July 2026 - Chirn Park

Mediterranean Elegance Aboard Queen Victoria

Posted on July 30, 2026July 30, 2026 by Kellie Waterfield

Experience the Mediterranean with Cunard

There is something truly special about exploring the Mediterranean by sea. Instead of constantly packing and unpacking, you can wake up in a new destination each morning while enjoying the elegance, comfort, and exceptional White Star Service that Cunard is renowned for.

Unlike traditional holidays, a Cunard voyage combines the excitement of discovering multiple destinations with the ease and relaxation of unpacking just once. Whether you’re watching the sunset from the open decks, enjoying a cocktail before dinner, attending a gala evening or simply admiring the endless sea views, every moment onboard becomes part of the journey.

The elegant Queen Victoria

Discover Queen Victoria

Inspired by the golden age of ocean travel, Queen Victoria seamlessly blends classic elegance with modern luxury. Rich wood panelling, sparkling chandeliers, and beautifully designed public spaces create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while spacious accommodation ensure every guest feels truly cared for.

From the magnificent Grand Lobby and stylish lounges to the comfortable staterooms, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to make your voyage both relaxing and memorable.

Whether you’re enjoying a spectacular performance in the Royal Court Theatre, indulging in a treatment at the Mareel Wellness & Beauty spa, browsing the onboard boutiques, strolling the promenade deck, or simply unwinding with a drink as the Mediterranean coastline drifts by, there’s something to suit every traveller.

With its grand staircase, stylish staterooms, peaceful library, and sun-drenched pool deck, Queen Victoria offers a truly sophisticated cruising experience.

Relax During Scenic Days at Sea

Days at sea are just as memorable as the destinations themselves, giving you the opportunity to slow down and enjoy everything Queen Victoria has to offer. Start your morning with breakfast overlooking the ocean before attending an enriching guest lecture, enjoying a spa treatment, browsing the boutiques, or finding a quiet corner to read.

As evening approaches, the ship comes alive with live music, world-class theatre performances, sophisticated bars, and Cunard’s glamorous Gala Evenings.

Whether you choose to dress for the occasion or simply enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset, every evening offers something special.

Champagne Afternoon Tea, where delicate pastries, freshly baked scones and fine teas are served in classic Cunard style.

Explore More with Cunard Shore Experiences

Every port of call offers the chance to discover the history, culture, and beauty of the Mediterranean through Cunard’s thoughtfully curated shore experiences.

From exploring ancient landmarks and charming old towns to sampling regional cuisine and admiring spectacular coastal scenery, there’s an excursion to suit every interest.

If you prefer to explore independently, many ports are easily accessible on foot, allowing you to wander at your own pace and uncover hidden gems along the way.

Exploring Dubrovnik’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town

A Dining Experience to Savour

Dining aboard Queen Victoria is one of the highlights of the Cunard experience. From multi-course dinners to relaxed casual dining, every meal is complemented by exceptional cuisine and the attentive White Star Service for which Cunard is famous.

Your main restaurant, determined by your stateroom category, serves beautifully prepared breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, while specialty venues such as The Verandah offer premium steaks and seafood in an intimate setting.

No Cunard voyage would be complete without the iconic Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room. Served daily by white-gloved waiters and accompanied by live classical music, it’s a much-loved Cunard tradition. For more casual dining, the Lido Buffet and onboard cafés offer a wide selection of international cuisine, light meals, and refreshments throughout the day.

From breakfast through to exquisite multi-course dinners, Queen Victoria offers a dining experience that is every bit as memorable as the destinations you visit.

Where Every Moment Becomes a Lasting Memory

Whether you’re relaxing at sea, discovering fascinating destinations, enjoying exceptional cuisine, or simply soaking up the elegant atmosphere, Queen Victoria offers a truly unforgettable Mediterranean voyage.

It’s a journey where the experience onboard is every bit as rewarding as the destinations themselves.

Written by Kellie Waterfield following her recent journey sailing onboard the Queen Victoria.

Kellie Waterfield

Cruising with Cunard is all about timeless elegance, unforgettable experiences, and a few treasured souvenirs along the way.

Sri Lanka: A Country That Has It All

Posted on July 2, 2026July 29, 2026 by Kyra Hickson

One Island, Endless Experiences

There aren’t many destinations where you can wake up amongst rolling tea plantations, spend the afternoon on safari, and finish your holiday relaxing on a tropical beach.

Sri Lanka packs an incredible amount of diversity into one relatively small island, with every region revealing a completely different side of the country.

Spotting Elephants in Yala National Park

Changing Landscapes Around Every Corner

Over the course of our journey, we explored ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites, wandered through lush tea plantations, searched for wildlife in national parks, and unwound along the country’s beautiful southern coastline.

What amazed me most was how quickly the scenery changed. Within just a few hours’ drive, we’d go from cool, misty mountains to golden beaches lined with swaying palm trees. Every day felt like we had arrived in a completely new destination.

Dambulla Cave Temple

The Difference a Private Guide Makes

One of the biggest highlights of the trip was travelling with our own private driver and guide, organised through Exotic Destinations. It completely transformed the experience.

Instead of worrying about navigating unfamiliar roads or planning each day’s logistics, we could simply relax and enjoy the journey.

Along the way, we learnt about Sri Lanka’s history and culture, discovered hidden local spots, and stopped whenever something caught our attention.

It was effortless, and because every itinerary is tailor-made, every journey can be designed around your own interests, pace and travel style.

Fisherman in Weligama

Into the Wild at Yala

As someone who loves wildlife, the safaris were a definite highlight.

Yala National Park exceeded every expectation.

We encountered elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, peacocks, countless bird species, and, incredibly, several leopards. The moment one of the park’s largest male leopards calmly walked just metres from our jeep is something I’ll never forget.

It’s one of those travel experiences that simply can’t be replicated.

Game drives through Yala National Park

A Breath of Fresh Mountain Air

The hill country revealed a completely different side of Sri Lanka.

The cooler climate provided a welcome contrast after the tropical heat, while endless emerald-green tea plantations stretched across the mountains in every direction.

Visiting historic tea estates and learning about Sri Lanka’s world-famous Ceylon tea added another fascinating layer to the journey, and the scenery was some of the most beautiful we experienced anywhere on the island.

Picking tea leaves in the Ceylon Tea Region

Authentic Cuisine and Warm Smiles

And then there was the food.

Every meal was bursting with flavour, from fragrant curries and freshly caught seafood to tropical fruit picked at its peak.

I quickly discovered that Sri Lankans don’t hold back on the spice, but every dish was incredibly fresh, authentic, and absolutely delicious.

Combined with the genuine warmth and hospitality of the local people, we felt genuinely welcomed everywhere we went.

Ingredients for a traditional Sri Lankan meal

Why Sri Lanka Has It All

What surprised me most about Sri Lanka wasn’t just its incredible beauty, but how effortlessly it combines so many different experiences into one journey.

On a single journey, you can encounter incredible wildlife, explore ancient temples, wander through rolling tea plantations, relax on beautiful beaches, and connect with some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

Few destinations offer so much variety while feeling so easy to explore.

The view from the W15 Hanthana Estate in Kandy

Looking out over Kandy at the W15 Hanthana Estate

Why You Should Visit Sri Lanka

If you’re looking for a destination that combines incredible wildlife, rich culture, breathtaking scenery and genuine hospitality in one easy-to-explore holiday, Sri Lanka is a destination I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Whether you’re dreaming of luxury resorts, unforgettable safaris, scenic train journeys through the hill country, days spent relaxing on the beach, or a little of everything, Sri Lanka offers an experience that’s as diverse as it is memorable.

Written by Kyra Hickson following her recent journey through Sri Lanka.

Kyra Hickson

Standing at the top of Sigiriya Lion Rock

My Journey Through the Canadian Rockies with APT

Posted on July 3, 2026July 3, 2026 by Dominique Orange

Where Mountain Dreams Become Reality

I had been to Vancouver and Whistler in the Winter to Ski, but I was excited to be touring the Rockies- the tour boasted a seamless blend of world-class rail, iconic landscapes, and some of the country’s most prestigious hotels, unfolding from the Pacific Coast to the heart of the Rocky Mountains all guided by our host APT.

Arrival and clearing customs was so easy and quick compared to Canada’s neighbour to the South- from landing to being greeted by our guide took less than 30 minutes. Whisked from the airport and ushered into the city where ocean, forest, and skyline coexist in perfect harmony. The Fairmont Waterfront sets the tone -refined luxury, contemporary, and perfectly positioned along the harbour, perfect for the start or finish of an Alaskan Cruise or City Stay. After a stroll in search of a strong coffee, a short drive to Grouse Mountain gave us our first look at Grizzly bears, followed by crossing the Capilano Suspension Bridge – one of BC’s main attractions.

Vancouver is renowned for being an active city – next morning we headed to Stanley Park, 400 hectares of walking trails, rainforests, beaches all with waterfront views of the city. Next stop Granville Island Public Market for lunch -an indoor market featuring a fascinating assortment of colourful food, produce stores and farmers stalls, all fresh from the ocean, the oven or the field. Market Artisans showcase locally made, handcrafted products and the very finest in unique goods. The afternoon we spent in Gastown, the oldest part of the city with unique stores and the obligatory photo with the Steam Clock.

Totem Poles in Stanley Park

All aboard the Rocky Mountaineer

Boarding the Rocky Mountaineer in Gold Class feels like Business Class all the way.

As the train glides inland, the scenery evolves in spectacular fashion-emerald fields give way to forested canyons, roaring rivers, and dramatic mountain walls.

Highlights such as Hell’s Gate and the Thompson River pass by in cinematic grandeur, best enjoyed from the comfort of your heated seat as attentive hosts ensure every detail is flawless.

The highlight of the day – spotting a Moose staring at us from the banks of the river – a rare sight indeed! By evening, we arrive in Kamloops, wrapped in the quiet beauty of British Columbia’s interior.

Refined Luxury in Gold Class on the Rocky Mountaineer

Into the Canadian Rockies

The second day aboard the Rocky Mountaineer is nothing short of majestic.

Snow-capped peaks rise higher as the train follows the North Thompson River, weaving through the Monashee and Cariboo Mountains.

The moment Mount Robson appears as we are dining on our 3 course lunch – the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, unforgettable.

Entering Jasper National Park feels like stepping into an untouched wilderness, where nature reigns supreme.

The evening is spent at the elegant Jasper Park Lodge, surrounded by alpine serenity and we were lucky enough to see Natures Miracle the Northern lights – what a welcome to the Rockies.

Lucky to witness the Northern Lights in Jasper

Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise

Morning light filters through the Rockies as we set off along the Icefields Parkway, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful drives on Earth. Each curve reveals glaciers, waterfalls, and dramatic alpine vistas.

The journey culminates at Lake Louise, where the turquoise waters shimmer beneath the Victoria Glacier.

Our stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise places us at the very edge of this natural masterpiece a setting so serene it feels almost unreal.

Perfect mirror image at Lake Louise – view from Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Banff: A Castle in the Mountains

Traveling onward to Banff is a visual feast, punctuated by iconic sights such as Bow Falls and Surprise Corner. Arrival at the Fairmont Banff Springs is nothing short of grand. Rising from the forest like a storybook castle, this historic hotel offers timeless elegance amid soaring peaks and winding rivers.

Today is devoted to the refined pleasures of Banff. Wander the charming streets, learn about the region’s wildlife and heritage, or simply indulge whether that means a leisurely lunch, boutique shopping, or quiet moments soaking in the mountain air.

Banff’s effortless blend of adventure and sophistication is captivating. Seeing the surrounding mountains by Helicopter was a highlight of the trip – included as a Freedom of Choice option with APT.

Flying over Banff in a helicopter was a highlight of the trip

From Gold Rush Trails to Whistler

Tracing historic Gold Rush routes through the Cariboo region, we descend into the Thompson River Valley before arriving in Whistler. Known globally for its style and scenery, Whistler offers a vibrant yet refined mountain resort experience. The Westin Resort and Spa provides a luxurious base from which to enjoy it all, all suites include a kitchen and plenty of space to unwind in this bustling resort.

Although known primarily for its Skiing (host of the Winter Olympics in 2010) there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the summer months – E-bike trails, walking tours and for the more adventurous ZipTrek Eco Tours, ziplines and canopy walks providing stunning mountain views and high-adrenaline fun for various ages, accessible via lifts on Whistler Blackcomb.

Meeting a Mounty and finding out more about their role in Canada’s law enforcement

Sea to Sky to Victoria

One of Canada’s most breathtaking drives unfolds along the Sea to Sky Highway, where mountains plunge dramatically into the Pacific. A scenic ferry crossing delivers us to Vancouver Island and the elegant city of Victoria.

With its British heritage, manicured gardens, and relaxed coastal charm, Victoria feels both timeless and indulgent.

Our waterfront hotel – Delta Hotels Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort offers the perfect vantage point to soak in the city’s beauty.

A visit to Victoria isn’t complete without admiring the elegant British Columbia Parliament Buildings, where historic grandeur meets one of Canada’s most picturesque waterfront settings

Final thoughts

On our final morning one of the tour favourites – breakfast at the Butchart Gardens followed by early entry before the crowds – a world-renowned 55-acre floral display garden transformed from an abandoned limestone quarry – featuring spectacular themed gardens and recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada for its beauty and horticultural innovation.

Victoria invites lingering- a harbour walk, one last moment of calm. As we depart for home, the memories remain: glass-domed train cars, glacier-fed lakes, grand hotels, and landscapes so vast and beautiful they feel almost cinematic.

This is Canada at its most luxurious- immersive, elegant, and utterly unforgettable.

Written by Dominique Orange following her recent journey through Canada.

Dominique Orange

Bursting with colour and beautifully landscaped terraces, the Sunken Garden is a tranquil escape and one of the most photographed highlights of Butchart Gardens

Desert Glamour to Coastal Luxury: My Palm Springs & Los Cabos Adventure

Posted on July 24, 2026August 7, 2026 by Renaye Sands

A Luxury Travel Collection Immersion

Some trips are memorable. Others leave you planning your return before you’ve even arrived home.

My recent Luxury Travel Collection immersion through Palm Springs and Los Cabos did exactly that.

Hosted by Visit Greater Palm Springs, followed by Los Cabos Tourism and Gate 7 Travel, the journey combined luxury accommodation, unforgettable experiences, incredible food, and genuine local hospitality.

Los Cabos is filled with stunning views like this one at ME Cabo by Meliá

Palm Springs: Hollywood Glamour in the Desert

Located in Southern California’s Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is around a 3 to 3.5-hour drive from Los Angeles and approximately 4.5 to 5 hours from Las Vegas. Surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes and the San Jacinto Mountains, it’s easy to see why this stylish oasis has attracted Hollywood stars, artists, and luxury travellers for decades.

Welcome to Palm Springs

Parker Palm Springs

For two nights we stayed at the iconic Parker Palm Springs, and I completely fell in love with it. With its boujee old Hollywood vibe, eclectic interiors, beautifully landscaped gardens, and quirky hidden corners, it feels less like a hotel and more like its own little world.

I could have happily spent another couple of days simply wandering the grounds and soaking it all in.

Boujee old Hollywood vibe and eclectic interiors

mister parker’s

Dinner at the famous mister parker’s restaurant was an experience in itself. The service was impeccable, the atmosphere was intimate and full of character, and the food was incredible. It was one of the best dining experiences I’ve had and perfectly complimented the hotel’s timeless charm.

mister parker’s is a Palm Springs fine dining destination with a menu to match!

The Palm Springs Experience

Palm Springs was full of surprises. The more we explored, the more I realised there was still so much left to discover.

We got to experience the Drag & Fly Tour, hosted by Miss Danity Zann, one of Palm Springs’ wonderful drag queen performers.

It was a fun and entertaining way to learn about Palm Springs’ history, famous residents, iconic homes, and celebrity culture, while sharing plenty of laughs.

Drag & Fly Tours – such a fun way to see the history & heritage of Palm Springs, blending in some Hollywood Culture & secrets with sparkles & sass!

More to Palm Springs than you think!

From the hotel, we could even see the famous Bob Hope House, the iconic hilltop residence commissioned by legendary actor and entertainer Bob Hope, who was considered Hollywood royalty for decades.

Although he never lived there, the home became synonymous with celebrity culture and glamorous events in Palm Springs.

Legendary Hollywood entertainer Bob Hope and his wife Dolores hosted many lavish parties here

Downtown Palm Springs

There was also a little bit of time to explore downtown Palm Springs, including the famous Marilyn Monroe statue, boutique shops, galleries, cafés, and the vibrant streets that give the city its unique personality.

The iconic Marilyn Monroe Statue in Downtown Palm Springs

Not just a Stopover!

Our time was short, but Palm Springs is much more than a quick stopover.

Palm Springs is full of unexpected discoveries, and I feel like I only scratched the surface

Palm Springs Has a Way of Surprising You

My biggest takeaway!

Allow more time than you think you’ll need.

Two nights simply wasn’t enough to fully experience everything Palm Springs has to offer.

There is also Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, championship golf courses, incredible hiking trails, mid-century architecture, luxury spas, a thriving arts scene and for the surfing enthusiasts looking for something a little different, the Palm Springs Surf Club offers world-class wave technology for all skill levels, while the new DSRT Surf in nearby Palm Desert is adding another dimension to the region’s growing list of attractions.

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

Hot Tip: One thing I would do differently is fly into Palm Springs Airport and not drive from Los Angeles if staying for only a few days. It allows you to maximise your time enjoying the destination rather than spending valuable holiday time driving long distances.

Embracing the colourful, creative spirit of Palm Springs!

Los Cabos: Luxury Meets Authentic Mexico

From Palm Springs, we travelled back to Los Angeles before flying south to Los Cabos, located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean.

This incredible destination effortlessly blends luxury, adventure, culture, and authentic Mexican hospitality, making it easy to understand why it continues to grow in popularity.

The Iconic Arch of Los Cabos

A Warm Baja Welcome

What I loved most about Los Cabos was its stunning scenery, incredible food, rich culture, and genuinely warm people. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with a real sense of pride in the destination.

Everywhere we went it was always with ‘A Warm Baja Welcome Drink’

Three Stays, Three Unique Experiences

We were fortunate to stay at three of the ten hotels we inspected, giving us the opportunity to experience each resort beyond the inspection itself.

From the accommodation and dining to the service and atmosphere, ME Cabo by Meliá was our first luxury stay, then it was on to Marquis Los Cabos and finishing at the beautiful Montage Los Cabos.

Each stay offered a completely different style of luxury, making it easy to picture the type of traveller they would suit.

Each luxury stay brought something different (pictured: Montage Los Cabos)

ME Cabo by Meliá, located on swimmable El Medano Beach in Cabo San Lucas, is an adults-only beachfront resort just moments from the marina, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Its vibrant beach club energy is ideal for couples, friends, and travellers wanting to be in the heart of the action.

ME Cabo by Meliá combines contemporary style, beachfront luxury and an unbeatable location in the heart of Cabo San Lucas.

Marquis Los Cabos, is overlooking the Sea of Cortez, delivered a completely different experience.

This adults-only all-inclusive resort is all about relaxation, exceptional dining with 5 restaurant concepts, uninterrupted ocean views and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Marquis Los Cabos was one of those resorts where every view invited you to stop, relax and take it all in

Montage Los Cabos, a Michelin two-key recognised resort I simply didn’t want to leave.

Located on the beautiful Santa Maria Bay, one of the finest and few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos, it was one of those places where you instantly feel yourself relax.

The understated luxury, personalised service, and beautiful setting made it incredibly difficult to leave.

Exceptional service, elegant design and a relaxed atmosphere made Montage Los Cabos a memorable place to stay.

Luxury Hotels We Explored

The remaining hotel inspections gave us an even greater appreciation of the diversity of luxury accommodation in Los Cabos.

We explored the sister hotel to ME Cabo, Paradisus Los Cabos, an adults-only all-inclusive resort on swimmable Playa El Bledito that is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World.

Paradisus Los Cabos | Almar Sky Bar, a beautiful event space where the rooftop design matches the stunning panoramic views.

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, recognised by Forbes Travel Guide as one of the world’s finest luxury resorts welcoming couples, friends and families, renowned for its spectacular cliffside restaurant, El Farallon and it’s beautifully designed tranquil spa and wellness centre.

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | Perched high above the Pacific Ocean, El Farallon is one of Los Cabos’ most iconic cliffside dining destinations.

Hotel San Cristóbal in Todos Santos, a boutique lifestyle hotel welcoming guests aged 15+ that is renowned for its relaxed Baja aesthetic and breathtaking Pacific Ocean setting,

Hotel San Cristobal | La Playita, the hotel’s private beachfront event space, is the perfect setting for sunset celebrations by the Pacific Ocean

Kimpton Mas Olas, an adults-only wellness retreat where wellness, nature, and luxury come together.

Set along the coastline in Todos Santos, the resort offers a peaceful escape with beautifully appointed suites, holistic wellness experiences and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.

Kimpton Mas Olas | A peaceful oasis where contemporary design meets the natural beauty of Baja’s Pacific coastline.

One of the highlights of our hotel inspections was experiencing a guided sound healing session, it was unlike anything I’d experienced before.

The soothing sounds and peaceful setting were so relaxing that I think I even fell asleep, which says everything about how calming the experience was.

Kimpton Mas Olas | Sound Healing Session left me feeling completely relaxed and recharged.

Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos, an adults-only all-inclusive resort recognised for its personalised butler service, acclaimed spa and sophisticated atmosphere.

Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos | Infinity meets the Sea

Grand Velas Los Cabos, an award-winning all-inclusive resort celebrated for its Michelin-inspired dining, exceptional service and spacious family friendly accommodation.

Grand Velas Los Cabos | The elegant architecture, colourful gardens and beautifully designed pool create a spectacular first impression.

Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, its neighbouring adults-only resort, offering a more intimate all-inclusive stay centred around wellness, personalised service and exclusive access to the facilities at Grand Velas Los Cabos.

Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos | Adults Only Tranquility

Exceptional Hospitality!

The warmth and generosity we experienced at every hotel was truly unforgettable.

Paradisus Los Cabos treated us to an incredible multi-course lunch that beautifully showcased the quality and creativity of its cuisine.

The flavours of Los Cabos: where every meal is a culinary journey!

At Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, high winds meant we couldn’t dine at the iconic El Farallon as originally planned, but it gave us the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful dinner at the Forbes Travel Guide “Verified Luxury” restaurant Don Manuel’s, hosted by their Leisure Sales Manager, Estefania. It was a wonderful reminder that sometimes the unexpected moments become just as memorable.

Each hotel showcased exceptional hospitality, whether over breakfast, lunch or dinner, making each visit feel like so much more than a hotel inspection.

Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal | An unexpected change of plans led us to Don Manuel’s, where outstanding cuisine and genuine hospitality made for an unforgettable evening.

Beyond the Resorts: Discovering the Real Baja

As impressive as the hotels were, it was also the experiences outside the resorts that really brought Los Cabos to life.

Seeing Los Cabos from the water on a private sailing cruise with Cabo Adventures was something really special. It gave us a completely different perspective of the spectacular coastline and the crystal clear waters of the Sea of Cortez.

Sailing The Sea Of Cortez In Los Cabos With Cabo Adventures

Exploring the Best of Los Cabos | Some moments don’t need words. Sailing across the Sea of Cortez, enjoying incredible food and genuine hospitality from Cabo Adventures, I simply sat back, relaxed and soaked it all in.

A Food Lovers Paradise

Todos Santos had a great little vibe, with its colourful streets, boutique stores and art galleries, creating a relaxed Baja atmosphere.

Lunch at the Michelin Guide recognised Oystera, located at the Santa Terra Reserve, was built on the former site of a sugar mill and perfectly captured everything I loved about the food in Los Cabos: fresh local produce, incredible seafood, and simple flavours done exceptionally well.

Oystera The Oyster Bar in Todos Santos was a culinary journey of flavours!

Hidden Gems & Local Discoveries

If I had more time on a return visit, I would love to spend it exploring San José del Cabo.

Wandering through the Art Walk, browsing the boutique shops and galleries, and finishing the evening with dinner at SAGE in the art district, gave me a real appreciation for the town’s charm, creativity, and authentic character.

It’s the kind of place you could easily spend a full day or two discovering.

The colourful streets of San José del Cabo

Moments Like These

Equally memorable was exploring the Sierra de la Laguna range, where our local tour operator DMC InCabo Travel took us to see a real-life oasis hidden amongst the desert landscape before heading to Rancho Ecologico Sol De Mayo where you can do a short hike leading to a stunning crystal clear waterfall.

It was such an unexpected contrast and one of those moments that made me appreciate just how diverse Los Cabos really is, with so much more to discover beyond its beautiful beaches.

Sierra de la Laguna – a real-life Oasis

Wellness, Flavours & Relaxation

Keeping with the theme of Food Lovers Paradise, it was exceptional from start to finish.

One of my favourite experiences was learning how to make traditional churros during a cooking demonstration at Grand Velas Los Cabos. Of course, the best part was getting to enjoy them fresh afterwards!

From elegant resort dining to authentic local flavours, every meal reflected the creativity and quality the region is known for.

To finish our stay at Montage Los Cabos we were treated to a relaxing massage at Spa Montage Sanctuary.

It was the perfect way to slow down after several busy days of hotel inspections and sightseeing. It couldn’t have come at a better time, leaving us refreshed before our journey home.

Enjoying the Churros delights from our cooking demonstration at Grand Velas Los Cabos

The Perfect Final Evening

There couldn’t have been a more memorable setting for our farewell dinner in Los Cabos than the iconic cliff-top Sunset Monalisa.

Perched high above Cabo San Lucas Bay overlooking the famous Arch, it’s easy to understand why it’s considered one of the destination’s most iconic restaurants.

As the sun disappeared below the horizon, the staff perform a beautiful tradition by sounding a large conch shell while turning to each point of the compass, marking the end of another day. It was really special and made even more memorable when the evening ended with a spectacular fireworks display.

An amazing sunset dinner at the iconic cliff-top restaurant; Sunset Monalisa

One Last Taste of Los Cabos

Before heading to the airport for our long journey back home, we enjoyed one last breakfast at El Huerto, a beautiful farm-to-table restaurant and event space in Cabo San Lucas.

A beautiful way to end our time in Los Cabos; a delicious breakfast at El Huerto

El Huerto Farm to Table is surrounded by lush gardens and serving fresh local produce.

It was a fitting end to an unforgettable immersion through Palm Springs and Los Cabos.

Set on 4.4 acres El Huerto Farm to Table embraces the rhythm of the seasons, allowing nature to inspire every menu.

Would I Go Back?

Absolutely.

Palm Springs surprised me with its Hollywood history, desert scenery, eclectic luxury, and laid-back atmosphere.

Los Cabos captured my heart with its welcoming people, incredible food, beautiful landscapes, and collection of luxury hotels that genuinely offer something for every type of traveller.

I loved our stay at Montage Los Cabos, it was a beautiful location to end our immersion. That said, every hotel we stayed at and inspected offered something unique, and I could happily see myself returning to any of them for a longer stay.

Until Next Time ………

A huge thank you again to Visit Greater Palm Springs, Los Cabos Tourism, Gate 7 Travel, Luxury Travel Collection, and all of our wonderful hotel partners for making this such an incredible journey.

My biggest takeaway, is that Palm Springs and Los Cabos deserve to be explored, not rushed.

Written by Renaye Sands following her adventure through Palm Springs and Los Cabos with the Luxury Travel Collection.

Renaye Sands

Palm Springs and Los Cabos are two destinations well worth adding to your travel wish list!

Booking a cruise? Why a specialist travel agent makes it easier

Posted on July 16, 2026July 20, 2026 by chirnpark_admin

But if you’ve ever started comparing cruise holidays online, you’ll know planning a cruise can quickly become overwhelming. Different cruise lines, ships, cabin categories, fair types, packages, shore excursions, ports and itineraries – it can be difficult to navigate, especially if it’s your first cruise.

That’s where working with a specialist travel agent can make all the difference.

Choosing the right cruise holiday

There’s a common misconception that every cruise is the same and offers a similar experience. In reality, every cruise is very different.

Some cruises are great for families, others are best suited to couples, luxury travellers or adults looking for a quiet escape. Ships within the same cruise line vary a lot in size, the facilities they offer, dining options and onboard entertainment.

Instead of spending hours researching, our Gold Coast travel agents can recommend options that suit your travel style, budget and wish list.

Expert advice that saves you time

Searching the internet, you’ll be overwhelmed with cruise reviews, travel blogs, and comparison websites, but finding advice that is relevant to your exact needs isn’t always easy.

At Chirn Park Travel, we spend a lot of time listening to our clients to understand what they’re looking for before recommending a cruise package. We can help you narrow down the options so you can book the cruise that’s right for you.

Our goal isn’t to sell you just any cruise. It’s to help you find the right one.

It’s not just about finding a cheap cruise

When you book a cruise, it doesn’t automatically mean you get the best price.

Cruise deals are always changing, and the lowest advertised fare doesn’t always offer the best overall value. Depending on the cruise line, there may be bonus onboard credit, complimentary drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, prepaid gratuities or exclusive cruise packages that make one offer far better than another.

We organise more than the cruise

A cruise holiday doesn’t always begin when you step onto the ship. You may need flights, accommodation before or after your cruise, airport transfers or travel insurance while you’re overseas.

Instead of managing multiple bookings yourself, our cruise travel agents can organise your entire itinerary so everything works together smoothly. If plans change along the way, you’ll have one team looking after your whole trip.

Real support when your plans change

Unfortunately, travel doesn’t always go as planned. Flights get delayed, itineraries change, and unexpected events occur. If you’ve booked everything yourself, fixing issues can mean long wait times and a lot of time on the phone.

When you book through Chirn Park Travel, you have an experienced team here to help. We’ll work with you to find the best solutions and take the stress out of unexpected changes, so you can focus on enjoying your holiday.

This peace of mind is one of the biggest reasons our clients continue to book cruises with us year after year.

Ready to book your next cruise?

We offer a range of cruises, including:

Ocean Cruises: From boutique luxury liners to world-class larger ships — offering global itineraries, diverse onboard experiences, and seamless comfort at sea.

River Cruises: Intimate and immersive journeys through Europe, Asia and beyond — combining culture, cuisine, and convenience with ever-changing scenery.

Expedition Cruises: For the curious and adventurous — explore Antarctica, the Arctic, or the Galápagos aboard purpose-built vessels with expert guides.

Small Ship & Yacht Cruising: Uncrowded, exclusive, and effortlessly refined — boutique cruising with personalised service and unique access to hidden ports.

Family & Celebration Cruising: Whether it’s a multi-generational reunion or a milestone event, we’ll create an unforgettable holiday on the water for everyone onboard.

Luxury Cruises: Where every detail is anticipated — from indulgent suites and world-class dining to immersive excursions and exceptional service.

If you’re thinking about booking a cruise, we’d love to help make the process simple. Get in touch with the team at Chirn Park Travel, and let’s start planning your next adventure together.

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