Despite being one of the Caribbean’s smaller islands, Anguilla makes a major impression on those seeking glamorous resorts set against pristine beaches. It’s not the kind of place you stumble upon; people who travel to Anguilla do so intentionally. They are seeking an experience-driven, sophisticated stay—and their trips are anchored by excellent dining, privacy, and authenticity. And Anguilla delivers in spades.

Malliouhana has been central to the island’s story for more than four decades.

Perched above the turquoise waters of Meads Bay on the island’s northwest coast, Malliouhana has been central to the island’s story for more than four decades. Since opening in 1984, the resort that helped establish Anguilla as a luxury vacation destination continues to define a distinctly Caribbean brand of charm. Its unique location, private beach, colorful design, and historic guest list—Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Margaret, to name a few—stand out as key differentiators amongst the island’s resorts. The property pairs its dramatic blufftop setting, sixty-three rooms and suites, and acclaimed dining program with a deeply personal approach to hospitality.

Recognized with two Michelin Keys and a growing list of industry accolades, Malliouhana is an ideal landing pad for travelers at every stage of life. Those same pillars of privacy, cultural connection, and culinary excellence also make it a compelling choice for multigenerational travelers. In its constant effort to continue exceeding expectations for first-time guests and repeat visitors alike, General Manager Felix Piña is shaping Malliouhana’s next evolution. His appointment as the first Anguillan to lead the resort reflects a growing emphasis on delivering experiences that feel genuinely connected to the island.

A Resort Bridging Three Beaches

…modern while carefully preserving its most recognizable attributes—including its cotton candy color palette and embrace of indoor-outdoor living.

Despite helping put Anguilla on the travel map, Malliouhana has never relied solely on its legacy. The property has undergone two major renovations since 2014, keeping Malliouhana modern while carefully preserving its most recognizable attributes—including its cotton candy color palette and embrace of indoor-outdoor living. The team has continued to remain true to the DNA of the resort while reimagining guestrooms, adding villas, and updating public spaces, dining venues, and wellness facilities for a new generation. This reimagining removed walls to maximize sea views, introduced a palette inspired by Anguilla’s colors, and added noteworthy features including the hotel’s two-tier infinity pool and sunset-facing bar.

That balance between heritage and reinvention remains evident throughout the property. Three pathways lead down to three distinct beaches: Meads Bay, Turtle Cove, and Bobbing Cove. While Meads Bay is among Anguilla’s most celebrated stretches of sand, Turtle Cove offers a quieter experience tucked beneath the bluff, while Bobbing Cove serves as a launch point for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. At the center of the property, a bi-level infinity pool, surrounded by iconic bright yellow umbrellas, reflects the resort’s ability to accommodate everyone. The upper level is reserved for adults, while the lower pool caters to families, creating distinct environments that never feel separate from its broader energy. Together with the spa, tennis and pickleball courts, watersports program, and wellness offerings, the property’s thoughtful layout gives guests plenty of ways to structure their days while keeping the focus squarely on the coastline that first made Anguilla famous.

Oversized terraces, open-air public spaces, and uninterrupted Caribbean views add to the authentic old-world charm that has made this property a mainstay for generations.

Oversized terraces, open-air public spaces, and uninterrupted Caribbean views add to the authentic old-world charm that has made this property a mainstay for generations. Malliouhana’s accommodations also tell the story of how travel to Anguilla has evolved. While it remains intimate by Caribbean standards with just sixty-three guestrooms and suites, its room categories span everything from ocean-view guestrooms to some of the island’s largest accommodations. For families and multi-gen groups, the larger suites offer plenty of room to spread out. One of our favorites is the three-bedroom Spa Suite, which offers approximately 4,500 square feet, spread across indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. The suite exemplifies what makes the property so special; bright colors and coastal-inspired décor blend into soothing spaces facing the sea. The standalone Turtle Cove Suite pairs two bedrooms with a private plunge pool and direct access to one of the property’s most secluded stretches of coastline.

Then, there are the villas. For even larger gatherings, the villas by Malliouhana are among the resort’s most distinctive offerings. Each villa comes with its own private heated pool, open terraces, butler service, dedicated concierge staff, and the option for private chef services. As a villa guest, your group will also have access to priority dining reservations. Located about a three-minute drive from the main property, the residences range from four to eight bedrooms and let guests combine the advantages of a private home with access to Malliouhana’s restaurants, spa, pools, and concierge team. The largest villa, the Santosha Villa Estate, features a grand main house with a spiral staircase and three additional guest houses, sleeping up to twenty-one people.

An Award-Winning Spa Meets Fun for Everyone Wellness Programming

One of the resort’s most tranquil spaces, with six treatment rooms, a private infinity pool, and sweeping views across the Caribbean Sea.

Part of the property’s appeal is its “choose your own adventure” programming. For those in your group looking to find some zen, the spa has major accolades under its belt. The Spa at Malliouhana offers one of the resort’s most tranquil spaces, with six treatment rooms, a private infinity pool, and sweeping views across the Caribbean Sea. Interiors draw on the colors of the surrounding landscape, pairing soft whites and sky blues with natural textures that reflect Anguilla’s coastal setting. Signature treatments such as “Drift Away” begin with a tropical sugar scrub and coconut-and-oat-milk bath before transitioning into a massage using coconut, shea butter, and calming essential oils, while the two-hour “Into the Deep” experience combines bodywork, a cocoon wrap, and a restorative facial. 

For those seeking to pair restorative time at the spa with something more active, the wellness programming extends the experience beyond the treatment rooms. A weekly calendar of fitness classes takes advantage of the island setting. Take sunrise yoga on the bluff overlooking the sea, or join classes like Total Body Workout, Malli Step Fusion, and Tropical Flex & Flow held throughout the week. For more personalized instruction, you can arrange private yoga, Pilates, or training sessions, while dedicated tennis and pickleball courts are available for lessons, clinics, and skill-building programs led by professionals. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor can coordinate private group lessons in advance—making a session another opportunity to bond with your fellow travelers.

Earning the Culinary Capital Distinction One Dish at a Time

Anguilla’s nickname as the Caribbean’s culinary capital is well earned. Celebrated beach bars, independent restaurants, and longtime local institutions have made dining one of the island’s primary attractions; there’s no shortage of lobster, crayfish, curry goat stew, and oxtail on Anguilla. At Malliouhana, the team has focused on telling a broader story about the people, cultures, and ingredients that have shaped Caribbean cuisine. That vision is led by Culinary Director Chef Kelston “Sweets” Connor, whose newest concept, Caribbean Table, explores the region through both food and conversation.

Named for hotel founder Leon Roydon, the restaurant sits directly on the sand, where hammocks, beach games, and reggae music create a distinctly Anguillan setting.

The restaurant draws from Indigenous ingredients and the African, French, Spanish, Indian, and Chinese influences that continue to define Caribbean cooking today. Menus are accompanied by tableside storytelling, chef interactions, and tasting experiences that explain how specific ingredients and techniques traveled throughout the region. The setting feels especially fitting for the concept, with Caribbean views as the backdrop. Leon’s at Meads Bay offers a completely different atmosphere. Named for hotel founder Leon Roydon, the restaurant sits directly on the sand, where hammocks, beach games, and reggae music create a distinctly Anguillan setting. The menu combines Southeast Asian influences with Caribbean flavors, alongside island favorites and a lineup of specialty rum punches. Sunday’s popular Sunday Funday gathering brings together both visitors and residents, giving the restaurant a vibrant local-meets-global energy.

As each day draws to a close, many evenings naturally transition to Bar Soleil. Perched above Meads Bay, the venue pairs panoramic ocean views with one of the island’s most memorable sunset vantage points. Inside, Haitian artwork, candlelit details, and comfortable seating create an inviting setting for lingering over a cocktail—we love the Watermelon Mule. Small plates draw inspiration from Asian cuisines and are designed for sharing, making the space feel social and relaxed from the first round of drinks through the final moments of daylight.

Off property, the excellence continues. The entire island has committed itself to amazing food—from beach shacks to other fine-dining hot spots. Here are a few places to venture to during your stay:

• Bankie Banx’s Dune Preserve: Approximately a ten-minute drive from Malliouhana on Rendezvous Bay, the Dune Preserve is an essential Anguilla experience. The legendary beachfront bar and music venue serves casual Caribbean fare, rum punches, and cocktails in a setting built from driftwood and salvaged materials. Visit on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday for live music from Bankie Banx, Omari Banks, and other local performers.
• The Cap Shack: This spot is about a ten-minute drive from Malliouhana. The Cap Shack is one of the island’s most popular lunch spots. The toes-in-the-sand venue specializes in fish tacos, lobster rolls, barbecue, rum punches, and other Caribbean beach-bar favorites. Open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and drinks.
• Blanchard’s Beach Shack: Just two minutes from Malliouhana on Meads Bay, Blanchard’s Beach Shack is a casual beachfront favorite for lunch or an easy dinner. The menu focuses on fish tacos, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and frozen cocktails. Open Monday through Saturday from lunch through early evening and closed Sunday.
• Savi Beach Club: Just five minutes from Malliouhana on Meads Bay, Savi Beach Club combines a beach club atmosphere with a menu that blends Italian and Japanese influences. Sushi, fresh seafood, cocktails, and live entertainment create a more energetic scene. Currently open Thursday through Sunday, with closures earlier in the week depending on season. Reservations are recommended for weekends and beach club seating, which your SmartFlyer travel advisor can handle.
• Straw Hat: Located roughly three minutes from Malliouhana along Meads Bay, Straw Hat is a longtime Anguilla favorite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu features fresh seafood, Caribbean classics, salads, and crowd-pleasing beachfront fare, all served directly on the sand. Open daily from morning through dinner service. Keep in mind that reservations are recommended for dinner.
• Sharky’s: A ten-minute drive from Malliouhana in West End Village, Sharky’s is a local institution known for elevated Caribbean cooking in a relaxed setting. Signature dishes include lobster stir-fry, jerk shrimp, fresh snapper, and other island favorites, often accompanied by live music. Open for dinner Sunday through Friday; closed Saturdays.
• Mango’s Seaside Grill: About ten minutes from Malliouhana on Barnes Bay, Mango’s offers one of the island’s prettiest waterfront dining settings. The menu emphasizes locally caught seafood, lobster, fresh fish, and Caribbean specialties in an open-air atmosphere. Dinner is served Thursday through Monday, with seasonal lunch service available during peak season. This place gets busy, and your SmartFlyer travel advisor can ensure you get a table.
• Veya: About fifteen minutes from Malliouhana in Sandy Ground, Veya is one of Anguilla’s most beloved restaurants, known for its atmospheric treehouse setting and Chef Carrie Bogar’s globally inspired “Cuisine of the Sun.” The menu blends Caribbean, Indian, North African, and Southeast Asian influences. Veya serves dinner Monday through Saturday and is closed Sundays.
• Blanchard’s Restaurant: Located next door to the Beach Shack and just minutes from Malliouhana, Blanchard’s is one of Anguilla’s most celebrated restaurants. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor will make reservations at the hot spot. Expect inventive Caribbean cuisine with global influences, an extensive wine list, and a beautiful garden setting. Dinner is served Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.
• Jacala: Located on nearby Meads Bay, Jacala is approximately five minutes from Malliouhana by car. The intimate beachfront restaurant specializes in refined French cuisine with Caribbean influences, making it one of Anguilla’s top choices for a romantic dinner. Open for dinner service Wednesday through Sunday—and your SmartFlyer travel advisor will secure dinner reservations in advance.
• Cip’s by Cipriani: Located roughly fifteen minutes away at Cap Juluca on Maundays Bay, Cip’s brings the iconic Venetian brand’s Italian cuisine to Anguilla. Handmade pastas, risottos, carpaccio, and seafood are served in a waterfront setting overlooking one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Open for dinner Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday through Monday.

Culinary Immersion for All Taste Buds

For anyone who builds an itinerary around what they eat and drink, Malliouhana offers several experiences beyond its restaurants.

The program extends beyond the resort’s three signature venues. Malliouhana has earned Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for two consecutive years, reflective of a wine program worthy of the destination. For anyone who builds an itinerary around what they eat and drink, Malliouhana offers several experiences beyond its restaurants. Every Friday, the property opens the doors to the private wine cellar of Albert Lake, Malliouhana’s original sommelier, for an intimate tasting featuring selections from the award-winning wine list. As each wine is poured, Lake shares the stories behind the producers, regions, and bottles that have helped shape one of the island’s most respected cellars. The experience feels less like a formal tasting and more like an evening spent with someone who has been part of Malliouhana’s story for decades.

Other programming highlights both global icons and island traditions. The Louis XIII experience centers on the cognac’s elaborate serving ritual, including presentation with the signature Louis XIII spear decanter, while offering a rare opportunity to explore a spirit crafted through generations of cellar master expertise. For a distinctly Anguillan perspective, the resort’s rum and chocolate tasting pairs house-made infused chocolates by Pastry Chef Tim Franklin—who has been working at Malliouhana since its opening, when he was 17—with local and regional rums, tracing rum’s history and significance across the island. Those who want a more active role in dinner can also arrange a Catch & Cook experience, spending the day fishing before returning to have the team prepare the day’s catch.

Something Engaging at Every Age

For families traveling to Anguilla, Malliouhana’s Mini-Explorers program is not your standard kids club—it’s a place that engages each little with their curiosity. Designed for children ages five to twelve, the program uses the island itself as a classroom, introducing young travelers to Anguillan culture, maritime traditions, and the natural environment through hands-on experiences. Children might spend the morning kayaking along the coastline between Meads Bay and Turtle Cove, learning nautical knot-tying techniques rooted in the island’s boating heritage, or participating in remote-control sailboat races inspired by Anguilla’s celebrated regattas. Fishing lessons introduce local marine life and sustainable practices, offering a playful but educational connection to the sea surrounding the resort.

…introducing young travelers to Anguillan culture, maritime traditions, and the natural environment through hands-on experiences.

The programming extends beyond the water to explore the culture and landscapes that define Anguilla. Mini-Explorers can learn the history of steel pan music while trying the instrument themselves, create island-inspired arts and crafts projects, or discover the property’s tropical flora through botanical bouquet-making workshops. Culinary and wellness-focused activities include learning how to harvest and open fresh coconuts, as well as creating salt scrubs using locally sourced herbs and flowers. Older children can also take advantage of sports programming ranging from pickleball and basketball to soccer and volleyball. For younger children and evening care, babysitting can be arranged through the concierge on request.

A Stay That Really Brings Generations Together

For families traveling together, Anguilla is compact enough that spending time with your loved ones doesn’t require military-level coordination. A lunch reservation on Shoal Bay, an afternoon at Meads Bay, and dinner overlooking the water can all fit comfortably into the same day without anyone spending hours in a car. Grandparents aren’t navigating long transfers, parents aren’t balancing elaborate itineraries, and children aren’t being shuffled between activities from morning until night.

That ease is part of what has made Anguilla such an enduring family destination. The beaches are calm, uncrowded, and remarkably swimmable, with long stretches of sand where three generations can occupy the same shoreline in completely different ways. Malliouhana’s layout also allows many generations to spend the day exactly as they choose without feeling separated from one another. Grandparents can book an afternoon treatment at the Spa at Malliouhana overlooking Turtle Cove. Parents might linger over lunch at Leon’s, watching boats move across Meads Bay. Younger family members can spend hours moving between the family pool and the beach below. By sunset, everyone naturally reconvenes on the bluff, gathering before dinner as the light fades across the water.

The holiday season transforms each city and countryside setting, bringing certain rituals into sharper focus: Christmas markets and charming concert halls in Vienna, bustling West End theatres and themed afternoon tea in London, Bavarian traditions and glühwein in Munich, illuminated shopping boulevards in Paris, long lunches and Brunello in Tuscany, and dinners in Madrid.

Rosewood’s approach to these European destinations is grounded in the brand’s signature approach to place, with each hotel in its growing portfolio reflecting the culture, design, cuisine and character of its setting. The result is not a standardized festive experience copied and pasted from one city to another. Each destination stands alone as a distinct long weekend or longer festive home base.

Rosewood Vienna: The City of Markets, Music and Imperial Grandeur

Start your guided Christmas market experience as the sun begins to set in the early evening…

Rosewood Vienna sits on Petersplatz, one of the most recognizable squares in Vienna’s Old Town, in a historic nineteenth-century building. During your holiday stay, your SmartFlyer travel advisor will match you with a local guide for private tours through Vienna’s holiday markets—with a few shortcuts and hidden gems to avoid the masses at the most popular ones. Start your guided Christmas market experience as the sun begins to set in the early evening with Glühwein (mulled wine), Schokolade mit Schlag (a rich Viennese take on hot cocoa), and krapfen (a sweet fried pastry filled with jam). As the sky darkens, your hands will be warm as the city starts to twinkle with that singular festive spirit of this former seat of empire.

An unforgettable version of your December holidays includes an after-hours viewing of Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss at the Belvedere Museum, followed by a walk through Schönbrunn Palace with the added benefits that come without other visitors. Consider an evening with the Vienna State Orchestra in a VIP box if you’re looking to sink into Vienna’s longstanding concert culture. For those interested in the highest levels of Viennese craftsmanship, the Rosewood Vienna concierge can arrange a private appointment with renowned shoemaker Markus Scheer. Building on more than 200 years of family experience, Scheer’s expertise results in bespoke shoes defined by excellence. There’s a special Rosewood connection, too: the Vienna team was trained by Scheer in the art of shoe polishing.

Putting you in the center of it all, Rosewood Vienna’s 103 accommodations include sixty-four guest rooms, thirty-three suites, and six houses. You can even bring Fido, as pets are welcome, too. Peer out your window to soak up views of Vienna’s historic architecture, which takes on another dimension during the holidays when decorations and lights transform the city below. The property is ideally suited for private gatherings, with ornately decorated spaces for hosting holiday meals large and small. A full season of programming complements the magical landscape—you’ll have the opportunity to take cooking classes, evening champagne toasts, holiday feasts, and enjoy a special rooftop spot for New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Make time for a tasting at Rosewood Vienna’s gathering space, Salon Aurelie, for its Guglhupf, the traditional Austrian sweet served up during the holiday season. Austrian artist Marie Hartig spent more than 400 hours hand-painting its walls. The Festive Guglhupf Bar will take place daily in Constanze — a Little Love Story, the newly opened Viennese café and day bar on the property, inspired by the city’s coffeehouse culture and the love story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Constanze Weber. The café is located where the pair first met. The authentic Viennese dining experience continues at Neue Hoheit Restaurant, on the sixth floor, with views across Old Town rooftops toward St. Peter’s Church and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Upstairs is THE1835, the rooftop cocktail bar with a more intimate feel. Inspired by a classic speakeasy, it features handcrafted cabinetry, rare vintages and international spirits.

Rosewood London: A Very British December

Rosewood London occupies an Edwardian Belle Époque building on High Holborn, combining the scale of a grand hotel with the more intimate atmosphere of a London residence. Within walking distance of some of London’s most cherished landmarks including the British Museum and Covent Garden, a festive stay here can include an evening devoted to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Settle into a principal box for an evening performance, then continue to a private dinner in the Crush Room with members of the cast, arranged through the House’s hospitality director and your SmartFlyer travel advisor. It’s a fitting way to experience London’s theatrical tradition during the holidays, particularly when paired with an afternoon exploring the streets around Covent Garden, which will be thoroughly decorated in holiday regalia.

Wander beneath the glittering lights of Regent Street and Carnaby Street before continuing to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland.

For an even more quintessentially festive day, wander beneath the glittering lights of Regent Street and Carnaby Street before continuing to Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, London’s largest Christmas market and funfair. You’ll have the option to partner with a private guide to help you navigate artisan gift stalls among ice sculptures and shop the festive stalls, all anchored by the scent of gingerbread in the winter air. Then make your way to Buckingham Palace, where seasonal wreaths and lights dress the gates and railings. In the afternoon, continue to Fortnum & Mason, London’s legendary department store, to see its elaborate Christmas window displays and browse festive hampers, chocolates and teas. Round out the evening with a performance of The Nutcracker or a classic Christmas pantomime at a historic West End theatre.

Putting you in the center of it all, Rosewood London has 264 guestrooms and forty-four suites, many of which offer the space and privacy that make them particularly well suited to families. Suites include personalized butler service, while younger guests receive age-specific amenities and access to activities tailored to their interests. Without ever leaving the property, you can indulge in one of London’s most enduring rituals with afternoon tea in Rosewood London’s Mirror Room. The award-winning tea service offers special themed menus—like one dedicated to the Festive season. For something distinctly British, stop at The Pie Room at Holborn Dining Room, where you can enjoy intricate savory pastry creations to warm up against the winter chill. For true savory pie-lovers, you can also book a pie-making masterclass.

For the adults, Holborn Dining Room is home to one of London’s largest gin collections, with more than 300 varieties available and a gin specialist on hand to guide you through the collection. Then, as evening settles over High Holborn, take a seat at Scarfes Bar, named for British illustrator Gerald Scarfe. The room feels closer to a private club than a conventional hotel bar, with plush velvet chairs, antique books, a roaring fireplace, and jazz. Scarfe’s commissioned artwork lines the walls.

Rosewood Munich: Winter in the Bavarian Capital

The Old Town’s fairytale charm becomes even more captivating under a fresh blanket of snow and twinkling festive lights.

Rosewood Munich sits in the heart of Munich’s Old Town, within walking distance of the Frauenkirche and historic squares. The Old Town’s fairytale charm becomes even more captivating under a fresh blanket of snow and twinkling festive lights. As in London and Vienna, your SmartFlyer travel advisor can match you with a local guide to navigate the famous Münchner Christkindlmarkt, as well as smaller markets like the Weihnachtsdorf im Kaiserhof der Residenz, a Christmas Village inside the courtyard of a former palace. Here, the sweet to try as you’re exploring the Winter Wonderland is the lebkuchen—a soft spiced honey cake and distant cousin of the gingerbread you might be more familiar with.

Dive into Munich’s deep history—and that snow-globe feeling—with a privately led tour of the Residenz München. It’s the largest city palace in Germany and served as the home for Bavarian kings and the seat of government for more than 300 years. For a real taste of local flavor, head over to Schloss Nymphenburg where the royal canal freezes during the winter, creating the perfect landscape for Bavarian curling. You don’t have to participate—but a local guide can take you to admire the singular sight.

Rosewood Munich balances that heritage with a contemporary sensibility, making it an ideal base for festive fun in this buzzing German city. With seventy-three guest rooms and fifty-nine suites, custom furnishings, and delicate works of art that give each space a residential feel, the coziness is especially valuable when you’re spending the holidays away. An additional four houses offer the property’s most private and expansive accommodation options, while connecting rooms make the hotel well suited to multigenerational stays.

The property’s signature dining option, Brasserie Cuvilliés, traces Munich’s culinary history through Bavarian dishes given a contemporary treatment. At Bar Montez, the atmosphere feels like you’ve been dropped into a moody jazz bar. Named after Lola Montez, the nineteenth-century performer associated with King Ludwig I of Bavaria, the bar serves up a mix of classic and inventive cocktails, paired with live jazz every evening. The Wintergarten is a quieter spot, especially for those interested in the pastry chef’s creations, with a wonderful setting for intimate festive Diptyque afternoon tea, fireside treats, or even a cooking class for the whole family.

Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel: A Holiday Defined by Parisian Glamour

Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, has occupied its landmark position overlooking Place de la Concorde since 1758. Its neoclassical setting gives a stay here an immediate sense of connection to Parisian history, made more special during the festive season. The property transforms so completely during the holidays that it would be easy to spend your winter trip in Paris without leaving the halls of Hotel de Crillon. The property’s accolades further support this: among such tough competition in the City of Lights, Hotel Crillon is the top Paris hotel on the 2026 World’s 50 Best list.

But leave the hotel you must. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor can arrange a private tour of the city’s most festive displays, beginning along Avenue Montaigne and Place Vendôme where a private fashion historian can lead you through the season’s haute couture windows. This guided experience offers a closer look at the houses and designers behind them, without you having to navigate the crowds. You can continue the tour at La Samaritaine and Printemps Haussmann, two other renowned Parisian department stores with equally artful approaches to holiday shopping. And of course, we recommend breaking up the festive window-display viewing with a bit of shopping to round out the experience. For even more grandeur, visit Sainte-Chapelle, the thirteenth-century royal chapel built to house the Crown of Thorns. Its fifteen stained glass windows are certainly one reason to visit, but during the holidays, it becomes even more special with a classical concert inside the Gothic-era chapel; be sure to chat with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to secure availability.

Ample opportunities to continue the festivities without facing the cold.

Back at Hôtel de Crillon, the rooms and suites have a warm, residential Parisian character, with high ceilings, marble bathrooms, antiques and individual works of art. The hotel uses fifty-five different types of marble throughout the property, a detail that speaks to the level of craftsmanship found throughout. Ten Signature Suites take the idea of Parisian grandeur further, each with its own mark and a scale suited to a longer stay, or to multiple generations of a family. Of particular note are Les Grands Appartements, the two signature suites designed by Karl Lagerfeld, located on the fourth floor and complete with custom design details and impeccable views of Place de la Concorde. Dedicated butler service is available across rooms, suites and Signature Suites, adding another layer of personalization.

The dining program on property creates ample opportunities to continue the festivities without facing the cold. Nonos par Paul Pairet brings a contemporary take on traditional French cuisine, while Comestibles par Paul Pairet offers premium seafood, charcuterie, smoked fish, and cheeses. Jardin d’Hiver serves throughout the day and for tea, while Butterfly Pâtisserie channels the atmosphere of a high-jewelry atelier. Here, Pastry Chef Matthieu Carlin’s exquisite seasonal creations include a white chocolate tree-adorned Bûche de Noël. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or thick hot chocolate in the boutique and tearoom. For a more formal occasion, Michelin-starred L’Écrin focuses on delicate flavors and thoughtful pairings. The restaurant is considered the crown jewel of Hôtel de Crillon, and as a SmartFlyer guest, your advisor and the concierge will work to secure one of only nine exclusive tables. And a stay at Hôtel de Crillon isn’t complete without a nightcap at Les Ambassadeurs, the hotel’s iconic bar overlooking Place de la Concorde. With live music nightly and a frescoed ceiling that creates an otherworldly setting, it offers an appropriately glamorous final stop after a winter day spent exploring Paris.

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco: A Tuscan Holiday Measured in Landscapes

 An especially idyllic setting for those looking to connect with nature and each other.

Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco changes the scale with which you can spread out to celebrate the festive holiday entirely. Set within the UNESCO-protected Val d’Orcia and the Brunello di Montalcino region, the 5,000-acre estate is defined by vineyards, rolling hills, restored farmhouses, and the gentle serenity of the Tuscan countryside. During the holidays, the landscape’s quieter character makes this an especially idyllic setting for those looking to connect with nature and each other in an intimate yet richly festive environment.

Plenty fills your days in the quiet hills of Tuscany, where Rosewood spent years crafting a detailed, intimate retreat. Explore the countryside by bike, horseback, or Ferrari, learn Tuscan cooking at La Canonica Cooking School, or go truffle hunting with a dedicated guide. For those still wanting a bit more of Tuscan culture, the concierge can partner with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to arrange trips into the nearby Tuscan cities of Siena, Florence, San Gimignano, Montalcino, and into the Val d’Orcia and the Chianti region, further fleshing out a holiday itinerary with festive experiences in some of Italy’s most iconic destinations.

With the festive season, the Borgo truly comes alive. For those looking for a festive and lively atmosphere, this means traditional children’s carousels in the square, holiday markets, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, sweets, and live music and performances throughout the day. Alternatively, for a more relaxed experience, cozy up by the fireplace in the lobby with a fine tea or try our signature drink infused with fresh herbs straight from the property’s garden. That same sense of relaxation extends to the outdoor pool, which is covered in partnership with Ferrari. Here, you can enjoy the design-focused space, a glass of champagne, and leisurely floating—even while it is snowing outside. 

The estate is a lovely escape for families and larger groups. Forty-two suites are housed within the Borgo, but during the winter season, only the eleven villas are open to stays, creating an incredibly intimate Tuscan experience. These spacious villas occupy restored seventeenth- and eighteenth-century farmhouses, ranging from three to six bedrooms. The villas have the character of private country houses. All include private heated pools, while some also have wood-burning pizza ovens, home theatres or private tennis courts. Villa Agresto and Biondi are two standouts—each has six bedrooms, a living room with a fireplace, heated pools, and the use of a Land Rover Defender for the length of your stay.

The food and wine program is the season’s natural focal point. Ristorante Campo del Drago holds two Michelin stars and uses produce from the estate’s organic garden, balancing Tuscan tradition with innovation. Osteria La Canonica is more informal, with the feel of a Tuscan trattoria and a shaded open veranda. The estate’s winery is another essential stop. A wine tour and tasting at the on-site Castiglion del Bosco winery introduces the estate’s Brunello di Montalcino. Your villa stay will also include a private chef-in-villa culinary experience, turning each meal into another reason to gather during the holiday season.

Rosewood Villa Magna: Madrid’s Warmer Take on the Season

A winter holiday in Madrid is not about trying to make the city feel like somewhere else. Its appeal is that it’s distinctly its own. Rosewood Villa Magna sits in Madrid’s Salamanca neighborhood in the heart of some of the city’s best shopping along with an abundance of fashionable restaurants and bars. For museum-goers, Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art is all in walking distance. The hotel’s already festive personality reflects the city itself: social, food-focused and more inclined towards late dinners than early nights. Given its night-owl status, Madrid is an ideal destination for families with older children, when everyone is old enough to enjoy the waning hours of the day over long meals.

More than 12 million LED bulbs decorate the streets, and you won’t be able to amble far before you encounter holiday markets, nativity scenes, and glowing window displays.

Madrid’s plazas and palaces are overtaken during the holidays with glimmering lights. More than 12 million LED bulbs decorate the streets, and you won’t be able to amble far before you encounter holiday markets, nativity scenes, and glowing window displays. For those looking to do some holiday shopping, your SmartFlyer travel advisor can match you with a private shopper to guide you through the renowned shopping streets Calle de Serrano and Calle de Ortega y Gasset, where well-known maisons sit between indie Spanish brands like Bimba y Lola and Yusty. For true cultural immersion, you can follow dinner with a private flamenco show, coordinated by your advisor. The dance spans centuries of history, and holiday shows add a unique texture to standard winter outings. If you’re looking for something more athletic for the holidays, or your family has any big soccer (football) fans, Real Madrid VIP tickets are a must and can be arranged through a SmartFlyer travel advisor.

Once back at Villa Magna, know that your every whim will be attended to by the hospitable team. The hotel offers 154 rooms and suites outfitted in a contemporary, deliberately understated style. For families or groups, two rooftop houses provide more than 1,000 square feet of space each, with one- and two-bedroom configurations, expansive balconies, and views across Madrid. Their residential feel and privacy make them ideal for longer stays or holiday gatherings.

The hotel’s restaurants provide plenty of reasons to stay on property. At Amós Restaurant by Chef Jesús Sánchez, contemporary cooking draws on ingredients from the ocean, mountains and farmland. Las Brasas de Castellana serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in an indoor-outdoor setting, with grilled specialties at its center. For a standout Alpine meal, head to The Chalet. Evoking the warmth and charm of an Alpine hideaway, The Chalet brings the timeless spirit of the mountains. This is an intimate winter retreat that invites you to savor authentic mountain cuisine, from rich fondue and traditional Swiss raclette to veal Wiener schnitzel, onion soup, and freshly baked Apfelstrudel. Flor y Nata is the more casual stop for coffee, a light lunch or afternoon tea in between museum tours and casual strolls. Tarde.O is the hotel’s social bar, serving drinks and tapas—in winter, enjoy skating with chocolate con churros in the winter garden and vermouth tastings here.

Plan Around the Feeling You Want

The beauty of Rosewood’s approach to the festive season is that each property can be a standalone festive escape—or part of a longer, multi-layered itinerary. For those who want to combine destinations, London and Paris create an easy two-city holiday; Munich, Vienna and Rosewood Schloss Fuschl can form a Central European journey; and Madrid and Tuscany offer a route through two distinctly convivial interpretations of the season. A market-filled city weekend. A concert and afternoon tea. A long lunch in the Tuscan countryside. A winter walk beside an Alpine lake. A late Madrid dinner. A Parisian evening overlooking Place de la Concorde. Europe gives the festive season many voices. The pleasure is choosing which one you want to hear this year.

This philosophy, embodied in the brand promise of “Luxury Goes Exploring,” has made Regent a favorite among cruisers—including those who are experiencing their first cruise—seeking itineraries that feel as seamless as they are enriching. Since pioneering its all-inclusive approach to ultra-luxury cruising in 1992, Regent has consistently raised the bar for what travelers can expect at sea. Milestones include the debut of Seven Seas Mariner, the world’s first all-suite, all-balcony cruise ship in 2001, followed by the introduction of the acclaimed Explorer Class ships in 2016, 2020, and 2023.

Since pioneering its all-inclusive approach to ultra-luxury cruising in 1992, Regent has consistently raised the bar for what travelers can expect at sea.

Today, Regent’s fleet spans seven vessels: Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Grandeur, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Splendor, Seven Seas Voyager, and the forthcoming Seven Seas Prestige. With ships ranging from 244 to 409 suites, the fleet balances a nearly one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio with itineraries that reach destinations across six continents. Together, these ships comprise what Regent proudly calls “The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet,” offering itineraries that extend from iconic capitals and cultural hubs to some of the world’s most remote corners.

This commitment to its fleet and onboard service has also earned Regent widespread recognition. Since 2006, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has accumulated well over 150 major awards and accolades from some of the travel industry’s most respected organizations, including Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2026 and 2026 Best Cruise Line–Ultra Luxury from TravelAge West.

A Record-Setting Suite Sailing

The next chapter in Regent Seven Seas arrives in 2026 with the launch of Seven Seas Prestige, Regent’s first new ship class in a decade and what company president Wesley D’Silva describes as the beginning of “a new era” for the cruise line. As Regent approaches its thirty-fifth anniversary, the company is celebrating a series of defining moments while preparing for the debut of Seven Seas Prestige, the first vessel in a new ship class and a meaningful part of Regent’s evolution as a trusted brand in cruising. “We are incredibly proud to be celebrating thirty-five years of setting the standard for ultra-luxury travel. We have achieved so many milestone moments, and this latest anniversary is the perfect time to reflect, as we look forward to a new era with Seven Seas Prestige.”

Set across two decks above the bridge, the 8,794-square-foot residence is currently billed as the largest all-inclusive cruise ship suite ever built.

The stats powering the successful launch of Seven Seas Prestige are worth watching: 77,000 tons, 818 passengers, and a crew of 630. Yet Regent has directed much of that scale toward a prioritization of personal space for guests. The ship carries only sixty-eight additional passengers compared with the line’s Explorer-class vessels, leaving room for expansive public areas, 409 suites, and a nearly one-to-one level of service. Nowhere is that sense of space as pronounced as in the Skyview Regent Suite. Set across two decks above the bridge, the 8,794-square-foot residence is currently billed as the largest all-inclusive cruise ship suite ever built. Its wraparound terrace alone spans more than 3,700 square feet, with uninterrupted views over the bow and enough room for private meals outdoors.

Upstairs, the primary bedroom looks directly onto the water and centers on a custom Italian Flou bed valued at $120,000.

Inside, a floating natural-stone staircase rises through the double-height living area, while a private elevator offers another route between floors. The main level is arranged for entertaining, with a formal dining room, a glass-enclosed bar, a living room facing the ocean, and a library-style corner. A second bedroom sits on this floor, giving families or traveling companions their own space. Upstairs, the primary bedroom looks directly onto the water and centers on a custom Italian Flou bed valued at $120,000. The tailor-made beds are specially crafted with horsehair, cashmere, and the adjoining marble-lined bathroom includes twin vanities, an expansive walk-in shower, a private sauna, and a hand-carved soaking tub that appears to float within the room.

Wellness has its own dedicated wing in the suite. Its private gym includes multifunctional training equipment, a Peloton bike, a yoga area, and an adjoining massage room, allowing much of the onboard routine to remain entirely within the suite. A boutique-style dressing room, complete with a central island and glass-front cabinetry, reinforces the feeling of a private residence. Twenty-four-hour butler service, daily spa treatments, in-suite caviar service, and a private car and guide in every port further limit the need to plan around the rhythms of the ship.

That combination of privacy and ease appears to be resonating well ahead of the ship’s December 2026 debut. Notably, the Skyview Regent Suite sold out on six of the thirteen voyages announced for the inaugural season, which will take Seven Seas Prestige through Europe and the Caribbean, along with two transatlantic crossings. Beyond its signature accommodation, the ship will introduce new suite categories and reimagined butler service across multiple levels, extending that residential approach beyond its headline address.

How Regent Designs its Itineraries

Regent’s approach to itinerary design can be understood across its longest—and shortest—itineraries alike. The line’s 2027–2028 collection includes more than 230 itineraries, five Grand Voyages, and one World Cruise, with journeys shaped by geography, seasonality, and the cultural experiences in each port.

The goal is not to amass the greatest possible number of ports. Instead, Regent considers how each stop will inform a guest’s understanding of the next. A weeklong itinerary can examine one coastline in detail, while a Grand Voyage can follow an entire continent, tracking shifts in language, food, architecture, and historical memory over two or three months. On a World Cruise, the ship serves as a consistent base as the route moves between hemispheres and across several oceans.

“With so many places to discover, I always encourage travelers to start with what inspires them, rather than simply choosing a destination from a map,” Shawn Tubman, Chief Sales Officer at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, explains to SmartFlyer. “There is an opportunity to find a journey that feels uniquely personal. And sometimes, the most memorable trip is the one that takes you somewhere you never expected to go.” To break it all down, we’ve gathered a sample of the itineraries currently on offer, including Regent’s longer cruises and new sailings on Seven Seas Prestige.

Extended Regent Seven Seas Sailings

• 2027 World Cruise: World of Splendor (Miami to New York, 140 nights): A six-continent journey aboard Seven Seas Splendor, calling at seventy-two ports across forty countries. The route travels through the Caribbean and Central America before continuing to the South Pacific, Australia, Southeast Asia, India, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Mediterranean. Cartagena, Papeete, Sydney, Bali, Singapore, Mumbai, Dubai, Athens, Rome, and Barcelona appear along the route, with fourteen overnight stays and access to as many as 506 included shore excursions.
• Grand Arctic Expedition (New York to London, ninety-two nights): Beginning with Newfoundland and the Azores on Seven Seas Mariner, this transatlantic sailing continues through mainland and Eastern Europe before turning north toward Iceland, Greenland, and the British Isles. An overnight in Bordeaux extends the itinerary beyond a daytime port call, while the final stretch follows the long summer days of the Arctic. During the Bordeaux overnight, Regent’s “Dine Like the Locals, With the Locals” excursion takes you to a private residence for a traditional dinner prepared by the hosts and served with regional wines.
• Grand Mediterranean Odyssey (London to Athens, Eighty-two nights): An extended study of Atlantic Europe and the Mediterranean also aboard Seven Seas Mariner, with calls in Bordeaux, Bilbao, Lisbon, Saint-Tropez, Monte Carlo, Rome, Istanbul, and Alexandria. Three overnight stays create time for Istanbul after dark, and a deeper exploration of Egypt from Alexandria. From Monte Carlo, a chef-led excursion begins among the produce stalls, spice merchants, and specialty-food vendors of Nice’s Cours Saleya. After tasting freshly prepared socca, a large chickpea pancake, the group continues to medieval Èze for a guided walk and wine-paired lunch at Château Eza. A Regent chef instructor leads the experience, limited to eighteen participants.
• Grand Asia Escape (Hong Kong to Tokyo, sixty-one nights): Spanning more than two months on Seven Seas Explorer, this sweeping voyage traces a course through many of Asia’s most compelling regions, beginning in Hong Kong and weaving through the Philippines and Indonesia before an overnight stay in Bali allows for a deeper look at the island beyond a single port call. From there, the itinerary continues through Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and mainland China, including time in Shanghai, before crossing to South Korea. The final weeks are devoted almost entirely to Japan, with calls at thirteen ports that reveal the country’s remarkable regional diversity, from smaller coastal communities and historic castle towns to dynamic urban centers.

Sailings aboard Regent Seven Seas Prestige

• Caribbean and North America: Emerald East Coast (Miami to New York, fourteen nights): This itinerary examines the distinct cultural identities of the southern Caribbean before continuing to Puerto Rico, Bermuda, and New York. In Oranjestad, travelers can explore the Archaeological Museum of Aruba and the capital’s candy-colored Dutch colonial buildings, while San Juan introduces Puerto Rico through the fortified streets and Spanish architecture of its historic center.
• Transatlantic and Atlantic islands: Gilded Crossing (New York to Barcelona, fourteen nights): This Atlantic crossing connects Bermuda with the volcanic islands of the Azores and Madeira before reaching Spain’s Mediterranean coast. In Funchal, a shore excursion can examine the industry that shaped Madeira’s international identity through its historic wine culture, alongside the subtropical gardens and banana plantations sustained by the island’s volcanic soil and mild climate. The call at Horta provides a second perspective on the Atlantic islands through an Azorean port long associated with transoceanic navigation.
• Europe and North Africa: Timeless Shores (Lisbon to Rome, eighteen nights): This sailing links the Iberian Peninsula with northern Morocco, the Balearic Islands, the French Riviera, Tuscany, and Sardinia. In Tangier, Regent’s Scenic Tangier & Folkloric Show excursion takes you to the fortified Kasbah above the medina, pauses at Cap Spartel, and concludes at the Moorish-style Tangier American Legation. Mint tea, Moroccan pastries, and a folkloric performance introduce traditions of hospitality alongside the city’s diplomatic history. Later in the voyage, an overnight in Livorno provides two days for the art, architecture, and foodways of Tuscany.
• Italy, the Adriatic, and Greece: Harbors of Heritage (Rome to Athens, fourteen nights): Traveling aboard Seven Seas Prestige, this itinerary follows the cultural exchanges that connected southern Italy, the fortified ports of the Adriatic, and the Greek islands. Regent’s “Walking the City Walls” excursion in Dubrovnik begins at Pile Gate and follows the city’s fortifications past Minčeta Tower, St. John’s Fortress, and Bokar Fortress, then visits the Maritime Museum and continues into the marble-paved Old Town. The route reveals how the former Republic of Ragusa defended its independence and built its influence through maritime trade. Calls at Monemvasia and Athens extend that historical arc into the Byzantine and ancient Greek worlds.
• Cupid in the Caribbean (Roundtrip Miami, eleven nights): This western Caribbean sailing connects Mexico’s Maya heritage with the layered histories of Guatemala and Jamaica. From Santo Tomás de Castilla, a cultural excursion travels inland to the UNESCO-listed Maya city of Quiriguá, known for its eighth-century carved stelae and monumental stone calendars; another route follows the Río Dulce to the seventeenth-century Castle of San Felipe, built to protect Spanish trading ships. In Cozumel, the region’s Maya history continues through archaeological sites and local crafts, while Falmouth introduces Jamaica through a port town shaped by Georgian architecture and the island’s maritime economy.

Regent Seven Seas Philosophy in Practice

Regent’s all-inclusive approach has never been solely about what is included in guests’ price. Their team has created an onboard experience that also allows you to spend less time managing logistics and more time engaging with the destinations themselves. As Shawn Tubman, Chief Sales Officer at Regent Seven Seas Cruises, explains to SmartFlyer, “Wherever in the world you travel with Regent, you can expect the same feeling of effortless, all-inclusive luxury. Just as important is the warmth of the people who care for you along the way. They learn your preferences, anticipate your needs, and make you feel genuinely welcome. The destination may change from one journey to the next, but the feeling of being exceptionally well cared for never does.”

“Our all-suite ships are intimate enough to feel personal, yet spacious enough that you can always find a quiet place to read, enjoy a drink, dine beautifully or simply watch the world go by.”

That consistency carries through its fleet. Each Regent Seven Seas vessel features spacious cabins and suites. Each suite includes a private balcony, while accommodations are designed for people who prioritize their lifestyle, accommodating everything from a weeklong Mediterranean itinerary to a months-long world cruise. “One of the things you understand only after experiencing Regent is how different it feels to have space around you,” Tubman says. “Our all-suite ships are intimate enough to feel personal, yet spacious enough that you can always find a quiet place to read, enjoy a drink, dine beautifully or simply watch the world go by.”

The forthcoming Seven Seas Prestige, launching in December 2026, illustrates how Regent continues to prioritize those fundamentals. Although the ship will be approximately forty percent larger than the line’s previous vessels, it will welcome only about ten percent more guests, preserving the generous sense of space that has long defined the onboard experience. Beyond accommodations, Regent extends its destination focus into nearly every aspect of life onboard.

At the Culinary Arts Kitchen, you can explore regional ingredients and cooking techniques through hands-on classes inspired by the itinerary. At Serene Spa & Wellness, treatments and wellness programming offer another way to engage with the journey. As Tubman notes, “We want our guests to experience a destination through all of their senses, and that extends well beyond what you see from shore. Food becomes a gateway to culture through our specialty restaurants, culinary classes, and experiences that introduce guests to local ingredients, traditions, and flavors.”

“We want our guests to experience a destination through all of their senses, and that extends well beyond what you see from shore.”

That same emphasis continues once ashore. Go Local experiences offer opportunities to engage more directly with local communities and traditions. Eco-Connect excursions focus on the landscapes, wildlife, and conservation efforts that shape a destination. In Hue, Vietnam, you can explore Bach Ma National Park alongside a naturalist who interprets the region’s biodiversity and conservation efforts. At Château de La Dauphine, you can learn how biodynamic and organic farming practices are shaping the estate’s winemaking program.

In select ports, overnight stays create additional time to experience a city after day visitors have departed. A sailing such as “Treasures of the Adriatic” includes an overnight in Athens, where travelers can watch the sun set over the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion before returning to the ship long after most visitors have departed. On “Capital City Kaleidoscope,” evenings in Monte Carlo and Barcelona reveal an entirely different side of the Mediterranean’s most iconic cities. As Tubman describes it, the result is “the best of both worlds: the intimacy of a smaller ship and the choices you would expect from a much larger one.”

The Future of Cruising

For SmartFlyer travel advisors, the conversation begins with how a client wants to spend their time, not where they want to go. Voyage length, pacing, and the balance between structure and flexibility will shape the recommendation. A seven-night sailing may work best as part of a broader land-and-sea itinerary, while a multi-month voyage requires closer consideration of logistics.

For Regent Seven Seas, regardless of which sailing is chosen, the future of cruising is about expanding how travelers engage with the destination. Overnight stays let you experience cities after day visitors have departed, while smaller ports can provide access to places not always included on larger-vessel itineraries. Programs such as Go Local and Eco-Connect further extend that access through community-focused and conservation-minded experiences, which are increasingly top of mind for travelers. Together, these elements reflect a broader shift within ultra-luxury travel toward deeper destination immersion, where the quality of time spent ashore becomes as important as the number of places visited.

For longer sailings, advisors often help travelers determine which experiences matter most. Rather than attempting to fill every day, the goal is usually to create balance, reserving energy for priority destinations while leaving room for spontaneous discoveries along the way. That calculation can look very different on a weeklong Mediterranean itinerary than it does on a world cruise crossing six continents.

Tubman sees the planning process evolving in a similar direction. “The question is no longer simply, which ship will my client enjoy? It is: What kind of journey will make their travel feel effortless, meaningful, and entirely their own?” Answering that question requires specificity that goes beyond the destination. It may mean choosing an overnight stay over an additional port, selecting a slower-paced itinerary over one with consecutive sightseeing days, or deciding whether a single region deserves deeper exploration. Increasingly, those choices shape the voyage as much as the itinerary.

With a planned launch in April 2028, we anticipate that the demand for Four Seasons II will be on pace with what we experienced during the brand’s inaugural seasons at sea. That is to say, rooms and suites will go quickly. So, we’re here to help you get ahead of the curve and begin exploring sailings as far as two years in advance, particularly as we look to Four Seasons Yacht’s French Riviera sailings in high summer season. The brand has expertly engineered its guests’ Mediterranean experience, pairing yachting ease with the privacy of a residential design across its suites.

This six-day voyage aboard Four Seasons II follows the coastline from Salerno to Monte Carlo, pairing restorative days at sea with extended stops along the French Riviera. Your journey begins with embarkation in Salerno. Then, the French Riviera comes into view through two distinctly different ports: Saint-Tropez, followed by an overnight stay docked in front of Beaulieu-sur-Mer. After five nights onboard, your voyage concludes in Monte Carlo. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor can tailor the days onboard to your priorities, whether that means securing a table at Club 55, organizing a private museum visit focused on Riviera art and architecture, or extending your time in Monaco after you step off the yacht.

Positioned at the intersection of hospitality, yachting, and contemporary lifestyle, the brand brought its unique hotel-first perspective to a space that had long been dominated by traditional cruise lines. Instead, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection sailings innovated, with spacious spa terraces, afternoon champagne tastings, and design collaborations with labels like Eberjey and Johanna Ortiz. The brand’s story first required convincing an audience that this Ritz-Carlton way of travel—one they pioneered to adapt to sea—was truly possible. The result is an experience defined by intimate-scale vessels, residential-style accommodations, destination-focused itineraries, and the service standards guests have come to know from one of hospitality’s most recognizable names.

The brand’s vision first came to life with the launch of Evrima, the superyacht fleet’s inaugural yacht in 2022…

The brand’s vision first came to life with the launch of Evrima, the superyacht fleet’s inaugural yacht in 2022. Named after the Greek word for “discovery,” the 149-suite vessel introduced The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s approach to intimate-scale sailing, with spacious terrace suites, multiple dining venues, a dedicated marina platform, and access to smaller ports and harbors. That intimacy extends to the nearly one-to-one guest ratio, with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Ladies and Gentlemen—the brand’s name for their hospitality staff—maintaining the brand’s exceptional service standard. The fleet has since expanded with Ilma, which translates to “water” in Maltese, in 2024, and Luminara, derived from Latin and meaning “light,” in 2025.

Each yacht builds upon the same foundational philosophy while continually incorporating new and innovative ways to delight guests. For instance, beyond its 224 suites, Ilma has become a hub for design-driven collaborations, including the brand’s 2026 partnership with Colombian fashion designer Johanna Ortiz. Luminara, the newest addition to The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection family, offers 226 suites with terraces, expanded public spaces, and new itineraries spanning new corners of the globe—and, instead of one collaboration, features more than 700 curated artworks, including from artists Henri Matisse and Andy Warhol.

Over the past several years, the brand has cultivated a lifestyle identity that touches fashion, design, art, and culture.

The distinguishing pillars of a sailing with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection extend beyond amenities or itinerary maps. Over the past several years, the brand has cultivated a lifestyle identity that touches fashion, design, art, and culture, moving the conversation beyond the mechanics of cruising. Collaborations such as Johanna Ortiz’s takeover of select spaces aboard Ilma demonstrate how the collection is positioning itself within a broader cultural landscape. As the category continues to evolve, the focus remains on the relationships formed along the way.

Across the fleet, guests will find a broad range of experiences shaped as much by destination as by onboard programming. Culinary offerings include concepts developed with celebrated chefs such as Sven Elverfeld, Fabio Trabocchi, and Michael Mina, while The Ritz-Carlton Spa® draws inspiration from the regions each yacht explores. Upon launch, itineraries spanned the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; now, voyages also include Northern Europe, the South Pacific, Alaska, and Asia-Pacific. For each sailing, itineraries often combine marquee destinations with smaller ports that larger ships can’t access. Shore experiences range from cultural encounters and culinary explorations to outdoor adventures, reflecting the brand’s growing emphasis on deeper engagement with place.

“The intimacy of the yachts, the unhurried pace of the journey, and the time guests spend together create the conditions for deeper connections to unfold naturally,” Gaby Aiguesvives, CMO, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, told SmartFlyer. Aiguesvives has more than fifteen years of experience in luxury brand marketing, giving her industry-wide knowledge of how The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is positioned. She leads the brand’s global creative and digital marketing, giving her unique insight into what makes the sailings unique—not just among cruise travel, but in any modality.

“There’s an ease and discovery that come with traveling this way,” Aiguesvives continued. “We consider every detail so guests can be fully present, whether they are exploring a new destination, sharing a meal with family and friends, or simply enjoying time together on board. Ultimately, we want guests to experience the world in a more meaningful way, with the destinations themselves as integral to the journey as the experience on board, and to come away with a deeper sense of connection, shared discovery, and memories shaped by the time they spend together.”

To better understand how The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has evolved from an ambitious hospitality concept into a growing lifestyle brand, SmartFlyer sat down with Aiguesvives to discuss storytelling, cultural relevance, destination strategy, and what’s next for the fleet.

SmartFlyer: What are the through lines for every experience with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, regardless of destinations included in any given sailing?

Gaby Aiguesvives: The through line is connection, ease, and shared discovery. Every detail is thoughtfully considered so guests can feel completely at ease, be fully present, and simply enjoy the journey. That comes through in the warmth and care of our Ladies and Gentlemen, the intimacy of the yachts, exceptional culinary experiences, and the small details and shared rituals that make life at sea feel incredibly personal.

That sense of ease creates space for connection to unfold naturally over time, whether with a partner, family and friends, or even with people you meet along the way. It also allows guests to engage more deeply with each destination, approaching travel with a greater sense of curiosity and discovery. Wherever we sail, we want guests to come away with meaningful relationships, memorable moments, and a sense that the journey gave them the time and space to experience something together that could only happen with us.

SF: Can you give us a peek at some of the unique sailings coming up?

GA: There are a few regions I’m especially excited about because they really show what traveling by yacht can unlock. Alaska aboard Luminara is a great example. Our expanded summer 2027 season combines smaller ports like Wrangell with glacier days and opportunities to hear from naturalists, conservationists, and cultural voices on board. It gives guests a chance to experience the extraordinary landscape while also deepening their understanding of the people, stories, and natural environment that shape the region.

Alaska aboard Luminara is a great example…with glacier days and opportunities to hear from naturalists, conservationists, and cultural voices on board.

French Polynesia aboard Evrima offers a very different kind of journey. Life there is shaped by the water, and traveling by yacht lets guests experience that connection naturally. Evrima can anchor off islands like Taha’a, Raiatea, Huahine, Mo’orea, and Bora Bora, with the Marina creating a direct connection to the sea throughout the voyage. Experiencing these islands within a single journey gives guests a much richer sense of French Polynesia while allowing each destination to retain its own character.

Asia aboard Luminara brings another kind of discovery. In 2027, we’re introducing Seoul as a new turnaround port, Tianjin as a gateway to Beijing, and our first calls in Northern Japan, including Otaru and Akita. The contrast from one destination to the next makes these voyages particularly exciting, while experiences like food tours in Fukuoka and matcha workshops in Uji offer a more personal way into the region. Together, these voyages show the breadth of what traveling by sea can offer, with each region creating its own opportunities for discovery, connection, and a deeper experience of the destinations we visit.

SF: What is the next chapter of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?

“Our growing fleet allows us to introduce new regions while maintaining the intimate, highly personal experience that defines The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.”

GA: The next chapter is about continuing to expand the world our guests can explore and creating new ways for them to experience it. With Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara, our growing fleet allows us to introduce new regions while maintaining the intimate, highly personal experience that defines The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Alaska, Asia-Pacific, and the South Pacific are great examples, with each offering a completely different sense of place, discovery, and adventure both on board and ashore.

Beyond where we sail, we’re also looking at thoughtful ways to bring the experience to life and show up in meaningful, relevant ways, whether through collaborations with designers and brands like Johanna Ortiz, Ginori 1735, and Eberjey, or other opportunities that create memorable touchpoints for our guests and audiences. It allows us to introduce something unexpected while staying true to the experience people know us for.

SF: What’s something subtle about The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection experience that you think makes an outsized impact on guests’ experience?

GA: One thing that guests may not fully appreciate until they come on board is how naturally connection amongst guests becomes part of the experience. It isn’t something we force or program. It happens through the intimate design of the yachts, the spacious pacing of the journey, the spaces guests share, and the ease of life at sea. Dinner tables expand, conversations continue from one day to the next, and guests often form unexpected friendships with people they meet along the way.

That same sense of connection extends to our Ladies and Gentlemen. With a nearly 1:1 employee-to-guest ratio, they can genuinely get to know our guests, understand their preferences, and anticipate the small details that make an experience feel personal. That combination of social ease, thoughtful service, and the intimacy of the setting surprises guests and often becomes one of the most memorable parts of the journey.

SF: How is curiosity rewarded for those sailing with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection?

GA: Curiosity is often what brings guests to us in the first place, whether it’s an interest in a destination, a culture, a cuisine, or simply the draw of discovery at sea. We design experiences that give them the opportunity to go deeper, ask questions, and engage with a place in a more meaningful way. A guest drawn to food, for example, might join an Alaskan salmon masterclass and leave with a richer understanding of the region’s ingredients and culinary traditions. The idea is to create experiences that spark interest, deepen perspective, and open the door to something guests may not have expected to discover.

SF: When guests are aboard the yacht, what can they expect?

The goal is to create opportunities for guests to engage more meaningfully with a place rather than simply seeing the sights.

GA: There are many layers to the experience beyond the yacht itself, and the culinary, wellness, and cultural offerings create different ways for guests to connect more deeply with the places they’re exploring. Culinary is central to the journey, with distinct dining concepts across the fleet, including S.E.A. by Sven Elverfeld aboard Evrima, Seta su Ilma and Seta su Luminara by Fabio Trabocchi, and Beach House by Michael Mina aboard Ilma and Luminara. We also look for ways to bring the destination into the culinary experience through regional ingredients, flavors, and programming.

Wellness extends beyond time spent at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. In Alaska, for example, the spa draws inspiration directly from the landscape through treatments like the Wild Alaskan Botanical Body Scrub, which incorporates botanicals including fireweed, birch, and berries. We approach our shore excursions with that same sense of intention. In Indonesia, guests might hike through Komodo’s extraordinary landscapes or take part in temple meditation in Bali. The goal is to create opportunities for guests to engage more meaningfully with a place rather than simply seeing the sights.

SF: How has the story of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection evolved over time?

GA: When we launched, we were introducing a completely new way to travel at sea, bringing the feeling of luxury hospitality into a setting where it had not existed in quite the same way before. Much of our early storytelling was about helping people understand the experience itself, what made it different from traditional cruising, and how the intimacy, service, design, culinary offering, and access of a yacht could create something entirely new.

As our fleet has grown to include Evrima, Ilma, and Luminara, and as awareness of the category has grown, the conversation has naturally evolved. We now have more space to tell the emotional side of the story: the sense of ease that comes when every detail has been thoughtfully considered, the intimacy and connection that unfold over time, and the shared discoveries that make a journey memorable.

Today, that storytelling comes to life across the entire journey, from the destinations we visit to the food, design, art, and experiences guests encounter along the way. The evolution has been about adding more depth to the story, pairing what makes each voyage unique with the emotional connections and shared moments that define the journey, from the warmth of the service to the small, unexpected details that stay with guests long after they return home.

Ready to book your own adventure? Contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor.

Across eleven days and ten nights, this customizable itinerary will have you moving through four distinct landscapes, from the coffee estates surrounding Arusha to the exclusive-use wilderness of Burunge, the famed western Serengeti and the granite outcrops of the Greater Mwiba Protected Wildlife Area. Launched in spring 2026, Auberge Safari is rooted in an ethos centered on the brand’s broader commitment to the land and the communities that share it. Through its thoughtful partnerships with the Friedkin Conservation Fund and the Chem Chem Foundation, when you stay with the lodges in its collection, you’re supporting conservation across vital wildlife corridors and buffer zones between unfenced national parks and surrounding communities. By the time you depart, you’ll be an advocate for the aim not simply to preserve Tanzania as it is today, but to help ensure these landscapes remain connected, protected and alive for generations to come. From the savannahs of the Serengeti to the quieter wilderness beyond the national parks, this is Tanzania experienced with space to breathe; true, wild and free.

The ingredients of the golf trips that get rave reviews from travelers go well past an immaculate course. There is the early-morning coffee before a tee time, the anticipation of a course you have heard about for years, the friendly scorekeeping, the post-round drinks, and the stories that become better every time they are retold in all the years after your visit. Building that kind of trip takes deeper intention than simply booking tee times. And that’s where your SmartFlyer travel advisor comes in.

We turned to Randy Raimondi, PGA National Resort’s Head Golf Professional, for his perspective…

At the recently transformed PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the infrastructure for a memorable golf escape awaits with its five legendary courses, 79 holes, a 40,000-square-foot spa, a sixteen-court Sports & Racquet Club, abundant dining options, and a golf operation designed to accommodate everyone from first-time players to seasoned competitors. The question isn’t whether there’s enough to do. It is how to put it all together. So, we turned to Randy Raimondi, PGA National Resort’s Head Golf Professional, for his perspective on navigating the property, choosing the right golf experiences, making the most of instruction, and approaching your stay with the mindset of a seasoned golf traveler.

Why Golf Vacations Are Having a Moment

The rise of golf travel isn’t just anecdotal. According to the National Golf Foundation, more than twelve million Americans traveled to play golf from 2022 through 2025. That’s forty-nine percent higher than comparable pre-Covid levels and roughly ten percent above the comparable period in the mid-2000s.

Golf travel has become a significant economic force in hospitality. It’s now the second-largest segment of the U.S. golf economy, behind facility operations, generating more than $30 billion annually in tourism-related expenditures away from the course. What’s particularly interesting is how broadly the definition of a golf trip has expanded. Nearly half of golfers say they expect to play golf while traveling in the coming year, even when golf is not the primary reason for the trip. One version could be a dedicated week with friends. Or, a couples’ getaway with a round or two built into the itinerary. Alternatively, it’s a family vacation with one afternoon reserved for golf, or a long weekend built around finally playing a course that’s been on your wish list for years. Fortunately, your SmartFlyer travel advisor can bring any of these trips to life at PGA National.

Opened in 1981, the property has decades of experience and possesses a commitment to continuously evolving its offerings, as shown by its 2022 renovation.

The resort landscape has evolved alongside the golf traveler’s changing needs. Over the past five years, almost one-third of new golf course openings have had a resort tie, compared with just over ten percent of the roughly 16,000 existing golf courses in the United States. The implication is clear: golfers increasingly want a destination to visit around their game, not simply a course. PGA National is well positioned to meet this demand: opened in 1981, the property has decades of experience and possesses a commitment to continuously evolving its offerings, as shown by its 2022 renovation.

PGA National Resort: A Legendary Golf Destination, Reimagined

Some resorts offer golf; others make it part of their identity. PGA National Resort belongs firmly in the latter category. The resort, which has 339 guestrooms and twenty-one cottages, has long been associated with high-level golf, most notably through The Champion course and its role as host of the PGA TOUR’s Cognizant Classic each spring. After a $100 million transformation that was completed in 2022, however, the property has been thoughtfully reimagined around a much broader resort experience.

Across five iconic courses, there’s ample variety to fill a multi-day itinerary.

Across five iconic courses, there’s ample variety to fill a multi-day itinerary. For the serious golfer, The Champion is the obvious headline. Originally designed by the famed uncle-and-nephew team Tom and George Fazio for major tournament play, legendary golfer and designer Jack Nicklaus redesigned the course in 2014. At 7,045 yards, it’s a demanding South Florida test, where wind and water can require you to alter your strategy from one hole to the next.

Then there’s the Bear Trap. The three-hole stretch on The Champion has become one of the most recognizable sequences in professional golf and is widely considered one of the toughest three-hole stretches in the game. It’s also the kind of experience that makes a golf trip worth traveling for: a course with a story attached, and a stretch of holes everyone in the group will remember, regardless of what ends up on the scorecard.

…designed for more than the golfer who wants to spend every waking hour on the course.

Even with all of these opportunities to add to your scorecard, the putting green is just one of the ways to spend your time at PGA National, which is designed for more than the golfer who wants to spend every waking hour on the course. The 40,000-square-foot spa introduces a substantial wellness component, including the Waters of the World outdoor mineral pools—a selection of pools that recreate the experiences of the Dead Sea, the ancient thermal waters of Salies-de-Béarn, plus a soothing heated pool. The Sports & Racquet Club features sixteen tennis courts and twelve pickleball courts, giving non-golfing travelers in your party—and golfers looking to vary their routine—another reason to get outside and get active. The courts are lit, meaning that you can fit in night play for the ultimate adaptable schedule.

After working up an appetite, the dining options are another arena where PGA National boasts an extensive lineup that ranges from relaxed daytime stops to destination-worthy dinners. At Honeybelle, Top Chef alum Lindsay Autry brings a distinctly South Florida sensibility to seasonal American cooking, with local seafood, wood-fired pizzas, and the restaurant’s signature fried chicken. For an evening worth dressing up for, The Butcher’s Club, from Top Chef winner Jeremy Ford, offers a sophisticated modern steakhouse experience, while Sushi by Boū delivers an intimate, twelve-seat omakase experience in a 1920s-inspired speakeasy setting. For something more casual, Birdie’s Diner overlooks the 10th hole and putting green, making it an ideal spot for breakfast or a post-round bite.

Meet Randy Raimondi: Your Insider’s Guide to PGA National

Every golf destination has signature holes and insider insight that can help you play your best. That is where Randy Raimondi comes in. As PGA National Resort’s Head Golf Professional, Raimondi sees the property from the perspective of the people who know it best. With more than two decades of golf instruction under his belt, including more than eight years with PGA National, he knows these courses—and the game—better than most. We spoke with Raimondi to learn how to get the most out of your stay at PGA National and improve any future golf-cation. (Because if it’s not already a thing, we’re making “golf-cation” one!) Raimondi’s advice covers which courses you need to make time for and advice on the best way to spend your first day, which, to our great surprise, has nothing to do with golfing.

SmartFlyer (SF): For someone going on their first golf trip, what is your top piece of advice?

Randy Raimondi (RR): You have to play the Champion Course to experience the famed Bear Trap, widely considered one of the toughest three-hole stretches in professional golf and a defining feature of PGA National. If you’re traveling with a group of eight to twelve players, I’d also recommend spending some time on the Wee Bear Course (formally known as the Staple Course). It’s a fun and competitive way to settle any friendly wagers from the rounds you’ve played throughout the trip.

SF: Are there any tips you have for avid golfers who travel frequently?

RR: Some guests can be surprised by the size of the resort and everything it has to offer. I always recommend taking some time to explore the property on your arrival day. Stop by the golf shop, meet the staff, and familiarize yourself with the check-in process, practice facilities, and each course’s location. A little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth, enjoyable experience.

SF: At PGA National Resort, what makes golf instruction special, both for newer golfers and more experienced players?

RR: One of our greatest strengths is the breadth of instruction available to golfers of every skill level at the PGA National Golf Academy. Our team includes PGA Professionals, LPGA Professionals, and Leadbetter Certified Instructors, so we can provide personalized coaching and development programs tailored to each golfer’s goals, whether they’re just starting out or looking to fine-tune an advanced game.

SF: Can you walk us through some of the most popular clinic offerings? What are the skills you find more practiced golfers come seeking to improve?

RR: One of our most popular programs is the “Practice & Play” experience. The day begins with two hours of instruction, including video swing analysis, followed by a lunch break. Guests then return for a two-hour on-course playing lesson on one of our four championship courses. It’s a unique opportunity to immediately apply the skills and concepts learned during the morning session in a real playing environment, helping golfers bridge the gap between practice and performance.

SF: Are there any exceptional moments you’ve witnessed at PGA National Resort where a guest was able to really come into their own or find a meaningful connection while at the resort or through instruction?

RR: A few years ago, I worked with a guest who attended one of our two-day mini schools, which included six hours of instruction. They were incredibly receptive to the swing adjustments we were working on and fully embraced the learning process. On their final day at the resort, they played on the Champion Course and made a hole-in-one! It was such a memorable moment and a wonderful example of what can happen when preparation, confidence, and opportunity come together.

SF: What would a perfect day at PGA National Resort look like for you?

RR: The most rewarding part of my role is helping members and guests enjoy an exceptional experience from start to finish. A perfect day begins with a seamless check-in at the golf shop, followed by a productive warm-up on the practice range, and an enjoyable round of golf played at a comfortable pace. Ultimately, my goal is for every guest to leave with lasting memories and a desire to return. And if someone makes an incredible hole-in-one? That’s even better.

Getting to PGA National Resort

The Donald J. Trump International Airport (DJT), formerly known as the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI), offers the closest and most convenient airport access for most travelers, just over a twenty-minute drive away. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport are also within reach, one hour and two hours away by private driver, respectively, making the resort an easy addition to a broader South Florida itinerary.

Nestled between nearly a thousand acres of Mayan jungle and the Caribbean Sea, the landscape here is defined by mangroves, verdant vegetation, and cenotes filled with azul waters. It’s a quieter side of this quintessential Mexico beach destination, which makes a stay at Palmaïa ideally positioned for a true retreat.

The landscape here is defined by mangroves, verdant vegetation, and cenotes filled with azul waters.

Meaningful wellness experiences are in increasing demand—a 2025 McKinsey study reported that eighty-four percent of Americans say that wellness is a top priority. Millennials and Gen Z Americans are even more wellness-minded—representing just a third of American adults, they account for more than forty percent of annual wellness spending. As these wellness seekers get older, their desires are maturing too—and we’re seeing it in how they travel. The previously packed itinerary has become a girls’ trip defined by more space to connect with both each other and the destination. The party weekend has become a couple’s escape that fosters real intimacy. And week-long solo city escapes have become meditation retreats, babymoons, or honeymoons where milestones can be celebrated and cherished.

Palmaïa answers the needs of travelers across so many of these life stages. Through the resort’s location, thoughtful programming, and commitment to service excellence, the property has earned distinctive accolades, including Two Michelin Keys, and has been named the world’s number one destination spa in the Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. In turn, it feels like a highly considered alternative to the conventional Mexico all-inclusive.

This resonance comes from Palmaïa’s consciously-created philosophy. Instead of separating indulgence from wellbeing, it weaves food, movement, nature, restoration, and human connection into one flexible experience under the umbrella of AïA\Wellness. This signature framework weaves together four distinct pathways: nourishment, practice, sound, and restoration. Throughout your stay, AïA\Wellness comes to life through plant-forward dining, weekly wellness experiences led by a global collective of practitioners, immersive Rituals of Sound gatherings, and the jungle-ensconced Atlantis Spa. Each element is designed to work in concert, creating a seamless relationship between how you eat, move, rest, connect, and spend your time in the Riviera Maya. This is where your mind, body, and soul can truly be restored.

A Resort That Pairs Consciousness with Exceptional Experience

The design of Palmaïa establishes it as an exceptional stay with a layout that feels distinctly private. The property has 234 oceanfront suites, including swim-out suites with direct pool access or direct ocean views—but as you move between spaces, the lush jungle landscaping and spacious layout give you a far more intimate impression.

Each suite at Palmaïa features one of its most distinguishing traits: its commitment to plant-based wellness.

Each suite at Palmaïa features one of its most distinguishing traits: its commitment to plant-based wellness. All accommodations are free of animal-derived materials, and the cruelty-free materials and products in each room reflect its broader philosophy of conscious living. But none of these standards means you’ll sacrifice comfort; your Nomadic Guide—Palmaïa’s version of a personal concierge—is available around the clock. The guide can coordinate every aspect of your stay, from wellness bookings to restaurant reservations, arrange your standard personal requests, and perfectly time turndown. Instead of navigating scheduling, you can focus on how you want the day to feel.

Palmaïa’s Gifting Lifestyle means your movement throughout the day isn’t hindered by transactional logistics. This refined all-inclusive model incorporates its extensive, plant-based food and beverage options (including health drinks, mocktails, and alcoholic beverages), as well as your participation in the resort’s weekly holistic programming. This structure gives you permission to explore different practices, foods, and daily rhythms without ever having to calculate the cost of any given choice. Spa treatments, private dinners, and one-on-one sessions sit outside the inclusive pricing, but you can arrange them with the help of your Nomadic Guide.

As you move from your suite to your wellness appointments, you’ll be surrounded by water.

As you move from your suite to your wellness appointments, you’ll be surrounded by water. Quiet beach coves dot more than half a mile of shoreline, offering intimate nooks where you can connect with nature. In addition to the Caribbean Sea, Palmaïa has four infinity pools, two jacuzzi-style pools, a hot plunge, and a cold plunge to use at your leisure. Around the pools, you will find Balinese beds where you can order food and drinks while still enjoying a design ethos that connects to the natural environment, rather than buffering you from it.

That same approach applies to the open-air jungle gym, accessible twenty-four hours a day. The natural setting keeps movement connected to the property’s broader environment, while still offering the state-of-the-art equipment you need to maintain fitness routines. Floor-to-ceiling windows complement Technogym machines, cardio equipment, and free weights—giving you the option to pair holistic programming with your usual routine.

For minimum ages, Palmaïa welcomes families with children ages ten and up. Your SmartFlyer travel advisor can help you explore dedicated family suite accommodations, keeping in mind that the experience suits families with older children and teenagers who can engage with the resort’s wellness programming and quieter pace. The resort doesn’t offer highly structured children’s activities or constant youth entertainment. Those traveling without children can also choose adults-only accommodations and facilities, helping preserve the sense of calm that defines the property.

The Nourishing Biome: The Dining Pillar

One of Palmaïa’s standout offerings—both as a wellness destination and a Mexico all-inclusive—is its culinary program. Each menu emphasizes plant-forward dishes, minimally processed ingredients, fermented foods, natural sweeteners, and the elimination of refined sugars. The property also prioritizes regenerative agricultural sourcing, a philosophy that shapes everything from the ingredients on your plate to the way meals fit into the broader wellness experience.

For travelers interested in nourishment, digestive health, or simply feeling their best while away, dining becomes an extension of AïA\Wellness rather than a departure from it. Dining is vegan by default, though meat and seafood can be incorporated upon request. The goal is not restriction but flexibility, allowing you to enjoy food that feels both indulgent and intentional. Across six distinct venues and more than 300 dishes, the culinary program spans multiple traditions and dining styles.

For a healthy start to your day, Plantissa, the resort’s health-focused café, serves smoothies, fresh juices, coffee drinks, grain bowls, baked goods, sandwiches, and lighter fare in a bright, open setting that pairs naturally with a morning wellness session. Charly’s Vegan Tacos is an even more casual option, bringing a playful approach to Mexican street food, transforming ingredients such as jackfruit and mushrooms into inventive tacos served just off the beach.

At LEK, Mexican cuisine is rooted in regional ingredients and ancestral influences, with herbs, spices, and produce sourced locally, including ingredients harvested from the resort’s own garden. Dishes showcase the flavors of the Yucatán through a contemporary lens. Mediterranean flavors take center stage at Mar de Olivo, where handmade pastas, fresh vegetables, olive oils, and coastal influences draw inspiration from destinations stretching from the Strait of Gibraltar to the Bosphorus. For Asian cuisine, UME offers a Thai-fusion menu featuring ramen, sushi, aromatic broths, and bold, layered flavors.

Then, just steps from the beach, Su Casa provides a more relaxed oceanfront dining experience, serving comfort-driven dishes that can be tailored to vegan, vegetarian, seafood, or meat preferences. This health-forward culinary approach extends to bars throughout the property, which offer fresh juices, functional wellness drinks, creative mocktails, wine, cocktails, and premium spirits. Twenty-four-hour in-room dining allows you to enjoy the same culinary scope from the privacy of your suite, whether that’s an early breakfast before a sunrise meditation or a late-night meal after an evening Rituals of Sound gathering.

Wellness That Anchors Your Stay

Palmaïa’s setting and offerings act together to support your wellbeing, but the real depth comes from the AïA\Wellness program, a collective of approximately 35 practitioners known as the Architects of Life. Drawn from Mexico and beyond, these practitioners lead more than fifty weekly experiences, from movement and mindfulness to ceremonial traditions, creative exploration, and personalized guidance. Current Resident Architects include Iva, a painter from Croatia; René, a musician; and Angél, a body movement specialist, both from Mexico. Throughout the year, visiting practitioners like Dr. Siva Mohan, a functional medicine practitioner, expand the programming with specialized workshops, retreats, and immersive experiences.

Rather than focusing on a single approach to wellbeing, the Architects of Life represent a wide range of disciplines. On any given day, you might begin with breathwork overlooking the Caribbean Sea, join a meditation designed to cultivate focus and awareness, or attend a yoga class ranging from gentle restorative movement to more physically demanding practices. Other sessions explore somatic techniques that encourage greater awareness of the body’s responses to stress, while intuitive movement classes, like Boho Vibes, use music and guided exercises to support self-expression and creativity. This range allows your stay to evolve—a session chosen early in the trip may shape what you explore later.

Creative and reflective practices are an equally important part of your schedule. Workshops may incorporate wildlife painting classes, journaling sessions, gratitude exercises, or guided conversations intended to encourage exploration and perspective. Elsewhere, sound-based experiences like Cozy Sound Healing combine instruments, frequency, and music in sessions that range from deeply restorative sound journeys to the property’s Rituals of Sound gatherings, where wellness and music intersect in a more social setting.

Many of these experiences draw inspiration from traditions that have shaped the region for generations…

For travelers interested in spiritual exploration, programming extends to ancestral ceremonies, energy-focused practices, astrology sessions, and individual consultations with practitioners. Many of these experiences draw inspiration from traditions that have shaped the region for generations, like Temazcal ceremonies and Maya-influenced healing traditions, while others incorporate approaches rooted in contemporary wellness disciplines.

Many of the sessions with these Architects of Life take place in open-air spaces surrounded by jungle vegetation or overlooking the ocean, creating an environment that encourages attention and presence. The program is intentionally flexible. You can build a schedule around multiple classes each day or participate in only one or two experiences during your stay—it’s really a take what you need approach.

The Spa That Ties it All Together

With these multifaceted practitioners at your disposal and a Nomadic Guide to handle your daily schedule and the logistics of your stay, your primary focus is what you want for your Palmaïa reset. When it comes to dining, the healthy options are built in—but you can leave with more knowledge on how to continue this conscious style of cooking, with options to attend tutorials like the fermenting class.

After you consider the wellness programming, the next thing to consider is how you’ll take part in treatments at the award-winning Atlantis Spa. As you walk shaded pathways toward the spa, the design encourages you to slow down. This setting is the ideal precursor to the Atlantis’s signature treatment menu, which reflects the broader wellness philosophy found throughout Palmaïa. One of the spa’s signature experiences, AïA Essence, uses personalized massage techniques alongside heated granite stones, Reiki, and quartz crystals. Guests can select lavender, basil, or hemp aromas, each incorporated into a treatment designed to release physical tension while creating a deeper sense of relaxation and balance.

The Mexican Massage, inspired by the practices of curandero healers, incorporates indigenous healing elements including herbs, tinctures, mud, gourds, and rebozo-style shawls.

Several treatments draw directly from Mexican healing traditions. The Mexican Massage, inspired by the practices of curandero healers, incorporates indigenous healing elements including herbs, tinctures, mud, gourds, and rebozo-style shawls. The two-hour ritual includes abdominal massage techniques traditionally used to support digestive function and restore balance during periods of transition, recovery, or fatigue. The Preh-Hispanic Ritual begins with a ceremonial blessing using copal and medicinal herbs, then moves into an exfoliation with organic luffa and a massage incorporating handcrafted herbal compresses. Botanical aromas, sound, and touch are layered throughout the experience, creating a treatment that engages multiple senses rather than focusing solely on muscular relief.

Beyond Mexico, Atlantis Spa also incorporates global wellness traditions. The Samunprai Herbal Ritual draws from Thai healing practices, using heated herbal compresses infused with medicinal plants to soothe muscle tension, while treatments such as the Aroma Naab Ritual utilize aromatherapy and essential oils in a neurosedative massage designed to promote deep relaxation. What ties these experiences together is the setting in which they unfold. Whether you’re participating in a ceremonial ritual, receiving a therapeutic massage, or beginning your stay with the Release Healing Remedy—a restorative welcome treatment that uses herbal and essential oils to prepare body and mind for the days ahead—the surrounding jungle remains a constant presence. Water, vegetation, natural materials, and quiet spaces create a sense of separation from the main resort, making Atlantis Spa feel less like a standalone facility and more like a secluded sanctuary woven into the landscape itself.

Designing Your Reset

One of Palmaïa’s greatest strengths is that the experience can take shape in a customized program, depending on what brings you to the resort. Whether you’re exploring wellness for the first time, looking to deepen an existing practice, or planning a restorative getaway with someone else, the resort’s flexible structure allows you to design a stay that reflects your interests rather than follow a prescribed itinerary.

For the Wellness-Curious

If you’ve been interested in mindfulness but aren’t looking for an intensive retreat, Palmaïa offers a gentle introduction to many of its core practices. A typical day might include:

• Morning oceanfront yoga or a guided meditation session, followed by a smoothie or plant-forward breakfast at the health café.
• Several hours of unscheduled beach or pool time, with lunch from the beachfront food truck.
• An afternoon workshop focused on creativity, gratitude, or introductory sound healing, before a restorative massage at Atlantis Spa.
• Dinner at one of the resort’s restaurants, before an evening Rituals of Sound gathering during your stay.

For the Dedicated Practitioner

For travelers with an established yoga, meditation, breathwork, or spiritual practice, Palmaïa offers opportunities for deeper personalization. A stay may revolve around:

• Sunrise breathwork overlooking the Caribbean, before somatic or intuitive movement sessions led by the Architects of Life.
• One-on-one consultations with practitioners whose specialties align with your interests, before a plant-forward meal and dedicated time for journaling, reflection, or integration between sessions.
• A guided Temazcal ceremony or energy-focused spa ritual, paired with a cold-plunge or water-based recovery experience.
• Evening sound journeys and wellness gatherings to deepen your connection with your own practice.

For Couples and Shared Journeys

Palmaïa also works particularly well for couples, friends, or travel companions who want to spend meaningful time together without sharing the exact same schedule, while fostering intimacy and connection. A shared day may include:

• A morning yoga class together, followed by separate mid-morning experiences based on individual interests—maybe a creative workshop, astrology session, or meditation practice for one person, and a gym session or poolside afternoon for the other.
• Lunch and beach time together, before a shared Atlantis Spa ritual, such as the Atlachinolli Ritual for couples.
• An evening Rituals of Sound gathering with others, with time to reflect and relax before ending the evening with a robust plant-based meal.

Regardless of how you’re choosing to experience Palmaïa, to fully experience the breadth of the resort’s offerings, a stay of at least four nights is recommended. This gives you time to settle in, enjoy several wellness experiences, visit Atlantis Spa, attend a Rituals of Sound gathering, and still leave room for the unscheduled moments that often become the most memorable. Travelers interested in private sessions, ceremonial experiences, or more extensive wellness programming may find that five to seven nights provides additional flexibility. Before arriving, work with your SmartFlyer travel advisor to review the weekly activity calendar and identify two or three priorities rather than trying to schedule the entirety of your stay in advance.

Getting to Palmaïa

Palmaïa is approximately forty-five minutes by car from Cancún International Airport (CUN) and about ninety-five minutes from Tulum International Airport (TQO). For international travelers, Cancún remains the most connected gateway to the Riviera Maya, with nonstop service to roughly 120 destinations across more than twenty-five countries and flights operated by more than forty airlines. Tulum International Airport offers a smaller but steadily growing alternative. Depending on the season, the airport currently serves approximately thirteen direct destinations across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with additional seasonal routes added during the winter.

Ready for your Riviera Retreat? Contact Your SmartFlyer Travel Advisor

From the polished glamour of the  Costa del Sol to the grand boulevards of Madrid and the coves of Menorca, each Spanish destination offers its own interpretation of the country, and Meliá provides a natural throughline. Founded in 1956 in Mallorca, the brand has stayed true to its Spanish roots even as its footprint has expanded globally. Within Spain, rather than imposing one aesthetic across its wide range of properties, the brand lets each property take cues from its surroundings, relying on its own history to deliver authentic and compelling expressions of each place.

At ME Marbella, contemporary design and the social energy of Puerto Banús set the scene. In Madrid, Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá brings you into a restored nineteenth-century palace in the heart of the Habsburg district. On Menorca, Villa Le Blanc Gran Meliá showcases the island’s whitewashed architecture, local cuisine, and coastal landscapes. Across this customizable ten-night itinerary through Marbella, Madrid, and Menorca, you’ll experience three distinct sides of Spain through its food, art, architecture, wellness, and nature—with enough time in each destination to appreciate what makes it more than simply a place to sleep.

For the style-minded, looking more closely at Paris’ people, maisons, and ateliers that define its symbiotic relationship with craftsmanship adds even more meaning to your stay. And when that stay is at Cheval Blanc Paris, your SmartFlyer travel advisor collaborates with the property’s stellar concierge to secure unparalleled access behind some of the fashion world’s most guarded doors. Join us as we delve into this face of Paris that thrums with ingenuity, history, and—without fail—beauty. You’ll notice it first at the hotel entrance. Jean-Michel Othoniel was given carte blanche for the hotel’s façade, creating Les Fleurs de la Passion, a fifty-five-foot bas-relief made from metal, glass, and gold. Othoniel describes Cheval Blanc Paris as “a Maison imbued with poetry, where art and life mingle,” adding that it is “a place that trusts artists and puts them forward, too.”

Few sartorial stages offer a more prominent display of style than Paris Fashion Week. Womenswear Spring/Summer Fashion Week runs each year from late September to early October, whereas the Menswear shows are in mid-January, followed by the Autumn/Winter Womenswear show in March. During these periods, France’s capital becomes a whirlwind of activity—The Devil Wears Prada almost undersells the flurry of flashing camera bulbs, VIP arrivals, and the way the streets turn into a living runway.

While the official runway shows may be invite-only, the high energy of Paris Fashion Week extends well beyond the presentations themselves, giving those visiting during this period the opportunity to feel the creative energy without even needing a seat on the front row. For the Womenswear Spring/Summer 2027 season, the showroom session will be held at the Palais de Tokyo, offering another glimpse into the fashion calendar while highlighting collections and designers before they enter the wider retail and editorial cycle.

With fashion forever being one of the defining characteristics of the city, there’s perhaps no better place to put yourself at the center of the action than with a stay at Cheval Blanc Paris. Since its highly anticipated opening in September 2021, its prime location in the First Arrondissement—combined with the building’s already rich history—has made this address one of the most well-positioned in Paris. Notably, the property is connected to La Samaritaine, a department store that had long been a part of Parisian life before reopening in June 2021 after a sixteen-year closure.

The long-beloved La Samaritaine began its legacy back in 1870 with a tiny boutique on Rue de Pont-Neuf, opened by Ernest Cognacq and Marie-Louise Jaÿ, which eventually expanded into the department store that became one of the city’s most prominent commercial landmarks. LVMH acquired La Samaritaine in 2001 and began its meticulous restoration a few years later. Following five years of revitalization and an alleged $750 million investment, the seven-floor landmark department store reopened in 2021, just months before the ten-story Cheval Blanc Paris.

Notably, the property is connected to La Samaritaine, a department store that had long been a part of Parisian life before reopening in June 2021 after a sixteen-year closure.

The LVMH connection between these two projects adds another dimension to the unparalleled access Cheval Blanc Paris offers its guests today. As one of only six hotels currently in the Cheval Blanc portfolio, guests can expect the same level of refinement as they’ve come to know across LVMH’s fashion brands, including maisons like Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Celine, Fendi, Givenchy, Loewe, Tiffany & Co., Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Chaumet, and Guerlain. This connection matters because it weaves your Paris Fashion Week stay into one elaborate tapestry: while each house retains its own identity, they sit within a larger fashion ecosystem that Cheval Blanc Paris will help you navigate as you explore the intrinsic connection between hospitality and fashion.

A Maison at the Door of Many Maisons

Your experience of staying at Cheval Blanc Paris begins with a sense of arrival anchored by its unparalleled views of Pont Neuf bridging the Seine. But even prior to setting foot on the property, the unparalleled access afforded as part of your stay will set the tone. Upon touchdown, your SmartFlyer travel advisor will ensure you receive a complimentary private airport transfer with dedicated meet-and-greet service at Charles de Gaulle and Le Bourget—the private aviation terminal—about one hour from the hotel, and Orly only about forty-five minutes away.

Wilfried Morandini, General Manager of Cheval Blanc Paris, describes the Maison as a place where “the art of emotion engages all your senses,” creating “a private and intimate getaway.” In a building that began as a tiny boutique in 1870, became one of Paris’ most celebrated department stores, and was eventually restored under LVMH, that experience is now part of a much larger story about how the group brings its maisons together in the city, particularly when all of Paris has its eye on Fashion Week.

Once you’ve checked in, the scale of the Maison, while still managing to feel like a boutique hotel, cannot be overlooked. The hotel has seventy-two rooms and suites, each designed to feel like your private home and featuring a large bay window overlooking Paris. Your dedicated butler will be sure to show you around, making themselves available for the duration of your stay. Depending on your suite selection, you’ll have a view of Notre-Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Pont Neuf, or the Seine. Éric Fratty, Director of Design and Construction, described the property’s hospitality philosophy succinctly: “Cheval Blanc Paris is all about uncompromising excellence: all the rooms have spectacular views and the same attention to detail.”

L’Appartement Suite doesn’t just grant you access to some of fashion’s most rare experiences…it gives you more than 10,000 square feet across the eighth and ninth floors.

Beyond the property’s jaw-dropping views, the architecture stands out. The rooms start at around 500 square feet and only get more spacious. The largest residence option takes the private home concept even further. L’Appartement Suite doesn’t just grant you access to some of fashion’s most rare experiences outside of the hotel; it gives you more than 10,000 square feet across the eighth and ninth floors. The residence includes seven bedrooms, several lounges and dining rooms, a wellness area, a projection room, a panoramic terrace, and a private swimming pool. For those who require even further discretion, a separate entrance lets you use the residence as an entirely secure base in Paris while retaining Maison services.

Access Money Can’t Buy

You’ll get access to several fashion moments that you couldn’t access at any other stay.

When you stay at Cheval Blanc Paris, the LVMH connection is undeniable. When you book a stay in the Ravel or Quintessence Suites—which, when combined, create the expansive L’Appartement suite—you’ll also get access to several fashion moments that you couldn’t access at any other stay. They aren’t even for sale; instead, you can select one of the following as part of the included excursions for guests of the two top suite tiers.

Your first option is a tour of the Dior Heritage archives; a truly rare opportunity. Dior opens the archive doors to very few of its VICs, only two or three times a year, and has granted exclusive access to Cheval Blanc Paris as well. The experience begins in the private library with a collection of books, artworks, and references that inspired Christian Dior himself, alongside his original sketches. The visit continues into the historic ateliers, where haute couture creations from the 1950s are restored. The last stop on this tour is the archive’s climate-controlled vaults, where some of Dior’s most iconic gowns are carefully conserved and kept completely out of public view. End the day with a reservation at Café Dior.

Then, there’s the option to choose a private visit to the Louis Vuitton workshops in Asnières, one of the Maison’s most emblematic sites just a few miles outside of Paris. It was where Vuitton moved after outgrowing his Parisian headquarters in 1859. The tour of the Art Nouveau house, still home to Asnières artisans who create those iconic LV trunks, is paired with an intimate teatime.

For those who want to bring home a new item, you’ll also have the option of private after-hours shopping appointments at Louis Vuitton or Dior, when you can have the store completely to yourself. You can also book a private styling session at the Louis Vuitton Hôtel Particulier, which Vuitton has completely redesigned to give the maison’s most valued guests an intimate experience.

Horophiles (watch lovers) have their own opportunity for an ultra-rare private encounter with the savoir-faire of LVMH’s Watches & Jewelry Maisons. This includes a Hublot mechanical watchmaking masterclass or a hands-on TAG Heuer movement workshop led by a watchmaker traveling from Switzerland, the watchmaking capital of the world. Jewelry lovers can choose between a private visit to Chaumet’s historic salon and archive, or to the Maison FRED Héritage, where exceptional pieces and archival treasures tell the story of the Maisons. For champagne lovers, there’s the private visit to the ultra-exclusive invitation-only Moët Hennessy Private Apartment, featuring exceptional pieces and a tasting tailored to your preferences.

Finally, for those who want to pair the runway with, well, running, your suite stay can secure you an exclusive matchday experience in a Hublot VIP box at Parc des Princes stadium, home to Paris Saint-Germain F.C. Your ideal gameday seats will be preceded by a visit to the Hublot Vendôme boutique for the chance to outfit yourself with a watch before the match.

A Signature Design for the Design-Oriented

Part of the power of a Fashion Week stay at Cheval Blanc Paris is knowing the level of care and craftsmanship that goes into runway designs is rivaled by the property itself. Architecture fans will swoon over the details shaped by architects Peter Marino and Édouard François, who created the hotel. Marino approached his first hotel project as though he were designing a private residence, selecting individual works of art, furniture, materials, and craftsmanship to give the Maison its own character.

Interiors bring together more than twenty types of marble, alongside leather, parchment, hand-painted patinas, straw marquetry, woven metal, sculptural furniture, and bespoke lighting.

“At Cheval Blanc Paris, you’ll feel the energy and dynamism of the present,” Marino said. “Living in the moment, intensely.” His interiors bring together more than twenty types of marble, alongside leather, parchment, hand-painted patinas, straw marquetry, woven metal, sculptural furniture, and bespoke lighting.

The art collection further complements the architecture. Sonia Delaunay’s lithographs hang against lemon wood, while a vast blue canvas by Georges Mathieu commands the lobby. The staircase railing in L’Appartement was commissioned by Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, while works by Vik Muniz, Philippe Anthonioz, and Laurence Montano appear throughout the Maison.

The art and architecture provide yet another link between the stay and the sartorial world. That is perhaps the most distinctive feature of staying here: the LVMH connection is not an abstract corporate relationship sitting behind the hotel.

For High Fashion and Every Moment in Between

The seventh floor of Cheval Blanc Paris provides another vantage point to savor the property and its ample amenities. A suspended garden extends around the Michelin-starred Le Tout-Paris, where the restaurant and bar open toward the Seine and a 360-degree horizon. It’s an optimal setting for breakfast, lunch, an afternoon drink, or even a nightcap. But it’s far from the only culinary destination on property. Chef Arnaud Donckele has created a three Michelin-starred restaurant centered on his distinctive approach to sauces, with his “Absolutes” evolving with the seasons, at Cheval Blanc Paris’s signature restaurant, Plénitude. Called “the pinnacle of fine dining” by the Michelin Guide, Donckele blends multiple European cuisines to deliver something entirely creative.

The exceptional fine dining doesn’t stop with Plénitude. Hakuba, awarded two Michelin stars, brings Japanese cuisine to the ground floor. Here, Chef Takuya Watanabe delivers perfected sushi, along with more inventive creations like shellfish dashi. Rounding out the culinary options is Langosteria, which introduces Italian seafood to the mix. Also located on the seventh floor of Cheval Blanc Paris, this brasserie is as tasty as it is trendy, with rooftop views of the Seine, a cool crowd, and a nice list of Italian-inspired cocktails.

The wellness facilities offer a way to find reprieve from the non-stop pace of Paris, particularly during Fashion Week. In keeping with its keen attention to detail, the property’s swimming pool is lined with handcrafted mosaics and accompanied by a fitness area, sauna, hammam, and Rossano Ferretti Salon. The Dior Spa Cheval Blanc Paris offers technology-powered treatments, including sapphire crystal micro-abrasion, bringing Dior’s beauty expertise to the Maison.

For those craving the energy found at the center of Fashion Week who still need to keep younger travelers’ schedules in mind, Cheval Blanc Paris has created a space for kids not yet runway ready. Families with littles have their own destination at Le Carrousel, where children up to twelve can take part in treasure hunts and activities beneath an interactive weather-themed ceiling. Connecting rooms and suites let several generations stay together, while opting to book L’Appartement affords even more space for large family celebrations and milestone occasions.

The LVMH connection remains present even when you return to your suite. François Demachy artfully crafted the property’s signature fragrance, which emanates throughout public spaces and accommodations alike. As a former in-house perfumer for Dior, he approached the project by asking, “How to interpret Paris through a perfume?” Demachy’s answer was to create two compositions for the property, because, as he explained, “the city is so multifaceted.”

A Department Store that Elevates the Stay

La Samaritaine itself is an essential part of the experience. As a guest of Cheval Blanc Paris, you’ll have access to an exclusive private entrance to the shopping complex. When you pass from the hotel to the store, you’ll be met with a stunning glass ceiling that showcases the shifting moods of Parisian weather—though, notably, without subjecting you to it. The wraparound peacock frescoes by Francis Jourdain hark back to the building’s history including Francis’ father, Frantz Jourdain, who designed the building.

But the secret star is L’Appartement Salon. In collaboration with the Cheval Blanc Paris concierge, your SmartFlyer travel advisor will arrange a private styling and shopping appointment in L’Appartement (same name, but different from the 10,000-square-foot suite back at the hotel). Rather than doing your own perusing through the seven-level department store, this service allows you to save time by having a stylist who pulls options based on your wardrobe needs, your taste, and the season’s latest looks. Plus, fragrance provides another route into the city’s craftsmanship. At Guerlain in La Samaritaine, a bespoke consultation arranged by the Cheval Blanc Paris concierge and your advisor can take you through individual notes and compositions with specialists from one of France’s historic perfume houses.

These experiences, especially when paired with the exclusive moments offered when you book the Ravel or Quintessence Suite, are a particularly direct expression of what access can mean when a hotel, department store, and collection of luxury maisons all belong to the same group. The result is a Paris stay built around the city’s creative infrastructure during some of its most vibrant weeks of the year. Cheval Blanc Paris provides the address from which you can follow the threads—of garments and everything else. With the concierge coordinating the details, it is that the Maison gives guests a knowledgeable point of entry.