Inspired ideas for an opulent getaway
Thinking of splashing out on a holiday this year? You deserve it. Browse our curated list of must-visit hotels and awe-inspiring resorts and you might just find the holiday you've been dreaming of.
Hit the spa in a Northumberland country estate
Northumberland's first — and only — five-star hotel, Matfen Hall is a dreamy destination for a splashy spa getaway. Set in just over 300 acres of picturesque parkland scenery, it's a place where couples, families and friends can relax and unwind. Rich in history, the luxury country bolthole has a plethora of elegant rooms — everything from cosy romantic classics to opulent suites. The Retreat at Matfen Hall has expert therapists eager to provide next-level treatments using premium wellness products from Germaine de Capuccini. The Retreat's glass-roofed 15-metre spa pool, alongside the signature whirlpool bath, sauna, steam room and aromatherapy room, all promise a revitalising escape from the worries and stresses of the world outside. Visit matfenhall.com
Immerse yourself in Mediterranean wellness practices at a luxury clinic
Legend has it that Altea, on the Costa Blanca along Spain's Mediterranean coast, possesses a unique healing energy. This spirit has inspired ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea – a space where ancient practices merges with modern science to help you lead a healthier life. This vision comes alive through seven tailored health and wellness programmes that integrate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual care to effectively detect and address health concerns. Equipped with cutting-edge medical technology, the ZEM clinic offers 25 specialties and 32 medical practices, from advanced diagnostics to regenerative treatments like Exosomes E-50. Precision medicine, genetics and cognitive assessments ensure measurable, lasting results. The ZEMness & Spa invites you to rejuvenate in a Himalayan salt cabin, hammam or cryotherapy chamber. From personalised nutrition to bespoke experiences, ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea redefines luxury with purpose. Book now at zemaltea.com
Indulge in a private island escape in the Maldives
For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury and seclusion, immerse yourself in the untouched beauty at the pristine Huvadhoo Atoll. Surrounded by vibrant marine life and one of the Maldives' most untouched house reefs, the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa invites guests to discover the enchanting island's natural beauty. Explore the house reef, home to thriving marine life, colourful coral gardens and rare underwater species. The resort offers a range of unique activities, like private picnics on nearby uninhabited islands and guided diving and snorkelling excursions with a marine biologist. For the ultimate in luxury, the Kiaali Residence is an exclusive, private sanctuary with sweeping ocean views, a private infinity pool, a dedicated butler service and direct access to the vibrant house reef. For exclusive offers, visit hyatt.com
Experience the art of slow living on a dreamy Greek island
Inspired by the Greek way of heartfelt hospitality, ' philoxenia ', Theros All Suite Hotel offers a sanctuary of peace and elegance. This adults-only oasis on the sun-kissed island of Kos invites you to give into the Greek way of life and embrace slow living. The bright, spacious suites pivot around idyllic Mediterranean courtyards festooned with olive branches, palm trees and aromatic plants. These are the very same herbs that are used in a variety of the spa treatments on offer at the hotel, channelling the concept of "Ef-Zin," a holistic approach to living well. Guests can also enjoy the brand-new wellness centre, where the combined spa and gym offer the perfect environment for achieving both spiritual and physical balance. While there, embark on a captivating journey for the senses at the award-winning restaurant 'Mazi Mas,' offering Greek cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Stay, switch off, and reconnect with nature and your inner self. Book now at therosallsuitehotel.com
Support ethical tourism as you explore the Maldives
Located in the Baa Atoll, a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu is an eco-luxury resort in the Maldives. Recognised as one of the top resorts in the Indian Ocean by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2024, it is celebrated for its truly Maldivian heritage, breathtaking natural surroundings and deep commitment to sustainability. From serene beaches and crystal-clear waters to the ideal setting for both relaxation and eco-friendly fun-filled exploration, the island features private and spacious villas crafted with traditional Maldivian architecture and thoughtfully designed amenities. The island is home to the first fully equipped, veterinary-run rescue centre for sea turtles in the Maldives, ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre, where guests are encouraged to visit and volunteer.
With the Coco Summer Escapes offer, you can save up to 45 per cent on your booking, upgrade your meal plan and get 20 per cent off return seaplane transfers. Book now at cococollection.com.
Offer valid for stays between 1 May to 30 September 2025. Seaplane discount valid for reservations made by 31 March.
Experience the best of Ibiza at a beachfront hotel
Recognised as the best beachfront hotel in Ibiza by Forbes magazine and currently the No 1 hotel on Tripadvisor, Hotel Riomar Ibiza is a place where guests return year after year to enjoy the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. On the shores of Santa Eulalia, the hotel's design is a celebration of light and space, where lively indoor spaces connect to open-air terraces that look out across the horizon. Begin your morning with yoga on the beach, followed by guided hikes through Ibiza's rugged landscapes or kayaking along the coastline. Spa treatments and ice baths offer moments of recovery, but evenings take on a different energy as live music transforms the terrace into a lively space where conversation flows as easily as the drinks. Whether looking for quiet mornings by the sea or sparkling nights, a stay here promises the best of Ibiza. Visit hotelriomar.com
Explore the Croatian Coast from a private yacht
Royal Dalmatia Yachting offers elevated yachting experiences with VIP daily boat tours designed to offer guests the ultimate in comfort and style as they explore the stunning landscapes of the Dalmatian Coast. The newest yachts in the fleet include prestigious brands such as Fjord and Cranchi. Known for their elegant design and advanced technology, these boats ensure a luxurious and smooth sailing experience. The skilled crew ensure an exclusive adventure, and personalised, meticulously planned charters offer guests unique itineraries that reveal secret spots known only to local experts. Explore historical sites and experience vibrant local cultures as you fully immerse yourself in the experience. From hidden bays to private dining in quaint coastal villages, services cater to those seeking a blend of adventure, luxury and privacy on the stunning Adriatic Sea. Plan your personalised charter experience today at royal-dalmatia.com
Unwind at a boutique hideaway in the Arizona desert
Just north of Phoenix, Arizona, Castle Hot Springs is a haven of relaxation and adventure. A verdant oasis in the rolling Arizona desert, its clear, mineral-rich hot springs cascade into pools of varying temperatures for a restorative desert soak. This boutique retreat has been welcoming guests since the late 1800s, originally serving as an exclusive retreat for affluent travellers seeking the springs' rejuvenating benefits. Thoughtfully designed accommodation options feature private decks or patios with breathtaking views. The resort's on-site farm sustains an exciting and varied culinary programme, inspiring every meal at Harvest and the craft cocktails at Bar 1896. Enjoy activities such as farm tours, wellness classes and guided hikes, with additional offerings like spa treatments, a via ferrata climbing course, archery, e-mountain biking, horse riding and off-road excursions. Whether seeking relaxation, romance or adventure, every experience is seamlessly connected to nature, offering a refined desert escape. Book now at castlehotsprings.com
Plan a once-in-a-lifetime, tailored trip to Egypt with ease
Egypt is rich in history, iconic landmarks and vibrant culture, and planning a trip there is exciting if a little overwhelming. Choosing the right tour operator is crucial for a smooth experience. Nourbelle Tours is a trusted operator in Egypt, known for crafting bespoke travel packages to suit your interests and budget. The expert team has guided thousands of satisfied travellers, offering personalised itineraries designed to create unforgettable holidays. Whether you're after a luxury Nile cruise, a private tour of the Pyramids of Giza, an exclusive visit to the Grand Egyptian Museum or an adventure through the Valley of the Kings to uncover Tutankhamun's tomb, Nourbelle Tours ensures the perfect Egyptian experience tailored to you. Enjoy up to 50 per cent off select Egypt holiday packages at nourbelletours.com
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The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
I went on my first Disney cruise with classy champagne bars, watercoasters and West End-style shows
'IT'S Cinderella!' a young girl exclaims, rushing past. Nostalgia floods over me when I turn around to find the fairytale princess floating towards us in her dazzling blue ballgown complete with shimmering tiara. 5 5 I may be in my late twenties but I can't help feeling giddy with excitement over meeting one of my childhood icons. And this magic happens everyday on a Disney Cruise. I was on board the Disney Fantasy sailing across the Med as the ship embarked on its first ever season in Europe. It's easy to see why they named her Fantasy. As I explored the 14-deck vessel, I still had to pinch myself as I regularly came face-to-face with other childhood heroines I'd grown up watching, such as Jasmine and Mulan. Many kids relished the opportunity to don their favourite princess costumes every day. However, I wasn't expecting the cruise to be such a big hit with the adults, too. In fact, there are so many adult-only areas around the ship where parents, couples or solo travellers can kick back and relax, away from the excited giggles. The spa is a haven away from the action with heated loungers and rainforest showers as well as a Jacuzzi that looked out over the endless ocean. For a sophisticated evening, classy champagne bar Ooh La La serves elegant tipples like the Elderbubble, a champagne and elderflower concoction topped with a raspberry. An All-New Adventure Is On The Horizon Or there's the Irish-inspired, O'Gills, and lively club-bar, while The Tube serves drinks late into the night. Aside from the watering holes, there are two adult-exclusive restaurants too — Remy, which dishes up fancy French plates in a glam setting, and Italian-style Palo which serves traditional dishes but with a modern twist. For a properly-personalised experience, though, check out the three main restaurants: Royal Court, Animator's Palate and Enchanted Garden, which serve three-course dinners as part of the 'rotational dining'. This gives guests the same waiting staff every night who will get to know likes and dislikes and suggest dishes accordingly. I had the lovely Sheree from the Philippines who made sure everyone was thoroughly fed, and Adroy from India who gave our table puzzles every night to keep us entertained. When it comes to on board activities, the list is as long as Rapunzel's hair, with everything from Disney trivia quizzes to crafts, silent discos, and character meet-and-greets. It would take weeks do them all. Luckily, on day one I'd met a passenger who was on her fourth Disney cruise and was happy to share all of her tops tips. It's from her that I learned about the onboard tradition of 'pixie dusting'. 5 5 Experienced guests spread the Disney love by leaving little goodie bags filled with either soft toys, door magnets or smaller knick-knacks on fish extenders attached to neighbouring cabin doors. They don't expect anything in return. It's simply a gesture of goodwill. The magic continued up on the top deck where many of my days were spent flopped on a sunbed, soaking up rays and tucking into ice cream, all while watching Disney favourites on the outdoor screen where films are played on rotation from morning til night. To cool off, there are three small pools, one of which is adults-only, and the famous AquaDuck — a 765-foot long water coaster, which features on several ships in the fleet. Or you can head inside to watch one of the West End-style productions in the onboard theatre. I saw amazing shows like Aladdin and Frozen as well as Disney's Believe, a musical exclusive to Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream which didn't leave a dry eye in the room. If that's not enough Disney for you, guests can get stuck into themed evenings, including a formal night where fans waltzed around in glittering ballgowns, as well as pirate night. Although, to my relief, you won't be judged if dress-up isn't your thing. I was having so much fun on board, I'd almost forgotten that we would soon be docking in a new destination. My trip started in Barcelona and we'd had an action-packed day at sea before arriving at the first stop, Civitavecchia, a quiet costal town an hour away from Italy 's bustling Rome. 5 Then it was on to the port of Livorno where I joined an excursion into Pisa. Soon, I was standing outside of the famous Leaning Tower, snapping away with my hands held up, replicating the famous leaning pose. Despite being the most recognisable view, the tower still didn't compare to the one at the next stop, Genoa. From D'Albertis Castle, a fortress carved into the hillside, I was able to look out over pastel-toned buildings, backed by rugged mountains, with the sea in the distance. Those who have the energy can climb their way to the top on foot but I chose to take the funicular. Our final stop was Toulon in France 's Provence region, a haven for wine lovers and the perfect place to toast our Disney adventure. If Disneyland is the happiest place in the world, then the Disney Fantasy must be the happiest place on the Mediterranean Sea.
Times
6 hours ago
- Times
The Côte d'Azur has reinvented cool — and it's stylishly affordable
There you'd be, driving past a screen of high hedges and electric gates on the French Riviera, wondering when you'll get another glimpse of the Mediterranean, and the hotel would zip past your window like a misplaced dental clinic from the 1950s. Straight out of Palm Springs, perhaps, or even Las Vegas. Long-slung, flat-topped and ever so modernist, the single-storey street front in the town of St Raphaël, between St Tropez and Cannes, is certainly eye-catching but it doesn't break the wall of overdevelopment that hems in so much of the Côte d'Azur. Nor does it promise anything approaching coastal splendour. A split second later, you'd put your foot down and accelerate off towards the glitzy Cap d'Antibes or the rocky grandeur of the Massif de l'Esterel. But you'd be missing out. Because that austere whitewashed façade hides one of the loveliest seafronts in the south of France — and one of the coolest Côte d'Azur hotels to have opened in the past ten years. Les Roches Rouges has just had an £11 million growth spurt too, expanding into a secret cove along the coast, and last month I was first in to have a look at what's new. The appeal is obvious as soon as you open the hotel's front door. Framed by a glass wall at the far end of its reception yawns a widescreen strip of sea and sky — and as you walk first towards it, then out onto the balcony, you realise you're not on the ground floor but right at the top of the building. Everything else (apart from one of its restaurants) drops away below you, clinging to the side of a cliff. Three floors of bedrooms, a small spa, another restaurant, a sizeable terrace: they're all there, layered up in a brilliant white slab of concrete that butts straight out into the glittering sea. It's so close, the waves seem to break right underneath your feet. 'It was built as a three-star in the 1950s and it was way past its best when we found it,' Billy Skelli-Cohen tells me when I join him for a drink on the terrace shortly after I check in. Skelli-Cohen is chief executive of the boutique hotel brand Beaumier, which rescued Les Roches Rouges from obscurity in 2018. 'Rescued' is the word, because this was not a rebuild. Beaumier's trick is to find dated but distinctive properties in extraordinary places and then work with what's already there — 'respecting the building's DNA', as Skelli-Cohen puts it. Elsewhere that means celebrating the playful, art nouveau architecture of the Grand Hotel Belvedere in Wengen, Switzerland, and preserving the muscular simplicity of a former watermill that is now La Moulin at Lourmarin in Provence. In Les Roches Rouges' case, it's about showing off its mid-century concrete rather than trying to conceal it — and then setting it against richly textured details. The library of hardback art books, the butterfly chairs and the alarmingly moreish cocktails all seem to have more impact when placed amid such architectural rigour. The colours, meanwhile, are muted. Think white walls, terracotta table lamps, ochre rugs and lots of cadmium red in the abstract art. Which is just as it should be when nearly every floor-to-ceiling window is a slab of dazzling blue. Almost all of them look straight out to sea. Add two swimming pools into the mix, as well as Michelin-starred food and room rates, including breakfast, that start from £338 a night (which counts as mid-range in these parts), and it's no wonder Les Roches Rouges quickly found its way on to many top ten Côte d'Azur hotel lists. Now Beaumier has gone a step further and invested in a second phase of expansion. Central to this new project has been an extension of the site westwards to incorporate a snack bar (focaccia sandwiches from £12), a place to launch the hotel's paddleboards and kayaks, a yoga studio and an annexe that adds 25 bedrooms, bringing the total to 67. Not surprisingly, on a coast where property prices can easily top those in Paris, it has cost a small fortune. But the money has been well spent. Les Roches Rouges can now extend its sense of ease and comfort along the whole length of this hidden (and nameless) cove. When half of Europe is jostling for elbow room hereabouts, that seems nothing short of miraculous. Inside, the new bedrooms are as zesty as the red tuna ceviche at the hotel's main Estelo restaurant, which they serve with a sidekick of chilli (mains from £27). Designed by the Parisian architecture studio Atelier St Lazare, the rooms have the same sense of restraint as those in the main building, with polished concrete floors, more books and pops of colourful art. They have the same sense of quiet luxury too, courtesy of their lush bed linen and Grown Alchemist soaps and smells. But here the dazzling intensity of sea and sunlight seems to wash in with even greater force. Leave the floor-to-ceiling windows open at night and you worry you'll wake up with the waves breaking over your feet. • The best European cities for art lovers Meanwhile, there's a new chef cooking up a storm in Récif, the top-floor gastronomic restaurant (six-course menus from £126). Previously, Alexandre Baule was at L'Alpaga, a Beaumier property in Megève in the French Alps, whose restaurant won its first Michelin star in 2023. Now he's brought his love of seasonality to the coast and is playing with the way its flavours arrive at different speeds in your mouth. Never more so than with his jelly of pastis and sea water served with a jasmine emulsion, which starts salty but suddenly turns floral across your tongue. But don't set your heart on any particular dish. Thanks to his collaboration with the sustainable St Raphaël fisherman Olivier Bardoux, Baule's menus change daily. It comes as no surprise to learn that, once they get their electronic-wristband room keys, most guests at Les Roches Rouges don't step beyond the front door until it's time to settle the bill. For the most part they're design-conscious couples from London and America in their late twenties or early thirties, and many are honeymooning. But there are empty nesters sprinkled among them too, relishing their hard-won freedom. Usually, all are stretched out on sunloungers by the two pools, equipped with a cocktail and a little light holiday reading. Every now and again, however, one of them walks to the end of the hotel's jetty and dives into the sea. I don't blame them for not exploring. When you've got front-row seats like this, the Med is mesmerising. All the same, it's a crying shame because half a mile up the coast Mother Nature has her own surprise to share. Up there, at Cap Dramont, the mountains of the Massif de l'Esterel break through the coast road's cordon of villas, bars and marinas to plunge their red-rocked feet straight into the sea. I wander over on my final afternoon and as soon as I leave the main forest track, the world turns raw and wild. Overgrown footpaths weave through thickets of laurel, olive trees and pine. Deep channels of seawater sparkle invitingly between the cliffs and, occasionally, I use hands as well as feet to climb. In other words, it is just like Les Roches Rouges — a wake-up call for anyone who, like me, has ever written off the Riviera as samey and soulless. Suddenly, the only thing I don't like about it is having to Newsom was a guest of Les Roches Rouges, which has B&B doubles from £388 ( Fly to Nice Les Roches Rouges isn't the only hotel in Provence and the Côte d'Azur making a fuss of its 20th-century architecture. In Nice, the 35-room Hotel Gounod has been reborn in a shimmering, boudoir style that's the perfect match for its intricate art deco façade (B&B doubles from £138; Keep it in mind if you're visiting the Matisse Méditerranées show at the city's Matisse Museum this summer (until September 8; The exhibition includes loans from MoMA in New York and the Pompidou in Paris. It's part of Nice's Year of the Sea ( that also includes The Midnight Zone, an immersive installation that explores the deepest parts of the ocean. • More top hotels in Nice Meanwhile, inland from St Raphaël, two 19th-century properties are flying the flag for stylish B&B-keeping. Two years ago, the former coaching inn Le Gabriel put the hilltop village of Claviers on the map with its mix of zesty colours, big windows and playful decoration. Its five arty bedrooms and suites start from £190 a night B&B ( Nearby, in Draguignan, the five-suite Château Pimo opened this year with a more subdued colour scheme, but the same eye for detail as well as its own spa (B&B suites from £230; Both lie within striking distance of the spectacular Gorges du Verdon canyon. Further west, Aix-en-Provence's tight historic streets are always gorgeous and atmospheric. But this year the city is also honouring Cézanne, its most famous son, with a blockbuster exhibition at the Musée Granet (June 28 to October 12; as well as the reopening of the Jas de Bouffan, his parents' surprisingly highfalutin' home. The gardens at the recently refurbished Hôtel Le Pigonnet offer a welcome refuge from the gallery-going (B&B doubles from £233; while the town's thriving restaurant scene is strong with plenty of mid-priced menus. In the centre, Les Galinas has just been awarded one of Michelin's coveted Bib Gourmands for affordable, Provençal gastronomy that includes bourride (fish stew) (mains from £18; The newly opened O'père on the outskirts, has a growing reputation for its deeply flavoured sauces (mains from £20; • Great restaurants in Nice Finally, to the north of Aix lies a corner of Provence that's less touristy but no less delightful. The town of Carpentras is one of its stars, thanks to its sprawling Friday market — the perfect place to scoff the divine local nectarines, as soon as you've bought them. But it's also home to spectacular hiking beneath the limestone crags of the Dentelles de Montmirail, and two top-notch wine areas. Head to the villages of Gigondas and Vacqueyras for succulent, fruity reds, and to the new tasting cellar at the Domaine de Coyeux for sweet and fragrant Muscat de Beaumes de Venise ( Ten miles south of Carpentras, in the riverside town of L'Isle Sur La Sorgue, the L'Isle de Leos is a new, five-star MGallery property in a former watermill, decked out in a rich cinnamon-and-chocolate colour scheme. It opens next month with enticing introductory pricing (B&B doubles from £298;
Fashion United
9 hours ago
- Fashion United
Missoni partners with Oku Ibiza for first summer resort club
Italian fashion house Missoni has partnered with boutique hotel Oku Ibiza for an exclusive collaboration this summer. The partnership sees Missoni take over and transform the hotel's 50-meter swimming pool into a summer hub, known as the Missoni Resort Club at Oku Ibiza, a first for the fashion house. Missoni Launches First Resort Club in Ibiza in Collaboration with Oku Ibiza Credits: Missoni Missoni has taken over Oku Ibiza's signature main pool area and infused it with its distinctive use of vibrant color, filling the space with rich hues of deep blue, oceanic turquoise, and emerald green, a color palette drawn directly from the island's coastal landscape. Guests who relax by the pool at Oku Ibiza can enjoy custom-branded Missoni sunbeds, towels, and sofas that reflect the island's blend of energy and ease. Officially launched on June 10, the collaboration combines elements from Missoni and Oku IbizA to create an elegant, refined, yet inviting Mediterranean poolside aesthetic. Missoni Launches First Resort Club in Ibiza in Collaboration with Oku Ibiza Credits: Missoni Missoni Launches First Resort Club in Ibiza in Collaboration with Oku Ibiza Credits: Missoni Missoni Launches First Resort Club in Ibiza in Collaboration with Oku Ibiza Credits: Missoni
