Luxury Travel Reviews, Expert Advice & Bespoke Journeys.
Luxury Travel, Personally Designed Around You
Discover exceptional travel experiences with Dave Gillan, founder of The Private Traveller and a luxury travel advisor with Fora Travel and Virtuoso. Having explored more than 68 countries, I combine first-hand knowledge of the world's finest hotels, luxury cruises, wellness retreats, rail journeys and extraordinary destinations with expert, personalised travel planning.
Whether you're booking a five-star hotel, planning a luxury safari, exploring a specialist wellness or longevity retreat, embarking on a luxury cruise or organising an exclusive-use celebration, I help create exceptional travel experiences tailored to you. Through my relationships with Virtuoso and leading luxury hotel preferred partner programmes, I can often secure exclusive benefits, including complimentary breakfast, room upgrades (subject to availability), hotel credits and VIP recognition — frequently at the same flexible rate as booking directly.
From your initial enquiry to your return home, you'll enjoy personal service, expert recommendations and ongoing support. And with independent five-star client reviews on Google and Fora, you can book with confidence.
✓ Luxury hotels with exclusive VIP benefits and preferred partner privileges
✓ Luxury cruises, yacht voyages and exceptional rail journeys
✓ Wellness retreats, spa escapes and longevity programmes
✓ Luxury safaris and bespoke multi-country itineraries
✓ Exclusive-use estates, private celebrations and group travel
✓ Personal service, backed by independent five-star client reviews
Exclusive Hotel Benefits
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Four Seasons Preferred Partner
Experience the epitome of luxury and elegance at Four Seasons Preferred Hotels, where world-class service meets breathtaking destinations. Enjoy personalised experiences, exceptional amenities, and exquisite accommodations in some of the world's most iconic locations.
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Virtuoso
Discover and book luxurious, exclusive Virtuoso hotels worldwide. Enjoy unparalleled amenities, personalized service, and unique experiences at top-rated resorts and boutique properties. Reserve your stay through Virtuoso for VIP perks, upgrades, and insider access to the world's most prestigious hotels.
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Diamond Club Dorchester Collection
Experience the epitome of luxury and elegance with Dorchester Collection Hotels, where timeless sophistication meets iconic destinations. Enjoy bespoke experiences, exceptional amenities, and exquisite accommodations in some of the world’s most renowned locations.
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Belmond Bellini Club
Discover exclusive luxury and unmatched experiences with Belmond Bellini Club Hotels. Enjoy VIP privileges, complimentary upgrades, and unique amenities when you book through our dedicated service.
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IHG DestinED
Book your stay with IHG Destined and enjoy VIP perks like complimentary upgrades, daily breakfast, $100 hotel credit, and late check-out at luxury IHG hotels worldwide.
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Rosewood Elite
Book your stay at Rosewood Elite Hotels, where luxury meets unparalleled service. Indulge in world-class accommodations, exquisite dining, and premier amenities at top destinations worldwide.
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Marriott STARS & Luminous
Book your next luxury Marriott stay with The Private Traveller and enjoy exclusive VIP benefits through Marriott STARS & Luminous. At participating Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, EDITION, JW Marriott and other luxury properties worldwide, enjoy complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, with benefits varying by property and availability. Book through The Private Traveller for personalised service and preferred partner privileges.
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Hyatt Privé
Book your next luxury stay with The Private Traveller and unlock exclusive Hyatt Privé rates. Enjoy complimentary upgrades, free breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and unique property credits at top Hyatt hotels worldwide. Reserve your stay through The Private Traveller today and elevate your travel experience.
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Six Senses
Book your stay at Six Senses Hotels for a luxurious escape blending wellness, sustainability, and stunning locations.
Luxury Travel Reviews, Spa & Wellness Inspiration
Looking for inspiration for your next extraordinary journey? At The Private Traveller, I share honest, first-hand reviews, expert insights and personal recommendations from some of the world's most exceptional travel experiences.
Having explored 68 countries and counting, my travels have taken me from iconic five-star hotels and intimate boutique hideaways to luxury expedition cruises, legendary rail journeys and world-class wellness retreats.
With a particular passion for spa, wellness and longevity travel, I explore everything from traditional healing therapies and restorative retreats to cutting-edge medical wellness and longevity programmes. My reviews go beyond the beautiful surroundings to examine the experiences, service and details that truly make a difference.
Whether you're researching your next luxury hotel, comparing cruise experiences, discovering a specialist wellness retreat or simply looking for somewhere extraordinary to visit, you'll find independent reviews, practical advice and inspiration grounded in real travel experience.
Explore my latest reviews and discover where your next journey could take you.
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Hotel Reviews
Visit the hotels I have liked best.
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Flight Reviews
Check out my favourite airlines.
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Train Reviews
Memorable train journeys across the globe.
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Spa Reviews
Check out my favourite spa locations
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Cruise Reviews
Curated cruise reviews from my recent journeys
Luxury Travel Tips, Expert Advice & Insider Insights
Exceptional travel is about more than choosing the right destination or hotel. It's knowing which experiences are worth seeking out, how to make the most of your journey and the little details that can transform a wonderful holiday into something truly memorable.
At The Private Traveller, I share practical luxury travel tips, insider knowledge and expert advice gathered from years of exploring the world. From choosing the best airline cabins and airport lounges to discovering exceptional hotels, luxury trains, cruises and hidden gems, my aim is to help you travel better, smarter and with confidence.
You'll also find advice on spa and wellness experiences, luxury travel trends, hotel loyalty programmes and exclusive travel benefits, alongside personal recommendations that go beyond the usual guidebooks.
Whether you're planning your next adventure or simply looking for fresh inspiration, explore my travel guides and insights to discover new ways to experience the world.
Discover More Travel Tips & Insights →
Latest hotel reviews
Documenting the latest in luxury travel
Travel Diaries
Discover extraordinary destinations through my personal travel diaries, sharing memorable journeys, cultural encounters and unique experiences from around the world.
From the historic streets of Europe's great cities to remote islands, spectacular landscapes and lesser-known corners of the globe, these stories capture the places, people and experiences that make travel so rewarding.
Whether it's discovering a hidden gem, exploring an iconic destination or experiencing something completely unexpected, my travel diaries offer first-hand insights, practical recommendations and inspiration for your own adventures.
Travel Itineraries
I've been fortunate to explore some extraordinary destinations around the world, documenting many of my journeys through detailed, first-hand travel itineraries to help inspire and inform your own adventures.
Each itinerary reveals where I travelled, the luxury hotels I stayed in, how long I spent in each destination and the experiences I'd recommend. You'll also find practical travel tips, transport advice and personal insights to help you plan your journey with confidence.
Explore the itineraries below for destination inspiration and carefully considered travel routes. And if you'd like help creating a bespoke itinerary tailored to your interests, I'd be delighted to assist.
For even more inspiration, follow The Private Traveller on Instagram, where I share additional photographs, videos and behind-the-scenes experiences from my travels.
Luxury Wellness Retreats, Spa Experiences & Longevity Travel
Wellness travel is one of my greatest passions, taking me beyond traditional luxury spas to explore some of the world's most exceptional wellness retreats, medical wellness resorts and longevity programmes.
From immersive retreats combining nutrition, movement and holistic therapies to advanced diagnostics, preventative health and personalised longevity treatments, I share first-hand reviews and insights into experiences designed to support physical and mental wellbeing.
My wellness journeys have included renowned destinations such as Chenot Palace Weggis in Switzerland and BUFF Medical Resort in Germany, giving me a valuable perspective on different approaches to wellness, from traditional spa experiences to more structured, science-led programmes.
Whether you're considering a restorative spa weekend, a dedicated wellness retreat or a comprehensive longevity programme, discover honest reviews, practical advice and inspiration to help you find the experience that's right for you.
Luxury Travel Destinations & Places to Explore
Discover some of the world's most extraordinary destinations through my personal travels, from vibrant global cities and secluded tropical islands to spectacular landscapes and lesser-known corners of the world.
Having explored 68 countries and counting, I've developed a deep appreciation for the places, cultures and experiences that make each destination unique. This collection brings together my first-hand destination guides, luxury hotel recommendations and insider travel tips, helping you discover where to go, where to stay and what not to miss.
Whether you're planning a luxury city break, a relaxing island escape, a cultural adventure or a multi-country journey, explore practical recommendations and personal insights to help you make the most of your travels.
And when you're ready to turn inspiration into reality, I can help you plan and book your next luxury escape, often with exclusive hotel benefits and personalised support.
Luxury Travel Vlogs & Video Reviews
Experience the world of luxury travel through my latest videos, featuring first-hand hotel tours, luxury cruises, spa and wellness retreats, iconic rail journeys and extraordinary destinations.
From behind-the-scenes insights and detailed accommodation reviews to memorable dining experiences and destination highlights, my travel vlogs offer a closer look at the places and experiences I explore.
Watch my latest travel videos and subscribe to The Private Traveller on YouTube for more inspiration.
Step inside Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh’s chicest city retreat. From elegant rooms to rooftop views, discover what makes this boutique hotel so special. Book with The Private Traveller to enjoy exclusive VIP perks.
Step into the serene luxury of The Datai Langkawi, where pristine rainforest meets five-star indulgence—experience the perfect blend of nature, sustainability, and exclusivity in Malaysia’s most iconic resort!
Join me on the historic Rigi Kulm Railway, Switzerland’s iconic mountain route, experienced during my stay at the nearby Chenot Palace Weggis. A scenic journey to the “Queen of the Mountains” with unforgettable views over Lake Lucerne.
Step inside the unparalleled luxury of Villa Stéphanie at Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, where elegance meets world-class wellness – your ultimate European escape awaits!
Experience The Savoy, London’s legendary luxury hotel. Join me for an insider’s look at this iconic property — from timeless interiors to five-star service — during my recent stay in the heart of the capital.
Welcome to my Son Bunyola Mallorca Hotel Review Vlog! Wherever I stay, I always start with a detailed travel itinerary blog, outlining everything about the upcoming trip. Whether I arrive by luxury flight or train, I'll share a review of that experience.
Step inside Chenot Palace Weggis — Switzerland’s leading wellness retreat for detox, longevity, and total rejuvenation.
Escape to Marrakech's oasis of luxury with our captivating travel vlog showcasing The Oberoi—a mesmerizing blend of opulence and adventure that promises to transport you to a world of unparalleled beauty and indulgence.
Travel Diaries
Get in touch
Have a question or ready to start planning your next trip? Simply fill in the form below or reach out via the email address provided. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible — I’d love to hear from you.
FAENA Miami Beach is so much more than a luxury beachfront hotel. Following an extensive property inspection during Fora Live Forum 2026, I explore its spectacular oceanfront suites, extraordinary art and design, acclaimed restaurants, glamorous entertainment and Tierra Santa Healing House. Discover what makes this six-block cultural district one of Miami's most distinctive luxury destinations, along with my personal recommendations and exclusive VIP booking benefits.