Claridge’s has officially unveiled A Farm in Mayfair, a spectacular two-week sensory installation in collaboration with the renowned Somerset estate, The Newt. Running from Monday 18th May until Sunday 31st May 2026 to coincide with the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show, this unique partnership transforms the hotel’s legendary Art Deco lobby into a rural oasis. Visitors and guests are invited to experience the rich sounds, scents, and textures of the countryside right in the heart of the capital, complete with a naturalistic meadow planting of British-grown grasses and native perennials inspired by The Newt’s vibrant spring gardens.

At the center of this transformation is a breathtaking, six-meter-tall sculptural tower made entirely from 60,000 rods of locally grown Somerset willow. Crafted by a team of skilled British artisans using both traditional and contemporary weaving techniques, the monumental piece took ten people 148 days to complete. The structure features beautifully woven figures of water buffalo, British White cattle, a stag, and chickens ascending toward the sky, all paying homage to the estate’s rich agricultural heritage. At the very peak sits a single willow egg symbolising seasonal renewal, while the experience extends throughout the hotel with willow-framed archways, facade decorations, and a stunning hallway installation of 800 fresh apples for guests to take home.

The collaboration beautifully extends beyond the visual and into the culinary, with Claridge’s menus completely embracing the bounty of the Somerset estate. Throughout the fortnight, guests dining in The Foyer and Reading Room can savor exclusive dishes featuring estate-reared British White beef, lamb, heritage tomatoes, and fresh buffalo mozzarella from The Newt’s own Creamery. Dessert menus will spotlight seasonal rhubarb, strawberry, and apple creations, while Claridge’s Bar will be pouring The Newt’s signature Cyder. To commemorate the event, a limited-edition Claridge’s x The Newt tote bag will also be available to purchase online and in both properties’ boutiques.

For those looking to fully immerse themselves in this unique celebration of British hospitality and artistry, a special Claridge’s X The Newt Stay package is available for booking. Starting from £1,120, the exclusive experience includes luxury overnight accommodation, bed and breakfast, a curated three-course dinner in The Foyer showcasing the collaboration’s estate-to-table menu, and a selection of handpicked welcome gifts from The Newt. For more information or to reserve a stay, visit the official Maybourne booking page.

The Thinking Traveller has officially expanded its Italian portfolio to include the ruggedly beautiful island of Sardinia, launching a curated collection of exclusive-use properties for the 2026 season. Grounded in the brand’s philosophy of ‘understanding, not consuming’ a destination, this new offering focuses on a thoughtful selection of villas that reflect the island’s unique sense of place. From the iconic, organic architecture of the Costa Smeralda in the north to the quiet, luminous beaches and historic depth of the south near Cagliari, the collection provides a sophisticated gateway to the Mediterranean’s second-largest island.

The inaugural portfolio features architectural gems that honor Sardinia’s heritage, such as I Corbezzoli, a villa designed by the legendary Savin Couëlle that epitomizes the low-rise, natural aesthetic of the 1960s. In the North-East, Salinedda Six offers modern luxury with an infinity pool overlooking Capo Coda Cavallo, while the villas Maria and Lia provide a secluded retreat amidst the mature gardens of Santa Margherita di Pula in the south. These properties are managed through direct, long-term relationships with owners, ensuring the rigorous quality standards and exclusivity that have become the hallmark of the brand over the last two decades.

Beyond the physical beauty of the villas, guests are supported by a dedicated team of Local Specialists who offer an immersive, highly personalized experience rooted in authentic Sardinian culture. Whether navigating the island’s ancient Nuragic ruins, discovering hidden coves, or exploring a world-class food scene, the service is designed to uncover the island’s quiet confidence and wild interior. With improved accessibility through new direct flight routes to Olbia and Cagliari, The Thinking Traveller’s entry into Sardinia invites discerning travelers to explore one of Italy’s most storied landscapes with unprecedented intimacy and insight.

From 3 to 8 June 2026, the legendary Port Hercules becomes more than just a harbor; it transforms into the epicenter of global motorsport. EXPLORA I assumes an exclusive position at the heart of the action, offering guests an unparalleled vantage point for the Formula 1 Grand Prix de Monaco 2026. This is where the world of high-performance racing meets the sophisticated rhythm of the sea, allowing you to witness the adrenaline of the pit lane and the arrival of the world’s elite drivers from a position of absolute luxury.

The experience onboard is designed to balance the high-octane energy of the circuit with moments of profound restoration. Between the roar of Formula 1 practice sessions and the intense qualifying rounds of Formula 2 and Formula 3, the ship offers a sanctuary of refined calm. You might find stillness during a wellness ritual at Ocean Wellness – The Spa, or enjoy a quiet swim as the harbor reflects the golden Mediterranean sun. Every detail, from curated dining to elegant cocktails, is crafted to set the perfect mood for the spectacle unfolding just steps away.

To further immerse yourself in the event, you have the opportunity to enhance your journey with premium access options. Choose between the prestigious F1 Paddock Club™ hospitality or three-day premium covered grandstand seating, both of which provide a deeper connection to the technical precision and drama of the race. Whether you are in the heart of the Paddock or watching from the ship’s rail, the spirit of the Riviera is ever-present.

As the sun sets over the Monaco coastline, the celebration continues within the spacious sanctuary of your suite. These private retreats, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and oceanfront terraces, provide the perfect backdrop for golden hour reflections. Evenings onboard come alive with live music, refined tastings, and celebratory gatherings that honor the unique energy of race weekend. It is a fitting finale to a reimagined journey where the legendary thrill of Formula 1 meets the timeless elegance of Explora Journeys.

This May, Claridge’s will partner with The Newt in Somerset to bring a two-week collaboration to Mayfair, marking the estate’s return to London following its sponsorship of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Running from 18 to 31 May 2026, the initiative will combine large-scale installation, seasonal menus and a dedicated stay experience, introducing the character and produce of Somerset to the capital.

At the centre of the collaboration is A Farm in Mayfair, a sculptural installation in Claridge’s Art Deco lobby. Rising six metres high, the woven willow structure has been created by British artisans using traditional techniques, under the direction of The Newt’s team. The piece features a series of animals, including water buffalo, British White cattle, a stag, a ram, ewes and chickens, arranged in an upward composition that reflects the rhythm of rural life. The installation culminates in a single egg, representing origin and renewal. Additional willow elements will frame The Foyer restaurant and extend to the hotel’s exterior.

Throughout the partnership, guests will encounter displays of apples across the hotel, with visitors invited to take fruit as they pass through the space. The selection includes green Granny Smith apples, accented with gold tones that reference the shared attention to detail across both properties.

Menus in The Foyer and Reading Room will highlight ingredients sourced from The Newt’s estate, including heritage tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella produced at the estate’s creamery, and British White beef and lamb. Seasonal desserts will feature rhubarb, strawberry and apple, while Claridge’s Bar will serve The Newt’s cyder. A limited-edition Claridge’s X The Newt tote bag will also be available both in-store and online.

A dedicated Claridge’s X The Newt stay package will be available during the collaboration, including accommodation with breakfast, a three-course meal in The Foyer, and a selection of welcome items from The Newt. Rates start from £1,220.

Thomas Kochs, Managing Director of Claridge’s, commented: “We are pleased to welcome The Newt to Claridge’s at the start of the summer season, when London is in full bloom. Our lobby will once again become a focal point, bringing together creativity, craftsmanship and a sense of occasion for our guests.”

Andrew Foulkes, CEO of Hospitality at The Newt in Somerset, added: “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to quality, hospitality and craftsmanship. Bringing the character of The Newt to Claridge’s offers an opportunity to present our produce and perspective in a new context.”

Claridge’s X The Newt in Somerset will take place from 18 to 31 May 2026 in Mayfair. Further details are available at maybourne.com.

Palm Beach, Florida – Oetker Hotels marks a significant milestone with the opening of The Vineta Hotel, its first Masterpiece Hotel in the United States. Following a comprehensive renovation, the historic property has been reintroduced to Palm Beach, combining its architectural heritage with a contemporary European design perspective.

Developed in partnership with Reuben Brothers, the transformation of the landmark hotel includes redesigned public spaces and 41 guest rooms and suites. The project was led by internationally recognised interior designer Tino Zervudachi and his firm ZRM, working closely with architects Spina O’Rourke & Partners.

Timo Gruenert, CEO of Oetker Hotels, commented on the opening:
“This marks an important moment for the brand as we introduce our first Masterpiece Hotel in the United States. Palm Beach has long been a destination for our guests, and The Vineta allows us to extend our approach to hospitality to this market.”

A Design Rooted in Heritage

The Vineta’s distinctive façade reflects Palm Beach’s Mediterranean Revival architecture, carefully preserved as part of the restoration. Interiors introduce a refined yet relaxed aesthetic, balancing European sensibility with the light and character of the destination.

The redesign respects the building’s legacy while introducing contemporary elements, ensuring the property remains relevant for a new generation of travellers.

A key feature of the hotel is Coco’s, a restaurant concept inspired by the celebrated cuisine of Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. The offering brings a selection of signature dishes to Palm Beach, reinforcing the connection between Oetker Hotels’ European properties and its US debut.

At the poolside, The Pool House provides a more informal setting, serving a menu that ranges from Italian classics and raw bar selections to salads and traditional favourites. The space draws on retro influences, with detailed trellising and decorative elements shaping the setting.

The hotel’s pool acts as a central focal point, designed with bespoke mosaic detailing and architectural references to Palm Beach. Surrounded by landscaped areas and private lounging spaces, it offers a setting for both relaxation and social interaction.

Guests also have access to in-room fitness equipment, poolside yoga sessions, and personal training services. For those looking to spend time by the ocean, the hotel provides a dedicated beach set-up nearby.

Originally opened in 1926 as the Lido-Venice, the property was later renamed The Vineta, a title it held for more than five decades. After several evolutions, including its period as The Chesterfield, the hotel closed in 2022 before undergoing its latest transformation.

The reinstatement of The Vineta name signals a renewed identity while maintaining a clear connection to its past.

Jamie Reuben of Reuben Brothers said:
“The Vineta holds a special place in Palm Beach. With Oetker Hotels’ approach, we are confident it will once again become an important part of the local landscape.”