Gilded getaways

The Travel Division is home to experts in tailor-made travel who can take care of all the planning for your extraordinary adventures so you can focus on making memories. These discerning travel specialists find the very best experiences for you and become your dedicated point of contact, available 24/7 before and during your trip.

“The customer just sends us a WhatsApp and we manage the entire account,” explains Ben Stevenson, Global CEO of The Travel Division. “There is no drawback to involving The Travel Division in your plans because we have extensive partnerships with most of the world’s top hotels, which means we have access to all the direct sale fares and guarantee the best rates. There’s no instance where you would find a cheaper price directly with the hotel.”

By booking through The Travel Division, you can access additional benefits such as complimentary meals, room upgrades and other benefits typically not found when booking directly.

These benefits are negotiated by Ben and his team, who have working relationships with direct contacts at each hotel. “My team spends a lot of time networking. We communicate in advance of the customer’s stay to share preferences, such as food and drink, or let them know if it’s a special occasion. We will make sure that we tailor the experience for the customer so that it is exactly as they like. For example, if the customer enjoys running, we’ll make sure the hotel knows to recommend some running routes for them. We had a customer who was away for their wedding anniversary, so we had framed photos of their wedding put up. This is all part of the exceptional service The Travel Division offers,” says Ben.

This personal touch also means that The Travel Division can be assured that the standards of the hotels it deals with match the ACS standard of service. As Ben outlines: “There is no request that’s too difficult to handle. Anyone can create a nice space, but the key is how do they deliver it?”

Wherever in the world you’re headed, there’s somewhere exceptional waiting for you. Here are a few of our favourites to inspire you.

Middle East
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, United
Arab Emirates 

At 43 storeys, the elegant rooms, suites and signature penthouses combine stylish interiors with stunning views of the Arabian Sea and Palm Island, along with private outdoor spaces and pools. 

Ben says: “This has only recently opened, and architecturally it’s unique. It’s great for multi-generational families because it’s got a series of villas within the hotel. Many celebrities perform there and it’s on Palm Island, so its location is original as well. It’s a stand-out property, inside and out.”

Asia and Indian Ocean
Waldorf Astoria Platte Island,
Seychelles 

Boasting six restaurants and bars, a spa, unique activities, unparalleled service and distinctive accommodation, this private island in the Seychelles guarantees an unforgettable stay. 

Ben says: “Platte Island has been built with sustainability in mind so as not to disturb the natural beauty or existing flora and fauna. It runs on solar power and they recycle water. Hawksbill turtles use the island for nesting and swim on the undisturbed live coral reef. It’s a tropical island that’s completely unspoiled, but it’s still a Waldorf Astoria property, so the quality remains.”

Peninsula, Hong Kong

Building on a long history, the legendary “Grande Dame of the Far East” offers unmatched classical grandeur and timeless elegance.

Ben says: “It’s in an amazing location in Hong Kong in Kowloon, right on Victoria Harbour. It’s got a regal, palace-based look but with ultra-modern amenities. They offer amazing food and beverage, and you can check in or out any time of day.”

Africa
Royal Mansour,
Marrakech, Morrocco

A short distance from Jemaa El Fna square, this hotel offers guests ‘a medina within a medina’. Set within lush gardens, the design of the hotel incorporates elements of an authentic medina, where the rooms and suites are individual riads and the corridors are winding alleyways.

Ben says: “This hotel is everything you imagine Marrakech would be, but as a one-off hotel where you can live in five-star luxury. The rooms are traditionally decorated, and each one is different with its own private pool.”

Singita Kilima, Tanzania 

Reflect and connect with nature at this retreat on the edge of the Serengeti. Grounded by nature with earthy tones, patterned textures and cosy, modern comforts, game drives in your own private vehicle and personalised wilderness adventures add moments of anticipation and exhilaration.

Ben says: “This is a superlative way to see one of the world’s most amazing landscapes. It’s got a stunning pool, and you can see animals such as lions and giraffes (at a safe distance!). They’ve created a genuine five-star experience in the Serengeti.”

Europe
The Emory,
London, United Kingdom

Despite being in the centre of London, the spa, restaurants, amenities and sweeping views of the city from The Emory’s contemporary interiors invite guests to relax and unwind in an unhurried and welcoming atmosphere.

Ben says: “In a city which is full of famous, extravagant hotels, The Emory is all about discretion. You wouldn’t know it’s there. It’s beautiful and luxurious, right in the middle of Knightsbridge, but almost entirely anonymous. It’s got an understated entrance off a little mews, but once inside it is stunning. Their fantastic on-site restaurant abc kitchens does an incredible take on ‘arroz con pollo’ – people have gone back for lunch just to eat that dish again.”

The Lodge, Verbier,
Switzerland 

Sir Richard Branson’s mountain property in the Swiss Alps has nine stunning bedrooms and suites, an indoor pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs and a team of experienced staff on hand for your luxury ski holiday or active summer break.

Ben says: “It’s a beautiful, luxurious lodge in the middle of Verbier; an elite property designed to feel like a home. Verbier is an amazing ski resort.”

The Caribbean
Eden Rock, St Barths 

St Barths has been a byword for one-of-a-kind hospitality ever since Hollywood stars began visiting in the 1950s. It retains this spirit of freedom, style and casual elegance to this day.

Ben says: “St Barths is a very trendy part of the Caribbean. The hotel has an incredible speakeasy bar and restaurant with signature cocktails. Much of the decor is in a now iconic red and white, and it’s also home of Villa Rockstar, which is one of the most amazing suites in the Caribbean, with six bedrooms, a long private pool that backs onto the beach and a grand piano – it’s just beautiful.”

Belmond Cap Juluca, Anguilla

Billed as “a true island paradise”, guests can spend their days luxuriating between turquoise waves and white sandy stretches of the island’s best beach. There’s superb food and beverage, wellness activities and a spa so you can find your personal oasis.

Ben says: “This is a gorgeous Caribbean resort where relaxation is the priority. It’s on a stretch of private beach and offers high-end service and incredible rooms. Anguilla is surrounded by calm sea and, along with the incredible spa facilities and restaurants, it offers proper white sand barefoot luxury. It’s what people imagine when they think of a Caribbean luxury break.”

Australasia
Four Seasons, Bora Bora

Stay in spacious overwater bungalows or beachfront villa estates and enjoy underwater adventures in the heart of French Polynesia. Natural highlights include views of Mount Otemanu, the Pacific night sky and the lagoon, teeming with exotic reef fish and colourful corals.

Ben says: “French Polynesia is one of the most luxurious parts of the world. You can see fish swimming under your room in the over-water bungalows and the cuisine is heavily French influenced. The whole place blends Pacific traditions with Four Seasons hospitality.”

Find out more about The Travel Division and how they can help with your next tailor-made getaway. Visit thetraveldivision.com