Don Carlos Marbella – My Return to an Icon

The first thing I noticed at the new Don Carlos Marbella wasn’t the grand façade or the sparkling Mediterranean just beyond the gardens—it was the scent. Orange blossom and sea air, mingling in the warm breeze, instantly reminded me why this stretch of the Costa del Sol has been drawing the jet set for decades.

I’d heard whispers about the hotel’s €45 million transformation, a complete reinvention by the Selenta Group with design by Jaime Beriestain, and I couldn’t resist seeing if this legend had truly been reborn. I’m happy to report—it has, and then some.

The lobby, airy and drenched in light, frames the sea like a work of art. Natural woods, raffia, and creamy stone create a serene, almost shell-like color palette. My suite opened to sweeping views of both the Mediterranean and the hotel’s 20,000 square meters of tropical gardens—a private world I’d have been happy never to leave.

Insider Tip: Room With a View

Request a sea-facing suite on one of the upper floors—morning coffee on your balcony as the sun rises over the Mediterranean is pure magic.

Insider Tip: Spa Secret

Book your treatment mid-morning—by then, the spa is bathed in soft natural light, and the post-massage glow lasts all day.

Mornings in Paradise

Days began slowly here, and that’s exactly how they should. Breakfast at Los Naranjos was a sunlit ritual of Andalusian flavors—oysters and caviar fritters for those feeling indulgent, or impossibly fresh pastries for those who prefer sweet starts.

Afterwards, I’d wander down to the Natura Bissé spa, a temple to wellbeing that feels almost spiritual. My favorite treatment, the Golden South Essence Massage, was like being wrapped in the warmth of the Mediterranean itself. If you’ve never had your tensions melted away to the scent of orange blossom, I highly recommend it.

Insider Tip: Post-Match Perfection

Even if you’re not a tennis player, stop by Break Point Café inside the tennis centre for fresh juices and healthy snacks—it’s a hidden gem for a light bite.

SWANKY STATS:

DON CARLOS MARBELLA

Location: Marbella, Costa del Sol, Spain
Originally Opened: 1969
Reopened: July 2025 after €45 million ($52 million) renovation
Design Visionary: Jaime Beriestain
Rooms & Residences: 308 (all with sea or garden views)
Spa: Natura Bissé treatments including the Golden South Essence Massage & Mindtouch Experience Ritual
Tennis: First Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre in Spain — 7 clay courts, 2 padel courts, pro shop, and state-of-the-art Wingfield System
Dining: 4 concepts — Los Naranjos, Sol & Sombra, Break Point, Campari Bar Manero
Beach Clubs: Nikki Beach Marbella + Lucia Summer Club 2025 pop-Event Spaces: 17 multifunctional rooms, all with natural light
Signature Experience: Sunset aperitivo at Campari Bar Manero, followed by dinner at Los Naranjos
Best Time to Visit: May–October for sun-soaked days, September for fewer crowds and balmy evenings

Afternoons of Action and Indulgence

While some guests seemed perfectly content to float between pool and beach, I couldn’t resist the draw of the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre—the first of its kind in Spain. Seven clay courts, two padel courts with sea views, and technology that tracked my every shot made me feel, if only for an afternoon, like I might actually have a forehand worth talking about.

Lunch became a leisurely affair at Lucia Summer Club 2025, a Nikki Beach pop-up that will have a permanent home here next year. Cuisine du Soleil, they call it—Mediterranean flavors kissed by the sun. Think grilled fish, vibrant salads, and just enough rosé to make the afternoon shimmer.

I highly recommend it.

Hotel Don Carlos Marbella, Malaga, Spain
Tower Room

Evenings to Remember

By sunset, the property transformed. At Campari Bar Manero, the aperitivo hour stretched luxuriously, with cocktails that married Italian classics and Spanish flair. Dinner back at Los Naranjos was a love letter to the region—red shrimp carpaccio risotto one night, Mediterranean-style sirloin tagliatelle the next.

And when the day’s last light slipped into the sea, I’d retreat to my balcony. The soundtrack? The soft hum of Marbella nightlife in the distance, the rustle of palm fronds, and somewhere far off, the gentle applause of the waves.

The Magic of a True Rebirth

Don Carlos Marbella has always been a name that carried weight. But what struck me during my stay was how effortlessly it blends its storied past with an entirely modern sensibility. It’s as much a destination for wellness seekers and gourmands as it is for tennis enthusiasts and sun worshippers. And for those who, like me, simply crave a place where time slows down, it delivers that too—wrapped in elegance, scented with orange blossom, and kissed by the Andalusian sun.

Insider Tip: Golden Hour Spot

Head to the Lucia Summer Club’s edge seating around 7:30 p.m. for the best sunset view in the house—rosé in hand, toes in the sand.

Travel Stories

Wellness Blooms at Cashel Palace

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A Sip of Serenity: The Recharge Health Bar

It began in the courtyard, where the new Recharge Health Bar has quietly taken root. A sleek yet inviting space, it’s the kind of spot where you can stop after a morning stroll or linger with a book and watch the clouds roll across Tipperary’s big skies.

I ordered a Strawberry Glow smoothie — a velvety blend of strawberries, banana, avocado, dates, maple syrup, almond milk, collagen, sea moss, and coconut yoghurt. It tasted indulgent, yet felt impossibly light, the kind of treat your body thanks you for. The Green Machine came next, a zingy detox blend of spinach, kale, green apple, pineapple, cucumber, celery, lemon, and ginger — like bottling up a brisk walk in the Irish countryside.

The ethos here is simple: everything is made with wellness in mind, free from refined sugars and crafted with organic ingredients whenever possible. It’s nourishing without the preachiness — a perfect marriage of flavor and feel-good.

The Boutique: Where Curation Meets Discovery

A few steps outside the palace walls, on Cashel’s main street, I found The Boutique, a treasure chest of hand-picked lifestyle pieces. It’s rare for a hotel shop to stop you in your tracks, but this one did.

I ran my fingers over buttery-soft Bamford knits, tested the sleek formulas of Westman Atelier, and admired the elegance of Memo Paris fragrances. There were playful children’s gifts inspired by local heritage, athleisure from Dada Sport, and classic LL Bean totes just begging to be filled for a countryside picnic. Many of these brands can’t be found anywhere else in Ireland, making The Boutique as much a destination as the hotel itself.

What struck me most was how well it reflected the Cashel Palace spirit — refined but warm, worldly yet rooted in place. I left with a CarveOn leather passport holder, hand-embossed on site, a memento of my stay that will accompany me on journeys to come.

The Secret Garden: Movement Among the Flowers

I thought I knew every corner of Cashel Palace, but then I stepped into The Secret Garden. Tucked behind historic walls, this green sanctuary is usually reserved for weddings and private events, but now it’s home to morning fitness classes — Dynamic Pilates, Pump Cardio — that take place under the dappled light of overhanging branches.

My Pilates session began with birdsong and a soft breeze carrying the scent of roses. By the end, my muscles hummed with that satisfying post-workout ache, but my mind was as clear as the Tipperary sky. Moving here felt different, more intentional. It was exercise, yes, but also meditation — a reminder that wellness is as much about connection to place as it is about physical strength.

Beyond the Spa Walls

Of course, Cashel Palace’s spa remains at the heart of its wellness offering. I made time for a thermal suite session and a holistic massage that blended aromatherapy with traditional techniques. Seasonal retreats, year-round yoga, and the serene setting of the Bolton Library for quiet classes all round out a program that feels deeply considered.

But what makes this latest evolution special is how it extends beyond the spa. Whether you’re sipping a smoothie, browsing The Boutique, or moving in The Secret Garden, wellness here isn’t confined to a treatment room — it’s woven through the very fabric of the stay.

A Destination with Depth

Cashel Palace’s commitment to excellence has been recognized many times over — from a Michelin Star for The Bishop’s Buttery to Two Michelin Keys for ‘Exceptional Stays’. Yet awards only tell part of the story. What lingers is the feeling of being cared for in a way that’s both personal and profound.

On my last morning, I lingered in the courtyard with a matcha latte from Recharge, the Rock of Cashel keeping watch. Guests strolled by, some headed for the spa, others for the gardens. The air was fresh, the pace unhurried. It struck me then that Cashel Palace’s true gift is creating a space where time slows, where you can both escape and arrive, all at once.

Here, wellness isn’t a trend — it’s a way of being. And in this corner of Tipperary, it flourishes.

The World Is Yours

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Some places you visit. Others, you inhabit — living, breathing, and soaking in every bespoke detail. Around the world, the smartest travelers are trading hotel lobbies for private driveways, concierge desks for butlers who know their martini order, and crowded pools for infinity edges that belong entirely to them. This is the new gold standard: villas, chalets, and charters where privacy, design, and togetherness reign.

I’ve been lucky enough to slip behind the gates — or in some cases, set sail — at a few of the world’s most exclusive escapes. Here’s my passport to five stays you’ll never want to check out of.

Cabane Tortin

VERBIER, SWISS ALPS

Perched above the ancient Tortin Glacier, Cabane Tortin is a snow-dusted dream at 9,500 feet. Mornings start with coffee on the balcony, the peaks blushing pink in the first light, before carving untouched powder with your private ski guide. Afternoons dissolve into raclette by the fire, evenings into laughter under an Alpine sky so clear it feels infinite. With a private chef and discreet staff, this is mountain living without compromise.

Hale ‘O Ka La

– BIG ISLAND, HAWAII

Rising from the coastline like a phoenix after the 2023 fires, Hale ‘O Ka La is 5,358 square feet of reimagined tropical splendor inside the Mauna Kea Resort. Five lavish bedrooms, a saltwater pool with a waterslide and swim-up bar, and a waterfall grotto make it feel like your own resort — minus the strangers. Private chefs, full-service staff, and seamless access to resort amenities are just a phone call away.

Delfin I

AMAZON, PERU

A floating villa on the world’s greatest river, Delfin I offers just four oversized suites, each with a private panoramic terrace — two with whirlpools. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the rainforest, while solar panels hum quietly overhead, powering your sustainable adventure. Days are spent spotting pink dolphins, nights stargazing from the open deck with a pisco sour in hand. It’s Amazonian elegance at its most intimate.

Casa Bellamar

EAST CAPE, LOS CABOS, MEXICO

Solar-powered and oceanfront, Casa Bellamar’s eight bedrooms and four guest casitas stretch across two acres and 400 feet of pristine shoreline. There’s a beachfront pool, a private tennis court, and butler-and-chef service to match the view. Come for a family reunion or take over the property for a barefoot, toes-in-the-sand wedding for 100 — the beauty salon in the master suite has “bridal glam” written all over it.

Laughing Waters

BARBADOS

Set on four manicured acres just steps from Sandy Lane Beach, Laughing Waters is Barbados’ most coveted private estate — and its largest, at 32,000 square feet. With 12 bedrooms, membership to a private beach club, and access to a AAA Five Diamond resort’s golf courses, dining, and spa, it’s a one-stop fantasy for 24 lucky guests.

With design features by renowned local architect Larry Warren and interiors by London’s Emma Pearson, it’s Oliver Messel–inspired Caribbean glamour at its absolute peak.

Gastronomic Gallivants: Where Luxury Meets the Fells

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In a quiet corner of the Lake District, a short turn off the road from Windermere, lies a hotel that has quietly redefined Cumbrian hospitality. The Gilpin Hotel and Lake House spans 21 acres of lush, landscaped grounds, where alpacas graze and spa lodges peer through trees to distant fells. For years, it’s been a magnet for discerning travellers seeking modern luxury without fuss — where fine food, fresh air and warmth of service take precedence over formality.

The hotel is divided between the main Gilpin Hotel and the more secluded Gilpin Lake House, offering a range of rooms, suites, and cedar-clad spa lodges that encourage deep rest and even deeper baths. From the moment you arrive, the tone is set: polished but playful, indulgent but grounded. The Gilpin’s unofficial slogan, #LOVEANDLAUGHTER, isn’t marketing fluff — it’s a fair reflection of the atmosphere here. Luxury, yes, but without the pomposity, which is reflective of the true nature of the local area, humble but proud of its surroundings much like the Gilpin.

At the heart of Gilpin’s appeal is SOURCE, the destination restaurant that has held a Michelin Star since 2018. Executive Chef Ollie Bridgwater — formerly of The Fat Duck — brings a bold yet elegant style to his tasting menus, shaped by a deep commitment to seasonality and sustainability. Much of the produce is sourced from within sight of the kitchen; some is even grown on-site. Diners can opt for the shorter ORIGIN menu or the full SOURCE experience — a longer, more elaborate gastronomic journey that, at 15 courses, never feels overwrought. Highlights from a recent visit included a velvety chicken liver parfait balanced by ajo blanco and tart blackberry, presented on a delicate biscuit sablé. A pristine Ikejime trout followed, served cool and clean, tasting like a spring-fed stream.

“For years, it’s been a magnet for discerning travelers seeking modern luxury without fuss — where fine food, fresh air and warmth of service take precedence over formality.”

Later, glazed veal sweetbread arrived rich and golden, matched with warm gribiche, gnocchi and a slick of roast bone sauce — deeply savoury, but never heavy. There was also breast of royal quail with black garlic and maitake, a study in texture and restraint. Desserts, too, showed restraint without losing impact: Manjari chocolate with Pedro Ximénez, hazelnut and a single drunken cherry brought the menu to a quietly indulgent close. The wine pairings were a triumph in themselves. The sommelier moved deftly between the familiar and the unexpected — an English sparkling, a Lebanese red, a waxy Greek assyrtiko — always with a relaxed manner and a sharp palate. For those not drinking, a mocktail of rosemary, elderflower and star anise proved both sophisticated and refreshing.

Labelled pan-Asian, it’s better described as a live culinary performance, with chefs representing their own heritages in dishes that span India, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. The open kitchen adds theatre, and the menu rewards curiosity. A starter of Thai-spiced sausage — made locally — delivered both comfort and kick. The tandoori seabass came cloaked in fermented chilli and paired with pickled shallots; the balance of smoke and acid was spot on. A surprisingly delicate riff on aloo made with purple potatoes and nigella added depth and variety. As for dessert: the signature spit-roast pineapple with lime sorbet and spiced rum is every bit as good as they say — tangy, boozy and deeply nostalgic.

“A single meal at SOURCE barely scratches the surface. The hotel’s second restaurant, Gilpin Spice, is a vivid contrast — a riot of colour, aroma and global flair.”

Both restaurants offer expansive drinks lists. Begin your evening with a Gilpin Gin martini on the terrace — made with Lakes Gin from nearby Bassenthwaite — and let dusk fall over the garden. It’s a perfect prelude to what lies ahead.

What sets the Gilpin apart isn’t just its food or setting, but the ease with which one slips into its rhythm. There are no stressful check-ins, no dress codes, no forced formality. Rooms come with cedar hot tubs or private spa facilities, and even the most luxurious of them feel like a retreat rather than a showroom. You might return from a fell walk to find your fire lit for you, or wake to a tray of fresh coffee and warm pastries delivered just before sunrise. Should you wish to stretch your legs, the Beatrix Potter Walk — a 13-mile loop from the hotel to Hill Top, her former home near Sawrey — is one of the more scenic circuits in the Lakes. It’s a satisfying day out, with enough elevation and charm to justify a return to SOURCE or Gilpin Spice in the evening, appetite intact.

Breakfast, too, is far from a formality. Whether taken in the restaurant or delivered to your lodge, it is always cooked to order — and taken seriously. Grilled kippers, soft-yolked eggs, delicate mushrooms and seeded sourdough were all executed with the same care as the evening service. At Gilpin, food is never filler.

Whether you come for the food, the fells, or the firelit spa lodges, Gilpin offers a deeply rooted, quietly luxurious take on modern hospitality. It’s a place where indulgence doesn’t shout, where staff wear smiles not stiff uniforms, and where everything — from the trout to the towel hooks — feels considered. That’s rare. And that, really, is the essence of true luxury.

Monkey Island Estate – Bray

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It is a little-known fact that there is a private island in the River Thames, a short drive west from London on the edge of the idyllic Berkshire village of Bray. This island’s history dates back 800 years, when it was first inhabited by monks, but it owes its current size (7 acres) and shape to the Great Fire of London in 1666: rubble from buildings destroyed in the fire was transported upstream on barges, expanding the amount of land above the waterline. The island — named either after the original monks, or perhaps because of the myth that King George III was banished here with his pet monkey — became a hedonistic escape for princes and playboys, close enough to the capital to be convenient, but out of the sight of disapproving eyes. The English classical composer Edward Elgar wrote his First Symphony Violin Concerto here, and writers HG Wells and Siegfried Sassoon also visited in the island’s golden era.

Today, Monkey Island and the Grade 1 listed heritage buildings set upon it belong to the luxurious YTL Hotels group. Plenty of the historic features have been preserved and restored, so the Georgian dukes who once frequented this place would approve; but the owners have updated the property for a discerning, 21st century clientele, and it’s easily one of southern England’s most sought-after hotels.

I checked in on one of the hottest days of the summer, parking on the riverbank and crossing the footbridge onto the island. It feels, literally and metaphorically, like a bridge between two worlds, the waters of the Thames creating a dividing line between reality and a dream world.

My home for the weekend was the magnificent Wedgewood Suite, named after the famous 18th century English porcelain manufacturer which is known for its distinctive blue and white jasperware.

The suite is decorated with the same color scheme and was once the estate’s library, suitably grand with its dark wood panelling, huge windows overlooking the gardens, and a fireplace topped with an oil painted portrait.

In the early evening, just as the heat of the day had begun to subside, I stepped out to the jetty, where bar manager Luke awaited me with a boat. Monkey Island makes the most of its location: you can book a self-drive riverboat or a chauffeured river tour, cruising gently along the Thames towards Maidenhead or Henley. You share the waterway with rowing boats and canoes, paddle boards and an occasional swimmer, whilst walkers and their dogs saunter along the Thames Path on the riverbank. The idea of having continental breakfast aboard very much appeals, as does a twilight cocktail made with Monkey Island’s bespoke, small batch gin, YTL Gin.

It was from the jetty that I first spotted Monkey Island’s floating spa, surely the only one of its kind in the British Isles, if not the world. Moored alongside the island, it is a traditional English narrow boat, built for goods and people to move along relatively shallow canals. Historically, such boats would have been pulled along by horses plodding along the tow path, long before the invention of a diesel engine, and although they are no longer used to transport cargo, they have become popular leisure craft.

The spa’s reception is in the boat’s wheelhouse, where you can sit, relax, and enjoy a drink. The boat sits low in the water, so if you look out of the window you might well come face to face with a goose or swan. Both species think they own the island, much to the gardeners’ chagrin.

Onboard the boat, there are three separate treatment rooms, all individual cabins which would make any ship’s captain green with envy. It feels like a very exclusive yacht. You can book a treatment alone or as a couple. The latter would be a very romantic addition to any weekend getaway.

I opted for a massage, 90 minutes of quiet serenity. The boat rocks gently, lulling you towards sleep, whilst the combination of botanical infused products and experienced hands work away the knots and tension. The Floating Spa’s signature treatment is the appropriately named The Monk’s Elixir, which takes its inspiration not only from the monks who once lived here but also the concept of an apothecary’s barge. Ancient wisdom comes to the fore in the preparation of essential oils infused with arnica, angelica, and even frankincense. The smells are potently herbal, adding another sensory dimension to the experience whilst at the same time encouraging you to breathe deeply and slowly.

Minute by minute, I could feel the stresses of the working week subside. Muscles which had become tight from too many hours hunched at my desk steadily unwound. As they did, my mind stopped racing and a calmness descended. By the time the treatment ended, I was so relaxed that I could have napped for hours: I was hardly in a state to move!

The only thing which could arouse me was the prospect of dinner. Extreme relaxation, it seems, stimulates the appetite. Showered and changed into something a little more elegant, I wandered back across the island’s pristine lawn to the terrace of The Monkey Bar. The Monkey Vesper was a must on a gorgeous evening, and it set the scene for an imaginatively curated dinner in the neighboring Monkey Brasserie.

Both the bar and the restaurant are open to non-residents as well as guests, and understandably, plenty of boaters had stopped by for a meal. The softest beef carpaccio and home cured salmon with a tangy lemon goats cheese demonstrated that the chef could do classics well, but it was with the main courses that he found his stride. I’ve never previously seen kimchi paired with beef fillet and tiger prawns, nor had the chance to enjoy duck breast balanced with beetroot. Cod with sautéed courgette and braised fennel, crispy kale, and a champagne sauce stole the show, though, and was a delicious light option, accompanied by an excellent bottle of wine.

www.monkeyislandestate.co.uk

Travel Stories

Swellegant Stays: The Stroud, Gloucestershire

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There was a time when Stroud’s charm lay in its markets and artisan shops, rather than its hotels. Nestled within Gloucestershire’s Five Valleys, the town has always defied easy categorization—neither a quaint Cotswold village nor a bustling metropolitan hub. But now, with the arrival of The Stroud and the refined yet inviting Sauce at The Painswick (www.thepainswick.co.uk), the area finds itself stepping confidently into a new era of hospitality.

Built in 1852 as part of the Great Western Railway, The Stroud has lived many lives: first a Berni Inn, then a Thai restaurant, later abandoned. Now, its butterfly branding signals renewal, as the hotel reclaims its place in Stroud’s evolving landscape. A boutique property with an eye for understated elegance, its bar, wrapped in rich wood panelling, radiates warmth—avoiding both the sauna-like sheen of polished timber and the clichés of an overdone ski chalet aesthetic. Instead, the design embraces natural materials—exposed brick, soft leathers, and slate floors—all with a quiet confidence that whispers rather than shouts.

Upstairs, the rooms delight in their details. Soft pink hues and voile curtains catching the breeze create an air of serenity. But the real star? A copper bathtub—the kind of indulgence that turns a simple stay into something memorable.

Step away from The Stroud, and Stroud itself rewards those who persevere beyond first impressions. The Five Valleys Shopping Centre, its entrance dominated by vape shops and mobile accessory stalls, reveals a surprisingly luxe interior, complete with a gourmet food hall—open late on Fridays for post-work indulgence. There are independent boutiques selling genuinely local crafts, a thriving farmers’ market, and an award-winning wine shop for those with discerning tastes.

And then, just beyond, is Sauce at The Painswick, a restaurant where history meets quiet modernity. Its grand entrance remains, but subtle contemporary touches—a neon sign beside high arched doors, sculptural bowl chandeliers—hint at the restaurant’s evolving identity. The menu reflects this spirit of adaptation. Once traditional, then briefly experimental with shared small plates, Sauce listened to its loyal customers and found balance—a menu that accommodates all appetites and occasions.

Among its offerings, the house Pinot Noir, Les Templiers, is a standout: light, fruity, and effortlessly drinkable. Then there’s the asparagus—so fresh, so perfectly prepared, it serves as a quiet reminder of the joys of Cotswold produce.

https://thestroudhotel.com www.jamesbedford.com

For those wary of Cotswold hotels that charm but isolate, The Stroud is a revelation—boutique comfort without seclusion. Paired with Sauce at The Painswick, it offers a weekend escape where history, hospitality, and modern indulgence coexist seamlessly. And when it’s time to explore beyond the hotel’s walls, there is always Raja Taxi, the local name to know for reliable travel.

www.thestroudhotel.com

Swellegant Stays: The Academy, London

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Settled in a quieter area of London’s West End, The Academy is the perfect spot for a refined and relaxing stay after enjoying an evening of theatre. Surrounded by quintessentially London streets with bookshops, cafes and beautiful townhouses, the hotel melts perfectly into its historic landscape. The fashionable neighbourhood of Bloomsbury was the inspiration for The Academy’s recent renovation, as well as the Bloomsbury Group — a group of influential British writers and artists from the early 20th century such as Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell, and E. M. Forster who met to share their ideas. Walking through the Alchemy Bar and the library, you can feel the influence of the writers on the hotel; the interior makes you want to get a drink, sit in the library and discuss recent reads as well as the world around you.

The Academy is made up of five 18th century Georgian houses with a total of 50 rooms, the garden transports you out of a bustling city and settles you into a stillness, perfect for enjoying your afternoon tea. Mr Ma’s Afternoon Tea continues the hotel’s inspiration from influential writers with a menu of traditional English afternoon tea with an Asian twist. Shu Qingchun, a famous Chinese writer known under his pen name Lao She, lived in London and was a lecturer at University of London in the 1920’s. Based on his life in London, in 1929 he wrote Mr Ma and Son. This story was the inspiration for The Academy’s afternoon tea and mimics the journey of the main characters.

The combination of past and present is evident in the hotel’s refurbishment which was completed in 2018 by New York based, award-winning interior design company, Champalimaud. Their ethos is to combine history and character of a property into each of their projects, for a distinct storytelling journey which is all brought together into every design choice. For The Academy, they wanted to combine the renowned London townhouse living, surrounding neighbourhood, and the influential writers of the area into all elements; celebrating the heritage of the hotel’s surroundings with contemporary motifs and realise it into life in each room.

www.theacademyhotel.co.uk

Swellegant Stays: Shakti Prana, Kumaon

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High in the Himalayas you will find Shakti Prana, India’s newest and most remarkable mountain lodge. Opening its doors to discerning guests in October 2025, Swanky Retreats was treated to a preview of a property which exists to help guests reconnect with themselves and with the natural world.

In Sanskrit, Shakti Prana means “breath” and it’s certainly an apt description: the hotel’s location in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand will take your breath away. The altitude, too, may leave you a little breathless, but nothing has to happen in a rush, so you will always have time to acclimatize.

There are just seven stone built cabins at Shakti Prana, the natural construction material a firm link to the mountain foundations and the views beyond. One of the cabins is a two-bedroom suite; the others offer quiet and privacy for couples. Full height windows entice you to look out, appreciating the changing light and shadows on the peaks across the course of the day. This is a remote spot and everything in the hotel has been carried here by mule train, following a winding path 2,700 feet up the mountainside. The effort and attention to detail have paid off. In every part of the retreat, there is a sense of cohesion and calm, exactly what you need to relax, refresh, and recover from the stresses of the modern world.

Although yoga and wellness is a big part of Shakti Prana’s draw, the principle attraction is nature itself. Don’t just look at the mountains: become part of them. Rise before dawn for a spectacular Himalayan sunrise, then walk a section of Shakti Himalaya’s walking circuit, which links together traditional villages. rebuild body and soul with hearty meals prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients picked just hours ago in Shakti’s own herb and vegetable gardens. Reflect on the symbiotic relationship we all must have with the natural world, and then, once darkness falls, look up at the myriad of stars so you can feel more at one with the universe.

www.shaktihimalaya.com

Swellegant Stays: Hyperion Hotel Salzburg

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Salzburg has always had a song in its heart, but this year it’s positively humming. The Hyperion Hotel Salzburg, set within a painstakingly restored 19th-century palace, delivers a modern-classic escape that feels both regal and refreshingly current. Step through the marble-clad lobby beneath glittering chandeliers and you’re enveloped in quiet glamour.

This season, the property is celebrating a cinematic milestone: the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music. To honor the film that immortalized Salzburg’s alpine charm, the hotel’s culinary team has composed a dedicated prix fixe menu that translates favorite scenes into edible art. Picture a golden schnitzel accented with a whimsical “Do-Re-Mi” garnish, or a delicate elderflower-and-lemon dessert designed to evoke the sweet scent of the Austrian hills. Thoughtful wine pairings from the Wachau and Burgenland regions create perfect harmony.

Suites continue the symphony of indulgence. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the baroque skyline and fortress spires, while marble baths and deep soaking tubs invite lingering soaks after a day of exploration. Contemporary furnishings mix with original architectural details—arched windows, intricate plasterwork—to create a setting where heritage and modern luxury coexist beautifully.

By day, it’s easy to follow in the von Trapps’ footsteps. The concierge can arrange private excursions to Mirabell Gardens, the abbey where Maria sang, and the rolling meadows just outside the city limits. Return at dusk to the hotel’s piano-laced lounge for an aperitif before the evening’s culinary performance.

Whether you’re a lifelong devotee of Maria’s story or simply seeking a stylish base to explore Austria’s most lyrical city, the Hyperion ensures the hills—and your palate—are alive with something unforgettable. In a city defined by music, this anniversary celebration strikes precisely the right note.

www.h-hotels.com/en/hyperion/hotels/hyperion-hotel-salzburg

Wellness in the Wild

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By the time the sun sets over the Okavango Delta, painting the horizon in molten gold, you realize something has shifted. The day hasn’t just been beautiful — it’s been healing. Africa has that effect. Now, thanks to Go2Africa’s carefully curated collection of wellness retreats, travelers can weave rejuvenation into their journeys without sacrificing one ounce of luxury.

This isn’t the spa day you squeeze in before your flight home. This is wellness redefined — sunrise yoga on a lagoon deck in Botswana, forest bathing beneath ancient Milkwood trees in South Africa, cacao ceremonies at the foot of Table Mountain, and sound healing deep in the Congo Basin.

“We’re seeing more travelers asking for safaris that go beyond wildlife, allowing them to reset, recharge, and reconnect,” says Ashley Gerrand, Africa Safari Expert at Go2Africa. And the new portfolio? It’s a passport to serenity.

Okavango Awakening — Botswana

Launching November 2025, the Okavango Awakening Wellness Retreat at Nxamaseri Island Lodge is limited to just 10 lucky guests. Picture three nights on a secluded island in the Delta, plus one under the stars at the sacred Tsodilo Hills. Your days unfold with guided breathwork, sunrise yoga, sound healing, and an intimate San Bushmen trance dance. This is wellness you feel in your bones — an invitation to return home lighter, softer, and more connected.

The Sanctuary at Mombo — Botswana

Set in one of the most breathtaking corners of the Okavango, The Sanctuary at Wilderness Mombo Camp debuts in 2025. Think treatment rooms and meditation cocoons, a lap pool glistening under African skies, and curated soundscapes that seem to whisper “stay a while.” Here, wellness isn’t an add-on — it’s the very heart of the experience.

Spier Hotel — South Africa’s Winelands

After a year-long transformation, Spier Hotel reopened in March 2025 as a haven for grown-up relaxation. The new Cape Herbal Bath House is a highlight, infusing wild-harvested botanicals into an aromatic bathing ritual. Add 10 treatment rooms, an adults-only pool, yoga, Pilates, and world-class wine at your doorstep — you may never leave.

The Wallow at Borana — Kenya

Adventure and indulgence meet at The Wallow, Borana Lodge’s solar-powered spa overlooking Mt. Kenya. After a horseback safari or e-bike ride, sink into a massage, facial, or scrub before lounging on the new sundeck with a glass of chilled rosé, watching elephants meander past.

Forest Spa at Grootbos — South Africa

Here, wellness comes draped in green. Beneath Milkwood trees more than a thousand years old, the Forest Spa offers treatments with the forest itself as your soundtrack. Don’t miss the guided forest bathing — part meditation, part sensory awakening — that leaves you breathing deeper than you have in years.

Future Found Sanctuary — Cape Town, South Africa

Perched on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park, this five-star regenerative retreat is as beautiful as it is transformative. Choose from two, three, or five-night journeys blending sound healing, breathwork, African mud scrubs, cacao ceremonies, and hyper-local cuisine. The architecture is breathtaking, the gardens organic, and the pools spring-fed — a sanctuary in every sense.

Kamba Africa — Congo Basin

Between gorilla treks, guests at Kamba can indulge in the Deep Forest Ritual, a massage rooted in rainforest traditions and performed by women trained through eco-tourism initiatives. It’s proof that wellness here benefits both the traveler and community.

Oliver’s Lodge — Mpumalanga, South Africa

Overlooking a championship golf course, Oliver’s Lodge marries Austrian elegance with African warmth. The new infrared sauna therapy offers deep relaxation and detox at gentle temperatures, best paired with a signature oil massage for the ultimate wind-down.

From Botswana to the Congo Basin, Africa’s luxury lodges are creating experiences that slow your breath, open your senses, and leave you quietly changed. This is more than a holiday — it’s an awakening, in some of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

Swanky RetreatsBeyond the Beach

Insider Tip: Room With a View

Request a sea-facing suite on one of the upper floors—morning coffee on your balcony as the sun rises over the Mediterranean is pure magic.

Insider Tip: Spa Secret

Book your treatment mid-morning—by then, the spa is bathed in soft natural light, and the post-massage glow lasts all day.

Mornings in Paradise

Insider Tip: Post-Match Perfection

Even if you’re not a tennis player, stop by Break Point Café inside the tennis centre for fresh juices and healthy snacks—it’s a hidden gem for a light bite.

SWANKY STATS:

DON CARLOS MARBELLA

Insider Tip: Golden Hour Spot

Head to the Lucia Summer Club’s edge seating around 7:30 p.m. for the best sunset view in the house—rosé in hand, toes in the sand.

Travel Stories

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The Boutique: Where Curation Meets Discovery

The Secret Garden: Movement Among the Flowers

Beyond the Spa Walls

A Destination with Depth

I’ve been lucky enough to slip behind the gates — or in some cases, set sail — at a few of the world’s most exclusive escapes. Here’s my passport to five stays you’ll never want to check out of.

“For years, it’s been a magnet for discerning travelers seeking modern luxury without fuss — where fine food, fresh air and warmth of service take precedence over formality.”

“A single meal at SOURCE barely scratches the surface. The hotel’s second restaurant, Gilpin Spice, is a vivid contrast — a riot of colour, aroma and global flair.”

My home for the weekend was the magnificent Wedgewood Suite, named after the famous 18th century English porcelain manufacturer which is known for its distinctive blue and white jasperware.

Travel Stories

From Botswana to the Congo Basin, Africa’s luxury lodges are creating experiences that slow your breath, open your senses, and leave you quietly changed. This is more than a holiday — it’s an awakening, in some of the most extraordinary places on Earth.

Travel Stories

Travel Stories

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Swanky RetreatsBeyond the Beach

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