Welcome to the second 2025 issue of the Travel Journal.
Keep reading for new and up-and-coming hotels, soft adventure inspiration, unique wellness concepts, insights and insider tips from our Teams' recent trips, and a selection of brand new benefits only available if you book through us.
English country charm in the Pennines, magical moments on the Yorkshire moors, iconic openings in London's affluent Mayfair neighbourhood and homefrom-home coastal escapes.
Small but mighty, England as a destination offers rich history, diverse culture, buzzing cities, charming rural villages, ancient woodlands, and sandy coastlines.
And with our Headquarters firmly rooted in the capital, we're on the pulse of the hottest places to stay and play across the country, sharing only the best recommendations, upand-coming retreats, and eagerly anticipated hotels.
By the dunes of Camber Sands Beach you'll find
The Gallivant, an intimate boutique retreat. What feels like a boho-chic beach house is in fact home to 20 bright and airy guest rooms, daily yoga classes at their own in-house yoga pavilion, and the newest arrival, Harry's Restaurant - where the menu is inspired by locally sourced ingredients and seasonality. Opening earlier this year, the restaurant has become a favourite for both guests and locals, making it the perfect new addition to what already is an appealing destination for those seeking a dose of R&R by the coast.
And what's better - their brand new sister property, The Gallivant Littlestone Beach, is set to open its doors very soon too.
Benefits
Enjoy a Gallivant House breakfast, 'English Wine at Five' drinks, £130 dinner credit, 'Drift Off 'turndown tea tray, one USD50 credit per room for extras only on property and during the stay, a room upgrade at check-in* and early check-in or late check-out request at time of booking*.
*Subject to availability.
The sprawling 85-acre Saltmoore estate features a grand historic residence and relaxed beach house, both offering a luxurious and timeless countrycoastal escape, perfectly positioned between the wild landscapes of the heather-carpeted moors and untamed beauty of the North Sea coast.
With wellness at the heart of the hotel, you'll be forgiven for thinking it's simply a destination for relaxation. While the Sanctuary Spa offers rejuvenation in abundance with its tempting treatments, ice bath, pools, cryo chamber and sauna, it's the great outdoors that caters to the needs of thrill seekers here too. Cycle the picturesque villages, surf the shores of Sandsend Beach, take a salty dip in the ocean and trek the moors on horseback.
However you choose to stay, refuel and nourish your body in the Brasserie or new fine-dining restaurant - opening this year - and savour a handcrafted cocktail in the Orangerie, Lounge Bar or Beach House Bar.
The first UK hotel of the Auberge Resorts Collection arrives in Mayfair, London in late 2025.
What was once an address that welcomed royals, including Queen Victoria herself, amongst also the residence of Dukes, Lords and the base of a Naval Military Club, will now be reborn as a 102-room luxury hotel, meticulously restored over a number of years. Will you be one of the first to walk through the reimagined, storied doors of 94 Piccadilly?
Opening its doors in 2023, The Kirkstyle Inn has been firmly on our radar as an up-and-coming countryside bolthole. And it's not only us who have eyes for this gem - by 2024, it had already been recognised in various publications, awarded 2 AA rosettes, a 5-star Inn rating and a listing in the Michelin Guide.
This quaint - and dog friendly - village retreat in the Pennines has four thoughtfully designed and individually named rooms, each brimming with character and unique personality. Their impressive six-bedroom holiday home, The Old Rectory, is right next door, dating back to the 17th century. Hunker down in the Pennines for a quintessentially English escape, where the heart of the inn is the charming pub and restaurant, serving up seasonal gastronomy, local flavours and sustainable menus.
Discover a fusion of urban luxury, British heritage, and Mandarin Oriental's renowned Asian-inspired elegance. Having recently opened in June 2024, the five-star property continues to thrive as a new and exciting hotel, while establishing itself as an iconic destination in London's upscale Mayfair neighbourhood.
Home to sophisticated rooms, suites, apartments and penthouses, the hotel offers accommodations to suit families and groups, with options sleeping up to 8 people. And after a day of exploring the capital, guests are invited to unwind in the expansive spa and indoor pool, soak up the eclectic ambience in the hotel's fine-dining venues, and enjoy incredible panoramic views from ABar Rooftop.
Benefits
Dip into a new era of adventure travel that doesn't always mean scaling rugged peaks, trekking through jungles and embarking on remote expeditions.
The hotels: Hotel Sommerro | Hotel Union Oye | Juvet Landscape Hotel | Manshausen
The highlights: Inviting you into the heart of Northern Europe, begin your adventure in Oslo, home to rich culture and unique architecture. You'll meander through Norway’s dramatic fjords, carved by kilometrethick glaciers out of the ancient rock, and cruise on a yacht to charming coastal villages. Stay in remote riverside retreats in the wilderness, discover the storybook city of Ålesund, and explore the beauty of the Lofoten Islands, famed for experiencing the midnight sun and Northern Lights. Go fishing, kayaking, scuba diving and rock climbing. No matter the season, adventure here is limitless.
The hotels: The Ranch at Rock Creek | One&Only Moonlight Basin | Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
The highlights: Saddle up for an unforgettable summer in Montana and Wyoming. No visit to the Wild West is complete without a true ranch experience, horseback riding through meadows blanketed with wildflowers, and biking or hiking the many scenic trails. Discover Big Sky and its wild sense of adventure. Raft through rivers, discover the Yellowstone National Park, brimming with waterfalls, bears, and bison. Explore Grand Teton National Park, its dramatic peaks and pristine lakes, and finish the day unwinding in the spa.
The hotels: COMO Alpina Dolomites | Forestis | Aman Rosa Alpina
The highlights: Discover the natural beauty of the Dolomites, where the colourful peaks and rocks you'll explore were formed from fossilised coral reefs and sediment from what was once the bottom of an ancient tropical ocean. Take soft adventure quite literally here and scale the mountains by cable car, without breaking a sweat, or discover the charming alpine villages on a picturesque bike ride and hike. Wander behind waterfalls and through lush gorges near the Cascades of Fanes - an unforgettable road trip through hidden valleys and villages awaits.
The hotels: The Reykjavik EDITION | Hotel Búðir | Torfhús Retreat | Hotel Rangá| Blue Lagoon Retreat
The highlights: Capture Iceland's dramatic and contrasting landscapes in one unforgettable journey. Dip into thermal waters, discover the vibrant food scene of Reykjavik and take a private helicopter tour to an ancient glacier. The west side of the island is where you'll discover lava caves, volcanic landscapes and black beaches, journey south to the Golden Circle's geysers and waterfalls, before finally unwinding in the healing waters of the world-renowned Blue Lagoon Retreat.
Therapies inspired by ancient ceremonies, local traditions, natural healing, and spiritual intuition, to journeys crafted by medical experts - wellness goes beyond the spa.
Located in Big Sur, a place known for its wellness and healing energy, Post Ranch Inn launches its traditional Shamanic experiences led by Shaman Rob Somers. Designed to return your mind, body, and soul to its "Healed State", the sessions work to engage with Mother Nature, understand imbalances using the four cardinal directions in the medicine wheel and draw upon ancient wisdom.
Benefits
Enjoy an upgrade on arrival, daily full breakfast, 100 USD resort credit and early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.
The off-grid and transformative retreat, Shakti Himalaya, recently announced its new 'Soul Soother' wellness journey. The programme invites guests to work one-on-one with "Amchi" traditional healers, practising one of the oldest surviving Tibetan medical approaches. Drawing on a centuries-old Buddhist system of natural, slow healing, guests can expect healers to initially feel their pulses for blood and energy flow, allowing them to craft bespoke wellness recommendations based on individual needs. The remote location lends itself to exploring another level of self-discovery, in addition to daily meditation, yoga, hikes, and astronomy experiences under the night sky.
Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita | Mexico
On the lush tropical coastline of Punta Mita, Mexico, you'll discover Naviva, a Four Seasons Resort and adults-only wellness retreat. It's here that guests are invited to explore an ancient Mexican and Mesoamerican purification ritual known as a Temazcal, an experience designed to sweat out toxins and release mental and emotional tension. Participants are seated around heated volcanic rocks where water and herbs are added to create steam within the dome-shaped structure. Sessions can be tailored towards devotion and connection, gratitude, rebirth or harnessing the power of the new and full moon.
Benefits
Round-trip transfers for two people from Puerto Vallarta Airport and an upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in.
Heckfield Place, Hampshire | UK
Head to the verdant English countryside for an empowering journey that incorporates naturopathy and bio-energetics. Master of naturopathy and bio-energetics, Jennifer HarperDeacon, guides guests to make life-long changes after delving deep into all levels of their being using advanced diagnostics. The result? A personalised protocol and restorative treatments to enhance your mind, body and soul through naturopathy, nutrition, herbalism, acupuncture, bio-energetic screenings, homotoxicology and more.
Benefits
Enjoy an upgrade on arrival, daily full breakfast, 100 USD resort credit and early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.
Lanserhof Lans, Tyrol | Austria
Yes, you read that right. Another world of wellness lies in the Tyrol Mountains, blending holistic natural healing and state-of-the-art medicine. The resort offers various programmes, from hormone balancing and slowing of the ageing process to weight loss and mental health, all of which can be flexible and tailored to your needs. One of their most advanced approaches, the INUSpheresis® programme, is an innovative therapy that involves purifying the blood to remove harmful substances from the body.
Blood is taken from the patient and then filtered to remove toxic substances, including heavy metals, excess immune cells, inflammatory mediators, lipoproteins and more. The purified blood is then returned to the body, aiming to support your selfhealing power, reduce inflammation and relieve the immune system. In addition to this, the programme includes several consultations and examinations, lymph drainage treatments, daily exercise and relaxation sessions, a cultural evening programme and more, all in the tranquil and luxurious surroundings of the spectacular Lanserhof Lans resort.
We’re always on the ground seeking out the best travel experiences for you. So, here are the highlights from our recent explorations and the latest news.
By Camilla, Product Executive | UK
An ancient medieval village turned residential home during the Renaissance period is now an incredible luxury resort in the heart of Tuscany. Framed by acres of verdant rolling hills, vineyards, olive trees and iconic Italian cypress trees, the main building is home to guest rooms and suites, as well as a relaxing health spa, restaurant, bar and pools; but that's not all, as the wider estate encompasses private villas, more restaurants, a winery, and even a small castle, a charming village and an adventure park to ensure you get the full Tuscan experience: wine, culture and nature. Designed with sustainability in mind, the interiors showcase traditional materials such as wood, stone and calming natural palettes, drawing on traditional Tuscan style. The activities on offer here are exceptional, with yoga, Pilates, tennis, hiking, the biggest golf course in Tuscany, wine and olive oil tastings, stargazing, truffle hunting and falconry, to name a few. My insider tip - stay in one of the incredible villas, all of which come with private pools.
By Kelly, Senior Vice President | US
My first stop in Tokyo was the Bulgari Hotel, where authentic Japanese service meets warm Italian hospitality. If you’ve have experienced Bulgari in Rome, its Tokyo counterpart offers the same residential feel while still maintaining its authenticity to Japan. I did not feel like I was being serviced, I felt like I was truly being cared for. What makes it exceptional is, through understanding nuances and details, makes the guest experience exceptional. It offers a perfect culinary fusion of cultures, from one of the city’s most coveted Omakase counters to Chef Niko Romito’s signature Spaghetti e Pomodoro.
I decided to hop on the new Spacia X train for a wellness escape to the Ritz Carlton Nikko, just two hours away. Unobstructed views of Lake Chuzenji with a backdrop of stunning snowcapped mountains - this resort offers an instant sense of calm the moment you arrive.
After a day of hiking and exploring the nearby UNESCO World Heritage site, melting into hotel’s private indoor and outdoor onsens was a welcomed tranquil and rejuvenating experience. A huge plus is how nourished the mineral-rich natural spring water leaves your skin. Nikko feels like a best-kept secret - a less touristy and more flexible alternative to the more popular hot-spring town of Hakone. Insider tip: Don’t miss a nightcap at the hotel’s cozy whiskey bar or the luxury ramen made with local ingredients.
Benefits
Long gone are the days of solo island escapes and staying at just one resort in the Caribbean. Each island has its own unique character, charm, and history that's certainly worth exploring - and now hopping between Grenada and Bequia, the largest of the Grenadine islands, couldn't be easier. A new flight has just been announced between the two destinations, operating 6 times a week, meaning it's all the more convenient for travellers to discover Grenada's lush rainforests, thriving chocolate industry and rich heritage in spice production, before catching a short flight to be immersed in the untouched beauty, treasured coral reefs, relaxed pace of life and exceptional scuba and snorkelling spots of Bequia.
Stay at: Calabash Hotel in Grenada & Bequia Beach Hotel in the Grenadines
Discover the full itinerary here
Thanks to our global connections and preferred partnerships with the world's leading invite-only travel networks and luxury hotels, we're able to offer you access to incredible benefits - and we've handpicked a few that'll pique your interest.
Soak up golden-age glamour on the French Riviera at Epi 1959. An effortlessly cool and exclusive escape that has welcomed many famous faces and stars of the silver screen. Now, picture yourself here with a complimentary welcome cocktail and a selection of arrival amenities too.
With a collection located in the iconic destinations of Paris, Venice and most recently, Madrid, the Evok Collection combines lifestyle, culture and sophistication. Their aim is to find locations in the beating heart of the city to transform what may have once been an old office building or mail sorting centre into luxurious places where guests and locals can mingle, creating an environment that is simply not just a place to stay.
When you stay at their Brach, Nolinski and Cour Des Vosges Hotels, you can enjoy benefits including complimentary breakfast, early check-in and late check-out, an upgrade at check-in*, a VIP welcome amenity, a welcome gift and 75 EUR hotel credit.
Head to the Al Wadi Desert and discover another side to Dubai. Just 45 minutes from the dazzling city-beach destination, the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert feels a world away from it all. A unique remote retreat in a protected private nature reserve, the intimate resort has 108 villas with terraces and pools that overlook the extraordinary landscapes. Dine on the dunes, unwind at the spa, embark on a camel ride and lounge by the pool.
Enjoy additional benefits during your stay, including daily breakfast, early check-in and late check-out*, a welcome amenity and 100 USD amenity credit.
Contact your travel manager for further information or to make a booking.