By Shilo Urban
Do you prefer views of the mountains or the sea? You don’t have to choose at Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol, which just opened its 19,000-square-foot luxury spa on the Mediterranean Sea in Cadiz, Spain. Relish panoramic vistas from the outdoor yoga terrace, indulge in a 24-karat gold facial and zone out at the snow fountain.
Calling all single-malt Scotch connoisseurs: If you like your whiskey peaty and your destinations a little wild—the legendary whiskey-maker Ardbeg has unveiled a mythic boutique hotel at its distillery on the Scottish island of Islay. Twelve maximalist rooms and suites have playful decor—think vine-wrapped beds and French horn lights—that reflect the brand’s rebellious identity.
Bespoke travel company Ker & Downey®️ Africa is debuting a Mad Max-inspired safari adventure in Namibia, the filming location for the movie Fury Road. Race down sand dunes in dramatic desert landscapes, track leopards in remote regions and take a private flight over the shipwreck-strewn Skeleton Coast.
You might not ever touch your hotel room’s minibar—but what if it was stocked with high-end facial cleanser, serum and moisturizer? The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles now offers a beauty fridge filled with premium skincare products delivered to your room, along with a cryotherapy globe and a light therapy mask.
Heads up: A new luxury private terminal for commercial flights is scheduled to launch at DFW in spring 2026. Called PS, the facility will provide private TSA and customs screenings, personal suites and a Jean Liu-designed lounge with chef-driven cuisine. Chauffeured BMWs will deliver passengers directly to and from the jet bridge.
Monumental snow and ice sculptures stretch up to 50 feet tall at the famous winter festival in Hokkaido, Japan. That’s almost as tall as the new InterContinental Sapporo, a five-star retreat with three elegant restaurants and a nature-filled lobby—all right around the corner from the festival.
Can you travel around the world on a train? You can get close with Railbookers’ epic new around-the-world journeys on the planet’s most luxurious trains. Four itineraries range from 29 to 60 days; the longest connects such far-flung destinations as Vancouver, Venice, Delhi, Singapore and Johannesburg (with help from a few transoceanic flights).