Inspirations for Luxury Moments
An Ode to Happiness
Now that's a good reason to travel to Mustique! The island, which belongs to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean, is hosting the "Health & Happiness" festival for the first time. From May 1st to 8th, it's all about feeling good. The program is packed with things like sunrise hikes, cardio tennis, yoga with a view of the turquoise Lagoon Beach, breathing exercises and meditation at sunset. If you like, you can go snorkeling with turtles or swim with horses in the sea (pictured). There are also lectures and workshops which always follow the island mantra of "Have fun, take it easy, keep it simple!" More Info
Art in the Desert
Until April 30th, the desert cities of Abu Dhabi City and Al Ain in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are practically living works of art. To mark the emirate's first biennial, installations can be seen free of charge in numerous public places in both cities. The representations range from the abstract, as in Afra Al Dhaheri's "D-constructing Collective Exhaustion," to oversized oyster shells complete with a pearl. The artworks will be exchanged after a certain period of time, and their exhibition locations can be reached on foot or by car. Opening hours vary depending on the location. More Info
Strings to Admire
Music fans will have as much a feast for their eyes as their ears: in Phoenix, Arizona, more than 70 famous violins and guitars can be found at the Musical Instrument Museum. The exhibition "Stradivarius and the Golden Age of Violins and Guitars" showcases masterpieces by the famous European violin makers Antonius Stradivarius, Guiseppe Guanéri, and Andrea Ammati. It takes visitors on a vivid journey through the long history of European violin making going back all the way to the 16th century. Open daily from 9am-5pm until September 14th. More info
Green Gumption
The Raymond Blanc Gardening School is located on the grounds of the Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons northwest of London, and is now offering hotel guests the opportunity to spend a day learning from professionals. There are various classes to choose from, including fruit tree pruning, orchard maintenance, flower arranging, herbology, and garden planning where participants can get practical tips from the experts. Of course, gourmet food is also provided – at a stylish lunch in the greenhouse. More info
Big Apple, Big Stage
Hotel experience meets the opera: The Mandarin Oriental New York has teamed up with the New York Metropolitan Opera to create a special package. Guests who book the Metropolitan Opera VIP Experience can stay at least two nights at the luxury hotel and receive two premium tickets for an opera performance. In addition, they can enjoy a three-course dinner for two in the Grand Tier Restaurant inside the Metropolitan Opera House – champagne and house wine included. On top of that, there's a limited edition book about the Metropolitan Opera's 2024/25 opera season as well as small delicacies. More Info
