Travel glossary

The language of luxury travel

Plain-English definitions for the terms you'll meet when booking — from board basis to butler service.

All-inclusiveDining: A rate that bundles accommodation, meals, drinks and usually selected activities into one price, so little is charged on top during the stay.

Bed & breakfast (B&B)Dining: A board basis that includes your room and breakfast each morning, leaving lunch and dinner to arrange yourself.
Best-rate guaranteeBooking: A promise to match or beat a lower public rate found elsewhere for the same stay, dates and conditions.
Butler serviceService: A dedicated personal attendant for your villa or suite who handles unpacking, reservations, in-suite dining and bespoke requests throughout your stay.

ConciergeService: A specialist who arranges experiences, transfers, dining and hard-to-get access, turning a booking into a fully planned trip.

Demi-pensionDining: The French term for half board — breakfast and dinner included, lunch excluded.

Free cancellationBooking: A booking policy letting you cancel without penalty up to a stated deadline, with any deposit fully refunded.
Full boardDining: A board basis that includes breakfast, lunch and dinner each day — drinks are usually charged separately.

Half boardDining: A board basis covering breakfast and dinner daily; lunch is not included, giving you freedom to explore midday.
House reefOn the ground: A coral reef directly accessible from a resort's shoreline, snorkellable without a boat — a key consideration for island stays.

Michelin KeyStays: Michelin's distinction for hotels, awarding one to three Keys for exceptional stays — the lodging equivalent of its restaurant Stars.

Overwater villaStays: A standalone villa built on stilts above a lagoon, typically with direct water access, a private deck and glass floor panels.

Private pool villaStays: A villa with its own enclosed swimming pool for the exclusive use of your party, separate from any shared resort pools.

Resort feeBooking: A mandatory daily charge some properties add for amenities such as Wi-Fi, pools and fitness facilities; we surface it up front in total pricing.
RiadStays: A traditional Moroccan house or palace built around an interior garden or courtyard, now often run as an intimate luxury guesthouse.
RyokanStays: A traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms, futon bedding and often a private or communal onsen, usually serving kaiseki dinners.

Shoulder seasonBooking: The periods either side of peak season offering good weather, lower prices and fewer crowds — often the best-value time to travel.
Ski-in/ski-outStays: A chalet or hotel positioned so you can ski directly to and from the slopes without transfers, maximising time on the mountain.

TransferOn the ground: Pre-arranged transport between airport, port or station and your accommodation — by car, speedboat, seaplane or helicopter.
Turndown serviceService: An evening housekeeping visit that prepares the room for sleep — drawing curtains, dimming lights and refreshing the bed.