In this, our annual family travel issue, we inspect the trend and look at some of the hotel brands that are getting it right. Joe Mortimer pens the luxury family travel feature (page 52) and not only inks his long-form analysis but highlights some great escapes to consider.

Elsewhere, we stay close to home with in-depth travel features on Bahrain, where we check into ﬁve-star stalwart The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain (page 62) and the all-new, simply irresistible The Abu Dhabi EDITION (page 70), written by Danae Mercer.

For this month’s cover story, we couldn’t resist a touch of Thailand. The Far Eastern enclave has never been more popular with Gulf travellers, with the bulk alighting in the nation’s capital, but we take things beyond Bangkok with a closer look at Koh Kood (page 78), where Maryanne Haggas embraces her inner gourmand and melts away her pre-wedding stress on the white sand beaches.

We also sit down for an interview with the CEO of JA Resorts & Hotels, Tim Ross, who is steering the Dubai-born brand into uncharted waters, with expansions into East Africa, Sri Lanka and China (page 36).

We hope you enjoy the issue. Safe travels and, if in doubt, buy the ticket.

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



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!

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

Throughout my 44 (young) years, I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively, from family holidays in Belize, Tunisia and caravans in Cornwall when little, to more intrepid trips around Sri Lanka, Brazil and Costa Rica when old enough to choose my own destination. But it’s the memories of those early adventures that ripple to the surface most frequently and vividly, often more so than recent trips. Perhaps for the wide-eyed wonder children approach adventures and their brains, like little sponges, soaking up every droplet of each experience.

 

Now, I enter a whole new phase of my travels – travelling with my own child. It certainly adds a different dynamic – more suitcases, millions of snacks, a slower pace, and a well-executed itinerary to avoid the ‘I’m bored’ soundtrack. But it also brings joy at seeing the world through her unjaded eyes, watching as she drinks in new cultures, places and people and learns about life outside her Dubai bubble.

 

So, with family adventures in mind, this month we go slow in the Seychelles, learning to reconnect as a family; explore some of the world’s best theme parks through a luxury lens; and venture to the Galápagos Islands on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to seek out sea lions.

 

We also take you to Japan, Andalusia, Azerbaijan and AlUla and explore some of the region’s most beautiful staycations, such as the new family-friendly Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai.

 

Happy travels until next month...

The dictionary definition of ‘island’ throws up words such as enclave, haven and sanctuary, each helping to conjure up that sense of escapism, where the surrounding waters of an island act as a force field safeguarding you from the unwanted intrusions of daily life.

That force field works on over-drive in the Maldives to ensure the power of laptops, phones and other plugged-in paraphernalia doesn’t overshadow the adventure. Knowing how hard it is to pry technology from one’s fingertips, best-in-class resorts are reinventing their island offerings and thinking outside the box to entice engagement. This issue, we look to some of our favourite properties to see how they are taking the island experience to the next level.

We also travel to Lisbon to unveil a living masterpiece. A coastal capital awash with art as fine as its dining, from hotels with museum-worthy art collections to intimate Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s a trip that’s full of surprises.

With the Holy Month now here, we turn to the region’s hotels that are helping create memories through beautiful iftars, suhours and stays, as well as the jewellery brands, such as Mahallati, that are inspiring our Eid gifting choices.
As this month offers time for reflection, in turn I hope this issue offers you new ways to truly escape, switch off and be present.

Ramadan Kareem.

Emily Baxter-Priest



Before Covid, my compass point seemed to naturally navigate me to far-flung corners of the world, where an over-sized suitcase, long-haul flight and jet-lag were all par for the course of a holiday. But then, when the skies overhead closed, I was forced to seek out adventures closer to home and this, it turns out, was a blessing in disguise. After 14 years of living in the Middle East, I was gifted an opportunity to re-explore my adopted homeland and to re-appreciate the pure beauty in the region’s diversity. A place that can take you from desert to mountain to city and sea in the same day – even in a matter of hours. And so, this issue is dedicated to exploring hidden corners of Arabia and learning to take the road less travelled.

On that note, if you are taking a road-trip, let the new Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost be your guide. Bold, daring and dramatic, it reveals the brand’s darkest side yet. Post-opulent and infinitely powerful. Venture out of shadows and into the night on a drive to one of Dubai’s most clandestine rendezvous points.

This issue will also take you on a lazy, lyrical trip to quiet Kefalonia and to the fresh air of the beautiful alpine town of Engelberg.

Enjoy!

Emily Baxter-Priest



While the month of February is always filled with romantic overtures, our mission is to find hotels, hideaways and truly beautiful experiences that will make your heart beat a little faster no matter what time of year it is.

This month, we have what could be one of the most romantic South Pacific escapes of all time at The St. Regis Bora Bora, with a helicopter ride, Tahitian pearl necklace and a heart-shaped island. Book this for someone you love and earn brownie points that will take you well beyond February.

As heavenly hideaways ago, let us whisk you away to the palm-fringed Mediterranean-Arabesque surrounds of the Park Hyatt Dubai, on to experience the glorious, stately style at Habtoor Palace Dubai, and then to the south of France to find fairy-tale romance at a lovingly-restored 13th-century castle.  

They say that the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach, so fill your hearts and plates at the newly-revamped Beach Bar & Grill by Mauro Colagreco at One&Only; Royal Mirage, or explore Bali’s food revolution and find out how to eat your way around Ubud.

Fall in love with as many things as possible – the journey, the destination, the experience, the memories – because, after all, the best gift you can give someone is a lifetime of adventures.



Emily Baxter-Priest



A recent revelation has made me appreciate the necessity of looking after oneself holistically, rather than singularly, understanding that one’s wellness is affected as much by your mind, mood and emotions as it is by physical fitness. Today, wellbeing has to benefit your whole being, not just the individual parts that make you a whole. And so, this month we go beyond the ‘traditional’ to find truly special spas, clinics and retreats that are redefining the wellness industry, from Amanpuri in Phuket and Chenot Palace Weggis in Switzerland, to Soneva Jani in the Maldives.

They say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but the hospitality industry constantly proves that you can, and so we outline the game-changers and brands breathing new life into old favourites, with hotel upgrades, innovations and renovations around the world.

Lastly, we look at some incredible developments in the luxury sector across the Middle East, where vision knows no bounds, including new superyachts and giga projects in Saudi, to the region’s first floating hotel in Dubai.

With the whole of 2022 laid out before us, we hope the year brings you health and happiness in abundance, wherever you are in the world.


Emily Baxter-Priest



EDITOR'S LETTER:
Two of my most memorable Christmas holidays growing up opened my eyes to the juxtaposition offered by looking further afield to different seasons, climates and, of course, hemispheres. The first, a tropical escape to the Maldives, basking in winter sunshine, learning to scuba dive and falling in love with the Indian Ocean. The second, a more traditional festive fling to Lech, Austria, filled with Christmas, skiing, raclettes and snow. Both utterly magical, both totally different.

With sun and snow within such easy reach for those willing to spread their wings, this issue serves up endless possibilities for an end-of-year snow or sunshine vacation, from Mexico to the Maldives, London to the Alps.

Those staying nearer to home can take a look at some of the UAE’s best-loved hotels: food and festivities at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers; style, form and function at The Abu Dhabi EDITION; luxury Robinson Crusoe Island vibes at Rixos Saadiyat Island Resort; and a trio of hotels serving up a five-star hat-trick of restaurants, recreation and relaxation.

Plus, in case you missed some of this year’s most exclusive hotel openings, an extended round-up to fill your Little Black Book with inspiration for the new year.

Wherever you’ll be spending the rest of this year, be safe, have a wonderful time, and we’ll see you in 2022!

Emily Baxter-Priest



When I was 18, I embarked on a round-the-world adventure, eschewing the usual starting point of Asia chosen by many of my friends, heading to Cape Town instead, to then slowly wind my way up the Garden Route, all the way to Zimbabwe to learn more about where my grandfather was from.

 

I put my itinerary in the hands of a rickety bus, I swam with sharks in Mossel Bay, befriended elephants in Knysna, surfed the waters Jeffreys Bay and bungeed jumped off Victoria Falls.

 

That trip has defined me in so many ways – never wanting to do things by the book, always wanting to see things from a different angle or through a different lens, to always look around the corner.

 

This issue, Uncovering The Cape does just that – a road-trip but off the usual dusty track, to discover a hidden and unhurried side to the South Africa’s coast.

 

This issue also features a rebirth of sorts, from Malta, which is undergoing a luxury emergence, to The St. Regis Downtown, Dubai, a new hotel claiming a stately-cum-contemporary position on the city’s hospitality map.

 

And as for the winter sun… you can chase it from the Middle East to the Maldives, Thailand to Morocco, with some of the world’s most incredible stays.

 

Enjoy!

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.

China 2019 - English

China 2019 - Chinese

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Destinations of the World News Magazine - May 2019

Destinations of the World News Magazine - May 2019

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