Lifestyle and Adventure

The Nobu Philosophy on the Golden Mile

Nobu hotel group has been riding the crest of a wave in recent years. From zen Japanese designs to exquisite cuisine, Nobu has been winning admirers the world over. On the plush 'Golden Mile', Nobu Marbella is a destination in itself. It's a self-contained resort that will satisfy your gastronomy, relaxation and shopping needs. Within the same complex as Puente Romano beach resort, guests luckily share the same world-class facilities, yet Nobu guests also get exclusive access to a Nobu pool area, which coincidentally is the same arrangement as when we visited Nobu Hotel Miami Beach. You will also get priority seating and preferred access to Nobu and La Suite, Marbella’s most exclusive club. If you know how popular both institutions are, you'll appreciate this is a considerable benefit.

Featuring Top 10 Luxury Property Developments Around the World in 2023

The luxury property market has been on the rise for many years, and this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. For those who value the finer things in life, owning a luxury home is more than just an investment — it's a statement of who they are.  While some cities such as New York, Miami, London, Dubai, and Singapore have always been the preferred destinations for luxury living, others such as downtown LA and Melbourne have made their presence felt too with some landmark luxury developments of late. Yet others such as Kiawah Island in South Carolina have remained the proverbial Shangri-Las of luxury developments — known only to a select few. Here, The Sybarite explores our top ten picks of some of the finest luxury developments around the globe, starting with London. All the properties on the list are distinguished by their pedigree of being the products of some of the most renowned builders and having been conceptualized by the most sought after architects in the luxury real estate sector. On top of this, each property has opulent interiors, the best views of each city, and state-of-the-art facilities for fitness and recreation.

Bringing Back Boujis: Get Ready for B London

They’ve hosted rockstars and royalty during their wildest nights out. Now, the team behind Mahiki, Raffles Chelsea, and the once happening Boujis, brings B London to the fold, with a view to capturing the best of old and new. For those unfamiliar with Boujis, the significance of B London’s upcoming launch - geared for March of this year - is rooted heavily in the once popular club which closed in 2016. During its epic run, made memorable by the drove of celebrities passing in and out of its doors, Boujis made headlines for high class drama perpetrated by none other than its clientele. This included Princes William and Harry, commonly caught by paparazzi stumbling from the club in the early hours of the morning. Speaking to veteran nightclub owner and B London partner, Carlo Carello, it’d be remiss of The Sybarite not to enquire about his knowledge of the royals, who are, as expected at this time, a little on the contentious side of public opinion. “To be honest, I’ll be brutal,” he said. “I’d love to stay away from Harry and William right now. There’s too much out there.”

Featuring Buy the book: 10 books for the best-dressed coffee tables

Featuring Luxury City Breaks: Copenhagen

With a mere 48 hours at my disposal in the heart of Denmark's capital, I was determined to optimise every moment while simultaneously indulging in a tranquil weekend escape from the bustling rhythm of London life. This endeavour might sound like an insurmountable challenge, yet the solution was conveniently at hand: Nimb Hotel, a castle-like haven that seemed to materialise from a dream. Upon our arrival after a short Friday evening flight, the affable Peter greeted us with a warm smile, exuding a genuine eagerness to enhance our entire sojourn. The service we encountered was flawless, a manifestation of the Danish ethos - embracing the essence of hygge with an added touch of romantic allure. Nimb Hotel epitomises the essence of Scandinavian opulence. Housing a mere 38 guest chambers, this castle stands as a sanctuary of serenity, positioned gracefully behind the majestic Tivoli Gardens. Notably, Nimb's patrons enjoy complimentary access to these gardens, the world's third-oldest operating amusement park. The castle itself is a harmonious fusion of resplendent Moorish architecture and chic Scandinavian design, a perfect union of grandeur and contemporary elegance. Beyond providing lavish accommodations, the fanciful Nimb Hotel curates an array of artistic and cultural experiences within its premises. These offerings encompass garden soirées, wine tastings, as well as rooftop opera and jazz concerts.

Our lifestyle expert reviews The Xara Palace, Relais &...

Mdina (pronounced ehm-dee-nuh) is also known as The Silent City, and we experienced this first-hand. We walked through the Vilhena gate that leads into the fortified city, amidst the crowds of tourists who are queueing to see the city dungeons and the horse-drawn carriages with drivers shouting out offers for a ride. Once night time falls, all the noise and activity melts away to reveal an almost eerie, mystical ambience within the air as the whole place goes quiet. Built like a traditional Arabic medina, our footsteps echo as we make our way down the labyrinth of interconnected paths until we reach a towering stone palazzo. The Xara Palace is a 17th century five-star Relais & Châteaux property—the only hotel inside the walls of the Mdina—and the former home of a noble family. A sign at the entrance reads: “The Maltese nobility assembles within the walls of this ancient palazzo in order to elect its committee of privileges.” The baroque building stands proudly at the end of a small slope, just a short walk from the main gates. Upon entering the hotel doors, we’re welcomed with a glass of bubbly and invited to take a seat in the lounge. From the ornate church doors towering over us at the end of the hallway to the exquisite furniture full of dark wood and brick reds, there’s an air of sophistication that oozes from every nook and cranny of the palace.

A Luxury Scottish Escape: High-end in the Highlands

Given that good weather in Scotland is never guaranteed, there’s a lot to be said for leaning into the dark nights and visiting in winter. For one, this is the time of year you’re most likely to experience the magical aurora borealis, and as the only Dark Sky Park in the UK, Galloway Forest is a great location for stargazing. January is also peak mussel and scallop season, delicacies for which Scotland is world-renowned. And where better to enjoy the finest malt whiskies by a roaring fire? Scots certainly know how to make the most of the longer nights and, having recovered from their Hogmanay celebrations, turn their attention to Burns’ Night at the end of January. Nowhere does so in greater style than The Fife Arms, a relatively new addition to the Scottish luxury hotel scene in its current incarnation. Nestled in the spectacular grandeur of the Caringorms just 15 minutes from Balmoral, the landmark Braemar hotel was comprehensively renovated by a team of architects, artisans and artists in 2018. Each of the 46 bedrooms is dedicated to a local place, person or event, meticulously researched and decorated to tell the story of the area. If their Hogmanay was anything to go by – at which Dame Judy Dench was spotted carousing at the piano with Sharleen Spiteri of Texas fame – Burns’ Night will be an extravagant affair.

Review of Family Luxury in the Autumn Sun: Parga Beach Resort

The balance between a fun-filled, family holiday and a relaxing, luxury resort is often quite hard to find... but our luxury lifestyle expert, Kerene Barefield, has found the perfect, child-friendly place to whiz away to on the off-season! Having decided to treat the family to a little autumn sun, I booked five nights at Parga Beach Resort on the idyllic west coast of Greece - and I was not disappointed! After booking an early flight from London and dragging the kids out of bed at 3:45am; we arrived at Preveza airport by nine o’clock GMT. Greeted by our friendly chauffeur from the resort, he drove us along the beautiful coastline for a 45 minute journey to the hotel. On arrival we received a very warm welcome from Katerina and her team, and were shown promptly to our room. The extensive grounds of the hotel are stunning, all the rooms and suites are scattered between vibrantly blooming flora and centuries old olive trees. The smell of jasmine fills the air as we walk through the lush and plentiful grounds; it is hard to comprehend that there are over a hundred beautiful rooms hidden away in this captivating Greek resort

Review of Relax at Minos Beach

Beach holidays can be very undifferentiated. It could easily be filled with endless sun-bed reading and tick-box buffet food. Minos Beach Art Hotel in Crete offers a unique, inspiring experience on the other hand. Culture plays an important role in this 5-star resort. The hotel opened in 1963 but you will struggle to find any remote hint of the 60s anywhere on its grounds. The hotel is constantly renovating and if anything, the resemblance is more towards Tate Modern galleries rather than a retro Greek resort. The hotel is a member of Design Hotels and you feel it's most deserving the moment you step into the lobby. There's Giorgos Gyparakis' 1-sec art installation by the reception wall with intricate waveforms highlighting the increasing digitalisation of society.

Review of Luxury Hotel Stays in Barcelona: Hotel Arts Barcelona

Tipping is always tricky. Discretionary is hard too. No one wants to tip too much or too little.  What do you leave for the charming waitress at a two-star Michelin restaurant, or the devoted bodyguard that helps keep pigeons from stealing your food? Harry is the hotel’s hawk-in-residence. Working as a security guard, he is (of course) employed by one of the most luxurious hotels in the world to guard its guests against the local pigeon community. His job (albeit an extremely important one) is to protect you, and your food, from the locals stealing the blinis off your plate, dipping their beaks into your quince jam, pecking at your Iberian loin, mobbing your matured manchego and making off with your croissant, raisin roll or other bollería pastries. Breakfast is also served inside at the safer although a little vertiginous Club Lounge forty floors above. Exclusive access is reserved to high fliers, enjoying the good life in the $2000-a-night penthouse suites and superior deluxe rooms with a, “tailored menu of exclusive benefits”. On the rooftop is a spa with a sauna/steam room boasting arguably one of the best views in the world.

Featuring Our Luxury Lifestyle Expert reviews Hilton Lake Como

Lake Como has always been somewhere that I’ve wanted to visit. For centuries it’s been famed for its dramatic setting, fairy-tale villages and international high-profile visitors, with many movies, including ‘Casino Royale’, ‘Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones’, and ‘A Month by the Lake’ filmed there. Therefore, when I was given the opportunity to enjoy the city for a few days, I jumped at the chance, inviting a close friend to share the experience.

Wellness Destinations for the Elite Traveller’s Radar

No matter your personal style of self-care or level of yogic knowledge, there’s a wellness destination to suit you. Explore further to see which unexpected but life-changing wellness destinations make the Sybarite edit.