Being from a German-speaking, and lately French-speaking background, I had not come across those subscriber guides until recently.

TBH I just learned about the existence of the Gallivanter's Guide on FT. Previously, I heard about Andrew Harper's Hideaway Report, but never really saw the product.

I am still collecting information, as to which guide may be useful for me.

The problem is that I have pretty much covered the "standard" destinations and am keen to see new countries.

My last trips were Transafrica, part of Silk Road & Transsiberia, Caucasus/Iran/Iraq. Always totally individually researched and booked and travelled (self-drive or taxis/limos) - although sometimes together with TrophyWoman.

I doubt that there is a guide that lists luxury hotels and hidden gems in those remote places, but they do exist. Plenty of them actually. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/luxur...gh-places.html