Top Travel TV for Armchair Adventurers: Part II

In our second instalment of top travel TV recommendations for armchair adventurers (see part one here), we’ve put together a list of the best, most binge-worthy shows for keeping escape alive whilst we’re at home. Our screen surfing has taken us behind the scenes at luxury hotels across the world and even on a full-blown Greek Odyssey. So sit back, relax, and switch on – these are programmes you could be streaming whilst holidays are temporarily on hold. 

My Greek Odyssey

In this four-season docuseries, larger-than-life presenter Peter Maneas is on a mission to step foot on all 227 inhabited Greek islands, cruising on his very own superyacht, aptly dubbed Mia Zoi (or One Life). Prepare to be blown out of the water by fascinating history, mouthwatering cuisine, plus the cultural quirks and idiosyncrasies that give each destination an individual flair. Series one kicks off in Athens before travelling the Saronic and Ionian Islands, including Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Corfu, and Peter’s family home on Kythira. Discover regional highlights such as fragrant forests, beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, and exciting eats.

Now it wouldn’t be a real Odyssey if the lesser-known islands weren’t on the programme’s packed agenda alongside Greece’s most popular destinations. Leave no stone unturned, from the thermal baths on Samothrace and the famous fireworks festival on Chios, to enjoying red mullet on Ithaki and rock climbing on Kalymnos. Watching Peter and his crew explore high and low with such enthusiasm is the ideal antidote for the British winter. Allow yourself to be swept away by wanderlust-worthy scenes and build that must-visit list for your next hellenic holiday. Set sail straight from your settee, streaming the first three seasons here on Amazon Prime.

Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby

If, like us, you simply cannot resist the appeal of a five-star, luxury resort but you’ve always wondered what goes into faultlessly smooth hospitality, we’ve got just the show for you. In Life Beyond the Lobby, Giles Coren and Monica Galetti roll up their sleeves, getting stuck into the day-to-day workings of some of the world’s most extraordinary hotels. You’ll uncover the service secrets of staff in deluxe destinations both near and far – from London’s lofty heights to the heart of cosmopolitan Singapore and the Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, perched high above an alpine canyon in Oman.

In the latest series, we’ve most recently travelled vicariously to the impressive Jade Mountain in St. Lucia. At this handcrafted hotel, each of the 29 rooms is exposed to the elements with no external walls, guaranteeing dramatic views of the lush Pitons and surrounding ocean. Guests can also expect their own private infinity pool and tireless assistance from a personal butler. Watch as Giles discovers that delivering mimosas up and down this cliff-hewn hotel is trickier than it looks, and see Monica serving freshly-caught lionfish to guests visiting for a breath-taking beach wedding. Catch all three seasons here on BBC iPlayer.

Travel Man’s Greatest Trips

Richard Ayoade’s awkward antics take centre stage as he rounds up his most treasured moments from the Travel Man vault. Four new compilation episodes are grouped in themes of arts & crafts, food & drink, adrenaline-pumping activities, and mind, body & soul. Here the world’s most cross-continental holiday spots come pre-cherry picked, plunging Ayoade’s Poindexter persona into a number of exciting scenarios. If you were a fan of the original series, this round-up is bound to be a nostalgic giggle full of familiar faces and places. 

Buckle up for the first episode, ‘Out and About’, which cruises through highlights like bridge-scaling with Nish Kumar in Porto, plus airboats and alligators with Rhod Gilbert in Miami. Don’t miss out on our personal favourite: scoping the sights from the world’s tallest tower – the Burj Al Arab – with Johnny Vegas in Dubai. If this doesn’t get you reaching for your favourite comedic companion for a far-flung friendship adventure, we’re not sure what will. You can watch Travel Man’s Greatest Trips online on Channel 4.

To conclude

At Kenwood Travel, we’re not just experts in scanning the TV guide – although this is a totally legitimate form of holiday research. We’re also dedicated planning professionals who have personally visited the destinations and resorts we offer to our clients. Get online to peruse our worldwide holiday deals or simply call 020 7749 9220 to speak to a friendly member of the team for extra information or inspiration.