India Cardona
"There are many pulls to Puglia - the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot - with its whitewashed hill towns, endless olive groves, dramatic coastlines, and simple, rustic Italian cuisine served on colorful splattered ceramics. It's a region that effortlessly blends tradition with modern style, making every visit a feast for the senses. My love affair began with a visit to Masseria Moroseta, the first design-led masseria that seamlessly pairs a modern aesthetic with authentic Puglian charm. The team behind Masseria Moroseta has made a significant impact on the region - the property itself is a culinary destination, hosting farm-to-table dinners several nights a week. They also manage a curated collection of villas called Moroseta Homes, operate a beautiful boat named Margherita for scenic day trips, and run Burro, a chic café in the nearby historic town of Ostuni.
"Having a car is useful for exploring further afield. Grottaglie, known as the ‘City of Ceramics,’ is a haven for ceramic lovers - it’s impossible to leave empty-handed, with Ceramiche Nicola Fasano being a standout stop. Along the Adriatic coast, iconic swimming spots like Polignano a Mare offer rustic charm over flashy beach clubs. For those eager to try their hand at Puglian cooking, Everyone At The Table run authentic cooking classes set in beautiful locations.
"Next time I visit, I’d love to stay at Borgo Gallana, a serene collection of rentals designed by Andrew Trotter, who also designed the Moroseta properties, and Palazzo Daniele, an exquisite 19th-century palace turned boutique hotel further south."
Tanya Burr
"Hotel Esencia in Tulum has become one of my favourite hotels in the world. Tucked away on the perfect, white sands of Xpu-Ha Beach about a mile away from the main town, it feels like a secret. It’s intimate, elegant, and luxurious without ever trying too hard. The hotel itself was once an Italian duchess’s private home, and somehow, that history lingers in the way the place carries itself refined, but never pretentious. Each of the 51 rooms feels like its own little sanctuary, especially the ones with plunge pools surrounded by palm trees.
One of the joys of being there (other than the beautiful setting and excellent service) is the food. Every meal is a standout, from simple tacos done to perfection to a steak that I still think about years later. The beachfront restaurant, in particular, is magic - casual, breezy, and impossibly good.
I also love heading into Tulum town for dinner, you can find so many great places to eat on the main strip, but Hartwood was unforgettable. We sat at the bar under string lights, eating shared plates and sipping cocktails, and I remember thinking - I feel like I am in a film. I think that has to be one of my favourite date nights with my boyfriend of all time!
Whether I’m floating in the pool, walking along the beach, or just reading in the shade, Hotel Esencia always seems to give me exactly what I need - a quiet reset, surrounded by beauty. It is also eco-friendly and I always appreciate a hotel that makes an effort to be sustainable. My goal is to return next year with our son!"
Benedict Foley & Daniel Slowik
"I think simply put, Cairo! Our friends Goya and Cruz invited us earlier in the year as part of their launch of Anut – we’d been on the Nile with other friends the year before and couldn’t wait to go back! Cairo gets rather overlooked in the rush to see ancient Egypt, with people saying things like you can do Cairo a day – not for us! It is one of the most exciting and ancient Islamic cities you can still easily visit and has a beauty that is compelling. We stayed at a new little hotel in Downtown – Mazeej Hotels – which was perfect - delicious but modern Egyptian food, all very comfortable and staying there allows you to walk around the Downtown area exploring its Belle Epoch / Deco buildings. Many are crumbling but they are wonderful.
"Hire a local guide to explore medieval Cairo and the City of the Dead - we went into every mosque we passed and could have spent days going back. The streets are thronged but with a local it’s all street theatre! Visit the old archeological museum, the Gayer Anderson Museum (heaven on earth) and there are artisans such as the Wissawassef foundation near the pyramids if you’re staying longer. Four nights is perfect. Go as a couple or with a group of friends, with children I think it would be hectic. Be open minded – you have to enjoy the life of a city for this one. Think Rome, Rio, Bangkok, Mumbai, Naples!"
benedictfoley.com | danielslowik.com
Mimi Shodeinde
"I first visited Antigua for a potential project in late 2022 and that's when my love affair with the island began. It was my first ever visit to the Caribbean and I was instantly drawn to the charm of the island, its warmth, the incredible people and uniquely laid-back atmosphere. one of the most beautiful bays I have ever seen. The beautiful bays surrounded by tropical rainforest and wildlife. There’s also an incredibly rich artistic tradition in the region, and we discovered so many local artisans and artists. The community is everything."
Gabby Deeming
“Although I now spend lots of time in Jaipur, my first trip there was a holiday and it went on to be life-changing for me. Some people say India isn't for everyone, but I completely disagree! Having travelled all over this amazing country I've come across all-sorts, from solo travellers on Ayurvedic retreats in Kerala, families in Udaipur and a lovely retired couple from California in a dawn hot-air balloon ride over the Aravali hills in Jaipur. In Jaipur alone you can have the most wonderful adventures! Stay small at beautiful 47 Jobner Bagh, or with a pool at the very comfortable Niravi (a brand new and lovely spot). With kids visit or stay at the Dera Amer Elephant Camp and visit the Monkey Temple. Eat and drink at The Johri Bar and Bar Palladio, then take a day trip for lunch at Anopura's organic farm and potter in their beautiful grounds, it's a lovely drive through rural Rajasthan. Ranthambore Tiger Reserve is not far away either. Stay at Khem Villas and do a dawn safari. Shop in Jaipur at Nila House, Anokhi and in the bazaars of the old city where you will find fabrics galore, kites, beautiful brassware and spices.”
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Sophie Ashby
“We recently took a trip as a family of five to the La Concha mountains on the Costa del Sol in Spain and stayed at The Marbella Club, which was a Garden of Eden of sorts. Originally created in 1954, it’s lovingly shaped over the decades and now sits in the talented hands of the brilliant Jennica Arazi.
The trip was full of the most special details, each little corner and table setting stopped me dead in my tracks and made me smile. From the four gorgeous pools, seahorse sanctuary, designer boutiques and sea water thermal space to the achingly chic restaurants and our own villa, it was pure heaven for the whole family. The scene each evening at their iconic terrace restaurant at sundown, complete with pressed tablecloths, amber silk lamps and candles, is perfection.”
Linda Boronkay
“My favourite holiday was spent at the sun-drenched Belmond La Residencia in Deià, Mallorca, where bougainvillea-clad terraces overlook olive groves and the Tramontana peaks. Mornings began with café con leche on my private balcony, afternoons wandering Deià’s winding lanes to browse De Moniö’s ceramics-and-jewellery gallery, Gres Gallery’s sculptural pottery, Ceramics by Joanna’s hand-painted tiles, and DATURA’s effortless wardrobe pieces. At lunchtime, I’d head to Ca’s Patro March, perched on terraced cliffs above a turquoise cove, tucking into grilled prawns and ensaïmadas with a glass of crisp Mallorcan rosado. Between strolls, I’d refuel at Cruz Coffee Roasters for small-batch espresso, savour a nourishing Buddha bowl at Hortet Deia, or linger over lemon-drizzle cake under the plane trees at Son Mico; each spot as effortless and charming as the village itself.”
