A romantic safari in Botswana and Zambia

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On this 11 night luxury safari holiday look forward to marveling at the natural wonders of Botswana and Zambia, staying in some of our favourite tried and tested lodges where even sleeping and bathing is encouraged to be outside. You’ll start this intrepid safari on the banks of the Okavango Delta at the intimate Baines’ Camp where you’ll explore the waterways by moroko canoes and interact up-close with the local elephant population. We’ll then send you to one of the most luxurious spots on the Moremi Game Reserve home to majestic ‘Big Five’, and some of the best game viewing in Africa, where you’ll take to the skies in a helicopter. For an incredible finale you’ll cross the border into Zambia to view the thundering Victoria Falls, staying on your own private island on the Zambezi River.

Interact with elephants on Baines Camp

You’ll land in Maun and after a good night’s sleep fly to the Sanctuary Baines’ Camp airstrip. From here it’s a 50 minute boat transfer to your first luxury lodge. Spend your days relaxing by the pool and soaking up the sights at this romantic oasis on the delta. In the evenings enjoy sundown cocktails on the deck before setting off on night drives with a private guide. This is a thrilling opportunity to observe some of the more nocturnal animals that you might not get to see otherwise like leopards and African wild cats. You’ll have the chance to meet three orphaned elephants and walk with them through their natural habitats before enjoying a bush brunch in their company. Make the most of being at one with nature and sleep under the stars on your private deck in your Sky Bed, or for little surprise look forward to finding a sunken bathtub surrounded by candles out on your deck for a spot of star-gazing in the bath.

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Thailand: An Unforgettable Family Adventure

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On this carefully curated family adventure, we’ll take you exploring along Bangkok’s elaborate waterways, walking alongside gentle giants in the Golden Triangle, picnicking beside waterfalls and hilltribe villages in Chiang Mai, and kayaking across Phuket’s glistening blue lagoons and mangrove forests. Tempted? Let’s get started.

GLIDE, DASH, AND WANDER THROUGH MARKETS AND TEMPLES

Touching down in Bangkok – a sprawling metropolis of glittering skyscrapers, bustling night markets, and towering Buddhist temples – you’ll head straight to Capella Bangkok, your home for the next few days. An urban oasis with panoramic views of the majestic Chao Phraya River, its collection of contemporary suites and villas are framed by lush tropical gardens, creating a cocoon of tranquillity. The perfect balm after a long flight.

After resting up at the spa or simply soaking in the views, alongside a local guide you’ll make your way into the city at dusk to explore during the ‘magical hour’, where temples are illuminated and the sound of tuk-tuks and jazz tunes are the rhythm of the night. Between seeing the layered, beautifully ornate spires and giant dvarapala (gate guardian) statues of the Grand Palace and the colourful floral murals of the Buddhist temple, Wat Arun, you’ll discover Bangkok’s renowned Na Na neighbourhood. A stone’s throw away from Chinatown, here you’ll find neon lights and glowing lanterns, sizzling noodle stalls and bars with tucked-away gardens beneath the stars.

Over the following two days, you can choose how you and your family dig into the city. By chaotic yet thrilling tuk-tuk rides, from the elevated rapid Skytrain, on foot, or by colourfully striped longtail riverboat. Or all four. One of our favourite ways to explore? On water. Gliding along the Canals of Thonburi and other lesser-known waterways by riverboat, you’ll weave your way through the foundation of the city’s early development – a melting pot of Chinese, Portuguese, Muslim and European influences blended with Thai communities. Here, traditional stilted houses and the elaborate porticos of Wat Suwan temple line the banks of an intricate canal system.

Stepping out of your longtail boat (and off the beaten track), you’ll visit Baan Bu – a hand-hammered bronze bowl factory tucked away down narrow side streets dotted with Victorian-style lamp posts. After learning the secrets of this centuries-old craft, you’ll return to the water and quietly cruise towards your lunch spot for the day. A ‘rewilding Bangkok’ project, Poomjai Garden is a sustainable lush oasis amid the hustle and bustle of the city. Between lychee orchards, bamboo structures, and the historic Bangkhuntien canal, you’ll dine on authentic local dishes like sweet coconut dumplings wrapped in banana leaves. With a mission to preserve native trees, plants and herbs, you and your loved ones will experience the traditional garden culture of past generations and Poomjai Garden’s desire to protect it. Fresh, beautiful, delicious.

WALKING WITH THE GIANTS OF THE JUNGLE

Waving goodbye to the glittering skyscrapers of Thailand’s capital, we’ll take you to the hills and mountains of its northernmost province – Chiang Rai. At the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, lies Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort . Throughout the hotel, wooden carvings and artwork reflect that of a Lanna palace, which seems only fitting as it is perched at the gateway to Indochina. Behind the dramatic column-lined entrance, you’ll find a traditional spa, an infinity pool, squash and tennis courts, a fitness centre, and a Thai cooking school. It’s safe to say, there’s something for the whole club. And here, everyone can do as much (or as little) as they like.

Over the next two days, you’ll spend your time making the most of the resort’s facilities and activities. Of those, we’d highly recommend walking with elephants. As you amble alongside these gentle giants, you’ll watch as they snack on branches, wander at their own pace through the jungle, socialise with each other, and bathe themselves in the river. Working alongside local charities and veterinarians, Anantara aims to educate and promote elephant welfare with their offer of sponsorships and learning-based experiences. And you can get involved. For the rescued elephants, it’s life changing. For your family, it’s a memory that’ll stay with you long after you return home.

DISCOVER ANCIENT RUINS, HILLTRIBE VILLAGES AND SIZZLING STREET STALLS

Your next destination? Chiang Mai. Specifically, the charming Mae Rim Valley. Serene rice fields, verdant vegetation, misty mountains – they’re all here. And so is Four Seasons Chiang Mai. Settling in for three luxurious nights at this enchanting resort, you’ll spend your time choosing between learning the ropes at its acclaimed Thai cooking school and unwinding in its world-renowned spa. Each room is classic and contemporary in design, with features made of tropical hardwoods, silk, and art.

Over the next few days, you’ll discover Chiang Mai City’s evening and daytime delights. In Thailand’s ‘rose of the north’, you’ll grab a tuk-tuk ride through the heart of the old town; stopping off at aromatic food markets set up between multi-tiered Lanna buildings. After you’ve tried and tasted to your heart’s content, indulging in sweet mango sticky rice, spicy Sai Oua (sausage wraps cooked with lemongrass and chilli), and fried quail eggs, you’ll explore the key historical sites of the city such as 700-year-old Wat Umong and the earthy-hued remains of Wiang Kum Kam (the ruins of a 13th century fortified city encircled by moats). We’ll take you to the granite peaks of Doi Suthep, where you’ll discover sweeping views of the city and ripe clusters of breadfruit trees, encircled by small shrines and countless Buddha statues.

Swapping cityscapes for forested hills, you’ll spend your last day in Chiang Mai navigating the green-coated slopes and tiered waterfalls of Mae Wang National Park. Within 700 square kilometres of golden cliffs, pine hill forests, and glistening rivers, you’ll trek between monkey-flower trees with scarlet red blooms and spear-like bamboo. Perfect for adventure seekers and gentle amblers alike, you’ll trek hard (or light) through the beautiful natural surroundings.

Between witnessing the way of life of a hilltribe village amid the greenery and taking a refreshing dip beneath one of the park’s many waterfalls, we’ll arrange for a picnic lunch beside a trickling stream. After spending time in the hilltribe village or trekking to Mae Wang Base Camp – or both – there’s time for the finishing touch. After all, there’s nothing quite like putting your feet up after a day of exploring – on a raft. As you float down the river – quietly, calmly – enjoy the leafy surrounds, watching as the rich forests slip by on both sides, offering shade and a chance to reflect on the day’s adventures.

KAYAK BETWEEN EMERALD ISLES AND GAZE UPON GLOWING CAVES

Leaving the mainland behind, we’ll take you to the sun-soaked shores of Phuket – Thailand’s largest island. Located in the Andaman Sea off the southeast coast, its green-blue waters lap against limestone karsts covered in jungle and tropical hills transcend into sea. Weaving your way between centuries-old ficus trees and dangling fishtail palms, you’ll head to a secluded cove along the northwestern shore to check in at Trisara. A collection of luxury terraced villas and residences artfully arranged within nature and offering breathtaking views of hillsides, gardens, and the sea below, it radiates blissful seclusion.

Over the following four days, you’ll spend your time exploring the resort and the surrounding area more thoroughly. Whether that be by kayak, jet ski, or private yacht. Or all three.
Setting off on a private boat excursion to Phang Nga Bay, you’ll hop into your own kayaks to get a closer look at the dramatic limestone karsts – mighty cliffs and towers formed over thousands of years of erosion. Seeking out hidden caves, blue lagoons, and the mangrove forests of Koh Panak and Koh Hong, the natural beauty here hits different. Especially at night. Once you’ve tucked into dinner, served at sunset as you float along tranquil waters, that’s when things start to get truly magical. Picking up your paddles once more, you’ll glide into caves illuminated by natural phosphorescent plankton – specks and streaks of glowing blue glistening like stars. It’s mesmerising – and unforgettable.

On your penultimate evening, for older families we’ll arrange a night out on the town at Phuket’s wildest cabaret – the Junkyard Theatre. Here, comedy, music, dance, mayhem (and sustainability) take centre stage. Props used in their productions are crafted from discarded ‘junk’ found around Phuket, transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary. For a night of live performance and a curated dining experience, look no further.

The following day, you’ll choose between trying your hand at a spot of tennis, relaxing with a spa treatment inspired by the surrounding ficus trees, taking a stroll along the private white sand beach or taking a dip in the 45-metre saltwater pool. You could kayak, you could simply soak in the views. It’s up to you – and your clan. No matter how little or big, this family adventure through Thailand will spark childlike wonder in everyone. In countless ways, and in countless places. Let’s begin.

Egypt & Jordan: A Cultural Family Holiday

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Having travelled extensively across the globe, we believe there’s no better compliment to Egypt than Jordan. Both remarkable destinations in their own right, uncover their splendour on this exhilarating twelve-night family adventure. From the last standing Wonder of the Ancient World to the lowest point on Earth, together you’ll unearth ancient secrets, learn age old traditions and explore captivating landscapes. In Egypt, witness Giza’s jaw dropping pyramids, learn the art of hieroglyphic writing and dine with views over the mighty Nile. In Jordan, journey across the red sands of the Wadi Rum desert, visit the majestic city of Petra by candlelight and float upon the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Filled right to the brim with hand-selected fun and fascinating educational encounters, this is one family trip you’ll never forget.

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New Zealand: A Luxury Adventure Chasing the Aurora Australis

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On the back of a snowmobile by the glacial lagoons of Iceland, from a remote nunatak in the heart of Alaska and pulled by dog sled through the Finnish Wilderness – we’ve spent years chasing the Northern Lights. Now, we’re flipping the perspective and heading south in search of their lesser-seen counterpart, the Southern Lights – or Aurora Australis. The best place for it? New Zealand’s South Island, where we’ve crafted this unique 10-day adventure through the heart of the world’s largest International Dark Sky Reserve. Encompassing 4,300 square kilometres, the reserve’s unpolluted night skies extend from the peak of Mount Cook and across the expanse of Lake Pukaki to take in much of the Southern Alps. Travelling through these peaks and valleys, our expert astronomy guides know just the spots to take you to to maximise your chances of seeing the lights and will share their top tips for capturing them on camera. For an added close up, we’ll also take you behind the scenes of the world’s southernmost research observatory. Staying in luxurious lodges throughout, some accessed only by helicopter, it’s time to wrap up warm and head out into the night.

An Introduction to the Southern Skies

Your starlit search kicks off in the coastal city of Dunedin with two nights at the Camp Estate at Larnach Castle. Don’t let the name fool you however, far from camping, you’ll cosy up in a charming country house with the option to take your meal’s in the dining room of New Zealand’s only castle. Tomorrow, discover Dunedin by day as you trace the history of the gold rush downtown and immerse yourself in the nature of the Otago Peninsula on a harbour cruise out to its windswept beaches and penguin colonies.

Come evening, you’ll head out with an expert astronomy guide for a stargazing experience. The Otago Peninsula offers one of the best canvases to the night sky anywhere in the world and is made all the more enigmatic by the soundtrack of coastal bird calls echoing across Hoopers Inlet. Your guide knows all the best spots from which to see the Southern Lights and, if conditions are right, will make sure you’re in the right place at the right time. Even if the lights don’t appear tonight, you’ll enjoy an authentic introduction to the southern skies with Maori tales and waiata (songs) that evoke the importance of the stars.

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Experience La Dolce Vita in Italy with WSJ+

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We’re working with WSJ+ to create entirely customizable and private trips for you, their members. Our Travel Experts are here to make your trip entirely your own. Private, customizable, and totally flexible. This is what we do. This month, we’re introducing a new highlight itinerary to Italy that you can embark on today. Take it ‘as is’ or customize it to your heart’s content.


Rolling hills, lustrous waters and food fit for the gods; Tuscany, Sorrento and Amalfi make an irresistible trio. On this eight-night escape, you’ll wind your way from verdant landscapes punctuated by cypress trees down to cliffsides in crumbling hues of pastel. Along the way, sample award-winning wines, cruise across the Mediterranean on a private yacht to Capri and learn to cook the Neapolitan way. An undeniably Italian escape, you really will be living la dolce vita.

To add extra magic to your time away, WSJ+ members will enjoy complimentary rental of a vintage Alfa Romeo Spider. The perfect way to explore the Tuscan hillsides, we’ll send you out with a map and a picnic basket and leave the rest up to you.

Exclusive to WSJ+ members

This trip has been designed exclusively for WSJ+ members, drawing on our travel experts’ in-depth knowledge of Italy. The experience, however, is yours and yours alone, with all of our trips private and customisable. What you’ll find below, therefore, is simply a suggestion. Our Travel Experts will work with you to devise an itinerary based on your inquiry, budget, group size, and desires. Typically, this will include everything from the experiences you do (and the guides that will take you there) to the hotels you’ll bed down in and the trains, planes and automobiles that will take you in between. We can also help with international flights, if you like.

WSJ+ members will receive:

  • Immersive experiences tailored to your interests. This could include anything from closed-door cellar access to private yacht trips.
  • Exclusive benefits to elevate your experience, including complimentary rental of a vintage Alfa Romeo Spider.
  • Stays in Italy’s most luxurious hotels.
  • Access to expert guides throughout.
  • Up-to-date COVID travel advice – including arrangements for any required PCR or antigen testing whilst travelling.
  • Unrivalled expertise in planning your trip to Italy.

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Best of Turkey: A Luxury Family Odyssey

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The first to yawn awake in the spring and the last to settle into slumber come autumn, Turkey offers the ideal Mediterranean family escape. Journey through continents and cultures on this 10-night immersion into the best that Turkey has to offer. Perfect for the active and the curious, you’ll sail the Bosphorus, float above the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia on a sunrise hot air balloon flight and journey back in time to ancient Ephesus. Along the way, dine on traditional delicacies, such as tantuni and Gözleme, and bed down in luxurious hotels as our expert guides take you from the Ottoman empire to the Turquoise Coast.

A Walking Tour of the Ottoman Empire

Flying into Istanbul, you’ll be met at the gate and whisked through airport security in no time. A short drive later and you’ll arrive at the opulent Çırağan Palace Kempinski, your home for the next four nights. Perched on the banks of the Bosphorus in the bustling Beşiktaş neighbourhood, you’ll be perfectly placed for your discovery of the ancient Ottoman empire.

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Journey through the Culture of Peru with WSJ+

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We’re working with WSJ+ to create entirely customizable and private trips for you, their members. Our Travel Experts are here to make your trip entirely your own. Private, customizable, and totally flexible. This is what we do. This month, we’re introducing a new highlight itinerary to Peru that you can embark on today. Take it ‘as is’ or customize it to your heart’s content.


Ancient cultures and modern cuisine collide on this ten-night journey through Peru. Travel through history alongside a host of expert guides and gain insider access to iconic sites as you skip the crowds of Machu Picchu and sail into the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. You’ll embrace local life too, as you pay tribute to Pachamama with a traditional shaman and meet the people playing a role in Peru’s culinary revolution.

To add extra magic to your time away, WSJ+ members will enjoy a complimentary Pachamanca lunch in the historic town of Ollantaytambo. Embrace Peruvian culture with this traditional dining experience where local ingredients are cooked underground using the heat of the earth.

Exclusive to WSJ+ members

This trip has been designed exclusively for WSJ+ members, drawing on our travel experts’ in-depth knowledge of Peru. The experience, however, is yours and yours alone, with all of our trips private and customisable. What you’ll find below, therefore, is simply a suggestion. Our Travel Experts will work with you to devise an itinerary based on your inquiry, budget, group size, and desires. Typically, this will include everything from the experiences you do (and the guides that will take you there) to the hotels you’ll stay in and the trains, planes and automobiles that will take you in between. We can also help with international flights, if you like.

WSJ+ members will receive:

  • Immersive experiences tailored to your interests. This could include anything from anthropologist-led tours to Michelin-starred culinary immersions.
  • Exclusive benefits to elevate your trip, including a complimentary traditional dining experience.
  • Stays in Peru’s most luxurious hotels.
  • Access to expert guides throughout.
  • Unrivalled expertise in planning your trip to Peru.

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A Luxury Hawaii Adventure by Land, Sea & Sky with WSJ+

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We’re working with WSJ+ to create entirely customizable and private trips for you, their members. Our Travel Experts are here to make your trip entirely your own. Private, customizable, and totally flexible. This is what we do. This month, we’re introducing a new highlight itinerary to Hawaii that you can embark on today. Take it ‘as is’ or customize it to your heart’s content.


An opportunity to rest and reflect as well as immerse yourself and explore, this is eight big nights in Hawaii experiencing the best these incomparable islands have to offer. Helicopter into volcanic craters on Kauai before snorkeling beneath the moonlight with manta rays off Big Island. For each high-octane moment, there’s one of tranquility; with dolphins encountered in the morning light of the Na Pali coast and hidden waterfalls inviting an afternoon swim. A sunset sail up the Kona coast by private catamaran completes the experience.

To add extra magic to your time away, WSJ+ members will enjoy a complimentary sunrise Hawaiian outrigger canoe experience. See the sunrise over Mauna Kea as you embrace ancient Hawaiian tradition and discover the significance of wa’a (canoeing) in local life.

Exclusive to WSJ+ members

This trip has been designed exclusively for WSJ+ members, drawing on our travel experts’ in-depth knowledge of Hawaii. The experience, however, is yours and yours alone, with all of our trips private and customisable. What you’ll find below, therefore, is simply a suggestion. Our Travel Experts will work with you to devise an itinerary based on your inquiry, budget, group size, and desires. Typically, this will include everything from the experiences you do (and the guides that will take you there) to the hotels you’ll bed down in and the trains, planes and automobiles that will take you in between. We can also help with international flights, if you like.

WSJ+ members will receive:

  • Immersive experiences tailored to your interests. This could include anything from doors-off helicopter flights to after-dark snorkel trips in the company of manta rays.
  • Exclusive benefits to elevate your experience.
  • Stays at Hawaii’s most luxurious hotels and resorts.
  • Access to expert guides throughout.
  • Unrivalled expertise in planning your trip to Hawaii.

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Pacuare to Papagayo: A Luxury Conservation Adventure in Costa Rica

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Costa Rica has always been a favourite destination of ours, whether for a burst of adventure or the chance to lose ourselves in the natural world. Covered by dense rainforest and fringed by wild coastlines, a countrywide commitment to conservation and sustainability have only drawn us in further. In search of ‘la pura vida’, we’ve traversed every inch of jungle to craft the perfect journey through Costa Rica. A journey that will see you canyoning down a waterfall one minute and harvesting your dinner the next, you’ll get to know locals Jose and Don Juan as you learn all about Costa Rica’s green perspective. In between, you’ll retreat to luxury lodges in unique locations, from wild riverbanks to volcanic foothills. Travelling in the company of expert guides throughout, you’ll discover an authentic Costa Rica.

Private Dining on a Remote Riverbank

Touching down in San Jose, you’ll quickly leave the city behind as you head straight out into the rainforest, tracing the Pacuare River. The adventure starts before you’ve even arrived at your first hotel as you journey down an off-road track by 4×4 before crossing the river by cable car to check in. Pacuare Lodge sits high up on the riverbank with an infinity pool that seemingly reaches out into the jungle and beautiful rooms that occupy their own corner of the canopy and will be your home for your first two nights. Starting the trip off in style, we’ll arrange for you to enjoy a private firepit dinner down on the riverbank tonight.

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Best of Uruguay: A Luxury Holiday from the Vines to the Beach

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Hugged by Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay often finds itself shying away from the limelight of Latin America. But that’s precisely why we love it. Though comparatively small in stature, Uruguay packs a punch and offers up a truly authentic experience for those who know where to look. Allow us to show you the way on this ten-day journey through our favourite corners. We’ll take you through UNESCO preserved heritage to vineyards that will transport you to the Tuscan hills and onto a wild and rugged coastline dusted off with an international art scene. Along the way, you’ll meet local friends, such as Lobo and Fabio, and hole up in luxurious boutique properties surrounded by untouched scenery. This is Uruguay, as no-one knows it.

Colonial History in Colonia del Sacramento

Arriving in Montevideo, your trip starts two hours west in Uruguay’s cultural centre, Colonia del Sacramento. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Colonia is characterised by its cobbled streets, historic buildings and colonial influences. Checking into the boutique Charco Hotel, you’ll be at the centre of it all. Home for just tonight, head straight out on a privately guided walking tour of the city’s historic quarter, taking in all the sights and initiating yourself in the ritual of mate. A popular Uruguayan drink, an afternoon tasting will see it become a permanent fixture in the remainder of your trip.

Lend a hand at a generations-old family winery

From Colonia, you’ll continue your journey to Carmelo, the heartland of wine in Uruguay, spending two nights at Narbona Wine Lodge where just five rooms sit amid sprawling vineyards and a working winery and farm. After a tantalising first taste, you’ll set off to explore the landscapes beyond the vines with a private river cruise through the islands of the delta of the Rio de la Plata and Rio Uruguay. Leaving just before sunset, the riverbanks will be bathed in a golden glow as you glide by on your classic boat, raising a toast to this enigmatic corner. Tomorrow, you’ll visit two local, family-owned and run wineries where you’ll be able to lend a hand in the harvesting, bottling or grape selecting process depending on the season. You’ll also be shown around both vineyards by the owners themselves as they host you for wine tastings and a traditional asado lunch.

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