Scotland is renowned for its storytelling, which is a vital part of the country's tradition and history. The Secrets of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile takes guests on a journey through time, unveiling fascinating secrets behind Edinburgh’s famous, historic Old Town. Through stories told by the expert guides, guests can learn all about Edinburgh’s residents from past generations and historical figures, such as Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns.
During The Underground City of the Dead tour, guests can venture into the most haunted section of Edinburgh’s Underground City, where a population once lived. Pitch black and filled with incredible history, these vaults were forgotten for centuries and only recently unsealed. Underground City of the Dead is researched and written by the award winning novelist and historical author, Jan-Andrew Henderson. The story of this hidden metropolis is told in his book The Town Below the Ground.
During the Hidden and Haunted ghost tour, guests are taken on a dark and eerie journey through Old Town’s sinister wynds and closes before descending into the haunted Blair Street Underground Vaults. During the tour tales, which are described as not fit for the glare of daylight, will be told – perhaps what’s spookiest of all, is that these twisted tales of history are all true stories. The ghost tour begins above ground, before making its way along the city’s narrow cobble-stone streets where murders, misdeeds and mischief once took place before entering the haunted vaults buried beneath ground.
The evening walking tour begins on the Royal Mile, where visitors are introduced to a costumed guide. The guide then reveals their identity which can be an unscrupulous surgeon or a misunderstood witch. Whatever their identity, they are filled with stories which will be told as visitors traverse the High Street, leaving behind the comforting streetlight to enter Greyfriars cemetery, one of the most haunted places in Edinburgh.
This tour ventures into the South Bridge Vaults and the Covenanter’s Prison in Greyfriars Graveyard, where the infamous Mackenzie Poltergeist lives. An encounter with the poltergeist is the highlight of the tour, with hundreds of people claiming to have been attacked by the entity. The MacKenzie Poltergeist is renowned as the best-documented supernatural case of all time, with it being the subject of books as well as television documentaries and newspaper articles.
The Extreme Paranormal Underground Ghost Tour was created for those who are extremely brave. During the tour, visitors will explore some of Edinburgh’s most haunted locations both above and underground. Begin by visiting old wynds which lead to one of the world’s most haunted graveyards, along the way ghost stories about terrifying tales of hangings, torture, murders and witches, will be told.
The Balmoral, the iconic Edinburgh hotel that first opened its doors in 1902, is filled with over a century of stories, making it the perfect place to stay this Halloween. The Balmoral is within walking distance of ghost tours and haunted locations, guests can spend their days and nights exploring the historical spots of Scotland’s capital before relaxing in the comfort of the hotel, ready to dissect and review the city’s terrifying mysteries.
DIOR and Hotel du Cap Eden Roc (Oetker Collection) unite by the same vision of discreet, authentic luxury. Shared passions have forged links between them that have grown stronger over time. First of all, of course, there is the exceptional art of living and the unique philosophy of well-being, infused with the same desire to help everyone experience unforgettable moments and emotions. Then there’s the love, shared with Monsieur Dior, for nature and flowers, in particular the roses that flourish by the thousands in the estate’s rose garden.
Photo credits: Hotel du Cap Eden Roc
For this timeless paradise, Dior created a multi-faceted Spa. In a setting inspired by the rocks on which the hotel stands, four treatment suites and an experiential space await their guests. The perfect embodiment of the Mediterranean way of life, the Spa extends into the heart of the vegetation of the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, inviting you to discover two settings bathed in the light of the French Riviera and the extraordinary blues of the sea. This year, the House invites its guests to discover the first Dior Wellness Retreat at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
DIOR’s 3 day wellness retreat at Hotel du Cap Eden Roc (French Riviera) April 19-22, 2025 is priced of USD 27.000 per person. The price includes: exclusive group and personal customer service / transfers to and from the airport / three nights at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc / daily breakfasts at Eden-Roc (three breakfasts) / lunches at The Grill (three lunches) / dinners at The Grill (three dinners) / welcome drink and welcome pack Wellness Pack Dior / access to all workshops and experiences / four treatments at Dior Spa Eden-Roc / access to the hammam, sauna and swimming pool at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc.
Sardinian Places is excited to announce the addition of the four-star Is Molas Resort to its 2025 holiday collection. Situated in southern Sardinia, near the vibrant town of Pula, this luxurious retreat has a scenic backdrop of rugged mountains and offers an array of first-class facilities designed for both relaxation and recreation, including an exclusive beach club and world-class golf.
A highlight of the resort is its prestigious 18-hole Championship golf course, considered one of Europe’s most scenic, offering stunning sea views. Guests can also refine their skills at the 9-hole course and driving range. After a round of golf, the stylish clubhouse—featuring a terrace bar and restaurant—provides the perfect place to unwind.
Beyond golf, Is Molas offers a wealth of indulgent experiences. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool, explore the resort’s lush gardens, or enjoy exceptional dining. The main restaurant serves exquisite poolside cuisine, blending Sardinian and international flavours in a refined yet relaxed setting.
For those seeking seaside serenity, Is Molas is just a 10-minute drive from a pristine white sand beach with crystal-clear waters. Guests also enjoy access to the resorts private beach club, with a complimentary shuttle ensuring effortless relaxation.
The resort is available with a variety of room options and golf packages and offers an exceptional location in one of the most picturesque regions of Sardinia.
Sardinian Places has seven-night packages from £1389pp which includes convenient Gatwick to Cagliari flights and car hire.
For more information and to book visit SardinianPlaces.co.uk or call 01489 866978.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is set to manage a new luxury resort and branded residences on Puerto Rico’s breathtaking southwestern coast at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo. Mandarin Oriental Esencia, Puerto Rico is expected to open in 2028 and will be the Group’s third property in the Caribbean, further strengthening its presence in the region. The project is part of Esencia, a new cosmopolitan coastal community owned and developed by Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital.
Nestled amidst rich biodiversity, the property will offer guests and residents an immersive experience of Puerto Rico’s famed landscapes, including stunning beaches, protected mangroves, and serene lagoons. Guests will also enjoy panoramic sunsets over the Bay’s pristine waters. Boquerón Bay is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, vibrant gastronomy, and sports and wellness activities, making it an ideal setting for Mandarin Oriental.
The resort will feature 106 superbly designed rooms and suites with a balcony, terrace, or private garden. Select suites will feature plunge pools, whilst all villas will include private pools.
An exclusive collection of 83 residential villas will be sprinkled across Esencia’s spectacular beach, hillside and cliffs. In addition, a series of six-story boutique buildings, nestled into the natural landscape, will house approximately 200 private residences – conveniently located near the town centre. Designed as a true sanctuary for owners, the residences will offer dedicated amenities, while seamlessly integrating with the hotel’s worldclass facilities and services.
Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, commented: “We are excited to be expanding our Caribbean footprint into Puerto Rico and look forward to a fruitful partnership with Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital. This very special location, with its captivating natural beauty and rich culture, presents the perfect canvas for us to bring our legendary service and exceptional experiences to life. We cannot wait to deliver a truly extraordinary destination for both our guests and residents.”
The hotel will offer a variety of unique amenities, including five distinct dining destinations featuring international cuisines with locally inspired culinary delights. A beach club, a poolside restaurant and bar and a sophisticated lounge bar will provide a further dynamic to the overall experience.
Another key highlight of the resort will be a Spa at Mandarin Oriental, an expansive wellness sanctuary offering a range of signature wellness, beauty and massage treatments. The dedicated wellness space includes a state-of-the-art fitness center with an outdoor lap-pool and a beauty salon. The wellness offerings will provide guests with crafted experiences in relaxation, rejuvenation, and mindfulness, synonymous with Mandarin Oriental’s award-winning spa concepts.
Featuring a variety of elegant spaces that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor settings, the resort will provide an idyllic backdrop for weddings and social occasions, all enhanced by spectacular views of the surrounding landscape.
Guests and residents will also benefit from an array of leisure pursuits, including a Rees Jones-designed 18-hole golf course, a dedicated children’s club and an outdoor adventure center that celebrates the natural beauty of Boquerón Bay.
The design of Mandarin Oriental Esencia, Puerto Rico will be led by the award-winning architectural firm Studio MK27, based in São Paulo, Brazil. Founded by Marcio Kogan, Studio MK27 is renowned for its contemporary approach to modernist design, characterized by formal simplicity and a seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. The design will prioritize sustainable practices, aligning with Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable luxury.
Will Bennett, CEO and managing partner of Three Rules Capital, added: “Esencia is a new cosmopolitan community unlike any other in the Caribbean. We are creating a vibrant place to visit, experience and call home within 2,000 acres of tropical splendor, along three miles of breathtaking beaches, amid the magic of Puerto Rico’s west coast. We are excited to be working with Mandarin Oriental who will perfectly complement this vision with a signature beach hotel and a stunning collection of expertly serviced residences designed by the visionary Studio MK27.”
Jamie Reuben, Principal of Reuben Brothers, said: “Puerto Rico is among the world’s most beautiful destinations and promising growth markets, particularly the west coast, beloved for its rich culture and pristine natural landscape. Esencia is a significant project in our global portfolio of rarified properties. We are making a transformative investment in Puerto Rico and are thrilled to welcome Mandarin Oriental as a key hospitality partner.”
With its vibrant culture, year-round temperate climate, and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, Puerto Rico is an iconic destination within the Caribbean. Mandarin Oriental Esencia, Puerto Rico will become a defining address for those seeking unparalleled luxury, exceptional craftsmanship and legendary service in one of the world’s most stunning settings.
