John Skelton Travels

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland Colour 🎨

I always love a hotel with an extensive art collection. I think having over 16,000 works of art, antiques, and curios would classify as “extensive”. The Fife Arms in Braemar, Scotland, is paradise for an art lover. From two original Picassos (Photos 1 and 5) to Man Ray, Lucien Freud, and a fabulous large canvas by Brueghel The Younger. There are even sketches and watercolours by Queen Victoria and by King Charles. I particularly love the ceiling in the Drawing Room (Photo 2) painted by Chinese artist Zhang Enli. It is the perfect place to sip a cup of tea or a glass of whisky and let the art envelop you. I also adore the glass Red Deer Chandelier (Photo 4) in the lobby by Los Angeles artist Richard Jackson and the incredible large-scale stainless steel chandelier (Photo 6) in the Fire Room by Indian artist Subodh Gupta. There is art everywhere you turn in this beautiful boutique hotel in Aberdeenshire, less than 15 minutes from Balmoral Castle.

Ready for your next adventure in the Scottish Highlands? The time is now to start planning. Let’s get you to colorful Scotland soon! JST

Thessaloníki, Greece’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, boasts a food scene as layered as its history. Start with bougatsa and uncover the flavors that earned this city global acclaim.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/five-must-try-snacks-in-thessaloniki

Image: Yadid Levy

Baja California Sur invites you to uncover towering waterfalls and cultural gems. Explore Los Cabos’ best day trips, where desert, sea, and mountains meet.☀️

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/the-best-day-trips-from-los-cabos

Image: Luis García

A new year means new horizons to chase. This guide to 2025’s must-visit destinations will inspire your travels, from heli-skiing South America to cruising Peru’s rivers.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/the-12-best-places-to-travel-in-2025

Image: Secret Bay Resort

Wake up where the buffalo roam. Amangani blends Wyoming’s breathtaking landscapes with refined comfort, whether you’re exploring Grand Teton National Park or soaking in alpine views from the pool. Discover five reasons why this resort is a must-visit.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/five-things-we-love-amangani

Image: Alex Moling

✨Happy 2025! ✨

If you saw my reel a couple of days ago, you may have noticed that Scotland was a travel highlight from 2024. Scotland is one of my absolute favorite places on the planet: stunning landscapes, friendly people, fascinating history, delicious whisky, fabulous hotels, and much more.

Scotland is made for road trips. I spent a week in late-October driving around the country: from Inverness to Fort William, through Glencoe (pictured) to Oban, on to Braemar (coming soon), and ending in Edinburgh. Most of my clients decide to have a driver accompany them on their journey. Instead, I challenged myself to drive on the left side of the road for the first time, and I actually loved every second. Autumn is also the perfect time for a Scotland road trip: the colors are off the chart, and there are fewer people on the road compared to summer months. I always love lower season travel for this reason.

Over the coming weeks, I plan on showcasing some of the most memorable places I traveled to this past year. Where do YOU want to travel to next? Any destinations on your must experience list for 2025? Contact me and let’s talk about getting you to the place of your dreams soon! JST

In case you missed my 2024 Travel Highlights Reel:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEPsqAAu8LC/

Experience the magic of Québec City in winter—a season that transforms this historic gem into a wonderland. Stroll cobblestone streets draped in snow, try sweet caribou, and warm up in Nordic-style spas. Don’t miss the thrill of ice canoe races or the elegance of skating under twinkling lights.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/meet-the-canadian-city-that-inspires-winter-wonder-more-than-any-other

Image: Fairmont Le Château Frontenac

Greece’s captivating islands stretch across the Aegean, Mediterranean, and Ionian seas, offering a diverse tapestry of ancient history, striking landscapes, and unique architecture. Look beyond Mykonos and Santorini to these surprising archipelagos and islands.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/the-greek-islands-you-need-to-visit-next

Image: Greek National Tourism Organization

Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina spotlights bold flavors and rich traditions in Egypt’s capital. From iconic street food to modern takes on Egyptian cuisine, Cairo’s culinary scene promises unforgettable experiences.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/the-virtuoso-life-chef-michael-mina-knows-where-to-eat-in-cairo

Image: Billal Taright

Set sail aboard Sun Princess, Princess Cruises’ first Sphere Class ship, and savor unforgettable flavors while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/first-look-princess-cruises-sun-princess

Perth offers more than just golden beaches. Wander through its vibrant neighborhoods, uncover hidden gems, and snap a quokka selfie on nearby Rottnest Island. See why Western Australia’s capital shines bright.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/city-guide-suns-out-in-perth

Image: Ian & Erick

Quiet dawns and vibrant days await on the Mekong. This AmaWaterways journey through Vietnam and Cambodia blends serene river moments with cultural discovery.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/a-mekong-river-cruise-explores-the-past-and-future-of-vietnam-and-cambodia

Image: Kevin J. Miyazaki

From old-school tabernas (tapas bars) to cocktail dens and classy wine bars, Madrid boasts some 18,000 spots to celebrate its iconic drinking traditions. Start with these five must-visit bars.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/where-to-drink-vermouth-wine-and-cocktails-in-the-spanish-capital

Ready to plan your next getaway? These stunning new hotels in New York, Tokyo, London, and beyond are the perfect places to start.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/our-favorite-new-hotels-of-2024-so-far

Image: Jonathan Maloney

Sailing through storied Mediterranean ports aboard Evrima feels like a dream—elegant suites, Michelin-level dining, and a private beach at sea redefine luxury on the water. Read more about this megayacht.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/ritz-carlton-makes-a-splash-on-the-megayacht-scene

Explore some of the biggest cruise ships on the seas and learn why these floating destinations are perfect for multigenerational vacations.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/get-to-know-some-of-the-biggest-cruise-ships-on-the-seas

Discover the best trails, thrilling adventures, and insider tips for your Queenstown escape. Explore what makes this alpine haven so extraordinary.

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/an-adventurers-guide-to-queenstown

Image: Rosewood Matakauri

Imagine setting sail along Norway’s winter coast in search of the northern lights. Read more about this traveler’s journey and get inspired for your own aurora adventure!

https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/johnskelton/travel/articles/thrill-of-the-chase-my-quest-to-catch-the-northern-lights

Image: Matt Dutile