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CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE THIS JUNE BY BOOKING ONE OF SCOTT DUNN’S REGAL ITINERARIES

May 12thGLOBAL

TAORMINA & NOTO | DISCOVER THE HIDDEN GEMS OF SICILY’S REGAL TOWNS
For anyone dreaming of a quick break tucked away in the corners of Sicily’s gorgeous countryside, this 6-day trip is the perfect fit. Guests will start their Italian expedition in Taormina, just steps away from the Greek Amphitheatre and blooming gardens. They will enjoy their first dinner with panoramic views of Mount Etna and the Bay of Taormina before embarking on the rest of their trip. Guided on an exclusive walking tour by an art historian, guests can take in the Ionian Sea, Teatro Greco, and learn about the uniquely fascinating topic of archeoastronomy. Next, guests will meet another historian guide through the ancient port city of Catania, getting an exclusive tour of the Ursino Recupero – led by the Director and Curator of the library. On the second half of this perfectly-paired trip, guests will head to Noto, visiting the private garden of a Sicilian Marquis in the countryside of Melilli. Next, they will meet yet another historian guide for a unique walking tour of Ragusa, visiting Saint George’s gate, Pizza Pola, the church of San Giuseppe, and lastly the church of San Giorgio. Finally, guests will enjoy a farewell evening tour of an elegant palace in Noto, accompanied by live Baroque music and a gourmet candlelit dinner in one of the Nobile’s halls. Couples will finish the trip feeling refreshed and knowledgeable about these uniquely special corners of Sicily.
HOW: Scott Dunn offers a 5-night itinerary from £6,800 per person based on two people sharing and includes return flights from the UK, private transfers and selected experiences. For more information, please visit https://www.scottdunn.com/italy/tours/perfect-pairings-taormina-noto or call 020 8682 5030

LECCE & THE APULIAN COAST | EXPLORE AND EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH ITALY’S SERENE WATERS AND STORIED PALACES
Guests will spend 7 days on a unique trip through the diamond heel of Italy in this perfect pairing of Lecce and Puglia. Guests will first settle in at an exclusive historical palace-turned-luxury-hotel, just a few steps from the basilica of Santa Croce. Next, they will be joined by an expert guide at the Piazza del Duomo, dubbed the elegant ‘living room’ of the city and one of the most beautiful squares in all of Italy. Later, they will be taken on a private tour through the private rooms, elegant gallery, and marble stairways of a historical Leccese Palace by the owner himself, an honorary member of the Society of Homeland History for Puglia. Guests will then meet a professional skipper at the port of Santa Cesara who will take them on a private yacht, landing on the coast of Salento and exploring the villages, caves, and crystal-clear waters. After Leece, it’s onwards to experience the unique charm of the Apulian coast, visiting the Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate along the way. They will enjoy a private cooking class at an Apulian-countryside farm, feasting on their own creations for dinner. The following morning, guests will tour a traditional family-run farmhouse that produces organic mozzarella and other Apulian cheeses and wrap their day up with a private sunset boat trip to Polignano a Mare. Here they will indulge in a delightful farewell seafood dinner at one of the world’s most spectacular restaurants, Grotta Palazzese, boasting an enchanting setting within a dramatic natural cave above lapping waters. After seven days, guests will have experienced the epitome of luxury, serenity, and historical enrichment.
HOW: Scott Dunn offers a 6-night itinerary from £6,400 per person based on two people sharing and includes return flights from the UK, private transfers and selected experiences. For more information, please visit https://www.scottdunn.com/italy/tours/perfect-pairings-lecce-and-the-apulian-coast or call 020 8682 5030

LISBON & RURAL ALENTEJO | REVEL IN THE BRIGHT COLOURS AND RICH HISTORIES OF PORTUGAL’S FINEST PALACES, ESTATES AND MANSIONS
For those looking for a thrilling and indulgent trip, travellers should set their sights on Portugal to experience the best of Lisbon, Monsaraz, and Alentejo. The adventure will kick off with a private tour of Lisbon, visiting Jeronimos Monastery – the former home of the Hieronymite monks – before opening hours. They will then wind through the seven hills of Lisbon in a private tram, stopping downtown to visit the hidden nooks throughout the Church of Sao Roque. Next, guests will be guided through a tour of Sintra, stopping at the magnificent estate of Quinta de Santana. The cultural enrichment doesn’t stop there, as guests continue to the World Heritage Site of Sintra, passing royal palaces, chalets, and aristocratic residences in an incredible combination of architectural styles, colours, and shapes. They will round out their Lisbon tours at one-of-a-kind mansion Quinta da Regaleria and iconically whimsical Pena Palace. Slowing down for the second half of the trip, travellers head to the idyllic farm estate of Sao Lourenco de Barrocal in rural Alentejo, where hiking excursions, wine tasting, and horse riding await. The next day, they will explore the views and flavors of the beautiful historical landmark of Quinta Dona Maria. A night falls, guests will marvel at the stars of this Dark Sky Reserve on a remarkable stargazing walk. Another exclusive tour awaits the following day at the Cadaval Palace – the residence of the Duchess of Cadaval and her family – where they will have the privilege of sharing a meal and wine tasting with the Duchess herself. Finally, couples round out their trip with a visit to Sao Pedro do Corval, best known for its pottery workshops. Both thrill-fulfilling and refreshing, this 7-day exploration won’t waste a moment between wine tasting, palace tours, and historical gems.
HOW: Scott Dunn offers a 6-night itinerary from £7,300 per person based on two people sharing and includes return flights from the UK, private transfers and selected experiences. For more information, please visit https://www.scottdunn.com/portugal/tours/perfect-pairings-lisbon-rural-alentejo or call 020 8682 5030

SPAIN | EXPERIENCE MARVELOUS ART, ARCHITECTURE, AND ROYAL PALACES ACROSS MADRID, SEVILLE, GRANADA, AND MONTECORTO
Guests will spend 12 days touring the magnificent sights of Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Montecorto. Beginning in the Spanish capital, guests will marvel at Madrid’s ‘Golden Triangle of Art’ before heading to the opulent chambers and salons of the 18th century Royal Palace. The next day, they will take a quick day trip to Toledo – a city renowned for its cultural heritage – to overlook the Tagus river and admire the works El Greco. Next up, head south to Seville. In the birthplace of tapas and flamenco, these three days will be packed with action and lots of delicious bites. Guests will also experience a wide range of sites, from the Moorish design of Real Alcazar to the Gothic masterpiece that is Seville’s cathedral. They’ll take a quick day trip to the historically rich city of Cordoba, visiting the glorious 10th century mosque of Mezquita. After Seville, guests will head eastward to the magical city of Granada. Between their nights spent in a former 19th century palace, they will explore the vast complex of Alhambra, one of Spain’s most iconic monuments. End the trip with three nights in a luxury eco-conscious farmhouse in the heart of rural Andalucia, indulging in farm-to-table cuisine and riding lessons with its 70 Lusitano horses.
HOW: Scott Dunn offers an 11-night itinerary from £7,600 per person based on two people sharing and includes return flights from the UK, private transfers and selected experiences. For more information, please visit https://www.scottdunn.com/spain/tours/extraordinary-spain or call 020 8682 5030

THAILAND | JOURNEY THROUGH THE “LAND OF SMILES” BY LAND AND SEA VISITING THAILAND’S MOST DAZZLING GRAND PALACE AND FAMOUS TEMPLES
This gilded tour through Thailand will take travellers through Bangkok, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Starting in the vibrant capital of Bangkok, guests will never be bored of the sights and experiences it has to offer. They’ll spend a morning with a private guide to tick off the most iconic landmarks, later hopping onto a long-tail boat to explore the tangled maze of canals and getting a glimpse into local life. Visitors will experience the colorful floating markets with a chance to explore the Grand Palace’s dazzling golden temples and sacred Emerald Buddha. Heading to Northern Thailand, Chiang Rai will show visitors the spectacular Golden Triangle with views of the neighboring Myanmar, Laos, and Mekong River. These three days can be spent alongside rescued elephants, visiting traditional hill tribes, floating down the Mekong, trekking through the most remote corners of the jungle, mountain biking through winding trails, or getting a masterclass on cooking the perfect Pad Thai. Next, guests will drive to Chiang Mai. Taken on a guided tour, they will be immersed in the rich culture and spiritual traditions of Thailand’s second largest city. First stop is an early trip to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep to witness the sunrise while barefoot monks begin their procession. They will continue to Wat Umong to get lost in its famous tunnels and caves, wrapping up the visit with a traditional blessing from one of the monks. Visitors must stop by the famous Night Bazaar, exploring the treasure of market stalls and sizzling street food. Finish the trip by heading south to the peaceful beach destination of Khao Lak for a few days of rest and relaxation. For the restless travellers looking for an action-packed trip from start to finish, the surrounding national parks make for great exploration by foot, bike, or kayak. They can also check out one of the top ten dive sites in the world for a snorkeling adventure, marveling at native fish and corals. This 13-day trip will leave guests feeling enriched, enlightened, and in awe of Thailand’s glorious sights.
HOW: Scott Dunn offers a 12-night itinerary from £5,000 per person based on two people sharing and includes return flights from the UK, private transfers and selected experiences. For more information, please visit https://www.scottdunn.com/thailand/tours/ultimate-thailand or call 020 8682 5030

RAJASTHAN | ENJOY INDIA’S NATURAL BEAUTY AND REGAL TRADITIONS WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY
For those looking to take the whole family on a memorable adventure, this two-week tour through India’s Rajasthan state is the perfect pick. Starting off in the colorful city of Delhi, the family will journey through the streets of Old and New Delhi on a cycle-rickshaw, stopping to admire the imposing Jama Masjid Mosque and Red Fort, the former residence of the Mughal Emperors. Next up, the family will hop on the Shatabdi Express towards Agra, exploring the lesser-known attractions of the Mughal empire, stopping by storied tombs and chambers along the way. Early the next morning, enjoy an incredible sunrise tour of the Taj Mahal before heading to Ranthambore National Park via private car transfer. Here the whole family can enjoy outdoor activities, experiencing the wildlife and immaculate natural sites that the park has to offer. The next leg of this excursion is the stunning city of Jaipur – and the train ride there is striking all on its own. The whole family will be guided on a tour through the must-see sites and hidden gems of Jaipur, including the City Palace and Amber village. Yet another scenic transfer awaits from Jaipur to Rural Rajasthan for an exclusive family glamping experience in the enchanting tented camp of Raas Chhatra Sagar. Perfect for stargazing, boating, temple visits, scenic nature walks, and infinity pool swimming – these last two nights of the trip allow each family member to choose their own adventure. This family-friendly trip combines rich history, incredible wildlife encounters and immersive cultural experiences.
HOW: Scott Dunn offers a 13-night itinerary from £5,400 per person based on a family of four travelling and includes return flights from the UK, private transfers and selected experiences. For more information, please visit https://www.scottdunn.com/india/tours/family-fun-in-rajasthan or call 020 8682 5030

JAPAN | FIND BALANCE IN THE CITY BUZZ OF TOKYO AND THE SERENITY OF THE IMPERIAL PALACE GARDENS
For those in search of the quintessential Japanese trip, this 12-day exploration will take travellers through the most beloved sites of the country. First, they will spend three nights in the buzzing capital of Tokyo, touring the sites with a private guide including a visit to the Imperial Palace Gardens, exclusive shopping at Ginza and bright lights of Shinjuko – all while becoming acquainted with the super-efficient public transport system. The second leg of the trip takes guests to Kyoto by the world-famous bullet train. The city is filled with hundreds of Shinto and Buddhist shrines and temples, a beautiful Geisha district, and ancient Japanese culture. It’s also famed for its foodie scene, which means a visit to the Nishiki Market is a must. Heading south to Hiroshima, guests will experience the poignant Atomic Bomb Museum and ferry out to the picturesque Miyajima Island. From Hiroshima, guests will head back north to Hakone, known for its onsens – natural hot spring baths. A chauffeur will drive them from Odawara Station to Lake Ashi for two nights, where they will experience a traditional Japanese ryokan. Rounding out the trip back in Tokyo, guests will spend their final day visiting sites and enjoying any flavours missed during their first stay in the city.
HOW: Scott Dunn offers a 12-night itinerary from £5,700 per person based on two people sharing and includes return flights from the UK, private transfers and selected experiences. For more information, please visit https://www.scottdunn.com/japan/tours/ultimate-japan or call 020 8682 5030

For more information, please contact Perowne International:
[email protected] / +44 (0)20 7078 0295

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PEROWNE WELCOMES CASANA & ILHA DO CAJU

September 16th

PEROWNE WELCOMES CASANA & ILHA DO CAJU

PEROWNE WELCOMES CASANA & ILHA DO CAJU

Perowne signs Brazil’s pioneering kitesurfing resort as it prepares to launch a 10,000-hectare private island in June 2027.

Global

Perowne International is delighted to announce its representation of Casana and Ilha do Caju, leading luxury destinations on Brazil’s northeastern coast. Founded in 2019 by Brazilian-Swedish couple Natalia and Jimmy Furland, Casana established itself on the shores of Praia do Preá as a premier sanctuary for kitesurfing and coastal adventure. Featuring seven private, thatched-roof bungalows with oceanfront views and infinity pools, the resort blends open-air architecture with bespoke, highly personalized service. Beyond 1-1 kitesurfing sessions, heli-kiting excursions, and Brazilian-inspired wellness treatments, the founders actively invest in regional education, sports programs, and local job creation through their newly launched Maremangue Institute, staffing the property with an entirely Brazilian team.

In June 2027, the brand expands its vision with the opening of Ilha do Caju, a 10,000-hectare private island located in the pristine Parnaíba River Delta in Maranhão. Available exclusively as a whole-property buyout for up to 16 guests across three cottages, this remote retreat immerses travelers in five distinct environments—from mangroves and sand dunes to freshwater lagoons inhabited by capybaras, caimans, and vivid red scarlet ibis. Guided by an in-house biologist, adventures range from dune buggy explorations to delta kayaking, while off-grid solar power and an organic kitchen garden ensure this ultra-exclusive escape remains deeply respectful of its untamed environment.

Hotels with History at the Financial Times Weekend

September 7th

Hotels with History at the Financial Times Weekend

Hotels with History X Financial Times Weekend

Richard E. Grant and Julia Perowne on the Secrets, Service, and Smart-Light Struggles of Historic Hotels

Global

Hotels with History X Financial Times Weekend

Richard E. Grant and Julia Perowne on the Secrets, Service, and Smart-Light Struggles of Historic Hotels

At FT Weekend Live, the actor and travel advisory founder joined editor Tom Robbins to unpack the timeless lure of heritage hospitality and why high-tech switches are ruining the mood.

 

The allure of a historic hotel rarely lies in its thread count alone. It lives in the floorboards that creaked under the weight of literary giants, the dimly lit corner booths where political coups were quietly plotted, and the invisible architecture of old-world charm that no modern, steel-and-glass tower can replicate.

 

Taking the stage at Financial Times Weekend Live, actor and avid globe-trotter Richard E. Grant joined Julia Perowne, founder of elite luxury travel consultancy Perowne International, for a wide-ranging panel hosted by FT Travel Editor Tom Robbins. Together, they peeled back the velvet curtains of the world’s most storied grand dames, swapping personal anecdotes, industry secrets, and a shared skepticism of modern room tech.

 

For both Grant and Perowne, the greatest hotels are less about physical real estate and more about living history. Grant, whose career has taken him from Hollywood soundstages to remote corners of the globe, spoke passionately about the distinct character of properties that have weathered centuries.

 

Perowne offered an insider’s perspective on the delicate tightrope hoteliers walk today: invisible modernization. The challenge isn’t simply keeping the lights on; it is updating plumbing, Wi-Fi, and structural integrity without stripping away the precise patina and historic soul that drew guests in the first place. The properties that succeed are those that embrace their eccentricities rather than polishing them away.

 

The conversation shifted from architecture to atmosphere—specifically, the contrast between exceptional human service and unnecessary technological “upgrades.”

  • Intuitive Hospitality: Perowne and Grant agreed that true luxury service is an art of intuition and discretion. The standout moments in historic hotels rarely come from grand, theatrical gestures. Instead, they stem from career concierges and long-serving staff who possess an innate sense of timing, remembering a guest’s preferred corner table or how they take their morning tea.
  • The 2 AM Tech Battle: Drawing roaring laughter from the audience, Grant recounted the absurd reality of the modern “smart” hotel room. The panel bonded over the universal frustration of over-engineered bedside panels, touchscreens, and motion sensors. Instead of adding comfort, these hyper-digital systems frequently leave jet-lagged guests trapped in a battle against automated mood-lighting just to turn off a reading lamp in the middle of the night.

In an increasingly homogenized world, the grand historic hotel remains a sanctuary of storytelling, where human connection and a sense of place will always trump the latest high-tech trend.

Andean Celebrates 20 Years of Redefine Luxury Travel Across Peru

August 13th

Andean Celebrates 20 Years of Redefine Luxury Travel Across Peru

Andean Celebrates 20 Years of Redefine Luxury Travel Across Peru

Two Decades of Immersive Hospitality and Curated Journeys

Global

Twenty years after founder Ignacio Masías began hosting friends in the Sacred Valley, luxury hospitality and travel brand Andean is celebrating two decades of shaping how travellers experience Peru. What started as a modest collection of private homes has evolved into a world-renowned portfolio of boutique hotels, private residences, and curated journeys. From pioneering remote luxury with the 2007 opening of Titilaka on Lake Titicaca to establishing urban sanctuaries like Atemporal and Fausto in Lima, Andean has continuously expanded its footprint into lesser-travelled corners of the country, including CIRQA in Arequipa, PUQIO in the Colca Valley, and the newly launched Tinajani in the Canyon of the Guardians.

Throughout its 20-year history, Andean’s ethos has remained rooted in slow, meaningful travel that fosters deep connections with Peru’s diverse landscapes, rich traditions, and local communities. By encouraging guests to look beyond conventional tourist routes and travel at a more personal, immersive pace, the group has fundamentally redefined Peruvian hospitality. As Andean marks this milestone anniversary, the brand continues to pave the way for the future of luxury travel in South America, with new journeys and experiences set to unfold in its next chapter.

EXPLORA III Sets Sail: The Future of Luxury Ocean Travel

August 4th

EXPLORA III Sets Sail: The Future of Luxury Ocean Travel

EXPLORA III Sets Sail

The Future of Luxury Ocean Travel

Global

Explora Journeys has officially ushered in a new era of ocean travel with the launch of EXPLORA III. Following her naming ceremony in Barcelona, this extraordinary floating boutique hotel has set sail on her Maiden Voyage to Lisbon before charting a course through the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Greenland, the Caribbean, and Alaska. As the fleet’s first LNG-powered vessel equipped with dual-fuel engines, EXPLORA III blends modern decarbonization technology with refined luxury, featuring an expanded length of 19.2 meters (63 ft) to offer more open-air deck space and an impressive 19.5 square meters (210 sq ft) of public space per guest.

Onboard, spatial freedom and design take center stage across 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses, and residences. A standout highlight is the addition of a second Owner’s Residence—a 315-square-meter (3,391 sq ft) sanctuary crafted by world-renowned designer Patricia Urquiola, complete with a private marble steam room, outdoor whirlpool, and custom Italian furnishings. Beyond the private living quarters, guests can gather in the re-envisioned double-height Lobby atrium with cascading Venini chandeliers, or unwind beneath the retractable glass roof at The Conservatory Pool & Bar.

The journey continues through a reimagined array of dining, wellness, and family amenities. EXPLORA III introduces three new culinary concepts—including Shore Club on 11 and The Chef’s Table—alongside an outdoor cigar lounge and high-end retail partnerships with Cartier and Chopard. Dedicated to total restoration, the expanded 726-square-meter (7,815 sq ft) Ocean Wellness sanctuary pairs hydrotherapy and the new low-frequency Sava Sound Pod with active spaces like a full-size padel court and Reform Pilates studio, while tailored Nautilus Clubs ensure younger travelers are welcomed without compromising the ship’s serene atmosphere.

Retracing the Route, Elevating the Journey: Scott Dunn Marks 40 Years with 'Full Circle' Itineraries

July 30th

Retracing the Route, Elevating the Journey: Scott Dunn Marks 40 Years with 'Full Circle' Itineraries

Scott Dunn Marks 40 Years with 'Full Circle' Itineraries

Revisiting iconic gap year destinations through a lens of deep culture, insider access, and effortless luxury.

Global

Celebrating four decades as a global leader in tailor-made travel, luxury tour operator Scott Dunn has marked its 40th anniversary with the launch of its new ‘Full Circle’ collection—a series of curated itineraries that revisit the iconic backpacker routes of Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, the US Southwest, and Latin America. Designed for seasoned travellers returning to the formative destinations of their youth, these journeys reimagine the classic 1980s and 90s gap year experience.

The collection deliberately moves beyond simple hotel upgrades, focusing instead on deeper cultural immersion, seamless execution, and a more considered pace. Guests can trade overnight buses and roadside motels for vintage Vespa street food tours in Hanoi, private longtail boat rides through Bangkok’s canals, luxury canvas camps beneath the stars in Utah, and fine dining paired with condensed Inca Trail hikes in Peru. Across every destination, the classic sights are elevated through exclusive, local-led access, from private storytelling sessions with a US Marine Corps Navajo Code Talker to crowd-free sunrise breakfasts at Laos’s Kuang Si Waterfalls and private Ganga Puja rituals along the Ganges in Varanasi.

As Scott Dunn looks to the future, this anniversary collection reflects the brand’s enduring commitment to genuine destination expertise, meticulous planning, and intuitive personal service. By contrasting the chaotic spontaneity of youthful travel with today’s desire for slow, responsible, and meaningful discovery, the ‘Full Circle’ itineraries offer a fresh lens on familiar landscapes. In Southeast Asia, ethical elephant encounters in Chiang Mai replace commercial tourism; in Nepal, intense mountain treks give way to reflective journeys through the Annapurna foothills focused on community engagement; and in Bolivia, basic high-altitude lodgings are traded for luxury Airstream campers positioned on the Uyuni Salt Flats for world-class stargazing. Whether exploring the hidden artisan workshops of Hoi An or connecting with Aymara communities on Lake Titicaca, Scott Dunn’s latest portfolio invites travellers to revisit the places that first sparked their passion for exploration—backed by forty years of travel expertise and round-the-clock global support.

Hotels with History Fetes Season Two Debut in New York

July 20th

Hotels with History Fetes Season Two Debut in New York

Hotels with History Launch Party in NYC

Season 2 launch at The Lowell celebrates the hit podcast's return

New York

Hotels with History officially kicked off Season Two last night with an intimate celebration at The Lowell on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The host, Richard, entertained the room with his signature humor and storytelling, keeping guests partying late into the evening. The launch marks the release of the season opener on the Waldorf Astoria, tracing the iconic hotel’s origins from a bitter Gilded Age family feud to its rise as the unofficial palace of New York high society.

What began as a niche concept has quickly built a massive audience, with Season One surpassing 100,000 listeners and the new release following the same rapid trajectory. The new eight-episode season takes listeners on a global tour of historic luxury, stopping at legendary properties like Eden Rock in St. Barths, Mount Nelson in Cape Town, Grand Hotel Tremezzo on Lake Como, The Breakers in Palm Beach, The Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, and The Adlon in Berlin.

Special thanks go out to the team at The Lowell for hosting a memorable evening and to everyone who came out to mark the milestone. Listeners can catch up on all available episodes of Season Two by visiting hotelswithhistory.com or tuning in on major podcast platforms.