Talia Stanton

Positano doesn't just have views; it has the view. This is the place where pastel-hued homes tumble down the cliffside toward a shimmering Tyrrhenian Sea, draped in bougainvillea and the scent of lemon groves. In 2026, the demand for high-end privacy has turned the "Private Villa" into the ultimate Positano status symbol. Whether you are planning a high-stakes honeymoon or a milestone anniversary, staying in a private home here offers something no five-star hotel can: the feeling that this iconic vertical landscape belongs entirely to you. We’ve climbed the stairs and scouted the terraces to bring you the most exclusive, high-basket-value villas across the Fornillo, Chiesa Nuova, and Arienzo districts.

Providenciales—or "Provo" to those in the know—is the heartbeat of Turks and Caicos. It is a place defined by neon-turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and a "low-density" luxury model that ensures you never feel crowded. While Grace Bay Beach consistently tops "World’s Best" lists, the real magic of TCI lies in its private villa culture. This is the gold standard for Caribbean rentals, where the average stay involves infinity pools, private boardwalks, and "barefoot" elegance that justifies the high price tag. Whether you’re here for the world-class diving or simply to disappear into a beachfront book, these curated stays represent the very best of Provo.

Courchevel 1850 is the gold standard of global ski culture. It is a place where the private jets at the Altiport are as common as the Michelin stars on the dinner menus. While the lower villages—1650 (Moriond), 1550 (Village), and Le Praz (1300)—offer immense charm, 1850 remains the undisputed throne of Alpine luxury. Here, "luxury" isn't an amenity; it’s the baseline. We’re talking about chalets where the "ski room" feels like a boutique, the "spa" rivals any five-star hotel, and your private chef has likely trained in a world-class kitchen. Whether you’re here for the legendary Combe de la Saulire or the designer boutiques of the Croisette, these stays represent the pinnacle of the 2026 "Ultra-Chalet" trend.

The 2026 travel data is in, and it’s official: travelers are trading the "Neon Glow" for the "Alpine High." With a 25% surge in searches for nature-centric stays, the Las Vegas suburbs of Summerlin and Henderson have become the city’s newest high-demand pillars. Staying in these enclaves isn't just about avoiding the Strip’s resort fee inflation—it’s a tactical choice for those who want to wake up at the trailhead of Red Rock Canyon or paddleboard across a private Mediterranean-style lake before brunch. These resorts offer a "Best of Both Worlds" ROI: you get the Michelin-level dining and sprawling 5-star spas Vegas is famous for, but with direct access to hiking, climbing, and elite golf. If your 2026 itinerary is more "hiking boots" than "stiletto heels," here is where you book. Whether you’re seeking the rugged red-rock trails of Red Rock Casino Resort or the Mediterranean lakeside serenity of Lake Las Vegas, these suburban sanctuaries offer 5-star spas, elite golf, and trailhead access—all just a 20-minute glide from the center of the action. This is the expert-curated guide to doing Vegas off-Strip without sacrificing a single luxury.

In 2026, the "Pet-Parent" traveler is no longer content with a dingy room near the service elevator. As travel trends shift toward more inclusive family stays, Las Vegas has responded with a sophisticated "Paws-first" infrastructure. However, the catch is in the fine print: while many Strip icons now welcome four-legged guests, pet fees can vary from a flat $25 to a staggering $150 per night. To win at the "Pet-Parent" pivot, you have to look for the "Dog-Friendly Gap"—those properties that balance proximity to the action with transparent pricing and actual amenities (think "Doggie Butler" services and private turf runs). Whether you’re looking for a non-smoking sanctuary like Vdara or a "Zero Fee" budget play off-strip, our 2026 guide identifies where your dog is treated like a High Roller, not a liability.

In 2026, the smart money has officially moved North. As Strip resort fees climb toward the $60 mark and casino floors become increasingly corporate, Downtown Las Vegas (DTLV) has undergone a "cool-kid" renaissance. This isn't just about cheaper blackjack; it’s about a walkable, neon-soaked district that feels like the real Vegas. Whether you’re looking for the massive pool-stadium at Circa, the industrial-chic lofts of the Downtown Grand, or the vintage grit of the El Cortez, staying on Fremont Street places you in the city’s cultural epicenter. You’re steps from the Neon Museum, the Mob Museum, and a local culinary scene that puts the Strip’s chain restaurants to shame. If you want a 5-star experience without the 5-star pretension (or the hidden fees), this is your 2026 roadmap to the best of Downtown.

The Silver Queen of the Rockies Aspen is more than just a ski town; it’s a cultural titan. Built on a silver-mining history that predates the chairlifts, it offers a level of sophistication you won’t find at any other North American resort. The "Aspen Idea"—a philosophy of nourishing mind, body, and spirit—is evident in everything from the world-class Aspen Art Museum to the legendary après scene at Cloud Nine. Whether you’re visiting for the Winter X Games, the summer Food & Wine Classic, or just to tackle the "Highland Bowl," where you stay defines your experience. We’ve curated the most stylish properties across the Core, the West End, and Snowmass to ensure your basecamp is as impressive as the peaks. How to choose the best Aspen neighborhood for your group? The Core: Best for groups who want to walk to dinner and the Silver Queen Gondola.Snowmass Village: The best value for true ski-in/ski-out access and larger family-oriented condos. West End: Ideal for luxury groups seeking quiet, historic charm and massive Victorian-style Airbnbs.

The New Capital of Aegean Chic In 2026, the jet-set has shifted its gaze. While Mykonos remains the playground of the loud and the proud, Paros has emerged as the retreat for those who prefer their luxury with a side of authentic soul. This is the island of Parian marble, golden beaches, and the kind of "barefoot elegance" that defines modern Mediterranean travel. Whether you’re looking to be in the heart of the Naoussa social scene or hidden away in a sprawling stone mansion in the mountain village of Lefkes, our selection of Paros’ best Airbnbs offers privacy, scale, and high-spec design. Welcome to the new heartbeat of the Cyclades.

If your TikTok feed has been flooded with "Travel Dupes," you already know Altea. Often dubbed the "Santorini of Spain," this Costa Blanca gem is having a serious moment. With its whitewashed old town (Casco Antiguo), cobblestone mazes, and the iconic blue-domed Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Consuelo visible from land and sea, it hits all the Greek Island notes—minus the cruise ship crowds and the €20 coffees. But unlike Santorini, where you often pay a premium for a cave with no windows, the rental market here is surprisingly varied. You can find historic townhouses that have stood for centuries, sleek glass-walled apartments in the Mascarat hills, and beachfront lofts where the Mediterranean laps at your terrace. We’ve curated the top 10 Airbnbs in Altea to help you live out your Mamma Mia fantasies on the Spanish coast.

The Island of Barefoot Luxury St. Barts (Saint Barthélemy) is the crown jewel of the French West Indies. It is a place where you can spend the morning hiking to the secluded turquoise waters of Colombier Beach and the afternoon sipping rosé at a world-class beach club in St. Jean. This eight-square-mile volcanic island is famously expensive, but it offers a cohesiveness of style you won’t find anywhere else in the world—every villa, boutique, and bistro feels deliberately curated. Whether you’re looking for a romantic hillside bolthole with a private plunge pool or a sprawling estate for the ultimate group getaway, our selection of the island’s best Airbnbs puts you exactly where the action (and the views) are.

Why Jackson Hole is the Ultimate Mountain Frontier Jackson Hole isn’t just a ski destination; it’s a lifestyle. It’s the place where rugged cowboy culture meets billionaire row, all set against the most dramatic mountain backdrop in the lower 48. Whether you are here to tackle the legendary "Corbet’s Couloir," explore the geothermal wonders of nearby Yellowstone, or simply browse the art galleries of downtown Jackson, your choice of basecamp matters. We aren’t talking about dusty roadside motels; we’re talking about glass-fronted mountain estates and designer lofts that bring the Great Outdoors inside.

Forget the crowded beach clubs of the Algarve or the glitter of the French Riviera. Comporta is where the world’s creative elite and low-key billionaires go to disappear. Nestled between rolling rice paddies, fragrant pine forests, and a seemingly endless stretch of wild Atlantic coastline, this corner of the Alentejo has earned its reputation as ‘The Hamptons of Europe’. The vibe here is strictly 'barefoot luxury' – think white linen, high-end design, and thatch-roofed cabanas that cost more than most penthouses. Whether you're looking for a secluded villa hidden in the dunes or a stylish beach shack just steps from the sand, we’ve curated the most stunning Airbnbs in Comporta for your next Portuguese getaway.

If you’re a homebody who loves to travel but hates leaving your creature comforts behind, a stay at Room2 offers the best of both worlds. As the UK’s first ‘hometel’ brand, it’ll take you a moment to figure out whether you’ve woken up in a luxe apartment or inner-city hotel room. There’s an emphasis on casual hospitality, geared towards common folk who feel out of place in fancy-pants establishments. The whole vibe is very relaxed, but that doesn’t mean standards aren’t high; you can expect just as much from this place as you would a five-star outpost – minus the bells and whistles.  What’s the vibe at Room2? Above all else, this is an eco-conscious hotel – and what could be more important than that? It runs on 100 percent electric and low-carbon renewable energy, with a zero-waste-to-landfill policy to top it off. The interiors represent this ethos through a lack of flash and extravagance – along with a flurry of tropical foliage to really drive home their appreciation for nature.  Your trendiest friend’s flat? That’s pretty much what they’re going for, aesthetic-wise. You’re able to take in the whole open-plan lobby and dining area from the second you enter. There’ll be a lot going on, from cocktails being slung behind the bar at Winnie’s, to all-day food being served and groups socialising in the comfy living room-style chill zones. An essence of home should be ever-present, whether you find it in the warm lighting, slow pace or homey accessories: think indoor plants, fram

Taking inspiration from the loud-and-proud exuberance of London’s West End, there’s no holding back at Broadwick Soho. It’s an independent hotel to its core – you won’t find interiors like this anywhere else, and service is like clockwork. From the moment you walk through that big pink townhouse door, and step into a lobby of pink pastels and perfectly place furnishings, like something from an elaborate doll’s house, you can sense you’re about to experience something special. And trust us – you are. What are the rooms like at Broadwick Soho? Rooms range from ‘Standard’ to ‘Deluxe’ with not a whole load setting them apart besides the square footage. The cheapest deal you’ll find is £450 a night. Every inch is highly decorative – I arrive at my fairytale-worthy bedroom with a childlike wonder. Bedside lamps shed a warm glow over the colourful space; pinks, blues, and greens make up the palette, and a floral rug and muralled wardrobe add to the enchantment of it all. Everything is in-theme, right down to the telly, surrounded by a gilded frame – ideal for watching the many, many free new releases it’s got. Things turn starkly kitsch in the bathroom, adorned with blue leopard print wallpaper, a white marble sink and crystal light fixtures, as well as very nice Ortigia toiletries. If you’re visiting with kids, the hotel can provide baby beds, highchairs, nappy bins, bottle warmers and other useful things, and there’s an on-site babysitting service available on request too.  What i

It takes time for new hotels to get the recognition they deserve, even when bringing something the city’s never seen before. While Dublin’s hotel scene almost had all the bases covered, with everything from castle-bound accommodation to trend-setting urban stays, The Chancery has swooped in to pioneer the ‘high spec, low environmental impact’ category – and it won’t take long to notice how tech-heavy The Chancery really is. Both tech and sustainability are the building blocks that the hotel was founded upon. Didn’t think the two could go hand in hand? This place is the only evidence you need to know that isn’t true. They’re showing their dedication to the cause through water recycling, preventative measures against noise pollution, reclaimed furnishings, self-generating electricity and sensors that switch off lights and heating when no one is in the room. I’d say that Green Hospitality Award was well deserved.  What’s the vibe at The Chancery? The Chancery’s intimate open-plan layout combines the lobby and bar to form one collective social space. There’s a round-the-clock commotion – of the non-disruptive kind – consisting of people conversing over cocktails and lounging on the sofas adjacent to the front desk. It strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and rousing, simultaneously encompassing the excitement of the city and a sanctuary-like escape from it.  The bar itself is an inviting all-day hangout: cafe-esque casual with a sophisticated minimalist design, jazzed up w

A hotel with a ‘History’ section on their website that’s actually worth a read? One stay at Bank Hotel will have you fully invested in its origin story, which began in 1910 when the art nouveau building served as the head office of Södra Sverige Banking. It’s since housed a succession of banks before gaining a new lease of life come the hotel’s grand opening in 2018, in a bid to turn Stockholm’s business district into more of a social hub. In keeping with this mission, the five-star institution has established itself as a firm favourite for locals and tourists to grab a libation by combining its boutique charm with late-night, award-winning cocktails. And the result? A buzzing atmosphere for guests and a sense that all those staying are honourary Stockholm socialites. Despite its aura of exclusivity, the team behind Bank Hotel want nothing more than for guests to feel at home. That much was clear from the attentiveness from staff, as well as the warm and welcoming interiors; the lobby is enveloped by mahogany panelled walls, paired with diamond pattern flooring for a timeless look. Original details of the old bank remain, from iron doors and gates to the show-stopping vault-turned-wine cellar, to remind everyone of the opulent building’s humble beginnings.The classic design continues into the sumptuous bedrooms – each made to mimic the comfort and familiarity of one's own home (or dream home, in my case). My 8th-floor room was anything but spill-proof, with cream carpets and

The London Dungeon is always an obvious choice for a day out if you need your fix of thrills and chills come Halloween, but you may get more frights than you bargained for this time round with their new and exclusive-to-2024 seasonal show: Séance. Everyone's favourite blood-chilling attraction is celebrating 50 years of horrorifying tourists and Londoners alike by subjecting visitors to its scariest show yet. Serving as a paranormal interlude to the Dungeon's usual goings-on (AKA guts spurting in the torture chamber, Jack the Ripper showing up unannouced at the Ten Bells pub and a witch making the ground shake before your very eyes), this portion of the tour will see you communicating with the other side via Ouija board... Set inside the foyer of a haunted house, expect to feel a ghostly presence as the séance-gone-wrong results in all hell breaking loose (literally). As books fly off the shelves, lights cut out and threatening messages appear on the window, prepare for the biggest shock of all as you come face to face with the spirit of Mary Ann Cotton – a notorious 19th century murderer. The show is running throughout the Halloween period and is included in the standard ticket price.  Tickets start from £26.50 for adults and £22 for children up to 15. Book ahead online for the best deals. 

Not exactly known for its subtlety, this small-yet-bold European hotel chain isn’t afraid to make a statement. Kept separate from the Islington bustle in an unassuming part of town, it almost feels like nhow Hotel has been granted its own quiet corner of London to allow room for its big personality to shine through without overshadowing any establishments in its vicinity.  Prepare for an ambush of colourful quirky decor. I’d describe the space as a perfect storm of London-themed paraphernalia, filled with fun furnishings, alongside enough muted elements to bring the whole look back down to earth. Despite the black phone box, armchairs upholstered in royal guard uniforms, LED message boards as seen on the tube and a giant modernist replica of Big Ben, the overall design does in fact maintain an edginess that stops it from feeling gaudy.  The dynamic aesthetic of this neighbourhood hotel continues throughout its 190 rooms. Regal-meets-punk seems to be the vision, with a graffiti mural of the Queen and an abstract Union Jack rug making up the room’s most eye-catching features. However, much like the lobby, the white bedding and exposed plaster ceiling provided a much-needed tone-down of the space. With plump beds to melt into, a rainfall shower and warm lighting emitted from a bowler hat lamp, it was clear to see that the injection of fun and wow-factor decoration didn’t lead to a compromise on comfort.  The hotel is well-equipped for city living; there’s rentable fold-up bikes,

Catch the news about those two massive revivals at the Bridge Theatre? Well, it’s big: Nicholas Hynter’s 2019 smash version of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ (a joyously OTT take on a Shakespeare classic – complete with giant moon balls) will return to London, alongside a new production of Stephen Sondheim’s fairy-tale musical, ‘Into The Woods’. A huge deal for theatre fans, basically. The announcement has already caused quite the stir, and we reckon tickets will fly out the door for both shows. But here’s something else you might (ie definitely do) want to know: although the box office opens for these at noon on Friday Feb 28, we’ve got access to pre-sale tickets through our official theatre ticketing partner, TodayTix. So, if you want a jump on everyone else? Head here for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ tickets and here for ‘Into the Woods’ tickets, available from noon on Thursday Feb 27 – that’s a full day before the box office. This is a major event in the theatre world; if you know anything about the 2019 production of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, you’ll know it’s remembered as the Bridge’s biggest and best spectacle from the theatre’s first few years of opening – ending in an iconic audience-wide rave-up with the cast. This is your chance to finally join the party! Pre-sale tickets for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Into The Woods’ are available from noon on Thursday Feb 27. Head to ticketing.timeout.com to purchase.

Has the excitement of Christmas started to dwindle? Is all you’re left with a pile of torn-up wrapping paper and a handful of blue Quality Streets? Well that’s okay: it’s sales time. And whaddya know, the London theatre world has one of its own, the cunningly named Boxing Day Theatre Sale – partnered with Time Out – which is offering tickets at exceptional prices until January 5. Which makes you the winner, basically. So brighten up these gloomy months ahead and catch some world-class West End theatre for a whole lot less, with tickets available for shows including Stranger Things: The First Shadow, The Tempest (starring Sigourney Weaver), and some of the last performances of the five-star immersive spectacular Guys & Dolls.  If you want to keep that Christmas vibe alive and see something in the next few days, then there are great deals to be had on festive shows like Horrible Christmas at Ally Pally or the Hackney Empire’s pantomime Dick Whittington & His Cat. Or you may want to look further ahead: grab an early bargain on the 101 Dalmatians musical or see Dirty Dancing when it opens at the brant new Capital Theatre in the autumn. Or, more generally, see a show at a nice price: there are more than 60 productions taking part in this promo, so if you want to see shows like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Dr Strangelove, Cirque du Soleil and Mrs Doubtfire for as little as £13, this is your chance. You might want to be speedy though, as tickets do tend to run out pretty quic

Remember a couple of weeks ago when we gave our top picks from the just-launched London Theatre Week? Well we have some more excellent news because the promotion has just been extended, with ‘Hamilton’ now joining the fray with tickets from a pretty damn reasonable £35.  But that’s not the only show to get excited about, because you can also pick up tickets to ‘Mrs Doubtfire’, ‘Wicked’, ‘The Book of Mormon’, ‘Stranger Things’ and ‘Matilda’ (all from £25), as well as ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Starlight Express’ and a whole lot more from just £35. Still not enough? Okay, well you can also bag £15 tickets for shows like ‘Tina: the Tina Turner Musical’, ‘The Mousetrap’, and ‘Fawly Towers the Play’.  And don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to use your tickets – this promotion is just a purchasing period, with redemption dates going well into October (and often beyond). So, get them now, save some money, and choose a date that suits you. Easy. London Theatre Week runs until Sunday September 8 2024. To book tickets head here.   The 10 best new London theatre openings in September The best new London theatre shows to book for in 2024 and 2025. Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel. Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.