Autumn arrives with a focus on well-being, from new perspectives at sea and transformative spa experiences to family escapes with room to roam and the new addresses shaping travel right now.
As autumn arrives with a renewed focus on well-being, this month’s edit explores the experiences shaping the travel scene. From tennis-inspired wellness making waves in ultra-luxury cruising and the arrival of spa royalty in Mauritius to new family villas redefining all-inclusive escapes in Corfu, there is plenty to inspire your next getaway.
Elsewhere, discover a French country stay where children thrive and parents truly switch off, more reasons to choose Ikos Resorts, the newest names in luxury hospitality, and six perfectly private Alpine chalets to have on your radar.
A roundup of fresh faces on the hotel scene
Ushering in a new era of ocean travel, shaped by Aman’s renowned sense of tranquillity.
This all-suite beachfront resort introduces a gentler rhythm to one of the world’s most fast-paced cities.
Savoured by adventurous travellers looking for a truly unique location and near-guaranteed game viewings, of course.
This Platinum Coast private beach club beckons guests close to the shores of Paynes Bay for a soothingly selective hideaway.
With its calm, considered approach to life at sea, Explora Journeys has found a natural complement to its focus on wellness, balance and refined European elegance. World No. 1 tennis star Jannik Sinner has joined the brand as Global Brand Ambassador, bringing together luxury ocean travel and elite sport through a shared commitment to excellence, authenticity and personal well-being.
Born in the Italian Alps, Sinner is celebrated for his composure, focus and understated style, qualities that closely reflect the brand’s Ocean State of Mind philosophy. The collaboration will include new initiatives such as In Balance, a programme shaped by his approach to performance, recovery and mindful living at sea.
Sinner himself was among the first to experience EXPLORA III, the newest addition to the Explora Journeys fleet, taking part in a curated wellness programme during its five-night Mediterranean prelude voyage in July.
Building on the sophisticated, superyacht-inspired design, spacious all-suite accommodation and elevated onshore and offshore experiences that have come to define the brand, she offers even more room to relax, with expanded public areas, enhanced wellness facilities and new culinary venues. Among them is The Cellar, an intimate setting for exclusive tastings, rare vintages and celebratory occasions.
Discover EXPLORA III and all the latest developments across the fleet in our dedicated blog, Explora Journeys: What’s new in ultra-luxury cruising
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Le Morne mountain, The St. Regis Spa by La Prairie at The St. Regis Le Morne Resort pairs world-renowned Swiss skincare expertise with one of Mauritius’ most iconic settings. Spanning more than 2,000 m² with 12 treatment rooms, the spa brings together bespoke rituals and therapies tailored to individual needs.
This August, The St. Regis Le Morne Resort became the first property in the Indian Ocean to introduce La Prairie’s prestigious treatments and products. The arrival marks a new chapter for wellness on the island, uniting the skincare house’s precision and innovation with the resort’s highly personalised approach to luxury hospitality.
Among the highlights is the Mauritian Radiance Experience, a 90-minute treatment developed exclusively for the resort. Inspired by the natural beauty of Mauritius, it combines full-body therapies and a Pure Gold Facial to leave the skin luminous, silky and beautifully revitalised.
The all-inclusive concept is elevated far beyond expectations at Ikos Resorts. Think idyllic beachfront locations, indulgent spa experiences, à la carte menus created by Michelin-starred chefs plus a 300-strong wine list. Days can be spent paddleboarding along the coast, joining a sunset yoga session, perfecting a backhand on the tennis courts or setting off on a Local Drive Adventure in a complimentary electric vehicle. Effortless, intuitive and designed with every generation in mind, this is luxury shaped around freedom and choice.
Ikos Resorts makes no secret of its affection for Corfu’s cherished coastline, and Odisia’s secluded bay presents another temptation for discerning sun-seekers, with 10 pools and a glorious sandy beach. Indulgence comes easily here, from cocktails by the water to eight restaurants that make travelling through the taste buds effortless.
Fresh this summer, Ikos Odisia’s new Deluxe Three- and Four-Bedroom Bungalow Villas pair private pools and sweeping Ionian Sea views with the kind of space rarely found within an all-inclusive resort. Designed as secluded standalone residences, they offer a greater sense of privacy for families and groups travelling together, alongside a range of generous Deluxe Collection benefits...
• Unlimited restaurant reservations made in advance
• Champagne service throughout the stay
• Access to the Heroes Supper Club: where children aged 4 to 12 enjoy dinner and three hours of supervised activities
• Two adult 25-minute neck & back massages per room per stay in the spa, created in partnership with Anne Sémonin Paris
• An electric vehicle for two days as part of the Local Drive Adventure experience
• An exclusive dining experience by the sea – à la carte dining and fine wines with a sea view
• Deluxe wine selection
• Kids’ welcome kit
• Upgraded minibar and upgraded in-room dining menu
• Exclusive access to the Deluxe Collection pool and beach areas, including crafted cocktails and gourmet light bites
• Complimentary VIP private airport transfers
Our dedicated Concierge Team are on hand to seamlessly handle the smaller details of your holiday in advance, allowing you to truly savour every moment. Our personalised service is entirely complimentary, saving you precious time navigating the complexities of planning.
Luxury Travel Designer Natasha Lambourne-Smith shares her diary from a week at Country Kids, revealing why this French countryside favourite has families returning year after year.
After a long day of travelling, we arrived at Country Kids to a warm welcome from Sylvain, with our bags whisked to the apartment and a delicious home-cooked dinner waiting for us. Flowers, bubbly and a thoughtful birthday card for my sister set the tone for a week where every detail had been carefully considered.
The girls couldn’t wait to head to Kids’ Club, where science experiments, games and crafts kept them entertained all day. While they had fun, we relaxed by the pool and met with Laure to plan activities, babysitting and outings for the week ahead. Sunday lunch with the other adults and a family movie night with welcome basket treats rounded off a lovely first full day.
The day started with a tractor ride to the farm with Farmer Syl, where the girls fed the animals and sat on the horses – easily the highlight of their day. They then set off on a forest adventure while we enjoyed a quiet morning by the pool before working up a sweat during Aqua Biking. More fun followed with a mini-horse session, before a French-themed adults’ dinner, cocktails and a Kids’ Club movie night.
Today we headed to Lac du Salagou with a picnic prepared by the hotel. We spent a fun-filled day spending time paddleboarding and exploring the lake on our pedal boat, whose slide proved a huge hit with the girls. Back at the resort, they enjoyed pizza making while we relaxed with a mojito and crème brûlée, before a laid-back evening in our apartment with lasagne, homemade baguettes, salads and chilled rosé.
While the girls filled their morning with ice-cream making and water games, we explored the bustling market in Clermont-l’Hérault. The action-packed kids’ schedule continued with swimming lessons, a picnic at the farm and a disco night back at the resort. For us, dinner was a real treat: raclette followed by macarons and cocktails, while World Cup excitement brought families together at the bar.
Relaxation days don’t get much better than full-body massages, a hot tub and time by the adults-only pool. The girls were equally spoilt and, after a treasure hunt and baking at Kids’ Club, enjoyed their own mini spa treatments. That evening, babysitting gave us the chance to explore Octon’s night market and enjoy a wonderful dinner at La Calette, returning at 9.30pm to find both girls sound asleep.
The girls’ day began with a Kids’ Club pyjama party, complete with breakfast in their PJs before heading to the farm. We spent our final morning soaking up the sunshine by the pool with iced coffees. A BBQ lunch and delightful homemade pear and almond tart were followed by the summer fair. Later, tapas, cocktails and a game of bowls with the other families rounded off a wonderful week.
As we enjoyed one last breakfast and said our goodbyes, it was clear why families return to Country Kids year after year. Exceptional childcare, fantastic food, thoughtful service and friendships formed throughout the week made it a holiday to remember. The girls loved the freedom to explore and make friends, while we enjoyed the rare luxury of truly switching off. Not one of us was ready to leave.
For most slope-skimmers around the world, their annual ski holiday is the highlight of the year, especially if they’re heading to the winter playground that is the Alps. With the likes of interconnected resorts, a variety of runs and sublime après-ski, life arguably couldn’t get sweeter. Except, maybe, if the base from which to experience it all was a luxury chalet.
From exploring the largest city – and capital – of the archipelago, to the lesser-known coastlines across the region, we’ve handpicked some extraordinary experiences to give you a sense of what a luxury family holiday to Madeira could look like…
Discover our guide to the best sports academies in Europe, spotlighting a handful of resorts where coaching is delivered by experts and, often, by household names – all while preserving the easy rhythm and indulgence of a luxury beach break.
Choosing between morning and afternoon ski lessons can make the difference for your learning experience. There is no one better than the other, but factors like instructor availability, snow conditions, slope crowds and your own fatigue come into play. Our ski school partner, New Generation Ski and Snowboard School, explain what you should consider when deciding between morning or afternoon ski lessons.
When we think about restorative holidays – getaways brimming with relaxation – the image that springs to mind is probably filled with lounging on sunbeds in the summer heat, waves lapping in the distance. But restful trips don’t always need to be sun drenched; sometimes wintry winds and a backdrop of snow are the ideal setting for a wellness reset.
Sneak off for a week of warmth in Spain's sunniest spots or travel further afield for action-packed family adventures in South Africa and the Caribbean. Whatever takes your fancy, we’ve curated our top picks that provide some much needed respite in the most family-friendly destinations during October Half Term.
