North America’s luxury scene is stepping up in style, with fresh openings from One&Only, Aman, Auberge and more. From mountain lodges to city icons reimagined, here’s your Swords-approved shortlist of the continent’s best new check-ins.
Pools worth crossing continents for. From cliffside infinity pools in Bodrum to diamond-shaped oases in Marrakech and sky-high swims above London, here’s where we’d happily float all day. Our handpicked edit of the world’s most beautiful hotel pools is pure travel daydream fuel — and an invitation to dive in for real.
Join our travel associate on an exclusive journey with Explora Journeys as she sails from Malta to Athens, stopping at Rhodes, Kusadasi, Milos, and Chania. From seamless check-ins and stunning dining experiences to a laid-back yet luxurious atmosphere, find out why Explora is redefining the cruise experience.
Serve up your next adventure with Swords Travel’s ultimate guide to the world’s best hotel tennis courts. From sun-drenched clay in Marbella to private island rallies in the Caribbean, these courts offer stunning views, expert coaching, and luxe post-match perks. Whether you’re chasing perfect form or just a memorable set, discover where tennis and travel meet in spectacular style.
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.
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