Just Back From - Swords Travel

Just Back From… Hillside Beach Club

Discover why Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye, Turkey, has built such a loyal following. Swords Travel associate Francesca Stevenson was invited by JG Collection to experience this feel-good resort set in a private bay framed by pine forest and sparkling sea. From yoga platforms and paddle courts to beach BBQs and buzzy evenings, Francesca dives into what makes the Hillside experience tick — all wrapped up in that warm, relaxed Turkish hospitality. Expect honest insights, standout dining notes, and a little humour from someone who’s just been.

Just Back From… Corinthia Palace, Malta

Just back from a luxury familiarisation trip to Malta, Swords Travel’s David Knight shares his experience staying at the serene Corinthia Palace – from Michelin-starred dining and spa downtime to private tours of Valletta’s noble homes. A quick escape? Yes. But Malta’s rich history, easygoing charm, and unexpected depth left a lasting impression.

Just Back From… Longitude 131°

Following our founder Mark Swords’ immersive stay at Silky Oaks Lodge in the Daintree Rainforest, the journey continued to the spiritual heart of Australia—Longitude 131°. As part of a hosted experience following the Australian Tourism Exchange in Brisbane, this second stop offered a completely different yet equally powerful sense of place. From rainforest to red desert, this itinerary showcases the diversity of Australia at its most iconic and awe-inspiring. Below, Mark shares his experience at Longitude 131°—a lodge that blends luxury with culture in the most unforgettable way.

Just Back From… Silky Oaks Lodge

As part of an immersive experience hosted after the Australian Tourism Exchange in Brisbane, our founder Mark Swords was invited to explore the breathtaking Silky Oaks Lodge—one of the most iconic Luxury Lodges of Australia. Set deep within Queensland’s ancient rainforest, this journey offered a rare glimpse into Indigenous culture, barefoot luxury, and the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Mark shares his highlights from this unforgettable stay and why Silky Oaks deserves a spot on every luxury Australia itinerary.

Just Back From… Four Seasons Mauritius

There are family holidays… and then there’s Four Seasons — where everything feels elevated, effortless, and genuinely fun for everyone. Our Luxury Travel Associate, Hollie, had the pleasure of a four-week stay in Mauritius, where she revisited some of the island’s top resorts with her family in tow. But it was her time at the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita that really stood out.

Just Back From… Sri Lanka

If Sri Lanka isn’t on your radar yet, it should be — and at Swords Travel, we’ve long known it’s a destination that delivers far more than just pretty beaches (though those are exceptional, too). Think sacred temples, scenic train rides, rolling tea plantations, ancient ruins, and national parks teeming with elephants — all wrapped up in warm hospitality and wildly good food. It’s the kind of place that suits a lot of different travellers: wellness seekers, culture lovers, coast-chasers, and honeymooners looking for somewhere with a bit of soul.

Just Back From… Kenya

From golden savannahs to snow-dusted mountains and wild coastline, Kenya is a country that captivates you long before you arrive. It’s the land of the Big Five, of sweeping game drives and red-cloaked Maasai warriors. A place where the rhythm of the bush replaces the noise of daily life — and where the wildlife feels just as much a part of the landscape as the acacia trees that dot it.

Just Back From… Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

Dreamy Aegean views, beachside fine dining, and an atmosphere that manages to feel both discreet and ultra-luxurious — Mandarin Oriental Bodrum had been on our radar for a while, so we sent our luxury travel expert Carla to experience it first-hand. From multi-bedroom villas to coffee bars at breakfast and gullet boat adventures across Paradise Bay, here’s her full low-down — and why this slice of Turkish coastline might just deserve a spot on your wishlist.

Just Back From… Passalacqua, Lake Como

Lake Como doesn’t really need an introduction — it’s long been a magnet for elegance, romance, and those picture-perfect lakeside moments. But hidden within its shoreline curves is a hotel that feels more like a cinematic dream than a place you can actually check into: Passalacqua. Last April, we had the joy of slipping away from the buzz of daily life to spend two nights at this extraordinary retreat — and honestly, we’re still thinking about it. So, here’s a peek into our time there, what we loved, and why we think this is one for your must-visit list.

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Just Back From… Hillside Beach Club

Just Back From… Corinthia Palace, Malta

Just Back From… Longitude 131°

Just Back From… Silky Oaks Lodge

Just Back From… Four Seasons Mauritius

Just Back From… Sri Lanka

Just Back From… Kenya

Just Back From… Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

Just Back From… Passalacqua, Lake Como

Just Back From… Hillside Beach Club

Just Back From… Corinthia Palace, Malta

The Swords Guide to Africa’s Most Inspiring Safari Camps

Just Back From… Longitude 131°

Just Back From… Silky Oaks Lodge

Just Back From… Four Seasons Mauritius

Just Back From… Sri Lanka

Just Back From… Kenya

Just Back From… Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

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