Category: Uncategorized

Poppy’s Pick: Why Ikos Kissamos is one of the most exciting family hotel openings in the Mediterranean

A new Ikos opening in Crete with beachfront suites, standout family facilities and luxury all-inclusive done properly.

Hey, I’m Poppy one of Travel Seen’s Travel Designers and your Product and Sales Manager. I’m across the hotels we rate most, plus the stays our clients are booking right now, so each week I share one standout spot I’d book in a heartbeat.
 

If you’re planning a family holiday in the Mediterranean this year or looking ahead to 2026, Ikos Kissamos is a hotel I’d have firmly on my radar. New hotel openings always generate buzz, but this one feels especially exciting. Ikos has built a loyal following for a reason: stylish resorts, genuinely strong food and an all-inclusive concept that actually feels luxurious.

 

Set on the shores of Kissamos Bay in Crete, Ikos Kissamos marks the brand’s first resort on the island and is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about launches in Europe. For families who want sunshine, space, brilliant service and a holiday that feels easy from start to finish, this looks like a very strong contender.

Why we love it

If you’re planning a family holiday in the Mediterranean, the newly opened Ikos Kissamos is already one of the most talked-about hotel launches and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.

 

Ikos has become a firm Travel Seen favourite for its effortless blend of luxury, family-friendly design and an all-inclusive offering that feels genuinely elevated. Ikos Kissamos brings that award-winning formula to Crete for the first time, set along the unspoilt shores of Kissamos Bay on the island’s north-west coast. The resort is spread across more than 53 acres of gardens and sits on a long sandy beach overlooking the Cretan Sea.

Ikos’ first hotel in Crete
This is the brand’s first property on the island, making it a major new addition for families already loyal to Ikos and for anyone wanting to experience the concept somewhere fresh. The setting feels especially appealing too, with a quieter corner of Crete that still offers easy access to some of the island’s best-known natural beauty.

 

Accommodation that works brilliantly for families
The accommodation offering includes contemporary rooms, spacious family rooms and a strong suite selection, including larger layouts suited to family trips and multi-generational stays. Some options also include private gardens or pools, which makes this feel especially appealing for longer stays or those travelling with younger children.

 

All-inclusive dining that feels special
Ikos is known for pushing beyond the usual all-inclusive formula and Ikos Kissamos looks set to continue that. The resort features six à la carte restaurants plus The Market, with menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, alongside open-air bars for sunset drinks and relaxed evenings.

 

The Ikos family experience
One of the biggest reasons families return to Ikos time and time again is how easy it makes a luxury family holiday feel. Crèches, kids’ clubs, teen activities, sports and watersports are all part of the wider experience, helping strike that balance between keeping children happy and giving parents room to actually relax.

 

A brilliant base for exploring west Crete
The location is another huge plus. Ikos Kissamos sits close to some of Crete’s most spectacular beaches, including Balos Lagoon and Falasarna Beach, both known for their clear shallow waters and postcard-worthy scenery. If you like the idea of combining resort time with a little exploring, this is a very strong base.

 

With Ikos’ reputation for stress-free luxury all-inclusive holidays that genuinely work for families, Ikos Kissamos already feels like one of the Mediterranean’s most exciting resort launches.

 

If you already love the Ikos concept but want somewhere brand new to try, this is definitely one to watch.

If your budget allows, I’d seriously consider a Deluxe Collection stay at Ikos Kissamos. It comes with thoughtful extras including return airport transfers, access to exclusive Deluxe Collection pool and beach areas, upgraded minibar and in-suite amenities, plus added service touches that can make a real difference on a family trip. For longer stays especially, it’s the kind of upgrade that makes the whole experience feel noticeably more seamless and elevated.

Ikos Kissamos feels like the kind of opening that will be booked quickly by families who know and love the brand, so it’s well worth planning early if it’s on your shortlist.


Poppy x

Travel Designer, Product & Sales Manager at Travel Seen

Get in touch today to start planning your trips

Why Milan is Having a Moment in Luxury Travel

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There are some cities that never really go out of style, and then there are cities that suddenly feel especially relevant. Right now, Milan is both.

 

Long associated with fashion, design and that unmistakable sense of polish, Milan has always had the fundamentals of a brilliant city break. But in 2026, it feels like the city has entered a new phase.

 

Fresh from the international attention of Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026, Milan is enjoying renewed visibility at exactly the same time as its luxury hospitality scene continues to evolve.

 

For travellers looking for somewhere chic, current and easy to build into a wider Italian itinerary, Milan is becoming a very smart choice.

More than a
fashion capital

Milan’s reputation has long been rooted in style. This is the city of quietly excellent hotels, elegant courtyards, world famous shopping streets and some of Europe’s most influential design culture.

 

But what makes Milan especially appealing now is that it no longer feels like a destination people pass through on the way somewhere else. It feels like a place to properly stay.

 

The city’s recent global visibility through Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 has only sharpened that perception, putting Milan in front of an international audience not just as a business and fashion hub, but as a contemporary lifestyle destination.

The luxury hotel
landscape is changing

One of the clearest signs of Milan’s momentum is what is happening across its luxury hotel scene.

 

Rocco Forte’s The Carlton is now open in Milan’s fashion district, adding another heavyweight address to the city. Looking ahead, Rosewood Milan and Six Senses Milan are both planned for 2026/27, signalling real confidence in Milan as a luxury market with long-term appeal.

 

That matters because hotel openings tend to follow demand, not create it from nowhere. When brands of that calibre commit to a city, it usually says something bigger about where affluent travellers want to be next.

Rosewood, Milan

The Carlton, Milan

A city break that
easily becomes something more

One of Milan’s biggest strengths is location. You can have all the ease and glamour of a city stay – shopping, galleries, beautiful restaurants and late afternoon aperitivo – while knowing that some of northern Italy’s most iconic landscapes are within easy reach.

 

Lake Como is around 40 minutes from Milan by direct train, making it a natural extension for anyone wanting to pair city energy with lakeside calm.

 

The Dolomites are equally appealing for a longer trip. Bolzano and Trento have rail links from Milan of around three hours, opening the door to a very different second chapter: mountain hotels, alpine air and dramatic scenery.

 

That combination is exactly why Milan works so well right now. It gives you a polished entry point into northern Italy, but it also gives you options.

 

 

Why Milan feels
especially relevant now

Luxury travel trends often shift towards destinations that feel layered: somewhere that offers culture, strong aesthetics, excellent hospitality and the ability to tailor a trip beyond the obvious.

 

Milan does all of that.

 

It suits travellers who want a stylish long weekend, but it also suits those who want a more considered itinerary, perhaps Milan with Lake Como, or Milan with the Dolomites, or all three. And because the city is still slightly underrated in comparison with Rome, Florence or Venice for leisure travel, it retains that satisfying sense of being a step ahead.

The Travel Seen take

If Milan has not been on your radar as a standalone luxury trip, now is the time to rethink it.

 

This is a city with renewed relevance, serious hotel momentum and one of the strongest positions in Italy for building a beautifully balanced itinerary. A few nights in Milan can easily become something much bigger – lakes, mountains, shopping, design, food and culture all in one trip.

 

For those looking at luxury Milan holidays, Milan and Lake Como itineraries or a more tailored northern Italy escape, working with Travel Seen means expert guidance, tailored recommendations and a trip designed around you.

Want us to plan one of these properly?

 

If you want to build a trip around any of the hotels above, we’ll handle the end-to-end: the right flight times, room category strategy, transfers, dining and the little details that make it feel effortless.

 

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

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Why St Barths is the ultimate celebrity escape

Discover luxury Caribbean travel

If there’s one destination that consistently draws the world’s biggest stars it’s St Barths. The tiny Caribbean island has become synonymous with discreet luxury, superyachts and sun soaked glamour making it a firm favourite among A-listers looking to unwind away from the spotlight.
 
Every winter, particularly over the festive season, the island transforms into a playground for celebrities, billionaires and fashion insiders. Superyachts line the harbour in Gustavia, designer boutiques fill the streets and beach clubs buzz with an effortlessly chic crowd.
 
Over the years a long list of famous faces have holidayed here. Beyonce and Jay Z are regular visitors, often spotted enjoying yacht days around the island, while Leonardo DiCaprio has been seen celebrating New Year in the harbour. Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have also jetted in for sun-soaked escapes sharing glimpses of beach days and boat trips with friends. Even Jeff Bezos has anchored his superyacht off the island, joining the ultra wealthy crowd that descends on St Barths during peak season.
Part of the island’s appeal lies in its collection of ultra luxury hotels and private villas. Eden Rock, perched dramatically on a rocky promontory overlooking St Jean Bay has long been a celebrity favourite while Cheval Blanc is known for its understated French elegance and exceptional privacy.
 
Then there’s the beach scene. St Barths is home to some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful stretches of sand, including the iconic St Jean Beach and the more secluded Colombier Beach. By day, the island’s famous beach clubs host long, leisurely lunches where rose flows freely and DJs set the soundtrack as the afternoon drifts into sunset.
 
Of course the food and nightlife are equally legendary. The island blends French sophistication with Caribbean ease meaning world class restaurants, stylish bars and late night parties are never far away.

Cheval Blanc

Eden Rock.

Despite the star power, St Barths has managed to maintain an understated charm.

That balance of exclusivity, privacy and effortless glamour is exactly why celebrities continue to return year after year.

In a world full of luxury destinations, St Barths remains the gold standard: beautiful, discreet and undeniably glamourous.

 

Follow the footsteps of the world’s most famous jet-setters and discover St Barths with Luxx Collective

Get in touch today to start planning your trips

Poppy’s Pick of the Week

Heckfield Place for Mother’s Day

Hey, I’m Poppy one of Travel Seen’s Travel Designers and your Product and Sales Manager. I’m across the hotels we rate most, plus the stays our clients are booking right now, so each week I share one standout spot I’d book in a heartbeat.
 
If you want to treat Mum to something truly special this Mother’s Day, Heckfield Place is one of the most enchanting stays in the UK. Set within 400 acres of Hampshire countryside, this beautifully restored Georgian estate combines nature, wellness, art and unforgettable dining into one elegant getaway.

Why we love it

  • Beautiful, thoughtful design: Quiet lounges, striking art, fire‑lit corners and cosy bedrooms make every moment feel like a retreat.
  • Farm to table dining: Executive chef Skye Gyngell’s restaurants make the most of estate grown biodynamic produce, with menus that celebrate the seasons and feel effortlessly gourmet. 
  • Spa & wellness in nature: The Bothy by Wildsmith, hidden through a secret walled garden, is a beautifully calm wellness space with hydrotherapy, saunas, yoga, outdoor pools and soothing treatments.
  • Country wanderings: Wandering the gardens, lakes and wilder woodlands (you can even swim or row on the lakes!) adds an active, fresh air element to your stay. 
  • Little touches that matter: From wooden room keys to welcome herbal drinks and handmade snacks, the service and attention to detail feel personal and thoughtful.
    A stay here feels like a graceful blend of quiet luxury and restorative calm — an ideal Mother’s Day gift whether you’re visiting for the day or staying over.
    Stays start at £650.00 per night inclusive of breakfast for 2 people


"What’s truly impressive is how self-sustaining Heckfield Place is. The bountiful estate (which is certified organic) produces all manner of fruits and vegetables as well as all of the flowers used to adorn the hotel." – Forbes Travel Guide

 

If you want to treat Mum to something that feels genuinely special this Mother’s Day Heckfield Place is the one.

Poppy x

Get in touch today to start planning your trips

Female-owned hotels to bookmark for International Women’s Day

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International Women’s Day takes place every year on 8th March.

 

For Travel Seen, it’s a good moment to spotlight the women shaping hospitality, not just in the spotlight but behind the scenes as founders, owners, creative directors and operators building places with real personality.

 

This edit is not about ticking boxes. It’s about hotels with point of view, craft and confidence where the women behind them have left fingerprints on everything from the design to the service and the experience.

.

The Newt in Somerset
England

A modern British country estate done properly – gardens, wellness, food and design that feels elevated but never try hard. The Newt is owned by Koos Bekker and Karen Roos and the attention to detail is the point, not the price tag.


Why we love it: it’s one of the best UK stays for a reset that still feels indulgent, with a true sense of place and pace.

The Newt, Somerset, England

The Newt, Somerset, England

The Fife Arms
Braemar, Scotland

A Highlands hotel that feels like a cultural destination in its own right. It is owned by gallerists Iwan and Manuela Wirth and it leans into art, storytelling and atmosphere without losing its cosy soul.

Why we love it: it’s equal parts weekend escape and creative pilgrimage, especially if you like your luxury with depth.

The Fife Arms, Scotland

Ett Hem
Stockholm, Sweden

The definition of a “come in, stay awhile” hotel. Ett Hem is owned by Jeanette Mix and the whole concept is built around comfort, warmth and the kind of understated design that makes you exhale the second you arrive.


Why we love it: it’s boutique hospitality at its most intimate, ideal for a long weekend that feels like borrowing a beautiful home.

 

 

The Siam
Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok can feel fast and full on so a proper sanctuary matters. The Siam is led by Kamala Sukosol, a well known Thai businesswoman and philanthropist and the hotel balances glamour with calm in a way few city hotels manage.


Why we love it: it’s the sort of hotel that makes you slow down in a city that never does.

The Siam, Bangkok, Thailand

Al Moudira
Luxor, Egypt

Al Moudira began as the vision of founder Zeina Aboukheir who created a desert hideaway that feels theatrical, romantic and deeply rooted in place.


Why we love it: Luxor is iconic but this is how you do it with style, atmosphere and a sense of discovery.

Al Moudira, Luxor, Egypt

Eden Rock
St Barths

A classic that still feels current. Eden Rock is co-owned by Jane Spencer Matthews who is also an artist and the hotel carries that creative energy throughout.


Why we love it: when you want sunshine, ease and an iconically good hotel scene, this is the one.

Eden Rock, St Barths

Il Pellicano
Tuscany, Italy

Old school glamour done in a way that still feels relevant. The Pellicano Hotels story notes the hotels are nurtured under the direction of Marie-Louise Sciò which is exactly why the brand has such a consistent look and mood.


Why we love it: the Dolcevita energy is real, not performative.

Il Pellicano, Tuscany, Italy

Want us to plan one of these properly?

 

If you want to build a trip around any of the hotels above, we’ll handle the end-to-end: the right flight times, room category strategy, transfers, dining and the little details that make it feel effortless.

 

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

GET IN TOUCH

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The Canary Islands comeback: the best hotels for shoulder season sun

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If you’ve mentally filed the Canaries under “easy winter sun” and left it there, it’s time for a refresh.

 

The new Canaries are hotel-led. High level renovations, design energy and a food scene that’s moved way past the basics. For UK travellers, it’s the sweet spot between convenience and escapism, especially in shoulder season when the islands feel calmer and the days still deliver sun-on-skin.

 

One note worth saying out loud, tourism pressure is a real conversation across the islands so travelling thoughtfully matters. Choose hotels that invest locally, eat in independent spots and respect the pace of place.

 

Shoulder season in the Canaries means you get the sunshine without the peak summer crush. It’s the kind of break that feels like a reset rather than a mission and the hotels really come into their own when you’re not competing for the best lounger.

The best Canary Islands
hotels right now

Tenerife: the polished, easy-luxe choice

 

1) Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort, Costa Adeje
This is the Tenerife stay to book when you want warmth, calm and a hotel that feels properly elevated. Tivoli La Caleta reopened following an extensive renovation with refreshed rooms, multiple dining options and a spa led by the brand’s wellness credentials.
Jen’s stay: “Perfect location, you can walk out onto the beach, it’s beautifully designed and the service is excellent. Also great padel courts and near to the shops and restaurants at the Abama if you fancy it.”
Best for: a chic short haul reset, grown up pool days and an easy base for Costa Adeje

 

2) The Ritz-Carlton, Tenerife, Abama
Abama is a destination resort done with real confidence: dramatic setting, Atlantic views and a dining scene that pulls its weight including Michelin-star options on site.
Best for: big resort energy, food-led trips and couples who want everything under one beautiful roof

 

Tivoli La Caleta Resort, Tenerife

The Ritz-Carlton Abama, Tenerife

Gran Canaria
old school glamour that still hits

Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia, Maspalomas
Tucked into a palm oasis near the dunes, this is quiet luxury that feels timeless rather than try-hard. It’s also a Leading Hotels of the World property which says a lot about the standard.
Best for: classic luxury, slower days and that “return to the same bar twice” kind of stay

Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia, Gran Canaria

Lanzarote
design, culture and a cooler kind of Canary

Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote, Costa Teguise
An architectural icon with César Manrique ties, this is Lanzarote at its best: art, nature and a very distinct sense of place.
Best for: design lovers, wellness days and anyone who wants the hotel to feel rooted in the island

 

 

Paradisus Salinas, Lanzarote

La Palma
the quiet flex

Hotel Hacienda de Abajo, La Palma
La Palma is the under-the-radar choice and Hacienda de Abajo leans fully into heritage luxury. It’s calm, characterful and ideal if you want a slower island and a hotel with real atmosphere.
Best for: grown up escapes, something different and a proper switch-off pace

Hotel Hacienda de Abajo, La Palma

How we’d pick
the right island for you

  • You want polished resort ease: Tenerife

  • You want classic luxury and calm: Gran Canaria

  • You want design and culture: Lanzarote

  • You want quiet, slower and different: La Palma

Want us to build your Canary Islands escape?

 

 

Send us your ideal dates, your vibe (pool, beach, wellness, food, exploring) and whether you want adults-only or family-friendly and we’ll match you to the right island and the right hotel, then sort flights and transfers around the best timings.

 

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

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Year of the Horse: 6 hotels where the horses are the main event

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If you want a trip that feels genuinely different this year make horses the centrepiece. With the Year of the Fire Horse beginning on the 17th February 2026 it’s a neat excuse to swap pool-side lounging for early mornings at the stables golden-hour rides and that specific calm you only get when you’re around horses.

 

Here are six hotels and lodges where the equestrian side isn’t an add-on. It’s the point.

Malhadinha Nova
Alentejo, Portugal

For: wine-country luxury with riding woven in


Alentejo is all open horizons sun-baked roads and slow luxury and Malhadinha Nova fits it perfectly. This is a working estate where you can pair tasting menus and vineyard time with stable visits and guided riding. Their equestrian experiences include escorted rides across the property and themed horse-focused stays so it’s easy to build a proper horse-first long weekend.

 

Do it for: a short break with big-reset energy


Travel Seen tip: add Lisbon either side for two nights each way and keep the middle purely Alentejo

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

Herdade da Malhadinha Nova

NIHI Sumba
Indonesia

For: the ‘I can’t believe this is real’ ocean ride


NIHI’s equine experiences are iconic for a reason. The headline is swimming with horses where you ride bareback into the shallows and the Indian Ocean becomes part of the ride. It’s one of those pinch-me moments that turns into your favourite holiday story forever.

 

Do it for: a once-in-a-lifetime equestrian experience with serious bragging rights
Travel Seen tip: we’ll plan it around tides and your riding confidence so it feels effortless

NIHI Sumba, Indonesia

The Resort at Paws Up
Montana, USA

For: a luxury ranch stay that still feels wild


If your version of luxury includes space silence and a proper Western rhythm Paws Up nails it. Their horseback programme takes you through big-sky landscapes with trails across meadows and forest with the kind of views you expect from a film not a real holiday.

Do it for: a grown-up ranch fantasy with five-star comfort


Travel Seen tip: combine with Yellowstone or a city stop like Seattle depending on flight routes

 

 

Casa de Campo
Dominican Republic

For: polo energy with resort ease


Casa de Campo is a brilliant option if you want equestrian and a full resort set-up. Their polo facilities are world-class with multiple fields and structured experiences for guests so you can watch play learn or go all-in with a polo-led stay without sacrificing beach time.

 

Do it for: sunshine plus polo plus the easiest overall holiday logistics


Travel Seen tip: we’ll steer you towards the right villa zone based on whether you want quiet or social

Casa de Campo, Dominican Replublic

Reschio
Umbria, Italy

For: design people who also love horses
Reschio is one of those rare places where every detail feels considered and horses are part of the estate’s DNA. They have a dedicated stables programme with instruction for different levels and the estate openly talks about horses as central to the Reschio story.

 

Do it for: a deeply aesthetic Italian escape with proper riding baked in


Travel Seen tip: pair with Florence for two nights then retreat into Umbria for slow days and saddle time

Reschio, Umbria, Italy

Lewa Wilderness
Laikipia, Kenya

For: the dream of a safari on horseback


Lewa offers horseback safari experiences where you move through the landscape without the noise of a vehicle and see wildlife in a way that feels incredibly intimate. They also note their horses are used to carrying novice riders and tailor rides to ability which makes this one more accessible than most people assume.

 

Do it for: a truly different safari story


Travel Seen tip: we’ll route this with a classic vehicle-based safari extension if you want the full Big Five balance

Lewa Wilderness, Kenya

Want us to build your horse first itinerary?

 

Tell us your ideal vibe (wine country beach ranch Italy or safari) your dates and your riding level and we’ll design the best-flow trip around it with the right rooms the right guides and the right pace.

 

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

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Club Avandra x Travel Seen: Marrakesh with Jo Elvin, the city not everyone sees

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If you love travel that comes with instant access, the kind that usually sits behind a velvet rope, Club Avandra is built for you. It is a members club that curates small female group trips led by brilliant hosts, with elevated itineraries, standout stays and the sort of experiences that make a destination feel freshly unlocked.

 

Travel Seen is the travel partner for all Club Avandra trips which means we support the journey end to end, from the logistics that make everything run smoothly to the detail that turns a great itinerary into a genuinely seamless experience. Think expert planning, trusted operators on the ground and a travel team that knows how to make the whole thing feel effortless.

 

Today’s spotlight is a trip that captures exactly what Club Avandra does best: Marrakesh through the lens of Jo Elvin.

‘Souk up’
Marrakesh style with Jo Elvin

This is Marrakesh at its most polished, private and properly fun. Hosted by Jo Elvin, one of the UK’s best known names in fashion magazines, the trip is designed for members who want culture, shopping and storytelling, without the stress of figuring it all out as you go.

 

Based at an exclusive-use retreat just outside the city in Tameslouht, you will dip into the vibrant whirl of Marrakesh by day then return to calm, space and privacy at night.

Jo’s take is the thread that ties it all together: fashion, beauty, lifestyle and the little details that make a city feel like your kind of place.

The Levantine

La Mamounia

Your host,
Jo Elvin

Jo Elvin is one of the UK’s best-known journalists. As editor of Glamour magazine for 17 years, she helped define a generation of modern magazine culture, then went on to lead You magazine and bring her expert take on fashion, beauty and lifestyle to thousands of women every week.

Now she is a familiar face on TV, notably as fashion consultant for Lorraine, and writes for major titles as well as her Substack ‘My Goodness’. If you have ever smiled at the hashtag #clothesmyhusbandhates, you already know the Jo Elvin lens.

 

And that lens is exactly why this trip concept works so well. It is not just where you go, it is the perspective you travel with.

Jo Elvin

Jo on why a little solo travel
can be the secret ingredient

Jo shared this brilliant thought on marriage, independence and the joy of doing something just for you, from time to time:

 

“My husband, Ross and I both love dogs, wine, our daughter, even each other. We love spending time with friends who make us laugh. We both love horror films, the darker the better. And we prefer staying in to going out. But we do have our differences. He loves video games and films featuring a lot of explosions – and usually starring Jason Statham – both of which leave me unmoved. He does not share my love of west end musicals or Kpop concerts. ‘Take a gay,’ he will beg, if I ever buy tickets to either.  
 
I like this about us. I don’t think you can last 30+ years in a marriage without letting the other’s personality breathe and flex. We both laugh a lot at the very dark joke comedian Chris Rock tells, about couples who know each other so completely that one of them needs to get themselves kidnapped, ‘so you’ve got something new to talk about.’   

 

I have a slightly less extreme suggestion: A little solo holiday, from time to time. Ross would rather peel his own skin off than join me on an exercise break in Spain, or a wellness reset in the Austrian Alps. So instead of dragging him to his idea of hell, or denying myself my heaven, I go on my own. As younger marrieds, I think we really did believe that it was like… the law, that couples must do all things together. But as wiser old beans, we realise that a successful marriage actually thrives on these mini breaks from each other.”

 

 

The destination:
the city not everyone sees

Marrakesh can be full-on in the best way, colours, chaos, craft, scent and sound everywhere you look. This trip keeps the magic and removes the friction, with private access and curated experiences that cut straight to the good stuff.

 

From the medina to the most stylish restaurants and hotels, the itinerary is built around elevated moments, not box ticking. Every day starts from a serene base and unfolds with the confidence of having the right people guiding you.

The Levantine

Your stay
The Levantine

The Levantine is a tranquil 12-bedroom retreat just outside Marrakesh, beautifully renovated by local artisans to combine historic architecture with modern luxury. For this trip it is exclusive-use, meaning maximum privacy, space and the kind of relaxed rhythm that makes group travel feel genuinely enjoyable.

 

Rooftop terrace, pool, spa treatments if you fancy and an evening firepit drink moment that feels like the perfect counterbalance to the medina energy.

 

A taste of the itinerary

 

Arrival day highlights include:

  • VIP welcome and fast-track airport experience

  • Private transfers by luxury sedan

  • Champagne reception and welcome gifts

  • A curated tasting menu dinner at La Mamounia or Royal Mansour, with an art professor joining for extra colour and context

 

What’s included

 

Included:

  • Club Avandra host

  • Tour leader

  • VIP welcome and fast-track airport experience

  • Private transfers to and from Marrakesh airport

  • All breakfasts, lunches, drinks and dinners as specified

  • Welcome gifts

  • Tasting menu at La Mamounia or Royal Mansour with an art professor

  • Private guided tour of the Medina

  • Private viewing of Riad Kniza’s art collection and BCK Art Gallery

  • Guided tour of Majorelle Gardens

  • Private visit to the YSL Museum

  • Private workshop at the Perfume Museum

  • Full day excursion to the High Atlas Mountains

 

Not included:

  • Return international flights

  • Yoga and spa at The Levantine

  • Any meals and drinks not specified

  • Gratuities

  • Travel insurance

  • Shopping

Why Travel Seen partners with Club Avandra

 

These trips are about access and ease. Our role as travel partner is to make sure the experience feels smooth from the first decision to the final day, with the right support behind the scenes and the confidence that every moving part has been considered properly.

 

If Marrakesh with Jo Elvin sounds like your kind of few days, we can talk you through availability, rooming options and the finer details so you can decide quickly and book with confidence.

 

Ready to join this trip or want the next Club Avandra departure list?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

GET IN TOUCH

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How to plan Japan: hotels, routes and the details that matter

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A hotel-led guide to planning Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hakone with Travel Seen.

 

If you’ve been saving Japan content for months and still haven’t booked, you’re not behind. Japan is one of those trips where the small choices change everything. Where you stay, where you base yourself in each city and how you pace the travel days are the difference between “best trip ever” and “why am I exhausted”.

 

Most people book Japan by starting with flights and then patching the rest together. We do it the other way round. We start with the stays, build the route around them and handle the behind the scenes details that make everything feel smooth.

 

This blog is for UK travellers who want Japan done properly and want a travel partner they can keep coming back to for everything from a quick London weekend to a full, multi stop adventure.

Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, Kyoto, Japan

Why Japan rewards planning

Most people think Japan is difficult. It isn’t. It’s just precise.

 

  • Cities are big and neighbourhood choice matters

  • The “best” hotels online are not always the best for you

  • Ryokans and standout rooms can book out early

  • Timing (season and local holidays) changes crowds, prices and availability

  • Moving too fast turns a dream trip into a blur

 

A good Japan itinerary doesn’t feel like ticking boxes. It feels like it flows.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kyoto, Japan

Snow Monkeys of Japan

How most people book Japan
vs how we plan it

Most people start with flights

We start with the hotels. Because the right base makes Tokyo feel effortless and sets the tone for the whole trip.

 

Most people choose hotels by ratings and photos

We shortlist based on what you actually care about: location, room types, service, sleep quality and what’s worth paying for.

 

Most people book through third party sites for speed

We book directly with hotels. That matters when hotels are busy and it puts you in a stronger position if anything shifts.

Most people accept the room they clicked

We guide you on room categories and we request the better options, upgrades and added touches where available.

 

Most people cram too much in

We pace the trip properly, build in breathing space and make travel days make sense.

 

Most people only realise what they missed once they’re there

We handle the details before you arrive and we’re on hand while you travel if anything changes.

 

Hotel The Mitsui, Kyoto, Japan

Best Hotels
in Toyko, Kyoto, Osaka & Hakone

Best hotels in Tokyo

These are strong luxury picks depending on the kind of Tokyo you want, whether that’s design-led calm or full, polished city energy.

  • Aman Tokyo – serene, design-led, feels like a reset in the sky

  • Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi – immaculate service and skyline views

  • Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo – brilliant for food, grown up luxury

  • The Peninsula Tokyo – classic, polished, very reliable

  • HOSHINOYA Tokyo – ryokan style calm right in the city

 

Best hotels in Kyoto

Kyoto is where you slow down. It’s temples, gardens, beautiful mornings and nights that feel quiet in the best way.

  • Aman Kyoto – forest escape energy, ultra serene

  • Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto – calm base with space to breathe

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto – refined and riverside

  • HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO – spa-led, quietly luxe

  • Sowaka – intimate, characterful, very Kyoto

 

Best hotels in Osaka

Osaka is brilliant for food, nightlife and a slightly faster pace. It’s also a smart base for day trips.

  • Conrad Osaka – modern luxury with big views

  • InterContinental Osaka – central, polished, easy

  • The St. Regis Osaka – classic five star feel

  • W Osaka – fashion-forward and fun

  • Four Seasons Hotel Osaka – new-school luxury

 

Best hotels in Hakone

Hakone is the onsen reset. One night can change the whole rhythm of a Japan trip, especially between city stops.

  • Gora Kadan – iconic ryokan, special occasion level

  • Hakone Ginyu – private onsen views and calm

  • Yama no Chaya – traditional and romantic

  • Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu – open air baths, easy luxe

  • Hakone Suishoen – quiet, restorative, elevated

Aman, Toyko, Japan

Gora Kadan, Hakone, Japan

Conrad, Osaka, Japan

What you get when you book
Japan with Travel Seen

You’re not just paying for an itinerary. You’re paying for a better outcome.

  • Hotel-first planning that matches your pace

  • Guidance on where to stay within each city, not just which city

  • Direct hotel bookings and stronger reservation handling

  • Room category advice so you don’t accidentally book the “fine on paper” option

  • Requests for added touches and upgrades where available

  • Someone on hand while you travel to keep things running smoothly

 

If you’re a UK traveller looking for a go-to travel agent you can trust, that’s the point. We want to be the name you recommend, the one you message first and the one your friends thank you for introducing them to.

 

Paying for Japan without doing it all upfront

 

This is a big one for UK travellers. When you DIY book, it can feel like everything is paid in one hit.

 

When we build a trip, we can often structure payments in stages depending on what’s being booked and supplier terms.

 

It makes committing to a bigger trip feel more manageable and it’s one of the practical differences people don’t expect from working with a travel agent.

Aman, Kyoto, Japan

FAQs

What is the best way to plan a trip to Japan?
Start with the stays and build the route around them. Neighbourhood choice, pace and one onsen or ryokan night make the biggest difference.

 

Is it better to book Japan through a travel agent?
If you want a smoother trip, better hotel guidance and someone to handle changes, yes. Japan is easy to book but harder to get right.

 

How many nights do I need in Tokyo and Kyoto?
For a first trip, four nights in Tokyo and four in Kyoto is a strong starting point, then add one night in Hakone if you want an onsen reset.

 

Do travel agents get hotel perks and upgrades?
Sometimes, yes. It depends on the hotel, dates and availability. The advantage is knowing what to ask for and having the relationship to request it properly.

Ready to plan Japan?

If Japan is on your list, send us: your dates or a window, your budget range and the vibe you want (Tokyo energy, Kyoto calm, ryokan reset, food-first, design-led stays) and we’ll build the trip around the stays.

 

Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912 share a rough budget and a few preferences then let us curate a 2026 trip that feels right for you.

GET IN TOUCH

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The Honeymoon Edit

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Honeymoon planning gets loud fast. Too many opinions, too many tabs, too much pressure to make it “perfect”.

 

Here’s the approach that keeps it exciting: pick the stay first then build the trip around the feeling.

When the hotel is right, the itinerary basically writes itself. The flight route makes sense, the pace works and every day has a bit of magic baked in without you having to force it.

 

Below is a destination edit designed for couples who care about the stay, the atmosphere and the details that make it feel effortless.

Maldives

Step one
choose the honeymoon vibe

Before you choose a destination, choose the energy.

 

1) Full switch-off beach
Private villas, slow mornings, dinner as an event, minimal moving around

2) City + beach
A few days of buzz, shopping and great restaurants then straight into beach decompression

3) Adventure with a chic base
Safari, mountains or nature led experiences but with proper design and comfort

4) Food, wine and slow days
Mediterranean pace, boutique stays and destinations that reward lingering

The best honeymoon destinations
with hotel suggestions

1) The Maldives

Best for: pure romance, privacy and a once in a lifetime stay. If you want the honeymoon to feel like a film set, the Maldives is still the blueprint. Overwater villas, unreal colour, calm seas and the simplest daily rhythm: swim, nap, dinner, repeat.

 

Where to stay

  • Cheval Blanc Randheli – high glamour, immaculate service and one of the strongest luxury propositions in the Maldives

  • Soneva Jani – iconic overwater living with that playful, barefoot Soneva style

  • Gili Lankanfushi – castaway romance, big decks and a more intimate feel

  • JOALI Maldives – art immersive villas and polished island energy

  • JOALI BEING – if you want the honeymoon to double as a true reset, this is the wellness leaning choice

 

Planning note: December to April is the classic dry season window while May to November can still be brilliant with better value if you are flexible

Soneva Jani, Maldives

November
book for heat and escapism

2) Mauritius

Best for: honeymooners who want beach time plus variety
Mauritius gives you the romance but with more to do. Think lagoon swims, great food, nature days, rum tastings, golf and a bit of exploring, all without losing the honeymoon softness.

Where to stay

  • One&Only Le Saint Géran – a true icon on Belle Mare, recently refreshed and still one of the island’s most loved luxury stays

  • Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita – private pool villas, lagoon views and that Four Seasons ease

  • LUX Grand Baie* – modern, design forward and great if you want a more contemporary feel

Pair it with: a short stopover in Dubai on the way out or back if you want a two part honeymoon without adding complexity.

3) Japan + Maldives

Best for: couples who want culture first then full switch-off
This is the honeymoon for people who want memories that feel earned. Tokyo for the buzz, Kyoto for beauty and calm then Maldives for the soft landing.

 

Where to stay in Tokyo

Aman Tokyo – a serene, design-led sanctuary in the sky with a spa that feels properly restorative.
Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi – modern luxury with standout views over the Imperial Palace gardens.
Four Seasons Tokyo at Marunouchi – smaller and more intimate, ideal if you like boutique energy with five-star service and a brilliant location for day trips.
The Okura Tokyo – an icon with timeless Japanese elegance, calm service and a very grown-up feel.
Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo – skyline views, excellent dining and a sleek, classic Tokyo honeymoon vibe.
Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo – glossy fashion-house luxury with a high-drama, ‘new Tokyo’ feel.

 

Where to stay in Kyoto

Aman Kyoto – forested, serene and quietly spectacular. One of the most special stays in Japan full stop.
Park Hyatt Kyoto – the romantic choice for that iconic Kyoto atmosphere, right in the historic Higashiyama area.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto – riverside calm, impeccable service and a classic luxury base for exploring.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto – a garden-led oasis that feels like a retreat, while still being well placed for sightseeing.
Six Senses Kyoto – design and wellness leaning, ideal if you want the Japan leg to include a reset element.

Then finish in the Maldives
Choose a resort that matches your vibe: ultra luxe, barefoot, wellness or design first

Ideal timing: 12 to 14 nights total so Japan does not feel rushed.

One&Only, Le Saint Géran

Bvlgari Hotel, Toyko

Aman, Kyoto

December
festive cinema or winter sun

4) Italy for a sexy summer honeymoon

Best for: food, style and that golden hour feeling
Italy works best when you keep it simple: one hero destination plus one slower second stop.

 

Amalfi Coast

Where to stay

  • Il San Pietro di Positano – iconic cliffside romance

  • Palazzo Avino, Ravello – polished, pink and perfect for slow days

  • Borgo Santandrea – private beach access and a very chic villa by the sea mood

 

Sicily

Sicily is ideal for honeymooners who want the romance but with a bit more space and texture.

Where to stay

  • San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel – the ultimate Taormina address with serious wow factor

  • Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel, Taormina – classic glamour and theatre level views

A clean 10 night plan: 4 nights Amalfi then 6 nights Sicily.

San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel

Want your 2026
travel year mapped out?

5) Safari + island

Best for: couples who want adventure and romance in one trip
This is the “tell everyone about it for years” honeymoon. Safari mornings, sundowners, big skies then straight into beach days.

 

Safari base: Sabi Sands or Greater Kruger
You want a private reserve experience for the best sightings and the most special guiding. Sabi Sands is one of the strongest areas for that classic luxury safari setup

 

Then island finish
Mauritius is the easy win for a smooth flight route and an effortless beach ending

How our honeymoon planning service works

 

If you want the honeymoon to feel easy from the first step, we plan it like this:

  • A hotel shortlist matched to your style, not just what’s popular

  • Routing and timings so you do not lose days to awkward connections

  • Room guidance so you book the category that actually changes the experience

  • The details: transfers, tables, little surprises and the smooth bits that make it feel premium

 

If you want us to build your first edit, send: date window, budget guidance and three words for the vibe and we’ll come back with options.

GET IN TOUCH

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