Inspirations for Luxury Moments
The Colors of Heaven
One of the many reasons to travel to Saudi Arabia is the AlUla Skies festival. It will take place next year from April 10th to 20th as part of the AlUla Moments festival series. Be sure to book a massage since your neck will likely – and justifiably – be craned upward to witness the colorful spectacle of hot air balloons floating in the skies above the UNESCO site of Hegra. Various activities around the event derive their themes from the surrounding desert and stars above, among other things. If you don't want to wait that long, you can already visit AlUla for another festival, such as Winter at Tantora (December 21st to January 21st). More Info
Baklava Butler?! Yes Please!
Istanbul has a special kind of mystique for travelers, and the 10-year anniversary package of the Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul will certainly add to that. To celebrate its birthday it's launching a new experience, "Magic on the Bosphorus". In addition to two overnight accommodations, it includes ten exclusive individual services, starting with a Rolls-Royce transfer from the airport. It continues with treats from the world's first baklava butler (pictured), a tea ceremony with the Shangri-La Kung Fu Tea Master, and a "Lavender Escape" treatment in the hammam, among other things. The evening highlight is a private sunset cruise on the Bosphorus with a curated six-course menu, live music, and a butler. The package is bookable until September 24, 2024. More Info
Starry Greek Dreams
Wine, first-class food, and good company are top ingredients when it comes to a successful evening. The Cosme Hotel on Paros offers just that, but here's the cherry on top. After a Private Dining Experience – either romantically for two or with a group of family and friends – head to the brand new Stargazing Terrace. Paros has very little artificial light, making it easy to see the stars on a clear night. To make sure you don't go hungry, Chef Yiannis Kioroglou first provides the finest Greek specialties, which guests can enjoy in a garden enveloped by the fragrances of rosemary, thyme, and lavender. More Info
Tea Time with Coco Chanel
Fashionistas take note! Until February 25th, London's Victoria & Albert Museum is showcasing the already sold-out exhibition, "Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto." If you still want to go, book a room at The Kensington Hotel. This luxury establishment has the scoop with "The Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto Exhibition Experience" package. In addition to overnight accommodation including breakfast, two guaranteed admission tickets and the matching coffee table book are included. For those who want even more Chanel flair, The Kensington offers the appropriately inspired High Fashion High Tea (pictured). More Info
Art with Captain Nemo
Off the coast of Albufeira, divers now have a new destination: the art installation by Portuguese artist Vhils. Covering an area of 1,250 square meters (13,450sq. ft.), 13 works of art have been sunk at a depth of twelve meters (39ft.) off the Algarve coast. Vhils gave iron and metal parts a second life for his artworks. All the parts come from decommissioned coal-fired power plants and would otherwise have been scrapped. To visit the underwater exhibition you have to book a tour with either Dreamwave or X-Ride Algarve, among others. Divers are accompanied by a guide, and must take out special insurance beforehand. More Info