What's New

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.

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.