We asked our Experts
At 360 Private Travel, our luxury Travel Designers are constantly exploring the world’s most exceptional hotels, destinations, and experiences. Drawing on first-hand insight, trusted industry relationships, and years of expertise, we asked our travel specialists to share their recommendations, perspectives, and insider knowledge to help inspire your next journey.
From thoughtfully curated hotel stays to destination advice and emerging travel trends, discover the places, experiences, and moments currently on our experts’ radar.
What’s your go-to hotel for a special occasion, and why?
Sue says
Villa San Michele in Florence
The views from the Loggia are magical. I can’t wait for her to re open after an extensive 18 month refurbishment at the end of April.
CK says
Capella Taipei
Newly opened in 2025., it’s the best luxury property in Taiwan. Small and cosy, yet with all the luxury amenities including Champagne and fresh oystersfor breakfast!
Matt says
Angama Mara in Kenya
The best views in Africa and an unbelievable team who are all about celebrating special moments
Albee says
Iniala Harbour House.
Not only are the views sensational, but their restaurant ION Harbour (Malta’s only two Michelin star restaurant) serves the most incredible 13 course tasting menu. If you plan it right, you can also watch the fireworks over the harbour whilst dining!
What are the most underrated luxury destinations right now?
Hugo says
Panama, Montenegro and Summers spent in the French Alps and Italian Dolomites
Amy says
The Cook Islands
For me this holiday was the perfect mix of a laid back island getaway with incredible food everywhere we went and beautiful hotels run by locals. It was how I imagine Fiji used to be many years ago. I love the Little Polynesian on Rarotonga for couples or the Pacific Resort for families.
Sue says
The Galapagos
Anyone that is interested in wildlife needs to put the Galapagos on their wish list. Unique wildlife experiences along with sensational beaches.
How far in advance should clients be booking travel, and why?
Natalie explains, “In an ideal world, as soon as the flight schedule becomes available (usually 11 months out), then you get the pick of the best available rooms and hotels and tickets or experiences. Last minute deals are a thing of the past, you can end up overpaying on airfares, which will eliminate any last-minute special offer a hotel is giving.”
What are the biggest trends you’re currently seeing?
Emily says
Off the beaten track destinations.
Clients are moving towards boutique hotels in lesser known, more natural destinations.
Natalie says
Big Dream Trips
Proactively seeking travel to the places they’ve have always dreamed of going, which might be outside of their comfort zone! It takes a specialist to really ensure that it goes smoothly and meets their dream. This might be South Korea, China or Colombia for some, for others it might be Antarctica, Rwanda or New Zealand. Clients are seeking perfection, to ensure the dream lives up to reality – there is no “take 2” on these big aspirational trips!
Albee says
South Africa, Egypt and Japan.
Malta is also one watch
Hugo says
Luxury Cruises
Aman, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Orient Express have all created beautiful yachts for small-boat cruising and there will be plenty more to come.
”Have they got a padel court?” – this is the question on most guests lips and most hotels are building padel courts to try keep up with the huge guest demand for court time whilst on holiday.
What value do you bring as a Travel Designer?
CK says
For safaris, knowing which lodge will suit your travelling group. For example: Ximuwu Lodge is best positioned to cater for wheelchair users.
Matt says
24/7 support – if you call me with a last minute request, or an issue while travelling, I’m always here to look after you.
Wilma says
Advanced restaurant reservations, reserving T-off times for golfers, briefing a lodge/hotel in advance on the family and what I know about each guest which is key to personalising experiences.
Albee says
Many! One being when a client realised the day before their trip that his passport had expired. I was able to postpone the trip without any additional costs.
Amy says
Through my relationships, I was able to secure last-minute availability for a client at Passalacqua over her upcoming birthday weekend thanks to a rare cancellation.
One of my greatest strengths comes from my ability to match clients to the right property. I’ve had many messages from clients thanking me for guiding them to choose the right property.
Information overwhelm is the travel space is real and our advantage comes in being able to filter this really quickly for clients.
What are your favourite destinations for families?
Sue says
Italy, Galapagos, Mexico , Maldives & Japan
Wilma says
Kenya, Costa Rica, Greece and Japan
Hugo says
Skiing chalet in Meribel over Christmas & New Year, Sugar Beach St Lucia for February Half Term, The Mount Nelson in Cape Town over Easter, Summer on the beach at Costa Navarino, Greece and October Half Term at Six Senses Laamu, Maldives – that would be a fun year of holidays!
What are your favourite luxury destinations for couples?
Botswana, Tanzania safaris. Maldives
Depending on their interests & age my thoughts would be: Safari, small vessel cruises, lluxury train journeys like Rovos Rail or Orient Express. For young honeymoon couples, The Seychelles or Madagascar / Mauritius.
South Africa – Londolozi Private Granite Suites or Casa Bonavita in Malta
Nothing beats a long weekend European City break for a couple looking to experience somewhere new together; Paris, Rome, Stockholm, Barcelona, Lisbon, Florence just to name a few – they all have beautiful luxury hotels ready to welcome guests for an enjoyable weekend of exploring. local culture, fine dining and relaxation.
What’s the most unforgettable trip you’ve ever been on?
Sue says
Horse riding in the Andes, Uyuni Salt flats, Galapagos multiple times, and Lencois Marahenses in Brazil to name a few – there are many!
Matt says
Guyana – a rustic, intrepid exploration of the country’s incredible and diverse ecosystems.
Natalie says
There have been a few, but my most recent was very special – particularly as it was a long time coming. I have been a keen wildlife and African enthusiast since my first ever safari to Botswana, some 25 years ago! I have wanted to take my children to experience this since they were born. I knew I needed to wait until they were 6, so we could really appreciate a safari. Finally the day arrived and it was momentous! We toured South Africa, from Cape Town to Plettenburg Bay and then flew up and stayed at Nelson Mandela’s former villa in the Waterberg area. They had both studied him at school and so this blew their minds! The wonder in their eyes, the fun and laughter and the incredible moments made it the trip of a lifetime!
Amy says
Rwanda- staying at Singita Kwitonda and trekking to see the gorillas is hands down my most favourite travel experience so far. We followed this with a safari in Kenya making the whole trip unforgettable!
I also have to mention Peru as this is where my fiance proposed in October 2025. Cruising the Galapagos on the same trip had all the things I loved about Africa but in the water. Swimming with playful sea lion pups is something I won’t forget. 
Tell us about a unique or standout experience you organised for a client
CK says
Instead of 3hr/way road transfers and 45 min helicopter transfers from Rosewood Matakauri, Queenstown, I organised for my clients to get straight onto a luxury boat in Milford Sound.
Emily says
A 5 cabin Nile cruise in a 100 year old vessel that was built for an Egyptian Prince with private dig site visits with famous archaeologists.
Hugo says
I had an elderly guest stay at Gleneagles and he was no longer able to play golf, a game he had loved his whole life.
I arranged for the local golf historian to take my guest on a private tour of the golf course and club house to show the amazing history and stunning facilities they have.
Driving the course in a golf buggy was a huge hit with my guest!
What do people consistently get wrong about luxury travel?
Sue says
Not using a Travel Designer with experience to help you plan a trip of a lifetime
Matt says
I think assuming that travel companies such as ourselves are always going to be more expensive than booking directly… that is not the case at all and you get such better “value” booking with us because of our knowledge, support and relationships.
Hugo says
That a high price = luxury and vice versa.
Just because a hotel is very expensive does not mean it is the right fit for the guest. ‘Luxury’ means something completely different to everyone.
Speaking to a Travel Designer who can help to understand your requirements and match you with the right hotel not only saves you money but also provides you with the most luxurious experience, tailored to you and your requirements.
Tell us about a time something went wrong and how you fixed it
Emily says
During a family holiday, a hotel informed me on arrival day that the confirmed room setup was no longer available.
I immediately contacted senior management, secured an upgraded suite with connecting rooms, and arranged extra benefits as goodwill. I kept the clients updated throughout, so they felt reassured.
In the end, they had an even better stay than planned and appreciated the swift and clear communication.
CK says
Seaplane cancelled due to inclement weather in Sri Lanka so organized last minute luxury van transfer from Colombo to Tea Trails estate in Hatton.
Matt says
I once had a client miss a connection to Namibia because of a delayed flight… we managed to get them on the only other flight to Namibia that day to a remote airport, and have their rental 4x4s driven 500kms across the desert to meet them with a cooler box full of drinks so they could continue their trip completely unhindered!
Amy says
I recently had clients scheduled to fly with Emirates to Italy for a three month extended trip. It was at the beginning of the Middle East War.
Before she had called me, knowing she would be understandably concerned, I had held backup flights with Cathay Pacific.
I was then able to get them a full refund much quicker thanks to my relationship with Emirates and rework their itinerary to fit the new dates and cities they were flying in and out of.
