Author name: Aleks Bond

Oliver’s Travels unveils a curated collection of 15 villas along San Sebastian’s Basque coast, offering elevated retreats, seaside elegance, and countryside serenity. Each property combines refined design with comfort, from panoramic hillside views to steps-from-the-sea sophistication. With private pools, terraces, and access to world-class cuisine and golf, Oliver’s Travels ensures discerning travellers experience the region in unparalleled style

The French Charentes region transforms between November and March when distillation season begins. Explore Cognac opens doors to this quieter period, revealing centuries-old production methods behind stone walls whilst golden winter light illuminates bare vineyards. Copper stills work their magic, fresh Atlantic oysters pair with aged spirits, and family-run operations welcome guests

In St Lucia’s southwest, Anse Chastanet continues to refine what Caribbean hospitality can be. Recent additions, from coral restoration dives to intimate eight-seat dinners in the treetops deepen the resort’s connection to its landscape. It’s a considered evolution, where conservation, cuisine, and calm coexist in one of the region’s most quietly confident settings

Launched at London’s Number Six at The Marylebone Hotel, Club Avandra introduces a new kind of travel for women who refuse to compromise. Founded by leading female travel specialists and guided by lifestyle director Marianne Jones, the members-only community offers expert-led journeys, from Julia Kemp’s chic Verbier escape to insider experiences in Malta, Marrakesh and beyond

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs at the Louvre presents the legendary Orient Express in “1925–2025: A Century of Art Deco.” Seventeen meticulously restored carriages reveal the artistry of Maxime d’Angeac and master French craftsmen, seamlessly blending historic glamour with contemporary design. The result is a moving celebration of timeless luxury, craftsmanship, and the enduring romance of travel

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

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

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

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

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