Today (December 7, 2015): Top 10 world’s most luxurious ski hotels & lodges.

Winter is almost there, and that means it’s time to plan your next ski getaway. From Aspen to Zermatt, the season will be here faster than you can throw a snowball, so plan your trip now. I hereby present you my selection of the top 10 best ski hotels and lodges in the world, to help you planning your next downhill expedition.

There is more information below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite ski hotel in the comments section, or take my poll below!

10. FOUR SEASONS RESORT WHISTLER (CANADA)

Home to what is by far the largest ski resort in all of North America, the pedestrian village of Whistler has itself won numerous design awards. Whistler Blackcomb was the site of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and has also been named the #1 overall best ski resort in North America by SKI MagazineReaders’ Poll 2014. Beyond its famed slopes are the championship golf courses, hundreds of boutiques, museums and galleries and endless year-round happenings. The hotel’s 273 guest rooms are appointed richly in wood, each with their own gas fireplace. After the rigors of skiing, golf, or shopping, avail yourself of Four Seasons Resort Whistler’s many relaxation options. Inhale alpine air while you’re massaged with the clay from a nearby lake or survey the snow-capped peaks while soaking in the outdoor whirlpools.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Whistler
• Other accolades: Four Seasons Resort Whistler also features in my top list of the best luxury resorts of Canada.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast,  $100 USD spa credit).

9. THE CHEDI ANDERMATT (SWITZERLAND)

Surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the Swiss Alps, The Chedi Andermatt nestles elegantly in the idyllic heart of Andermatt, a village of timeless charms in the Urseren Valley, about a two-hour train ride from Zurich. For GHM’s first European property, the Asian brand synonymous with style, service and serenity, chose renowned architect Jean-Michael Gathy to design these 105 spacious guest rooms and suites. Traditional materials such as warm woods and natural stone create intimate yet visually striking accommodations while the extensive facilities include fine restaurants and cosy lounges, a ski-in living room with sports boutique, comprehensive spa and wellness centre with a tranquil retreat of hydrothermal baths and a duo of swimming pools against the stunning outdoor Alpine landscape.

• Hotel website: The Chedi Andermatt
• Other accolades: The Chedi Andermatt features in my lists of the best luxury hotel openings of 2013 and the world’s best indoor pools.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, $100 USD hotel credit, early check-in and late check-out).

8. ST REGIS ASPEN (COLORADO, USA)

A contemporary version of a Gilded Age mountainside manor which provides an uncompromising base for arbiters of fine food and wine, connoisseurs of culture and adventure seekers. Located just steps from Aspen’s signature slopes and featuring premier amenities and St. Regis service, the resort is surrounded by icy mountain streams, shimmering alpine lakes and majestic snow-capped peaks. Each of the 179 guest rooms at the St Regus Aspen Resort offers stunning views of the Rocky Mountains, inspiring guests to wake at the crack of dawn and hit the storied Colorado steeps. The Remede Spa is open year-round, complete with a 24-hour fitness center and located in an ideal spot at the base of Aspen Mountain. Within walking distance to Aspen’s ultra exclusive shops, restaurants and entertainment, the spa is the perfect remedy to both beginner’s bumps and seasoned veterans’ strains.

• Hotel website: St Regis Aspen
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, late check-out, and a welcome note accompanied by fresh fruit bowl and mineral water).

7. THE OMNIA ZERMATT (SWITZERLAND)

The ‘Omnia’ name sets a certain standard. The standard to which this place was created and by which the hotel staff wishes to make you feel welcome here. The individual parts come together here high on the rock to form an atmospheric unity. The location, the architecture and the design are one component. But the most important element here is the guest, with his/her individual wishes and needs. This traditional mountain lodge in car-free Zermatt is the place perfect for pampering, a resort that perches in a precarious place but offers cozy, contemporary accommodations. The rooms offer views of several famous mountains: Rothorn, Stockhorn, Gornergrat, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn. (Not the amusement park version…). Here, natural and man-made design blend together seamlessly to form a perfect sanctuary where the soul can be replenished, and the spirit rejuvenated.

• Hotel website: The Omnia Zermatt

6. AURELIO LECH (AUSTRIA)

Nestled in the exclusive resort town of Lech, the Aurelio Lech is one of Austria’s most stylish ski and spa lodges. A non-descript ski lodge exterior hides a slick, modern retreat as edgy as your skis. At the Aurelio Lech, guests can expect impeccable service, door-to-door ski conditions, and superlative spa facilities. All 19 rooms and suites are individually designed, with sleek Asian wooden furniture, enhanced by French and African natural fabrics. All have stunning mountain views. The Aurelio is located right at the foot of the mountain, so indulge in door-to-door skiing or snowboarding. Then, kick off your boots dine and on traditional and modern Austrian cuisine at the elegant Aurelio’s restaurant. Wine lover? The exclusive wine list offers several rare and vintage labels.

• Hotel website: Aurelio Lech

5. PARK HYATT BEAVER CREEK RESORT AND SPA (COLORADO, USA)

It’s not every day, or everywhere, that you find the uncommon. Add a touch of rarity to your Vail Valley adventure, in a mountainside setting brimming with possibility. Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa is a place where rare and unexpected pleasures are woven seamlessly into the fabric of each day. From the hotel’s winter ski in-ski out access in the village, to the thrill of white-water rafting, hiking and outdoor adventures for all seasons, the best of Beaver Creek is waiting for you, just outside our doors. The wood and sandstone interior complements the magnificent Rocky Mountain views, which you’ll enjoy through the French doors of your room. Dine après-ski at 8100 Mountainside Bar & Grill, but be warned: you may have problems concentrating on the delicious organic dishes when the brilliant sunset is on display. Make sure you leave time for the ultimate dessert: a decadent Ginger Peach Body Wrap at Allegria Spa.

• Hotel website: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check-in, and late check-out).

4. LE CHALET ZANNIER (FRANCE)

Nestled in a beautiful part of the French Alps, not far away from the famous alpine village of Mègeve, Le Chalet Zannier is a delightful mountain retreat offering a truly luxurious experience. The welcome is personal and the accommodation sumptuous – everything you need for an unforgettable time away. Established over a vast area, the site has three alpine-style chalets, the decoration of which expresses the very essence and sophistication of the project when it was created as an “exceptional place” to stay. All different, each one of the 12 bedrooms evokes style, beauty and taste – it’s a way of life never seen before in the mountains. Located on site is the ski chalet offering all the equipment necessary to enjoy the winter sport domains around Mègeve. The wellness centre with its indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam and two treatment rooms is the perfect place to relax after an enjoyable day on the slopes.

• Hotel website: Le Chalet Zannier

3. AMAN LE MELEZIN, COURCHEVEL (FRANCE)

The only alpine property of Aman Resorts, the world’s most exclusive hotel brand, Le Melezin has taken the minimalist Aman-Asian style and added some alpine warmth. Standing four storeys high under a distinctive black slate roof it provides an aprés-ski home set in a mesmeric wonderland of groomed slopes – both nursery and couloirs – framed by snow caressed conifer forests under a piercingly blue midday sky. Ideally situated on the Bellecôte ski slope, the hotel is a lively home of glowing warmth, a stroll from the epicentre of one of Europe’s most fashionable and exclusive resorts, Courchevel 1850, with access to some of the most exceptional skiing in Europe … directly from the front door.

• Hotel website: Aman Le Melezin

2. AMANGANI (WYOMING, USA)

Another Aman Resort makes it in my top 10! Amangani (peaceful home) clings to the crest of East Gros Ventre Butte, some 2,135m above sea level, and affords magnificent views of the Grand Tetons and Snake River Valley below. It was the first Aman resort  in North America and evokes the atmosphere of the American West. Amangani is an all-season resort. Sensitively designed with materials native to Wyoming, Amangani features redwood walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and woven cowhide chairs. Spacious suites include king-sized beds, a fireplace, and a daybed. Your sliding glass doors lead to a deck with mountain views. Jackson Hole gets plenty of snow, so take advantage of snowboarding, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and dog-sledding.

• Hotel website: Amangani
• Other accolades: Amangani also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in the USA.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2, one lunch or dinner for 2, early check-in, and late check-out).

1. THE LODGE VERBIER (SWITZERLAND)

---

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

---

---

The post Top 10: world’s most luxurious ski hotels appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (November 30, 2015): Top 10 most exclusive private island resorts in the world.

This list was updated in 2018.

The epitome of luxury travel is staying at a fabulous hotel that is set on its very own private island. The following ten elite resorts, all of them located on private tropical islands, rank among the most exclusive hotel properties worldwide, offering peace, absolute discretion and word-class service (with prices to match).

There’s more information below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite exclusive private island resort in the comments section, or take my poll below!

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

10. LITTLE PALM ISLAND, FLORIDA KEYS, USA

This is a close as you can get to an exclusive private island experience in the USA.  Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the resort is located on a tiny private island off the coast of the Florida Keys with a romantic Robinson Crusoe appeal. Ranking among the USA’s finest resorts, it is a secluded world of lush tropical gardens, crushed seashell paths, and 15 thatched-roof, Bahamas-style bungalows which house 30 luxurious suites. With no phones or television, the soundtrack at this resort is the lapping of ocean waves, the rustle of the leaves in the breeze, and the melody of neighboring birds and tree frogs. Days are spent in hammocks fixed to the palm trees, lounge chairs on the small beach, and the world-class restaurant and spa.

• Hotel website: Little Palm Island
• Other accolades: Little Palm Island also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in the USA.
• Review: read my review of Little Palm Island here.

9. HAYMAN ISLAND, GREAT BARRIER REEF, AUSTRALIA

Hayman Island is a private island resort in the heart of the Whitsundays. The nearest island to the Great Barrier Reef, Hayman Island is ideal for nature based activities and exceptional guest experiences. Featuring 160 guest rooms, suites, villas and penthouses across three main accommodation wings, Hayman Island presents guests the ultimate in barefoot luxury. Restaurants and bars offer an array of local and international cuisines, while the spa and watersports centre complete the island experience. Due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Debbie, Hayman Island is temporarily closed, but is currently accepting reservations from 1st March 2019 (it probably will reopen late 2018).

• Hotel website: Hayman Island
• Other accolades: Hayman Island also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Australia, the world’s most amazing beach resorts, and luxury hotels with private helipads.
• Review: read here my review of One&Only Hayman Island.

8. AMANPULO, PHILIPPINES

Accessible only by private plane, tropical Pamalican Island is around an hour from Manila, yet feels a world away from anywhere. Managed by the famous Aman group – one of the most luxurious hotel brands in the world – since December 1993, Amanpulo is the only property on this Philippine island. Its 40 airy casitas and villas open to 5.5 km (3,5 miles) of coral sand that encircle a jungled centre. With a convivial poolside Clubhouse, an Aman Spa, Dive Centre and a laidback Beach Club, guests can be as active as they choose; a snorkel on your private beachfront might be all the exertion required to complete a day of restorative lounging. Other diversions include tennis courts, island hikes, turtle spotting and exploring the kaleidoscopic reefs just offshore.

• Hotel website: Amanpulo
• Other accolades: Amanpulo also features in my top 10 list of luxury hotels with private airports.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and one a la carte lunch for 2).

7. JUMBY BAY ISLAND, ANTIGUA

Jumby Bay Island, an Oetker Collection property, is set in one of the most beautiful, undisturbed places in the world, on a 300-acre private island 2 miles off the coast of Antigua. Reachable only by boat, with no hint of urban intrusions and no indigenous population in sight, this privately owned hideaway has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Nowadays, the entire island, which comprises just 40 exquisitely appointed guest room and suites and a collection of villas and estate homes, may as well wear a “Do Not Disturb” sign. The resort’s 250 local staff return to the mainland every night, leaving just a sprinkling of staff, homeowners and guests.

• Hotel website: Jumby Bay Island
• Other accolades: Jumby Bay Island also features in my top 10 list of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).

6. COMO PARROT CAY, TURKS & CAICOS

COMO Parrot Cay, a favourite among celebrities, is an award-winning luxury resort set on its own private island of 1,000 unspoilt acres with a mile-long powdery soft beach. This exclusive island hideaway delivers foot-in-the-sand luxury with COMO’s service ethic, holistic therapies, yoga, diving and world-class cuisine. All rooms and suites have whitewashed interiors furnished with soft, cotton-covered chairs, airy four-poster beds and teak furnishing. The real stars are the private villas, with their own pools, direct beach access as well as the 24-hour service of COMO’s acclaimed butlers.

• Hotel website: COMO Parrot Cay
• Other accolades: COMO Parrot Cay also features in my top 10 lists of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean and luxury hotels loved by celebrities.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD hotel credit).
• Review: read my review of COMO Parrot Cay here.

5. NECKER ISLAND, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Sir Richard Branson’s 74 acre private island is unquestionably one of the most idyllic place in Caribbean. Branson first purchased the island in 1978 and it is now part of Virgin Limited Edition, Richard’s portfolio of unique retreats. There is a dedicated team of fabulous staff on the island plus more than 200 flamingos who are all part of the Necker family! Necker Island can be booked exclusively year-round. That’s just you plus 33 friends and family on your own private Caribbean island. One word of warning: once you’ve seen the world in Necker colours, you might not want to leave! Necker Island made news for all the wrong reasons in 2011 (when a lightning strike set fire to the Great House) and last year, when the resort was ripped apart by Hurricane Irma, but the private island resort will soon be open for business again after extensive renovations.

• Hotel website: Necker Island
• Other top 10 accolades: Necker Island also features in my top 10 lists of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean, the world’s most expensive hotels and luxury hotels owned by celebrities.

4. &BEYOND MNEMBA ISLAND, TANZANIA

If you have ever harbored the secret wish of finding yourself the sole inhabitant of a beautiful tropical island, but without the effort of having to lift a finger to fend for yourself, &Beyond Mnemba Island is just the place for you. This romantic, private hideaway is an award-winning barefoot beach paradise just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, that accommodates a maximum of 24 guests at a time. Guest relax and unwind in the exclusivity of their own stretch of beachfront, where 12 beachside bandass peep out onto unblemished sands from the dappled shade of the casuarina pine forest and overlook the Mnemba atoll (a scuba diver’s delight). From snorkeling, swimming, ands kayaking to massages in the beach, to doing nothing at all, &Beyond Mnemba Island has something for everyone.

• Hotel website: &Beyond Mnemba Island
• Other accolades: &Beyond Mbemba Island also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Zanzibar, the best luxury hotels in Tanzania, and Africa’s most astonishing beach retreats.
• Review: read my review of &Beyond Mnemba Island here.

3. LAUCALA ISLAND, FIJI

Set upon 3,500 exclusive acres Laucala private island resort is set amidst coconut plantations, sandy beaches, rich green mountains and breathtaking natural beauty. True luxury is appreciated in the privacy of the resort’s 25 Fijian-styled villas widely spread on the northern tip of the island. Seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living creates an inspiringly relaxed yet luxurious atmosphere. Laucala shows its most ethereal side in an iridescent kaleidoscope of sporting and cultural activities. Diving in a unique underwater world, rain forest tours, horseback riding, surfing, golfing on the 18-hole championship course, or meeting native artists.

• Hotel website: Laucala Island
• Other accolades: Laucala Island also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most expensive hotels, the world’s most over-the-top hotel experiences, and luxury hotels with private airports.

2. SONEVA JANI, MALDIVES

Inspired by a word that means wisdom in Sanskrit, Soneva Jani is located on Medhufaru island, which is part of an uninhabited five-island cluster in the Noonu Atoll. The Maldives’ most exclusive hotel is fringed by pristine beaches, blanketed with lush tropical greenery, and surrounded by a 5.6 km (3,4 mi) lagoon of crystal clear waters with uninterrupted 360° views of the Indian Ocean. Each one of the 24 water villas has a private pool and opens to its own stretch of lagoon, with some villas featuring slides going directly from the top deck into the lagoon below. The highlight of the villas is the retractable roof in the master bedroom, which slides back at the touch of a button so that guests can lie in bed and stargaze.

Contact me to receive a complimentary room upgrade at Soneva Jani at the time of booking.

• Hotel website: Soneva Jani
• Other accolades: Soneva Jani also features in my lists of the best luxury hotels in the Maldives, the most fabulous overwater villas in the Maldives, the best new luxury hotels of 2016, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, and my favorite hotels in the world.
• Review: read my review of Sonev Jani here.

1. NORTH ISLAND, SEYCHELLES

North Island is the world’s most exclusive hideaway and the best hotel I’ve ever been to. The insanely beautiful island has only 11 opulent hand-crafted villas overlooking the pristine, powder-white sands and turquoise waters of the Ile Du Nord eco-reserve. Raised off the ground to catch the cooling Indian Ocean breezes, all villas open up onto your private garden and the beach. Plunge pools and outdoor showers provide the finishing touches to your private sanctuary. The island’s lounge and dining areas, scenically located health spa and gym, library and dive centre, and a rim-flow swimming pool are all built into a granitic outcrop. The resort was the decor for the honeymoon of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.

• Hotel website: North Island
• Other accolades: North Island Seychelles also features in my top 10 lists of the  best luxury resorts in the Seychelles, the most astonishing beach retreats in Africa, the world’s best luxury hotels,  the world’s most expensive hotels, the world’s best honeymoon resorts, and my most phenomenal travel experiences of 2016.
• Review: read my review of North Island Seychelles here.

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post Top 10: world’s most exclusive, private island resorts appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Today (November 20, 2015): Travel tip: British Airways versus American Airlines: which one has the best Business Class?

The airspace over the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and Northern America holds some of world’s densest plane traffic. Every day, between 2000 and 3000 aircraft fly across the North Atlantic between Canada, the United States and Europe, with London-New York being the single most profitable and busiest commercial route. The following, fascinating animation by the UK air traffic control service shows 2,524 flights that travelled between Canada, the US and Europe on a single day in August 2013:

The North Atlantic skies have been taken over by airlines belonging to the three major airline alliances:

• Oneworld: British Airways, American Airlines, Air Berlin, Iberia, and Finnair.
• Star Alliance: United Airlines, Air Canada, Lufthansa, LOT Airlines, Brussels Airlines, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines.
• SkyTeam: Delta Air Lines (which partners with Virgin Atlantic), KLM, Air France, and Alitalia.

Last year (2014), the leading carrier in the transatlantic market was Delta Air Lines with 9.76 million available seats (11.7 % share), followed closely by British Airways with 9.70 million seats (also a 11.7 % share) and then United Airlines with 9.55 million seats (11.5 per cent share). The range of Business Class products that are offered on board the planes flying across the pond varies from mediocre (e.g. American Airlines’ older planes) to very good (e.g. Austrian Airlines) and everything in between.

These days, American Airlines and British Airways are my preferred airlines to travel between Europe and the USA, mostly because (1) I stick to the Oneworld alliance when possible to earn the most useable miles; (2) I prefer a stop-over in London Heathrow (which has the most direct flights to the USA) over a connection within the USA itself; and (3) I appreciate the Business Class product offered by both carriers, which both feature in my top 10 list of airlines with the best longhaul Business Class.

The last couple of months, I published several trip reports about my recent flights with American Airlines and British Airways. You can read them here (and there are more to come):

• Read here my review of American Airlines’ Business Class in a Boeing 777-300ER (Los Angeles to London).
• Read here my review of American Airlines’ First Class in a Boeing 777-300ER (London to New York)
• Read here my review of British Airways’ Business Class in an Airbus A380 (London to Los Angeles).
• Read here my review of British Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 747-400 (London to San Francisco).

Or if you prefer to watch clips instead of reading my trip reports, you can have a look at my videos that I have uploaded on my Youtube channel (which has 12,500+ followers so far).

• Watch here my clip aboard American Airlines’ Business Class in a Boeing 777-300ER (Los Angeles to London).
• Watch here my clip aboard American Airlines’ First Class in a Boeing 777-300ER (London to New York)
• Watch here my clip aboard British Airways’ Business Class in an Airbus A380 (London to Los Angeles).
• Watch here my clip aboard British Airways’ Business Class in a Boeing 747-400 (London to San Francisco).

When you have a choice between American Airlines and British Airways, the big questions is which one has the best Business Class product? Well, here you have some facts comparing each carrier’s products & my opinion about the overall winner (you can also share your opinion below in the comments section or poll):

• Chauffeur service (to/from airport): while chauffeur service is a highly appreciated feature of some carriers (such as Emirates and Etihad Airways), it is not offered by American Airlines nor British Airways. Currently, Virgin Atlantic is the only transatlantic carrier that will take the stress out of traveling to and from the airport with complimentary chauffeur driven car service for Business Class passengers at both ends of their journey.

• Lounges: it is imposible to compare all the lounges of both airlines, but overall, the Business Class lounges of British Airways are far superior to those of American Airlines. They feature a more refined and elegant decor, a greater selection of food (with extensive cold and hot buffets in selected airports) and – in some lounges – complimentary Elemis spa treatments. You can read in my trip reports my reviews of the British Airways lounge in London Heathrow and the American Airlines’ flagship lounges in Los Angeles and New York’s JFK airport.

• Fleet-wide consistency: British Airways offers a pretty consistent Business Class product across it wide-body fleet of Airbus A380s, Boeing 777s, Boeing 787s, and Boeing 747s. The exception to the rule is British Airways’ smaller and aging Boeing 767 fleet, which features an inferior product (still lie flat seats though). When you book a British Airways Business Class flight, you know what you will get. In contrast, American Airlines (now fused with US Airways to form the world’s largest carrier) offers a confusing variation in Business Class products across its wide-body fleet. The latter is composed of Boeing 757s, Boeing 767s, Boeing 777s, Boeing 787s, and Airbus A330s, and every plane subtype holds a different Business Class product (ranging from poor to excellent; see below).

• Cabin interior & design: British Airways’ contemporary cabin design with its smoothing white and blue color palette is more sophisticated than American Airlines’s dull cabin interior, which is dominated by grey and brown colours. British Airways’ design definitely feels very British, while American Airlines reflect its Midwest American roots with functionality above esthetics.

• Amenity kit: British Airways amenity kit is a drawstring bag, while American Airlines’ amenity kit is re-usable toiletry bag as amenity kit. The amenity kit’s content is more or less identical for both airlines, with essentials such as an eye mask, earplugs, wash cloth, toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm, skin lotion, a pen, and socks.

• Seating & sleeping comfort: British Airways offers flat beds (with 180 degree recline) across its wide body fleet. American Airlines only offers flat beds on its Boeing 777-300ER, Airbus A330s, B787s, and its refurbished B777-200ERs and B767s. So, chances with American are that you will end up in a much less comfortable and old angled lie flat seat, when you travel one of their non-refurbished B767s, B757s, or B777-200ERs. The good news is that American Airlines is upgrading its fleet (they are phasing out the angled lie flat seats in their longhaul fleet), and the comfort of the flat beds on its B777-300ER and Airbus A330 is superior to that offered by British Airways.

• Seat direction & aisle access: British Airways’ window and middle Business Class seats face backwards, while aisle seats face forwards, and because of this unique seating concept, you have to jump over other passenger’s feet to reach the aisle when seated in a backward facing seat. In American Airlines planes, all seats face forward (except for their refurbished B777-200ER planes) and most have direct aisle access (except for their B767s, B757, and non-refurbished B777-200ER).

• Pyjamas: pyjamas are only offered to First Class passengers in both carriers, not to Business Class passengers.

• Bedding: American Airlines is clearly the winner here, with a large, thick pillow and lovely blanket, while British Airways’ offers its Business Class passengers a thin blanket and a disappointingly small (and uncomfortable) pillow. Unfortunately though, British Airways nor American Airlines offer duvets to its Business Class passengers, so you will relax and sleep directly on the seat’s cushions (you get duvets in First Class though). If you need a duvet on your Business Class lie flat seat to increase your sleeping comfort above the Atlantic, then you will need to book a ticket with Virgin Atlantic or Delta (the latter created its bedding in partnership with Westin Hotels & Resorts).

• Food: while none of them is offering a fine dining experience, meals are ok with both carriers. IMHO, American Airlines offers better food and larger portions. Food with British Airways can be a hit or miss, and I am not a fan of their afternoon tea and plastic embedded sandwiches.

• Number of meal services: on longhaul flights, both carriers offer 2 meal services: one after take off, and one 90 minutes before landing.

• Onboard bar: British Airways planes have a walk-up “Club Kitchen” onboard, where Business Class fliers can graze between meals. However, this pales in comparison to the walk-up bar onboard American Airlines’ new B777-300ER, which offers a very nice spread of a large assortment of tapas and snacks (a visual delight!) that is constantly replenished during the flight.

• Inflight entertainment: American Airlines is far superior, with large screens (15.4-inch) and an extensive range of films, television shows, and audio options. The inflight entertainment on British Airways is rather poor, with small screens (10.4-inch) and a limited selection of films and tv programs. In addition, American Airlines offers Bose noise cancelling headphones, which is not the case on British Airways.

• WiFi: onboard WiFi is only offered by American Airlines new or refurbished planes (it works great and is not too expensive). Unfortunately, WiFi is not offered by British Aiways at the moment, although they are currently testing it on one of their B747 planes.

• Frequent flyer program: even though it recently devalued, American Airlines’s AAdvantage program remains far superior to the Executive Club program of British Airways. I explain here why AAdvantage was – and still is – my preferred frequent flyer program (although that article was posted before the devaluation kicked in).

CONCLUSION

Although British Airways offers the best ground experience (with great lounges), the new American Airlines wins in term of the inflight experience (better seats, food, and entertainment). Nevertheless, the experience will largely depend on the aircraft subtype, so always take that into consideration when you book a flight. These are my preferred wide-body Business Class cabins (in order from excellent to poor):

1. British Airways 747 upper cabin: the small space feels like a private jet (read a trip report in the upper cabin here).
2. American Airlines B777-300ER;
3. American Airlines B777-200ER (refurbished) and B787;
4. British Airways A380, B787, B777, and B747 lower cabin;
5. American Airlines A330 (ex-US Airways planes);
6. American Airlines B767 (refurbished)
7. British Airways B767;
8. American Airlines B777-200ERs and B767 (not refurbished);
9. American Airlines B757 (ex USA Airways planes)

What’s your favorite transatlantic carrier: British Airways or American Airlines? You can leave a comment below or take our poll!

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post British Airways vs American Airlines: which one is the best? appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Today (October 16, 2015): Travel Tip: get a FREE upgrade at the world’s most luxurious resort! 

I previously explained how to get a hotel room upgrade. Indeed, there are numerous ways to score a premium room without having to pay for the upgrade, but it often requires a mix of skill, emotional intelligence and a considerable amount of luck. Today, I explain I can arrange a FREE upgrade at the world’s most exclusive resort (and it won’t cost you any effort nor depend from luck)!

The past few years, I have traveled extensively around the globe and stayed at many exquisite and over-the-top 5, 6 and 7 star hotels. But not one comes close to what I consider to be the world’s most luxurious, exclusive and amazing resort: Soneva Kiri in Thailand (you can read my review of Soneva Kiri here). Remote yet accessible by a 1,5 hour flight from Bangkok on the resort’s private plane, the resort sits on Thailand’s fourth largest but least populated island, Koh Kood, in the Gulf of Siam. It is managed by Soneva, my absolute favorite hotel brand in the world (you can read here why). Located on the idyllic white-sand beach or sunny slopes in the rainforest, Soneva Kiri‘s 36 villas are amongst the largest in the world  and come with stunning infinity pools, eco-chic furnishings, personal electric buggies, and impeccable service courtesy of private butlers. Highlights include the open air cinema Paradiso, Benz’ mangrove restaurant, the chocolate & ice cream parlour, the children’s den and the spectacular Treetop dining pod. I included Soneva Kiri in my following top 10 luxury travel lists:

• Top 10: world’s most amazing beach resorts
• Top 10: world’s most outrageous hotel experiences
• Top 10: best private plunge pools in the world
• Top 10: world’s most beautiful hotel beaches
• Top 10: world’s best luxury hotels
• Top 10: luxury hotels with private airports
• Top 10: best luxury hotels in Thailand
• Top 10: world’s best family resorts

If I did not convince you yet to book a holiday-of-a-lifetime at Soneva Kiri, then the following will sure do: I can arrange for you a complimentary room upgrade at Soneva Kiri (e.g. from a rainforest to a beach villa). This is how it’s done (it could not be easier):

• Step 1: contact me before making a booking, so I can arrange a free upgrade for you (via my Soneva contacts).
• Step 2: after I reply to you (to confirm the upgrade), you make the booking yourself on the official Soneva website or via your preferred travel agent.

Enjoy the weekend and stay tuned for Monday when I reveal a new top 10 travel list.

SONEVA KIRI PHOTOS

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post Get a FREE upgrade at the world’s most luxurious hotel! appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.