3 days ago
The Art of Doing Less: This Summer's Most Soulful Escapes
In a season often defined by overstimulation and itineraries packed to the brim, a new rhythm is emerging—one that favours presence over pace, rituals over rush, and deep restoration overindulgence. The Art of Doing Less captures this soulful shift in luxury travel, where the true richness of summer is found not in spectacle, but in stillness. From sound bath ceremonies in hidden grottos to constellation-inspired spa journeys and moonlit desert storytelling, these experiences invite travellers to slow down, tune in, and embrace a softer, more intentional way of exploring the world. Whether you're reconnecting with ancient landscapes in AlUla or crafting your own botanical perfume in the hills of Puglia, this is summer reimagined—not as a destination, but as a state of being.
FORAGE FOR WILD BOTANICALS AND BLEND YOUR OWN PERFUME IN PUGLIA
At Masseria Torre Maizza, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Puglia, summer unfolds to the rhythm of olive groves and slow coastal breezes. Guests can forage for wild herbs with a master perfumer to create a personal scent memory, or drift into stillness with a marine sound bath performed live inside a secluded grotto. With a newly expanded 'Borgo degli Ulivi' set to open in July 2025—featuring eleven suites with private gardens and pools—this is restorative hospitality immersed in the natural and cultural heritage of southern Italy.
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EXPERIENCE FULL MOON SOUND BOWL RITUALS IN CAPE TOWN
At One&Only Cape Town, the reimagined One&Only Spa is a sanctuary inspired by the Southern Cross constellation. Designed by Muza Lab, the spa features celestial design details, constellation lighting, and private treatment suites on an island oasis. The Full Moon Menu, available once a month, includes sound bowl ceremonies, chakra balancing, and moonstone rituals—inviting guests on a sensory journey guided by the lunar cycle.
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UNWIND IN ROME'S NEWLY REIMAGINED SECRET GARDEN SPA
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Hotel de Russie has unveiled its newly renovated De Russie Spa, a serene retreat in the heart of the Eternal City. Tied to its historic Secret Garden, the spa features five treatment rooms, couples' suites, a saltwater hydromassage pool, and the Forte Vita Bar for express beauty rituals. Treatments use high-performance skincare from Irene Forte, Swiss Perfection, and SkinCeuticals, blending holistic wellness with Roman elegance.
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MEDITATE THROUGH MASTERPIECES AT THE NATIONAL GALLERY, LONDON
Offered as a new Peninsula Academy experience, The Peninsula London introduces a rare blend of culture and calm. Guests are chauffeured by Rolls-Royce to the National Gallery for a private, after-hours tour of sold-out exhibitions. Guided by a specialist curator, the journey incorporates mindfulness, breathwork, and visualisation techniques. The experience concludes with a Subtle Energies massage at The Peninsula Spa, offering complete emotional and physical restoration.
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RECONNECT WITH SILENCE AND STARS IN ALULA'S DESERT STILLNESS
Set against the monumental backdrop of Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Chedi Hegra offers a series of summer programs rooted in slow exploration. From Desert Dreaming and Summer Sanctuary to the Wellness Retreat, each itinerary weaves together yoga, stargazing, heritage dining, and guided desert walks. Guests are invited to restore energy, deepen connection to place, and experience the poetic stillness of AlUla in summer.
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