Our Travel Edit

Travelling With Purpose: Meet Award-Winning Host Richard Crawford

There’s a particular kind of travel that stays with you: the kind that helps a place flourish long after you’ve gone home. It’s an ethos we carry into every journey you take with us, and one that is steering the future of luxury travel. That belief is why we’re proud to introduce one of our partners, Richard Crawford, executive producer and host of the award-winning Leave No Trace TV. Meet Richard Crawford A native Scotsman, Richard grew up with an innate respect for heritage and tradition. He spent years in luxury and bucket-list adventure travel, until he saw what over-tourism was doing to the places he loved. So, he changed course. The result is his award-winning series, Leave No Trace TV. From the Maasai Mara in Kenya to the remote Outer Hebrides of Scotland, Richard shows how luxury, adventure, and responsible travel can coexist. Along the way, he introduces community-driven tourism projects and conservation efforts that protect cultures and landscapes for future generations. In his words: “Travel has the power to change people, and people have the power to change the world. The key is to leave every place better than you found it.” Read on as Richard shares what responsible travel means to him, how luxury and sustainability work hand in hand, and the people and places that have inspired him most. What does ‘responsible travel’ mean to you? To me, responsible travel is really about awareness and respect. It’s understanding that when we travel, we’re entering somebody else’s home, culture, ecosystem, and community. Sustainable travel isn’t about being perfect — it’s about making more thoughtful choices. It’s about asking ourselves: “Is my presence here helping preserve this place for future generations, or harming it?” I think travel has the power to do incredible good when done responsibly. It can support conservation, create jobs, preserve culture, and inspire people to care more deeply about the world around them. Often when people think of sustainable travel, they imagine compromise. How do luxury and sustainability in tourism actually work together? I think that perception is really changing. For a long time people associated sustainability with “doing without,” i.e. living in mud huts, barefoot, eating berries but some of the most luxurious experiences I’ve ever had were also some of the most sustainable. True luxury today is no longer just excess — it’s authenticity, privacy, connection, and purpose. Waking up in a beautifully designed eco-lodge powered by renewable energy, eating food grown locally, and knowing your stay is helping protect wildlife or support the local community — that’s a much deeper form of luxury in my opinion. The best properties prove that sustainability can actually enhance the guest experience rather than limit it. How can guests identify properties that are truly committed to community development and environmental conservation? I always encourage people to look beyond the marketing language (Green Speak) because almost everyone uses words like “eco” and “sustainable” now. The real question is: what are they actually doing? Are they employing local people in meaningful leadership roles? Are they sourcing locally? Are they reducing waste and energy consumption? Are they actively involved in conservation projects? Are they transparent about their practices? I’ve found that genuinely responsible properties are usually very open and proud to talk about the details of their initiatives rather than just using sustainability as a buzzword. I’ve also noticed dedicated tabs on their websites directing the viewer to dedicated content about their conservation efforts. Innovation in the sustainable tourism space is gaining momentum and is very inspiring. Can you tell us about some of the most inspiring initiatives at responsible properties you’ve visited? One of the things I love most about filming Leave No Trace is discovering how creative and innovative people are becoming in this space. I’ve seen properties turning discarded plastic into construction materials, producing their own solar energy, growing much of their own food, and even developing advanced water recycling systems in incredibly remote environments. Places like Soneva have been very inspiring because sustainability is integrated into the entire guest experience without losing that sense of wonder and luxury. I think one of the most memorable programs was at Soneva in the Maldives who have a glass studio and artists on site and use all used glass to produce artwork that is then sold and funds used toward conservation efforts. Truly cyclical. What part does nature play in tourism? Nature is at the heart of so many of our most meaningful travel experiences. Whether it’s Antarctica, the African savannah, or the mountains of Mongolia, these places remind us how connected we are to the natural world. I think nature has this incredible ability to slow us down and shift our perspective. Studies show that a few days in nature can actually change our brain chemistry. It creates awe, humility, and often a deeper appreciation for conservation. Tourism can help protect these places if it’s managed properly because once people experience these environments firsthand, they’re much more likely to want to protect them. At Scott Dunn, part of our responsible travel commitment is to ensure animals within tourism are protected. How can we work harder as an industry to do this? I think education is key. Travellers are becoming more conscious, but the industry still has a responsibility to guide people toward ethical experiences and away from exploitative ones. We need stronger standards around wildlife interactions and more transparency about what is truly ethical. The good news is that we’re seeing a shift. More travellers are prioritizing conservation-based experiences where animals are observed respectfully in their natural environments rather than used for entertainment. Responsible tourism can actually become a powerful force for wildlife protection when done properly. I recently returned from Trinidad where I experienced this firsthand with the leatherback turtles laying eggs on the beach. I don’t have enough time here to truly dive into the full story, but ultimately it’s some of the strictest rules and regulations I’ve seen around any animal experience. Travel has the power to create profound connections between guests and local communities. What are some of the most heartwarming examples you’ve seen of tourism genuinely enriching the lives of local people and cultures? Some of my favourite moments while filming have actually been human moments rather than landscapes. Sitting with local families, hearing stories from guides, learning traditions from Indigenous communities — those are often the experiences that stay with you longest. In our recent visit to Mongolia we were entertained by children who were the recipients of music scholarships created from the funds derived from tourists visiting Three Camel Lodge. The foundation created, provided lessons and instruments, and some of the students have gone on to become world renowned musicians and dancers. What tips and tricks can you give to guests to ensure they’re traveling responsibly? What can they do themselves? A few small choices can make a surprisingly big difference. Travel slower when possible. Support locally owned businesses. Be mindful of waste and single-use plastics. Respect local customs and traditions. Ask questions about sustainability practices rather than assuming. And most importantly, stay curious and open-minded. Responsible travel doesn’t mean being a perfect traveller. It simply means being a more conscious one. The concept of regenerative travel is an exciting evolution beyond sustainability, actively restoring and enriching the destinations we love. What does a truly regenerative luxury experience look like, and are there any properties or operators that have inspired you with their approach? I love the idea of regenerative travel because it shifts the conversation from simply “doing less harm” to actively making places better because tourism exists there. A truly regenerative luxury experience is one where the guest leaves knowing their visit directly contributed to conservation, community wellbeing, or cultural preservation. It’s about creating positive impact, not just minimizing negative impact. A couple of examples that I’ve seen included coral restoration farms where guests participated in creating coral growth strains while scuba diving and trash pick-up drives where the resort actually offered free accommodation nights in return for several hours of litter clean up on beaches. The luxury travel industry has a unique opportunity to lead the way on responsible tourism, given the resources and influence it holds. Where do you see the most exciting progress being made, and what does the future look like? I’m really encouraged by how much the conversation has evolved in recent years. Sustainability is no longer a niche topic — it’s becoming central to the future of luxury travel. The most exciting progress is happening where luxury operators are integrating sustainability into every aspect of the experience rather than treating it as an add-on. We’re also seeing travellers place much greater value on authenticity, conservation, and meaningful experiences over pure excess. I think the future of luxury travel is going to be far more purpose-driven, immersive, and connected to nature and community. And honestly, I think that’s a very positive direction for the industry as a whole.

Our Pick of The World's 50 Best Hotels 2026

More Than a Kids Club: Why Scott Dunn Explorers Holidays Are Different 

It’s just gone eleven in the morning, and a nine-year-old is standing at a low counter, flour up to her elbows, trying to roll out her pizza dough evenly. The person guiding her isn’t reading from an activity card; she’s just as invested in getting it right as the child is. Later in the week, she’ll be leading a treasure hunt around the resort or taking the group out biking, not simply there to supervise, but genuinely part of the fun.  And that’s the part that tends to surprise parents most about the Scott Dunn Explorers programme: it isn’t childcare with a craft table bolted on. It’s built in the same way we build the rest of the holiday, around real expertise, real places and a personal approach. Increasingly, that’s what wellbeing on a family holiday can look like: children who are nourished, curious and unhurried, and parents who can properly switch off, knowing they’re in good hands.  Our people  The people matter more than the programme, and it shows in the team we’ve built. Our Explorers staff come from a mix of nationalities, hold recognised childcare and first aid qualifications, and many return season after season. In fact, all our Childcare Managers this summer were returning team members, and the entire team is returning for the winter season in the Alps. That level of continuity is something a typical resort kids’ club simply doesn’t have.  It means the person leading a pirate treasure hunt at Costa Navarino in Greece or providing flexible childcare with our Private Nanny service or Kids Club in the Alps while parents ski, brings real depth and experience to what they do. It’s the difference between a child being minded and a child being genuinely engaged.  Our food  Food is treated with the same care and attention as everything else on the holiday. It isn’t an afterthought, squeezed into a standard children’s menu, but something created in consultation with the chef, with thoughtful allergy handling and picky-eater options that still feel considered rather than an afterthought. Local flavours are introduced gently rather than forced on anyone. At Sun Gardens Dubrovnik and Eagles Palace, children can pick their own herbs and vegetables with the chef to make a sublime pasta sauce, or using the freshest ingredients making their own pizzas for lunch, a small detail, perhaps, but often the one they talk about for weeks afterwards.  Our activities  The activities are rooted in where you actually are, rather than being a generic programme that could run anywhere. At Costa Navarino in Greece, that means golf with a pro, learning new skills on the resort bike track, and burgers and bowling at the American Diner! In the Alps, Le Portetta’s Explorers kids club sits right by the ski school meeting point in Courchevel Moriond, with morning, afternoon or full-day sessions, giving families the flexibility to ski together or for parents to take some time for themselves.  Our Explorers will immerse themselves in Alpine life, with fun sledding and snow games, hot chocolate and crêpes in the village, or a trip to the local farm or waterpark. Along the Mediterranean coast, clubs such as Daios Cove in Crete make the most of gently shelving, golden-sand beaches – perfect for little ones to paddle or for the more adventurous to try an introduction to scuba diving – as well as Cretan cooking classes and visits to the local olive farm. It’s an easy, unhurried way to introduce younger children to Greek culture. Or, for something more adventurous, families can embrace a true Robinson Crusoe experience, exploring local islands and trying a range of watersports, including learning to sail at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik.  The activities are carefully tailored to suit each age group. Globetrotters (4 months–2 years) are given a gentle, nurturing introduction to new experiences, with age-appropriate sensory play, plenty of one-to-one attention and familiar routines that help little ones feel secure. Adventurers (3–4 years) are encouraged to explore, discover the joy of doing things for themselves, with the reassurance of close, attentive supervision; Voyagers (5–7) focus on new friendships, discovering new skills and plenty of fun; while Pioneers (7–11) develop confidence through greater independence, with activities such as high ropes, climbing walls, surfing and bodyboarding, alongside plenty of space to simply unwind with new friends.  Throughout, there’s a deliberate balance between structured sessions and open, free-flowing play, and screens don’t feature. Le Toy Van wooden toys and dressing-up costumes encourage imaginative play for younger children, while older children have space to explore, create and follow their own interests. It’s often in those quieter moments that children become most absorbed, curious and genuinely engaged.  What parents say  "As always, the club was brilliant. The activities are so wide-ranging and perfectly balanced for the children, but as always it is the staff (Fia, Peter and Tara) who really make it - they are amazing with the children - fun, attentive, kind and really switched on. You can trust them to get to know each child and listen to their likes, dislikes and concerns. Stargazers remains a firm favourite." - Guests who travelled to Pine Cliffs, July 2026  "Kids had the most incredible time. Staff are just amazing and activities are brilliant and entertaining. Costa Navarino is such an amazing holiday and gets better each time. Room is ideal and food is absolutely delicious. Helps to have so much choice. Lovely to have staff on WhatsApp for help with bookings etc…" - Guests who travelled to Costa Navarino, August 2026  "The club was the best part of the holiday. The team were exceptional, activities were varied. Our kids loved it. It was better than top London nurseries. Highly recommend." - Guests who travelled to Eagles Palace, August 2026  "The kids club always gives the holiday a perfect balance of adult time to relax and time to play with the children, for which we are always grateful." - Guests who travelled to Daios Cove, August 2026  What all of this creates goes beyond the experience for the children. It gives parents something just as valuable: the freedom to properly relax. When you know the person looking after your child is experienced and capable, when the food is thoughtful enough that you’d happily eat it yourself, and when the activities are creating memories your child will talk about long after the holiday, you stop hovering. You stop checking the time. You can be fully present in your own holiday, too knowing your children are having an experience that is every bit as rewarding as yours. 

A year of our Partnership for Nature 

Step into Your Next Chapter

Every luxury holiday starts the same way, with something you want to discover. Uncovering it is like a story: some are written in adventure, others in mystery, in the quiet of a shared legacy, or the long horizon of an odyssey. Chapters of Discovery brings together four ways to explore 2027, one for every kind of traveller.  Find the one that's calling, or take your time and read them all.  Chapter One: The Adventure — Luxury Adventure Escapes for 2027  Every story needs a pulse. Here, it quickens with a summit reached at dawn, a rapid taken at speed, a creature watched in the wild on its own terms. Skis carve fresh lines through the Alps and the backcountry of North America. A boat drifts into the Okavango Delta as the light breaks. A peak in the Dolomites is earned, one step at a time. This is travel measured in altitude, distance, and encounter. Six of our top recommendations for 2027:  Iceland: Peninsula Escape at Deplar Farm   Heli-ski untouched powder straight from the lodge, or swap skis for horse rides, kayaking and highland hikes come summer, each day shaped by private guides. Hidden in the Troll Peninsula's folds, Eleven Deplar Farm pairs grass-topped roofs and floor-to-ceiling mountain views with a geothermal pool and firelit Icelandic cooking, raw adventure meeting quiet retreat.  Costa Rica: River Rush   A mile of unhurried tubing through a narrow canyon, rock walls closing in as the current carries you gently past hot waterspouts and hidden alcoves, before a few hundred yards of rapids and natural chutes send you bouncing and spinning through the finale. Keep your eyes up because howler monkeys swing through the canopy overhead, colourful trogons and tiger herons perch in the trees, and if you are really lucky, you might spot a sphiggurus, a prehensile-tailed porcupine that calls this canyon home.  South Africa: Frontline Rhino Conservation  Join the reserve's ecological team and specialist vets, including Dr Will Fowlds, on the frontline of rhino conservation. Depending on the day's needs, you might witness DNA sampling, ear-notching for identification, or the fitting of solar-powered tracking collars, hands-on work protecting one of Africa's most endangered species.  Japan: Framing Fuji  Climb the steps to Chureito Pagoda, heart pumping, anticipation building with every level. Then it appears: the pagoda framing Mt. Fuji exactly like the postcards, only more powerful in person. Snow-capped and serene, the mountain rises beyond the red tiers below, an iconic shot best seen at dawn before the crowds arrive.  Ski: Heli-Skiing the Skeena Mountains  Board a helicopter into the Skeena Mountains of British Columbia, landing on slopes no lift has ever touched. With just five guests per aircraft and 2.2 million acres to explore, your guide chases the best snow of the day: deep bowls, glacier descents, and fresh tracks through silent, untouched wilderness, far from any chairlift or crowd.  Botswana: The Bush on Foot   Trade the vehicle for your own two feet and let the bush reveal its smaller details: a beetle's trail, a fresh print, the alarm call that means something is near. The pace is unhurried, set to your fitness and curiosity, but nothing sharpens the senses quite like tracking wildlife on foot, deep in the heart of the Okavango Delta.  Wherever the pulse quickens first, that's where this chapter starts writing its next line.  Chapter Two: The Mystery — Cultural & Historical Escapes for 2027  The Mystery is for those drawn to what history hasn't fully explained. From the songlines of Australia's red centre to the lost cities of Peru's high Andes, the temples and tombs of Egypt's desert to India's layered, unfinished past, and Italy, an empire whose ruins have never stopped giving up their secrets, this chapter moves through civilisations older than memory, places built to keep as much as they reveal, and rarely in a hurry to explain themselves. Five of our top recommendations for 2027:  Egypt: The Colossi of Abu Simbel  Guarding the entrance of Abu Simbel tower four 20-metre statues of Ramses II, carved into the rock face thirty centuries ago to declare his power to Nubia. Saved from Lake Nasser's rising waters in the 1960s and lifted sixty-five metres to safety, the temple remains one of Egypt's most staggering feats, ancient ambition still fully intact.  Peru: Kuélap, City of the Cloud Warriors  Nearly a thousand years older than Machu Picchu, Kuélap was built by the Chachapoya, the Cloud Warriors, whose walls rise twenty metres above the cloud forest. Over four hundred stone dwellings sit hidden behind a fortress few outsiders have ever heard of, let alone visited. This is Peru's other lost city, quieter, older, and still waiting to be properly understood.  India: Mehrangarh, Fortress of the Blue City  Four hundred feet above Jodhpur, Mehrangarh rises straight from the rock, so imposing that Kipling called it "the work of giants." Rao Jodha raised it in 1459, and it still commands the Blue City below, indigo rooftops and market lanes where dyers and block-printers keep centuries-old crafts alive, the very trade that gave the world its jodhpurs.  Italy: Valley of the Doric Kings  The poet Pindar once called Agrigento "the most beautiful of those inhabited by mortals," and its Valley of the Temples still earns that praise. Doric columns have stood here since 582 BC, the Temple of Concordia among the best-preserved in the world. Walk the ridge between them, then picnic among the citrus groves of Kolymbethra Garden.  Australia: Sunset at Uluru  Watch Uluru shift through its full spectrum of rust and crimson as the sun drops behind the desert, a transformation the Anangu have witnessed for tens of thousands of years. Dine beneath a blanket of stars at the Sound of Silence, serenaded by a lone didgeridoo, in a landscape that feels older than time itself.  Some places take a lifetime to fully understand: consider this chapter the first few pages.  Chapter Three: The Legacy — Family & Multigenerational Escapes for 2027  The Legacy belongs to those who travel not to see a place, but to be changed by the people in it. A honeymoon over Maldivian water, grandparents and grandchildren sharing a Kenyan sunrise, a family finding its rhythm in Thailand, a recipe learned from local hands. This chapter moves through the moments that outlast the escape itself: a toast raised in another language, a tradition handed down through generations, a place that asks you to stay a little longer than planned. Some stories are remembered. These are the ones that get retold. Six of our top recommendations for 2027:  Thailand: ChangChill's Elephants  Walk into the Mae Wang valley to ChangChill, born when Supakorn Tananseth set out to build a sanctuary that would properly care for and protect the elephants his family had tended for generations. Here, four resident elephants roam exactly as they choose, observed only, while mahouts who've known them for years teach you to read a shift in mood from a flick of an ear.  Vietnam: Trek Terraces Older Than Memory  The Black H'Mong have shaped these mountains for centuries, turning steep slopes into the terraced rice fields that define Sapa today. Trek from Topas Ecolodge into Sin Chai Village, at the foot of Fansipan Mountain, where villagers still live by their ancestors' way of life, and a visit to a local home reveals just how much of that heritage remains intact.  Kenya: Sunrise Over the Mara  Rise before dawn and climb aboard a hot air balloon, lifting silently above the Mara as the sun spills gold across the plains, herds of wildebeest and zebra scattered below like shadows. Descend to a champagne breakfast amid the wilderness, then let a game drive carry you home, one of Africa's great mornings.  Caribbean: Sailing the British Virgin Islands  Set sail aboard a private catamaran through the BVI's 60 islands, dropping anchor wherever the wind and the day suggest. Steady trade winds and calm waters make this some of the most forgiving sailing in the world, equally suited to first-timers and experienced sailors. Explore deserted atolls and centuries-old shipwrecks along the way, or let the crew take you ashore for a few days on dry land.  Maldives: A Night on Your Private Sandbank  At Soneva Fushi, a private boat carries you to your own sandbank in the Baa Atoll, where the only footprints in the sand are yours. A Bedouin-style tent awaits, complete with a private bathroom, and a personal chef serves a candlelit dinner before quietly leaving you to the stars. Wake to breakfast delivered whenever you're ready for it, in a sanctuary built for two.  Ireland: Tales by Candlelight  By candlelight, a local storyteller draws you into Ireland's oldest tradition: tales of mischievous leprechauns, restless fairies and ghosts that have been told exactly this way for generations, long before they were ever written down. It's an intimate hour, held wherever you're staying, that connects you to the island's soul the way locals always have, through voice rather than the page.  These are the escapes people ask to repeat, the ones that get handed down.  Chapter Four: The Odyssey — Rail and Cruise Escapes for 2027  The Odyssey belongs to those who measure things in distance from the ordinary. A polar icebreaker easing through silence, a private train crossing country that has no name for hurry, a boat delivered to an island most maps have quietly forgotten, here the arrival is only ever half the story. Every mile asks something of you, and gives back in kind: a colony of Emperor penguins, a view across the peaks of the Isle of Skye, a reef restored by hand for a future not yet arrived. Here, the route is every bit as worthwhile as the destination. Six of our top recommendations for 2027:  Italy: Splendours of Sicily and the Adriatic Coast  Board La Dolce Vita Orient Express in Palermo and watch a spectacle few train crossings can offer: the entire train decoupled and loaded onto a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina. In Sicily, wander Taormina's ancient theatre before returning to the train for dinner as it continues north toward Rome. From there, the route changes shape entirely aboard Ilma, sailing past the Amalfi Coast before ending in Venice.  Indonesia: The Last Dragons on Earth  Board a speedboat through the Komodo archipelago to track the last living dragons on earth, ancient reptiles unchanged since prehistory, on guided treks across Komodo Island. Cool off on the pink sands of Pink Beach, snorkel the reefs of Taka Makasar, and drift alongside manta rays at Manta Point, before the day closes on the coral gardens of Kanawa Island.  Antarctica: Rare Exploration of the Weddell Sea  Few ships venture into the Weddell Sea, one of Antarctica's least explored corners, where the world's clearest water gives way to tabular icebergs and mountains that rise straight from snow-free ground. Humpback whales surface to feed on krill, curious orcas trail the ship, and Paulet Island alone holds 100,000 pairs of Adélie penguins nesting around its volcanic cone.  Greece: The Sanctuary at Despotiko  Board a private speedboat from Paros and thread through the Aegean's hidden corners: the Blue Lagoon's crystal shallows at Panteronisia, the cliffs and sea caves along Antiparos's southwest coast, and finally the untrodden shores of Despotiko, where the ruined Sanctuary of Apollo and Artemis still catches the Cycladic sun, once a gathering place for believers, now for those who simply find their way there.  USA: Walking with Bears, Alaska  From Tutka Bay Lodge, a water taxi and a scenic flight carry you over glaciers and volcanoes to a remote beach in Katmai National Park, home to one of the densest populations of brown bears on Earth. On foot with an expert guide, walk alongside bears fishing, grazing on sedge grass or simply resting, close enough to feel the true scale of Alaskan wilderness.  Scotland: Aboard the Royal Scotsman   Board at Edinburgh's Waverley Station to the sound of a lone piper, and step aboard nine beautifully restored 1960s Pullman carriages carrying just 36 guests through the Highlands. Days bring castles reflected in still lochs, whisky tastings, and Highland safaris; evenings mean a dram from thirty malts in the lounge car, and a formal dinner as the glens roll past.  For those who want the story measured in distance, not days.  Every great story leaves you wanting the next chapter. And ours is only just beginning. New places are finding their way into our pages, familiar ones are revealing themselves in new light, and the journeys ahead are still being written, with you. So the only question that remains is this: which chapter will you explore next? 

The Art of Travelling with Teenagers

Chalets and Resorts Defining Ski Season 2026/27

There's a particular kind of excitement that builds as the first cold snap hits and the resorts start posting early snowfall photos. If you're someone who plans a ski trip the way other people plan a wedding, this is the season to get your calendar out. The 2026/27 winter is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in years, with new properties, upgraded childcare, and resort variety for every kind of skier, from first timers wanting a gentle introduction to powder hunters chasing untouched lines. What's changed this year isn't just the properties on offer. It's the whole experience around them. Families want more flexible childcare, groups want architecturally striking chalets that feel like a destination in their own right, and everyone wants a trip that runs without a hitch from the moment they land to the moment they're back on the plane home. This season delivers on all three. Properties To Know This Season Some resorts and hotels are simply worth knowing about, whichever region you're drawn to, and the picks below show why. For a festive base with real atmosphere, Le Coucou in Méribel brings a contemporary edge to the traditional mountain chalet, a stylish ski-in ski-out hotel with just 55 rooms and suites and two chalets, a spa with a hammam, sauna, jacuzzi and two pools, and access to the vast slopes of Méribel, Courchevel and Val Thorens. St. Antoner Hof in St. Anton channels traditional Tyrolean warmth instead, a boutique five-star family-run hotel where the Raffl family's hospitality and attention to detail run through every part of the stay. Grace La Margna in St. Moritz rounds things out with a restored art nouveau wing paired with a cutting-edge contemporary annex, lake and mountain views, and a spa built around pioneering skincare and body treatments. Among the hotels, Hotel Tyrol in Selva, Val Gardena has the kind of warming, traditional alpine atmosphere that comes from a passionate, family-run team, direct access to the Sella Ronda ski lift, and Ladin cuisine served across three restaurants. Hotel Les Suites in Tignes is the resort's first five-star hotel, a boutique property of 25 luxurious suites just steps from the slopes with a strong focus on gastronomy. And Les Barmes de l'Ours in Val d'Isère sits right at the foot of the Face de Bellevarde piste, blending state-of-the-art facilities with the warmth of a traditional alpine mountain hotel, along with one of the Alps' largest spas. Then there are the chalets, for those who want their own private slice of the mountain. Chalet Inoko in Val d'Isère has a magical alpine setting surrounded by snowy forest, comfortably sleeping up to 14 guests across six elegant bedrooms. Chalet Artemis in St. Anton sits in the quiet Nasserein area with fabulous valley views, and comes with its own hot tub, cinema, indoor pool and sauna for up to 12 guests. And Chalet Pierre in Méribel is an exceptional ski-in ski-out chalet with eight elegant bedrooms, a private spa, cinema, and access to an indoor pool and gym, in one of the finest locations in the Three Valleys. Chalet Inoko in Val d’Isère, France. New For This Year: Childcare That Actually Fits Your Holiday One of the biggest additions this season is the expansion of the Explorers Private Nanny Service, now available across Val d'Isère, Tignes, Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens. Rather than dropping your children off at a set time and hoping the schedule works for everyone, you get a private, highly trained nanny for up to eight hours a day, six days a week, with the flexibility to split those hours around your own plans. Ski school drop-off in the morning, lunch and afternoon activities covered, then time free in the evening to actually enjoy your holiday. It's childcare built around your family's rhythm rather than the other way round. Méribel and Val d'Isère have also seen dedicated new childcare offerings introduced this year, adding to an already strong lineup of family support in the Alps. And for those staying at Portetta in Courchevel, the beloved Explorers Club remains exactly the reliable, well-loved option families have come to count on, still delivering the same standard of care that's made it a favorite for years. Why Scott Dunn for Ski Choosing where to stay is only half the equation. The other half is who's helping you get there, and this is where Scott Dunn plays a clear role: it brings decades of ski expertise to your trip. Scott Dunn actually started as a ski company forty years ago, long before it became a name associated with luxury travel more broadly. That heritage shows up in the details, the resort relationships, and the sheer depth of knowledge the team brings to every ski trip. That expertise translates into a concierge service that takes the friction out of a ski holiday. Our sales support teams can book restaurants, arrange spa treatments, sort ski passes and lift passes, and pre-arrange ski gear and boot fittings so everything is ready before you even arrive. It's the kind of behind-the-scenes work that means your first morning on the mountain starts with skiing, not queuing. Scott Dunn’s Explorers Private Nanny Service Ready to Plan Your Season? With early booking already picking up pace across the best chalets and hotels, now is the moment to start shaping your 2026/27 ski trip. Speak to one of our ski specialists to find the right property, lock in childcare, and get every detail arranged well before the peak booking rush begins.  

September and October are Europe's Best Kept Secret

Something shifts in Europe once the summer crowds thin out. The light softens, the beaches empty a little, and places that felt frantic in August start to breathe again. Lunches run long, coastal walks don't require dodging other people, and sightseeing stops feeling like a queue and starts feeling like, well, sightseeing. Anyone who travels often will tell you September and October were never a consolation prize. Some of the best weather, the best hotels, and the most room to actually enjoy yourself show up in these two months, often for less money than you'd pay in July. Most of Europe's top luxury properties stay open right through, running the same service and experiences at a friendlier price. So whether it's a last family trip before the year turns cold or a quieter romantic break closer to home, autumn has a strong case to make. Family trips that suit the season Traveling with kids gets easier once September rolls around. Temperatures drop to something more comfortable, crowds thin, and the Explorers Kids Clubs at Scott Dunn's family favorites keep running exactly as they do in peak summer. That means parents still get their slow breakfast, their spa hour, their quiet stretch by the pool. The Mediterranean holds its warmth well into autumn, so Greece and Portugal still deliver proper beach days, just without the midsummer heat bearing down on everyone. In Greece, Costa Navarino runs a well-established Explorers programs, as does Daios Cove over in Crete. In Portugal, Pine Cliffs Resort on the Algarve pairs its own Explorers Kids Club with golf and tennis for the grown-ups. Kids settle into age-grouped activities; parents get an actual break. Cooler weather also makes exploring more bearable. Wandering old towns, browsing local markets, taking the family out on a hike — all of it works better without the midday sun flattening everyone. Coastal coves, vineyard cycling routes, dinners outside that don't end in a heat headache; everything just gets a bit easier. If a good family holiday means some downtime alongside the adventure, shoulder season tends to deliver both. There's more room, more flexibility, and something that starts to feel like seeing a place the way locals do, once the busiest weeks have passed. Pine Cliffs, Algarve, Portugal Good for a short trip too A common assumption about luxury travel is that it needs a long-haul flight or weeks off work. It doesn't. A few days somewhere well-chosen can do the job. And plenty of European destinations offer that reset without much travel time at all. In Germany, Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden pairs serious wellness credentials with a wooded, unhurried setting. Munich's The Charles Hotel is a better fit for anyone wanting a lively city base with galleries, gardens and good restaurants nearby. France holds up well past summer, too. Maybourne Riviera, perched above the Mediterranean, has the sea views and the glamour to match, with Monaco and the Italian coast both an easy drive away. In Sicily, Villa Igiea in Palermo brings history and coastline together — the sort of hotel built for long breakfasts, evening aperitivos and afternoons with nowhere particular to be. And for island time, Grace Santorini is a different experience once the summer rush clears out. The whitewashed villages are easier to wander, the sunset spots aren't jammed with tripods, and the Aegean stays warm enough to swim well into autumn. Brenners Park Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, Germany, winner of Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2019, 2022. Europe's quieter landscapes For those who'd rather trade cities for nature, autumn is arguably the better season to see Europe's wilder corners. Norway's Storfjord Hotel sits among fjords and forests just starting to turn gold, with cold, clear mornings that make every walk memorable and evenings best spent by the fire. Iceland looks different this time of year too. Eleven Deplar Farm mixes serious adventure—hiking, fishing, geothermal pools—with equally serious comfort, and longer nights raise the odds of catching the Northern Lights. In Portugal, a stay at Six Senses Douro Valley times perfectly with harvest season. The vineyards turn gold and amber, the wineries are busy with activity, and the whole valley slows down. It's a strong pick for couples who want good food and wine without rushing anything. Further north, Finland's Balder Luxury Lodge sits deep in untouched wilderness complete with quiet forests, still lakes, and not much else, which is rather the point. Closer to home, Louma Country Hotel in Dorset makes the case that you don't need to leave the UK for a proper autumn break. Coastal walks, a cozy interior and genuinely good local food make it a solid choice for a long weekend away. Louma Country Hotel in West Dorset. Worth planning now Part of what makes September and October feel special is that sense of being let in on something: enjoying Europe's best hotels at a calmer time of year, with the weather still very much cooperating. That said, availability doesn't hang around indefinitely. These hotels still fill up fast, especially around school holidays and autumn half term. Booking early means more choice of hotel, room, and dates. If one more trip before winter is on the cards, Europe's shoulder season is worth serious consideration. It has most of what makes a luxury holiday worthwhile, plus a bit more space to actually enjoy it. So, what are you waiting for? The best of Europe's autumn is still ahead of you — get in touch with one of our European Specialists today.

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Na Pali Coast: Should You Explore by Helicopter or Boat?

Kauai’s Na Pali Coast is one of the most breathtaking stretches of coastline on earth. Sixteen miles of fluted sea cliffs, cathedral valleys, and emerald waterfalls plunging into the Pacific, it is the kind of scenery that demands to be witnessed in person, not just pinned to a wishlist. The question is: how? Unless you are a seasoned hiker willing to tackle the legendary Kalalau Trail, the two defining ways to experience Na Pali are from the air by helicopter or from the water by boat. Both are spectacular. Both are unforgettable. But they offer very different perspectives, and the right choice depends entirely on who you are and what you want from the journey. Here is what you need to know before you decide.  By Air: The Helicopter Experience  The Case For It  Nothing matches a helicopter for sheer visual drama. Doors-off charters place you at eye level with the ridgelines, allowing you to peer deep into the hanging valleys, including places like Kalalau and Honopu, that are entirely inaccessible by sea or trail. The perspective is intimate and cinematic at the same time. Pilots are typically knowledgeable guides, narrating the geology and mythology of each formation as it unfolds below you. Flight times are short, usually 45 to 60 minutes for a full Kauai circle-island tour, which makes the helicopter an ideal choice for guests with limited time or those who are not comfortable on the water. Weather windows can also open and close quickly on Kauai, and a good operator will time your flight to maximise visibility over the coast.  Na Pali Coast from a helicopter The Case Against It  The helicopter experience is brief by design, and some guests find it almost too exhilarating to absorb. You are moving fast, the views are changing constantly, and there is little time to simply sit and take it all in. Motion sensitivity can be a factor for some travellers, particularly in turbulent coastal air. Doors-off flights, while extraordinary, are not for everyone. Cost is also a meaningful consideration, as a premium private charter over Na Pali represents a significant investment. And while the aerial views of the cliffs and waterfalls are unmatched, the ocean itself, the wildlife, the sea caves, the surf, remains out of reach.  By Sea: The Boat Experience  The Case For It  Experiencing Na Pali from the water gives you an entirely different sense of scale. At sea level, the cliffs tower above you in a way that makes you feel genuinely small, and that feeling of awe is something no aerial view can replicate. Smaller craft can venture directly into the sea caves carved into the base of the cliffs, offering an up-close intimacy with the coastline that is hard to match. Boat tours depart from both the north and south shores of Kauai, giving guests flexibility depending on where they are staying, and the longer duration means you have real time to soak in the scenery rather than race past it. Wildlife encounters are virtually guaranteed: dolphins are a near-constant presence in summer, humpback whales appear in winter, and most charters include a snorkel stop where sea turtles are a regular sighting. Na Pali Coast from a boat The Case Against It  Getting to the departure point is a commitment in itself, as both the north and south shore launch sites involve a meaningful drive from many parts of the island. Once underway, the Na Pali coast is exposed ocean, and conditions can be genuinely rough, particularly in winter when swells build, making this a poor choice for anyone prone to seasickness. It is also worth noting that the coast is a popular destination, and the number of boats working the same stretch of shoreline and gathering at snorkel spots can make the experience feel less exclusive than some guests expect.  The Verdict  If you only have one opportunity to see the Na Pali Coast, choose based on what matters most to you. For the most dramatic visual perspective and the greatest flexibility around a short stay, the helicopter is hard to beat. For immersion, pacing, and a richer connection with the ocean and its wildlife, the boat offers something deeper and more memorable.  “Exploring the Na Pali Coast by boat or helicopter will give you different experiences that will be a highlight of any journey to Kauai. However, if you have the time, I actually recommend including both as you will get the best of both worlds and truly enjoy one of the most scenic landscapes in Hawaii.”  -Sam Barlow, North America Travel Specialist, Scott Dunn  Ready to see Na Pali for yourself? Our North America Travel Specialists know Kauai intimately and will plan every detail around you, from choosing the right charter to crafting the rest of your Hawaii holiday. Start planning your journey.

Tennis Courts Worth Travelling For This Summer

There’s something about tennis in summer that feels elemental — the crack of a racket in warm air, the stretch of a long rally, the satisfying collapse into a courtside chair with cold water and sun on your skin. It’s a sport that rewards the setting as much as the swing. As we prepare to support the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at The Hurlingham Club this summer, we’re celebrating the places where tennis becomes part of the journey — not just the holiday. Because the right court, in the right corner of the world, can turn a casual knock-up into a memory you carry home alongside your tan. From clay courts overlooking the Serengeti to clifftop baselines above the Amalfi Coast, these are the tennis destinations we love most — and the ones our guests keep coming back to. Singita Sasakwa, Tanzania Tennis on the Serengeti Some courts have a view. This one has a skyline of acacia trees, drifting giraffes, and the vast golden sweep of the Serengeti stretching to the horizon. Singita Sasakwa’s two courts — one clay, one synthetic — feel almost surreal, a place where your backhand comes second to whatever just moved in the long grass beyond the baseline. It’s tennis slowed down, made meditative, wrapped in the sounds of the African bush. Combine it with early-morning game drives, spa rituals overlooking the plains, and Singita’s deeply considered approach to conservation, and you have something no other tennis experience comes close to. For couples and families looking for a setting that rewrites the rules entirely. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama — Tenerife European sunshine, world-class coaching Warm Canarian light, volcanic coastline, and the kind of year-round conditions that make every serve feel sharper. The Ritz-Carlton, Abama is home to the Annabel Croft Tennis Academy — a draw for families and keen players who want to genuinely improve their game. Multiple courts, professional coaching at every level, and a resort that wraps around you when the rackets come down: Michelin-starred dining, subtropical gardens tumbling towards the Atlantic, and that distinctive Moorish-inspired architecture glowing amber at golden hour. It’s a place where tennis and indulgence sit comfortably side by side. Costa Navarino, Greece Home of the Mouratoglou Tennis Center Twelve courts — clay, hard, and natural grass — plus padel and pickleball, set within one of the Mediterranean’s most thoughtfully designed resort landscapes. Costa Navarino is the first European home of the Mouratoglou Tennis Center, bringing Patrick Mouratoglou’s elite coaching methodology to the Peloponnese: serious programmes, tournament-grade facilities, and coaching that satisfies competitive players and curious beginners alike. But this isn’t a sports camp. The Peloponnese coastline wraps around olive groves and wild herbs, the architecture is low-slung and sensitive to the land, and the sustainability ethos runs deep. For active families and groups who want to play hard and still have long, unhurried evenings by the sea. Costa Navarino, Greece One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives A rally between the palms Two floodlit courts surrounded by dense tropical greenery, the Indian Ocean glinting through the trees. At One&Only Reethi Rah, tennis comes with a soundtrack of waves and the faint rustle of coconut palms — a setting so beautiful it almost feels indulgent just to pick up a racket. Professional coaching is available year-round, and the rest of the island unfolds in equally generous fashion: overwater villas with glass floors, spa treatments rooted in island botanicals, and ocean adventures from reef snorkelling to sunset dolphin cruises. For couples and honeymooners who want activity woven into their escape — not a choice between the two. Forte Village, Sardinia A tennis academy with serious pedigree Thirteen courts — clay, synthetic, and natural grass — and a tennis academy that has welcomed former Grand Slam champions as guest coaches. Forte Village is where young players and seasoned enthusiasts come to sharpen their game in the Mediterranean sun — and where families find an energy that’s hard to replicate elsewhere. Off-court, the resort hums with life: white-sand beaches, Italian trattorias, and that particular Sardinian quality of light that turns everything golden by late afternoon. It’s competitive, it’s fun, and it comes with some of the best hospitality in the Med. Jumby Bay Island, Antigua Private island play No cars, no crowds, no rush. Jumby Bay is an island apart — literally — reached by boat across turquoise Caribbean shallows. Three floodlit courts sit at the heart of it, with a resident Davis Cup veteran pro and clinics available for every level. But the magic is in the contrast: the focused intensity of a match followed by the slow dissolve of an afternoon spent sailing, snorkelling, or doing absolutely nothing on a beach that feels entirely your own. Sand between your toes, salt in the air, and the kind of barefoot luxury that Antigua does better than almost anywhere. For couples, families, and groups who value privacy as much as play. Puente Romano, Marbella — Spain A legendary tennis club on the Costa del Sol Few tennis venues carry the pedigree of Puente Romano. This is a club with genuine history — a place that has hosted ATP and WTA events and drawn serious players for decades. Multiple courts, high-level coaching, and a social atmosphere that spills from the baseline to the beachfront restaurants and into the warm Marbella night. It’s tennis with a pulse — Mediterranean glamour, excellent food, and the kind of energy that keeps guests coming back summer after summer. For those who want their sport with a side of nightlife and a generous pour of Spanish sunshine. Puente Romano, Spain Sani Resort, Greece Family-friendly tennis excellence Home to the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, Sani Resort brings world-class coaching to one of Greece’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Programmes run for adults and children alike — structured enough to build real skill, relaxed enough to feel like a holiday. Beyond the courts, Sani unfolds across wetlands, pine forests, and long sandy beaches, with a sustainability commitment that shapes everything from the architecture to the kitchen. It’s a place where families can be active together without the schedule feeling rigid, and where the evenings are as rewarding as the rallies. Il San Pietro di Positano, Italy Tennis on a cliffside dreamscape Tucked into the rocks at sea level on the Amalfi Coast, reachable by a private elevator cut through the cliff face — this is arguably the most dramatic tennis court in the world. Il San Pietro doesn’t offer academy-level coaching or tournament facilities. What it offers is something rarer: the sheer, cinematic joy of hitting a ball with the Tyrrhenian Sea just metres away, sheer cliffs rising above you, and the pastel tumble of Positano in the distance. It’s tennis for the romance of it, for the story of it, for the photograph you’ll frame. A court for couples, for dreamers, for anyone who believes the setting is half the game. Your serve Whether you’re inspired by the grass courts of Hurlingham or dreaming of a rally at the edge of the Serengeti, our Travel Specialists can craft a tennis-infused summer escape made just for you. Tell us where you want to play — we’ll take care of the rest.

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