Author name: Aleks Bond

From candlelit dining at The Witchery to Michelin-starred feasts at Iniala Harbour House, this collection of nine festive escapes spans the Scottish Highlands to the Maltese coast. Each celebrates the season in its own way, whether under the Northern Lights at Basecamp Hotel, beside Cotswold fires at Ellenborough Park, or within the Scottish Countryside at Glenapp Castle

December brings the world’s golfing professionals back to La Réserve Golf Links for the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, scheduled from 18th to 21st. Last year’s tournament generated record economic returns for the island, and this year’s event promises to reinforce Mauritius as a serious destination for the sport. Yet whilst the professionals compete, another story emerges across the island’s established resort properties

In the shadow of the Pantheon, Orient Express La Minerva transforms a 17th-century palazzo into a sanctuary of Roman refinement. Designed by Hugo Toro, four new signature suites blend frescoed ceilings and travertine fireplaces with bespoke Italian artistry. Each suite captures a different facet of the city’s spirit, marking a confident new chapter in timeless hospitality

On Castaway Island, wellness is woven into every moment. Golden sunrises over the Pacific, oceanfront yoga, nutrient-rich meals, and hands-on cultural experiences invite guests to slow down, breathe, and reconnect. Guided bushwalks, snorkelling adventures, and restorative spa treatments harmonise with the island’s natural rhythm, creating a personalised journey that leaves body, mind, and spirit renewed amidst Fiji’s serene beauty

Ciel Dubai Marina, Mandarin Oriental Wasl Tower and Six Senses Palm Jumeirah lead a new era of hospitality, joined by Mileo The Palm and ZUHHA Island by Zaya. Dubai’s dining scene dazzles with CARBONE, Nobu, Kraken, and the AI-powered Woohoo, while Dubai Design Week, Casablanca Beach Club, and the Dubai Fountain mark a city in perpetual reinvention

Accessible only by sea or sky, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort offers a rare union of seclusion and sophistication. Set on a private island within Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea archipelago, it transforms remoteness into luxury, where pristine waters, discreet service, and thoughtful design define a destination few will ever experience

On a secluded Red Sea island, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in partnership with Red Sea Global, invites guests to explore the night sky with resident astronomer Habib Bafeil. Bedouin star lore meets modern astrophysics beneath pristine, light-free skies. Paired with sustainable design, locally sourced cuisine, and immersive conservation programs, the resort offers a rare blend of luxury, culture, and cosmic discovery

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has unveiled Legendary Journeys, a 17-night private jet experience in partnership with Bucketlist Xperiences, spanning Singapore, India, Rwanda, Kenya, Greece, Morocco and London. Limited to 29 couples, the trip pairs ultra-luxury air travel with once-in-a-lifetime moments, creating a seamless blend of rare access, extraordinary destinations and independent hospitality at its finest

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is redefining wellness with the launch of its Tamina Health Centre. Blending science-backed diagnostics, personalised therapies, and holistic practices, the centre helps guests extend their healthspan, optimise vitality, and leave with actionable strategies for long-term wellbeing

Grand Hotel Courmayeur Mont Blanc extends its season into autumn, offering guests a year-round alpine experience. Seasonal cuisine, panoramic wellness facilities, and immersive cultural tours allow visitors to explore the Aosta Valley beyond winter. By highlighting the region’s natural beauty and heritage, the hotel sets a new standard for refined, adaptable mountain hospitality