Set on the remote Træna archipelago at the Arctic Circle, Ytri Island Retreat is one of Norway’s most isolated hotels, located 60km off the Helgeland coast.

Opening this month, the accommodation sits at what feels like the edge of the world, where jagged peaks rise dramatically from the sea and the horizon stretches towards the open ocean.

The 38-room hotel is designed as a contemporary coastal hamlet inspired by the region’s fishing heritage, blending understated Nordic architecture with vast sea views and a deep connection to the surrounding landscape.

Floor-to-ceiling windows frame shifting Arctic light, from midnight sun in summer to the northern lights in winter.

Days unfold slowly, with kayaking between islands, hiking steep coastal trails or warming up in the wood-fired sauna overlooking the sea. Evenings centre on local seafood and seasonal produce, often caught or foraged the same day – a quiet celebration of life on Norway’s wild outer edge.

Find out more at ytri.no

In the heart of the Staffordshire countryside, Hoar Cross Hall is a luxury spa and hotel that offers the perfect blend of heritage and wellbeing.

A grade II listed stately home set in 50 acres of land, this is a destination designed for relaxation and discovery. At the heart of the experience is the award-winning spa, including three balmy pools on its terrace.

With its juniper log sauna, cabanas and fire pits, Hoar Cross Hall is the perfect place to soak up the outdoors, by day and night.

Indoors, tranquil sanctuary awaits, with a calming pool, saltwater pool, aqua massage and detox centre. There is also a Nordic heat and ice suite, and peaceful spaces to relax and restore balance.

The hotel offers seasonal dining in its two AA rosette-awarded Ballroom restaurant, before you retire to one of its elegant bedrooms. Every visit is tailored to leave you feeling refreshed and recharged.

Plan your Staffordshire spa break at baronseden.com/hoar-cross-hall – for spa days, overnight stays, twilight spa experiences and gift cards available throughout the year

For lovers of adventure who dream of being surrounded by nature, Dalarna in central Sweden is the perfect summer escape.

This is where the traditional hand-carved Dala horse and Falun red paint (the colour you see on many Swedish cottages and decorations) originated. It is also the southernmost point of the country where Sami culture and reindeer herding are actively integrated into daily life.

Here you can embrace raw beauty – from breathtaking views of the mountains in the north to southern Dalarna’s beautiful lakes and forest views – and take on hiking, biking, kayaking, wild swimming, fishing and much more at your own pace.

Get a flavour for the region with locally produced food and, of course, the unmissable midsummer celebration.

From cosy inns, luxury hotels, family-friendly lodges and affordable bed and breakfasts to inspiring breaks in a floating lodge or glamping tent by the lakeside, there is a wealth of places to stay and immerse yourself in the welcoming Dala atmosphere.

Plan your Swedish summer in Dalarna at visitdalarna.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube

Mykonos has always held a deep attraction for visitors – but for those who know the island intimately, there is still luxury and seclusion to be enjoyed.

Above Kalo Livadi, a limited collection of private villas offers uninterrupted Aegean views and space to relax.

Blue Luxury Villas Mykonos represents an elevated approach to island living. Each residence is private, with expansive terraces, infinity pools and curated outdoor spaces allowing for refined gatherings and complete tranquility. Interiors are understated, shaped by natural materials and effortless comfort.

Cool white stone, serenely free flowing layouts and light-filled rooms reflect the simple beauty of Cycladic architecture and thousands of years of Aegean culture.

Each villa also features a private gym, recreation areas, and a uniquely designed spa, all thoughtfully arranged to support longer, more independent stays. Service remains discreet and precisely attuned.

Focused on privacy over spectacle, this is Mykonos at its most exclusive – defined by space, design and discretion.

Discover your villa at blueluxuryvillasmykonos.com

Overlooking the Marina Ibiza and the historic skyline of Dalt Vila, Ibiza Gran Hotel is one of the island’s most refined addresses.

This independent five-star art hotel balances the island’s social energy with a calmer, design-led atmosphere and sweeping harbour views, placing guests close to celebrated restaurants and nightlife.

The property’s 187 art-filled suites champion contemporary Mediterranean character and craftsmanship, with generous terraces, private pools and striking views. Its recent updates include the redesigned Deluxe Suites, which feature large, open-plan layouts in calming palettes of stone, limewash and warm oak.

Dining is central to the experience – Michelin-starred La Gaia by Óscar Molina is joined by cocktail bar Musa and the island outposts of Zuma and Cipriani Ibiza.

After dark, guests are invited to step into the island’s nightlife at Chinois Ibiza or Socialista Ibiza. The hotel’s spa and curated island experiences provide a relaxing counterpoint to Ibiza’s energetic social scene.

Find out more at ibizagranhotel.com or Instagram

In 2026, the most compelling shift in European travel is not happening in the expected places – it is unfolding in the Western Balkans in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

There are stunning views wherever you look, from river valleys to the Adriatic coast, and medieval stone grandeur is equalled by breathtaking open horizons.

At the centre of this area stands a new kind of destination, conceived as a complete world. Emporia is not just a hotel or a resort, but an ecosystem of experience: vineyards, architecture, gastronomy and space to simply be.

The winery, with its elegant amphoras and oak-aged wines, is at its heart, while the restaurant, terraces and horizon pool enhance your stay, offering pleasures for body and mind.

Redefining the luxury break, Emporia is one of Europe’s essential destinations. Somewhere that lingers with you long after you have returned home.

Explore for yourself at emporia.ba

A historic retreat in beautiful Florence, The Excelsior couldn’t be better placed for a truly special Italian break.

A Luxury Collection Hotel, it is ideally situated near the historic Ponte Vecchio and sits within a sensitively restored palace that encapsulates seven centuries of prestigious stories.

It has 171 exquisitely designed rooms and suites – many featuring private balconies and terraces, sitting on the Arno River.

Cosimo Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, on the top floor, offers 360-degree views for memorable sunsets, combining Tuscan traditions with modern cuisine and refined mixology. Its interiors, designed by Martin Brudnizki, are warm, tactile and layered, reinterpreting Florence’s artisanal heritage through a contemporary lens.

The hotel hosts signature experiences deeply rooted in the city’s living traditions, from culinary journeys such as Flavours of Heritage, a guided exploration of seasonal Tuscan recipes, to The Negroni(s) Experience, a tasting of three interpretations of Florence’s signature cocktail, accompanied by Tuscan specialties.

For something more immersive, Inside the Legacy is a concierge-led tour through the hidden corners of the palazzo and the lesser-known treasures of the Ognissanti neighbourhood.

Discover more about The Excelsior at excelsiorflorence.com and follow on Instagram and Facebook. You can also follow the Cosimo Rooftop Restaurant & Bar on Instagram and Facebook

Casablanca on the exclusive Sandy Lane Estate in Barbados offers an exceptional villa stay, immersed in discreet and quiet luxury.

The estate features a spacious main house and a detached cottage – perfect for gatherings with family or friends (up to 14 guests), with space for everyone to relax and rejuvenate.

Attended to by a dedicated butler, housekeeper and chef, villa guests enjoy the perfect balance of exclusive seclusion and elite member access via the Sandy Lane Estate Beach Club – including a private cabana, dedicated bar and changing rooms.

Recently recognised as the Best Luxury Private Villa in Barbados for 2025 by the Luxury Lifestyle Awards, the accommodation is one of the few in the area with its own private astroturf tennis/pickleball court and elite private gym, alongside a 58ft infinity lap pool. The two-acre estate also neighbours the Old Nine Golf Course and enjoys panoramic fairway views from the terrace and master balcony.

Find out more at casablancabarbados.com and secure your preferred 2026 dates at the Sandy Lane Estate by emailing info@casablancabarbados.com