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, Florence
The views from the Loggia are magical, overlooking Florence and the Tuscan countryside. Following its extensive refurbishment, Villa San Michele remains one of Italy’s most romantic and memorable hotels for a special occasion.
CK says
Capella Taipei, Taiwan
Newly opened in 2025, Capella Taipei is the best luxury property in Taiwan. Small and intimate, yet offering every luxury amenity imaginable, including Champagne and fresh oysters at breakfast.
Matt says
Angama Mara, Kenya
With some of the best views in Africa and an unbelievable team that is passionate about celebrating special moments, Angama Mara is hard to beat for a truly special occasion.
Albee says
Iniala Harbour House, Malta
Not only are the views sensational, but ION Harbour, Malta’s only two-Michelin-starred restaurant, serves an incredible 13-course tasting menu. If you time it right, you can also watch fireworks over the harbour while dining!
What are the most underrated luxury destinations right now?
Hugo says
Panama, Montenegro & Mountains Escapes
Panama, Montenegro, and summer stays in the French Alps and Italian Dolomites all offer incredible experiences while remaining less crowded than many of Europe’s more established luxury destinations.
Amy says
The Cook Islands
For me, this holiday was the perfect mix of a laid-back island escape, incredible food wherever we went, and beautiful hotels run by locals. It was how I imagine Fiji used to be many years ago. I love Little Polynesian on Rarotonga for couples and Pacific Resort for families.
Sue says
The Galápagos
Anyone interested in wildlife needs to put the Galápagos on their wish list. The islands offer truly unique wildlife encounters alongside sensational beaches and spectacular scenery.
How far in advance should clients be booking luxury 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 increasingly drawn to boutique hotels in lesser-known, more natural destinations, seeking authentic experiences away from the crowds.
Natalie says
Big Dream Trips
Clients are proactively seeking travel to the places they’ve always dreamed of visiting, even if they’re outside their comfort zone. It takes a specialist to ensure these journeys run smoothly and live up to expectations.
For some, that might mean South Korea, China or Colombia. For others, it could be Antarctica, Rwanda or New Zealand. Clients are seeking perfection to ensure the dream lives up to reality – there is no “take two” when it comes to these once-in-a-lifetime trips.
Albee says
South Africa, Egypt and Japan
South Africa, Egypt and Japan continue to generate huge interest from luxury travellers, thanks to their unique blend of culture, history, wildlife and exceptional hospitality. Malta is also one to watch as an emerging luxury destination.
Hugo says
Luxury Cruises and the Rise of Padel
Luxury small-ship cruising continues to grow in popularity. Brands such as Aman, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Orient Express have all launched beautiful yachts, and there is plenty more to come.
“Have they got a padel court?” is increasingly one of the first questions guests ask. Hotels around the world are investing in padel courts to keep pace with growing demand from travellers who want to continue playing while on holiday.
What value do you bring as a Travel Designer?
CK says
Matching Clients to the Right Safari Lodge
For safari holidays, it’s about knowing which lodge is best suited to each travelling group. For example, Ximuwu Lodge is particularly well positioned to cater for wheelchair users, making it a much better fit for some travellers than other properties in the region.
Matt says
24/7 Support When It Matters Most
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
The Details That Make the Difference
From securing sought-after restaurant reservations and tee times for golfers to briefing a lodge or hotel in advance about the family and each guest’s preferences, it’s often the finer details that help create truly personalised experiences.
Albee says
Solving Problems Before They Become Problems
One example was when a client realised the day before their trip that their passport had expired.
Thanks to my relationships and experience, I was able to postpone the trip without any additional costs, turning what could have been a stressful situation into a straightforward solution.
Amy says
The Right Relationships and Recommendations
Through my industry relationships, I was able to secure last-minute availability at Passalacqua for a client celebrating her birthday weekend, thanks to a rare cancellation.
One of my greatest strengths is matching clients with the right property. I’ve received many messages from clients thanking me for guiding them towards a hotel that perfectly suited their preferences and travel style.
Information overload in the travel industry is very real. One of the biggest advantages of working with a Travel Designer is having someone who can quickly filter through the options and present only the most relevant recommendations.
What are your favourite destinations for families?
Sue says
Italy, the Galápagos, Mexico, the Maldives and Japan
These destinations offer something for every generation, whether that’s culture and food in Italy, wildlife encounters in the Galápagos, family-friendly resorts in Mexico, barefoot luxury in the Maldives or the unique blend of tradition and innovation found in Japan.
Wilma says
Kenya, Costa Rica, Greece and Japan
These are some of my favourite family destinations thanks to their combination of adventure, culture, wildlife and exceptional hospitality. Each offers experiences that can be tailored to suit children, parents and grandparents alike.
Hugo says
A Dream Year of Family Holidays
A ski chalet in Méribel over Christmas and New Year, Sugar Beach in Saint Lucia for February half term, The Mount Nelson in Cape Town over Easter, summer on the beach at Costa Navarino in Greece, and October half term at Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives – that would be a pretty fun year of family holidays!
What are your favourite luxury destinations for couples?
CK Says
Botswana, Tanzania and the Maldives
For couples, it’s hard to beat a safari in Botswana or Tanzania, followed by time in the Maldives. The combination of adventure, incredible wildlife and complete relaxation creates a truly unforgettable experience.
Wilma says
Romance by Rail, Sea and Safari
Depending on their interests and stage of life, I’d recommend anything from a safari or small-ship cruise to a luxury rail journey aboard Rovos Rail or the Orient Express. For younger honeymoon couples, the Seychelles, Madagascar and Mauritius are all wonderfully romantic options.
Albee says
South Africa and Malta
South Africa offers incredible diversity for couples, while properties such as Londolozi Private Granite Suites deliver a truly special safari experience. For something different, Casa Bonavita in Malta is a fantastic choice for a romantic escape.
Hugo says
European City Breaks
Nothing beats a long weekend city break for couples looking to discover somewhere new together. Paris, Rome, Stockholm, Barcelona, Lisbon and Florence all combine beautiful luxury hotels with rich culture, exceptional dining and plenty of opportunities to relax and explore.
What’s the most unforgettable trip you’ve ever been on?
Sue says
Extraordinary Adventures Around the World
Horse riding in the Andes, exploring the Uyuni Salt Flats, visiting the Galápagos multiple times, and experiencing Lençóis Maranhenses in Brazil all rank among my most unforgettable travel experiences – although there are many!
Matt says
Guyana’s Wild Frontier
Guyana was a rustic and intrepid exploration of one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. The combination of untouched wilderness, remarkable wildlife and genuine adventure made it a truly unforgettable experience.
Natalie says
Taking My Children on Their First Safari
There have been a few, but my most recent was particularly special because it had been so long in the making. I’ve been passionate about wildlife and Africa since my first safari to Botswana more than 25 years ago, and I’d always dreamed of sharing that experience with my children.
I knew I wanted to wait until they were six so they could truly appreciate a safari. When the time finally came, it was every bit as memorable as I’d hoped. We travelled through South Africa, from Cape Town to Plettenberg Bay, before flying to the Waterberg, where we stayed at Nelson Mandela’s former villa.
My children had studied Mandela at school, so staying there completely captivated them. The wonder in their eyes, the laughter we shared and the incredible wildlife encounters made it a trip I will never forget.
Amy says
Rwanda, Kenya and Peru
Staying at Singita Kwitonda in Rwanda and trekking to see the gorillas is, hands down, my favourite travel experience so far. We followed it with a safari in Kenya, making the whole trip unforgettable.
I also have to mention Peru, as it’s where my fiancé proposed in October 2025. Cruising the Galápagos on the same trip had everything I love about Africa, but in the water. Swimming alongside playful sea lion pups is something I’ll never forget.
Tell us about a unique or standout experience you organised for a client
CK says
Arriving in Milford Sound by Luxury Boat
Instead of spending hours on road transfers or a 45 minute helicopter flight from Rosewood Matakauri in Queenstown, I arranged for my clients to board a luxury boat directly in Milford Sound, creating a far more memorable and seamless experience.
Emily says
A Private Nile Journey Through History
I organised a private five-cabin Nile cruise aboard a 100-year-old vessel originally built for an Egyptian prince, complete with exclusive visits to archaeological dig sites led by renowned archaeologists.
Hugo says
A Special Return to the Golf Course
I had an elderly guest staying at Gleneagles who was no longer able to play golf, a game he had loved throughout his life.
To ensure he could still reconnect with the sport, I arranged for a local golf historian to take him on a private tour of the course and clubhouse, sharing stories about its rich history and traditions.
Exploring the course by golf buggy and experiencing it from a different perspective proved to be a real highlight of his stay.
What do people consistently get wrong about luxury travel?
Sue says
The Value of Expert Guidance
One of the biggest mistakes people make is not working with a Travel Designer when planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip!
Expert advice can make all the difference, ensuring every detail is tailored to your needs and expectations.
Matt says
Travel Designers Don’t Always Cost More
Many people assume that booking through a travel company will always be more expensive than booking directly, but that’s often not the case.
The value comes from our knowledge, support and industry relationships, which can enhance your experience and often unlock additional benefits that aren’t available elsewhere.
Hugo says
Luxury Is Personal
Many people assume that a higher price automatically means a more luxurious experience, but that’s not necessarily true.
Just because a hotel is expensive doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for every guest. Luxury means something different to everyone.
Working with a Travel Designer who takes the time to understand your preferences and requirements can not only save you money but also ensure you enjoy the most rewarding and personalised experience possible.
Tell us about a time something went wrong and how you fixed it
Emily says
Turning a Rooming Issue into an Upgrade
During a family holiday, a hotel informed me on the day of arrival that the confirmed room configuration was no longer available.
I immediately contacted senior management, secured an upgraded suite with connecting rooms, and arranged additional benefits as a goodwill gesture. I kept the clients updated throughout, ensuring they felt reassured at every stage.
In the end, they enjoyed an even better stay than originally planned and greatly appreciated the swift communication and proactive solution.
CK says
When the Seaplane Couldn’t Fly
A seaplane transfer in Sri Lanka was cancelled due to poor weather, so I quickly arranged a last-minute luxury vehicle transfer from Colombo to the Tea Trails estate in Hatton, ensuring my clients’ journey continued smoothly.
Matt says
Keeping a Namibian Adventure on Track
I once had a client miss their connection to Namibia due to a delayed flight. We managed to secure seats on the only other flight to the country that day, arriving at a remote airport instead.
To ensure their trip remained uninterrupted, we arranged for their rental 4x4s to be driven more than 500 kilometres across the desert to meet them, complete with a cooler box stocked with drinks. They were able to continue their adventure without missing a beat.
Amy says
Replanning an Italian Adventure at Short Notice
I recently had clients due to fly with Emirates to Italy for a three-month extended trip at the start of the conflict in the Middle East.
Knowing they would understandably be concerned, I proactively secured backup flights with Cathay Pacific before they even contacted me.
Thanks to my relationship with Emirates, I was able to secure a full refund quickly and rework their itinerary around the new flight arrangements, ensuring their trip went ahead with minimal disruption.
