Edge Retreats

Melbourne provides the ideal starting point if you’re interested in a self-drive journey around the diverse and compact state of Victoria. You can tailor your own adventure, choosing between the city, coast and country; ticking off an impressive checklist of must see icons and attractions along the way. Within a 90-minute drive from Melbourne, you can experience tall forests, historic villages, ...

Magnificent hillside hideaway

Luxury villas in Bailly-Romainvillers, in association with SellMyTimeShareNow

Morocco is one of Africa's most exciting, accessible and exotic destinations. A world of bustling souks, gorgeous beaches, spectacular mountain ranges and the eternal sands of the Sahara – all just a short hop from Europe across the Strait of Gibraltar. In the imperial Red City of Marrakesh, enjoy the ancient stone streets and lively markets, which dance of the Adhan, the ...

Marrakesh countryside villa

Exclusive Palmeraie villa

Contemporary Palmeraie pad

Italy is synonymous with style and sophistication and this exclusive collection of luxury villas are in keeping with the country's sheer indulgence. Most of Italy's most special luxury villas are located along the stunning Amalfi Coast, among the rolling hillsides of Tuscany or on the lovely northern Lakes. These select properties are all superb and represent some of the best real ...

Private lakeside estate

Opulent private palazzo

The Sebel Pier One Sydney in Walsh Bay has unveiled what could be Sydney’s most spectacular suites featuring peerless views of Australia’s most iconic landmarks - the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The seven over-water suites include expansive private balconies with comfy day beds and arms chairs to soak up the sweeping Sydney Harbour views, floor to ceiling wrap ...

Qantas has unveiled its new Singapore Lounge, a move that coincides with the airline’s new Asia schedules, which ‘promotes Singapore as a hub for the region’. The lounge replaces the previous business and first class lounges Qantas shared with British Airways at the airport. Qantas International CEO, Simon Hickey, said the new lounge showcased the experiences and cuisine of Singapore and offers ...

Three new two-bedroom Beach Houses have recently opened at Parrot Cay by COMO in The Turks and Caicos Islands. They are the latest addition to the award-winning private island resort, and have been designed by Chris Davis of Coast Architects. Nestled among sand dunes with uninterrupted ocean views, each detached Beach House has a large outdoor deck, private pool and ...

Nestled among the brightly colored terracotta houses and colonial-era church spires of Mexico’s UNESCO-listed city San Miguel de Allende, there is an artistic revolution taking place. Now in its second year the “San Miguel ART” festival (SMART) - which was greeted with huge enthusiasm and participation when it was launched last year, is back from 31 May 31 to ...

Relaxed Tuscan escape

An Amalfi beauty

The Greek island of Mykonos is known for its white washed houses, long sandy beaches and wild summer night parties. Now, thanks to a successful collaboration between Design Hotels and the creative duo of Thomas Heyne and Mario Hertel - the team behind Mykonos’ infamous Paradise Club - those looking for a unique holiday experience now have another reason to ...

Spending time in a luxury villa in France is a classic experience. Warm afternoons and evenings spent by the pool or on the balcony, simply watching the world go by. This exclusive selection of ultra luxury villas, mostly located in St-Tropez and Cannes, are simply superb and represent some of the best real estate on the Cote D'Azur and beyond. Expect stunning ...

Hotel art is so often synonymous with mass-produced, thoughtlessly arranged prints but these design hotels are challenging this stereotype by offering so much more. Ranging from the seriously impressive collections of big name artists such as Andy Warhol and Antony Gormley in The Thief hotel, Oslo, to carefully curated exhibitions of local African artists at the Tribe Hotel, Nairobi, some ...

Hip and happening Croatia combines the best of Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean to brilliant effect. Wooded hills, traditional villages, idyllic islands, walled medieval cities and Roman ruins are among the attractions in popular regions such as Dalmatia and Istria. Then there's the stunning, unspoilt coast and the archipelago of islands lying offshore. Here’s a look at some of the best boutique hotels ...

For the first time in the history of humankind, more people live in cities than in the country. Yet more and more city dwellers are yearning for rural farms, mountain cabins or seaside homes – an escape from the crowded and often claustrophobic cityscape. These out-of-the-way idyllic retreats offer a refuge from modern life and a promise of the simple things ...

Rio de Janiero is one of the world’s most iconic cities, full of energy and colour. This seductive Brazilian city is known for its loud and vibrant culture, favelas, beach lifestyle, flamboyant carnival celebrations and a picturesque setting between rainforest-clad mountains and the ocean. There’s a saying among Cariocas, Rio’s friendly and laidback locals, that God made the world in six ...

Maps help us understand and navigate the world. For centuries, maps have become better, more refined, and more precise – there are no blind spots anymore. While navigation is now most often done with digital tools, contemporary maps have evolved into platforms for cutting-edge illustration, experimental data visualization, and visual storytelling. A Map of the World is a compelling collection of work ...

Founded by former Kiwi international cricketer Dion Nash, Triumph & Disaster is a grooming brand built on old-fashioned values with added antipodean swagger. During an 18-year playing career, Nash learned the importance of looking after his appearance both on and off the pitch. “As a professional sportsman much of my youth was spent outside exposed to sun, wind and sweat, sometimes all ...

Syöte, the southernmost fell in Finland, boasts Lapland-like scenery and atmosphere in abundance. The new Eagle’s View Suite in Iso-Syöte is a unique accommodation option at the southern end of the resort that is set high above the main fell and offers beautiful 360-degree views of the surrounding valley. Perfect for special occasions such as honeymoons, nights at Eagle's View Suite ...

The Maldives is one the most alluring destinations on the planet for the discerning traveller, blessed with immense natural beauty and out-of-this-world luxury hotels. With white sands, swaying palm trees and crystal blue waters, it's a picture of paradise. But with so many hotels offering the highest standards, it can be difficult to decide where to stay. Here we take a ...

Here's a novel idea: a hotel company teaming up with designers to produce limited-edition collaboration pieces. The latest from Portland's Ace Hotel is a link up with Seattle-based outwear brand Crescent Down Works. The outer is made from water repellant 60/40 nylon, while the interior is packed with 700-fill local goose down. The quilted down jacket is made entirely in Seattle and ...

Sava Villa 2 is a six-bedroom luxury villa located on Natai Beach in the emerging Phang-nga area near Phuket. The villa’s modern, minimalist teak and tiled interiors are splashed with handpicked designer furnishings, gentle textures and soft tones that really complement the open, airy design. A huge central lounge is flanked by a spacious family and games room and fully fitted kitchen ...

The Scott Centenary Parka jacket by British sail makers Quba & Co was created to mark the centenary Scott’s attempt on the South Pole, with proceeds going to the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. The Salcombe, Devon-based manufacturer of oiled sailcloth and vintage apparel takes its inspiration from the traditional sail making businesses of the early 1900s, such as those that supplied ...

Oman is a rare mix of the exotic and familiar, the traditional and modern. This is not the Middle East of shopping malls and high-rises, of crass developments and folly; it is the Arabia of old - of endless desert, welcoming wadis, oasis villages and stark, beautiful mountains. Add to that the clutch of slick hotels dotted around the country - which ...

The Lew Camera Bag from Moore and Giles is a stylish way of keeping your camera and gear protected and well contained. Designed in collaboration with celebrated lifestyle and travel photographer Rick Lew, it features removable padded interior dividers to cushion your camera as well as a load of smaller interior pockets for storing essential equipment such as memory cards, flash ...

We’ve teamed up with Pullman Editions of Chelsea in London to give one lucky visitor a chance to win an exclusive, limited-edition vintage Art Deco travel poster. Pullman Editions designs, commissions and publishes striking original posters, which capture the enduring appeal of Art Deco. Its newly commissioned posters feature glamorous resorts along the Côte d’Azur, in the French and Swiss Alps, ...

They say that location is everything and if that’s the case then the latest arrival on the London hotel scene – the ME hotel – is truly blessed. Opened in December, it’s situated in the triangular-shaped Marconi House in Aldwych, an iconic London address that was the original home of BBC radio and before that the home of the Gaiety ...

Panoramic party pad

Authentic, quaint and historic, Penang just got a whole lot hipper with the opening of the highly anticipated Macalister Mansion. Recently opened in November, this eight-room hotel with five restaurants and bars is the first lifestyle oriented ‘residence’ in George Town and pays tribute to Colonel Norman Macalister, the first British Governor of the state in the 1800s. From his ...

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, these elegant and stylish hotels offer a picture of romance for that special break. Whether you're after surreal style, casual elegance, striking design, or luxurious retreat, these romantic escapes, from dreamy Paris to the laidback appeal of Koh Samui and Goa or the wine and flowers of Madeira, will leave your other half ...

Ceviche London recently unveiled a lunchtime ‘rapido’ menu and may have created the ultimate lunchtime comfort food. The star of the new menu is hot pork confit sandwich (sanguche de chicharron), served in a crusty toasted bun with salsa criolla, sweet potato, and amarillo chilli mayo. Not to be outdone is the healthy, quick and delicious quinoa with chicken saltado - chifa ...

Paris. The name alone conjures images of endless beauty. It's not for nothing the City of Light is considered the most enamoring in the world. Romantics will always have the cobbled hillsides of Montemarte, fashionistas the appeal of left bank chic, intellectuals the cafes of Saint Germain and the Latin Quarter. When the urge to wander the boulevards of this ...

Mashpi Lodge is a charming Amazonian lodge located in Ecuador’s biodiverse Andean cloudforest. Just three hour’s west of Quito, Mashpi Lodge lies within a private reserve that protects a small piece of one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. With award-winning modern design, this sophisticated and strikingly-contemporary lodge is designed as the ideal springboard for exploring the biodiverse world of the ...

Casa Gangotena is a three-story boutique hotel with 31 stunning rooms, located in a newly restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco in Quito, Ecuador. The historic mansion has been lovingly restored and converted into a chic boutique hotel, irresistibly fusing cultural heritage and contemporary luxury. Each room showcases eye-catching style, contemporary design, lovely antiques, fine furnishings, modern technologies and quintessential comforts ...

The Northern Territory's newest luxury property, Cicada Lodge, is now open to coincide with the start of the new season. The lodge is situated in Nitmiluk National Park on a ridge overlooking the Katherine River, 300km south of Darwin and 32km from Katherine town centre. The stylish 18 room-lodge boasts panoramic views of the vast rock country with its abundance of ...

The opening of QT Sydney this September has already stirred up quite a bit of excitement. Art-driven design and eccentric characters (read: staff) throughout the hotel have given it quite the reputation in the Harbour City, and the bustling new Gowings Bar & Grill is one more reason to see what all the fuss is about. Located on the first floor ...

Croatia’s Hotel Lone has been declared a “stand-out winner” at this year’s European Hotel Design Awards. Hotel Lone was opened in the summer of 2011 and is Croatia’s first design hotel. Simon Ford, Chair of the judges, said: " enhances it. “The judges felt this was a bold statement that worked well with the landscape, created many interesting and thoughtful spaces and played ...

We’ve teamed up with Hardie Grant Books to give one lucky reader the chance to win a copy of Alfred Tong’s The Gentleman’s Guide to Cocktails. What should you wear to a top cocktail bar? Where should you take a beautiful woman or an important client for cocktails? And how do you impress upon them your innate sense of style and ...

Hotel Cordee des Alpes is a luxurious new hotel in the Swiss resort of Verbier from local hotel and restaurant entrepreneur Marcus Bratter, also responsible for launching Nevaï (Verbier’s first contemporary design hotel), the all-suite King’s Parc Hotel and après-ski hotspot The Farm Club. The hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and the 34 suites and rooms are an innovative ...

The series of elegant minimalist white structures on the Chaweng Beach in Koh Samui already make The Library a “page-turner” in the area. And now two fresh chapters are going to make the property even more addictive: the new Drink Gallery restaurant and bar, and the Bookmark suite. Adding to the 26 suite/studio cabins, the Bookmark is the hotel’s largest and ...

Le Kaïla is a new luxury 5-star hotel in Méribel. Well located in the centre of the resort in La Chaudanne, it’s right in the heart of the Three Valleys, the world’s largest ski area. Le Kaïla has been built in a chic chalet style of slate and untreated wood. The 42 rooms and two large suites are luxuriously decorated with taupe ...

The remote Raja Ampat archipelago is a tropical idyll of pristine coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity roughly located between Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines. This unexplored ‘Coral Triangle’ has all the hallmarks of an exotic escape, with rarely visited reefs packed with fish, uninhabited islands and sleepy villages void of visitors. Now a new luxurious wooden phinisi (a ship ...

Andaz Liverpool Street London has unveiled an inventive ‘Winter Club Sandwich’, designed exclusively for the hotel by food designer Linda Monique in collaboration with the Andaz’s pastry chef, Joseph Wagenaar. The hotel’s latest seasonal creation is a mind-bending sweet take on a savoury hotel classic and will be available at the hotel’s classy 1901 Restaurant from 01 January until 31 March ...

The highly acclaimed New York Times travel feature ’36 Hours’ is finally available in two new volumes. Celebrated publisher Taschen has beautifully produced the two new books, 36 Hours: 150 Weekends in the USA & Canada and 36 Hours: 125 Weekends in Europe, with delightful illustrations from Olimpia Zagnoli of Milan and brilliant photos from the New York Times archive. In both ...

The Thief is Oslo’s first waterfront hotel. The new design hotel will steal you away from the everyday as part of Oslo’s new cultural precinct, with great views of the fjord and one of Scandinavia’s most exciting urban renewal projects. Located between the iconic Astrup Fearnley Museum, the Oslofjord and the canals of Tjuvholmen Island, the area is a far cry ...

Rocksresort is located at the base station of Laax, Switzerland’s best freestyle winter resort and the capital of Europe’s snowboarding scene. The minimalist cube-shaped buildings are finished in rough-hewn local stone and are an absolute hit. Wallpaper magazine awarded Rocksresort ‘best new ski resort’ when it opened in 2010 and it continues to deliver. The interiors echo the exterior and are sleek ...

The new Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht Hotel has opened in Amsterdam’s lively Jordaan district. Built in a former public library on Prince's Canal, the 122-room hotel is sure to inject some style and character into the Amsterdam’s hotel scene. With adventurous design from local architect and designer Marcel Wanders, the Andaz reflects a modern view of Dutch history and local culture through ...

In A Living Space, internationally acclaimed interior designer and co-owner of the Firmdale Hotels group, Kit Kemp, shares the tools of here trade. The book gives an insight into her passion for fabrics and embroidery, wood and stone; the innovative way she dares to mix colour and pattern with old and new furniture, textiles and objects; the joy in the wit ...

LA Suite West is London’s newest boutique hotel. Clean lines and sharp angles meet minimalism and monochrome at this serene retreat in west London on the edge of Hyde Park. This latest project from famed British designer Anouska Hempel – ranked one of the world’s top interior designers and architects – features Asian details, such as the thick, black, wood shutters ...

  Istanbul is going to feature a big role in the upcoming Bond film Skyfall. If witnessing high-speed action chases and windows being smashed out of the Grand Bazaar gets you motivated to visit this everlasting city at the cross roads of east and west, you’ll need an address book. These are the best boutique hotels in Istanbul bar none. Not since ...

Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts is bringing its renowned spa concept to Shanghai with the launch of an urban resort on the banks of the Huangpu River. Banyan Tree on the Bund occupies an enviable position in Shanghai’s North Bund area, where – in a first of its kind for the city – all 130 suites will have superb river views. The ...

The Bruny Island Long Weekend is a new three-day guided walk on one of Tasmania’s most enticing island outposts. Located just under an hour’s drive (including a 15-minute ferry ride) south of Tasmania’s capital Hobart across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Bruny Island is actually made up of two islands joined by a thin spit of land. It’s one of Tasmania’s nineteen ...

Australia’s Qualia Resort has been voted the best resort in the world by readers of Conde Nast Traveller. Qualia is located on Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef and beat off top resorts in the Maldives and French Polynesia to take top spot in the 2012 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards. Chairman of Hamilton Island Enterprises, Sandy Oatley, said: “This ...

The 16th annual Sculpture by the Sea exhibition opens this week, returning to the Bondi Beach to Tamarama Beach coastal walk. The unique outdoor sculpture event is one of the world’s largest free public events and sees the spectacular Bondi to Tamarama coastal walk transformed into a two kilometre-long temporary sculpture park featuring over 100 sculptures by artists from Australia and ...

The latest design hotel in Istanbul, Gezi Hotel Bosphorus, will soon unveil four new ‘Sky Suites’ with panoramic views of the Bosphorus. Each of the suites will feature Jacuzzi tubs and private balconies for you to take in the scenery of Istanbul. Located in a thriving neighbourhood surrounding Taksim Square, the gently curved 17-storey zinc and titanium façade which houses Gezi ...

France remains a firm favourite for winter sports and these luxury chalets in Chamonix, Megeve and the Isere valley are the places to stay on the slopes. Perfect for romantic getaways, family breaks or fun weeks with friends, they all offer exceptional luxury and the high levels of service you’d expect. Relax in a sauna or hot tub after a day’s skiing, ...

Here’s a novel idea: a luxury lodge releasing its own line of gin. Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island in South Australia has done just that. Baillies 9 is specially blended by Kangaroo Island resident distillers of fine, wild spirits, John and Sarah Lark of KI Spirits. Baillies 9 is produced in small batches using fresh botanicals, including a Kangaroo Island native ...

What’s the edge: The Milla Hotel is a modern masterpiece that overlooks Jerusalem’s Old City walls and has injected a fresh vibe into the ancient city. The hotel also sits alongside Jerusalem’s new shopping and entertainment area, Alrov Mamilla Avenue, which stretches into Jaffa Gate. With an exterior of Jerusalem Stone and 194 varying types of rooms and suites filled ...

With the temperatures dropping, skiers and snowboarders are longing for powder-filled mountain slopes. What better way to experience the winter season than with a stay in a stylish design hotel in your chosen resort? From the European Alps to the sub-Arctic wilderness of Sweden and the northern reaches of Japan, each of these hotels exudes ooze sophisticated, urban flair and ...

Berkeley River Lodge is one of Australia's newest wilderness retreats. Built into the sand dunes overlooking the river and sea, the lodge is located in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia's north coast, accessible only by air or water. This luxury lodge offers you the chance to experience and explore one of Australia’s most isolated destinations and the surrounding landscape is ...

Monocle magazine has opened its first retail concept store inside a luxury hotel. The new Monocle Shop inside the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Churchill in London will be similar to monocle’s other retail ventures in London, New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong. The global affairs magazine has always sold itself as one for the luxury international traveler and the shop ...

Luxury British luggage maker Globe-Trotter has released a limited edition luggage collection based on bespoke pieces created by the company for producers of the latest Bond film Skyfall. The Stabilist aluminum case is the star of the collection, inspired by the bespoke rifle case created for the film. The slim 26″ aluminium suitcase has been hand formed in England and features ...

MONA Pavilions mix arty avant-garde architecture with a calm riverside setting in Hobart, Australia. The ultra-contemporary pavilions boast original art, a winery, microbrewery, great restaurant and direct access to Australia’s newest and most exciting private exhibition space – the Museum of Old and Modern Art (MONA). The original four are made from wood and steel with Japanese-style interiors, feature original artworks from ...

Superb style in Ramatuelle

Privileged position in St-Tropez

Modern luxury in St-Tropez

Belle Epoque meets modern in St-Tropez

A holiday on a luxury private island really is the ultimate in modern escapism. From nature reserves near Bali to rainforest retreats in Malaysia to classy Cambodian eco-resorts, Asia has so many varied options just waiting to be enjoyed. You're sure to be indulged with jungle massage treatments, cruises to outlying, rarely visited coral reefs, an abundance of nature, the ...

An elevated retreat

Chamonix chic

A classic luxury chateau

Many of Sydney's stunning walking trails can now be experienced for the first time on new guided walking tours designed to showcase the natural beauty of Australia's largest city. Sydney Coast Walks, formerly known as Royal Coast Walks, has rebranded to reflect their expanded walking tour options, from Royal National Park hikes to include a newly launched range of Sydney Harbour ...

Party perfect in the Isere Valley

Traditional feel with high-spec finish in Chamonix

Picture perfect alpine retreat

Oman is a rare mix of the exotic and familiar, traditional and modern, safe and exciting. Add to that the clutch of slick hotels dotted around the country – which range from desert camps to ornate palaces – and you have a destination just waiting to be discovered. These are the best luxury hotels in Oman, located in the capital Muscat, ...

The Chedi Muscat is all about understated elegance and a perfect mix of Omani architecture and Asian Zen-style. This luxury hotel has a private beach with views across the Gulf, an exceptional spa and brilliant restaurants that are some of the best in Muscat. What’s more the Chedi’s Patisserie at The Restaurant is simply amazing. Grégory Legros is the Executive Pastry Chef ...

The world’s first underwater music club has opened at Niyama Maldives. Located 500 metres offshore, the Subsix club is six metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean, welcome a roster of internationally recognised artists and Djs The Subsix club is located 500 metres offshore and six metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean and will welcome a roster of internationally ...

Summer in Western Australia is truly extraordinary. With spotless blue skies, balmy nights and seemingly endless days of sunshine, it's the season of twilight picnics and outdoor cinemas, music festivals and beer gardens, leisurely strolls around local markets and savoring tastes in world-class wineries. But the most fun you'll have is undoubtedly on and around the water. From pristine ocean ...

Switzerland is a stunningly attractive summer and winter destination, ripe for those interested in skiing, the outdoors, walking or other activities. For alpine splendour at its best, head to Klosters or Zermatt, where mountains loom large and there is a culture of refined activity and adventure. These exclusive and select chalets are some of the best on the slopes, with modern facilities, ...

Commanding comfort in Klosters

Modern luxury design in Zermatt

Authentic Swiss luxury

Antigua's position in the West Indies makes it the gateway to the Caribbean. Although passed by the majority of shipping routes, it remains quiet, in part due to the enormous number of beaches to enjoy here; enough that you can spend each day of a year on a different one. Away from the beach, explore colonial-era sugar mills, Nelson's Dockyard and Fort James, watch cricket, ...

Few cities are as exhilarating as Thailand’s hot and energetic capital, where tuk tuks weave between the traffic and modern skyscrapers rise up alongside elegant wats (temples). The bst Skytrain is a good way to navigate around this steamy and frenetic metropolis of almost ten million inhabitants, which Thais call Krung Thep, the ‘City of Angels’. Some might say that ...

Apparently Melbourne has more bars and nightclubs per capita than anywhere in the world, but it’s not just quantity that sets the city apart. Melbourne’s bars are getting increased recognition from bar and cocktail experts from around the world for their quality, style and innovation. The Everleigh, with its 1920s prohibition vibe, was this month named by Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine ...

To the south of Bangkok the beautiful beaches and islands of Thailand are a travellers dream. Whether you decide to head for the Andaman Sea on the west or the Gulf of Thailand to the east, you can be assured of paradise stretches of coastline. Perhaps the only thing that can really complement the natural beauty, grand temples and Buddhist ...

Cambodia’s first luxury private island resort, Song Saa, has launched helicopter transfers. The direct helicopter transfer service will operate from the Sofitel Phnom Penh and Phnom Penh International Airport and is operated by Helicopter’s Cambodia, the country’s premier helicopter service. The company’s highly trained Kiwi pilots have been providing specialist aerial services in Cambodia since 1998. The resort can also be reached via ...

Design doesn’t always have to equal modern. It’s easy to mix brilliant vintage and historic elements with current trends. Hotels have long been transforming historical houses and buildings, harmoniously blending the old and new to create unique spaces that become the best new places to stay. Combine historic buildings and contemporary interiors at these four European gems in Italy, Spain ...

Le Meridien Bora Bora has been named the world’s ‘top island resort’ by members of the Starwood Preferred Guests programme. The luxury resort in French Polynesia earned the accolade after members were asked to name their favourite island paradise for 2012 from among Starwood’s range of brands, which includes Le Meridien, W Hotels, St Regis, Aloft and The Luxury Collection.

One of Sydney’s finest hotels, Park Hyatt Sydney, has been awarded a ‘Best of the Best’ in design award at the prestigious Virtuoso ceremony in Las Vegas. Nominated alongside some of the world’s best hotels, Park Hyatt Sydney was named the winner of the 'Best Achievement in Design' award in recognition of the outstanding architecture and design of the hotel. The award ...

The Heure Bleue Palais is a gorgeous riad hotel, full of colonial character and class, which offers impeccable service and an enjoyable stay. The setting could not be more magical: inside the aging walls of the whitewashed medina. The house dates to the 19th century and has retained its lovely character, while providing the luxury and service guests have come to expect ...

In September the iconic Raffles Hotel, Singapore, celebrates its 125th anniversary. There are a few hotels in the world whose names have become virtually synonymous with the cities in which they are located – and none more so than Raffles Hotel in Singapore And to celebrate this special milestone, the hotel has teamed up with Jaeger-LeCoultre to produce a special edition ...

If there’s one way to travel in style, it’s in the cockpit of the latest supercar. With the announcement by Lamborghini that it will stage a 1200-km grand tour through Italy next year to celebrate its 50th anniversary, we thought what better than a visual tour through the Italian carmakers history. From the classic Diablo and Countach models to the current ...

Hotels are continuing to evolve creative workspaces to adapt to a workforce that is increasingly blurring the lines between business and leisure. More than ever these location independent travellers are seeking hotels that provide the convenience of mobile offices yet reflect their attitudes toward edgy design. These design hotels have unmistakable personality and the location and facilities to keep even the ...

Newly opened L Hotel Seminyak in Seminyak, Bali, is a unique boutique property providing a highly personalised and designer-led guest experience. Located in trendy Seminyak near popular joints such as Potato Head, Ku de ta, Sarong and Metis on Jalan Petitenget, the build of brand new 30-Suite L Hotel Seminyak was led by resident tastemaker Adeline Quek, who worked with internationally-acclaimed ...

The ultra-chic Desert Palm Dubai is now offering budding polo players the chance to learn the game on some of the world’s finest pitches. Polo lessons at the boutique Desert Palm are pitched to guests of all levels and no previous riding experience is needed – making it the perfect opportunity to try a chukka challenge. The resort provides everything from basic ...

Italian supercar maker Lamborghini has announced details of a 1200-km grand tour through Italy to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary. The tour will take place from 07-11 May 2013, when hundreds of vintage and modern Lamborghini’s meet in Milan ahead of a 5-day parade through some of Italy’s most beautiful cities. Lamborghini will fund the event directly and will channel 10% of ...

Eugene Tan is a photographer based in Sydney. He’s best known for the daily email of early morning beach life pictures that he sends out to a growing list of subscribers. Uge, as he's known, mainly shoots around his home break of Bondi, but it's not uncommon for him to post from Hawaii, Tahiti, The Maldives, Indonesia and Fiji. The idea ...

The Peninsula Bangkok has added a tuk tuk to its fleet of luxury vehicles for guests that want to explore the city in a distinctly Thai way. The hotel’s brand new customised tuk tuk comes with complimentary Wi-Fi, drinking water and cold towels to ensure comfort and is finished Peninsula’s signature green tan upholstery to match the fleet of limousines. The well-appointed tuk ...

Four Seasons Hotel George V has introduced a new penthouse suite design by Pierre-Yves Rochon, offering 360-degree views of Paris. Designed as a real Parisian pied-à-terre, the penthouse suite offers a romantic hideaway among the Paris rooftops, with six terraces offering uninterrupted views of the city. The understated, light and airy interior architecture puts the emphasis on open and elegant spaces, while the ...

Malaysia is often overlooked in favour of its neighbour Thailand when it comes to indulgent Asian escapes. But for high-end luxury and great value, it’s hard to beat. And in addition to the gorgeous resorts, there are an astonishing variety of cultures and landscapes to be found here. From the islands of Langkawi and Pangkor and former trading ports of ...

The summer season is a fabulous time to get away to the mountains, with the crisp alpine air and brilliant sun sure to revitalise your spirit. Whether it’s an adventurous getaway, a cosy pampering session, or just a simple trip to enjoy the dazzling landscapes, here’s our pick of mountain addresses for Europe's best alpine escapes. From Bavaria and Austria ...

There are many drives to explore in the Australian Alps National Landscape including the Kosciuszko Alpine Way, the Snowy Valleys Way from Tumut to Wangaratta, the Great Alpine Road from Bairnsdale to Wangaratta, the Bogong Alpine Way from Bright to Omeo via the Bogong High Plains and the difficult 4WD-only Wonnangatta Drive. The Kosciuszko Alpine Way is a stunning driving route ...

Huvafen Fushi in the Maldives has reopened after a 10-week renovation project, revealing new look interiors, refurbished bungalows and pavilions and a new outdoor over reef lounge for sunset cocktails. Huvafen Fushi was already a renowned luxury retreat, celebrated for its innovative concepts and these new touches are sure to reaffirm the retreat’s status as a world beater in premium luxury. CEO ...

The best design hotels in the south of France are located in hotspots all along the French Riviera, from the glamour of Antibes and Cannes to the luxury of Nice and Saint-Tropez. The French Mediterranean island of Corsica is also a great place for a boutique break, while the lavender fields of Provence are just perfect for a relaxing break ...

The most stylish rooftop in Manhattan just got a facelift. Perched on top of the iconic Gramercy Park Hotel on the 18th floor, Gramercy Terrace has reopened after eight weeks of renovations.  Mirroring the romance of the hotel interiors, glass lanterns hang amid the lush greenery of the roof garden trellises. Paying homage to a classic, sophisticated American-style menu, delicious breakfast, ...

The Red Centre Way is a collection of linked roads and highways that lead to many of Central Australia’s iconic natural attractions such as Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Ayers Rock and the Olgas), Kings Canyon, Palm Valley and the MacDonnell Ranges. The entire road trip takes around four or five days and will allow you to experience the best of this ...

The Maurienne Valley in France’s alpine Haute Savoie region rightly bills itself as the largest cycling area in the world and it doesn’t disappoint. If France is the spiritual home of cycling, then the Maurienne is its heart. And when it comes to classic mountain grand cols, all roads lead here. The climbs out of the small town of St Jean ...

Nature's Way is a four-day journey across Australia's Top End, which encompasses the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park and the ancient gorges of Nitmiluk National Park. Leaving Darwin on the Arnhem Highway and following sealed highways for most of the route, it crosses vast floodplains that are home to a huge variety of flora and fauna. Base yourself in Jabiru or ...

The Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria hotel is offering new Andy Warhol packages to coincide with Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea exhibition ‘Warhol: Headlines’. Rome is home to some of the world’s most famous art works and architecture, making it a great destination for budding artists, art collectors, art historians and of course, those who simply take interest in the subject. This ...

Located just inland from the North Coast lifestyle capital of Byron Bay, the Rainforest Way is a series of short loop drives that showcase the lush, World Heritage-listed rainforests of Australia’s Green Cauldron National Landscape. The centre piece of these drives is the Tweed Volcano, a dish-shaped caldera set among subtropical rainforests rich with plants, birds, animals and Aboriginal legend. The ...

There are a growing number of marinas and yacht clubs throughout Malaysia and the country's unique natural environment provides a colourful backdrop for exciting sailing holidays. Boaters and yachters can explore the islands, coastal estuaries and seas and when taking a break from sailing, can enjoy snorkelling and diving or relaxing on the long stretches of sandy beaches or even get ...

The world’s first pop-up hotel, Papaya Playa, has proved such a success that the group behind the project, Design hotels, has decided to continue the project by launching the world’s first pop-up Ashram on the site in Tulum, Mexico. Design hotels is now continuing the quest for alternative modes of living and being on this beautiful strip of Caribbean coast with ...

This beautiful video of Rio de Janeiro combines the time-lapse and tilt-shift techniques to create a vision of Rio de Janeiro in miniature. Enjoy views of Christ the Redeemer, Corcovado and Sugarloaf mountains and the beaches of Ipenema and Copacabana. Carnaval has never looked so good with the Sambodromo brought to life. It’s a joy to watch.   Discover Rio de Janeiro ...

The Greater Blue Mountains Drive encompasses an astonishing 18 World Heritage trails, which will immerse you in the heart of the landscape as they wind in and out between wilderness areas, charming heritage villages and farming communities. The trails are a great way to meet the locals and share their lifestyle. The Blue Mountains Drive takes you past waterfalls and the ...

One of the world’s most iconic drives, the Great Ocean Road winds its way from Torquay along the Surf Coast to Apollo Bay, then inland through the forested Otway region to the aptly named Shipwreck Coast and the famous Twelve Apostles. Along the way you’ll encounter wild dramatic coastlines, hinterland waterfalls and lush forests, mixed with laid-back and cosmopolitan seaside villages ...

The scenic route along the Tathra-Bermagui Road is one of the most spectacular self-drives on the far New South Wales South Coast. Passing through spectacular spotted gum forests, the journey reveals unspoilt bays and beaches with idyllic picnic and camping spots to be found in the Mimosa Rocks National Park. At various points, Mumbulla Mountain, which is sacred to the Yuin ...

The Great South West of Western Australia has emerged as a ‘must-do’ destination for food, wine and nature lovers. The Great Southern journey begins in the pretty timber town of Pemberton, a scenic four-hour drive south of Perth. Spend a few days discovering the diverse flora and fauna on an eco tour, sampling the locally produced fine wines or indulging in ...

More than 400 items from the Bond archive are presented for the first time alongside faithful recreations in a new Barbican Designing 007 – Fifty Years of Bond Style exhibition commemorating the 50th anniversary of the release of the first James Bond film DR NO. The Barbican teamed up with EON Productions to create the unique exhibition, which has been guest-curated by ...

Dubai has become a leading symbol of opulence, wealth and luxury. From the towering Burj Khalifa to the artificial archipelago Palm Islands, visitors to Dubai are met with a sense of style and extravagance not seen anywhere else. In keeping with this image, there are a number of exclusive luxury hotels that cater for the traveller’s every whim. Desert Palm Retreat Originally ...

This fly/drive holiday will immerse you in two World Heritage-listed areas along Western Australia's Coral Coast. Take one of the regular services and fly from Perth to Learmonth Airport. Start your drive journey by exploring Exmouth, the gateway to the unspoilt beaches and marine diversity of Ningaloo Reef. Nearby, Cape Range National Park features canyons, limestone ranges and spectacular gorges perfect ...

A journey along the Gibb River Road in Australia’s Kimberley region is a true outback adventure in one of the world’s last wilderness frontiers. Originally constructed to transport cattle from surrounding stations, this old stock route spans over 660 kilometres of unsealed road linking Derby in the west to Kununurra in the east. The journey travels through spectacular scenery of magnificent ...

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez is one of the mostly eagerly anticipated events in the sailing calendar. To celebrate the event that will close the Mediterranean yacht regatta season, Hôtel Sezz Saint-Tropez is offering a thrilling spectator experience that will blow the competition out of the water. From 30 September to 07 October guests are invited to dive straight into the heart ...

If you want to find out more about Thailand and its unique customs, this inspirational infographic will be a useful companion for any traveller. The cultural information and customs information comes from the experts at Kuoni. Brought to you by Kuoni Travel

Safari in Africa An African safari experience is high on most people’s holiday wish list. Whether it’s witnessing the Great Migration on the vast plains of Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Marai, or spotting herds of roaming elephant by Mokoro canoe in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe River, the range of wildlife spotting opportunities and luxury lodges will leave you breathless. Discover ...

Tokyo is a byword for futuristic design and modernity. It’s a pulsating metropolis of neon nebulas and buzzing crowds, bustling businessmen, Kimono-clad women and fashionable teenagers on streets lined with stalls selling everything from electronics to eels. But look beyond the shimmer and the shine and you’ll discover the history of a settlement that stretches back to the Stone Age. ...

Luxury is all about exclusivity and authenticity. The discerning traveller is looking for an exceptional location, blended with the local environment and offering enriching lifestyle experiences. Aman Resorts has taken this idea to a whole new level with its Aman Villas concept, allowing you to combine the privacy, luxury and relaxation of the resort with the opportunity to rent or buy ...

South Place Hotel will become the latest London member of Design Hotels when it opens in the City of London in September this year. Already a member of the coveted hotel group, South Place is aiming to bring something different to the hotel scene in London. South Place Hotel will be the first hotel project from restaurateurs D&D London and will retain ...

QT Sydney is to become Sydney’s first Design Hotels member when it opens in September this year. Set to become a landmark in Sydney, the hotel is set within the historic Gowings department store and heritage-listed State Theatre in the heart of the city’s Central Business District, close to Darling Harbour, the historic Rocks area and Circular Quay. With architecture by Woodhead ...

Bangkok’s newest urban boutique resort, The Siam, promises to exceed the expectations of even the most jaded traveller by redefining the idea of the luxury boutique and urban resort. The Siam is a private 39-room luxury retreat located in Bangkok’s royal Dusit district, with an enviable river frontage on the city side of the Chao Praya River. In a city where five-star ...

Here's some funky vintage Morocco postcards I picked up in the coastal gem of Essaouira recently. Love the old school Air France branding and general colourful vibe of this bygone era. Discover more Morocco holidays  

From remote eco-lodges to lavish barefoot private islands, Australia is a leading luxury destination. These luxury lodges in Australia are as individual and unique as they are remote and rugged. These luxury camps and wilderness lodges showcase Australia’s unique style of sophisticated and carefree luxury - offering unforgettable experiences in Australia’s most inspiring and extraordinary locations. There’s nothing like discovering Australia’s cosmopolitan ...

The new Marti Istanbul is set to be the most exciting hotel opening in Istanbul in 2012. The contemporary design hotel is set to open in the heart of Taksim in summer 2012 and has been created by the award-winning interior designer Zeynep Fadillioglu, most celebrated as being the first woman in Turkey to design and build a mosque. Sedat Nemli, General ...

Cutting edge design and lifestyle magazine, Wallpaper, has released a series of new City Guide apps for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. From Amsterdam to Zurich, via 60 of the world’s most intoxicating cities, Wallpaper’s publisher Phaidon has created the series to act as a “passport to the best the world has to offer”. The handy bite-size guides feature all the links ...

El Questro Homestead, located in the magnificent Kimberley region of Western Australia has joined Luxury Lodges of Australia (LLoA), further showcasing Australia’s extraordinary regional diversity and experiential luxury travel offering. The Homestead is a stylish luxury retreat set high overlooking the Chamberlain River in El Questro Wilderness Park, a vast landscape of just under a million acres comprising red rock ranges, ...

Opened on 02 April 2012 Cabochon is a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Bangkok’s Sukhumvit district, boasting 1920s Shanghai chic design. Like its namesake, Cabochon is a polished gem that has been shaped and moulded to create an opulent eight-bedroom hotel that is unique to Bangkok. The elegant turn-of-the century features interiors that offer a taste of ...

Once in a Lifetime is a global exploration of the thrill of modern luxury travel and presents a tantalising array of new possibilities for exploring and relaxing that redefine the idea of luxury travel. Published by German imprint Gestalten and edited by Robert Klanten, Sven Ehmann and Marie le Fort, the unifying idea is all about the journey and this read ...

A trip to India wouldn’t be complete without a day at one of the fabulous spas and retreats dotted around the country. Whether you spend an hour on a chilled out foot massage or facial to a whole week rejuvenating yourself with Ayurveda, yoga and massage, we’ve picked out some of the best spas for you to indulge. Ananda in the ...

This June Orient-Express will open the doors to its latest and most ambitious project to date, Palacio Nazarenas, a 55-suite hotel in a former palace and convent in Cuzco, Peru. The opening of the group’s sixth hotel in Peru will be the culmination of a three-year restoration project carried out under the guidance of eight full time archaeologists and the supervision ...

You could be exploring the seas of the Indonesian Archipelago in style with Amanresorts after the leading luxury hotel group said it will be running five and seven night adventures cruises through Raja Ampat from November 2012. The Raja Ampat Expedition will travel through one of the world’s most exceptional marine areas in the northeastern seas of Indonesia, where the Pacific ...

We've scoured the web and put together a list of what we think are the best luxury travel blogs around right now. From large hotel groups and travel agents spreading the word about their latest openings to food writers and photographers sharing the tastes and sights they discover around the world, we think you'll find the list makes for inspirational ...

Design Hotels is bringing its successful pop-up hotel project from Mexico to Greece with the opening of San Giorgio Mykonos in association with Paradise Club. In December 2011 Design Hotels launched its first pop-up project, Papaya Playa, on a pristine beach in Tulum, Mexico as a temporary retreat for like-minded, creative individuals to unwind and connect with self and nature. Design Hotels ...

The just opened Villa Howden is located on the peaceful shores of North West Bay, just 15 minutes south of Hobart, with Bruny Island and the Huon Valley right on the doorstep. With dreamy views across the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, this gem of a boutique hotel is perfect for anyone wanting to base themselves in beautiful surroundings close to Hobart. Ten luxury suites ...

Nowadays nearly every hotel that has a sauna and a treatment room calls itself a spa hotel. But if you’re looking for a truly design orientated spa hotel in Europe these five hotels truly deliver on that promise. Whether you want to get away from it all at a destination spa or round off a full day of buzzing city ...

The inaugural World Spa Awards winners list has been announced after a ceremony at London’s Hilton Hotel, Park Lane. The prestigious World Spa Awards was set-up to reward ‘the passion, care and excellence that spa professionals put into the business…they raise awareness for the industry whilst helping to raise standards, with the intention of ultimately inspiring spas to perform to their ...

Niyama, Per Aquum’s latest addition to their award-winning portfolio is now open. This hotly anticipated resort is turning the Maldives upside down with a range of options to get guests active and incite a sense of discovery, stimulation and fun. This exciting new concept is paired with the natural beauty and tranquility of the Maldives, so those who just want ...

Design Hotels Papaya Playa ‘pop-up’ hotel project is up and running on Mexico’s Riviera Maya until May 2012. The pop-up concept that has long been popular with retail, restaurants and bars is now firmly on the radar for the luxury travel market. Together with Emilio Heredia, owner of the existing Papaya Playa beach bungalow resort, Design Hotels has created a pop-up paradise ...

W Hotels has opened its highly anticipated first property in Paris, the W Paris Opera. Set inside a historic 1870s Haussman-era heritage building near Opéra Garnier, Galeries Lafayette and Place Vendome in the eclectic, historic 9th Arrondissement, the hotel delivers on classic French style with an urban twist. W Opera is set to deliver on a cutting-edge lifestyle experience with 91 guestrooms, ...

London’s boutique hotels are among the best in the world, with a style and class all of their own, and with all eyes on the capital for this year’s Olympic Games, there’s never been a better time to discover the best of Britain. Here we showcase the top 10 London design hotels. Blakes Designed by former Bond girl Anouska Hempel, who is ...

Ceviche, from restaurateur Martin Morales and chef Alejandro Bello, has been ten years in the making, and after a series of pop-ups as tasters now has a joyfully decorated home in Soho’s Frith Street. The atmosphere is loud and buzzing, ‘just how we like it’, says Martin, who is clearly proud and passionate about the restaurant he has created in a ...

Malaysia Airlines has announced plans to introduce its first A380 service from Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur from 01 July. The first 494-seat aircraft, sporting a fresh livery, will operate three times a week on the London-KL route until August when a second A380 enters service in August to offer daily flights. A third A380 aircraft will be used for Kuala Lumpur ...

The Miramar Group has announced their hotel development project on 388 Jaffe Road in the Wanchai area of Hong Kong will be named Mira Moon. The hotel will be the second in group’s portfolio and with building nearing completion anticipation is growing for the hotel's scheduled opening in early December 2012. Mira Moon will be a small designer lifestyle hotel featuring 90 ...

Sofitel Luxury Hotels has announced the opening of new Bangkok hotel Sofitel So Bangkok on 28 February, the second Sofitel So label address after Sofitel So Mauritius. The hotels in this label share a strong focus on design and are all created by celebrated designers, like Kenzo Takada for Sofitel So Mauritius. With designs led by Christian Lacroix and Apple® products featured ...

Pretty Beach House, one of Australia’s most sophisticated yet intimate luxury lodges, has joined the Luxury Lodges of Australia group, further proof that Australia’s era of experiential luxury travel has come of age. Pretty Beach House is a quintessentially Australian, super sophisticated guesthouse, perched high on the escarpment at Pretty Beach, on the NSW Bouddi Peninsula. Just 100 kilometres north of ...

There are plenty of great ski resorts in Europe, but here's our list of the best places to snowboard in Europe. This season is shaping up to be epic, with plenty of fresh powder falling throughout the Alps. From stylish, high-altitude slopes in Switzerland to fun in France and Italy these resorts will make you want to dust off your ...

The Mira Tsim Sha Tsui hotel is easily the best design hotel in Hong Kong. An innovative urban retreat, the award-winning Mira is stylish and unique, located just off busy Nathan Road overlooking Kowloon Park in Central Tsim Sha Tsui, one of Hong Kong’s premier boutique-lined shopping districts. The Mira’s smooth, slate-black façade is a statement of minimalist intent among the neon ...

The airline’s first dedicated airport lounge outside its Doha hub for First and Business Class passengers at London Heathrow’s Terminal 4 will reinforce the importance of one of the Qatar’s busiest routes. Qatar currently operates the award-winning Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport for exclusive use by passengers travelling in First or Business Class. The opening marks the start of another busy ...

Romance your valentine, Melbourne style

With the announcement that Hong Kong Airlines will launch the world’s first scheduled all-Club Class service between London and Hong Kong in March, it begs the question can the airline make the model work where others have failed? Established in 2006, Hong Kong Airlines is a modern airline with a strong focus on flying to key business and leisure destinations in ...

This brilliant visualisation from flightradar24.com and radarvirteul.com shows airspace over northern Europe returning to normal after the disruption caused by ash clouds in April 2010.   Airspace Rebooted CO2 from ItoWorld on Vimeo.

Hong Kong is ready to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in spectacular style with stunning flower markets, a fantastic International Night Parade, dazzling fireworks, lively sporting events and much more. Chinese New Year is the most important celebration of the year and the lead up to the festival is a busy time for locals, who immerse themselves in a whirl of house cleaning ...

Discover the best places in Australia with our guide to the ultimate destinations Down Under.

The Red Centre

Mastercard has released a neat interactive website allowing you to find out where people travel throughout the world and how much they spend when on holidays. So, whether you want to find out the favourite destination for Londoners or how much Sydneysiders spend in Shanghai, check out the Mastercard site for more great information. Have fun!  

When to go to Australia?

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  Emirates Airlines will launch flights to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam from June 04 2012 as it continues to add routes to its global network. Emirates is one of the fastest growing international airlines and continues to expand in South East Asia. Ho Chi Minh City will be the Emirates’ eighth route launch in 2012, following on from Buenos Aires and ...

Sleek, standout design hotel on Bali's untouched west coast. What's the edge: Alila Villas Soori is a sleek, spacious and breathtakingly modern design hotel on the untouched west coast, just ten minutes from Tanah Lot, one of Bali's most sacred temples.

An authentic hillside retreat near Ubud. What's the edge: With one of the coolest infinity pools in the world, Alila Ubud overlooks lush terraced jungles.  

Bali is the land of the gods, blessed with celestial beauty, worldly charm and some heavenly design hotels. Bali is a vision of paradise beaches, lush rice paddies, and a jungled mountain interior, with a palpable sense of spirituality. Add to that a palpable sense of spirituality, sacred temples, and some great hotels to indulge your senses. Some of the best Bali ...

Design-savvy clifftop hideaway