What’s New In Travel This Season

With the fashion world continuing its foray into the food and drink space (see Alaïa x Violet Cake’s pop-up on Bond Street right now), Paris is an obvious setting for such creative collabs. Exhibit A: Sushi Park Paris by Yves Saint Laurent – an intimate omakase restaurant for sushi and cocktails. 

In Greece, Halkidiki’s hotel scene continues to thrive with the addition of Zélia Resort & Spa, set to open in the spring. Expect huge beds with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, Le Labo toiletries, swim-up suites and reformer Pilates in the fitness centre. Then there’s JW Marriott Crete on Marathi Beach, just outside Chania. Here, it’s about exploring the island and rejuvenating with holistic treatments before enjoying local dishes at its three Greek restaurants. 

Some big hitters have opened in Rome in the last few years (Bulgari, Six Senses, The Edition, to name a few), and Italy's fashion capital is now following suit. The design-led Carlton Milan – the second Rocco Forte property in the city – opens later in the summer, as does Six Senses. Located in Milan's artistic Brera quarter, it’s set to be a show-stopping property with unique design features like arabescato marble, antique brass detailing, handmade smoked glass, mosaics and other Italian detailing. A state-of-the-art spa, rooftop bar, sky pool and suites with private pools add to the ultra-luxe offering. At the more affordable end of the scale, Hotel Calimala Milan in the Porta Venezia district is simple yet chic, with 88 rooms, and a two-storey rooftop restaurant and pool area.

Elsewhere in Italy, The Hoxton is about to open an outpost in a late-Renaissance palazzo in Florence (among a string of other Ennismore properties around the world), while Art'otel Rome, opening next month, will overlook the ancient Horti Sallustiani gardens. 

For self-catered stays and bigger group trips, there’s never been a better selection of booking platforms and holiday home companies to choose from. One of those is Highstay, which has a range of spacious and chic apartments in Paris. Next month, the brand will open two luxury properties in the Med: Villa Infinity in southern Ibiza and Villa Coachella in Saint Tropez. Aside from the enviable interiors, guests are treated to bespoke services during their stay – imagine private Pilates sessions, dinners with top chefs and private yacht charters. 

Eden Villas is another name to know, with its selection of modern villas across Sri Lanka. New this year is Villa Maria, a self-catering property on a sandy beach near Unawatuna Bay in the south. Starting at just £160 per night, the property sleeps four across two double bedrooms. There’s direct access to rock pools on the beach, plenty of space for lounging, plus cool coastal-inspired interiors. There’s also Three Sisters Plantation in Ahangama which sleeps six. Guests can relax in the outdoor pool, enjoy long dinners on the pavilion and explore the nearby coconut plantation.

Raffles London at The OWO made quite the splash when it opened 18 months ago. The brand continues its global expansion with Raffles Sentosa Singapore, another ultra-luxe property to add to your bucket list. On Sentosa Island, surrounded by tropical greenery, it’s just a 15-minute drive from central Singapore and villas all have private pools.

In India, guests can now stay at the latest Oberoi property in Madhya Pradesh, a region famous for its wild tigers and historic sites. Highlights here include its spa, which guests access by boat, and the palace restaurant which has views of the nearby tiger reserve. 

For an unforgettable safari experience, Kateka Lodge in South Africa’s Klaserie Private Nature Reserve recently opened. It offers guests a combination of relaxation and adventure, with its range of wellness treatments and slow, immersive safari experiences in the Greater Kruger region – think game drives and nature walks, before flopping into a bed in one of just eight rooms. 

For a slice of tropical island life, C Mauritius Palmar by Constance Hotels and Resorts is made for couples, honeymooners or groups after a great holiday with a fun atmosphere. Complimentary water sports include windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, while its numerous restaurants and bars make the all-inclusive package great value. 

SHA, one of the world’s leading wellness clinics, has opened a private residence at its property within Spain’s Sierra Helada Natural Park. Up to ten guests can now hire the space, which is home to five en-suite bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen/living area and a spacious outdoor area with a 22m pool and BBQ area. Best of all, there’s a private spa, complete with sauna, steam bath and indoor pool. For a more affordable Spanish detox, The Standard in Ibiza has a new package in collaboration with fitness collective GorpGirls. Stays start from €170 (approx. £140) per night, which includes a branded t-shirt, breakfast at its all-day restaurant, and a printed hike guide so you can explore the island’s nature walks. 

For a restorative week in the sun, Peligoni Club has added a third week to its ever popular ‘pace’ programme (19th-23rd May, 6th-10th October, 13th-17th October). Each five-day retreat includes yoga, breathwork, cold water therapy, high-intensity sports with Olympic champions, and water sports. Guests will share feasts by top chefs, creative workshops and restorative treatments. Foodies can also look forward to a culinary retreat with baker Claire Ptak (of aforementioned Violet Cakes fame) at Villa Rocca delle Tre Contrade in Sicily. Hosted by The Thinking Traveller, the week-long retreat (3rd-10th May) will showcase Sicilian produce with a focus on pastries, cakes and gelato. Activities include vineyard visits, foraging, market tours, street food, and excursions to iconic landmarks.

There’s a lot going on in the aviation industry right now – including a new private terminal at Heathrow airport for VIPs – but we’re most excited about the rebrand happening at Manchester airport. It’s just launched Aether, a slick private terminal accessible to all airline passengers, regardless of ticket class. Here, travellers can relax in the Scandinavian-inspired lounge, enjoy elevated meals designed by chef Adam Reid, and even book chauffeured rides to or from the gates. Services start from £110pp. 

Travel fans will also be pleased to hear that the direct train operating between Paris and Milan has finally relaunched, with two daily round trips. It’s a scenic route that goes through the French Alps, stopping in Lyon and Turin. Finally, over at Eurostar, the team has shaken up its culinary offering with a new menu for premier travellers designed by chef Jérémy Chan (Ikoyi), pastry chef Jessica Préalpato, and natural wine expert Honey Spencer. Expect champagne on arrival, a hot meal with table service, and access to the London and Paris lounges.