Editor and entrepreneur Dervla Louli Musgrave (@dervlalouli) opens up about luxury with intention, traveling with family, and why Niseko keeps calling her back.
Whether it’s a ski-in ski-out property in Japan or a beachfront villa in Thailand, globetrotter Dervla Louli Musgrave approaches travel with an editor’s eye and a wellness lens. As the founder of Compare Retreats and a longtime voice in luxury media, she’s spent the last decade exploring the world’s most transformative destinations — not just for work, but with her growing family in tow.
Her latest trip? A return to Niseko with her husband Alistair, where The Vale Niseko set the scene for a ski-filled, onsen-laced winter escape. Between enjoying Japow to savouring local seafood, Dervla shares why this corner of Japan continues to inspire.
Even before launching Compare Retreats, you were already an avid traveler — a Luxe Nomad in your own right. How have your media experiences shaped your perspective on travel?
I’ve been writing about, and working in travel, for over a decade now and I’m lucky that I’ve seen and experienced the best hotels and resorts in the world. I’ve written about beautiful destinations for Vogue and Tatler, done deep dives into incredible wellness retreats and spa hotels for my own company Compare Retreats and shared in-depth industry insights on the wellness tourism industry with publications like Billionaire and Bloomberg.
I’m first and foremost an editor and my experience in media and luxury makes it very easy to focus on quality over quantity, which is critical to my work in the wellness and travel space. There are so many fantastic retreats and spa hotels in the world, but very few are life changing, and those are the ones we focus on. This concise edit, and constant search for perfection, is what makes Compare Retreats and the work my team and I do very unique.
Read also: 5 Wellness Trends To Know and Try in 2025
As a wellness travel entrepreneur, how do you keep travel exciting when it’s also part of your job?
The more I see, the more I want to see, and my work is never done. The beautiful thing about my business is that I don’t see it as work because travel and wellness have always been such large parts of my life. It’s been a privilege and joy to be able to share my work with my family, especially with my very small children.
Seeing places that I’m familiar with like Phuket through their eyes and experiencing new properties like Sava Beach Villas has made me appreciate relaxing, beachfront, and fully-staffed properties with ample space for little ones to roam around and explore safely.
It has also been so fun to travel with my husband for more active adventures to places like Niseko, as he’s an avid skier and we both love being outdoors in nature. Later this year I’ll be bringing my father who is a retired doctor to one of the best medical longevity retreats in the world for a father-daughter trip. I’m lucky that I get to incorporate my work trips with spending time with family and friends.
Tell us, what drew you back to Niseko for a second visit?
My first trip to Niseko was to celebrate a friend’s birthday and she did the most amazing job of sharing this unique place that I had never been to before. The mixture of skiing, snacking and spa’ing got me hooked in a matter of days. As soon as I left I wanted to return immediately.
My husband grew up skiing and I knew he would appreciate the Japow and laid-back Niseko vibe. I tried out a few different properties including The Loft, The Vale and The Maples and loved the concierge and shuttle services they all offered plus the great locations. We’ll be returning next season with our children and are so excited to share it with them.
Read also: Meet Tash Sarmiento — The GM of The Maples Niseko Curating Unforgettable Stays
Any specific moments from the trip that made your holiday extra memorable?
I had a booking at Niseko Confidential one afternoon and I was happily surprised to find out an old acquaintance, Holly Graham, was the co-founder. Holly is a former teacher and talented writer who asked for advice many years ago on how to move into the F&B media space in Hong Kong. She made the jump and has since gone on to write books, open incredible bars, and win awards. It was a full circle moment!
Trying not to shop at all of Sandy Ip’s The Holiday Project outposts was also quite memorable, and difficult. Her skiwear edit is epic!
Can you share a few personal recommendations on how to best enjoy Niseko?
It’s important to plan everything in advance from being collected at the airport to booking your ski instructor, restaurants, and more.
Staying at a property with a dedicated concierge and car service makes everything a lot more enjoyable and relaxing. I really loved exploring the different ski areas and getting out as soon as the ski lifts open to get some fresh powder and spend quiet time on the slopes was fantastic. The wide quiet Annupuri slopes were perfect for a fair weather skier like me and I loved traversing to the different areas of the mountain too.
Ezo Seafood takeaway is an absolute must, it’s the first thing I pre-ordered after I booked my flights. I also highly recommend staying at a property with your own private onsen as it’s the most gorgeous way to unwind.
Read also: Onsen, Pools and Saunas: 5 Of The Best Wellness Properties In Niseko
Having experienced both a winter escape in Niseko and a tropical getaway in Phuket with The Luxe Nomad, which do you prefer?
It’s impossible to choose between Niseko and Phuket and thankfully we don’t have to as we love Niseko around Christmas and Chinese New Year and Phuket during Easter.
Because we live in a dense and busy city like Hong Kong our travels usually involve being outdoors in nature as much as possible. We are also very conscious of how important nature is to our families health and overall wellbeing.
In Niseko the Japow, varied food options, onsen culture and casual nature of the resort really appeal to us. In Phuket the pristine beaches, family-friendly activities, relaxed vibe and brilliant hospitality keep us returning every year. We are heading to Phuket with our family soon and always pre-book trips to ethical elephant sanctuaries and Little Bukit Farm.
Read also: Earth Day: 6 Eco-Conscious Dining Experiences in Bali, Phuket, and Niseko
Lastly, any dream destinations or experiences on your radar for 2025?
Amanpulo won gold in Compare Retreats annual Luxury Wellness Travel Awards last year and I’ve booked a wellness immersion for May. I adore the Philippines and the water surrounding the islands is some of the most beautiful I’ve ever explored. There is something very healing and restorative about being on an island, and Amanpulo is the most serene of all.
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