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.

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.

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.

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.