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.
27 March 27, 2026

Are Private Villas Safe for Families and First-Time Travellers? 

By |2026-04-07T10:43:35+08:00March 27, 2026|Categories: Travel Tips|Tags: , , , |

The honest, practical guide to villa safety, and why a private villa might be the safest holiday you will ever take. For many travellers, the mention of ‘villa travel’ conjures images of an idyllic private retreat with staff, a private pool, and lush tropical surroundings. But, there’s also a quiet nagging question: Is it as safe as hotels? The short answer is yes. Private luxury villas, particularly those managed by reputable operators like Elite Havens, are not only safe, but often safer than hotels and resorts. These luxury homes offer a more controlled, private, and secure environment than a five-star hotel with round-the-clock staff.

26 March 26, 2026

Why Are Families Choosing Luxury Villas Over Hotels for Holidays? 

By |2026-04-07T10:36:25+08:00March 26, 2026|Categories: Families|Tags: , , |

More families are choosing private villas over hotels and resorts for their holidays as they offer an echelon of service that luxury travellers appreciate and have now come to expect as well. From babysitting services and complete privacy to curated excursions, villas adapt to each family’s needs, making it the gold standard of luxury family travel. 

25 March 25, 2026

How Much Does a Luxury Villa in Bali Cost for a Week? 

By |2026-03-25T19:28:08+08:00March 25, 2026|Categories: Destinations|Tags: , , |

Renting a luxury villa in Bali depends on the location, villa size, seasonality, and amenities. Here’s a guide that breaks down the full cost spectrum, understanding what drives the pricing of these luxury villa rentals, and why, when compared with hotels, villas deliver better value for families and groups. Here’s all that you need to know before planning your Bali vacation. 

Elite Access