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Is the Ikos Olivia Deluxe Collection Worth It?

Is the Ikos Olivia Deluxe Collection worth it?

Choosing the resort is only the first decision when booking an Ikos holiday.

 

The next is whether to stay in one of the standard room categories or upgrade to the Deluxe Collection.

 

We toured two of the Deluxe Collection two-bedroom bungalow suites during our visit to Ikos Olivia: one in a beachfront position with a private garden and another with its own private pool.

 

We also spent time beside the exclusive Deluxe Collection pool and looked more closely at the additional inclusions that come with the upgrade.

 

Having now seen the rooms and experienced the Deluxe areas in person, our view is clear.

 

When the budget allows, the Ikos Olivia Deluxe Collection is worth the upgrade.

What is the Ikos Deluxe Collection?

The Deluxe Collection is Ikos Resorts’ upgraded accommodation and service concept.

 

It combines larger or more premium suites with exclusive resort areas and additional benefits that are not part of the standard Ikos experience.

 

Deluxe Collection guests have access to a dedicated pool and exclusive beach area with additional space between the sunbeds. A dedicated Deluxe concierge, upgraded minibar, enhanced pool and beach service and a dinner beside the sea are also included.

 

Guests receive a bottle of Taittinger Champagne during their stay as well as two complimentary 25-minute neck and back massages per suite or villa.

 

For the 2026 season, Deluxe guests can also use an electric MINI Countryman for two days as part of the Local Drive Adventure.

 

It is not simply a case of booking a slightly better room.

 

The upgrade affects where you relax, the level of service you receive and the additional experiences available throughout the holiday.

Inside the two-bedroom Deluxe Collection suites

We toured two different two-bedroom options at Ikos Olivia.

 

The first was a beachfront suite with a private garden overlooking the sea.

 

The second had its own private pool.

 

Both offered the space and flexibility needed for a family of four, two couples travelling together or a wider group wanting separate bedrooms with a shared living area.

 

Ikos Olivia’s Deluxe Two Bedroom Bungalow Suite Beachfront measures approximately 90 square metres and can accommodate up to six guests. It is available with either a balcony or private garden depending on its position.

 

The Deluxe Two Bedroom Bungalow Suite with Private Pool is also part of the resort’s current Deluxe accommodation collection.

 

The rooms felt modern, calm and spacious with enough room for guests to unpack and properly settle in.

That space would make a real difference during a longer family holiday. Nobody wants to spend a week stepping over suitcases or trying to create privacy in one open-plan room.

Beachfront garden or private pool?

The better option comes down to how your family prefers to spend its holiday.

 

Choose the beachfront suite when:

You want to be as close to the sea as possible.

 

The private garden gives you your own outdoor area while keeping the beach directly in front of you. It would be ideal for guests who enjoy an early morning walk beside the water or want to move easily between their suite, garden and the beach.

It also gives the holiday a strong sense of place. You wake up looking towards the Aegean and the coastline remains part of the experience throughout the day.

 

Choose the private-pool suite when:

Your family will spend most of the holiday in the water.

 

A private pool gives children somewhere to swim whenever they want without the family needing to gather everything together and head to one of the resort pools.

It also creates a completely private space for adults to relax while still being able to keep an eye on younger guests.

For two couples travelling together, the private pool can also make the suite feel more like a private villa experience within the wider resort.

 

What does the Deluxe Collection add?

The Deluxe Collection offers more than a larger room.

 

Guests have access to a separate pool and beach area, which felt noticeably quieter during our visit. Ikos Olivia is already calm for a family resort but these exclusive spaces add another level of privacy without taking you away from the restaurants and facilities of the wider resort.

 

The upgrade also includes use of an electric MINI Countryman for two days, allowing guests to explore Halkidiki without arranging separate car hire. A bottle of Taittinger Champagne, complimentary spa treatments, a dedicated concierge and upgraded in-room, minibar and poolside service are also included.

 

Our favourite moment came beside the Deluxe pool when the team arrived with the day’s complimentary treat: an outrageous milkshake topped with an entire doughnut. We immediately said how much children would love it before the adults finished it themselves.

 

It captured the experience perfectly. The headline benefits are impressive but the smaller, unexpected touches are what make guests feel particularly well looked after.

Who is the Ikos Olivia Deluxe Collection for?

The Deluxe Collection is especially well suited to families who want more space and privacy, larger groups sharing accommodation and two couples travelling together.

 

It also works well for guests who value quieter pool and beach areas, are celebrating a special occasion or plan to make use of the spa treatments, MINI Countryman and additional service.

 

It gives you access to everything that makes Ikos Olivia a strong family resort while providing calmer spaces to retreat to throughout the day.

Is the Deluxe Collection worth it?

Our honest opinion is yes, when the budget allows.

 

You are not simply paying for a different room category. The larger accommodation, quieter private areas, upgraded service and additional experiences can make a meaningful difference across a week-long stay.

 

The value will be strongest for guests who want more space and intend to use the exclusive pool, beach and wider benefits. Those planning to spend very little time in their suite may prefer to put the budget towards a longer holiday.

 

We would book it ourselves. Our founder, Jen, always books the Deluxe Collection when staying Ikos.

 

The private-pool suite would suit a family that wants to swim throughout the day while the beachfront garden suite would be ideal for guests who want the sea to be central to their stay.

 

What convinced us was not one individual inclusion but the way the rooms, quieter areas and added benefits come together to create a more private and flexible Ikos experience.

Choosing the right Ikos resort

The right room at Ikos Olivia depends on your party size and how you want to spend your holiday.

 

A private pool may sound like the obvious choice but a beachfront garden could suit your family better. Some guests will also make far more use of the exclusive Deluxe areas and added benefits than others.

 

Enquire with Luxx Collective for help choosing the right Ikos resort and room category for your trip.

 

Having toured the accommodation ourselves, we can explain the practical differences between the options and help you choose the room that genuinely suits your party rather than relying on a standard booking description.

 

Ikos Olivia, been and seen by Travel Seen. Booked by Luxx Collective.

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Ready to book?
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Beach Escapes for Every Travel Style | Caribbean & USA Beach Holidays

Trends

There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all beach holiday.

 

The destination that works perfectly for a long weekend with friends may be very different from the one that suits a family travelling with young children. Couples looking for privacy will naturally have different priorities to a multi-generational group wanting space, service and something for everyone.

 

That is where the Caribbean and the USA come into their own. From the high-energy beach clubs and rooftop bars of Miami to the relaxed family appeal of Barbados, the secluded luxury of Antigua, the soft white sands of Turks & Caicos and the iconic coastline of California, each destination offers a very different version of the beach escape.

 

Choosing the right hotel matters just as much. A lively beachfront resort can set the tone for a sociable group trip, while an intimate island retreat can completely change the feel of a romantic escape. For families and larger groups, spacious accommodation, thoughtful facilities and strong service can make the whole experience feel easier from the moment you arrive.

 

Whether you are planning a holiday with friends, a family escape, a couples’ retreat or a trip that brings several generations together, these are some of the best beach destinations to consider.

Best for Friends
Miami, Florida

For sunshine, beach clubs, rooftop bars and a proper social scene, Miami is hard to beat.

 

Days can be spent between South Beach, poolside cabanas and designer shopping, while evenings bring an endless choice of restaurants, cocktail bars and late-night spots. It is a brilliant choice for friends who want a holiday that combines downtime with plenty of energy.

 

For a stylish base, 1 Hotel South Beach works particularly well. Set directly on the beachfront, it has beautiful pools, a strong beach scene and one of Miami’s standout rooftop spaces. Spacious rooms, great dining and easy access to the city’s best areas make it a strong option for groups travelling together.

Best for Families
Barbados

Barbados has long been a favourite for family holidays thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, reliable sunshine and beautiful beaches.

 

The island offers the right balance of relaxation and activity, with calm waters, family-friendly excursions and a laidback pace that makes travelling with children feel simpler. From snorkelling with turtles to exploring the island or settling into long beach days, there is plenty here for different ages.

 

O2 Beach Club & Spa is a great choice for families looking for comfort and convenience. Located on the island’s south coast, the all-inclusive resort offers spacious accommodation, several dining options and facilities designed for both adults and children. Its beachfront setting makes it easy to slow down without feeling too remote.

Best for Couples
Antigua

Antigua is one of the Caribbean’s most romantic destinations, known for its secluded coves, clear water and famously beautiful beaches.

It is ideal for couples who want privacy, softness and a slower pace. Days can be spent sailing along the coastline, discovering quieter beaches or simply making the most of the sea views and sunsets.

For a special stay, Jumby Bay Island offers a true sense of escape. Set on a private island accessible only by boat, it delivers privacy, luxury and beautiful surroundings in equal measure. Elegant suites and villas, pristine beaches, considered service and standout dining make it a natural choice for a romantic Caribbean escape.

 

 

Best for Multi-Generational Travel
Turks & Caicos

Finding somewhere that works for grandparents, parents and children is not always easy, but Turks & Caicos is one of those destinations that naturally lends itself to multi-generational travel.

 

With powder-soft beaches, calm turquoise waters and a relaxed island atmosphere, it gives every generation the space to enjoy the holiday in their own way. Some guests may want watersports and family activities, while others may prefer spa time, quiet beach days or long lunches by the sea.

 

The Shore Club is particularly well suited to larger family groups thanks to its spacious suites and villa-style accommodation. Set on Long Bay Beach, the resort offers plenty of room for families to come together while still allowing for privacy and downtime. With excellent dining, children’s activities, watersports and attentive service, it works well for guests of all ages.

Best for Sophisticated Beach Lovers
California’s Coast

For travellers who love the beach but do not necessarily want a traditional resort holiday, California’s coastline offers something different.

 

Here, the beach is part of a wider lifestyle experience, combining ocean views with excellent dining, wine regions, wellness, culture and some of the most scenic drives in the world. It is a strong choice for travellers who like to explore as much as they like to relax.

 

Laguna Beach captures this beautifully. Known for its dramatic coastline, arts scene and polished coastal atmosphere, it offers a more grown-up take on the beach escape. Montage Laguna Beach is one of California’s most iconic oceanfront hotels, with elegant accommodation, ocean-view dining and a beautiful spa. It also gives guests easy access to coastal towns, vineyards and outdoor experiences across Southern California.

 

The TravelSeen Take

The best beach holiday is not just about finding the most beautiful destination. It is about choosing the place that suits the way you want to travel.

 

For friends, that might mean energy and nightlife. For families, it might mean ease, space and reliability. For couples, privacy and setting may matter most. For larger groups, the right accommodation and service can make all the difference.

 

From Miami to Barbados, Antigua, Turks & Caicos and California, these destinations prove that the perfect beach escape looks different for every traveller.

Start planning your next escape

 

Inspired by any of these resorts?

Speak to a Travel Seen specialist and start planning your next escape →

Ready to book?
Send us an enquiry and we will get you matched to the right experience. Call or Whatsapp us on 0333 305 9912.

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Craving a Weekend in Monaco After the Grand Prix? Here’s How To Do It Properly

Trends

Every year, Grand Prix weekend puts Monaco back on everyone’s travel radar.

 

The yachts, the terraces, the hotel balconies, the harbour views and the unmistakable Monte-Carlo glamour all make the principality feel like the most desirable place on the Riviera. Even if you have never followed Formula 1 closely, there is something about seeing Monaco in full race weekend mode that makes a long weekend there suddenly feel very necessary.

 

But here’s the thing: you don’t need to be there for the Grand Prix to enjoy the best of Monaco.

 

In fact, once the race weekend buzz settles, Monaco becomes a brilliant luxury escape in its own right. The setting is still cinematic. The hotels are still polished. The harbour still delivers the view. But the pace becomes easier, giving you more space to enjoy the principality properly.

 

Here’s how we’d spend a post-Grand Prix weekend in Monaco.

 

Why visit Monaco after the Grand Prix?

Monaco during Grand Prix weekend is high-energy, high-demand and full of spectacle. For some travellers, that is exactly the appeal. For others, the better trip is the one inspired by the race weekend rather than built around it.

 

After the Grand Prix, Monaco still has all the ingredients that make it feel special: Casino Square, Port Hercule, elegant hotels, dressed-up aperitifs, rooftop lunches and easy access to the Côte d’Azur.

 

The difference is that you can enjoy it with a little more breathing room. You can linger over lunch, wander the harbour without rushing and make the weekend feel less like an event schedule and more like a proper Riviera escape.

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

Where to stay

Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo

If you want the classic Monte-Carlo experience, Hôtel de Paris is the obvious place to start.

Set on Casino Square, it gives you that instant sense of arrival and places you right in the centre of Monaco’s most recognisable setting. From the moment you step inside, it feels like the kind of hotel that turns a weekend into an occasion.

This is the stay for travellers who want the full Monaco mood: grand interiors, polished service, rooftop moments and easy access to some of the principality’s most iconic restaurants and bars.

It also works beautifully if this is your first Monaco trip and you want everything to feel effortless, central and properly memorable.

 

Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo

For something a little softer, Hôtel Hermitage is a beautiful alternative.

It still gives you the prestige and central Monte-Carlo location but with a more romantic, understated feel. The architecture is elegant, the atmosphere is calmer and it feels slightly more removed from the theatrical energy of Casino Square.

This is a strong choice for couples or travellers who want the glamour of Monaco but prefer a more relaxed base to come back to between lunches, shopping, spa time and evening plans.

Café de Paris

How to spend a weekend in Monaco

Start with the classic Monte-Carlo moment in Casino Square, whether you are arriving for coffee, heading to Café de Paris or simply taking in one of the most recognisable views in the principality. This is where Monaco feels at its most polished, with hotel arrivals, designer storefronts, terrace tables and that sense of theatre that makes Monte-Carlo so distinctive. From there, make your way down towards Port Hercule, one of the best places to take in Monaco’s setting, with yachts, hillside buildings and the Grand Prix backdrop all in one view. Even outside race weekend, the harbour has a cinematic quality that gives the trip a real sense of place. For a slower side of the principality, head up to Monaco-Ville, home to the Prince’s Palace, narrow streets and some of the best views across Monaco. It offers a calmer contrast to Casino Square and reminds you there is more to Monaco than hotels, yachts and race weekend.

Port Hercule 

Saint Nicholas Cathedral

Prince’s Palace of Monaco

Where to eat and drink

For the first-day Monaco moment, Café de Paris is the obvious place to start. Sitting on Place du Casino, it delivers exactly what people imagine when they think of Monte-Carlo: watching, polished brasserie dining and a setting that feels instantly recognisable. For lunch with a view, Le Grill at Hôtel de Paris has that proper Monaco feeling, with a rooftop setting, Mediterranean food and an atmosphere that makes the meal feel like part of the itinerary rather than just a break in the day. Before dinner, Le Bar Américain is a Monte-Carlo institution, with cocktails, live music and a dressed-up, old-school feel that works perfectly for aperitifs. For the evening, Pavyllon Monte-Carlo at Hôtel Hermitage is a polished choice if you want something contemporary and special, while Le Louis XV at Hôtel de Paris is the major occasion booking. It is the kind of restaurant you build the evening around: dress up, take your time and let it become the centrepiece of the trip.

The Travel Seen take

 

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The best way to do Monaco is often to make it part of a wider Côte d’Azur itinerary.

 

Pair one or two nights in Monte-Carlo with Èze, Cap-Ferrat or Nice for a trip that balances glamour with slower Riviera days. You get the iconic Monaco experience but also the softness of the South of France: coastal views, long lunches, beach clubs and beautiful hotels.

 

Èze works well for dramatic views and a romantic hilltop setting. Cap-Ferrat brings a quieter, more exclusive Riviera feel. Nice is ideal if you want a little more energy, culture and easy flight access.

 

Together, they turn a Monaco weekend into something more layered, more relaxed and much more memorable.

Ready to turn the Grand Prix inspiration into an actual trip?

 

Get in touch and let us tailor your Monaco weekend.

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The Bodrum Peninsula | Four Very Different Ways to Stay

Trends

We love being able to give you the low down on places we’ve genuinely been and seen – no guesswork, no secondhand takes. Bodrum is one of those places to us at Travel Seen.
 
It’s one of those destinations that looks familiar before you even land. The coastline, the light, the yachts in the distance, you think you know what it’s going to be. But being there is more about how it feels day to day and how different that can be depending on where you’re staying.
 
We split our time between four very different takes on the peninsula: The Bodrum Edition, Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, Amanruya and Maçakizi and each one completely shifts the pace of the trip.
 
Same destination, four very different rhythms.

The Bodrum EDITION
Social, easy and very 'now'

The Edition is where Bodrum feels most plugged into the present. It’s polished but not rigid, with a constant sense that people are here to be around other people, even if they’re not doing much more than that. The beach club sits at the centre of everything, with days naturally falling into a loop of late breakfasts, time by the pool or sea and long, unhurried lunches that drift into the afternoon. Music runs through it all but never overpowers the atmosphere. Food is a real highlight, especially the long, well paced lunches and what stands out most is how unforced it all feels. It’s social without being a party hotel, with guests tending to stay put in the same rhythm all day, drifting between sunbeds and the water without breaking the flow. Rooms are calm and minimal in true Edition style, making it feel like Bodrum at its most current: easy, warm and curated in a way that never feels overworked.

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum
Space, privacy, control

The first thing you notice at Mandarin Oriental is scale. Everything feels more spread out, more engineered around privacy and it works particularly well for families. With its resort-like feel, there are plenty of restaurants and boutiques for shopping, plus golf buggies to get around the expansive grounds making movement between spaces effortless. Even at full occupancy it rarely feels busy, with beaches tucked into different bays and paths winding between villas, creating a sense that you can always disappear if you want to, even with children around. The villas are the main event: large, quiet and designed so family time feels contained rather than shared, with days unfolding in sections rather than a single flow, which suits multi-generational stays particularly well. Service is precise and attentive but never intrusive, delivering a calm efficiency that works for guests who want ease without constant coordination. It’s less about atmosphere and more about control of environment and that’s what makes it work so well for families travelling together.

Amanruya
Quiet that actually feels quiet

Amanruya is where Bodrum fades into something else entirely. You’re inland enough that the sea becomes a suggestion rather than a constant presence, and the whole place feels more like a hillside retreat that happens to sit on the coast. Everything is stone, shade, olive trees and still air. The pavilions (standalone suites with private pools) are spaced out so generously that you forget other guests exist, even walking around the hotel grounds feels like a private experience. Days quickly lose structure here; there’s little need to plan anything because nothing is pushing you to. Instead, it becomes about small, unhurried routines – coffee, swimming, reading, sitting in the heat without filling the time. What stands out most is the quiet, not just in sound but in presence: no visual noise, no social performance, just space and stillness.

 

 

Maçakizi
The in-between energy

Maçakızı sits in a specific spot on the Bodrum peninsula where the beach deck is the most active part of the property, but not the only defining space. The hotel itself is deliberately calm, with quiet terraces, shaded gardens and rooms set back from the energy of the shore. The beach deck drives the daytime rhythm – people arrive in the morning, settle in and move between swimming, sunbathing and long, unhurried lunches in a steady yet social flow. At the same time, the hotel side offers a noticeably softer pace, with more space and quiet for stepping away from the shoreline within moments. That contrast is central to how it works: you can be in the middle of the action and then shift into stillness almost immediately. Music and service link both areas without overpowering either, creating a balance between energy and calm that defines Maçakızı’s split rhythm.

The Travel Seen take

 

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Together, these stays show how varied the Bodrum peninsula can feel depending on where you’re based. The coastline is the same, but the rhythm changes completely with each place.
 

Ready to book?

We can help you find the right hotel and room for your trip to Bodrum.

Send us an enquiry and we’ll match you with the right option. Call or WhatsApp us on 0333 305 9912 to start planning your trip.

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Seen & Been in Amsterdam: A Chic Weekend Guide

Trends

Amsterdam is one of those cities that always feels like a good idea. Easy to navigate, endlessly stylish and full of cosy corners, canal side cafés and boutique hotels. As our very own Poppy discovered following a trip to the Dutch capital recently, it’s the perfect destination for a chic weekend away.
 
Following a quick 45 minute flight and a smooth pass through customs and Poppy checked into Soho House Amsterdam. Set inside the historic Bungehuis building on the Singel Canal, the hotel mixes classic Amsterdam architecture with Soho House’s signature interiors: velvet sofas, vintage touches, cosy corners and a rooftop pool overlooking the city skyline. The location is ideal too, within walking distance of the Nine Streets, Jordaan and the canal belt, it makes Soho House a fantastic base for exploring the city.

Explore the city

Amsterdam is best explored at a wandering pace, where the city reveals itself through its canals, neighbourhoods and café lined streets. The easiest way to get a feel for it is on foot or by bike, weaving along quiet waterways and crossing bridges as you move between areas.
 
A great place to start is Jordaan, where narrow streets, canal houses and independent boutiques make it perfect for getting pleasantly lost. From there, head over to De Pijp for a more energetic atmosphere, with vintage shops, lively cafés and some of the city’s best everyday food and drink spots.
 
 
Amsterdam’s café culture is a big part of the experience so it’s worth building in time for slow coffee breaks along the way. For expertly made espresso in a sleek, modern setting, Screaming Beans is a dependable stop while Coffee & Coconuts offers a more relaxed, spacious brunch feel inside a converted cinema that’s ideal for lingering a little longer.
 

One of the most memorable ways to see the city is from the water. A canal cruise in the morning gives you a different perspective on Amsterdam’s leaning gabled houses, quiet bridges and reflections shifting in the early light.

 

Travel Seen tip: It’s usually best to go with the flow and book once you’re there so you can choose a clear, bright morning and make the most of the experience when the weather is on your side.

De Pjip

Soho House Amsterdam

Where to shop

Amsterdam is full of effortlessly cool shopping. Spend time in De Negen Straatjes (The 9 Streets), where independent boutiques and concept stores line the picturesque canal streets.
 

One standout is Rika Studios, a quietly stylish with the feel of a lived-in canal house. Founded by former stylist Ulrika Lundgren, it pairs a thoughtfully designed guest apartment with a boutique filled with elevated wardrobe staples, independent jewellery brands and unique fragrance labels.

 
In De Pijp, the vibe is more local and eclectic, with small designer studios, vintage finds and easy neighbourhood browsing. There are also constantly rotating pop-ups and creative retail spaces across the city, when Poppy was there, Never Fully Dressed had a popup. 

Rika Studios

Tables worth booking

Start the afternoon at Little Bonfire for a relaxed aperitif then make your way to The Dylan. It feels less like a hotel and more like staying at your rich aunt and uncle’s impossibly chic canal house. Even if you’re not staying there, the bar is a destination in itself. Their house Riesling, made exclusively for the hotel, is crisp, fresh and dangerously easy to linger over.

 
For dinner, book Restaurant Breda for refined, seasonal dishes in a relaxed setting or opt for something more intimate and wine-led at Cafe de Klepel. De Tros is another great, contemporary neighbourhood restaurant known for its seasonal cooking and laid-back but confident atmosphere.

 

 

Vondelpark

Little Bonfire

Culture fix

Getting cultural in Amsterdam is easy to fold into a slow day. Start around Museumplein, where the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum sit side by side, offering everything from Dutch masters to vivid, emotional portraits.
 

Travel Seen tip: head to the nearby Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium Hotel for lunch at Ottolenghi, where a delicious produce-led menu makes for an easy and elegant break from exploring.

For something more sobering, the Anne Frank House gives a powerful glimpse into the city’s wartime history. Best booked in advance.

The Travel Seen take

 

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Amsterdam has a way of making you settle into the moment. Mornings stretch a little slower along the canals, afternoons disappear down quiet side streets and long lunches, and evenings often end with a glass of wine by the water. Relaxed yet effortlessly stylish, it’s the kind of city that feels easy to return to, even before you’ve left.

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Inside Casa Bonavita: Malta’s Stunning New Boutique Stay

Trends

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At Travel Seen, we’re constantly searching for hotels that feel genuinely distinctive – places with soul, story and a strong sense of identity rather than just another polished luxury stay.
 
Casa Bonavita is exactly that. Hidden within the historic Maltese village of Attard, this newly opened retreat reimagines hospitality through the lens of a private home, layered with character, artistry and a deep connection to the island itself. Thoughtfully restored over several years, the property blends faded grandeur with intimate design touches, creating a stay that feels less like a hotel and more like stepping into someone’s beautifully lived-in Mediterranean estate.

Why it caught our eye

There’s an effortless intimacy to Casa Bonavita that immediately sets it apart. Rather than chasing the glossy, overly curated aesthetic so common across Mediterranean hospitality, the hotel leans into something far more personal. It celebrates Malta’s history, imperfections and quiet beauty through layered interiors, lush gardens and thoughtful craftsmanship. Every corner feels collected rather than decorated, giving the property the warmth and soul of a private residence instead of a traditional boutique hotel.

The visionaries behind Casa Bonavita

Casa Bonavita is the first hospitality project from celebrated design duo Christopher and Suzanne Sharp, best known as the founders of The Rug Company. Their combined creative eye is felt throughout the property, but it’s Suzanne’s Maltese roots and the couple’s enduring connection to the island that truly shape the experience. The result is a hotel that feels deeply authentic, one designed not simply to impress visitors, but to share a more nuanced and personal side of Malta through art, design, food and atmosphere.

Rooms, rituals & slow Mediterranean living

The hotel’s 17 individually designed rooms each carry their own personality, with a rich interplay of texture, colour and natural light. Many open onto private terraces, gardens or poolside spaces, reinforcing the feeling of staying within an elegant Maltese home. Beyond the rooms, the property encourages a slower rhythm of living. From long candlelit dinners beneath the palms to mornings spent wandering the citrus-filled gardens. Wellness also plays a central role, with pools, a hammam, sauna and gym offering moments of calm between island explorations.

 

 

Malta, beyond the postcards

Malta has a way of surprising people. While its honey-coloured cities, crystalline coves and endless sunshine are undeniably beautiful, the island’s real charm lies in its layers – a fascinating blend of Mediterranean ease, centuries of history and quietly eccentric character. One moment you’re wandering through the cinematic streets of Valletta, the next you’re swimming in impossibly clear water or lingering over long seafood lunches in sleepy fishing villages. From the ancient silence of Mdina to hidden beaches, baroque architecture and a growing creative scene, Malta feels both richly historic and refreshingly under-the-radar. It’s an island best experienced slowly and exactly the kind of spirit Casa Bonavita captures so well.

The Travel Seen Take

 

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For us at Travel Seen, it’s places like Casa Bonavita that stay with you long after you leave. It’s not just the layered design, the thoughtful restoration or the sense of quiet luxury that defines it, but the feeling that you’ve been welcomed into a living, breathing home shaped by history, family and island life. A stay here lingers in the details, in the atmosphere and in the way it invites you to experience Malta differently.

 

Ready to experience Casa Bonavita for yourself?

Send us an enquiry and we’ll match you with the right room and tailor the stay to you. Call or WhatsApp us on 0333 305 9912 to start planning your trip.

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The little luxuries behind our Ibiza padel escape

Trends

There are some trips that are all about the destination. Others are about the details.

 

Our exclusive Ibiza padel trip with XPI Padel was created to bring together everything we love about modern luxury travel – movement, sunshine, brilliant people, beautiful surroundings and those considered touches that make a trip feel genuinely memorable.

 

Think sun-drenched padel courts, boutique island stays, long lunches, relaxed dinners and enough time between matches to properly enjoy Ibiza away from the usual party narrative. It was active, social and stylish in a way that felt very Travel Seen.

 

And this is only the beginning.

 

We’ll be curating more padel trips and group experiences with XPI Padel, designed for players, friendship groups, corporate teams and anyone who wants to combine travel with something a little more dynamic. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already obsessed with the sport, these trips are built around connection, movement and the joy of doing something different.

 

But what made this Ibiza escape feel even more special was the way we partnered with brands that understood the energy of the trip.

Court ready
with Pounce Padel

For Gemma and Jen, the trip started before they even reached the court.

 

Pounce Padel kindly gifted them two of their signature rackets for the Ibiza escape, leopard print for Gemma and mint green for Jen. Naturally, both felt completely on brand.

 

Founded by Georgie Rennie, Pounce Padel is a women first padel brand creating high-quality rackets that look as good as they perform. The brand was born from a very real gap in the market, women were falling in love with padel but the kit still felt overwhelmingly masculine, fluorescent and uninspiring.

 

Pounce changes that.

 

The rackets are bold, chic and designed with female players in mind, combining a lightweight feel with a 100% carbon frame, 3K carbon surface and teardrop shape. In short, they’re made for women who want to feel confident on court without compromising on performance.

 

And for a trip like Ibiza, where style, sport and socialising all meet in one place, they were the perfect fit.

Shop the rackets

 

The post padel reset
with The Retreat England

After a full day of coaching, match play and sunshine, the reset matters just as much as the game.

 

Each of the ladies on the trip received a beautiful Wellbeing Discovery Collection from The Retreat England in their goodie bags. It was the kind of product moment that made complete sense for the rhythm of the trip: calming, restorative and easy to use after long days on court.

 

The Retreat England is a female-founded wellbeing and body care brand created by Tracy Mort MBE. The range blends bath, body and home products with aromatherapy essential oils, rose and clear quartz crystal infusion and a spa-inspired approach to everyday rituals.

 

The gifted set included the kind of products you actually want with you on an active trip: body care to cleanse and nourish, a wellbeing mist to reset and that subtle spa-at-home feeling after a busy day.

 

It’s these kinds of details that take a travel experience from well organised to genuinely considered.

Shop the Wellbeing Discovery Collection

Why the details matter

Luxury travel is not always about doing less. Sometimes, it’s about doing more of what makes you feel good.

 

Padel in Ibiza is the perfect example. You get the energy of sport, the beauty of the island, the ease of a curated itinerary and the feeling of being part of something social without it feeling forced.

 

Adding brands like Pounce Padel and The Retreat England into the experience brought another layer to the trip. Both are female-founded. Both understand their customer. Both create products that feel practical but still indulgent. And both aligned naturally with the kind of women joining us in Ibiza – stylish, active, curious and up for something different.

 

For us, that’s exactly what modern travel should feel like.

 

 

Want to join us next time?

We’ll be creating more padel escapes, group trips and tailored travel experiences with XPI Padel, from Ibiza and beyond.

 

Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip, a corporate retreat, a club getaway or a private group experience, we can curate the full itinerary around you.

 

From courts and coaching to hotels, dinners, gifting and the little extras that make a trip feel personal, we’ll take care of the details.

 

Get in touch to start planning your own padel escape.

Ready to plan your own padel escape?

 

Inspired by the trip?

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Euro Summer Destinations You Shouldn’t Sleep On

Trends

While the usual Mediterranean hotspots continue to dominate summer itineraries, there’s a quieter wave of destinations redefining what a European escape can feel like. Less crowded, more design-led and rooted in place. Think intimate hotels, slow mornings and coastlines that still feel undiscovered.

 

Here’s a curated edit of places doing exactly that.

Porto Ercole, Italy
Stay: La Roqqa

Tucked into the Argentario coastline, Porto Ercole feels like Tuscany’s more understated coastal cousin. It’s all sun-faded harbours, yacht-dotted bays and winding stone streets that never feel overly polished.

 

The standout here is La Roqqa, a design-forward stay that leans into minimal luxury without losing the warmth of the region. Expect terracotta tones, sea views that stretch endlessly and an easy rhythm that makes you forget what day it is.

Formentera, Balearics, Spain
Stay: Terranka

Formentera remains Ibiza’s quieter, more cinematic sibling. Think low key beach clubs, unreal water clarity and a barefoot energy that never tries too hard.
 
Teranka fits perfectly into that landscape. It’s sculpted but not showy, blending earthy textures with a sense of stillness that feels increasingly rare in the Balearics. This is where you go to properly disconnect.

Folegandros, Greece
Gundari

Formentera remains Ibiza’s quieter, more cinematic sibling—low-key beach clubs, unreal water clarity, and a barefoot energy that never tries too hard.
 
Teranka fits perfectly into that landscape. It’s sculpted but not showy, blending earthy textures with a sense of stillness that feels increasingly rare in the Balearics. This is where you go to properly disconnect.

 

 

Biarritz, France
Stay: Regina Experimental

Biarritz has long balanced surf culture with Belle Époque elegance, but its new wave of design hotels is giving it fresh relevance.
 
Hôtel Regina Experimental sits right at that intersection, historic architecture reworked with a contemporary edge. It’s coastal France with a slightly more editorial lens: polished, but never sterile.

Lošinj, Croatia
Hotel Bellevue 

Lošinj is one of Croatia’s best-kept secrets with pine forests meeting turquoise water and a wellness-driven culture that predates trends.
 
Hotel Bellevue doubles down on that identity with a focus on spa, sea air and slow living. It’s less about nightlife, more about reset.

Final thoughts

The best summer destinations right now aren’t necessarily the loudest ones. They’re the places that still leave room for spontaneity, slower pacing and a stronger sense of place. Whether it’s a quiet harbour in Italy, a raw Greek coastline or a wellness-led Croatian island, these destinations prove that luxury in 2026 feels less about excess and more about atmosphere. The kind you remember long after the flight home.

Start planning your next escape

 

Inspired by this piece?

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Austria’s Mountain and Lakeside Retreats

Trends

From alpine hideaways to serene lakeside escapes, Austria is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful retreats. In this guide, we explore the timeless charm of Kristiania Lech, the peaceful elegance of Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, the quiet luxury of Eriro and the grand lakeside setting of Schlosshotel Velden. Four stays that capture the beauty, calm and understated elegance of Austria’s mountains and lakes.

Kristiania Lech
Lech

Set in the heart of Austria’s Arlberg region, Kristiania Lech is a refined alpine retreat that feels more like a private mountain residence than a traditional hotel. In winter, its setting becomes especially atmospheric with snow-dusted rooftops, crisp mountain air and direct access to one of Europe’s most renowned ski landscapes. Inside, the mood is intimate and understated, with individually designed rooms that blend warm textures, curated artwork and views across the village and surrounding peaks. Thoughtful, highly personalised service shapes the experience, from seamless ski days guided through the Arlberg to restorative evenings spent unwinding after time on the slopes. It’s a place where winter days flow naturally from mountain adventure to quiet comfort with a balance of elegance, warmth and deeply personal hospitality in the Austrian Alps.

Rosewood Schloss Fuschl
Hof bei Salzburg

Set on the shimmering shores of Lake Fuschl in the Salzburg hinterland, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is a storybook retreat that feels especially magical in summer. Once a historic lakeside castle, it now blends its regal heritage with contemporary luxury surrounded by forested walking trails and dramatic alpine peaks. Days here unfold at a gentle pace – swimming or boating on the clear lake, exploring nearby nature paths or unwinding in the spa with views across the water. Dining is rooted in local flavours elevated with a refined touch, while the suites and chalets offer quiet, elegant comfort. It’s a place where summer feels unhurried, cinematic and almost fairytale-like in its setting.

eriro
Ehrwald

Set in the dramatic alpine setting of Ehrwald, Eriro is a quietly immersive retreat designed for slowing down and reconnecting with nature. Elevated high in the Tyrolean mountains, it feels both intimate and expansive, surrounded by sweeping peaks, forested slopes, and wide-open skies. In summer, life here follows the rhythm of the landscape – barefoot walks through alpine meadows, guided hikes into the mountains or gentle bike rides through the valley. The design is deeply rooted in its surroundings, with natural timber, floor-to-ceiling glass and minimal distractions that keep the focus firmly on the view. Evenings are calm and restorative, with a spa inspired by the mountains and a warm fire-lit atmosphere that brings the day to a peaceful close.

 

 

Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden
Carinthia

Set directly on the shores of Lake Wörthersee, Schlosshotel Velden blends centuries of history with a distinctly modern sense of luxury. Once a 17th-century castle, the golden-hued landmark has been carefully transformed into a contemporary lakeside retreat. Inside, heritage details meet clean, modern design from castle rooms with subtle historic charm to sleek new wings that open out toward the lake. The experience is defined by effortless comfort and a seamless connection between old-world atmosphere and present-day ease. At its heart is the expansive Acquapura Lake SPA, a world of wellness overlooking the water, where saunas, pools and treatments are complemented by unexpected touches like an indoor golf simulator. It’s a place where lakeside glamour and contemporary indulgence meet in one of Austria’s most striking resort settings.

The Travel Seen take

 

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From alpine hideaways to shimmering lakeside escapes, Austria reveals a landscape shaped by stillness, beauty and quiet luxury. Days unfold between mountain air and forest trails, glassy waters and sunlit peaks – where time slows and nature sets the rhythm.

 

Here, historic castles sit alongside contemporary retreats and every stay feels deeply connected to its surroundings. Whether high in the Alps or beside calm lake shores, these places invite you to pause, breathe and experience Austria at its most serene and unforgettable.

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The Athens Edit

Trends

Athens is often treated as a quick stop – a city defined by its landmarks, where most of the focus stays fixed on the Acropolis before moving on. But there’s more to it than that.

The city unfolds gradually. You notice it in the pace of the streets, in the way neighbourhoods shift from historic to modern within a few minutes and in how daily life carries on around places that have stood for centuries. It’s not just about what you visit, but how the city feels as you move through it.

And then there’s the coastline. The Athenian Riviera offers a different side entirely. Open water, quieter spaces and a slower rhythm that contrasts with the density of the centre. Moving between the two gives a better sense of Athens as a whole, not just its most photographed parts.

Where to stay

CENTRAL ATHENS

 

The Dolli at Acropolis is all about location and restraint, a neoclassical stay in the centre of Athens with clean interiors and uninterrupted views of the Acropolis. The rooftop with its pool and open city outlook is the highlight, offering a quieter and more considered way to take in the city.

 

Xenodocheio Milos brings a more contemporary feel to central Athens pairing clean design with a strong focus on food. Set just off Syntagma, it’s polished without feeling formal and rooms that are simple, well-finished and built for comfort. The real draw is the Milos restaurant downstairs making it as much a place to dine as it is to stay.

 

ATHENS RIVIERA

 

One&Only Aesthesis brings a contemporary take on Riviera living. Set along a stretch of coastline where the design stays low-rise and the focus is on space, nature and privacy. It feels open and relaxed with direct access to the sea and an atmosphere that leans more towards a private coastal escape than a traditional resort.

 

Four Seasons Astir Palace sits on a private peninsula in Vouliagmeni and feels more established with a long history as one of Athens’ most iconic seaside stays. It combines multiple beach areas, sweeping sea views and a polished, service-led approach offering a more classic version of Riviera luxury just outside the city.

The Dolli at Acropolis

One&Only Aesthesis

Where to eat

Athens’ food scene is as much about atmosphere and street rhythm as it is about what ends up on the plate, where you eat often shapes the experience as much as what you order.

 

For something fast, authentic and fully woven into daily life, gyros is essential. Tylixto captures that street-level energy with warm pita, charred meat, tzatziki, tomatoes, onions and fries all wrapped together. It’s quick, informal and eaten in motion as the city moves around you.

 

At the other end, Athens’ fine dining scene is defined by setting as much as food. GB Roof Garden offers Acropolis views that shift the whole rhythm of the meal, especially at sunset, while Nolan leans more modern, mixing Greek and Asian influences in a calm and confident space that reflects a more contemporary Athens.

GB Roof Garden

What to do

Athens is a city where ancient structure and everyday life sit almost on top of each other, so what you do is often shaped by time of day and atmosphere.

 

The Acropolis is the essential starting point, best early morning or at sunset when the light softens and crowds ease. Above it, the Parthenon dominates the skyline, while the Acropolis Museum below adds clarity and context to what you’ve just seen.

 

Neighbourhoods shift the mood entirely. Plaka is historic and slow, Psyrri is creative and lively with a late-night edge and Kolonaki is more polished with cafés and boutiques.

 

A food tour is one of the best ways to understand Athens beyond its landmarks, moving through bakeries, markets and street food spots to experience the city through everyday eating rather than individual dishes.

 

For a wider view, Lycabettus Hill gives a full panorama of the city at sunset, while the Athens Riviera offers a complete change of pace with swimming spots, beach clubs and long shoreline evenings.

 

 

How to spend four days here

Our Travel Designer, Poppy, has been and seen Athens and has actually done this exact trip herself, so this comes straight from real experience rather than a generic itinerary.

 

“Four days in Athens works best as a split between the city’s history and its coastline. Start with two nights at The Dolli. That gives you enough time to see the big highlights like the Acropolis, but also to slow down a bit and just enjoy the neighbourhoods. I highly recommend a food tour to get a deeper taste of the city. Then head out to the Athenian Riviera for the final two nights at One&Only Aesthesis to properly chill. The atmosphere changes completely here, it’s all about beach time, swimming long lunches by the sea  and unhurried evenings. It feels like Athens, but in a much more relaxed, resort-style setting to round the trip off.”

 

The Travel Seen take

 

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Athens is a city of contrasts. Ancient ruins, contemporary design and a food scene that ranges from simple street wraps to Michelin-star tasting menus. It’s best experienced slowly: mornings exploring historic sites, afternoons wandering neighbourhoods and evenings built around long dinners and drinks.

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