What’s New In Travel This Season
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THE WINTER SUN BREAK:
IZZA Marrakech
If you’re after a bit of winter sun a little closer to home, Morocco can be reached from London in under four hours. Start in the capital and book a room at new boutique hotel IZZA Marrakech, set across seven interconnecting riads inside the Medina. After an ambitious eight-year renovation, the property has 14 individually designed rooms, all with contemporary Moroccan interiors. Guests can explore three spacious courtyards, relax in the three pools (one of which is set on the rooftop), and spend time at the spa and hammam. Art is a big focus, too – the hotel has a multi-million-pound collection of over 300 pieces of art, comprised of contemporary Moroccan works alongside one of the largest physical collections of digital art from around the world. Look out for the AI pieces by artist Refik Anadol.
Visit Izza.com
THE PARISIAN EXPERIENCE:
Emily In Paris Trips by Netflix
Netflix and Paramount have teamed up with travel platform DHARMA to create group travel experiences inspired by Emily In Paris. Curated by a team of travel experts, there are currently two group trips to choose from, both of which include pitstops at locations used in the show, as well as breakfasts, aperitifs and dinners across the city. We love the sound of the first trip (17th-21st April 2024; from £2,971) which is a five-day itinerary hosted by TV personality and Paris local Ines Tazi. Guests will stay in Emily’s neighbourhood at Hôtel Des Grandes Écoles, and can look forward to numerous activities like a French class, a pastry baking workshop, a photography class, and visits to designer and vintage shops as chosen by the show’s costume designer. There’s even a masterclass on flirting – inspired by main character Sylvie. Nearly everything is included in the cost, so all you have to pay for is transport and the odd meal.
Visit SeekDharma.com/trips
THE NYC OPENING:
The Fifth Avenue Hotel
New York City is home to some of the best hotels in the world, and The Fifth Avenue Hotel is one to bookmark for your next trip. Set in a former bank, it’s been carefully restored, with interiors designed by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio – expect the designer’s signature flair, plush furnishings, and attention to detail. There are 153 rooms and suites, many of which have private terraces, with glamourous décor and colourful centrepieces. Downstairs, the restaurant has several restaurants and bars headed up by chef Andrew Carmellini, including Signature Restaurant and the slick Portrait Bar. Read our comprehensive NYC guide here.
Visit TheFifthAvenuehotel.com
THE SKI ROUTE:
Eurostar Snow
From Saturday 16th December, Eurostar will launch its ‘Snow’ line, a new route from St Pancras to Bourg-Saint-Maurice, where visitors can drive to numerous ski destinations like Courchevel and Val d’Isère. A great option to cut down on travel time – and airmiles – the route will depart on Saturdays for eight weeks over the ski season. Travellers can bring two large bags plus ski equipment on the Eurostar train and choose their seats for free – ideal if you want to stay close to friends and family. Free charging points and WiFi make it a no-brainer.
Visit Eurostar.com
Toa Heftiba/Unsplash
THE HOT SPRINGS:
Hvammsvík
Reykjavik is a natural winter escape but it’s worth venturing out of the capital to see the rest of Iceland’s dramatic landscape. Set in the wilderness of southwest Hvalfjörður, Hvammsvík is a new geothermal spa set on a private 1,200-acre estate home to a black sand beach and fjord. There are eight hot springs of various sizes and temperatures, all powered by a geothermal well on the estate that provides 90°C water which is then cooled by the ocean to varying degrees. Guests can also cool off by diving into the ocean between springs, and swim with seals which are frequently spotted offshore. After a swim, guests can dine Stormur, the on-site bistro and bar.
Visit Hvammsvík.com
PAVLO LUCHKOVSKI/PEXELS
THE NEW FLIGHT:
London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi
After a four-year break, British Airways will relaunch daily flights to Abu Dhabi next year. From 20th April 2024, BA will offer flights from London Heathrow, so you can travel to the UAE capital in style and with ease. Famous for its towering architecture, rich culture, desert landscapes and pristine beaches, this Middle Eastern hotspot is a great year-round destination, whether you’re after a relaxing break for action-packed adventure. To celebrate the launch, British Airways is offering return fares from £449 in World Traveller (economy) and £1,999 in Club World (business class), available to book before 12th November 2023. Executive Club Members will also be able to purchase Reward Seats from £100 + 50,000 Avios.
Visit BA.com
THE LUGGAGE:
Nere
Nere is one of our go-to brands for durable and affordable luggage, so we were pleased to see the brand has launched a new collection with updated colours and accessories. For staycations and minibreaks, we rate the carry-on Stori 55cm Suitcase which features a hard outer shell, smooth spinner wheels, a built-in combination lock and clever inside pockets to help you store all your essentials. New accessories to the collection include travel bags and cosmetic cases with mini travel bottles for beauty products.
Visit NereTravel.co.uk
THE COFFEE TABLE BOOK:
Dolce Vita by Assouline
Assouline publishes some of our favourite aspirational coffee table books, so we were pleased to hear its latest release is all about la dolce vita – a lifestyle, an aesthetic and an attitude synonymous with Italy. The book has over 300 pages filled with photography renowned creatives like Ferdinando Scianna, Bruno Barbey. A great gift – or treat to yourself – the book includes shots of Sophia Loren, Maria Callas and Marcello Mastroianni, to name a few.
Visit Farfetch.com
NIKLDN/UNSPLASH
THE GIFTING IDEA:
GetMyBoat
If you’re struggling to find gifts for the loved one who has everything, consider something from GetMyBoat, the world’s largest boat rental platform. Like Airbnb but for boats and on-water experiences, you can rent jet skis, yachts, pontoon boats, and fishing charters all over the world. You can choose to drive the boats yourself (if you are experienced) or hire a skipper or captain – think day trips across Ibiza and Formentera, sailing experiences in the Caribbean and yacht trips in Saint-Tropez. You can even hire kayaks, canoes and ask your skipper to bring paddleboards and other equipment along.
Visit GetMyBoat.com
THE TRAVEL HACK:
Heathrow Timeslot
Heathrow Airport has introduced a trial system whereby travellers can book slots to skip the queues at security gates. During the six-month trial, you can pre-book a security slot to move straight through to Duty Free. Make a booking up to three days before your flight to secure a 15-minute window. Then, you’ll then receive a QR code to show at a security lane. The trial is operating at Terminal 3 for passengers flying with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates and Virgin Atlantic (with other airlines to be added later in the trial). Time slots are free and eligible on groups for up to five people.
Visit Heathrow.com
John Cameron/Unsplash
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