Travel

News and views from across the world

City Sanctuary

Nestled in the historic Edificio Mihanovich on Calle Arroyo in Buenos Aires, the newly opened Hotel Casa Lucía is a transformed landmark that fuses old-world charm with contemporary elegance. With 142 rooms and suites adorned with art by Cristián Mohaded, the hotel includes a luxurious spa and a vibrant celebration of authentic Argentine cuisine courtesy of the onsite Cantina Restaurant (pictured) and the lively Le Club Bacan cocktail bar. From approximately $493 per night. hotelcasalucia.com

Gold Class

Travelling long-haul but don’t want to look like it? Peter Thomas Roth’s 24K Gold Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Hydra-Gel Eye Patches promise on-the-go radiance, with infused pure 24-karat and colloidal gold to lift the appearance of the delicate eye area, imparting a post-sleep glow in just 10 minutes. Red-eye no more. Approximately $114 for 30 pairs. peterthomasroth.com

Alpine Escape

Situated a stone’s throw from the village centre, Étoile du Nord is a chalet marvel in France’s Val d’Isère ski commune boasting unparalleled privacy amid the slopes. The accommodation comprises two adjoining chalets: the seven-bedroom East Wing (pictured) and the five-bedroom West Wing, each with triple-height windows, bronzed steel staircases and fumed oak kitchens for the ultimate in après-ski elegance. Curl up beside the log fire, keep your heart rate up in the state-of-the-art shared gym or unwind in the indoor-outdoor pool and spa after a day on the snow. From approximately $107,692 per week. etoiledunord.fr

New Face

We may have reached the point of smart watch ubiquity, but who can blame us? They’ve transformed the way we travel, and the Apple Watch Hermès Series 9 offers even more reasons to commit. The watch fuses Apple’s precision engineering with Hermès craftsmanship, down to the gold and ecru woven nylon Single Tour Toile H band — a silky interpretation of Hermès’s signature checked canvas, which has been a hallmark of the house for nearly a century. The perfect timepiece for jetsetting in 2024. $1,899. hermes.com

Mountain High

62ºNord’s Drive the Fjords is an automotive and gastronomic journey curated to showcase the best of Norway’s culinary delights. This is an emission-free experience, bringing together the electric Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo with local food: rev your engines for a six-day itinerary exploring mountains, islands and winding valleys. Along the way, learn the age-old tradition of setting crab pots, enjoy a grand feast by award-winning chef Nils Flatmark and check in to the Storfjord and Union Øye hotels — welcome oases of comfort following a day behind the wheel. Approximately $14,046. 62.no

In the Zone

Some journeys are physical; others, auditory. Whether you’re flying, commuting, working or unwinding poolside, you can now bathe your mind in crystal-clear sounds courtesy of Bang & Olufsen’s Beoplay HX Comfortable Wireless ANC Over-Ear Headphones. They’re designed for daylong comfort, with extensive battery life, and come with a complimentary 30-day trial. Custom-made 40mm drivers and adjustable noise cancellation deliver an immersive experience. $499. bang-olufsen.com

Swell Spot

Photography by Andy Macpherson.

Byron Bay’s latest hotel, The Swell, is a 16-room adults-only haven that marries luxurious furnishings with laidback charm. Conveniently set in the heart of town, the retreat features fittingly retro surfboards for guest use, an infrared sauna and an ozone magnesium pool for next-level relaxation. The rooms, styled in earthy tones, range from garden views to hideaway suites, while Swell’s conscious culinary offerings feature locally sourced delights, complemented by inventive drinks in The Swell Bar (don’t miss the Bizzarro Spritz). From $450 per night. swellhotel.com