Swanky Retreats

ANDREW INNERARITY DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY I prefer to let the images do the talking. JEFFREY SOBEL CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF All I need is a book, a bourbon and a boat to a new destination - I’ll be just fine. SOPHIE IBBOTSON EDITOR-AT-LARGE I’m an entrepreneur, writer, and lover of wild places. I like nothing more than exploring new destinations with extraordinary landscapes, rich cultures, and preferably a sprinkling of remarkable wildlife, too. A jaw droppingly beautiful place to stay is the icing on the cake. AVA ROSALES FEATURES EDITOR Enjoy the stay when you travel your way! LEO MCADAMS CREATIVE DIRECTOR When I'm not working on my cars or home improvement projects, you'll find me wrestling my kids or wakeboarding at my local cable park. ALEXANDRA MAE EDITOR-AT-LARGE When you look up "wanderlust"…

Enter a sanctuary of sustainability, luxury, and most notably—wine in the rolling, sun-drenched hills of Tuscany. Once a forgotten medieval village, Il Borro has become a modern beacon for eco-conscious winemaking, thanks to the vision of Ferruccio Ferragamo and his children. Purchased by the Ferragamo family in 1993, the estate has evolved into a five-star destination where tradition meets innovation, and where wine takes center stage. Through its tree-lined majestic entrance, guests enter a beautiful Tuscan paradise. With 1,100 hectares of pristine countryside, Il Borro lies in the heart of Valdarno di Sopra, one of Tuscany’s oldest and most promising wine regions. The estate now boasts 85 hectares of organically cultivated vineyards, producing award-winning wines that reflect both the unique terroir and the Ferragamos’ deep-rooted commitment to the land. At…

It’s easy to think of St. Anton am Arlberg as a snow-draped legend — a place where ski runs carve through powder and après-ski soirées shimmer late into alpine nights. But there’s another rhythm to this storied village, one that hums long after the last lift closes. On the cusp of autumn, when golden light spills across the Tyrolean peaks and the air carries just a hint of crispness, St. Anton reveals its quieter, cooler side. Our journey began in Zurich, where a private Arlberg Express transfer carried us from city chic to mountain majesty in a seamless sweep of comfort and scenery. The moment we left the bustle behind, the world began to expand — roads winding through emerald valleys, dotted with chalets, wildflower meadows, and glimpses of soaring…

Salzburg, Austria, is a city where history, music, and alpine charm effortlessly intertwine—and experiencing it in style makes every moment feel like a scene from a movie. From the moment we arrived by train, we were swept into the city’s timeless elegance. Our home for the stay was the Hotel Hyperion, a sophisticated retreat where contemporary comfort meets classic refinement. The moment we stepped into our room, we were captivated by the private balcony that framed sweeping views of the Salzach River and Salzburg’s historic rooftops. Watching the sunlight dance across the alpine backdrop while sipping a morning coffee became one of those quiet luxury moments we’ll never forget. Lunch at the hotel embraced the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music, with a thoughtfully curated menu that playfully reimagined…

There are luxury spa experiences, and then there’s Aqua Dome — where you arrive fully clothed and leave with a new appreciation for freedom, heat, and humility. Our journey began with a cinematic train ride through the Ötztal Valley, mountains rising on either side, streams flashing silver in the afternoon light. When we stepped off at the station, a gleaming Mercedes G-Wagon awaited, its driver effortlessly cool in that way Austrians seem to have mastered. Luggage loaded, we were soon gliding toward Längenfeld — destination: Aqua Dome, the country’s most spectacular thermal spa resort. From the moment it appeared — a vision of futuristic domes set against a backdrop of jagged peaks — we knew we were entering another dimension of wellness. Imagine a James Bond lair reimagined by a…

Accessible via the lift that threads through pristine snow-dusted mountains, the journey itself feels like the opening scene of a Bond film. Soft snow falling around the cable car transforms the landscape into a sparkling winter wonderland, setting the stage for the adventure that lies ahead. A prelude to the exhibition is ICE Q, the summit’s signature restaurant. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame sweeping Alpine vistas while inventive, artfully plated cuisine delights the senses. Each dish—seasonal, precise, and elegant—sets the tone for what’s to come, while the gentle snowfall outside adds a serene, almost magical atmosphere. Inside 007 ELEMENTS, every gallery immerses visitors in the craft and spectacle that define James Bond. Hypnotic title sequences, pulse-pounding action, ingenious gadgets, iconic vehicles, breathtaking global locations, and the unforgettable characters are all meticulously curated.…