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The Royal Pita Maha - Ubud, Bali
Everything about this hotel I love! It's build into the side of a hill overlooking the Ayung River in the picturesque cultural capital of Ubud. It really is like something out of Tomb Raider; ornate carvings, large doors, Balinese statues, incense burning everywhere and it feels like you are in the middle of the jungle. The Balinese people are so welcoming and couldn't do enough for you.
My room was a private pool villa with absolutely breathtaking views! I arrived at night but will never forget that moment I pulled back the curtains.....WOW! I loved this hotel so much, you can see a short video of the hotel here.
Shangri-La Resort & Spa -Boracay, Philippines
From the moment you step off the plane, you are whisked by speedboat about 25 mins to the resort at the Northern end of Boracay from the hotel's own terminal at the airport. On approach, you definitely get the WOW factor! The hotel has it's own private beach and a choice of 5* restaurants all nestled within the resort or overlooking the crystal clear sea from higher up.
This hotel really feels exclusive and like paradise that can rival any resort somewhere like the Maldives. I flew directly from Manilla to Caticlan which is the small airport on the mainland by Boracay island. There is a larger airport an hour away called Kalibo where you can get to Boracay, the plus side you can have more luggage flying in to Kalibo, the downside with Caticlan is it's 10kg max so I had to pack carefully for my 5 days here!
Thornbury Castle - Gloucestershire, UK
If you fancy something a bit different then how about staying in this 16th Century castle on the edge of the Cotswolds in England, where Henry VIII once lived with his new bride, Anne Boleyn. Although, she was one of the wives who were beheaded, thankfully it wasn't here!
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I stayed in actual Henry VIII's bedroom! The room was huge, ornate, beautiful and historical all in one. The entrance was up a stone turret staircase with a huge wooden door and iron key, the size of a small handbag! Everywhere at Thornbury is steeped in history with coats of arms, stone walls and a driveway leading to the portcullis entrance. A night here isn't cheap but it's not often you get to say you stayed in a castle where British royalty lived.
Komandoo - Maldives
This place really is the perfect picture postcard. About a 45 minute sea plane journey from Male airport in the Lhavihani atoll, this small island is pure paradise. The house reef is one of the best in the Maldives!
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There are plenty of activities for watersports and the island is only a short boat ride from it's larger sister island, Kuredu where there is lots to do. If you like small, intimate resorts with the emphasis being on down time, then this is the resort for you.
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You can see more of Komandoo and Kuredu on my Vlog here.
One & Only Arabian Court - Dubai, UAE
As you would expect with a reputable chain in Dubai, this hotel did not disappoint. The hotel is split into 4 different areas, Arabian Court, The Palace, Residence and Beach garden villas. I stayed in the Arabian Court part of the hotel which was very Arabic in terms of it's architecture and influence which I loved, right through to the rooms which had Arabic feel throughout.
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The hotel has a very cool beach bar with sofas and beanbags and a DJ playing chilled beats, perfect for sunset cocktails. There is also a complimentary boat from the jetty that takes you to the sister hotel, One & Only The Palm. You need to get the boat around 6-7pm to see the amazing backdrop of the Marina area at sunset. It's like a mini Manhattan! The restaurant and bar, called 101, is perfect for evening cocktails, tapas or a la carte dining.
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