Surfing holidays: where to stay for the best waves
From Costa Rica and Brazil to Bali and Spain, the world’s best surfing destinations combine serious swells and beginner-friendly breaks with a laidback lifestyle and nature. This is our pick of top spots around the globe for catching waves – and the boutique hotels to stay at.
City Guides
A pocket city guide to Bangkok
Bangkok is a city of intoxicating contrasts, where ancient temples, electric street life, extraordinary food and quietly hidden neighbourhoods collide. From art spaces and buzzing night markets to characterful hotels
3 September 2026
A pocket guide to Roma Norte: Mexico City’s most creative district
Full of characterful, colourful neighbourhoods where culture and cuisine thrive, Mexico City is a magnet for creatives to reside and visit. Condesa remains the go-to for Art Deco architecture and
27 March 2026
How to spend a weekend in Girona
This pocket-sized city couldn’t be more different to its same-coast cousin, Barcelona. Comfortingly walkable and distinctly Catalan, what Girona lacks in size is made up for with its abundant food
24 November 2025
The ultimate Vilnius city guide
With a complicated political past (and present), Lithuania might not typically be top of mind when brainstorming a European getaway. But Vilnius, the country’s vibrant capital, is a burgeoning hub
6 October 2025
The ultimate Madrid city guide
Sometimes overlooked by other European capitals, Spain’s biggest city has so much to offer from world-class museums and galleries to talking-point architecture and a lively music scene. Madrileños also take
11 September 2025
The ultimate Istanbul city guide
The call to prayer rising above the Bosphorus, the scent of spices drifting through centuries-old bazaars, the shimmer of mosaics inside Byzantine domes — Istanbul is a city that stirs
26 August 2025
How to spend a weekend in Cape Town
At the southern tip of Africa, where the iconic Table Mountain tumbles into the formidable Atlantic Ocean, you’ll find Cape Town. It’s as striking as it is energetic, and it’s
11 August 2025
Amsterdam turns 750: why now is the moment to visit the Netherlands’ capital
In 2025, Amsterdam marks a historic milestone: its 750th birthday. A city of canals and contradictions, where Golden Age architecture rubs shoulders with cutting-edge design, Amsterdam has always been a
6 August 2025
A pocket guide to Amoreiras: Lisbon’s leafy, lesser-known neighbourhood
In a city as photogenic and storied as Lisbon, it’s easy to get swept up in the tiled façades of Alfama or the café culture of Chiado. But venture just
16 July 2025
How to spend a weekend in Bordeaux
Often described as Paris’ little sister, Bordeaux is a city for people who don’t like cities. It’s noticeably peaceful, much of the city centre is pedestrianised, and it’s picture‑postcard pretty.
14 July 2025
The Wellbeing Collection turns one
Celebrating its first anniversary, we take a closer look at some of the hotels shaping the world’s most restorative wellness experiences. Each is deeply rooted in its sense of place, with the surrounding landscape, local traditions and cultural heritage shaping everything from treatments and food to movement and activities.
We hope you’re sitting comfortably, ideally in a swoon-worthy setting, with all the time in the world to linger over — and get lost in — these thoughtfully curated travel stories.
Editor's Picks
The new boutique hotels for August bringing destinations to life
This month’s edit of new boutique hotels focuses on places with stories to tell, from historic estates in the likes of Ireland and Romania and a family-owned vineyard in Champagne
26 July 2026
Crowd-free alternatives to our favourite European destinations
Long days with the sun stretching late into the evening. Lazing on the beach after slow lunches of fresh seafood dressed with olive oil and lemon. Following unmarked paths off
21 May 2026
Solar eclipse: where to spot it and the best places to stay
Few natural phenomena inspire travel quite like a solar eclipse. Occurring when the moon passes directly between the earth and the sun, these rare celestial events transform familiar landscapes into
7 July 2026
10 of the best hotel rooftop bars to take in the views
There’s a particular pleasure in seeing a city or a landscape from above. Rooftops offer a different perspective on familiar streets — whether that means a cocktail in Soho, a
12 August 2026
A cultural exchange: city swap Stockholm and Copenhagen this summer
A five-day summer city break itinerary highlighting the best of Scandinavia Stylish city breakers should look no further than Stockholm and Copenhagen for a culture hit with a sprinkle of
20 May 2021
Itineraries
Alluring Tuscany: where to stay to get the most from the region’s vineyards, ancient towns and wild coast
With its gently rolling hills, slender cypress trees and centuries-old villages, Tuscany is one of the world’s most beloved destinations. But beyond the postcard image lies a region of contrasts,
11 September 2026
Island swing: Island hopping from Mykonos to Naxos
When travelling in search of slow, sensory wellbeing, the Cyclades islands have much to offer, from small rituals and restorative nature to poignant moments of humanity that are best experienced
20 May 2026
Into the wild: a family safari in Tanzania
Alive with intrepid adventure, breathtaking wilderness and bucket-list wildlife encounters, a luxury safari is an inspired choice for all ages — as one writer discovers on her first family trip
18 May 2026
A wellness-boosting itinerary through Portugal: from the Algarve to Alentejo
Beyond the Algarve’s beach umbrellas and Lisbon’s tiled alleys lies a version of Portugal where nature leads and wellbeing follows. These wilder corners offer stillness, slowness and something that’s increasingly
10 April 2026
Northern delights: a ‘coolcation’ itinerary across Norway & Iceland
As the train begins its slow, corkscrewing descent into Norway’s Flåm Valley, snow is softening mountain peaks into meringue-like folds. Outside the window, waterfalls freeze mid-cascade, as forests stand still
2 February 2026
The art of doing nothing, perfected in the Maldives
In a world that praises packed itineraries, early-morning flights, and the humblebrag of needing a vacation from your vacation, slow travel can feel almost counterintuitive. It’s a conscious shift away
28 October 2025
Caribbean island-hopping in the Lesser Antilles: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda
There’s no rule that says your Caribbean escape has to be a one-island affair. Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda are close enough to link in a single trip — and different
22 September 2025
Cancale to Cap Fréhel: Brittany’s Emerald Coast
Get swept away to France’s far western shores, an enchanting region where gleaming white-sand beaches give way to dramatic tides and wind-sculpted headlands. Here, the pace slows, the landscapes stretch
26 June 2025
On the road in Provence
Fragrant lavender fields, sun-dappled vineyards, rocky Mediterranean coastlines, and buttercream-coloured hilltop villages weave a tapestry of natural beauty across Provence. From idyllic markets to ancient Roman ruins, this itinerary takes
2 April 2025
Adventures in Andalusia: Moorish architecture, majestic mountains, and sun-baked beaches
A 10-day itinerary from Seville’s colourful streets to Marbella’s glitzy beaches Andalusia is one of those heart-stoppingly beautiful destinations which will have you dreaming of your return – before you’ve
10 August 2023
Independent Minds
Independent Minds: Joshua Gardner, Broadwick Soho
Walking into Broadwick Soho feels, in a way, like stepping inside the most stylish amusement park in the world. Colour, pattern, lights, chatter – intrigue awaits around every corner as
7 September 2026
Independent Minds: Susanne Hulbekkmo, Skýra Retreat
In the stillness of Finnish Lapland, beside the waters of Lake Norvajärvi, Susanne Hulbekkmo has created a restorative retreat centred on the constantly changing light and temperament of the landscape
31 August 2026
Independent Minds: Juan Tonconogy, Casa de Uco Vineyards & Wine Resort
For Juan Tonconogy, a love of wine has formed part of his story since childhood. Youthful summers spent in Mendoza left him captivated by the alchemy of winemaking, as he
1 July 2026
Independent Minds: Amelie and Dominik Posch, eriro
On the slopes of the remote Ehrwalder Alm, some 1,550 metres into the clouds, eriro has just nine rooms for those seeking a quiet refuge from the noise and pace
8 June 2026
Independent Minds: Carmen and Klaus Alber
Having met while studying hospitality management, Carmen and Klaus bonded over a shared dream: to open a small boutique hotel that would attract dynamic international travellers seeking a calm respite
18 May 2026
Independent Minds: Daniel Shamoon
When your calling is to create the most sought-after boutique destinations on the globe, how do you define what makes a luxury hotel truly exceptional? Off the back of his
20 April 2026
Independent Minds: the Kestelli family, KestelINN Alaçatı
In the sun-dappled village of Alaçatı, where time moves to the rhythm of cicadas and the scent of olive groves hangs in the air, KestelINN stands as a quiet testament
30 July 2025
Independent Minds: Xiaoran Zhou, Kaipuu Hotels
As the first luxury hotels in China to be certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), Kaipuu on the Reef and Kaipuu Belfry are setting the eco-friendly bar in
22 May 2025
Independent Minds: Steven Riseley, Castle Elvira
Crumbling castle it might have been for over a century, but Steven Riseley and husband, Harvey B-Brown, are writing their own contemporary fairy-tale at Castle Elvira in Puglia. Following a
11 April 2025
Independent Minds: Loes Dingemans, Pillows Hotels
As discerning travellers know all too well, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to ‘understated luxury’. It’s carefully crafted, and close attention is paid to the smallest
21 January 2025
Inspiration
Our edit of hotels to book in October
From a colourful restored villa in glamorous Capri to a private island with overwater villas in Indonesia, October brings a new crop of hotels worth knowing about. These are the
30 September 2026
Introducing the characters behind The One campaign
You nominated them, now you can hear their stories – meet the finalists who have made lasting impressions at our hotels, giving them the character that makes each stay special
30 September 2026
Down south: the new hotels in Australia on our radar
From the energy of its cities to its dramatic coastlines, wine regions and wide-open landscapes, Australia feels particularly compelling right now — and these additions to the SLH collection offer
15 September 2026
Alluring Tuscany: where to stay to get the most from the region’s vineyards, ancient towns and wild coast
With its gently rolling hills, slender cypress trees and centuries-old villages, Tuscany is one of the world’s most beloved destinations. But beyond the postcard image lies a region of contrasts,
11 September 2026
The new hotels we’re booking in September
Whether you’re planning your upcoming skiing holiday, next year’s Greek island escape or thinking ahead to much-needed winter sun in Mexico, this month’s edit of new hotels has something for
2 September 2026
10 of the best hotel rooftop bars to take in the views
There’s a particular pleasure in seeing a city or a landscape from above. Rooftops offer a different perspective on familiar streets — whether that means a cocktail in Soho, a
12 August 2026
Surfing holidays: where to stay for the best waves
From Costa Rica and Brazil to Bali and Spain, the world’s best surfing destinations combine serious swells and beginner-friendly breaks with a laidback lifestyle and nature. This is our pick
11 August 2026
The Wellbeing Collection turns one
As the Wellbeing Collection celebrates its first anniversary, we take a closer look at some of the hotels shaping the world’s most restorative wellness experiences. Each is deeply rooted in
9 August 2026
The new boutique hotels for August bringing destinations to life
This month’s edit of new boutique hotels focuses on places with stories to tell, from historic estates in the likes of Ireland and Romania and a family-owned vineyard in Champagne
26 July 2026
New boutique hotels to inspire your next city, safari and countryside escape
From a hillside retreat in Rwanda and a restored Himalayan chalet to a Tuscan wine estate, a beachfront escape in Cabo and a design-led city stay in Shanghai, this is
14 July 2026
Latest stories
Our edit of hotels to book in October
From a colourful restored villa in glamorous Capri to a private island with overwater villas in Indonesia, October brings a new crop of hotels worth knowing about. These are the openings catching our eye this month – some are historic properties given a new chapter, while others bring contemporary flair
Introducing the characters behind The One campaign
You nominated them, now you can hear their stories – meet the finalists who have made lasting impressions at our hotels, giving them the character that makes each stay special At the start of 2026, we invited you to nominate the individuals at our independent hotels who make stays truly
Down south: the new hotels in Australia on our radar
From the energy of its cities to its dramatic coastlines, wine regions and wide-open landscapes, Australia feels particularly compelling right now — and these additions to the SLH collection offer five very different ways to experience it. From Brisbane and Sydney to the Blue Mountains and Southern Highlands, these new
Alluring Tuscany: where to stay to get the most from the region’s vineyards, ancient towns and wild coast
With its gently rolling hills, slender cypress trees and centuries-old villages, Tuscany is one of the world’s most beloved destinations. But beyond the postcard image lies a region of contrasts, from the vineyards of Chianti and wild coastal stretches to ancient spa towns still steaming with mineral springs. A region
