relax
Best time to go: Between May and September
Sorrento, Positano, Capri, Praiano and Ravello - all names that conjure up the majesty of the spectacular Amalfi coast. Stretching along the Mediterranean Sea from Sorrento to Positano, the Amalfi coast is one of the most famous yet hard-to-reach seaside destinations in Italy.
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Best time to go: June to August
The arena in Verona is certainly the most dramatic and one of the most famous places in the world to enjoy a night at the Opera. Situated in Piazza Bra the amphitheatre was built in the 1st century AD by Claudius and its elliptical shape produces perfect acoustics from every point in the arena.
Best time to go: All year round
Cancun a coastal paradise? Hmm... not our initial reaction either, but step away from the glaring lights and you'll find an island gem of true western Caribbean calibre.
Best time to go: December - May
You can almost feel the buzz in the air - the word on Panama is getting out and the excitement is building. Now is the perfect time to visit this relatively understated country, with so many different facets and things to experience. This trip to Panama in particular is perfect for those in search of a desert island experience with plenty of luxury mixed in (pretty much everyone then).
Best time to go: All year round
It might seem unlikely that what was once a tiny fishing village is now one of our favourite South American seaside destinations, but once you set foot in Búzios you'll get it. With over 20 secluded beaches to choose from plus the opportunity to pump up the adrenalin with a range of water sports and some first-class nightlife, this is no run-of-the-mill resort town.
Best time to go: April - January
Ever set foot in a place so ruggedly beautiful and remote that you feel as if you've stumbled across a new part of the world? Sounds almost too special to be true, right?
Best time to go: All year round
High in the mountains near the Shuigan section of The Great Wall lies one of the most incredible collections of hotel architecture in the world. Here in the Chinese countryside the creative design of twelve architects has worked its magic to create The Commune, a tantalising blend of Asian tradition and modern style.
Best time to go: November - June
Time to escape the urban jungle? Why not head to a real one: Nicaragua. Central America's tropical Eden is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for those after a relaxing, get-away-from-it-all, tropical break. We particularly love Morgan's Rock, a beach eco lodge tucked away in lush rainforest just three hours from the capital Managua.
Best time to go: September - April
Feel like escaping to a beach resort so remote that you have to paraglide in to it? How about sleeping in a luxury villa with your own private butler, wine cellar and infinity pool? If this sounds like your cup of hibiscus tea then Oman is the place for you.
Best time to go: November - August
If you're the kind of person who's always looking for the next 'in the know' escape, head to Mal Pais, a picturesque surfing village tucked away on the edge of the rainforest in Costa Rica. Situated right at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula on the west coast of the country, Mal Pais is a wannabe Robinson Crusoe's dream.
Best time to go: April to October
White-washed villages, honeysuckle-swathed paths and a phenomenal natural fireworks display: Sicily is our sizzling-hot secret. Set to become 2009's "insider's alternative" for a dose of barefoot island glamour, these stylish, rustic islands have an innocence about them which we can't get enough of.
Best time to go: June - March
Start off with a vast and fascinating landscape that takes the phrase 'wide open spaces' to another level; scatter in a generous helping of the Big Five; add a private guide and driver; and sift out all those other people who might disturb your viewing (or worse, block your view). This is safari as it should be done!
Best time to go: Throughout the year
Luxury European Barge Cruising. Experience France's tranquil canals and rivers aboard one of our five magnificent péniche-hôtel barges and cruise past châteaux, fields and forests in style.
Best time to go: Throughout the year
A 6-night tour aboard The Napoléon barge and an unmissable opportunity for the wine connoisseur to taste the 33 Grand Crus of Burgundy, including Bonne Mares, Montrachet and Romanée Conti.
Best time to go: Throughout the year
Our four-day Time+Space holidays are hosted from ‘Ses Vistes’, a spacious and luxurious villa overlooking the house occupied by Dalí in Port Lligat, on the stunning Cap De Creus peninsula. Here, contemporary artists, Dalí experts, and Michelin starred chef Paco Pérez will guide you through the exceptional cultural and culinary heritage of Catalonia.
Best time to go: October to May
Experiencing the heart and soul of a place is what travel should be about. Whether you are living like a local or sunbathing on pristine beaches, you only really 'get' a place when you uncover its spirit; that extra bit is what makes a trip unmatchable. The beauty of Cuba is that it lets you do just that.
Best time to go: All year round
John spent his previous years managing some of the world's greatest rock bands and pop acts, from The Strokes to the Kings of Leon, which means he knows just a thing or two about what it means to offer exceptional and incredible quality service (it also means he knows how to handle challenging projects given the rider of some of his previous clients).
Best time to go: All year round
Brazil's northeast Bahian coast is all vast white sand beaches fringed with green tropical forests and sapphire blue waters. Not a bad start. And then there's the year-round warm climate - another plus. Not to mention the festive Latin spirit, which infuses the region's coastal towns with a contagious vibrancy. Finally there's the world-class surfing. Yeah, we'd say this place is pretty close to perfect.
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