Brilliant ways to level up your luxury travel game
Relax like a billionaire on Moskito
Moskito is a breathtaking island hideaway in the naturally exclusive enclave of the British Virgin Islands. Usually a playground for billionaires, the ultra-high-net-worth folks who typically visit for a handful of weeks in the year are now renting out their magnificent private island homes. Much as you might charter a yacht, this is an opportunity to charter estates designed by leading architects and staffed with world-class chefs and crew, to live the billionaire lifestyle.
Four estates are available, each able to host up to 30 guests each and subtly geared towards different experiences — The Point is ideal for friends, groups and family enjoyment. The Village calls for grand celebrations — with a DJ booth that rises out of the dance floor. The Oasis is perfect for wellness and corporate retreats, while Cape Stout is a home base for activity, adventure and a sure-fire favourite for design aficionados. All-inclusive, with beaches, gyms, pools, watersports and so much more, it's no wonder there's a buzz around Moskito. For more information visit moskito.com
Hit the spa in Northumberland, England
Northumberland's first — and only — five-star hotel, Matfen Hall is a magnificent destination for a splashy spa getaway. Set in just over 300 acres of picturesque parkland scenery, it's a place where couples, families and friends can relax and unwind. Rich in history, the luxury country bolthole has a plethora of elegant rooms — everything from cosy romantic classics to opulent suites. The Retreat at Matfen Hall has expert therapists eager to provide next-level treatments using premium wellness products from Germaine de Capuccini. The Retreat's glass-roofed 50ft spa pool, alongside the signature whirlpool bath, sauna, steam room and aromatherapy room, all promise a revitalising escape from the worries and stresses of the world outside. Visit matfenhall.com
Master the art of relaxation in Bali
Most luxury resorts are, by definition, aesthetically pleasing. But few are likely to have started out as art galleries. Komaneka Resorts, in Ubud, started as an exhibition of high-end Balinese and Indonesian contemporary art and grew into a tasteful collection of upscale boutique resorts, reflecting contemporary interpretation of traditional Balinese style and architecture, each making the most of Ubud's natural beauty or the glorious seaside of Keramas.
Komaneka at Monkey Forest is all about peace, wellness, unmistakably warm Balinese hospitality and healthy bites at the Garden Terrace Kitchen. Komaneka at Tanggayuda does cooking classes, has an L-shaped pool and majestic views of the Batukaru volcano. Komaneka at Bisma is all lavish opulence. Komaneka at Rasa Sayang offers a flavour of downtown Ubud, while Komaneka at Keramas Beach offers enviable access to the beautiful black sands. Make your next vacation a work of art. Book now with promo code GETMORE at book-secure.com
Road trip the British Isles in style
Eager to explore the timeless glories of the British Isles at your own speed? Celtic Routes is a luxury self-drive tour company that specialises in crafting unforgettable travel experiences through the stunning landscapes of Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland. Hire an immaculate premium Land Rover — the ultimate symbol of British heritage and class, perfectly suited to navigating Celtic terrain — and take off on carefully designed journeys, calibrated to inspire travellers to explore the rich culture, history and natural beauty of the British Isles at their own pace. The bespoke, beautifully designed Celtic Routes app guides travellers to destinations and premium accommodation, ensuring a seamless adventure, blending enriching cultural exploration and local experiences. Find the right tour for you at celticroutes.com
Discover pure wonder at Sognefjord
For a symphony of natural and cultural marvels make a pilgrimage to Sognefjord, Norway. Known as the King of the Fjords, it's the longest and deepest in the country, offering unforgettable — and unforgettably photogenic — experiences. Take a cruise on the Unesco-listed Nærøyfjord or a breathtaking ride on the Flåm Railway through stunning landscapes.
Pay a visit to the remarkable Urnes Stave Church, a Unesco World Heritage site and a masterpiece of wooden construction with individual timbers dating back to the 11th century. Take a road trip on the national scenic routes, dine with a glacier view and explore the fascinating Norwegian Glacier Museum. Reach Sognefjord via flights to Bergen, then hop on a Norled express boat directly into the fjord. Stay at historic gems such as Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand or unique accommodation such as The Raven's Nest, Husum Hotel or Lindstrøm Hotel. Take a gastronomic journey at Walaker Hotel or Skjolden Hotel, where local flavours stand out. Whether kayaking on mirror-still waters or hiking through glacier-carved valleys, Sognefjord promises awe at every turn. Discover more at sognefjord.no
Experience the divine at a Portuguese convent
In the mood for some prime nature, fresh air, peace and tranquillity on your next break? The Convento do Espinheiro, Évora — set in 20 majestic acres of Portuguese countryside — is a heavenly stay. A prestigious hotel set in the romantic shell of a former convent, guests can enjoy the Alentejo landscape in a luxurious setting with everything to eat from fine dining to more casual Italian food, or light bites at the pool bar. There are outdoor and heated indoor swimming facilities, tennis and padel courts, a whirlpool bath, and a revitalising spa with a gym and babysitting services. A historic highlight is the chance to sample local wines in a tasting set in the convent's spectacular Gothic cistern, with the house sommelier on hand to recommend quality bottles from the surrounding terroir. Learn more at conventodoespinheiro.com
Chill in a spa with a personal touch in Germany
For almost four decades the family of Dr Manfred Maus has welcomed guests from all over the world to the Pfalzblick Walks Spa Resort in Germany. Combining premium luxury with regional charm and a warm welcome, visitors — regulars and first-timers — love exploring the 592,015 sq ft garden with its natural pond, indoor and outdoor sauna, and heated infinity pool. The resort offers spacious, comfy rooms and opulent spa suites, all the better to rest in when you're not unwinding with yoga, mental wellness programs and upscale regional cuisine. Surrounded by the Palatinate Forest and Vosges mountains, it's also a brilliant base for hiking, taking great photos and relaxing after dinner with a quality drop from the wine cellar. Learn more at pfalzblick.de/en
Immerse yourself in culture across Portugal
If you've never previously contemplated a trip to Portugal, maybe it's time to reconsider. Do you love breathtaking landscapes and viewpoints? From the Douro Valley's rolling vineyards to Alentejo's golden plains, the country is a picture-perfect destination. More of a people person? Portuguese people are naturally welcoming and eager to share their heritage and to make every visitor feel at home. The hotel scene is pretty amazing too. In Lisbon, the Lisboa Pessoa Hotel is inspired by Fernando Pessoa, one of Portugal's greatest writers. In Porto, the Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel offers a historic setting in a beautifully restored 1829 building that still houses an almost 200-year-old stationery shop. In Évora, the Évora Olive Hotel celebrates the legacy of olive oil, a symbol of Portuguese tradition and culture. All three are part of the Art and Soul group — learn more at artsoulgroup.com/en
Treat yourself to a spa in Portuguese wine country
A lifelong passion project of the Soares family, The Herdade da Malhadinha Nova estate sprawls over more than 1,725 acres of countryside in the Alentejo region. There are five luxurious spaces, restored from ruins, amid the vineyards, olive groves, orchards and vegetable patches. Try the Green Michelin-starred restaurant, where the flavours of Alentejo come together on the plate, featuring products from organic farming and livestock with protected designation of origin. In pride of place sits the M Wellness Spa, designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape, and which boasts a sensory shower, three treatment rooms and a sauna. Enjoy cutting-edge facials, and body treatments using wine, honey and rosemary, three primary ingredients of Herdade da Malhadinha Nova. This space also counts on the collaboration of a neurologist specialising in sleep, Dr Dulce Neutel, who will share some of the benefits that contact with nature can bring to a more balanced sleep. In short, it's dreamy. Visit malhadinhanova.pt/en/hotel/m-wellness-spa/
Travel the world in unrivalled style
For three decades, the Millennium Hotels & Resorts team has been curating the moments that matter for travellers in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Beijing and Singapore, through its beloved brands such as The Biltmore, Grand Millennium, M Social and Studio M. To mark the 30th anniversary, from now until 31 March, 2026, guests can enjoy up to 20 per cent off room rates, and indulge in a range of personalised perks, tailored to transform their experience at each property — think free breakfasts in Singapore, free kids' stays in Phuket, or room upgrades in Shanghai. Members of the My Millennium loyalty program will get 30,000 Bonus MyPoints with an accumulated stay of nine nights, as well as F&B points in locations, with the exception of China and the Middle East. Visit millenniumhotels.com
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Before our departure from St Michael's, we savoured a delightful dinner at the charming Brasserie on the Bay. We indulged in ultra-fresh scallops, grilled mackerel, wild sea bass and a hearty Cornish fish stew. Our Falmouth getaway truly served us a slice of the sea. Book the holiday Prices may vary at peak times. Great Western Railways offers fixed-price family tickets for two adults and four children up to 15 between London Paddington and Truro, Cornwall, for £99.50 each way in standard, £139 in first class. Add on a sleeper berth on the Night Riviera train from £45pp. A three-night stay in a beachside apartment in The Liner at St Michael's Resort in Falmouth, Cornwall, costs from £550. Breakfast in the Brasserie on the Bay is £18pp. Hotel roomsare also available.
