There’s a quiet sort of freedom in knowing a trip has been built with someone in mind. No group itineraries, no identical photo stops, no fixed dinner times. Each day unfolds at a natural, unhurried pace, with a personal feel. 

A personalised holiday bends around preferences rather than forcing them to fit a plan. It’s not about extravagance or being waited on; it’s about detail, the kind that remembers how someone takes their coffee or that they’d rather walk than ride. Travel feels different when it’s shaped around a person’s habits and pace, not a company’s timetable or a guidebook’s script.

Hotel du Lac is a charming 12 room boutique hotel on the west shores of Lake Garda. Owned by the Arosio family this traditional hotel is authentic and traditional and a rather romantic place to stay.

Choosing where to go with the family can feel overwhelming. The good news is there are brilliant, family-friendly places all over the world, and I’ve picked five that strike the right balance. Think comfort and good sleep for you, adventure and easy fun for the children. Whether you’re keen to dip into local culture, try new food, or spend long days by the sea, there’s a spot that fits. And if passports feel like too much this year, you can still have a fantastic break closer to home. Your dream family holiday might be abroad or just a train ride away — what matters is time together and a plan that works for everyone.

Who knew that London Marriott Park Lane was such a gem? It might be a big city hotel but it feels very much like a boutique hotel.

Hotel Gardenia al Lago is one of the loveliest hotels on the western shores of the lake. Family owned and run for generations this charming lakeside hotel is an idyllic spot for romance and some late summer/early autumn sunshine.

Thyme, a living, breathing village in the heart of the Cotswolds. A family affair this country house hotel has sustainability at its heart without compromising on luxury. The perfect combination.

Lisbon’s hotel scene shows no signs of slowing, with 2025 bringing a fresh wave of openings that reflect the city’s growing star power. Six Senses Lisbon will anchor itself in a restored palace, layering heritage with the brand’s signature wellness touch. Kimpton Lisbon is set to open as a luxury boutique stay, promising a mix of polished design and relaxed charm. Art lovers will be drawn to MACAM Hotel, opening within a contemporary art museum, where rooms spill into galleries and exhibitions. Mama Shelter makes its Lisbon debut with a rooftop designed for sundowners, a playful dining space and interiors that lean into the city’s colour and energy.

More intimate is Tarabel Lisbon, a 19th-century residence turned boutique hotel with French flair and quietly luxurious interiors. Meanwhile The Standard will land in the Alfama district, bringing its irreverent energy, rooftop buzz and cosmopolitan crowd to one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods.

Amalfi coast interiors at Casa Angelina in Praiano

Vayu Retreat Villas is a gorgeous 4-room hideaway in Puntarenas, Costa Rica with delicious food.

For British Airways to regain its standing, it would need more than just a rebrand,  rename of the Executive Club to The British Airways Club or another polished marketing campaign.

Pubs with rooms are competing with some of the best boutique hotels and rightly so. They’re stylish, affordable and serve fabulous food.

We all know that sustainability isn’t the sexiest topic in luxury. It doesn’t sparkle like a diamond, nor does it have the allure of a Michelin-starred meal or the thrill of slipping into a perfectly cut cashmere coat. But that’s precisely the problem. For high-end brands, sustainability shouldn’t be about selling an eco-friendly message—it should be an inherent part of the production, end product and experience, woven into the fabric of what makes luxury desirable.

Six Senses New York: A New Era of Luxury and Wellbeing in the Big Apple

Six Senses is synonymous with impeccable hospitality, sustainability, and wellness, and now, the brand has brought its signature approach to the heart of Manhattan. Six Senses New York is set to redefine urban luxury, offering a sanctuary in the city that never sleeps.

Sisters Arita and Bleona, health-conscious food enthusiasts, longed for a crispy snack free from industrial seed oils and artificial ingredients. Their passion for cooking with chicken tallow, known for its health benefits and rich taste, sparked an idea: why not create crisps using tallow? After extensive experimentation, Talloes was born, offering crisps made with only three natural ingredients and zero seed oils. They invite you to taste the difference and judge for yourself.

My travel essentials for home and away in 2025

Sunny winter escapes for the adventurous traveller including a beach chic holiday in the Dutch Caribbean, soaking up the sun and souks in Marrakech and your own private palazzo in Cortona, Italy.

Ilapothecary’s Feminine Happy Oil - aptly named as it enhances your mood and body..the perfect Christmas present for every woman in your life.

Lime Wood Hotel and Spa, one of the best country house hotels in the UK

Marketing has never been easier! Lulu Townsend has over 20 years of experience in marketing in the lifestyle and hotel space. She has hands-on experience working in hotels and has lived in France, Spain and Italy as well as travelling the world.

Longueville Manor is the best hotel in the Channel Islands. Independently owned this traditional and luxurious hotel and spa ticks all of the boxes when it comes to location, food, wine, service, gardens and spa.