Luxury City Breaks

Hong Kong is an exciting destination and would highly recommend it to be included in any trip to South East Asia whether it is for a city break or part of an extended trip to Bali, Malaysia or Thailand.
 
Much can be packed into this lively city and getting around is simple through a network of buses, the underground, trams and my favourite the Star Ferry operating between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island with journey's taking around 30 minutes.
 
A must on anyone’s itinerary is taking in the peak tram to Victoria Peak for the most spectacular views of Hong Kong at day or night. At the peak there are a number of shopping and dining opportunities, book a table at Cafe Deco in advance for amazing views of the skyline.
 
Whilst visiting Hong Kong a trip to Stanley market is a great way to see Hong Kong Island beaches and other attractions including Aberdeen Fishing Harbour. On most nights in Hong Kong there is a spectacular laser show called the symphony of lights, best viewing is on Kowloon side, try and take this in on one of your nights out. If you like shopping, Hong Kong will fulfil all your requirements with fantastic shopping malls and wonderful night markets.

Don't miss out on a few days in Bangkok on your Thailand holiday. This vibrant city offers culture, history and fabulous cuisine. While the guys become masters of boxing on a Muay Thai boxing training day, girls can shop till they drop and still not have visited half of the city's stores - it truly is a shopaholic's paradise. A few days in Bangkok can be added to any Thailand beach escape.

Home to some of the most exclusive hotels and shopping outlets, Dubai continues to grow larger and more adventurous than ever.

During the day we explored some of the historic sites, caught up on some much deserved sun bathing, jewellery shopping and during the evening tucked in to some very indulgent grub at the very accommodating The Palace in the Old Town.

For the more serious shop-a-holic there are a variety of shops to choose from, including Zara, Harvey Nichols, H&M and many luxury brands that you would find at any international city but with one key benefit, they’re all tax free.

New York is a remarkable city, there is nowhere else like quite like it, full of character and in my opinion, it’s a must-see city that should be on everyone’s to do list. Whether you love to shop, sightsee or just fancy a few days escapism in a city that never sleeps, New York doesn’t fail to deliver!

The Statue of Liberty is undergoing renovations, so for the best view, take the free Staten Island ferry from Battery Park at the southern tip of Manhattan, and you’ll get great photo opportunities and a good view of the statue! Avoid the long queues at the empire state building, and try the Chrysler building instead, no queues, and a much better view which has less obstructions. A rowboat is  a lovely way to spend an afternoon in beautiful Central Park, and you simply cannot walk around it without thinking of numerous movies you’ve seen, New York is literally  a living, breathing film set. Be brave and cross the bridge into Brooklyn, it’s a lovely walk and Brooklyn is now an exclusive area to live. There are some of the famous Brownstones to see, and it has a very bohemian and village-like atmosphere.

For shopping, designer and luxury goods can all be found on and around 5th Avenue, which runs from Central Park southwards, and for more unusual gift and bargain hunting, Chinatown is excellent. Canal Street is the best place to start, walking east. o trip to New York would be complete without a visit to Bloomingdales or Macy's.

The meatpacking district and Chelsea are the places so see and be seen, with some of New York’s finest Michelin star restaurants, cosy bars and boutiques, and great café’s perfect for people watching. Also, try sipping a cocktail at the Skybar – located at Marriott on 42nd street –  New York’s only revolving Restaurant.

Abu Dhabi isn’t as overwhelming, size-wise, as its fellow Emirate, Dubai but has its own charming quality. 

There’s an excellent variety of luxurious hotels, designer golf courses, huge shopping malls and many small indigenous souqs.

For a dose of culture, visit some of the magnificent domed shaped mosques and then take a short boat ride to nearby islands Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.

Cuba is a spectacular country, with beautiful and very warm loving people. Travel here not only requires a passport, money and a good rucksack; it also requires flexibility, creativity, good humour, patience and a healthy sense of adventure. Cuba remains an easy country to travel to and within and since Raúl Castro took office in February 2008, he has allowed Cubans access to cell phones and entry into tourist hotels, meaning interaction with the locals is now simpler and often surprisingly candid.