Harry Styles’ leopard-print Chanel bag made an otherwise understated New York outfit the one everyone wanted a closer look at. Worn with a navy knit, jeans and loafers, the oversized flap bag did the work: an easy shoulder shape, a bold pattern and enough texture to make a simple outfit feel considered. For readers searching for the bag itself, Chanel’s official listing provides the useful details. It is the Métiers d’art 2026 Maxi Flap, reference AS6234-B24979-UA692, in brown, black and white tweed with mixed fibres and gold-tone metal. Chanel credits Lesage with handweaving the leopard motif. The appeal of the look is its simplicity. There is no need to compete with the print: denim, a plain knit and understated shoes give the bag room to stand out. The generous shape also makes it feel less precious than a tiny evening accessory. How much is the Chanel leopard-print bag? Chanel’s UK website lists a suggested retail price of £7,390, checked on 5 October 2026. This replaces the earlier estimated price in this article. Prices can change, and the official listing does not guarantee stock in an individual boutique. The bag now has an official product listing, so the earlier description of it as an upcoming release has been updated. Ask a Chanel boutique about availability using the product reference above. A useful distinction when searching: Chanel calls this model the Maxi Flap. Its official material description is tweed and mixed fibres, rather than the pony hair stated in our original report. See the Maxi Flap and current UK price on Chanel’s official website Read more: Bridget Jones’ Mulberry Bayswater bag

Patek Philippe has unveiled its first quartz Ladies First collection, introducing six Gondolo watches with cushion-shaped gold cases, diamonds and richly coloured straps. The launch gives a fresh direction to a name that began with the house’s Ladies First Chronograph in 2009. This time, the emphasis is on jewellery and everyday wear. Three designs pair opaline dials with a border of diamonds, while three Joaillerie versions carry the stones across the dial, case and lugs. There is a choice of white gold, rose gold or the two together, with colours ranging from soft blue-grey to peacock blue and purple. Inside the new Gondolo Ladies First collection The shape is an immediate draw. At 31 by 34.8mm, the softened square case has the proportions of a small dress watch, with rounded edges and articulated lugs that allow the strap to follow the wrist. The Art Deco influence is clear, but the colours keep the watches feeling current. In white gold, reference 7043G-001 pairs a blue-grey opaline dial with a matching calfskin strap. A denim-like pattern and white stitching give the leather an unexpectedly casual finish. Around the dial, 108 diamonds frame a pattern of concentric waves. The rose-gold 7043R-001 takes a warmer approach, with a chestnut dial and strap. The two-tone 7043GR-001 combines a white-gold case with rose-gold details, a silvery dial and beige calfskin. It is an especially useful option for anyone who already mixes metals in their jewellery. Diamonds, with a little more colour The Joaillerie models are considerably more elaborate. On the white-gold 7043/250G-001, 687 brilliant-cut diamonds total 3.11 carats across the watch and buckle, accompanied by 12 blue topaz hour markers. A glossy peacock-blue alligator strap picks up the colour of the stones. The rose-gold version uses green tsavorites, while the white-and-rose-gold model brings in purple amethysts. Each has a matching coloured strap. These are striking combinations, with the gemstones giving each watch a distinct character even though the case shape remains the same. What makes this a first? Patek Philippe has a long history of watches for women, including earlier Ladies First models. The new departure here is a quartz-powered interpretation of Ladies First, using the E15 calibre. It brings a practical option to the line for owners who want to pick up a watch and wear it without winding it. The watches also launch with Patek Philippe’s new “I AM. I WEAR.” campaign. It is a fitting introduction to a collection with so much choice: the blue-grey model could sit easily alongside everyday tailoring, while the diamond-covered designs bring rather more ceremony to the wrist. For UK prices and availability, contact Patek Philippe or an authorised retailer. Discover the Gondolo Ladies First collection View the blue-grey 7043G-001 View the diamond-set 7043/250G-001

Image: Remote Lands Breakfast in Tokyo, a helicopter flight over Angkor and a hike to Bhutan’s Tiger’s Nest: Aman’s latest private jet programme has the makings of several holidays in one. The hotel group and Remote Lands have announced their 2028 expeditions, with two new itineraries and shorter trips designed to fit into a busy diary. These are journeys for travellers who want to see a great deal without spending their evenings planning the next transfer. Groups are limited to 16–18 guests, with private aviation connecting destinations and individual guides taking over on the ground. Published prices start at US$113,888 per person, based on two sharing. The new Aman private jet expeditions for 2028 Cultural Treasures of Asia runs from 4–19 March, travelling through Japan, Cambodia, China, Bhutan and India, from US$164,888 per person. The longer From Islands to Ancient Worlds journey runs from 4–21 October, from US$198,888, taking in Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, the Maldives, the UAE, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Türkiye. Returning trips include China’s UNESCO Treasures, from 14–26 May, priced from US$113,888, and Discover Southeast Asia, from US$115,888, with departures on 6 February and 29 October. Across the programme, itineraries last between 12 and 17 nights. Tokyo, Angkor and the Himalayas Cultural Treasures of Asia combines five Aman properties with a final stay at The Leela Palace in New Delhi. Aman Tokyo opens the journey, followed by Amansara in Cambodia, Amandayan in China, Amankora Paro in Bhutan and Amanbagh in India. The itinerary includes sushi-making in Tokyo, an aerial view of Angkor and the climb to Tiger’s Nest. Later, guests fly to Agra for the Taj Mahal before continuing to New Delhi. There is real variety here, from the pace of a capital city to days shaped by temples, mountain scenery and the hotel itself. A shared aircraft, with your own guide For Cultural Treasures, Remote Lands specifies a customised Airbus ACJ319, or similar, with 19 seats and two lounge-style cabins. Couples and solo guests have their own car, driver and guide for touring, giving them scope to follow different interests once the aircraft lands. That arrangement is one of the programme’s strongest details. You might share the flight with fellow guests, then spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. For anyone who loves the ambition of a multi-country itinerary but hesitates at the thought of following a group all day, it is an appealing compromise. All quoted prices are in US dollars, per person sharing. UK travellers should request a full quotation, including any single supplement and travel to and from the expedition’s starting and finishing points. See the 2028 Aman Jet Expeditions programme Explore the Cultural Treasures of Asia itinerary

Aston Martin has unveiled the DBX GT, a new version of its luxury SUV with a softer approach to long journeys. There is more cushioning in the seats, extra attention to cabin noise and revised suspension—alongside a 727PS V8 that takes it from 0–60mph in just 3.1 seconds. Announced on 1 October, the GT joins the DBX S in the range, with first deliveries scheduled for the final quarter of 2026. The brief is grand touring: the sort of car in which a lengthy drive should feel like part of the weekend. What is new on the Aston Martin DBX GT? The changes begin with the seats, which gain 10mm of memory foam. Additional insulation and acoustic rear side glass help reduce noise, while revised suspension and transmission settings focus on smoother progress. Aston Martin reports a 13 per cent improvement in its measure of conversational clarity inside the cabin. Outside, a double-vaned grille and body-coloured lower panels give the GT its own identity. It comes on 22-inch wheels as standard. Beneath the bonnet sits a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 900Nm of torque, with a quoted top speed of 193mph. The figures are formidable, but the comfort changes are likely to be felt far more often. A quieter cabin and better cushioning matter on the motorway to Cornwall as much as they do on a longer European trip. We have yet to drive the GT; for now, its appeal lies in that combination of pace and a more considered passenger experience. A new address on Berkeley Square The unveiling also coincided with the opening of Aston Martin Q London, the brand’s new flagship at 14 Berkeley Square. Operated with H.R. Owen and scheduled to begin operations on 5 October, it brings the carmaker’s bespoke service to Mayfair. The 587-square-metre space spans two floors, with consultation areas and a specification lounge alongside the cars. More than 500 physical samples allow clients to work through paint, leather and stitching choices in person. For buyers commissioning a DBX GT, that offers a chance to give the interior as much attention as the performance specification. The difference between two shades of leather can be difficult to judge on a screen; seeing the materials together is a useful part of building a car around how you will actually use it. UK pricing was not included in the launch announcement. Aston Martin and its authorised dealers can confirm current prices, options and delivery availability. Discover the Aston Martin DBX GT Explore Aston Martin Q London

Audemars Piguet has launched its first jewellery collection, unveiling 19 pieces during Paris Fashion Week. For a house whose name is so closely associated with what sits on your wrist, necklaces, chokers and earrings are a significant arrival—and the debut is every bit as ambitious as its watches. Called Royal Oak Joaillerie, the collection takes its starting point from the Swiss watchmaker’s most recognisable design. There are diamonds, emeralds and pink sapphires, with prices reported from £43,000. Inside Audemars Piguet’s first jewellery collection The angular shapes and carefully finished surfaces of the Royal Oak run through the designs. Enlarged and reworked as jewellery, they give the collection a recognisable family resemblance, while coloured stones introduce a different mood. Some of the most striking combinations appear in Risoud Eclipse. Black titanium sets off green emeralds and diamonds, inspired by the Risoud Forest beneath an eclipse. The dark metal makes the colour particularly vivid; it is a dramatic choice for a house entering a new category. Dream of Joux looks to a broader sweep of the Swiss Vallée de Joux, where Audemars Piguet is based. Frozen lakes, flowers and night skies inform gemstone bracelets, necklaces and earrings. The landscape supplies both the colour and the atmosphere, tying these elaborate pieces to the place where the house makes its watches. A debut built on an existing craft Jewellery is a new standalone collection for Audemars Piguet, although the skills behind it have long been part of the manufacture. Gem-setting and decorative metalwork are already central to its high-jewellery watches. That experience now has room to develop without a dial or movement determining the design. Chief executive Ilaria Resta has described a project that grew out of conversations with a small group of Asian clients. The inaugural collection was already sold ahead of its public launch, according to her interview with Luxury Tribune. Production is deliberately limited, with the focus on developing the house’s craftsmanship. That makes this debut especially interesting to watch. Audemars Piguet is beginning with the clients, materials and techniques it knows intimately, then giving them a new form. The result is a collection with enough scale and colour to command attention well beyond the watch world. Discover Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak Joaillerie collection

I drink a lot of coffee. The sort of amount where telling myself I’ll “cut down” has become less of a resolution and more of an annual tradition. And while I’ve always been relatively happy with my smile, I would be lying if I did not say I wished they were whiter. That is what finally persuaded me to try professional teeth whitening. I don’t have composite bonding, veneers or a meticulously designed Hollywood smile. My teeth are completely natural, and I actually like that. I didn’t want to suddenly have teeth that didn’t feel like mine. I just wanted my own smile to look brighter. So, I went to DRMR in South Kensington, London for professional teeth whitening with Dr Manrina Rhode. Why I finally chose professional teeth whitening Like most people who have contemplated whitening their teeth, I had already experimented with the at-home world. Whitening toothpastes. Strips. Products promising a dramatically brighter smile from the comfort of your bathroom. Some are even marketed with phrases such as “dentist approved”, which can make it tempting to assume there really isn’t that much difference between buying a kit online and having your teeth professionally whitened. There is. In the UK, whitening products containing or releasing between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide are restricted to dental professionals, and professional whitening also involves having your teeth assessed before treatment. That distinction was important to me. Over-the-counter products can certainly help with the appearance of staining, particularly surface staining, but I’d found the effect relatively subtle and short-lived. After two coffees, I inevitably felt as though I was back where I started. Professional whitening felt less like another beauty product and more like actually treating the colour of my natural teeth. What professional teeth whitening at DRMR is actually like DRMR sits on Brompton Road in South Kensington, around a five-minute walk from South Kensington station and within easy walking distance of Knightsbridge and Harrods. For someone who spends a fairly significant percentage of her life bouncing between meetings, events and appointments around central London, location matters more than I would probably like to admit. The treatment itself was surprisingly straightforward. Rather than sitting down and expecting one dramatic blast of whitening treatment, mine was carried out progressively over approximately an hour, with the whitening product refreshed in stages, essentially four separate applications or “top-ups” during the appointment. There is something reassuring about having the process carried out in a dental clinic rather than trying to judge everything yourself at home. And that, for me, is probably the greatest difference. It isn’t simply about wanting whiter teeth. You are having your mouth and teeth looked at by professionals who understand what they are working with first. DRMR describes teeth whitening as one of the least invasive cosmetic dental treatments and also offers bespoke whitening trays using professionally formulated hydrogen peroxide for continued treatment where appropriate. Before & After The difference in these photographs isn’t dramatic — and I actually think that is worth saying. The images were taken a few months apart, as travelling meant I didn’t have the whitening treatment until later than originally planned, so there was undoubtedly a little extra coffee staining by the time I finally made it into the chair. You also shouldn’t expect to walk out of a whitening appointment with an entirely different, Hollywood-white smile, particularly if you are starting with naturally coloured or coffee-stained teeth. Whitening works with your own natural tooth colour; it doesn’t turn your teeth into something they aren’t. But to me, the difference felt significant. My teeth looked brighter, fresher and noticeably less stained, while still looking completely natural. And that was exactly what I wanted: not a brand-new smile, just a cleaner, brighter version of my own. Where to get professional teeth whitening in London If you’re looking for professional teeth whitening in London, DRMR is particularly conveniently located if you are around South Kensington, Knightsbridge or Chelsea. The clinic is at 251 Brompton Road, London SW3 2EP, around five minutes from South Kensington Underground station. For me, though, the appeal was less about chasing an artificially perfect smile and more about improving something I already had. I’ll probably always be a coffee drinker. I’ll probably always choose my Iced Brown Sugar Oat Latte. But now, at least, my teeth don't advertise quite how committed I am to the habit.

A London apartment with a £23.5 million asking price needs more than an impressive postcode to hold our attention. At One Palace Green, the more interesting invitation is to live inside a house whose artistic history still gives the rooms their character. The first-floor show apartment brings Martin Kemp Design’s contemporary interiors into a restored mansion on Kensington Palace Gardens. It has three bedrooms, generous reception spaces and an original fireplace, with furniture included in the reported asking price. The art is a separate matter—and, in this case, particularly worth looking at. The wider development reached completion in September 2026, according to developer REDD. Its arrival offers a timely alternative to the idea that a new luxury home should look as though nobody has ever lived there before. A mansion built around an artist’s life Philip Webb designed the house for George Howard, later the 9th Earl of Carlisle, with a painting studio forming part of the original building. The connection to the Arts and Crafts movement was integral to its conception: Morris & Company worked on the interiors, and the dining room included murals by Edward Burne-Jones. Restoration architects Pilbrow & Partners describe a building whose original coherence had been diminished by later alterations. Converted into apartments in the 1950s, it had lost much of its original interior decoration. That history makes this a more demanding project than simply adding period furniture to grand rooms. The building already had an identity. The task was to make it legible again while giving a new owner somewhere comfortable to live. Martin Kemp’s interiors bring the garden indoors The show apartment’s palette draws on moss green, warm earth tones and soft stone, with timber and textured fabrics bringing a gentler quality to the formal architecture. High ceilings and large reception rooms provide the grandeur; the furnishing introduces a more relaxed scale. Three paintings by Howard connect the presentation to the house’s original owner. Their presence is a particularly pleasing detail, even though the artwork is excluded from the asking price. It gives the rooms a conversation with their past that feels more specific than a decorative nod to “heritage”. For us, the appeal lies in that balance. A substantial reception room should be capable of hosting an occasion, but it also needs to make sense when only two people are at home. Softer textures and an earthy palette offer a way to make generous proportions feel inviting. What has been created at One Palace Green? REDD describes the completed scheme as five apartments and a detached coach house. Its current availability schedule gives the first-floor, three-bedroom apartment an area of 3,350 square feet. The project brings together Pilbrow & Partners, Martin Kemp Design and landscape designer Randle Siddeley. The development’s own website also highlights access to a private garden and layered security. Those are practical attractions, but they support a setting with a stronger personality than an amenities list alone can convey. There is something persuasive about a small collection of homes sharing an architectural history. The attraction is partly knowing that the rooms could not simply be transplanted into another city and tell the same story. The price, and the detail that matters The furnished show apartment has been marketed at £23.5 million, excluding art. REDD’s live schedule currently gives prices on application, so buyers should confirm the current asking price and precisely which furnishings are included. The interesting question is what remains after the staging is removed. Here, the answer includes an artist’s former home, the work of an important architect and a restoration that has returned attention to the building itself. That is a more enduring proposition than a beautifully arranged coffee table.

There is a particular pleasure in putting on a pair of shoes that has absolutely no interest in being sensible. A fine strap, a pointed toe, a heel that changes the line of a trouser: sometimes the evening begins before you have left the bedroom. We are making room for that feeling again. Not through an entirely new wardrobe, but through the shoes that make familiar clothes feel as though they have somewhere better to be. The most appealing going-out heels do not demand a matching spectacle above the ankle. They can transform jeans and a shirt, sharpen a loose suit or add just enough ceremony to a dress you have worn many times before. The trick is deciding which part of the outfit gets to do the talking. The barely-there sandal: Jimmy Choo Azia 95 Jimmy Choo’s black patent Azia 95 sandal is the sort of shoe we would introduce to a pair of beautifully cut trousers. Its straps bring a delicate line to an otherwise substantial outfit. Try it with wide-legged black tailoring and an ivory silk shirt, leaving the neckline relaxed. A small earring and a compact bag are enough. The sandal provides the sense of occasion; the rest can stay unfussy. For a dress, consider the hem as carefully as the heel. A simple midi that leaves the straps visible gives the shoe a role in the outfit. If everything disappears beneath a long skirt, you may prefer to spend your attention—and your budget—elsewhere. The pointed pump: Christian Louboutin Kate The Christian Louboutin Kate in black patent leather has a 100mm heel and a sharply defined profile. It is a polished option for the reader who wants a closed toe and a little more structure. Our preferred pairing is unexpectedly ordinary: straight jeans, a fine knit and a well-cut jacket. Keep the denim clean at the hem, allowing the point to show. The contrast between casual fabric and a deliberate evening shoe does most of the work. With tailoring, check the trouser length while wearing the actual heel. A hem that was perfect with trainers may sit differently now. A few minutes in front of a full-length mirror can do more for the result than adding another accessory. The quieter option: Manolo Blahnik Maysale 70 Manolo Blahnik’s black suede Maysale 70 offers a buckle-front mule with a 70mm heel. The UK website lists it at £735 at the time of writing. We like its slightly reserved character. It has enough detail to feel dressed, without requiring sequins or a towering silhouette. For dinner, pair it with an ankle-skimming skirt and a soft jumper pushed neatly at the waist. A mule also lends itself to a more relaxed kind of glamour. Think a long coat over an uncomplicated dress, hair left alone and one excellent piece of jewellery. Nothing needs to announce how much thought went into it. Let texture provide the interest If the outfit is simple, the finish of the shoe becomes more noticeable. Patent leather gives a crisp flash; suede feels softer; fine straps reveal more of the foot and lighten the overall look. Choose the contrast you want. A suede heel can soften a severe suit. Patent can add definition to knitwear. A delicate sandal can stop an all-black outfit feeling heavy. These are useful choices regardless of what happens to be labelled the season’s essential shoe. Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means The Life of Luxury may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. All products are selected independently by our editorial team.

Feadship’s latest yacht concept asks an unusually domestic question: where does everyone naturally gather? At 115 metres, HIVE has plenty of room to accommodate the answer, but its interest lies in how that space would be used. Unveiled during the Monaco Yacht Show on 24 September 2026, HIVE is the Dutch builder’s largest concept design to date. Studio De Voogt, led on the project by senior designer Jan Schaffers, began with an imagined family of four and built the proposal around their lives. The result includes an underwater lounge, a garden library and a spectacular pool. Yet the central idea is more relatable than any of those facilities: giving people somewhere to come together without requiring them to spend the entire day doing the same thing. A shared space across four decks At HIVE’s centre is an open volume spanning four decks, with a main-deck space that could serve as a saloon, stage or auditorium. Terraces open on either side, while curved staircases connect the levels above. It is a compelling response to the challenge of entertaining at this scale. A large room can be impressive and still feel strangely underused. Give it several purposes and it has a reason to change through the day. We can see the appeal of a family gathering that turns into a performance or a talk, rather than everyone disappearing into separate lounges. Equally important are the smaller places around the main space: a successful social room needs somewhere to step away from it. A library with a garden, and a view beneath the water The proposal includes a circular glazed library opening onto a secluded garden, a two-storey beach lounge with waterside dining for at least 24, and a 20-metre pool on the owner’s deck that extends indoors. The quieter invitation is the library. Among all the options a yacht of this size can provide, somewhere to sit with a book remains one of the most appealing. A garden gives that room a different atmosphere from the surrounding sea. HIVE also proposes an underwater lounge and an observation lounge with a retractable glass roof. Together, they suggest two very different ways to spend an unhurried evening: looking below the surface or up into the night. Those spaces would make the setting part of the entertainment. The question becomes less what to add to the itinerary and more how to enjoy where the yacht already is. How close is HIVE to becoming a real yacht? Feadship presents HIVE as a concept, developed with its naval architects and engineers. It is not an announced delivery or a vessel available to charter. The builder specifies a proposed electrical system combining HVO-capable generators, fuel cells and a 5 MWh battery bank. These are design specifications, rather than independently demonstrated performance results for a completed yacht. That distinction leaves room to appreciate the ambition without confusing a proposal with a finished product. The value of a concept is partly in the questions it makes a future owner ask. The luxury of choosing your own pace HIVE is especially interesting as a study in how to share a holiday. Some guests want activity and company; others want somewhere quiet until dinner. A generous boat is only useful if its arrangement allows those preferences to coexist. There is an appealing generosity in designing for both. The underwater lounge will attract attention, but the more lasting idea may be the freedom to gather, separate and return without anyone having to organise the whole day. For all its extraordinary dimensions, that is a recognisable ambition for a home at sea.

Come aboard with us. The Life of Luxury was invited to spend a day on Explora Journeys’ EXPLORA III during its maiden sailing, and we expected to leave talking about the suites, the spa and the pools. We did. But a conversation about the onboard Rolex boutique gave us another reason to look twice. According to Explora’s PR team, some guests are choosing their sailing with the Rolex boutique in mind, heading there on their first day to secure an appointment. The team described the selection as a particular draw. A holiday planned partly around the possibility of buying a watch: that is quite an addition to the usual itinerary. It is an intriguing proposition, especially aboard a ship that feels so much like a beautifully designed hotel. There is somewhere lovely to spend the hours around the appointment, from a private terrace to a poolside bar. The watch may start the conversation, but the rest of EXPLORA III gives it plenty of competition. Rolex appointments on EXPLORA III: why it pays to enquire early Explora Journeys confirms that EXPLORA I and EXPLORA III have official Rolex boutiques, available exclusively to its guests. The boutiques are staffed by hosts trained by Rolex, offering advice to those enquiring as well as buying. This is a dedicated retail appointment within the holiday. Travel + Leisure reported that all 27 Rolex appointments on a four-day EXPLORA III preview sailing were taken within hours. That gives some substance to the idea of making the boutique an early stop after boarding. If a visit matters to you, ask Explora how appointments are arranged for your sailing and enquire promptly on arrival. The experience reported on one preview voyage does not establish a booking policy for every departure. Can you buy a Rolex on an Explora Journeys cruise? The official boutiques offer guests the opportunity to purchase Rolex watches. Securing an appointment, however, is different from securing a particular reference. For anyone tempted, our approach would be to choose a journey you would enjoy in its own right, then explore the boutique as part of it. Ask about current availability and the purchase process directly; neither the cabin fare nor an appointment is a promise that your preferred watch will be waiting. There is still something rather appealing about the setting. A conversation about watches can sit alongside a long lunch and an afternoon by the water. It also helps explain why the retail offering feels relevant here: EXPLORA III is designed around the kind of day you might build at a favourite five-star hotel. And that was our strongest impression of the ship itself. The interiors have the warmth and polish we look for in a favourite city address. At moments, we could imagine ourselves in London or Rome; elsewhere, the pools and open-air spaces have the feel of a five-star resort. Then the view reminds you that this particular hotel can take its guests somewhere entirely new. Inside EXPLORA III: a floating hotel with the sea outside What we loved was the sense of intimacy. With 461 ocean-front suites, EXPLORA III is hardly a tiny vessel, but it feels manageable and personal. Its appeal is in the places to settle into: a comfortable room, a shaded corner, a poolside bar. The double-height lobby sets an ambitious design brief, bringing together Perlato di Sicilia and Sahara Noir marble, cascading Venini chandeliers and a curved, asymmetrical staircase. Those details belong as comfortably in a design-led hotel as they do at sea. The atmosphere, for us, is a world away from the conventional cruise-ship image. EXPLORA III suites: every room has private outdoor space The rooms were a particular highlight. Some felt quite compact to us, but the interiors are lovely: cosy, carefully put together and somewhere we could happily retreat from the activity elsewhere on board. There is real value in having a private place that feels like an escape in its own right. Every suite has a private terrace. That changes the experience considerably, extending the room outdoors and giving each guest their own space beside the sea. Floor-to-ceiling windows reinforce the connection even when the doors are closed. Accommodation ranges from Ocean Suites to Penthouses and Residences. At the most elaborate end, a new Owner’s Residence designed by Patricia Urquiola spans 315 square metres, with furniture from names including Cassina and Moroso, a private steam room and an outdoor whirlpool. It is a very different proposition from the smaller suites, but the emphasis on residential design runs throughout. Pools, sunshine and somewhere to linger For a ship that feels this intimate, the choice of pools is one of its biggest attractions. The facilities described in the launch details include the Conservatory’s 14.7-metre pool, three heated outdoor swimming pools and a separate hydrotherapy pool in the spa, alongside five heated whirlpools. The Conservatory’s retractable glass roof allows it to work in changing weather. The adults-only Helios Pool & Bar, positioned forward, offers panoramic views and the promise of an unhurried stretch in the sunshine. Private cabanas and expanded shaded areas provide alternatives when being directly in the sun loses its appeal. This is where the floating-hotel idea makes particular sense to us. The attraction is being able to shape a day around a pool, a book and somewhere comfortable to sit, with the sea always close. Inside the Ocean Wellness spa Ocean Wellness is especially interesting. The 726-square-metre space brings spa, wellness and fitness facilities together on Deck 5, with a hydrotherapy pool, Finnish sauna, steam room, salt cave, experience showers and heated marble loungers. There is also a Sava Sound Pod, which the brand describes as using low-frequency sound for relaxation, plus Technogym equipment, reformer Pilates equipment and a private training studio. These are facilities to explore on a longer stay; our day aboard was an introduction, rather than a test of the treatment menu. Outside, the fitness offering extends to a running track and sports facilities including a full-size padel court. Whether the plan is to move more or simply slow down, there is plenty of choice. A floating hotel with room for dinner The dining line-up includes Sakura, Med Yacht Club, Fil Rouge and Marble & Co. Grill, alongside new concepts such as the Mediterranean-inspired Shore Club on 11. The Chef’s Table centres on live preparation and presentation, while The Cellar offers guided exploration of wine. Our visit left us wanting the time to settle into that rhythm properly. A day is enough to appreciate the design and the breadth of the facilities; it is not enough to experience every restaurant or judge an entire voyage. What we can say is that EXPLORA III felt like a hotel we would want to stay in—with a rather extraordinary advantage outside every window. The Life of Luxury visited by invitation. This first-person feature reflects a day aboard. Explore accommodation and itineraries on the official EXPLORA III website.

A timber village, generous terraces and interiors imagined around a writer and a musician: ASerra brings a deeply personal vision of life in Alentejo to Portugal’s next luxury address. The most intriguing detail in Philippe Starck’s new Portuguese retreat is a note on a desk. In the story he created to guide its design, a writer and a musician have left their home, with books and instruments offering clues to their lives. The note tells visitors where to find them: in the village below. That imagined journey provides the starting point for ASerra, a planned hotel and residential estate in the hills of Serra de Grândola, near Melides. Its 22 private villas and 25 hotel suites will be connected by a shared world of cafés, creative spaces, gardens and places to gather. For prospective owners, the promise extends beyond a beautifully furnished second home: there is a whole village to become part of. Why Philippe Starck chose Melides Starck’s attachment to Portugal predates the project. Having first visited more than a decade ago, he established a second home in Alentejo, drawn to its cork forests, lagoons and Atlantic landscape. In an interview with Wallpaper*, he describes that initial encounter as “love at first sight”. ASerra turns that personal connection into a place others can inhabit. The development is led by Larfa Properties, with Starck shaping the interiors, architecture by Lisbon-based Atelier AAVV and landscape design by Filipa Cardoso de Menezes of FC Arquitectura Paisagista. The distinction matters: this is a collaboration with local practices, with the buildings and grounds conceived in relation to the terrain. The ambition is for the estate to sit comfortably among the hills and vegetation, allowing the setting to remain its most compelling feature. A timber village at the heart of the estate The project’s social centre will be a contemporary interpretation of an aldeia, or Portuguese village. Timber buildings at the foot of the slope will line a raised main street, creating a route between the places residents and guests might use throughout the day. Plans include a restaurant connected to a vegetable garden, a grand café with a market-style shop, an art studio and a swimming pool. Painting, pottery, sculpture, drawing and cooking workshops will give visitors reasons to stay beyond lunch or a swim. It is an appealing idea for a second home. Privacy is valuable, but so is somewhere to wander to without arranging a car or planning an entire outing. At ASerra, the village is intended to provide that everyday point of connection: a coffee, a class, a conversation, then the walk back home. Inside the 22 private villas Above the village, the villas take a more sculptural form. Starck’s concept places intimate, enveloping interiors inside concrete shells, using terracotta, reddish woods, natural leather, planting and touches of gold to bring warmth to the spaces. He has compared the homes to cabins aboard a ship or yacht. The reference suggests a particular kind of comfort: considered interiors in which materials, furnishings and personal objects carry as much weight as the view. The fictional writer and musician offer another clue to the atmosphere. Books, scores and instruments introduce the idea of a home already rich with interests and habits. Local artists and craftspeople are also expected to contribute, giving the finished interiors detail beyond the architecture itself. Owners will have access to hotel services including concierge, housekeeping and maintenance, alongside dining, wellness and shared facilities. An optional rental programme is planned for periods when they are away. A boutique hotel with room to linger The hotel is intended to feel equally generous. Its 25 independent suites are planned with 70 sq m of interior space and 90 sq m terraces; 12 will have private pools. A communal pool, indoor-outdoor bar and restaurant will provide further places to spend the day. Across the estate, the proposed facilities include a spa, yoga shala, children’s garden and tennis, padel and pétanque courts. For guests considering a shorter stay, this gives ASerra an identity of its own as a hotel destination. For owners, it means a choice between time at home and the services and activities nearby. When will ASerra open? The hotel is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2028, with the villas being offered off-plan. Reported starting prices are US$6 million; current euro pricing, availability and the services included with each residence should be confirmed with the developer. Much remains to be realised, but the concept has a clear appeal. ASerra imagines a Portuguese home with enough privacy to settle into your own routines—and a village down the hill when you feel like company.

At a reported starting price of US$437,500, this Alaska holiday demands a little explanation. A private expedition yacht is only the beginning. There is also a helicopter-accessed chalet above a glacier, reserved entirely for your party. EYOS’s From Sea to Summit: Ultimate Alaska combines seven nights aboard Hanse Explorer with three or four nights at Sheldon Chalet in Denali National Park. Available from summer 2027, the bespoke experience takes travellers from Southeast Alaska’s fjords to a mountain retreat perched at around 6,000 feet. The US$437,500 figure is a reported package starting price, not a per-person rate; the final itinerary and inclusions need to be confirmed with EYOS. It is a formidable sum, even in the world of private travel. So what does an Alaskan escape at this level actually involve? The answer is a journey with two very different addresses: a yacht that can move between wildlife-rich waterways, and a five-bedroom chalet that gives you a reason to stay put. The mountain stay can come before or after the voyage. Either way, this is quite a departure from booking a room with a view. Inside Hanse Explorer: EYOS’s Alaska expedition yacht Hanse Explorer measures 47.76 metres and accommodates up to 12 guests across seven staterooms, with a crew of 15. EYOS describes an ice-classed yacht equipped for expeditions, with Zodiac tenders and a dive centre. The creature comforts are reassuringly present: a saloon and dining room with large windows, an aft deck for meals outdoors, a sauna and a Jacuzzi. The owner’s cabin also opens onto a secluded deck. But this is a particularly appealing proposition for travellers who want to get off the yacht. The tenders make it possible to approach the coastline on a more intimate scale, while the expedition team shapes activities around local conditions. That distinction changes what to pack—and what to expect. Think curiosity and layers, with room in the day for weather to influence the plan. The most memorable hour may not be the one scheduled most neatly in advance. Seven nights in Southeast Alaska: the proposed route The sample voyage begins and ends in Juneau. The Inian Islands bring opportunities to see Steller sea lions, sea otters and bald eagles; around Hoonah and Icy Strait, the focus shifts to humpbacks. At Pavlof Harbor, guided walks follow the salmon stream in search of brown bears. Later days explore Admiralty, Baranof and Chichagof, with kayaking, rainforest walks and possible hot-spring visits. Tracy Arm and the Fords Terror Wilderness Area provide the glacier finale, including South Sawyer Glacier. EYOS also highlights opportunities to learn about Tlingit heritage and meet local artisans. What appeals to us is the changing scale of the experience. A fjord seen from the deck is one thing; a sheltered inlet explored by kayak is another. The route offers room for both, with the expedition team adapting activities to conditions. Wildlife sightings and individual visits remain possibilities, rather than appointments. The cabins: space for families and friends The upper-deck master cabin measures approximately 45 square metres and has a private lounge area. The six remaining en-suite cabins are around 17 square metres each, with double or twin arrangements. This flexibility is useful for friends travelling together or families organising a mixed-age group. We would discuss the sleeping arrangements early, along with how active everyone wants the days to be. The pleasure of chartering privately is having room to build a holiday around the people coming, including those who would happily trade an excursion for a quiet afternoon watching the coastline. Explore EYOS’s official Ultimate Alaska itinerary. Sheldon Chalet: a private buyout above the Ruth Glacier Sheldon Chalet sits at around 6,000 feet in the Don Sheldon Amphitheater, above the Ruth Glacier in Denali National Park. Helicopter access is part of the extraordinary sense of separation. The chalet has five bedrooms for up to ten guests, supported by a chef, concierge and guides. Its communal spaces include a dining table crafted from Alaskan birch, a fireside gathering area and a library nook. There are two full bathrooms: an important detail for a group planning a private stay, and a reminder that this is an intimate shared house. The new EYOS offering includes a three- or four-day chalet buyout. The attraction is easy to understand. After the changing scenery of a voyage, the mountain stay offers a different rhythm: settle in, look out and resist the urge to turn every hour into an achievement. Planning an EYOS Ultimate Alaska holiday The yacht and chalet have different capacities. Hanse Explorer can host 12, while Sheldon Chalet accommodates ten. A party intending to share the entire experience should build its guest list around the smaller property and discuss arrangements directly with the operator. Summer dates also deserve to be chosen for the experience they actually offer. This is a wilderness journey, so weather, transfers and wildlife encounters cannot be treated as guaranteed appointments. Flexibility belongs in the itinerary from the beginning. For British travellers, we would also leave enough room around international travel and onward connections to avoid turning the start of an exceptional holiday into a race. little.