Honeymoon and travel ideas for couples in the West Midlands

CROSSROADS is the the archipelago’s first multi-island leisure destination

CROSSROADS Maldives is a new multi-island leisure destination, home to three beautiful resorts, a 30-berth quay, a Hard Rock Cafe, endless retail and dining options, excursions, kids activities and blissful spa offerings.

This ambitious nine-island project is set among the breathtakingly exotic South Malé Atoll and Emboodhoo Lagoon, just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Malé International Airport. Embracing a fresh and innovative approach, every aspect of CROSSROADS Maldives, from resorts and dining to leisure, fashion and entertainment, is seamlessly blended into one destination where there is truly something for everyone. The concept is inspired by the Maldives' maritime history as a waypoint at the centre of the world and designed in the spirit of an island village where travellers can rest, recharge and reconnect.

One of Venice's five-star lagoon hotels has opened its doors

One of Venice's renowned five-star lagoon hotels, Hotel Excelsior, opens its Renaissance palace doors for another season of bygone charm and 1950s-style Italian glamour.

Located on the Lido, a 15-minute boat ride from St. Mark's Square, the private golden sand beach with colourful cabanas is the obvious jewel in the crown. This season also promises new offerings, such as:

SUP Board Yoga: Taking place upon the Adriatic Sea, SUP Yoga promotes muscle toning, improves posture and enhances mental and physical coordination.

Capoeira Classes: An Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines music, dancing, fight and defence.

Plan a history-fuelled trip to Sicily

Sicily is home to beautiful coastlines, lively cities and the imposing Mount Etna. In the realm of cuisine, Sicily is renowned for dishes such as caponata (eggplant stew), arancini, and pasta alla Norma. Amidst Sicily's diverse attractions and offerings, it may be easy to overlook that it is an excellent destination for those seeking a historical journey.

Due to Sicily's geographical positioning, the island has served as a crossroad connecting Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Over time, various civilizations have left their imprint on the island, weaving a rich cultural tapestry. Sicily is adorned with remarkable archaeological sites that offer a glimpse into the ancient past.

Wayfairer Travel launches a new eco category, 'Eco by Wayfairer'

Specialising in tailor-made luxury holidays to the world's most exciting destinations, Wayfairer Travel is an award-winning luxury travel company founded in 2015 with a core commitment to responsible travel. Wayfairer's bespoke itineraries are individually designed by a team of luxury travel specialists and experts in the industry, from trekking holidays and safaris to honeymoons and family adventures.

Following substantial international expansion and a growing category of eco-conscious customers, Wayfairer has defined a specific set of requirements for its accommodation partners to qualify for the new 'Eco by Wayfairer' certification and help customers identify the most environmentally friendly options.

The Montenotte in Cork, Ireland, has unveiled The Woodland Suite Experience

The Montenotte in Cork, Ireland, has announced The Woodland Suite Experience, the first of its kind to open in Ireland. Launching in August 2024, the nine new Woodland Suites and River Suites, as well as an exclusive residents-only Clubhouse, will aim to set a new standard for luxury accommodation in Ireland.

Each suite is nestled within the natural beauty of the Irish landscape and elegantly perched on the hilltop, with stunning views overlooking the River Lee, Cork Harbour, and Cork City. Complete with Italian travertine and oak timber floor finishes, expansive and beautifully detailed bathrooms, view-focused free-standing baths, exquisite furnishings throughout, and exclusive private terraces, guests of The Woodland Suite Experience will be invited to unwind and indulge in the utmost luxury and inherent elegance.

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort has opened its new St. Regis Spa

The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, the first private island to open in the Red Sea, offers guests an elegant spa that celebrates all that is natural and sensorial. Opened in January 2024, the spa features eight treatment rooms with gazebos and outdoor baths, private treatment cabins and male and female grooming salons.

The design of the spa pays homage to the natural beauty of Ummahat Island, featuring open windows, outdoor cabins and pavilions intended to bring the peace of the outside in.

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in France has announced a new spa partnership

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa has announced a new partnership with myBlend and Clarins Precious, the pioneering skincare brands by the Clarins Group. The arrival of these new skincare brands will perfectly complement the extensive treatments already available at the world-class destination spa and enhance the soothing atmosphere of the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa's 47 suites, delivering a more complete list of exclusive treatments in the heart of Champagne, France.

Korakia Pensione in California is celebrating 100 years of business

Now filled with secret gardens, pools, lounges and fountains, Korakia Pensione has been a Palm Springs sanctuary since the 1920's and is celebrating 100 years of creative energy and spirit in 2024.

Built in 1924, the Moroccan Villa, originally named Dar Marroc, was the former hideaway of Scottish painter Gordon Coutts, a visionary with a dream to relive his art-filled Moroccan days. The villa served as the location for Coutts to re-create his earlier life in Tangier, a hedonistic city in Morocco, by employing a wide variety of architectural features that promoted Moroccan decor.

Escape this Easter with the Almae Collection

Palazzo Garzoni, an enviable location on Venice's Grand Canal, between Piazza San Marco and Rialto Bridge, offers an ideal base for a cultural Easter getaway. Dating back to the mid-15th century, Palazzo Garzoni is a masterpiece of Venetian architecture and a historical base from which to explore the city of canals. This under-the-radar gem has been sensitively converted into four residences: Piano Nobile, Grand Canal, Terrazeta and Rialto. All have been individually designed with the utmost care and using locally sourced materials such as Italian marble and fabrics produced by the finest Venetian textile manufacturers, including Rubelli and Fortuny. Guests can rent the residences individually or take over the whole property on an exclusive use basis for the ultimate private takeover. The resident concierge is on hand to cater to every aspect of the stay, from booking tickets and meals in the city to arranging bespoke parties and events in the apartments.

Two resorts in Greece are focusing on self care

A new travel trend is emerging, with 2024 giving rise to hobby-inspired holidays as travellers increasingly seek opportunities to not only explore new destinations but also reconnect with and discover old and new hobbies while on holiday. Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort and Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay, two exquisite resorts in Halkidiki and Crete, respectively, are perfectly poised to cater to the hobby-inspired traveller looking to blend leisure with their favourite pastimes to practice more self-care.

Take the plunge 80m below ground in this new meditative Swedish sauna

Visitors to Sweden are now able to enjoy the health and meditative benefits of a new sauna ritual, bathing in crystal-clear natural spring water 80 metres below ground.

The new experience is part of a new and exclusive Savouring Swedish Serenity itinerary created by Scandinavian travel specialists Off the Map Travel, which brings together a mindfulness experience of foraging, yoga and wellness centred around the new Gruvfrun sauna ritual.

Visitors access this out-of-the-ordinary experience via a series of spacious tunnels and steps, which gradually descend to the experience below, all complete with swimwear stowed safely in a bag.

The experience itself connects with all the senses in a true mindfulness experience of story, song, temperature and tranquillity. The whole experience is guided by sauna master Elin Hietanen.

New history voyage along the Turkish Riviera

Salamander Voyages, a small luxury gulet and yacht charter company owned and run by the Cooke family, has announced its fascinating new History Voyage, launching in June 2024.

This new seven-night itinerary will be a fantastic opportunity for guests sailing the Turquoise Coast to delve into the incredible history of the region and learn about the many intriguing ancient sites along the way.

Tessa Wills (nee Cooke) comments: "For more than 20 years, my family and I have been sailing and exploring the stunning Turkish Coast. There is no better way to discover its historic past than by boat, allowing unique access to some of the country's most fascinating sites, with history spanning the centuries from the Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire to World War I and the founding of the Turkish Republic. There is so much to capture everyone's imagination."

Parga Beach Resort in Greece unveils exciting expansion plans for 2024

Primely positioned along Greece's captivating Ionian coastline, Parga Beach Resort has announced significant expansion plans ahead of the summer season. 2023 was a record-breaking year for the resort, with sales up 25 per cent compared to 2019 and to cater to this increased demand, the resort will unveil a collection of luxurious new suites, a charming Greek restaurant, a sprawling pool area and an interactive kid's club. Building upon its reputation for excellence and unwavering commitment to Greek hospitality, this series of enhancements will further elevate the guest experience and solidify the resort's status as an idyllic destination for discerning travellers seeking an alternative Grecian escape.

Lepogo Lodges in South Africa has unveiled its second property

Lepogo Lodges, an entirely not-for-profit safari lodge in the heart of Limpopo Province, has unveiled its second property, Melote House, a new exclusive-use safari lodge, sleeping 16 and joining the brand's well-established Noka Camp.

The highly anticipated property is a private oasis of luxury in an enviable off-the-grid setting, embracing nature's elegance. Melote House is inspired by the rock formations of the Waterberg region and has sustainability at its core, built in tiers on the side of the hill to maximise the magnificent views over the Lapalala Wilderness. With living roofs that small animals can graze from, the design incorporates the house back into the mountain and every element extracted from the earth has been meticulously restored and skillfully integrated to ensure the property blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

Sri Lanka’s newest luxury resort will open its doors this March

In June 2024, Sri Lanka's newest luxury resort, Kotiyagala Luxury Villas, will open its doors. This 12-villa all-pool oasis, nestled between Yala's forest and the Indian Ocean, will offer striking villa accommodations, a roofed lounge boasting far-reaching views, a locally-inspired signature restaurant and bar, a rejuvenating Ayurvedic spa and a well-equipped fitness centre. Kotiyagala Luxury Villas will feature contemporary Sri Lankan design emphasising quiet elegance balanced with a natural ambience that celebrates the property's proximity to wildlife, whereby guests will have the opportunity to view the park's 44 native species of mammals, 215 bird species, and the plethora of additional animal species that call Yala home.

Angama Amboseli has opened in the heart of Kenya’s Kimana Sanctuary

Angama Amboseli has officially opened in the heart of Kenya's 5,700-acre Kimana Sanctuary, one of the last havens for the continent's Super Tusker Elephants. The lodge features 10 suites inspired by the elephants, using a combination of canvas, concrete, rattan and even elephant dung, with earthy, neutral tones accented by shades of green and red from the landscape. The property provides exclusive access to an area of Kenya renowned for its lush landscape and remarkable density of wildlife, all anchored by the unrivalled views of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa.

St. Regis Hotels and Resorts is a new resort in Saudi Arabia

The new St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, situated on Ummahat Island in Saudi Arabia, is the first private island from which couples will be able to discover the Red Sea. Ummahat Island is fringed by abundant wildlife, marine ecosystems and natural marvels. Guests will be able to snorkel amongst preserved coral reefs, obtain PADI certifications, and embark on scuba diving expeditions to nearby wrecks and discovery sites, including the Blue Hole, a large natural marine cavern adjacent to the resort. The island's crystal-clear, vivid blue water can also be enjoyed by an array of water sports, including stand-up paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. Excursions to the mainland via a short trip by chartered boat will offer guests the opportunity to explore dormant volcanoes, heritage sites and sweeping desert dunes.

South Africa’s Babylonstoren has launched a new package

South Africa's Babylonstoren, in the heart of the Cape Winelands, is one of a few farms in South Africa that keeps, breeds, and milks water buffalo. The latest experience at this restored Cape Dutch farm will see guests have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the 200-strong herd of Mediterranean Water Buffalo, each with their own name and personality.

After the tour, for a truly immersive farm-to-fork experience, guests can sample mozzarella, yoghurt and butter made from buffalo milk at the estate's resident hyper-seasonal restaurant. Guests can also join the 'Water Buffalo Whisperer', Leonie Botha, for a feeding session with the water buffalo babies, a delight for all the family.

Chenot Espace Spa in Italy has undergone an extensive refurbishment

The award-winning Chenot Espace Spa at L'Albereta has undergone an extensive refurbishment and is now ready to welcome guests. The meticulously renovated 2,000-square-metre space includes the restoration of the first two floors of the spa and Chenot restaurant using sustainable and natural materials. The Chenot Espace has introduced several new and modernised diagnostic treatment options to further enrich the wellness programmes. These innovative methods aim to help guests unlock and achieve their physical potential, allowing them to leave in their very best condition.

Odera is a new luxury resort in Tinos, Greece, set to open mid 2024

Launching in mid-2024, Odera will be the first luxury boutique hotel of its kind on the unspoilt island of Tinos, Greece. Sitting in a secluded bay with a private beach amongst the island's dramatic landscape, the hotel will comprise 77 rooms and pool suites, an expansive spa and a private beach club. The commitment to preserving the environment and supporting the island's local craftsmanship is reflected in every corner of the hotel, from traditional Tinian stonework and authentic pigeonholes showcasing the island's natural beauty and heritage to meticulously crafted marble furnishings and dining menus that celebrate local suppliers.