Truant Travel Design

A short speedboat ride through Raa Atoll brings us to Joali Maldives where the villas are some of the most beautiful I’ve encountered in the Maldives, all with private pools and enough space to swing a whale shark. The water is warm and clear. The restaurants are all excellent but eating sashimi fresh from the sea that day at Saoke, perched over an inky sea in the velvet night, is a standout. The staff are next level - one miraculously appeared bearing a tray of hair bands when a strong breeze whipped up. There is a mix of guests from all nations and families are warmly welcomed, from a gorgeous tots club through to an open air warehouse of jetskis,sea bobs, e-boards and aquatic toys which would make the most reality-averse teens drop their devices in excitement. Art is a passion of the owners, and as well as nature-based installations commissioned for the island such as the giant manta sculptures and delicate coral ceramics, in-house classes are offered. The sustainability efforts of the resort are impressive too, with coral regeneration programmes and community outreach a strong focus. There is something for everyone here - could this be the perfect tropical holiday?

Last stop was The Balmoral in Edinburgh, a grand old dame (takes one to know one). This beautiful building in Scottish baronial style is one of the most instantly recognisable landmarks in Edinburgh. One of the Rocco Forte group of luxury hotels, it’s opulent and formal and the room decor in soft greens and blues is quite lovely. Your best room choice is to go for one of the outward facing rooms in a larger category- if you’re going to stay here, do it in style! As a member of the Rocco Forte’s Knights programme, my clients receive a warm VIP welcome including:

* Complimentary daily breakfast for two
* Hotel credit of $100 for rooms and Junior Suites per stay
* Hotel credit of $200 for suite bookings (based on minimum 2 nights)
* Upgrade upon arrival, based on availability
* Early Check-In/Late Check-Out, based on availability

The British Pullman is one of the storied stable of Belmond’s legendary trains, which include the Royal Scotsman, the Hiram Bingham and the Orient Express. Taking a twirl about the verdant Kent countryside whilst being plied with champagne and first class dining, or bottomless cups of tea with scones and clotted cream is a fabulous way to mark a birthday, anniversary, or just because you feel like it, dammit. My favourite? The Wes Anderson-designed Cygnus Carriage with its vivid and meticulous styling - pink ceiling, green tapestry seats and stunning deco marquetry. 📸