Stay a little longer
The luxury of time
Extended stays can allow for a more authentic experience, as the destination becomes familiar rather than fleeting, and summer’s social and sporting calendars – from the glamour of Monaco’s Grand Prix to the buzz of Paris Fashion Week – offer plenty of compelling reasons to linger.
Whether in London for Wimbledon or Royal Ascot, serviced apartments such as the newly opened SLO in Mayfair offer a refined residential-style stay in the heart of the city, designed for guests who want the comfort and rhythm of everyday living within one of London’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.
Beyond matches and meets, the neighbourhood encourages residents to settle into its rhythms. Savile Row’s tailors, Mount Street’s boutiques and the Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition are all just a short walk away, and with time, familiar patterns take shape – a go-to coffee shop, an evening stroll through a garden square – transforming a stay into something that feels genuinely lived-in.
Get ready to give back
Travel with a sense of purpose
Luxury travel is increasingly intertwined with purpose, and many high-end properties now act as cultural connectors. Take marine conservation initiatives, where travellers can participate in coral restoration projects, assist with turtle hatchling releases or join guided dives that support reef monitoring.
While on land, guests might assist with penguin protection, staying in eco-lodges that blend seamlessly into New Zealand’s breathtaking landscape, or join a rhino-tracking programme in South Africa to help strengthen anti-poaching efforts and preserve the creatures’ habitats.
In addition, volunteering in destinations across Asia means contributing to community projects – building classrooms, supporting local artisans or engaging in educational initiatives.
Left: Rhino tracking in South Africa | Right: Turtle hatching and release
Rethink transport
The journey is the destination
Rediscover the pleasure of the journey itself aboard a luxury train. In India, the Maharajas’ Express pairs opulent suites with curated itineraries through Rajasthan, complete with butler service and private excursions to iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal.
Across Canada, the Rocky Mountaineer travels only by daylight, its glass-domed carriages framing uninterrupted views of forests, rivers and mountain peaks.
Meanwhile in Peru, the Belmond Andean Explorer glides between Cusco and Arequipa, crossing vast high-altitude plains.
Belmond Andean Explorer, Peru
Image courtesy of Belmond Andean Explorer
Or for a touch of maritime elegance, carefully curated Virtuoso voyages go far beyond traditional cruising. Journey through Norwegian fjords, Greek islands or along Alaska’s coastline, all while enjoying elevated onboard experiences and thoughtfully designed itineraries.
For members of ASMALLWORLD, access to Virtuoso cruises comes with a suite of additional privileges when booking through ASMALLWORLD Bespoke Travel, including dedicated onboard hosts, bespoke shore excursions and special onboard dining options.
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, which calls Alaska home from June through August
Image courtesy of Cunard
The great outdoors
Adventure, refined
Seeking an active adventure? Summer opens up a world of possibilities.
In Portugal’s Santa Cruz, Noah’s Surf House is a design-forward base from which to tackle some of Europe’s best waves. With its own surf school and proximity to iconic breaks like Ericeira and Nazaré, it caters to both beginners and experienced surfers, balancing adrenaline with a laid-back, beachside atmosphere.
While in Canada, heli-hiking and heli-skiing expeditions from exclusive lodges provide access to otherwise unreachable terrain. Days are tailored to individual skill levels, with private guides and chefs ensuring both safety and indulgence.
