Destinations We Adore

February 8, 2025

Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day with some travel love. It’s never easy playing favorites, but we did it anyway! Here are seven of our most cherished places on earth. 

Provence: The Luberon Region
Rolling vineyards, lavender fields, and hilltop villages that are the stuff of fairytales. This is France’s Luberon region, and we don’t think it could get any more charming. We love to spend our days meandering artisan markets, truffle hunting, and wine tasting (Gordes and Roussillon are a couple of our favorite villages). Come evening, it’s off to a Michelin-starred restaurant. There are seven of them in this region so the options are plentiful—we always go back to Le Champ des Lunes and Auberge la Fenière. As for where to stay, we’re devoted to Arielles Gordes, La Bastide, a luxurious Gordes hideaway with a history that dates back more than 500 years.


Greece: Beyond Santorini & Mykonos

Santorini and Mykonos might be Greece’s bold-faced names, but it’s the lesser-known isles that are stealing our hearts. Topping our list is Kéa Island, a decidedly laid-back island that’s the closest one to Athens. So why not visit both? Spend a few days exploring the famous archaeological sites of The Acropolis and shopping along the glitzy Athens Riviera, then take a short boat ride over to Kéa for some serious seaside relaxation. This little island is celebrated for its pristine beaches, miles of hiking, and the ancient Lion of Kéa sculpture that’s known as the island protector. It’s worth the trek to see it—trust us. It’s also not far from the One&Only Kea Island—one of the most anticipated recent hotel openings. Hugging the coast with its own private beach, this cliffside retreat epitomizes barefoot luxury.



Ecuador: Choco Rain Forest 

A unique blend of biodiversity and luxury, “the Chocó,” one of the world’s most ecologically rich regions, is home to rare wildlife, cloud forests, and private eco-lodges with every five-star comfort and amenity you can dream of. Most notably: Mashpi Lodge, one of our all-time favorite places. Tucked deep in the rainforest of Quito, this resort offers majestic views, comfort, and activities with every turn. Be sure to go on a birdwatching adventure, take a guided jungle expedition, and experience the country’s gourmet cuisine served right in the middle of this pristine nature. Bonus points for a private yacht cruise to the Galápagos!



Italy: The Dolomites

The grand Dolomites have it all: natural beauty, big adventure, ultimate luxury, and some of the best food and wine in the world. Famous for its dramatic peaks, stunning alpine lakes, and world-class skiing, this Italian region is also known for five-star mountain resorts, Michelin-starred dining, and exclusive spa retreats. A private heli-skiing experience is one for the books, not to mention a guided hike through the mountainous UNESCO heritage sites. With one charming village after the next, the Dolomites are picture-perfect during all four seasons. Be sure to visit the town of Cortina d'Ampezzo, while Corvara is home to La Perla, the dreamiest alpine retreat with an incredible wine cellar and restaurant.


Botswana: Okavango Delta

In our opinion, this is the pinnacle of the African safari experience. A UNESCO-listed oasis, the iconic Okavango Delta in Botswana is the best choice for private game drives, excursions through winding waterways in traditional canoes called mokoros, helicopter safaris, and ultra-luxe lodges. For a magical stay, Wilderness Vumbura Plains features private suites set along the edge of the Delta waterways, each with its own viewing deck and plunge pool. Every day brings front-row access to wildlife sightings, from elephants to lions to rare birds. Top that with VIP service and private guides for anything you can imagine, and you’ll fall in love over and over again with this region.


South America: Patagonia

Spanning both Chile and Argentina, Patagonia is a true escape into untrammeled beauty—a rarity today. With dramatic glaciers, pristine lakes, and rugged peaks, the region is a playground for privately guided treks in Torres del Paine National Park, heli-hiking,  glacial cruises, horseback adventures, and wildlife galore. The Singular Patagonia and Explora Torres del Paine are two unsurpassed stays, both with incredibly immersive experiences and some of the best guides we’ve experienced. 


Switzerland: By Rail

Discover Switzerland by luxury train and it’s impossible not to fall head over heels for the country. Iconic trains like the Glacier Express and the GoldenPass Line reveal opulent journeys through postcard-worthy landscapes with 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks, emerald lakes, and charming villages. In first-class carriages, you’ll be spoiled with gourmet cuisine, personalized service, and private off-train excursions. For very-VIP stays along the way, we vote for Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa in Interlaken, The Chedi in Andermatt, and Baur au Lac in Zurich. Be sure to save time for a gondola tour from Interlaken to Jungfraujoch on the Eiger Express, as well as a hike to Staubbachfall Waterfall in Lauterbrunnen and a boat cruise on Lake Lugano.

Multi-Gen Magic

March 20, 2026
Multi-generational travel is booming—and it’s easy to see why. Families are seeking curated journeys where every generation—from grandparents to grandchildren—can experience the world together, yet on their own terms. At WhirlAway Travel, that means private excursions, seamless logistics, and experiences that let everyone focus on what matters: connection. Denise Booth, WhirlAway’s multi-gen travel expert, leverages her insider access and relationships with global partners to create itineraries perfectly suited for every age and interest. “Travel does not have to be all or nothing,” she says. “We craft experiences that can be enjoyed by each person, from modified activities or alternatives for those who cannot participate.” Here are three recent journeys planned by Denise and the WhirlAway team.

Just Back From … Japan with WhirlAway’s Stacey Blum

March 11, 2026
Why Japan & Why Now The neon-lit energy of Tokyo, the zen temples of Kyoto, and the restorative calm of mountain onsen towns define this unique journey across time. “It’s a place that feels both ancient and futuristic at once,” Stacey says. Japan also rewards travelers who slow down. For Stacey, early mornings—what the Japanese call the “blue hour”—were especially poignant. Known as the time just before sunrise or after sunset when the sky turns a deep indigo, the serene, otherworldly atmosphere is the perfect window for photography in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, capturing the magical light over temple roofs, as locals cycle along rivers, and as shops open their doors. To fully appreciate Japan’s diversity, Stacey recommends giving yourself at least 10 days in the destination (plus two days of travel) and visiting three distinct regions. Stacey’s Takeaway: “Japan is not a place you try to see it all in one trip. It’s somewhere you’ll want to return to again and again.”

Sail Beyond the Expected

February 17, 2026
No summer travel plans yet? Consider this your fast track to an experience that ticks all the boxes for value, ease, culture, scenery, and laid-back luxury. What: A seven-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Silver Nova with Silversea and Signature Travel Network. Where: Roundtrip from Athens, visiting seven ports throughout Greece and Turkey. When: August 16-23, 2026. Why: It’s a remarkable blend of epic history, island charm, and elegant cruising. You’ll visit spots that feel straight out of a postcard, from the delightful seaside town of Gythion and the Olympic roots of Katakolon to Santorini’s bucket-list sunsets and the lively markets of Bodrum. Onboard, the suites are beautifully spacious, the butler service is effortlessly attentive, and the all-inclusive approach is indulgent yet smart, inviting you to savor the experience without a second thought. Yes, please!

Just Back From … Northern Italy with WhirlAway’s Sara Samuel

February 12, 2026
Recently back from an immersive journey through Verona, Venice, and Trieste, WhirlAway’s Sara Samuel discovered a trio of destinations that feel worlds apart yet effortlessly connected. From Shakespearean streets and quaint canals to culture shaped by shifting borders, this is Italy beyond the expected.

Just Ask Jamie …

January 21, 2026
Why stay home for the holidays when you can discover chocolate, castles, and Christmas decorations across Europe? That’s just what WhirlAway’s Jamie Jones had in mind when she took her family on a holiday river trip through Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Brussels, and Antwerp. Here’s what happened along the way.

2026 is the Time!

January 14, 2026
If “someday” is starting to sound suspiciously like “never,” this is your sign. From polar ice to private yachts, safaris to southern skies, these six monumental journeys are proof that the best trips happen when they’re meticulously planned with insider expertise.

Just Back From … Italy’s Puglia Region

December 15, 2025
Nestled in the heel of Italy, these spots have long been Italian favorites and are now drawing travelers from around the world. But visit in the fall or winter, and it still feels like you have them all to yourself. Sara says it was nearly impossible to choose favorites—and she could easily share dozens more—but here are the places and experiences she loved most.

’Tis the Season for Travel!

December 15, 2025
In 2025, WhirlAway planned dozens of amazing vacations for the holiday season, and we’re sharing a few of our favorites. Consider this your cheat sheet to the dreamiest destinations, including a sun-kissed sojourn to Costa Rica, a multi-gen escape to South Africa, an Antarctica cruise, and the best of Turks and Caicos, and London. Happy holidays, and even happier travels!

Just Back From … the Cycladic Islands

November 18, 2025
What makes the Cycladic Islands feel so singular? For Luxury Travel Advisor Denise Booth, it’s the blend of warm hospitality, luminous landscapes, and quietly luxurious living. Fresh off her journey through Naxos, Paros, and the Athenian Riviera, she shares three experiences that showcase Greece beyond the guidebooks—intimate, delicious, and endlessly photogenic.
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