Life Arts & Travel

When stress and tension overwhelm us, it’s natural to seek an escape hatch. In this month’s travel feature, we take you on a tour of wellness retreats around the globe that unapologetically combine luxury accommodations with the most effective techniques of this world to soothe the inner self. Travelling from the Swiss Alps to private Cambodian islands, this jaunt covers the cream of the crop of self-indulgent spa sanctuaries.

The future has arrived in the form of two electric sports cars, the Lotus Evija and the Pininfarina Battista, that have raced into the outer limits of electric-car production. These two hyper-cars break records as if they were match sticks. Supercar enthusiasts will love the power, the handling, the sheer speed but may miss some of what made sports cars fun: the sounds and smells of revving monstrous internal-combustion engines.

The Southeast Asian island city-state of Singapore may be comparatively small in size but is mighty in influence, universally recognized as a global financial centre. Due to its esteemed status, it’s not surprising that its luxury real estate is popular among high-net-worth investors. Some of the most desirable properties in the Orchard Road area, at the heart of the city’s retail and accommodation activity, are showcased in our real-estate feature.

The Germans and Italians are at it again, vying for the top spot on not only the Nurburgring but in the hearts of luxury-supercar aficionados. The Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro and Ferrari F8 Tributo both eat up any surface they touch and are characterized more by their similarities than differences. It’s a toss-up as to which one makes the most rewarding investment for anyone wealthy enough to purchase the ultimate sports car.

The Middle East, in which numerous ancient civilizations and religions were born, is guaranteed to provide unlimited sight-seeing opportunities for lucky travellers. Fortunately, there are a number of luxury boutique hotels with all of the modern comforts to enjoy while visiting this history-soaked region—in fact, they are destinations in themselves! Take a peek inside some of the Cradle of Civilization’s classiest accommodations before making your choice.

Wealth and opulence are synonymous with Dubai, so it’s not surprising that the city’s real estate is pure luxury. Dubai has made a name by setting new records, from constructing the world’s tallest building to longest indoor ski slope, and its real estate matches that spirit of innovation. Whether you want to make a permanent home in this Middle Eastern trade hub or an exceptional investment, the Dubai market offers unrivaled opportunities.

The Toyota Supra and Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 have pleased sports-car enthusiasts for decades, so the newest generations of these iconic vehicles are being greeted with high expectations. Close inspection reveals that they have less rather than more in common—but both can easily claim the supercar designation, able to navigate the road and the track masterfully. To validate their value, both vehicles have recently demanded auction prices in the million-plus-dollar range.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are chosen then preserved for their significance to humanity and include the planet’s most astonishing natural and man-made landmarks. Visiting them is rewarding, but adding luxury accommodations that are experiences in themselves makes the adventure that much more gratifying. In our travel feature, we take you to four must-see heritage sites from one end of the globe to the other and into the opulent accommodations that best complement them.

The Republic of Ireland, famous for its green shamrock and Celtic harp and cross, also boasts breathtaking country properties. How is its real-estate market faring, especially in light of Ireland’s situation of being still part of Europe post-Brexit? Certainly political uncertainties are having an impact, but favourable factors such as a healthy economy, along with the exceptional attributes of the country properties themselves, continue to attract buyers from all over the world.

The five Nordic nations are loved by all for their quaint, old-world charm and by winter enthusiasts for their abundant supply of snow. Visitors are in for an unparalleled treat when they lodge in Scandinavian’s top luxury tourist accommodations, providing rare experiences such as staying in a hotel made of ice or viewing the magnificent Northern Lights at the most advantageous location on the planet.