sit somewhere between Soho House ease and Wes Anderson symmetry. A subtle thread of yellow runs through details across the hotel which gives spaces a sunny styled lift without trying too hard.

Rooftop & pool
The rooftop cocktail bar is a proper golden-hour spot with a calm social feel and the main pool is big enough for real laps not just a quick dunk.

Food & drink
Excellent breakfast selection that actually sets you up for the day. There’s a 6pm happy hour for in-house guests with complimentary drinks and wine which makes pre-dinner plans effortless. Along with a selection of restaurants, including a Michelin starred dining room.

Tennis & padel
Access to the hotel’s tennis and racquet club adds a nice active thread. Bookable courts for tennis or padel if you like to mix sunshine with a hit.

Rooms
We book for light and layout not just category. If you’re late sleepers ask for the quieter side. If a bath matters we’ll secure one as not every room has it. Travelling as two couples or with older teens we can map adjoining options that still feel chic.

Nearby
done the TS way

  • Marbella Old Town — coffee in the squares, tiled tapas counters and flowered lanes for an easy half day
  • Marbella Club — heritage vibes for a long lunch at MC Beach then a coastal walk back towards Los Monteros at golden hour
  • Puente Romano — dinner-hop territory with Coya, Cipriani, Gaia or the Chiringuito depending on mood
  • Puerto Banús — designer browse and yacht-watch by day then slip out before it gets noisy at night

 

Disclosure: Kimpton Los Monteros hosted our stay in October 2025. Views are our own.

Final Thoughts

We were on the ground last weekend so the advice is current. We’ll secure the right room, time transfers to your flight and line up tables that fit your pace. Tell us how you like to travel and we’ll shape the rest.

Enquire: hello@travelseen.co.uk