I have been saving points with something very special in mind. My wedding.

Early on my partner and I knew we wanted a destination wedding. Having points saved up was definitely going to make the process easier and more affordable.

We had our heart set on Istanbul, Turkey – a culturally significant destination that is centrally located from where many of our guests would be coming from.

Being from New York City, I knew we would need multiple trips to Turkey to plan and execute the wedding we want.

Over the course of planning, we flew from New York to Istanbul on 3 trips, stayed 24 nights in hotels, and got to explore other famous parts of Turkey such as Cappadocia and Bodrum.

Throughout that time, I earned and used a total of 1,360,000 points including 540,000 on airfare and 820,000 on hotels. Combining my status on Hilton and Marriott, I got even greater value out of my trips with upgrades and additional perks.

In total, I was able to receive $57,900 in value out of my points that made a huge difference in making my destination wedding be that much better.

How I Obtained The Points

In order to obtain the points for such a large redemption it was crucial for me to have a strategy and start executing well in advance. Given we had about a year to do our planning this left me with plenty of time to gather the points I would need.

I knew I would have to focus on earning points with credit cards that can be transfered to the airlines and hotels that fit my trip.

I took advantage of many different credit card offers throughout this time but followed the strategy of:

• Finding the right cards that match my spending habits
• Taking advantage of sign up bonuses to maximize earnings
• Diversifying my programs to fit my redemption goal

Another major strategy I used was to open a new credit card for both myself and my partner, doubling the amount of points we can earn. This is a huge way to boost earnings and allows us to take even bigger advantages of the sign up bonuses.

When I started my points gathering I already had a few credit cards already open. They included:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless

I was holding onto about 80,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards and about 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at the time. While having a starting balance definitely helped, I knew I needed cards that specifically transferred to Turkish Airlines

Over the course of 2 years, here are the following cards I used and how many points I earned.

• Capital One Venture
• Capital One Venture X
• Citi Premier Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business Boundless
• Hilton Honors Aspire

I timed these cards around their sign up bonuses and got the following welcome bonus as well as total points earned per card. As mentioned, I got the bonus twice since my partner and I signed up separately.

You’ll notice that my total points earned are always slightly higher than the actual welcome bonus. This is because in order to get a welcome bonus you need to spend a minimum amount on the card in a given time frame, which also earns you additional points for the amount you spend.

Given my trips were spread out over the course of 1 year I did not need to earn all my points at once. I would typically open no more than 1 credit card at a time and only after I completed the sign up bonus would I consider getting a new card.

Finding a sign up bonus is a bit unpredictable, which is why it’s important to always be on the lookout for what major credit cards are offering at different times.

Earning the points was only part of the battle since figuring out the best way to use them is another challenge on its own.

How I Found Award Availability To Use My Points

Finding award availability is one of the hardest parts of utilizing points for flights but less so for hotels. Luckily when I started planning my destination wedding it was the end of 2021 where airfare was still in rebounding mode and there was plenty of award space available.

Now days there are many points and miles tools that can help you find availability but in my case I did the searching the manual way.

For airfare it was a no brainer to select Turkish Airlines as the best way to get to Istanbul from the USA.

However, Turkish Airlines certainly has it’s limitations and technical issues that you need to overcome.

After optimizing my points for Turkish Airlines I knew this is where the majority of redemptions be available. To my surprise I found multiple award routes open in October 2021, May 2022, and slightly less in August 2022.

A major benefit to Turkish Airlines is how cheap their saver award price is. Turkish Airlines charges 45,000 points + ~$160 in taxes for a one way business class ticket that is almost half the price of similar carriers that fly with 1 stopover.

Not only did Turkish Airlines have a lot of availability at the time but Turkish Airlines is one of the most valuable frequent flyer programs given their favorable award chart pricing. However, airline award availability tends to change frequently so I set some alerts on Seats.aero that would notify me as soon as it was open.

Not only did we want to fly business class for free to Turkey but we also wanted as many of our guests as possible to get a deal on flights. This is why we added specific information on how to do it to our wedding website.

Since we set our website live with plenty of time before the wedding this gave many guests the ability to gather the points and book a flight. What we noticed is that many of our guests had points sitting around but didn’t always know the best way to use them.

We were happy to see that a number of our guests ended up booking on points and some were able to secure their hotel on points as well.

Trip 1: Visit To Find A Venue

Istanbul, Turkey had been on our travel bucket list for quite sometime but a trip never seemed to materialize. After almost 2 years being stuck at home, finally an opportunity presented itself to make the trip.

We had our hearts set on a central destination that still provided a lot in terms of cultural, historical significance, and most importantly great food. From everything we read about Turkey we knew it would fit the bill.

Airline award availability was easy to find at this time so I booked tickets a week out in Turkish Airlines Business Class from Newark to Istanbul. The flight was available at the saver rate for 45,000 points per person each way plus $167 in taxes, that I paid in Turkish Lira. I used the bonus I obtained from the Capital One Venture Card to gather the 180,000 points required for 2 round trip tickets.

We scored two window seats on a Turkish Airline A330 and were excited to get finally get to visit Turkey. It’s also always a treat to fly on a red eye with a full bed allowing you ample time to rest before arriving at your destination.

On this flight we departed at 11:55 PM Eastern time and arrived into Istanbul at 4:55 PM local time, refreshed and ready to go.

We spent the first night just grabbing dinner and getting settiled before using the next day to start exploring.

Once we made it out in the daytime in Istanbul we immediately fell in love with the city. The people, history, food, and culture drew us in and we made the most of our week to look for venues but also enjoy what the city has to offer.

We decided to stay at the JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus, centrally located and one of the newer hotels in the city. The hotel is located on the European side of the Bosphorus and while not as hectic as the old city it definitely has its own charm.

I also used 3 Suite Night Award Certificates to upgrade the room into their Premiere Suite Bosphorous. This room was very nicely sized at 910 sq ft and would have cost me $1,050 a night vs the $300 or so I paid for it. If you don’t have suite night awards you can still get upgraded at Marriott hotels.

The hotel also had great views of the city with a rooftop bar that we visited and was overall still pretty quiet.

Our purpose for this trip was to visit venues but we also wanted to explore, try the local cuisine, and did all the touristy things to do in the city.

The food in Turkey is incredible and some of our favorite we have had in the region. We made the most of the trip trying everywhere we can and some even multiple times.

Now the main purpose of this trip was part vacation but also part venue selection. We toured 7 venues on this trip and by the end narrowed it down to a select 3.

Each venue in Istanbul had its own charm and unique setting. We wanted to find a space that reflected our style and where we can transform it into a uniquely decorated experience for our guests.

After a few more days in Istanbul, a quick hop to Cappadocia, we departed on our way back to New York.

This time we were flying on a 777 that had a middle row of 3 in business class that we luckily avoided by getting window seats again.

I noticed the food on the outbound from Istanbul was definitely better quality than departing Newark and all in was an easy day flight that I spend most of awake.

After the trip we knew we had our heart set on doing our wedding here and begun the planning process.

Trip 2: Planning Visit and Food Tasting

Even though we had already been to Istanbul once but planning a destination wedding while sitting 5,000 miles away in New York was not easy. So we decided one more trip was worth it about 4 months out from the wedding.

We also decided that this would be the perfect time to bring our parents, both of which have never been to Istanbul before.

Airfare was a little more tricky this time since we were looking for more tickets. However, Turkish was still showing wide open availability and we found all tickets for the saver rate of 45,000.

We flew on a similar plane out of Newark and if you are flying with a partner the little privacy on the seats are actually not bad.

We felt the offering was pretty similar to the first time we flew but this time the food was definitely elevated! Turkish Airlines is known for its food carts and while suspended during the pandemic they were back in full force on this flight.

Its easy to say we ate very well on this flight and were charged up for our next trip to Istanbul.

We decided to stay at the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, which was the same hotel we had our wedding room block at. We knew we wanted to experience the hotel prior to everyone arriving so an 8 day stay was plenty of time.

I have typically been a loyal Marriott Bonvoy Member including reaching Titanium Status the previous year. Switching to Hilton was not in my plans but the Conrad layout and location was perfect to support all our wedding guests.

As soon as you enter the Conrad you are greeted by the large lobby and area to hang out. This was a perfect meeting place for all our guests come wedding time.

The rooms were also well sized for Turkey and offered great views of the city.

We spent this trip taking our parents to different parts of the city, visiting the venues, and conducting our food tastings.

It was also the time we got footage for our wedding trailer we put together to send to our guests before they arrived. We made a combination of our previous footage from Cappadocia but also wanted to incorporate some shots of us in Istanbul as well.

This trip allowed us to finalize some of the details we needed as well as give our families the ability to experience Turkey before the actually wedding time.

By the end of this trip most everything was set – we did our venue walkthroughs, food tastings, and showed our parents why we fell in love with Istanbul.

Next stop would be the big trip and we were excited to head home for the final months before we would be back.

Trip 3: The Wedding Trip

This was the big trip and the one we had been saving up for a long time. In terms of points it didn’t actually cost us much more but was the most important of the trips for everything to go right.

We were able to all book seats on the same flight out of Newark and were ready to once again visit Turkey this time to get married.

As we geared up for the wedding we were excited to return to the Conrad as well as welcome all our guests there.

This time I planned in advance and obtained Hilton Diamond Status by signing up for the Hilton Aspire Credit Card. While the card comes with a heft annual fee of $425 I obtained a welcome bonus of 160,000 Hilton points and immediate Diamond status upon card opening.

This definitely came in handy as a few days before our trip we were notified that we had been upgraded to the Ambassador Suite.

The suite goes for $3,200 / night and we were upgraded after paying for the lowest room rate. This was a wedding gift in itself but proved the value of the Hilton Status.

We hosted only one small event of ours in the hotel, which we placed on my Hilton Aspire Card for 6x points while the remainder of the events were throughout the city.

Given our guests were coming from all over we decided to host 3 events to provided them the best experience in the city.

• A welcome boat party down the Bosphorus
• An Indian Sangeet on the Asia Side
• A Wedding and Reception on the European Side

The wedding went amazingly and our guests took full advantage of exploring the city and all it has to offer. Istanbul is a magically place and it wasn’t only the location but our family, friends, planners, vendors, and people around us that made is so special.

While our parents and many of our headed back to the states we were off for a quick week trip to rest after all the events.

Trip 4: The Honeymoon

Given the amount of travel my wife and I do regularly we weren’t overly concerned with doing a huge honeymoon but still wanted to do something special. We wanted a tropical destination that was convenient to get to and allow us to unwind after a hectic week of wedding events.

Bodrum, a coastal town in the Turkish Riviera, made the most sense and is known to be a premier travel destination with many different resorts. We were excited to see there was an Edition Hotel that opened in 2018 and given we’ve stayed in many of them in the past it would serve as the perfect getaway.

Bodrum is only a 55 minute flight from Istanbul and one of the most popular resort destinations in the world. At the time of booking the miles rate was 30,000 miles or $350 cash for a round trip business class ticket.

Given that we flew from New York to Istanbul for 90,000 miles in business class, it didn’t makes sense to use miles here when the cash rate was so low. We decided to spend $350 each on round trip business class with Turkish Airlines.

On the flight from IST to BJV we flew on an A321, which is a newer plane featuring comfortable business class seats.

We had heard so many great things about The Bodrum Edition that we knew this would be the perfect hotel to spend our honeymoon. We have stayed in a number of different Edition properties in London, Barcelona, and New York but the Bodrum Edition is a seasonal property and setup like a resort rather than a hotel.

The cash rates at the Bodrum Edition start at $1,400 / night so at 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy Points per night (including 5th night free) it was an incredible deal. Given Marriotts recent devaluation in points the property is now asking for 80,000 per night but we booked it well in advance to take advantage of the previous rates.

The Bodrum Edition was everything we could have asked for an more. A luxurious resort where we put our phones on Do Not Disturb and relaxed for the entire week in the amazing weather.

This is certainly a property we would return to, even with the elevated rates in the future. Another major benefit was even at full capacity it never felt like it, with plenty of space for guests and others to roam about.

The honeymoon was a short 5 day trip and it ended very similar to many of our other trips to Turkey – back on Turkish Airlines to head home.

We were once again onboard a 777 and on our way to New York. Now that our wedding and honeymoon were over we weren’t sure when we would fly Turkish Airlines again but given their award rates we’ve actually utilized them many times since.

Total Points Redemption

To summarize, this was the largest points redemption I have ever made although spread out over three separate trips to Turkey. Here is the summary of all the points I used throughout each trip.

While not all points are created equal, such as credit card points vs hotel points, all points still provided us with significant value and without it we wouldn’t have nearly as good of a time throughout the whole process.

Another note to remember is I did not have all these points at once. As I broke down in how I acquired the points this was a thought out process over the course of a year to get the right amount of points that can be redeemed to the airlines / hotels of my choice.

If I were to go back now I honestly wouldn’t have done anything differently. I was able to achieve my main objectives of flying business class multiple times, staying in a nice hotel while also being upgraded, and sharing this knowledge with my family and guests for them also to have a more comfortable ride out there.

It’s hard to put an exact value on all these points but my best guest was my total redemption and status provided me with $47,000 in additional value!

How Other Can Use Points For Their Wedding

You may be thinking with such a large points redemption it is very hard to replicate but all it takes is some very advanced planning and I believe many other people can accomplish this.

There is no set time on when you start planning but the earlier the better – at least 1 year should give you enough time to acquire the points and redeem early when airlines release award availability.

It’s important to not overlook the basics and make sure you are entirely familiar with exactly how credit card points work before you begin your planning. There are also a number of award tools that can help you in your search saving your significant time finding availability.

A few keys to remember is to understand the flights on where you want to travel. Whether thats Paris, Mexico City, or even Tel Aviv. Once you have the destination set make sure you know what credit cards transfer to what airlines.

It’s best to create a Google sheet to track your progress and also make sure you know what card to use when spending on your day to day expenses.

It’s generally best to aim for having about 160,000 points for every round trip flight you plan to take, if in business class, but note you can find some award redemptions for less and others for more.

A very important part is to never be concerned about using your points since they typically lose a bit of value over time due to devaluations.

Regardless of what you hope to achieve with your points and mile having a strategy will ensure that you will absolutely be saving money on your travel to plan your wedding – whether partial savings or entire free trips.

Summary & Takeaways

These trips were easily the most calculated points redemption I have ever made and the reason I was able to do so was due to the planning I did years in advance.

When it comes to points the strategy I undertake is to always be planning for the next redemption. Whether you want to do a yearly vacation or have a big trip in mind, the credit cards you sign up for and use have a major impact on how points can be redeemed.

When it comes to my wedding trip to Turkey, there were more monetarily “valuable” ways I could use those points strictly speaking. However, each points redemption is only as good as what it means to you.

Now after my wedding I still keep up a strategy of earning and burning points for a few long haul trips every year and continue to find new ways to utilize them. In that time I’ve flown multiple times to Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and even back to Turkey a few times.

Finding ways to redeem points for travel is a never ending plan and the more you are focusing on it when not traveling the more options you’ll have when you want to.

The post How I Used 1 Million Points To Plan My Destination Wedding appeared first on Travel Season.

Each Rosewood property is unique in its own right, offering unforgettable travel experiences that blend local traditions with the brand’s luxury parameters. From cityscapes to beachfront escapes, it’s hard to overlook this group if you are looking for a luxury hotel.

The company has a quickly expanding portfolio of properties spanning the globe, with 31 hotels in 16 countries and more than 39 new hotels under development.

While Rosewood does not have a loyalty program like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors, they do offer additional perks such as room upgrades, free breakfast, and more to those booking via a travel agent. If you’re planning a visit, we highly recommend booking this way to get the most out of your stay.

Rosewood Group Brand Overview

Rosewood Hotels & Resorts is now a name synonymous with luxury and sophistication. As a distinguished leader in the global hospitality industry, Rosewood has consistently redefined the art of fine living for travelers. With a decades-long heritage, Rosewood has cultivated a reputation for creating immersive, unforgettable experiences in some of the world’s most iconic destinations.

Founded in 1979, the Rosewood brand has a rich history rooted in a commitment to excellence in service and amenities. Each Rosewood property is a testament to this legacy, blending the essence of its location with timeless elegance and offering a unique sense of place that celebrates the destination’s culture, heritage, and natural beauty.

The company currently operates 31 hotels in 16 countries and has many more properties under development.

At the core of Rosewood’s philosophy is a dedication to providing guests with personalized, intuitive service that exceeds expectations. The brand’s “Sense of Place” approach ensures that each property captures the essence of its surroundings, offering guests an authentic and immersive experience.

The group is also celebrated for its exceptional culinary offerings. The brand’s restaurants and bars are led by world-renowned chefs and mixologists who craft unforgettable dining experiences, incorporating local flavors and global inspiration.

Rosewood Elite Program

Rosewood’s special program for travel agents is known as Rosewood Elite, allowing them to give their guests extra benefits on their stays. When booking with a travel agent, you can expect benefits including:

• Daily breakfast for up to two people per bedroom;
• Complimentary room upgrade upon arrival (based on availability);
• A welcome amenity and note;
• Additional property-specific elite enhanced amenities, which vary by property, can include a $100 credit per stay, though you’ll want to check with a Rosewood Elite travel agent to determine the property-specific amenity available for your stay.

While not all benefits are guaranteed, like the room upgrade, we find the $100 credit and daily breakfast to be the most valuable benefits. Given Rosewood hotels are rather expensive, taking advantage of these additional perks can make your stay just a bit better.

If you want to receive these benefits on your stay, you must book via a travel agent who also gets additional perks at other luxury hotel groups.

Our Favorite Rosewood Hotel Prosperities

While all Rosewood hotels are built to a certain standard, a few properties stand out in our opinion. When we look at a hotel, we consider the location, architecture, notable dining options, and uniqueness to select some of our favorite Rosewoods around the world.

1. Hotel de Crillon, Paris, France

Located at the iconic Place de la Concorde, the Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, is more than just a luxury establishment—it’s a piece of Parisian history. Originally commissioned in 1758 by King Louis XV, this landmark’s neoclassical façade and grandeur speak of an era of regality and elegance. Staying here is like traveling back in time while still indulging in the luxuries of the present. 

The hotel was expertly restored to blend 18th-century craftsmanship with contemporary sophistication. The interiors feature a mix of bespoke furniture, ornate chandeliers, and unique art, all encapsulating the spirit of Paris.

Some notable distinctions of this property are its Michelin-starred restaurant L’Écrin, intimate Sense Spa, and signature suites that offer views of the Eiffel Tower.

2. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Los Cabos, Mexico

Perched along the coastline of Los Cabos, Las Ventanas al Paraíso seamlessly fuses the vibrant spirit of Mexico with the serenity of a true paradise. The resort’s name, translating to “Windows to Paradise,” captures its essence perfectly.

With a history spanning over two decades, this luxury hideaway has consistently set the bar for Baja luxury resorts. Here you can breathe in the air of traditional Mexican cuisine and decor while indulging in comfort and opulence inside huge villas, amazing dining service, and entertainment for all likes and ages. 

Architecturally, it celebrates traditional Mexican designs with handcrafted details and indigenous materials that reflect the region’s history. What truly distinguishes Las Ventanas is its commitment to personalized experiences, from the renowned “Tequila Masters” who guide guests through the intricacies of the spirit to private infinity pools offering unobstructed sea views.

Add to this the award-winning spa, world-class dining options, and an array of marine activities, Las Ventanas showcases the zenith of Rosewood’s dedication to creating unforgettable escapes, and we guarantee you will never want to leave.

3. Castiglion del Bosco, Tuscany, Italy

Amidst the rolling hills and vineyards of Tuscany, Castiglion del Bosco stands as a testament to Italy’s rich heritage and countryside charm. Housed within a restored 800-year-old estate, this exquisite property marries medieval history with contemporary luxury. It is the true essence of the Italian ‘dolce far niente’ encapsulated in a single hotel. 

Its architecture, preserved meticulously, tells tales of centuries past, with stone walls, timbered ceilings, and traditional frescoes.

Beyond its striking appearance, Castiglion del Bosco offers a unique amenity – its own private vineyard, producing some of Italy’s finest Brunello di Montalcino wines. Guests can embark on curated wine tours, indulge in truffle hunting, or refine their culinary prowess with authentic Italian cooking classes. The resort also boasts one of Europe’s most stunning private golf courses.

Marrying history, luxury, and the essence of La Dolce Vita, Castiglion del Bosco epitomizes the Rosewood promise of delivering experiences that resonate, deeply and personally, with its guests.

4. Rosewood São Paulo, Brazil 

Nestled in the heart of Brazil’s largest city, Rosewood São Paulo stands as an emblem of urban luxury combined with the vibrancy of Brazilian culture. It was voted the best hotel in Latin America in 2023, housed in a historic 1904 building that once served as a maternity hospital. The architecture effortlessly integrates the classic with the contemporary, capturing the essence of the city’s dynamic spirit.

Unique to this property is its cultural center, which bridges the worlds of art, design, and music, offering guests a deep dive into São Paulo’s rich culture. Its rooftop garden, complete with a spectacular pool, offers panoramic skyline views, while its world-class spa provides an urban oasis.

With curated gastronomic experiences celebrating Brazilian flavors, Rosewood São Paulo isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a journey into the heart and soul of Brazil’s cosmopolitan epicenter.

5. Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico

In the middle of the lush mangroves and white sands of Riviera Maya, Rosewood Mayakoba emerges as an emblem of luxury and harmony. Elegantly ensconced on a mile-long stretch of Caribbean coastline, this resort is a delicate dance between nature and architectural genius. Inspired by Mayan traditions, its design seamlessly intertwines waterways, lagoons, and the jungle, creating an intimate ambiance in every suite.

The history of Mayakoba is rooted in the ancient Mayan civilization, and the resort pays its homage through thoughtful architecture and experiences. Guests can embark on eco-tours, unveiling the region’s flora and fauna secrets. Staying at this hotel is like visiting ancient civilization rituals, all with the comfort of luxurious services and amenities. 

The Overwater Sense spa offers treatments inspired by ancient Mayan rituals. Culinary enthusiasts can relish the flavors of Mexico at its exquisite dining venues.

6. Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Vancouver, Canada

In the vibrant heart of downtown Vancouver, the iconic Rosewood Hotel Georgia stands as a timeless testament to elegance and luxury. Originally opened in 1927, this historic gem has gracefully witnessed nearly a century of the city’s evolution, hosting royalty, celebrities, and travelers alike.

Its Roaring Twenties heritage is meticulously preserved, harmonizing with modern touches that echo Vancouver’s contemporary spirit.

Architecturally, the hotel exudes a classic charm with its stately facade and affluent interiors, showcasing a mix of vintage elegance and modern sophistication. One of its standout amenities is the serene Sense Spa, a retreat promising rejuvenation. Culinary enthusiasts are treated to a selection of exceptional dining venues, including the award-winning Hawksworth Restaurant, celebrated for its innovative Pacific Northwest cuisine.

7. Rosewood London, UK

The Rosewood London merges English heritage with contemporary sophistication, situated in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Housed in the historic 1914 Edwardian Belle Époque building in Holborn, its façade captivates with an imposing carriageway entrance and a quiet courtyard, setting the tone for an experience that marries the classic with the contemporary.

Internally, the architecture nods to London’s rich history, with Renaissance-inspired columns, intricate wood paneling, and a grand marble staircase. Yet, modern art pieces and design elements bring a fresh vibrancy. Unique to Rosewood London is the “Manor House,” a singular suite with its own postcode.

The hotel’s Scarfes Bar, with its cozy, library-inspired ambiance, offers a taste of London’s dynamic spirit, while the Holborn Dining Room serves quintessential British classics. At Rosewood London, tradition meets today, offering guests an immersive journey into luxury right in the bustling heart of the British capital.

8. Rosewood Hong Kong, China

Overlooking the iconic Victoria Harbour, the Rosewood Hong Kong is a beacon of luxury in the city’s gleaming skyline. Located in the cultural heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, this modern masterpiece offers guests a blend of sophistication, local heritage, and contemporary flair.

Housed within a soaring tower, the hotel’s design is influenced by the city’s maritime history and Rosewood’s commitment to showcasing a modern interpretation of the bay’s legacy. Large windows in every room and suite frame captivating vistas of the harbor and Hong Kong’s dynamic skyline.

Distinguishing itself among Hong Kong’s luxury lodgings, Rosewood offers the exclusive Manor Club – an elevated executive lounge experience, and the Asaya wellness facility – a sanctuary for holistic healing and wellness. The hotel boasts multiple gourmet dining venues, celebrating Cantonese traditions and international flavors.

9. The Carlyle, New York 

Right in the iconic Upper East Side of Manhattan, The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel, stands as an enduring emblem of New York elegance and luxury. Since its doors first opened in 1930, this Art Deco masterpiece has been a cherished retreat for royalty, celebrities, and luminaries, making it a quintessential part of the city’s rich elite.

The Carlyle’s architecture exudes a timeless charm, with interiors adorned with murals, rich woods, and plush fabrics that echo the golden era of its inception. Each room and suite, meticulously designed, offers breathtaking views of the city’s iconic skyline.

A standout feature is the legendary Café Carlyle, where the spirit of New York jazz comes alive every night. The Carlyle’s spa, a tranquil oasis in the city’s heart, promises rejuvenation amidst the urban hustle.

10. Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands

Secluded within a crescent-shaped bay on Virgin Gorda, Rosewood Little Dix Bay offers an idyllic escape in the heart of the Caribbean. Founded by conservationist Laurance Rockefeller over half a century ago, this iconic resort is renowned for its harmonious integration with the surrounding natural beauty.

The resort’s architecture pays homage to its Caribbean setting, with elegant, open designs inviting sea breezes and framing the bay’s waters. Each villa and suite is carefully positioned to maximize views while ensuring privacy, resulting in intimate sanctuaries in the vast tropical landscape.

Unique to Little Dix Bay is its dedication to eco-luxury. Nature enthusiasts can explore trails, snorkel in the pristine reefs, or sail the cerulean waters. The spa, nestled among the boulders, offers treatments inspired by ancient indigenous rituals.

Summary & Takeaways

In the world of luxury hospitality, Rosewood Hotels & Resorts stands as an unrivaled beacon of timeless elegance and exceptional service. With a legacy dating back to 1979, Rosewood has carved a niche for itself by seamlessly blending the essence of each destination into its properties.

Rosewood’s portfolio of distinctive hotels offers a truly immersive experience that celebrates local culture and heritage. Beyond opulent accommodations, the brand elevates the culinary scene, places a premium on wellness, and champions sustainability.

When you choose Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, you embark on a journey beyond ordinary travel. You enter a world where luxury isn’t just a word but an experience that engages all your senses. From the moment you arrive, the brand’s unwavering commitment to personalized service, authentic surroundings, and a profound connection to the locale ensures that every stay is truly exceptional.

It’s more than a hotel stay; it’s an invitation to savor the finest in hospitality, where the art of fine living meets modern sophistication.

The post The Best Rosewood Hotels Around The World appeared first on Travel Season.

Since 2017 the company has been in the middle of a multi-billion investment aimed at upgrading their customer experience, and food is a huge part of that. They believe that by providing an elevated dining experience, more passengers will flock to fly Delta, and they’ll enjoy memorable experiences that keeps them coming back for more.

I would have to say I agree.

Having flown most of the major US carriers, Delta Airlines consistently serves up some of the best tasting food across the entire industry. Other domestic airlines have a tough time keeping up.

Now don’t get me wrong, it’s not the absolute best, especially compared to some airlines based in the Middle East and Asia.

But what I appreciate about Delta Airlines is that while most domestic airlines seem to always be cutting back service offerings to save money, Delta continuously upgrades their services, and to great results. With recent announcements of elevated dining in both delta one and economy that provides welcome drinks and real plates of food, Delta is really setting itself apart in their meal offerings, and customers are starting to take notice.

When it comes to food, Delta Airlines also provides a dedicated section of their website that goes over their selections. They regularly update customers with news of new meal offerings and have added menus to their in flight selection via their news hub.

Delta even offers the ability to look up your menu in advance on a dedicated website – https://menu.delta.com. However, not it is limited to Delta One and Delta Premium Select but still a step in the right direction.

Here is everything you need to know about what to expect when it comes to the food and beverage offerings on Delta Airlines:

Cuisine Overview

Delta has taken a gamble that passengers place a high value on receiving good tasting, fresh food in the air. They’re betting that this experience will help make customers more loyal to the airline when considering future flights. They are one of several US based airlines investing heavily in overhauling how they prepare and present meals, especially for their higher spending passengers on business and first class flights.

While the company doesn’t post menus for specific flights aside from the Flight Fuel snack list, they do post information about culinary partners they work with, what to expect onboard, and how they curate their menu selection each season. It’s pretty cool, and very expansive.

Delta has partnered with renowned design company Alessi to create a unique and special line of dinnerware. Consisting of plates and drinkware that can be found in all Delta Sky Clubs and aboard flights around the world, these products are pretty sharp looking, and have a clean and modern aesthetic.

Delta Airlines, like many airlines nowadays, is really trying to implement a seasonal theme to their menu to feature fresh ingredients at their peak flavor. They work closely with a team of culinary experts to identify, craft, and serve authentic dishes onboard flights and in their lounges.

Delta’s goal is to give you an authentic experience tailored around your destination, before you even arrive.

The airline partners with a number of well known chefs based around each location, and leaves it up to the experts to do what they do best; decide the best ingredients and food to serve.

Culinary Partners

Delta works closely with critically acclaimed chefs to craft impressive menus. Many of these chefs own multiple restaurants. Some have earned James Beard Awards, and others are Michelin Star holders! It’s super impressive, and a great way to stand out from the competition.

Delta strives to create restaurant quality food for customers, and to serve it mid air to boot. It’s an ambitious undertaking aimed at serving the best tasting dishes possible. And they’re really onto something big.

Union Square Hospitality Group

Creators of some of New York’s most beloved restaurants, cafes, and bars, Union Square Hospitality was founded by Danny Meyer in 1985 and they’ve been blowing away taste buds ever since. Besides opening Union Square Cafe, the company is also behind iconic New York City hotspots like Shake Shack, Gramery Tavern, The Modern, and are the former owners of Eleven Madison Park. With over 28 James Beard awards and 3 Michelin stars, it’s easy to say that Union Square Hospitality is a powerhouse in the New York culinary world. The company tailors an Italian-influenced fare for all Delta flights operating from New York to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Chef Linton Hopkins

Atlanta based restaurateur and owner of many eateries such as Restaurant Eugene, H&F Burger, and Hop’s Chicken, is the man behind Delta’s culinary offering out of their largest hub airport. This menu is inspired by artisan foods of the American South like Carolina Gold rice and grits, local charcuterie and pork, mountain trout and seasonal fruits and vegetables. The food is also featured on all Delta operated flights from Atlanta to Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Munich, Paris, Rome or Stuttgart. It’s an impressive and tasty experience.

Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo

Los Angeles based chef’s and partners that are well-known for existing restaurants Animal, ­Petit Trois, and Jon & Vinny’s, these guys curated a menu that specializes in dishes that feature farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients from some of L.A.’s most beloved farmers and food purveyors. Their restaurants always strive to challenge the pallet, and these two have become notorious around the food scene. Their culinary creations are featured on Delta operated flights from Los Angeles to Amsterdam, Boston, New York – JFK, Paris, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Washington D.C. It’s a treat to enjoy their inspirational meals in the airport or mid-air.

Specifically working with Delta, Jon and Vinny specialize in classic Italian fare. Their creations have become hugely popular in Los Angeles, and now they’ve taken their talents to the skies. Certainly a treat to have at any altitude, Jon and Vinny is a must try.

Chef Jereme Leung

A Hong Kong based chef that is best known for blending modern Chinese cuisines with classical Chinese provincial food. He has developed menus featuring highlights such as Shanghai style steamed sole fish, oven-baked sesame dumplings with preserve mustard, dim sum and shaanxi biang biang noodles, for service out of Chinese markets.

Chef Norio Ueno

Delta travelers coming in and out of Asia will soon be able to experience Chef Ueno’s detailed and respected approach to prepared dishes. Inspired favorites like marinated rockfish and saimaki shrimp with special egg yolk vinegar, and kuro-buta pork served with steamed rice, Japanese pickles and miso soup on flights from Japan to the U.S. It’s a unique and satisfying bevvy of options that challenge the notion of “boring” in flight meal offerings.

Performance Kitchen

Formerly Luvo Foods, Performance Kitchen is a small business that focuses on creating nutritious prepared meals. The company has partnered with Delta Airlines to offer meals with a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and vegetables, so you can feel better and more energized during and after your flight. Some of the fan favorites include Cashew Ranch Chicken Wrap and the Casablanca Veggie Wrap (Vegan). These meals are exclusively crafted for Delta, and can be found on select North American flights.

Pre Departure Selection

Delta Airlines offers customers that fly in their premium cabins like Delta One and First Class the option to pre-select meals in advance in order to guarantee their preferences will be available during the flight.

The process typically includes the customer(s) getting an email in advance (usually 3 days) of the flight. This e-mail links to a website that shows all of the per-meal ordering options.

Note: some customers have reported inconsistencies in receiving these emails or not receiving them at all. If you dont see an email from Delta, you’ll unfortunately have to call them up in order to make your selection. We’re told that you can also use the chat feature via the Delta Mobile App.

After choosing the meal, you’ll also receive an email confirmation that confirms the selection.

Also note that pre-selected meals need to be ordered at least 24 hours in advance, and can also be changed up during that same timeframe.

For folks that get upgraded into a premium cabin, the meal selection is usually available shortly after – so long as the upgrade clears 24 hours in advance of flight time.

Delta Sky Club Lounge

Delta Airlines have been renovating many of their Sky Clubs as part of the broader effort to improve customer experiences. They recently unveiled new Sky Clubs in Atlanta, New York Laguardia, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia, and Seattle-Tacoma. Following a renovation in Los Angeles, and a soon to be completed one for New York’s JFK lounge, the Delta Sky Club has rapidly become a big bonus of the entire flying experience. When it comes to food, Delta is investing heavily in additional healthy selections and unique flavors to keep customers satisfied with a ton of options.

Starting off with breakfast, you can now enjoy a yogurt bar that features options of strawberry, plain and cottage cheese, plus a lot of toppings. There’s also a huge selection of cereals, oatmeal, bagels, and healthy snacks like fresh fruit and hard-boiled eggs.

“Sky bowls” have become a customer favorites. They give you the option to pick and choose options down a line of buffet style dishes. You could start with a base of jasmine rice pilaf, penne pasta with diced tomato, bulgar wheat pilaf or salad greens; and top it off with a choice of grilled chicken strips tossed in cilantro, or black beans and red peppers. It’s pretty impressive. Some finishing touches for the bowl can include corn salsa, baja cabbage and red radish slaw, edamame and massaged kale.

Delta Sky Clubs are also stocked with plenty of snacks, soups, and salads. Choose from a selection of white chicken chili, chipotle sweet potatoes, split peas with ham, tomato and garden vegetable, chicken noodle or minestrone soups. If you’re looking for a smaller snack, you can grab a fresh salad or bar snacks that include popcorn with signature spiced salts, fresh veggies, pita chips, classic hummus, olive tapenade, garlic & herb spread, creamy ranch dip or peppercorn parmesan spread.

The bar has wine list specially curated by Delta’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. It includes a full list of artfully designed cocktails, regional craft beers, fresh brewed Starbucks® coffee, and fresh squeezed orange juice.

To find the latest Delta Sky Club food offering, visit Delta’s website here.

To see all Delta Sky Club airport locations, visit Delta’s website here.

Onboard Dining

Enjoying a meal onboard a Delta Airlines flight is a fun experience. There are a ton of factors that help determine what the food experience will be, like the route flown and class level of the ticket. Delta has continuously upgraded their food offerings across their entire network, but there is still a huge difference when flying a short haul main cabin versus a Delta One international long haul.

A new feature of Delta is the ability to look up your menu in advance on their dedicate menu page. In our experience the website and menus are fairly accurate however it is limited to Delta One and Delta Premium Select menus.

Domestic Economy Cabin

Delta typically doesn’t include full meal service for domestic main cabin seats. Instead, they make their flight fuel menu available for purchase. While it depends on the route flown and time of day of the flight, the flight fuel menu contains a mix of sandwiches, cheese plates, wraps, snacks, drinks, and candy. All are available at a cost except for a select list of complimentary snacks that include Lotus Biscoff Cookies, Whole Grain Cheez-It, Almonds, Kind Dark Chocolate Chunk Bar.

The menu also offers a list of beer, wine, and spirits to purchase with complimentary drinks like soft drinks, juice, water, and coffee.

There are some exceptions. The company recently announced that they would being offering free meals in the Main Cabin on some of the longer domestic flight routes. As of early 2020, Delta offers complimentary main cabin meals between 12 routes that include:

• Boston and San Francisco, Los Angeles and Seattle
• Washington-Reagan and Los Angeles
• New York-JFK and San Francisco, Seattle and Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles
• Seattle and Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Raleigh-Durham

Some complimentary items to choose from include a Honey Maple Breakfast Sandwich, Luvo Breakfast Medley or fruit and cheese plate. During daytime flights, customers can be select between a Mesquite-Smoked Turkey Combo, Luvo Mediterranean Whole Grain Veggie Wrap, or fruit and cheese plate. For overnight or red eye flights, customers will also be offered a breakfast bar during the pre-arrival beverage service.

Domestic First Class

Delta treats their first class customers very well on all flights regardless of the distance traveled. Their service offerings include a pre-departure drink, snack, and complimentary coffee, wine, beer and spirits.

While there is no meal service on short range flights under 900 miles, for the ones above Delta serves a full breakfast, lunch, or dinner option depending on the time of the day. For long range flights Delta also makes a full meal service available with the added bonus of multiple entrees to select from that come with an appetizer and dessert.

On our last flight we sampled the meatballs, which are a signature dish of Jon & Vinny’s out of LAX. For more on this meal, read our full food review of Delta 767 Business Class from LAX to JFK.

In the reverse direction I had the chance to try out the breakfast. Overall the food was decent enough. The sausage and eggs were just OK, while the strawberries were very fresh. The meat and cheese offering wasn’t anything special, and frankly not really needed so early in the morning.

Delta Airlines is also known to always have at least one vegetarian option available. It’s typically a pasta dish of sorts. However, these do tend to contain cheese and are not vegan friendly. We still applaud them for the accommodation, especially for those that forget to set their special meal and are worried that there won’t be options for them. There are.

International Main Cabin

Typically all airlines invest more heavily in their international service and longer flight routes, and Delta is no exception. Over the past year the company has upgraded the Main Cabin experience on flights that are 6.5 hours or longer to include a complimentary welcome cocktail, upgraded meal options, and service on upgraded silverware.

We found this handy chart that shows the company’s investment in their international experience since 2006.

The Main Cabin food and beverage offering is the best that it’s ever been, and here is what you can expect on your next flight.

It all starts with a per-departure cocktail, usually the signature of the flight. While this can depend on location, we’ve tried out their takes on Moscow mules and whisky drinks. They’re quite good! The welcome drink is a nice touch, but it tends to delay the meal service by about 20 minutes, which can be crucial on red eyes when you want to go right to sleep.

After the drinks comes a printed menu, something new to the main cabin experience.

After making a meal selection and receiving your food is where the difference really gets noticed. Delta has begun to serve all main cabin entrees on sleek black plates, which gives the meal a fancier touch.

The container the food comes in feels a bit out of place on this plates so nice. While we can understand that it would be a lot of work to actually plate the meal (even though that would make the experience feel 100x better), the black plate should be used as a replacement for a cheap looking tray.

It ends up feeling like your getting less food when its served this way. Delta used to provide a salad with all meals, but not anymore. They probably realized not everyone ate it, so it’s been discontinued.

Regardless the service and food is a big upgrade from previous Delta flights, and it shows that the airline is trying to cater to a specific crowd.

International Delta One

Of course you can expect that Delta’s highest flight class has the best food and service that the airline has to offer.

The main difference between flying Delta One and the Main Cabin is the sheer amount of food provided. Aside from a pre-departure and take off drink, an appetizer precedes the main course. On a recent flight the app included a salad, soup, and roast beef dish served cold. It’s really a lot of food!

The appetizers were pretty tasty, especially the soup. The salad had delicious shaved parmesian served on top, which helped create an upgraded touch. The beef was served cold, but was well seasoned and tasted great. This was a good amount of food, especially for an appetizer.

On the same flight the entree that was served was a tender piece of sirloin steak, paired with a bernaise sauce and potato au gratin. It was excellent. While the veggies were a bit forgettable, the rest of the dish was surprisingly great. For more on this meal, read our full food review of Delta A330 Business Class from Paris to New York.

All in all, Delta’s new international one meal offerings are a huge improvement, but still not quite the best in the sky. While the airline offers few options to choose from, United Polaris tended to provide better serving options in both the lounge and on board.

Delta still takes the crown for most improved meal service among US airlines. The continued investment and desire to tweak their offerings makes us think that bigger and better things are still to come.

Wine Selection

Delta’s wine selection is selectively chosen by Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson. She’s one of only 33 female Master Sommeliers in the entire world, and has been working with Delta since 2007. Pretty cool. She’s responsible for overseeing all of the wine served in Delta Sky Clubs and on Flights around the world. She even supposedly tests each wine offered in-flight to ensure the taste is just as good when enjoyed at 30,000 feet in the air as it tastes on the ground. A really nice touch that deserves some major kudos.

Here is the current list of wine available on Delta flights though vary by route and location:

Red Wine

Chateau Guibon – Andre Lurton (France 2016): A medium bodied wine that has smooth, plummy taste with subtle notes of spice.

Albert Bichot Horizon de Bichot Pinot Noir (France 2017): A light bodied wine with rose petal, juicy cherry and soft spice.

Erath Pinot Noir Resplendent (USA 2016): A light bodied wine with subtle potpourri-like layers with cherry fruit.

Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon (USA 2016): A full bodied wine with blackberry, cedar, and velvet classic.

Catena La Consulta Malbec (Argentina 2017): A full bodied wine that has spice notes with dark computed blueberry fruit.

White Wine

Broken Earth Viognier (USA 2017): A full bodied wine that has tropical mango with floral notes and lush juciness.

Zuccardi Chardonnay Viognier (Argentina 2018): A medium bodied wine that has a fruit cornucopia with floral exoticism.

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand 2018): A light bodied wine that has bright, tangy acidity with passionfruit and grapefruit notes.

Beringer Private Reserve Chardonnay (USA): A full bodied wine with ripe toasty, nutty and baked apple notes.

DeLille Cellars Chaleur Blanc (USA 2017): A medium bodied wine with tangy green apply and juicy melon with vanilla notes.

Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Champagne Canard-Duchêne Brut Cuvée Léonie (France): Crispy and ripe pear fruit enhanced by notes of brioche.

Delta Master Cuvée by Mionetto (Italy): Floral notes of acacia, clover, Fuji apples and pear.

Dessert Wine

Quinto De Noval 10-year-old Tawny Porto (Portugal): Candied pecans and toffee with a long, nutty finish.

Special Meals

Gluten-free? Kosher? Diabetic? Not a problem. Delta accommodates 17 different special meals on all of their flights that include complimentary meal service. Just make sure to plan ahead with their 24 hours advanced ordering.

Asian Vegetarian Meal: This is a non-strict vegetarian meal, typically prepared Indian style, with limited use of dairy products. This meal won’t contain meat, seafood, or egg.

Vegetarian Vegan Meal: Typically cooked in a Western style, this meal doesn’t contain meat, seafood, eggs, or dairy products.

Vegetarian Lacto-Ovo Meal: Prepared in a Western style, this is a non‐strict vegetarian meal which can include eggs and dairy products, but eliminates all meats and seafood.

Hindu Meal: This vegetarian meal is typically prepared Indian style, with limited use of dairy products. This is a totally meat free meal. Preparation and cooking style may vary.

Muslim Meal: All Muslim meals are Halal certified and do not contain pork or its by‐products, and won’t have any alcohol. Preparation and cooking style may vary.

Kosher Meal: Kosher meals are prepared by kosher caterers under rabbinical supervision. They may incorporate fresh fruit or sealed items, like individually packaged bagels that meet kosher laws. Special Kosher for Passover meals are supplied during Passover.

Bland Meal: Menu items that could potentially cause gastric irritation will not be used in the preparation of these meals. Examples of foods that are excluded include hot mustard, hot spices, pickles, garlic, fried and fatty foods.

Diabetic Meal: Meals suitable or those who need to manage blood sugar levels. Ingredients excluded are high in sugars, like syrups, jams, cakes and chocolate, unless specifically designed for diabetics.

Gluten Intolerant Meal: Meals exclude gluten containing foods and ingredients sourced from wheat, barley and rye.

Low Fat / Cholesterol / Calorie Meal: This meal is prepared with a reduced amount of fat, sugar, low fat dairy products, and lean meat.

Low Sodium Meal: Use of salt, processed foods (MSG and baking soda/powder) are either eliminated or restricted in preparation of these meals. Herbs and spices are used to flavor the meal.

Baby Meal: Suitable for infants less than one year old. Baby food is usually provisioned in jars. (Food may contain strained fruit, vegetables, meats, desserts, milk & juices.)

Toddler/Child Meal: Suitable for children from 2 to 12 years of age, and includes food offerings appealing to children. The meals planned follow Recommended Dietary Allowances for children.

Chinese Meal: Components include soup, salad and entrée and feature regional flavors on flights departing China. Available only to Delta One customers flying between the USA and China.

Jain Meal: Jain meals are Asian vegetarian style meal that additionally don’t contain any root vegetables (onion, garlic, etc.). Please note that Jain meals are not currently not available to be reserved via an agency.

Japanese Meal: Traditional Multi Course Kaiseki Style Japanese Meal accompanied by steamed rice, miso soup, Japanese pickles and green tea. Available only to Delta One customers flying on direct flights to/from the U.S. and Japan.

Korean Meal: Korean style Bibimbap with steamed rice, gochujang sauce and sesame oil accompanied by with soup, salad and banchan. Available only to Delta One customers flying between the USA and Korea.

For the latest information on special meals, visit Delta’s website here.

The post A Complete Guide To Food and Wine on Delta Airlines appeared first on Travel Season.

With this strategy, few airlines have come up with over the top options that can be booked for astronomical prices. This includes everything from pre-departure perks such as transport and private lounges, to airplane seats that literally have their own personal bedrooms and bathrooms.

Now its not often these spaces can be booked for points and miles but its certainly possible for a select few of them.

We will break down the absolute best airlines seats that money can buy.

Etihad Residence

There is no question that the Etihad Residence is the most luxurious flying experience available on a commercial aircraft. The seat is only flown on 4 routes worldwide on the Etihad A380, with New York to Abu Dhabi being one of them. This is no surprise given the United Arab Emirates is a fantastic tourist and business destination.

Guests will have a total of 3 completely private rooms: a double bedroom, a private shower suite, and a living room that features the main seat. You will also enjoy additional services like a private butler and pretty much anything you can imagine in terms of pre-customized meals.

This seat costs a whopping $30,000 – $40,000 one way when purchasing in cash making it arguably the most expensive airline ticket.

Surprisingly, this seat is actually available on points but will cost you around 2,000,000 points one way from New York to Abu Dhabi.

Etihad is known for their opulence and fantastic food but The Residence is on an entirely new level of luxury.

Singapore Airlines First Class

Singapore Airlines is no stranger to luxury offerings, incredible food, and experience given it operates the longest flight in the world.

On their A380, the company offers a spacious 50-square-foot first-class cabins with fully reclinable chairs and separate stowaway beds are quite likely on the bucket list for most aviation enthusiasts. A huge plus is these beds can be combined with the seat next to you making a full double bed for couples.

A one way ticket on this seat will set you back $8,600 but this seat is no stranger to being affordable on points. We’ve seen it as cheap as 86,000 Singapore Miles from New York to Frankfurt but typically this can be much higher.

ANA First Class

ANA first class is arguably the most luxurious way you can travel to Japan. Equipped on their 777, the seats are extremely private, have an incredible large screen, top notch food, and is one of the most spacious beds in the sky.

The product is so heavily sought after it is considered the holy grail of points redemptions given the bargain rate of ~175,000 points to fly it round trip from the U.S..

While ANA does not open a lot of award space on this route, a paid ticket will cost you about $10,000 round trip. In our eyes if you are able to snag this there is no better way to travel to and from Japan.

Etihad The Apartment

Once again Etihad has not only The Residence on this list but also their next best offering The Apartment. This offering is also only available on the carriers A380, the same plane that flies to/from New York City (JFK) and Abu Dhabi (AUH).

Even though it’s a step down from The Residence, The Apartment is still one of the best experiences you can have on an airplane. You’ll have an entire “living room” that features an armchair as well as a separate bed (that you can transform into a double bed if you’re traveling with a companion in the next seat).

There is a total of 9 First Class Apartments with the A/C and H/K seat pairs connected. The seat is 29.5″ wide and the bed is 80″ long — making it comfortable for everyone up to 6’8!

The Apartment is much more affordable compared to The Residence with travelers mentioned cash rates between $6,000 – $8,000 one way or even only 60,000 AA miles (pre devaluation). That’s an insane deal for the amount of space you are offered but availability is most likely tough to come by.

Emirates First Class

Onboard its 777’s Emirates flies arguable its most luxurious offering, The First Class Suite. These suits feature a full floor to ceiling door making it one of the most private in the sky.

Some great perks that come with flying this is the amount of routes, ultra privacy, three unique screens, award availability, and believe it or not virtual windows in the middle seats with a live view making it appear you are facing outside.

We’ve seen this suite offered for 120,000 Emirates Miles on multiple routes making it a rather attainable deal. Travelers have also reported an upgrade offer from business for only 500 Euro, making it a well worth it expense.

Unlike the A380 that features an onboard shower and bar, the 777 is a smaller plane but offering well more privacy than First Class on the A380. If you can snag one of these seats you will surely have no regrets as the best way to fly to Dubai.

Etihad First Class Suite

Etihad has another luxury first class offering on its 787 and 777 known as the First Class Suite. This features a large seat and sliding doors that enclose your suite — but the seat will also be your bed.

While these are generally the same product they are not exactly created equally with the 777 suite offering a bit more space than the 787.

These seats also offering more award availability and are priced about 80,000 AA miles each way when you find availability. Another bonus is it adds more routes to experience Etihad servicing Los Angeles and Washington DC.

Air France La Premier

Air France La Premiere is one of the most coveted bookings on a European carrier. The class is notoriously difficult to find availability in and often flies empty on many routes.

Starting tickets go for about $8,000 – $12,000 one way with extremely limited award availability. However, the seats feature large amounts of space and a full length curtain to provide privacy in air.

The way Air France differentiates itself is in the pre-departure perks that feature a private lounge and direct car transfer to the airplane. This is also on top of both a luxurious lounge dining room and on air dining that features caviar and some of the best champagne money can buy.

Summary & Takeaways

Airlines have taken an over the top approach to luxury travel with Etihad clearly leading the way. The unfortunate news is due to the COVID 19 pandemic many airlines are rethinking their strategy and parking their A380s.

It’s to be determined if we will see these offerings come back in service but just the fact that they were once flying has set the bar on the most luxuries way to travel.

The post The Best Airplane Seats Money Can Buy appeared first on Travel Season.

We’ve tried a lot of good food from a Singapore A380 to United Polaris 787. Heck even lounge food has gotten a complete overhaul and is largely impressive these days.

Unfortunately though airline food has not always had the best reputation. In fact, most of the time it’s mentioned you hear of food mishaps or a picture of terrible food going viral. However, this times we are only focusing on the positives to understand which airlines offer the absolute best food in the sky?

Knowing how important it is to passengers, airlines have been investing heavily in their dining experience. Here are our picks for the airlines with the best offering both in their lounges and on board.

Singapore Airlines

An easy way to start our list is with Singapore Airlines, world renown for their in flight dining. We got the chance to review both the business lounge experience at Changi Airport and on the longest flight in the world from Singapore to Newark. To say we were impressed is an understatement.

Singapore Airlines has a unique offering called “Book The Cook” that a few other airlines are starting to offer as well. The services allows you to choose from a ton of different selections 24 hours in advance of your flight. This is not just a pre selection of the inflight menu, but rather a huge range of options the airline will prepare just for you in advance.

Given Singapore Airlines operates out of Changi Airport, often renowned as the best airport in the world, it’s no surprise they are at the top of most flyers list when it comes to food.

Qatar Airways

Middle Eastern based airlines have always had a great reputation. Many of the carriers such as Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad, are frequently listed towards the top of the list of best airlines in the world. It’s no surprise they also rank high for their food service in their lounge and on board.

Like many others Qatar Airlines also works with celebrity chef’s to curate their onboard menus. Some of these include Nobu Matsuhisa, Tom Aitkens, Ramzi Choueiri and Vineet Bhatia giving them the opportunity to create traditional cuisine on select routes.

On their long haul QSuite routes out of Doha, Qatar serves up to an impressive 9 courses over that will leave you plentifully stuffed.

Given that Qatars QSuite is now considered the best business class product in the world, it’s no surprise that food plays a huge part.

Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is one of few airlines to always include an on board chef to serve passengers food on its flights. While actually cooking food may be limited on a plane its a nice touch to have a chef fully dedicated to making sure passengers enjoy their meals.

Depending on the route you can always count on having traditional Turkish specialties when on board. These include simit bread, pita, kebabs, and of course baklava.Not to be missed is the mezze served on board giving you a tasting of Turkey.

When it comes to food Turkish Airlines really stresses the importance of getting a taste of the culture. If you have a chance to fly you will certainly get your Turkish fix even before arriving!

Air France

The french have always been known as culinary masters and that has translated to the flagship airline Air France. From good wine to deliciously prepared meats or seafood, Air France usually excels during meal time.

While always having a French inspired offering, other meal options include A taste of Japan, Traditional Chinese, Korean Sensations, Indian Delights, Thai, and Seafood. Air France First and Business class cabin meals are created by Michelin-starred chefs.

To find out more information about Air France food or see whats on your upcoming flight see here.

Emirates

Emirates is best known for providing multi course meals to all passengers on every flight with meal service. Yes that includes economy.

Being the flag carrier out of Dubai, which is known for its opulance, Emirates does not cut any corners.

The airline also invests heavily in their wine program spending over USD$700 million on its inflight program since 2007. If you are flying Emirates you can expect a first class experience no matter what cabin either in the lounge on the ground or up in the air.

Also not to go unnoticed is many Emirates flights contain a bar in the business class area! Make the flight feel like a lounge and the time fly.

To find out more information about Emirates food or see whats on your upcoming flight see here.

Etihad

Etihad is another Middle Eastern carrier that invests heavily in their food program. Often times competing with Emirates and Qatar airways. From champagne to multi course meals there is nothing off the table when flying this airline.

Taking inspiration from their local cuisines you can expect delicous mezzes, kebabs, and finely made seafood. Even economy cabins come with uniquely crafted bowls giving you a taste of the middle east.

Don’t count out the caviar as well which the airline pulls out all stops for its premium passengers.

To find out more information about Etihad food or see whats on your upcoming flight see here.

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