The Destination Is the Luxury: Five Places for Those Who Know Because it’s not just the price tag that matters. There’s a difference between expensive and exquisite. Anyone who’s sat in a silent garden in Ravello or watched the light change over Lake Lucerne knows it. Quiet luxury isn’t about gold taps or five-star ratings. It’s about restraint. Taste. Atmosphere. The kind of place that assumes you’ll find it, eventually. Late summer is when these destinations come into their own. The heat softens. The crowds fade. The silence settles. You can hear yourself think again. The people who come here don’t overpack. They book villas over hotels. Linen over logos. They don’t need a geotag to prove a point. Here are five places for those who know where to go. Where the real luxury is space, stillness, and the feeling that you’re exactly where you’re meant to be. Lake Lucerne, Switzerland Lake Lucerne is what happens when nature and design speak the same elegant language. Still waters, sharp peaks, and Belle Époque hotels that carry the scent of leather-bound books and Alpine air. It’s where you go to breathe better, dress softer, and realign without making an announcement. How to Get There Fly into Zurich, then take the direct train to Lucerne - just over an hour, and impossibly scenic. If you’re arriving from Milan or Paris, the rail journey is longer but romantic in its own right. How Long to Stay Three to four days is ideal. Enough time to drift across the lake on a vintage steamboat, hike or cable up Mount Pilatus, and explore the old town’s frescoed facades and lakeside promenades without rushing. Where to Stay Ravello, Italy Ravello doesn’t ask for attention, it rewards presence. Perched high above the Amalfi Coast, it whispers rather than shouts, offering cascading gardens, faded palazzos, and chamber music echoing through warm stone. You come here not to be seen, but to feel something shift. How to Get There Fly into Naples, then drive or hire a car service for the one and a half to two hour journey along winding cliff roads. The drive is steep and slow in the best way, with views that make silence feel like luxury. How Long to Stay Two to three nights is enough to settle into Ravello’s rhythm. Spend your days visiting Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, sipping limoncello on sun-warmed terraces, and dipping into the Amalfi scene below only if you feel like it. Where to stay Patmos, Greece Patmos is where the quiet elite retreat, not for the scene, but for the silence. The kind of place where your phone naturally stays face-down, and the biggest decision is whether to swim before or after lunch How to Get There Fly into Athens and take a short connecting flight or ferry to Patmos. The ferry ride is about three hours and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. How Long to Stay Three to four days allow you to explore its secret beaches, charming towns, and spiritual landmarks at a leisurely pace. Where to Stay The Cotswolds, England The Cotswolds is England in its softest form. Meadows, antique markets, honey-hued inns, and the slow unfurling of a perfectly folded napkin. It’s all fireside wine, linen bedding, and mornings that begin with birdsong and end with scent of rain on stone. Unfussy, refined, and quietly magnetic. How to Get There Drive or take the train from London - approximately two hours. The journey sets the tone with gentle countryside unfolding before you. How Long to Stay Three to four days is perfect. Enough time to wander quaint villages, visit historic manor houses, and enjoy afternoons at cosy pubs and country gardens. Where to Stay Cannes, France When summer wanes and the spotlight fades, Cannes becomes itself again. Sun-bleached shutters, long lunches under striped awnings, and the shimmer of sea meeting sky with no one watching. It’s the Riviera, yes — but slower, saltier, and far more seductive when no one’s performing. How to Get There Fly into Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, then a short 30-minute drive or train ride to Cannes. The route offers glimpses of the sparkling Mediterranean and charming coastal towns. How Long to Stay Two to three days is ideal. Time enough to stroll the old town, relax on quiet beaches, and savour Provençal cuisine at hidden gems away from the buzz. Where to Stay

Luxury travel used to be about checking out. Room service. Rooftop pools. A good blowout before dinner. But in 2025, the most coveted form of escape is not indulgent, it’s intentional. Wellness has evolved from a nice-to-have amenity into the headline act, with a new wave of travel destinations designed not just to help you rest, but to fundamentally reset. We're not talking about the kind of wellness that comes in sachets or requires a matching activewear set. This is something deeper, and dare we say it - cooler. In the post-burnout, post-algorithm, post-almond-milk era, a new cultural obsession has emerged: feeling better . Not just thinner, not just cleaner, but clearer . The nervous system has replaced the six-pack as the modern status symbol. The new jet set isn't flying halfway across the world to party. They're flying to regulate. This shift has given rise to what can only be described as a wellness renaissance. A global rewilding of luxury hospitality. Here, the most sought-after experiences are those that blend ritual with design, stillness with stimulation, and local heritage with clinical-grade efficacy. Places that offer magnesium pools and custom Ayurvedic dosha menus alongside impeccable linens and sea views. Places that make you forget your phone, not because they ask you to, but because the outside world suddenly feels irrelevant. In a time when rest is political and silence is rare, wellness travel has become the ultimate luxury flex. And not in the old sense of excess, but in the new one of self-awareness. Whether it’s cryotherapy overlooking the Aegean, jungle yoga in Sri Lanka, or a seaweed massage in Sussex, the destinations in this new global circuit offer more than relaxation—they offer transformation. No juice cleanse required. Below, we chart the properties leading this shift. Some are remote and ritualistic. Others feel like you’re checking into your cooler, more self-possessed future self. All of them prove one thing: the future of travel isn’t about escape, it’s about returning home to yourself. Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda, Italy If Nancy Meyers ever directed a wellness film, it would take place at Lefay Lago di Garda. Terraced above Italy’s most cinematic lake, the Lefay estate feels less like a hotel and more like a manifestation of someone’s post burnout fantasy. With an 11,000 square foot spa wrapped in panoramic glass and a menu of treatments that borrow from both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Italian phytotherapy, it’s no wonder this is the place Milanese executives vanish to when the Aperol runs dry. But what really distinguishes Lefay is its subtle, almost cinematic serenity, the way your nervous system exhales the moment you see that infinity pool slice into the sky. It doesn’t scream luxury, it stage whispers it. The rooms are wrapped in pale woods and linen, minimalist but tactile, like someone pressed pause on your life and hit play on a more elegant one. Detoxes here don’t feel punishing, they feel like gentle recalibrations, as if your body is being reminded of a rhythm it once knew. Daily programming includes Qi Gong at sunrise, olive oil body rituals, and breathing workshops held in front of Lake Garda’s light streaked surface. Even the cuisine feels rehabilitative: Mediterranean, yes, but stripped of excess, with saffron broth, steamed seabass, and fennel pollen from the hotel’s biodynamic garden. It’s a place where you don’t just recharge, you unlearn the need to constantly perform being well. Casa Yuma, Puerto Escondido, Mexico If Tulum is your ex who discovered breathwork and got annoying, Puerto Escondido is her cooler cousin who quietly built a yoga deck by the ocean and never posted about it. Casa Yuma perfectly embodies that ethos: an eco-luxury sanctuary where design, sustainability, and soul coexist under one thatched roof. With just 25 king rooms, each thoughtfully curated with Oaxacan textiles, artisanal ceramics by Amande Haeghen, and natural materials like Chukum and locally sourced wood, it feels less like a hotel and more like a moodboard brought to life. The property’s intimate scale makes it feel exclusive without being stuffy, a rare balance in wellness travel. Whether you’re watching Pacific sunsets from your private rooftop terrace or wandering the lush grounds, the vibe is effortless and deeply restorative. Beyond the stunning design, Casa Yuma offers a wellness experience that’s both authentic and accessible. Guests can start the day with gentle yoga sessions or dive into guided surf lessons tailored to all levels. The open-air restaurant serves up fresh, bold flavours rooted in Oaxaca’s culinary heritage — think tamales, shrimp tacos, and smoky mezcal cocktails that pair perfectly with the ocean breeze. It’s a place where barefoot elegance meets meaningful connection, inviting you to slow down and soak in the richness of the moment without distraction. Here, wellness isn’t a checklist; it’s a way of being. Rastrello, Umbria, Italy Tucked into the storybook hilltop town of Panicale, Rastrello is the very definition of discreet luxury. With just nine rooms housed in a 500-year-old palazzo, this boutique hotel feels like a secret whispered between old stone walls and velvet armchairs. The design is effortlessly elegant, with an artful mix of original rustic elements and modern comforts that never shout for attention. The estate’s own olive oil is served with the reverence of a vintage Barolo—small, refined, and utterly authentic. Here, wellness is not a checklist of treatments but a slow unfolding: mornings filled with birdsong, afternoons spent wandering cobbled streets that have barely changed since the Renaissance. Rastrello offers a kind of Italian escape that feels deeply personal. There’s a timelessness to the place, a feeling that life unfolds at its own pace, shaped by the sun and seasons rather than itineraries. Lake Trasimeno stretches out below, a shimmering invitation to slow down and soak in the views. The surrounding Umbrian countryside, dotted with olive groves and vineyards, invites exploration on foot or by bike—unhurried adventures that nourish both body and soul. This is Italy as Italians dream it: romantic, unhurried, and quietly radiant. Six Senses Kaplankaya, Turkey Some retreats ask you to give up coffee. Six Senses Kaplankaya asks you to give up stress. Nestled on a rugged stretch of Turkey’s Aegean coast, this sprawling 10-hectare sanctuary is where billionaire tech founders come to unplug, reset, and nurture their microbiomes. The wellness programming is cutting edge, think biohacking, cryotherapy, and bespoke nutrition plans, yet the vibe remains warm and inviting, never clinical or intimidating. It’s a place where science meets serenity, and your daily schedule might include sunrise yoga overlooking the turquoise sea, a ritual Turkish hammam to sweat out toxins, and evening swims in hidden coves. Despite its celebrity clientele and state-of-the-art facilities, Kaplankaya feels more like a minimalist sci-fi fantasy than a luxury bunker. The design is sleek and subtle, with natural materials and expansive glass that frame the endless coastline. You leave feeling like you’ve hit the reset button - not just on your body but on your whole energy. Back in London, that newfound calm lingers, along with a renewed gut flora and maybe even a better relationship with your inbox. It’s the future of wellness travel, wrapped in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. Lanserhof Sylt, Germany Lanserhof Sylt is not for the fainthearted or those expecting a spa day with cucumber slices on the eyes. This is Germany’s most medically advanced wellness sanctuary set on the wild North Sea island of Sylt. The new location balances clinical precision with architectural calm thanks to the visionary design of Christoph Ingenhoven. Inside, you will find a sleek minimalist space that feels more like a futuristic retreat than a traditional spa. But do not be fooled by the clean lines and serene palette. Lanserhof is about a deep reset with detox protocols that include IV drips, medically supervised fasting, and colon hydrotherapy, all designed to strip away what no longer serves you. What makes Lanserhof truly compelling is how it turns this rigorous approach into a strangely indulgent experience. The focus here is on transformation—sleeping deeply, sweating out toxins in the sauna, and sipping herbal infusions like fennel tea that quietly nurture you from the inside out. It is minimalist in style but maximalist in impact. Guests emerge feeling lighter, clearer, and emotionally refreshed, like a clean slate for whatever comes next. It is a place where luxury means discipline and wellbeing is earned, not given. One&Only Kéa Island, Greece If Mykonos is on your avoid list, allow me to introduce you to Kéa. This quiet Cycladic island has been flying under the radar for too long but is now stepping into the spotlight. One&Only’s debut here is a masterclass in modern Greek elegance. Picture white stone villas, infinity pools that seem to melt into aquamarine coves, and a wellness programme deeply rooted in local botanicals and ancient rituals. The design is effortlessly chic and the atmosphere calm, giving you space to breathe and truly unwind. The spa itself does not try too hard. It does not need to. You are in the middle of the Aegean surrounded by silence, the only soundtrack the gentle lapping of waves and the scent of mountain sage and thyme in the herbal teas served. Every moment here feels like bliss bottled up just for you. It is a retreat that honours tradition while embracing modern luxury, offering an escape where time slows and wellbeing naturally follows. Marine Troon, Scotland Yes, Scotland has wellness. At least it does now. Marine Troon is a revived seaside retreat on the west coast that fully embraces the briskness of its surroundings. This is wellness with a fresh edge, where cold water therapy and coastal hikes help you reconnect with nature’s raw power. Inside, the interiors feel more like a chic countryside home than anything you might expect from a traditional Scottish getaway. Think cozy lounges with roaring fireplaces and large windows framing endless tidal views. What really sets Marine Troon apart is its use of local ingredients in spa treatments that capture the spirit of the North Sea. From seaweed wraps to salt scrubs, the wellness here is deeply connected to the land and sea around it. It is luxury on a different wavelength, perfect for Londoners who want to press reset without boarding a plane or giving up on style. This is a retreat where you can find calm in the wild and sophistication in simplicity. The Gallivant, East Sussex What if Soho House had a seaside sister who loved forest bathing and drank green juice? That is exactly the vibe at The Gallivant. Nestled just a short walk from the sweeping sands of Camber, this East Sussex hideaway has quietly become a cult favourite among creatives and fashion insiders seeking effortless luxury by the sea. The style is coastal cool with whitewashed wood, endless linen, and an airy, relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to linger all day. But The Gallivant is more than just a pretty face. Its wellness offerings mix the unexpected with the indulgent—from hypnotherapy sessions and chakra massages to wild yoga classes that take full advantage of the nearby natural landscape. The wine list follows suit, boasting a selection of biodynamic bottles perfect for sipping after a sunset beach walk. And the food? Fried oysters that feel like a coastal hug. This is the kind of place where you come for the aesthetic and stay for the soul realignment. Santani Wellness, Sri Lanka Santani doesn’t whisper wellness, it emanates it in every corner. Nestled in the misty hills above Kandy, this retreat feels like stepping into a sanctuary where time slows and your senses begin to soften. The architecture is a stunning balance of sleek modernity and natural harmony, with glass walls framing views of lush forests and rolling mountains. There are no distractions here—no TVs, no air conditioning—just pure, intentional calm designed to help you reconnect deeply with yourself and nature. The heart of Santani is its commitment to Ayurvedic traditions fused with a personalised approach that feels both precise and nurturing. Every treatment, from herbal oil massages to guided forest meditations, is tailored to your unique needs, allowing you to reset on a level few places can offer. This is not just wellness; it is a spiritual realignment with a sense of place so strong it almost feels sacred. For anyone seeking profound restoration, Santani is the address to remember. Acro Suites, Crete Perched on the cliffs of Crete, Acro Suites is the kind of place you see all over Instagram but wish you could experience in real life. Carved directly into the rock, each suite feels like a private sanctuary with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, your own plunge pool, and a calm so deep it almost becomes part of you. The design is effortlessly beautiful — crisp white walls, natural stone, and touches that feel inspired by classic Greek architecture, making every corner a perfect photo moment. But beyond the visual feast, the wellness here is truly immersive. The spa combines ancient traditions with a modern sensibility, featuring a Byzantine hammam and treatments made from local, natural ingredients. It’s a place where time slows, and you are invited to breathe, soak, and simply be. Acro Suites offers more than luxury — it delivers an elevated experience that captures the soul of the Aegean in every moment. Seaside: A Lifestyle Resort, Crete Seaside is the more playful sister of Acro Suites, offering wellness with a touch of glamour and a wink to the cosmopolitan traveller. Set right on the Cretan coast, it blends laid-back boho vibes with luxe touches that make every moment feel like a celebration. Imagine evenings spent at beachside dinners where the sunset sets the scene, followed by Pilates sessions that flow into cocktails. This is wellness designed for those who want to feel good and look good doing it. The resort’s approach is sensual and lively, not austere or clinical. Couples’ treatments come with champagne, and the energy is relaxed but stylish. It’s the perfect spot for anyone curious about wellness but not quite ready to give up their heels or their social life. Here, slowing down means turning up the joy, all wrapped up in the magic of Crete’s sun-soaked shores. The Grove, Hertfordshire The Grove has long been Londoners’ favourite escape when a staycation calls for something truly special. Nestled on expansive manicured grounds, it feels a world away from the city yet is just a short drive or Uber ride from the capital. What’s new—and quietly transformative—is their fresh approach to wellness. Think forest bathing sessions that reconnect you to nature, guided breathwork classes that reset your mind, and spa rituals designed to immerse you fully in calm. It’s wellness that feels intentional without being over the top. Beyond the spa and wellbeing offerings, The Grove blends everything you expect from a luxury retreat: a championship golf course, elegant rooms, and seasonal fine dining that highlights local ingredients. Whether you’re there to detox, decompress, or simply indulge, this is a place where proximity to London never compromises the sense of escape. It proves that luxury and convenience can live happily side by side, offering a perfect reset for busy Londoners. Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Miami The Surf Club is not just another spa hotel—it’s a statement. Set in a beautifully restored art deco landmark, it manages to capture the glamour of Old Hollywood while delivering a fresh, modern take on luxury wellness. Designed by Joseph Dirand, the interiors feel effortlessly cool, with clean lines and ocean views that make you want to linger in every corner. Here, wellness is woven into every detail, from hammam-inspired spa suites to sunrise yoga overlooking the Atlantic. What truly sets The Surf Club apart are the seasonal wellness residencies that bring world-class experts and bespoke treatments right to your doorstep. Whether you’re detoxing your body or simply seeking a moment of calm away from Miami’s usual buzz, this is a place where your wellbeing feels as carefully curated as your surroundings. It’s the perfect retreat for jet-setters who want their health rituals wrapped in elegance and style. Kilikya Palace, Turkey Kilikya Palace is the kind of place that flies just under the radar, which makes it all the more appealing for those craving a quieter kind of luxury. Nestled along the turquoise coast of Antalya, it offers a welcome escape from the usual all-inclusive resorts. Sure, there’s a swim-up bar and breakfast buffet, but what truly sets this place apart is the sense of calm that washes over you as soon as you arrive. The coastal air is restorative, and the hotel’s approach to wellness feels rooted in tradition with authentic hammam rituals and Turkish treatments that soothe both body and mind. Visit in the shoulder season when the crowds have thinned, and you’ll find a near-private sanctuary where the sea breeze and gentle waves become your soundtrack. The atmosphere is unpretentious yet refined, perfect for anyone looking to recharge without the usual fuss. At Kilikya Palace, luxury is about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and indulging in wellness experiences that feel genuine and deeply nurturing.

When you think of Monaco, a few things come to mind: superyachts, the Grand Prix, Grace Kelly, and the Fairmont Monte Carlo. The latter, a sprawling waterfront icon opened by Princess Grace herself in 1975, has just completed a top-to-bottom transformation to celebrate its 50th anniversary - and in true Riviera fashion, it’s more opulent, more refined, and more relevant than ever. The hotel’s sweeping renovation touches every facet of the property, from its cream-and-blue-hued guest rooms to its sea-facing rooftop restaurants. It’s a carefully choreographed facelift. Think Jane Fonda, not filler - that manages to modernise without betraying the building’s unapologetically glamorous bones. The makeover isn’t just about aesthetics, either. It’s about legacy. And Fairmont Monte Carlo, which has been a front-row spectator to half a century of Monaco’s evolution, isn’t interested in simply keeping up, it’s determined to lead. Let’s start with the rooms. In a market flooded with minimalist luxury, Fairmont’s updated suites are quietly lush. Soft oceanic tones, plush textiles, and private terraces that lean into that view. Whether you’re gazing over the sea, the garden, or the Grand Prix hairpin turn, it will remind you why Monaco was always meant to be seen from above, cocktail in hand. Families haven’t been forgotten either. New Resort Suites offer kitchens, spacious living areas, and panoramic terraces, in case you decide to stay the entire summer. Or year. Naturally, no Riviera renovation is complete without reimagining the dining. Enter Amù Monte Carlo, the hotel’s new rooftop restaurant named after the Monégasque word for “love.” Here, Riviera romance is plated up Mediterranean-style, alongside the kind of sea view that makes you consider deleting your return flight. Just above, Amù by the Pool keeps the energy breezy, with casual dishes, cocktails, and the kind of lounge seating that invites long lunches and later-than-intended departures. Nobu Monte Carlo, arguably the crown jewel of the Fairmont’s culinary offering and a global magnet for A-listers and loyalists, has also undergone a design update. The refreshed interiors are warm and wood-toned, subtly blending Japanese craftsmanship with coastal elegance. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t need to be. That’s the point. And because Monaco is, at its core, about never missing a beat, the Fairmont’s Lobby Lounge has been given the serenity treatment. Think soft lighting, sleek furniture, and round-the-clock service offering both classic fare and contemporary cocktails, all framed by uninterrupted Mediterranean blues. For the event-inclined, or perhaps just the well-connected, the hotel’s Le Grand Salon has been rebuilt with the kind of scale and tech that makes it equally suitable for an intimate wedding or a 1500-person conference where someone might unveil a superyacht or a crypto coin (possibly both). But the biggest surprise in Fairmont Monte Carlo’s glamorous glow-up? It’s what’s happening behind the scenes. The hotel has tapped into Monaco’s thalassothermal network - yes, that's a sustainable energy loop powered by seawater to heat and cool its buildings. A historic pumping station was overhauled to triple its capacity, now serving ten major structures and cutting 2,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually. It’s the kind of sustainability initiative that feels almost radical in a place best known for diamond-studded watches and midnight G-Wagen traffic. But that’s the new Monaco. And Fairmont, fittingly, is leading the charge. At 50, the Fairmont Monte Carlo is no longer the new kid on the block. But in a region obsessed with youth, speed, and excess, the hotel has pulled off something quietly subversive: it’s made longevity look like the ultimate luxury.

There’s a certain type of traveller who, when confronted with the suggestion of “slow travel,” pictures linen trousers, Tuscan olive groves, and maybe a non-refundable yoga retreat. But what if slow travel came with a gear shift? What if your winding journey through Europe’s Alpine heartland came not on the back of a bicycle—but behind the wheel of a Ferrari 488? Enter Ultimate Driving Tours and their ultra-luxurious Swiss Supercar Tour , a July itinerary for those who prefer their mindfulness with Michelin stars and their nature immersion set to the sound of a V12 engine. It’s a six-day, five-night road trip-slash-private escape through Switzerland’s summer landscapes, carefully choreographed to resemble a very high-end film montage—think Bond meets Vogue Living , but with more horsepower. This isn’t your uncle’s Swiss holiday. No fondue pots in sight. Instead, the experience begins in Zurich at the grand Dolder, a hilltop hotel that could be mistaken for a Wes Anderson fever dream—if Wes Anderson served aperitifs on the terrace while guests handed over keys to Lamborghinis. Each stop is punctuated by luxury that leans into the drama of the terrain. One night it’s The Chedi in Andermatt, where Swiss-Asian “Japandi” minimalism meets spa-palace maximalism. The next it’s Park Hotel Vitznau, a literal castle on Lake Lucerne that makes “fairytale” feel like an understatement. Michelin-starred restaurants await at every pause—The Japanese (at 2,300m above sea level, naturally) and The Grill Terrace’s open-fire “caveman style” gastronomy among them. But what really defines the Swiss Supercar Tour is its unapologetic indulgence in the art of the journey. There’s no “rush to get there” mentality. Instead, the convoy of supercars—Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens—becomes a roving symbol of a new kind of slowness. Less about speed for speed’s sake, more about marinating in every twist and turn of a mountain road like it’s a tasting menu. And if you’re still not ready to hang up your driving gloves on Day Six, there’s an optional finale: guests can board a jet to London and be chauffeured straight to the Goodwood Festival of Speed . It’s a very British contrast to the introspective quiet of the Alps—think champagne bars, rosette-awarded dining, and the kind of access only billionaires and extremely well-connected auto-journalists typically enjoy. You'll toast on the Duke and Duchess of Richmond’s lawn (yes, that lawn), party in the Library Garden, and watch the iconic Sunday Shootout in tailored hospitality suites. Because when was the last time a good thing had to end on time? With prices starting at £14,990 (or $18,990 USD, for those wondering), it’s not exactly a budget break—but that’s the point. This is luxury without compromise. And for the kind of traveller who sees a mountain not just as a view, but as a challenge to ascend in style, the Swiss Supercar Tour is the stuff of summertime dreams. Slow travel, it turns out, doesn’t have to be slow.

The Charles Hotel in Munich has always been that sort of place — discreetly opulent, confidently five-star, and, like a well-cut Max Mara coat, quietly elegant in every season. But this summer, the Rocco Forte property has unveiled a bold new look, one that trades buttoned-up classicism for a more botanical, design-forward glamour. A Lobby That Says, “Yes, You’ve Arrived” The newly redesigned lobby makes a first impression in the way that only truly great hotels can — dramatically, but never shouty. There’s a grand floral display on a central table, sculptures that nod to classicism without veering into cliché, and curved plasterwork by French artist François Mascarello that’s more gallery wall than hotel wall. It’s elegant, it’s surprising, and it’s exactly the kind of space you’d expect to check into while carrying Loewe. Florio Restaurant & Bar: A Greenhouse, but Make It Chic The updated Florio Restaurant & Bar, named for Italy’s famously decadent 19th-century industrialist family, feels like it was designed for the Instagram age — though thankfully, not just for it. Italian culinary icon and Rocco Forte’s Creative Director of Food, Fulvio Pierangelini, has crafted a menu inspired by the nearby Old Botanical Garden. Think: moss-green linen wallpaper, silvery olive trees, and prints of flora that are more Fornasetti than farmer’s market. The newly launched Florio Bar continues the theme with rainforest-green marble and strelitzias so tall they practically deserve their own suite. Drinks are very much in the Italian aperitivo tradition — expect Campari, but elevated — and the setting is perfect for mid-afternoon Negronis or post-opera gossip. There’s also a Private Dining Room, which by day hosts breakfast beneath floral murals and by night transforms into the kind of space where you might accidentally share too much over Chianti. And outside, a 200-square-metre terrace beckons with wrought-iron furniture, oversized parasols, and those elusive balmy Munich evenings. The vibe is curated garden party, but the lighting (thank you, Haberdashery) is pure jewellery box — 258 porcelain leaves, some glazed in actual precious metals, hanging from near-invisible threads. The Circle Bar: Because Not Everything Should Be a Square And then there’s Circle Bar, whose name is a nod to the room’s shape — and, in a slightly more conceptual twist, to a red steel ring sculpture by Italian artist Mauro Staccioli that sits in front of the hotel. If Florio is where you go to see and be seen, Circle is where you go when you want to be lightly seen — over champagne, patisserie, and polite murmurs about the current state of European art collecting. Why It Matters Luxury hotels relaunch all the time. But The Charles’ new look feels different — not just another facelift, but a point-of-view shift. It’s rare that a hotel refresh manages to be both aesthetically relevant and emotionally resonant. This one does both, managing to capture something we don’t talk about enough in luxury: joy. It’s colourful, it’s confident, and yes, it smells faintly of jasmine. With this renovation, The Charles has positioned itself not just as one of Munich’s most luxurious hotels, but one of its most fashionable. And in a city that’s not always known for taking risks in design, that’s no small feat. Dining & Drinking at The Charles Hotel: Florio Restaurant Open daily Lunch: 12:00–14:30 Dinner: 18:00–22:30 (kitchen closes at 22:00) Florio Bar Sunday–Thursday: 12:00–00:00 Friday–Saturday: 12:00–01:00 Terrace (weather permitting): 12:00–23:00 Circle Bar (Lobby) Daily: 10:30–20:00

If you’ve been paying attention to the subtle yet unmistakable shift in the wine world—the way fashion types have suddenly started name-dropping Stellenbosch and corking bottles of Swartland Chenin like it’s Chablis—you’ll know that South Africa is having a moment. A long-overdue one. But if there were ever a wine label poised to turn that moment into a movement, it might just be Belle Montagne . Launched this year out of South Africa’s Franschhoek Valley, Belle Montagne is the kind of brand that doesn’t whisper about exclusivity—it builds a wine club so selective you have to apply to join. With its debut cuvée, a 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon of which only 1,000 bottles exist, the label is positioning itself as less a vineyard, more a luxury maison. And it’s working. The wine, a layered expression of dark fruit, chocolate, and dried herbs, was created in collaboration with award-winning winemaker Coenie Snyman , who calls it “structured and ageable,” though it’s already drinking beautifully. It’s not just the wine that’s turning heads. Every detail—from the hand-stitched leather strap sealing the bottle to the Italian-textured Fedrigoni paper wrapping and velvet-lined wooden box—feels more Louis Vuitton trunk than winery merch. Behind the label are Nick and Roslyn Holland , a South African couple with global taste and what seems like a designer’s eye for storytelling. Rather than simply slap their names on a label, they’ve gone full couture. The duo took over a historic Franschhoek farm, uprooted its underperforming 25-year-old vines, and began again—literally. With help from Vinpro, South Africa’s leading wine body, they mapped the terrain using heat sensors and soil analysis to replant for the long game. The estate’s first estate-grown vintage will be ready in 2027. Until then, this 2022 Cabernet serves as both a teaser and a statement of intent. The label’s membership model mirrors the drop-culture mechanics of streetwear and the scarcity-driven tactics of luxury skincare. Only 500 memberships are available globally. Members receive three annual cuvées—Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Shiraz—delivered at their optimal release moments. Think of it as a wine calendar curated by someone who understands both terroir and timing. And while the bottles are rare, the brand isn’t shy about its ambition. “Belle Montagne,” the press notes read, is not just a wine club, but “a symbol of African ambition, refinement, and excellence.” That may sound lofty, but maybe it’s time the global wine conversation got a little less French—and a lot more bold. Applications for Belle Montagne’s Members Club are now open. Just don’t expect a waiting list—you’ll need a velvet rope-worthy reason to get in.