Inside Luxury Travel - Season 1

This episode centres on Abu Dhabi where Varun heads to the glamorous Emirates Palace. His adventures start on a sea plane over the region before he joins a cooking class, makes time for paddle boarding and camel riding as well as scuba diving with dolphins. Then it's on to the Park Hyatt on Saadiyat Island for a spot of golf and wildlife spotting. The next day Varun is back in the kitchen, this time at Rosewood Hotel where he joins an award-winning Catalan chef.

Varun travels to the North of the beautiful island of St Lucia for a night at the luxurious Cap Maison. After taking a dip in his own roof-top plunge pool, Varun stops in at the cellar to sip on some vintage wine and, of course, a Caribbean rum tasting. The next day is action packed as Varun explores the island by quad bike before a dramatic arrival at Sugar Beach where he settles in for the night. Next Varun explores the dirty side of luxury with a trip to the local mud baths, warmed by volcanic heat. This leaves just enough time for Varun to clean up and cool down with a spot of Scuba diving in the reefs surrounding the resort.

Varun checks into one of the most luxurious properties in Switzerland – The Beau Rivage Palace in Lausanne. Once settled, he heads to Cressiere to cook with the 3-Michelin starred chef, Benoit Voilier. The learning continues with a trip to Domaine du Daley, one of the country's top wine producers, for a masterclass in winemaking. But it's not all fine food and good wine, Varun also meets the owner of Parmigiani in Saint-Croix, which crafts some of the most expensive and elaborate watches in the world, as well as a number of other local businesses. Varun rounds off his trip with a visit to the famed EHL, known as the finest hotel school in the world – will he cut it in their kitchens?

The location is St Petersburg and Varun's first stop is The Four Seasons Lion Palace. From here Varun enjoys a boat trip of the city taking in the breath-taking sights before he returns to the hotel for a very Russian masterclass of vodka tasting! Once again Varun feels the heat of a top kitchen at the four Seasons and learns to make a traditional Russian dish featuring caviar. There's plenty of culture on offer in Russia and Varun investigates the country's growing fashion industry, meets a prestigious art dealer and visits the famous Mikhailovsky Theatre.

The Peloponnese has a lot on offer and Varun tries to take in as much as possible! After arriving at AmanZo'e resort by helicopter, Varun meets the resort Dive-Master - to discuss the diving available in the wonderful clear waters in the area before taking a dip themselves. Back on dry land Varun visits the ancient towns of Epidavros and Mycenea before heading back to the hotel to meet the Executive Chef to whip up a Greek speciality in the private kitchen. In addition to learning to cook, our intrepid host also takes a boat cruise to Spetses and Hydra, learns about the region's rich history and olive oil production before unwinding at The Beach Club with a cocktail!