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. 

Finding the moments that matter often comes down to noticing the experiences that stick, rather than ticking off a long list of destinations. Some moments happen over a meal, some in a rush of adrenaline, and some in quiet streets or stretches of coastline. This guide highlights different types of experiences: food, thrill-seeking, culture, outdoor spaces, and coastal downtime, so travellers can discover what resonates most with them. Each section gives a clear picture of what to expect.

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.

Planning a luxury escape to a remote corner of the world works best when the focus stays on what you want from the place rather than the idea of a “bucket-list” trip. Some travellers seek quiet days in wide-open landscapes; others lean towards wildlife encounters or a slower rhythm on the water. 

There’s a quiet truth in the workplace that no one seems brave enough to talk about. Older people are being pushed to the sidelines. Not because they lack skill. Not because they lack energy. They are pushed aside because their experience makes others uncomfortable.

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…

The best views in Suffolk and very possibly the best self-catering place to stay.

Lisbon’s hotel scene shows no signs of slowing, with 2025 bringing a fresh wave of openings that reflect the city’s growing star power. Six Senses Lisbon will anchor itself in a restored palace, layering heritage with the brand’s signature wellness touch. Kimpton Lisbon is set to open as a luxury boutique stay, promising a mix of polished design and relaxed charm. Art lovers will be drawn to MACAM Hotel, opening within a contemporary art museum, where rooms spill into galleries and exhibitions. Mama Shelter makes its Lisbon debut with a rooftop designed for sundowners, a playful dining space and interiors that lean into the city’s colour and energy.

More intimate is Tarabel Lisbon, a 19th-century residence turned boutique hotel with French flair and quietly luxurious interiors. Meanwhile The Standard will land in the Alfama district, bringing its irreverent energy, rooftop buzz and cosmopolitan crowd to one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods.

Head off the beaten track in Sri Lanka, and you’ll find Ulpotha, Sri Lanka’s best yoga and Ayurvedic retreat. Nearly 30 years old, Ulpotha has stayed true to its identity. It still purposely has no Wi-Fi or electricity. The food is organic and vegetarian, and the yoga is taught by some of the best and most authentic yoga teachers.

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..

We all know that sustainability isn’t the sexiest topic in luxury. It doesn’t sparkle like a diamond, nor does it have the allure of a Michelin-starred meal or the thrill of slipping into a perfectly cut cashmere coat. But that’s precisely the problem. For high-end brands, sustainability shouldn’t be about selling an eco-friendly message—it should be an inherent part of the production, end product and experience, woven into the fabric of what makes luxury desirable.

Marketing has never been easier! Lulu Townsend has over 20 years of experience in marketing in the lifestyle and hotel space. She has hands-on experience working in hotels and has lived in France, Spain and Italy as well as travelling the world.

Marketing with Lulu Townsend -

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