Burleigh Court, a privately owned country house hotel in the Cotswolds.

What do the human brain, cacao and black truffles have in common?

100 Acres was born in 2014 from a lifelong love of the countryside and a desire to bottle and share its magic. The founders’ thinking was that if they could, they would spend all of their time running naked through a hundred acres of fragrant English countryside full of lavender, roses, herbs and wildflowers.

Cruising is one of those ways of travelling that feels easy but still gives you plenty to see. You unpack once, and the ship takes care of the rest. With 2026 ahead, there are some routes worth marking on the calendar. 

Thyme, a living, breathing village in the heart of the Cotswolds. A family affair this country house hotel has sustainability at its heart without compromising on luxury. The perfect combination.

Where to go in Europe for a romantic weekend away.

10 Social Media tips for marketing luxury travel experiences and hotels.

Discover proven marketing strategies specifically designed for boutique and luxury hotels to attract discerning guests and build lasting brand loyalty. Learn how to differentiate your property in today's competitive hospitality landscape.

Beige-ification in hotels is a symptom of two things: globalisation and risk aversion. When brands expand internationally, they often prioritise consistency over character. Beige, taupe and cream palettes feel safe – they photograph well, appeal to a wide audience, and avoid polarising design choices.

Lisbon’s hotel scene shows no signs of slowing, with 2025 bringing a fresh wave of openings that reflect the city’s growing star power. Six Senses Lisbon will anchor itself in a restored palace, layering heritage with the brand’s signature wellness touch. Kimpton Lisbon is set to open as a luxury boutique stay, promising a mix of polished design and relaxed charm. Art lovers will be drawn to MACAM Hotel, opening within a contemporary art museum, where rooms spill into galleries and exhibitions. Mama Shelter makes its Lisbon debut with a rooftop designed for sundowners, a playful dining space and interiors that lean into the city’s colour and energy.

More intimate is Tarabel Lisbon, a 19th-century residence turned boutique hotel with French flair and quietly luxurious interiors. Meanwhile The Standard will land in the Alfama district, bringing its irreverent energy, rooftop buzz and cosmopolitan crowd to one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods.

Everyone talks about “switching off” these days, but how often do we really give ourselves permission to do it? Europe is full of places that seem designed for slowing down - where the pace of life is naturally softer, and wellbeing doesn’t feel like a trend but something woven into the culture.

Ever noticed how some holidays just stick with you? It’s rarely about the itinerary; it’s more about the people, the laughter, and those little shared moments that somehow turn into stories you tell for years. Luxury group getaways take that idea and turn it up a notch, giving friends and families spaces that feel like home but with a touch of indulgence. 

Florence is one of Italy’s most captivating cities, celebrated as the birthplace of the Renaissance and home to world-famous art, architecture and history. From Brunelleschi’s striking dome and Botticelli’s paintings in the Uffizi to the golden light that falls across the River Arno, Florence is filled with unforgettable sights. Yet beyond its heritage, the city has a modern energy with stylish boutiques, vibrant dining, and a flourishing hotel scene. Whether you’re searching for the best luxury hotels in Florence or a boutique hideaway with character, these are the places to stay for an Italian getaway to remember.

Tewkesbury Park Hotel is a modern Cotswolds hotel, great for golf, spa and delicious curries! A dog and child-friendly hotel, perfect for all of the family.

August marks an exciting new chapter for one of Venice’s most historic hotels. The 14th-century Hotel Gabrielli, sitting proudly on the Riva degli Schiavoni just a short stroll from Piazza San Marco, has reopened its doors as a five-star member of the Starhotels Collezione. Following an extensive restoration, this Venetian palazzo now offers a rare blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary luxury, all set against the shimmering backdrop of the lagoon.

Thyme and Bertioli, founded by Caryn Hibbert, are part of a unique family of brands centred around the sustainable lifestyle ethos of Thyme, a luxury countryside hotel in the Cotswolds. Bertioli, the natural extension of Thyme, is Hibbert's vision of blending luxury with nature’s rhythms, offering eco-conscious fashion and homeware products inspired by the countryside.

A beloved ritual, made portable

Now available encased in a sculpted aluminium tube, this beloved Seymour Hand Cream is an alchemy of rich butters and restorative oils — Shea, Cocoa, Coconut, and Rosehip — blending seamlessly to nurture and shield your skin.

100 Acres was born in 2014 from a lifelong love of the countryside and a desire to bottle and share its magic. The founders’ thinking was that if they could, they would spend all of their time running naked through a hundred acres of fragrant English countryside full of lavender, roses, herbs and wildflowers.

Part one of a series on which hotels have the best bath and body products (I’m not a fan of the word ‘toiletries’) and what they are. Next is Commune a newly launched British self-care and lifestyle brand founded by husband-and-wife duo Rémi Paringaux and Kate Neal, both fashion industry veterans. Drawing inspiration from the magic of the English countryside, they’ve created a collection that is as eco-conscious as it is luxurious.

Part one of a series on which hotels have the best bath and body products (I’m not a fan of the word ‘toiletries’) and what they are. First up is Wildsmith and where to find them.. I think you’ll be suprised..