The Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong is situated overlooking the glittering Victoria Harbour.

The hotel has remained at the heart of Hong Kong's social and business scene since its doors first opened back in 1963.

The hotel is known for is known for its high service and its style is reminiscent of its glamorous past. It boasts exquisite and contemporary facilities which nevertheless respect and value the traditions and values of the orient. It truly is an exceptional hotel and a stay there is a truly exceptional experience.

In a hotel where the facilities are second to none they also offer a very personal service. For example the concierge, Giovanni, has created a personal list of things which he would recommend that you see during your stay in Hong Kong - places of interest, things that are a must to see and do, his personally recommended restaurants, as well as the best places to shop.

For a unique and luxury holiday, short break or business trip the Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong is second to none.

Only Exclusive Travel has one of the best travel websites currently available and brings the worlds best travel destinations into one comprehensive resource.

All of the hotels and resorts featured on our website are specially selected and are only included if they meet our demanding and exacting criteria. Only Exclusive Travel also operates an extensive luxury worldwide golf programme, featuring some of the finest and most spectacularly located courses in the world.

“Our emphasis is on not only providing you with sensational and luxurious resorts but on providing a personalised and attentive service.”

Says Only Exclusive Travels Adam Abadi

“We pride ourselves on our detailed knowledge of the resorts - the staff at Only Exclusive Travel have personally visited, inspected and stayed at all the hotels within their specialised area. That's what makes us different to other agents”

British Airways claims South Africa's Cape Town and Johannesburg are set to be the top long haul destinations for 2009.

The airline revealed the news in its predicted top ten longhaul destinations for 2009 claiming the impact of the British Lions Tour as well as the strength of the pound against the rand will make South Africa the most popular destination.

British Airways' head of UK & Ireland sales, Richard Tams, said: "It's not all doom and gloom for travel in the current economic climate as destinations such as Dubai and the Caribbean Islands of St Kitts and St Lucia continue to experience growth and investment, so we anticipate greater numbers of customers wanting to travel there.

"South Africa will be popular thanks to the relative strength of the pound against the rand and the upcoming British Lions tour." "Destinations such as New York will remain firm favourites with both business and leisure travellers despite the economic downturn as savvy flyers know there are still bargains to be had and the Far East and Australasia continue to draw people looking for real adventure experiences."

The top 10 are:

1. Cape Town
2. Johannesburg (for the British Lions tour)
3. Dubai
4. San Francisco
5. New York
6. Hong Kong
7. St Kitts
8. St Lucia
9. Sydney
10. Shanghai
    

If you fancy a luxury holiday in South Africa then look at the fabulous holidays that OnlyExclusiveTravel are offering for 2009.

BAA has been ordered to sell Gatwick and Stansted airports because of its history of poor service to passengers and airlines. The Competition Commission said that smashing BAA's near-monopoly over London's airports was the best way of forcing them to "meet more effectively" the needs of travellers.

BAA, which has owned Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted since privatisation in 1986, has already put Gatwick on the market for an estimated £1.8 billion. But the requirement to auction Stansted is a heavy blow. Its only comfort is it gets to keep Heathrow.

Gatwick and Stansted will have to be sold to separate buyers to maximise competition between London's three main airports, which between them account for 90 per cent of flights coming in and out of the capital. Aviation experts said Stansted, where an inquiry into a second runway is due to open in April, could fetch around £1.3 billion. Several firms are said to be interested in buying Gatwick, which handles around 35 million passengers a year.

There is also likely to be huge interest in Stansted, Europe's leading budget hub, which is used by around 24 million passengers a year. BAA said it rejected the need to sell Stansted and that it could hold back the airport's expansion.

Bank customers are being forced to disclose their travel plans to avoid having their debit and credit cards frozen in a crackdown on fraud. Under a "zero-tolerance" policy taken by some banks, accounts are frozen the moment a card transaction is attempted in another country unless advance notice has been given.

The move is designed to prevent the heavy losses some banks are incurring due to card cloning, when a counterfeit card is created using details stolen from a genuine card. Thousands of pounds' worth of payments can be made to foreign retailers on fake cards before the owner of the original card checks their bank statement. However, some customers have expressed frustration that under the new scheme, having been given no prior warning, they can find themselves unable to pay bills in shops and restaurants after arriving in a foreign country.

More than 40 per cent of losses on cards - £301 million in the first six months of last year - came through fraud overseas. Fraud is rising in most countries while it falls in Britain thanks to the chip-and-pin system making it more difficult for criminals to use cards successfully.

Luxury Holiday makers should contact their bank with their travel plans before they depart to their luxury holiday destination.

More Britons will head for holidays in Turkey, Egypt and Morocco during 2009 because the weak pound has made Europe too expensive, according to currency exchange firms and travel industry leaders.

The numbers heading to what has been dubbed the 'Costa del Kasbah' are expected to rise following sterling's slump against the euro, which has pushed up the cost of a break in such traditional destinations as Tenerife or the Algarve by as much as 25%.

Abta said demand for travel to Egypt rose 38 per cent in 2008, while Turkey was up 32 per cent, a pattern expected to continue this year. While the pound has weakened against most currencies, the high cost of travel, accommodation and everyday expenses in the likes of Spain, Cyprus and France mean that Turkey, Egypt and Morocco still offer better value for money.

The Co-operative Travel company said that, while pound sterling prices for 2009 package holidays have risen by an average of 18 per cent over the past year, a typical package holiday to the leading Turkish destination of Dalman had gone up 27 per cent compared to a rise of just three per cent for an equivalent holiday in Majorca. Holiday airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair have increased flights to Morocco and Turkey in the past 18 months.

Only Exclusive Travel offers a range of luxury holiday destinations that are outside the 'euro zone'.

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Set on South Africa’s Cape Peninsula, Cape Town is a lively and sophisticated city.  It lies in the shadow of Table Mountain and is thought of as one of the most beautiful regions in South Africa.

The peninsula is also home to the Garden Route and lies between Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Point and the Atlantic Ocean. The Garden Route offers a range of beautiful mountains, stunning coastline and lush forests, from Mossel Bay’s industrial centre, through Knysna’s forests and lagoons to Plettenberg Bay’s sandy beaches.

The cosmopolitan city centre of Cape Town has great shopping and night life.  The Victoria and Alfred waterfront is great for shopping and dining and also has many markets and museums.  The restaurants in Cape Town reflect the multi-cultural heritage of South Africa and range from fast food outlets to sophisticated and elegant restaurants.

Demand for all-inclusive and self-catering holidays has risen sharply as people look to avoid extra expenses on their holidays this year. Booking enquiries for all-inclusive holidays were 17 per cent higher in the five days to January 1 compared to the same period last year, according to Travelsupermarket.com.

Searches for self-catering breaks were up by 14 per cent. It comes at the start of the New Year, at time when holiday firms traditionally experience the highest number of bookings of the year. All-inclusive deals, where hotel food and drink is free, were popularised by the rise of the package holiday in the 1970s but waned after becoming associated with resorts on the Costa del Sol.

Bob Atkinson, from Travelsupermarket.com, said: "Despite the economy there is no evidence that people are going without their holidays but they are instead looking for better value destinations or shortening their trips - perhaps seeking 10 days rather than a whole fortnight."

EasyJet has rebelled against the economic downturn with the launch of four new routes from Gatwick to Cyprus, Italy, Croatia and Greece. The new services to Larnaca will start at the end of March next year, while flights to Naples, Dubrovnik and Santorini will begin in May.

Last week, BAA announced that passenger numbers at Gatwick in November were down 13.5 per cent on the same month last year, but easyJet still sees potential growth for the Uk's second biggest airport. “EasyJet has grown dramatically at Gatwick over the last few years and this will further strengthen our position at Gatwick, which is our biggest single airport base,” said David Osborne, easyJet's regional general manager for the UK.

• Several other airlines are planning to expand further during the ongoing financial crisis;
  
• CityJet is to begin flights from London City and Amsterdam from January 5.
  
• VLM is to run daily flights from London City to Rotterdam and to Eindhoven from January 12.
  
• Kingfisher Airways has announced that it will begin services from Heathrow to Mumbai from January 5. The service will be the second international route operated by the airline after the launch of the Heathrow to Bangalore flights in September this year.
  
• Flybe, Europe's largest regional airline, has announced the launch of a new flight between Gatwick and Newquay, which will begin on February 15. 
• The Scandinavian low-cost carrier, Norwegian Air Shuttle will launch new twice-daily services between Gatwick and Copenhagen from March 29.
  
• Virgin Atlantic is expanding its services from Manchester to Barbados and Orlando, and from Gatwick to Montego Bay from May 2.
  
• Qatar Airways (www.qatarairways.com) has launched a number of connecting flights from Doha to the Seychelles, for passengers arriving on flights from Britain.

Airline passengers could see a relaxation the 100ml limit on liquids they can take on board aircraft. Within the past few weeks the International Air Transport Association, which represents 230 airlines, said it hoped that the next generation of scanners could be introduced into airports across the world.

For the past two years passengers have had to display their toiletries in a clear plastic bag before being allowed through security. Travellers have repeatedly fallen foul of the 100 ml limit and have been forced to surrender an array of liquids, including expensive perfume and aftershave. Passengers were banned from taking liquids on board in the immediate aftermath of an alleged plot to bring down transatlantic airlines in August 2006.

The 100 ml limit was introduced two months later as a concession to passengers following security advice on how much liquid would be needed to make a viable explosive device. Despite this relaxation, clearing airport security can be time consuming.

Several companies are working on technology to distinguish between benign and potentially dangerous liquids. Smiths Detection, a company at the forefront of aviation security, has started trials of its latest scanners. But several hurdles have to be cleared before the machinery can be used, including laboratory testing. Further trials would have to take place at an airport and finally approval from the European Union would have to be secured.

The Department for Transport hopes that the restrictions could be lifted once the technology is in place.

Up to 100 flights in and out of Gatwick were delayed this morning due to ice on the runway. The runway was shut shortly before six this morning and hundreds of passengers are still facing cancellations, delays or diversions as the airport continued to try to de-ice the runway and taxi stands. 

A spokeswoman for BAA blamed "exceptional weather conditions" for the delays. "Gatwick Airport apologises for any disruption this may have to passengers' travel plans today and we are working closely with our airline and other business partners to minimise the impact and reopen the runway as soon as it is safe to do so." She confirmed that a number of flights have been diverted to other airports including Heathrow and Stansted, added that passengers travelling to or from Gatwick today are advised to allow extra time for their journey to the airport.

Any luxury holiday makers, who are travelling from Gatwick today, are advised to check-in as normal and are advised to contact their airline for the latest flight information.

AIRLINES have followed retailers by slashing prices early in an attempt to boost revenue after a sharp downturn in trade. British Airways, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic are among carriers cutting up to 25 % from fares.

The seat sale is an annual event to try to fill aircraft in the traditionally quiet post-festive period. However, some observers said the price war might be fiercer than in previous years because traffic on some routes had fallen by 10 %. Virgin Atlantic claimed fares on some long-haul routes were as low as when it launched 25 years ago. It is seeking to undercut BA by offering flights for £1 less than its rival.

The reductions come after the two airlines cut their fuel surcharges by one third last week in the wake of falls in oil prices. BA has cut prices by up to a quarter on more than 75 routes - well over a third of the 184 destinations served. BA's offers include London-New York return flights for £259, a saving of £78. Virgin's fare is £258. Other savings include Delhi from £359 (saving £121), Mumbai from £329 (saving £91) and Kolkata from £359 (saving £71). Emirates has lopped a fifth of its flights, with a return from London to Dubai now £326, Bangkok £496, Beijing £390 and Hong Kong £412.

Price cuts will benefit luxury holiday makers who can reach their luxury holiday destinations for less.

All flights to and from Greece tomorrow (10/12/08) have been cancelled as air traffic controllers prepare to strike over economic reforms.

Hundreds of flights to and from Greece have been cancelled ahead of a 24-hour strike by air traffic controllers. The planned 24-hour walk-out follows a third night of rioting and protests across various parts of the country over the Government's economic policies.

No flights will be permitted to or from any Greek airports tomorrow, forcing British Airways to cancel seven flights to Athens and Thessaloniki, while EasyJet has scrapped eight of its services from British airports.

Olympic Airlines, Aegean Airlines and Thomas Cook Airlines have also announced the cancellation of all its services to and from Greece tomorrow. This will therefore affect all holiday makers including those on a luxury holiday and those just travelling to Athens on a long weekend.

Concerned travellers should contact their airline or tour operator.

British Airways will drop its fuel surcharge by as much as a third on long-haul flights, the airline announced today. It said the move, which will save customers up to £35 per flight and comes into effect tomorrow, reflects the fall in the price of oil and the amount it predicts fuel will cost over the next financial year. The reduced surcharge means the price of seats will be cut by £4 for people flying economy on domestic or European services. That will rise to £35 for those flying first class for more than nine hours.

BA's reduction in fuel surcharges comes as oil prices rose above $44 a barrel as investors wait to see how big a production cut OPEC will announce at a meeting in Algeria today. Oil prices have slumped from a peak of $147 a barrel in July to about $44 a barrel, as demand has weakened amid the global economic downturn.

The decrease in flight surcharges will be beneficial to luxury holiday makers who will be able to travel to their luxury destinations for less.

The warning siren rang out across St Mark's Square this morning as the authorities alerted the city that the high tide could reach its highest level for 30 years. Venice often experiences very high waters at this time of year. In an attempt to protect the city a floating flood barrier is being constructed and is due to go into operation in 2012. Venice has long been a destination for luxury holiday makers and back packers alike and tourism is a major source of income for the city.

The major of Venice was keen to play down the floods in Venice pointing out that it is an everyday occurance for sea levels to reach 140 cms and that levels reach 160 cms every few years. He also pointed out that the whole country is experiencing bad weather with driving rain, snow, hail and high winds.

People are spending more on holidays than ever before and as wedding experts point out, newlyweds still place a great deal of importance on their honeymoon.

A report in the Daily Telegraph, based on research carried out by Mintel last year, highlighted the fact that spending on honeymoons has doubled over the last decade. The figures in the report indicate that spending by UK couples on honeymoons was between £500 million and £600 million each year.

Figures suggested that each couple spent an average of £3,000 on their honeymoon - with £205 on a special first-night hotel.

The report quoted Francesca Moore,  from hitched.co.uk,  who said that honeymoons are just as important to newlyweds in the modern world as they have ever been because it is the first time that the couple are going to have alone together after the wedding ends. She went on to explain that the honeymoon is a way of extending the whole wedding experience and that traditionally couples are still inclined to honeymoon immediately after their wedding. She explained that couples are choosing to take different types of honeymoon some preferring skiing to sunshine. But she added that the Maldives is still one of the most popular destinations for honeymooners.

If you look at the Bangkok skyline from a distance there is one tower that stands out and dominates the scene. The tower is the State Tower and the Lebua Hotel is situated within it. The Lubua is an all suite luxury hotel and each balcony provides the most amazing and breathtaking views over the whole of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River.

You notice immediately at this hotel that the pursuit of excellence is paramount and that attention is given to even the minutest detail. Wherever you turn you will find facilities fit for a king. The décor is warm and modern and provides a restful contrast to the hot glare of the city beyond.

One of the unique features of the hotel is the in-room dining service offered directly from the Dome where many fine dining restaurants gather together under one roof providing a choice of gastronomic delights to the hotel residents.

Bangkok itself is packed with exciting and interesting things to do for example The Central Shopping Centre; China Town; Chatuchak Park; (Sunday market); Flower Market, Grand Palace, Jewellery Centre, Jim Thompson Museum; Lumpini Night Bazaar; Patpong Night Market; Robinson Shopping Centre; Silom Handicrafts Centre; Silom Shopping Complex; Statue of Emerald Buddha; Statue of Golden Buddha; BITEC Convention Centre; Muangthong Convention Centre and QSNCC Convention Centre. Bangkok truly is a city worth visiting and the Lubua Hotel sitting at its heart is the place to stay.

The number of people searching for flights in the week after Christmas fell 42% this year compared to the same period last year, as consumers rein in their spending as a result of the slowdown.

January and the period immediately after Christmas are usually a busy time for the industry as people start booking their Easter and summer breaks.However internet searches for flights were down over 40% in the week after Christmas according to Hitwise, a division of Experian. Traffic to travel websites for the same period - up to the week ending January 3 - was also down 16%.

A number of travel and flight operators have already cut capacity for 2009 year to try and combat falling demand. The January sales have already seen flights to New York drop to £259 with British Airways, and holiday companies like First Choice offering big discounts. Robin Goad, from Experian, told the FT: “January is the big peak for traffic to travel websites and obviously the web is the primary sales channel for travel companies now, so it's very important what happens in January.” He said that although there had been a spike in searches since Christmas, they are seeing a “significant drop” when compared to traffic in previous years.

People are also turning away from the eurozone and the US when searching for flights and holidays, turning instead to destinations like Norway and Denmark. If you would like to avoid the eurozone this summer, why not look at the luxury holidays that we offer in the Far East.

Laos is truly a Mekong country, the river runs its full length. It is a quiet, unexplored jewel of Southeast Asia with only 4.1 million people. Landlocked between China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, Laos has long remained isolated. Despite the fact that it was heavily bombed in the '60s and early '70, its culture and scenery remain intact, from the lush green mountains of its North to the ancient archaeological treasures of its South.

You will not find large numbers of tourists as its leaders are wary of the difficulties mass tourism can cause. Luang Prabang, is situated by the banks of the Mekong, some 5 000 kilometres upriver from Vientiane and 300 metres above sea level. It is Laos' oldest town that's is still in existence.

The small town (about 20,000 inhabitants today) is beautifully located at the foot of a high, rocky mountain - Mount Phousi - by the banks of the Mekong river, and the town has a romantic atmosphere even though most buildings are not very old (despite the town's history of many centuries). The reason: surrounded by almost infinite forests the town's inhabitants always used as building material what they had, in abundance, at their disposal: wood.

In the course of its long history the town had often been conquered and burnt down. The last time this happened in the 80's of the 19th century at the hands of the Chinese. The town had also been a frequent target of hostile visits by Thais and Vietnamese. After invasions, many destroyed structures were rebuilt, some of them again and again, roughly the same as they have existed before an invasion. Though physically no longer present, architecture dating back many centuries shapes the town and contributes to Luang Prabang's unquestioned charm. To this, the numerous Wats in and around the town provide a spiritual component.

Laos is a perfect location for luxury holiday makers. Only Exclusive Travel recommends staying in La Résidence Phou Vao Hotel. This is a luxury spa hotel with breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. Experience the unique and peaceful atmosphere of this luxury resort in Laos, and enjoy a warm welcome from some of the most hospitable people in the world. The spacious guest rooms and suites provide breathtaking views of the forest canopy and distant mountains dotted with pagodas and stupas from the comfort of your private terrace or balcony. Read more about this luxury holiday opportunity.

The drama of Hong Kong is played out on its streets, round the clock: noodle-vendors, hair-cutters, bargain-hawkers, bone-setters and fortune-tellers. Here is all the excitement, mystery, glamour and clamour of the Orient-without the inconvenience. Lavish home comforts ease the visitor's culture shock amid junks and sampans, black pyjamas and coolie hats, chopsticks and joss sticks. Packed into skyscrapers and double-deck trams and buses, the people of Hong Kong - 98 % are Chinese - live fast and work hard in this hotbed of capitalism and commerce. The only thing you might miss in the over-populated metropolis is solitude. But you can sail to a deserted isle: Hong Kong has a couple of hundred to spare. 

The harmony between old and new, East and West, in Hong Kong is endlessly fascinating. With 5,000 years of Chinese traditions, 150 years of British colonial influence and boundless energy to embrace and shape the future, this is a truly unique city and a delight to explore. Hong Kong is constantly changing so, even if you have been before, you are sure to find something new and exciting on your next visit.

Hong Kong holiday highlights:

• The food - with an incredible 9,000 restaurants to choose from, this is a dining mecca and the capital of Cantonese cooking, considered the finest of all Chinese regional cuisines.
  
• The events - Hong Kong hosts a full calendar of spectacular events, including Winterfest, Chinese New Year and the Hungry Ghosts Festival. Plan your visit around one.
  
• The fresh air! - Areas of extraordinary beauty, home to exotic and rare flora and fauna, lie just beyond the skyscrapers.
• The shopping - Hong Kong offers the most incredible contrast of shopping experiences, from bustling oriental markets to ultra-modern malls, selling everything from ancient Chinese medicine to video iPod.
  

If you fancy an original luxury holiday next year why not consider Hong Kong as your luxury destination.

Holidaymakers worried about travelling to Israel or Egypt this winter, will not be covered by their insurance if they cancel their trip.

Insurance companies confirmed that while there remains no blanket ban from the Foreign Office advising against all travel to Israel, then policies will not cover cancellation or curtailment or holidays, despite growing unrest in the region. At present the Foreign Office advises against all travel to Gaza, and all but essential travel to Hebron and the West Bank. However this does not include Bethlehem, Ramallah, Jericho and the Jordan Valley. It does warn that there remains a "high threat from terrorism" in the region, and in Israel in particular, and urges travellers to be vigilant.

A spokeswoman for Direct Line said that if the Foreign Office advises against all travel to a particular region, most policyholders will be able to claim back the cost of their pre-booked holiday. In such cases travel agents or tour operators may offer alternatives. But if the guidance from the FCO remains the same then this will not apply. A spokesman for the Association of British Insurers said that standard travel insurance would not reimburse holidaymakers who were simply worried about travelling to a region. These risks should have been assessed when first booking the trip.

Holidaymakers should also be aware that most insurance policies automatically exclude any claims that are the result of terrorism or civil unrest. This would include claims for flying home early following a terrorist incident, medical expenses, damaged possessions, such as camera, or the cost of arranging alternative accommodation. A spokeswoman said: "Terrorism and civil unrest are not an insured peril as it is virtually impossible to accurately assess the risk holidaymakers face in certain parts of the world. Therefore it is excluded on most standard travel insurance policies."

Whether the insurer would pay out would depend on the nature of the incident and the numbers of affected. However, not all insurers follow the same line. Some insurers will offer cover for medical expenses and repatriation if you are injured following a terrorist attack. A handful of insurers do not contain any terrorism exclusions in their small print.

Airline passengers are entitled to compensation when a plane is cancelled because of a technical fault, a court has ruled. In a landmark judgment, the European Court of Justice said that airlines must pay up unless the technical fault was due to exceptional circumstances - such as terrorism or sabotage.

The ruling was a victory for both consumer groups and the European Commission which has accused airlines of frequently trying to sidestep their legal obligations. Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat's transport spokesman, hailed the court decision. "It is completely sensible. Train passengers are entitled to compensation, why should the same not apply to people who use airlines." The European Commission has set out detailed rules governing passengers' rights to compensation when flights are cancelled, severely delayed or when people are denied boarding because the flight has been overbooked.

This test case, which centred on when a flight was cancelled, was brought by an Austrian family. They took action when their Alitalia flight from Vienna to Rome was cancelled five minutes before it was scheduled to take off. As a result they missed a connecting flight to Brindisi. The airline refused to pay £232 (250 Euros) compensation or £9.28 (10 Euros) for a phone call, claiming that the cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances. But the judges decided that the airline's definition of such circumstances - " a complex engine defect in the turbine" - did not excuse it of the obligation to compensate passengers.

The judgment means that airlines will no longer be able to use routine technical problems as an excuse for trying to sidestep their legal obligation to passengers. It ruled: "An air carrier may not as a general rule refuse to pay compensation to passengers following the cancellation of a flight on account of technical problems in the aircraft." "Compensation may however be refused if the technical problems stem from events which, by their nature or origin, are not inherent in the normal exercise of the activity of the air carrier and are beyond its actual control".

Tranquility basking on the shores of the sea, that’s how you would describe it when looking at the six senses resort in Zighy Bay.

The complex has all the characteristics of a traditional Omani village, with all the villas built from local stone and materials giving it an overall light toned colouring typical of the local architectural style. Bicycles are provided to get around as private cars are not allowed in the complex, and ‘day trippers’ are not allowed, in fact the only people in the resort will be people who have booked a villa and some support staff.

Relaxation is the order of the day (every day) with each villa having its own infinity bath and butler service, with many of the villas opening up straight onto the beach. There are no activities for children, which doesn’t mean children are not welcome, but indicates that the resort is designed for adults, with particular focus on couples.

You can choose to arrive in style by power boat from a local port or paragliding for the more adventurous, (your luggage meets you at the resort), or the more usual way of being driven by car.

Conclusion

Overall, the resort scores highly. Intentionally a distance from major cities. It is peaceful and relaxing, an ideal couple's tranquil getaway, so not for those looking for action. The villas are well appointed and provide ample space, and the fact that each has its own compound with a private pool means that guests can get all the privacy that they desire. A first class choice for honeymooners, or couples seeking time alone together.

Sri Lanka has it all. You can have your luxury holiday here whatever your requirements- wide soft palm-lined beaches for lazing, plantations to canoe or drive through, cool plains, lush forests, ancient temples, colourful festivals enhanced by smiling friendly people welcoming you. Its compact size enables you to cover many experiences in a limited time and though an established tourist destination, remains largely unspoilt. Go now and beat the crowds.

Stay in the fabulous Fortress hotel situated near the picturesque Lake Koggala, near Galle. The newly opened hotel takes its inspiration and style from the ancient Dutch Fort, but has an added 21st century twist to it. The Fortress' design and luxury is a cut above all hotels in Sri Lanka despite its having no true heritage in the building itself. It is hard not to arrive or depart this residence without the words "wow" not passing one's lips.

The 47 guest rooms are available in 5 different styles, all finished and furnished to the same high degree of luxury. You may choose your view to gaze beyond the golden beach onto the Indian Ocean, or the nearer perspective of the magnificent gardens and water features.

The gardens are beautifully landscaped and scattered with daybeds and hammocks for real relaxation - perhaps after you have refreshed yourself in the pool or punished yourself in the well equipped gym.

For a truly magnificent luxury holiday, travel to Sri Lanka and just relax in a surrounding of pure beauty.

The Taj Exotica overlooks the serene blue waters of Tamarin Bay at Wolmar Beach and is spread over 27 scenic acres, The Taj Exotica Resort and Spa offers an exclusive haven of solitude and luxury.

The Taj is the only hotel in Mauritius that is exclusively composed of villas with private pools. At the Taj Exotica, you have a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean.

Having called it a 'hotel', in truth its not like a hotel, there are no "hotel rooms", only private villas. These "villas" are enormous and feel more like your own residence on the beach. Every villa has its own private infinity pool and private garden.

Sea food lovers will be enthralled with the variety of fishes on the menu. The wine list is complementary to the food on the menu with many interesting dishes with different taste styles, a good place to experiment with your menu. You have the choice of private dining on your own terrace by your own pool or dining in the restaurant.

Ideally suited to people who want the very best service, and an opportunity to experience 5 star serenity.

Good for Beach….YES

Privacy…YES

Tranquility…YES

Food/Wine…YES

Pampering…YES

Activities…NO

Couples…YES

Families…NO

Teenagers…NO

Long-haul destinations such as South Africa and Thailand provide the best value for British holidaymakers, according to new research. British holidaymakers will find that their pounds stretch further in long-haul destinations such as Thailand and South Africa, according to new research.

A combination of lower living costs and better exchange rates, together with an increase in the number of flight and accommodation deals has made far-flung destinations more affordable to British travellers. The survey, which compared the cost of everyday purchases such as evening meals, suncream and a cup of coffee, found that many tourist items were up to 50 per cent cheaper in a selection of long-haul destinations than the eurozone.

Thailand, which topped the poll of affordable destinations, was found to be 41 per cent cheaper than Spain, where a bottle of mineral water was almost three times more expensive than in the Far East. In second place was South Africa, where a bottle of suntan lotion was less than half the price of those in Italy.

Other countries offering good value to British tourists were Kenya, where a cup of coffee (£2.01) was nearly 40 per cent cheaper than in Greece (£3.26), and Malaysia, where a bottle of beer (£2.56) was 31 per cent cheaper than in France (£3.72).

If you would like Thailand to be your luxury holiday destination this year, see what OnlyExclusiveHoliday has to offer.

The island of Barbados is situated in the Caribbean Ocean. It is a relatively flat island and is narrow at its northern end, its west coast is quite straight and it east coast gently curves outwards before bending back to form the south. It has a wonderful variety of beaches all along its coastline - along the east coast the beaches are wide and windswept, the south and west coasts are calmer. On these beaches you can walk along miles of unbroken white sand. Coral is a feature of the coastline of Barbados. In the north the coral and sandstone cliffs rise straight out of the sea.

The beaches on Barbados are truly some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean and the coastline is varied and dramatically beautiful. Only Exclusive Travel feature several resorts/hotels on Barbados including the Coral Reef Club, Fairmont Royal Pavilion, The Sandpiper, Cobblers Cove and Little Good Harbour.