Author name: Aleks Bond

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

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

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

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

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

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

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