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AN ALTERNATIVE TO SOUTH AFRICA’S GARDEN ROUTE – DISCOVER THE LESSER-KNOWN WESTERN CAPE WITH SCOTT DUNN IN 2020

November 14thWestern Cape

World renowned luxury travel operators, Scott Dunn is offering travellers the chance to explore an untapped side of South Africa, naming the coastal route of Western Cape as a top travel destination for 2020. Instead of turning left, head west from Cape Town and explore the lesser-known circuit along the coast, guaranting exceptional views, destinations and tailor-made experiences, spotlighting the newly declared South African National Heritage Site, Bushmans Kloof. The journey provides one of the most beautiful drives in South Africa and an alternative to the iconic Garden Route, without the crowds.

Paternoster
Stop at the laid-back village of Paternoster – the unlikely home of some of the country’s best restaurants, pristine sandy beaches, and a fascinating nature reserve. Paternoster is growingly renowned as one of the best places to dine in South Africa, where the unfussy offerings rely entirely upon the freshness of their ingredients. Wolfgat Restaurant, a humble ocean-side eatery, was recently named Restaurant of the Year at the World Restaurant Awards, serving up unique offerings and culinary eccentricities such as seaweed jellies and dune succulents, combined with shellfish and seafood all sourced within a 6km radius. Meanwhile, beautiful shoreside shacks like Voorstrandt serve local favourites like seafood curry and surf and turf, and restaurants like Gaaitjie have unmatched locations overlooking the ocean. Stay at the charming Strandloper hotel, a dune-side property housing 14 suites and rooms (with another six to come shortly) dressed in marine hues, with private terraces planted with bougainvillea and enormous picture windows facing the crystal-blue ocean ahead.

Clanwillam
From there, venture into Clanwillam for the day before climbing into the picturesque Cederberg Mountains. Being one of the oldest towns in South Africa, Clanwillam stands as a must-see destination along Western Cape, rich in history and striking backdrops. Walk the streets of the old town, exploring the charming architecture and lush landscapes situated between the western slopes of the mountain and the east bank of Olifants River. This modest town of 7,000 is at the center of the Rooibos tea industry – a traditional South African tea, naturally derived from the grounds of Clanwilliams, that is equally delicious as it is beneficial to your health. Take the Rooibos Route and indulge in a tailor-made rooibos experience, exploring the organic tea fields by foot or horse-back, stopping along the way to enjoy the freshest culinary creations of rooibos-infused drinks and dishes across local restuarants and vineyards. Sit on the stoep of The Rooibos Teahouse, the only tea house of its kind in the world, and taste over 100 variations of rooibos, finding the perfect combination that compliments your palette to sip as you bask in the nautral beauty of the western coast.

Cederberg Mountains
Carry on your journey to Cederberg Mountains, the land of ancient and untamed beauty, exploring the trails and dramatic rock formations before arriving at Bushmans Kloof – a wilderness retreat and UNESCO World Heritage Site situated within the Mountains. Far from a fly and flop destination, Bushmans Kloof is renowned for its outstanding nature experiences. Guests have 7,000-hectares to explore, allowing them to walk with wildlife and enrich their minds with tales of ancient Bushman. Spend the days exploring the land with daily nature drives to spot flora and fauna – including rare Cape Mountain zebra and ostriches protected by Bushman Kloof’s wildlife reintroduction program – and excursions to the world’s largest outdoor art gallery.
Bushmans Kloof is the proud custodian of over 130 ancient rock art sites dating back 10,000 years, and as such, has been awarded a Grade One accreditation – the highest level of designation alongside Robben Island, Union Building and other iconic national locations. The Rock Art Excursions provides guests with an insight into the rich and spiritual culture of the Bushman who resided for years in the Cederberg Mountains.
Back at the property, enjoy spa treatments inspired by ancient African traditions and locally-inspired menus. Unique venues are set up throughout the property, each thoughtfully designed in harmony with the natural attributes of the Cederberg Mountains. Dining at Embers, guests can savour contemporary cuisine within a sandstone amphitheatre under the billion stars of the Milky way, a roaring fire and a myriad of candles and lanterns dress the space in a level of romance. Other culinary highlights include: wine tastings; traditional South African braais, picnics in the reserve and a private dining experience at Kadoro – a remote, renovated shepherd’s house in the middle of the wilderness.
Bushmans Kloof is part of Red Carnation Hotels and offers a perfect South African circuit with Red Carnation’s Cape Town hotel The Twelve Apostles and The Oyster Box in Durban. In June 2020, Red Carnation will open Xigera Safari Lodge in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
HOW: Scott Dunn offers a seven-night trip to South Africa from £2,100 per person. This based on two adults spending two nights at Strandloper Ocean Lodge on a B&B basis, two nights at Bushmans Kloof on a full board basis and two nights at Twelve Apostles on a B&B basis and includes international flights and car hire. For more information please visit www.scottdunn.com or call 020 8682 5070.

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A New Era for Roma Norte: El Cortés Opens in Mexico City

July 16th

A New Era for Roma Norte: El Cortés Opens in Mexico City

A New Era for Roma Norte: El Cortés Opens in Mexico City

The restored historic presidential residence debuts with 15 design-forward suites and a destination restaurant by chef Luc Liebster.

Mexico

Marking its official arrival as the latest addition to the Perowne portfolio, El Cortés has opened its gates in the heart of Mexico City’s vibrant Roma Norte neighborhood. The boutique property—originally a historic presidential residence—has undergone a meticulous restoration that honors its architectural legacy. Tucked away among the neighborhood’s celebrated tree-lined streets, independent galleries, and design studios, the hotel preserves its striking Art Nouveau facades, hand-carved moldings, and original marble finishes. Each of its 15 highly personalized rooms and suites acts as a gallery of contemporary Mexican talent, balancing historical preservation with modern artistic design.

The hotel’s culinary anchor, Lotti, has already established itself as a standout in Mexico City’s highly competitive dining scene. Led by chef Luc Liebster, the destination restaurant features European-inspired cooking shaped by personal memories and deeply grounded in local Mexican ingredients. Combining historic elegance with a fresh, contemporary pulse, El Cortés delivers the intimate, design-forward retreat that Roma Norte has long been missing.

AURIC ROAD MARKS THE MILESTONE WITH DUAL JULY DEBUTS IN THE AMERICAN WEST

July 9th

AURIC ROAD MARKS THE MILESTONE WITH DUAL JULY DEBUTS IN THE AMERICAN WEST

Westward Expansion

Auric Road Debuts New Luxury Additions in Montana and California

USA

In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, boutique hospitality group Auric Road has launched two major July debuts across the American West, reinforcing its commitment to restoring and stewarding historic properties. In Big Sky, Montana, the historic Lone Mountain Ranch—fresh off its cover feature in Condé Nast Traveler’s July/August issue—has unveiled Bison Lodge, its newest and largest accommodation. Perched on a scenic ridge overlooking the valley, this 5,000-square-foot private mountain residence hosts up to 16 guests and features six king bedrooms, expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, a dedicated game room, and a private heated pool and sauna, all framed by panoramic mountain views.

Simultaneously, in Southern California, Palm Springs’ historic Korakia Pensione is debuting a brand-new spa and wellness enclave alongside an outdoor fitness area. Inspired by the elemental desert landscape—incorporating the themes of sun, mountain winds, fault lines, and geothermal waters—the new sanctuary is designed to elevate the body’s natural restorative process. Guests will be guided through a curated sequence of dry heat, wet sauna, exfoliation, massage, aromatherapy, and facial treatments. Together, these dual openings showcase Auric Road’s dedication to creating deeply authentic destinations shaped by local character, layered history, and a strong connection to their natural surroundings.

OKU Hotels Debuts Adults-Only Sanctuary in Bodrum

June 19th

OKU Hotels Debuts Adults-Only Sanctuary in Bodrum

OKU Hotels Debuts Adults-Only Sanctuary in Bodrum

The design-forward brand brings barefoot luxury, boho-chic minimalism, and slow living to the Aegean coast.

Bodrum

The Turkish Riviera has welcomed a major new design destination with the opening of OKU Bodrum. Marking the award-winning lifestyle brand’s official debut in Türkiye, this intimate, adults-only sanctuary is carved into the rugged northern coast of the Bodrum Peninsula. Framed by dramatic mountain backdrops on one side and the glittering, turquoise Aegean Sea on the other, the 58-room boutique property joins the brand’s acclaimed portfolio in Ibiza, Kos, and Andalusia, bringing a refined philosophy of barefoot luxury and slow living to one of Europe’s most sought-after summer coastlines.

True to the brand’s name derived from a Japanese architectural concept meaning ‘inner space’, the design seamlessly blends a minimalist, boho-chic aesthetic with distinct Turkish heritage. Earth-toned linens and contemporary lines are balanced by walls crafted from reclaimed stone and striking accents of local marble. In a special collaboration with leading Turkish art curator Begüm Güney, the property features unique sculptural installations that connect the architecture directly to the land. Every single one of the 58 guest rooms and suites offers front-facing sea views and private terraces, with many featuring private or shared plunge pools tucked into the hillside.

The culinary landscape at OKU Bodrum introduces three distinct dining destinations that champion locally sourced produce and bold, vibrant flavors. At the heart of the hotel is To Kima, a relaxed poolside restaurant serving Mediterranean classics with Asian-inspired twists. As the sun sets, guests can head to The Round Bar on the cove-side jetty for crafted cocktails and local meze snacks against panoramic coastal views, or dine at Teyo Bodrum, an open-air dinner concept where Japanese culinary techniques meet a vibrant South American spirit.

Wellness and exploration are woven deeply into the guest experience, anchored by the serene OKU Spa. The facilities include a traditional Turkish hammam, a sauna, a sea-view fitness area, and open-air treatment cabanas right on the water’s edge. Beyond standard therapies, the wellness program features sunrise beachside breathwork and dusk sound healing sessions. For those looking to connect with the local culture, the hotel coordinates curated experiences ranging from garden-to-glass foraging workshops in the surrounding hills to guided hikes and visits to traditional artisanal weaving studios. With direct access to a protected swimming bay and a private jetty for boating adventures, the retreat offers an ideal balance of secluded relaxation and easy access to Bodrum’s famous marinas.

A Farm in Mayfair

May 23rd

A Farm in Mayfair

A Farm in Mayfair

Claridge’s and The Newt in Somerset Bring Rural Charm to London

London

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.

Inside Casa Bonavita, Malta’s Stunning New Design Retreat

May 18th

Inside Casa Bonavita, Malta’s Stunning New Design Retreat

Inside Casa Bonavita, Malta’s Stunning New Design Retreat

Following a meticulous seven-year restoration, Christopher and Suzanne Sharp transform a historic Attard estate into an intimate, character-rich retreat.

Attard, Malta

After a meticulous seven-year restoration, Casa Bonavita has opened its doors in the historic village of Attard, introducing a deeply personal new style of hospitality to Malta. Conceived as a house first and hotel second, the 17-bedroom retreat is the first hospitality venture from Christopher and Suzanne Sharp, the celebrated design duo behind The Rug Company. Shaped by Suzanne’s Maltese upbringing and the couple’s long-standing love for the island, the estate eschews polished Mediterranean luxury in favor of an authentic celebration of Malta’s eccentricities, faded grandeur, and rich cultural heritage.

Throughout the property, Suzanne Sharp Studio has masterfully revived the building’s original grandeur while preserving the unmistakable warmth of a private home. Soaring ceilings and noble architectural proportions are layered with vintage family heirlooms, frescoed walls, and bespoke artistic commissions. Notable collaborations include local pottery house Villa Bologna and a hand-painted 17th-century Valletta wallpaper by de Gournay in the intimate cocktail bar. Mirroring this thoughtful craftsmanship, each of the 17 residential-style guest rooms carries its own distinct personality shaped by unique light, color, and texture, with many opening directly onto private terraces, gardens, or the pool.

At the heart of the estate lies a semi-wild garden sanctuary, a fifteen-year passion project by Christopher Sharp filled with citrus trees, palms, jasmine, and rosemary. This lush oasis sets a slower rhythm of living that extends directly to the dining experience, led by Executive Chef Dex Oseman of London’s famed The River Café. The restaurant celebrates ingredient-led Mediterranean cooking rooted in seasonality, with candlelit dinners spilling into the courtyard beneath the palms. Meanwhile, the estate’s original house kitchen remains a nostalgic focal point, bustling with the creation of traditional Maltese pastries, fresh pasta, and oranges picked straight from the trees.

Perfectly positioned between the baroque splendor of Valletta and the ancient walled city of Mdina, Casa Bonavita serves as an ideal launchpad for exploring Malta through a more nuanced, insider lens. The hotel will soon expand its offerings to include a curated wellness program alongside its existing pools, hammam, sauna, and gym. Also on the horizon is the unveiling of The Folly Suite—the hotel’s crown jewel—which offers a secluded, villa-style residence complete with its own rooftop terrace and private swimming pool. Ultimately, Casa Bonavita is designed as a living love letter to Malta, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the island’s quieter beauty and enduring sense of home.

Sardinia Uncovered: The Thinking Traveller Launches into Italy’s Most Desired Island

May 7th

Sardinia Uncovered: The Thinking Traveller Launches into Italy’s Most Desired Island

Sardinia Uncovered: The Thinking Traveller Launches into Italy’s Most Desired Island

The Mediterranean’s leading villa specialist adds Sardinia to its collection, blending architectural heritage with soulful coastal living.

Sardinia

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.