How do we know? Because we’ve been there, done that and yes, we bought the T-shirt. We’ve driven the whole of Route 66 from Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean so can help you plan your trip. Whether it’s a luxury hotel from the 30s or an authentic motel from the 50s, we know where to stay. If you want to stand on a corner in Winslow, Arizona or find the way to Amarillo, all you need do is go west. And we can make it happen.

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel,  has an unbeatable location in the Upper East Side. One block away is the verdant delight of Central Park, while a wealth of shops and museums are all within walking distance. A morning stroll to the Guggenheim? Easy. Designer stores along Madison Avenue? Literally on your doorstep. And all with splendid views from the rooms and suites on higher floors.

Beyond the celebrated bar are other enticing spots for food and fun. We loved afternoon tea in the decadently-decorated Gallery but made sure to leave room for dinner in stylish Dowling’s restaurant. Best of all is Café Carlyle, an intimate supper club with classic cabaret performances from the likes of Alan Cumming or Rita Wilson. There’s never a dull moment at The Carlyle.

New York can be tiring on your feet and tough on your body but The Carlyle has the ultimate antidote: the Valmont Spa. After a morning of shopping or before an evening of dining, this is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. From facials and wraps to couples massage and LED waterfalls, anything is possible. And even better, Valmont is a Swiss company. No wonder its treatments are so good.

This mini-medina is actually a hotel of unparalleled luxury that’s both traditional and modern, where intricate hand-carved stone walls sit beside state-of-the art technology. The Royal Mansour is a hotel where every guest is treated like royalty, and not just because the king of Morocco is the owner. You can enjoy every indulgence your heart desires, from private pools to personal butlers.

The staff at the Royal Mansour were so discreet and professional that we almost didn’t notice they were there. The gardeners tending the immaculate grounds say hello, the concierge can handle almost any request, the breakfast waiters are happy to recommend local delicacies. Guests in the larger riads get very personal service, with their own butler and even a chef to cater for them in house.

One crucial aspect for us was that the Royal Mansour focuses on looking after its staff and the planet. For example, 80% of the power comes from burning discarded olive stones collected from all over the country, while a vegetable garden provides seasonal produce and herbs for meals and treatments. An impressive 90% of the staff are Moroccan, and a hotel & catering school is being set up next door.

You’ll find cobbled streets and stylish bistros in the old town of Gamla Stan. Check out Abba’s costumes and the Vasa wooden warship in Stockholm’s museums.

Named as the world’s most sustainable destination, Gothenburg has many parks and open spaces, along with cool independent shops and plenty of seaside charm.

You can take your pick of transport to travel around this country, the fifth largest in Europe. Coastal ferries are the best way to visit the country’s many archipelagos and fast trains can whizz you between Sweden’s cities. If you are short on time, Sweden has several domestic airports and it’s worth considering flying to Copenhagen airport which is only 32km from Malmo. You could even drive over the famous Oresund bridge from Denmark as your port of entry.

This compact capital has a vibrant café culture and is becoming quite a gourmet destination. It’s worth climbing up to the castle for grand views.

Lake Bled, with its island church, is one of the star attractions in Slovenia but just 20 minutes away is gorgeous Lake Bohinj. Another gem.

The country is roughly divided into four different travel regions. In the north you’ll find the Julian Alps with hiking and biking trails, while the south has pretty towns along the Adriatic coast. To the east are relaxing thermal areas, or head to central Slovenia where the attractive capital, Ljubljana, is located. As Slovenia is about half the size of Switzerland, distances between destinations are not large so it’s possible to travel to them all in approximately 10-14 days.

Visit the well-preserved capital of Bridgetown, with its fine examples of colonial architecture. Learn about the island’s fascinating history in the interactive museum in Speightstown.

You’re spoilt for choice for accommodation on Barbados. Indulge in high-end luxury with golf courses or go barefoot in beachside boutique hotels.

December to May is the approximate dry season in Barbados. Be aware that the island isn’t completely free from hurricanes but less susceptible than some other Caribbean islands. Ask us for the optimum time to visit. Once on the island, it takes roughly an hour to get from one end to the other by car. Or let us arrange a local guide to take you from coast to coast, and show you the lush interior of this tropical idyll.

If you love jewellery, Jaipur is the place to be – this city is brimming with busy bazaars where craftsmen create perfect pieces out of gorgeous gems. Away from the markets, there are ornate royal palaces, majestic forts and pink walls, earning Jaipur its title of the Pink City. Take a trip to see tigers in Ranthambore National Park.
Explore Jaipur with Cosa

Close to the border with Pakistan and the Thar Desert, Jaisalmer is famous for both its yellow stone architecture and its ‘living’ fort. Thousands of people live within its walls, and the fort attracts many visitors to see its Jain temples. Let Cosa arrange for a private guide to explain more about this golden city.

The London Eye became an instant icon the moment it opened in 2000. Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel is now the most popular tourist attraction in the UK. Imagine enjoying that spectacular panorama across the whole city but without the crowds. With Cosa, you can have one of those famous pods all to yourself.

There are countless ways to see London but how about a private tour in a black cab, with a local driver as your guide? Or going underground and behind the scenes of the famous Tube network? Maybe a foodie tour of the street markets or a ghost tour of the East End. Anything is possible so just ask us.