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

Opening in May 2026, Cavallino Bianco Caorle-Venezia brings the multi-award-winning family hospitality model of Ortisei to the Adriatic coast. Conceived by Ralph A. Riffeser, the resort combines coastal charm, contemporary design, and thoughtfully curated experiences, offering families a destination where comfort, privacy, and connection meet Italian luxury

Preferred Hotels & Resorts explores the changing face of luxury with its Live Like a Legend 2025 collection, six immersive journeys that celebrate access, authenticity, and belonging. In a world where experiences matter more than accumulation, the brand offers travellers the chance to create moments that feel both rare and profoundly real

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

Set along 2.5 kilometres of pristine coastline, Minos Beach Art Hotel blends timeless luxury with authentic Cretan culture. From low-rise villas and curated art installations to immersive culinary experiences and community-led initiatives, the property offers more than a stay, it delivers connection, discovery, and a profound sense of place, where every detail celebrates the island’s heritage, landscape, and enduring traditions

This festive season, InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau invites guests to experience the night sky like never before. From guided stargazing with resident astronomers to cosmic-inspired dining and immersive art, the resort blends luxury, discovery, and indulgence. Whether for quiet reflection, family adventure, or sensory indulgence, each evening promises wonder under the southern hemisphere’s brilliant stars