Inside Luxury Travel - The world's leading luxury travel television series

A synopsis of each show can be found below. Please select a 'Series' first and then an episode to read more.

Series 1
Series 2
Series 3

In the first of this two-part episode, we visit the Hotel de Paris, built in the 19th century which is the oldest and most famous hotel in Monaco, if not Europe. Varun tours the Wine Cave which has the largest private wine collection in Europe and largest wine collection of any hotel in the world! He then interviews the Tourism Supremo, Michel Bouquier, who gives him an overview of things to do and see in Monaco and visits the legendary Musée Océanographique. Next we're off to the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, the newest property in Monaco. Varun explores the hotel before visiting Prince Rainier III's car collection. Varun then interviews Gildo Pastor from Venturi, the fastest electric road sports car manufacturer on earth and visits the SS Delphine, an amazing yacht charter!

In part two, we visit The Metropole Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in Monaco. Varun cooks with Michelin winning chefs Joel Robouchon & Christophe Cussac before some personal shopping with a local expert. Next we're off to The Hermitage. Varun checks-in and discovers this amazing hotel includes the largest spa in Europe - The Thermes de Marin. Next he hires a fitness instructor before diving with the legendary Pierre Frolla. He finishes the show by driving the famous "F1" circuit with racing legend Frank Sytner.

View clips from the Monaco episodes

In the first of this two-part episode, Varun samples the world's most expensive perfume, at the legendary Fortnum & Mason, he puffs on his favourite cigars at Davidoff, loops the loop in an aerobatics dream machine and back on earth makes friends with the penguins at London Zoo.

In part two, Varun tries out Denbies, a world-beating winery just an hour from London. He has a shirt made for him by the world's top tailor and after discovering Canary Wharf, heads out of town to the home of golf, for, as he puts it, "one of the most special days of my life".

View clips from the London episodes

In the first of this two-part episode - arriving by private yacht - Varun stays at the finest urban residential spa in the world, The Plateau Spa. After sightseeing around Hong Kong on a speedboat, he tries his hardest to paint in an 'Art Jamming' session before moving to the newly refurbished Mandarin Oriental. Here, he tries a painful but soothing cupping treatment before playing with a pair of dolphins in Ocean Park

In part two - at the Four Seasons - Varun tries out tai-chi, learns to make dim-sum and finds out why Jade is to the Chinese what diamonds are to Westerners. He arrives by private helicopter at The Peninsula Hotel on Kowloon Island. After exploring the hotel, he takes a cooking lesson at Zuma followed by a lesson in how to make the perfect pavlova, before ending his stay on a junk on Victoria Harbour.

View clips from the Hong Kong episodes

In the first of this two-part episode, Varun arrives at The Mandarin Oriental hotel in Japan's capital city and after looking round the hotel, heads to one of the most fascinating cooking features he's been part of, with Chef Jeff Ramsey - a culinary magician. He then heads over to the Seiyo Ginza and old friend Lloyd Nakano. Together, they take a luxury Tokyo journey, complete with a traditional tea ceremony, golf and finally karaoke on a river boat.

In part two, Varun firstly visits the newest luxury hotel in Tokyo, The Peninsula. His suite is stunning, with views over Hibiya Park and the Imperial Palace Gardens. He's chauffered to an Iaido lesson where he learns to use a very sharp samurai sword. Varun ends his visit at The Four Seasons, Marunouchi where he takes a bike ride around the Imperial Palace, visits the Tsujiki Fish Market and enjoys an entertaining culinary tour around Tokyo's most famous restaurants.

View clips from the Tokyo episodes

In the first of this two-part episode, Varun starts his LA adventure at the Raffles L'Ermitage hotel. He makes then eats chocolate at Madame Chocolat, the most famous confectioner in LA, then in Venice Beach, visits the most unusual luxury car rental company in the States. Varun then moves into the famous Beverly Wilshire. He drives a Porsche at 180mph round the California Speedway, and gets kissed by a sea-lion!

In part two, we start off at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, where Varun checks out the most luxurious doggie hotel in the world. He then heads to Orange County and to the Montage at Laguna Beach, one of Varun's favourite resorts in the world. He tries his hand at tai-chi, kayaking and even glass blowing.

View clips from the Los Angeles episodes

In the first of this two-part episode, Varun stays at The Setai on South Beach, in a suite with amazing views over Miami and the Atlantic. He checks out the Art Deco area of Miami and takes a flying lesson. He then moves into the Ritz-Carlton at Key Biscayne. He also checks out Miami nightlife and ends his stay being scared by a cassowary and being kissed by an orangutan.

In part two, the final episode of this series, Varun starts his stay at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle where he plays golf - or tries to! He then learns to drive a packer boat and checks out the most amazing vintage couture boutique in the world. Varun's final stay is at The Mandarin Oriental, Miami where he cooks with the award winning chef Clay Conley. Varun checks out the "Versace Mansion" and finally throws himself out of a plane at 13,500ft.

View clips from the Miami episodes

Varun travels to the Western Cape of South Africa beginning at the distinctive and sophisticated La Residence set in the lush Franschhoek Valley. No expense has been spared at this all-suite hotel and Varun takes us around the stunning Maharani Suite with views to the vineyards from its stunning bathroom. Our host takes in the local town "gourmet capital" of South Africa and its wine estates, chocolate and cheese shops. Moving on to an ostrich farm where Varun discusses the history of the big bird, gets to stroke one, perch on its back and stand on an egg. Hopping aboard a super-luxury 10-berth yacht we take in the vistas of Cape Town from the ocean. We move over to Thunder City and our host takes to the air for a flight over land and sea in a Buccaneer Jet. The adrenaline trip continues with a chance to be a "Boy Racer" and hit the Race Track for a super-charged 450 brake horse-power Reynard Dodger.

View clips from the South Africa (Western Cape) show

The show starts in the picturesque city of Vancouver known as "The Jewel of the Pacific" at the luxurious new Shangri-La Hotel. Varun shows us around the Orchard Suite 15 floors up with views over Stanley Park to the North Shore Mountain, a Japanese toilet and shower with 10-heads make this suite stand out from the crowd. We learn about the history and art of the First Nations people at the museum of Anthropology before hopping on a ferry boat to Granville Market for a spot of food shopping in this oasis of fresh produce. Varun heads off to visit an Artisan Sake maker before a highly entertaining sushi Masterclass with World Famous chef Tojo. The next morning a bracing ride in a zodiac takes us across the water to Furry Creek Golf Course before a bike ride to Stanley Park and a "cuddle" with Aurora the beautiful beluga whale at Vancouver Aquarium.

View clips from the Vancouver show

Varun begins in the capital city of Dublin, staying at the Merrion Hotel. His duplex suite has a large stone fire-place, state-of-the-art sound system and a sizeable balcony with cedar-wood hot tub and views to the gardens below. After interviewing General Manager Peter McCann, well known historian and guide Pat Liddy takes him round the city, then it's a trip to Curragh races with horse breeder, trainer and jockey Frances Smollen. Next day Varun takes a run around the city and personal-training session with Niall Hobbert (ex soccer pro), before relaxing in the hotel's Tethra Spa. Next Varun is off to Malahide Castle for an Irish Dancing lesson with Champion dancer Paul Dargan. Later, a Whiskey Tasting Lesson at the Jameson distillery is where Varun learns the process for making the famous Irish brew. Early evening finds our host in the tranquil and luxurious surrounds of the Louise Kennedy lifestyle boutique where he chats with the lady herself.

View clips from the Ireland show

We begin the show "downtown" at the funky and trendy Se - San Diego. Varun stays in a duplex suite on the 20th and 21st floors with views out over the city to the Pacific Ocean. The hotel has a popular lobby bar, a "living wall", rooftop deck with infinity pool and some unique decorative art. After some relaxing spa treatments Varun summons the energy to construct some Hamachi Tacos with the hotel chef before heading out to tour the Gas Lamp Quarter with Ingrid Croce before food and fun at her Jazz Bar and Restarant. Up very early our host heads off for a tranquil and exhilarating hot-air balloon ride over Temecula before stopping off at a couple of vineyards. Our host then moves on to The Lodge at Torrey Pines where a homely lodge experience awaits. All todays modern technology is put to one side as the focus moves to "cosy" comfort and a celebration of Green Brothers architecture.

View clips from the San Diego show

This show takes us to The American Riviera - Santa Barbara. We begin at the Canary Hotel, a trendy boutique hotel with Spanish flair, offering luxury to both the person and the pooch! The Canary Suite 522 offers 3 balconies with views to the ocean, mountains and city. Varun takes a walk with Grace the poodle and Howard Wittauch a local historian to discover the history and influences that make the city what it is today. We learn about the fruits of the ocean along this part of the Californian Coast and how to "shuck" an oyster. We visit Ampelos Vineyards where all the work on the vines is done by hand - it's both "organic" and "bio-dynamic" winemaking. A visit to the Karpeles Museum and a chat with Dr. Karpeles himself allows us to discover some fascinating and rare historic documents that form this private collection.

View clips from the Santa Barbara show

Varun starts his tour of Singapore at The Fullerton Hotel. Here he stays in the Presidential Suite,complete with private lift and glass-enclosed terrace. After interviewing The Fullerton's General Manager Louis Sailer,he is given a master-class in how to prepare the tastiest Peking Duck in the world.Then it's down to the Orchard Road for a chocolate massage. With the hotel concierge Lynn Chan,Varun is measured for a bespoke shirt at Rossi before taking a trip down the Singapore River. He then goes on the city's Night Safari where he becomes the centre of attention for a boa constrictor. The Sarkies Suite at Raffles is Varun's next home. After reviewing the hotel with Raffles General Manager Pierre Jochem...he learns how to make the perfect Singapore Sling before he enjoys a soothing lavender massage.Varun then looks round the city's fascinating Toy Museum. There's a luxury yacht trip onto the Sea before indoor tennis at The Four Seasons and golf at the Raffles Country Club.

View clips from the Singapore show

Varun and the team arrive at Auckland Airport and immediately fly into Hawke's Bay where they check into The Farm at Cape Kidnappers. After interviewing the General Manager - Jay Robertson - Varun hits the golf course where every hole on the back-9 is a "signature hole". Then they enter a forest in search of the elusive Kiwi - the flightless bird. After zooming round the 6000 acre estate on quad bikes Varun takes a detour to the Art Deco city of Napier before arriving in the Maori Village of Waimarama. Back to Auckland where the team checked into Mollies. This unique and eclectic hotel is run by Joanna Bourke and Varun reviews the hotel and tries out some fantastic North Island wines. From here Varun drives to BeesOnline in Waimauku to find out why Manuka honey is the most sought after honey in the world. Auckland Museum of Art is the foremost public art gallery in the country and with the museum curator, Varun looked at art over the ages in New Zealand.

View clips from the New Zealnd (North Island) show

The show opens in Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Our host begins his visit with a stay at the Eichardt's Private Hotel - an unusually small but perfectly formed boutique hotel, with just 5 suites. The hotel has been renovated from an original 1860's 71-bedroom property and offers not only classic style but amazing views. A short walk down the street finds our host at a local contemporary art gallery with artists in residence and an insight into up-coming "Uber Art". A top treat is in store when Varun heads up into the skies over Queenstown with "Choppy" a famous New Zealand pilot and Craig Palmer a local Golf Pro to try his hand at "Mile High Golf" a few practice drives later off a mountain and he then plays the private The Hills Golf Course for an all round truly outstanding golfing experience. The pleasure turns to pain as Varun heads off for an adrenalin junkie experience with a cold but exciting challenge - white water river sledging on the rapids!

View clips from the New Zealnd (South Island) show

Many people may think of Chicago and immediately think of gangsters, Chicago the 3rd largest city in the USA. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan. Varun makes his first stop a visit to the Atelier in the Elysian Spa for a traditional wet-shave, Mimi the lady barber. After his shave Varun shows us around his luxury suite complete with open fire, balcony with view of lake Michigan, John Hancock Building, 1930's tenement building, then to the Peninsula Hotel which has been opened since 2001. Varun drinks Vintage Moët et Chandon Rose whilst Chef Trotter creates a fabulous scallop's dish. There is also a a quick visit to Pooch Hotel for the enjoyment of the K-9 community of Chicago.

View clips from the Chicago show

Varun Sharma begins his journey with the newest addition to Oman for the international luxury traveller, Shangri-La's Barr al Jissah Resort. The 5,500 square foot suite is possibly the largest suite our host has stayed in anywhere in the world and comes complete with views out to the Gulf of Oman. Varun's journey then continues with a lesson on the well-known but little understood Arabic incense - Frankincense. Then sailing out of Bendha Omoda Marina, Varun jumps into the water for a dive complete with views of a soft coral garden, parrot fish and clown fish. Finally, Varun takes a look at Oman fine cuisine with some award winning Lebanese wines and an "open air" cookery lesson.

View clips from the Oman show

First stop is the Banyan Tree Hotel which is the tallest luxury hotel property in the City. Our host takes a private river boat down the Chao Phraya River to explore the canals and water-ways that have defined this city as "The Venice of the Orient". Moving north to Chiang Mai and the Four Seasons Resort Varun shows us his Suite which resembles a beautiful Temple more than a hotel room. A quick lesson in the resort's own Paddy Fields gives us an insight into rice planting and production. Finally, Varun travels to the Golden Triangle where Burma, Thailand and Laos meet, to stay in a Luxury Tent complete with free standing bath and Wi-Fi connection!

View clips from the Thailand show

Varun starts off his visit to New York in the recently renovated The Mark hotel on the Upper East Side. He then starts to explore the Big Apple, beginning with the Tenement Museum which tells the history of the city from 1863 to the 1930s. From there it's on to Greenwich Village and the Foods Of New York Tours for some fine Italian cheeses and hams and thin-crust heaven at Joe's pizza! Then it's back over to one of the most famous art collections in New York for a private tour at The Frick. The second hotel in New York for Varun is The Peninsula where he stays in the $15,000 a night Peninsula Suite! After learning how to make the perfect Manhattan and a trip to the Radio City Music Hall, Varun ends his NYC trip with a night at The American Museum of Natural History.

View clips from the New York show

Varun Sharma's trip begins at a countryside hideaway in the Yarra Valley and by taking a gentle cruise above the vineyards and kangaroos in hot air balloon. He then heads off to find those vineyards on horseback, before taking the plunge in the Peninsula Hot Springs resort with its 47 different pool and spa experiences. Back in the city, our host is taken to undiscovered galleries and stores which reflect the explosion of art and culture in the city and he also gets to stretch his limbs with a lesson in kite-surfing on St. Kilda Beach.

View clips from the Melbourne show

First stop for Varun Sharma in the Australian State of Tasmania is The Henry Jones Art Hotel. Built on a water-front and dedicated to art, with every room offering a unique experience, the building itself was converted from a jam factory. Varun then takes a trip to one of the National Parks, home of some of the wonderful furry creatures native to this region - wombats, bandicoots and Tasmanian Devils galore! After a spot of fly-fishing at the Currawong Lakes, it is time for golf with a twist as Varun is put through his paces amongst the sheep and hills in true 1840's style.

View clips from the Tasmania show

In the city known for stark contrasts perhaps it's not that surprising that Varun Sharma finds that one of its most luxurious dwellings, The Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanhamet, is in fact a historic converted prison building. A private cruise on the Bosphorus allows our host to view both sides of this imposing and historic city from the water and then checks into the Ritz Carlton, the city's first high-rise building, overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. After spending some time in Istanbul's oldest Turkish bath, the Cagaloglu Hamam, meeting one of the world's leading authorities on Islamic Calligraphy and munching on some Turkish Delight, Varun boards his helicopter to depart the city in style.

View clips from the Istanbul show

Varun Sharma begins his travels on the South Eastern side of South Africa at the luxurious Oyster Box Hotel in Durban, a newly refurbished gem of a property overlooking the Indian Ocean and boasting its own light-house. In the course of some adrenalin-filled shark diving - of the 'no cage' variety - he gets to meet Black Tip, Dusky and Tiger Sharks. Varun then embarks on a nail-biting game walk tracking Black Rhino at a luxury game reserve and is coaxed into a canoe-trip out on the river amongst the crocodiles and hippos.

View clips from the KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa East) show

On his arrival in Prague, Varun Sharma is surprised to find himself being whisked away in a vintage car to the Kempinski Hotel, right in the city's Old Town that offers an unusual combination of 62 suites and just 13 rooms. The Penthouse Suite (Varun's home for a few days) boasts marble, chandeliers and a private outdoor jacuzzi, not to mention the superb views of the roof-tops of the city. Later our host heads off for the most unusual of spa treatments, a beer bath, before he is ready to move hotels. The Four Seasons offers guests a choice of Baroque, Classical, Renaissance and Modern room styles and its Allegro Restaurant is the only Michelin Star kitchen in the Czech Republic. The exquisite trip ends with a performance of Swan Lake by the Prague State Opera House Ballet Company.

View clips from the Prague show

Varun Sharma finds that The Hotel Arts on Barcelona's beachfront boasts an art collection to rival many galleries and offers not one but two Michelin Star restaurants. Varun steps out to view the amazing modernist architecture around the city before moving on to his second hotel stay at the Hotel La Grand Florida, on a hillside just outside of Barcelona, with views to the city, the sea and beyond. He ends the show with a spin in a 520 horse-power Lamborghini around the Circuit de Cataluna F1 track.

View clips from the Barcelona show

Varun's trip begins with a stay at The Glass House Hotel in Edinburgh, an impressive building with a fabulous neo-gothic façade masking a super-contemporary interior and a two-acre roof garden. After a tour of the most famous pieces on display at the National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle awaits, where Varun is treated to a very special viewing of some of its secret parts. In Inverness, a Kilt Historian recounts the origins of the Scottish tartan and gives tips on how it should be worn, prompting Varun to commission his very own set of tartan trousers. Next stop is Carnegie Club at Skibo Castle, with Varun staying in Mr Carnegie's Suite that also happens to be one of two rooms listed at the property by Scottish Heritage. Before he can get too cozy, however, he's out on the North Sea to sneak a peek at some bottle-nose dolphins, porpoise and grey seals.

View clips from the Scotland show

The Auberge Saint-Antoine is a luxury hotel, built on a historical site in the Old Part of Quebéc City and housing many artefacts dating back to the 17th Century. Varun stays here in a gorgeous suite with a 700 square foot outdoor terrace, before paying a visit to the Museum of Civilisation to learn about the First Nations people with roots in the region going back as far as 1000 BC. He also meets an Elder from the local Wendake Tribe, who now live in specially re-created village. Next he sets up shop at La Pinsonnière, up north in the Charlevoix Region, in a suite with 180 degree views of the St. Lawrence River and goes on to explore the small town of Baie-St-Paul, not only known for its blossoming art scene, but as the birthplace of the spectacular Cirque du Soleil. Venturing onto the St. Lawrence River, Varun ends up spotting three different species of whale, while on his way through the Saguenay Region and St. Félicien he sees elks, black bears and caribou pass his off-road vehicle.

View clips from the Quebéc show

Varun's journey begins in the State of Baja California Sur at the outstanding Las Ventanas al Paraíso Hotel with views over the Sea of Cortes. This part of the world gets 350 days of sunshine a year, so plenty of time for a game of golf. Varun also enjoys a horse ride from the desert to the beachfront of the hotel. He then tries his hand at glass-blowing at a local glass recycle factory, before crossing over to the State of Nayarit. The popular tourist destination boasts a sparkling Riviera while further inland the landscape becomes more tropical and is dominated by coffee and tobacco plantations. Varun stays at The Four Seasons Punta Mita in the lush rainforest and his Coral Suite comes with five bedrooms, a private cinema, gym, beach-front and a telescope. He is then taken to swim with Jenny, the Uruguayan sea lion, spared from a local cull by the Uruguayan government. It all ends with the touching release of over 300 baby Olive Ridley turtles into the ocean.

View clips from the Mexico show

Hawaii is the only island state in the United States of America and Varun kicks off his visit in Honolulu, on the island of O'ahu. His home for a few nights is the Halekulani, a luxury hotel in Waikiki and a 250 square meter mega-suite with views over Waikiki Beach. Taking a surfing lesson goes much better than expected and he is up on his board riding a wave within just 20 minutes. After an exhilarating glider-ride his next stop is the island of Maui, the second largest Hawaiian island and The Four Seasons Maui. A highlight of the trip is a Ukulele lesson on Paia Beach, while in the Maui Ocean Centre Varun gets the chance to measure and weigh baby turtles and to feed the sting-rays with curator John Gorman.

View clips from the Hawaii show

The trip begins at the Anantara Resort on Sir Bani Yas Island, just off the shore of the Persian Gulf. A private plane brings Varun over from Abu Dhabi for his stay at the Royal Villa with a four-poster bed, jacuzzi and 24-hour butler service among its many first-class amenities. A tour of the island wildlife park is followed by a sunset cruise on the private catamaran of the resort. Next Varun heads to Yas Island, home of the first Golf Links Course in the Emirates, before taking an Aston Martin for a spin around the Yas Marina Circuit which is the first Grand Prix track to have a purpose-built hotel above it. A short helicopter ride later Varun finds himself in the desert at the Qasr Al Sarab Resort. His suite is complete with a huge rain shower and a terrace that has its own telescope. He takes a drive further into the desert for a 'dune bashing' trip in a 4x4 vehicle, before he is steamed and scrubbed in the hotel hamam and sampling the exquisite wine selection on offer.

View clips from the Abu Dhabi show

Soon after landing in Papeete, the hub airport of the region, Varun is off to Bora Bora to join his own private 72-foot yacht, the ROA. They dock in Raiatea where Maria Cowan takes Varun on a drive up Mount Temahani, an over 3 million-years-old dormant volcano. They have to pass through vegetation thick with mango trees, pineapple bushes and beautiful flowers before reaching the crater. Back on the coast the origins of the local religion are revealed at Tapu-Tapu-Atea, a Maori Holy Site, then at the Atger Vanilla Farm Varun learns about the 3 grades of vanilla, used for anything from spa to food products and later the process of culturing a pearl at Perticulteur a Tahaa, a successful pearl farm. Back on Bora Bora Varun checks into the Four Seasons Hotel, located on the shores of the island under the gaze of Mount Otemanu. His beach-front suite is complete with its own sand, sea and sunbeds. After a spot of diving Varun bows out with his own display of beachfront flame throwing.

View clips from the French Polynesia show