16 May Luxury Travel with Jessica Bradford

Turns out there are some truly unique experiences still out there, under the sun. Travel is all about experience-we talked to a luxury travel expert for insider information that will make for some once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

unspecified

At Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas, you’ll find a sketch-book and colored pencils in your room so you can make images of the wildlife and flora you encounter. “It’s so old fashioned,” says Jessica Bradford, president of 2BPR, Inc, which represents clientele in the luxury travel, hospitality and beauty sectors, “people would go in the 1800s on holiday and sketch their environment [before iPhone cameras!].”

unspecified

Also at this property, you can take a muay tai boxing class with a guru in a ring built overlooking lily ponds.

Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur has a 200+ year-old Hindu temple on the property. Receive a hindu blessing from a hindu priest to renew vows or simply for good fortune. “It was a really cool little ceremony. It didn’t feel touristy at all because it was a temple in the midst of this place.”

unspecified

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi is a three hour drive into the empty quarter. There, an oasis arises. “Here,” Jessica says, “You can try falconry, tied to the Middle East and their traditions.”

unspecified

The First Luxury Art Hotel Roma has transformed a palace in Rome into boutique hotel when you can “bed down in an art gallery.” The rooms do double duty as private art galleries with ever-changing collections, with a focus on modern art. Jessica reports, “They will be opening a restaurant with one of italy’s only Michelin-starred chefs.”

unspecified

The Lime Spa at PER AQUUM Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives is an underwater spa in paradise. “As you’re getting your massage,” Jessica says, “you’re looking at the coral reef and underwater aquatic life.”

unspecified

The unique experiences aren’t relegated to your point of destination. Jessica introduced us to two travelers secrets:

“The Den” at the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, Heathrow has all the trappings of a first class lounge, a bar, snacks, and internet access, with the notable addition of a candy bar with large jugs of self-service candy with lounge chairs, blankets and headphones so you can relax in front of the television.

In Doha, travelers flying Qatar airlines can stay at a hotel that’s “airside,” meaning you can wake up, shower and head directly to the gate because you’ll have already gone through security. Or, make it a very special layover by checking into the hotel and going for a quick swim before making your connection.

Screen Shot 2016-05-17 at 4.25.59 PM

About Jessica Bradford
Jessica Bradford is a Los Angeles-based PR professional with 17 years of experience managing public relations and marketing strategies for upscale travel and lifestyle clients. Since 2014 she has worked with the Minor Hotel Group. She also currently works with LATHER, an aromatherapy-based skin, body & hair care line of products and Chateau de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Past clients include Micato Safaris, a tour operator specializing in luxury journeys to East Africa, southern Africa and India, as well as Micato’s non-profit foundation, AmericaShare, which assists women and children living with HIV/AIDs in Kenya through education. Other experience includes work with New York City’s Natural Gourmet Institute, The Bermuda Department of Tourism, Princess Cruises, The Leading Residences of the World, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, Affinia Hotels, Benjamin Hotel, Share Our Strength/Taste of the Nation and two online accessory retailers, Zoubaby and trabeca design.

No Comments

Post A Comment