About Irene Fernandes

Irene Fernandes is a Mumbai-based independent journalist and content editor with over 19 years of experience in lifestyle, travel, real estate, and luxury features. She holds degrees in Life Sciences and Law, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Formerly, a senior journalist and editor at The Times of India, Irene has spearheaded coffee table books, magazines, international travel features, hyperlocal features, and award-winning editorial projects. When not crafting compelling narratives, you will find Irene planning her next wanderlust or honing her singing skills. On work-free days, Irene enjoys cooking a hearty meal from scratch for her loved ones, catching up on her reading list, or capturing Mumbai’s hidden bylanes through street photography.
14 June 14, 2026

The Offbeat Travel Map Luxury Travellers Are Now Following

By |2026-06-15T08:50:51+08:00June 14, 2026|Categories: Destinations, Editor's Pick, Featured|Tags: , , , |

Luxury travellers are moving beyond overcrowded hotspots and seeking quieter, more immersive destinations with stronger local character. Instead of chasing ‘best of’ lists, affluent travellers are prioritising privacy, authenticity, and meaningful experiences in places like Koh Samui’s south coast, Phuket’s Millionaires’ Mile, and Niseko beyond ski season. The shift is also driving demand for fully staffed private villas that offer hyper-personalised access to a destination.

14 June 14, 2026

Bali vs Phuket vs Niseko: Which Destination Is Best For Families? 

By |2026-06-15T09:22:22+08:00June 14, 2026|Categories: Destinations, Families, Places to Stay, Travel Tips|Tags: , , , , , , |

Bali, Phuket and Niseko are among Asia’s most popular family holiday destinations, but each offers a very different experience. Bali stands out for affordability, culture and private villa stays. Phuket excels in easy, beach-focused luxury holidays with excellent infrastructure. Niseko is ideal for families seeking a world-class ski holiday and unforgettable winter experiences. 

14 June 14, 2026

Luxury Villas With Private Chefs: Everything Travellers Need To Know

By |2026-06-19T13:14:56+08:00June 14, 2026|Categories: Elite Stays, Food & Drink, Travel Tips|Tags: , , , , |

From handling fussy kids to flexible meal times, luxury villas offer personalised menus, cultural immersion and convenience. Read on to know how in-villa dining and private chefs are transforming family travel, and how more luxury travellers are choosing private chef services over hotel restaurants 

3 June 3, 2026

When to Book Your Niseko Ski Holiday: Benefits of Booking Early

By |2026-06-09T08:22:01+08:00June 3, 2026|Categories: Destinations, Featured, Tips, Travel Tips|Tags: , , , |

Planning a ski holiday in Niseko, Japan? Booking early is essential to secure the best private chalets, preferred dates, and early-bird rates. This guide explains when to book, the best time to visit, where to stay, and why private chalets offer the best experience for families and groups.

3 June 3, 2026

Are Private Villas in Asia Fully Staffed? What’s Included When You Book

By |2026-06-04T12:14:51+08:00June 3, 2026|Categories: Elite Stays, People, Travel Tips|Tags: , , , |

When people picture a private villa holiday, they often imagine the pool, the views, the uninterrupted sky. What they may overlook is the ease of doing nothing. No tidying up after yourself. No meals to be made. Just being pampered. The housekeeper who draws the blinds at just the right angle to keep the coming sunrays off your pillow and makes your bed as you sip your morning cup brewed as per your taste by the poolside. The Villa Manager, who has quietly arranged the day’s itinerary, and along with The Elite Concierge, booked your private boat tour of nearby islands, all before you’ve had your breakfast cooked by your personal chef, to your preferences, of course. That is what a fully staffed private villa feels like. And it is the single biggest reason why travellers who switch from five-star hotels to luxury villa rentals rarely go back. This guide answers all the questions travellers ask about villa staff, services, and costs so you can book with complete confidence.

Elite Access