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..

Calcot & Spa in the Cotswolds. A luxury family-friendly hotel with spa, gardens, bar and restaurant.

Amalfi coast interiors at Casa Angelina in Praiano

Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel is a little slice of heaven just 30 minutes from Brindisi airport in Puglia. Beach location, pool, spa and lovely service, it’s hard to beat.

Greenway Hotel and Spa in the Cotswolds features beautiful interiors, fantastic food (the best sticky toffee pudding ever) and brilliant spa.

Boringdon Hall in Devon - a country house hotel that’s perfect for a foodie or spa break for couples, girlfriends. Michelin star restaurant Àclèaf is an absolute treat and perfect for a romantic meal à deux.

Travel Guide for Puntarenas, Costa Rica. Travel and hotel tips for your stay in the rainforest. Luxury and boutique hotels, rainforest hideaways and more.

Tucked away in the timeless fishing village of Chora Sfakion, The Authentic Village Boutique Hotel offers more than a luxury escape – it invites travellers into the rhythm of Cretan life. Framed by the Libyan Sea on one side and the island’s untamed mountains on the other, this understated yet beautifully curated hideaway redefines what it means to stay somewhere "authentic."

Kaliyoga is one of Europe’s most respected wellness retreats—a glowing star on the map of wellbeing hideaways. It’s won over Condé Nast Traveller, picked up TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice awards, and was voted by The Guardian readers as one of the top ten wellbeing holidays in Europe. But here’s the thing: Kaliyoga was never about building an empire. It was, and still is, Rosie and Jonji’s home.

There’s something rather wonderful about family-run hotels in Greece – they just get it. At Theos Village Hotel & Apartments in Kato Daratso, just 3.5 km from the Venetian streets of Chania, the welcome is warm, the setting peaceful, and the experience refreshingly real.