A study by money.co.uk analysed the most popular cities around the world on their average costs for luxury travel factors, including the costs of 5-star hotels, spa hotels, Michelin star meals and luxury car rentals, to reveal the most affordable destinations for a luxury travel experience.
The most affordable city when it comes to luxury travel is Bangkok. The capital was the cheapest city for luxury car rentals, and the city also ranked among the cheapest for Michelin star meals and 5-star hotel stays.
In second place is Brussels, Belgium, which was affordable across the board, particularly when it came to the cost of a five-star hotel and luxury car rental. Brussels is the most affordable European destination among these cities, known for its chocolate, beer, and museums.
Another European destination, Verona, Italy, took third place. Verona has the second-cheapest average cost when it comes to booking a spa hotel.
For the full research, visit money.co.uk/loans/luxury-on-a-budget.
Good news on global travel recovery in 2022
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)'s latest analysis of global air traffic reveals clear signs of a strong global recovery in air traffic, characterised by increasing airline confidence and a range of regional air connectivity and air travel facilitation improvements.
The number of air passengers carried from January to April this year increased by 65% compared to the same period in 2021, while aircraft flight departures increased by 30%.
Airline seat capacity grew by 32% during the same period and with continuing supportive conditions for increases in air travel demand expected, ICAO is projecting a stronger overall rate of recovery this year compared to last.
In terms of regional highlights, North America and Latin America/Caribbean domestic seat capacity has now recovered to pre-pandemic levels, and the same has been true in other large domestic markets such as India, Australia, Brazil and Mexico. Intra-Europe seat capacity, meanwhile, is also on a very positive trajectory.
By the end of 2022, total seat capacities within and between North America, Europe, the Middle East, South-West Asia, and the Latin America/Caribbean region are all expected to recover to, or closely approach, their pre-pandemic levels.
The pace of recovery in the Asia and Pacific and Africa regions continues to be more challenging, with a recovery of full seat capacity expected in Asia and Pacific by 2023-24, and in Africa by 2024-25.
Spa at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok. (Photo: Sven Ellsworth)
Kempinski deals eye spa travellers
Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok launches Spa Day for Kids and Families where guests travelling for business or leisure can continue their own well-being routine at the hotel's spa.
The spa selects and customises only hypo-allergenic products that are gentle and suitable for children, making it a parent and kids spa day that everyone can enjoy at Sindhorn Wellness by Resense.
The spa and massage selection includes, first, the With a Little Angel package (5,000++ baht for 60 minutes, one child and one parent) where kids aged five-10 can enjoy the grape seed massage oil while the accompanying parent can take time to boost their mind, body and soul with the aromatic spa. The second or Just for a Little One package features massage for kids and is priced at 2,000++ baht per child for 60 minutes.
Call 02-095-9999 or email sindhorn.wellness@kempinski.com.
Mercure opens beach access extension
Mercure Samui Chaweng Beach Tana recently introduced a new beachfront experience.
Located on Samui's Chaweng beach, the new extension of Mercure Samui Chaweng Beach Tana offers direct access to the soft, sparkling sands and scenic blue waters surrounding the island. The colourful open-air lobby is inspired by the island's former fisherman village with boat-shaped sofas mimicking local fisherman boats, while the wall lamps reminisce the traditional bamboo fish traps.
The new extension comprises 81 guest rooms and villas. Rooms range from Deluxe Rooms, Deluxe Rooms with pool access, to Junior Suites with mountain views. The resort also offers two Poolside Villas and one Beachfront Villa with a private pool.
Visit all.accor.com, email H8502-re@accor.com or call 077-915-657.
Mercure Samui Chaweng Tana.
