Author name: Aleks Bond

Lake Como’s Villa Pliniana by Sereno Hotels has been crowned Europe’s Best Villa at the 2025 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, celebrated for its seamless blend of 16th-century Renaissance architecture and contemporary luxury. Set across 18 acres of waterfront gardens with cascading waterfalls, the estate accommodates up to 39 guests across the main villa and two standalone residences. Under the guidance of Claudio Cadeddu, Chief Commercial Officer of Sereno Hotels, the property continues to combine centuries of history with attentive, personalised service that ensures every stay is both private and extraordinary

Madrid’s return to Formula 1 in 2026 comes to life at the FORMULA 1 TAG HEUER GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2026, supported by MATCH Hospitality’s six distinct experiences. From Michelin-starred dining and pit-lane views at Club 91, to the classic glamour of Traction Club and the family-friendly energy of La Terminal, the offering continues through El Mirador, La Azotea and the turn-side focus of Ignition Club

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has identified that luxury travel in 2026 is defined by authenticity, discovery, and thoughtful experiences. Guests are immersing themselves in sport at The Post Oak Hotel Houston, The Leela Palace Jaipur, and Boston Harbor Hotel; staying in heritage properties like Serras Sevilla, Romègas Hotel, and Palais Jamaï Fès; and embracing science-driven wellness at Amrit Ocean Resort, Sommerro Oslo, and The Alpina Gstaad. Distinctive design, pet-friendly amenities, and nature-focused journeys at Kasbah Tamadot, Rancho Santana, The Mark New York, and Mazaj Meroot complete the picture

In 2026, Dubai raises the bar for luxury travel with openings from Six Senses The Palm, Baccarat Hotel and Residences Dubai, Gran Meliá Dubai, Kimpton Dubai, InterContinental Resort Portofino, and Côte d’Azur Nice Hotel. Dining highlights include Nobu One Za’abeel, Barrafina DIFC, Osaka Nikkei, AVLU, The MAINE Palm, Canary Club, and Abra Restaurant at the Etihad Museum. Innovation arrives with Joby Aviation’s electric air taxis, demonstrating Dubai’s capacity to deliver on every level

After more than a decade as an exclusive private estate, the historic Le Beauvallon reopens as a hotel on 24 April 2026 under COMO Hotels and Resorts’ management. The 1914 Belle Époque property, which once hosted Winston Churchill and Audrey Hepburn, occupies a ten-acre hillside estate overlooking the Gulf of Saint-Tropez. Chief Executive Olivier Jolivet describes it as a rare opportunity for the group. The bayside gardens feature the 2002 Serpentine Gallery Summer Pavilion by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Toyo Ito

Guatemala’s volcanic highlands, dense jungle, and serene lakes offer a quietly transformative approach to wellness. Mayan rituals, geothermal pools, and remote retreats sit alongside understated luxury, guiding visitors through surf, meditation, and forest treks. Each experience from sunrise atop a volcano to herbal preparation in village gardens or a tranquil lakefront evening feels rooted in culture, place, and natural beauty

From sunrise yoga at Nujuma to bioluminescent night snorkelling, curated culinary journeys at Nesma, Gishiki 45, and Tilina, and stargazing under desert skies, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, deliver immersive seasonal programming. Each experience from wellness, marine exploration, and fine dining is designed to connect guests to nature, culture, and refined luxury year-round

Hotel Arts Barcelona, the landmark five-star hotel on Port Olímpic, has partnered with FC Barcelona to offer guests exclusive access to the Players’ Zone at Spotify Camp Nou. The experience includes a Panorama Sea View Room, hospitality lounge access, private stadium transfers, FC Barcelona merchandise, and optional museum visits, complemented by Michelin-starred dining at Enoteca led by chef Paco Pérez

Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has unveiled major upgrades at Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, designed for multigenerational families. The new Four-Bedroom Landaa Estate and Three-Bedroom Kuda Estate, alongside refreshed Beach Villas, offer expanded indoor-outdoor living, private pools, and oceanfront views. Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin and Kuda Huraa General Manager Didier Jardin highlight how guest feedback shaped these luxurious, flexible spaces for connection, privacy, and effortless island living

Captain’s Choice’s 2026 programme of expert-led journeys combines comfort, insight, and carefully curated experiences. From retracing the historic Kangaroo Route between Sydney and London, to driving Italy’s most scenic roads, and exploring Southern Italy through its vineyards, cuisine, and historic towns, each itinerary pairs knowledgeable hosts with seamless logistics, offering travellers the chance to engage deeply with the destinations they visit