This issue the team embarks on a quest to explore some of the most beautiful and exclusive European adventures for summer. We trade Dubai’s billowing highways for the hairpin bends and coastal roads of the Côte d’Azur in the new expression of a Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II and discover the magic of Monaco; we embark on a stately sojourn across the Loire Valley and on to Paris, recreating the city-cum-country pursuits of France’s heyday aristocrats; and hop over to Prague for a summer Czech-In, spliced with jazz, boat rides, music and art.

Then on to Puglia, Ibiza, Corfu and back to the Middle East, where we unpick the best offerings from the region’s city enclaves that promise you something more from a summer staycation, be it a weekend of refinement in The Royal Suite at Habtoor Palace Dubai or soaking up island vibes at the French-Polynesian-inspired Sofitel Dubai The Palm.

In turn, we’d love to hear where your summer travels are taking you, so tag us in your social media posts, be it from somewhere close to home or a far-flung corner of the world, and we’ll come along for the ride!

The seasons of change are being thrust upon us once again. I am aboard Uzbekistan’s Afrosiyob train that is taking me from the leaf-laden streets of its modern capital city of Tashkent to the jewel of the Silk Road, Samarkand. Hurtling along at 210km per hour, we zip by seemingly endless, undulating hills of formerly lush grasslands that are now tinged with a distinctive brown. In a few weeks, the shade will change again to a crisp-white with the onset of winter snows.

As nature flaunts its new style, it signals a change in our adventures too. Many will swap the swimsuit for skis, the seaside for the slopes and to inspire you this month, we explore the destinations that take you from the beach to the piste, and everywhere in between.

In Switzerland, Robert La Bua admires the enchanting physical beauty and fresh air of the glamorous ski resort, St Moritz. Joe Mortimer enjoys a change of pace among the ateliers and galleries of London’s most exclusive neighbourhood as he checks into the Mandarin Oriental Mayfair. Meanwhile, Kris Karacinski takes to the winding, mountain roads of Luxembourg as he gets behind the wheel of Ferrari’s new 12Cilindri. As for me, I am delving into the epicurean excellence of Catalonia. From the shadow of the Catalan Pyrenees to the golden sands of Tarragona, I am introducing my palate to dishes and tastes that have been cultivated for over a millennia.

Whatever direction your compass points you to this month, I encourage you to embrace those new escapades and experiences that present themselves. Change is upon us and we’re ready for it. Are you?



“There’s no place like home,” said Judy Garland as Dorothy in the legendary 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz, as she clicked the heels of her ruby slippers together to magically return to her favourite place on Earth. I can relate. There’s something so special about visiting home and pounding the pavements I’ve trodden a thousand times before. Especially as the promise of autumn’s crispy-golden leaves speckled across sun-lit streets creeps in. London, I love you. 

There are so many things that sum up The Big Smoke. There are the live music venues and the West End’s illustrious theatres. There’s the thrill of moseying around Borough Market, Kew Gardens or the Victoria and Albert Museum. There’s taking a canal boat from Paddington to Camden. And picnics with friends in Hyde Park. 

The capital’s history and architecture continually captures my heart, as I was reminded on my last visit, during a stay at the new Raffles London at the OWO. Weightlessly romantic, powered by nostalgia and timeless refinement, the five-star hotel oozes royal pedigree and historical charm. The former Old War Office – a Grade II-listed Edwardian building built in 1906 – was previously inhabited by numerous iconic and influential political and military figures, including Sir Winston Churchill, Lord Haldane and T.E. Lawrence. It was also the birthplace of British spy agencies MI5 and MI6, and was the main source of inspiration (and then the film set), for many of Ian Fleming’s James Bond movies. Turn to page 92 to read about the emblematic hotel and its extraordinary suites.

Sprinkled throughout this beautiful issue, we shine the spotlight on some of the very best suites and villas across the globe. From the Middle East and the Maldives to Camiguin and the Côte d’Azur, dare to dream with our meticulously curated edit of escapes that will inspire your next sojourn. 

As I click my ruby slippers together, here’s wishing you a wonderful October, wherever you are in the world.  

NINA CATT

What makes a destination, a phenomenal destination? For me, it’s the feeling of being extraordinarily lucky to be there.

I’m writing this letter from seat 20A on a flight back to Dubai, from France. I always select a window seat, by the way, not only to tuck myself away in a corner, but also, so I can gaze out at the mesmerising clouds. I’m in my own little world – noise cancelling headphones firmly secured in place.

I’ve just spent an incredible week in the Côte d'Azur, but I’m always so grateful when I return to the Middle East, a place I’ve called home for the past eight years. While I adore travelling, exploring different countries, and in this case, witnessing beautiful friends tie the knot at a breathtaking former 11th-century Benedictine Abbey, returning back to Dubai’s magic is equally as exciting.

An ode to Arabia, in this issue we celebrate the Middle East in all its glistening glory. We visit Jordan, a remarkable country boasting fascinating history and a thriving culinary scene. Over in Bahrain, we discover pristine sugar-white beaches caressed by the sensational turquoise ocean. And we dip our toes into the swimming pools of exquisite five-star hotels in the UAE, Qatar and an array of other Middle Eastern haute hotspots, where opulent design and flawless hospitality are a match made in heaven.

That feeling of being extraordinarily lucky? Experience it yourself in our beautiful backyard as we usher in a new sunny season of joy. Enjoy the issue...

Nina Catt
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF



Standing at the top of a grassy knoll at sunset, a pastel pink hue is spectacularly painted across the sky. The
city lights of Barcelona flicker below as the strawberry sky magically transitions into an inky blue. The scene
is dreamlike. Phantasmagorical, even. While I’m certainly not alone in this world-renowned hotspot, there’s
a remarkable stillness to the scene. A sense of peace caresses my mind. I’m lost in the moment, swept off
my feet. This sunset is undeniably soul soothing.

The restorative power of travel is fascinating. Whether it’s an impromptu night away in the countryside two
hours from home, or a far-flung adventure to a tropical island, temporarily escaping the everyday is
incredibly healing for our mental wellbeing. Gently unearthing the treasures of a new destination with its
beauty and cultural wonders has profoundly uplifting abilities. Lean into the experience at any given
opportunity.

Woven throughout our pages is a kaleidoscopic smorgasbord of inspiration to enrich the mind, body, and
spirit. Spoiler alert – food plays a significant part in this month’s issue! Join us on a culinary trek of Rio de
Janeiro, a nose around one of London’s newest five-star hotels, and an awe-inspiring adventure in
Normandy – where the apple cider alone, is a good enough reason to plot a return visit.

Enjoy the issue. Oh, and that grassy knoll with a view of the otherworldly sunset? Find it for yourself at Park
Güell. I urge you to, as soon as possible.

Nina Catt
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Last week I was reminiscing with an old friend about some of the countries we visited together during our late teens and early twenties. We laughed about the time, during a four-week island-hopping expedition, we missed the last boat from Koh Samui to Koh Tao, subsequently spending the evening on a beach with half a dozen Swedish backpackers. We then continued our journey together as a group and spent several blissful days snorkelling the colourful reefs of the breathtaking Thai island, making friends with the locals, eating sweet mangoes for breakfast, and dancing beneath the twinkling of the night sky's glorious starlit cloak.

During our catch up, we came to the realisation that we’ve experienced many unexpected twists and turns on our trips around the globe. It is sliding doors moments such as these that come to think of it, have altered the trajectory of many a plan, shaping several of my most treasured memories. Our dinner date in London reminded me of the importance of getting lost in the moment, and of throwing caution to the wind. It also reset the rule of allowing my adventurous spirit to once again, lead the way.

Such is the case for writer, Harriet Shephard, who this month, takes us along for the ride to Umbria’s ancient castles and hilltop towns. Harriet’s advice? Hop into a car (make it a convertible), and follow your heart, or nose, to the Italian region’s abundance of exquisite restaurants and artisan delicatessens. In this beautiful issue, we also shine the spotlight on other spectacular destinations worthy of your wish list, from the Seychelles and the Maldives, to Botswana and Switzerland.

Wherever you travel to this summer, my hope is that you move with a carefree spirit. And remember, sometimes you will miss the boat, but you could be blessed with the most magnificent sunrise from the beach in the morning.

Nina Catt
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Lazy days and slow, golden syrupy sunsets. Moving infrequently between the pool and the dining table. Good food. With friends and jokes and good times. Summer is all about the simple pleasures. Enjoyed outdoors, long into the night. Endless, ideally. But inevitably not. This issue is all about making the most of the season’s gentle delights.

In Europe, John Ovans embraces the slow pace and simple life in Hydra, the Greek isle that time forgot. Sarah Freeman skims across the sun-blushed shores of Morocco, finding modern mystique among time honoured cities and cultural capitals, while Matt Cassidy tucks into an odyssey of dining experiences in the Spanish capital.

I’ve had the pleasure of chatting to two gentlemen known for rewriting the rules. Massimo Bottura has transcended the world of gastronomy and closed the loop on culinary travel, creating a boutique hotel where travellers from all corners of the earth can check into a fully immersive living-dining experience.

In London, Ennismore founder Sharan Pasricha is taking the responsibility of being co-CEO of a company with 17 lifestyle brands in his stride. Having poured heart and soul into last year’s major opening, Estelle Manor he’s now bringing the legendary Delano brand to Dubai and shepherding his ever-growing flock to even greater heights.

Wherever the road takes you this month, remember to travel with an open heart and open mind. The greatest experiences aren't always the scripted ones, so take a leap of faith. You never know where it might take you.

It’s a special time of year in the UK. Where I live in North Somerset, roadside verges are covered in snowdrifts of wild garlic and in the woods near my house, bluebells cover the bright spots where the sun reaches the earth. It’s a time of transformation when we get to look at things with new eyes. This, to me, is a slower version of what happens when we travel. We look on the world with curiosity and open our hearts to new experiences that ultimately leave us transformed.

This issue is brimming with travel inspiration to help plan your own season of change. Rowena Marella-Daw spent time in Botswana’s Okavango Delta visiting three off-grid Wilderness camps where conservation and hospitality go hand in hand, offering a rare and insightful experience for visitors. Meanwhile, Matt Cassidy was roaming the storied streets of Madrid, delving down the rabbit hole of history for a crash course on Flamenco, art and architecture; all of which were influenced by cultural transitions that occurred over the course of a thousand Springs.

As for me, I’m looking forward to the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, where the finest travel brands from the region and beyond come together to shape the future of hospitality from May 6-9. In the meantime, I encourage you to take a breath, step outside and find some beauty in the world, wherever you find yourself this month.

The life of a traveller follows a curious rhythm interrupted by syncopated sounds and unexpected echoes. As a child of the 80s, some of my first travel memories were born in the Mediterranean. The Balearic Islands were always popular, served with the promise of sun-blushed days and warm, endless nights. Mallorca and Menorca in particular stay with me: water clear as glass and long days on beautiful beaches.

We revisit the Balearic Islands in this issue, delving into the heritage and natural landscapes of these idyllic isles and exploring beyond the beach to find tales of pirates and ancient settlers. We also travel to the heart of the Iberian Peninsula with a guide to Madrid, looking at where to stay and what to do in the Spanish capital, before setting our sights on Turkey and travelling to little-known Afyonkarahisar.

The Eid al-Fitr holiday is one of the most important of the year, and this issue is loaded with inspiration for indulgent breaks. From design-driven hideaways in the deserts of Ras Al Khaimah and wellness escapes in Dubai to family friendly breaks in the Indian Ocean and beyond, there’s plenty to whet your appetite for adventure. You just need to find your rhythm. Happy travels and Eid Mubarak.

EDITOR'S LETTER: 16 years living in the Middle East, and I love that I’ve still barely scratched the surface of this beautiful region. I’ve walked, driven, camped, hiked, snorkelled and explored my way around the Middle East, ticking off so many incredible experiences but the To Do list grows ever bigger: Socotra in Yemen, Isfahan in Tehran, Cappadocia in Turkey, Siwa Oasis in Egypt…

One particular trip that stirs my soul in this issue is the 10-day odyssey into The Empty Quarter in partnership with Oman Expedition and Alila Hinu Bay – a once-in-a-lifetime trek through the largest sand desert in the world, bookended by luxury. My kind of yin and yang.

In Ecuador, tradition meets modernity as indigenous communities bring their ancestral culture into the 21st century, while in Panama, we take you beyond the city’s famed waterway to discover a city of many sides.

We’ve done a little curation for your Eid al-Fitr and Easter holiday plans as well, with some beautiful offers taking you from restful Ramadan retreats in Doha and Utah to Eid celebrations in the Indian Ocean, health-focused holidays in Ras Al Khaimah and family-friendly Easter breaks in the Maldives.

We hope the month ahead is one of relaxation, reflection and reconnection – and of course, new adventures and experiences.
Enjoy the issue — Ramadan Kareem.

Emily Baxter-Priest,
Editor-in-Chief

Over the years, Valentine’s Day has evolved from a secret card sent by my mum signed with question mark to flowers from a boyfriend, a romantic dinner with a husband to now, date night with my daughter where we dress up and go eat ice cream together. This month means different things to different people, and for those wanting to eschew the schmaltz, we say why not use this opportunity to fall in love all over again – with someone, with the world, with a single moment.

Hopefully this issue will help ignite that spark, with an exclusive beach dinner under a star-speckled Maldivian sky, a rooftop ‘bubble’ dinner in Paris, watching an eye-watering Namibian, discovering an island all to yourself in French Polynesia and tucking in to high-end fine dining in Zermatt.

We also travel to London to uncover its conscious calling, in which purpose-driven properties, slow fashion, nature-inspired design and zero-waste dining put two ultra-luxe neighbourhoods on the sustainability map. And bring you the biggest round-up of restaurants from around the world – each a love letter to the unbridled joy of gastronomy.

Wherever this month takes you, enjoy the journey, enjoy the company and, most importantly, enjoy making the memories…

Enjoy the issue!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

I’ve never been averse to a New Year’s resolution or two (usually gym- or crisp-related) but I’ve realized that instead of giving something up, I far rather take something up. More hiking, for example, or a better work/life balance. More travel, naturally.

There’s been a mindset shift in the wellness industry too, moving away from January’s ‘New Year, New You’ adage towards something more positive, with retreats homing in on helping you reach your own optimal health, rather than the broader societal definition of what health and wellness should look like. It’s been a game-changer, and so this issue is filled with restorative escapes for everyone: from fitness, meditation and digital detox to silence, spiritual and culinary – all allowing you to enjoy your journey to good health, whatever that might look like to you.

We also whisk you away for a snow-filled, island-hopping adventure around Scandinavia, to the slopes of St. Moritz and Crans-Montana, and on to Indonesia for a sun-kissed sail around Raja Ampat aboard the world’s most luxurious phinisi yacht.

Wherever this year takes you, I hope 2024 is filled with love, laughter, peace, happiness, and heaps of adventure.

Enjoy the issue!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

Many winters of my childhood were spent navigating one piste after another, growing up and graduating from ski school and snow plough to red runs and vin chaud, quickly realising the off-piste pursuits were just as important as on the on-piste. A ski season is so much more than the ‘skiing’: from the new kit you invest in or the old favourites you dig out; finding the chicest chalets to the cosiest Air BnB; to tracking down the best raclette, pomme frites and hot chocolate. So this issue we bring you a line-up of some of the ways to experience the magic of the mountains.

Keeping to the winter theme, we also head to central Switzerland for an adventure centred around luxury living; to Azerbaijan for sledging, paragliding and snowy horse safaris; and to England for festivities aboard one of the world’s most beautiful trains.

For more sun-kissed experiences, the Seychelles, Maldives and Middle East are waiting, or come with us to the Congo rainforest for a walk through the wildest Eden.

As we close out this year, we look back at 2023 grateful for all our adventures, the places we’ve been and the people we’ve met, and remain hopeful for a year ahead that brings peace, unity and a collective mission that allows our beautiful world to bloom.

Enjoy the issue!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” I’ve read these words from the late, great chef Anthony Bourdain many times, appreciating his ability to articulate the beautiful, unbridled joy of travel, even in a world that can oft feel like a big and daunting place. But travel is a luxury and it’s something we should always be grateful for, as it has the power to connect communities, break down cultural barriers and open one’s heart to different people and places.

Our role is to show you the beauty of this world, and so this issue we take you on some truly breath-taking adventures: on a ’silent safari in Zambia; fishing, foraging and high-flying in the Norwegian fjords; riding the rails along the northern coast of Spain on a ‘green’ getaway; and to beautiful Lisbon to experience its cuisine and culture.

We hope this issue helps open your mind and heart to what our incredible world has to offer. And to never take it for granted.

Enjoy the issue!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

Ahh, that sweet sound of a key card unlocking the door to a hotel room. That satisfying ‘click’ as the door swings open to your luxury home-away-from home, be it your favourite room, suite, villa, penthouse – or, in the case of Atlantis The Royal, a Royal Mansion.

This issue we bring you some of our best-loved places to bed down, from a private island in the Indian Ocean to a penthouse in Geneva and suite fit for a statesman in Dubai. Trust us, you’ll want the key to these…

In a bid to slow down and really enjoy the encounters and experiences we have when travelling, we explore the growing trend for ‘slow travel’, where a holiday is as much about the journey as it is the destination. By way of trains, buses, slow boats and E-scooters, we fall in love with Germany’s more leisurely side on the hunt for fairy tales, and lose track of time in Laos, winding down to deeper appreciate its wealth of natural beauty and culture.

We also take you on a 26-day private jet experience to nine different destinations, from Bali to Brazil, for a high-flying adventure of a lifetime.

Enjoy the issue!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

AS I write this, it’s 92 days to UAE national day, 115 days to Christmas, and 122 days to 2024, begging the question ‘Where on earth is this year going?!’ While the thought of Christmas shopping sends me into a tailspin, the upside is it means we’re entering Autumn - and boy, does Autumn look good on Arabia! Having survived the furnace of the last few months, the reward feels even bigger, as camping, glamping, outdoor terraces, boat trips and beach days make a comeback. Therefore, this issue we take you from shoreline to mountain top in search of the Middle East’s most beautiful hotels, one-of-a-kind staycations and tailored experiences to make your Autumn truly extraordinary.

We also journey to Yucatán to discover why its little-explored Gulf Coast is stepping out of the shadows and luring travellers away from Riviera Maya in favour of nature, culture, flamingos and fewer crowds. And to Taipei, for a whistle-stop 48 hours sampling everything from Taiwanese soy milk and pepper buns to museums and night markets in this eclectic city.

There are also family adventures in Azerbaijan; supercars, helicopters and haute hospitality in the UK countryside; and the grandest of train rides aboard Belmond’s Eastern & Orient Express as it meanders through Malaysia.
 
Enjoy the issue!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

Most of my most treasured holiday memories are centred around what I ate and where. While the hotel might have been stunning and the company exceptional, what often lingers longest is a meal, a restaurant, or a dish I’ve eaten somewhere around the world. A ‘bush breakfast’ in Kenya as elephants sipped from a nearby watering hole; a stilted restaurant in the jungle of Costa Rica serving the silkiest sashimi; vegetables served a million different ways at a rustic pay-per-weight vegan restaurant in the seaside town of Búzios, Brazil; or mind-bending vegan food at Mildreds in London, so in demand that a queue snakes around the block.

With culinary tourism absolutely booming, this issue is a food lover’s guide to the world, taking you on epicurean adventures to some of the best restaurants and food-centric destinations. Learn why Thailand’s Chiang Mai is having a culinary awakening; Discover the restaurants with serious sustainability credentials for food that feels good too; and find out where to make a reservation this summer, from Budapest’s Spago by Wolfgang Puck to Cairo’s Maré Social.

Elsewhere, we have a million-dirham holiday (complete with heli-ride) in London for you, the best high-fashion beach club takeovers for summer, and five-star luxury in the Land of Fire.

Whatever travel maybe on your menu, we hope the experiences you encounter are good enough to eat!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

Living in a climate as hot and sticky as the Middle East come summer, we’re forgiven for wanting to escape to cooler climes. And what I love most about this time of year is that everyone’s sense of adventure seems to peak, with extended time off giving way to off-piste ideas thrown into the mix alongside the more typical destinations or visits home.

So, this issue, we hope to fuel that sense of adventure. How does sailing through the little-known waters of Palau sound with Four Seasons Explorer? Known as ‘one of the world’s final frontiers’, it has seriously good bucket-list game. Or, what about ditching the jeep and jumping aboard a luxury train for a different kind of safari? Rovos Rail itineraries whistle you through various regions of South Africa, where passengers are trained instead of animals. Then there’s Turkey – but not a city or beach-break kind of holiday; more history, legends and lore in Cappadocia. A true visual feast, it’s the perfect place to let imaginations run wild.

Where will you be spending your summer? Answers on a postcard!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

There’s never a bad time for a little Indian Ocean island escapism in my opinion; even during monsoon season, the rains are brief and often beautiful, boosting nature’s colour palette to a whole new kaleidoscopic spectrum. So, this issue we highlight some of our favourite places to venture to, where you can discover a new pace of life, parasail in paradise, glamp on a nature-rich island, swim with whale sharks, help rebuild coral reefs, have a sandbank picnic under the stars… From the Maldives to Mauritius to the Seychelles, the islands are truly a gold mine for experience-rich travel.

We also head to Stockholm to soak up the city’s eclectic art scene, where a deep dive into the capital’s creative side reveals major new artworks, boundary-pushing exhibitions, and mind-bending installations, creating the perfect European escape for aesthetes.

To give my passport a proper workout this summer, I’m taking it to Germany, Singapore, Sweden, Denmark, and Zanzibar for a healthy dose of business and pleasure, islands, cities, and sea. I’ll be ticking these places off my travel list for the first time, so any hot tips of what to do when there would be very welcome – email below.

Wherever your summer takes you, I hope you enjoy the adventure!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

Flitting from cool-and-cacophonous New York to find conch and coconuts in Turks and Caicos over a long, languid weekend certainly tops my ‘best trips’ list. The stark contrast of Manhattan’s rambunctious mood against Turks and Caicos’ laidback character, sets the tone for the perfect duality of urban-cum-island experiences.

It’s this ‘best of everything’ notion that fuels this issue, taking you to some of the world’s most intriguing cities like Phnom Penh, and to some of the most fascinating islands, such as Sri Lanka, the Balearics, and the Maldives. While the experiences couldn’t be more contrasting, they complement each other too, giving us space to expand our horizons in new ways, which is what travel is all about, isn’t it?

 
In Sri Lanka, we look to the future, celebrating the island’s revival, and in the Maldives, we spotlight the resorts championing sustainability and using conservation to elevate the guest experience.

On that note, we’ll be heading to the Arabian Travel Market this month, which is back for its 30th edition, this year with a theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’, discussing how the future of the travel industry can – and must – evolve to be more sustainable. We all need to be part of the conversation, so hopefully we’ll see you there.

Enjoy!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

Putting kids in the driving seat of holiday decision-making may seem daunting. However, it can also pay dividends. Happy kids, happy parents, right? But the reasoning runs deeper than that, because to help kids truly engage in, well, anything, it helps to involve them – allowing them to be part of the conversation, decisions, and therefore what results from them. Give your kids some agency in your holiday agenda and who knows where they may take you.

 

In this family-themed issue, little VIP travellers are put front and centre with a sky-high private jet adventure based around fantasy and fiction; whizzing through the Swiss Alps on an elevated family-friendly railway journey; glamping in Dubai’s secret garden enclave, Hatta; and on an incredible Little Ranger Experience in London, that will take them from Hyde Park to Harvey Nichols to Buckingham Palace.

 

With Easter and Eid al-Fitr on the horizon, we also curate some beautiful family-centric itineraries, such as a desert staycation, a brunch in Dubai, to something truly imaginative in the Indian Ocean.

 

As Spring swings into full effect, we look at some of the world’s most spectacular postcard-worthy panoramas, from Lake Como to Mozambique, Bali to Costa Navarino. Wherever you’re heading, send us a postcard!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

Last month, I was able to experience the Emirates in ways I never have before, proving that the UAE still has the power to surprise me, even after 15 years.

I took to the skies with a beautiful sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Ras Al Khaimah desert with ActionFlight; I embarked on a glamping eco-adventure in the desert with Sand Sherpa, complete with hawk talks, scorpion walks and S’mores; And I went behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, taking it into (or rather over) the dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, to test its ‘Effortless, Everywhere’ capabilities. A trio of experiences each celebrating the beautiful natural diversity of this region.

Continuing the theme of Arabia, we also take you on an incredible off-the-beaten-track escape to Aqaba to enjoy some Red Sea dreaming, to a serene pocket of Palm Jumeirah for some urban serenity, and to AlUla in search of relaxation and self-reflection.

We also head to Riga to explore the Baltic beauty’s old-meets-new vibes, embark on a spiritual odyssey through Bhutan and step into the shoes of 007 for an exclusive James Bond-inspired limited edition travel experience from London to Venice.

As we gear up for our big summer escapes, let us know what trips you have planned or what destinations you’d like to know more about. Happy travelling!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

I first fell in love with travel when we decamped from London to the Isle of Wight each summer, taking a ferry across the Solent for three weeks of crab catching, rock-scrambling, mud fights, ice creams, and swimming until our fingers and toes looked like prunes. It may just have been a 45-minute ferry hop from Portsmouth, but the Isle of Wight came with so much magic and mystery it could have been the other side of the world for all I knew or cared. It was on those long, languid, fun-filled family holidays that a love for adventure – near or far – was solidified.

 

This month is dedicated to that unbridled, unhindered, unrelenting love of travel. The kind that makes our hearts beat harder.

 

We spend 48 hours in Tokyo exploring the city’s contrast of old and new, where tradition and technology collide, and two nights in Vienna to uncover the history behind its spires, spas, shoemakers and chandeliers.

 

I’m sure you won’t have missed the grand-slam opening weekend of Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, for which we were lucky enough to steal a front-row seat. Come with us as we take you on a tour through the doors of the city’s hottest new hotel.

 

What were your first travel memories or what made you first fall in love with exploring the world? Email me or DM us on Instagram – I’d love to hear your stories!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

I enter every new year with both celebration and trepidation – finding both joy in turning a new page on the story of life and societal pressure to make resolutions, set new goals and ‘become a better you’. It can be overwhelming.

Instead, I prefer to see the new year as a blank canvas waiting to be etched with opportunity and adventure. A chance to take things up, rather than give them up. In my world, that means more travel, more exploration, more time spent making memories with those I love. It’s a cup half-full approach which is liberating and inevitably results in a far lengthier commitment from me!

I hope 2023 will be year filled gallivanting around the world for all of us, and in turn hope the pages of the January issues act as a vision board to help manifest the travel, trips and holidays you’ve been dreaming about.

This month, we visit Ecuador to explore the wild, rugged beauty of the Galapagos, to meet hundred-year-old giant tortoises and experience the colourful culture of Quito. Before embarking on a holistic holiday to the unspoiled island of Koh Yao Noi, where Àni Thailand rewrites the rules for exclusive, authentic and intuitive luxury.


Where will your 2023 travels take you? Email or DM us on Instagram, and I look forward to being inspired by your adventures, too.

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

The holiday season is here, which means it’s time to celebrate! The UAE truly comes into its own when given the chance to celebrate and honour different cultural and religious holidays and festivals from around the world, bringing together people and faiths in a unique show of unity. At Christmas, there’s always an added dose of sparkle, with the Emirates coming together to make the holidays as festive and fabulous as possible. I used to retreat back to the UK every year, thinking England had the monopoly on making Christmas most magical, in all its wishful white Christmas glory, but I’ve since realised that, firstly, we get snow in the desert too (who knew!), and secondly, the holidays are as magical as you want them to be – and choose to make them – regardless of where you are in the world. So, this issue is dedicated to end-of-year celebrations of every kind – from Christmas to New Year, and the snowy foothills of the Alps to the sun-baked shores of the Seychelles.

We also whisk you away for a serene sojourn to Marrakech, to discover wintery adventures in Azerbaijan, to the Spanish region of Catalunya for a culinary-cum-coastal escape, and to London, Courchevel and Switzerland for shopping sprees, five-star spas and luxury ski retreats.

Happy holidays, happy New Year and we’ll see you in 2023!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

Travel always comes with an air of mystery, that beautiful sense of discovering the unknown, perhaps treading in footprints first planted thousands of years ago and unearthing secrets of cities whispered long before you arrived.

This issue is a poetic code to timeless travel, with history the cornerstone of experience-rich adventures. Stroll through the sands of time in AlUla – a living museum and Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site; Come see the lost kingdoms of Luxor and Cairo; And then on to Athens, with its Neolithic narrative and sea-spritzed archaeological wonders.

Winter escapism calls for some island adventures too. This month we travel to the Ireland to uncover the luxury side of the Emerald Isle, then to Spain to soak up its sun-drenched archipelago and lastly to the Seychelles to discover four unforgettable sanctuaries by the sea.

From the old to the new, we also hero newcomers to the travel and hospitality scene, bringing you the world’s most exclusive new hotels, suites and top tables all waiting to tempt you to travel.

Inevitably, travel means different things to different people, so we hope this issue invites you to write your own story. A massive written from whichever corner of the world you find yourself in. Chapter one, page one…

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

Knowing how to book the perfect suite in the best hotel in the world’s most exclusive location is something of a superpower, if you ask me. That elusive trinity – ‘The power of three’ – where every element comes together with nothing short of a superlative outcome. This month, we’ve put our superpowers to good use to curate pages upon pages of show-stopping suites and heart-stopping hotels that are all about the view. And, in some cases, the most perfectly-positioned bed where the view comes to you, meaning you don’t need to move a muscle. Discover the ultimate ‘suite dreams’ from French Polynesia and Kathmandu to Côte d’Azur and beyond.
This month, we’re also officially declaring winter season here, and there’s no region on earth that turns on the charm quite like the Middle East. From the Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi to the World Cup in Qatar, and cultural staycations in Dubai to urban beach escapes in Bahrain, find out where to stay and play.
We’ll also take you from Azerbaijan and Georgia to South Africa and Lake Lucerne. All you have to do is choose what to book first. You’re under starter’s orders!

Emily Baxter-Priest
Editor-in-Chief

Having spent the best part of my 15 years in the Middle East exploring at every opportunity, it comes as a surprise when I learn of a new hotel, a new destination, a new corner uncovered that I’m yet to hear about. But it’s always been the favourite part of my job – the moments when I learn of somewhere new to point my feet. This issue is dedicated to those ‘Euraka’ moments, as we traverse the region from Jeddah to Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi to Oman.

Then from Muscat to Munich, we’re taken on a whistle-stop tour of the buzzy Bavarian capital to spend 24 hours in the city, meandering beyond beer, bratwurst and lederhosen to its discover its Michelin-starred food, big-hitting art museums and gothic cathedrals.

At this time of year, chit-chat turns to speculations about the weather: mainly will we or won’t we be sitting outside in September? Either way, we’re on the home straight to better weather. We’re spoiled with the geography of the region, which allows you to swim in the sea before breakfast, head up a mountain for lunch and camp out in the desert come night, all in one day. So, this month, we also help you decide how to make the most of winter season, where to head and what to do when you get there.

Enjoy and we’ll see you next month, on the flip-side of summer!

Emily Baxter-Priest



Travel felt different when I was younger – more free, more spontaneous, more ‘fly by the seat of my pants and see where I end up’. Each trip moulded to my mood, a city if I felt inquisitive, a beach if I felt lazy, or adventures in the wild when I needed an adrenalin rush. No schedules, just dreams. And the beauty was, I didn’t have to choose a ‘type’ of trip – I went where I wanted on any given day. Now, adulting and a career have crept in, meaning holidays are far more orchestrated affairs with a set amount of annual leave allocated to exploring. I’m torn… Where do I want to go, what kind of holiday do I need, and how do I make one big trip count? Help!

This issue is dedicated to ‘City, Safari & Sea’, bringing you three different holiday styles to help you choose. From the art galleries of Istanbul to the quieter corners of Mykonos to the mountain gorillas of Rwanda… I hope these incredible adventures will help you choose a favourite or throw caution to the wind and book all three.

Elsewhere, we take you on outdoor adventures in Azerbaijan, walking art tours in Rome and on a serene lake-side sojourn in Georgia.

Wherever you head, we hope you have an incredible and enriching summer filled with new memories. Don’t forget to tag us on social media and we’ll come along for the ride!

Emily Baxter-Priest



EDITOR'S LETTER:
Summer holidays mean different things to different people: some throw caution to the wind with a once-in-a-lifetime trip to maximise time out the office; others jet straight into a city destination to soak up every ounce of culture; and those who decamp somewhere serene – and preferable scenic – to steal a few moments of solitude. This issue criss-crosses the globe to deliver the best travel inspo whatever your pleasure.

Come with us as we soak up the sun in some of our favourite resorts across the Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius, whilst heading inland in the latter to discover underwater waterfalls, UNESCO World Heritage sites and rainbow-coloured sands that go far, far beyond the typical Mauritian beach experience.

We also head to America, to discover the wild, untouched mystical landscapes and rock formations of Utah, that put the adjective ‘breathtaking’ to very good use, and peek through the keyhole of some new hotels that are thoroughly deserving a visit a summer.

Sun’s out, fun’s out as the saying goes… Where will you go to have yours?

Emily Baxter-Priest

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Millions of affluent holidaymakers and business travellers flying in private jets, first and business class cabins and staying in luxury five star hotels are introduced to Destinations of the World News magazine every month. Since its debut in July 2006, Destinations of the World News has remained the world's authority on the luxury travel lifestyle. Offering monthly insight into the hottest destinations, the most luxurious hotels and extraordinary travel experiences money can buy.
Recognised for it’s intelligent and sophisticated content environment, Destinations of the World News has attracted a discerning global audience of true aficionados who are genuinely passionate about luxury in every aspect of their lives. Whether searching for exotic escapes or the latest supercars, they look to Destinations of the World News as the authoritative travel and lifestyle magazine to recommend products with both style and substance.

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