1. A MAGICAL KIND OF NIGHT
To celebrate the annual reopening of Hotel du Palais in Biarritz, France, the hotel is welcoming the talented Franco-British magician, Stefan Leyshon, to its iconic Rotonde, to host two magic-filled experiences. The ‘Champagne Secret’, taking place on August 26, features a cocktail buffet punctuated by moments of mind-boggling magic, with select cuvée champagnes served between each magic act, along with savoury and sweet hors d’oeuvres. The ‘Diner Secret’ is more than dinner, more than a show, when magic and 21st-century technologies combine to create a one-of-a-kind show. Taking place on August 14 and 15, the evening menu has been reinvented exclusively for the occasion by Michelin-starred chef, Aurélian Largeau, and includes a five-course champagne pairing dinner.
2. AN UNSCRIPTED JOURNEY
Four Seasons has announced the opening of its first adult-only tented resort in the Americas, Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico. Taking reservations now for December 2022, the unspoiled nature retreat features just 15 luxury tents spread over 48 forested acres, promising elevated levels of privacy and exclusivity. Inspired by biophilic design and biophilia, meaning “love of life or living things”, Naviva represents the deeply ingrained desire to connect with the environment, with the tents connecting you to nature while cocooning you in modern comforts.
Each has an open-air living room and separate bedroom which flow into an expansive deck with hammock, private plunge pool and glimpses of the ocean. To take the stress out of planning, book the Naviva Inclusive Rate, which includes all meals and snacks, all drinks, one 60-minute spa treatment per person per stay, community activities, and mind and body classes.
3. IN SEARCH OF SERENITY
Closed to tourists since the onset of the pandemic, Bhutan has been quiet the past few years. But as of September 23, 2022, its borders are open and the country is once again gently beckoning tourists back. Gifting travellers a truly unparalleled experience is Amankora, which offers a journey of discovery through the mystical Land of the Thunder Dragon across its five different lodges. Here, life is defined by the pursuit of peace and nature is as revered as happiness, making a journey one of soul-searching serenity. Guests can visit the five lodges, spread through the valleys of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthan, on a seven- to 13-day Amankora Journey, experiencing not only Bhutan’s beauty and iconic sights, but also the spirit of its people and their culture. The journey includes all meals, transfers, daily excursions and a 60-minute holistic massage.
4. INDIAN OCEAN ESCAPES
For those who enjoy holidays that come with a side order of epic scenery, the Seychelles has to be up there with the best, thanks to its wild, rugged topography. The island’s giant granite boulders make it perfect for rock-scrambling kids, while its long stretches of pristine white beach are ideal for sunbathing and sandcastle making, making it a super destination for families. If you’re travelling en masse this summer, head to Raffles Seychelles on the island of Praslin, with its villa-only accommodation, each with their own private pool and Indian Ocean views. If you’re travelling from the GCC, you can enjoy 15 per cent off when booking at least 15 days in advance for the Bed & Breakfast rate, 30 per cent off the Best Available Rate for those staying 14 or more days, and 20 per cent off food, beverage, spa and laundry.
5. FROM CITY SKIES TO ALPINE DREAMS
Hilton Hotels is inviting GCC residents to pack up, escape the heat and live the ‘Hilton Alpine Dream’ this summer. Perfect for those wanting to experience the magic of six enchanting destinations, you can choose from 10 different Hilton properties across Vienna, Munich, Davos, Zurich, Evian-les-Bains and Geneva, each ideally situated and connected by the beautiful Alps range. Book the EMEA Summer Sale offer before September 12, 2022, and you’ll get 25 per cent off room nights across the collection of hotels. The Hilton Marhaba offer is also designed to offer a tailored experience for GCC travellers, with halal food and prayer mats available on request, Arabic speaking team members, a large selection of suites and interconnecting rooms, and a selection of Arabic TV channels and food on the in-room menu.
6. THE SUITE LIFE
Whilst a heatwave may mean the UK is no cooler than the UK this summer, London will always be an über-cool place to travel for those wanting urban pursuits with a side order of culture. Stay at The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel, London, and you’ll be right in the heart of the action, just a short stroll from the high-end boutiques and department stores of Knightsbridge and Chelsea, and the lush open spaces of Hyde Park and Green Park. Book The Suite Life offer and stay in a One-Bedroom Suite or above for two nights or more, and you can enjoy daily breakfast, a one-way Mercedes S Class transfer from any London airport or train station, and a Sloane Street shopping gift card of GBP100 for a one-bedroom suite, up to a GBP400 for a Penthouse Suite. Enjoy a picnic in the private Cadogan Place Gardens, followed by dinner at The Lalee, inspired the hotel’s past resident and glamorous socialite, Lillie Langtry.
7. WHEN FAMILY COMES FIRST
Often half the fun of a holiday is opening the eyes, hearts and minds of young travellers, immersing them in a new culture, a new world and taking them on truly unique adventures. This summer you can do just that at The Residence Zanzibar, with its Zanzibar Family Adventure offer. Here, it’s all about making those magical memories, so when you stay four or more nights, you’ll get daily breakfast and dinner, 25 per cent discount on the spa and F&B, a visit to Prison Island to see the giant tortoises (a highlight for sure!), a private family beach dinner, a dedicated kids cooking class, complimentary access to the kids club and round-trip transfers to make life that little bit easier. Stay in the two-bedroom Presidential Pool Villa to take your Zanzibar to the next level, with a vast living area, and private deck and 35sqm swimming pool all to yourselves.
8. A LOVE LETTER TO THE MEDITERRANEAN
If ever there was an opportunity to put your phone done, disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself it’s at Maslina Resort in Croatia. With a mission to create a resort based around mindful luxury, Maslina is the result of the alchemy between personal and professional service, a superb location on the rocky shores of Hvar Island, and a sincere respect for the environment. Contemporary and chic yet family-friendly, the hotel feels worlds away from daily disruptions, where days spent on the beach, by the pool, at the Wine & Culture Club or strolling through the gardens filled with organic vegetables and aromatic plants. It’s an easy, breezy kind of holiday that promises to rest and revive you. Book the villa Experience for five nights and enjoy a complimentary olive oil and Croatian wine tasting, while the Pharomatiq wellness experience will be brought to your door with a poolside sunset sound healing concert.