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INTRODUCING KALESMA, MYKONOS

December 16thORNOS BAY, MYKONOS

Set to elevate the desirable island of Mykonos to new heights, Kalesma is a brand new 25 suite and two villa luxury hotel, opening 1 June 2020.

‘Kalesma’, meaning ‘inviting’ in Greek, is perfectly suited to the ethos of this boutique, privately-owned property. The whitewashed, beautifully designed collection of houses have been created to resemble a charming Mykonian village, tumbling down a slope to Ornos Bay, just a short walk from the beach. The look and feel of a traditional village is deliberate, as Kalesma is all about making guests feel at home and encouraging a neighbourhood vibe, enhanced by weekly intimate dinners. Inspired by Cycladic architecture, combining tradition with contemporary elements, Kalesma is a design aficionados dream – offering sleek and minimalist interiors using locally-sourced materials, evident at every turn. Spectacular sea views are promised from every part of the hotel and its location is truly unique, with guests being able to see the sunrise and sunset from the same spot.

CYCLADIC CUISINE

Created by the Greek owners of acclaimed Athens restaurants, Pere, Ubu and Sea Spice, Kalesma will feature a modern destination restaurant, leading the food scene on the island. Greek cooking is imbedded within the DNA of Kalesma and the offering focuses on food for the soul. The hotel’s restaurant, PERE UBU, will focus on seasonal and local produce, and will come complete with a wood fired oven which will be used to bake a daily selection of fresh homemade bread. PERE UBU overlooks the hotel’s spectacular infinity pool and is the social hub of the hotel, offering a laid-back atmosphere during the day with chilled summer music, delicious small plates and light lunches. By night, it transforms into a sophisticated eatery, serving simple, elegant dishes showcasing the local produce alongside innovative cocktails keeping guests fuelled into the early hours.  The owners are genuinely passionate about hospitality and aim to bring people together through food, hosting weekly intimate dinners at PERE UBU. The restaurant is open to hotel residences and island visitors alike, however the hosted dinners will be exclusively for Kalesma guests. The Sunset Lounge is the ideal spot to watch the sun disappear behind the sea and a perfect place to end the evening with a nightcap.

INFORMAL ISLAND LIVING

Kalesma’s accommodation is in the form of suites andvillas and is the only hotel in Mykonos where all accommodation comes with its own private heated pool. Each room also comes with unobstructed sea views and private terraces, complete with sun loungers that catch the breeze from the Aegean. All accommodation features original artwork and expansive bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs and an outdoor shower on a private patio. Guests of Kalesma can arrange in-room spa treatments, private yoga and Pilates, as well as personal training sessions. Kalesma’s outstanding location provides 360 vistas of the bay below, providing guests with the unique opportunity to enjoy both sunrise and the legendary sunsets from the same spot.

The hotel’s 25 suites are generous in size at 680 sq. ft with 970 sq. ft terraces and can sleep up to three adults or two adults and two children. Kalesma is also home to two spectacular, earth coloured private villas, one with two bedrooms and one with three. Ideal for entertaining or family holidays, both feature an open plan living room with cosy sofas, dining area and a fully equipped kitchen with pre-stocked food and wine fridges. A personal chef is available to villa guests if they wish to organise an intimate gathering or romantic meal on their terrace. Villas also come with their own fitness rooms complete with Technogym equipment. A stay in one of these private villas combines self-contained serviced residences, with access to exceptional hotel facilities and each will have a dedicated Villa Manager on call to coordinate guests stays.

INSPIRATIONAL DESIGN

The architecture has been exclusively designed by distinguished Greek design company K-studio, responsible for high-end Greek restaurant OPSO in London and the brand new Mykonos Airport. K-studio takes a holistic approach and their work pays homage to the skill and craft of traditional Greek architecture. With a fierce sense of pride in its heritage of craftsmanship, this new generation design studio takes elements of Greece and puts them into a contemporary context. Interiors are by Vangelis Bonios, behind Kalesma’s sister restaurants Athenian hotspots Pere, Ubu and Sea Spice. Bonios’ style is sophisticated and modern yet timeless, utilising pure and tactile materials. His approach prioritises comfort and attention to detail. Both the architecture and interiors of Kalesma were inspired by the laid-back glamour of Mykonos, with its whitewashed walls, a neutral and earthy colour palette, traditional elements of a Greek villa and bougainvillea filled archways.

AUTHENTIC MYKONOS EXPERIENCES

Kalesma prides itself on providing guests with exclusive access to lesser-known hotspots, within the sought-after destination of Mykonos. The bustling Mykonos town, covered with bougainvillea, is situated just 3km away. The hotel team has a deep-rooted connection with the island and Private Experience Concierges are on hand to help guests discover the islands hidden gems including local eateries, exclusive boutiques and picture-perfect tiny churches. They can also arrange trips to some the island’s 25 beaches – from the hottest beach clubs to wide stretches of golden sand and secluded swimming caves, known only to the hotel’s private tenders. Private yacht charters and helicopter transfers are also available upon request for those who wish to truly push the boat out and experience the island from a different perspective.

HOW: Rates in a Suite at Kalesma will start from €1,200 per night on a bed and breakfast basis while Villas are from €3,500

Several airlines fly direct from major UK cities to Mykonos International Airport in 3 hours 30 minutes. Kalesma is located in Ornos Bay, a 15-minute drive from the airport.

www.kalesmamykonos.com

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INTRODUCING BALLYFIN

March 9th

INTRODUCING BALLYFIN

INTRODUCING BALLYFIN

Six hundred acres of stillness and history.

Ireland

Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, just over an hour from Dublin, this is a family-owned masterpiece that feels less like a commercial enterprise and more like a private invitation.

The Restoration

After eighty years as a boys’ school, Ballyfin was acquired in the late 1990s by the Krehbiel family. Their goal was simple but ambitious: to restore the house as a living home to a standard Ireland had not yet seen.

It took ten years. Supported by historians and master craftsmen, the project was an act of preservation. Today, the house is filled with museum-quality Irish and European art, Chippendale antiques, and the iconic Richard Turner conservatory — a glass-and-iron anchor that connects the interior to the 614-acre estate.

Space and Story

With just 21 rooms and suites, the house remains intimate. Each room tells a different chapter of the estate’s history:

The Sir Christopher Coote Suite: Features 18th-century Chinese panels once owned by the Prince of Hanover.

The Sir Charles Coote Room: Conceals a Roman marble sarcophagus bath beneath a cantilevered staircase.

The Tapestry Room: Hung with 17th-century Flemish tapestries overlooking the lake.

The Custodians

Ballyfin’s character is shaped by its people. Many of the team, from butlers to landscapers, first knew these halls as students during the school years. They have returned not as staff, but as custodians. This continuity lends a rare authenticity to the house – a sense of stewardship that guests often cite as its most defining quality.

From the Walled Garden

At the center of daily life is the eight-acre walled garden. In early 2025, the kitchen’s commitment to this land was recognized with a Michelin star.

Executive Chef Richard Picard-Edwards works with the seasons, serving dinner in the candlelit State Dining Room and lunch in the Turner Conservatory – reached via a hidden door behind a library bookcase.

The Estate

The house sits within 614 acres of parkland and woodland, arranged around Ireland’s largest man-made pleasure lake. Guests move through the grounds on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, or by boat.

The pursuits here – falconry, clay pigeon shooting, archery – are intrinsic to the estate. For those seeking the theatrical, an extensive collection of period costumes from the Lyric Opera of Chicago is available for exclusive-use guests to host dress-up evenings, nodding to the house-party spirit of the 19th century.

INTRODUCING EXPLORA JOURNEYS: LEADERS IN ULTRA-ELEGANT OCEAN TRAVEL

March 1st

INTRODUCING EXPLORA JOURNEYS: LEADERS IN ULTRA-ELEGANT OCEAN TRAVEL

EXPLORA JOURNEYS

A New Standard in Maritime Luxury

Explora

Explora Journeys is the privately owned luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, defined by space and privacy. At the heart of the brand is the Ocean State of Mind – a philosophy shaped by time at sea, thoughtful design, and the freedom to choose how each day unfolds. Immersive itineraries pair celebrated destinations with lesser-travelled ports, allowing for deeper exploration and a more fluid style of travel.
Across the fleet, Explora Journeys delivers an all-oceanfront experience, with spacious suites, penthouses and residences conceived as refined homes at sea. Floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, and residential-style interiors create a strong sense of openness, while an abundance of space and privacy is a defining hallmark of the Explora Journeys experience, with more open-air deck space per guest. The ships also offer an industry-leading host-to-guest ratio, with almost one host per guest, supporting an unhurried onboard rhythm.

Culinary experiences span multiple dining environments, from elegant restaurants to relaxed all-day venues, complemented by a collection of bars and lounges designed for different moments throughout the day. Wellness is fully integrated into life on board through dedicated spa and fitness facilities, outdoor decks and a holistic programme that reflects the brand’s deep connection to the ocean. Service is intuitive and discreet, informed by Mediterranean sensibilities and Swiss hospitality standards.

The fleet currently comprises EXPLORA I, launched in July 2023, and EXPLORA II, launched in September 2024. Expansion continues with EXPLORA III launching in summer 2026, followed by EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V in 2027 and EXPLORA VI in 2028.

The next chapter for the brand arrives with EXPLORA III, launching in July 2026. An ultra-elegant expression of ocean travel, that benefits from LNG-powered technology, EXPLORA III will introduce a standout Owner’s Residence designed by internationally acclaimed architect Patricia Urquiola, as well as new culinary concepts, enlarged spa and fitness facilities designed for a more immersive wellbeing experience, and elevated onboard retail, including Chopard’s first boutique at sea. EXPLORA III will sail an exclusive Mediterranean Prelude before heading to Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland later in 2026.

Perowne International celebrates expansion into Latin America with Mexico City Launch

February 27th

Perowne International celebrates expansion into Latin America with Mexico City Launch

Perowne International celebrates expansion into Latin America

Mexico City Launch

Mexico

Perowne International has officially expanded its global footprint into Latin America, marking the milestone with a series of launch events in Mexico City. The move follows a period of significant growth for the consultancy, strategically linking its flourishing Milan and Madrid operations with the rising influence of the Spanish-speaking luxury market.

INTRODUCING SANDFONTEIN, NAMIBIA’S HIDDEN WILDERNESS

February 12th

INTRODUCING SANDFONTEIN, NAMIBIA’S HIDDEN WILDERNESS

INTRODUCING SANDFONTEIN

NAMIBIA’S HIDDEN WILDERNESS

Namibia

Beyond the classic safari trail and set within 97,000 hectares of privately protected land in southern Namibia, Sandfontein is a vast wilderness reserve and exclusive-use lodge positioned along the Orange River, cutting through sweeps of mountains, basalt outcrops and desert plains.

 

This is a landscape with deep geological time and human history layered into its terrain. River terraces and volcanic rock formations speak to millennia of tectonic change, while archaeological traces reveal early hunter-gatherer communities who relied on the Orange River as a corridor for trade and survival. In the early 20th century, the area became a strategic site during the Nama-German conflicts and the opening stages of the First World War, with battlefields and graveyards still preserved within the reserve today.

 

Available exclusively for private use, Sandfontein Lodge accommodates up to 18 guests across five suites, each with private outdoor living spaces and star beds, alongside the remote Lost Poet Villa, perched on a hilltop with uninterrupted 360-degree views. Locally sourced materials were used throughout the eco-conscious construction of the lodge and villa, minimising environmental impact while blending with the surrounding landscape. With no neighbouring properties, minimal infrastructure and zero light pollution, Sandfontein is recognised by Quiet Parks International for its profound silence and dark skies, offering complete seclusion.

 

Days unfold with guided hikes tracking wildlife on foot – from oryx and springbok to ostrich and giraffe – or historical explorations that reveal stories etched into the terrain. Along the Orange River, time slows further: kayaking, fishing, or drifting quietly downstream offering a different perspective from the banks. Conservation shapes every experience; in recent years, Sandfontein has expanded its boundaries and reintroduced native species, allowing the wilderness and its wildlife to flourish. As daylight fades, the reserve’s silence deepens. Guests can camp beneath the stars or retire to the lodge’s iconic outdoor StarBeds, immersed in the desert’s stillness and vast, starlit skies.

 

This is African travel stripped back to its raw essence, where the luxury is space itself. No crowds, no neighbouring lodges, just access: to land, to history, and to a rare and enduring sense of place, with the freedom to move through it at an unhurried pace.

SIBBJÄNS ARRIVES ON GOTLAND, SWEDEN

February 2nd

SIBBJÄNS ARRIVES ON GOTLAND, SWEDEN

SIBBJÄNS ARRIVES ON GOTLAND, SWEDEN

A REGENERATIVE FARM STAY SHAPED BY SEASONS, FRIENDSHIP AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

Sweden

Sibbjäns began quietly, the combined dream of Jonas Nordlander and Sanna Rönn, who with close friends and many meaningful couples Pontus and Kina Zeidler share a life between Stockholm and Gotland. Over the past four years, they have steadily transformed this former horse farm into a regenerative stay that feels singular to anywhere else in Scandinavia.

After a soft opening in 2025 for friends and family, the farm stay now enters 2026 as its first full season, opening more intentionally to a like-minded global community drawn to nature, food, and thoughtful design.

 

A PLACE TO REST

 

22 individually designed rooms sit across the Hotel and ‘The Bunkhouse,’ each named after important women in the family and among their friends. Adorned with classic Scandi touches of sheepskin throws, limewashed walls, soft palettes, and contemporary art, the spaces are designed for comfort.

Buildings are framed by wildflowers and constructed using traditional methods, much of the work completed by hand, with local craftsmanship central to the process. Architect Maja Berg has been a key contributor, working alongside Erik Larsson, a Master of Gotlandic Craft Heritage, who built some of the original buildings himself and continues to pass on traditional building knowledge to the next generation.

THE KITCHEN FOLLOWS THE FARM

At the heart of Sibbjäns is a working farm home to hens, Mangalitza pigs, horses, and sheep, with agriculture guiding both the kitchen and the guest experience.

In the gardens, lead gardener and local Karin Winarve brings a quiet hand to what thrives here across meadows, vegetable beds, and fruit-growing plots. Produce is grown on-site and harvested seasonally, forming the backbone of a true farm-to-table approach—one that pauses entirely during the winter months when the land rests.

 

EXPERIENCES & ‘VIKING WELLNESS’

New for the 2026 season, wellbeing at Sibbjäns is restorative rather than prescriptive. Inspired by Nordic traditions and the physicality of outdoor life, the evolving wellness offering includes:

  • A hand-built yoga barn

  • A wood-fired sauna

  • An outdoor gym

  • Recreational spaces

  • The beginnings of what will become one of the world’s most beautiful tennis courts.

The surrounding landscape invites guests to engage with nature on its own terms, from cycling or horse riding across open farmland to kitesurfing along Gotland’s windswept coastline (widely regarded as one of the finest spots in Europe for the sport). This is ‘Viking wellness’ in spirit—elemental, grounding, and quietly transformative.

 

SWEDEN’S ‘SUNSHINE ISLAND’

Gotland is Sweden’s sunniest destination, known for its distinctive light, limestone landscapes, and strong ‘right to roam’ ethos. Open from Easter through to Christmas and closed entirely during the dark winter months, Sibbjäns follows the natural calendar rather than resisting it.

Reaching it is part of the journey:

  • A short flight from Stockholm to the island’s capital of Visby, followed by a drive across the island.

  • A ferry crossing that reinforces the sense of arrival somewhere distinct and deliberately unhurried.

  • For those preferring a more direct approach, arrival by helicopter is also possible.

At its core, Sibbjäns remains a place for friends old and new built slowly, grounded in nature, and designed to endure.
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