Explora III Inaugural Voyage: A First-Hand Review and Mediterranean Travel Itinerary
Since dedicating more time to my travel advisory role, one thing (among many) I've wanted to do is experience as many inaugural cruises as possible, while also trying a variety of different luxury cruise lines. To date, most of these have been solo adventures, including Cunard's Queens Grill on Queen Mary 2, Celebrity Xcel in The Retreat, Norwegian Luna in The Haven, and - with Royal Caribbean's Legacy of the Seas in Sky Class - still to come later this year. The only exception so far, and not an inaugural sailing, was when we experienced the intimate Hermes Mega Catamaran in the Galápagos together last year, carrying a maximum of just 20 guests.
When I first discovered that Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle brand from MSC Group, would be introducing a series of new ships over the coming years, I was immediately intrigued. The opportunity to sail on Explora III's inaugural voyage, combined with an itinerary from Genoa along the French Riviera before finishing in Rome, was simply too good to miss. The South of France is still a relatively unexplored part of Europe for me, making this itinerary every bit as appealing as the ship itself.
From every angle, Explora III feels more like a private superyacht than a traditional cruise ship.
Unlike many traditional cruise lines, Explora Journeys places far greater emphasis on time in destination, with full days in port and shorter overnight sailings. That slower, more immersive style of travel felt like the perfect introduction for 'Mrs' The Private Traveller, giving us the opportunity to experience not only a brand-new luxury ship, but also some of the Mediterranean's most iconic coastal destinations without feeling rushed.
Throughout this itinerary I'll be sharing every stage of the journey, from flights, hotels and embarkation through to our suite, dining, wellness facilities, entertainment and each destination we visit. If you're considering Explora Journeys, curious about sailing on a brand-new ship, or simply looking for inspiration for a luxury Mediterranean escape, I hope this first-hand review helps you decide whether Explora III deserves a place on your own travel wish list.
Flooded with natural light, the Conservatory Pool offers a peaceful retreat whether you're swimming, relaxing or simply enjoying the view.
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Why This Trip?
I've wanted to experience Explora Journeys for some time, so sailing aboard the inaugural voyage of Explora III felt like the perfect opportunity. What really appealed to me, though, was the itinerary itself. By combining a few days on the Italian Riviera before embarkation, a cruise visiting some of the highlights of the French Riviera, and finishing with stays at the much-anticipated Orient Express La Minerva in Rome and Hotel Lungarno in Florence, it became far more than simply an inaugural sailing. Instead, it offered the chance to experience a brand-new luxury ship while revisiting some of my favourite parts of Italy and discovering a few new ones along the way.
Explora III's yacht-inspired design is particularly striking at sunset, with generous outdoor spaces and elegant contemporary styling.
Getting There
One of the reasons I enjoy travelling to Italy is just how straightforward it is from the UK. Whenever possible, I prefer to fly with British Airways and, for early morning departures, I nearly always stay at the Sofitel London Heathrow, which is directly connected to Terminal 5. It makes for a much more relaxed start to the journey, avoiding an early morning connection from Edinburgh and allowing plenty of time to enjoy breakfast before flying to Milan.
Rather than heading straight to the ship, we decided to spend two nights on the Italian Riviera at the Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast in Rapallo. It provides the perfect opportunity to unwind before embarkation while exploring Portofino and the surrounding coastline by ferry, including the beautiful village of San Fruttuoso, before joining Explora III in nearby Genoa.
Following five nights aboard Explora III, we chose not to fly home immediately from Rome. Instead, we extended the journey with overnight stays in Rome and Florence, making the most of being in one of my favourite countries.
The spacious aft decks are among the best places onboard to relax, enjoy a drink and take in the ever-changing sea views.
Travelling between Rome and Florence is quick, comfortable and, in my opinion, one of the best ways to experience Italy. The country's two high-speed operators are Italo and Trenitalia, and while both offer an excellent service, I usually favour Italo Club Executive, particularly if you can reserve one of the private Salotto compartments. These exclusive four-seat cabins offer a quieter, more private way to travel and are ideal for families or small groups.
For this journey, however, the timings worked better with Trenitalia's Frecciarossa service. We've booked Executive Class seats, giving us a spacious cabin, wider leather seats with generous recline, at-seat dining and one of the most comfortable ways to travel between two of Italy's most iconic cities.
Where to Stay
Featured Hotels
Every hotel featured on this itinerary was chosen for a reason, whether to simplify the journey, enjoy an exceptional location or experience one of the destination's leading luxury hotels. Together, they create a seamless itinerary from start to finish.
Sofitel London Heathrow
Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast
La Minerva Rome
Hotel Lungarno - Lungarno Collection, Florence
Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast
I wanted somewhere that felt like a destination in its own right, rather than simply a convenient overnight stop before the cruise. The Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast immediately appealed thanks to its grand dame heritage, spectacular clifftop setting and membership of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Staying in Rapallo also makes the logistics much easier than basing yourself in Portofino itself, with a shorter transfer from Milan and a straightforward onward journey to Genoa for embarkation. Better still, regular ferries depart from just a short walk from the hotel, making it easy to spend a day exploring glamorous Portofino and the beautiful Ligurian coastline. Add in the excellent spa, beach club and panoramic sea views, and it was the perfect way to begin the trip.
Overlooking the Gulf of Tigullio, Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast is one of the Italian Riviera's landmark luxury hotels, perfectly positioned between Rapallo and Portofino with spectacular sea views and private beach clubs.
| At a Glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rapallo, Italian Riviera, Italy |
| Opened | 1901 |
| Rooms & Suites | 119 |
| Nearest Airports | Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA) or Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) |
| Distance from Airports | GOA: approximately 40 km (45–50 minutes by car). MXP: approximately 185 km (around 2 hours 15 minutes by car). |
| Restaurants & Bars | Two restaurants, a seasonal beach club restaurant, Yachting Bar and Eden Roc Lounge & Restaurant. |
| Spa & Wellness | Erre Spa with treatment rooms, heated indoor pool, outdoor infinity pool, fitness centre and private beach club. |
| Best For | Luxury Italian Riviera escapes, romantic breaks and exploring Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, San Fruttuoso and the Cinque Terre. |
Orient Express La Minerva Rome
Ever since I first read Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express and watched the various film adaptations, I've been fascinated by the history, glamour and romance of the Orient Express. That fascination extends beyond the trains themselves to the golden age of travel that inspired so many of Christie's stories and adventures. More recently, I was fortunate enough to experience Orient Express La Dolce Vita, a luxury rail journey that, in our case, departed from Rome and returned there a few days later after travelling through southern Italy. One day I'd love to experience the route that crosses the Strait of Messina to Sicily, with the train carried across the water by ferry—one of Europe's most unusual railway journeys. That experience only strengthened my desire to stay at one of the brand's hotels. Although carrying the iconic Orient Express name, La Minerva is part of the growing collection developed by Arsenale Group in partnership with Accor, alongside the recently opened Orient Express Palazzo Donà Giovannelli in Venice.
Housed within a beautifully restored 17th-century palazzo just moments from the Pantheon, Orient Express La Minerva perfectly blends Roman heritage with contemporary luxury. The interiors have been reimagined by renowned architect and designer Hugo Toro, whose design draws inspiration from the romance of historic rail travel, combining rich colours, bespoke furnishings and elegant Italian craftsmanship throughout. Having already visited the spectacular Orient Express La Dolce Vita Lounge in Rome - also designed by Hugo Toro - I couldn't wait to see how he had translated that same vision into the brand's first hotel. For me, it was the perfect choice for a night in Rome before continuing on to Florence.
Located beside the Pantheon, Orient Express La Minerva brings new life to one of Rome's most historic luxury hotels in an exceptional city-centre setting.
| At a Glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Piazza della Minerva, Rome, Italy |
| Opened | 2025 (following an extensive restoration) |
| Rooms | 57 rooms and 36 suites (93 total) |
| Nearest Airport | Rome Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) |
| Distance from Airport | Approximately 30 km (40–45 minutes by car) |
| Restaurants & Bars | Gigi Rigolatto rooftop restaurant, Mimi Kakushi, La Minerva Bar and a rooftop bar with panoramic views over Rome. |
| Spa & Wellness | The Spa by Orient Express with Roman-inspired hammam, treatment rooms, fitness centre and wellness facilities. |
| Best For | Luxury city breaks, fine dining and exploring the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori and Rome's historic centre. |
Hotel Lungarno - Lungarno Collection, Florence
Hotel Lungarno had been on my wish list for some time and is also one of the most consistently recommended hotels by fellow Fora advisors. As part of the Lungarno Collection, owned by the Ferragamo family, it has an outstanding reputation for both service and location. Having previously enjoyed a wonderful stay at Portrait Roma, just moments from the Spanish Steps, I was keen to experience another of the collection's hotels. With its unrivalled position overlooking the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio, together with its boutique feel and renowned hospitality, Hotel Lungarno felt like the perfect place to end our Italian journey.
The Arno River winds through the heart of Florence, offering some of the city's most iconic views and a perfect introduction to the Renaissance capital of Tuscany.
| At a Glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Borgo San Jacopo, overlooking the Arno River beside Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy |
| Opened | 1967 (extensively renovated in 2017) |
| Rooms & Suites | 66 rooms and suites |
| Nearest Airport | Florence Airport (FLR) |
| Distance from Airport | Approximately 9 km (20–25 minutes by car) |
| Restaurants & Bars | Michelin-starred Borgo San Jacopo and Picteau Bistrot & Bar overlooking the Arno. |
| Spa & Wellness | Fitness room and in-room wellness treatments available on request. |
| Best For | Luxury city breaks, exceptional dining, art lovers and travellers wanting one of Florence's finest riverfront locations. |
Inaugural Explora III Cruise
Who Are Explora Journeys?
Explora Journeys is the luxury lifestyle cruise brand of the MSC Group, combining elegant European design, spacious all-suite accommodation and a relaxed, destination-focused approach to luxury travel. The fleet currently includes Explora I, Explora II and Explora III, with Explora IV scheduled to join the fleet in 2027 and Explora V in 2028, followed by Explora VI in 2029.
Explora III is particularly significant as the first of the brand's next-generation ships, introducing a number of design refinements and new guest experiences while maintaining the spacious feel, exceptional dining and residential-style luxury that have become synonymous with Explora Journeys. Sailing on her inaugural voyage offers a rare opportunity to experience a new ship from day one and witness the beginning of the next chapter for one of luxury cruising's fastest-growing brands.
Located beside the Conservatory Pool, this relaxed bar is perfect for a coffee, fresh juice or evening cocktail.
The Journey
My inaugural Explora III experience begins in Genoa, Italy, where I'll board the ship for her maiden voyage before sailing through the Mediterranean to Civitavecchia (Rome). Throughout this itinerary I'll be sharing each stage of the journey - from travel arrangements and embarkation to life on board, dining, accommodation, wellness facilities, entertainment and each destination visited - providing an honest, first-hand review of what it's really like to sail on a brand-new luxury cruise ship from the moment she enters service.
Crema Café is the perfect place to start the day with a barista-made coffee or take a break between exploring everything Explora III has to offer.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Embark Explora III in Genoa, Italy.
Day 2 – Marseille, France.
Day 3 – Saint-Tropez, France.
Day 4 – Villefranche-sur-Mer / Nice, France.
Day 5 – Livorno, Italy — gateway to Florence and Tuscany.
Day 6 – Disembark in Civitavecchia, Italy — the port for Rome.
Ports of Call
Genoa, Italy
The journey begins in the historic port city of Genoa, birthplace of Christopher Columbus and one of Italy's most important maritime cities. Before boarding Explora III, there's time to wander the UNESCO-listed Old Town, admire the grand Palazzi dei Rolli or simply enjoy lunch overlooking the harbour before sailaway.
Marseille, France
Explora III arrives in the afternoon, giving you the opportunity to experience France's oldest city into the evening. Explore the bustling Vieux-Port, admire panoramic views from Notre-Dame de la Garde or discover the city's growing food and arts scene before returning to the ship.
Saint-Tropez, France
With around 12 hours in port, there's plenty of time to experience both the glamour and charm of Saint-Tropez. Stroll around the iconic harbour lined with superyachts, browse the designer boutiques, relax at a beach club or simply soak up the atmosphere in one of the cafés overlooking the waterfront.
Villefranche-sur-Mer (for Nice & the French Riviera), France
Arriving early in the morning means you have almost a full day to explore one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful coastlines. Stay in the colourful harbour town of Villefranche-sur-Mer, head into nearby Nice, visit the hilltop village of Èze or even spend the day in glamorous Monaco.
Livorno (for Florence, Pisa & Tuscany), Italy
An early morning arrival and late evening departure provides almost a full day to discover Tuscany. Livorno is the gateway to Florence, Pisa and Lucca, while wine lovers may prefer to spend the day exploring the rolling vineyards and medieval villages of the Tuscan countryside.
Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy
Explora III arrives back in Italy early in the morning, making this the perfect opportunity to extend your holiday rather than flying home immediately. As the main cruise port for Rome, Civitavecchia offers easy access to the Eternal City, allowing time to experience one of Europe's greatest capitals or continue your journey elsewhere in Italy - as we did with stays in both Rome and Florence.
Getting Around
One of the reasons I enjoy travelling to Italy is just how straightforward it is from the UK. Whenever possible, I prefer to fly with British Airways and, for early morning departures, I nearly always stay at the Sofitel London Heathrow, which is directly connected to Terminal 5. It makes for a much more relaxed start to the journey, avoiding an early morning connection from Edinburgh and allowing plenty of time to enjoy breakfast in the Concorde Lounge at T5 before flying to Milan.
Rather than heading straight to the ship, we decided to spend two nights on the Italian Riviera at the Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast in Rapallo. It provides the perfect opportunity to unwind before embarkation while exploring Portofino and the surrounding coastline by ferry, including the beautiful village of San Fruttuoso, before joining Explora III in nearby Genoa.
Following five nights aboard Explora III, we chose not to fly home immediately from Rome. Instead, we extended the journey with overnight stays in Rome and Florence, making the most of being in one of my favourite countries.
Travelling between Rome and Florence is quick, comfortable and, in my opinion, one of the best ways to experience Italy. The country's two high-speed operators are Italo and Trenitalia, and while both offer an excellent service, I usually favour Italo Club Executive, particularly if you can reserve one of the private Salotto compartments. These exclusive four-seat cabins offer a quieter, more private way to travel and are ideal for families or small groups.
For this journey, however, the timings worked better with Trenitalia's Frecciarossa service. We've booked Executive Class seats, giving us a spacious cabin, wider leather seats with generous recline, at-seat dining and one of the most comfortable ways to travel between two of Italy's most iconic cities.
Suggested Itinerary
Every itinerary I create is tailored to the individual traveller, balancing luxury hotels, memorable experiences and seamless logistics. If you'd like to enjoy a similar journey - or use this itinerary as inspiration - I can create a bespoke itinerary designed around your own travel style, dates and budget.
Day 1. Fly from Edinburgh to London Heathrow before an overnight stay at Sofitel London Heathrow Terminal 5, ready for an early morning departure to Italy.
Day 2. Fly to Milan Linate, private transfer to Rapallo and check in to the Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast. Relax by the cliffside pool or beach club overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
Day 3. Explore Rapallo, Portofino and San Fruttuoso by ferry before another evening on the Italian Riviera.
Day 4. Transfer to Genoa and embark the inaugural sailing of Explora III.
Days 5–8. Cruise aboard Explora III, visiting ports in Italy and the South of France while experiencing the newest ship in the Explora Journeys fleet.
Day 9. Disembark in Civitavecchia and transfer to Rome for a stay at the newly restored Orient Express La Minerva.
Day 10. High-speed Frecciarossa train to Florence before checking into Hotel Lungarno on the River Arno.
Day 11. Discover Florence's Renaissance treasures, restaurants and riverside setting.
Day 12. Fly directly from Florence to Edinburgh with British Airways.
My Highlights & Tips
Having planned this itinerary myself, there are several parts of the journey that stand out already, together with a few practical tips that should make a similar trip feel even more seamless.
Ocean Terrace Suites blend contemporary design with generous living space, offering a calm and sophisticated retreat at sea.
My Highlights
Beginning the journey on the Italian Riviera
Spending two nights in Rapallo before embarkation turns the trip into much more than simply a cruise. It provides time to relax, enjoy the coastline and settle into the journey before boarding Explora III.
Exploring the Ligurian coast by ferry
The ferry from Rapallo calls at Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino and San Fruttuoso, offering a particularly enjoyable way to see this part of the Italian Riviera. The journey itself should be every bit as memorable as the destinations, with beautiful views of the coastline throughout.
Experiencing the inaugural sailing of Explora III
There is something especially exciting about being among the first guests to board a brand-new ship. It offers the opportunity to experience Explora III from the very beginning and see how the next generation of the fleet compares with the existing ships.
The variety of hotels throughout the journey
The itinerary combines the grand dame character of the Excelsior Palace Portofino Coast, the historic setting and contemporary design of Orient Express La Minerva, and the intimate riverside elegance of Hotel Lungarno.
Extending the journey through Rome and Florence
Rather than flying home immediately after disembarkation, continuing to Rome and Florence makes the trip feel far more complete and provides a lovely contrast to the coastal destinations and time at sea.
The Lobby Lounge is the social heart of Explora III, where elegant interiors, comfortable seating and the ship's striking central staircase create a welcoming space to meet, relax or enjoy a drink throughout the day.
My Tips
Stay at Sofitel London Heathrow before an early British Airways departure from Terminal 5.
Fly into Milan if you're planning to spend time on the Italian Riviera before the cruise.
Take the ferry from Rapallo to visit Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino and San Fruttuoso.
Pre-book private transfers between Milan, Rapallo, Genoa and Civitavecchia.
Reserve restaurants and spa treatments on Explora III before you board.
Extend your holiday with Rome and Florence rather than flying home immediately.
Travel between Rome and Florence by high-speed rail—I'd normally choose Italo Club Executive, although Frecciarossa Executive worked best for this itinerary.
Book through a Virtuoso advisor to enjoy available hotel benefits and personalised itinerary planning.
Every Ocean Terrace Suite features a generous private terrace, creating a seamless connection between the suite and the sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note: This itinerary has been published before I travel. The answers below are based on my research, previous visits to Italy, experience of other luxury hotels and cruise lines, and the reasons behind the choices I've made. I'll update this guide with my own first-hand experiences after returning from the journey.
Is Explora Journeys worth it?
One of the reasons I chose Explora Journeys is because it offers a noticeably different approach to luxury cruising. The combination of spacious all-suite accommodation, destination-focused itineraries, longer stays in port and a strong emphasis on wellness all appealed to me. Having already experienced luxury cruise concepts such as Cunard's Queens Grill, Celebrity's The Retreat and Norwegian's The Haven, I'm looking forward to seeing how Explora III compares and whether it lives up to its growing reputation.
What is special about sailing on an inaugural cruise?
One of the biggest attractions for me is the opportunity to experience a brand-new ship from day one. While inaugural voyages can occasionally have minor teething problems, they also offer the excitement of being among the very first guests on board. As someone who enjoys experiencing new cruise concepts and recently launched ships, sailing on Explora III's inaugural voyage felt like an opportunity I didn't want to miss.
How many days should you spend before boarding a Mediterranean cruise?
Whenever possible, I like to arrive at least two nights before embarkation. It not only provides a buffer against travel disruption but also allows the holiday to begin before stepping aboard the ship. For this itinerary, staying on the Italian Riviera means we can enjoy Rapallo, Portofino and the surrounding coastline before joining Explora III in nearby Genoa.
Should you stay in Rapallo or Portofino?
Having previously visited this part of Italy, I deliberately chose Rapallo as our base. It's easier to reach from Milan, offers a wider choice of hotels and restaurants, and provides excellent ferry connections along the coast. Portofino is undoubtedly beautiful, but for me it's somewhere to explore during the day before returning to the more relaxed atmosphere of Rapallo.
Is Rapallo a good base for visiting Portofino?
Absolutely. One of the reasons I chose Rapallo is the excellent ferry network, with services calling at Santa Margherita Ligure, Portofino and San Fruttuoso. Travelling by sea also provides some of the best views of the Ligurian coastline and, in my opinion, is one of the highlights of visiting this part of Italy.
How do you travel from Rome to Florence?
Italy's high-speed rail network makes travelling between Rome and Florence incredibly simple, with journey times of around 90 minutes. Both Italo and Trenitalia offer excellent services. I usually favour Italo Club Executive, particularly the private Salotto compartments, but for this trip the timetable worked better with Trenitalia's Frecciarossa Executive Class. Travelling by train is quicker, more relaxing and, in my opinion, a far better experience than flying.
Why did you choose Orient Express La Minerva?
I've been fascinated by the Orient Express for many years, inspired by Agatha Christie's novels and the romance of classic rail travel. After experiencing the Orient Express La Dolce Vita train and visiting the beautifully designed La Dolce Vita Lounge in Rome, staying at La Minerva felt like the natural next step. I'm particularly looking forward to experiencing Hugo Toro's interiors and seeing how the brand has translated the glamour of the Orient Express into its first hotel.
Why did you choose Hotel Lungarno?
Hotel Lungarno has been recommended to me by numerous fellow Fora advisors and has developed an excellent reputation for both its location and service. Having previously enjoyed a wonderful stay at Portrait Roma, another hotel within the Lungarno Collection, I'm excited to experience a second property from the collection. Its position overlooking the River Arno and Ponte Vecchio also makes it an ideal base for exploring Florence.
What should you book before sailing on Explora III?
Based on my experience with other luxury cruise lines, I'll be planning to reserve restaurants, spa treatments and any popular experiences as early as they're released. This is especially important on an inaugural sailing, where demand is likely to be particularly high.
Can this itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Every itinerary I create is bespoke, so this should simply be viewed as inspiration. You may prefer longer in Rome, additional time in Tuscany, or perhaps a few nights on Lake Como before heading to the Italian Riviera. One of the advantages of working with a luxury travel advisor is creating an itinerary that reflects your own interests, pace and budget rather than following a fixed schedule.
When is the best time to visit the Italian Riviera and the South of France?
The Italian and French Rivieras are enjoyable throughout much of the year, although late spring through early autumn generally offers the best weather for combining sightseeing with cruising. I chose late July because it coincides with Explora III's inaugural voyage, but May, June and September are often excellent alternatives if you prefer slightly cooler temperatures and fewer visitors.
Why did you combine the cruise with stays in Rapallo, Rome and Florence?
For me, the cruise was only part of the attraction. By adding time on the Italian Riviera before embarkation and extending the journey afterwards with Rome and Florence, the itinerary becomes a much more rounded Italian holiday rather than simply a five-night cruise. It also creates the opportunity to experience several exceptional hotels alongside Explora III, making the journey feel far more immersive from beginning to end.
Penthouse Suites offer even more space and comfort, making them ideal for guests looking for an elevated onboard experience.
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Whether you're looking to recreate this itinerary or use it as inspiration for your own Italian adventure, I can design a journey that's completely tailored to you. Every itinerary is bespoke, taking into account your preferred travel style, pace and budget, while ensuring every detail is seamlessly arranged.
As a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor, I can also offer a range of exclusive benefits at many of the hotels featured on this itinerary, including complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, room upgrades (subject to availability) and other VIP amenities, alongside expert advice, personalised recommendations and support before and during your trip.
If you'd like to start planning your own bespoke itinerary, I'd be delighted to help.
Inspired by beach clubs around the world, The Shore Club is the ideal place to unwind with a cocktail while watching the ocean drift by.
About The Private Traveller
The Private Traveller is where I share honest, first-hand reviews of luxury hotels, cruises, rail journeys and destinations from around the world. Every recommendation is based on my own experiences, helping you plan exceptional journeys with confidence. Alongside my travel reviews, I'm also a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor, creating bespoke itineraries with exclusive benefits at many of the world's leading hotels, cruise lines and resorts.
Why Trust My Reviews?
Every hotel, cruise and experience featured on this website has either been personally experienced by me or is clearly identified if it hasn't. My reviews are independent, balanced and designed to give you the information I look for when planning my own travels—from room categories and service to dining, wellness facilities and whether a property genuinely delivers on its promise. My aim is simple: to help you make informed decisions and discover journeys that are truly worth experiencing.
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Many of the hotels featured on The Private Traveller can be booked through me with exclusive Virtuoso and preferred partner benefits, often at the same flexible rate available directly. Depending on the property, these may include complimentary breakfast, hotel credit, room upgrades (subject to availability), early check-in, late check-out and additional personalised amenities.
When you book through me, you'll also benefit from expert advice, a fully tailored itinerary and personal support before and during your trip.
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A stylish and design-led luxury hotel beside Battersea Power Station, art’otel London Battersea combines contemporary art, rooftop wellness, skyline dining and one of London’s most exciting regenerated neighbourhoods.