Why see just one destination when you could revel in the beauty of two? A twin-centre luxury holiday combining cultural adventures with sand-between-your-toes relaxation guarantees everyone's holiday wishes come true! We've assembled a few of our favourite duos to inspire your next multi-centre escape.
Cape Town & Mauritius
When To Travel: November - February
Pairing South Africa's 'Mother City' with one of the Indian Ocean's most picturesque playgrounds promises the perfect mix of sightseeing and solitude. Your culture trip in Cape Town could include a seriously scenic helicopter flight above the city, a cable car ride to the top of colossal Table Mountain and walking amongst the historical sites of Company's Garden, Green Market Square and St George's Cathedral, along with exploring the 17th century houses and cobblestone streets of Bo-Kaap. Once you've traversed the town, retreat to the warm waters and white sands of Mauritius, where you can do as little or as much as you like. Revel in world-class diving and a wealth of watersports, tee off at renowned golf courses, meet the famous local wildlife including the Aldabra Giant Tortoises or sit back, relax and relish boundless sun on the beachfront.
Where to Stay
Cape Town: Waterfront wonder One&Only Cape Town is set in the heart of the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, featuring a tri-level wine loft, the continent's only Nobu restaurant and the city's most comprehensive wellness sanctuary - the One&Only Spa.
Mauritius: Intimate and timeless, overlooking the dreamy sands and turquoise lagoon of one of Mauritius' best beaches, Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury showcases sea-facing suites, a fantastic kids' club, the serene Spa Beachcomber and a private boathouse on the beach.
California & Mexico
When To Travel: May - August
Colourful California is synonymous with sunshine, glamour and adventurous road trips along seemingly endless coastal highways. With iconic locations including San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Santa Monica's fun-filled pier, the countless wineries of Napa Valley and Los Angeles' legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame, you could easily get lost in California's culture for well over a week on your multi-centre holiday. After encountering this free-spirited state's boundless sights, slip away to Mexico where archaeological sites, powder-soft shorelines and unparalleled natural beauty abound. Stroll through stylish shops and traditional boutiques, or take to the water for jet-skiing, kitesurfing and snorkelling, before returning to your lavish abode for locally inspired dining, craft cocktails and a sunset like nowhere else on earth.
Golden Gate Bridge
Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort
Shutters on the Beach
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Where to Stay
California: Stylishly symbolic, Shutters on the Beach is Santa Monica's most sought-after spot. Placing you at the heart of California's coastline, this beach bolthole features breezy rooms and suites, two regarded restaurants and the astounding ONE spa, all just steps from the sand.
Mexico: Mexican haçienda-style Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, A Rosewood Resort doesn't just have sensational surroundings; you can also relish sleek swimming pools, cultural restaurant concepts, state-of-the-art wellness and fitness facilities and even a dedicated 'Department For Romance'
Dubrovnik & Montenegro
When To Travel: June - September
The walls of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City of Dubrovnik hold centuries of history and culture. Enter through one of the two main gates - named Ploce and Pile - and you'll be led through a maze of restaurants, wine bars and boutiques intertwined with Baroque churches, monasteries and fountains. Of course, walking along the walls themselves provides a picturesque insight into their storied past, while Game of Thrones fans can tour the famous King's Landing too! Once you've traversed the town and had a taste of culture - and wine - why not venture to the scenic shores of Montenegro? Pebbled coves and crescent-shaped beaches lead you into the crystalline Adriatic Sea, while the charming old towns and pretty seafronts are lined with fashionable eateries and sleek bars, cooled by a fresh sea breeze.
Where to Stay
Dubrovnik: Located close to the Old Town, former royal villa Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik presents chic and sophisticated rooms and a serenely indulgent spa, while the Abakus Piano Bar's terrace affords uninterrupted views of the Adriatic.
Montenegro: New for 2020, Venetian-inspired One&Only Portonovi perfectly unifies understated interior design with world-class dining and pioneering wellness, while there's also six swimming pools and two beach clubs for the ultimate in waterfront chic.
Chiang Mai & Koh Samui
When To Travel: November - February
Temples, monuments and sacred surroundings are just the beginning of Chiang Mai's culture, a destination well worth exploring during your Thailand twin-centre. This 700-year-old riverside city artfully mingles old and new, placing centuries-old pagodas alongside gourmet restaurants and luxury boutique hotels. The fortified Old Town houses countless temples, including the carved façades of Wat Phra Singh and famous Buddhist monastery Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, while Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is another cultural hub, with sword dancers, jazz bands and stalls serving Thai cuisine filling the street every Sunday. Contrasting Chiang Mai's hustle and bustle, Koh Samui is a post-city oasis, blessed with white sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and sleepy villages where you can peacefully re-energise before exploring more natural delights, including the awe-inspiring archipelago of Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Raya Heritage
Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui
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Where to Stay
Chiang Mai: Inspired by the artistry of the Lanna Kingdom, all-suite abode Raya Heritage features a traditional tea lounge and elegant spa, while also supporting the environment and surrounding villages by utilising local resources contributing to the community through several charities.
Koh Samui:With legendary service, hallmark facilities and an incomparable location, Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui is a paradise of understated elegance, allowing you to effortlessly escape to a secluded villa, where you can do as much or as little as you like.
Miami & Turks and Caicos
When To Travel: February - May
Effortlessly margining cultures, industries and design styles, Miami has a unique and intriguing buzz. From abundant Art Deco architecture and the eccentric Wynwood Walls, to the celebrated Pérez Art Museum Miami and iconic Ocean Drive, international influences make this oceanfront city popular with those in search of something different, without straying too far from the golden sands. Saunter down to South Beach to find the famous stretch of sand laden with loungers, surfers playing in the waves, cyclists weaving between the palms and bountiful oceanside dining, ranging from health-driven smoothies and salads, to tantalising tapas. A short flight from Miami will place you on the powder-soft sands of Turks and Caicos, an uncrowded nirvana emulating an ambience of romance and tranquillity where every island has its own character.
Where to Stay
Miami: A private enclave at the historic heart of Miami, The Miami Beach EDITION boasts beautiful interiors with striking artwork, two ocean-facing swimming pools and envied restaurant concepts developed by Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Turks and Caicos: COMO Parrot Cay is one of the Caribbean's most exclusive private island sanctuaries. Along with a beautifully minimalist design, the resort showcases a mile-long powdery beach, two exotic restaurants and the award-winning COMO Shambhala retreat.
Peru & South America
When To Travel: October - January
While South America's third largest country may instantly bring magnificent images of Machu Picchu to mind, beyond the 'Old Peak', you'll find many more ancient wonders and equally enticing modern delights. While the centuries-old Inca trail leads you through verdant jungle, cloud forests and meandering mountain paths, the modern city of Lima indulges visitors with bustling boutiques and bars, still satisfying culture-seekers curiosities with a UNESCO-listed historic quarter. Beyond Peru, there's plenty more to see in South America - and there's no easier way than by cruise. Silversea's 17-day cruise from Lima to Punta Arenas not only takes you along thousands of miles of coastline, but includes visits to fascinating locations including Arica - 'the land of the eternal spring' - and Castro in Chile, before you sail towards the grandeur of the Chilean Fjords.
Machu Picchu
Lima, Peru
Silver Cloud
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Where to Stay
Peru: Moments from Lima's museums, galleries, upscale shopping and glamorous restaurants, Belmond Miraflores Park has a charming cliffside location, complemented by ocean views from the elegant suites and jaw-dropping sunrises from The Observatory Restaurant.
Bangkok & Koh Yao Noi
When To Travel: January - April
Culturally rich and delightfully chaotic, Bangkok is often the starting point for a luxury holiday in Thailand, but this vibrant city is well worth further exploration. Something new waits around every corner; from sizzling street-food stalls and traditional craft markets, to designer boutiques and trendsetting rooftop bars overlooking the skyline, the contrast is perfectly balanced for every type of traveller. In between the city streets, you'll find showstopping temple Wat Phra Kaew and the glittering golden rooftops of the Grand Palace, while floating markets and gloriously green rice fields can be seen when cruising Bangkok's river and canals. Swap city for coast as you venture to pretty Phang Nga Bay, home to the island of Koh Yao Noi. Thriving with traditional culture, you're free to pedal along the sleepy lanes, explore the bay by kayak or unwind on soft, white sands.
Where to Stay
Bangkok: Banyan Tree Bangkok provides the utmost luxury within easy reach of the city's spectacular sights. Relish the serenity of the largest hotel spa in the city, create authentic Thai cuisine with a cookery class or sip sundowners at the renowned rooftop bar.
Koh Yao Noi: Gazing over Phang Nga Bay's iconic limestone karsts, Six Senses Yao Noi's rustic pool villas, peaceful private dining spots and sublime Six Senses Spa promise uninterrupted relaxation for as long as you desire.
Rome & Amalfi Coast
When To Travel: April - July
Italy's cosmopolitan capital houses some of the world's most famous historic ruins, dating back as far as the ancient Roman era and Renaissance period. From the Trevi Fountain and the beautiful Spanish Steps, to St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican, iconic monuments are easy to find in the 'Eternal City'. It's also easy to locate gourmet restaurants and stylish eateries serving foodie favourites, including pizza, pasta, seafood, and plenty of fine wine. Our favourite part of a twin-centre holiday in Italy - the stunningly scenic drive to the coast. Meander along cliffside roads and winding lanes as you make your way to the Amalfi Coast, Southern Italy's famous coastline. Secret beaches with sensational seascapes are worth searching for, while colourful coastal towns house glorious art and architecture. Head for the lofty heights of Ravello's pretty alfresco cafes, or linger amongst the steep streets and boutique shops of undeniably glamourous Positano.
Rome
Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Belmond Hotel Caruso
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Where to Stay
Rome: A blossoming oasis amidst the city of Rome, Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel features seemingly endless terraced gardens offering total tranquillity, while the extensive spa and traditional Italian restaurant provide a well-rounded Roman retreat.
Amalfi Coast: Perching 1,000ft above the Mediterranean, former 11th century palazzo Belmond Hotel Caruso will leave you awe-struck from the moment you arrive, featuring 18th century frescoes, countless cultural activities and a 'Sparkling Garden', where the Champagne flows freely.