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As twilight descended upon Innsbruck, we ventured into the Hofgarten, where LUMAGICA awaited — an impressive series of lights displayed throughout this historic park.

The park dates back to the 15th Century having been initially created as part of the imperial gardens for the ruling Habsburg dynasty. And this annual light festival, running from November to February, transforms the gardens into a realm of enchantment, inviting visitors to experience the magic of peace, love and family.

LUMAGICA dates back to an installation at Hückelhoven, Germany, where an installation was displayed on a former coal hill. The concept has since been extended to locations all over Europe, including Warsaw, Trondheim, Barcelona, and – of course – now Innsbruck.

It’s a spectacle that will delight young and old alike. The over one-kilometre circular route is adorned with

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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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We didn’t know quite what to expect when we visited Experience Tirol on the top floor of a shopping centre in the heart of Innsbruck.

We’d previously visited Fly Over Iceland, an attraction in Reykjavik, but this was something quite different – a series of interactive rooms and experiences, enveloping us in the essence of Tyrol. It’s an immersive show that transcends traditional exhibitions, offering a sensory journey through the region’s history and culture.

Upon arrival, the friendly staff provided us with a brief introduction and guidance on using the VR equipment. The adventure begins in a room where holographic figures – a father and his daughter – narrate the of Tyrolean customs – a seamless blend of storytelling and technology.

With virtual reality headsets, we’re next transported back to pivotal moments in Tyrol’s past. We stood alongside Ötzi, traversed the reign of Emperor

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New Zealand’s luxury travel sector is transforming profoundly in 2025, combining sustainable practices with luxury indulgence. The country is not just reaching new heights in the basic luxury travel offerings but making those offerings even more exclusive. Mostly, that’s playing out at the level of accommodations and experiences. From what we’ve seen, private and guided travel experiences will likely be New Zealand’s luxury hallmark.

2025 redefining luxury accommodations

There are several impressive new properties and accommodations set to open in 2025. In Queenstown, the anticipated ROKI Collection is set to open in mid-2025, promising 15 luxury suites with spectacular lake and mountain views. The property’s Roman bathhouse-inspired spa offers respite, while luxuries like private bathtubs, fireplaces, and walk-in robes ensure utmost comfort.

One of the most anticipated events is the March 2025 reopening of the iconic Huka Lodge, which arises from an extensive luxury $20 million

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After an exhilarating snowshoe hike through pristine snow at Kühtai, we headed up the road to Restaurant Jagdschloss, part of the historic Jagdschloss Resort. We already have it on good authority from our snowshoeing guide, Nick, that it’s the best place to eat in the village. So, nestled in the shadow of Kühtai’s soaring peaks, this establishment promised a hearty embrace of Austrian hospitality, and we had definitely worked up an appetite for it.

The food

We didn’t have so long before catching our bus back to Innsbruck so each just chose one dish from a menu of soups and mains. The comforting bowl of cream of pumpkin soup was generously laced with coconut milk and scattered with crisp croutons. The subtle sweetness of the coconut complements the earthy pumpkin, and it’s satisfyingly warming after our outdoor excursions.

I chose the wiener schnitzel, a delicious golden veal dish

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If you’ve any preconceived notions about what Colombia is or isn’t, visiting this astonishing nation will throw you for a loop. Once associated with the drug trade and violent cartels, Colombia and its old Hollywood images are giving way to a country that’s ideal for learning salsa, exploring colonial cities, and swimming with dolphins.

Though some travelers are hesitant about visiting Colombia, locals will always comment, “The only risk is wanting to stay.” They acknowledge the country’s turbulent past but highlight its newborn attractiveness. This sentiment points to how the current Colombian travel experience is no less than captivating.

This country of quaint towns, historical intrigue, and sublime national parks is just waiting to be discovered. Boasting some of the lesser-known Latin American attractions, little-visited architectural treats, sweeping landscapes, sizzling salsa, and the best boutique hotels in South America, Colombia packs a real punch for your all-important adventure-filled getaway.

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There’s something magical about the journey to Kühtai. As our bus ascends from Innsbruck, winding its way along Alpine roads that climb progressively ever higher, there’s a slow transformation from city life to a snow-covered playground.

At 2,020 metres, Austria’s highest skiing village welcomes us with its crystalline air and towering peaks, the perfect stage for our snowshoeing adventure. We meet Nick, our Belgian guide from the aptly-named Follow Me ski school.

We’re in experienced hands – he’s worked in the area for man years and knows the region intimately. His respect for the landscape is also evident and he warns us of heightened avalanche risks, but assures us our route had been carefully chosen.

Strapping on snowshoes was relatively straight-forward. These lightweight contraptions expand our feet like oversized paddles, and the accompanying poles provide us with additional balance.

Nick

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Few travel experiences rival the freedom and opportunities on offer aboard a luxury charter yacht. Skimming turquoise waters and anchoring at unspoilt beaches, immersing yourself in diverse cultures and landscapes and unwinding while enjoying dedicated and bespoke service, make it an unparalleled way to explore the world.

Away from the hustle and bustle of a Mediterranean summer and further afield than the Caribbean, these enticing and less-travelled yacht charter destinations offer something truly unique and extraordinary for 2025.

Portugal: A nautical haven on the Atlantic

Portugal’s newest marina, Vilamoura World, was opened last year to complement the existing Vilamoura Marina, inviting charterers to experience the country’s beautiful Algarve and Atlantic coastlines. It’s not just golden beaches, surfing and fishing on offer: Portugal’s cosmopolitan city of Lisbon is ranked among the best places in the world to visit with stunning Cascais and the UNESCO-listed town of Sintra nearby.

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Reaching Umbrüggler Alm is an adventure in itself, a journey that blends the charm of modern engineering with the timeless beauty of the Tyrolean mountains. Our escapade began with a walk to Altstadt station of the Nordkettenbahnen. From there, a swift ride on the funicular whisked us partway up the mountain with the opportunity to admire majestic views over the city.

Our final leg was a 40-minute uphill hike along a woodland forest path from Hungerburg, occasionally interrupted by careful navigation of icy patches as we got higher.

As the trail opened up, Umbrüggler Alm emerged, proudly bearing its name and elevation — 1,123 metres — on the building façade.

This architectural gem promises a traditional mountain hut experience with a difference. To be honest, the view alone is enough but here classic Tyrolean dishes are prepared with

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Plitvice Lakes have always been known for their extraordinary beauty, which changes with the change of seasons. The winter brings with itself a peaceful glow to the lakes, when the lakes are covered with a layer of ice and snow; and with the arrival of spring, the nature awakens. Regardless of whether you visit in the winter or spring, the Plitvice Lakes provide an unforgettable experience in a beautiful natural setting.

Winter silence

Winter brings a special charm to Plitvice Lakes National Park, and its waterfalls, forests, and lakes covered in snow are a sight that many don’t often witness. While most visitors come to the Park in the spring and summer, the winter brings a quieter, more intimate experience of this unique place. During the cold months, the waterfalls partially or completely freeze over, creating stunning scenes. The snowy landscape offers the visitors the opportunity to experience

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