Sigiriya is a massive granite peak that rises two hundred metres above the flat plains of central Sri Lanka. This UNESCO site, known as Lion Rock, is more than just a natural landmark. It was a 5th-century capital city built by King Kasyapa, surrounded by a complex system of water gardens, moats and defensive walls.

The climb to the top takes you through different stages of history. Halfway up the rock, two giant stone lion paws mark the entrance to the old palace. On the western side, you will find the mirror wall, which was once polished so the King could see himself. Nearby, ancient frescoes of women are still visible in the rock, preserved for centuries.

Lincolnshire sits on England’s east coast, where long stretches of open countryside meet an uninterrupted coastline along the North Sea. It is a county defined by space rather than spectacle, where farmland, wetlands and small historic towns sit far apart, connected by quiet roads and wide horizons. Unlike more heavily visited parts of the UK, it moves at a slower rhythm, shaped by agriculture, seasonal tourism and coastal wildlife. This sense of scale is what makes it particularly appealing in summer, when daylight stretches late into the evening and the landscape feels even more open and accessible.

When it comes to dramatic coastlines and world-class shorelines, Cornwall completely stands apart. Shrugged by the wild Atlantic ocean, this southwest peninsula is home to some of the finest sand in Europe, where towering granite cliffs give way to expansive tidal flats and hidden, turquoise-water coves. Threaded together by the spectacular South West Coast Path, these landscapes offer incredible clifftop walking trails that lead directly down to the water's edge.

There are some hotels that feel instantly recognisable, and The Find is one of them. Sitting at the far end of Kabalana Beach in Ahangama on Sri Lanka’s south coast, the boutique hotel has become known for its distinctive pink facade and interiors, something that now feels completely synonymous with the property itself. Yet after speaking to owner Myles, I discovered the hotel was never actually meant to turn out quite so pink. Inspired by the colour of traditional Sri Lankan pottery, the shade developed into something far bolder and more memorable than originally planned. The result is effortlessly iconic.

The building is sharp and modern, all glass and concrete, designed so the view dominates every space inside, with terraces and openings that break the structure into levels. From the outside it feels stark against the landscape, but inside it is warm and cosy, opening fully to the view, with one side left completely open so air moves straight through from morning to night. Below, the railway line runs directly beneath the villa, part of the Kandy to Ella route. The blue train passes several times a day, slow enough to follow as it moves across the hillside.

There is a specific kind of magic found in Hiriketiya that is becoming increasingly rare along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. Often referred to simply as "Hiri," this perfectly formed horseshoe bay feels like a secret the jungle is trying its best to keep. While other coastal towns have expanded into bustling hubs, Hiriketiya remains a place where the roads are still mostly dirt, the palms lean impossibly low over the water, and the rhythm of the day is dictated entirely by the swell.

Set just moments from the Pantheon in the heart of Rome’s historic centre, Orient Express La Minerva marks the return of one of the city’s most storied hotels. Originally opened in the 17th century before becoming Hotel de La Minerva in the early 1800s, the property has welcomed writers, aristocrats and travellers for generations, occupying a privileged position overlooking Piazza della Minerva.

Located on a prime 700-metre stretch of private shoreline, the Mina Seyahi collection serves as a prestigious gateway between the Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf. This sprawling estate integrates three distinct Marriott properties—the neoclassical luxury of The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, the mid-century chic Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, and the ultra-modern, adult-focused W Dubai - Mina Seyahi.

As we move through 2026, the world has never felt more accessible or full of specialised wonders. From the long-awaited unveiling of massive cultural archives in Egypt to the rare astronomical peak of the Northern Lights, this year offers a unique alignment of events for the intentional traveller. Whether you are looking for the raw geological power of an active volcano in Japan or the silent, mirrored modernism of the Saudi desert, these twelve destinations represent the absolute pinnacle of global adventure for the current calendar year.

PALM Hotel opened in 2019 on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, by Londoners Miriam and Laurie. It sits on four acres of a former coconut plantation, surrounded by rice paddies and tropical greenery. The property is roughly ten minutes from Ahangama’s surf beaches and around two to two and a half hours from Colombo and Bandaranaike International Airport. The hotel’s layout spreads its accommodations across the site to give privacy while keeping a central hub for socialising, creating a modern take on coastal living in Sri Lanka.

Zayed National Museum is the national museum of the United Arab Emirates and one of the most significant cultural institutions in Abu Dhabi. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum is dedicated to the life, values and legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. It also tells the wider story of the country’s history, culture, environment and people, from the earliest human settlements to the modern nation.

Ahangama sits on Sri Lanka’s south coast between Galle and Mirissa, a low key coastal town that has grown into one of the country’s most talked about surf destinations. What was once a stretch of railway tracks, roadside cafés and fishermen on stilts is now a compact hub of boutique hotels, design led cafés and consistent reef breaks. Ahangama feels purposeful rather than polished. Days revolve around the ocean, coffee stops and slow evenings, with enough places to eat and stay that it works for longer trips without losing its local rhythm. You come here for surf first, but you stay for the ease of it all, beaches within walking distance, creative spaces, and a town that still functions as a working Sri Lankan community.

Bussola marked its 20th anniversary last weekend, an impressive milestone for any Dubai restaurant, especially in a city that moves as fast as this one. When Bussola first opened, it stood alone on the beachfront long before the current marina skyline or the new Dubai Harbour existed. Today it sits within The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, yet it has kept the same consistency and familiarity that long-term residents will recognise instantly. If you have lived in Dubai for a while, you will know it is one of the few places that never disappoints, and it is somewhere people naturally return to.

Dubai's luxury scene just got a significant upgrade with the arrival of Iliana, the glamorous new Greek-Mediterranean destination nestled within the breathtaking Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Inspired by the simple elegance and vibrant flavours of the Cycladic islands, Iliana first opened its doors earlier this year, quickly establishing itself as a sophisticated, three-part venue. From its chic restaurant offering authentic coastal cuisine and its luxurious pool club perfect for day-long relaxation, Iliana is already a must-visit. Yet, the final, and perhaps most anticipated, element of this concept has just been unveiled: the stunning Iliana rooftop.

Rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea just off Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula, Capri is a small island of cliffs, coves, and impossibly blue water. Though only 10 square kilometres, its steep terrain makes it feel much larger — from sea level to the top of Monte Solaro, the island climbs nearly 600 metres. Roads curve along terraces of lemon trees and whitewashed villas, leading to hidden beaches and panoramic viewpoints over the Bay of Naples. It’s the kind of place that feels effortlessly glamorous yet still connected to nature, and perfect for a day trip from Sorrento when planned right.

Walking out onto the cobbled streets of Rome one September morning, it felt like everything was within reach. The river’s gentle hum, historic façades dripping with stories, and the promise of gelato round the corner set the scene perfectly. For the ideal base, I stayed at the citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina, part of the wider citizenM family now under Marriott Bonvoy. The hotel retains its distinctive for the people ethos while offering the reliability, reach, and loyalty benefits of one of the world’s largest hotel networks.