Not all hotel gyms are created equal. Some are glorified storage closets. Others? Architectural temples to training. At Swords Travel, we’ve done the legwork — literally — to find the world’s best hotel gyms. From Icelandic strongholds to Cotswold sanctuaries, this is our edit of spaces where fitness isn’t an afterthought. Expect form, function, and flawless equipment.
Think breakfast with a view, a better room than you booked, and check-out times that actually work for your flight. At Swords Travel, we don’t just plan where you go — we elevate how you get there. Thanks to our insider relationships and Little Emporers partnership, you’ll enjoy quiet upgrades and thoughtful extras at some of the world’s most iconic hotels. When you know, you know.
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 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.
Safari is one of those rare travel experiences that manages to feel both grounding and surreal — raw nature playing out in real time, but from the comfort of a canvas suite or a polished lodge deck, G&T in hand. It’s a privilege, a thrill, and, for many, a once-in-a-lifetime trip. And if we’re being honest, it’s one of those journeys we believe every traveller should make at least once — because it changes something. Your pace. Your perspective. Your definition of silence.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Italy’s hotel scene is having a moment — and we’re more than here for it. From grand icons reimagined to fresh, design-led arrivals in both city hotspots and dreamy coastal escapes, the country’s luxury landscape is shifting in all the right ways. Whether you’re drawn to the cinematic romance of Rome, the polished glamour of Lake Como, or the slow, sun-drenched rhythms of Puglia, this latest wave of hotel openings is rewriting the rules on Italian indulgence.
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