In my role as Head of Britain’s Finest, I have positioned myself at the very intersection of British hospitality and modern spa experiences. With over twenty years of experience navigating the luxury hotel, travel and wellness sectors, I have vetted many spas, boutique retreats and hotels across the United Kingdom. 

My travel essentials for long-haul (or any!) travel in 2026. I spend a lot of time in the air, hopping between hotels, scouting out the best places to stay, and writing about them. And after years of perfecting my packing routine, I’ve nailed down the travel essentials that I won’t board a flight without and my recommendations on what to bring. It’s a bit of a mixed bag—some practical, some indulgent—but they all make long-haul travel that little bit easier.

If I could live in one European city, it would be the Renaissance city of Florence! It’s a living, breathing museum with cobbled streets, majestic palazzi, delicious food, stylish people and best of all it has some fantastic boutique hotels to choose from. Read on to find out which small boutique hotels in Florence I would recommend.

If you’ve ever daydreamed about having your own ultra-stylish Roman apartment (with hotel-level service and zero stress), then let me introduce you to J.K. Place Roma—a boutique hotel that’s basically the fashion set’s secret address in the Eternal City.

My top 4 boutique hotels in Rome to suit all budgets…

Table for one? Yes please! There’s no better feeling than travelling alone, you can have some of your best life experiences! Many hotels know exactly how to treat a solo traveller, some however, still have a lot to learn.

Those who know me, know that my passion has always been and will continue to be hotels and the smaller the better!

Travellers are turning their back on Air BNB and here’s why.. Something has shifted. Travellers who once booked an Airbnb without thinking twice now find themselves heading back to hotels, guesthouses and well-run B&Bs. The spark that made Airbnb exciting in its early days has dulled. What was once a refreshing alternative feels, for many, like more work, more risk, and less value than a boutique hotel, B&B, or larger hotel 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.

Ever noticed how some holidays just stick with you? It’s rarely about the itinerary; it’s more about the people, the laughter, and those little shared moments that somehow turn into stories you tell for years. Luxury group getaways take that idea and turn it up a notch, giving friends and families spaces that feel like home but with a touch of indulgence. 

For British Airways to regain its standing, it would need more than just a rebrand,  rename of the Executive Club to The British Airways Club or another polished marketing campaign.

Pubs with rooms are competing with some of the best boutique hotels and rightly so. They’re stylish, affordable and serve fabulous food.

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.

Six Senses New York: A New Era of Luxury and Wellbeing in the Big Apple

Six Senses is synonymous with impeccable hospitality, sustainability, and wellness, and now, the brand has brought its signature approach to the heart of Manhattan. Six Senses New York is set to redefine urban luxury, offering a sanctuary in the city that never sleeps.

The best places to go after exams are over..

Introducing Mush Love – The Adaptogenic Coffee You Need in Your Life

If you love coffee and are fascinated by the power of mushrooms, you’re going to be obsessed with Mush Love – a limited-edition adaptogenic coffee blend created by London Nootropics in collaboration with Fantastic Fungi, the team behind the viral Netflix documentary.

Infused with premium mushroom extracts from Hifas da Terra, this blend is designed to fuel your mornings and support your wellbeing with nature’s most potent nootropics

London Nootropics - Zen - with Ashwagandha and L-Theanine. Soluble Coffee (with 6% finely ground roasted coffee) – For that smooth, rich flavour we all love.

My travel essentials for home and away in 2025