Travel
The Phoenicia Malta: Old Soul, New Standard
There’s something magnetic about The Phoenicia Malta. Maybe it’s the way the light hits the limestone at sunset, turning the façade gold, or the quiet confidence of the staff who greet you as if you’ve stayed before. Within minutes of arriving, I understood why this hotel isn’t just where you stay in Valletta, it’s where the city begins.
Malta is a year-round destination, the kind of place that still feels sun-warmed even in November. When much of Europe is grey and shivering, Floriana glows at a steady 20-something degrees, its sandstone walls catching the light like honey. Against that backdrop, The Phoenicia Malta feels almost cinematic – timeless, sunlit, and entirely its own.
Set beside the capital’s old gates, The Phoenicia...
Read the full story
More Travel
Film Star Fabulous: Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes
Located in the heart of Cannes, Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes is the crown jewel of the Côte d’Azur. Just a stone’s throw away from the Cannes Film Festival red carpet, this palace-hotel is the go-to for Hollywood’s great and good to rest their heads during the glittering festivities. Just in time for this year’s festival, the imposing white hotel has undergone a £5 million revamp, paying homage to the hotel’s Art Deco roots.
Cambodia's New Dawn, 50 Years On From the Start of the...
Nothing displays a country’s confidence in tourism quite like a state-of-the art new airport - especially when it’s been designed by one of the most admired and influential architects in the world. In this case, the architects are Foster & Partners and the airport is in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh. With an emphasis on natural light, its soaring curves reference the country’s temples and palaces, while the steel lattice work is inspired by traditional basketweaving. Two years ago, Siem Reap - a popular tourist hub, thanks to its proximity to Angkor Wat - also benefited from a new airport, set at some distance from the city so as to minimise traffic pollution, potentially damaging to the temple complexes.
Liquid Gold at Villa Nai 3.3
The Dalmatian island of Dugi Otok is a landscape of contrasts,where rugged coastlines and dramatic cliffs meet tranquil turquoise waters. Amid the luscious greenery stretches, there’s a hidden gem. Villa Nai 3.3 is built into the cliffside, camouflaged by its own colour palette. Driving up the winding path, there are around 1,000 olive trees set among the sprawling 40,000 sqm grove. These olive groves have existed for 500 years, but it wasn’t until 2021 that civil engineer Goran Morović reconceptualised the space as an agro-tourism destination.
Discovering the Quiet Elegance of Atzaró Agroturismo...
Tucked away in the honey-hued hills of Ibiza’s bucolic north, where citrus trees perfume the breeze and ancient olive groves whisper their age-old secrets, lies Atzaró Agroturismo Hotel, a place where time slows, senses awaken, and the soul exhales. It’s hard to believe such tranquillity lies just 25 minutes from Ibiza airport. After an easy flight from Gatwick, my husband and I arrived for a two-night escape to this rural idyll, where natural luxury is not an affectation, but a way of life.
Gastronomic Girona: Hostal de la Gavina
There’s a lot to draw you to Hostal de La Gavina. This charming family-run hotel overlooks the coast of S’Agaró in a picturesque gated enclave. Since opening in 1932, this majestic hotel, imbued with old-school glamour, has played host to a veritable list of A-Listers from Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra to Lady Gaga.
The Adria: A Discreet Sanctuary in South Kensington
Tucked away on a peaceful, tree-lined street in the heart of South Kensington, The Adria feels like you've been handed the keys to a private London townhouse. The moment I stepped through its elegant white stucco façade, I was enveloped by a sense of quiet luxury. There’s something about the atmosphere here: refined yet unpretentious, curated but comforting.
A Serene Spa Break at South Lodge
Set within 92 acres of undulating Sussex countryside, South Lodge is an idyllic staycation spot, grounded in nature. The spa — a sustainable, architectural haven designed to echo the bucolic surroundings — is testament to this connection with the stunning location.
Why Autumn is the Best Time to Fall for Florence
The birthplace of the Renaissance still feels like a city designed to be walked: compact, layered and dense with art. In cooler months, when crowds thin and the heat drops from the stone, it’s easier to see how much of its beauty lies in the details: the worn fresco in a church corner, the clang of a bicycle on cobbles, the first sip of espresso that cuts through the morning haze.
Serenity in Sintra: Penha Longa Resort
Penha Longa Resort occupies a serene spot against bucolic Sintra’s rolling hills. With two golf courses, enchanting woodland trails and seven restaurants, this pretty patch of Portugal feels like a destination in itself. But it is a luxurious base to explore the wider cultural landmarks of Cascais and the hubbub of the more well-trodden Lisbon.
Luxury Things to Do in Paris in Winter
Paris in winter feels different from the postcard-perfect snapshots you see splashed across magazines. The Seine and the bridges aren’t as crowded, and the city slows down without ever really stopping. But Paris is still Paris, no matter the season. There’s still music pouring out of churches, windows glinting with gold displays, steam rising when someone cracks open a chestnut bag on the corner. Every hotel lobby boasts a roaring fireplace, there's ice skating at the Grand Palais, and cosy dinners that stretch into the evening. Winter certainly doesn’t dim Paris's magic, it simply shows the city in a different light.
The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Arctic Cruises
The Arctic isn’t a last-minute destination that you can book in a hurry. Planning is absolutely vital. People fly halfway around the world just to see the vast expanse of frosted white stretching in every direction. During the summer months, a phenomenon known as "midnight sun" occurs where the sun never sets below the horizon. In winter, meanwhile, darker skies take hold, providing the ultimate backdrop for the fabled northern lights. While the landscape is unforgettable, what makes this destination particularly special is the journey itself, particularly aboard a luxury cruise ship. These striking vessels are built to slip through the ice while keeping travellers toasty and warm. Read on to discover The Sybarite's guide to the best luxury Arctic cruises.
Top 5 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan
Japan during the spring months is a sight to behold. Travellers and locals alike flock to see the bursts of pink that take hold as the cherry blossom season sets in. The first bloom takes place in the south, before sweeping north until the whole country is carpeted in pink petals. While you might be tempted to chalk it up as "just flowers", cherry blossom season in Japan is a one-of-a-kind spectacle. Parks turn into temporary dining halls with lanterns strung up in the trees, and supermarkets start filling their shelves with blossom-themed goodies (sake, snacks, and pretty much every sweet treat under the sun). Viewing these cherry blossoms is known as hanami. At its core, the custom, which translates to "flower viewing", is a time for celebration and reflection. It provides the perfect excuse to gather and appreciate the finer things in life.
Learn more about luxury lifestyle by signing up for free
For our latest experiences and editorials, be the first in the know. You'll learn about upcoming experiences happening worldwide and the secrets and lifestyle of a sybarite.