Author: Jared Ruttenberg

The timing couldn’t have been better. It was the week of the launch of White Lotus Season 3, and the hotel-themed show was filmed on the island of Koh Samui, where we were staying. The atmosphere was electric, as was our anticipation. So off two friends went in search of our own White Lotus experience, hopefully with all the beauty but none of the drama.

Our driver wound through the bustling streets, with people, scooters, and dogs moving in all directions. Driving past a beautifully red-bricked wall with lush vegetation poking out in parts, I asked the driver which temple this was. Turning, he flashed a quick smile, saying this was our hotel. In stark contrast to the hustle outside the gates, we were about to step into the sanctuary of Renaissance Koh Samui Resort & Spa. There was a distinct sense of being welcomed into a sacred space. 

The welcome

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The Mother City continues to shine after being named Time Out’s annual ‘Best Cities in the World’. With countless attractions available, I share a few of my favourite new highlights from Cape Town.

Wellness: One & Only Spa

Have you ever found yourself gazing up at the stars, blissfully immersed in a sense of escape? Cape Town’s One & Only enhances that experience with a no-expense-spared renovation of their spa – now embracing the theme ‘Stardust’ and offering a stellar experience.

Start by crossing a bridge over the waterfront canal to a private island – complete with all the expected island features: enticing pools, lush vegetation, and an abundance of escape vibes – and then into the spa. My top-rated treatment is the ‘Essence of Cape Town’, a signature African treatment using indigenous plants. It begins with an invigorating sea salt scrub, followed by a

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With over 700 vineyards within a two-hour drive of Cape Town, deciding which one to visit can pose a challenge. Fortunately, the estate closest to Cape Town’s airport is a destination in its own right – and after visiting twice, it’s time to share this hidden gem.

The welcome

Driving through the gates of Vergenoegd Löw invokes a palpable anticipation of leaving behind life’s stresses and embracing the excitement of what lies ahead. Following the signs to the hotel, a sliding gate opens ahead, with a porter greeting you at the car, ready to assist with your luggage. At the hotel reception, the staff continued the warm welcome, offering a refreshing towel to help you cool off.

After completing the necessary paperwork, we were escorted into a golf cart, and our journey began, meandering through the estate. As we passed the hotel and the owner’s

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Approaching from Hermanus on the famed Hemel-en-Aarde Road, the discreet little signpost to Moya’s Vineyard entrance belies the majestic scene at the end of the driveway. Sheltered from the winds by established lanes of conifers, the farmstead confidently nestles above the valley floor, claiming its environment with sensible style and considered rural elegance.

The welcome

Modelled after the classic Mediterranean country manor and framed by the Babilonstoring Mountains as a backdrop, we were instantly transported to a near Felliniesque dream of Tuscany. The two-storey house, with its adjacent barn, is set on a terraced lawn-scape with naturalist gardens, gifting their heady perfume of rose and herb to arriving guests.  

At the front door, the estate manager Nikki beamed a heartfelt welcome, ushering us towards some waiting refreshments – iced tea and home-baked bread still steaming under their linen blankets. The treats had to wait, though, as we took

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As it celebrates its fifth anniversary, Dorp (Afrikaans for village) has maintained a rather low profile, as is often the case with certain hidden gems. Following the development of a loyal following and significant features in international magazines, the name is now heard more frequently – and, as I discovered over two visits, for good reason.

The welcome

A year after my first visit, I once again stepped through the doors, and the same staff warmly greeted me – impressively remembering me from my previous stay. There are handshakes and even a few hugs as I walk through the hotel. As I enter my cottage, the entrance table bears a welcome note signed from “your Dorp family,” rather than “the Dorp family.” 

This subtle pronoun change reflects the Dorp ethos. It conveys the ‘welcome home’ sentiment that many hotels claim but struggle to deliver. Knowing it was a special

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Every year, I have the privilege of spending a month in New Zealand with family and always seize the chance to scout out luxurious new staycations in the land of the Long White Cloud. Here are five of my current favourites to add to the bucket list.

InterContinental Wellington

In the heart of the capital city, the InterContinental is one of its iconic 5-star hotels and has been a firm favourite of mine for years. The recently refurbished rooms provide every creature comfort – from our 9th-floor harbour-view room, we could observe the people, weather, and cityscapes of Wellington. Furthermore, the hotel features the city’s largest indoor heated pool, complete with a jacuzzi, sauna, and steam bath; all perfect for downtime between urban explorations.

The InterContinental also offers enviable dining options in New Zealand’s capital city. First GPO is the hotel’s beautiful dining space where breakfast buffets and

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