Living in paradise is not a dream for Daniel Meury. As the general manager of Andara Resort & Villas in Phuket, the Swiss native manages a beautiful hotel that is part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection and still finds time to travel the world. Below, he shares his top travel tips and tricks with us, as well as the latest trends in luxury travel:
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Above Photo: Courtesy of Daniel J. Meury

Last trip?

I was in Bangkok for the Thailand Hotel Summit, which always keeps us up to date with the latest industry and global travel trends. And of course, Bangkok is such a vibrant dynamic city, there are always new and exciting hotspots to check out.

See also: 48 Hours In Bangkok

Next trip?

I will be going to Europe for a mix of business and pleasure. The first stop is Switzerland for a family holiday on my parents' farm, after which I will travel to Germany and Scandinavia for business meetings.

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Daniel J. Meury

What's on your bucket list?

Patagonia and Antarctica.

What do you love most about travelling?

Discovering new places and different cultures, as well as visiting old friends that have relocated to other countries. Through them, I get a different perspective on new places I travel to.

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Daniel J. Meury

Most memorable travel experience?

It was a 12-day cruise from Norway, across the Lofoten Island that went all the way around Spitzbergen. There were many magical moments during the Mid-Summer nights where the sun never set, and getting to see Polar bears up close.

And the worst?

On a recent visit to Niseko, we got caught in a snowstorm and our arrival journey from Sapporo took over 10 hours. The next day was also windy and snowy, but we braved the conditions and hit the slopes. Unfortunately, I broke my arm.

As a Swiss, I suppose I wasn't used to the amazing Japanese powder snow! However, I plan to head back and make it all the way up the mountain.

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Daniel J. Meury

A place you'd visit over and over again?

Going home to Switzerland. I love exploring the beautiful Swiss Alps and experiencing the wonderful variety of hotels and chalets, from classic grand hotels to rustic small chalets.

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Daniel J. Meury

Three things you always travel with?

A good book, a light scarf and my favourite Ricola’s.

What do you normally read on the plane?

I always pick up 2 or 3 magazines at the airport, especially for longer flights.

Favourite travel companion?

Travelling with good friends enriches the journey, experiences and memories.

Aisle or window seat?

Window, for sure.

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Daniel J. Meury

Favourite travel app?

Rome2Rio is a very helpful travel planner to assist you in getting from A to B. In Switzerland, I really like the Swiss train company's SBB Mobile.

Best travel tip?

Get to the airport on time. It's a much more relaxing way to start a trip!

Any tips on overcoming jetlag?

Switch to your destination's time zone when you get on the plane.

What are the latest travel trends?

Offline is the new luxury.

See also: How I Travel: Alex Malcolm Of Jacada Travel

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