Europe has all sorts of spots to wander around, from busy streets to quiet riversides and coastal paths. You can explore towns, try the food, or just veer off the main route to see how things really work. 

Coastlines have a way of shaping a holiday without ever demanding it. Some stretch wide with quiet sands, others rise sharply with cliffs that keep the sea just out of reach. From Cornwall to Patmos, and beyond, each offers its own pace and character.

Wellbeing and holistic travel are reshaping the luxury hotel experience, creating retreats that rejuvenate mind, body and spirit. These hotels understand that true luxury means slowing down, restoring balance and connecting with nature—all without sacrificing comfort.

Branded residences are where luxury hotel service meets the warmth and privacy of a home. You get year-round access to world-class hospitality, wellness and community—a true evolution of living well, whilst living away in a foreign country.

There’s a quiet sort of freedom in knowing a trip has been built with someone in mind. No group itineraries, no identical photo stops, no fixed dinner times. Each day unfolds at a natural, unhurried pace, with a personal feel. 

A personalised holiday bends around preferences rather than forcing them to fit a plan. It’s not about extravagance or being waited on; it’s about detail, the kind that remembers how someone takes their coffee or that they’d rather walk than ride. Travel feels different when it’s shaped around a person’s habits and pace, not a company’s timetable or a guidebook’s script.

Head to the west shores of Lake Garda and you’ll discover two charming hotels owned by the Arosio family. Hotel du Lac and Hotel Gardenia al Lago, traditional and authentic these two privately owned hotels are both lakeside. Think staff in uniforms, tablecloths and napkins, service with a smile - Italian hospitality at its best. Oh, and great value too…

Head to the west shores of Lake Garda and you’ll discover two charming hotels owned by the Arosio family. Hotel du Lac and Hotel Gardenia al Lago, traditional and authentic these two privately owned hotels are both lakeside. Think staff in uniforms, tablecloths and napkins, service with a smile - Italian hospitality at its best. Oh, and great value too…

Hotel du Lac is a charming 12 room boutique hotel on the west shores of Lake Garda. Owned by the Arosio family this traditional hotel is authentic and traditional and a rather romantic place to stay.

Travelling alone isn’t about being brave anymore — it’s about being free. The best solo trips give you space to think, explore at your own pace, and meet people along the way who make the experience richer. Whether you want to recharge, reconnect, or rediscover your independence, these destinations and hotels offer style, safety, and a sense of belonging.

Travel in 2025 is all about places with personality — smaller hotels, B&Bs, slower rhythms, and a stronger connection to local life. Forget the obvious names; this year it’s about authenticity, design with soul, and destinations that still feel a little under the radar.

Sicily has layers. Coastlines that glitter, hills that roll into vineyards, markets that fizz with life, and towns where you can happily lose an afternoon. This is a place to slow down, take the side streets and watch the rhythm of local life unfold. One minute you’re wandering past Baroque churches, the next you’re tasting panelle in a noisy market or swimming off a rocky cove.

Luxury here isn’t fuss. It’s space, comfort and experiences that feel honest and unforced. Below I’ve picked five stand-out spots, with what to see, where to eat and the simple pleasures that make each place worth your time. This isn’t a box-ticking tour. It’s about doing Sicily properly.

Choosing where to go with the family can feel overwhelming. The good news is there are brilliant, family-friendly places all over the world, and I’ve picked five that strike the right balance. Think comfort and good sleep for you, adventure and easy fun for the children. Whether you’re keen to dip into local culture, try new food, or spend long days by the sea, there’s a spot that fits. And if passports feel like too much this year, you can still have a fantastic break closer to home. Your dream family holiday might be abroad or just a train ride away — what matters is time together and a plan that works for everyone.

There’s no better place to truly relax and unwind than somewhere overlooking the beautiful coast. These destinations provide guests with unrivalled scenery, a laid-back vibe and utter privacy. Think hidden coves, private terraces and luxury villas overlooking the sea.

Hotel Gardenia al Lago is one of the loveliest hotels on the western shores of the lake. Family owned and run for generations this charming lakeside hotel is an idyllic spot for romance and some late summer/early autumn sunshine.

Where to go in Europe for a romantic weekend away.

Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel is a little slice of heaven just 30 minutes from Brindisi airport in Puglia. Beach location, pool, spa and lovely service, it’s hard to beat.

If Hotel Calimala Florence is anything to go by, its brand-new sister hotel in Milan is set to be a game-changer for the city’s luxury boutique scene. Opening in spring 2025, Hotel Calimala Milan will bring a bold, contemporary take on hospitality, design, and culinary experiences, all wrapped up in an ultra-stylish setting.

Florence is a city that effortlessly blends the old with the new, where Renaissance architecture, contemporary art, and modern-day luxury coexist in a heady mix of culture and style. And if you’re looking for a hotel that encapsulates this spirit, Hotel Calimala is the place to check in..

Sunny winter escapes for the adventurous traveller including a beach chic holiday in the Dutch Caribbean, soaking up the sun and souks in Marrakech and your own private palazzo in Cortona, Italy.

The best hotel management companies - who they are, how they work and the hotels they own and manage.