Nature tips

Perched atop the jagged cliffs of Big Sur, the Post Ranch Inn is more than just a luxury retreat—it is a sanctuary where the grandeur of nature embraces the spirit of tranquility. Here, the untamed beauty of the Pacific coastline intertwines with the refined elegance of premier accommodations, creating a retreat that stands as a testament to serenity and comfort. As you wind your way along the coastal highway that leads to this secluded paradise, the rest of the world seems to fall away, leaving behind only the breathtaking vistas of land meeting sea. The Inn itself appears to have grown organically from these cliffs, constructed with a conscious effort to blend seamlessly into the surrounding environment, ensuring that the only thing that stands out is the view.

On our first morning in Atalbéitar, I walk into the kitchen to make coffee and wonder if I’m feeling the effects of the previous night’s festivities. Then I remember it’s not me; it’s the kitchen floor, which is on a gentle slope. I have to be careful carrying the coffee back to bed as the steps are at different heights, and the doorways are small enough to bump your head on. As I lie there, beneath a ceiling constructed of woven chestnut branches and stone slabs, I survey my surroundings, and come to the pleasing conclusion that there’s not a single right angle in sight.

We’re all familiar with the Scandinavian concept of hygge, which is all about hunkering down and staying cosy in winter. So it will come as no surprise to learn that the Scandis have also got it sussed when it comes to making the most of the summer. Friluftsliv, a Norwegian word that translates as “open-air living”, is all about getting out into the great outdoors, connecting with nature and leaving a minimal environmental footprint. Whether it’s hiring a Swedish summer house, camping on a Danish island or kayaking in Norwegian fjords, we’d love to hear your recommendations for outdoorsy summer holidays in Scandinavia.

After a mild yet miserable winter spent hiding indoors, many Europeans are craving some quality time in nature.

The United Arab Emirates boasts an abundance of luxury accommodations where opulence and grandeur take center stage, offering guests an unparalleled level of hospitality. But for a select few like me who want something different, a trip to Ras Al Khaimah Emirati, an hour’s drive north from Dubai, comes highly recommended. Here the majestic Hajar Mountains (yes, UAE has mountains) rise almost 1973 meters, and lush mangroves hug the coastline. The new Anantara Mina Al Arab is the first of its kind that brings traditional Maldives-style over-water accommodations to the Middle East. The resort is set on a private peninsula that overlooks protected mangroves and the open Arabian ocean.

Nestled in the North Atlantic between Scotland, Norway, and Iceland, the Faroe Islands are packed with dramatic cliffs, slender waterfalls, and natural landscapes that have attracted filmmakers from far and wide.

‘This whole project started as an experiment,” says Pawel Sidorski, who swapped his life in the European hotel industry to pursue his vision of sustainable luxury, opening Yurts in Cyprus, near Paphos in west Cyprus, in 2013. “I wanted to pioneer an off-grid lifestyle and create a place for people to connect with nature without sacrificing comfort,” he says.

With nine National Parks, California has more than any other state. If you’re in the early stages of planning a road trip, which should you choose? I’ll answer that question without having to scroll at all: Whatever you want to see most. National Parks are all incredible in their own ways, and offer unique experiences.

If you thought expedition cruising was all about polar destinations, think again. The newest ships and itineraries will have you swapping the thermal gear for swimsuits, basking in bright sunshine and slipping into the warm crystal waters in some of the more remote tropics around the world, including wild frontiers without the bone-chilling cold.

Spring awakens in Westchester County, New York, with vibrant blooms and outdoor adventures. It’s a perfect time of year to escape the city bustle for a refreshing day trip and explore parks, gardens, and scenic landscapes.

Step into the world of Jane Austen, Downtown Abbey, and Bridgerton, by planning a tour of some of Britain’s most historic sites and beauty spots.

Sure, the Maldives and French Polynesia are beautiful places for a tropical vacation, but this year Hilton has turned its focus to the Seychelles, a country made of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa.

There's well-traveled, and then there's Lee Abbamonte.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Akso Heart, who attended Visit Finland's happiness masterclass. The course was meant to teach foreigners how to be happy like the Finns and was paid for by the country. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

Today I am where I want to be, strolling along almond-fringed beaches that, like cuffs of lace, fall from the dark sleeve of the jungle. Steam rises after a recent downpour and morning sunlight glances off cresting waves silver-threaded with the shoals of sardinella that ride their swell. Coconuts drop with a thud around me and begonia blossoms spiral slowly. This is a fecund forest of vastness that’s so alive you can practically hear the sap rising. I have been walking for more than an hour from my tented suite at the Sundy Praia retreat and seen no one. I have padded across sandbanks in the flipper trail of turtles who have come to lay eggs on these northern shores and clambered over rocky headlands. I’ve scaled the heights – and pushed through the insect drill—of the forest, into the shade of the towering oka. These trees have a presence not unlike Tolkien’s ents, those humanoid-like tree creatures. In Príncipe, it is customary to bury a newborn baby’s placenta beneath a trunk, so that everyone has a tree they consider their own. The forest is venerated and it is sacrilege to fell a tree, a belief embedded in law.

Today is equinox—when the hours of darkness and daylight are identical across the globe—but in North America, everyone’s thinking about the upcoming total solar eclipse in just over two weeks.

Croatia is known for its gorgeous coastline strewn with islands, but the country packs a punch with its hiking opportunities too. 

From the first-of-its-kind hair salon by Amazon to cult jewellery at Astrid & Miyu, wander around Spitalfields, with its polished boutiques and pedestrian walkways, and you’d be hard-pressed to imagine this quarter of London back in the 13th century when it first started life as a market.

Planning the perfect summer trip can take weeks of research, preparation, and organization to ensure it goes off without a hitch. But before you get to the planning and booking phase, you'll need to decide where to go. There's a seemingly endless amount of great options out there, and while there's nothing wrong with heading to the same familiar spot over and over again, sometimes you want to get a little off the beaten path and go somewhere you haven't been before. Whether you're in the mood for a nature escape with jaw-dropping vistas, hiking paths, and secluded lodges, or are looking for a big city excursion surrounded by trendy restaurants, unique neighborhoods, and great shopping, we've got ideas for you.

Sleep is one of the most coveted luxuries of sleep-deprived travelers. As a result, several discerning five-star hotels and ultra-premium cruise lines are investing in one of the most exclusive sleep amenities on the market: the Hästens mattress.

As for much of Italy, Sardinia promises an unforgettable family adventure that blends pristine natural landscapes with mysterious archeological sites, flavorful food and welcoming people, all set in the captivating atmosphere of the Mediterranean Sea’s second-largest island.