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This 7-day Luxury Yacht Is an Artists' Retreat in Greenland — With Kayaking, Beluga Watching, and Fishing

Pelorus Yachting will sail artist-focused charters in August and September.

Marie Ferec/Courtesy of Polarfront

Calling artists across all mediums. Have you ever considered attending an artists' retreat in Greenland? And have you ever considered attending an artists' retreat in Greenland on a yacht?

Well, here's your chance. The oceangoing branch of expedition company Pelorus, Pelorus Yachting, is launching an artists' retreat in Greenland — led by a Greenlandic artist — aboard its vessel Polarfront , a former weather ship retrofitted into a luxury expedition yacht. (That said, it still has a weather station onboard for Météo France.)

The catch? It costs a cool $343,728 to charter the ship for 12 guests for seven days.

But since it is a charter, that means you have nearly complete control over the entire experience. That includes choosing the type of artist you'd like to lead your journey, whether a watercolorist, a photographer, or even a poet, musician, or a chef. 

Beyond the artistic experience, guests can enjoy all the activities associated with expedition cruising in Greenland, from cruising around icebergs in Zodiacs; hiking through breathtaking landscapes; fishing for Atlantic char; or kayaking next to humpback whales (or, if you're lucky, belugas).

Florian Ledoux/Courtesy of Polarfront

And then there's the onboard experience, too. Polarfront, which just had new engines installed that reduce "environmental impact and fuel consumption by over 40 percent," per a press release, is 180 feet long, carrying up to 12 guests in eight cabins. Guests can congregate in the Coriolis Lounge, where guides will present lectures — and, in the case of the artists' retreat, likely hold workshops. There's also a fitness room, a sauna, an on-deck hot tub, and a library filled with maritime and polar literature.

“We put the focus on the experience, designing individual itineraries according to the client’s brief," write Pelorus Yachting co-founders Geordie Mackay-Lewis and Jimmy Carroll on the company website. "We pride ourselves on attention to detail, creativity, and due diligence, designing extraordinary experiences for those seeking something truly different."

If you're ready to gather 11 of your most artistic friends and make for Greenland later this year, you can inquire about booking at pelorusyachting.com .

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The Unexpected Pleasure of Boredom When Traveling Solo

By Teddy Minford

When was the last time you were truly bored? I don’t mean sitting in a doctor’s waiting room and scrolling on your phone, or zoning out during a Zoom meeting and scrolling on your phone, or accidentally watching an extra hour of reality TV and scrolling on your phone. I mean actually having nothing to do and nowhere to be.

I don’t think I’ve had that feeling since I was a kid … until I took my first solo trip. I’ve been traveling my whole life and traveling professionally for the last decade, but I’ve somehow made it to age 35 without ever traveling alone. Sure, I’d spent a few days alone before or after my friends or family joined me on a trip, but I’d never actually had a solo trip from start to finish. Until I visited Bali.

I know, I know: A middle-aged white lady on a quest in Bali isn’t exactly novel. In fact, I was so ashamed of the trope that I felt sheepish telling anybody but my closest friends and family about it. But I had an invitation to visit one of Bali’s newest luxury hotels and no amount of embarrassment could stop me from going on a trip that ideal. So that’s how I found myself at a five-star jungle hideout, totally alone.

At first, I didn’t realize what a golden opportunity I had. But slowly, it dawned on me: I was in a time zone 13 hours ahead of my friends, family, and colleagues in New York. While everyone was asleep halfway around the world, my phone was silent and my inbox was blissfully empty.

Ask any travel writer and they’ll assure you that most reporting trips are far from relaxing. Awake at dawn and up past midnight, zooming through sites and monuments while constantly meeting new people. It’s exhilarating and unfathomably rewarding, but it can be exhausting.

And yet, my first instinct was to do as much as possible. I researched a sunrise hike up a volcano and considered taking a trip to a remote temple on the other side of the island. But then I stopped to consider that this trip was different. For the first time in my life, I was traveling without an agenda and without the weight of my travel companions’ expectations. It made me realize how often I take on the role of vibe custodian, using subtle cues to check the pulse of my travel companions, wary of exhausting them—or worse, boring them.

All alone at a hotel in the middle of the jungle, I could do whatever I wanted . And what I wanted to do was absolutely nothing. I took multiple baths, I finished a crossword puzzle, I started a new book. I hiked to a waterfall on the property and explored the rice terraces. I fell in love with Balinese food. But mostly I just stared at the scenery of one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. It was glorious.

For once, boredom felt like the goal, a curative treatment to restore balance. Instead of feeling a sense of ennui or anxiety about wasting time, I felt freedom. I came back from Bali feeling 10 years younger.

I realized that boredom is a privilege, something it’s nearly impossible to experience at home with the responsibilities of house chores and work and social obligations. I felt more at peace and present than I had in years, a high I’ll be chasing on every trip from now on.

I still love adventure travel and action-packed trips, but I’ve earned a newfound respect for remote resorts. And next time I can’t find somebody to join me on a trip? I’ll be happy to head out on my own.

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• The Billionaire Buyout: Publicity Stunt or Ultimate Luxury Travel Triumph?

Resorts around the world are promoting highly priced buyouts designed to go viral. But are they worth the money?

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The video got over seven million views. 

“It happened organically,” said Juan Vela Ruiz, vice president of Velas Resorts. “When we saw and heard what he was saying about having it all for yourself, we were thrilled. They didn’t know they would be alone. We had just opened, and there happened to be no other guests.”

Even if it hadn’t masterminded the event, the resort was quick to capitalize on it. Soon after, it began advertising a Billionaire Buyout , where you can have the entire resort to yourself for three nights for $600,000. 

The buyout puts the all-inclusive hotel’s staff of 180 at your service—that includes two-star Michelin chef Sidney Schutte. The spa and pool are all yours. You’ll arrive from the airport via helicopter and enjoy a sunset tour on the resort’s private yacht. There’s personal training sessions and after, all the Dom Pérignon you can drink.

Moreover Ruiz notes this is not a wedding buyout package nor is it for groups—it’s aimed at (and priced for) couples. 

“The price would be double for a group,” he said. “This is a unique experience for couples, geared to your needs. All the attention is on you. Many of our guests appreciate that.”

With designed-for-social-media gimmicks like a $25,000 taco , at Grand Velas, being noticed is the point. It’s privacy as ultra-conspicuous consumption. Not only does the resort get a more than half-million dollar payday, but it catches the attention of millions of eyes on social media. Double win. 

In real estate, sensational pricing is a common marketing tool. A $45 million mansion in Manhattan may not win headlines, while a $100 million mansion will. So why not price the spread at $100 million, scoop up those headlines and then sell it for whatever you can?

Is a $600,000 buyout in Los Cabos anything different? (We’re talking about it now, aren’t we?) And perhaps that’s why, the number of highly priced, non-island, non-wedding resort buyouts is booming around the world right now.

For example, the 33-room, Relais & Chateaux-endorsed Weekapaug Inn in Watch Hill, R.I., has long been a quiet, weekend escape for New Yorkers. Now, its owners—Weekapaug resident and investment tycoon Lang Wheeler and Watch Hill resident and hedge fund head Chuck Royce—are offering the entire resort as a two-night buyout for $125,000. Dubbed the Milestone Getaway, the deal commemorates the Inn’s 125th anniversary this year.

“We are naturally romantic,” Weekapaug Inn’s general manager Daniel Abrashoff tells Robb Report. “We call ourselves barefoot elegance.”

Friends and family are also welcome to join the barefoot romance. They’ll be cared for by the resort’s 130-strong staff, along with its chefs and in-house naturalist (who leads guided walks, kayak trips, and stargazing).

Equally understated is Naviva, the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, where you can now cough up $195,000 for three nights and all 15 luxury tents on its 48-acres of jungle.

Sure, big numbers make a splash, but further evidence of the buyout’s reinvention as a marketing tool is demonstrated by attempts at relative democratization. After all, why limit your customer base to the world’s roughly 2,640 billionaires?

In the mountains in Costa Rica, the Hacienda AltaGracia from Auberge Resorts is now advertising the All-About-You buyout, which takes you out into nature with an “experience designer” to tailor your stay. You might call it “baby’s first buyout,” as it gives a taste of the real thing for just $1,500 a night. And at the Wilburton Destination Resort in Vermont, an early 20th-century mansion in the Taconics you can play billionaire for only $5,000. 

“JP Morgan’s family stays every Christmas,” said Melissa Levis, whose family owns and runs the resort. “A certain billionaire who made a fortune in electric cars, not Elon Musk,” she noted, “rented the 15 bedroom mansion and only used three rooms: one for his friends, one for his wife, and one for him because he snores!”

Levis says the buyout allows them to offer guests private ski lessons at Stratton, massages, and fireside dinners.

So is the buyout still about buying absolute privacy? Or is it about social media infamy? A crass attempt at guerrilla marketing? All of the above?

Back in 1933, banking scion William Avery Rockefeller built t he Point Resort as a private retreat for his family in the Adirondacks in Upstate New York. Today, the 11-room, 22-guest all-inclusive is getting back to those roots. It’s offering a $37,600 per night buyout for families or groups of friends. 

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USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Best Luxury RV Resort

The Waves RV Resort offers guests easy access to the Gulf Cost’s nearby white sand beaches. As a 55+ active lifestyle resort, the gated, 56-acre RV destination has amenities like a clubhouse, a fitness center, billiard room, and a tiki lounge with fire pits. Lakefront RV sites offer full hookups with cable and Wi-Fi.

Photo courtesy of The Waves Signature RV Resort

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Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Chez chesak.

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor...   Read More

‘Chez’ Chesak is Executive Director of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, an adventure travel writer, board member of the Society of American Travel Writers and 22-year veteran of the outdoor and travel industries. While he’s lived all over the U.S. and traveled to more than 30 countries, he has the most fun when he’s exploring with his wife Sally and two daughters. An avid outdoors person, he’s happiest on a trail, on skis, or nestled into a sleeping bag. Learn more about him and his work at www.chezconnects.com .  

Jamie Davis Smith

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50...   Read More

Jamie is a travel writer who has visited over 50 countries, many of them with her children in tow. She loves visiting everything from theme parks to ancient ruins and packs strictly carry-on-only. Jamie can be reached at [email protected].

Jenny Peters

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los...   Read More

Jenny Peters – aka Jet Set Jen – is a Los Angeles-based freelance journalist, editor and party columnist specializing in travel, entertainment, film, food, wine, fashion and the other good things in life. She is a founding/voting member of the Critics Choice Association, who present the Critics’ Choice Awards every January. Her favorite places to be are on the beach in Southern California playing volleyball, scuba diving with the sharks in warm tropical waters or strolling the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world's great cities (New Orleans and Florence are her favorites).

Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Olivia Christine Perez

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel...   Read More

Olivia Christine Perez is an outdoor + travel wellness expert, author, and the creator of  O. Christine : a travel and wellness platform inspiring thousands of people to travel more and get outdoors for their wellness. Living with an autoimmune disease herself, Olivia helps people find wellness through the outdoors, self-care adventures, and mindful travel experiences. You can follow her work at  ochristine.com  and  instagram.com/ochristine.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.

Leaderboard

• 1. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Cabana Cabins - Auburndale, Florida
• 2. Firefly Resort - Fredericksburg, Texas
• 3. The Waves RV Resort - Naples, Florida
• 4. Camp Fimfo Texas Hill Country - New Braunfels, Texas
• 5. Bluewater Key RV Resort - Key West, Florida
• 6. Naples Motorcoach Resort - Naples, Florida
• 7. Little Arrow Outdoor Resort - Townsend, Tennessee
• 8. Normandy Farms - Foxboro, Massachusetts
• 9. Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains - Granby, Colorado
• 10. The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort - Orlando, Florida
• -- Check the Full Leaderboard --

GOBankingRates

6 Affordable Luxury Travel Destinations To Visit While in Retirement

Posted: April 9, 2024 | Last updated: April 9, 2024

For retirees, the ability to travel without time constraints can represent one of the most appealing aspects of this new chapter in life . Whether it's going on a safari in Africa, hiking on the Machu Pichu or visiting architectural ruins in Greece, many seniors enjoy their golden years exploring the world and indulging their wanderlust. Yet, being on a fixed income can put some limitations on these dreams, especially if they're looking at luxury travel destinations.

Alonso Marly, a travel expert at Skyluxtavel , said that a key to having a premium travel experience is choosing the right time and spot for your holiday.

For You: 6 Things Retirees Shouldn't Spend Big Money on While Traveling Abroad Read More: One Smart Way To Grow Your Retirement Savings in 2024

"I suggest exploring less popular off-the-radar places where you can splurge instead of saving," Marly said.

Marly said that another piece of advice for those looking to cut their vacation expenses without sacrificing style and comfort is to travel during the off-season -- something accessible to retirees.

"The more flexible you are, the better deals you can score, including some great last-minute offers and personalized holiday packages that would usually cost twice as much," Marly said.

Here are some luxury travel destinations, including U.S. locations , for retirees to visit without breaking the bank.

Sumba, Indonesia

According to Marly, Bali has been among the most popular holiday spots for vacationers of all ages, however, since it is not as peaceful and untouched as it once was, many travelers are now looking for new, undiscovered and less crowded tropical destinations that offer better value for money.

For instance, Sumba is "a truly spectacular island in Indonesia that has recently started to attract tourists who are after an exotic escape," Marly said, noting that it's located south of Bali, only a little over an hour direct flight away and it's twice the size of it.

"It's truly a great and peaceful tropical destination for retirees who want to experience an extraordinary adventure in the wilderness while surrounded by breathtaking views, modern-day amenities and both fun and relaxing experiences that don't cost a fortune," Marly said.

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Colchagua Valley, Chile

This is another exclusive, yet affordable luxury travel destination Marly recommended for dedicated wine lovers.

It's one of South America's premier wine regions and is more affordable to those in France, Australia, California or other world-renowned wine-tasting spots.

"I suggest getting the most out of this incredible destination by staying in one of the most prestigious hotels in the country and touring multiple vineyards with a local guide-chauffeur," Marly said.  "This is truly an amazing vacation destination to take [in] retirement regardless of whether you are traveling with a group of friends or enjoying a relaxing solo trip."

Try This: $3 Million in Retirement Savings: Here's How Much You Could Withdraw Per Year

Destin, Florida

If you are looking for a more active vacation outdoors and prefer exploring the U.S. instead, one of the cities that could easily compare to Malibu or Miami while being a lot cheaper is Destin in northwest Florida, Marly said.

Destin has a white sandy coastline with crystal clear waters that make it perfect for a beach getaway with breathtaking views and fewer tourist crowds, Marly said.

"Many say that it gives out Caribbean vibes without having to take a flight to any of the exotic islands outside the U.S. Plus, there are plenty of exclusive beach rentals to choose from for as little as $100 per night, located close to some of the most exquisite world-class shopping and fine dining spots," he said.

This city offers everything from golfing, rock climbing and ziplines to snorkeling and dolphin tours to world-class festivals, firework displays and other unique experiences that bring together like-minded people, he said.

Bangkok, Thailand

When planning a retirement trip on a budget, there are many affordable luxury destinations worth considering, said Kelly Sullivan, managing director at Kokomo Botanical Resort , on Providenciales in Turks and Caicos.

One of these memorable yet cost-effective itineraries is Bangkok, Thailand, she said.  

"This is a top choice for affordable luxury," she said. "Five-star hotels can be booked for under $200 per night and activities like cooking classes, spa treatments and day trips run just a fraction of what they would in Europe or the U.S."

She added that the food is exceptional and the service is unparalleled. With its beautiful beaches, fascinating culture and low cost of living, Thailand is a retiree favorite.

Greece has a lot of different things to offer to a lot of different people.  With its stunning beaches, charming villages, ancient ruins and mouthwatering cuisine, Greece offers an unbeatable combination of culture, natural beauty and affordability, Sullivan said.

"Hotels, food and activities are very reasonably priced compared to other European destinations. I especially love the islands of Santorini, Mykonos and Crete for their postcard-perfect scenery," she said. "Retirees can easily spend a few weeks island hopping around Greece without breaking the bank."

Check Out: 15 Cheap, Beautiful Places To Retire

As Retire Guide noted, Lisbon is known for its affordability, making it an attractive destination for retirees and accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses and vacation rentals cater to various budgets.

"Dining out in Lisbon offers a wide range of choices, from inexpensive local eateries to trendy restaurants. Public transportation, including trams, buses and the metro, is affordable and efficient," Retire Guide included.

According to Sullivan, the Algarve region is particularly of note.  

"Retirees can rent a villa steps from the ocean for less than other Mediterranean destinations," she said. "The favorable exchange rate stretches your dollar, allowing you to enjoy rounds of golf, local markets, wine tastings and more without breaking the bank."

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Four Seasons Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat Vs. Eden Roc: Which Is Best?

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Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel Vs. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, which is best? We recently reviewed Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel as we like to stay in this hotel at least once (ideally twice) per year, it’s honestly that good and yes it is worth the hefty price tag too. But how do these two hotels compare?

1. Best Location: Four Seasons Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat Vs. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc

Four Seasons Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat is situated on the tip of the Cap Ferrat peninsula, on the very edge of Nice and between Nice and Monaco. This is one of the most prestigious places to own a property in the world. As you drive up to this Four Seasons, you pass many gated mansions which belong to or have belonged to the world’s super rich and greatest stars like David Niven.

The hotel is right on the end of the peninsula, and as you walk towards the sea through the pine trees and exotic vegetation in the gardens here, you reach Club Dauphin, reached by a glass lift. This beach club houses the Four Seasons pool, a lovely restaurant, and lots of loungers and cabanas.

While you are unlikely to want to leave the heaven that is Four Seasons Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, St Jean is only about a kilometer walk away, and this village has loads of restaurants, a marina, a big supermarket, coffee shops, and so forth. Also worth mentioning, Monaco is fun once for a visit and is much closer to the Four Seasons Cap Ferrat than Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc which is located on the far side of Nice.

Hotel Eden Roc is on the more lively peninsula of Cap d’Antibes on the other side of Nice, but like Four Seasons, it is in a secluded location. The nearest restaurants are a decent walk away, so you will probably eat in the hotel.

We prefer the exclusive location of Four Seasons Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, which is walkable to St Jean and set by the ocean.

2. Exclusivity

Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, has the edge on exclusivity. When we first went there, anyone could rock up and have a drink in the bar. This was a problem because the bar could become busy, and guests staying in the hotel had to wait for a seat. Now, you have to prebook your visit to the hotel, and your name is checked at the gate, which means there isn’t a problem getting a seat anymore. The gated nature of the hotel also makes it feel very exclusive.

Review: Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel

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The best hotel on the French Riviera is the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel located near the small town of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. Set in Belle Epoque splendor in a building that dates back to the 1800s, this ultra-luxury hotel offers everything you would expect of the very best Four Seasons hotel, but with a sprinkle of French chic. We most recently stayed at Four Seasons Hotel Cap-Ferrat, in April 2022.

3. Best Pool

The Four Seasons pool is amazing and has recently been refurbished. This infinity pool is excellent, and the area is bordered by the rocks that edge the peninsula and then the sea, so you have a front-row seat to watch the boats sailing between Nice and Monaco and the helicopters flying above from Nice airport.

The Eden Roc pool is also very good and situated on the rocks in front of the hotel, but we prefer the pool at Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel.

If you have the budget, you can book a room with its own private pool at Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel. These rooms are stunning, and the pool is large enough for a short swim.

4. Best Beach

There is no beach at either Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel or. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has just a pool and access to the sea through the rocks. There are three small beaches on Cap Ferrat and some great walks on quiet footpaths around the edge of the peninsula with excellent views, but neither hotel has a beach in front of them.

5. Best Style

Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, had a major redesign by Pierre Yves Rochon and offers understated elegance. The rooms and communal areas are gorgeous, with loads of marble and chandeliers in the foyer and restaurant. You can see more in our review. The gardens are perfect, as is the pool. This place is as close to perfection as I have found in a hotel, and listening to live Jazz in the evening on the terrace in front of the hotel… well, I don’t believe life gets any better.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has also been refurbished, but the decor errs towards chintz. While this hotel remains a wonderful hotel choice, and if you are choosing between these hotels, you are blessed to be able to afford either, I far prefer the decor at Four Seasons.

6. Best Service

If you have previously stayed at a Four Seasons hotel, you will know that their service is superb, and the service at Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, should surpass your expectations. In fact, my husband and I laugh that we should test the brilliance of the service here by dropping a glass and seeing if the team catches it before it hits the ground. You know, I think they would!

7. Best Restaurant

Four Seasons Le Cap restaurant is the setting for extraordinary, maritime-influenced cuisine from Michelin-starred Chef Yoric Tièche, who reinvents Provençal and Mediterranean dishes using the freshest of ingredients, some from the Hotel’s gardens. Accompany your dish of choice with a grand cru from the Grand Hotel’s list of 600 wines from France’s top vineyards. This is an excellent restaurant.

Louroc Restuarant at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has One Michelin Star. Eric Frechon and Sébastien Broda have created a menu that expresses an authentic dialog between the Mediterranean and Provence for the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant. The two territories meld in a cuisine that is close to nature, drawn directly from the source. This is also an excellent restaurant, so there is no winner here.

10 Best Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts In The World

Recommended Post In "Tips"

The best Four Seasons hotels & resorts in the world include Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, Four Seasons Lanai and Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Hawaii, Four Seasons Surf Club on Miami Beach, Four Seasons Costa Rica, Four Seasons Los Cabos At Costa Palmas, Four Seasons Palm Beach, and Four Seasons Hampshire. To be honest, we wanted to include several other properties in this article, but we would have to stray into the realms of the top 20 or 30 or even top 100 properties to include all our favorite Four Seasons hotels. There are just so many great ones!

8. Best Best Bar

I love the terrace in front of Grand Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel. This multilayered terrace houses the bar and two restaurants in the summer, and you can sit under magical trees looking out over the gardens and to the distant sea beyond. I love this terrace, and no bar anywhere else in the world matches up, in my opinion.

9. Best Rooms

Rooms at Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel, are either in the main historic building with views out to sea or back inland towards the pine woods or in a newer building that must have been modeled on the Thunderbirds house. The latter, more modern rooms, offer marvelous large balconies but lack the history.

The historic rooms in the main building have wooden floors, white walls with pelmet detailing, and large marble bathrooms. Both rooms and suites have a similar crisp white finish with a touch of mint in the soft furnishings. They form the perfect backdrop to the immense views; the blue sky, the grounds, and the deep blue sea.

Balconies in the main building are mainly Romeo and Juliette except for the suites, which offer a terrace. As day turns to night, the sea view rooms are perfectly positioned to absorb the live band’s sound, which plays on the patio below. There is something very special about getting ready for a night out with the window swung open and jazz wafting in on the breeze.

Their more modern Thunderbirds building is a mix of crazy curves and glass lifts hidden beneath the pines. This is where you will find modern but equally stunning rooms with either a large balcony or their own private swimming pool. It is worth noting that these pools are large enough to swim in, and each pool is set among rocky outcrops with an infinity view at the end, looking out to the horizon. Inside, these rooms have a white marble finish, although the feel is definitely modern instead of historic.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc has more traditional rooms with flowery bedspreads and curtains. I’m sorry, but these are not really to my taste and lack the stylish feel of the hotel rooms at Four Seasons. Plus, I love a Four Seasons bed. So comfortable. So Four Seasons wins.

10. Club Lounge

Neither hotel has a club lounge.

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The 12 Best Luxury Luggage Brands for International Travel, According to Pros

Don’t splurge on a suitcase until you’ve read this expert shopping advice.

"Sturdiness is the most important quality for long, international travel because a dense suitcase will ensure that it comes off the scanning belt without major damage," Marchant says. "Durability and a lifetime warranty are also important because you never know what can happen while traveling, who is handling your bag, or what kind of weather it has to wheel through. In the unpredictable realm of international travel, a sturdy and resilient suitcase is a traveler’s best friend."

Here, the best pieces of luggage for international travel, straight from the pros.

Paravel Weekender

Paravel is one of Schroeder’s go-to brands for personal luggage due to its quality craftsmanship, stylish aesthetic, and still-attainable price point. The Weekender is a favorite piece (Schroder calls it her “ Mary Poppins bag”), as it easily slides over the handle of any suitcase for streamlining speedy layovers.

Rimowa Original Cabin Carry-on Bag

"Large, heavy suitcases are popular because they offer more packing space, but they are cumbersome to bring around the airport and may result in additional fees when checking in," Marchant says. "I recommend travelers prioritize finding a balance between capacity and portability and ensure that their luggage is both functional and practical."

A favorite of Marchant’s (and many seasoned travel pros, for that matter), Rimowa’s aluminum suitcases are all about longevity, while boasting one of the most iconic luggage designs of the modern day. “The best quality luggage is Rimowa, without hesitation, because of its durability, capacity, design, and style,” she says. “The suitcases are an investment, but a guaranteed piece for life,” he says.

Globe Trotter Safari XL Trunk

This heritage British luggage brand was founded in 1897 and truly offers something for everyone, whether you’re a watch collector or particular enough to seek out fully customizable luggage (or both!). Globe Trotter boasts a host of unique collections, from the eternally chic safari line to collabs with luxury accessories brand Casablanca and James Bond.

The brand’s items are made from vulcanized fiberboard, which boasts being as strong as leather yet light as aluminum for seamless travel. Plus, old-school jet-setters will love Globe Trotter’s chic trunks that are suited for your next Grand Tour.

Carl Friedrik Palissy Weekend

If you’re looking for a bag that can go from office to plane to drinks and back again, look no further than Carl Friedrik's weekender bag. This heritage luggage brand focuses on premium materials, thoughtful design to improve functionality and reduce waste, and innovation that will have you hooked for life. The brand is also a go-to destination for travel accessories made from vegetable-tanned vachetta leather that will patina beautifully over the years.

AWAY The Bigger Carry-On

This Instagram-adored brand is also a personal favorite of Schroder’s, as the brand’s Bigger Carry On is her-go to when jet-setting for a variety of trips. This top-rated luggage retailer is beloved for cleverly designed products with unique features such as laundry bags, underside grab handles, lightweight yet durable shells, and array of color options for every type of aesthete.

“In my opinion, the products are well-made and available at a price point that balances both luxury and accessibility,” says Schroeder. “Most of my clients appreciate this, as they are looking for both functionality and a level of style in their luggage.”

Bric's Bellagio Pocket Spinner Trunk

The celeb-adored Italian luggage brand features a range of leather goods that appeal to a variety of styles, whether you prefer vintage-inspired designs, sleek lines, or punchy colorways. Bric’s is all about showcasing Italian craftsmanship and design innovation, from the Tuscan leather trim on the Firenze bags to the steamer trunk-inspired design of the Bellagio collection and seaside hues of the Positano collection.

Bric’s offers a five-year warranty on all wheeled products and a two-year warranty on other bags and accessories. Warning: You'll be scheming up your next trip to Italy as soon as your purchase arrives.

Hartmann Tweed Legend Medium Journey

Iconic luggage brand Hartmann first gained notoriety in 1908 with its namesake trunk winning first prize at the California exposition. It’s been serving discerning travelers ever since (think: James Bond in Ian Flemming’s novels, as well as IRL with Halston and Gloria Vanderbilt).

Schroeder is fan of both their carry-on and checked luggage options that feature American-made vegetable-tanned leather, signature tweed, and other high-performance materials to travel as far and wide as you do for decades to come. It’s a top pick for those who love soft luggage without having to sacrifice on durability or style.

Monos Check-In Large

Monos has quickly become a must-have brand for the jet-set needing Instagram-worthy luggage. But the brand is much more than a pretty face (though we do love the number of colorways offered): Monos luggage has received more than 10,000 five-star reviews and is centered around creating timeless modern heirlooms you'll treasure for years to come.

They back that up with lifetime warranties on all luggage, even if purchased from an authorized third-party retailer, along with two-year warranties for the Metro collection and packing cubes. Plus, adults and kids alike will love the stylish alphabet stickers for personalizing suitcases and more.

TUMI Extended Trip Expandable 4-Wheeled Packing Case

“My husband has all things TUMI, which is a brand we often recommend to our clients,” Schroder says.

The comprehensive travel brand is a great pick for enthusiasts of all kinds, as the brand’s portfolio ranges from suitcases in six different sizes, active backpacks, and even a host of golf accessories (the brand just became the official luggage of the PGA Tour and LPGA). This also makes TUMI an excellent option for those who are seeking a full matching set of travel goodies, as Marchant says he swears by matching family sets of luggage to help keep track of everyone’s belongings as best as possible.

The brand features a slew of valuable amenities, from the TUMI Tracer product recovery program to repair and personalization services, as well a five-year-luggage warranty (two for wallets and accessories). Plus, there are more than 300 TUMI stores around the world to test out their suite of products in person with ease.

Royce & Rocket

The youngest brand on our list, Royce & Rocket was created by two well-traveled friends in 2022 who were looking to make packing (and unpacking upon arrival) as smooth as possible, allowing people to make the most of their vacations. Their suitcases, offered in three sizes feature built-in shelving systems (in chic colors, might we add) to help you stay organized with ease, no matter how much city-hopping is on your itinerary. Don’t miss out on the brand’s catchall travel pouches for keeping your suitcase mess-free and your beauty routine a breeze while abroad.

Delsey TURENNE Medium Trunk Spinner

Since 1946, Delsey has been bridging the gap between luxury and accessibility in the luggage market. No matter what kind of traveler you are or style of luggage you prefer, the brand has something well-designed, eco-friendly, and innovative to offer. The brand created the first luggage on wheels, after all! Delsey features an authorized repair center to ensure proper upkeep for those who travel hard. The brand is available for purchase through many major retailers around the world, so it’s a great pick if you prefer to shop IRL.

BÉIS The Convertible Mini Weekender

Schroder loves BÉIS for its lightweight carryon options that can keep you organized, no matter the itinerary. This is a great brand to know for families looking for chic, kid-friendly travel gear, hard-working totes, and clever carry ons in a slew of appealing colors.

“I own the Weekender and the Backpack, and I use both on different trips, depending on the type,” she says. “For example, when traveling to Africa, the Backpack helps to keep me most organized. When traveling to Europe and I need something to hold what doesn’t fit in my carry on, the Weekender is my go-to!"

Meet the Experts

Emma Schroder is a luxury travel advisor and founder of Major Traveler .

Tom Marchant is the co-founder and owner of Black Tomato .

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Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

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Help! Japan Airlines Downgraded Us From First Class and Skimped on the Refund.

A couple is bumped from ultraluxury to semi-luxury on a trans-Pacific flight and receives what they feel is only a pittance in compensation.

By Seth Kugel

Dear Tripped Up,

Last year, my husband and I splurged on round-trip first-class tickets on Japan Airlines from San Francisco to Tokyo for $13,474 each. We reserved them in February for an October flight through American Express Travel. On the same day, I also bought business class tickets for a couple who was traveling with us at $8,429 apiece. In September, Amex notified me that we had been downgraded to business class for the return flight. JAL’s conditions state that we would receive “the difference between the normal fare amount of original class of service and for the normal fare of lower class of service.” To me that means that since the difference between our first class seats and our friends’ business seats was $5,045 each, we should be refunded about half of that — around $2,522 per person — for the second leg. But we got only $941 each. I contested this with Amex Travel, but they rejected our claim. Can you help? Teri, San Francisco

I’ve been collecting stories from readers about downgrade disappointments recently, so I looked not only into yours but also stories from four other travelers — three of whom believe they were stiffed by British Airways and another by Avianca.

All three airlines I contacted delayed, obfuscated or otherwise dillydallied before getting me answers, but let’s start with your travel agent, American Express.

“We worked with the card member and merchant to the best of our ability to resolve the issue,” wrote Emily Vicker, a spokeswoman for Amex, in an emailed statement. “Card members wishing to pursue additional compensation requests need to do so directly with the airline.”

As you said to me, you did not follow up with Japan Airlines because an online link that Amex sent you led to a form that said it was only for those travelers who had booked with JAL directly; others should deal with their travel agent. Gary Leff, the writer behind the travel site View from the Wing , told me you should have ignored that. “Follow all avenues to advocate on behalf of yourself,” he said.

Could Amex have done more? It’s impossible to tell, and Japan Airlines, responding only to my third email, said that it “has verified that the amount applied was accurate and was based on the difference of the First Class fare originally purchased and the applicable Business Class fare with the same fare conditions as the original ticket for the sector involved.”

But that is just a restatement of the company’s terms and conditions . So I wrote back with a spruced-up version of your argument. Your original first class seats cost $13,474 round trip, so although the two legs may have varied somewhat in price, I simplified and said for each way, each ticket would cost $6,737. JAL refunded you $941 for each ticket, which means they consider the value of the business class seats you ended up in, on the return, to be $5,796.

But your friends’ business class seats were just $4,214 each. And every business class fare I can find for flights from Tokyo to San Francisco on the JAL site in recent days (except for last minute fares) is well under $5,000. Could they explain their calculations?

I did not hear back.

So I turned to Mr. Leff. He noted that simply knowing what another business class seat cost on the same flight does not mean that if you had bought four seats on that day rather than two, the third and fourth seat would have been the same price — airline pricing algorithms are notoriously complex and opaque. And there is no way to know if the leg back from Tokyo (the one you were downgraded for) was actually cheaper than the leg there, as your Amex invoice doesn’t give a breakdown.

But Mr. Leff still took your side, mostly. The $941 refund “strikes me as unreasonable,” he said, “especially given the not ironclad but very persuasive evidence of tickets bought on the same flight on the same day.”

Anyone who finds themselves in such a situation must realize, unfortunately, that it’s impossible to know exactly what their refund should be. “I don’t think there’s an organization beside the airline itself that has the data,” said Anton Radchenko, chief executive of AirAdvisor , a company that assists fliers in receiving compensation from airlines. But he added that in most cases, airlines do offer fair compensation.

Then he told me something I didn’t know — that flights starting in Britain or those operated by British carriers have set rates for downgrades depending on the length of the flight: a 30 percent refund if under 1,500 kilometers (around 932 miles), 50 percent between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers, and 75 percent for longer flights. The European Union and Canada have similar rules.

Alas, such fixed reimbursement rates only work if you can get the airlines to refund you in the first place. All three British Airways customers faced, instead, a wall of customer service nonsense.

A British Airways spokeswoman, Catherine Wilson, apologized for the delays and said the airline aimed “to process refund requests as quickly as possible.” But even after my intervention, only two of the three got refunds — and for less than British regulations seem to demand.

In late 2021, Mark from San Diego and his wife were flying home on British Airways premium economy from Split, Croatia, via London and Dallas, but missed a connection. They were rebooked in economy on Virgin Atlantic and tried for two years to get reimbursed when finally, in December 2023, they were told they had agreed to the downgrade, which he denies. (It shouldn’t matter anyway, both Mr. Leff and Mr. Radchenko said.)

They finally received $746 from British Airways earlier this week. But the full cost of their original round-trip itinerary (two tickets from San Diego to Ljubljana, Slovenia, and back from Croatia) was $5,821, and it is unlikely that their refund could account for 75 percent of a premium economy trans-Atlantic flight. British Airways confirmed they calculated the difference in fare rather than using the parameters laid out by the British government and offered no explanation to me as to why.

A year later, Cynthia and her partner had a very similar situation, missing a British Airways premium economy connection in London on their way home to Los Angeles, ending up in economy. They had booked through a travel agent, who tried unsuccessfully to get a refund. Then Cynthia ran into a brick wall when she tried herself. She has still not received a refund.

In the third British Airways case, David of Carmel, N.Y., and his wife were booked to fly first class from London to New York when their flight was canceled. On their rebooked flight, they were downgraded to the equivalent of business class. Their initial request for a refund was rejected by someone who almost comically misread their complaint, responding that they were not entitled to compensation because their flight had arrived with only “18 minutes delay.” Subsequent calls to customer services led nowhere. And even after I got in touch with the airline, another representative wrote the couple with the coup d’absurdité: They were not entitled to a refund because “based on our research, your final flight was in First Class, hence there is no downgrade refund due for your booking.” (I can attest that their boarding passes say otherwise.)

British Airways did finally send the couple a refund, of $1,036, this past Saturday. But their original fare for first class (plus a short hop from Amsterdam to London on the return) was just under $10,000 for both, which presumably means the return flights from London to New York cost a total of close to $5,000. Again, British Airways said it calculated the difference in fares rather than the appropriate percentage of the original fare. I have advised David to look at Britain’s Civil Aviation Authority’s guidance on rejected claims.

The case with Avianca ended on a more positive note. Alan, of Riverside, Calif., and his wife were booked on a business class flight from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires via Bogotá this past February. But Avianca replaced that direct first leg, to Bogotá, with two legs — Los Angeles to San Salvador, El Salvador, and then on to Bogotá, with a three-hour layover. For these new flights, the couple was placed in economy, with no business-class lounge access, no free meals and no word about compensation.

Rolando Lamas, Avianca’s sales director for North America, Central America and the Caribbean explained in a statement that the airline suspended that direct Los Angeles-to-Bogotá flight in January and had offered most passengers either a full refund or compensation for the downgrade. But it had trouble communicating with a few passengers, including some who had booked through a third party, as was the case with Alan.

The airline has now offered Alan and his wife $580 each, and they have accepted.

Most of the time, airlines do refund fare differences promptly and accurately, but clearly there are holes in the system. If the airlines stymie any future refund requests, I suggest contacting a company like AirAdvisor or registering a complaint with the appropriate federal agency, like U.S. Department of Transportation . This process can be slow but often prods the airlines into action, said Mr. Leff. However, if the airline has done something as specifically absurd as reject your downgrade refund because your flight arrived almost on time, send me a copy so I can add it to my collection.

If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to [email protected] .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation.

Seth Kugel is the columnist for “ Tripped Up ,” an advice column that helps readers navigate the often confusing world of travel. More about Seth Kugel

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