Today
Crazy rich Asian hotels open in London – think £25,000 a night
You can even live permanently at the newly minted Peninsula or the lavish Raffles. But can they compete with city icons like The Ritz or The Dorchester?
- Hans van Leeuwen
This Month
Qantas brand guru Todd Sampson given ISS reprieve
This is why proxy advisers send everyone batty. And if Qantas’ in-house sentiment guru doesn’t deserve to walk the plank, who does?
- Myriam Robin
- Exclusive
- Life & Leisure
What it’s like to stay at the new W Sydney between two expressways
After construction dramas then the pandemic, the $1 billion Ribbon built for the glamorous hotel has opened. Life & Leisure stayed on opening night.
- Philippa Coates
Sydney’s new $1b hotel starts at $700 a room, with (Darling) harbour views
The largest W hotel in the world also has a 30-metre open-air infinity pool, a 2am desert bar and a distinctive curved building.
- Fiona Carruthers
From women’s prison to unmissable one-off boutique hotel
A WWII-era jail in Berlin has been liberated to create accommodation that’s a monument to heroines, a luxury urban retreat – and a home for modern art.
- Ben Fajzullin
Yoga with the Central Himalayas as backdrop? Watch out for Ramani
A hiking, yoga and meditation luxury lodge being built at serious altitude by family-owned Shakti will be a no-nonsense eco retreat.
- Fiona Carruthers
Unwind on a Mekong River cruise: an ex-monk will show you how
Leave Western cares behind on this voyage into Asia’s lush Golden Triangle in Laos. Downing home-made whisky with a village elder is optional.
- Trudy Harris
Vanessa Hudson back in business (class)
The Qantas CEO is back where she belongs. That is, at the pointy end of the plane.
- Myriam Robin
Richard Branson goes big on cruise with three $1b ships and counting
This cruise around the Greek islands invites guests to go the whole A-lister hog – from throwing tantrums to demanding of staff: “Don’t you know who I am?”
- Tony Davis
What to expect on your first Greek Islands cruise
When cruising aboard Resilient Lady in a RockStar Suite, there’s only one way to spend your daytime shore excursions: like a rock star, in dark glasses and a cap.
- Tony Davis
Where should you dine at sea?
From fresh-baked Danish pastries to caviar silver service and gin-and-tonic scones, here’s an amuse-bouche of options.
- Jill Dupleix
This cruise chef has his own herb garden at sea
This chef is on a mission to plate up the freshest, healthiest produce that pays homage to origin.
- Fiona Carruthers
How to see the best of Tahiti over 11 days from $12,620
For a taste of France in the South Pacific and to experience the allure of Tahiti in all its natural beauty, step aboard the newly renovated Le Paul Gauguin.
- Joanna Bates
Lithuania’s secret UNESCO heritage-listed weapon
The most populous of the three Baltic states, Lithuania has some fascinating pockets that northern European holidaymakers have been enjoying for centuries.
- Chris Wright
Floating day spas with caviar and champagne? Yes, it’s a thing
Get spoiled at sea with bath butlers who ensure there’s champagne next to your soap, charcoal saunas, and al fresco massages.
- Brian Johnston
Fancy a Four Seasons at sea? Silversea has turned ships into hotels
Silversea’s Silver Nova – the first in its new Nova class of vessels – is a game changer, with its revolutionary design that ensures a spectacular outlook.
- Jane Knight
Avoid holiday crowds: Swim your way around Greece
A swim safari in mid-July around the Sporades archipelago – 130 kilometres north of Athens – is surprisingly uncrowded, despite taking in where Mamma Mia was filmed.
- Josephine McKenna
Yes, you need a top guide in India - especially to jump queues
From navigating a 150-year-old fish market to skipping the crowds at the Taj Mahal and knowing the best restaurants, a local tour guide is worth it.
- Paul Bailey
Who let the dogs on? The only ship that welcomes pets
Hundreds of pampered four-legged fur babies cruise the trans-Atlantic route between New York and Southampton each year.
- Fiona Carruthers
Nervous about going on tour? Here’s how to survive a group holiday
Fiercely independent travellers never like the sound of groups, let alone cruises. You can enjoy both – while hanging onto your adventurous spirit.
- Jeff Allan
