FROM SECLUDED TO SWANKY WE UNVEIL THE WORLD’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER AND SOME SURPRISINGLY SERENE DESTINATIONS, ENSURING EVERY JOURNEY IS AN INDULGENCE.
WRITTEN BY THE EDITORS
Luxe Playground
Marbella. The very name conjures images of sun-drenched hedonism, private yachts bobbing in cerulean waters, and a chic cadre of international jet-setters. This isn’t just a town on the Costa del Sol; it’s a carefully curated fantasy, a playground where the discerning few come to shed their inhibitions and embrace the gilded life. And at the epicenter of this elegant bacchanal, the METT Hotel & Beach Resort Marbella has arrived, not merely as another five-star address, but as a knowing nod to the new guard of coastal indulgence.
Step across the threshold of the METT, and you immediately understand that this is a place designed for those who appreciate the finer points of leisure. The atmosphere, far from ostentatious, exudes a refined luxury, a testament to minimalist design imbued with a distinctly Mediterranean soul. The architecture itself is a masterclass in fluidity, dissolving the rigid boundaries between sumptuous interiors and the breathtaking sweep of the sea. Each room, each suite, is a private tableau of understated opulence: sleek lines, tactile natural materials, and, crucially, private balconies that offer an uninterrupted gaze upon a horizon painted in hues of endless blue.
But the true allure of METT lies not just in its polished surfaces, but in its meticulously crafted experiences. The culinary landscape is a veritable grand tour for the palate. Ammos, the all-day dining concept, delivers vibrant, unpretentious freshness, while Isola elevates Japanese-Peruvian fusion to an art form, a symphony of flavors designed to both surprise and satisfy. Yet, it is perhaps the magnificent pool area that truly captures the hotel’s essence. Private cabanas become stages for languid afternoons, while the pulse of the DJ’s beats provides the perfect soundtrack to an exclusive, yet undeniably relaxed, scene. And for those seeking a deeper recalibration, the on-site wellness center offers a holistic journey to rejuvenation, ensuring that every departure is marked by a palpable sense of renewal.
Beyond the METT, the call of Marbella itself, and its glittering satellite, Puerto Banús, proves irresistible. The hotel’s enviable position grants easy access. A brief, scenic drive transports you to Puerto Banús, where the marina is a dazzling spectacle of superyachts vying for attention with an equally impressive fleet of luxury automobiles. This is the hallowed ground where the world’s most coveted luxury brands unfurl their wares along meticulously paved promenades (reports indicate that part of the upcoming Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Miami was filmed here). As twilight descends upon Marbella, exclusive beach clubs hum with a vibrant energy, the nightlife pulses with an undeniable allure, and bespoke yacht charters offer private escapes into the vastness of the Mediterranean. Every whim, every desire, no matter how grand, is met with an effortless ease.
Back at METT Hotel Marbella one is struck by how seamlessly the resort blends world-class comfort with the Costa del Sol’s high-end tapestry. For those seeking profound indulgence, the METT Hotel stands as a resplendent, perhaps even defiantly opulent, beacon on that sun-drenched coast.
Bohemian Rhapsody
There is a certain quiet truth to be found in places that resist the clamor of self-promotion, destinations that do not feel the need to shout their virtues. Comporta, on Portugal’s sun-drenched Alentejo coast, is precisely such a place. It proposes itself not as a grand pronouncement, but as a subtle, sustained whisper – an antidote, perhaps, to the frenetic, gilded performance of places like St. Tropez or the Hamptons. Here, the very air carries a deeper resonance: the sharp tang of pine, the vast, salty exhalation of the Atlantic, and a rhythm of life so exquisitely unhurried, it seems to undulate with the rice fields themselves.
Comporta has, for some time, drawn a particular kind of traveler – the kind whose sophistication lies not in ostentation, but in an instinct for authenticity. They are drawn to the raw, unvarnished beauty of the natural world, preferring the wild embrace of the land to any pretense. The allure is manifest in the sprawling, untamed beaches that stretch for miles, in the iconic, thatched-roof cabanas that seem to rise organically from the sand, and in a profound, visceral connection to the earth that is impossible to deny. It is a place where a designer caftan finds its unexpected complement in well-worn espadrilles, and evenings are not illuminated by electric glare, but by the staggering, silent tapestry of stars.
At the very heart of this refined village, one finds AlmaLusa Comporta, a kind of quiet jewel box that perfectly distills the region’s singular ethos: polished, yet utterly at ease. Nestled amongst the village’s charming blue-and-white architecture, AlmaLusa doesn’t aspire to deliver a pre-packaged, trend-driven experience. Instead, it offers a thoughtful sanctuary, weaving local materials and time-honored craftsmanship with every contemporary comfort. The spaces feel both undeniably Portuguese and irresistibly luxurious, not in their opulence, but in their essential rightness. Each room and suite becomes a private sanctuary, a cool, quiet respite from the Alentejo sun.
Beyond its lovely interiors, AlmaLusa Comporta’s true elegance lies in its seamless, almost effortless, embrace of the surrounding natural world. A mere fifteen-minute stroll–or a seven-minute bicycle ride–through fragrant pine forests and sun-dappled rice paddies leads, with a quiet inevitability, to the pristine sands of Comporta Beach. This unforced connection to nature is the very essence of the AlmaLusa experience, a gentle invitation to truly unplug, to surrender to the coast’s serene, enduring rhythm.
For those stirred by a more active spirit, Comporta offers a delicate scattering of pursuits. Local stables, such as Cavalos na Areia, provide guided rides through the dunes, the resin-scented pine, and even into the invigorating Atlantic – a singularly memorable experience that re-establishes a felt connection with the spirit of the region. For a more exhilarating, wind-in-your-hair escape, Feel Comporta’s sand buggy tour navigates rugged terrain, uncovering hidden coves and panoramic viewpoints. Or contact Offbeat Portugal, a boutique Tour Operator and Destination Management Company dedicated to crafting unique and tailor-made travel experiences throughout Portugal.
The culinary scene in Comporta echoes its unpretentious soul, focusing always on what is hyper-local, utterly fresh—the seafood hauled from the Atlantic hours before, the sun-ripened produce, and the Alentejo wines that tell the unvarnished story of their terroir. Indeed, the rice fields are the beating heart of the local ecosystem and culture, profoundly shaping the region’s unique culinary identity. For an evening that is both sophisticated and infused with a gentle joy, a reservation at Comporta Café is a must. This iconic beachfront establishment offers the perfect setting for an evening of exquisite dining—fresh, locally sourced seafood, all savored as the sun performs its slow, collective-gasp-inducing alchemy across the sky.
The AlmaLusa sensibility, one finds, extends its touch to Lisbon, offering elegant urban retreats that serve as perfect counterpoints to a Comporta sojourn. AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado, situated in the very pulse of the historic city, provides a sophisticated base from which to explore Lisbon’s cobbled streets. Meanwhile, the newest addition, AlmaLusa Alfama, immerses guests in the very soul of Lisbon, with breathtaking Tagus River views and proximity to ancient alleys. These city properties offer the same unwavering commitment to personalized service and elegant design that define the Comporta experience, ensuring a seamless transition from coastal tranquility to urban chic.
Comporta, with AlmaLusa Comporta as its exquisite core, offers a distinct kind of luxury—one that celebrates authenticity, natural beauty, and a profound, rooted sense of place.
Turquoise Confidential
There is, increasingly, an inverse relationship between how heavily a destination advertises itself and how much it’s actually worth visiting. Pine Cay, a private island in the Turks and Caicos, does not pander. It offers neither theatrics nor over-choreographed hospitality. It simply exists—calmly, elegantly, and with the self-possession of a place that knows precisely what it is and, more importantly, what it is not.
Pine Cay is not for the crowd-chasing, the algorithm-addicted, or those who judge a vacation by the square footage of their suite or the fame of their fellow guests. It is for the traveler who understands that true luxury is space—mental, physical, and temporal—and that to be unreachable, at least briefly, is to be rather well-off indeed.
The island spans 800 acres, with two miles of pristine beach that somehow feel like a private inheritance. You’ll find no cars here, no high-rises, and mercifully few people. The silence is not total, but symphonic: the rustle of palm fronds, the gentle insistence of the tide, the clink of glass on glass as someone opens a second bottle too early in the day, as is their right.
And then there is the ocean—so startlingly clear, it seems less a body of water than a living pigment. The kind of electric turquoise that forces you to reconsider whether the term “blue” has been properly used in other places. It refracts, it glows, it seduces. One does not simply look at the sea on Pine Cay; one stares, as if caught off guard by a miracle. Come sunset, the sky performs its slow-motion alchemy—rose gold bleeding into amethyst, the sea catching the color like polished glass. It’s not something you photograph; it’s something you commend to your memory. The principal accommodation is Relais & Châteaux-accredited The Meridian Club, which, despite its name, is neither clubby nor smug. Manned by a charming French couple, Christian and Sandrine Langlade, the club offers only 13 beachfront rooms and a smattering of privately owned homes available for rent. Interiors are crisp, comfortable, and free from the kind of decorative zealotry that often afflicts “boutique” properties. Speaking of restraint, chef Philippe Aubron, who presides over the kitchen at Pine Cay, is a man refreshingly uninterested in culinary theater. His grilled lobster, served with a citrus beurre blanc, is a dish of such controlled excellence it might cause one to briefly forgive the French for their culinary smugness. The menu here does not aim to impress. It nourishes.
What one does on Pine Cay is, happily, very little. There are water sports, yes—snorkel among the coral reef and reef balls, kayak if you must—but the true pastime here is the subtle art of unhurried living. Read until the pages curl in the sun. Walk until your thoughts have nowhere left to go. Drink, nap, repeat. Should you need structure, there’s a spa (Pine Cay Signature Massage is a must), water adventures, and chef-prepared meals by the ocean.
It bears mentioning, though without the breathlessness such places usually inspire, that Pine Cay has long drawn a particular kind of guest—discreet, literate, generally uninterested in the performative excesses of luxury travel. You’ll find no red carpets, only well-worn sandals. No influencers, just influence. It is, in short, a refuge for grown-ups.
Sante!
The South of France, that oft-sung siren of sun-drenched days and boisterous savoir-vivre, typically summons images of the Côte d’Azur’s glittering surfaces. But for those with a more cultivated palate, a whisper of authentic Provençal refinement beckons, far from the madding crowds and the parade of ostentation often tied to a mega yacht or a celebrity sighting. It’s found in the unassuming spirit of Bormes-les-Mimosas, a village so genuinely charming it might well be dubbed “Bombes les Mimosa.” Here, the discerning traveler stumbles upon Château Malherbes, a verdant escape that truly tantalizes all the senses.
Nestled amidst a landscape famously adorned with its namesake mimosa, Château Malherbes stands as a five-generation testament to cultivation and winemaking artistry, a passion project lovingly fostered by the Ferrari family (no, not of the vehicular notoriety.) It stands, not grandly, but with a quiet authority, a testament to generations who understood that true wealth lay not in acquisition, but in cultivation. The vineyard, sprawling across the slopes facing the sea, is the true protagonist here. One finds oneself strolling through biodynamically cultivated vines, where the salty tang of the Mediterranean air mingles with the earthy scent of schist and clay soils. The Ferrari family’s deep reverence for their unique terroir yields wines that speak volumes of their origin, echoing its spirit that once drew President Georges Pompidou to seek solace in these very vineyards. A visit here transcends the mundane act of mere tasting; it is, unequivocally, an education. Guided tours peel back the layers of this intricate dialogue between nature and human endeavor, revealing the profound influence of the Mediterranean on each exquisite cuvée.
The wines themselves are a vivid expression of Malherbes’ singular terroir, influenced by both the clay and schist soils of the higher slopes and the sandy, quartz-rich soils nearer the sea. Each cuvée offers a distinct character, a testament to the estate’s meticulous craftsmanship: For the white wine connoisseur, the Château Malherbe Blanc—often a blend of Sémillon and Rolle—is a revelation. Expect a magnificent golden hue and an intensely complex aromatic profile, with notes of exotic fruits, hawthorn, and a delicate hint of mimosa. The Pointe du Diable Blanc, rooted in the maritime terroir, presents a lighter, more refreshing expression, truly reflecting its seaside origins, a delicate riposte to those who prefer their whites bland and unchallenging. The reds are equally compelling. Charmingly titled Madame Ferrari offers a floral bouquet with notes of red fruits and blood orange, culminating in a racy and sophisticated palate.
After a day spent exploring the captivating beauty of Château Malherbes, which will dazzle you with its wild, almost untamed beauty that stands in contrast to the perfectly manicured estates nearby and delving into the subtle nuances of its biodynamic wines, the discerning traveler will find their perfect sanctuary at the Eden Rose Grand Hôtel. It offers a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern comfort—a welcome respite from the usual hotel fripperies. Each of its 43 rooms is a haven of tranquility, many boasting soft, refined décor and breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and the Golden Islands, offering vistas far superior to anything one might find in a brochure. As evening descends, a short, picturesque stroll through the charming village streets leads to Le Jardin Restaurant. Tucked away in a quaint alley, this Michelin-recognized gem boasts a delightful terrace, shaded by verdant foliage and adorned with a soothing fountain. Chef Riccardo Berto, with commendable skill, masterfully blends Provençal traditions with innovative, even Peruvian, touches, creating a symphony of flavors as vibrant as the region itself.
To truly discover the heart of Côte d’Azur, one must venture beyond the well-trodden paths to places like Château Malherbes in Bormes-les-Mimosas, whose wines, once a secret kept largely in France, are now, fortunately, beginning to find their way to discerning palates across the United States. It is here, amidst the wild beauty and generations of devotion that the South of France is not as a glossy postcard, but as a living, breathing testament to refinement.
Alpine Elevation
If there is one thing more tiresome than an overcrowded beach in July, it is the idea that summer must be surrendered entirely to sand, sunburn, and the tyranny of mass leisure. For those of us with a distaste for being herded into seasonal clichés, Lech am Arlberg offers a rather more grown-up antidote.
Lech, best known in winter for hosting skiers of both skill and self-importance, undergoes a transformation each summer that is as elegant as it is underrated. Gone are the fur-clad crowds and their chalet clout-chasing; in their place: silence, clean air, and an alpine landscape that manages to be both imposing and deeply consoling.
Presiding over this seasonal calm is the Hotel Gasthof Post, a family-run Relais & Châteaux property that has quietly defined high alpine hospitality since 1937. Originally a post station for horse-drawn carriages, the hotel has been in the Moosbrugger family for four generations—a fact that, unlike most familial boasting in the hotel world, actually means something. What you get is not corporate gloss but practiced intimacy: rooms furnished with antiques that feel chosen rather than styled, fragrant wooden interiors that nod to tradition without surrendering to kitsch, and a library and cigar lounge for those who still prefer pages to screens and conversation to commentary.
There are just 46 rooms and suites, each one unique, many with hand-painted furniture, tiled stoves, and balconies that open onto the staggering quiet of the surrounding peaks. The design is distinctly Austrian but never heavy-handed. It evokes a time when aristocrats fled to the mountains to restore their health and scandal quietly, rather than pose for tabloids.
From this well-cushioned perch, the summer possibilities expand. Lech boasts more than 350 kilometers of hiking trails, each meticulously marked as though by a nation that takes both geography and signage extremely seriously. One might spend a morning climbing toward a glacial lake and the afternoon descending through meadows. Three times a week, local guides lead hikes with an assured expertise, offering musings on flora, geology, and—if you persist—local gossip about the royalty who have long found refuge in this Austrian enclave. Most notably, the late Princess Diana sought solace here, presumably after concluding that the only thing more peaceful than the end of a marriage is a remote mountain village where the only thing more enduring than the landscape is the absence of paparazzi.
Cycling in the Arlberg, particularly through the Zugertal Valley, is another rite of effort. Here, mountain biking that involves burning thighs and panoramic views. And just beyond town lies the Golf Course Lech, a 9-hole challenge at 1,500 meters, where slicing a ball into the rough comes with views that forgive most faults. The Post, being one of its initiators, extends green fee discounts to guests as part of its low-key but ever-present charm offensive.
Back at the hotel, the Post Beauty & Spa offers an impressive wellness refuge: indoor and outdoor pools, steam baths, saunas, and treatments rooted in Alpine herbs and local botanicals. There is no attempt here to reinvent wellness as religion; the focus is on recovery, not reinvention.
And the food—well, the Postblick restaurant has long abandoned the circus of culinary gimmicks in favor of grounded excellence. And while Austrian cuisine may not be the first to come to mind when considering the world’s great culinary traditions, at Hotel Gasthof Post, it is elevated to a cause for celebration. The Postblick Panorama Restaurant offers not just sweeping alpine views but a menu where venison and local trout are presented with a restraint that speaks volumes. The Jägerstube, with its intimate, wood-panelled charm, serves winter meals that feel both creative and rooted in tradition, while the Emostube offers a fondue chinoise experience. The Kutscherstube serves hearty, unpretentious meals, and the Sun Terrace delivers a slice of al fresco perfection, with cakes and strudels that would make even the most cynical of gourmands reconsider their prejudices about Austrian pastry.
There are places that insist on your attention, and there are those—rarer and infinitely more valuable—that reward it. Lech in summer belongs in the latter category. It does not flatter the guest, nor does it beg to be liked. It simply offers its quiet brilliance, its mountain air, and the enduring civility of a hotel that remembers hospitality as an art of understatement.
