Entries are now closed, and we extend our warmest thanks to everyone who shared their moments with us. The calibre was nothing short of extraordinary, and narrowing it down was no easy task.

Congratulations to those whose entries have made the shortlist. Discover all of the shortlisted moments 鈥� and the stories behind them 鈥� below. Our judges are now reviewing these remarkable entries, and soon, the winners will be revealed.

Watch this space.

Jonny often recommends starting in Valle de Guadalupe, an hour and a half south of the U.S.鈥揗exico border. Known as 鈥渢he Napa of Mexico,鈥� this rugged valley produces over 70 percent of the country鈥檚 wine. The Mediterranean-style climate, shaped by Pacific breezes and arid heat, favours varietals like Nebbiolo and Tempranillo.

A visit might begin at L.A. Cetto, one of Mexico鈥檚 oldest wineries, recognised for its award-winning Nebbiolo and Cabernet Sauvignon. By contrast, Bruma offers a contemporary approach, combining striking architecture, sustainable practices, and creative blends. Gravel crunches underfoot between the rows of vines, leading to long lunches at Fauna and evenings at vineyard-view retreats such as Banyan Tree Valle de Guadalupe, where Asian-inspired wellness blends with the stillness of the desert.

鈥淵ou can still feel like a pioneer here,鈥� Jonny says. 鈥淓very winery visit feels personal, not polished for the crowds.鈥� Despite its quality, the valley remains largely unknown outside wine circles, a place where discovery still feels authentic. From here, the journey turns south, the neat vineyard lines giving way to open desert.

For Jonny, this is the most moving part of the itinerary, a meeting point between people and one of the ocean鈥檚 great migrations. San Ignacio Lagoon is one of the few places on Earth where gray whales initiate interaction with humans. Between January and April, thousands of Eastern Pacific gray whales complete a 10,000-mile migration from Arctic feeding grounds to calve in these calm, UNESCO-protected waters.

Encounters happen on the whales鈥� terms: a spyhop beside the boat, the salt tang of a calf鈥檚 exhale, the coarse texture of barnacled skin. Conservation rules limit the number of boats in the lagoon at any time, and tours are run by local guides whose knowledge is rooted in generations of living with the whales. Nights at solar-powered eco-camps such as San Ignacio Whale Camp mean sleeping in canvas tents warmed by the day鈥檚 sun, sharing meals of local seafood, and watching the night sky unspoiled by artificial light.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about seeing whales,鈥� Jonny says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about feeling part of a place where nature still sets the rules.鈥�

The road continues along the coast to La Paz, a city with a relaxed rhythm and a waterfront promenade. From here, boats head to Isla Esp铆ritu Santo, a UNESCO biosphere reserve with turquoise coves and white-sand beaches. Days are spent snorkeling among sea lions, kayaking through sea caves, and floating in clear shallows where schools of fish move like quicksilver beneath the surface.

The Sea of Cortez, described by Jacques Cousteau as 鈥渢he world鈥檚 aquarium,鈥� holds more than 900 species of fish and 32 species of marine mammals. Between October and April, whale sharks can be seen feeding just offshore. This marine wealth remains relatively untouched by mass tourism.

The final stretch leads to Todos Santos, a Pueblo M谩gico where life moves at a measured pace and artistic energy is visible on every street. The smell of roasting coffee drifts from corner cafes, galleries display the work of local painters, and surfers gather at Playa Cerritos.

In Los Cabos, the desert ends abruptly at the sea, cliffs and rock formations catching the low evening light. 鈥淚t鈥檚 such a fitting finale,鈥� Jonny says, 鈥渂ecause Baja is all about these moments where land, sea, and people meet in unexpected ways.鈥�

For Jonny Livingstone, Baja California is more than a destination. 鈥淭his is the essence of Baja – it stays with you long after you鈥檝e left,鈥� he says. It is a place where wine, wildlife, and wide-open landscapes combine in ways that are hard to find elsewhere. Discover how to experience it for yourself with our Baja California itinerary.

Speak to Jonny Livingstone, our Polar & Latin America Specialist, to begin planning your journey through Baja California or beyond. Call +44 (0) 2039 933538 or make an online enquiry.

Dates for the 2026 edition will be announced in due course. Our Italy specialists will curate a dedicated travel programme that includes the concert, carefully selected accommodation and private touring.

To register your interest, please contact our team on +44 (0) 2039 933538 or make an online enquiry.

From: 拢10,500 per guest
Embarkation: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Duration: 5 Nights / 6 Days
Disembarkation: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Ship: EXPLORA I

The ship鈥檚 berth inside the harbour means uninterrupted access to both the circuit and the city. Guests can walk ashore for qualifying, spend time in Casino Square between sessions, and return to their terrace or the spa without navigating race-day crowds.

Wednesday 鈥� Board in Monte Carlo
Watch the harbour fill with superyachts and teams preparing their machines in the paddock. Unpack once and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Thursday 鈥� The city wakes
Support series practice begins. Explore Monaco鈥檚 landmarks or join curated events on board.

Friday 鈥� Practice day
Formula 1 single-seaters run their first practice sessions and the support series set their grids. Alternate between trackside access and the ship鈥檚 quieter spaces.

Saturday 鈥� Qualifying
Pole position is decided, with sprint races from the support series adding to the action. Evenings on board feature live music and chef-led menus.

Sunday 鈥� Race day
The Monaco Grand Prix takes place almost within touching distance. After the flag falls, return to the ship for a final night overlooking the harbour.

Monday 鈥� Disembark
Enjoy breakfast on deck before departure.

• Cultural momentum 鈥� The film F1 brought the sport to cinema audiences around the world. Monaco is the chance to experience it at full speed in its most famous setting.
• Rule change impact 鈥� The 2026 machines will race under a new technical package that will alter strategy on the most position-sensitive track in the calendar.
• Unmatched location 鈥� Few race weekends allow you to stay inside the harbour and even fewer coincide with the first year of a new F1 era.

Speak to our travel experts Sharon, Alison or Catherine to plan your Monaco Grand Prix Week in 2026. Call +44 (0) 2039 933538 or make an online enquiry to secure your place on EXPLORA I, moored inside Port Hercule just steps from the circuit.

Cape Town & Winelands | 8 nights

South Africa is one of our top recommendations for a family holiday, and for good reason. It鈥檚 one of the few destinations in the world that offers world-class service, exquisite cuisine, captivating culture and truly child-friendly hospitality 鈥� all without the hassle of internal flights or jet lag (just a 1 to 2 hour time difference from the UK). Between November and April, the country transforms into a warm, summery oasis, making it the perfect winter escape and a natural playground for families.

Why it works for families

With a gentle pace, short travel distances and wonderfully varied experiences, it鈥檚 an ideal choice for travelling with little ones. Think penguin colonies at Boulders Beach, cable car rides up Table Mountain, beach picnics in Camps Bay and tractor tours through orchards at Babylonstoren. There鈥檚 something for everyone to enjoy.

3 nights at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town

鈥楢 pink-hued icon tucked beneath Table Mountain, the 鈥淣ellie鈥� is wonderfully welcoming to families, and one of my favourite hotels in the world,鈥� says Hamish 鈥� and it’s easy to see why. With interconnecting rooms, a large heated swimming pool, and sprawling gardens for little legs to explore, Mount Nelson is ideal for new parents looking to unwind.

What truly sets it apart is the service. 鈥楾he staff were amazing. Nothing was too much trouble, from setting up a travel cot by the pool to arranging specific meals for our little one,鈥� Hamish recalls. The result is a stress-free few days that gently ease you into holiday mode.

2 nights at Cape Grace, V&A Waterfront

Set in the heart of the Waterfront, Cape Grace places boats, seals and bustling caf茅s right on your doorstep. It鈥檚 exceptionally well set up for young families, offering everything from bespoke children鈥檚 activities, bath-time treats and a bedtime story library to bottle warmers, baby monitors and highchairs 鈥� all detailed in their children鈥檚 brochure.

3 nights at Babylonstoren, Franschoek Winelands听

A dream for parents and children alike. From visiting the donkeys and collecting eggs to garden picnics and tractor rides, Babylonstoren feels like a storybook escape. Parents can relax with farm-to-fork dining and exceptional South African wines.

A top tip is to book a Fynbos Cottage, set a kilometre buggy ride from the main area, offering added privacy and space. Hiring a car is also worthwhile. 鈥業t was safe, easy and affordable. Just don鈥檛 forget your own car seat!鈥�

Ultimate Family Benefits: Enjoy one night of complimentary babysitting at both Mount Nelson and Babylonstoren, exclusively for our clients.听

Our recommendation: 7-10 nights

Mauritius has long been a favourite for families seeking white-sand beaches, calm lagoon waters and hotel service that genuinely caters to children. It鈥檚 ideal for all ages and makes a brilliant first long-haul trip. Think direct overnight flights, no visa requirements and year-round sunshine.

Why it works for families

The PLAY kids鈥� club keeps little ones happily entertained with pizza making, gardening, eco art and their own children鈥檚 pool complete with mini sunbeds. Meanwhile, parents can slip away to the adults-only Banyan area, with its dedicated pool and restaurants.

There鈥檚 no need to pack up or move. Simply arrive, settle in and let the rhythms of island life take over. Days can be filled with boat trips, glass-bottom kayaking, giant tortoise feeding and local market visits 鈥� or doing absolutely nothing at all.

Located on the peaceful north coast, LUX* Grand Gaube is a chic yet supremely relaxed resort that鈥檚 perfectly suited to families.

There are exceptional kids鈥� clubs for every age group 鈥� PLAY for ages 3 to 11, and a dedicated teen programme for those aged 12 to 17. For babies and toddlers, essentials like travel cots, bottle sterilisers and baby monitors are available on request. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for paddling and snorkelling, and the beach is just steps away, making spontaneous family swims and sandcastle sessions wonderfully easy.

Dining is fresh and flexible, with children welcome to eat at any time. Family Suites are cleverly laid out to give everyone their own space to relax, while thoughtful in-room touches 鈥� from hooded towels and mini slippers to books and toys 鈥� help little ones feel at home from the moment they arrive.

Our recommendation: 4鈥�5 nights

Venice might not be the obvious choice for a family escape, but it is perfectly suited to travelling with young children. No cars, endless bridges, and boats galore – it is a living, walkable playground for curious little travellers.

With endless palazzos, quiet canals to wander and world-class museums, you could easily spend a week here. Hamish went in March, during the Venice Carnival, which added an ‘extra magical element鈥�. The cooler, sunlit days are ideal for sightseeing with children, and the warm Italian hospitality welcoming you and your family makes every moment feel like the holiday you deserve. 听

Why it works for families

Gondola rides, island hopping to Burano and Murano, treasure hunts through Doge鈥檚 Palace. Venice is magical at any age. For tired legs, the Vaporetto water taxis double as both transport and entertainment. And for parents? Days end in tiny bacari wine bars with a glass of wine and cicchetti, while the children nibble on tramezzini and watch boats go by.听听

Overlooking the lagoon and just a few steps from St Mark鈥檚 Square, Londra Palace Venezia offers a regal setting where you are treated like royalty. Steeped in Venetian history, this refined and welcoming hotel combines elegant interiors with sweeping views of the water. Some suites include private terraces 鈥� perfect for early breakfasts or a post-nap Aperol Spritz.

Staying on the main island makes exploring the city effortless, without the need for boats or long walks. A must-visit is the Doge鈥檚 Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, followed by a leisurely lunch at a Dorsoduro restaurant overlooking the iconic St Mark鈥檚 Square, before a gentle stroll back to the hotel.

Whether you鈥檙e dreaming of a one-hotel wonder, a child-friendly safari or a gondola ride with gelato stops 鈥� just for your family or the whole clan 鈥� we鈥檒l help craft a journey that suits you beautifully.

Call +44 (0) 20 7386 4686听听or make an online enquiry.

1. What is the best age to travel with young children?

In Venice, travelling with newborns works well as it鈥檚 easy to get around without cars. For South Africa and Mauritius, toddlers and above are ideal so they can fully enjoy the activities on offer.

2. What should I pack for a family holiday abroad?

Car seats are essential, as rental companies may not always provide the right size or fit. All the hotels mentioned above are well equipped for families, with items such as nappy bins, bottle sterilisers, travel cots and prams. That said, it鈥檚 always best to check ahead of time.

3. How do I choose the best destination for my family?

Think about what you want most from your time away. If you’re looking for relaxation with plenty of child-friendly activities and downtime for parents, Mauritius is a great choice. For adventure, wildlife and the outdoors, South Africa stands out. And for new parents seeking a gentle escape, Venice works beautifully 鈥� even for a long weekend.

4. Are family holidays more expensive in school holidays?

Yes. Prices are higher and availability is more limited, which means it鈥檚 best to book well in advance. If you’re travelling with a baby or toddler, going outside of school holidays can be more flexible and cost-effective.

5. How far in advance should I book a family holiday?

We recommend booking around six months in advance. If you plan to travel during school holidays, aim for nine months ahead to secure the best availability and choice of accommodation.

6. Is it safe to take children to South Africa?

Yes, absolutely. As with any destination, it鈥檚 important to stay aware of your surroundings and follow local guidance. The hotels we recommend are well-versed in hosting families and can provide helpful advice about safety and the local area.

Discover the 2025 & 2026 luxury holidays topping our travel radar – from romantic hideaways in Saint-Tropez, the Dolomites and Ibiza, to family favourite Mediterranean resorts, under the radar city breaks and intimate Northern Europe voyages. Book early before they sell out.

Perched above the sparkling Bay of Saint Tropez, this newly revived Belle 脡poque palace (originally opened in 1914) unfolds across ten terraced seaside acres鈥攗mbrella pines, swaying palms and a private pontoon for yacht tenders. From July 1 to October 31, 2025, Le鈥疊eauvallon will re open with 25 sea facing suites for private bookings. Expect inventive Asian French fusion cuisine al fresco, sweeping bay views, and exclusive access to the Riviera鈥檚 best-kept secrets. With celebrity chef Yannick All茅no (17 Michelin stars) set to lead the dining experience in 2026, reservations will fill fast.

This alpine retreat blends UNESCO mountain grandeur with Aman鈥檚 signature minimalist design. Guests will enjoy private spa suites, curated nature walks, chef鈥憀ed mountain cuisine, and cosy apr猫s-ski retreats鈥攁ll wrapped in intimate secluded luxury. An ideal choice for romantic getaways or summer treks.

A 35-room, design-led hideaway tucked within dunes and umbrella pine. Each villa-like room features open-air bathrooms, barefoot beach access, outdoor yoga terraces, and Mediterranean tasting menus. The antithesis of tourist-clutter, Teranka is the next insider secret.

Set on a private peninsula, this historic hotel has been newly reimagined with families in mind鈥攐ffering sheltered sandy coves, forested walking trails, comprehensive kids鈥� programming, watersports, fine local cuisine and relaxed Spanish charm鈥攁ll without compromising Four Seasons鈥� luxury standards.

Opening in 2025 in western Crete, Ikos brings its polished all inclusive ethos to a serene setting. Expect beachfront rooms, kids鈥� clubs, multiple dining venues, licensed bars, Mediterranean excursions鈥攁nd easy, relaxed style for multi-generation groups or school-break travel.

Details are under wraps, but expect a masterpiece – cliffside villas, family pools, Aegean views and Greek鈥慺lavoured dining – making this island鈥檚 upcoming arrival the most anticipated family hotel of 2026.

Housed in a majestic former courthouse, this newcomer blends historic grandeur with contemporary sophistication. Highlights include a rooftop bar with sweeping Danube views, wellness touches like in-room yoga mats and JING spa rituals鈥攑erfect for romantic or rejuvenating city breaks.

Set within 17th-century monastery walls in the design and foodie district, this wellness retreat features Michelin-starred culinary experiences, an avant-garde spa, silent retreats and curated cultural outings. Ideal for creatively inclined city travellers craving calm, design and taste.

SeaDream鈥檚 intimate twin 56 cabin yachts redefine the idea of cruising with their 鈥淚t鈥檚 Yachting, Not Cruising庐鈥� ethos. Summer 2025 sails cover Norway鈥檚 hidden fjords, charming Atlantic villages and the midnight sun, across 7鈥�11 night itineraries. With a one-to-one guest-to-staff ratio, open-deck dining, included gourmet meals and watersports, these voyages disappear fast.

If you’re dreaming of a Christmas escape with soul and sparkle, Riverside Luxury Cruises offers an unforgettable festive journey through the heart of Europe. Their Festive Danube Capitals & Yuletide Traditions voyage runs throughout December 2025, sailing from Budapest to Vienna.

There鈥檚 a quicker way into Bhutan now. Druk Air flies twice a week from Dubai to Paro, and with flight frequency set to increase, this is the most efficient route from London. It does involve the slight inconvenience of changing terminals and re-tagging luggage in Dubai, but that quickly fades once you’re in the air again.

Landing in Paro is still a feat. Only about fifty pilots in the world are qualified to fly into one of the most technically challenging airports on Earth. As the aircraft threaded its way between Himalayan giants, Mount Everest emerged above the clouds, almost at eye level. The descent is awe-inspiring. A moment when you sense you are leaving one kind of world for another.

From Paro, the road to Thimphu takes just over an hour. Smooth and scenic, it winds into a capital that has gently expanded across its valley floor since my last visit. Despite its growth, the majority of new construction remains beautifully aligned with Bhutanese architectural tradition.

We began our Khamsa, a 鈥渞oyal stroll鈥� through Bhutan鈥檚 most iconic valleys, with Six Senses, who have thoughtfully placed five lodges across the country鈥檚 central and western heartlands. Each property is designed to reflect the character of its setting and to offer a different lens into Bhutanese life. Our first stop was Six Senses Thimphu, known as the Palace in the Sky. The lodge rests high above the city, with bird鈥檚-eye views over the Thimphu Valley. It is serene and elegant, the kind of place that lets the landscape do the talking.

Thimphu remains the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. At the central roundabout, the white-gloved traffic policeman still directs cars with the same theatrical flourish I remembered. He manages the junction like a dancer.

During a visit to the Great Buddha Dordenma, which is considered the world鈥檚 largest seated Buddha, we found ourselves swept into a tide of red-robed pilgrims attending a religious festival. Thousands moved together in quiet reverence. The air shimmered with the sound of chants, the flicker of prayer flags, the clack of colourful beads. The moment felt both monumental and deeply personal.

To reach the central valleys of Bumthang, we took a 25-minute domestic flight from Paro on an ATR aircraft. Best described as a rollercoaster ride, the flight was well worth it. It spared us a long road journey and offered dramatic views into Bhutan鈥檚 interior.

Bumthang is made up of four sweeping valleys, each rich with temples, monasteries, fortress ruins, a small market street, and trails for hiking and mountain biking. We saw no other tourists anywhere during our stay. It felt magical. Quiet. Untouched.

We stayed at Six Senses Bumthang, also known as the Forest Within a Forest. The lodge is cocooned in nature, surrounded by birdsong and a rushing river. Privacy and comfort are absolute. The food was fresh and beautifully prepared, the wine selection thoughtful, and the spa deeply restorative. Every detail was designed for rest, a place to settle the body and clear the mind.

Leaving Bumthang by road, we crossed two high mountain passes at over 3,400 metres. Along the way, we stopped at Trongsa Dzong, the longest fortress in Bhutan and historically the original seat of the royal family. The adjacent watchtower has been transformed into a museum, offering stories of Bhutanese royalty and spiritual heritage. A light lunch at the Waterfall Caf茅 made for the perfect pause before our descent into Gangtey also known as the Phobjikha Valley.

Gangtey is a long, open valley ringed with alpine meadows and pine-covered slopes. Wildflowers grow alongside potato and buckwheat crops. Hilltops are crowned with temples, nunneries and monasteries. The valley is best known as the winter home of the rare Tibetan black-necked cranes, which are protected, revered and loved by all.

In a show of quiet conservation, all electrical wires run underground across the valley to safeguard the cranes鈥� flight paths. It is said the birds circle Gangtey Goempa monastery three times on arrival from Tibet, and again before their return north in spring.

We stayed at Six Senses Gangtey, also known as the Birdwatching Bridge. Positioned high above the Black Necked Crane Visitor Centre, the lodge offers extraordinary views across the valley. Each suite has a private balcony and a telescope to watch the cranes in winter, or simply gaze into the horizon.

From Gangtey, our journey led us to Punakha, the lowest of Bhutan鈥檚 valleys. On the way, we stopped at the Temple of the Divine Madman, where Bhutanese couples come to receive the phallus blessing, believed to bring the arrival of a baby or two. Humorous and sacred all at once, the experience was both touching and unforgettable.

Punakha Dzong sits at the meeting point of two rivers, framed by jacaranda trees in full bloom. We visited the three vast courtyards and the inner temple, taking in its layered architecture and gentle flow. Afterwards, we crossed Bhutan鈥檚 longest suspension bridge before returning to the riverbank.

There, the hosts from Six Senses Punakha welcomed us with pomegranate martinis and delicious treats. The sun dipped behind the fortress, casting golden light across the water. It was one of those moments that seems impossibly cinematic, until you realise it鈥檚 real.

The next day began at dawn. We hiked through rice paddy fields and quiet villages to reach a monastery perched on a hilltop. There, we joined young monks aged between six and twenty-six for breakfast. We spoke about their routines, their studies, and their shared love of football. The conversation drifted from prayer to Premier League. It was warm, unguarded and beautifully human.

Our final journey took us back across the Dochu La Pass, with its 108 stupas draped in fluttering prayer flags. Arriving in Paro, we enjoyed a delicious lunch with a fifth-generation rice farmer in his family farmhouse. Together, we made our own prayer flags, sending our hopes and intentions into the wind.

On our penultimate day, we rose early to hike to the legendary Tiger鈥檚 Nest Monastery. Clinging to a cliffside at 3,120 metres, it is one of the most awe-inspiring sites I have ever encountered. The climb is steep but steady, winding through pine forest and prayer wheels. Standing at the edge of the monastery, the view over the Paro Valley was astonishing.

Back at Six Senses Paro, we eased into the afternoon with spa treatments and a butter lamp lighting ceremony at a nearby monastery. That evening, we gathered for our final dinner, a spectacular celebration held among ancient stone ruins.

Flaming torches lit the scene. Prayer flags fluttered overhead. Traditional singing and masked dancers filled the air with music and movement. A whole leg of lamb, slow-cooked over charcoal, was served alongside grilled vegetables and fresh salads. It was a farewell I will never forget.

Bhutan doesn鈥檛 ask you to do more. It asks you to notice more. It offers stillness without stagnation, joy without performance, beauty without spectacle. It reminded me that progress isn鈥檛 always about motion. Sometimes, it鈥檚 about returning 鈥� to nature, to ritual, to self.

I came back to see what had changed. And in doing so, I saw more clearly what has never needed to.

Speak to Ayesha Cronin, our Asia Specialist, to begin planning your journey through Bhutan for 2025 or 2026. Call +44 (0) 2039 933538 or make an online enquiry.

They come to climb to the Tiger鈥檚 Nest monastery, to stand on that iconic ledge above Paro Valley, and to say they have seen one of the world鈥檚 wonders.听

Yet the Bhutan that stays with you lies beyond that first path.
It unfurls across high passes hung with prayer flags, through forests where orchids and rhododendrons bloom, and into the further valleys of Gangtey and Bumthang.

“As soon as you step off the plane, the intense weight of your busy life dissipates,” wrote Louisa Thompson, our Middle East & Australasia expert. “You instantly feel a sense of peace.”听

Follow the road east and you may find, as she did, that the most remarkable experiences lie where few others go.听

If you鈥檇 like to speak with Louisa, connect with our Asia team, or discover more inspiration on Bhutan鈥檚 lesser-known valleys, we鈥檇 love to hear from you.

Call us on +44 (0)2039 933538, or make an online enquiry to start planning your own path through the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

There is something about an island. It begins with the crossing: that slip of sea which separates here from there. Once you arrive, the light changes, the edges soften, and life unfolds on a different rhythm. You notice this not in the postcard views, but in the small details. The pause between waves. The hush beneath the canopy. The stories that travel by tide.

Yet even in a company where travel is our craft, some islands have surprised us more than others. We asked our team which places caught them off guard and found that the answers were as varied as the islands themselves.

Nick Van Gruisen, our Managing Director, captured it best.
“The best trips are the ones that change how you think about a place. Islands do that brilliantly. They give you space to look outward, and inward.”

This is a journal of such places. Not the usual suspects, but islands that unfolded slowly or unexpectedly, and which have lingered in the imagination long after the sand was shaken from our bags.

Every island is a crossing, both outward and inward. The ones that stay with us shift our sense of space, of time, of self. They offer a vantage point from which to reframe what matters and a rhythm to remind us how to be present.

As Nick reflected, they give us space to look outward and inward. And in a world that often feels noisy and fast, that may be the greatest luxury of all. Whether you are seeking wild encounters, deep calm, or the unexpected in between, there is an island that will surprise you. Our experts know where to find it.

A devastating earthquake has hit communities in Myanmar we know and love. With your help, we鈥檙e raising funds for urgent relief, rebuilding classrooms, and supporting families. Donations will go directly to trusted local efforts 鈥� and 好色先生TV will match contributions where possible.

As I am sure you know on 28 March, a devastating earthquake struck Myanmar鈥檚 Sagaing region, near Mandalay.

The damage has been extensive, affecting communities we鈥檝e known and worked with for many years. The images and reports are distressing, especially from areas that once formed the backdrop to some of our most memorable journeys.

Many of you will remember that Myanmar was once a key part of our portfolio. During those years, I had the privilege of working with Dr HlaTun, a local physician who became a good friend not only of mine but to many of you too. Thanks to his expertise and energy combined with the generosity of our guests who visited the country we were able to support a number of medical programs including the construction of an additional wing at Bagan hospital.

I have been in touch with Dr HlaTun with offers of help. He is very grateful and confirms that funds are still desperately needed.

The good doctor is already working hard supporting relief efforts on the ground. From 18 to 21 May, he travelled through Mandalay, Sagaing and Nay Pyi Daw to deliver essential supplies and assess needs. You鈥檒l find a few photos from his journey. These are early steps in what will need to become a much larger response.

He has outlined several urgent ways we can help depending on the amount of money we gather:

A reinforced concrete building (20ft x 35ft) to house 2 to 3 monks or nuns, or serve as classrooms for up to 36 students. Estimated cost: 拢12,500

Essential supplies for displaced families, including pots, stoves, water containers, mosquito nets, dry food and blankets. Estimated cost: 拢2,000

好色先生TV will, as before, be matching donations whenever reasonably possible.

I, Dr HlaTun and everyone in Myanmar would be incredibly grateful for any donation, however large or small, as it is desperately needed.

Thank you.

With warmest wishes,
Nick Van Gruisen
Director
好色先生TV