Luxury Travel – Make it a personal experience
by – Olivia Varnson
Luxury travel has long seemed like an almost mythical concept. When we hear terms like “luxury hotel” or “luxury spa,” we have a picture in our minds of extravagance, but there has never been a clear definition of what luxury travel really means. In fact, there aren’t any essential rules to luxury travel or luxury destinations. Travelers have come to expect a certain standard when they pay for higher rates and those expectations are often associated with luxury, privacy and efficiency. The hotels, typically rated with four or five stars, are decorated with lavish furniture and detailing. They provide supreme privacy and relaxation to their guests. The staff is quick and knowledgeable. Location can also determine whether or not a hotel garners a “luxury destination” title. 

  According to www.fivestaralliance.com, a website network of five star hotels across the globe, one of the best luxury destinations is La Casa Que Canta in Playa la Ropa, Mexico. Every room at La Casa Que Canta features a view of Zihuatanejo Bay. Rooms can range from pool suites and grand suites to terrace suites. Each suite offers unique features but in general guests can expect a king size bed, a balcony, a bathroom with double sinks and a pink marble walk-in shower. La Casa Que Canta likes to leave unique topiary flower designs on guests’ beds during the day. The design of the resort is largely inspired by Mexican art. Attractions of the resort include an infinity edge pool, an aroma-phototherapy spa and a beach club. La Casa Que Canta is a private resort but is only a few minutes away from the town center where visitors can enjoy local fine dining, Zihuatanejo Bay is known for its fishing. Back at the resort, guest activities include golfing, horseback riding, scuba diving and tennis.

If travelers desire a fairytale setting, Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland might be the place for them. This estate is built on 350 acres of land and has history dating back to the 1200s. There are 83 guest rooms, each one maintaining original features from its 19^th century renovation as well as Broadband and television. Guests exploring the sprawling estate will enjoy the shores of the lake Lough Corrib, bike and running trails, a golf course and tennis courts. Beyond the estate, there are nine historical subdivisions, or baronies, in County Mayo that guests can explore, including Blacksod Lighthouse, Clare Island, the home of pirate queen Gráinne O’Malley, and the Museum of Country Life. The Village of Cong is nearest to Ashford Castle and it is the home of novelist and playwright Oscar Wilde. Guests can enjoy fine dining, museums, theaters and spa facilities during their stay.

            Luxury travelers tend to travel not only for the adventure but also for the relaxation. They want to treat themselves to beautiful scenery, illustrious details and amenities of the highest standard. Although we are given these general guidelines for luxury traveling, it remains an open-ended idea. I for one take joy in knowing that the definition of luxury traveling is entirely up to the individual. When I imagine a dream vacation, I tend to picture secluded beaches or sweeping landscapes. For others, it could mean staying in an enchanted castle with a rich history. For people like my father, it means a hotel that offers a challenging golf course and activities for the whole family. What seems to tie in all luxury vacations is that they can represent the vacations of our dreams.