A whistle-stop tour of four luxurious travel experiences

A whistle- stop tour of four luxurious travel experiences that offer something for everyone, from culture and adventure to wellness and royal- like living

When in Rome, go vintage electric Explore the ‘Eternal City’ in the comfort of a zero- emission electric Fiat Spiaggina vintage car, knowing that you’re doing your bit to observe social distancing measures and protect the environment. The ‘Spiaggina Experience’ is new to the portfolio of bespoke adventures on offer at Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, a luxury urban resort located on the fringes of the city. The car is parked next to the hotel entrance and from here you embark on a self- drive exploration, taking in Rome’s millennial treasures while comfortably seated in your very own Spiaggina (meaning “little beach” in Italian). The hotel concierge is on hand to give you valuable insider tips for a truly customised discovery of the city, with highlights ranging from the Coliseum, the Baths of Caracalla and the Castel Sant’Angelo, to the Roman hills for an amazing sunset experience. Alternatively, check out more modern attractions such as the MAXXI Museum, Eataly or the Auditorium and don’t forget pit stops to savour local delicacies.

Prices start from AED 655 ($176) for four hours and AED 1,092 ($293) for a full day. The car seats four people including a driver. waldorfastoria3.hilton.com NOVEMBER

Rebalance and recharge in Spain

If you’re frazzled after a stressful year dominated by the pandemic, take yourself off to the SHA Wellness Clinic in Alicante on the east coast of Spain where you’ll be encouraged to disconnect from the outside world and focus on your wellbeing. SHA’s team of professionals will map out your own personal health plan focusing on diet, natural therapies, technological treatments and activities that empower you to adopt positive lifestyle habits. The seven-day ‘Rebalance’ programme includes medical services such as a general health examination and laboratory testing; a consultation with nutrition experts and a personalised health plan; natural therapies such as acupuncture, traditional massages, a cryotherapy session and an aquatic therapy session; a tailormade mind and body session involving yoga, meditation and fitness; plus an introductory fitness evaluation with a personal trainer. The clinic’s Dr. Oscar Mayorga is also administering regeneration treatments for patients with secondary lung damage caused by COVID-19. Stem cells help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation to improve lung function and Dr. Mayorga uses a stem cell nebulisation treatment to regenerate damaged lung tissue. You’ll stay in one of the clinic’s ultra-luxurious residences, designed according to the ancient philosophy of Feng Shui. Prices for the seven-day Rebalance programme start from €3,000 ($ 3,485) per person. shawellnessclinic.com

Make memories in the Maldives

Experience the Maldives from the air or under the sea – or both – courtesy of Crossroads Maldives, the destination’s first multi-island resort, located just a 15-minute speedboat ride from Velana International Airport and offering entertainment and leisure activities galore. Top picks include parasailing where you’ll glide high in the sky, taking in 360-degree views of the turquoise lagoon and emerald-coloured as a speedboat guides you and your parachute, or the new semi-submarine adventure, giving you the chance to go on a dive without even getting wet. When you jump on board the semi-sub, the upper body of the vessel remains above the sea surface at all times, but the bottom part is 1.3 metres below sea level and the large windows of this underwater hull reveal breathtaking views of marine ecosystem. These experiences are available to guests staying at Crossroads’ two stylish resorts or at nearby properties including SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and the iconic Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. Multiple watersports, yachting and excursions such as big game fishing, snorkelling and dolphin watching are also available at Crossroads, located in the exotic South Malé Atoll and Emboodhoo Lagoon.

A 15-minute parasail is priced from $95 for one person and $180 for two, while 45-minute semi-sub trips cost $95 during the day and $110 at night. crossroadsmaldives.com

Live like royalty on the French Riviera

If you have the budget and the time, go all out and check into one of the most exclusive suites on the French Riviera. The new 525 sqm Suite Prince Rainier III at Hotel de Paris Monte- Carlo is pure decadence, featuring two bedrooms, a large main lounge with a bar area, a smaller lounge and a library, a dining room and an office space – so you can make it a workcation retreat if you really have to open that laptop. If you bring the family, it can be extended to 600 sqm with a third connecting room. Each bedroom has a private bathroom with a steam room shower and the suite also contains a glass-walled sauna that opens out underneath the Mediterranean sky. For views of the Place du Casino, take a seat on the lower level of the 135 sqm split-level terrace, or go up one level and hop into the heated infinity edge swimming pool. A dedicated team of private Clefs d’Or concierges are on hand to assist you and you’ll be personally welcomed on arrival at the airport or heliport. All suite guests have access to bespoke treatments at the Thermes Marins MonteCarlo in winter and to a beachfront tent on Monte- Carlo Beach in summer. The story behind the suite? Hôtel de Paris Monte- Carlo held a special place in the life of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace. In 1956, their wedding breakfast was served at the hotel; 20 years later, they celebrated their wedding anniversary there; and in 1974, Prince Rainier celebrated the 25th year of his reign at the hotel with great pomp. Hôtel de Paris Monte- Carlo is now paying tribute Prince Rainier, giving his name to this new, exceptional Suite.

Prices are available on request, at a rate of €35,000/€45,000 ($40,765/ 52,414) per night depending on the season. montecarlosbm.com