The art of travel

Connect with neighbours

Puglia is home to whitewashed villages and gnarled olive groves, one of which you pass through to reach Borgo Egnazia, a family-run property which feels quintessentially Italian. Indeed, it could be mistaken for yet another picture-perfect village in the Itria valley. The hotel leans into it, immaculately showcasing this southern region. The surrounding centuries-old farmland screams ‘Puglia’, but Borgo Egnazia also facilitates experiences designed to allow guests to immerse themselves in local life: you can tour the region by vintage car, enrol in an olive oil tasting session, and trek the neighbouring landscapes.

In Tenerife, Royal River is exploring innovative ways of unlocking the island. One of these is through design: the resort, a haven of pure luxury and tranquillity, is also contemporary and full of quirks, like the porcelain giraffe on the hotel’s roof terrace. Another way is through unforgettable experiences: get up close to marine wildlife aboard the Royal Boat, or savour Canarian wines with the hotel’s sommelier. You can also explore the National Park of Mount Teide; experience the vibrant Santa Cruz Carnival – a pre-Lent extravaganza of parades, music, and costumes; or unwind on the island’s beaches, where the sand graduates from gold to black.

In Palma, the charming village of Deià has long attracted artists, poets and musicians. Feel the echoes of words spoken, notes composed and brushes brandished at the sage-shuttered La Residencia, a Belmond Hotel – home to more than 800 artworks (including 33 original Míro paintings in the café of the same name), here you’ll find one of Spain’s biggest permanent sculpture gardens. A trio of resident curators lead art classes, village tours and studio visits; even the seasonal kids’ club includes pottery workshops and cookery.

Discover cultural authenticity

Embrace local life at The Romanos a Luxury Collection Resort, delving into cookery classes with local ladies, cheese tasting and making, wine masterclasses, lessons in traditional Messinian embroidery, and even astronomy nights. Get blissfully lost in the spa, a labyrinth of ice grottos, Thalassotherapy chambers and steam rooms; Anazoe Spa even has its own herb garden. If your young ones are football mad, a visit during July or August is sure to you get in their good books; they can sign up to be taught by official FC Bayern Munich coaches.

If you’re looking for cultural escapades, you’ll struggle to do better than Athens. History merges with myth in the Greek capital, which is still dominated by fifth century BC landmarks, like the Acropolis. The adjoining museum preserves mind-boggling wares from the ancient world.

Despite Athens’ classical origins, the area’s hotel scene is breaking ground. The newest kid on the block is 91 Athens Riviera, which has the USP of being a sophisticated glamping resort. This is about as far as it gets from camping in a field: safari-style ‘Luxents’, as they’re called, come complete with balconies and plunge pools. The hotel restaurant is partnered with Barbarossa, possibly Greece’s most iconic restaurant. Plus, the hotel shines in both summer and winter, with attractions that range from a beach club to a health club open all year round.

An equally authentic Greek experience comes in the form of The Olivar Suites; an 18th-century olive press is the heart of this picturesque site, with its cogs and whirligigs still intact. Olive trees that put down roots centuries ago remind guests of the owners’ past endeavours. A palette of white with accents of grey and walnut soothes, while fitting in perfectly with the narrow washing-draped alleys and bustling tavernas just a short stroll down the road. Guests can immerse themselves in olive oil tastings and authentic ‘taste of Corfu’ experiences.

Explore distant lands

The further afield you travel, the bigger the world seems. Mauritius is known for its beaches, lagoons and reefs, as well as rainforests and waterfalls such as those in the Black River Gorges National Park. But there’s no shortage of culture here, too: the capital of Port Louis, for example, is home to the Champs de Mars horse track and the 18th-century Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens.

Shangri-La Le Touessrok is perched on the white sands of the east coast. While there’s plenty to do to immerse yourself in Mauritius, make sure you carve out time to kick back at this hotel: marvel at the sunrise, discover the dynamic flora and fauna, and experience exclusive hideaways like Ilot Mangénie, the hotel’s private island, and Frangipani Islet, which is accessible by a bridge connected to the mainland.