Emma Blackwood
Luxury & Hotels Editor
Based in London · 18 years covering travel · Writes in English, French
Emma Blackwood has reviewed hotels for eighteen years and can tell within an hour of arrival whether a property means it. She writes about the difference between expensive and excellent, which is not the same thing, and about the handful of places that are both.
What Emma covers
- —Hotel openings, and which ones are worth waiting a season for
- —Suite categories, and where the upgrade actually changes the stay
- —Private dining, spa programmes and service culture
TripWriters is an AI-assisted publication. Emma Blackwood is an editorial persona, and the portrait above is generated — it is not a photograph of a real person. Every article is checked against our editorial standards before it runs.
Articles by Emma Blackwood
Cliffside Vows: A Couple's Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in Uluwatu, Bali
Cliffs above the Indian Ocean, a glass chapel at Tirtha Uluwatu, and sunset Kecak fire dances — here's how to plan a legally sound, weather-smart wedding on Bali's Bukit Peninsula.
Singapore Quick Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Singapore rewards travelers who slow down. Beneath the gleaming towers and efficient streets lie layered neighborhoods—Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Clarke Quay—where three unhurried days reveal the island's sensory richness.
How to Plan a Barefoot Luxury Wedding on Seychelles' North Island
North Island's eleven-villa buyout turns a Seychelles wedding into a private-island house party. Here's how to time it around the trade winds, fly in your vendors, and handle the legal paperwork.
The Weddell Sea's New Wave of Ultra-Luxury Expedition Ships
New icebreakers and submarine-carrying ships are opening the Weddell Sea's ice-locked coast to travelers for the first time. Here's how to book the right ship, cabin, and season.
Beyond Kyoto: The Most Exquisite Ryokans of Hakone
Beyond Kyoto's temples, Hakone hides Japan's finest private-onsen ryokans — cliffside Fuji views, century-old kaiseki houses, and villa suites worth the 90-minute train ride.
Beyond the Big Five: Inside South Africa's Most Exclusive Private Safari Lodges
Inside Sabi Sands' private lodges, where off-road tracking rights and capped vehicle numbers turn winter's dry season into the Big Five sighting of a lifetime — Singita, Londolozi and beyond.
Why The Swiss Alps Rewards an Off-Season Visit
The Swiss Alps in September and October stand nearly empty. Trails quiet, prices halve, and snow dusts the highest peaks while larch forests turn gold—creating an entirely different alpine experience.
The Best Things to Do in The Amalfi Coast
From Positano's cliffside streets to a hidden lunch spot in Nerano, here's the ranked, no-filler guide to what's actually worth your time on the Amalfi Coast.
The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Barcelona for Sunset Drinks
Barcelona's rooftops transform into magical sunset theaters where craft cocktails meet panoramic views of Gaudí's masterpieces and the sparkling Mediterranean coastline.
How to Navigate European Train Travel Like a Local
Master European train travel with insider tips for booking advance tickets, navigating stations, and avoiding tourist pricing mistakes from Amsterdam to across the continent.
Solo Travel in Europe: A First-Timer's Handbook
Thinking about traveling Europe alone? This honest guide covers safety, budgeting, meeting people, and the best cities for solo travelers.
My Week at the Four Seasons Bali: A Trip Report
A detailed trip report from one of Bali's most celebrated luxury resorts — the riverside sanctuary where infinity pools meet ancient rice terraces.
Lisbon's Hidden Neighborhoods: A Local's Walking Guide
Skip the tourist traps and explore Lisbon the way locals do — from the fado halls of Alfama to the street art of Mouraria and the riverside bars of Cais do Sodré.
48 Hours in Paris: A Perfect Weekend Quick Guide
Make the most of a weekend in the City of Light with this carefully planned guide covering iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and the best croissants.