Hotel Central Wellness

Capri is that island - you know, the one dangling off the Amalfi Coast like a shiny earring that every fashion house suddenly decided they wanted to wear. Jacquemus threw a runway show here, brands have churned out “Capri-inspired” resort collections, restaurants migrate over in the summer just to say they did, and influencers can’t stop posting about their yacht-side Aperols. By the time you step off the ferry, you’ll get it - the cliffs are dramatic, the yachts are abundant, and yes, you’ll immediately wonder if your linen outfit is Instagram-worthy enough. But let’s get into what nobody tells you. Shoes First off: the shoes. Forget the delicate strappy sandals or that expensive pair you convinced yourself were “walking shoes.” You have never known stairs until you’ve set foot in Capri. I thought I was a seasoned Italy traveller - climbed the Roman hills, wandered through Tuscan towns, ticked off all the rustic alleyways. But Capri is in a league of its own. Thousands of steps. Everywhere. It’s beautiful, sure, but your quads will remember the trip longer than your camera roll. Funicular Then there’s the funicular - the charming little cable car that everyone takes up from the marina. The problem? The line feels like it’s auditioning for the Guinness World Records. What I wish I’d known: if you’re staying overnight, there’s a secret separate entrance for hotel guests. Flash your booking and skip the ordeal. We didn’t know, of course, and spent 40 minutes sweating our way up stairs instead. Privacy is everything Here’s the magic trick Capri somehow pulls off: being buzzing and quiet at the same time. We stayed in a villa smack in the middle of the busiest part of town - surrounded by glamorous pools, Michelin-starred dining, and every five-star hotel you’ve seen in Condé Nast Traveller, yet it felt secluded. Out on the terrace, you’d look across at the Faraglioni cliffs dotted with yachts and swear you were in your own private film set. Price Now, let’s talk numbers. Capri is expensive. And not “London pricey” or “Paris café inflation” expensive. We’re talking €40 for soup, €35 for a salad, and that’s before you’ve even ordered wine. Accommodation? Under €300 a night is basically unheard of, and that’s for the most modest of rooms. The ferry from Naples will set you back another €35 per person each way, and don’t expect to offset costs with a supermarket run - the ones that exist are tiny, understocked, and close early. So unless your budget stretches to multiple Aperol spritzes that cost more than dinner in Naples, consider making Capri a glamorous day trip instead of a full-blown stay. What to wear Capri isn’t the place to test out your tightest leather trousers or anything that requires complicated zips. It’s hot, it’s humid, and unless you’re staying poolside at a five-star, you’ll be climbing stairs that feel like a Peloton class in disguise. So think practical but make it chic. You’ll want a lightweight bag you can sling over your shoulder for shopping alley strolls or when you brave the Monte Solaro chairlift. Sunglasses are non-negotiable (the more dramatic, the better, it’s Capri after all), and shoes should be comfortable enough to handle uneven paths but stylish enough that you won’t hate yourself when you bump into someone from Vogue. To make things easier, I’ve pulled together a little style guide below with some of my favourites - pieces that balance glamour with the reality of sweat, stairs, and selfies. For her For him Where to stay Capri Tiberio Palace If Wes Anderson designed a dolce vita escape, it would look like this. Bursting with colour (we’re talking magenta sofas, turquoise walls, and enough vintage trinkets to fill a flea market), the Tiberio Palace is equal parts glamorous and fun. Book a sea-facing suite with a terrace and you’ll never want to leave. Food-wise, La Terrazza Tiberio does the kind of seafood pasta you’ll still be dreaming about when you’re back in rainy London, while the Jacky Bar is the place to sip a paloma under the gaze of a white baby grand piano. Caesar Augustus Hotel Perched dramatically on a cliff 300 metres above sea level, Caesar Augustus is where you go when you want views that make you question your entire life back home. It’s family-run, so while it’s grand, it’s also incredibly warm owner Paolo and his son might just greet you personally. Rooms in the main villa are the prize (yes, even the bathrooms come with a view). The chef cooks with ingredients picked straight from the hotel’s garden, and if you’re lucky you’ll be roped into a cooking class or a fish-market run. It’s all very wholesome in a “pinch-me-I’m-on-Capri” kind of way. Hotel La Palma Capri’s very first hotel got a major glow-up in 2023, and now it’s a dreamy neoclassical hangout where white curtains billow like togas and the crowd looks like they’ve just stepped off a private jet (they probably have). The rooms are all breezy whites and sky blues, and the pastry counter downstairs is run by a master chef. Upstairs, Michelin-starred Gennaro Esposito works his magic on the roof terrace. But the real flex? Scoring a spot at the hotel’s Da Gioia beach club because sun loungers on Capri are harder to book than a Birkin. Hotel La Vega Tucked into a candy-pink building, La Vega is the kind of hotel that doesn’t need to shout about itself. It’s family-run, understated, and has a hillside pool carved into the rock that’s basically begging for an Aperol shot (the drink, not the photo, though both work). The rooms are crisp whites with blue majolica tiles, and the private terraces are perfect for lazy breakfasts with a sea view. It’s not as flashy as some of its neighbours, but that’s exactly why people love it. J.K. Place Capri Hovering above Marina Grande, J.K. Place feels like a secret club for people who’ve outgrown the day-tripper chaos. The interiors are peak Michele Bonan: chic, polished, but never stiff. Think four-poster beds, wraparound terraces, and sunlight pouring in from every angle. Days here revolve around the pool, the terrace, and the chef’s modern spin on Mediterranean cooking (expect fish so fresh it practically swims onto the plate). Aperitivo hour here is legendary cocktails, views of Vesuvius, and that smug feeling you picked the right hotel. What to do There are a few Capri non-negotiables, and booking a boat is at the very top. Especially if you’re staying overnight, skip the TikTok-fed urge to queue for the Blue Grotto. It’s tourist bingo: hours of waiting for a five-minute ride that’s mostly bragging rights. Instead, splurge on a private boat. I did one with dinner at sunset, and it was the closest I’ve come to feeling like I was in an old Italian film. Our guide fed us stories of emperors, architects, and celebrities who once swanned about the cliffs, while the sea turned from powder blue to shades of orange, green, and red. Yes, it was a bit choppy, but bobbing past the Faraglioni at sunset while yachts hovered nearby was pure magic. Next up: the Monte Solaro chairlift. It’s a must, and honestly, half the fun is just getting there. Capri’s roads are so narrow and twisted you’d think they were designed by someone who hated cars. Which is why the island’s cabs look like squashed convertibles from another planet. Take one, it’s all part of the Capri experience. Leave the overcrowded buses to those with a masochistic streak. Shopping is another must. Wander the little lanes, duck into boutiques of Italian designers, and you’ll find pieces that somehow feel more special (and sometimes more affordable) than their London equivalents. Then, when you’re ready to slow down, stop by the Gardens of Augustus or stroll Via Krupp. They’re postcard-perfect, but you don’t need to tick every sight off a list. Capri is best enjoyed with a slow wander, a sea breeze, and the smug feeling that you’ve chosen the right kind of chaos to escape to. Where to eat La Fontelina If you do one meal in Capri, make it here. La Fontelina is basically the definition of Capri vibes: sunbeds perched under the Faraglioni rocks, impossibly chic crowds pretending not to notice each other, and seafood so fresh you’ll wonder if the lobster was sunbathing next to you five minutes earlier. Book ahead, both tables and loungers vanish faster than a spritz on a hot day. L’Olivo When flip-flops and pasta no longer cut it, head to L’Olivo at the Capri Palace Jumeirah. Two Michelin stars, a menu crafted by Andrea Migliaccio (a local hero from Ischia), and pasta that feels like edible poetry. The lemon-scented tagliolini with burrata, red prawns, and sea asparagus is the sort of dish you’ll dream about on the ferry home. Ristorante Panorama The name is no lie, the views here are spectacular. Panorama is known for its warm, attentive service (though occasionally you’ll wait a little longer than you’d like), and the seafood pasta is exactly what you want after a day of shopping and stair climbing. It’s not cheap, but the views alone almost justify the bill. Almost.

I arrived in Sorrento by boat on a sun-soaked afternoon, the kind where the heat (28 degrees, to be exact) clings to your shoulders in that pleasant, slightly smug way that says: you’re on the Amalfi Coast, congratulations. Compared to the theatrics of Positano or the polished glamour of Capri, Sorrento feels immediately more relaxed, less performative, almost as if it’s exhaling for you. My hotel, the aptly named Hotel Central Wellness, sits about a fifteen-minute walk from the station—or, if you’re feeling less ambitious, a quick cab ride away. What I didn’t know until later was that there’s a lift—yes, a lift—that will spare you the roughly 200-step climb from the port up to the town level for just over a euro. A life saver, truly, if you’ve arrived with a suitcase, or wearing trendy shoes. About the hotel Hotel Central Wellness is a boutique-sized escape with just over fifty-five rooms, which already makes it feel like the antithesis of the cavernous, wedding-party-filled resorts you sometimes find along the coast. It’s the sort of place you book to properly exhale - either as a finale to your summer travels or as a pause before heading on to the next dizzying stop on the jet-set itinerary. My check-in was seamless: a brightly lit lobby chilled to the exact right temperature (not arctic, not balmy) with a quiet scent hanging in the air, the kind of fragrance that doesn’t shout “I am bergamot!” but instead gently whispers, you’re somewhere nice. The staff were warm, efficient, and had me upstairs in minutes. The room And then, the room. Number 401, perched on the fourth floor, came with a sweeping view of the sea and Mount Vesuvius looming in the distance like a perfectly placed postcard prop. Forget the standard hotel-room checklist of kettle, tea bags, and generic instant coffee sachets—this room had its own private sauna. A sauna. In the room. It felt like a subtle reminder that the hotel takes the “wellness” part of its name very seriously. The rest didn’t disappoint: a generous sofa, a screen big enough for both cable and Netflix marathons, and a bathroom that was basically its own mini-spa with an “emotional shower” (yes, that’s the actual term) offering ambient lighting and massaging jets, a bidet, and a vanity mirror lined with bright LEDs—an influencer’s dream scenario. The décor tied it all together: blue-and-white tiles that channelled old-school Italian chic, a bed that was both expansive and firm, and pillows that felt designed with Goldilocks-level precision - neither too plump nor too flat. Within minutes, I was smitten. The pool The pool is the kind of place that makes you reconsider whether you actually need to go sightseeing at all. Fairly large by boutique hotel standards, it’s ringed with plenty of lounge chairs and, most importantly, a bar that takes its cocktail offerings seriously. Each chair comes with an adjustable shade canopy you can tilt just over your face—because yes, we love Italy, but we love anti-aging even more. For those who’d rather sip in silence, the terrace offers a quieter corner with sunbeds overlooking the bay and Mount Vesuvius, a view so cinematic it almost distracts from your spritz. The food Lunch by the pool sealed the deal. The menu runs the gamut from fresh seafood to pastas, crisp salads, and the sort of “healthy snacks” that make you feel virtuous without sacrificing taste. It’s the kind of variety that means everyone—from the carb-lover to the wellness purist—finds something they’ll happily linger over. Pair it with a chilled glass of wine or a bright, citrusy spritz, and you’ve got the holy trinity of Italian leisure: pool, sun, and food. The gym Downstairs, the wellness focus continues with a fully equipped gym, stocked with every machine and gadget you could need to keep up appearances—or at least balance out the pasta intake. The staff, always attentive without hovering, seem to anticipate what you need before you ask, whether that’s a fresh towel, directions to the sauna, or another round from the poolside bar. The wellness centre The spa was, quite literally, all mine. For the first time ever, I had an entire wellness space closed off just for me—two uninterrupted hours of what can only be described as curated bliss. It began with a 30-minute full-body massage that erased every trace of travel fatigue, followed by a cup of detoxifying green tea that felt almost ceremonial. From there, I slipped into a jacuzzi the size of a small pool, complete with waterfalls and a soundtrack of soft, zen-like music that made me briefly consider abandoning real life altogether. The session wrapped with a Turkish sauna, the perfect finale to a ritual that left me feeling reset in a way no face mask or quick hotel steam room ever could. Rooftop Terrace A lovely surprise was the rooftop terrace, which never felt crowded thanks to the hotel’s boutique size. It’s the kind of spot you wander up to thinking you’ll just take a peek, then end up staying for hours. On one side, the view stretches over the pool, the sea, and Mount Vesuvius; on the other, it’s all rolling hills and rugged mountains. The sunsets here are nothing short of breathtaking, with the whole sky turning shades of apricot and rose as you sip whatever happens to be in your glass. It’s peaceful, unfussy, and perhaps the hotel’s most underrated luxury. The space itself isn’t enormous, but that’s the point—it’s designed with precision rather than excess. Minimalist interiors, ambient lighting, and just the right music make it feel like stepping into a cocoon of calm. By the time I emerged, Sorrento outside felt somehow louder, brighter, more insistent, as though the world had been paused and then restarted. Hotel Central Wellness isn’t the flashiest address in Sorrento, but that’s exactly its appeal. It strikes the right balance between comfort, relaxation, and a touch of indulgence—whether that’s a private sauna in your room, a cocktail by the pool, or two quiet hours in the spa. With its convenient location, attentive staff, and wellness-first approach, it’s the kind of hotel that works just as well as a pit stop on a longer Amalfi itinerary as it does a standalone retreat. In short: easy, restorative, and exactly what you want Sorrento to be.

There are few beauty launches that cause the kind of frenzy we’ve seen around Heaven Skincare’s Prism Protection SPF 50+ . The luxury British brand, which has a Royal Warrant and is known for its cult ABEETOXIN Bee Venom formula, has a staggering 10,000-person waitlist for this product. Priced at £73 and three years in development, Prism Protection is marketed as more than just an SPF. With clinically tested SPF 53.1 coverage, it defends against UVA, UVB, blue light and pollution while delivering hydration and brightness thanks to ingredients like multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cotton stem cells and vitamins E and B5. When my package arrived, it immediately felt like something special. A handwritten note marked 45/100 highlighted its small-batch exclusivity, while the packaging itself carried the polish and weight of a heritage brand with loyal celebrity clients including Victoria Beckham, Kylie Minogue and Cheryl. On first use, the cream applied beautifully: lightweight, moisturising and quick to absorb, without the heaviness or greasiness you often expect from high-factor SPFs. The finish is soft and matte, making it easy to layer under make-up without compromising texture. Heaven Skincare positions Prism Protection as both defence and treatment. Alongside broad-spectrum protection, it promises to soothe irritation, strengthen the skin barrier and reduce redness and uneven tone, while supporting hydration even in the drying conditions of air-conditioned offices or hot climates. Whether it lives up to all of those claims is something only time will tell, but the brand’s track record of innovation and its dedicated following suggests it may be worth the hype. Verdict: A luxurious SPF that feels more like skincare than sun care. With its combination of heritage, science and exclusivity, Prism Protection is a statement addition to any daily routine. About the brand Founded by Deborah Mitchell, Heaven Skincare rose to worldwide fame with its patented Bee Venom formula, ABEETOXIN , which quickly became a global beauty talking point. The brand’s reputation has been further cemented by a roster of famous fans ranging from Victoria Beckham to the Minogue sisters, as well as a coveted Royal Warrant from The Queen herself. Now celebrating 30 years of innovation, Heaven continues to carve out its place as a pioneer in luxury, science-led skincare with Prism Protection marking its next big chapter.

Dubai’s skyline is about to get a spectacular new addition. Come November 2025, Ciel Dubai Marina, Vignette Collection by IHG will officially open its doors, and with it, claim the title of the world’s tallest hotel . Soaring 377 metres over Dubai Marina, this 82-floor marvel is more than just an architectural feat—it’s a new benchmark for luxury hospitality. From the moment you arrive, Ciel promises an experience that blends jaw-dropping design, panoramic views, and world-class facilities . Designed by award-winning architects Norr, the hotel’s “eye of the needle” silhouette is as striking as it is elegant, offering 1,004 rooms and suites, all framed by floor-to-ceiling windows capturing uninterrupted views of Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf, and Dubai’s glittering skyline. For the culinary-minded, Ciel Dubai Marina is a playground of global flavours. West 13 celebrates the Mediterranean with fresh pasta, mezze, and artisanal breads, while East 14 takes you on an Asian odyssey with live Ramen and Pho stations, sushi, dim sum, and rich Indian curries. For more relaxed indulgence, Risen Café and Artisanal Bakery serves breakfast, all-day café-style dishes, and award-winning coffee, all sourced from local ingredients. The hotel’s pièce de résistance, however, is Tattu Dubai , the UK-born modern Asian concept reimagined across three levels. On level 74, diners enter a world where mythology meets contemporary Japanese and Chinese cuisine. Ascend to level 76 for the world’s highest infinity pool , where Japanese-fusion bites and sunset DJ sets create a day-to-night energy that’s hard to rival. Finally, level 81 unveils the Tattu Sky Lounge & Terrace , an opulent rooftop escape with 360° views, craft cocktails, and music that perfectly complements Dubai’s skyline. Wellness and leisure are equally spectacular. The 61st-floor spa blends advanced rituals with time-honoured traditions, while the 24/7 gym offers panoramic vistas for an energising workout. Guests can also enjoy exclusive access to Soluna Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah, a serene retreat just 15 minutes from the hotel. Families are not forgotten: a Splash Pad, Kids Club, child-friendly menus, and bespoke amenities ensure even the youngest visitors are pampered. Strategically located with direct access to Dubai Marina’s boardwalk, world-class shopping, beaches, and iconic landmarks such as Ain Dubai and Bluewaters, Ciel is more than a hotel—it’s a gateway to the city’s vibrant sophistication. For business travellers, the Executive Lounge Nest and stylish meeting spaces high above the city offer the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and skyline inspiration. Ciel Dubai Marina is The First Group’s most ambitious project to date and a shining jewel in IHG’s Vignette Collection, which celebrates one-of-a-kind hotels offering authentic, memorable experiences. With its bold architecture, unmatched views, and multi-sensory dining and wellness offerings, Ciel is set to become Dubai’s ultimate luxury destination and a must-visit for travellers seeking sky-high indulgence.

When two names as storied as WOLF and Liberty meet, the result is more than a collaboration: it is an affirmation of heritage in an age of fleeting trends. WOLF, the family-owned house that has been creating jewellery cases and watch winders since 1834, and Liberty, the London institution celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, share a common philosophy: beauty and craft must endure. It’s the marriage of two heritage-rich British brands that have always been about more than just beautiful objects. They’re about storytelling, legacy, and the small rituals that turn everyday life into something exquisite. I met Simon Wolf, the fifth-generation CEO of his family’s business, just before the launch. There’s a steadiness about him, the kind you only find in people carrying nearly two centuries of tradition on their shoulders. “This collection is about more than looking after your jewellery,” he explained. “It’s about design that lasts, and design that means something.” That conviction is embedded in WOLF’s history: when Philipp Wolf I began his boxmaking business in 1834, it was with the belief that the way you present something is as important as the object itself. For Liberty, the timing could not be more significant. The store, with its Tudor revival façade and labyrinth of patterned interiors, has become London’s most eccentric temple of taste. This year’s 150th anniversary is marked by a calendar of exhibitions and collaborations, all honouring Arthur Lasenby Liberty’s mission not to follow fashion, but to define it. In that spirit, WOLF feels like a natural partner—another house rooted in the belief that design should endure across generations. The collection itself takes two of Liberty’s most celebrated prints and translates them for a contemporary audience. Ianthe , a swirling Art Nouveau motif, is embossed onto sustainable leather in navy and burgundy, while Julia , a 1930s floral, is reimagined in sage green. Jewellery boxes, watch rolls, travel cases and portfolios are finished with silver or gold hardware, each piece lined with Liberty’s unmistakable detailing. They are objects of daily use designed with longevity in mind, thanks to WOLF’s patented LusterLoc™ technology, which protects jewellery from tarnishing for up to 35 years. For Pere Bruach, Liberty’s Design Manager, the collaboration was about more than simply selecting prints. “I was inspired by the metalwork and jewellery of Archibald Knox, a key figure in Liberty’s design legacy,” he said. That influence can be felt in the engineering of the embossed leather, where Liberty’s decorative vocabulary meets WOLF’s functional precision. Together, the brands have created a collection that feels both archival and forward-looking. It’s not seasonal, not trend-led, but purposeful - a quiet kind of luxury that acknowledges the value of history while offering something entirely suited to modern life. The WOLF x Liberty collection is available now at wolf1834.com, Liberty, and select retailers worldwide, with prices ranging from £169 to £945.

There are country house hotels, and then there is Palé Hall. The Relais & Châteaux property, which sits on the edge of Snowdonia, has the sort of pedigree that travel writers love to remind you of: AA Five Red Stars, a Green Michelin Star for sustainability, and an 18-room mansion where every space has its own personality. But this autumn, Palé Hall is less interested in resting on accolades and more focused on giving guests a reason to book a return visit. The hotel has unveiled a collection of new experiences that feel both indulgent and quietly unexpected. The Hearth, once the 19th-century kitchen of the original house, has been transformed into a private dining room where Head Chef Ed Marsh will host intimate tasting menus. The room keeps its historic cast iron hearth but adds bespoke wallpaper from Liberty James Studio, a touch of theatricality that sets the stage for evenings of storytelling through food and wine. Downstairs, the Wine Cellar has been reimagined as a subterranean refuge for those who take their vintages seriously. It is the kind of space designed for lingering over rare bottles and local Welsh labels, paired with artisan cheeses and charcuterie. The atmosphere is deliberately cocooning, a place to disappear into conversation with a glass in hand. Not every guest will want to spend their time inside. Palé Hall now offers clay pigeon shooting in its grounds, an estate activity that nods to tradition while doubling as a spirited outdoor pursuit. For those who prefer quieter creativity, a new Pottery and Art Studio invites guests to try their hand at the wheel under the guidance of ceramicist Jo-Anna Duncalf. The studio looks onto the gardens and every session ends with a seasonal lunch prepared by the hotel’s chefs. September brings the launch of new wellness spaces, including a gym fitted with NOHRD equipment and treatment rooms for massages and therapies. October will see the opening of a Whisky and Cigar Lounge, complete with leather chairs, wood panelling, and a curated selection of bottles that balances the familiar with the rare. The effect of all this is simple. Palé Hall is making the case that a weekend in the Welsh countryside can be more than just a long walk and a good dinner. It can be an escape for the senses, one that folds together food, wine, wellness, craft, and tradition against a backdrop of autumn colour and mountain air.