Each year, Holi lands in late February or March, on the full moon of the Hindu month of Phalguna. Centuries-old in origin, it marks the triumph of good over evil – the story of Prahlad and Holika is still recounted in songs and street rituals – and heralds the arrival of spring, when crops blossom […]

Some hotels are extraordinary in ways that go far beyond their views, spas, or suites. Among our favourites around the globe, a select few also boast tennis courts that elevate the stay even further. Take, for instance, grass courts nestled among the rolling hills of Umbria, where morning rallies catch the soft vineyard light. Meanwhile, […]

In recent years, luxury hotels are doing a whole lot more than offering impeccable service and striking design – they’re becoming gateways to the culture, history, and artistry of their surroundings. For the culturally curious traveller, a stay is no longer just about comfort; it’s about connection. From private tours of remote archaeological sites to […]

Five Luxury Hotels Opening in London This Year If you’ve spent any time in London – and we have, quite a bit – you start to understand how deeply the city rewards curiosity. It’s a place that’s constantly reinventing itself while holding onto the cultural layers that make it feel entirely singular: world‑class museums and […]

The Return of Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, Florence Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel, reopens on 28 April 2026, and we’re now accepting reservations. For anyone unfamiliar, the villa sits on a hillside in Fiesole, just a short drive from the heart of Florence. Originally a 15th-century monastery, it’s long been admired for […]

New Zealand has a way of rearranging your sense of scale. Mountains rise like sculptures above lakes so still they feel painted; beaches curl into coves that are practically private; forests hum with ancient life. The country’s contrasts are immediate and intimate. Touring it in luxury means moving through these landscapes at a pace that […]

February has a way of turning romance into something very public. Fixed menus, staged sunsets, and a lot of heart-shaped enthusiasm. At RASK, we tend to look for something a little more subtle. The most romantic hotels in the world aren’t defined by who they welcome – they’re defined by how they make you feel. […]

Nestled in the Indian Ocean just south of India, Sri Lanka is a country that surprises at every turn – from misty hill stations to sun-soaked beaches, ancient temples to colonial towns, and jungles teeming with wildlife. With its rich history, warm hospitality, and landscapes that shift almost hourly, it’s a destination that stays with […]

Nicaragua is often overlooked in favour of its more famous Central American neighbours, but for travellers in the know, it’s a destination full of surprises. From the Caribbean’s Corn Islands, where turquoise waters lap against powdery beaches, to the volcanic landscapes surrounding Lake Nicaragua, and the rugged, sun-drenched Pacific coast, the country manages to feel […]

The Seychelles has a way of making you forget the world exists. Fifty-plus islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, turquoise waters, lush granite peaks, and beaches so perfect they almost feel unreal – it’s the kind of destination that makes you wish travel could happen in slow motion. From the UK, it’s around a ten-hour […]