Freeride in Verbier: why this Swiss resort is a hit with serious skiers

Luxurious beach vacations aren’t always friendly on the wallet. Albania, however, is one of the more budget-friendly countries in Europe, and also coincidentally has some of the best lesser-visited beaches on the continent. Hotel Castle Beach Club, for example, in the heart of Ksamil, Albania, offers a special blend of relaxation and adventure. Ideally located close to the town center, it’s the perfect getaway for those seeking a tranquil beach vacation with all the conveniences at their fingertips.

No city knows how to celebrate like Las Vegas — and Sin City was in full throttle for the grand opening of the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a casino resort years and years in the making.

The aroma of a tapas bar is an incongruous sensation when dressed in ski kit, but it’s the end of a long day on the slopes, and plates of grilled squid, spicy patatas bravas and plump green olives are on offer, along with a bargain glass of Rioja (€3.50/£2). It’s 6pm and the lifts have only just shut in Sierra Nevada, Europe’s most southerly ski resort. The mountain town in Andalusia enjoys lots more sunshine than most ski areas in the Alps. This, admittedly, is accompanied by a fairly functional assortment of accommodation spread along a steeply winding road. Unless you’re staying right in town, walking home while carrying your kit takes quite an effort at this altitude. The resort’s hub, Pradollano, sits at 2,100 metres, while the ski area’s 65 miles of pistes extend up to 3,398 metres: the chilly summit of Veleta, Spain’s third-highest mountain. 

You’re standing in a darkened Roman ruin, with your arms extended, chanting, and heart pacing. As you look to your right and your left, the profiles of those surrounding you are lit solely by the glow of a futuristic blue “S” beaming from headphones that are directing them about what to think, how to move, and what to feel. No, this isn’t a post-apocalyptic scene; it’s post-blasé wellness—Sanctum, to be exact—come to rescue a sea of sameness in the United States in partnership with Auberge Resorts next year.

Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or carving fresh tracks in powder, each place holds its unique charm.

The Caribbean island of Grenada is called Spice Isle. With its lush and fertile greenery, there is ample opportunity for hikes and chocolate tours, but it’s what lies beneath the ocean’s surface that offers an experience like none other: the Molinière Underwater Sculpture Park.

Vail Resorts, Inc has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Crans-Montana Mountain Resort in Switzerland from CPI Property Group (“CPIPG”). Crans-Montana Mountain Resort spans over 1,400 meters (approximately 4,593 ft) of skiable vertical terrain, and 140 kilometers (approximately 87 mi) of trails. Accessible from five airports and by train, Crans-Montana Mountain Resort is located in the Valais canton of Switzerland, approximately two and a half hours from Geneva and less than four hours from Milan and Zurich. The resort is two and a half hours away from the company’s other owned and operated European resort in Andermatt-Sedrun.

Frontier Airlines is doubling down on Chicago, with plans to reopen a pilot base that will serve both major airports in the Windy City. 

Forget the traditional holiday mall crawl and the awkward Santa lap-sit; this year, one hotel is during the festive dial up to eleven. Welcome to Hardy's Holiday Village at Nemacolin Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania, where the usual holiday cheer is swapped for something akin to a Broadway-level extravaganza. It's over-the-top, it's dazzling, and it's everything you didn't know you needed this festive season.

The Connaught is a beloved five-star oasis of indulgence conveniently located in Mayfair. Guests return year after year for exceptional service, stunning rooms and consistently fabulous meals. The property becomes even more special as the holidays approach and guests are welcomed with special Christmas trees and festive holiday menus. This year’s tree was designed by influential British artist and sculptor Dame Rachel Whiteread. It sits outside the hotel and is decorated with over 100 circular neon white hoops, encouraging everyone to celebrate a feeling of togetherness.

The 43 luxury suites of White Rock of Kos, a adults-only 5* luxury hotel, have been designed to the highest standards to offer the perfect retreat on Kos island.

St Raphael Resort in Limassol is a 5 star deluxe ultra all inclusive resort property that stands majestically in 43,000 square meters of landscaped gardens, with a large sandy beach and its very own 237 berth marina.