There’s no doubt that as you grow older, you value the finer things in life much more than you might previously have done. Peace and quiet, detailed efficiency, and luxurious added touches become must-haves, such as long-haul private travel. After all, you’ve earned it, right?

Private jet travel is a transformative way to explore the world. Dreaded long-haul journeys become something to look forward to, with their supreme comfort and endless array of features and perks. Bypass the crowds and enjoy your own private space with a private jet. If you can’t afford your own, don’t worry. With charter services and shared ownership more popular than ever, you’re just a phone call away from taking off. Learn how private jet travel enhances long-haul adventures, offering a truly stress-free flying experience for older travellers.

A stress-free start

You’ve all spent enough time in commercial airports to know that they’re tolerable at best and a living nightmare at worst. From the interminable queues at the check-in desk to inevitable delays in the departure lounge, there’s really nothing fun about airports. With private travel, though, you only need to arrive around fifteen minutes before your scheduled departure.

Once you arrive, you’ll have a private check-in and an expedited bag check at your very own fixed-base operator (FBO). FBOs are usually found either at private airports or far from the commercial terminals at public airports, giving you space and privacy to unwind before your flight.

Once inside your FBO, enjoy personalised check-in services, comfortable lounges, and minimal wait times. This streamlined process not only reduces physical strain but also allows you to focus on the excitement of the journey. For example, a couple flying from London to Tuscany can skip the chaos of Heathrow and enjoy a relaxed start to their Italian getaway.

Unmatched comfort

Long-haul flights on commercial airlines often involve cramped seating and limited legroom, which can be particularly uncomfortable. In contrast, private jets have spacious, fully reclining seats and ample room to move around. Many aircraft, such as the Gulfstream G650 or Bombardier Global 6000, feature ergonomic seating designed to reduce discomfort and stiffness during extended flights.

Beyond physical comfort, private jet travel provides personalised services tailored to individual needs. Whether it’s dietary preferences, medical requirements, or specific in-flight entertainment, every detail is customised to ensure a pleasant journey. Flight attendants on private jets focus exclusively on their passengers, delivering attentive and discreet service.

While your private jet crew will do everything they can to ensure your comfort, there are a few things you can do to help yourself. Wearing loose, light clothing will keep you cool and comfortable, and compression socks will aid with circulation on long-haul flights.

Read more: Why it’s never too late to learn how to ski

Better for you

One thing you might not have considered when flying commercially is the impact on your health. Long-haul flights take a particular toll on your body. The restricted movement, irregular sleeping patterns, and subsequent jet lag all have an impact.

Flying privately helps reduce these concerns by giving you a cabin to yourself, allowing you to move around as often as you like. Also, some private jets come with their own bedrooms and shower cabins, so you can get a restful night’s sleep and feel refreshed before you land. The latest private jets even feature lighting that mimics the time of day wherever you land to help combat jet lag.

Transform your travel

There is no need for a heavy conscience when it comes to long-haul flights. Most of these private jet companies, like Air Charter, are integrating offsets for their service that might offset carbon emissions, as they pave ways through reforestation projects or renewable energy. A quiet shift to help you get the luxury and freedom of private travel while knowing that the environmental impact is softened, adds one more layer of ease to an already easy journey.

Saving time

There’s no doubt that one of the most frustrating aspects of long-haul travel is the time spent on layovers and indirect routes. Due to packed and inflexible flight schedules, you can find your journey taking several more hours than it needs to because of multiple connections and lengthy layovers. Private jets, on the other hand, offer direct flights to a vast number of destinations, cutting down overall travel time significantly. If your jet has a long enough range, you can almost travel from one side of the planet to the other in a single flight.

Additionally, private aviation allows for flexible scheduling. Instead of being restricted to airline timetables, you can choose to depart whenever you please. This flexibility is especially beneficial for travellers who may prefer to fly at times that minimise jet lag or align with personal schedules.

Popular long-haul destinations for private jet travellers

Private jet travel opens up a world of possibilities, allowing travellers to reach both iconic destinations and remote gems with ease. Here are some of the most sought-after long-haul destinations for mature travellers and adventurers:

South Africa

From scenic wine tasting to coming face to face with lions and rhinos, South Africa is crammed with bucket-list adventures. Private aviation makes reaching remote game reserves like Kruger National Park or Sabi Sands effortless.

Japan

With its combination of ancient traditions with modern luxury, Japan appeals to travellers for its truly idiosyncratic culture. Private jets allow for flexible itineraries, including stops in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hokkaido.

New Zealand

Known for its breathtaking scenery and opportunities for adventure, New Zealand is best explored via private charter. Fly directly to Queenstown for skiing or Auckland for a coastal retreat.

The Caribbean

For an unforgettably laid-back long-haul experience, islands like St. Barts, the Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos offer exclusive private jet access to secluded beaches and five-star resorts.

Transform Your Travel

The fact that you can fly from continent to continent in a matter of hours should be a cause for celebration, not dread. By travelling privately, you’re able to appreciate the beauty of long-haul travel at any age without fearing the drawbacks of commercial flight.

The ability to avoid crowded terminals, enjoy flexible scheduling, and relax in a luxurious cabin provides all the advantages you need to make the switch from commercial flight to private aviation.

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For many retirees, the prospect of spending the next few decades sitting around the house, and perhaps indulging in the occasional spot of gardening, might be perfectly satisfying. For others, retirement might represent a chance to get out into the world and have an adventure or two. If you’re a member of the latter category, then you might decide to invest in a yacht. You can find yachts for sale from a variety of vendors. But exactly why might this purchase be worth considering? What benefits can a yacht bring to your retirement?

Freedom and adventure

A yacht can provide a means of accessing some of the world’s more remote natural treasures, which might be denied to most tourists. You might head out into the open water in search of dolphins, whales, and other incredible marine life. You might drop anchor in a deserted cover or bay, or even go and explore a remote fishing village in a part of the world that few tourists have even heard of.

When you own the yacht, you can set your own pace, and craft an itinerary that suits your objectives. If you’d prefer to make progress on a given day, then you can easily move on to the next port. If, on the other hand, you’d prefer to take it easy and explore your current surroundings, you can do that, too. In other words, a yacht affords you greater flexibility.

Relaxation and wellness

The sea also provides an ideal means of enjoying a wellness holiday. If you’re out in the open water, you might enjoy the peaceful lapping of the waves against the hull. This can help you to relax, and drive down stress levels.

On larger, luxury yachts, you might also benefit from onboard facilities that rival those of a spa on dry land. These might include saunas, massage tables, spacious cabins, and Michelin-quality kitchens.

Read more: How the over-50s are leading the field in adventure travel

Social connection and community

Yachting can be a solitary, private activity – or, if you’re willing to talk to other yacht owners, it can be a means of making friendships that might last a lifetime. At every harbour, you might run into other yacht owners. You’ll be able to make friends with them.

At the same time, a yacht might also provide a means of entertaining your friends and family, which can be perfect for retirees who’d like to see their families during the summer.

Yachting might also deepen your appreciation for the oceans and the creatures that live in them. You might contribute to maritime conservation charities, and even participate directly in conservation activities, with the help of your yacht.

Investment and lifestyle

A yacht might also provide you with bragging rights. It’s a sign that you’ve saved up enough to make a large investment. Better yet, that investment might have the potential to appreciate in the future. But, unlike gold, oil, or bitcoin, a yacht actually provides utility in the real world.

Important considerations

Before you make the decision to invest in a yacht, there are a few important factors worth weighing. You’ll need to invest both money and time. You might need to pay a crew to run the boat – or, you can take a boating course and gain the necessary skills yourself.

For those with the resources, owning a boat can be beneficial for all of the reasons we’ve covered. But there are other options for retirees who don’t quite have the money to buy. You can charter a yacht for a particular trip, share ownership with other people, or even sell your house in favour of living aboard your yacht permanently.

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Automatic GMT watches have a special complication with an additional hand that rotates once every 24 hours. This hand indicates the time in a second time zone, allowing the wearer to easily reference a number of places at once. These watches are complex because the movement needs to be engineered so that the GMT hand can run independently of the hour and minute hands. This is especially useful for frequent travelers or anyone who frequently needs to communicate across time zones.

Into collecting watches? Take a look at what makes an excellent diving watch

Who can benefit the most from automatic GMT watches?

Choosing an automatic GMT watch largely depends on your lifestyle. Below are some important considerations:

Travel Frequency

Automatic GMT watches can be indispensable if you make many international trips. It helps you check your home time and adjust the local hour hand when flying forward or backward between time zones. Business men and women can benefit greatly from this feature as they are required to schedule meetings in other regions.

Family and Friends Abroad

Owning a GMT watch can remind you of your loved ones scattered across the globe. Also, the fact that you can look at your wrist and know what time it is where they are might keep you close and engaging in timely conversations.

Professional Needs

Accountants, financial professionals, and global ops are often mindful of various time zones. This can be streamlined through an automatic GMT watch, and the process becomes much faster since there would be no need to consult the phone or computer for relevant times.

Aesthetic Preferences

While functionality is primarily why most people buy a watch, the design and look of a watch is paramount for many. Your style will determine whether you choose a sporty or dressy automatic GMT watch. There are plenty of styles, so you can easily find one that suits your personal wardrobe.

Durability and Comfort

Based on your job, consider how tough you need your wristwatch to be. For active lifestyles or demanding working environments, opt for watches that are durable without compromising on looks. The same goes for the watch’s fit. It must be comfortable, as you will be wearing it throughout the whole day.

Features to look for when buying an automatic GMT watch

When shopping for an automatic GMT watch, keep an eye out for a few features that enhance usability:

• Independent Hour Hand Adjustment: You can adjust the local time without affecting the GMT hand, which is a great feature for travelers.
• Simple Dial Design: A clean dial with simple markers allows you to read time in two zones at the same time.
• Water Resistance: If you intend to wear your watch while engaging in outdoor activities or swimming, make sure it comes with sufficient water resistance.
• Material Quality: Choose quality materials for durability and aesthetics, preferably stainless steel or ceramic cases.

So now you know…

When choosing the correct automatic GMT watch, one must weigh the merits of functionality against personal style preferences.

A perfect automatic GMT watch provides functionality, but it should always try to balance the other features according to his/her style. By taking into account your personal lifestyle requirements, you can find a timepiece that is more than a timepiece that is more than just a tool, but also an extension of yourself.

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Flying out to Zurich it was an unusually clear day. So clear that as we flew over the edge of England I could see my house from the plane. I waved goodbye to Blighty and settled in for the short journey to Switzerland. I was off to review the five star Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, hurrah.

Upon landing, the first thing I discovered was that my phone provider didn’t work in Switzerland. I’d just blindly assumed that I’d automatically get data switched over, but no.

No biggie, I figured, I’d just use the free Wi-Fi that I could see was in the airport. But connecting to the airport Wi-Fi was impossible. Log in here, add this code, no you can’t because you don’t have connectivity, log in here etc.

In the end a fellow traveller did me a hot spot so I could log in and buy some data. So be warned – Switzerland is not in the EU and your phone might not automatically work there. Plan ahead.

Leaving the airport, I was excited about my onward journey, because we had a train ticket to ride. I have a mad passion for train travel. The train was very clean and – we discovered to our amusement – very strictly silent.

In fact, our small group (all women, all quite excited) was roundly told off by a very cross little man who genuinely leapt out of his seat to tap the sign that presumably said “quiet”. We all shut up, trying not to look at each other and giggle.

I was right to be excited though…

I had a first-class ticket, and a first class view of Switzerland as we sped towards our destination. Awe-inspiring mountains rising out of stunning blue lakes, the tops so high they were lost in the clouds. It was thrilling, and I don’t say that lightly. There’s a huge benefit in feeling the power of awe, and the landscape really is awesome.

I could have spent hours on the train. But we arrived at Sargans station all too soon, and were picked up to head to the hotel resort.

Once inside the hotel I was hugely impressed. The lobby is light and airy, with a fantastic art installation of bubbles to represent the natural spa/spring water in the area. It’s upmarket without feeling oppressive. I don’t know how they manage to make such a vast hotel feel so family-run, but that’s how it rolls.

Dogs are allowed, which always makes me happy. And also kids, which I’m generally less enthusiastic about, if I’m honest. The resort is very much geared up for children though, unusual for a spa hotel like this, and I think actually it’s a nice idea. There’s a Kindervilla on site, for the children to hang out in during the daytime, as well as plenty of babysitters.

There’s also a children’s Heidi-themed spa area. So although the little darlings are allowed at the hotel, you don’t get them killing the chill in the adult spa zones. I don’t really mind kids. But don’t want them squawking next to me in the jacuzzi.

Also, something that one finds increasingly these days, despite the hotel having five stars and a very luxurious offering, guests were dressed quite informally. Not scruffy, you understand. Just in a relaxed fashion – which I totally appreciate. I’m done with heels and uncomfortable clothing these days.

My suite was a total corker

The view from my balcony

The suite was vast, situated at the front of the hotel with breathtaking views across the mountains. Standing on the balcony staring at the scenery whilst soft rain pattered around me was a quiet moment of bliss that I can still feel now if I close my eyes.

On my desk I found a gorgeous little selection of sweet and savoury snacks. And I was also delighted to find a very well-stocked fridge and snack zone. Decent gin and tonic! Big tick.

Another word to the wise: I’d felt very smug remembering to bring my UK to Europe plug adaptor, but guess what?! The plugs in Switzerland are different. At our hotel the concierge had a bunch of them you could borrow, and almost everyone in our (British) group needed one. But something to be aware of.

Standing on the balcony staring at the scenery whilst soft rain pattered around me was a quiet moment of bliss

In the afternoon we’d been due to have a tour of the outside art installations, part of the Bad RagARTz exhibition, which happens once every three years. It’s a region-wide showcase, with art, sculptures and statues dotted everywhere. Worth planning a trip around this to see it, if you’re thinking of heading here. But it was raining, so instead we relaxed, had a tour of the hotel resort, including the Kindervilla, and got ready for dinner.

As I was dressing for dinner, a storm broke out over the mountains. Storms always excite me – it was quite something, thunder and lightning over the mountains. I watched it for a bit, spellbound.

Around the resort

The Grand Resort is home to several very lovely restaurants, as well as a health and medical centre, dental centre, and of course the spa. There’s even a take-away sushi kiosk, KOiSO, which I confess to ordering twice from during my stay.

The resort is a centre of medicine and wellness, not just a place for a massage and dip in the water. There are doctors here practicing in everything from orthopaedics, traumatology and vascular disease to mental health, dental health, and Chinese medicine.

There’s also a full-service plastic surgery department, sports therapy clinic, rehab centre, nutrition clinics… you name it, it’s probably at the resort. One could absolutely have a face lift and tummy tuck, and hide out here in the mountains to recover, having regular massages, therapies, and swimming in the various pools. Have put this on my mental wish list for in a few years’ time.

Our first night, and we met in the elegant lobby for cocktails

I’ve had beautifully-made cocktails in places all over the world (she said smugly) but the mixologists here are amongst the very best I’ve experienced. Exquisitely crafted drinks, gorgeous choice of glassware – a very good start to the evening.

Namun is their Asian-inspired restaurant, and where we ate on our first night. The joy of travelling in a small group means you get to order a la carte, rather than have a set menu, which can happen if you’re in a bigger group. I had Thai prawn summer rolls, and a mix of dim sum including dumplings, melt-in-the-mouth Wagyu beef, and various gyoza.

Sadly I couldn’t manage any pudding, but I did choose some sake from their extensive sake-specific menu. And by the time dinner was over, I was ready to drop. The food was magic, and I slept like a baby.

Deliciousness at Namun

Next morning the sun had broken through…

And I was chuffed to bits that I’d ordered breakfast in my room. I leapt out of bed – well, maybe not leapt, but rose enthusiastically – and before even having a cup of tea, bolted downstairs to the outside pool. I’d seen it the day before, and was desperate to get in it, to swim with that phenomenal backdrop, and make the most of the dry weather. It was heavenly.

Back up to my room and my breakfast trolley had been delivered. This for me is the height of dining delight – to eat indulgently in the privacy of my own room. I made a point of having the ‘<<verve>>’ special, so named after the resort’s Michelin-starred restaurant. If you’re interested, it’s crispy sourdough toast, with a tomato jam, and lovage whipped tofu cream, topped with poached eggs and baby salad leaves. I could have done without the jam, very sweet. But the whippy tofu stuff was magic.

Outdoor pool; <<verve>> breakfast; spa relaxation area

I was booked in for the ‘Pause and Reset’ treatment – an 80-minute aromatherapy full body workover that is “specifically designed to help ease the side effects of hormonal changes.” I don’t know about that, but I do know that I could barely stand when I got off the bed. Can’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed.

After that it was a short stagger to the spa area, where I bobbed about in the fabulous body-temperature swimming pool, before somehow making my way to my room for a short siesta. Nice to be able to wander around in my robe. It’s one of the nicest and oddest things about fancy spa hotels, I find. Fortunately I had the presence of mind to grab sushi to take up to my room. Because once I landed there, I was wiped out! Siesta time…

The afternoon saw a few activities before dinner…

Post-lunch, members of our group pottered around the local area. For me it was a chance to take in some of the outdoor art installations, and also have a little mooch around the little village next to the resort. Some of the group went to the Tamina Gorge, the source of the 36.5° C warm thermal waters that have made Bad Ragaz world famous.

‘Bad’ by the way, means ‘bath’, in case you were wondering. I didn’t know that until I came here, and I’d thought Bad Ragaz sounded a bit like a rapper’s name. But now we both know.

In the evening we were lucky enough to eat at verve by Sven, the Michelin-starred restaurant on site. I’d been excited about this since we arrived, and made the most of the exciting menu. For starter I had tomato, redcurrant, basil, and pine nut burrata plate, which was outstanding. Then for main course, a few of us shared the frankly astonishing seared beef cutlets with hoisin jus, served with seared lettuce and other bits.

A beef encounter

I know, not very adventurous in a place with a star. But frankly I think you can judge a restaurant by its steaks, eggs, custards, and sauces. I’m going to say it’s a yes from me here. The beef was meltingly delish. I wish I had two stomachs.

Our final day…

And I woke up to breakfast in my room again. I went all-out this time. Eggs, crispy bacon, caviar and a little bottle of Ruinart, my favourite champagne. How could I not?!

Oh well, if you insist

Once we’d checked out, we had a trip to Heidi’s Village, which was as surreal and adorable as you might imagine. Although Heidi is a fictional character, the stories are set in the region, and Heidi’s Village is only a short 10 min ride from the hotel. There are goats, natch. And they’ve created the houses that Heidi and all the other book characters would have lived in. It’s a bit nuts, but very endearing. It’s perfect for children who know the stories.

The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is a great place for multigenerational trips because it’s one of the only places in the world that I’m aware of that accommodates kids at an upmarket spa hotel.

Plenty of childcare, coupled with the children’s spa and pool areas, mean that you can take your kids and grandkids there and not have to sacrifice your own peaceful experience. Or enable your darling offspring to annoy other guests. And when you’re not in the hotel, there’s plenty to do within a short hop from the resort.

I loved the place, and wished I could have stayed longer. The food was exemplary, and the service and facilities faultless. I didn’t want to come home!

Now, to start planning my next visit there…

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz
Rates: high season, rooms and suites from 750CHF (Swiss francs) per night. A suite like mine is around 1,100CHF (£990) per night
‘Pause and Reset’ treatment 295CHF (£265)
Tasting menu at verve by Sven 120CHF (£116)
Return flight Heathrow-Zurich is around £200-300 off peak, but you can easily double that in high season

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Five star treatment at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz – review appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Whether you want a relaxing, luxury break or an adventure-packed trip we have the latest launches and best travel news, for you to enjoy this summer.

Glass-bottomed pools you make the rocking world go ‘round

nhow Milano

nhow Milano recently opened a new 750 square metre rooftop area that features an infinity glass-bottomed pool located in Milan’s Via Tortona.

The Vertigo Pool is situated alongside two round pools and a solarium. There is also a new restaurant and cocktail bar to complement the view.

Prices per night start at €160 this summer.

For more information head to nh Hotels.

Are you seeking some water wellness?

Beach on the Isle of Mull

New for 2023, Wild Hebridean Swimming Adventures presents its beginner open water development retreats at Achaban House, Fionnphort.

This summer, enjoy adventure swims in some of the world’s most idyllic seas on the Isles of Mull and Iona. There will be guided swim treks, safety courses in cold water swimming, sunrise and sunset dips and 1:1 technique coaching.

Forthcoming retreats will be from 17 to 23 July and 29 Sept to 2 October. Retreats start at £795pp and include transfers, meals, yoga, massage, pilates and coaching.

For more information head to Swim Dynamics.

Looking for the perfect day trip from London?

Mayfield Lavender, Surrey

Banstead, Surrey, is home to Mayfield Lavender for only three months out of the year. It reopened on 20 June and will close again on 20 August.

The 25-acre farm sits on an original 19th-century Victorian lavender field site. There is a tractor ride that runs throughout the day to take in all the sights and smells as well as see the bees and butterflies. It is £2.50 per person.

There is a shop and café selling a range of teas, cupcakes, oils and soaps made with the organic lavender grown there.

It is £5 entry per person. Note that you can only buy tickets when you’re there (weekdays will be less busy).

Fancy a shleepover?

Naughty Sheep

Naughty Sheep have announced their new wellness weekends starting from September 2023 that combine mindfulness and sheep in Gartmore, Stirling.

Their three-day Sheepy Sleepovers involve de-stressing with pet Herdwick sheep while exploring the surrounding hidden gems of Scotland. A three-night stay includes yoga, sound healing, meditations, confidence techniques and, of course, Dougal and Lochie the sheep.

Available from 15 September 2023. Price: £796 per night for up to three people.

For more information visit Tea With Naughty Sheep.

Relaxation with a touch of elegance and charm

Schloss Hotel Roxburghe

SCHLOSS Roxburghe recently celebrated the opening of the new Estate House located within the countryside of the Scottish Borders after an expansion that boasts an additional 58 rooms and a new restaurant and spa.

The new spa facility includes a heated outdoor infinity pool, indoor and outdoor areas for relaxing, a plunge pool and a fitness suite. As well as three treatment rooms and two saunas.

To book, head to Schloss Hotel Roxburghe.

An escape in the city with the girls

Wander Women Collective

The WanderWomen collective in Edinburgh, Scotland, has released a series of outdoor experiences for women this July.

Their upcoming activities include a Forest Bath & River Swim on 6 July and a Hammock Hang Out on the 28^th. Both involve a unique mix of mindfulness and adventure in and around Edinburgh to escape from the daily grind.

Forest Bath & River Swim – 6 July (price: £60; concession £48)

Hammock Hang Out – 28 July (price: £30; concession £24)

For more information visit Wander Women.

Read more: How a life-changing retreat transformed this 60-year-old’s life

Beat the cost of living with these countryside offers

The Inn Collection Group

The Inn Collection Group have re-launched their Winter Breaks offer for 2023/24 in Northumberland, Durham, Tyne & Wear and North Yorkshire.

Starting at £49.50 per person, the package offers bed and breakfast stays with dinner from 1 November to 31 March. The offer is open at 29 inns located in some of the UK’s most picturesque locations such as the Lake District and the North York Moors.

Bookings are available direct from The Inn Collection Group.

A luxurious sleep under the stars in Västerås

Best Western Plus Hotel Plaza has opened the Plaza Rooftop Hotel on a roof terrace in the middle of Västerås in

Plaza Rooftop Hotel, Sweden

collaboration with one of Sweden’s leading bed suppliers, Hästens.

The so-called “Glasdome” is 1hr 30min west of Stockholm and boasts a unique hotel experience with an extensive room service menu. Guests can choose from a variety of experiences such as the world’s highest bungee jump, a hot air balloon flight and private gin tasting at a local distillery.

Prices start at SEK 3,995 (approx. £295) and include a three-course dinner menu, welcome drink, a free minibar, entrance to Hotel Plaza’s Spa and a gym session at Skygym.

For more information visit Plaza Rooftop Hotel.

The ultimate wellness experience in the Maldives

The Nautilus, the Maldives

The Nautilus is hosting the Energy Harmony Retreat this winter in collaboration with Ananda in the Himalayas to combine ayurvedic and yogic knowledge with the timeless hospitality of the Maldives.

The five-star private island hideaway offers beach houses on Hanifaru Bay and an extensive range of facilities and spa amenities. This new retreat will explore Ayurvedic treatments and classes such as Reflexology and Kundalini Massage. There will be tailored gourmet cuisine created especially for the retreat.

Prices start at USD 33,260 for two guests for six nights and include all meals, return transfers, green tax and the programme.

For more information visit The Nautilus.

Summer’s most stylish beach club has officially opened!

Dune Beach Marbella

Bought to you by the creators of Ocean Club Marbella, Dune Beach Marbella opens this summer in El Rosario, Marbella, and offers stunning sea views, stylish décor, and gourmet Mediterranean cuisine.

Surrounded by protected sand dunes, Dune Beach Marbella combines the beach club experience with a sit-down restaurant. Expect middle eastern flatbreads, marinated tiger prawns, Kobe flank steaks and hearty salads. As well as wines, champagnes, or curated cocktails.

For more information visit Dune Beach Marbella.

A Star Is Born

Introducing Celestyal Journey, Celestyal’s long-awaited new ship following its multimillion refurbishment.

Celestyal Journey

With 280% more balcony suites, seven dining venues, eight bars, two pools and an entire deck dedicated to wellness, the Celestyal Journey offers you an opportunity to relax and adventure on the Aegean Sea.

This is the debut of its first-ever penthouse with a private terrace. As well as an updated culinary experience.

Set sail on 2 September and visit Athens, Thessaloniki, Kusadasi, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos and Milos.

For further information visit Celestyal.

Beth Pratt

Beth is one of Silver’s interns. She loves reading and studying literature. Entering her final year of university, Beth still finds time to dance, swim, and have a pint with friends. Her favourite hobby is going to coffee shops, if you can call it a hobby!

The post Travel news July – hot picks appeared first on Silver Magazine.

It’s a hard life, heading off to Milan for the European launch of the new Lexus LBX. After much time spent looking at and playing with this hybrid compact SUV, I really wanted to take one for a spin.

Did you go to university with someone who was always keen to save the whales or the rainforests? Or whatever the eco-cause du jour was? But curiously they drove an old, leaded petrol-fuelled VW Beetle?

We should care about the planet – and that includes the cars we drive

Perhaps you were that student, with your placard-laden Vee-Dub stalling and spluttering around campus, belching out black smoke. I’m afraid I was the smug kid driving the much newer car that ran on slightly cleaner unleaded, wondering why you were all about saving the planet, until it came to your car. Sorry.

If my university alumni emails are any indication, plenty of my fellow students, including the aforementioned VW drivers, have done very well since graduation. I would be surprised to find too many of my former classmates driving ancient, polluting bangers. Despite questionable vehicle choices back in the day, the university eco-warriors were ultimately right. We should care about the planet – and that includes the cars we drive.

Which brings me nicely to the new Lexus

The Lexus LBX is a hybrid compact SUV that is aimed at a wide range of drivers who have a bit of cash to splash on a car, would like something comfortable and luxurious, but also eco-friendly and maybe a bit cool. I feel like I, along with my alumnus, have become a target demographic.

On my trip to Milan for the European launch, I learned a few things. Including discovering that the Duomo is so beautiful, I actually started to cry in the piazza.

The world does not need another compact SUV that resembles a Stormtrooper helmet. Instead, we have an elegant SUV

Before the launch, I’d only seen a few deliberately vague teaser shots and a video of the LBX, which were not so much a flash of leg, but more like a hint of toe. In my head, I was trying to fill in the blanks before I saw the LBX in the flesh, but my brain kept defaulting to the Range Rover Evoque.

When I got my first look at the LBX, as three of them drove into a warehouse space simultaneously, it was pleasing to learn that the designers have not simply taken their cues from the Evoque – or any other brand, for that matter. The world does not need another compact SUV that resembles a Stormtrooper helmet. Instead, we have an elegant little SUV. It still looks like a Lexus, but there are enough design tweaks to make it stand out from the brand’s sedate saloon cars that are certainly comfortable, but not necessarily cool.

Let’s look at it properly

At the back, there is a sleek red line of light rather than chunky tail lights, which helps ensure the LBX looks like an LBX, rather than a Frankenstein’s monster of derivative design ideas. It’s an individual.

Inside, it has the comfort and space required for the buyers who will inevitably use the LBX as a soccer taxi, without being an overbearing blindspot-riddled behemoth that is difficult to park and regularly causes motorway chaos with ill-advised merging attempts. I hasten to add that these debacles are sometimes caused by poor driving. And I advise such people to get a Ford Fiesta for everyone’s sake.

Moving swiftly on, the leather seats – or the vegan leather option, if you prefer – are high-end, without looking like puffy cow skin quilts. The leather continues along the dashboard along with a trim called Tsuyusami. These are charcoal-coloured inlays made with multiple layers of film. The cabin features ambient lighting with 50 different colour options.

Most importantly, as far as I’m concerned, is the driver’s seat. From the time you open the near-noiseless door, it’s clear that driver comfort is a priority. The cockpit concept is called Tazuna, which basically means the main controls and information sources are immediately around the driver. With some cars, where you get in the driver’s seat for the first time and spend 10 minutes working out where everything is. The LBX is simple and intuitive.

It’s a car for everyone, apparently

As a bonus for any household where people of varying heights drive the car, the LBX can memorise the seating positions for three different people. This is definitely something I would love in a car. I am the corgi-legged driver who slides the seat almost all the way forward to reach the pedals. My husband, while not a giant, still needs to adjust absolutely everything when he takes the wheel.

From the time you open the near-noiseless door, it’s clear that driver comfort is a priority

The steering wheel is designed so the instruments aren’t obscured when you turn the wheel. And if you want to shift it yourself, there are ergonomic paddle shifters for the times when the automatic gearbox doesn’t quite find the gear you want. They’re in easy reach for my twiggy little fingers.

I was at a static launch, so we didn’t get to drive the LBX. Instead, we spent a lot of time fondling parked cars, twiddling via touchscreen with radio stations, navigation and climate control, inspecting the generous luggage space, playing musical chairs with the front and back seats, counting cup-holders, admiring the 18-inch wheels, and pushing whatever buttons we could without accidentally sending the cars careering around the building.

Getting behind the wheel

I would love to take the LBX for a spin on the open road and around my patch of London. It has a 1.5-litre self-charging hybrid powertrain. So there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy zero-emissions motoring on my daily errands. Plus it’d be nice to see what the 134bhp and 185Nm of torque feels like on the M40.

While there is a big push towards getting everyone driving electric cars, for many drivers, the hybrids are a sensible, practical gateway between the internal combustion engine and pure electric. This is where the LBX should do well in the UK. Hybrid vehicle sales are up, reflecting the market research Lexus undertook when deciding what powertrain to bestow upon the LBX.

In the meantime, I will have to content myself with contemplating which of the four “atmospheres” (Elegant, Relaxed, Emotion, and Cool) I would choose on my LBX. And who knows? I might even end up making further inquiries when the order books open in October. You can make a reservation from next month.

Unlike my bizarre experience in customising my own Tesla Model S Plaid online, which culminated in the website asking me for a startlingly small £100 deposit, the LBX is offering all manner of toys for all four atmospheres, so all I really need to do is choose colours. And I really want the one with the red seatbelt.

The LBX is certainly luxurious, but it’s made for the real world — and, as I’m sure my old university colleagues would agree, it’s a world worth saving.

Georgia Lewis

In a career that has spanned Australia, the Middle East and the UK, Georgia has written about all sorts of things, including sex, cars, food, oil and gas, insurance, fashion, travel, workplace safety, health, religious affairs, glass and glazing… When she’s not writing words for fun and profit, she can usually be found with a glass of something French and red in her hand.

The post The Italian job: Checking out the new Lexus LBX in Milan appeared first on Silver Magazine.

The gastronomy industry has taken a significant hit over the past few years, with many failing after months of lockdown and restrictions. And now we’re facing inflated costs and household bills. With budgets tighter than ever before, luxuries like eating out are often the first things to be scrapped in order to save money. So many people are entertaining at home because of the cost of living crisis.

And because of this more urgent need to save the pennies, this has led to a remarkable rise in entertaining at home. Instead of eating out, friends are much more likely to meet at one another’s houses and enjoy an evening of homecooked food and board games. 

How is the current rate of inflation impacting things?

Inflation is something that is on everyone’s minds at the moment, and everyone will have noticed the steep hike in prices of standard products. The 12 months leading up to February 2023 saw an eyewatering 9.2 per cent increase across the board. This mainly effected gas and electricity prices, but also the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages. 

This is in stark comparison to February 2022 which saw a CPIH increase of 0.7 per cent in comparison to 1.0 per cent in February 2023. So, it’s clear that the events of the past year in particular have been straining household budgets. 

What entertaining at home has meant for shopping habits

Entertaining at home requires more than just food. For many, it encapsulates a whole experience which is only possible with a few household items. Sales of home accessories and furniture in March rose steeply as people sought to spruce up their home for visitors. 

And as people avoid the restaurants and opt for more nights in, they’re turning to streaming services to entertain them throughout the evening. Consequently, spending on such services and subscriptions to digital content saw its highest growth since last Autumn. 

Is this the new normal?

For many of us, there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel just yet. As food prices continue to rise and household bills take huge chunks out of people’s budgeting, significant cost pressures don’t suggest that people will be flocking back to restaurants any time soon. 

However, by entertaining at home, employing handy tricks to preserve energy and heating, and saving money with ASOS NHS discount codes, people are still managing to have fun amid the financial crisis.

Read more: 5 home improvements you can do on a budget

Will inflation continue to rise?

Inflation is generally expected to fall this year. Wholesale energy prices have already fallen a lot, imported goods are expected to get cheaper and because people aren’t spending as much as they used to, there will be less demand for certain things overall. 

Inflation actually stopped rising in the middle of 2022 and has been stable ever since. Once it starts to fall, banks must do everything they can to keep it low. 

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The post Entertaining at home more popular as cost of living hits pockets appeared first on Silver Magazine.

The bedroom is your very own private sanctuary. In here, you are at peace and can fully unwind after a long day at work or socialising with friends. This is why it’s so important to make it your own and ensure it looks as good as possible, so you can get the most satisfaction out of it. So how can you create your own luxury bedroom.

It is estimated that Brits redecorate their bedrooms every 29 months

It is estimated that Brits redecorate their bedrooms every 29 months in order to keep them on-trend and ensure you don’t grow tired of the décor. If it’s been this long or longer since you last updated your bedroom, then maybe now is the time to make those necessary changes and create the best bedroom setting for you. 

You can’t go wrong with luxury bedroom design and this article will tell you why and how exactly you can get your bedroom to look luxuriously in several simple steps. Read on to find out more. 

Set a budget

You don’t have to spend ‘luxury’ money to get a luxury feel, so it’s important you set a reasonable budget that you can afford and stick to when thinking about renovating or redecorating your bedroom.

set a reasonable budget that you can afford and stick to

Consider what existing items you want to keep in the bedroom too as this can help to save some of the costs too. After you’ve decided, you’ll know exactly what you still need to get. This will allow you to create a realistic budget to work with. 

Plan the space

There’s nothing luxurious about an overcrowded or empty-looking bedroom, so it’s important to plan the space around how you use your room. Think of the natural flow and where it makes sense to place the furniture. To get the most out of your space, consider how you can get save room too. This could be done by installing a walk-in wardrobe for example.

Choose your colour scheme

Luxury bedroom interior, colour scheme inspired by Dulux colour of the year (Image: Pexels)

Before any furniture is purchased, having a set colour scheme is a must. There’s nothing luxurious about a mismatched colour scheme which is why it’s so important. You can opt for warm and inviting colours or maybe get with the latest trend by choosing around the Dulux Colour of the Year. 

Focal point

Every luxury room needs a focal point, so deciding what yours will help you plan the rest of the space around it. Here are some examples of focal points: 

• Bed
• Artwork 
• Bookcase 
• Canopy

Soft furnishings

Luxury doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort. That’s why you simply must overfill your pillows, opt for plush blankets and pillows, large soft rugs as well as long draping curtains. This will ensure your bedroom is both comfortable and stylish which is everything you can ever want from a bedroom.

Interior ideas for the darker months

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post How to create your own luxury bedroom appeared first on Silver Magazine.

How are you finding your Dry January? If you’re already ready to rip, and counting the hours until it’s over, let me tell you about a trip I had to Cyprus with an itinerary including gin and wine tasting.

I’d been trying to hop on the wagon before I went, but that went out of the window almost immediately. On arrival at the luxurious Asimina Hotel in Paphos, abstinence became a distant memory as soon as the champagne appeared. A cocktail or two later and I’d well and truly fallen.

Later in the stay I was treated to a gin-tasting and education session from a very knowledgeable Cypriot chap called George. These sessions can be arranged in advance for guests.

Fortunately, there was food…

Lucky I wasn’t on a diet, as that too would have been all but a distant memory once I stepped over the threshold of one of the four on-site restaurants. The outdoor eatery, nestled in a leafy corner of the resort, was my favourite. 

The terrace restaurant is five star and classy, with low lighting and a medium-sized a la carte menu. A team of international chefs do the cooking, not only of traditional Cypriot dishes but also of Thai and Italian delights. 

Dining under the stars, with a view of the sea, being served exquisite food (the grilled swordfish, and garlic and chilli salmon were especially good), and divine cocktails was a complete joy. The French Martini – vodka, peach juice and Chambord – quickly became my new favourite cocktail.

The second morning, a cookery lesson on the terrace – courtesy of the hotel chef – was fun, despite my slight hangover. We made moussaka Cypriot style (beef and pork instead of lamb) and a veggie version too, made with layers of aubergine and mushroom. That was lunch sorted.

The lush life

Relaxing by one of the two large pools was delightful, and waiter service considerably enhanced the experience. There’s nothing quite as decadent as ordering French Martinis from a supine position and going for dips between sips.

There’s nothing quite as decadent as ordering French Martinis from a supine position and going for dips between sips

The evening view from my suite – no rooms here, just luxury suites, complete with comfortable lounge, kitchen area with a well-stocked mini-bar, sumptuous bedroom with queen size bed and spacious marble-clad bathroom with a gorgeous deep bath and huge shower – was stunning. (Twelve of the 111 suites have their own private sea-view pools.)

From my second floor apartment, I could see terraces, an array of shrubs, flowers, tall palm trees and one of two outdoor pools. A few steps beyond the pools the Mediterranean Sea, edged by the Kato Paphos beach, sparkled as the orange sun dipped into the hazy horizon.

In love with my bathroom

The weather at this time of year (mid-October) was more than clement: a comfortable 25 degrees with a warm and gentle breeze. No jacket required – not even when eating out in the evenings. When it’s cooler, staying in isn’t a bad option as the hotel has an indoor pool and jacuzzi, four bars, a hair salon, a gym, a shop and evening entertainment.

Read: Great walking holidays in Europe

Historical tours and Cleopatra 

A full day tour took me to the harbour in Paphos where we explored Pafos Castle (a 13th century Byzantine fortress, dismantled by the Venetians and rebuilt by the Ottomans in 1592) and to the Paphos Archaeological Park in Nea Pafos where I – and other tourists – viewed the ancient mosaic floors of Roman ruins (comprising five houses built around the second century and unearthed in the 1980s).

The tiled floors are mostly intact and depicted all kinds of myths, one being the tragic love story of Dionysis and Ariadne, the tale on which Shakespeare allegedly based Romeo And Juliet.

The tour guide explained how Cleopatra’s descendants once ruled Cyprus. She also told us how the pods of the indigenous carob tree, each being exactly the same size and weight as the next, were once used to weigh gold, giving rise to the word ‘carat’.

I learned that cats were brought to the island many years ago to kill off the snakes. (It didn’t work; the island is now home to many species of snake and a whole load of ownerless but very well-fed cats).

Another fascinating fact is that English king, Richard The Lionheart, got married in Cyprus in 1191: the only British royal wedding that’s taken place somewhere other than the UK.

Along the coast, I stopped at Aphrodite’s Rock. Aphrodite – the Greek goddess of love – was said to have been born in Paphos, not in the usual way of course but by emerging from the foam of the sea.

Aphrodite’s Rock, Cyprus. Photo: Dimitris Vetsikas

Wines fit for the Gods

Despite the island’s 6000-year history of wine-making, most Brits aren’t familiar with Cypriot wines. And probably wouldn’t think of Cyprus for wine tasting. An hour by car northwards, by the Troos mountains, was Ktemo Gerolemo, a winery where I keenly sampled an array of Cypriot wines.

Many of the wineries are run by families, who have not yet got into the whole business of export. The white, red and rosé were delicious and surprisingly smooth, the dessert wines were syrupy sweet, and the fiery Cypriot brandy called Zivania (which I necked as a shot, and really shouldn’t have!): it felt so medicinal that I now feel 100% safe from lurgies of all kinds this winter.

The village of Omodos, a little further north, is quaint and hilly with cobbled streets and many cute little shops and restaurants.

The narrow street with the small stone houses, colourful wooden doors and old amphoras, Omodos, Cyprus.

We lunched here – at Stou Kir Yianni – on a decadent, 16 course mezze of Greek salad, spinach pies, Cypriot sausages, chicken kebabs, roast pork and roast potatoes. I learnt something new about myself too – that, after years of disliking them, I suddenly love truffles. Maybe Cypriot ones are different to British ones – I don’t know – but the truffle pasta was out-of-this-world delicious. The mezze was so huge, the tour guide ended up with a takeaway big enough to feed her and her family for at least a week.

Other nights out included champagne at the glitzy rooftop bar at a neighbouring hotel, a meal at Fetta’s Corner in Paphos town, followed by cocktails and shisha at a lively bar until the early hours.

So much for sober October!

Visit the Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel

If you’re looking for a good value spring break, consider Paphos. And definitely consider this amazing hotel. Winner of over 16 awards in the last two years, the Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel, Paphos – with prices from £999 for 7 night departures in May 2023 in a Junior Suite land view room on B&B with flights from Gatwick including private transfers – are taking bookings now. (Early booking discount: save 20% for all bookings until 28th February 2023.)

For further information please call the Constantinou Bros Hotels UK Sales office on 01924 380160

Website:  www.cbh-cyprus.com

Jacqui Deevoy

Jacqui Deevoy has been a freelance journalist for over three decades, starting out on teenage magazines, then later working for women’s magazines worldwide, and national newspapers including the Daily Mail, the Mirror, Express and Telegraph. These days, as well as writing for magazines, papers and websites, she produces documentaries and hosts a Monday night talk show for Unprecedented TV.

The post Dreaming of a holiday? Try Cyprus for wine tasting appeared first on Silver Magazine.