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13 • Editor’s Letter
On experiencing a destination through its flavours and libations. By Farhad Heydari
17 • Paradise Found
Seeking a Bill Bensley-designed island idyll? A box-fresh urban bolthole? GHA has you covered. By Julie Alpine
22 • The Shortlist
Cool kit, fresh fragrances and all the latest launches to have on your radar. By Ultratravel editors
27 • Torque Time
High-octance horology, from dazzling debuts to the return of a Formula 1-inspired icon. By Chris Hall
33 • Comfort Zones
Airport lounges are getting a 21st-century upgrade – we’ve rounded up the ones to know about. By Nigel Tisdall
38 • Savouring Madeira
Move over, Lisbon and Porto: it’s the progressive menus on the island of Madeira’s turn to shine. By Ivan Carvalho
SPRING 2025
42 • Noosa, Naturally
Surf and turf in the Australian Sunshine Coast town worth taking your time over. By Doug Wallace
51 • Dublin Distilled
A dram-by-dram tour of the vibrant city at the heart of Ireland’s revitalised whiskey industry. By Larry Olmsted
58 • Gran Slam
Maserati’s new GranCabrio – as good to drive as it is to pull up outside a yacht club in? By Adam Hay-Nicholls
COVER IMAGE: NAY PALAD HIDEAWAY, SIARGAO, PHILIPPINES
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Farhad Heydari Farhad@ultratravel.com @MrFarhadHeydari
SENIOR EDITOR Julie Alpine
CHAIRMAN Nick Perry Nick@ultratravel.com @MrNickPerry
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Andrew Cowan
CONTRIBUTORS
Ivan Carvalho, Chris Hall, Adam Hay-Nicholls, Larry Olmsted, Nigel Tisdall, Doug Wallace
@Ultratravel ultratravel.com
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Farhad Heydari EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ultratravel
Across continents and cultures, a destination’s essence is, I’ve often found, best experienced at the table or by the glass. To taste a locale is to truly know it; each dish and pour tells a story that transcends borders and lingers long after the journey ends.
In this edition of , we turn our attention to two unlikely cities where culinary passion and artisanal innovation are reaching new heights.
Touching down in Funchal, on the sunkissed Portuguese island of Madeira, Ivan Carvalho finds a fresh breed of homegrown chefs who are reshaping the region’s gastronomic identity – and also garnering it Michelin stars – by pairing inventive cuisine with its legendary cellar of wines and spirits.
Over on the Emerald Isle, meanwhile, another craft is thriving in the heart of Dublin – one distilled through copper stills and aged to perfection. As Larry Olmsted reports, Ireland’s capital is now home to a new generation of must-visit distilleries, each of which is marrying legacy with modern sophistication.
We also eat and drink our way along the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, where sundowners are decidedly du jour; drive an Italian droptop that will make you want to hit the open road in the early springtime rays; preview the latest covetable timepieces; and check into a handful of new Global Hotel Alliance properties that are worthy, if not of a detour, then certainly a special journey. We hope you enjoy the issue.
“To taste a locale is to truly know it; each dish and pour tells a story that transcends borders and lingers long after the journey ends”
Sincerely Yours
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Be it a cheeky city break or a sumptuous,White Lotusstyle tropical escape, Global Hotel Alliance has you covered. By Julie Alpine
With the third season of HBO’s comedy drama The White Lotus currently fuelling water-cooler conversations everywhere, design virtuoso Bill Bensley is in the spotlight. Forming the backdrop for the hit show’s fictional hotel setting, the American starchitect’s sumptuous interiors have garnered almost as much attention as its compelling plot twists. But for those who prefer their luxury without the drama, the Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas (anantara.com) – part of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) portfolio – beckons.
Sitting pretty on Mahé, the largest island in the Indian Ocean archipelago, the property blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, offering 30 private, super-spacious, Bensley-designed villas scattered along the beach and hillside. Each one is an idyllic sanctuary of Zen simplicity, where hammered copper details meet tactile furnishings. The experience is further elevated by a scene-stealing
Previous page: an ocean-facing hideaway at the Bill Bensley-designed Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas
Above: Patina Osaka’s serene, 14th-floor swimming pool
Left: Belgian icon the Astoria, reborn as Corinthia Brussels
Bottom: Capella Taipei’s interiors maestro, André Fu
infinity pool boasting breathtaking ocean views, a spa offering bespoke treatments, and gourmet dining options that make the most of the island’s rich culinary traditions. Those seeking A-lister-level solitude, meanwhile, will appreciate Anantara Maia’s secluded, forest-fringed white sands – perfect for golden sunrise and sunset strolls.
The world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands, GHA brings together 800 hotels, resorts and palaces from 40 brands, located in more than 100 countries around the globe. Those seeking more evidence of how perfectly in step the alliance is with the desires of today’s travellers will find it in Taiwan, with the opening of Capella Taipei (capellahotels. com) marking the hotel group’s debut in the country. Located in the city’s buzzy Dunhua North Road district, the urban eyrie threw open its doors on 1 April, bringing 86 elegant rooms – including suites and private pool terraces – into the fold. Designed by Hong Kong’s renowned André Fu, the sanctuary-like interiors feature a soothing neutral palette, abundant natural light and an artful blend of modernity and local heritage. The hotel’s amenities include a 14th-floor swimming pool, intimate event spaces and a world-class spa – as well as truly exceptional dining.
When hunger strikes, guests are spoilt for choice: options span Ember 28’s fire-kissed creations to Mizue’s exclusive omakase set-up, with Cantonese fine dining at Rong Ju and delicate pastries from Atelier Plume rounding out the culinary ensemble. Capella Taipei also allows gourmands to immerse themselves in the city’s rich cultural tapestry through the Capella Curates programme, which unlocks behind-the-scenes access to Taipei’s master artisans, culinary leading lights and historic landmarks.
Meanwhile, in Japan, Patina Osaka (patinahotels.com)
– Patina Hotels & Resorts’ first foray into the Land of the Rising Sun – prepares for lift-off on 1 May. A beacon of transformative luxury, the hotel is built around the brand’s ethos of mindful travel and self-discovery. Launching in time for the World Expo Kansai 2025, its special opening offer, Patina Imprints, promises guests an exclusive welcome gift and an immersive first look at the hotel, complete with curated experiences and bespoke privileges.
Europe’s luxury landscape is equally abuzz. In Brussels, in the leafy Notre Dame aux Neiges neighbourhood, the iconic Grand Hotel Astoria has been meticulously restored and reimagined as Corinthia Brussels (corinthia.com) reaffirming the building’s standing as a jewel of Belle Époque elegance. Featuring 126 contemporary rooms and suites, plus a subterranean spa, the reborn hotel reclaims its position as a cornerstone of Belgian hospitality, partnering with local talent to elevate its bar and dining experiences.
Corinthia’s expansion doesn’t stop there, as the GHA member brand also unveils the all-suite Corinthia Grand Hotel du Boulevard Bucharest. A Romanian national monument steeped in history, the property offers just 30
exclusive suites, creating a refined, intimate atmosphere. And the group’s ambitions stretch still further: Corinthia Rome, a new ultra-luxury property, is in the pipeline. In partnership with the Reuben Brothers, Corinthia will transform the former Central Bank of Italy headquarters into a lavish retreat featuring exceptional guest suites, rooftop amenities and a spa – a project poised to redefine luxury in the Eternal City.
Finally, in Greece, Andronis is set for a landmark 2025, with its Santorini flagship, Andronis Luxury Suites (andronis.com), undergoing a significant renovation. Due to be unveiled alongside a new restaurant this May, the project has been driven by the brand’s renewed commitment to personal connection and curated experiences, and will blend modern-day elegance with timeless island charm. Guided by the philosophy of “Memories that matter from people who care”, Andronis continues to craft stays that celebrate the heart and soul of Greek hospitality.
From the Seychelles to Santorini, these new GHA openings promise more than just a place to stay – they offer deeply immersive, unforgettable journeys for the world’s most discerning – and style-savvy – travellers.
IN NEWS SURE to put a spring in the step of any spa lover this season, Corinthia London has joined forces with renowned, German-born skincare brand Augustinus Bader to enhance its (already pretty darned fabulous) offering at the hotel’s ESPA Life spa. The collaboration introduces exclusive facial and body treatments featuring Bader’s proprietary TFC8 technology, which is designed to support natural skin renewal and revitalisation.
“The Method Augustinus Bader” – a suite of therapies that blend luxury with cutting-edge science – includes the indulgent Full Body Regeneration, which begins with a top-to-toe exfoliation, followed by an invigorating massage designed to stimulate circulation and promote detoxification, leaving guests with a renewed sense of vitality and glowing skin.
The partnership serves to underscore Corinthia London’s commitment to providing innovative wellness experiences. (corinthia.com)
For more information or to join the programme for free, visit ghadiscovery.com or download the GHA DISCOVERY mobile app.
The world’s most exclusive hotels, resorts and palaces in one unique collection.
Close your eyes and imagine your paradise. What do you see? A heritage-filled city… an aquatic escape… a treetop hideaway… an Alpine retreat? Whatever your dream, it’s waiting for you inside Ultratravel Collection, an elite circle of GHA DISCOVERY hotels.
When you stay at any Ultratravel Collection hotel, you can rest assured you’re enjoying a level of luxury that goes beyond thread counts. Breathtaking surroundings. Location-inspired dining, spa and leisure. Insider access to local culture. Timeless elegance and attention to detail. All with GHA DISCOVERY’s generous benefits and rewards.
You’ve seen the world, yes. But have you seen it like this? Explore Ultratravel Collection today and find your paradise.
What’s hot, what to buy and what to know, as compiled by Ultratravel editors
To mark a sparkling milestone, British jeweller Boodles celebrates 25 years of its beloved Raindance collection – first dreamt up at the Chelsea Flower Show and now forever enshrined at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum. This season, Raindance gets a radiant refresh: think signature white diamonds paired with ultra-rare Argyle pinks in bold new designs. The anniversary collection, Raindance 25, will be launched, fittingly, at the Chelsea Flower Show, with a garden to match. Like sunlight through spring rain, it’s a luminous ode to British charm, craftsmanship, and a little everyday magic. boodles.com
Pioneering watchmaker Richard Mille has partnered with French sailor Alexia Barrier to launch The Famous Project – a bold, all-female bid to circumnavigate the globe non-stop and unsupported in a 32m maxi-trimaran. The goal? To set the first women’s record for the Jules Verne Trophy in 2025, and perhaps even beat the existing world record. Powered by passion and precision, the team will train aboard the recordbreaking Ultim trimaran IDEC SPORT, the Formula 1 of the seas. For Richard Mille, this venture represents more than high-performance sailing: it’s a statement on equality, audacity, and rewriting the rules of adventure. As Amanda Mille, the company’s director of Brand and Partnerships, puts it: “Daring, setting challenges and taking risks – this project allows us to write a new page in our history with women.” richardmille.com
Sleek, structured and deceptively spacious, the Rhapsody Multi Pocket Cabin Bag by Briggs & Riley is the ultimate in refined travel gear. Tailored to glide effortlessly into overhead compartments, it features two quickaccess exterior pockets for in-flight essentials, plus a generously sized main compartment for outfit changes and just-in-case extras. The bag’s dedicated sleeve cradles laptops up to 38cm, while its minimalist black finish keeps things classic from gate to getaway. briggs-riley.co.uk
Portal by Kingdom Scotland evokes ancient Caledonian forests with herbaceous botanicals, verdant flora and grounding notes of vetiver and oakmoss. kingdomscotland.com
From the luxury luggage purveyor TUMI, 19 Degree channels bold exploration with woody, musky and spicy notes, making it an extrait de parfum built for discovery. tumi.com
A heady blend of cherry, vanilla, oud and amber creates an addictive, ultra-sensual trail – Parisian seduction by niche French fragrance house BDK. bdkparfums.com
From an Irish masterpiece to London’s first bourbon-style whisky, these extraordinary new releases redefine the art of aged perfection
IN THE REALM OF exceptional spirits, a brilliant constellation of fresh arrivals invites connoisseurs to explore rare craftsmanship and rich heritage. From the venerable Bushmills (bushmills.com), the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, comes the 46-Year-Old Secrets of the River Bush. Distilled in 1978 and matured exclusively in oloroso sherry butts, this remarkable single malt layers Bushmills’ signature fruitiness with deeper notes of dried fruit. With just 300 bottles available worldwide, it stands as a tribute to Irish whiskey’s unstoppable perseverance and quiet power.
Celebrating another milestone, The Glenlivet (theglenlivet.com) introduces its oldest permanent expression to date – a 40-year-old cask-strength whisky matured in oak and finished in sherry casks. With aromas of dark cherry and toasted oak, and a palate of poached plum, dark chocolate and sweet licorice, the complex pour is exquisitely balanced. Limited to 1,459 bottles globally, it honours two centuries of Scotch-making excellence.
“It stands as a tribute to Irish whiskey’s quiet power”
Further afield, Andrés Brugal (brugal-rum.com) unveils Edition 02, a masterstroke in modern rum-making. Crafted by fifth-generation Maestra Ronera Jassil Villanueva Quintana, this ultra-premium Dominican release celebrates the brand’s historic voyage to the US – an emblem of its global legacy. Aged in four rare American oak bourbon casks and limited to just 416 bottles (20 for the UK), the radiant golden liquid offers waves of brown sugar, pecans, vanilla, coconut, spiced banana and black tea. It’s housed in a bespoke, travel-inspired case complete with hand-blown decanter and tasting glasses – part rum, part heirloom.
From the Scottish Highlands, a dual masterpiece emerges from The Macallan (themacallan.com), redefending oak’s influence in fine whisky. The 33-Year-Old 1991 Origins Sherry & Sherry-Mizunara Cask – which was conceived by Ephemerus Concepts – invites collectors to compare two parallel maturations: one in a first-fill oloroso sherry cask, the other finished for 10 months in rare Mizunara oak. Each element of the presentation is considered: crystal Glencairn decanters, a Bill Amberg-designed leather casket, and only 195 sets available globally. It’s a meditation on terroir, tradition and transformation.
Standing proudly at the pinnacle of age and artistry, Highland Park’s (highlandparkwhisky.com) 56 Year Old is the distillery’s oldest and most limited release to date. Distilled in 1968 and drawn from a cask never before tasted, it delivers complexity and brightness rare for a whisky of such age. Signature heather-rich peat smoke weaves through a palate of depth and subtlety. Inspired by Scotland’s Standing Stones of Stenness, the sculptural decanter and case – created by John Galvin and Michael Rudak – celebrate the mark of human hands on ancient land. Only 170 bottles exist.
Finally, London joins the conversation with a rebellious new voice, Doghouse Distillery (doghousedistillery.com), and the city’s first-ever bourbon-style whisky, dubbed “Debt Collector”. Seven years in the making and produced entirely grain-to-bottle in Battersea, it follows American bourbon tradition with a 75% corn mash, virgin charred American oak maturation, and bottling at 100 proof. Founder Braden Saunders sought to offer something “fun, inclusive, and true to London’s spirit”. The result is bold and flavourful: think crisp cherry, caramel, vanilla oak and a warming, earthy spice. Its label – featuring a prohibition-era gangster airbrushed in hot-rod style – pays cheeky homage to the moonshine roots that inspired it.
CASK FORCE
From top: The Glenlivet’s magnificent 40-year-aged Scotch; Debt Collector is London’s first bourbon-style whisky; proof that good things are worth waiting for from The Macallan; Highland Park’s limited-edition 56 Year Old; Edition 02 – a new premium rum from Andrés Brugal
STATESIDE WHISKEY fans have long coveted the thrill of hand-picking their own barrel –and now, the UK can get in on the action. In news that will delight fans, Sazerac Company (sazeracbarrelselect.com) has brought its prestigious Barrel Select programme to British shores, offering enthusiasts the chance to sample, select and purchase a full single barrel of Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Expect 250 bespoke bottles, a private tasting journey – either in Kentucky or London’s Covent Garden – and a slice of American whiskey tradition to call your own. For those not quite ready to buy the barrel, a curated single-barrel tasting at Buffalo Trace Distillery London offers a guided sip through bourbon’s boldest expressions.
“Enthusiasts can sample, select and purchase a full single barrel”
The horological year has revved loudly into gear, with brands at both ends of the luxury-watch spectrum making headlines. Chris Hall reports
TWRITTEN IN STONE
he watch industry used to convene every January in Geneva at an event called the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH), where a select group of high-end brands such as Cartier, Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet would present their wares. Industry insiders would huddle away from the icy wind blowing in over Lake Geneva and try to get a sense of what the next 12 months might hold.
SIHH has evolved into a bigger, all-encompassing fair called Watches & Wonders, and now takes place in early April. Into the gap has slotted the rather self-explanatory LVMH Watch Week, wherein the watchmakers of the world’s preeminent luxury conglomerate gather to give us a taste of what they’ve been up to.
Typically, the half-dozen brands involved keep the real fireworks back until the spring, but this year there was one story that couldn’t be ignored. After 11 years as the official timekeeping partner of Formula 1, Rolex has ceded that duty to TAG Heuer, as part of a landmark deal between LVMH and F1 that sees several of its companies, including Louis Vuitton and Moët Hennessy, also partnering with the sport.
It is a return to familiar territory for TAG Heuer, which acted as official timekeeper from 1992-2003 but in fact has a much longer history in the sport. Former CEO Jack Heuer was instrumental in cementing links between Heuer, as it was then, and the Formula 1 paddock in the 1960s, forging relationships with drivers such as Jo Siffert, before going on to provide timing equipment in the 1970s.
To mark its return, TAG Heuer (tagheuer.com) – which secured the rights to use the Formula 1 name on its watches in 1986 – has reimagined its collection of the same name. A series of chronographs with a 44mm titanium case and distinct two-tone construction, the MkII Formula 1 watches are as racy as they come (the word “speed” emblazoned across the tachymeter bezel is fairly unambiguous). There’s nothing shy about them in size or style, with a chequered flag motif throughout and bold primary colours the initial focus; other shades may follow in time. At the top of the range, there’s a special Red Bull Racing partner edition. The expectation at TAG Heuer is that F1’s phenomenal popularity cannot fail to translate into sales.
At the other end of the horological spectrum, in both price and volume, there was a universal murmuring of approval for the latest creations by Louis Vuitton, Daniel Roth and Gérald Genta. The Roth and Genta names operate under Louis Vuitton’s aegis, led by Jean Arnault, and in the last two years all three have wowed collectors with pieces that combine small volumes and high prices with a genuine understanding of the elite-collector zeitgeist.
For Louis Vuitton (louisvuitton.com), that has meant culling lower-priced designs and introducing would-be icons
“Perhaps the most eyecatching of Hublot’s releases was a Big Bang tourbillon case in transparent emeraldgreen SAXEM”
in the Tambour and Escale families, but this year the maison pushed into niche territory with the Tambour Convergence, a 37mm dress watch in pink gold that displays the hours and minutes via two rotating discs, visible through scalloped, curved windows at the top of the otherwise solid-gold dial. Also available in a diamond-set platinum version, it’s straight out of the Roaring Twenties.
Similarly lavish is the Daniel Roth (danielroth.com) Extra Plat Souscription, an ultra-thin, time-only design in Roth’s signature “rounded barrel” case shape. Building on the success of a tourbillon design in the same line, the brand has now focused its attention on the simplest execution of the aesthetic, which puts heavy emphasis on the traditional art of guilloché engraving, with this being carried out by classic,
NEXT-GEM
Zenith goes to town with its range-topping, rainbowstudded, white gold Chronomaster Sport
hand-operated machines. Just 20 pieces will be made of this very special old-dialled version, which will then be followed by a non-limited variant.
Drawing on very different inspirations but no less popular was the Gérald Genta (geraldgenta.com) Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal, a delicate cocktail watch in warm orange, studded with beads of the titular precious stone. Both the Roth and Louis Vuitton models also introduced brand-new mechanical movements, while the Gentissima runs on an adapted Elite calibre from fellow LVMH brand Zenith, which is reportedly upping its production of movements in order to supply other brands across the group.
Zenith’s widely respected El Primero chronograph calibres are already running in some of its sister brands’
watches, such as the Hublot (hublot.com) Spirit of Big Bang, which added three new references this year in various shades of ceramic. Colourful ceramics are something of a Hublot specialism, and we can expect more as the year unfolds and the brand marks 20 years of its flagship Big Bang model. For now, a downsized overhaul of the Big Bang Meca-10 was a highlight, bringing the hand-wound, 10day movement into a more wearable 42mm case, available in gold, titanium and carbon fibre. Perhaps the most eyecatching of Hublot’s releases was a Big Bang tourbillon case in transparent emerald-green SAXEM, an amalgamation of artificial sapphire crystal and trace elements of rare earth minerals (which provide the colour).
Zenith (zenith.com) itself is no mere foundation for others’ glory; the brand showed a range-topping rainbow gem-set Chronomaster Sport chronograph in white gold, as well as a pair of skeletonised Defy Skyline chronographs, which follow an aesthetic already established in the Defy Skyline Automatic, with symmetrical, geometric shapes and matte-finished textures. The 42mm stainless steel watches are identical save for their colour scheme – one blue, one black. Each uses the same Calibre 3600 as the Chronomaster Sport, with the same 60-hour power reserve, 5Hz frequency and high-speed central seconds hand.
Fresh designs, premium spaces and epicurean delights are bringing a sense of refinement and exclusivity back to the airport lounge, finds Nigel Tisdall
Air travel is set to reach a record high in 2025, with 5.2 billion passengers expected to take to the skies, according to a recent forecast from the International Air Transport Association. While many of us relish the benefits flying brings, congested airport terminals can at times make getting from A to B a far from perfect experience.
One solution for the luxury globetrotter is to make use of airport lounges, which are proliferating around the world but remain of variable quality. “Admission costs have risen sharply,” says Rob Burgess from the frequent-flyer website Head for Points (headforpoints.com), “while the quality of food, drink and cleaning has dropped”. The platform publishes reviews of pretty much every airport lounge in the UK and particularly rates the Clubrooms at London Gatwick and Birmingham, 1903, in Manchester and the Plaza Premium Lounge at Glasgow Airport.
“For something special, Manchester Airport’s new private terminal can be used when flying with any airline,” Burgess advises. Opened in November, and set away from the main airport buildings, aether belongs to a new breed of elite facilities aimed at travellers who will happily pay extra to avoid the departures-hall scrum.
From the comfort of this serene cocoon of blond wood and caramel leather seats, guests can check in, pass through security, tuck into a six-course small-plate menu and then be transferred to the gate (but not the plane, sadly) in a private, chauffeur-driven electric BMW i7.
“Swap the departures-hall scrum for a serene cocoon of blond wood and caramel leather seats”
In the same, gilded, vein, London Heathrow launched its upgraded VIP private terminal, The Windsor by Heathrow, in February. Unashamedly catering to high-profile passengers, it comes with butler and personal shopping services, Michelin-grade cuisine from Jason Atherton and revolving artworks by the likes of Warhol and Banksy that can be bought at the touch of a QR code.
Scheduled to serve 50,000 travellers annually (out of the 83.9 million that pass through Heathrow), The Windsor includes eight private lounges, making it right on cue with another trend – inner sanctums. The demand for airside retreats is now so high that providers have taken to creating premium spaces within their lounges that are strictly for their most faithful or high-spending customers – a practice long found in nightclubs.
One example is Finnair’s (finnair.com) Schengen-side lounge at Helsinki Airport, which seats 440 guests and has since July included a Platinum Corner exclusively for the carrier’s top-tier frequent-fliers – introduced due to demand. Another can be found in Hong Kong, where the Plaza Premium First lounge in Terminal 1 features the Infinity Room, another lounge within a lounge.
Unveiled in September, it offers perks such as 10-minute neck-and-shoulder massages and buggy transfers to the gate. Meanwhile, at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club offers three Reserve
SPARKLE
PIT-STOP PERFECTION
Above: chefs in action at Malaysia Airlines’ Golden Lounge; forget soggy sandwiches – the cuisine at Manchester’s aether is worth detouring for
Suites by Chase, available to Reserve cardholders for an additional cost, which come with a personal host, caviar on arrival, specially curated food and drink and a private bathroom with shower
Maintaining exclusivity will also be a key theme for airline jetBlue (jetblue.com) when it opens its first-ever lounge at New York’s JFK Airport later this year, with another at Boston Logan to follow soon after. Conscious of “overcrowding and long lines at other airline lounges”, the carrier has promised that complimentary access will be strictly reserved for its most loyal customers and premium credit cardholders.
Initiatives to make the airline lounge much more than a glorified waiting room are now gathering pace. British Airways (britishairways.com) is currently upgrading its global network of 28 lounges in 20 airports, with one at Seattle Tacoma just completed and more to follow in Dubai and Miami. For British Airways, as with many other airlines, creating a sense of place is a key design theme. Opened in June by Delta (delta.com), the plush One Lounge at JFK Terminal 4 offers art deco interiors with fluted glass and a gold leaf ceiling inspired by Radio City Music Hall. And from Virgin Atlantic (virginatlantic.com ), there’s the new Clubhouse, which opened in Los Angeles Airport’s Tom Bradley International Terminal last month, and has prenight-flight mood-lighting to evoke the Californian sunset.
A sense of time is also important, understandably; it’s easy to forget what day it is as we hurtle around the planet. Malaysia Airlines’ (malaysiaairlines.com) Golden Lounges in Kuala Lumpur make a point of celebrating key dates such as Chinese New Year, Eid and Mother’s Day.
Dining well is another crucial pillar. When Turkish Airlines (turkishairlines.com) unveiled its lounge at Tokyo Narita in February, the company’s largest outside Istanbul, it was deemed essential that it included an oven for making freshly baked pide flatbread. Meanwhile, in Emirates’ (emirates.com) busiest haven in Dubai, at the Concourse B Business Class Lounge, Terminal 3, a Moët & Chandon Champagne Lounge opened last October has set a new benchmark in the art of reviving weary travellers. Guests have a choice of four champagnes, including a Moët Grand Vintage 2013, which are expertly paired with dishes such as scallop tataki, tuna tartare with orange segments, and grilled Obsiblue shrimps.
Just don’t forget to catch your flight.
With a growing constellation of Michelin stars to its name, this fertile island adrift in the Atlantic is cultivating a fresh culinary identity, led by homegrown chefs and fuelled by centuries-old winemaking expertise. Ivan Carvalho reports
Clockwise from this pic: chef Octávio Freitas, owner of Desarma; the restaurant’s dining room; one of Freitas’ artful plates
Portugal’s ongoing tourism boom has been a blessing for the nation’s chefs, who’ve been eager to show off their creativity to outsiders. Proof of their progress was on display at the release of the 2025 edition of the Michelin Guide, which saw a notable rise in restaurants earning plaudits and in which one region in particular emerged from the culinary shadows: Madeira.
Famed for its pleasant year-round climate and eponymous fortified wine, the island has seen an emerging crop of dining establishments of late attract guests hungry for inspired dishes. Leading the way is chef Octávio Freitas, owner of Desarma (desarma.pt) in Funchal, Madeira’s capital. With its chic rooftop setting, this Michelin-starred establishment displays Freitas’ talent for cured and matured fish. Highlights include an amuse-bouche made with dried seasoned squid, a bonbon-like capsule of black scabbardfish roe with rye crumbs and shavings of bottarga, and a grilled trout from the island’s northern coastal town of Seixal combined with eel pudding and smoked seaweed broth.
Seafood charcuterie makes an appearance as Freitas uses the belly and gelatin from the heads of grouper fish, turning them into sausages. “It’s one way to make the most of our local produce,” he explains. At nearby restaurant William (belmond. com), another Michelin-star recipient, talented native José Diogo Costa offers a trio of tasting menus, including an allvegetarian option, to showcase his creativity with ingredients, served in his elegant dining room overlooking Funchal Bay. Tuck into a prawn delicacy prepared with buttermilk and
fennel, and be sure to finish with one of his desserts infused with history such as a recent addition featuring honey and medicinal herbs that draws inspiration from a traditional Portuguese liqueur.
Next door to William, one finds a pair of restaurants from the PortoBay group, Avista and sister eatery Avista Ásia (portobay.com), perched above the headlands near Pirates Bay. After admiring the sweeping sea views, attention should be given to the menu, with Avista dedicating space to Mediterranean-style dishes – opt for the Algarvian red prawns with ajo blanco, green apple, basil and almond. At Avista Ásia, flavourful fusion cuisine taking notes from Chinese, Japanese and Korean cooking comes to the fore. Offerings range from violet prawn with a sea urchin emulsion to an Atlantic cod dish with edamame, cured egg yolk, celeriac sauce and noisette butter.
For an edgy, urban vibe, the dark interiors of Audax (visitmadeira.com) in downtown Funchal provide the ideal setting in which to admire the contemporary interpretations of chef César Vieira, who ably pairs his food with an impressive selection of wines by the glass.
Set against black tabletops, elegant ceramic bowls of coastal fish cooked at low temperature emerge one after another from the pass – one delectable version delivers a sublime texture, concocted with a green bean and banana kimchi and finished with a razor clam foam.
In contrast, a more rustic scene is found at Gazebo (gazeboexperience.com), a country manor house set in the
middle of built-up Funchal, where chef Filipe Janeiro takes a garden-to-table approach. He and his staff pick daily everything from lychee and figs to basil and rosemary – be sure to enquire when you visit if he has any sweets prepared with pitanga, a small, ribbed cherry that is one of the headlining tropical fruits on the island, together with guavas and the ubiquitous banana.
Gazebo, along with its gourmet peers, makes an effort to introduce diners to still wines made on the island from indigenous varietals including Tinta Negra. Among the notable names encountered is António Maçanita, a rockstar winemaker from the mainland who works with local Nuno Faria to make quaffable reds and whites. One of the producer’s most exciting projects to date hails from Porto Santo, a sister island to Madeira and one of the most arid areas of Portugal, home to sandy limestone soils. Native white grapes Caracol and Listrão yield freshness and saline notes with a long finish.
Renowned winery Barbeito, under third-generation owner Ricardo Diogo Vasconcelos de Freitas, also dabbles in still wines, using grapes including Verdelho. On the fortified side, Freitas continues to blaze a trail with a newstyle Madeira that is not de-acidfied, so the wine retains more freshness and tang. De Freitas adds: “They have a gastronomic characteristic that gives sommeliers the chance to be more adventurous with pairings. And with the added attention our island is getting today from foodies, the timing couldn’t be better.”
Enjoy
and
A dreamy mix of salt air, sundowners and slow living – barefoot, laid-back luxury is at its most radiant on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, finds Doug Wallace
I’ve always been envious of people who have a “happy place”. They’ve hit on a travel destination that strikes a chord, one they want to return to again and again – be it a Caribbean beach, a forest campground or a European country villa. While I do visit a family cottage that means a lot to me, I hadn’t had this type of light-bulb moment until I arrived in Noosa Heads, a resort enclave on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia.
With white-sand beaches, surf-ready waves, abundant national parks and a mountainous hinterland full of nooks and crannies to explore, the Sunshine Coast is picturepostcard perfection. Noosa, which sits at the top of the region, about a two-hour drive north of Brisbane, is often referred to as the “Relaxation Capital of Australia”.
Rather than a whirlwind tour, visitors here tend to curb their obsession with time and give their road trips a more leisurely pace, connecting with the people they meet, the area’s diverse nature and satisfying culinary culture – this is a foodie paradise for sure. On first impression, I find equal parts beachside luxury and outdoor adventure –truly, the whole of Queensland is a nature lover’s dream. I also detect an icing of sophistication in Noosa that is neither haughty nor false, despite all the linen-clad shoppers on the town’s famous Hastings Street and the expensive sunglasses ringing the condo pools.
“Our locals are a real mix – some born and bred here, and others from all over Australia who have moved to the region for our lifestyle,” Susan Ewington, who works at
“With its white-sand beaches and surf-ready waves, Noosa is the ‘Relaxation Capital of Australia’”
Your journey to Noosa will no doubt begin in one of Australia’s larger centres. Set in the historic Sandstone Precinct, the Capella Sydney (capellahotels.com), pictured above, is a heritage-listed icon. Guests here benefit from modern design and bespoke service – the type of luxury you thought was a thing of the past. And PARKROYAL Darling Harbour (panpacific.com) has everything you want in a city retreat – if what you want is the epitome of comfort. A prime location puts you at the centre of everything, with perfect service the icing on the cake.
If your travels originate in Brisbane, Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites (oakshotels.com) comes through with contemporary, residential-style accommodation and all the comforts of home. Holidaymakers revel in the tranquillity of Oaks Brisbane Aurora, Festival, Lexicon, Mews and Casino Tower suites, all offering enormous variety, tailormade services and top-notch facilities.
Within the Sunshine Coast region itself, Oaks Sunshine Coast Seaforth Resort in Alexandra Headland and Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort in the coastal town of Caloundra deliver serenity and convenience in spades, along, of course, with plenty of golden sand.
the local tourism board, says. And although there is this posh veneer, the crowd isn’t all fancy. “We also get a good number of backpackers travelling in Australia who stay in Noosa for a few months.” That certainly sounds appealing to me. Cue, long lunches and sunset cocktails.
After a day or two, I can see why people gravitate to the maze of waterways here to open up a business or indulge in a creative whim, to semi-retire or to just escape from the city for a while. Tourists are drawn to Noosa, but not overburdening it – not yet, anyway.
I’m not in town five minutes before I’m sampling cakes in a pretty patisserie, then, moments later, elbow-deep in a distillery gin-tasting – variety is the spice of life here, along with fresh seafood and local produce from a fertile hinterland. Many visitors come for the food alone: talented chefs have been lured to Noosa by the upscale demographic and the agreeable, surf-chic lifestyle.
Absolutely everything that goes into the Asia-inspired dishes at Sum Yung Guys (sumyungguys.com.au) is made from scratch, and it shows. The same team is also the force behind the town’s new, Mediterranean-leaning Peli’s (pelisnoosa.com.au), on the waterfront. Mahi Mahi (mahimahi.com.au) comes through with artisan fish and chips beachside, while Chinadina (chinadina.com.au) takes care of those looking for authentic Hong Kong delights. The elegant and iconic Sails Restaurant (sailsnoosa.com.au)
“After a day or two, I can see why people gravitate to the maze of waterways here to open up a business or indulge in a creative whim”
offers splendid views of Laguna Bay, along with one of the largest wine collections in Australia.
All the good food has to be worked off, of course. The Noosa North Shore yields 80km of sandy beach and wilderness, plus a subtropical landscape to explore. The Noosa Biosphere Trails are perfect for hiking and biking, horseback riding and critter spotting: the region is home to more than 3,000 species of wildlife, 700 of which are native, from wild koalas to black cockatoos and microbats (aka flying foxes). You will also find dolphins, loggerhead turtles, sea eagles and pelicans in the Noosa Everglades –about a 40-minute drive from Noosa Heads – one of only two everglade systems in the world, and the perfect spot for a few hours of kayaking.
But the real draw is the beach. At 7am, I’m out on the national park trail, just me and a handful of people getting their run in before work, until, suddenly, I notice about 200 surfers in the water to my left. Before long, they’re running speedily past me on the trail, back to their starting point, ready to surf it again. It’s a real “this is what life is like here” moment.
It’s hardly surprising that so many Australians have made Noosa their Shangri-la. They came for the waves or a quieter beach life and now either live here or return as often as they can. Living in Toronto, Noosa is a bit too far away to be my happy place. But now I know that I’m looking for something just like it.
Creative Tours showcases exactly what tourists want to do in the Noosa region – things like farm-to-fork food tours, a land-sea-air tour, a gourmet food trail and an after-dark distillery tour. (creativetours.com.au)
The town of Eumundi, southwest of Noosa Heads, makes a great day trip. It’s noted for the Eumundi Markets, an outdoor shopfest that supports local artisans, growers, makers and bakers. (eumundimarkets.com.au)
Drop by for happy hour at Noosa Heads Distillery to enjoy a whisky-, gin- or vodka-tasting adventure on the patio. This is one of the Sunshine Coast’s first craft distilleries and, arguably, its finest. (noosaheadsdistillery.com)
Situated between the picturesque Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht canals, Pulitzer Amsterdam spans across twenty-five interconnecting 17th and 18th-century canal houses portraying a blend of mid-century décor with contemporary luxury and modern influences. Discover the capital with a canal cruise on one of the hotel’s unique vessels and recover in the tranquil inner garden for afternoon drinks.
Pulitzeramsterdam.com
A neighborhood in its own right
Artfully designed, Pulitzer’s Collector’s Suites are named after their imagined past. Taking its inspiration from the city’s rich botanical culture, the Flower Collector’s Suite echoes the ornate glass panelling of vintage greenhouses, lush floral tones of Amsterdam’s flower market and of course, the celebrated Dutch tulip.
SPOILT FOR CHOICE
A Regent voyage delivers the best of both worlds, with Included & Unlimited Shore Excursions included; on board, meanwhile, you’ll find craft cocktails, Michelin starworthy cuisine, use of spa facilities and a dazzling entertainment programme
Looking for a dream holiday where you don’t have to lift a finger, can explore a compelling new destination every day, and where every last luxurious detail is included?
All this and more awaits on a Regent
voyage
There are holidays, and then there are Regent Seven Seas Cruises® voyages – each one an experience defined by effortless indulgence and unmatched luxury. This is not just cruising; this is poetry in motion, perfected over three decades, where every desire is anticipated and every detail delivered with impeccable grace. As anyone who has ever had the pleasure of sailing with Regent will know, on The World’s Most Luxurious FleetTM, everything is included – from worldclass dining and enriching shore excursions to Heartfelt HospitalityTM that makes you feel not just welcomed, but truly known.
Luxury, of course, is not just about what you have; it’s about what you don’t have. We’re talking no crowds, no queues and no compromises. With no more than 850 guests per voyage and an almost one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, Regent offers an intimate, boutique hotel experience at sea. Suites are expansive, with some of the largest balconies afloat, and every corner of the ship exudes timeless elegance, from chic lounges to serene spa sanctuaries.
“It is important to anticipate the guests’ needs, but it is even more vital to remember all of their requests,” says Steph Armengol, Vice President of Hotel Operations. “We keep their preferences, so when they return, everything is ready for them. It’s like coming home.”
IMMERSIVE EXPLORATIONTM
Each of Regent’s journeys is curated to inspire, with over 550 destinations to explore and Included & Unlimited Shore Excursions included. Stroll through Istanbul’s aromatic Spice Market, seek out Alaska’s majestic bears in the Spasski River Valley, or lose yourself in the rich culture of Ho Chi Minh City. And for those who desire deeper immersion, bespoke experiences – spanning private vineyard tastings to VIP museum viewings – await.
EPICUREAN PERFECTIONTM
Culinary artistry is at the heart of every Regent voyage, with speciality restaurants celebrating global flavours and in-suite dining available 24/7. You have a craving for caviar at midnight? Are peckish for fresh, handmade focaccia for breakfast? Your wish is Regent’s command. Ingredients-driven menus showcase fresh local produce, and acclaimed on-board cooking classes bring destinations to life through food. “We consult with chefs from all over the world,” explains Bernhard Klotz, Vice President of Food & Beverage. “From Michelin-starred kitchens to family-run restaurants, we ensure every dish tells an authentic story.”
With Regent, indulgence is effortless. Every detail is taken care of: unlimited fine wines, craft cocktails, artisanal coffees, Wi-Fi, spa access, pre-paid gratuities, and even valet laundry. Concierge Suites and above include a pre-cruise hotel stay, while Penthouse Suites elevate the experience yet further with a personal butler.
As a recent guest put it: “To be recognised and greeted by name reminds us that we’re not just part of a cattle drive like on some other ships, but truly seen as individuals. The service is heartfelt, and that makes all the difference.”
For those who seek the pinnacle of refined travel, the choice is clear. With every voyage promising a seamless blend of elegance, exploration and exquisite service, Regent Seven Seas Cruises® really does set the bar. Because, when it comes to ultraluxury cruising, Nobody Does It BetterTM Visit RSSC.COM to find out more.
The epicentre of Ireland’s reinvigorated whiskey industry happens to be in the capital, where distilleries, hostelries and watering holes are ripe for exploration. Just don’t call it Scotch, says Larry Olmsted
WHISKEY IN THE JAR
Previous page: Jameson’s historic Bow Street Distillery is today home to a state-of-the-art visitors’ centre
Right: whiskey is still made using age-old techniques at the Teeling Distillery Far right: shuttered in 1926, Roe & Co. was reborn in 2019 and now offers cocktailmaking classes and blending sessions
The Emerald Isle has a long and rich whiskey tradition, though not one that hasn’t had its fair share of challenges. Following the Irish diaspora of the 1800s and the arrival of American Prohibition in the 1920, by the 1980s, the country was down to a total of just three working distilleries. Fortunately for thirsty visitors today, the craft spirits revival has inspired newcomers galore, particularly in Dublin, where there are now four active whiskey producers and plenty of bars specialising in the “water of life”.
While whisky was a Scottish invention, the Irish “whiskey” that followed soon after is distinguishable by far more than just an extra vowel. Join any one of the excellent distillery tours on offer in the Irish capital and you’ll quickly learn the rules: Irish whiskey must be produced in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, distilled only in smaller, oldschool pot stills, aged in wooden casks for at least three years, and have a minimum alcohol content of 40%. It comes in two major styles: malt whiskey, made only from 100% malted barley, and milder blended whiskey, comprising malt mixed with whiskey from other grains. Blended was long the Irish norm, but in recent years we’ve witnessed a malt, single malt and single pot still revolution (the latter two are malts produced at one distillery or in a single distillation). The most noticeable difference for Scotch drinkers is that Irish whiskey is almost never peated, and thus not smoky. Also, by tradition, most are triple distilled, making them smoother, but this is not a legal requirement.
The most famous name in Irish whisky is Jameson (jamesonwhiskey.com). One of the only remaining original producers, it’s found just north of the River Liffey in Smithfield, a centrally located former industrial neighbourhood turned hip hangout, now home to cafés, galleries and craft beer pubs. When John Jameson came from Scotland and opened his facility in 1780, there were more than 100 breweries and
“Fortunately, the craft spirits revival has inspired newcomers galore, particularly in Dublin, where plenty of bars specialise in the ‘water of life’”
“The most noticeable difference for Scotch drinkers is that Irish whiskey is almost never peated, and thus not smoky”
distilleries, but this was the city’s last whiskey producer. In 1970, all production, including that of sister brand Midleton, was moved to a huge new facility in County Cork and the Dublin plant was revamped as a state-of-the-art visitors’ centre, winning “World’s Best Distillery Tour”. Today you can choose from half a dozen tour options, from a basic, with three samples, to those featuring limited releases, craft cocktail classes and a deluxe 90-minute special guided tasting straight from the casks. Options here include more than 20 standard and special Jameson labels, along with some by Midleton and its rarefied Redbreast brand.
Another historical name reborn, the Teeling Distillery (teelingdistillery.com) is in the Liberties neighbourhood, Dublin’s traditional distilling centre, just south of the river and adjacent to the ultra-popular Temple Bar district. Back in 1782, when Walter Teeling began making whiskey in Dublin, every distillery was a tiny craft distillery. Several generations later, the Teeling brothers continue to honour this minimalist tradition, with a small copper pot still producing Ireland’s most-awarded brand. They make five whiskies in their global line, plus more than a dozen limited releases and rarities, up to a 40-year, some of which you won’t find outside Dublin. Of its tours, the unique “bottle your own private cask class” comes with the ultimate souvenir – your own, bespoke 750ml bottle to take home.
Nearby, also in the Liberties, is Dublin’s smallest distillery, Pearse Lyons (pearselyonsdistillery.com), opened in 2017 in a beautiful, renovated 18th-century stone cathedral, complete with towering stained-glass windows depicting copper pot stills. Tours with tastings are offered, as well as cocktail classes. This being the city’s only whiskey distillery that also produces gin, you can also join a two-hour gin-making class, during which you’ll blend your own aromatics and, when it’s finished, take a bottle home. Pearse Lyons specialises in highend, older and single pot still whiskies – its youngest being an impressive 5-year – plus special editions.
Right next door to the Guinness Brewery is the new Roe & Co. (roeandcowhiskey.com) distillery – one of the country’s most popular attractions. Once the largest exporter of whiskey from Ireland, Roe & Co.’s huge facility was shuttered in 1926, but the brand was reborn in 2019. Two 40-minute experiences are offered, a cocktail class and whiskey blending session, both of which include a short distillery tour and a cocktail at the facility’s Powerhouse Bar – also open for those who don’t wish to book a class. The distillery currently makes three expressions: a single malt, a single grain and a blended whiskey.
Beyond its distilleries, Dublin is full of topnotch bars and pubs overflowing with whiskies from Ireland and elsewhere, especially in the dining and nightlife-centric Temple Bar. It’s in this area that you’ll find Whiskey Reserve (thewhiskeyreserve.com), a bar and retail shop boasting the city’s largest collection, with more than 2,000 global labels. Nearby, The Palace Bar (thepalacebardublin.com) is an elegant Victorian doyenne, stocking more than 100 options, including private cask selections of Irish whiskey found only here. The Irish pub is a distinctive kind of bar that has spread to nearly every corner of the globe, but for 250 years, many have thought the very best example of this genre is the warm and welcoming Long Hall Bar (visitdublin.com/ the-long-hall-pub) in downtown Dublin, a cosy space peppered with antiques and with a very impressive Irish whiskey list.
“The Irish pub is a distinctive kind of bar that has spread to nearly every corner of the world”
WHAT’S THE CRAIC?
Left: The Palace Bar in Temple Bar, which Irish poet and novelist Patrick Kavanagh called “the most wonderful temple of art” Below: sample old whiskies in futuristic surrounds at the Marker Bar, in Dublin’s new Anantara Marker Opposite: The Westbury’s Sidecar lounge raises a glass to the Prohibition era through its sleek retro design
The new Anantara Marker (anantara.com) is making waves: a contemporary, architectural big-hitter on the waterfront in the centrally located Grand Canal Square. Its Marker Bar & Lounge has a long list of Irish whiskies and gins, plus a speciality menu of Irish coffees, which are also featured in Anantara’s signature Spice Spoons cooking classes. The city is also home to a couple of properties by The Doyle Collection (doylecollection.com). The first of these is named after its neighbour, Ireland’s famous venue for concerts and Gaelic sports, Croke Park, and has recently added a new gourmet restaurant, the Hawthorn. The menu features the finest local Irish ingredients in superb regional dishes, as well as a comprehensive Irish whiskey list, which is also available in the hotel’s Sideline cocktail lounge. Then there’s the grande dame of the city, The Westbury, which is known for its lavish afternoon tea, museum-worthy art collection, signature fine-dining restaurant, Wilde, and its Prohibition era-themed cocktail lounge The Sidecar, 2024’s “Hotel Bar of the Year”.
The new Maserati GranCabrio is bold, beautiful and comes with bragging rights even bigger than its sizeable boot. Adam Hay-Nicholls gets behind the wheel
You’re in the market for a sun-seeking four-seat sports car with enough boot space for a long weekend on the Riviera and a badge that’ll win you the prime parking spot outside l’Hôtel de Paris. You find the Ferrari Roma Spider a bit outré; the Porsche 911 Cabriolet humdrum; the Bentley Continental GTC old-fashioned; and the Mercedes SL too corporate. You’re a maverick. You’re mysterious. You picture yourself in a tuxedo or evening gown by moonlight. So you have two choices: an Aston Martin DB12 Volante, or the new Maserati GranCabrio, which oozes laid-back charisma.
The GranCabrio, sister to the coupé GranTurismo, boasts Latin sex-appeal. It’s a breathtakingly handsome automobile with a timeless aristocracy – a car that looks more at home outside a yacht club than a nightclub. It gives visual nods to both its throaty V8 predecessor and the brand’s mid-engined halo car, the MC20, and it comes in two flavours: the 550bhp V6 “Trofeo” and 761bhp electric “Folgore”. There’s barely any visual difference in the EV and internal combustion versions, despite the very different powertrains.
The packaging of both cars is ingenious, and the fabric roof disappears in just 14 seconds. With the Trofeo, its V6 is positioned low behind the front axle. The centre of gravity is right where you want it, and this “Nettuno” engine, which made its first appearance in the MC20, has patented prechamber combustion technology derived from Formula 1. Thrust, thanks to this, is instant and bountiful. This is the most power-dense production ICE engine in the world. Zero to 62mph takes only 3.6 seconds, while the top speed is 196mph. It sounds bold, too. The old V8 had more crackle and pop when trundling around town in second gear, but the second-gen GC, especially in Corsa mode, is every bit a trouser-bulging Maser; a perfect gran turismo in that it can be stealthy in cruise mode, then an Exocet with the flex of an ankle.
The Folgore is even faster, just without the soundtrack. This car is a gamechanger for Maserati, and the segment as a whole. No one else builds an electric 2+2 drop-top, and this is the most engaging EV yet unleashed – even more so than Porsche’s lidded Taycan Turbo S. As is the way with EVs – and an inherent problem for super-EVs – if you drive à la Max Verstappen, you might find the fun’s over in half an hour. Like the Porsche, the Maserati packs state-of-the-art 800v architecture, which has the fastest charging capability. It allows for DC charging of up to 270kW, which means 20% to 80% should only take 18 minutes – if you strike gold with the Zapmap app, of course.
Inside the cabin you’ll find regenerated materials in keeping with eco-luxury. You can still opt for wood, carbon and leather if you wish, but my Folgore is outfitted with seats made from a type of waste nylon (think fishing nets and used carpets) called Econyl, which is like silky wetsuit material to the touch. Parametric patterns have been produced by computer and laser-cut. Maserati has made enormous strides when it comes to build quality and infotainment (with a stand-out Sonus Faber sound system), but where it really trumps its rivals is with space. This is a true four-seater, with ample room for long limbs and check-in luggage.
The new GranCabrio has managed to retain the trident’s character in spite of its less soulful innards, which is no mean feat. It marks a new epoch for the luxury sports convertible, re-engineering la dolce vita for the digital age (maserati.com)
DEFYING GRAVITY
The GranCabrio’s engine utilises patented combustion technology usually only seen at Silverstone, you’ll find eco-luxury aplenty in the streamlined cabin, and the infotainment system is a delight – whether you’re navigating mountainous hairpins or the daily commute
