This Valentine’s Day have new adventures. With beautiful landscapes in mind, we have picked a handful of experiences to set your ambitions travelling.

Casa Cook Samos

This resort in Greece has an offering for a romantic getaway in the form of a Valentine’s package in this Mediterranean realm. Fall in love with the slow living and laid-back luxury with six swimming pools, spa suites, a wellness centre and a nail salon. There is a beach house and a restaurant selling flavours of the Islands accompanied by lounge areas around the hotel and on the beach. There is a room upgrade and 20 percent off accommodation and 20 percent off spa services with this opportunity.

Booking window: 13th – 16th February – for stays throughout 2025.

Room rates, including breakfast, at Casa Cook Samos, start from EUR 300 per night. The rate depends on the dates and booking period. For more information, please visit  www.casacook.com

Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences

Set inside a 65-acre hillside estate this resort is in the northwest of St Lucia. Guest rooms with ocean views and whitewashed villas nestle inside this luxury retreat. A 50-minute couples massage and a candlelit meal for two on the beach are just a few of the offerings as part of this treat. A rose petal welcome, a bottle of wine and chocolate covered strawberries are there at turn down, just a touch of love with your welcome package.

Nightly rates start from $1200 for 2 people on an all-inclusive basis in February

Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences (www.windjammer-landing.com) offers Hilltop 2 Bedroom villas with pool from $978/night USD on a B&B basis or starting at $1436/night USD – for a premium all-inclusive (kids 11 and under eat for free). For more information and reservations, visit www.windjammer-landing.com.

Maamunagau Resort in the Maldives

Indulge in meals cooked by Michelin-Starred Chef Benjamin Chmura as you unwind and embrace this opulent setting at the globally renowned Munich Restaurant. For one week only Chmura is to create a six-course menu as a remarkable Valentine’s gift. This is just part of the package as spa treatments, a sunset yacht charter and a five-night stay at the Royal Beach Residence seal this offer in luxury.

The ‘Roses in the Raa Atoll’ package starts from $75,000 for two adults in the Royal Beach Residence on a half board basis, including seaplane transfers, VIP airport service, private dining experience with Chef Benjamin Chmura, 1 hour sunset yacht experience with champagne and 1 hour couples spa treatment. For more information please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com

From 30 January Louisiana Museum of Modern Art opens its doors to an exhibition of the late expressionist painter.

A friend of the greats such as Wassily Kandinsky he based himself in the art scene in Munich until war broke out in World War One when he moved to Switzerland in 1914.

It was in this move that he began to experiment with “Variations” and he painted the view outside his window over and over again.

Louisiana writes: “They represent the beginning of Jawlensky’s interest in serial images, in the repetition of the motif. The more he painted, the more they lost their connection to something seen, to the external world. The logic of the picture itself became the governing factor. For the rest of Jawlensky’s life, the relationship between repetition and variation became his artistic project.”

It was in Switzerland that Jawlensky started to paint faces serially and this became the focus of his last twenty years of life. The exhibition draws in on this mantra and foresees the culture of his relevant works.

His models were Russian Orthodox icons in which the artist found a form in the face in what he stated was that great art could only be painted with religious feeling.

Later in life in the 1930s the Nazis banned his exhibitions in Germany and the artist’s life was changing due to poor health. It was at this stage he began an artistic release and he made over 1000 small paintings of faces which he called “Meditations”.

The exhibition draws on the life and inspiration of Jewlensky’s works at Louisiana. This will be the first solo exhibition about the artist in Scandinavia and follows a series of exhibitions about overlooked/underexposed positions in early 20th century art history.

For more information and to book tickets please visit: www.louisiana.dk

Wilderness Hotels, offer more than just accommodations, activities, and dining—they provide authentic experiences that go beyond the ordinary and stay with you forever.

Their passionate team brings the magic of Lapland to life, sharing their happiness and expertise. Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, a group of friends or a family, their services are designed to help you reconnect with nature and truly live in the moment. Discover the unique charm of our Wilderness Hotels and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Lapland.

A family run company, there are five unique destinations to choose from and soon to be six with Wilderness Hotel Saariselka opening in 2025.

Since 2004 the hotels have been formed one by one by Mari and Jouko. Starting with Hotel Nellim, a converted school, this has been joined by Muotka, Nangu, Inari and Juutua.

The accommodation is set around rivers and lakes in an abundance of rich countryside to be explored throughout the Seasons.

The activities at these destinations explore the landscapes lived in by the Samis for generations. Reindeer sleigh rides, snow mobile safaris, husky safaris, Aurora camps, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and an ice fishing trip are all just a taster into the possibilities of a trip to this fruitful land.

For guests even the accommodation is built with the intention of enjoying the Aurora through the glass ceilings of bespoke bedrooms.

This very special adventure is packed with opportunities for a magical experience in the centre of Sami country. To read more or to book follow this link:  Wilderness Hotels | Arctic Experiences in Finnish Lapland

In the pursuit of precious truffles, Chilli No.5 founder Rumble Romagnoli has been on the hunt in the forests of Alba, Piemont, Italy.

Accompanied by expert truffle hunter Renzo and Lagotto Romagnolo truffle dog, Charlie, they have discovered a rich batch for the ingredients of the next White Truffle Hot Sauce.

“Truffles are like diamonds. They cannot be made; they must be found. Each one is a unique treasure from nature,” says Romagnoli. “This ultra-umami sauce is unlike anything else in the market, promising a taste experience that transports you straight to the heart of the forest.”

January is the month of detox, and the collection of Chilli No.5 sauces is full of antioxidants. This edition has a rich flavour of Truffle flavouring, married with a touch of Chilli perfect for pasta or risottos.

The white truffles are blended with a medley of fresh mushrooms such as Porcini, Ceps, Chantrelles, Girolles, and Morilles.

Fifty bottles are created for each season and can be purchased in unique designer packaging that makes a perfect gift. Priced at £25 per 100ml, the product can be found at Fortnum and Mason, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Etsy, Amazon and on the Chilli No. 5 website: Everything Comes Alive with Chilli No. 5 | Enjoy & Share Hot Sauce

Christmas is a key time to reflect on those who have not been lucky in the card that life has dealt them.

Homelessness has seen record numbers this year and according to the Statutory Homelessness Report released in November 2024 a total of 48,980 people are at risk of being without a home or were on the streets. According to St Mungo’s that is a 13.8% increase from the previous year.

One of the most common reasons in England is the end of Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) which sees 15,350 being at risk for shelter. On 30^th June 2024 123,100 were in temporary accommodation.

St Mungo’s charity says of the report: “Today’s latest statistics show the scale of homelessness across society and, by definition, the devastating impact it has on people’s lives.

St Mungo’s frontline teams are working to help as many people as possible day and night. Right now, our hostels are providing somewhere safe and warm to stay out of the cold, which poses very real dangers to people experiencing homelessness. With support, this can be the first step to finding a more settled place.”

Overall, rough sleeping has increased by 27% this year. If you would like to donate to St Mungo’s this Christmas, please follow this link: Your support could change lives. | St Mungo’s

With over 350 of the collection on view, this new exhibition promises an array of fine viewing. This exhibition is the perfect Christmas gift.

Opening its doors in April 2025 this Victoria and Albert Museum treat is the UK’s premier exhibition in almost 30 years and it highlights the brand’s luxury craft in design.

Created by founder Louis-François the three grandsons made it into the globally renowned House it is today after opening branches in London, Paris and New York.

The V&A said: “With an enviable client list of royalty and aristocracy, Cartier became known as ‘the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers’ and later broadened its appeal thanks to the devotion of leading creatives from the worlds of cinema, music and fashion.”

A limited number of tickets are now on sale at the Museum, and pieces worn by a selection of high profilers are on view including those from Queen Elizabeth II and Rihana.

The signature style of Cartier is enhanced in three main sections of the opulent range, featuring a breathtaking display of tiaras.

For further information and tickets please view: vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/cartier

With over three decades of pioneering hospitality, the resident Executive Chef John Williams MBE brings a sparkle into the quality of dining at The Ritz in this festive season.

Decorated with a Christmas tree and wreaths along the gold leaf walls the restaurant is arguably the most beautiful in London.

Head of Beverage, Giovanni Ferlito, has curated a wine list of exquisite tastes to accompany each course which accompanies the restaurants five-star service.

For snug dining there is an intimate room set aside in the hotel, The Ritz Room has the capacity for up to ten guests and it is connected to the main restaurant.

With this exclusive venue’s offerings comes a host of events to see each guest through to a much-celebrated New Year.

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner

A black-tie gala dinner at The Ritz is catered for by an array of talented chefs under the craftsmanship of Executive Chef John Williams MBE.

This event is accompanied by a half bottle of Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iteration No.26, a live band, the sound of bagpipes from The Lone Piper as well as a 14-piece military marching band.

Taking the guests into the New Year will be a performance by The Soul Jets and a countdown to the stroke of midnight.

Priced at £1,950 per adult and £975 per child (up to the age of 15). Dress Code: Black Tie.

New Year’s Day Lunch

Set inside The Ritz Restaurant, a Michelin-starred lunch is presented in the theme of a four-course dining experience to celebrate a New Year.

A Terrine of Game, Ballotine of Sole Veronique and Tonka Mousseline are just hints of what lie inside the menu of this delight.

Live entertainment in the form of a soulful singer with an accompanying keyboardist set the tone of a pleasant year ahead.

Priced at £295 per adult and £160 per child (up to the age of 15).

New Year’s Day Dinner

Up to ten guests per table can relax in the joyful celebrations of the first day of the year. A four-course meal can be enjoyed by guests as they listen to the entertainment of a five-piece band infusing jazz, swing and pop.

Family and or friends can enjoy the magic to bring a spring into the step of moving forward into the New Year.

Priced at £320 per adult and £170 per child (up to the age of 15).

For further information or booking please visit: The Ritz London | 5 Star Luxury Hotel in Mayfair London

Ideal for those looking to celebrate every festive day with a gift, this spicy advent calendar is full of delightful surprises.

Intensifying tastes come in all flavours, founder Rumble Romagnoli says: “We’ve selected a thrilling assortment of our finest creations, as well as some exclusive surprises to make your holiday season unforgettable.”

There are 24 different creations inside this box, from Hot Spicy Ketchup to Pizza Pizzazz. The award-winning flavours are ideal for a loved one or for those who want to spoil themselves over the Christmas Period.

Chilli No. 5 was founded by British entrepreneur Rumble Romagnoli in 2020 during Lockdown. Inspired by World cuisines the ingredients are packed full of superfoods, antioxidants and supplements, alongside the Chilli No.5 five Chilli blend.

Sauces are available in 200 ml sustainable glass bottles, 100 ml land-fill friendly pouches, 25 ml glass tasting vials and most recently 15 ml mini glass bottles.

Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Fortnum and Mason, Etsy and Amazon are stockists of the sauces, and this exclusive Christmas Advent Calendar can be found on the main Chilli No. 5 website: Everything Comes Alive with Chilli No. 5 | Enjoy & Share Hot Sauce

Another year and a new festive tree has been crafted at this unmatchable West London establishment.

Sir Paul Smith has created this labyrinth of Christmas joy with 100 tailored birdhouses. British artist Nik Ramage collaborated with Sir Paul Smith to design these mechanical birdhouses with twists of playing cards, postage stamps and dice lining the ceilings of these creations. In addition, a flying bird frames the Claridge’s reception.

Sir Paul Smith likes to take everyday objects and refashions them. Hence the introduction of remodelled birdhouses accompanied by bird song echoing in the hall from the tree.

A distinctive Paul Smith striped barrel rests at the base of the tree which is coloured with baubles and ribbon.

A set of magical “off cut creatures” sit around the base of this seasonal extravaganza, brought to life by design studio Studiomama.

To add to this creation, a side cart of “pick n mix” confectionery stands near the tree, for guests to enjoy as they enter the lobby.

In reference to the tree, Sir Paul said, “My wife Pauline and I have been staying and dining at Claridge’s for many years. We have spent so many special moments like Christmas and New Year at the hotel with our grandchildren and so it is often a family affair. It’s a great honour to be asked to create this year’s Christmas tree and it’s something I hope people will enjoy and find fascinating and fun. When designing this year’s tree, I automatically thought of a bird house, friendly and optimistic, a symbol of home which reflects the welcoming spirit of Claridge’s.”

There have been sixteen years since Claridge’s first asked a friend to design the festive tree in the lobby. Sir Paul Smith has long been on the wish list to create an addition to this merry celebration of style.

Paul Smith is the leading independent design company of the United Kingdom and has grown to be featured in over 60 different countries.

Claridge’s offer London’s finest afternoon tea in The Foyer, to drinks in The Fumoir and The Painter’s Room, and celebratory dining in Claridge’s Restaurant, all are part of the hotel’s unique splendour and charm. For more information on this Christmas spectacular visit Unveiling The Claridge’s Christmas Tree 2024 – Claridge’s

On 12^th November the renowned design house Andrew Martin hosted a reception for the opening of a Ronnie Wood Exhibition open to the public until Tuesday 3^rd December.

The Rolling Stones guitarist is an accomplished artist, and this event was a chance for a preview of his celebrated works.

On the guest list were a collection of well-known faces including property tycoon Charles Delevingne alongside Count Leopold and Countess Debonnaire von Bismarck-Schönhausen.

Experimental in his works, Ronnie Wood enthuses his passion for art drawing on inspirations from masters such as Delacroix, Caravaggio, and Picasso.

The exhibition references his new works writing “This latest exhibition showcases Wood’s powerful interpretations, blending elements of classical and contemporary art, and is a testament to his vibrant artistic perspective.”

Ronnie Wood and Andrew Martin founder Martin Waller have an established relationship, and Wood has in the past served as a Judge in the 2021 Andrew Martin Designer of the Year Award. Esteemed winners of this interior design contest have included Kit Kemp MBE and Anouska Hempel.

Ronnie Wood’s exhibition is now open to the public until Tuesday 3^rd December 2024 at Andrew Martin, 190-196 Walton Street, London, SW3 2JL. Opening times: Monday to Friday: 9:00 – 18:00. Saturday: 10:00 – 18:00. Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00.

With experiences at an all time high for Christmas 2024, Santa and his Christmas Crackers are instore from 29^th November to mingle with festive participants at this central London Store. DJs, live performers and singers contribute to an array of Christmas fantasticness and celebration.

In the run up to Christmas 2024 Selfridges have teamed with Max Allen to assemble the apparel costumes for Santa and the Christmas entertainers, alongside Emily Pugh the window contributor and Christmas tree stylist.

Selfridges on Oxford Street windows carry a tradition of Christmas grottos enhanced by the work of British artist Andrew Logan while the frontage on Duke Street contributes to an ethos of mythical characters. Orchard Street homes a display of fantasies in the artist windows by Flaminia Veronesi.

Laura Weir, Selfridges Chief Creative says: “We couldn’t be more excited to unveil Christmas at Selfridges and celebrate the year of More The Merrier! The festive season at Selfridges is an antidote to the mundane; it’s our vibrant crescendo to 2024 as we transform our stores into high-octane wonderlands. We’ve collaborated with an incredible host of artists and creatives, bringing together different tastes and trends in an ode ​to imagination and a celebration of maximalism. We want our customers to share in this joy and to help them live brighter this Christmas.”

For information on Selfridges events over Christmas, including Breakfast with Santa please view this link: Our Events | Selfridges

The largest tea plantation in Europe offers tours to view its premises in a land steeped in 700 years of history.

A host will take you for a walk around the gardens that will span a two-mile radius in Coombe, Kea and Halwyn in Cornwall.

The trip that lasts around three hours is fragrant with tea and it teaches the partakers how to create the perfect blend, whilst offering its visitors a chance to pick the tea and take some home for the perfect pot.

This, Britain’s first and only tea garden, offers a history of Britain’s tea history and gives an insight into how this production is married to a microclimate.

Additional to the offering is a tea masterclass which includes a Tregothnan cream tea, a masterclass certificate and a chance to purchase tea from the sanctuary gift shop.

Another resident of the premises is a colony of bees essential for the protection of plants. This Cornish establishment offers a class in bee keeping including how to find the Queen, what to feed the bees and how to identify diseases.

Tea tasting is a smaller experience, running for around thirty minutes and is open Monday to Friday for a unique guide into finding the perfect blend.

For those in the mood for a takeaway of the experience, a takeaway English cream tea is available for those enthusiasts.

For more information on how to book a Tregothnan experience please visit: Tea Centre Experiences – Tregothnan