ten brands adding comfort and class to your travels

From the space race and luxurious luggage to off-grid stays in Oman or Namibia, and one of the most remote settlements on Earth

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If you like doing things a bit differently when you get away from it all, these ten travel brands can help you find your own path. Whether you want to wake up in a new European destination each morning, explore the history of the space race, or simply reach your destination in head-turning style, these are the brands you need on your radar.

In this list of some of the most coveted destinations to consider for your next trip, you’ll find Italy’s finest castle hotel, boutique accommodation nestled in the wilds of the Highlands, a countryside inn infused with Cotswold charm and an Arabian resort that boasts stunning views of the Gulf.

For those who prefer their adventures a little further off the beaten track, there’s also a small-ship cruise through the wilds of Greenland, a glamping trip in Oman, and a nature reserve that offers guests that rarest of treats – absolute peace and quiet.

Whatever your dream destination, these brands can help you get there.

Castle Elvira

Built in the late 19th century, Castle Elvira was left abandoned for more than 120 years. Now restored to its former glory, it has welcomed visitors to Salento in southern Puglia since 2022. Last year it received two World Luxury Hotels awards, including being voted the best castle hotel in Italy.

Located just 20 minutes from Lecce, known as the “Florence of the south”, the castle sits on a 37-acre estate with private woodland, olive and citrus groves and lush Italian gardens, remodelled on their original designs.

When it’s time to eat, Castle Elvira’s on-site restaurant – originally the ancient farm attached to the estate – serves traditional local cuisine inspired by Salento, featuring fresh regional produce and fish sourced from nearby ports.

Discover a hotel like no other at castleelvira.com

European Sleeper

Imagine waking up each morning at a new destination – without the prohibitive price tag of a cruise. With the European Sleeper, you can travel across the Continent at night and find cities such as Amsterdam, Berlin and Brussels waiting for you in the morning.

Whether your train is pulling into the heart of a bustling city or a serene setting bursting with nature, you’ll be well rested and ready to explore. It’s all the excitement of travel, with no stress and less impact on the planet.

Winter returns begin at just €39, and from March 25 the Brussels, Amsterdam and Berlin night train route will be extended to Prague. Along the way, it also stops across Germany in romantic Dresden, the spectacular nature reserve of Saxon Switzerland and the beautiful Elbe Valley.

If you’re ready to hop on board and wake up to a new city, visit europeansleeper.eu

AE Expeditions

A trip to Greenland takes you on a journey to a land of ice and snow that’s one of the planet’s last great wildernesses. From iceberg-filled fjords and majestic peaks to layers of Inuit culture and history, Greenland is unlike anywhere else in the world – and AE Expeditions’ B Corp Certified ship can take you there.

AE Expeditions (part of Aurora Expeditions) has been pioneering expeditions travel for more than 33 years. With a maximum of only 132 travellers, the new purpose-built ships will take you as far north as possible along Greenland’s west coast to see the world’s largest national park in the northeast, the world’s largest fjord system at Scoresby Sound and the town of Ittoqqortoormiit, described as one of the most remote settlements on Earth.

You’ll find yourself surrounded by skyscraping mountains and glaciers that tower over the sea, see some of the oldest known geological features on Disko Island and be dazzled by the stars at night, all in one unforgettable expedition.

Book your wild experience at aexpeditions.co.uk, or by calling 0808 189 2005

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Mankind’s exploration of our solar system has been a source of fascination for generations. Located on Florida’s Space Coast, under an hour from Orlando, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex brings to life the epic story of the space race.

Throughout its long history, the spaceport has played a significant part, including launching the first American astronaut during the Apollo programme.

A full day of fun and inspiration awaits visitors to the complex, including the Heroes & Legends exhibition, featuring the US Astronaut Hall of Fame, breathtaking Imax films and the immersive experience Planet Play.

Visitors can also enjoy the thrilling new Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex, which explores the future of interplanetary travel – and with several rocket launches planned during 2024 and beyond, you may even get to see one first hand.

Plan your visit at kennedyspacecenter.com and join the journey on Instagram

Bric’s

If you like to travel in style, you need the accessories to match, and Bric’s has been known for its luxury luggage for over 70 years.

The Italian brand’s illustrious history is steeped in fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. Bric’s intertwines research and heritage, innovation and tradition, functionality and elegance, balanced with bold design, advanced technology and a twist on the latest trends.

The result is a fusion of shape, utility and style that reflects the timeless elegance of life around Lake Como, the region where Bric’s was born.

At the flagship store in the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, Milan, you can browse luggage collections, bags, backpacks and briefcases, as well as all the accessories you need – from passport holders to trolley covers – all made with stunning quality.

You can also explore Bric’s unique blend of functionality and beauty online. Visit brics.it/uk and enjoy 10% off your first order

Sandfontein Lodge and Nature Reserve

The chance to enjoy true peace and quiet is a rare thing these days, but at Sandfontein Lodge and Nature Reserve, you can find yourself in the middle of nowhere. A soul-stirring, eco-conscious retreat located in a wild and isolated corner of southern Namibia, Sandfontein’s five bungalows provide accommodation for a maximum of ten guests at any one time.

Beyond the bungalows, which face east for unencumbered views of the sunrise, the reserve covers an expansive 240,000 acres, affording you the pleasure of silence and the opportunity to reconnect with nature right on your doorstep.

Sandfontein is listed with Quiet Parks International, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of quiet places. With more than 25km of Orange River frontage and dramatic rocky landscapes, guests can also take part in various activities such as scenic drives, wildlife tracking, fishing and kayaking.

Find out more about this exceptional destination at sandfontein.com

The Old Manse of Blair

Walking through the pillared doors of The Old Manse of Blair feels like stepping on to a film set. Nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, this beautiful hotel and restaurant represents the epitome of Highland comfort.

Inside this meticulously restored Georgian mansion, history whispers from the walls, while original features speak of the hotel’s rich heritage. But don’t be fooled: behind the classic decor, every modern comfort has been provided to meet guests’ needs, from plush suites to an award-winning restaurant.

Outside the hotel walls, nature reigns, allowing you to explore the park, see Highland cattle and embrace the spirit of Scottish hospitality. And, at the end of an invigorating day, you can unwind in the five-star Orangery Restaurant, which sources the finest local and seasonal ingredients to deliver sensational dining.

Book your stay at the hotel voted one of the best in the Highlands by The Times at theoldmanseofblair.com or call 01796 48 33 44

Hud Hud Travels

Going off-grid doesn’t have to mean forsaking every modern convenience, and choosing Hud Hud Travels for a trip to Oman leaves you wanting for nothing.

Renowned for redefining glamping through its use of purpose-built mobile camps, Hud Hud Travels’ luxurious stays and events can be found in all of Oman’s diverse and fascinating landscapes.

As well as opulent accommodation, with proper beds, fresh cotton linen and those little details that elevate any stay, Hud Hud can take travellers to isolated locations while still providing top-quality food. The team’s extensive experience in working off-grid also ensures a seamless and unforgettable adventure.

A recent addition to the portfolio, available to explore online from April, is the launch of a dhow – a wooden ship used in this part of the world – transformed into a modern four-bedroom oasis, combining traditional charm with contemporary comfort.

Find out more at hudhudtravels.com and follow on Instagram

Wild Thyme & Honey

Wild Thyme & Honey describes itself as “a love letter to the Cotswolds”, and the essence of the surrounding countryside is baked into the DNA of this award-winning country inn.

Chosen by The Times as a Top 50 boutique hotel of 2022 and located within easy reach of the picturesque village of Bibury, the hotel’s 24 boutique bedrooms feature exposed Cotswold stone, natural wood floors and an abundance of woollen textures. A New York loft style creates calming spaces and provides stunning views of the great outdoors.

The Crown restaurant, which has been lovingly restored from a 16th-century inn, offers seasonal menus featuring elevated classics with contemporary flair, to showcase the finest British produce. In fine weather, the dining terrace overlooking Ampney Brook is a coveted spot to enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail or glass of wine with a view.

For more information, visit wildthymeandhoney.co.uk or discover more on Instagram

The Cove Rotana Resort

If your idea of the perfect holiday means sun, sea and sand, the five-star Cove Rotana Resort in the UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah has everything you’re looking for in buckets and spades.

The backdrop of your idyllic break at Cove Rotana is lush greenery and endless views of the Gulf’s azure-blue waters. Modern and spacious rooms are ideal for family getaways, groups of friends or a romantic retreat, while two infinity pools and 600m of pristine beach promise plenty of room to relax.

As you quench your thirst at the pool and beach bars, the little ones can enjoy the children’s splash pools and aqua slides, while live entertainment is plentiful. You can also keep active at the resort’s state-of-the-art fitness centre, before indulging in a variety of unforgettable dining experiences.

For bookings, visit rotana.com, or call +971 7 206 6000

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