Our Contributors Adriaane Pielou – Condé Nast Traveller, Country & Town House Annabelle Thorpe – The Times Chris Caldicott – Ultratravel, Vanity Fair, Vogue Edurne Pasaban – Founder of Kabi, Spanish Pyrenees Francisca Kellett – Tatler Gabriella Le Breton – FT Weekend, Tatler, Ultratravel Ianthe Butt – Condé Nast Traveller Issy Von Simson – Condé Nast Traveller Jane West – Tourism Fiji Laura Houldsworth – House & Garden Laura Millar – Woman & Home, City A.M. Leo Bear – The Arbuturian, Sunday Times Travel Magazine Lucy Cleland – Country & Town House Lucy Halfhead – Harper’s Bazaar Lydia Bell – House & Garden, The Times, FT How To Spend It Lydia Gard – Mr. Fox, Condé Nast Traveller, Country & Town House Maria Pieri – National Geographic Traveller (UK) Melinda Stevens – Condé Nast Traveller Monty Halliday – Daily Mail Sasha Slater – Telegraph Magazines

Welcome Indulge us… we’re feeling a little nostalgic. Carrier is 35 years old this year. Rather appropriately, it’s a coral anniversary, which has sent us into reveries of sun-dappled islands and bobbing in gentle waves. We love what we do and, after several decades, we consider it a privilege to arrange the best days of your year – hard-earned, well-deserved and thoroughly necessary R+R. We’ve spent a lot of time looking forward and unveiling the trends, some weird, some wonderful, some blink and you’ll miss, and others increasingly

prevalent with every passing year. And whilst it would be remiss of us not to highlight the hottest hotels and destinations for your consideration in 2017, we want to celebrate the timeless classics, the iconic, the crème-dele-crème – those places that have an enduring appeal and consistently get it right; in short, our all-time favourites. We’ve asked some of our most trusted friends – authorities in the world of travel – to reminisce with us… because why not hear them enthuse about the special places they hold most dear? As ever, our team have negotiated savings just for you – we are celebrating, after all. We hope you enjoy.

Contents 08.

Maldives

17.

Spain

23.

The Grenadines

28.

Safari

32.

Greece

44.

Touring Itineraries

50.

Dubai

55.

Antigua

61.

Florida

65.

Arabia

69. 73.

St Lucia Riviera Maya, Mexico

78. 86.

Barbados

91. 94. 99.

Canada

Croatia & Montenegro South Africa Caribbean Islands

105. Fiji & French Polynesia

109. Italy

Voted ‘favourite tour operator’ at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards 2016

114.

Mauritius

149.

Seychelles

119.

Portugal

153.

124.

Bali

Europe Ski & Snow

128.

New York

157.

USA Ski & Snow

132.

Malaysia & Borneo

135.

Turks & Caicos

139.

Whistler

142.

Vietnam

145.

California

160. Thailand 164. Australia 167.

National Parks

170.

Cyprus

1,400 hand-picked hotels, resorts, villas, chalets and lodges

90

members of staff

5 time

10 years

of original photography

105 200 116 s e im t 7 winner of Condé Nast Traveller’s favourite tour operator

Recommended over

staff trips overseas in the last year

destinations

dedicated luxury brochures

Longest-standing member of staff has worked for Carrier for

in the last year by the UK’s leading travel editors and writers

9,500 passengers every year

30 1.2million years

Over

visits to our award-winning website

35

Incredible years

Maldives

Amelia Hoyes Sales Consultant for the Indian Ocean, Arabia, Indian Subcontinent, Far East and Australasia, Amelia holds over six years’ experience within the industry and has travelled extensively thanks to a family background in travel. In my opinion, there is no greater escape from the chaos of our everyday lives than the beautiful sanctuary of the Maldives. I have spent many hours in a dream-like state on these atolls, the warm turquoise glow of the Indian Ocean providing the perfect backdrop for soaking up the rays or snorkelling through the corals exploring the exotic marine life. For family holidays to these islands, sit back and relax, whilst your children are entertained with a variety of fun and safe activities from surfing lessons with a resident instructor,

learning about the fragile eco-systems with marine biologists and helping to nurture the surrounding coral reefs, to building sandcastles under the shade of palm trees. If you come as a couple, I recommend Baros Maldives. It provides an idyllic setting to switch off with an inimitable rustic and romantic charm. And in the Lighthouse restaurant, I have dined in spectacular fashion surrounded by schools of fish swimming below, an experience not to be missed.

PER AQUUM

Huvafen Fushi

A long-time archipelago favourite that completely won us over more than ten years ago, it’s no surprise that this escape is consistently voted as one of the best island paradises. The allure is unsurpassed on land and below the water. Enchanting contemporary villas combine with an outdoor salt water floatation pool and a generous helping of PER AQUUM’s one-of-a-kind events that shake up Maldivian style by pushing the boundaries. Underwater discovery certainly steals the limelight though, you can swim straight out to explore one of the best house reefs, or visit the world’s first, and only, underwater spa or 6,000 bottle underground wine cellar.

Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 40% reduction on accommodation and complimentary half board. Valid for travel 09 Jan - 19 Dec 17. Save up to £4780 per couple. Prices from £3670pp. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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One&Only Reethi Rah

An archetypal paradise, this is arguably the Maldives’ premier address with a pick of no less than 12 lifeguard-supervised beaches along six kilometres of coastline (note: perfect for families). It’s no secret that we are advocates of the One&Only brand for its blend of exotic adventure, serene indulgence and fashion-forward style. For over ten years this sleek resort has hypnotised us with its visionary approach – it was the setting for James Duigan’s first Bodyism retreat and boasts such glorious offerings including chefto-table dining, a Club One boutique art studio, climbing wall, PADI National Geographic dive centre and live DJ entertainment.

Complimentary nights & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 and receive complimentary half board and return transfers. Valid for travel 23 Apr - 30 Sep 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £7380 per couple. Prices from £4295pp.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Milaidhoo Island

One of the most anticipated openings of 2016, Milaidhoo is a paradisiacal hideaway inspired by laid-back island living. Local architect Mohamed Shafeeq incorporated custom-made materials into the overall design – mirroring the resort’s ethos of creating bespoke holidays, tailored to you. Barefoot indulgence is key, with villas that open up 180 degrees to promote authentic outdoor living, surrounded by powder sand beaches and a spectacular coral reef. True to Maldivian culture, the signature restaurant is shaped like a traditional dhoni and experiences include expeditions with a resident fisherman and picking local herbs with the chef. This is reinvented luxury at its finest.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a 10% early booking reduction and a romantic Champagne breakfast. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Book by 31 Jan 17. Save up to £1740 per couple. Prices from £3845pp including half board. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Kuda Huraa is one of the more intimate resorts in the Maldives but it is no less impressive – it’s a top surf hangout inspiring surfers as young as six years old and hosts the pros at the resort’s annual Surfing Championships. A short seaplane flight away, Landaa Giraavaru is a natural wilderness with many options to keep you entertained, from swimming with manta rays to AntiGravity yoga and mid-ocean dinners. The spa alone is worth the journey – it was named ‘Best Holistic Hideaway’ in the Condé Nast Traveller Spa Guide 2016 – whilst keen repeat guests book its tennis courts a year in advance.

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Complimentary nights & added value Stay 10 nights, pay for 8 and receive complimentary half board and transfers at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru. Valid for travel 11 May - 30 Sep 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £6190 per couple. Prices from £5115pp.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Baros Maldives

This small paradise island certainly gets our nod of approval mainly because they are experts at what they do. As one of the first resort islands to open to international visitors, it’s perfected its offering and is considered a blueprint for the dreamiest of honeymoon escapes. It’s also a big draw for foodies; savour pan-fried lemongrass sand lobster tails and grilled mahi mahi at The Lighthouse, one of the best restaurants in the archipelago. For downtime, this is our resort of choice; take a trip to the private sandbank and be left with Champagne, Baros-made popcorn and a mobile phone to call the butler when you’re ready to leave.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a 10% early booking reduction and a romantic Champagne breakfast. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 30 Sep 17. Book by 31 Jan 17. Save up to £640 per couple. Prices from £1980pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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COMO Maldives Experience

Do the double with this ultra-luxe Maldivian combo. COMO Maalifushi was the first property to open in the far-flung Thaa Atoll, so ticks the away-from-it-all box. Its secluded location lends itself to brilliant snorkelling and diving. And of course it has all the COMO trimmings: a to-diefor spa, wonderful food and a barefoot luxury that whispers relax. On your way home drop into COMO Cocoa Island in the South Malé Atoll for more castaway pampering. Just 33 overwater dhoni-shaped suites arc out from the island and you can dabble in anything from morning yoga and aquatherapy, to island-hopping and dolphin spotting. The food is also flat-out fabulous.

Complimentary nights & early booking reduction Stay 8 nights, pay for 6 and receive up to a 10% reduction on accommodation at COMO Maalifushi and COMO Cocoa Island. Valid for travel until 30 Sep 17. Book a minimum of 60 days prior to arrival. Save up to £4730 per couple. Prices from £3230pp including half board.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 and receive complimentary half board and up to US$500 resort credit. Valid for travel 21 Apr - 30 Sep 17. Save up to £3230 per couple. Prices from £2830pp.

A true trailblazer in the culinary world, this is one of our top places to go for gastronomic delights – the underground wine cellar and cheese and wine bar, both firsts in the archipelago, are flat-out excellent. The unrivalled opportunity to dine with sharks, stingrays and turtles at the phenomenal Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is the hotel’s most famous attraction – there’s only space for 14 diners so it’s worth getting it booked in advance. It really comes as no surprise that Conrad Maldives was crowned the Indian Ocean’s leading foodie resort when it achieved no less than eight prestigious accolades at the recent World Luxury Restaurant Awards. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Amilla Fushi

Having opened only in the last couple of years, this retreat is already destined to become an icon of contemporary luxury with its 67 Miamimeets-Maldives accommodations. It has the longest infinity pool in the Maldives, a social-hub and even a one-bedroom Wellness Tree House by Bodyism. Discover carefully curated cuisine for all tastes, from lip-smacking poolside treats at chilled-out foodie hub Bazaar, to sophisticated overwater dining at Feeling Koi – complete with idyllic rooftop cocktail bar. Schedule in a visit to the Banyan-shaded Javvu Spa or head out to the Blue Hole with your dive butler. You’ll soon be calling this your island home.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 35% reduction on accommodation and complimentary half board. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 31 Dec 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £4530 per couple. Prices from £3825pp.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Spain

Amanda Bailey Reservations Manager for Europe, North Africa and European Ski, Amanda first joined Carrier back in 2003 and has since visited the majority of our European hotels. My love for Spain is profound, largely due to the fact that it ticks every box imaginable: families, couples, beach dwellers, art aficionados… the list goes on. The Andalucía region is authentic Spain personified, with sophisticated Marbella offering a taste of the old and new, plus a wealth of prestigious nightspots. Ibiza boasts equal appeal, yet it’s the island’s secluded heritage that defined my stay. Wandering the peaceful old town of Dalt Vila – famed for its enchanting cathedral

and protective walls that once deterred pirates – I thanked myself for exploring beyond the waterfront. Yet in Barcelona’s Barri Gòtic district, the waterfront is where I wished to stay. Surrounded by cobblestone streets, local artisan shops and seafood restaurants, I was truly in my element. Premium golf and eclectic cuisine are the main draws in Tenerife, yet as for the rest of the Canary Islands, there’s not one word that could describe them all equally… just like Spain itself.

Tenerife

The Ritz-Carlton, Abama

With ten restaurants and three bars, seven outdoor heated swimming pools, seven tennis courts and 72 holes of golf, you’d be forgiven for thinking this Moorish resort is simply about the numbers, but there is certainly quality as well as quantity. For a start, there are the foodie credentials of its two Michelin-starred restaurants, M.B and Kabuki. New Basqueinspired TXOKO restaurant – with its culinary nostalgia, born of 40 years’ of gastronomic excellence, is set to raise the bar higher still. There’s also the attentive service, luxuriously appointed accommodation with Asprey of London amenities, excellent Ritz Kids club and superbly equipped spa. You really won’t want to leave.

Complimentary night & early booking reduction Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive up to a 10% early booking reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 01 May - 07 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £440 per couple. Prices from £1105pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Mallorca

Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa

In our mind anywhere you get a sea/mountain combo is a winner. Set on a cliff on the northwest coast of Mallorca, Jumeirah Port Soller is a wonderful base for just about everything. Guests can hike and bike the Tramuntana mountain range, swim in the Mediterranean or try paddle boarding; explore little mountain villages or go gastro-hopping around nearby Soller. Back at the hotel, facilities abound and the limelight grabber has to be the stress-busting Talise Spa with its miracle-working therapists and unique treatment menu that incorporates local island produce such as oranges, almonds and olive oil. A Jumeirah gem, just a short flight away.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 15% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 01 Mar - 30 Nov 17. Book a minimum 60 days prior to arrival. Save up to £390 per couple. Prices from £1595pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Costa del Sol

Finca Cortesin

Just off the coast, in the foothills of the Sierra Bermeja, Finca Cortesin is utterly enchanting. Andalusian architecture houses exquisite rooms, but the real draw is threefold: food, golf and spa. The traditional Spanish cuisine of El Jardín de Lutz melts in the mouth. Inside it’s all clay floors and Portuguese painted tiles, whilst outside there’s a delightfully atmospheric terrace surrounded by thousandyear-old olive trees. Another foodie magnet is Kabuki Raw with its Michelin-starred pure orthodox Japanese dishes. Work off the calories on the golf course or simply amble over to the superb spa.

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Reduced rates Stay 5 nights and receive up to a 15% reduction on Executive Suites. Valid for travel 12 Feb - 22 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £510 per couple. Prices from £1915pp including breakfast.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

A new kid is arriving on the Balearic block in the form of Seven Pines. This sleek all-suite resort has nabbed a brilliant west coast location, looking out over the mysterious island of Es Vedrá. There will be 195 suites (varying in size and shape), all modern, flooded with natural light and decked out in bright colours. This will be a peaceful place, one from which you can dip in and out of Ibiza’s heady attractions. There’s the requisite spa, although this one comes with a rainforest room, ice grotto, Ayurvedic and detox treatments. There’s a vast infinity pool with a sunken bar, diving, clifftop yoga and a private yacht. Food includes a trendy beach club and Mediterranean restaurant.

Ibiza

Seven Pines Hotel & Spa

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive a 20% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 05 Nov 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £610 per couple. Prices from £1615pp including breakfast.

Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Marbella

Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa

A long-time haunt of illustrious clientele, including Elizabeth Taylor and Serena Williams, this Costa del Sol icon boasts a privileged beachfront position between Marbella and Puerto Banus, and has been attracting loyal fans for decades. Not one to rest on its laurels, Michelin-starred chef Dani Garcia has recently opened a must-book Andalusian restaurant as well as a tapas bar here, whilst the newly opened luxurious three, four and five-bedroom villas with private pools, gardens and use of a swoonworthy Mercedes A-class is sure to cement this hotel’s place as one of The Leading Hotels of the World. Not to miss: the Six Senses Spa, inspired by the local culture and environment.

Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive a 20% early booking reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 01 May 17 - 06 Jan 18. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £720 per couple. Prices from £1815pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

The Grenadines

Annabelle Thorpe Annabelle is a novelist and award-winning travel writer for The Times. She has visited over 50 countries, and divides her time between London and the Sussex Coast. It’s from above that you first get the sense of how extraordinary a holiday in the Grenadines is going to be. Flying in, the scattered islands and cays rise up from the ocean, fringed by azure waters that roll onto palm-backed swathes of sand. Tiny, thatched-roofed airports welcome you; palm-lined roads weave through pastel-hued villages to palatial villas and luxurious hotels that open out

onto sparkling, sun-drenched beaches. A British colony until 1979, the Grenadines have long been the Caribbean’s most elegant playground; this year, the opening of Pink Sands Club – a luxurious, 26-room bolthole on the sleepy island of Canouan – upped the luxe factor further. Paradise for sailors, lovers and those who just dream of escape.

Pink Sands Club

Measuring just two miles long by a mile wide, the tiny island of Canouan is renowned for its most desirable location. As the first to get a sneak peak of the superlative 26 suite, six villa Pink Sands Club (which welcomed guests from October 2016), we were wowed from the outset by the cutting-edge technology including the floor-to-ceiling mirror and inbuilt TV that moves aside to reveal mesmerising sea views. The historic charm of the beautifully restored 17th Century church is pretty special too. Those booking a suite can travel in style with a complimentary private jet from Barbados.

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Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive two complimentary dinners, a boat excursion to Tobago Cays and two rounds of golf or two 60 minute spa treatments per person. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 Oct 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Prices from £5495pp including breakfast.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

The Cotton House

Originally a local cotton plantation, the hotel was made famous as a private island hideaway by Princess Margaret in the sixties following a wedding gift of a 10 acre plot from Lord Glenconner. It has long since enjoyed a reputation as a fashionable retreat, drawing in the chic and famous with its 1400 acres of natural beauty and white sandy beaches. The late fashion designer Oliver Messel helped style this coral-white boutique hotel; the Great Room with its Art Deco oval bar is the property’s hotspot where guests and well-heeled villa owners (including Tommy Hilfiger and Bryan Adams) congregate every Tuesday for a cocktail and canapé party.

Complimentary nights & added value Stay 9 nights, pay for 7 and receive complimentary return inter-island flights. Valid for travel 01 May - 20 Dec 17. Save up to £2110 per couple. Prices from £2545pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Petit St Vincent

Whilst many properties strive to be ahead of the curve with the latest mod-cons and technological developments, PSV (as it’s lovingly known by repeat guests) is the polar opposite. Ringed by almost two miles of white sands; WiFi, televisions and telephones are replaced with treatments at the Balinese-run treetop spa and sea-based activities, staying true to its mission as a place for dreamy castaway simplicity. The flag system adds to the appeal; yellow can summon a picnic on the beach, whilst red will ensure you are left in peace. The dive centre is worth a visit: all masters are handpicked by Jean-Michel Cousteau.

Complimentary nights & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 and receive a complimentary upgrade to all-inclusive. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 31 Aug 17. Save up to £2300 per couple. Prices from £4100pp.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Bequia Beach Hotel

Set on Friendship Beach – the premier location on the island – this Oliver Messel-inspired boutique hotel is relatively undiscovered. With views across to party isle Mustique, Bequia conjures up a sense of old-school Caribbean charm – a place where you can kick off your shoes in the beach bar or settle down with a good book in the reading room. Spend your day in the two pools or out on the water, before devouring exquisite food on the beachside veranda at Bagatelle Restaurant. Accommodation is rusticluxe Caribbean; two-bedroom villas feature their own plunge pool whilst the penthouse suite is idyllic for those on a romantic sojourn.

Added value Stay 7 nights and receive a complimentary 30 minute spa treatment. Valid for travel 01 Mar - 31 Aug 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Prices from £1965pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Safari

Rick Milne Carrier’s Head of Sales, Rick has over 15 years’ experience in the travel industry and he is an invaluable member of the team. Having travelled extensively, he has gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise along the way. Like most kids growing up, I loved animals and holidays, and I would spend every Sunday evening curled up in front of the fire watching BBC nature documentaries. So, perhaps it’s no surprise that as a grown up (of sorts) I have fallen in love with going on safari. For me, it is the complete holiday experience combining relaxation, excitement, socialising and adventure. Since my first trip six years ago, I have stayed in some amazing camps, been lucky enough to meet the most knowledgeable guides and witnessed the Big 5. All of these just leave you wanting more. And

the beauty of it is, that on safari, you can see nature at its most extreme: herds of zebra and wildebeest crossing the Mara River whilst hungry crocodiles lie in wait; watching a pack of wild dogs steal a leopard’s kill; hot air balloon rides over the Masai Mara at dawn; tracking a rhino on foot and countless other encounters. If I had to pick, my choice would be Botswana. Nowhere offers a more authentic experience than the vast and beautiful remote wilderness of this country. To my mind, this has to be the ultimate safari destination.

Botswana & Zambia

Sanctuary Retreats

Scattered amongst alluring landscapes, discover Sanctuary Retreats’ properties – each offering a fusion of lavish indulgence and safari splendour. Sanctuary Chief’s Camp has been rebuilt and now features expansive pavilions with private outdoor terraces and delta-view plunge pools, as well as a contemporary bar and library. Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero is famed for having the only full service Africology Spa in Botswana and has elevated views of the Chobe River – the national park is home to the largest population of elephants in Africa. Finish your journey at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma, where you’ll enjoy treehouse living on the banks of the Zambezi River and experience the mighty Victoria Falls, game drives, guided walking and river safaris.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive reduced rates at Sanctuary Chief ’s Camp; Sanctuary Chobe Chilwero; and at Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma. Valid for travel 06 Jan - 31 Dec 17. Save up to £3110 per couple. Prices from £6205pp on a fully-inclusive basis. This is our recommended itinerary, for further details please visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 29

Tanzania & Zanzibar

Home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania is a melting pot of charming coastlines and migrating wildebeest; whilst Zanzibar is characterised by its authentic spice tours and white sand beaches. Stay at andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge for your chance to see tree-climbing lions, before experiencing Masai traditions at The Highlands, positioned on the slopes of the Olmoti volcano. Roving Bushtops is a semi-permanent camp, which means should wildlife patterns change the camp is able to move. Tents also offer direct access to the bush for the ultimate wilderness experience. Baraza Resort & Spa is a reflection of Zanzibar culture; featuring handcrafted furnishings by local craftsmen and intricate Swahili designs throughout.

Complimentary nights Stay 12 nights, pay for 10 at andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge; The Highlands; Roving Bushtops; and at Baraza Resort & Spa. Valid for travel 07 Jan - 30 Jun 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 30 Apr 17. Save up to £1890 per couple. Prices from £8745pp all-inclusive.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Classic Kenya

A vast and varied landscape renowned for its tribal traditions and abundance of wildlife, Kenya offers an immersive experience of colour and culture. Stay at Segera Retreat; a tranquil haven that promotes wellness and focuses on sustainable luxury through environmental, community and wildlife projects. Onward to Saruni Samburu, discover spectacular spots for photography opportunities – the elephant-proof hide is buried underground so you can capture elephants and the ‘Samburu Five’ roaming around the waterhole. Nestled in Kenya’s renowned Masai Mara game reserve, Naibor Camp is celebrated for its captivating game drives and its woodland location on the banks of Talek River.

Complimentary nights Stay 11 nights, pay for 9 at Segera Retreat; Saruni Samburu; and at Naibor Camp. Valid for travel 04 Jan - 20 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Save up to £1470 per couple. Prices from £8965pp all-inclusive including an overnight stay at Hemingways Nairobi with breakfast. This is our recommended itinerary, for further details please visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Greece

Lucy Cleland Editor in Chief of Country & Town House, Lucy has been in the glossy magazine business for around 20 years, and divides her time between West London and the mud of the New Forest with her husband and two children. When you find yourself thinking that you’re possibly trespassing in the back garden of scholar and soldier Patrick Leigh Fermor’s Kardamyli house on the Mani Peninsula (he was still alive at the time), and the only escape is down a scraggy rockface to the sea, it’s a moment to take stock, plant your feet firmly on the ground and imbibe the beauty, exhilaration and terror that is besieging

you at that moment. Greece is like that. It has a wildness and timelessness that gets under your skin. It has had its fair share of knocks recently but ignore the headlines and you find charm and generosity round every corner, and – what I love most – a complete lack of pretention. Greece doesn’t have to try too hard. Its magic is already so deeply embedded.

Crete

Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection

Designed in homage to the colours and textures of UNESCO-protected Spinalonga island nestling in the bay just opposite, suites and villas are ultra-spacious, and are dotted amongst the verdant gardens and olive groves. For the ultimate in cosseted luxury, opt for the new Haute Living Selection – enjoy private check-in, a 24/7 Executive Lounge, one-button access to dedicated concierge via mobile phone, an in-villa open bar service, exclusive entry to Spina Beach Club and the ability to pre-book VIP sun loungers. Top tip: it’s one of the island’s key foodie centres with four exciting and unique restaurants.

Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% reduction on accommodation, complimentary half board and a dinner. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £1060 per couple. Prices from £1130pp including half board. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Halkidiki

Porto Sani

This all-suite retreat is part of the outstanding Sani Resort, a five-hotel family-owned fixture in Halkidiki. The all-encompassing Greek getaway is a favourite with world-weary parents and loved by every brood in tow. Hidden in its own ecological reserve, it’s surrounded by pine-cloaked hills, ancient olive groves, peaceful wetlands and five miles of gorgeous golden sand. Family and food are integral to Greek culture and Porto Sani excels at both. The entertainment caters for ages four months to 17 years, there are themed play areas, sleep zones, mini clubs and loads of academies for the tricky teenage years.

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Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and save up to 20% on accommodation and receive €150 complimentary spa credit. Valid for travel 13 Apr - 28 Oct 17. Book by 15 Feb 17. Save up to £380 per couple. Prices from £1110pp including half board.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Crete

Blue Palace, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

The wild, emotive beauty of this corner of Crete sets Blue Palace apart from other Greek getaways. This is a place where you can sense an older, truer, more timeless Greece. The hotel celebrates this history with brilliant tailor-made excursions including trips by traditional wooden caique to the island of Spinalonga, a historic relic that sits directly across the water. Guests who stay put are cosseted in bohemian luxury whether they are whiling away lazy days at Isola Beach Club or being pampered at the divine spa. Another highlight includes the meze and grilled fish at the flat-out brilliant Blue Door, a Greek-style taverna set in a converted stone fisherman’s house on the water’s edge.

Early booking reduction & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% early booking reduction on accommodation and €100 complimentary resort credit. Valid for travel 21 Apr - 30 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £1100 per couple. Prices from £1180pp including half board. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Grace Mykonos & Grace Santorini

Captivating in equal measures, these two Greek island hotspots are guaranteed to seduce. Grace Mykonos charms with its whitewashed architecture and beachside location, whilst being within close proximity to the nightlife of Mykonos Town. From the medieval dwellings of Little Venice to the archaeological remains of Delos, a rich history constitutes this remarkable destination. After undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation in 2016, the elegant Grace Santorini now boasts a new Champagne lounge and a yoga and Pilates studio; the luxury retreat will also welcome two new suites with private infinity pools this year and a wellness spa in 2018.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary dinner, spa treatment and yoga session at Grace Mykonos and Grace Santorini. Valid for travel 20 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £830 per couple. Prices from £2265pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

The Westin Resort Costa Navarino

Able to guarantee interconnecting rooms in low-rise villas and situated close to the two age-focused kids’ clubs and on-site Aqua Park, it’s no wonder this is a firm family favourite. Guests of all ages will love the half-mile sandy beach, guided eco walks in the nearby dunes and efficacious eateries – be one of the first to sample the new menu at Michelin-starred chef Andrea Fusco’s Mediterranean fusion restaurant Perovino, head to Souvlakeri for authentic Greek grills and try clean eatinginspired Eat Well menus that are suitable for gourmands of every generation. A must-visit is the Navarino Speed Experience Park for high-octane thrills on the race track.

Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 25% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary room upgrade. Valid for travel 19 Feb - 30 Nov 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 15 Feb 17. Save up to £330 per couple. Prices from £865pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Porto Heli

Amanzoe

The sleek design and contemporary interiors so characteristic of Aman belie Amanzoe’s Peloponnese heritage – some of its olive trees are more than 800 years old. The private beach and superb Aman Spa promise a divine experience, or find heaven in Heli at the new nine bedroom, seven pool Villa 20, so beautiful it could have been designed for the gods themselves. Neoclassically minimalist in style, the villa has a footprint one and a half times Trafalgar Square’s with discreet funicular lifts to ease getting around. Across the resort, highlights include the ubiquitous 360 degree views of the Aegean, elegant Mediterranean dishes making the most of local produce, as well as exclusive use of the magnificent Beach Club.

Added value Stay 4 nights and receive complimentary half board and €100 spa credit. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Prices from £2535pp.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Santorini

Mystique, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Short-haul, coastal cool doesn’t get much better than the boutique Mystique in Santorini. Perched pride of place on the rim of the island’s famed caldera, near the blinding white village of Oia, it’s not for the vertiginous, but its views of volcanic cliffs and the sparkling Aegean Sea are miss-a-beat territory. With just 28 rooms (and three villas), it’s quietly intimate and features offbeat extras such as a secret wine cave and the utterly brilliant Asea Lounge Restaurant, an excellent artisan Japanese restaurant. The vibe is laid-back, the infinity pool seems to hang off the edge of a cliff and the sunsets are simply sensational.

Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive a 10% early booking reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 13 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £280 per couple. Prices from £1545pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Crete

St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas

Contemporary design blends effortlessly with sweeping coastal views and high-end amenities at this beautiful resort, overlooking picturesque Mirabello Bay. The private, blue-flag beach is located in a sheltered cove and is perfect for watersports, including scuba diving, waterskiing and sailing – charter the 34 foot yacht and explore the neighbouring islets. Enjoy a romantic spa treatment for two in a seaside cave at Poseidon Spa where expectant mothers can also find treatments tailored to them; sample local wines and learn the fine art of making cocktails, or fully immerse yourself in Greek culture at the hotel’s permanent private art exhibition and Cretan museum.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 30% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 23 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £580 per couple. Prices from £1070pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Crete

Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection

Adults-only is the punch line for this retreat. Striking exterior architecture borders on the futuristic and inside it’s all clean lines and contemporary kit. Accommodations (all with a heated plunge pool or outdoor Jacuzzi) come in three categories: Upbeat Retreats, Sublime Lofts and Haven Suites; think Smeg mini bars and black ceiling fans. Outside these sleek pods, are two swimming pools, the super-cool Raw Bar serving sushi, and Zeen restaurant where glocal (global meets local) is the word du jour. First stop for all guests is cocktails at N Bar, the beach is scattered with beanbags and there’s a blissful spa. Leave the kids at home and enjoy cutting-edge Chania.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 25% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 31 Mar - 15 Nov 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £470 per couple. Prices from £975pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Halkidiki

Eagles Palace

Family-owned and run, there’s a wonderful welcome at this very special Halkidiki hotel. Situated on the Athos Peninsula, just a 15 minute walk from the village of Ouranoupolis, its location is also hard to beat. Eagles Palace melts into its natural surroundings and looks out over golden sand, glittering sea and the mystical, monastery-strewn hillsides of Mount Athos. The spirituality of the setting infuses the resort, particularly when cocooned in its serene spa. This is a hideaway in the truest sense of the word, an Elemis/Apivita journey to inner peace. Other highlights include exceptional food and a unique Artist in Residence programme.

Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% reduction on accommodation and complimentary half board. Valid for travel 14 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £440 per couple. Prices from £745pp.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Costa Navarino

The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort

Whilst also an exceptional family-friendly resort, at The Westin’s neighbouring sister hotel, things have a more adult-focused feel and a real sense of sophisticated exclusivity. Contemporary rooms and suites, most with private infinity pools accessed from expansive wooden decks, effortlessly combine modern touches with traditional Greek architecture; influenced by the site’s rich 4,500 years of history. Opt for a villa for pampering perfection courtesy of a personalised butler service. The Messinian heritage also inspires treatments in the award-winning Anazoe Spa; golf aficionados will love the 18-hole Bernhard Langer course with panoramic sea views from the greens, whilst the freshly caught fish found at beachside Barbourini is a must-try.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 25% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 25 May - 30 Sep 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £510 per couple. Prices from £1160pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Touring Itineraries

Catherine Collis Carrier’s concierge, Catherine has worked in the travel industry for over 22 years. She has a real passion for touring holidays, and has travelled the world to witness tigers in India, heli-hiking the glaciers in New Zealand and diving some of the best coral reefs in the Maldives. There are few better ways to truly discover what some of the most fascinating areas of the world have to offer than a touring holiday. Crafted from astounding local knowledge, these are what I feel are our top itineraries which will deliver some of the most awe-inspiring experiences. Fully immerse yourself in the culture, colour and nature of a destination; discover iconic landmarks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Seven Wonders of the World. A local guide will help you see the country

from the perspective of a native; I love to go off the beaten track and uncover places you wouldn’t be able to find with a travel book. It’s almost impossible not to develop a close bond with your guide; they take time to learn about you and use their expertise to take you to the places they know you’ll appreciate the most. Touring holidays will always hold a close place to my heart, my last trip to India being particularly special as this is where my husband proposed.

Amankora Journey

There are few places more spiritual than the Himalayas and few kingdoms more beguiling than the monastery-strewn mountains of Bhutan. Now you can journey through this tiny country in boutique luxury, bedding down in Amankora’s five beautiful outpost lodges. Think rustic luxe; hot stone baths, woodburning stoves, authentic spas and jaw-dropping settings. From the blue pines surrounding Amankora Thimphu (within easy reach of the capital and royal residence), to tiny secluded Amankora Gangtey with its monastic views and converted potato shed restaurant. From the atmospheric Amankora Bumthang, to the awe-inspiring Amankora Punakha, accessed by a small suspension bridge across the Mo Chhu river. And last but not least, the forest dwelling of Amankora Paro (the perfect base for Tiger’s Nest), this is one unforgettable journey.

Prices from Stay 12 nights at Amankora lodges Thimphu, Gangtey, Bumthang, Punakha and Paro including a private vehicle, guide, mountain permits and a spa treatment. Valid for travel until 31 Mar 17. Prices from £7335pp including full board and an overnight stay at The Imperial New Delhi, India. This is our recommended itinerary, for further details please visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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New Zealand at its best

Vast, varied and vibrant – New Zealand is teeming with outstanding natural beauty. Amidst the breathtaking mountains and crystalline lakes, Māori traditions are reflected in all aspects of the culture. Experience panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and a par 72 championship golf course at The Lodge At Kauri Cliffs – where you can also uncover the fascinating heritage of Northland. Nestled on the banks of Waikato River and originally set up as a fishing lodge in the 1920’s, Huka Lodge attracts guests from all over the world, including the Hollywood elite. Spend your last nights at Queenstown’s iconic Eichardt’s Private Hotel – characterised by its exceptional standards of luxury.

Prices from Stay 14 nights at Sofitel Viaduct Harbour with breakfast; The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs half board; Huka Lodge half board; Wharekauhau Country Estate half board; The George with breakfast; Minaret Station fully-inclusive; and at Eichardt’s Private Hotel with breakfast from £13,755pp.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Palaces & Tigers

Culture, colour, nature: this wonderful itinerary covers everything from UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to a Seventh Wonder of the World and the beautiful yet elusive tiger. Start by embracing the chaotic sights, sounds and smells of Delhi (albeit from the luxurious refuge of The Imperial). Next stop, the less hectic Agra and incredible Taj Mahal, before total escapism and tiger spotting deep in Ranthambhore National Park. After taking a walk on the wild side, head to the Pink City, Jaipur and Amber Fort before putting your feet up lake-side in Udaipur. This journey brings you a little taste of India – the clamour, the colour, the forts, monuments and mosques, the markets, the cows – a small insight into a large intoxicating country. And along the way the Oberoi group will cocoon you in unabashed luxury, feed you glorious food and wrap you in Ayurvedic bliss.

Prices from Stay 12 nights at The Imperial; The Oberoi Amarvilas; The Oberoi Vanyavilas; The Oberoi Rajvilas; The Oberoi Udaivilas; and at The Oberoi, Gurgaon from £4230pp including breakfast. This is our recommended itinerary, for further details please visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Island Escapism

Experience Sri-Lanka’s rich culture and fascinating history with a stay at the recently opened, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa. Spanning over 50 hectares, it is the largest resort in Sri Lanka. Eager to support the native artisan communities, guests can visit The Village and interact with local craftsman to learn about traditional arts and crafts. At night, Sri-Lankan music is played, along with exhilarating performances of Angampora – Sri Lanka’s indigenous martial art. Then unwind in one of the private overwater villas at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa in the Maldives. Head to CHI, The Spa: the secluded sanctuary offers locally-inspired treatments using ingredients from the ocean waters, we recommend the Maldivian Huvafen.

Complimentary nights Stay 10 nights, pay for 7 at Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa and Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa. Valid for travel until 17 Dec 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £3210 per couple. Prices from £3335pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Discover Cambodia & Laos

Home to the renowned Angkor Wat, Cambodia is reminiscent of its inspirational cultural heritage, whilst Laos is epitomised by its captivating spiritual charm. Begin your journey at Raffles Hotel Le Royal – first established in 1929, this iconic hotel is imbued with glimpses of the past. Its signature Femme Fatale cocktail was created for Jackie Kennedy in 1967. Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor also offers an authentic setting, with some of the original hotel features still remaining, including the cage elevator in the lobby. Belmond La Residence Phou Vao is a reflection of the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang; a serene sanctuary adorned with traditional décor.

Prices from Stay 14 nights at Raffles Hotel Le Royal with breakfast; The Jahan full board; Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor with breakfast; Belmond La Residence Phou Vao with breakfast; and at Settha Palace Hotel with breakfast from £3895pp.

This is our recommended itinerary, for further details please visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Dubai

Merridith Lewis-George With over eight years’ of experience in travel and having lived and worked in Dubai for two years, Merridith has an extensive knowledge of the Emirate state. She loves the cosmopolitan vibe, panoramic views and of course, shopping in the Dubai Mall. Having lived in Dubai, I can attest to the sheer scale of luxury this city embodies, captivating you from the moment you arrive. There is a real cosmopolitan vibe, as white sandy beaches are juxtaposed with ultra-modern architecture that always leaves me feeling awestruck. You almost feel like a member of the glitterati as you peruse high-fashion designs, beautifully presented in the Dubai Mall, a place where I can be lost for hours.

A definite highlight of my trips to this Emirate state is the food. For a fun and authentic experience, I highly recommend Aprons & Hammers, who serve the best crab and lobster around, atop a traditional dhow boat. Dubai has an adventurous spirit, where you can take advantage of the year-round sunshine whilst dune buggying across the desert or taking in sights of the gulf from a hot air balloon.

One&Only Royal Mirage

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 5 nights and save up to a third with complimentary half board. Valid for travel 09 Jan - 06 May 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £1990 per couple. Prices from £2065pp.

With three distinct properties and eight restaurants to choose from, spoilt for choice is an understatement here. The regal beachfront Palace with its opulent furnishings and central, fountain-filled Arabian Court offer the KidsOnly programme, whilst the Residence & Spa is a perfect couples retreat with its sea-facing private terraces and indulgent treatments at the ESPAbased Health & Beauty Institute. This hotel is unrivalled in Dubai for eating and drinking – enjoy fine Moroccan at Tagine, modern cuisine with a South Asian twist at EauZone and sundowners at Arabian-nights inspired The Rooftop Terrace and Sports Lounge. This resort is so ethereally perfect you’d be forgiven for thinking it is a mirage – be assured, it’s all real. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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One&Only The Palm

Find serenity in the city at this One&Only hotel, perched on the tip of The Palm’s crescent yet within easy reach of all the action in downtown Dubai. Boutique by Dubai’s standards, the 94 rooms and suites are set within a tri-level manor house, six stand-alone mansions and four private beachfront villas. You’ll love the oversized marble bathrooms with walk-in rain showers. Dine in three restaurants by Michelinstarred French chef Yannick Alléno, indulge in a rejuvenating treatment from the UAE’s only Guerlain Spa and enjoy a cocktail at overwater 101 Dining Lounge & Bar for awesome views of Dubai’s skyline.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 5 nights and receive up to a 25% reduction on accommodation and complimentary half board. Valid for travel 09 Jan - 06 May 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £2250 per couple. Prices from £2870pp.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Atlantis, The Palm

Epitomising elegance and style, Atlantis, The Palm set on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, offers spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. Discover marine wildlife up-close at Aquaventure waterpark and Dolphin Bay. A true culinary destination, luxurious dining experiences await at the legendary Japanese restaurant, Nobu and the award-winning Ossiano with underwater views of the Ambassador Lagoon. For cosmopolitan nightlife, Yuan Bar and Lounge offers innovative cocktails made from traditional Chinese ingredients and the vibrant atmosphere of Nasimi Beach is a hotspot on the Dubai social scene, frequented by celebrities, and plays host to major performing artists.

Reduced rates & added value Stay 5 nights and receive up to a 45% reduction on accommodation and unlimited access to Aquaventure and The Lost World Chambers Aquarium. Valid for travel 08 Jan - 30 Sep 17. Save up to £2230 per couple. Prices from £1870pp including half board. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach

The best of both worlds – a beachfront sanctuary nestled just 20 minutes from the action of downtown Dubai. The traditional Arabic design and cool, contemporary style offsets the peaceful surroundings of the Arabian Gulf for a truly understated luxury escape. Bestowing some of the hottest culinary experiences in Dubai, feast on cutting-edge Mediterranean and Asian-influenced cuisine at Sea Fu or dine at Suq, a lively market-style restaurant. Discover the glamour of Mercury, a world-class rooftop bar serving exotic cocktails in an ultramodern setting. For complete rejuvenation, look no further than Pearl Spa, where signature treatments are infused with local culture.

Reduced rates Stay 5 nights and receive up to a 20% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel until 08 Jan - 25 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Save up to £660 per couple. Prices from £1920pp including half board.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Antigua

Issy Von Simson Starting her career at Condé Nast 11 years ago producing the supplements at Tatler, Issy became the magazine’s Beauty Director before moving to Condé Nast Traveller where she is now Deputy Editor. Sometimes you need a holiday that is outrageously easy, straightforward and properly relaxed, with a direct flight, quick transfers and the guarantee of a knockout beach and warm shallow seas at the other end. This is the joy of Antigua. It has more glorious stretches of sand than you could ever need in a lifetime (not one’s a dud) and a smattering of hotels that really nail

the fly and flop brief. The Inn at English Harbour is for grown-up kicking back in a colonial setting, Carlisle Bay is the dream with a postcard perfect bay. Then there’s Jumby Bay, a Rosewood-run private island of absurd comfort, hot and cold running rum punches, starfish in the surf and swaying palms. Just like Antigua as a whole, you really can’t go wrong here.

Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort

This is a lush dot of an island only accessible by boat. Beginning its time as an ancient coral reef that became part of Christopher Columbus’ discovery on his second journey to the Americas, it is now an understated paradise boasting some of the best accommodation in the region – we have a soft spot for expansively stylish villa – Lazy Lizard. Transport on island is by bicycle, creating a peaceful vibe that encompasses you the moment you arrive. Nature lovers will delight in the variety of wildlife, from the Persian black head sheep to the hawksbill sea turtles. A Carrier highlight: fine dining at the historic and newly refurbished Estate House.

Complimentary night Stay 7 nights, pay for 6. Valid for travel 23 Apr - 17 Dec 17. Save up to £1680 per couple. Prices from £5870pp all-inclusive.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

The Inn

There is a wonderful old-world nostalgia at this unsung bolthole on its pretty secluded headland overlooking Nelson’s Dockyard. The colonial style buildings house just 28 suites, and a quiet luxury pervades throughout. The rooms are all large, featuring mahogany floors, rattan furniture, canopied beds, and open out onto shaded verandas. Plump for a beach cabana and you’re just steps away from the silk-soft sand, with hammocks stretched between rustling palms. A bar filled with nautical memorabilia and the gorgeous Terrace restaurant housed in the original stone house, are just two more highlights. No kids under ten: this is a 19 acre Caribbean cocoon for adults.

Complimentary nights & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 and receive three complimentary lunches. Valid for travel 11 May - 31 Aug 17. Book by 30 Apr 17. Save up to £1200 per couple. Prices from £2305pp including half board.

Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Blue Waters

One of the longest established resorts on the island, this family-owned gem sits above its own beach in Soldier’s Bay and is popular for its secluded location and welcoming atmosphere. The character is essentially modern, yet infused with colonial Caribbean style. Rooms come with private decks to make the most of the sea views, but for those who wish to splurge or are looking for the ultimate private retreat, Rock Cottage comes highly recommended. This five bedroom villa is spot on for a gathering of family and friends. Fill your time swimming, playing tennis or sipping cocktails in the lively Pelican bar.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 30% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 21 Apr - 19 Dec 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £800 per couple. Prices from £1745pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Carlisle Bay

Blazing a trail for contemporary-chic hotels in the Lesser Antilles, this is one of the most talked about properties. Situated on its own divine bay with a lovely beach, Carlisle Bay set a new vogue when it opened in 2003 with sophisticated muted tones in its 82 ocean-facing suites. The appeal to both families and couples alike is unprecedented with their subtle division of two dedicated areas; opt for Lego bricks galore in the gratifying children’s club or the adults-only Jetty Grill for a foot-in-the-sand lunch. With the exceptional Blue Spa, a yoga pavilion, private screening room and numerous restaurants and bars, nothing is too much trouble here.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive US$200 complimentary spa credit. Valid for travel 04 Jan - 30 Nov 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Prices from £2805pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 59

Curtain Bluff

This is one of the most sought-after beachfront hotels in the area and for good reason; it’s set on not one but two soft sandy beaches. From the beginning, it was a sanctuary for family and friends and the essence of this has not been lost; renowned owner, Chelle Hulford still hosts a cocktail party once a week at her private villa on the tip of the bluff. The tennis facilities are some of the finest, with dedicated weeks led by the likes of Tracy Austin and Owen Davidson. There’s always an appropriate vintage too, served by sommelier George, from one of the first controlled wine cellars in the Caribbean. You’ll likely return, most guests do.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 35% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 28 Oct - 15 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £2670 per couple. Prices from £3380pp all-inclusive.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Florida

Marie Mikkelsen Having worked in travel for over ten years, Marie has spent a great deal of her time curating bespoke itineraries for the USA and Canada. Ever since first visiting Colorado and New Mexico over 20 years ago, she’s been fascinated by the diversity and culture of America. Upon arrival at Miami International Airport, I was greeted by a chauffeur who made my experience all the more memorable, as he recalled tales of his beloved home city with charisma and charm. The jovial welcome didn’t stop there; the weather was delightfully warm, the architecture was splendidly colourful and the contemporary art scene seemed to thrive around every corner. Miami certainly left its mark on me, yet it wasn’t until I visited the Everglades

that I experienced the true divergent beauty of this American state. Miles upon miles of fauna-rich grasslands stretched before me, as I stood atop the Shark Valley viewpoint towards the north of the National Park. The sugar-sand beaches, the exuberant cities and even the nostalgic Peter Pan experiences at the legendary theme parks – Florida provides you with all of that and more, and that is what makes it so captivating.

Miami & Bahamas

The new cool hotel in Miami is Faena Hotel Miami Beach, a collaboration between hotelier Alan Faena, film director Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin (Luhrmann’s costume designer wife). The bright contemporary décor is brilliantly bonkers, the Tierra Santa Healing House Spa will have you tearing up your passport, but the ultimate pièce de résistance is the food. Argentine grill master Francis Mallmann delivers a mouthwatering asado experience at Los Fuegos and Paul Qui dishes up exquisite Asian food at Pao. Follow up Faena with the Bahamas and One&Only Ocean Club. This private estate (once owned by Huntington Hartford) has Versailles-styled gardens edged

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by miles of soft sand, an amazing One&Only Spa and restaurant extraordinaire Dune by Jean-Georges Vongericten. Beach bliss with a glamorous twist.

Complimentary nights Stay 10 nights, pay for 8 at the Faena Hotel including a 20% saving on spa treatments and at One&Only Ocean Club including a 5% saving and breakfast. Valid for travel 15 Feb - 17 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 15 Feb 17. Save up to £2290 per couple. Prices from £4670pp.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

The Ritz-Carlton Florida

Complimentary night & room upgrade Stay 10 nights, pay for 9 and receive a complimentary room upgrade at The Ritz-Carlton, Orlando and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. Valid for travel 01 Jun – 30 Sep 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £870 per family. Prices from £7900 per family of four, including car hire.

Who knew Orlando could be oh-so-serene? The Ritz-Carlton, a quiet destination cocooned by gardens, is the perfect place from which to dip in and out of Disney, SeaWorld, Universal et pals. Timeout can be had feasting on farm-to-table food at Highball & Harvest; getting lost in the 40,000 square foot spa; playing the 18 hole Greg Norman-designed golf course or simply fishing at Shingle Creek. Beach-bound Ritz-Carlton fans should do the decadent double and head to The Ritz-Carlton, Naples on the white-sand shores of the Gulf of Mexico. This has family fun engraved into its regal walls. There are water sports galore, a stupendous spa, remarkable service and restaurant upon restaurant of belt-bursting food.

Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Orlando & Palm Beach Playgrounds

Experience the ultimate Disney adventure with this five star twin. The Four Seasons has an enviable location, tucked away in a private woodland. If you have any excess energy, there’s a load of sports facilities; alternatively head to the spa for some respite. For a post-Disney pickme-up, go old-school Palm Beach and check into The Breakers. Dating back to 1896 and right on the seafront, 140 acres house everything: eight restaurants, two golf courses, four pools, 10 tennis courts and half a mile of private beach. The décor is frescoed grandiose and the tag line is ‘the original home of R&R’.

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Complimentary nights Stay 11 nights, pay for 8 at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World® Resort and at The Breakers including breakfast. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 Oct 17. Save up £1390 per family. Prices from £8610 per family of four including car hire.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Arabia

Leo Bear Freelance journalist Leo has been writing travel features for some of the UK’s leading titles for more than ten years. She’s sailed up Lake Malawi, cantered across Iceland on horseback and been strapped into a G-Shock simulator at Spaceport America – home of Virgin Galactic. Arabia is beguilingly unique, and Oman is the epitome of this. The scent of frankincense and rosewater in the air. The cloudless skies. The sugar-high you get from Qahwa, a sweet cardamom-infused coffee served everywhere you go. From carving up sand dunes in Wahiba Sands to high heels and hedonism in Muscat, there’s something to suit all travellers. And now, with the opening of Alila Jabal Akhdar in the Al Hajar mountains, the heartlands are also opening up to nature-lovers. It’s here you’ll find the real Oman: crumbling

hill villages, sand-encrusted fortresses and vast echoing canyons dotted with juniper trees. In spring, terraces of roses burst into bloom painting whole valleys a splendid shade of pink. The souq at Nizwa (the former capital of Oman) is one of the liveliest in Arabia. I love to browse the stalls laden with antique khanjars (curved daggers), copper tureens and bags of frankincense for exotic gifts to take home – but really what I’m taking with me is the gentle warmth of the Omani people.

Abu Dhabi

Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

For an intoxicating mix of seclusion and adventure, visit this true oasis in the Empty Quarter of the Liwa Desert. Arabian fortress in style, the hotel is lavishly decorated with Arabic lanterns, fountains and marble floors. Embrace desert life with a camel trek through the sands – speed merchants can opt for a 4x4 – try your hand at the old Emirati tradition of falconry, or dine under the stars Bedouin style with a fireside mezzeh feast. Escape the desert heat with a refreshing dip in the infinity pool, a traditional hammam treatment at the Anantara Spa or simply enjoy a refreshing mint tea at the aptly-named Al Waha (‘The Oasis’) restaurant.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 5 nights and receive up to a 30% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 08 Jan - 30 Jun 17. Book by 31 Jan 17. Blackout dates apply. Save up to £730 per couple. Prices from £1305pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Oman

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa Big is beautiful at this seriously impressive Omani resort, sandwiched between cobalt sea and majestic mountains. Three hotels in one: Al Waha (meaning The Oasis) is a sanctuary facing the sea; Al Bandar (meaning The Town) is built like one with lots of restaurants, shops and art galleries; and adult-only Al Husn (meaning The Castle) is a fortress-style haven that currently boasts the largest rooms in Oman. All-encompassing doesn’t come close: restaurant options span the world; there’s an indoor adventure zone for children and a lazy

river, plus you’re just 15 minutes from the sights and sounds of Muscat.

Early booking reduction Stay 5 nights and receive up to a 25% early booking reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 07 Jan - 23 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Save up to £420 per couple. Prices from £1610pp including breakfast.

Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Oman

Six Senses Zighy Bay

Set on an expansive sandy beach, the design of this renowned resort is that of an authentic Omani village, with all accommodations boasting butler service and private pools. Zighy Bay is now also home to the first salt water pool in the gulf. At 35 metres in length, it is 33% more saline than the sea and is a glorious place to float away the hours, providing additional health benefits such as relief from aching muscles and pains thanks to its high magnesium content. Further diversions include dhow cruises to secluded coves, scuba diving and tennis. Don’t leave without dining high atop the mountainside at Sense on the Edge.

Complimentary night & reduced rates Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive up to a 10% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 06 Jan - 31 Oct 17. Book a minimum of 60 days prior to arrival. Save up to £2080 per couple. Prices from £2395pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

St Lucia

Adriaane Pielou A journalist and travel writer for over 30 years, Adriaane has written for titles including the Mail on Sunday, Condé Nast Traveller, the Telegraph Media Group and The Times. She grew up in Surrey and south-east Asia, then spent a decade working in New York. Too mountainous to ever be as developed as Barbados, as lush as Jamaica but so much smaller you could get around the entire island in a day. And poignantly beautiful, with wild flowers everywhere, miles of dry-stone walls, and a faint undertow of melancholy, St Lucia seems populated largely by calm, witty, hard-

working people speaking such measured English they sound like elocution teachers. The island also has some of the best hotels in the Caribbean. The BodyHoliday, for instance: an all-inclusive fitness resort. Brilliant! As for Sugar Beach, is there a more spectacularly located hotel on the planet?

BodyHoliday

In the 1980s, the Barnard family designed this wellness retreat to facilitate the desire of a generation to keep fit and young. With such foresight and innovation, this all-inclusive resort is continually at the cutting-edge of health and wellbeing; its latest treetop spinning studio and BodyScience programmes are a testament to this. Personalisation is the key here: whether you choose to take a PADI Open Water course or check into the open-plan Penthouse with its own Kinesis gym; savour an Ayurvedic diet or favour endless cocktails at Cariblue Pool; indulge in a complimentary daily spa treatment or undertake 3-D heart mapping; you can have the holiday you desire at this restoration and rejuvenation mecca. Themed months also deserve applause.

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Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive reduced rates on accommodation and a complimentary room upgrade. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 Aug 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £2910 per couple. Prices from £2385pp all-inclusive.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort

A former 18th Century sugar plantation with one of the most supreme settings amidst the twin Piton mountains; a three-year renovation in 2013 with a whole host of improvements made it the hottest new-old resort in the Caribbean. Today, it’s the best long haul hotel as voted in The Sunday Times Travel Awards 2016. Whilst the resort offers experiences within the National Marine Reserve like Snuba, Schiller water bikes and unique treetop treatment rooms, we are fans of Sugar Beach for the simplest of pleasures – from relaxing on the dreamy sugar-soft sand or taking a nature walk under the rainforest canopy. We’re not surprised Matt Damon chose to renew his vows here.

Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a reduction on accommodation and complimentary breakfast. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 Oct 17. Book by 31 Jan 17. Save up to £1160 per couple. Prices from £1910pp. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Capella Marigot Bay

Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 45% reduction on accommodation, complimentary meal plan upgrade and rum tasting. Valid for travel 24 Apr - 09 Nov 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £2960 per couple. Prices from £1620pp.

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On the west coast of St Lucia lies a narrow forested inlet with deep emerald waters; a spot the novelist James Michener described as ‘the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean’. Today, its beauty is just as breathtaking, with the added bonus of being home to the gorgeous Capella Marigot Bay. Climbing up the hillside, this little spot is pinch-yourself territory. The hotel is laid-back-luxe with a bunch of highlights including the Rum Cave (no explanation needed) and the serene Auriga Spa, a sanctuary dishing out treatments using sea salt, volcanic rock and island herbs; super yachts sail in to dock at the Capella Marina.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Riviera Maya, Mexico

Lucy Halfhead As Travel Editor of Harper’s Bazaar, Lucy has written about a wide range of destinations and has commissioned writers including Margaret Atwood and Helen Fielding. Two of these pieces were shortlisted for the AITO Travel Writer of the Year 2016. From Aztec civilizations, to the revolutionary art of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, Mexico’s rich cultural history is even more thrilling against a diverse backdrop of palm-fringed coasts, misty jungles and vibrant cities. It’s easy to see why Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton fell in love on the Pacific beaches of Puerto Vallarta, but venture inland to explore the crumbling palaces and

grand churches of Oaxaca, fuelled by chilli hot chocolate, or, for the brave, perhaps a glass of Mezcal. The sensory adventure continues at the ancient ruins of Teotihuacán, and the magnificent Mayan city of Chichén Itzá. As the Mexican novelist Carlos Fuentes put it, his country ‘has a genius for survival, seduced by the past into the future... the greatness of Mexico is that its history is alive and well’.

Hotel Esencia

A hacienda-style mansion, initially commissioned and owned by the Duchess Rosa de Ferrari, is now home to Hotel Esencia – a chic, boutique hotel that has had a brilliant revamp. There are 29 suites and villas dotted around the 50 acre private estate (the two bedroom Pool Villas and four bedroom Villa Bel Ha are brilliant for families). White-on-white rooms are given tropical splashes of colour and come with Havaianas (nice touch). There’s a sublime ceviche menu and a dreamy organic spa, but the location wins our vote: the utterly beautiful unspoilt bay of Xpu-Ha. A secluded gem you can share with the nesting turtles. Mayan ruins? What Mayan ruins? You’ll never want to leave.

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Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive US$100 complimentary spa credit and a bottle of wine per room. Valid for travel 01 May - 20 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £600 per couple. Prices from £2660pp including breakfast.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Couples and families alike will be wowed by this all-suite, all-inclusive beachside resort. Each accommodation offers a private terrace and Jacuzzi, the family-friendly Ambassador Suites and adults-only Grand Class offer aweinspiring sea views, whilst the Zen Grand suites are perfect jungle hideaways. Eight restaurants, covering everything from French classics to Asian fusion, send foodies into a frenzy – Cocina d’Autour, the first restaurant at an all-inclusive resort to receive Five Diamonds from the AAA, is a must-book. Make your own ceviche at the new bar from familiar ingredients such as tuna and salmon or the more adventurous can try topping theirs with fried grasshopper.

Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 39% reduction on accommodation and US$50 complimentary daily spa credit. Valid for travel 02 Jan - 03 Apr 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £2850 per couple. Prices from £3085pp all-inclusive. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Viceroy Riviera Maya

A Mayan blessing on arrival from the in-house shaman sets the mood for this adults-only, all villa retreat. Eco-focused luxury is the order of the day – each of the 41 thatched cottages is crafted from organic materials, blends effortlessly with the Mayan rainforest and is filled with all the requisite luxuries including private patios, plunge pools and outdoor showers. The service is impeccable, yet unintrusive (each villa comes with a butler), with every detail thought of, including a soap concierge, chic straw hats to borrow by the pool and complimentary diving shoes to aid your snorkelling. Oenophiles will love the wine cellar and its wide range of local Mexican options.

Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 35% reduction on accommodation and US$100 resort credit. Valid for travel 31 May - 01 Nov 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £1610 per couple. Prices from £2325pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Rosewood Mayakoba

Surrounded by emerald jungle with access to a mile-long stretch of sugar-white sand, Rosewood Mayakoba is hard to resist. Just north of Playa del Carmen, there are acres of space and exquisite limestone suites are connected by meandering waterways. Mustnotes include a pared-down minimalism (spot on for the natural setting), the Rose Buds children’s club, a spa set on its very own island and Greg Norman has wielded his magic again with a superbly designed golf course. Out and about there are awe-inspiring ruins, entire lost cities and the world’s second largest coral reef to keep you busy. Oh, and there’s also a tequila library: happy days!

Added value Stay 7 nights and receive US$400 complimentary resort credit. Valid for travel 05 Jan - 30 Apr 17. Blackout dates apply. Prices from £4255pp including breakfast.

Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Barbados

Jessica Read Jessica is one of our most experienced Caribbean, Mexico, USA and Canada Reservations experts. She is known for her impressive Caribbean knowledge and Barbados is one of her favourite islands. I’ve been visiting Barbados on family holidays since the age of four – this island has provided me with a lifetime of memories and truly feels like my home away from home, with friendly locals and a safe atmosphere that make you feel welcome from the minute you arrive. Indulging in Bajan culinary delights is my favourite pastime when visiting. From the delectable flying fish at Champers to the speciality dish cou-cou at Brown Sugar, the food is as diverse as the people. You

can’t afford to miss the Friday Fish Fry at Oistins, for fresh grilled swordfish and lobster mixed with infectious street music, where you can dance the night away. Aside from the food, I love admiring the local history and architecture of St. Nicholas Abbey where you can explore the rum distillery and sample some of the local spirit. If you like to hit the waves, a visit to the east coast is a prerequisite for any surfer – championships are held there annually.

Sandy Lane

Added value Stay 7 nights and receive US$700 complimentary food and beverage credit. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 30 Sep 17. Blackout dates apply. Prices from £4020pp including breakfast.

Welcoming its first guests in 1961 on the site of an old sugar plantation, Sandy Lane has long been considered the premier address in the Caribbean. A veritable Bajan institution and celebrity magnet, it is forever loved for the warmth of its exemplary service, deluxe accommodation across four wings, three highly acclaimed golf courses, delectable dining in its four restaurants and the extravagant Romanesque spa. Modern amenities such as the swimming pool’s underwater sound system and GPS-installed golf carts add to the draw. With sailing lessons, outdoor movies and mocktail parties, younger guests are just as indulged, making it a hit with families too. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Coral Reef Club

Sister property to The Sandpiper, this is one of the grand dames of the Barbados hotel scene. Its success is a tribute to the professionalism, creativity and vision of Budge and Cynthia O’Hara who came to run the hotel in 1956 and never wanted to leave. Languishing amidst 12 acres of lush tropical gardens overlooking a picturesque bay, this setting was the inspiration behind Agatha Christie’s A Caribbean Mystery, published in 1964. Still managed by the younger O’Hara family, it oozes unrivalled elegance, old-school luxury and classic charm. One of the main draws is the focus on health and wellbeing at the boutique spa (pictured above). Don’t miss: the weekly cocktail party hosted by Cynthia and her family at her home every Monday.

Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a complimentary Foot Ritual spa treatment. Valid for travel 07 May - 28 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £410 per couple. Prices from £2085pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

The Sandpiper

Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a complimentary Foot Ritual spa treatment. Valid for travel 07 May - 28 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £410 per couple. Prices from £2085pp including breakfast.

This 50 room hotel on the prime St. James coast consistently draws discerning repeat visitors. And it’s easy to see why it is firmly entrenched in the hearts of such a loyal crowd. The food is excellent, particularly the eclectic haute cuisine of Chef Christophe Poupardin, and the service is laudable thanks to Wayne and Karen Capaldi’s eagle-eyed attention to detail. Most of the staff have been in place for decades; island treasure Harold has his own beach bar, made out of cuss-cuss grass thatch, named after him. The hotel has undergone major refurbishments over the past few years, further reaffirming its reputation as a front-runner on the island.

Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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The Fairmont Royal Pavilion

One of the earliest hotels on Barbados and the first on the west coast, The Fairmont Royal Pavilion benefits from an unrivalled beachfront location; rooms offer direct access to the white powder beach. Reminiscent of a plantation house, it gives the feeling of being privileged guests in a private home, coupled with the modern comforts expected from an exclusive resort. There are expansive gardens to explore on foot or simply choose a book from the hotel’s library to devour whilst relaxing in the sun. Our favourite memory: enjoying Sunday Brunch whilst listening to the lilt of steel pans.

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Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 50% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 01 Jan - 19 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Jan 17. Save up to £2080 per couple. Prices from £1885pp including breakfast.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort & Residences

Still considered to be one of the newcomers on the Platinum Coast, Saint Peter’s Bay is an inspiring alternative to a hotel. It offers a range of luxury residences situated on the unspoiled northwest coast; what impresses us most is the space proffered by the plush beachfront homes. For those holidaying with a group, the most splendid option is to join the two or threebedroom residences together. Find Barbados’ finest rum punch here, served by Gilbert, a humble Bajan gentleman with a megawatt smile. The water-taxi service is handy for stocking up on groceries, whilst luxury power boat ‘Wicked Wahoo’ can take you fishing or swimming with turtles close by.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 20% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel until 14 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £870 per family. Prices from £6240 per family of four. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Cobblers Cove

The original plantation house was built in 1944 on the site of the Quaker Battery Station and was then called Camelot (a name still retained for one of the signature suites, as well as the hotel’s restaurant). Now it is famous for being Barbados’ only Relais & Châteaux property, with some of the best food in the Caribbean. The Camelot Restaurant is a destination in itself. In between gourmet fare and time on the sunbeds, there are interesting tours to other historic plantation houses not usually open to the public, including Halton Great House, which has a wide collection of antiques and art ranging from 18th Century originals to Oliver Messel paintings.

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Added value Stay 7 nights and receive a 20% reduction on accommodation and US$500 complimentary resort credit. Valid for travel 05 Jan - 01 Aug 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £670 per couple. Prices from £2200pp including breakfast.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Colony Club

In a prime oceanfront location on the island’s famed Platinum Coast, this former Colonial Club built in 1948 remains loyal to its rich history; its architecture, décor and natural landscape make it one of the most iconic Caribbean resorts. Devotees love this property for its timeless sophistication, relaxed atmosphere and delicate sprinkling of modernity. Recreational pursuits in the day are top-notch, from complimentary motorised watersports and turtle tours to rum punch explorations, whilst languorous evenings are spent dining to the sounds of a steel pan band. Healthy menu choices incorporate the freshest ingredients from the hotel’s impressive organic vegetable and herb garden.

Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 40% reduction on accommodation and US$100 complimentary resort credit. Valid for travel 01 May - 18 Dec 17. Book by 31 Jan 17. Save up to £1190 per couple. Prices from £1750pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Croatia & Montenegro

Claire Howes Claire has over 12 years’ experience in the travel industry and holds a true passion for Europe. In her time with Carrier she has travelled extensively around the continent and adores the people, culture, food and wine. From centuries-old walled cities to dramatic coastlines and brimming national parks, Croatia and Montenegro are filled with culture and heritage. I have only travelled to the en-vogue duo once, and they made such an impression on me, I cannot wait to return. Steeped in thousands of years of history, I felt like I was wandering through a film set of winding cobbled streets framed with wellpreserved Roman palaces. I recommend combining city and beach to truly get the most out of your trip. Start in the

vibrant coastal metropolis of Dubrovnik, featured in the epic fantasy series Game of Thrones; discover medieval buildings and crystal clear waters before heading to Korçula Island – a small sleepy village filled with charming stone houses topped with red roofs; an architectural nod to Dubrovnik 30 years ago. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Kotor is unquestionably one of the most beautiful areas along the Adriatic, it reminded me of Vietnam, with towering limestone rocks enveloped by exquisite green waters.

Montenegro

Aman Sveti Stefan

A former 15th Century fishing village and summer royal residence, guests truly are treated like royalty here. The lavish interiors are adorned with silk and antique furnishings, the Juliet balconies offer extended views over King’s Beach and the service is, of course, faultless. The Spa Centre at Queen’s Beach, Adriatic vistas and watersports are already popular with repeat guests, and the new wine tasting tour is likely to attract further fans. Why not enjoy a private visit to the nearby Masanovics wine estate – the family have been making wine for generations from the Montenegrin indigenous grape variety Vranac, which has aromas of burnt oak, ripe raspberries and fresh cranberries.

Added value Stay 3 nights and receive three complimentary spa treatments and transfers. Valid for travel until 31 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Save up to £200 per couple. Prices from £1270pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Dubrovnik is on the doorstep, but you’ll find it hard to leave the peaceful and cosseted surroundings of the boutique Villa Orsula. Old meets new here. The hotel’s 13 rooms are housed in the beautiful 1930’s villa and are decorated with modern furnishings and original artwork by Roberto Matta and Victor Vasarely. Plus, the bathrooms are bursting with Bulgari. The service is discreet, warm and personalised, but it’s the vine-draped Victoria restaurant that is a real draw – request a terrace edge table at the Adriatic’s first Peruvian restaurant for delicious delicacies served with a generous helping of spectacular city views.

Prices from Stay 3 nights from £660pp including breakfast. Excludes transfers.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Dubrovnik

Villa Orsula

Dubrovnik

Hotel Excelsior

Prices from Stay 3 nights from £435pp including breakfast. Excludes transfers.

With its sought-after sea meets city location, this stylish sanctuary has been hosting movie stars and royalty for over a century – for the full VIP experience, opt for the Presidential Suite to make the most of the spectacular panoramas of Dubrovnik and the pine-clad island of Lokrum. A gentle five minute stroll along the private beach takes you to the Old Town’s eastern gate where some of Croatia’s best cultural diversions await. After a day pounding the cobblestones, recharge in the Energy Clinic Spa with its freshwater indoor pool and reward yourself with sumptuous seafood at Prora beach restaurant or a cocktail at Abakus Piano Bar. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Dubrovnik

Sun Gardens

Wow factor comes courtesy of the facilities at Sun Gardens, a short water taxi hop from Dubrovnik. This all-encompassing resort has short-haul family fun stamped all over it with sports galore including a brilliant watersports centre, amazing tennis facilities, a football pitch, climbing wall, too many pools to count, a games room and excellent kids’ clubs. There’s a very good spa for adult me-time and the food choices are as expansive as the activities. From La Pasta and The Butchers Grill to fine dining at La Ginja (get a babysitter) there are oodles of options. Throw in a beachfront location with views of the Elaphite Islands; you’ve got a Croatian corker for all the family.

Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 10% early booking reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel until 29 Dec 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £150 per couple. Prices from £975pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Canada

Gina Riley With a notable 27 years’ of experience in travel, Gina is an expert on our USA and Canada portfolio. Having travelled extensively across the country, Canada is one of Gina’s all-time favourite holiday destinations. I have been visiting Canada for over 20 years, and for me, it is the only place that perfectly combines cosmopolitan living with the picturesque rush of vast mountain peaks, lush forests and an abundance of unforgettable wildlife. As a nature enthusiast, I love the exclusivity of Sonora. Only accessible by sea or air, I have spent many days venturing through rugged woodland grizzly bear spotting, and kayaking across the serene waters of Surge Narrows Marine Park. There is no better city to complement this outdoor vibe than

Vancouver, where a bike ride through the greens of Stanley Park promise views of the North Shore Mountains and the string of hidden beaches are ideal for a romantic picnic. For a taste explosion, Grandville Island is a food haven of fresh seafood, middle-eastern treasures and the best honey-dipped doughnut I have ever tasted. And, if you’re still seeking thrills, zip-lining across the Kennedy River or surfing the swells of Chesterman Beach are my picks when staying in or passing through Tofino.

Wilderness & Wildlife

Enjoy the grandeur of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia as you witness the beauty of Vancouver. Walk for miles on the nature trails of the worldrenowned Stanley Park or take a dip in the heated pool at Second Beach. Discover the unspoiled wilderness of Sonora with a customised helicopter glacier tour or take the rare opportunity to experience the ancient Homalco culture across the Orford River. Continue exploring Canada’s wilderness in Tofino before descending into Victoria for a stay in the iconic Fairmont Empress, the ideal place to take in world-class cultural exhibits and a high-speed whale watching safari.

Prices from Stay 12 nights at Rosewood Hotel Georgia; Sonora Resort full board; The Wickaninnish Inn; and at Fairmont Empress from £3640pp including car hire.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Canadian Rockies & National Parks

From city skyscrapers to the annual stampede, Calgary fuses traditional western charm with bustling innovation. The Fairmont Palliser provides the ideal base for exploring the Canadian Rockies and the spirit of the Wild West. A haven for nature enthusiasts, Banff and Lake Louise is considered one of the world’s best mountain destinations, perfect for a scenic hike or spot of horseback riding. Concluding the journey in Vancouver, the Fairmont Waterfront offers unparalleled west coast views of a city steeped in Olympic history and access to the historic Gastown where trendy eateries, galleries and Victorian cobblestone line the streets.

Prices from Stay 11 nights at Fairmont Palliser; The Rimrock Resort Hotel; Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise; Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge; Rocky Mountaineer with breakfast and lunch; and at Fairmont Waterfront from £4780pp including car hire. These are our recommended itineraries, for further details please visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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South Africa

Steve Kimber Steve has worked in travel for over 30 years, and joined Carrier as Managing Director in 2010. This year alone, Steve has visited three continents and over ten countries. South Africa. A country filled with many diverse and interesting regions, offering an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits. The buzzing city of Cape Town is amongst my favourites; I head straight to the V&A Waterfront and soak in the views of the majestic Table Mountain, whilst savouring authentic street food at the V&A food market. Only a 20 minute drive away, you will find the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden,

the most beautiful garden in Africa. Proclaimed an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, this park makes for a tranquil afternoon, uncovering delicate wildlife and life-size art sculptures. With a wine-making history dating back to the 17th Century, you cannot visit South Africa without experiencing a vineyard tour. I recommend the Waterstone winery where you can sample local wines paired with delicious home-made chocolate.

City & Safari

A multi-cultural city steeped in history combined with a breathtaking safari experience, this duo could be the ultimate South African getaway. Located on its own private quay on the V&A Waterfront with Table Mountain as its backdrop, Cape Grace offers modern luxury infused with local charm. The vibrant Bascule Whisky, Wine & Cocktail Bar stocks one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest selection of whiskies and the delectable cuisine at Signal restaurant is award-winning. Then, to Sir Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Private Game Reserve. Guests can split their stay between two exquisite lodges; appreciate panoramic views of rolling terrain with the Drakensberg Mountains on the horizon at Rock Lodge and being in the heart of the bush, up close to zebras and impala at Safari Lodge.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive reduced rates at Cape Grace including breakfast; and at Ulusaba Safari Lodge all-inclusive. Valid for travel 01 May - 15 Aug 17. Save up to £370 per couple. Prices from £4380pp. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 95

Cape Town & the Winelands

To experience the best of the Cape region, combine spectacular scenery, exquisite art and fine wine at both of these luxury hotels. Perched on the slopes of Lion’s Head overlooking Bantry Bay, Ellerman House offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Famed for having one of the largest collections of original South African art, aesthetes will love the private art tour showcasing work from the famous Thomas Bowler and William Kentridge. Next up: head to Franschhoek, the food and wine capital of South Africa. Mont Rochelle is set amidst 39 hectares of grounds and vineyards, wine lovers have their pick of the grape which they can pair with delectable South African dishes served in Miko.

Prices from Stay 7 nights at Ellerman House and at Mont Rochelle from £2520pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Steenberg

Paradise on earth for gourmands and oenophiles alike, boutique Steenberg is set within 59 hectares of lush vineyards on the Cape’s oldest farm and within easy reach of cosmopolitan Cape Town. The 24 spacious rooms are set in three original 1682 manor house buildings – opt for a Heritage Suite for super-luxe bathrooms. Try wine tasting accompanied by sensational seasonal tapas at the award-winning Bistro Sixteen82, sample fine cuisine at Catharina’s restaurant and marvel at the state-of-the-art winery – there’s the innovative Rattlesnake Sauvignon Blanc if you’re feeling adventurous. Detox in the spa or enjoy a round of golf on the 18-hole championship course overlooking the Constantia Valley.

Complimentary night Stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Valid for travel 01 Mar - 30 Sep 17. Save up to £170 per couple. Prices from £255pp including breakfast. Excludes flights and transfers. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of South Africa. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

This historic hotel is the epitome of elegance, with colonial-style décor and impeccable gardens. An old-world charm welcomes guests, whilst the surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of Table Mountain and Cape Town. The location allows guests to explore the mesmerising museums and monuments before savouring the eclectic mix of restaurants in the Mother City. After a day of discovering this dynamic metropolis, the exquisite rooms and suites provide the utmost relaxation, furnished with comfort and style in mind. The hotel is famed for its high tea – appreciated by locals and visitors alike, an array of tantalising treats are served throughout the day.

Complimentary night & added value Stay 4 nights, pay for 3 and recieve a complimentary room upgrade. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 30 Sep 17. Save up to £510 per couple. Prices from £515pp including breakfast. Excludes flights and transfers. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of South Africa.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Caribbean Islands

Jenny Basham Product Manager for the Caribbean, North America and Mexico, Jenny is much-admired for her impressive knowledge of the Caribbean and recommends Anguilla as one of her favourite destinations. Blissful sunshine, paradisiacal beaches and coral-rich waters – the Caribbean has a reputation for being a fly-and-flop destination, yet it is so much more than first meets the eye. With its powder-soft beaches that appear to stretch for miles, Anguilla was mostly as I expected, yet its Grecian-style white-washed buildings came as an unexpected surprise. Not far from Anguilla itself, the small island of Scilly Cay is worth a day-trip purely for its impeccable seafood; there’s nothing quite

like savouring fresh lobster on the beach to the sounds of a live steel band. Out on the water is the place to be in the BVIs, where extravagant superyachts head to North Sound to gather at Saba Rock bar during the winter months. From yachties to storytellers, Grenada is a place of warmth, colourful culture and wise inhabitants, with the Underwater Sculpture Park being one of its greatest treasures; it is all too easy to fall a little bit in love with the Spice Isle.

Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 99

St Barths

Le Guanahani

Fresh-faced Le Guanahani has added yet another reason to visit St Barths. 2016 marked its 30th anniversary and the culmination of a four year facelift. The peninsula setting hasn’t changed: 18 acres of palm-filled grounds with beaches on both sides, home to tortoises and iguanas happily going about their business. The clapboard cottages have fresh coats of turquoise, lilac and lemon; the spa is by Clarins; there’s paddle boarding, snorkelling and diving; go moonlit kayaking, whale watching or hike around this small, beguiling island. And when all is said and done, come back and feast on food from new executive chef Nicola de Marchi.

Complimentary nights Stay 7 nights, pay for 5. Valid for travel 11 May - 22 Dec 17. Save up to £1070 per couple. Prices from £2875pp including breakfast.

upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 100 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

British Virgin Islands

Peter Island

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 30% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary upgrade to full board. Valid for travel 05 Jan - 19 Dec 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £1300 per couple. Prices from £2845pp.

Accessible only by boat (or helicopter), Peter Island is just four miles south of Tortola, and the largest private island in the BVI. This is a 1,800 acre tropical paradise where peace is paramount. True escapism comes easy and there’s wow factor in desert island bucket loads. Flawless beaches are lapped by shallow turquoise waters; there’s a 10,000 foot spa; two storey bungalows house just 52 rooms; there are three private villas complete with butler, and service is off the charts with a staff-to-guest ratio of two-to-one. Food is as good as the setting at either Tradewinds or Deadman’s Beach Bar and Grill and if you can part from your luxury lazing, we recommend exploring this virtually uninhabited island by mountain bike. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 101

Anguilla

Malliouhana, An Auberge Resort

Built atop a bluff overlooking the white sands of Meads Bay and Turtle Cove, Malliouhana has been a Caribbean icon since 1984. After a three-year closure, it reopened in 2014 as an Auberge Resort and the results are classic yet contemporary. There’s a real sense of place, a vibe that evokes the spirit of Anguilla with lots of tropical patterns and splashes of colours, think sunny yellows and ocean blues. The character of this gorgeous property has been brought back to life: there’s a great relaxed atmosphere, excellent rum cocktails at the Sunset Bar and sea-to-table food from head chef Jeremy Bearman. If you want true Caribbean, Malliouhana should be on the 2017 travel list.

Complimentary nights & added value Stay 10 nights, pay for 8 and receive US$200 complimentary resort credit. Valid for travel 02 Jan - 27 Aug 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £1070 per couple. Prices from £3315pp including breakfast. upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 102 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Grenada

Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa For boutique bliss, head to this Grenadan gem complete with private beach and where the service is warm and personalised. The 30 spacious suites – some with private pools – all boast ocean views and are set out in a horseshoe shape leading down to a sandy cove. For dining, choose from tapas lunches at The Beach Club or gourmet fare at Rhodes’ Restaurant where Gary Rhodes’ experience has elevated the already exquisite cuisine made from tasty local produce. Work off the calories in the fitness room, sea kayaking, sunfish sailing or on the tennis courts.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive a complimentary room upgrade, US$500 resort credit and a complimentary massage. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 Oct 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £560 per couple. Prices from £2135pp including breakfast.

Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 103

Grenada

Spice Island Beach Resort

Variety is the spice of life and you will find it in abundance at this premier resort. Complimentary green fees at the golf club nearby, floodlit tennis, the dive centre, visits to the rainforest and sailing charters all keep active guests entertained, whilst the rejuvenating treatments at Janissa’s Spa are based on the restorative properties of local herbs. Gastronomic choices abound – enjoy elevated fare at Oliver’s, complimentary cocktails in the Sea & Surf Terrace & Bar or the renowned Caribbean barbecue, accompanied by a steel band, on Friday nights. The ultra-stylish suites, complete with all the latest technology, further reflect the exotic flavours of the resort.

Complimentary night & reduced rates Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a 20% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 15 Dec 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £1700 per couple. Prices from £2560pp all-inclusive. upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 104 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Fiji & French Polynesia

Jane West Jane has been working and travelling to Fiji for over 20 years, and is now Regional Director UK/Europe for Tourism Fiji. Travel is in her blood with both of her parents having flown for airlines, as well as growing up in Africa. One of the loveliest aspects to Fiji, an archipelago of 333 islands in the South Pacific, is your arrival. As you fly into Nadi, the incredible beauty of the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands are laid out before you – film sets for Blue Lagoon and Cast Away; behind Nadi the sun is rising, Fiji being one of the first countries in the world to see the dawning of each new day. Rather apt then, that it is famous for the ‘Bula’ welcome; guests are serenaded as they

step off the plane and leis of flowers are placed around their necks. The people are some of the friendliest in the world. Visit the market, take in an island rugby match or explore the local village, this is where you can get a true sense of the vibrant colour and authenticity of Fiji. A diverse land of intense beauty, rich marine life, stunning beaches, pristine waters, Fiji is where happiness finds you.

The Brando

Exuding a castaway charm, this private island resort is surrounded by glittering waters, white sand beaches and coconut palms. Admired by Tahitian royalty for centuries and famed for being Marlon Brando’s favourite retreat, Tetiaroa Island is utterly mesmerising. The resort itself is passionate about preserving the island’s natural beauty, operating with renewable energy drawn from the sea and sun. The two dining venues also use organically grown fruits and vegetables from the gardens and feature seafood from the surrounding crystal waters. Reflecting the island’s peace and harmony, the spa is hidden within the tropical greenery, offering treatments inspired by ancestral Polynesian techniques.

Prices from Stay 5 nights from £9995pp all-inclusive. Valid for travel 01 Apr 17 - 31 Mar 18. Blackout dates apply.

upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 106 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Likuliku Lagoon Resort

Prices from Stay 7 nights from £5320pp including full board. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 31 Aug 17.

A tropical dot in the ocean, Likuliku Lagoon Resort is an adult-only piece of heaven on earth. This is the first and only Fijian property to feature overwater bures, with direct access to the coral reef below. There are just 10 in total, joining 35 scattered along the beach. All have been built in such traditional style, the overall effect resembles an ancient village. Likuliku (meaning calm waters) seduces at every turn. From its location, to the exceptional food by Australian chef Shane Watson and Tatadra Spa’s magical touch, everything is sigh-worthy. Plus this little patch of paradise is an eco-warrior, so it gets an extra big tick. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 107

Bora Bora & Los Angeles

Tucked between Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, Four Seasons Los Angeles has had a revamp and is back to its glittering best. Its location was always spot on, a quick jaunt away from Rodeo Drive and Robertson Boulevard. The modern Italian restaurant Culina is a local favourite; rooms are kitted out with iPads loaded with an app to order things at whim; and the best seat in the house for surreptitious celeb spotting is by the rooftop pool. Twin LA with Bora Bora and end on a Four Seasons high. The hotel’s emerald lagoon setting is one of the most beautiful places on earth. The hotel lives up to its location with buildings made of volcanic stone and thatched roofs. From spa to bar, sunrise to sunset, this is the place to live the Bora Bora dream.

Prices from Stay 10 nights at Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills and at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora from £6855pp including breakfast.

upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 108 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Italy

Lydia Gard Lydia is a travel writer and regular contributor to many Condé Nast titles including Condé Nast Traveller and Tatler among others. She is the editor of Mr. Fox, the weekly email newsletter and website for modern, discerning parents. I’m a huge proponent of far-flung adventure with kids, but nowhere on earth tugs at my heart – or my passport – like Italy. La Dolce Vita is a cultural triumph, the fabulous architecture and superlative landscapes work in harmony to keep travellers in perpetual states of awe, while the familial, cheek-pinching, bosom-embracing open-heartedness of

the Italians themselves means a family holiday will invariably result in a new raft of Aunties and Uncles whose houses are open to future visits. From the Ligurian coast to the Puglian countryside, the Umbrian hills to the Aeolian Islands – as Verdi so eloquently put it: ‘You may have the universe if I may have Italy’.

Puglia

Borgo Egnazia

Experience the authenticity of Puglia at this exclusive hotel surrounded by beautifully bucolic olive groves. The therapists at Vair SPA offer life-changing psychosomatic programmes, golf aficionados will love the 18-hole San Domenico course and the two beach clubs, watersports, four pools and kids’ club keep those with itchy feet as active as they choose. Accommodation is elegant and diverse, including La Corte rooms with balcony or private garden, spacious townhouses with rooftop terraces and exclusive three-bedroom villas with private pools. Exploring the local countryside and villages by bicycle before refuelling on gourmet fare at Due Camini makes a holiday here all the sweeter.

Reduced rates Stay 5 nights and receive up to a 20% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 07 Jan 17 - 06 Jan 18. Blackout dates apply. Book by 31 Jan 17. Save up to £270 per couple. Prices from £820pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Ravello

Palazzo Avino

Tucked away in the picture-perfect medieval hilltop village of Ravello, Palazzo Avino overlooks some of the Amalfi Coast’s most pretty villages. Everything about this 12th Century once private villa is sublime: its lofty location, the terraced gardens and the beautiful rooms with their handmade Vietri tiles, 19th Century antiques, oriental carpets and gilded mirrors. Romantic to the core, since it opened its doors in 1997, this pink-hued fairytale palazzo is undoubtedly one of the world’s bestloved hotels. The food at Michelin-starred Rossellinis is a not-to-be-missed Italian extravaganza, whilst Terrazza offers a more casual approach with killer views.

Complimentary nights Stay 8 nights, pay for 6. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 22 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Save up to £740 per couple. Prices from £1575pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Sicily

Verdura Resort – A Rocco Forte Hotel

In true Sicilian style, at Sir Rocco Forte’s Verdura, things have been kept very much in the family. The renowned hotelier has his sister Olga Polizzi to thank for the stylish, warm interiors and his daughter Irene is also very hands on. Whilst the award-winning spa has long been a draw, the new Rocco Forte Rituals utilising the brand’s Forte Organics products are sure to soothe aching muscles after a watersports session or a game of golf on one of the three impressive courses. Nearly two kilometres of private coastline and beach, six clay tennis courts, four restaurants, five bars, 60 metre infinity pool and the complimentary kids’ club add further appeal to this Italian gem.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 25% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel until 28 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Save up to £490 per couple. Prices from £1110pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Seeking a room with a view? Look no further than this icon’s panoramic vistas of Lake Como. Family owned since 1910, the hotel exudes glamour – make like a movie star and stay in the Greta Suite, named after Ms. Garbo herself. Part of the refurbishment of the 18th Century Villa Emilia includes a new suite that boasts private access to the exclusive T Spa – with panoramic sauna, relaxation lounges and hammam – perfect for romantic retreats. Head out onto the lake in the vintage Venetian Lancia – if you ask nicely Captain Diego might let you drive, or borrow the hotel’s apple-red Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce and tackle those undulating roads in true Italian style.

Lake Como

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a €100 complimentary spa credit. Valid for travel 10 Mar - 28 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £440 per couple. Prices from £1705pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 113

Mauritius

Sarah Lancashire Carrier’s Marketing Manager, Sarah has been with the company for nearly four years. Always on the lookout for her next adventure, travel and discovering new destinations is what she lives for, yet the draw of her mother’s homeland can never be denied. I am very proud to say that I am halfMauritian, and feel genuinely blessed that this picture-perfect dot in the Indian Ocean is somewhere that I can call a home from home. The moment I step off the plane, feel the warmth of the tropic sun and catch the faint scent of caramelised molasses from the charring of the surrounding sugar cane fields, a sense of contented-calm envelops me. Memories are filled with holidays visiting family on the island. My brothers, sister and I would

wake up and run straight out onto the beach, spend the whole day snorkelling, swimming and kayaking, only returning for lunch at a huge table surrounded by family and friends and, again, at the end of the day, all sitting together to watch the sun melt into the horizon. For a small island, Mauritius has the biggest of hearts; a land that keeps on giving – a generosity truly reflected by the people who live there. And, quite simply, my favourite place on earth.

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa

The charm of this much-loved Mauritian icon, hugging the white sands of Trou d’Eau Douce bay, has certainly been retained following an extensive six-month long renovation and re-brand in late 2015. To much fanfare, it emerged as a sensational style icon with features including a ‘Weavers Belvedere’ sculpture framing the sea view and glass tables held up by salvaged tree roots in the lobby, and contemporary rooms and suites complete with the latest in-room technology. A ten minute boat ride takes you to Iles aux Cerfs for the Bernhard Langer-designed golf course, or exclusive Ilot Mangénie for castaway luxe and watersports galore.

Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 50% reduction on accommodation and complimentary half board. Valid for travel 23 Apr - 29 Sep 17. Book by 15 Feb 17. Save up to £2040 per couple. Prices from £1625pp. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 115

St. Regis is renowned for its bespoke traditions, and this legacy shines through at this Mauritian hideaway. Fronted by a white sand beach, the resort is the epitome of colonial-style grace and grandeur. Historic hints glimmer everywhere – from the butler service with over 100 years of experience, to the signature Bloody Mary cocktail and The 1904 Bar, which features a Champagne sabering ritual and performances by renowned jazz musicians. Serenity prevails, with the lapping waves of the Indian Ocean and spectacular sunset opportunities. For the ultimate pampering and peacefulness, the Iridium Spa offers personalised treatments in the heart of the property.

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort

Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 45% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 22 Apr - 30 Sep 17. Book a minimum of 60 days prior to arrival. Save up to £1890 per couple. Prices from £2020pp including half board.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

Rustic seclusion perfect for a fly-and-flop break juxtaposed with an offering of tremendous activities, both land and water-based, make for a truly remarkable stay. Whilst it may be difficult to leave the seclusion of your villa with private pool, the Ernie Els Signature golf course is a definite highlight with the stunning backdrop of a one-time sugar plantation. And we will never grow tired of talking about the giant Aldabra tortoise, over 100 year old Hercules, next to the green on the 9th hole. The service, food and accommodation here are exemplary, not failing to live up to the beloved Four Seasons brand.

Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 40% early booking reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 01 Jun 17 - 11 Jan 18. Book a minimum 150 days prior to arrival. Save up to £1610 per couple. Prices from £2230pp including half board. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 117

Constance Le Prince Maurice

Named after Prince Maurice Van Nassau, pioneer of the spice trade in the Indian Ocean, this resort personifies exclusivity. It received an exciting refurbishment in 2012 which elevated it to a new level and opened it up to families with suites that come with Apple Mac minis and spa treatments for all. The facilities are world-class: 89 villas spread across a generous 60 hectares, whilst a walk through the mangroves on a long teak boardwalk will bring you to the unique floating restaurant. To top it all? One of the finest and largest wine cellars in the Indian Ocean with sensational old and new world wines.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 40% reduction on accommodation, complimentary upgrade to full board and 30 minute massage. Valid for travel 16 May - 15 Sep 17. Save up to £1440 per couple. Prices from £2105pp.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Portugal

Laura Houldsworth Laura grew up in Scotland and after studying Architectural History at Edinburgh University, she headed south for a job with House & Garden magazine in London, where she has been for the last seven years. Her role as Executive Retail Editor allows her to indulge her passion for design, food and travel. I’ve spent every summer for as long as I can remember in Portugal. Perfect for a short-haul dose of Vitamin-D, the mild climate, beguiling beaches, uber-fresh fish, Vinho Verde and port wines, and cosmopolitan cities keep pulling me back for more. With the maze of cobbled streets and rumbling wooden trams both Lisbon

and Porto are spot-on for a city break and nothing beats a coffee and fresh pastel de nata from one of the many cafés. While the impressive beaches in the Algarve remain popular, the Douro Valley wine region has captured my imagination this year with its undulating hills and knowledgeable wine connoisseurs.

Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa

A real dining destination par excellence, this hotel has ten restaurants to tantalise the tastebuds. The new Clubhouse is home to three of these (as well as an infinity pool and bars). Yet it’s the seafront two Michelin-star, Ocean, that is the main attraction. One of only two restaurants in Portugal to hold the accolade, enjoy elegant dishes with sophisticated wine pairings courtesy of the Cave de Vinhos’ selection – visit in May to be part of the Vila Vita Fine Wines & Food Fair. Amongst the resort’s cobbled walkways recreational facilities abound. Tennis, watersports, pitch and putt and the Hypoxi weight-loss treatments in the Roman spa are all popular with guests.

Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive a 10% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary dinner. Valid for travel 23 Jun - 31 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Book a minimum of 60 days prior to arrival. Save up to £210 per couple. Prices from £1295pp including breakfast. upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 120 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Anantara Vilamoura Resort Algarve

This is Anantara’s first foray into Europe. Formerly the Tivoli Victoria, it is gearing up to reopen as an Anantara property in April 2017. The location remains as fabulous as ever: slap bang in the middle of the renowned Oceânico Victoria golf course, meticulously designed by US golfer Arnold Palmer. In addition to fairways, greens and bunkers, the new-look hotel will feature five restaurants including Emo’s Portuguese dishes with a contemporary twist; a spa promising the heavenly Anantara touch and loads of family-friendly extras. There’s also a complimentary shuttle to the beach (six kilometres away) for some sea action.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 15% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary dinner. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £530 per couple. Prices from £955pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 121

Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort

The great outdoors beckons at this stylish, family-friendly resort situated within a protected national park on the rugged western Algarve. Explore by bicycle, or get back to nature with dolphin watching, horse riding and fishing trips. Back at the hotel, the powdersoft sands of the Praia do Martinhal call – the refreshing Atlantic breeze makes it the perfect setting for surfing. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of the ocean views, and the seafront As Dunas restaurant serves the best fish around – get there at 11am to see the morning’s catch and put your selection aside for lunchtime.

Prices from Stay 7 nights from £1125pp including breakfast. Valid for travel until 28 Dec 17.

upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 122 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Six Senses Douro Valley

Set in a 19th Century manor house overlooking the vine-covered hills of the Douro Valley and the river below, the location of this Six Senses property is blissfully serene. Nature is all around: there’s an organic garden on the estate; guests can feast on seasonal dishes at Vale d’Abraao restaurant with its open kitchen and intimate dining room or indulge in evening tasting sessions in the Wine Library. Head to the spa, a haven that goes beyond the ordinary with locally-inspired therapies such as the Citrus Energizer and Complete Grape Rejuvenation. This is a very special place, in an unsung part of the world, where wine and wellness unite to create a completely unique escape.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 5 nights and receive a 15% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary wine tasting session. Valid for travel until 30 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £250 per couple. Prices from £1130pp. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 123

Bali

Ianthe Butt

Ianthe started her career at British Airways’ High Life magazine, first as Editorial Assistant, then Commissioning Editor, via a stint as Features Assistant. She joined the Condé Nast Traveller team last April, where she is currently Acting Features Editor. I fell in love with Bali during my backpacking years and return as often as I can. Back then my days spent exploring the island turned into weeks. Watching the surf roll in at Uluwatu, come sundown surfboards silhouetted against a crimson sky, arak cocktail in hand; whizzing noisily along bumpy dirt tracks on the back of a motorbike, past paddy fields just outside of Ubud. And it’s here you’ll find my most favourite place, COMO Shambhala Estate. A world-renowned spa; villas that are stylish and grand with

the most splashable private pools; there are even tucked away spa beds in the thick of the forest, like stepping onto the set of Avatar. But best of all, step away from under the pillar-and-thatch-cover of the Estate’s teahouse, and you’ll find one bench, set apart. Down below is a deep cut – a valley gorge carpeted with tree after tree. Swallows swoop overhead fluttering through the air like kites. Sitting there feels like you have the whole of Bali’s wilderness at your feet. And it is blissful.

Four Seasons Resorts Bali

Combine a bucolic bolthole with beachside bliss and discover the beauty of Bali. Begin with cultural adventures in bohemian Ubud – the dramatic wooden bridge suspended above a lotus pond sets the tone for discovery at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. Cycle through the rice paddies, master Balinese cuisine and search for long-tailed macaques amongst the bamboo at the nature reserve in Ubud. Next head straight to one of the island’s finest beaches at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay – the group’s packing-unpacking service means you only have to check in and out once. Rejuvenate with a ritual at the Healing Village Spa, enjoy uninterrupted relaxation in your private pool and sample contemporary Asian cuisine at beachfront Sundara.

Complimentary night & early booking reduction Stay 10 nights, pay for 9 and receive up to a 10% early booking reduction on accommodation at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 23 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Book a minimum of 45 days prior to arrival. Save up to £1940 per couple. Prices from £3455pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 125

The Legian Bali

On Seminyak beach, home to sun, sea and superbly consistent surf, is The Legian, a small boutique hotel with just 67 sleek suites, all with shimmering blue ocean views. For the ultimate privacy, just across the road, is an offshoot of 11 intimate pool villas at The Club. Whether you plump for suite or villa, you’re guaranteed distinctly Balinese interiors courtesy of Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim. Think lots of wood, stone, warm tones, local artwork and sink-into white canopied beds. The relaxed vibe borders on zen, particularly at the spa with its tension-busting Balinese therapies. Who would have thought you were right in the middle of hip and happening Seminyak.

Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a complimentary 60 minute massage. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 30 Jun 17. Save up to £940 per couple. Prices from £3510pp including breakfast.

upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 126 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

COMO Shambhala Estate

A few miles from Ubud, next to the junglestrewn hillsides that flank the River Ayung, is a place that is simply good for the soul. COMO Shambhala Estate is pure therapy, fully immersing each guest in a positive, holistic and healing experience. There are just 21 suites and a smattering of super-private villas, all cocooned by the most beautiful jungle setting. Guests are encouraged to mix comprehensive in-resort treatments, activities and healthy eating with island adventures. Feed the soul with dawn hikes, mountain biking through villages and sun-kissed paddy fields or rafting through dramatic gorges. For the super-serious spa junkie, check out the three, five and seven night wellness programmes, you’ll never look back.

Early booking offer Stay 7 nights and receive a 20% early booking reduction. Valid for travel 01 Apr 17 - 31 Mar 18. Blackout dates apply. Book a minimum of 90 days prior to arrival. Save up to £1420 per couple. Prices from £3470pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 127

New York

Laura Millar Laura is an award-winning travel and food writer whose work appears regularly in publications such as Metro, Escapism, Foodism, Square Mile, Marie Claire, Fabulous, Saturday Express magazine, The Scotsman, Scottish Sun, Sunday Mirror, City A.M. and more. New York, New York – so good, they named it twice. The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, the concrete jungle where dreams are made of… years before I first ever visited, I fell in love with it, through movies, music and TV. Yellow taxis; steam rising up through manholes on every street corner; pizza by the slice; Tiffany’s for breakfast (or lunch, or

dinner); Batman protecting his beloved Gotham City; the Chrysler building (my all-time favourite edifice); great ‘cawfee’; the Statue of Liberty – the reality was even better than the images. It pulses with energy, 24 hours a day, and I truly feel more alive here than in any other city in the world; basically, I just heart NY.

The St. Regis New York

On Fifth Avenue, just a block away from MoMA, The St. Regis deals in nostalgia. A New York icon, founded in 1904 by John Jacob Astor IV, it remains world-class from top-to-toe, exuding a timeless glamour. The rooms have high ceilings, huge windows, silk wall coverings, antiques and crystal chandeliers. There’s a library home to 3,000 leather-bound books, butlers cater to your every whim and a fleet of Bentleys are at your disposal. Then there’s the famous King Cole Bar (one of the city’s most storied places), with its Maxfield Parrish murals and famous Bloody Mary (they were invented here in 1934). For nostalgic New York, look no further.

Complimentary night Stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Valid for travel until 05 Mar 17. Book by 30 Jan 17. Save up to £720 per couple. Prices from £2010pp. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 129

New York & Bermuda

The Peninsula is another Fifth Avenue landmark of similar vintage to the St. Regis. The glamorous rooms are designed to maximise comfort and the bathrooms all feature mood lighting. There’s the rooftop bar Salon de Ning with its skyline views and Clement, a buzzy restaurant with interiors by Yabu Pushelberg. Combine NYC with Britain’s oldest colony with a stay at Bermuda’s Rosewood Tucker’s Point. This handsome stone-hued manor house overlooking Castle Harbour’s rose-pink beaches has super-sized rooms with four-poster beds. It’s the facilities that have the real X factor (range and quality): four pools, a croquet lawn, a beach club with watersports centre, tennis, a spa, a kids' club, golf course, three restaurants and a floor-to-ceiling wine room.

Complimentary nights Stay 10 nights, pay for 8 at The Peninsula and Rosewood Tucker’s Point. Valid for travel 01 May - 31 Oct 17. Blackout dates apply. Save up to £1350 per couple. Prices from £4280pp. upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 130 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

The Ritz-Carlton, Central Park

Location, location, location. Who can resist being across the street from Central Park? The hotel is elegance personified: think afternoon tea in the wood-panelled lounge and sensational cocktails from legendary bartender Norman Bukofzer (now in his seventies). Guests will find traditions stand strong. We love the 19th Century building with its limestone façade and gloved doormen. Then there are the unique little touches: the noontime ritual of feeding the Central Park carriage horses; the park-facing rooms with telescopes and bird guides; and the seven-strong choice of pillow. Other musts are farm-to-fork food at the brilliant Auden Bistro & Bar and time-out in the La Prairie Spa.

Complimentary night Stay 4 nights, pay for 3. Valid for travel 20 Jun - 04 Sep 17. Save up to £710 per couple. Prices from £2145pp.

Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 131

Malaysia & Borneo

Monty Halliday Monty is a freelance travel writer and regular contributor to the Daily Mail. His latest jaunts have included a trip to the recently voted ‘Best Long Haul Hotel in the World’ Sugar Beach in St Lucia and, more recently, Monty and his wife embarked on an adventurous honeymoon in Borneo. My wife and I went to Borneo for our honeymoon. It was not the obvious choice and I am yet to meet anyone else who has been to this island of dense, steamy rainforest. But that feeling of the unknown is alluring, and I urge you to visit and sample it for yourself. The coastline is guarded by mangroves, seawater tributaries, and crocodiles. Indeed, you will fall in love with Borneo for its majestic wildlife. Morning jungle treks bring sightings of wild hogs, monitor

lizards, rhinoceros horn bills and the famously naughty macaque monkeys. The other must-do escapade is two-man paddle boarding. The South China Sea is wonderfully calm with a gentle current to nudge you along the coastline. It gives a unique view of the marine life. I omitted to tell my wife, as she sunbathed on the board with me paddling away, that we were floating above a fever of stingrays on the ocean floor. Borneo set the tone perfectly for a post-wedding adventure.

Borneo

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa

Set in an astonishingly beautiful bay above sweeping sands and the shimmering South China Sea, the location for Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria is take-your-breath-away territory. This large hotel is gorgeously secluded, surrounded by 400 acres of tropical forest with Mount Kinabalu in the distance. The Ocean Wing is fresh out of an extensive refurbishment and offers top-notch luxury with super-sized rooms, private balconies, huge outdoor bathtubs and daybeds. VIP Ocean Wing treatment includes complimentary breakfast, pre-dinner drinks and canapés and a free mini bar (replenished daily). Beyond golf, spa and sports, there are jungle walks, nocturnal wildlife viewing and horse riding along the beach.

Complimentary night Stay 7 nights, pay for 6. Valid for travel 21 Apr - 23 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Save up to £310 per couple. Prices from £1945pp including breakfast.

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Malaysia

Four Seasons Resort Langkawi

Unleash your inner David Attenborough at this luxe resort located in the UNESCO Langkawi Geopark. Trek amongst the tangled mangroves and soaring limestone cliffs accompanied by one of the resident guides in search of some of the 240 species of wildlife found here; for the best perspective, take the cable car to the summit of the Machinchang Mountain. Back at the resort, adrenaline junkies can take to the skies on the new jetblades, whilst foodies will enjoy the local cuisine and beachside dining.

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Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 30% reduction on accommodation and a complimentary 60 minute spa treatment. Valid for travel 13 Nov - 08 Dec 17. Save up to £260 per couple. Prices from £1015pp including breakfast.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Turks & Caicos

Lucy Boardman Lucy has worked in travel for an impressive 15 years, five of which have been at Carrier. Having travelled extensively across the Caribbean, Lucy has gained a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Her most recent trip to Turks & Caicos was in November 2015. My fondest memories of these idyllic islands are dominated by mesmerising beaches – with crystal blue water and white sand, the shores here are absolutely breathtaking. I highly recommend going on a snorkelling expedition to see the fascinating marine life and vibrant corals; the water is incredibly clear so you won’t miss a thing. Although the weather in the islands is lovely all year round, the temperatures from November to May

are slightly less humid than the summer months, with averages of 28 degrees. What I love most about these islands is the overriding sense of serenity – if you are looking for a romantic getaway, you can expect the utmost privacy and peace. For those who would like to add a touch of adventure, this location is ideal for a multi-centre escape – whether it be Miami or Antigua.

COMO Parrot Cay

The property was discovered on a diving trip by Melissa, the daughter of Christina Ong, who subsequently scooped it up and created COMO Hotels’ first private island resort. Upping the ante for castaway chic, it was just as welcome into the Carrier portfolio as it was to nonattention-seeking A-listers. The Sanctuary, owned by Donna Karan, affords the chance to luxuriate amidst her collection of curios. With an emphasis on rejuvenation, it also has one of the best spas – the COMO Shambhala Retreat. One of the hottest twin centres available: pair with COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach.

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Complimentary nights Stay 7 nights, pay for 5. Valid for travel 24 Apr - 17 Dec 17. Blackout dates apply. Save up to £840 per couple. Prices from £1935pp including breakfast.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Gansevoort

New York City meets the Caribbean at this utterly modern beachfront retreat. Slap bang on the platinum white sands of Grace Bay (undeniably one of the world’s most striking beaches) Gansevoort is almost impossible to fault. Above and beyond the drop-deadgorgeous location, highlights at this sleek, boutique hideaway include the 7,000 squarefoot infinity pool complete with lounging ‘islands’, the New York-style Exhale Spa, superb Asian fushion cuisine at Stelle and a host of island activities on the doorstep. There’s an uncomplicated luxury to the supersized rooms, all of which have floor-to-ceiling windows to max out on the hotel’s number one selling point: location.

Complimentary nights Stay 7 nights, pay for 5. Valid for travel 05 Jan - 19 Dec 17. Save up to £1100 per couple. Prices from £2055pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 137

Amanyara

Ten years in the making, Aman have successfully brought a taste of the Orient to the West Indies on the island of Providenciales; an upscale addition to the Caribbean hotel scene. This bold move into new terrain saw the introduction of Asian-inspired architecture, a beautiful minimalist style by well-known Belgian architect Jean-Michel Gathy. Water lovers revel in some of the world’s best diving along the pristine reefs of Northwest Point Marine National Park, however our favourite spot has to be the 165 foot onyx-hued volcanic rock infinity-edge swimming pool; between February and April you may even be able to spot migrating humpback whales from here.

Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a complimentary upgrade to full board and two 60 minute massages. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 31 Oct 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £1360 per couple. Prices from £4810pp.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Whistler

Melanie Marsh Melanie Marsh has a remarkable 29 years of experience working in travel and 12 of those have been with Carrier. She is a keen skier and often travels to Whistler for the world-class slopes. Whistler will remain as one of my favourite destinations for family holidays for years to come. With two spectacular mountains, visitors can expect majestic slopes, spellbinding scenery and varied terrain. I’m always particularly impressed with the range of abilities that are catered for – whether you are an avid skier or starting from scratch – Whistler will accommodate you with everything you need. I experienced everything from

snowmobiling and zip-lining to relaxing in an outdoor heated pool surrounded by the sparkling snow-capped mountains. One of the highlights of my trip was being welcomed by the ski concierge at the bottom of the mountain with a delicious hot chocolate after a thrilling day on the slopes. Mallard Lounge at Fairmont Chateau Whistler is also a wonderful setting to enjoy an après ski drink following an action-packed day.

Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler

Grand in scale, intimate by nature, this wellestablished resort embraces the mountain spirit with cosy wood interiors, stone fireplaces in every room, superb mountain views and total snug-factor throughout. The spa has been voted number one in Canada; Sidecut is a must for the meat-mad with its melt-in-the-mouth steak, venison (and the rest); whilst the terrace flickers with fire pits and is the place for an après-ski mountain mojito. Other bragging points are the outdoor heated pool with heated pool deck, the brilliant ski concierge (totally on it with equipment duties), and the location – a magical pine-cloaked wilderness.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 25% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel until 10 Apr 17. Save up to £610 per couple. Prices from £2060pp. upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 140 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, this is considered by many to be Whistler’s landmark ski-in/ski-out hotel, with access to some of the greatest slopes in North America (and frequent winner of various best ski resort awards). Downhill skiing and boarding is central, but in addition, energetic snow bunnies can try out cross-country, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and ice hockey. Life is made easy by the hotel’s ski valets who meet you at the bottom of the slopes each day, ensuring you can hot-foot it to spa, pool, bar, restaurant or hot tub, in record time. With 500-plus rooms, this fairytale property has beds for any party size and facilities to match.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 30% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel until 16 Apr 17. Book by 31 Jan 17. Save up to £710 per couple. Prices from £1965pp. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 141

Vietnam

Chris Caldicott As Expedition Photographer-in-Residence to the Royal Geographical society, Chris Caldicott travelled to over 100 countries and some of the most wild and inaccessible places on earth. He is now an author, lecturer, travel writer and freelance photographer, and has written several books about travel, global cuisine and the spice trade. There has never been a better time to visit this long, thin, coastal country. Stretching from the spectacular scroll-paintinglike islands of misty Halong Bay, to the lush tropical waterways of the Mekong Delta, scattered in between are hundreds of miles of white sand beaches, forest covered hills, enchanting ancient cities and laid-back rural towns. You can stay in fabulously atmospheric French-colonialera hotels like the Hanoi’s Metropole, Art Deco classics like La Residence in the old

imperial capital of Hue or cutting-edge new designer resorts like Six Senses on the paradise island of Con Dao, Amano’i in the hills of Nui Chua National Park and the Four Seasons near the utterly delightful old trading port of Hoi An. Vietnamese food is always sublime; from humble street stalls to cool cafés and gourmet restaurants, and there are excellent handson cookery schools, with guided tours of lively, action-packed street markets piled high with succulent produce.

Highlights of Vietnam

Vietnam. An incredible combination of secluded beaches, untouched natural beauty, vibrant culture and rich heritage. Discover centuries-old architecture and traditional Southeast Asian customs in Hanoi before taking a seaplane to Halong Bay. After an overnight cruise around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll wake to see remarkable vistas of towering limestone islands soaring from turquoise waters. In Hoi An, Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai awaits. Renowned as Vietnam’s premier beach resort, guests can expect cool interiors, first-class service and activities in abundance; unwind with a treatment at the hotel’s innovative spa which can be found floating atop a tranquil lotus pool.

Prices from Stay 14 nights at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi; La Residence Hue Hotel & Spa, MGallery by Sofitel; Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai; Six Senses Ninh Van Bay; and at Park Hyatt Saigon from £4785pp including breakfast. This is our recommended itinerary, for further details please visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 143

Six Senses Con Dao

Just a short flight away from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Six Senses Con Dao is set on the idyllic island of Con Son. The secluded retreat is nestled into the dunes of an extensive crescent-shaped beach backed by striking verdant hills. Eco-luxe villas with either one or two floors each have their own infinity pool which offer remarkable uninterrupted views of the Con Dao Islands. Committed to enriching guests with the local culture, Six Senses offer Vietnamese lessons and cooking classes. A real highlight: Vietnamese at the Market, where you can sample traditional street food prepared by local Miss Lan.

Complimentary night & early booking reduction Stay 6 nights, pay for 5 and receive up to a 10% early booking reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 22 Apr - 30 Sep 17. Book a minimum of 45 days prior to arrival. Save up to £1560 per couple. Prices from £2785pp including breakfast, 5 nights at Six Senses Con Dao and an overnight stay at Park Hyatt Saigon.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

California

Francisca Kellett Francisca is the Travel Editor at Tatler magazine, having previously worked as Digital Travel Editor for the Daily Telegraph and spending years galloping around the globe as a freelance travel writer. First memories have a lot to answer for. My earliest is from San Francisco, tottering over the Golden Gate Bridge, terrifically pleased at the wind, the height, the sea, the rusty-redness of it all. That memory has never left me. It draws me back again and again. But San Fran and all its fog-blurred up-and-down gorgeousness is just a small slice of the Californian pie.

There are the corduroy vineyards of Napa and Sonoma. There’s salt-washed, ocean-lashed Big Sur; the epic peaks of Yosemite and the moss-green giants of the redwood forests; the surfers, the hippies, the farmers, the Hollywood starlets. There’s nowhere else like it and I can’t wait to get back.

Winelands & Highlands

California’s personality spreads far and wide across this enticing state, from quaint vineyards to metropolitan delights. Discover its finest quirks on this exhilarating adventure, beginning in the colourful city of San Francisco. The valleys of Sonoma are your second port of call, where California’s wine production heritage first began. From undulating hills to the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains; spend two nights immersed in the pristine surroundings and enjoying an array of outdoor activities at The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe. End your Californian adventure wandering the fairy-tale-pretty streets of Carmel and experiencing utter relaxation at Post Ranch Inn – a secluded eco ranch in Big Sur designed by architect Mickey Muenning.

Prices from Stay 12 nights at The St. Regis San Francisco; Farmhouse Inn; The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe; Carmel Valley Ranch; Post Ranch Inn; and at Cavallo Point Lodge from £5260pp including car hire. upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 146 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Coastal California

From the epicentre of connectivity, the Fairmont, discover the rich heritage of San Francisco, including the landmark Golden Gate Bridge and the infamous prison cells on Alcatraz Island. Along the journey, admire the impressive granite cliffs of El Capitan in Yosemite, the Monterey Peninsula’s breathtaking coastal landscapes at Pebble Beach and surf in the sandy coves of Laguna Niguel. Spend your final nights at The U.S. Grant in the lively and historic Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. Why not make the most of the temperate weather and enjoy a day sailing on the ocean or exploring the cultural hub of Balboa Park.

Prices from Stay 15 nights at Fairmont San Francisco; The Majestic Yosemite Hotel; Casa Palmero™ at Pebble Beach Resorts®; Dolphin Bay Resort & Spa; Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore; Casa Del Mar; The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and at The U.S. Grant from £6130pp including car hire. This is our recommended itinerary, for further details please visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Cali & Cabo

From quirky boutiques, boardwalk entertainment and contemporary eateries, this Santa Monica beach resort is packed with personality. Located directly on the beach with panoramic ocean views, state-of-the-artcomfort and sea wellness spa, Casa Del Mar in Santa Monica is a most sought-after place to unwind. With 350 days of sunshine and coastline stretching from the Sea of Cortez to the Pacific Ocean, Los Cabos Mexico is the ultimate beach escape. Sit back on a private oceanfront terrace at the One&Only Palmilla and enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine, spa treatments and access to one of the few swimmable beaches in the region.

Early booking reduction Stay 10 nights at Casa Del Mar; and at One&Only Pamilla including a 5% reduction on accommodation and breakfast. Valid for travel 01 Jun - 30 Sep 17. Book by 15 Feb 17. Prices from £6950pp.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Seychelles

Sasha Slater Sasha is Head of Magazines at the Telegraph and contributing editor to Harper’s BAZAAR and Town & Country. She lives in Clerkenwell and travels both for work and pleasure as much as she can – preferably with her husband and two children – leaving the two Siamese cats at home. There are plenty of islands around the globe that offer white sand and turquoise seas – even the Outer Hebrides if you are lucky with the weather. But the Seychelles are special for much more than the softness of the archipelago’s deserted beaches and the indigo splendour of its ocean. There are the granite boulders that dot the shore and give each island its

soaring silhouette. There are the equally monumental giant tortoises that plod the dirt tracks on the smaller islands. There’s the angular beauty of the whitetailed tropicbird as it scythes through the darkening sky at sunset. But most importantly, there’s the welcoming charm of the islanders as they welcome you to their paradise on earth.

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles

Already established as a premier resort in the archipelago and renowned for its impeccable service, castaway luxury and pristine Petite Anse beach, this exceptional hotel has now added three new strings to its bow. A surfer’s paradise, the panoramic spa situated 80 metres above sea level, now offers a dedicated Surfer’s Massage focused on soothing those muscles used most on the waves. Maxime Machuad, the new Executive Chef, will invigorate the already outstanding cuisine on offer at the four restaurants and bars, whilst the new Six Bedroom Residence Villa complete with private infinity pool, reading pavilion and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, elevates the definition of luxury treetop living.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights or more and receive up to a 25% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 16 Jan - 20 Dec 17. Save up to £1060 per couple. Prices from £2970pp including breakfast. upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 150 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa

This all-villa resort’s tag line is Stop. Stay. Begin again. And it couldn’t be more accurate. A peaceful, private five star sanctuary overlooking Anse Louis on the southwest coast of Mahé, a stay here is beyond relaxation. Its thatched roofed villas are heavenly bubbles, blocking out reality; the Spa, part of which is built into the rock, takes ‘at one with nature’ to new levels, and the personal butlers deliver a faultless ‘whatever, wherever, whenever’ service. What’s more, there’s the Beyond-All-Inclusive package which not only covers all meals, snacks, soft and selected alcoholic drinks, it throws in daily morning yoga and Qi Gong sessions, plus unlimited scuba diving.

Complimentary night & added value Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a complimentary 60 minute massage. Valid for travel until 31 Oct 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £2280 per couple. Prices from £5855pp all-inclusive. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 151

Safari & Seychelles

No murmuring televisions, vibrating mobile phones or rumbling car engines. Escape the noise and experience the diversity of nature in two contrasting destinations. With gramophones and antique typewriters, Cottar’s 1920s Camp transports guests to a time gone-by in understated luxury. Spend three exhilarating days on safari in the Masai Mara spotting lions, zebras and wildebeest, before swapping the beguiling African landscape for barefoot luxury in the Seychelles. On Denis Private Island, every detail is focused around nature and wellbeing; unwind in the openair spa, tally tracks of sea turtles and experience utter seclusion in the privacy of your villa.

Complimentary nights & reduced rates Stay 12 nights, pay for 10 at Cottars Camp all-inclusive; at Giraffe Manor full board with reduced rates; and at Denis Private Island full board. Valid for travel 01 Mar - 30 Jun 17. Book a minimum 60 days prior to arrival. Save up to £2240 per couple. Prices from £6790pp. upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 152 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Europe Ski & Snow

Edurne Pasaban Edurne is the first woman to climb all 14 eight-thousand metre peaks on earth and is a well-known TV personality in Spain. She has also received numerous awards including the Gold Medal for Sporting Merit and the Queen Sofia Prize for Best Sportsperson of the Year in 2011. Edurne is the founder of Kabi – Carrier’s partner in the Spanish Pyrenees. The Pyrenees have always been my second home; the place I used to go for training, as well as to relax, to escape from the day to day routine. To be in this valley is a feeling not to be missed; you get a true sense of being able to recharge one’s batteries and an enjoyment that cannot, in my opinion, be found in many other places – it has everything one looks for. The incredible Baqueira-Beret ski resort, recognised

as one of the best in the Pyrenees, is within an area of more than 400 square kilometres – it makes you feel as if you are able to ski with no restriction. Together with its famous gastronomy, high quality hotels and ski services, this is a destination and experience you can’t miss. As the partner of Carrier in the Pyrenees, I will be here waiting for you with a smile.

St. Anton, Austria

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With a blazing star logo that stands for their passion and commitment, and succinct one-liner mottos for almost every aspect of their services, it’s clear to see what the Raffl’s Starhotels team are about – fun and spirited hospitality with a luxury twist. Only three years old, this eclectic ski hotel entices guests with a dash of the unexpected: quirky symbols and motifs beside statement furniture, colourful leather next to antique collectors’ items and contemporary artwork hung above century-old floorboards. Combine cross-country skiing with archery or pair wine tasting sessions with delectable finger food sampling at Hell’s Club.

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Prices from Stay 3 nights from £895pp including half board. Excludes transfers. Valid for travel until 08 Apr 17.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Baqueira-Beret, Spain

Hotel Val de Neu

Ski the Spanish Pyrenees from this stylish hotel in the unsung Baqueira-Beret ski resort. Hotel Val de Neu is just 50 metres from the ski lift and the only hotel in the region with a five star Grand Luxury official rating to its name. The décor embraces the mountain setting; there’s a Sisley Spa with outdoor hot tub and an astonishingly good thermal circuit. The food is excellent with traditional dishes using fresh produce at El Bosque and the raclette, fondue and hot rock cooking at La Fondue will put you in the mountain mood. With a sociable Spanish vibe and lots of facilities for kids including a club, soft play, pool and restaurant, this is a European ski spot for the whole family.

Reduced rates Stay 4 nights and receive up to a 15% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel until 26 Mar 17. Save up to £100 per couple. Prices from £550pp including breakfast. Excludes transfers. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 155

Courchevel, France

Le Chabichou

Since 1963, the charming Le Chabichou ski hotel – now a member of Relais & Châteaux – has wowed guests with its attentive hospitality, innovative concepts and world-class gastronomy. The luxury hotel’s success largely comes down to the extraordinary leadership of the Rochedy’s – two aspiring owners who have seen the hotel welcome an impressive under-slope spa worth over £6 million and earn two Michelin stars for its gourmet restaurant. The Cooking Class Immersion programme begins from this January and gives guests the chance to help prepare a three course menu before sampling the fruits of their labour around the chef’s table.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights and receive a VIP welcome and a complimentary dinner at The Gastronomique. Valid for travel 09 Jan - 16 Apr 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Prices from £1770pp including breakfast. Excludes transfers. upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 156 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

USA Ski & Snow

Gabriella Le Breton An established travel writer, Gabriella specialises in exploring ski destinations, having visited over 140 resorts across the world. Contributing to national titles such as The Daily Telegraph, Financial Times and Condé Nast Traveller, she has also written three ski books, including newly launched ‘The Ultimate Ski Book’. It’s hard to get more American, glamorous or service-oriented than Aspen and Vail. Two of the world’s most legendary ski resorts, the star-studded Colorado towns share as many attributes as they do defining differences. Aspen claims 5,517 acres of skiing dispersed across four distinct mountains, while Vail offers 5,289 acres in its single ski area. Aspen’s historic silver mining town bristles with pretty Victorian buildings housing swanky

boutiques, art galleries and restaurants, while Vail delivers a youthful vibe with its purpose-built village set at the base of the slopes. Both guarantee flawless service on and off the piste, seemingly endless ribbons of perfect corduroy groomers and acres of challenging backcountry terrain regularly doused in Colorado powder. If choosing between them poses too great a challenge, simply do both: they’re only a two hour drive (or ten minute flight) apart.

Hotel Jerome

Elegance, rich heritage and boutique ambiance awaits at Hotel Jerome, an iconic landmark in the heart of Aspen. With its blend of authentic western charm and contemporary living, this hotel is the perfect choice for an active adventure or peaceful retreat. For the outdoorsy type, there are an abundance of activities including world-class skiing to white-water rafting. Culture vultures will love the renowned annual film and arts festivals. Sample culinary excellence with locally-inspired cuisine at Prospect or revel in the lively atmosphere of Aspen’s iconic J-Bar for an elevated experience of the Rocky Mountains.

Exclusive to Carrier Stay 7 nights, pay for 6 and receive a complimentary breakfast. Valid for travel until 02 Apr 17. Blackout dates apply. Save up to £1510 per couple. Prices from £3595pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

The Sebastian-Vail Synonymous with authentic experiences and unique, family-friendly hotels since 1999, Timber Resorts is probably best recognised for its boutique ski-in, ski-out property – The Sebastian-Vail. No ordinary hotel, this is a place where almost US$10 million worth of art adorns the walls, where the signature drink of choice is an extravagant melting hot chocolate over a liquor-based cocktail and where a number of guests choose beer foot baths (the Crazy Mountain Pedicure, to be precise) over regular spa treatments. All guest rooms have been renovated to an impeccable standard within the last two years, each featuring custom-designed furnishings and limited edition artwork.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 35% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 26 Mar - 23 Apr 17. Book by 28 Feb 17. Save up to £930 per couple. Prices from £2515pp including breakfast.

Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 159

Thailand

Maria Pieri Maria Pieri is the Editorial Director for National Geographic Traveller (UK). A frequent and curious traveller, she continues to be inspired by travel with a purpose, dragging her (usually) willing family with her in this great pursuit. I was thoroughly spoilt on that first trip to Thailand. The hospitality, the people, the food, the sights – all were phenomenal. The highlight? A surprise beach barbecue, complete with ubiquitous lobster and the fresh smell of lemongrass, lime leaves and ginger. The trip shaped my memories and my thoughts of Asia in a way I hadn’t anticipated. I was lucky enough to return to Thailand this year with my family.

On this visit, we combined Koh Samui with Chiang Mai – the interior of the country giving me another, entirely different, perspective. We planted rice in the paddy fields, cycled to the local temples, and practised Muay Thai. These days, Thailand hardly needs an introduction, yet it continues to offer something new to visitors every time they return.

Four Seasons Resorts Thailand

Combine adventure and relaxation with Four Seasons’ luxury and discover the essence of Thailand. Begin at the captivating, all-inclusive Tented Camp in Chiang Rai, set in the heart of Thailand’s Golden Triangle; the scenery is utterly beguiling. Further cultural exploration beckons in the lush foothills of Chiang Mai where you can visit the local hill tribes, pick rice in the picture-perfect paddy fields and cook terrific Thai cuisine under the watchful eye of world-class masters. End the adventure with a taste of island life in Koh Samui for secluded bays, sandy beaches and private villa pools.

Prices from Stay 13 nights at Four Seasons Tented Camp all-inclusive including a complimentary spa treatment; at Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai including breakfast; and at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui including breakfast from £7145pp.

This is our recommended itinerary, for further details please visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

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Six Senses Yao Noi

Approaching the majestic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay by boat, Dr Shinawate Sarasart saw more than just a natural wonder; he envisioned the gateway to a luxury resort, a place where man made structures blend seamlessly with the great outdoors. This vision soon became a reality in the form of Six Senses Yao Noi, where spacious private villas are constructed from premium quality wood and thatched sago palm leaves. Wellness and sustainability are the focus at this former rubber plantation, where guests can experience elevated yoga, nature bike trails and cookery classes using organic ingredients from the resort’s garden – even the candles are remoulded from leftover candle wax.

Complimentary nights & early booking reduction Stay 7 nights, pay for 5 and receive up to a 10% early booking reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 22 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Save up to £1150 per couple. Prices from £1875pp including breakfast. upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 162 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Banyan Tree Experience

Thailand is a delicate blend of idyllic island hideaways and vibrant cities – renowned for its colourful contrasts and charming culture. The Banyan Tree Bangkok is in a prime location for exploring the capital city. Famed for its rooftop restaurant Vertigo with spectacular views of the shimmering skyline and its award-winning spa, guests can experience the best of both worlds. For the utmost seclusion and exclusivity, the DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree Phuket are nestled within tropical gardens with private pools and patios. Bedrooms seemingly hover over the private wading pools, giving the impression of floating villas – adding to the ambience of complete tranquillity.

Early booking reduction Stay 7 nights and receive up to a 15% early booking reduction at Banyan Tree Bangkok and at Banyan Tree Phuket. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Save up to £190 per couple. Prices from £1905pp including breakfast. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 163

Australia

Lydia Bell Lydia is a travel and features journalist contributing to newspapers including The Times, Financial Times (How To Spend It), Telegraph, Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian and magazines including Condé Nast Traveller, Australian Gourmet Traveller and Net-a-Porter’s The Edit. My connection with Australia is, above and beyond, personal. My father is English and I grew up in England, but my mother is a fifth-generation Australian and the pulse of Australia definitely runs deep within me. My memories of the country go back to childhood holidays. They are memories of eye-popping colour – the vivid blues of the Australian ocean and sunburst-filled days with my grandparents on the Central Coast of

New South Wales. After university, I spent four, carefree, happy and under-paid years in Sydney, training as a journalist and at The Australian newspaper. Over the years, I’ve travelled to most corners of this wonderful country. As a travel destination, Australia’s unique selling point is its amazing diversity. Australia has absolutely every landscape, from the balmy subtropics to idealized desert islands, and an atmospheric outback of epic proportions.

Western Winelands

Your Australian experience begins at the grand Richardson Hotel & Spa in Perth, designed by renowned architect Sir Terry Farrell. Discover the original dwellings of the Whadjuk tribe in Kings Park or journey to the ancient Pinnacles desert, where majestic limestone pillars grace the land. After three nights, you’ll arrive in the flourishing Margaret River region for a four night stay at Cape Lodge; this area was once described by British wine critic Jancis Robinson as “being the closest thing to paradise…”. Conclude your adventure at the eco-friendly Sal Salis safari camp on the shores of Ningaloo Reef, where the unscathed wilderness is nothing short of breathtaking.

Prices from Stay 10 nights at The Richardson Hotel & Spa including breakfast; at Cape Lodge including breakfast; and at Sal Salis all-inclusive from £5895pp including car hire. This is our recommended itinerary, for further details please visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 165

Park Hyatt Sydney commands a much coveted waterfront spot on the edge of Sydney Harbour. Rooms come with floor-to-ceiling doors that open to private balconies and gob-smackingly good views, plus three new rooftop suites take the phrase ‘room with a view’ to a whole new level. Next, head inland to the Blue Mountains and Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley. Its 7,000 acre wilderness setting is breathtaking. There are 40 exquisite pool villas, but the resort’s focus is the Heritage Homestead (dating back to 1832). Guests can dabble in horse riding, wildlife tours and rural R&R. For further faraway luxury fly off to another One&Only wonder: Hayman Island; its Great Barrier Reef setting and iconic luxury provide a fabuloso five star finale.

East Coast Escape

Prices from Stay 11 nights at the Park Hyatt Sydney including breakfast; at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley all-inclusive; and at One&Only Hayman Island including breakfast from £7725pp. upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. 166 | Flight Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

National Parks

Melinda Stevens Melinda is Editor of Condé Nast Traveller. Previously she worked as Tatler’s Travel Editor and a columnist in The Sunday Times Style and London Evening Standard. She won the PPA Columnist of the Year 2016. Utah, what a mixed-up, wild-grass, skyblown, open-road, rock-hewn hinterland it is. Rocks spewed out of the earth like furious lava-whales gasping for air, rocks like soaring layers of the multi-millenium past become immediate and mighty present; rocks melted like candles; rocks like glowing messages from another world; rocks like our world gone inside out and belly up. But for all its drama, Utah is quiet. It’s quiet at Mom’s Café in Salina, just the shuffle of the waitress’ shoes as she brings fries in a red plastic basket; quiet in

Zion National Park where the rainbows come double-trouble, horizon to horizon; quiet in Lake Powell, the flooded canyon like a silver-turquoise cat languorously stretching into every tiny crag. Suddenly, at Monument Valley, the fork lightning strikes the orange earth like notes being played on a crazy piano, thrilled and busy. But then, as soon again, the moon is out, chasing the storm-player away. The sun has set, the fire is crackling, a dog barks and there is steak fizzing on the grill.

America’s Deserts & Canyonlands

Encompassing city thrills, scenic exploration and desert respite, this captivating itinerary begins at the Wynn Las Vegas & Encore, a deluxe hotel renowned for its aquatic theatre production Le Rêve – the original working name of the resort. After three nights of exploring the city and marvelling at the Grand Canyon from the skies, you’ll arrive at Amangiri – a remote wellness hideaway adored by the A-list and used to welcoming guests such as Angelina Jolie. Journey through the enchanting red plateaus of Monument Valley and stopover in Sedona, before arriving in Scottsdale at The Phoenician – a luxury retreat originally designed to bring the elegance of Europe to the Sonoran Desert.

Prices from Stay 14 nights at Wynn Las Vegas & Encore; Amangiri full board; L’Auberge de Sedona; and at The Phoenician from £6495pp including car hire.

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This is our recommended itinerary, for further details please visit carrier.co.uk/favourites

Amangiri

Head to infinity and beyond at this secluded retreat set in a rocky landscape so prehistoric it feels almost lunar. The centrepiece – a cerulean swimming pool framed by towering rocks – is a thing of American beauty, whilst the Navajoinspired spa treatments are a must-book. Tear yourself away from the luxe environs to experience America’s great outdoors at its best – the Grand Canyon, Colorado River, Monument Valley and Zion National Park are all within easy reach. Return to experience total privacy in the open wilderness from your suite’s private courtyard before sampling dinner under the stars – try the wood-fired mushrooms with hen’s egg and rosemary espresso cheddar. Delicious.

Added value Stay 5 nights and receive a complimentary spa treatment. Valid for travel 03 Jan - 31 Dec 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Prices from £3100pp including full board. Excludes flights. Please contact our specialists for a tailor-made tour of Utah. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 169

Cyprus

Emma Hardman Emma has 16 years of experience in the travel industry and is incredibly passionate about Europe. In her time with Carrier, Emma has travelled around the continent and Cyprus is one of her favourite holiday destinations. For me, Cyprus offers so much more than meets the eye. Famed for its immaculate beaches and exquisite sunshine, this magical island is also graced with enthralling heritage. Whilst I was there I visited the Baths of Aphrodite – characterised by mythological connotations and mesmerising views. Dotted along the landscape, visitors will discover striking ancient architecture that offers insight into the captivating culture of Cyprus – whether it is in the

streets, monasteries or the old castle ruins. Traditional values are still very much adopted throughout the island and to experience the true spirit of Cyprus, I would recommend visiting one of the small villages. Take a seat on the terrace of a local taverna nestled on the edge of the village square and savour the local cuisine and wines. Paphos is a great place to explore, with everything from fascinating mosaics and churches, to golden sand beaches and coastal harbour views.

Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites

Adults-focused and perched on a sought-after stretch of beach on the Paphos coast, romanticluxe relaxation is the order of the day here. Begin with Champagne and canapés upon arrival, relax in modern accommodation with expansive balconies and rain showers – some have private pools – and revitalise with a couples massage at the Elixir Spa. Stroll hand-in-hand through the verdant gardens to the pristine beach, where you will find complimentary private cabanas. It’s hard to choose a winner from the four super restaurants including Kymata for beachfront Mediterranean fare, but true romantics mustn’t leave without experiencing a private candlelit dinner on the pier to soak up that spectacular Cypriot sunset. Bliss.

Added value Stay 7 nights and receive complimentary half board and a room upgrade. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 07 Nov 17. Book by 30 Apr 17. Save up to £780 per couple. Prices from £1230pp. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 171

Anassa

Meaning ‘Queen’, in classical Greek and already renowned for its exceptional food, service and facilities, a host of new refurbishments have once again proven Anassa is worthy of its crown as one of Cyprus’ leading resorts. The award-winning, Roman-style Thalassa Spa has expanded its menu to include treatments from star facialist Anastasia Achielleos, teenagers are well-catered for with a dedicated hang-out zone that complements the hotel’s already exceptional family offering and a new total of four private villas complete with spacious terraces and infinity pools, offer more options for top-to-toe luxury. Existing fans will be pleased to hear the picture-perfect chapel, bougainvillea-clad grounds and long beach are still as splendid as ever.

Reduced rates Stay 7 nights and receive a 20% reduction on accommodation. Valid for travel 03 Apr - 13 Nov 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £510 per couple. Prices from £1320pp including breakfast.

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Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Almyra

Stylish doesn’t come close to describing this chic hotel within striking distance of Paphos’ harbour and ancient fort. Redesigned by Joëlle Pléot, favourite of Karl Lagerfeld, interiors are contemporary and relaxed – opt for a signature Kyma Suite to enjoy sea views from your private roof terrace. Sip a cocktail at the sleek infinity pool, keep little ones entertained at supervised clubs for infants and children and find superb dining at any of the four restaurants – head to Mosaics for freshly caught seafood. Find a further four restaurants at sister hotel Annabelle next door, including gourmet fare at Asteras, French dining at Amorosa and Cypriot cuisine accompanied by live music at Mediterraneo.

Reduced rates & added value Stay 7 nights and receive a 20% reduction on accommodation and complimentary half board. Valid for travel 01 Apr - 31 Oct 17. Book by 31 Mar 17. Save up to £760 per couple. Prices from £805pp. Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 173

British Airways

Route update

California is set to get its first route from Gatwick, with a new service to Oakland, San Francisco Bay launching in March 2017. The fifth service from London to the ‘Golden State’ provides the perfect starting point to your Californian fly-drive. Gateway to the ski resorts of the French Alp’s, Chambery will receive a new twice-weekly service from Stansted as of December 2016. This route will complement the existing service from London City, which operates three times a week. Flights from Heathrow to Palermo will be extended to three times a week in 2017, making it easier to explore Sicily’s spectacular southern coast.

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High life entertainment

Bringing a heightened sense of culture and entertainment to their long-haul flights, British Airways have become the first airline to broadcast specially selected content from the criticallyacclaimed TV network, VICELAND.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Take a Liberty

British Airways have partnered with iconic British brand, Liberty London to provide First passengers with an exclusive range of luxury amenities. Available from early January, these sleek, contemporary washbags have been inspired by some of the most eye-catching prints from Liberty London’s textiles archive. Filled with skincare and wellbeing products by Aromatherapy Associates, the men’s bag will feature a black embossed textured exterior and a ‘Felix Raison’ paisley motif printed lining; whilst the women’s bag will feature ‘Christelle’, an oriental inspired floral print. New versions will be added to the collection throughout the year.

u

No ordinary in-flight meal. Following extensive research, British Airways are introducing new tastes to their short-haul flights with premium food offerings from Marks & Spencer. Bespoke items, updated with seasonal changes will be available on services in 2017; the vision – bringing the best food and flavours to the sky.

Call 0161 826 1915 or visit carrier.co.uk/favourites | 175

Virgin Atlantic

A relaxing journey

Helping customers beat the jet-lag and enjoy a restful sleep, Virgin Atlantic have partnered with British beauty brands de Mamiel and This Works for a bespoke two-step aromatherapy kit. During the day, customers travelling in Upper Class will receive a hot towel infused with Enliven, an exclusive oil created by de Mamiel to promote relaxation. Overnight customers will be provided with High Altitude, a deep-sleep spray from This Works, clinically proven to improve sleep quality. The aromatherapies will be complemented by a range of mindfulness films designed by Headspace, helping travellers switch off from work and re-focus their minds.

Live from the sky

Keeping up with their tradition for in-flight innovation and providing a premium flying experience, Virgin Atlantic now offer passengers aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliners the option to tune into their favourite live TV. Staying up-to-date with the latest sporting action or breaking news coverage mid-air has been made possible through on-board WiFi, meaning customers can enjoy watching live TV via seat-back screen or their own mobile devices. Three channels are currently available – Sport 24; BBC World News and CNN International. By the end of 2017, Virgin Atlantic aims to offer WiFi connectivity across all of its services.

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Fresh new look

To mark the 10th anniversary of the Heathrow Terminal 3 Clubhouse next year, Virgin Atlantic will be renovating the space for their customers.

Flight upgrade savings are now available on selected routes and dates. Must be booked with Carrier accommodation; call for details.

Luxury

Family Escapes 2017/18

For family holiday inspiration, the best offers over peak school holiday dates and guaranteed interconnecting rooms, visit carrier.co.uk/family.

Ideas & Inspiration

Visit our award-winning website carrier.co.uk/favourites for more information, personal reviews, the latest luxury travel news, additional offers and further inspiration on where to travel in the coming year.

Introduced into our 2017/18 collections:

New Orleans | Canouan | Chania | Ibiza | Lake Iseo, Brescia | Uganda | Madagascar | Fuerteventura Plus:

Secluded beach holidays | Best hotels in the world

Our full portfolio of 2017/18 brochures: Africa Caribbean, Bermuda & Mexico Indian Subcontinent, Far East & Australasia USA, Canada & Mexico Europe & North Africa Indian Ocean & Arabia Luxury Ski & Snow carrier.co.uk

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Terms and Conditions

All offers are subject to availability. Terms, conditions and date restrictions apply. Prices may vary throughout the duration of a special offer. The prices published in this brochure are the lowest available over the offer period. All prices are based on two adults sharing and include return economy flights and transfers unless otherwise stated. Please call for full details and a personalised quotation.