Melote House: Luxurious Eco-Escape in Africa's Wilderness | Lepogo Lodges
Melote House: Luxurious Eco-Escape in Africa's Wilderness | Lepogo Lodges

Melote House emerges as a beacon of luxury and sustainability within the Limpopo Province. Its doors opened in January 2024, revealing a world where every detail harmonizes with the surrounding Lapalala Wilderness. The lodge's design, a marvel of carbon-neutral architecture, is as much a homage to the environment as it is a sanctuary for those who seek solace in nature's embrace. With rammed earth walls that whisper the ancient stories of the land, Melote House stands as a testament to the beauty of conscientious travel.

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SustainabilityCharleen Parkesafrica, eco, safari, lodge, lapalala
Where to Stay in Machu Picchu: An Intrepid Traveller's Retreat
Where to Stay in Machu Picchu: An Intrepid Traveller's Retreat

Venturing to the historical marvel of Machu Picchu in Peru is an encounter with the sublime—a testament to Incan ingenuity set against a backdrop of awe-inspiring mountain landscapes. The absence of direct roads to Machu Picchu has preserved its secluded splendour. Yet, a journey to these ancient ruins need not be a strenuous endeavour. One can embrace the mystical allure of this lost city with the convenience and luxury of a picturesque train voyage and an extraordinary stay in boutique hotels, each offering unique comforts.

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"Inspiration"Charleen Parkeshotel, travel, peru, americas
Barcelona's Finest Bites: A Delicious Round-Up of Our Favourite Eats
Barcelona's Finest Bites: A Delicious Round-Up of Our Favourite Eats

Barcelona, is a culinary-rich city where every street corner brims with gastronomic delights, and each barrio offers its unique flavour. In this bustling metropolis, the food scene is as diverse as it is delicious, catering to every palate, from the gluten-free gourmand to the aficionado of eloquent dishes. We have spent several years exploring the nooks and crannies of this majestic city, savouring the flavours and soaking in the ambience of countless dining spots.

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GastronomyCharleen Parkesbarcelona, restaurant, city escape, spain, catalunya, europe
The Best Boutique Hotel Openings in 2024
The Best Boutique Hotel Openings in 2024

As the world continues to spin on its axis, the allure of travel and the promise of new adventures remain undiminished. The year 2024 heralds an exciting chapter in the realm of boutique hotels, with a dazzling array of openings that are set to redefine luxury, comfort, and style. From the tranquil hills of Nepal to the sun-kissed shores of the Seychelles, each hotel is a unique jewel, poised to offer experiences as diverse and captivating as their locations.

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NewsCharleen Parkeshotel, luxury
Casa Montelongo - A Boutique Escape in Fuerteventura’s Vivid Landscape
Casa Montelongo - A Boutique Escape in Fuerteventura’s Vivid Landscape

In the heart of Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, where the ocean whispers tales of ancient times, lies Casa Montelongo, a boutique haven that stands as a testament to architectural finesse and nature's unbridled beauty. Crafted by the visionary architect Néstor Pérez Batista, this 19th-century house has been reimagined into a modern sanctuary, where every stone and beam tells a story of the past, harmoniously intertwined with the present.

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"Inspiration"Charleen Parkeshotel, travel, spain, fuerteventura, canary islands, europe
Inside Barcelona's Italian Culinary Renaissance with Doppietta and BENZiNA
Inside Barcelona's Italian Culinary Renaissance with Doppietta and BENZiNA

In Barcelona, a city celebrated not only for its Gaudí masterpieces but also for its dynamic food scene, there's a growing trend that's impossible to ignore: the rise of Italian cuisine. From quaint trattorias tucked away in narrow streets to bustling pizzerias in lively plazas, the Catalan capital embraces Italy with open arms. Amidst this culinary renaissance, Italian restaurants, delis, and cafes are flourishing, adding a new layer of diversity to Barcelona's already vibrant gastronomic scene.

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InterviewsCharleen Parkesfood, barcelona, italian, restaurant, spain, europe
What is a Boutique Hotel? A Definition by Travel & Lust
What is a Boutique Hotel? A Definition by Travel & Lust

Boutique hotels offer a unique blend of intimate ambience, personalised service, and distinctive style. These establishments, often smaller in scale, contrast the uniformity of larger hotel chains. A boutique that left a lasting impression on us was Masseria Potenti. The property is vast; it isn't technically a hotel; it's a country house or masseria that offers core amenities and has several rooms available to reserve. We had an informal booking process, and the receptionist went above and beyond, helping us plan out every detail of our trip.

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"Inspiration"Charleen Parkeshotel, travel, italy, scotland, england
Black Book 2023 - A Curated Collection of Boutique Stays
Black Book 2023 - A Curated Collection of Boutique Stays

2024 has been an exciting year for boutique hotel enthusiasts. Our hotel directory has welcomed a variety of unique and exquisite boutique properties, each offering its distinct charm and luxury. These hotels, spread across the globe, promise exciting travel experiences whether you're seeking cultural immersion, romantic escapades, or tranquil retreats amidst nature.

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"Inspiration"Charleen Parkeshotel, travel, italy, puglia, marrakech, morocco, france, portugal, girona, vejer de la frontera
New Lifestyle Hotel Brand Miiro Set to Debut in Europe's Vibrant Cities
New Lifestyle Hotel Brand Miiro Set to Debut in Europe's Vibrant Cities

As you meander through the labyrinthine streets of Paris, the air carries whispers of history and art. A new story is being written around a cobblestone corner, nestled in the embrace of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This story isn't just about a hotel; it's about Miiro, a lifestyle hotel brand, emerging as a beacon of culture and connection in the heart of Europe's most iconic cities.

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NewsCharleen Parkeshotel, travel, london, city escape, paris, europe
Best Hotel Christmas Menus in Barcelona
Best Hotel Christmas Menus in Barcelona

There's not long to go until Christmas, less than twelve days. We love the run-up to the holidays; the classic songs, mulled wine, advent calendar, Christmas card writing, ice-skating rinks and simply going out to see the city (wherever we are) lit up at night with friends and family. This year, many of you may be spending the holiday season with fewer people than expected.

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GastronomyCharleen Parkesbarcelona, christmas, food, hotel, spain, europe
Wild Frontiers' Top Travel Destinations for 2024
Wild Frontiers' Top Travel Destinations for 2024

In a world where popular tourist spots often overshadow hidden gems, Wild Frontiers is charting a course for the extraordinary and the less explored. Their 2024 hotlist of destinations is a clarion call to travel enthusiasts worldwide, beckoning them to venture beyond the beaten path. These carefully selected locales are not just places on a map but treasure troves of rich, vibrant cultures and untold stories, making them far more noteworthy than your usual tourist sights.

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"Inspiration"Charleen Parkestours, bhutan, mexico, peru, egypt, tajikistan, kazakhstan, albania, georgia
Best Winter Sun Destinations
Best Winter Sun Destinations

Many countries worldwide would've had their clocks go back as we hit another season and winter is fast approaching. That initial extra hour in bed is one of the benefits, but with the day getting darker earlier, it's normal to want a little escape. For some, this might be a little weekend where the sun is guaranteed; for others, it might look like a more extended stay, a second holiday if you like to a destination where it feels like another summer.

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"Inspiration"Charleen Parkeswintersun, hotel, winter escapes
Alpine Luxury: Top Boutique Ski Hotels in Europe
Alpine Luxury: Top Boutique Ski Hotels in Europe

From the pristine slopes of the Swiss Alps to the iconic backdrops of the Dolomites, Europe is home to some of the world's most sought-after ski destinations. Amongst the majestic mountains are unparalleled luxury ski hotels and resorts that redefine alpine elegance. More than just places to stay, these resorts and chalets are experiences unto themselves, blending world-class amenities with the raw beauty of nature.

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"Inspiration"Charleen Parkeshotel, ski, switzerland, austria, france, andorra
Three Magical Winter Wonderlands in Crete
Three Magical Winter Wonderlands in Crete

As Greece’s most autonomous and diverse island, Crete is an intriguing place to visit all year round. Its cities are very vibrant and buzzing full of life while its rural locations are effortlessly astonishing, as winter gives the landscapes an alluring Winterland charm. The Mediterranean winter climate is mild, and although it does get colder, there are many crisp sunny days for visitors to enjoy. Read on to find out what three destinations in Crete make a great escape in the winter months.

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"Inspiration"Charleen Parkesheraklion, crete, mediterranean, chania, winter escapes, wintersun, lassithi, greece
Postcards from Kraków
Postcards from Kraków

Krakow, Poland's cultural gem, beckons travellers from around the globe with its captivating blend of history and modernity. This enchanting city, with its cobbled streets and architectural wonders, is not just a destination but a living storybook waiting to be explored. Millions of visitors are drawn to Krakow's vibrant cultural scene, world-renowned events, and rich heritage each year. Join us on a journey through this captivating city as we explore its diverse facets, from the historic Jewish Quarter to the modern charm of boutique hotels.

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Postcards from...Charleen Parkespoland, krakow, city escape, europe
Exploring Andalusia’s Hidden Treasures: A Private Tour with Genuine Andalusia
Exploring Andalusia’s Hidden Treasures: A Private Tour with Genuine Andalusia

Discover the best tour guides for your next travel adventure. Experience authentic culture and cuisine with owner and personal tour guide Iván Ricoy. Immerse in authentic and spectacular cultural experiences. Having spent most of his childhood years in the province of Cádiz, Iván has a passion for his home region of Andalusia. He loves to take visitors off the beaten tracks to embark on a serendipitous experience, both realized and projected with precise planning.

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"Inspiration"Charleen Parkesculture, beach, cadiz, vejere de la frontera, andalusia, spain, europe
Travel & Lust Wins Best Curated Travel Experience Blog 2023
Travel & Lust Wins Best Curated Travel Experience Blog 2023

In a world where travel is more than just a destination; it's an exploration of the extraordinary, Travel & Lust has passionately crafted curated travel experiences that ignite the spirit of adventure. We are thrilled to share that we have been honoured with the title of Best Curated Travel Experience Blog of 2023 by LUXlife. This recognition celebrates our dedication to uncovering and sharing the world's hidden treasures.

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NewsCharleen Parkeshotel, travel, tours, travel guide