Luxury travel used to be about checking out. Room service. Rooftop pools. A good blowout before dinner. But in 2025, the most coveted form of escape is not indulgent, it’s intentional. Wellness has evolved from a nice-to-have amenity into the headline act, with a new wave of travel destinations designed not just to help you rest, but to fundamentally reset. We're not talking about the kind of wellness that comes in sachets or requires a matching activewear set. This is something deeper, and dare we say it - cooler. In the post-burnout, post-algorithm, post-almond-milk era, a new cultural obsession has emerged: feeling better . Not just thinner, not just cleaner, but clearer . The nervous system has replaced the six-pack as the modern status symbol. The new jet set isn't flying halfway across the world to party. They're flying to regulate. This shift has given rise to what can only be described as a wellness renaissance. A global rewilding of luxury hospitality. Here, the most sought-after experiences are those that blend ritual with design, stillness with stimulation, and local heritage with clinical-grade efficacy. Places that offer magnesium pools and custom Ayurvedic dosha menus alongside impeccable linens and sea views. Places that make you forget your phone, not because they ask you to, but because the outside world suddenly feels irrelevant. In a time when rest is political and silence is rare, wellness travel has become the ultimate luxury flex. And not in the old sense of excess, but in the new one of self-awareness. Whether it’s cryotherapy overlooking the Aegean, jungle yoga in Sri Lanka, or a seaweed massage in Sussex, the destinations in this new global circuit offer more than relaxation—they offer transformation. No juice cleanse required. Below, we chart the properties leading this shift. Some are remote and ritualistic. Others feel like you’re checking into your cooler, more self-possessed future self. All of them prove one thing: the future of travel isn’t about escape, it’s about returning home to yourself. Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda, Italy If Nancy Meyers ever directed a wellness film, it would take place at Lefay Lago di Garda. Terraced above Italy’s most cinematic lake, the Lefay estate feels less like a hotel and more like a manifestation of someone’s post burnout fantasy. With an 11,000 square foot spa wrapped in panoramic glass and a menu of treatments that borrow from both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Italian phytotherapy, it’s no wonder this is the place Milanese executives vanish to when the Aperol runs dry. But what really distinguishes Lefay is its subtle, almost cinematic serenity, the way your nervous system exhales the moment you see that infinity pool slice into the sky. It doesn’t scream luxury, it stage whispers it. The rooms are wrapped in pale woods and linen, minimalist but tactile, like someone pressed pause on your life and hit play on a more elegant one. Detoxes here don’t feel punishing, they feel like gentle recalibrations, as if your body is being reminded of a rhythm it once knew. Daily programming includes Qi Gong at sunrise, olive oil body rituals, and breathing workshops held in front of Lake Garda’s light streaked surface. Even the cuisine feels rehabilitative: Mediterranean, yes, but stripped of excess, with saffron broth, steamed seabass, and fennel pollen from the hotel’s biodynamic garden. It’s a place where you don’t just recharge, you unlearn the need to constantly perform being well. Casa Yuma, Puerto Escondido, Mexico If Tulum is your ex who discovered breathwork and got annoying, Puerto Escondido is her cooler cousin who quietly built a yoga deck by the ocean and never posted about it. Casa Yuma perfectly embodies that ethos: an eco-luxury sanctuary where design, sustainability, and soul coexist under one thatched roof. With just 25 king rooms, each thoughtfully curated with Oaxacan textiles, artisanal ceramics by Amande Haeghen, and natural materials like Chukum and locally sourced wood, it feels less like a hotel and more like a moodboard brought to life. The property’s intimate scale makes it feel exclusive without being stuffy, a rare balance in wellness travel. Whether you’re watching Pacific sunsets from your private rooftop terrace or wandering the lush grounds, the vibe is effortless and deeply restorative. Beyond the stunning design, Casa Yuma offers a wellness experience that’s both authentic and accessible. Guests can start the day with gentle yoga sessions or dive into guided surf lessons tailored to all levels. The open-air restaurant serves up fresh, bold flavours rooted in Oaxaca’s culinary heritage — think tamales, shrimp tacos, and smoky mezcal cocktails that pair perfectly with the ocean breeze. It’s a place where barefoot elegance meets meaningful connection, inviting you to slow down and soak in the richness of the moment without distraction. Here, wellness isn’t a checklist; it’s a way of being. Rastrello, Umbria, Italy Tucked into the storybook hilltop town of Panicale, Rastrello is the very definition of discreet luxury. With just nine rooms housed in a 500-year-old palazzo, this boutique hotel feels like a secret whispered between old stone walls and velvet armchairs. The design is effortlessly elegant, with an artful mix of original rustic elements and modern comforts that never shout for attention. The estate’s own olive oil is served with the reverence of a vintage Barolo—small, refined, and utterly authentic. Here, wellness is not a checklist of treatments but a slow unfolding: mornings filled with birdsong, afternoons spent wandering cobbled streets that have barely changed since the Renaissance. Rastrello offers a kind of Italian escape that feels deeply personal. There’s a timelessness to the place, a feeling that life unfolds at its own pace, shaped by the sun and seasons rather than itineraries. Lake Trasimeno stretches out below, a shimmering invitation to slow down and soak in the views. The surrounding Umbrian countryside, dotted with olive groves and vineyards, invites exploration on foot or by bike—unhurried adventures that nourish both body and soul. This is Italy as Italians dream it: romantic, unhurried, and quietly radiant. Six Senses Kaplankaya, Turkey Some retreats ask you to give up coffee. Six Senses Kaplankaya asks you to give up stress. Nestled on a rugged stretch of Turkey’s Aegean coast, this sprawling 10-hectare sanctuary is where billionaire tech founders come to unplug, reset, and nurture their microbiomes. The wellness programming is cutting edge, think biohacking, cryotherapy, and bespoke nutrition plans, yet the vibe remains warm and inviting, never clinical or intimidating. It’s a place where science meets serenity, and your daily schedule might include sunrise yoga overlooking the turquoise sea, a ritual Turkish hammam to sweat out toxins, and evening swims in hidden coves. Despite its celebrity clientele and state-of-the-art facilities, Kaplankaya feels more like a minimalist sci-fi fantasy than a luxury bunker. The design is sleek and subtle, with natural materials and expansive glass that frame the endless coastline. You leave feeling like you’ve hit the reset button - not just on your body but on your whole energy. Back in London, that newfound calm lingers, along with a renewed gut flora and maybe even a better relationship with your inbox. It’s the future of wellness travel, wrapped in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun. Lanserhof Sylt, Germany Lanserhof Sylt is not for the fainthearted or those expecting a spa day with cucumber slices on the eyes. This is Germany’s most medically advanced wellness sanctuary set on the wild North Sea island of Sylt. The new location balances clinical precision with architectural calm thanks to the visionary design of Christoph Ingenhoven. Inside, you will find a sleek minimalist space that feels more like a futuristic retreat than a traditional spa. But do not be fooled by the clean lines and serene palette. Lanserhof is about a deep reset with detox protocols that include IV drips, medically supervised fasting, and colon hydrotherapy, all designed to strip away what no longer serves you. What makes Lanserhof truly compelling is how it turns this rigorous approach into a strangely indulgent experience. The focus here is on transformation—sleeping deeply, sweating out toxins in the sauna, and sipping herbal infusions like fennel tea that quietly nurture you from the inside out. It is minimalist in style but maximalist in impact. Guests emerge feeling lighter, clearer, and emotionally refreshed, like a clean slate for whatever comes next. It is a place where luxury means discipline and wellbeing is earned, not given. One&Only Kéa Island, Greece If Mykonos is on your avoid list, allow me to introduce you to Kéa. This quiet Cycladic island has been flying under the radar for too long but is now stepping into the spotlight. One&Only’s debut here is a masterclass in modern Greek elegance. Picture white stone villas, infinity pools that seem to melt into aquamarine coves, and a wellness programme deeply rooted in local botanicals and ancient rituals. The design is effortlessly chic and the atmosphere calm, giving you space to breathe and truly unwind. The spa itself does not try too hard. It does not need to. You are in the middle of the Aegean surrounded by silence, the only soundtrack the gentle lapping of waves and the scent of mountain sage and thyme in the herbal teas served. Every moment here feels like bliss bottled up just for you. It is a retreat that honours tradition while embracing modern luxury, offering an escape where time slows and wellbeing naturally follows. Marine Troon, Scotland Yes, Scotland has wellness. At least it does now. Marine Troon is a revived seaside retreat on the west coast that fully embraces the briskness of its surroundings. This is wellness with a fresh edge, where cold water therapy and coastal hikes help you reconnect with nature’s raw power. Inside, the interiors feel more like a chic countryside home than anything you might expect from a traditional Scottish getaway. Think cozy lounges with roaring fireplaces and large windows framing endless tidal views. What really sets Marine Troon apart is its use of local ingredients in spa treatments that capture the spirit of the North Sea. From seaweed wraps to salt scrubs, the wellness here is deeply connected to the land and sea around it. It is luxury on a different wavelength, perfect for Londoners who want to press reset without boarding a plane or giving up on style. This is a retreat where you can find calm in the wild and sophistication in simplicity. The Gallivant, East Sussex What if Soho House had a seaside sister who loved forest bathing and drank green juice? That is exactly the vibe at The Gallivant. Nestled just a short walk from the sweeping sands of Camber, this East Sussex hideaway has quietly become a cult favourite among creatives and fashion insiders seeking effortless luxury by the sea. The style is coastal cool with whitewashed wood, endless linen, and an airy, relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to linger all day. But The Gallivant is more than just a pretty face. Its wellness offerings mix the unexpected with the indulgent—from hypnotherapy sessions and chakra massages to wild yoga classes that take full advantage of the nearby natural landscape. The wine list follows suit, boasting a selection of biodynamic bottles perfect for sipping after a sunset beach walk. And the food? Fried oysters that feel like a coastal hug. This is the kind of place where you come for the aesthetic and stay for the soul realignment. Santani Wellness, Sri Lanka Santani doesn’t whisper wellness, it emanates it in every corner. Nestled in the misty hills above Kandy, this retreat feels like stepping into a sanctuary where time slows and your senses begin to soften. The architecture is a stunning balance of sleek modernity and natural harmony, with glass walls framing views of lush forests and rolling mountains. There are no distractions here—no TVs, no air conditioning—just pure, intentional calm designed to help you reconnect deeply with yourself and nature. The heart of Santani is its commitment to Ayurvedic traditions fused with a personalised approach that feels both precise and nurturing. Every treatment, from herbal oil massages to guided forest meditations, is tailored to your unique needs, allowing you to reset on a level few places can offer. This is not just wellness; it is a spiritual realignment with a sense of place so strong it almost feels sacred. For anyone seeking profound restoration, Santani is the address to remember. Acro Suites, Crete Perched on the cliffs of Crete, Acro Suites is the kind of place you see all over Instagram but wish you could experience in real life. Carved directly into the rock, each suite feels like a private sanctuary with sweeping views of the Aegean Sea, your own plunge pool, and a calm so deep it almost becomes part of you. The design is effortlessly beautiful — crisp white walls, natural stone, and touches that feel inspired by classic Greek architecture, making every corner a perfect photo moment. But beyond the visual feast, the wellness here is truly immersive. The spa combines ancient traditions with a modern sensibility, featuring a Byzantine hammam and treatments made from local, natural ingredients. It’s a place where time slows, and you are invited to breathe, soak, and simply be. Acro Suites offers more than luxury — it delivers an elevated experience that captures the soul of the Aegean in every moment. Seaside: A Lifestyle Resort, Crete Seaside is the more playful sister of Acro Suites, offering wellness with a touch of glamour and a wink to the cosmopolitan traveller. Set right on the Cretan coast, it blends laid-back boho vibes with luxe touches that make every moment feel like a celebration. Imagine evenings spent at beachside dinners where the sunset sets the scene, followed by Pilates sessions that flow into cocktails. This is wellness designed for those who want to feel good and look good doing it. The resort’s approach is sensual and lively, not austere or clinical. Couples’ treatments come with champagne, and the energy is relaxed but stylish. It’s the perfect spot for anyone curious about wellness but not quite ready to give up their heels or their social life. Here, slowing down means turning up the joy, all wrapped up in the magic of Crete’s sun-soaked shores. The Grove, Hertfordshire The Grove has long been Londoners’ favourite escape when a staycation calls for something truly special. Nestled on expansive manicured grounds, it feels a world away from the city yet is just a short drive or Uber ride from the capital. What’s new—and quietly transformative—is their fresh approach to wellness. Think forest bathing sessions that reconnect you to nature, guided breathwork classes that reset your mind, and spa rituals designed to immerse you fully in calm. It’s wellness that feels intentional without being over the top. Beyond the spa and wellbeing offerings, The Grove blends everything you expect from a luxury retreat: a championship golf course, elegant rooms, and seasonal fine dining that highlights local ingredients. Whether you’re there to detox, decompress, or simply indulge, this is a place where proximity to London never compromises the sense of escape. It proves that luxury and convenience can live happily side by side, offering a perfect reset for busy Londoners. Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Miami The Surf Club is not just another spa hotel—it’s a statement. Set in a beautifully restored art deco landmark, it manages to capture the glamour of Old Hollywood while delivering a fresh, modern take on luxury wellness. Designed by Joseph Dirand, the interiors feel effortlessly cool, with clean lines and ocean views that make you want to linger in every corner. Here, wellness is woven into every detail, from hammam-inspired spa suites to sunrise yoga overlooking the Atlantic. What truly sets The Surf Club apart are the seasonal wellness residencies that bring world-class experts and bespoke treatments right to your doorstep. Whether you’re detoxing your body or simply seeking a moment of calm away from Miami’s usual buzz, this is a place where your wellbeing feels as carefully curated as your surroundings. It’s the perfect retreat for jet-setters who want their health rituals wrapped in elegance and style. Kilikya Palace, Turkey Kilikya Palace is the kind of place that flies just under the radar, which makes it all the more appealing for those craving a quieter kind of luxury. Nestled along the turquoise coast of Antalya, it offers a welcome escape from the usual all-inclusive resorts. Sure, there’s a swim-up bar and breakfast buffet, but what truly sets this place apart is the sense of calm that washes over you as soon as you arrive. The coastal air is restorative, and the hotel’s approach to wellness feels rooted in tradition with authentic hammam rituals and Turkish treatments that soothe both body and mind. Visit in the shoulder season when the crowds have thinned, and you’ll find a near-private sanctuary where the sea breeze and gentle waves become your soundtrack. The atmosphere is unpretentious yet refined, perfect for anyone looking to recharge without the usual fuss. At Kilikya Palace, luxury is about slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and indulging in wellness experiences that feel genuine and deeply nurturing.

There’s a certain type of traveller who, when confronted with the suggestion of “slow travel,” pictures linen trousers, Tuscan olive groves, and maybe a non-refundable yoga retreat. But what if slow travel came with a gear shift? What if your winding journey through Europe’s Alpine heartland came not on the back of a bicycle—but behind the wheel of a Ferrari 488? Enter Ultimate Driving Tours and their ultra-luxurious Swiss Supercar Tour , a July itinerary for those who prefer their mindfulness with Michelin stars and their nature immersion set to the sound of a V12 engine. It’s a six-day, five-night road trip-slash-private escape through Switzerland’s summer landscapes, carefully choreographed to resemble a very high-end film montage—think Bond meets Vogue Living , but with more horsepower. This isn’t your uncle’s Swiss holiday. No fondue pots in sight. Instead, the experience begins in Zurich at the grand Dolder, a hilltop hotel that could be mistaken for a Wes Anderson fever dream—if Wes Anderson served aperitifs on the terrace while guests handed over keys to Lamborghinis. Each stop is punctuated by luxury that leans into the drama of the terrain. One night it’s The Chedi in Andermatt, where Swiss-Asian “Japandi” minimalism meets spa-palace maximalism. The next it’s Park Hotel Vitznau, a literal castle on Lake Lucerne that makes “fairytale” feel like an understatement. Michelin-starred restaurants await at every pause—The Japanese (at 2,300m above sea level, naturally) and The Grill Terrace’s open-fire “caveman style” gastronomy among them. But what really defines the Swiss Supercar Tour is its unapologetic indulgence in the art of the journey. There’s no “rush to get there” mentality. Instead, the convoy of supercars—Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens—becomes a roving symbol of a new kind of slowness. Less about speed for speed’s sake, more about marinating in every twist and turn of a mountain road like it’s a tasting menu. And if you’re still not ready to hang up your driving gloves on Day Six, there’s an optional finale: guests can board a jet to London and be chauffeured straight to the Goodwood Festival of Speed . It’s a very British contrast to the introspective quiet of the Alps—think champagne bars, rosette-awarded dining, and the kind of access only billionaires and extremely well-connected auto-journalists typically enjoy. You'll toast on the Duke and Duchess of Richmond’s lawn (yes, that lawn), party in the Library Garden, and watch the iconic Sunday Shootout in tailored hospitality suites. Because when was the last time a good thing had to end on time? With prices starting at £14,990 (or $18,990 USD, for those wondering), it’s not exactly a budget break—but that’s the point. This is luxury without compromise. And for the kind of traveller who sees a mountain not just as a view, but as a challenge to ascend in style, the Swiss Supercar Tour is the stuff of summertime dreams. Slow travel, it turns out, doesn’t have to be slow.

Wimbledon is more than just a tennis tournament—it’s a cultural moment in London’s summer calendar where fashion, lifestyle, and sport collide in effortless style. Every year, brands bring their A-game with exclusive collections, pop-ups, and limited-edition launches that capture the tournament’s preppy elegance and spirited energy. From vintage-inspired apparel to curated dining experiences, Wimbledon 2025 is shaping up to be a feast for fans who want to see and be seen, on and off the courts. This season, the city’s style set has plenty to get excited about. Whether it’s sport-tech tenniswear with a streetwear twist, sustainable capsules by tennis stars themselves, or alfresco terraces perfect for sipping Pimms between sets, London’s Wimbledon offerings invite everyone to join in the celebration of this iconic event. Here’s a curated guide to the best launches and pop-ups you don’t want to miss. Ralph Lauren Wimbledon 2025 Ralph Lauren has brought its signature preppy elegance to Wimbledon 2025 with a full lifestyle takeover, from a live-screening café pop-up on New Bond Street to an alfresco dining terrace within the tournament grounds. The brand’s flagship store has been wrapped in court-green stripes and transformed into a chic viewing hub, while the Café at Ralph Lauren in Wimbledon’s Southern Village serves up iced lattes, cream teas, and custom-embroidered polos just steps from the action. As the Official Outfitter, Ralph Lauren’s presence this year blurs the lines between sport, fashion, and refined hospitality. Lacoste Djokovic’s Signature Polo & Shorts Let’s be honest: you’re not buying Djokovic’s on-court kit because you plan on replicating his serve. This is about looking like you could. His polo and matching shorts are all clean lines and crisp whites, the fashion equivalent of “I holiday in the south of France and drink espresso at 10pm.” Functional? Sure. But mostly, they're just really good for walking around Notting Hill pretending you own a tennis club. adidas London Originals Collection This drop is what happens when vintage tennis style gets the streetwear edit. Think retro pleated skirts, mesh tank tops, and zippered jackets in Wimbledon’s signature palette—green, white, and nostalgia. There are headbands, too, because someone at adidas understands that Wimbledon is as much about the hair as the hits. Kith x Wilson 2025 Tennis Collection Launching June 20, this is what you wear when you want to look like a tennis pro but feel like a downtown art dealer. The collection includes everything from performance-ready polos to green-and-white cardigans that whisper “Hamptons adjacent.” The rackets are beautiful. The bags are aspirational . The whole thing is lifestyle cosplay, and that’s why we love it. Gucci & Brunello Cucinelli Wimbledon Knit Capsules Last year’s knitwear drops from Gucci and Brunello Cucinelli are still quietly dominating match-day chic. Ivory cardigans with tennis badges, wrap sweaters that say “I’m cold, but curated”—these are layers for the person who would never actually run for cover in a rain delay. Limited editions, yes, but available on resale for those who like their luxury with a bit of a hunt. Elina Svitolina + Svitlana Bevza Capsule Ukrainian tennis royalty meets minimalist fashion in this refreshingly understated collection. Svitolina and Bevza co-designed sleek, sustainable pieces in crisp whites—think reimagined polo dresses and structured vests. Proceeds support her tennis foundation, which makes it officially fashion that gives back while looking better than you . Fred Perry Tennis Heritage Polos Fred Perry continues its slow-burn seduction of the heritage set with 1952-style polos that basically invented Wimbledon aesthetic. The pique fabric and classic fit are eternally flattering, whether you're watching the match or walking to Waitrose pretending you’re late for one. ALIGNE The Rosia Linen Dress If you need a dress that says “I’m only here for the Pimm’s,” the Rosia linen number from ALIGNE is it. The white drop-waist silhouette is unfussy, flattering, and £149—enough to feel considered, not flashy. Also in the capsule: a broderie co-ord and cotton midi skirt, all ready for sun-drenched outfit repeats. Harvie & Hudson Wimbledon Menswear Collection British tailoring gets the tennis memo with Harvie & Hudson’s smart, lightweight menswear drop. From seersucker blazers to polished separates that somehow make sweating seem elegant, it’s the kind of collection where even the casual trousers look like they’ve read Tatler . L’ETO Tennis Ball Dessert Macaron In what may be the most extra Wimbledon dessert of 2025, L’ETO has crafted a tennis ball-shaped ice cream macaron in matcha and vanilla, served with strawberries, naturally. It’s the kind of thing you order “just to try” and then photograph like it’s a guest at the table. Strawberries & Screen Duke of York Square If you're not actually going to Wimbledon, this is the next best thing. Giant outdoor screens, gourmet street food, and the kind of crowd that dresses for the highlight reel. Pimm’s, strawberries, and lots of linen—this is how Chelsea does a public viewing. Great Scotland Yard Hotel Wimbledon Afternoon Tea Because nothing says summer in Britain like a Wimbledon-themed tea served with edible tennis balls. Created in collaboration with Lavazza, the tea includes quiches, truffle sandwiches, and Pimm’s drizzle cake that will make you wonder why you ever bothered with plain scones. CROÍA The Tennis Club Jewellery Capsule Just in time for Wimbledon, Irish label CROÍA launched a jewellery collection that’s basically “tenniscore” in accessory form. Rhinestone huggies, stackable bracelets, tarnish-proof everything—designed to be worn with both tennis whites and Tuesday meetings. Proof that you don’t need to break a sweat to serve a look.

The Charles Hotel in Munich has always been that sort of place — discreetly opulent, confidently five-star, and, like a well-cut Max Mara coat, quietly elegant in every season. But this summer, the Rocco Forte property has unveiled a bold new look, one that trades buttoned-up classicism for a more botanical, design-forward glamour. A Lobby That Says, “Yes, You’ve Arrived” The newly redesigned lobby makes a first impression in the way that only truly great hotels can — dramatically, but never shouty. There’s a grand floral display on a central table, sculptures that nod to classicism without veering into cliché, and curved plasterwork by French artist François Mascarello that’s more gallery wall than hotel wall. It’s elegant, it’s surprising, and it’s exactly the kind of space you’d expect to check into while carrying Loewe. Florio Restaurant & Bar: A Greenhouse, but Make It Chic The updated Florio Restaurant & Bar, named for Italy’s famously decadent 19th-century industrialist family, feels like it was designed for the Instagram age — though thankfully, not just for it. Italian culinary icon and Rocco Forte’s Creative Director of Food, Fulvio Pierangelini, has crafted a menu inspired by the nearby Old Botanical Garden. Think: moss-green linen wallpaper, silvery olive trees, and prints of flora that are more Fornasetti than farmer’s market. The newly launched Florio Bar continues the theme with rainforest-green marble and strelitzias so tall they practically deserve their own suite. Drinks are very much in the Italian aperitivo tradition — expect Campari, but elevated — and the setting is perfect for mid-afternoon Negronis or post-opera gossip. There’s also a Private Dining Room, which by day hosts breakfast beneath floral murals and by night transforms into the kind of space where you might accidentally share too much over Chianti. And outside, a 200-square-metre terrace beckons with wrought-iron furniture, oversized parasols, and those elusive balmy Munich evenings. The vibe is curated garden party, but the lighting (thank you, Haberdashery) is pure jewellery box — 258 porcelain leaves, some glazed in actual precious metals, hanging from near-invisible threads. The Circle Bar: Because Not Everything Should Be a Square And then there’s Circle Bar, whose name is a nod to the room’s shape — and, in a slightly more conceptual twist, to a red steel ring sculpture by Italian artist Mauro Staccioli that sits in front of the hotel. If Florio is where you go to see and be seen, Circle is where you go when you want to be lightly seen — over champagne, patisserie, and polite murmurs about the current state of European art collecting. Why It Matters Luxury hotels relaunch all the time. But The Charles’ new look feels different — not just another facelift, but a point-of-view shift. It’s rare that a hotel refresh manages to be both aesthetically relevant and emotionally resonant. This one does both, managing to capture something we don’t talk about enough in luxury: joy. It’s colourful, it’s confident, and yes, it smells faintly of jasmine. With this renovation, The Charles has positioned itself not just as one of Munich’s most luxurious hotels, but one of its most fashionable. And in a city that’s not always known for taking risks in design, that’s no small feat. Dining & Drinking at The Charles Hotel: Florio Restaurant Open daily Lunch: 12:00–14:30 Dinner: 18:00–22:30 (kitchen closes at 22:00) Florio Bar Sunday–Thursday: 12:00–00:00 Friday–Saturday: 12:00–01:00 Terrace (weather permitting): 12:00–23:00 Circle Bar (Lobby) Daily: 10:30–20:00

If you’re someone who can’t form a complete sentence until you’ve had your morning flat white (and you know who you are), there’s a new pop-up in town that might just give your usual caffeine fix a bit of an identity crisis. At this year’s Taste of London , illy—the coffee brand that practically invented the phrase “bean-to-cup” before it became something your local café started printing on brown paper menus—has launched Live HapILLY , a chic, coffee-forward experience for those who like their espresso with a side of espresso martini. And yes, there will be espresso martinis. Plural. Free-flowing. But first, let’s talk about the real star: a Michelin-starred soft serve (yes, you read that right), crafted in collaboration with illy’s UK chef ambassador Chantelle Nicholson, the Green Michelin Star-winning chef behind Apricity and The Cordia Collective. It’s creamy, zero-waste, and infused with the kind of culinary ingenuity that makes you rethink every sad cone you’ve ever ordered from an ice cream truck. In other words, it’s the kind of soft serve you’d cancel a dinner reservation for. Only the top 1% of Arabica beans make it into an illy blend, which is a fun fact you can casually drop at brunch the next time someone says their flat white tastes “a bit acidic.” Sustainable, But Make It Luxury If you’ve ever thought of sustainability as a vaguely annoying word used to justify £9 granola, illy might change your mind. In Brazil’s Cerrado Mineiro region, the brand has worked with local producers for over 30 years to develop regenerative agricultural practices. The result? The world’s first 100% certified regenerative agriculture coffee, the Brazil Cerrado Mineiro. This isn’t just sustainability for the sake of it. It’s farming that actively improves the land—restoring soil, reducing carbon emissions, and helping ensure your future grandchildren won’t be drinking synthetic espresso-flavoured energy drinks. Oh, and the Brazil Cerrado Mineiro blend tastes as good as its credentials sound. Smooth, complex, with just enough character to stand up to oat milk. Come for the Coffee, Stay for the Culture At the Live HapILLY experience, you’ll find more than your usual caffeine buzz. There are masterclasses on how to make the perfect cup at home (because you really shouldn’t still be using that Moka pot from university), interactive tastings, and more photo ops than a Notting Hill brunch spot. Whether you’re shopping for your next signature roast or just want an excuse to sip espresso martinis at 2pm while calling it “research,” this is the kind of pop-up Londoners will tell their friends about... just after they’ve posted it to Instagram first.

By now, you’ve likely scrolled past at least a dozen Instagram Stories captioned “LIDOooo 🐚☀️🎶” featuring blurry shots of someone’s £18 canned cocktail and the unmistakable shimmer of a sequinned co-ord in the Victoria Park sun. Welcome to LIDO—London’s new 10-day festival that somehow made sustainability cool, turned headliners into curators, and gave us the most fashion-forward crowd this side of Paris Fashion Week. If Glastonbury is a muddy rite of passage, LIDO is its polished, pop-literate, sound-obsessed younger cousin, with better coffee and a crowd that actually cares about SPF. The inaugural edition wrapped on Sunday with a cinematic headline set by London Grammar—yes, that band whose music you only realise you've been crying to on public transport after the third verse kicks in. The trio brought their signature widescreen melancholy to the festival’s final night, with Hannah Reid’s vocals soaring over Victoria Park like they were hand-delivered by a Hermes courier. Their cover of Kavinsky’s ‘Nightfall’ was unexpectedly tender, while songs like ‘Wasting My Young Years’ and ‘House’ gave the kind of sonic catharsis only found when you’re three cocktails deep and swaying in a field that smells vaguely of Diptyque and drizzle. But LIDO wasn’t just about closing night—it was a cultural moment wrapped in curated soundscapes, surprise celeb sightings (hello, Harry Styles), and sustainability that wasn’t performative. This is, after all, a festival that opened with a 100% battery-powered day designed by Massive Attack, who brought out Elizabeth Fraser, Yasiin Bey, and Horace Andy like it was a casual Tuesday. When a festival starts with that much taste, you stay until the end. Each day was programmed entirely by the headliner, a format that gave rise to beautifully chaotic bills that felt more like a playlist than a lineup. On Saturday, Charli XCX presented Party Girl , a hyperpop fever dream starring Gesaffelstein, 070 Shake, and A. G. Cook. There was a surprise appearance by Amelia Dimoldenberg, who led the ‘Apple’ dance (if you know, you know), and a few rumoured cameos in the crowd—namely Harris Dickinson and Paul Mescal, whose mere presence somehow made the VIP section look even more exclusive. Friday brought Outbreak Fest to London for the first time, led by Turnstile, who delivered a headline set so kinetic it might’ve shifted tectonic plates beneath Hackney. And if you needed a moment to recover, Jamie xx’s day offered just the right kind of euphoria, with B2B sets from Skrillex, Shy FX, Nia Archives, and a surprise The xx reunion. Did Harry Styles dance in the crowd? Yes. Was he wearing something sheer and fabulous? Of course. But LIDO also had its softer moments. Sunday opened with spoken-word meets lo-fi groove from Dan Whitlam, followed by the Wasia Project (aka Will Gao and Olivia Hardy), whose dream-pop-meets-classical vibe is perfect for anyone who once studied piano but now prefers synths and feelings. Clementine Douglas played a new track called ‘Tokyo’ that basically begs for a club remix, and The White Gates Band brought Essex rock realness to a third stage affectionately dubbed “The Club.” The fashion? Think gauzy trousers, archival Jean Paul Gaultier, and the kind of deconstructed tanks only achievable if your full-time job is being very online . Celeste arrived in front of a swaying crowd for her main stage set and proved that she’s not only London’s sonic siren but also the queen of vibey existentialism. ‘Could Be a Machine’ tackled our slow descent into techno-human ambiguity, while unreleased track ‘Only Time Will Tell’ already feels like a future festival classic. And then there was Róisín Murphy. Icon, shape-shifter, technicolour priestess. Emerging in something between a dreamcoat and a fever dream, she opened with Moloko’s ‘Pure Pleasure Seeker’ and didn’t let up until the front row had practically collapsed into her outstretched arm bearing long-stem roses. If there was a religion that revolved around Róisín Murphy, LIDO just became its first cathedral. Meanwhile, Pip Millett offered the kind of set that makes you want to quit your job and start journaling again. Her take on ‘Try a Little Tenderness’ was soft and honest, and she reminded the crowd—many of whom were probably hearing live R&B for the first time since 2020—that connection is still possible through a mic and a bit of good reverb. There was even space for nostalgia. Maverick Sabre performed ‘Can’t Be Wrong’ stripped-back with just vocals and guitar, before slipping back into full-band soul mode. “This year marks my 20th year doing shows,” he told the crowd. A few people gasped audibly. Some of them weren’t born yet. Underpinning the whole operation was LIDO’s crisp ML3A sound system from Martin Audio, which deserves its own headliner slot. It delivered the kind of detail that lets you hear the sharp intake of breath before a lyric or the subtle rise in synth you’d otherwise miss on a Bluetooth speaker. Tech heads were whispering the name Robb Allan (the engineer behind it all) like it was a luxury password. More than a music festival, LIDO was an expression of taste—of who’s next , who’s still iconic , and who can make you feel something in a field of strangers. A festival curated by artists, not marketers. One that took sustainability seriously but never sanctimoniously. And above all, one that let London be cool in a way that wasn’t try-hard, just honest. The bar for music festivals has been raised, and it’s wearing tinted sunglasses, sipping iced matcha, and humming ‘Strong’ as the sun sets over Victoria Park.