From the salt-tinged air of Nantucket to the crisp alpine breezes of Aspen, White Elephant has long mastered the art of storytelling through space. Now, in a move as deliberate as it is daring, the beloved New England brand is trading in its coastal breezes for mountain majesty, debuting White Elephant Aspen in late fall 2025. For those who know the original, the essence is unmistakable. Born on the harborfront in Nantucket, White Elephant carved out its reputation with breezy elegance, soft coastal hues, and a certain wink of whimsy—think brass elephant knockers and rattan textures that felt both playful and refined. That heritage isn’t lost in Aspen. If anything, it’s reimagined. The new mountain retreat, designed by EMBARC, is a love letter to its past while boldly stepping into the future. The 54-room boutique hotel, nestled in Aspen’s West End, reflects a design ethos that is more curated than thematic. Imagine Roman clay walls washed in soft ivory tones, oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, leather headboards in shades of charcoal and forest green, and furniture that effortlessly bridges coastal charm and alpine cool. It’s the kind of place where a Nantucket soul might feel entirely at ease after a day on Ajax. Walk into the lobby—framed in curved glass and glowing like a lantern on Main Street—and the details begin to whisper their stories. Elephant trunk-inspired reception desks hint at the brand’s storied past, while hand-painted lampshades and custom ceramic pieces lend texture and depth. Every corner is imbued with quiet intention. Rooms vary from intimate retreats with mountain views to a showstopping 1,660-square-foot penthouse, complete with three bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a sprawling balcony made for star-gazing or après-ski prosecco. It’s luxury without the ego: unfussy, generous, and rooted in the idea of living well. Cultural cachet comes naturally here. More than 125 original artworks will grace the property, including rotating photography of the Maroon Bells and works from artists like Alex Katz and Orit Fuchs. White Elephant Aspen is also partnering with the Anderson Ranch Arts Center to offer gallery talks, installations, and family-friendly programming that position the hotel as a cultural fixture, not just a high-end lodge. Dining will take cues from the sea with Lola 41, the brand’s signature sushi and seafood restaurant, lending a saltwater note to this mountain story. It’s a cheeky nod to the hotel’s island origins—and exactly the kind of coastal-meets-crimson-pines twist that makes the White Elephant ethos so unforgettable. For those seeking a more permanent pied-à-terre in Aspen, three private chalet residences are in development next door. Each boasts over 5,000 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space and full access to the hotel’s concierge-style services, pool, outdoor hot tubs, ski lockers, and even courtesy cars. The chalets—like the hotel—are more than homes; they’re heirlooms in the making. White Elephant Aspen doesn’t just bring luxury to the mountains. It brings legacy, with a lightness of touch that feels distinctly Vivant—a destination not trying to impress, but designed to be remembered.

There’s something deliciously romantic about rail travel—the kind that conjures up the glamour of silk-lined suitcases and the gentle clink of crystal as the countryside blurs by. With the debut of The Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train set to roll out in summer 2025, Belmond once again reminds us that slow travel is anything but passé. Instead, it becomes a roving love letter to Britain, elegantly penned in polished wood, botanical cocktails, and a curated rhythm that says: this journey matters as much as the destination. Rooted in the legacy of Belmond’s rail mastery and steeped in the soul of its surroundings, the Britannic Explorer marks the first luxury sleeper train to traverse England and Wales. This isn’t just a train—it’s a movable salon, an intimate rolling soirée where every detail, from the tea selection to the tapestry of routes, is deeply intentional. Set to depart from London on three-night journeys, the train winds through Cornwall’s raw coastline, Wales’ untamed national parks, and the poetic vastness of the Lake District. Think private garden tours, wild swims, gallery dinners, and dramatic views that shift with each passing hour. Daytime excursions peel back the curtain on local culture, while evenings unfold inside the Observation Car’s bar—a green-hued jewel inspired by Victorian apothecaries, with just the right hint of mischief in its cocktail list. The interiors—dreamed up by the ever-elegant Albion Nord—offer up a masterclass in modern British restraint. Picture hues drawn from windswept moors and dewy gardens, layered with heritage motifs and quietly luxe textures. Each of the 18 cabins, including three Grand Suites, is a personal cocoon of understated indulgence. This is a world of silk, tweed, and serenity—not showy opulence but an effortless cool that whispers, not shouts. Of course, no journey of this calibre would be complete without a culinary narrative, and here Belmond has enlisted none other than Simon Rogan—Michelin-starred mastermind and champion of the farm-to-fork philosophy. With a total of eight stars and a reverence for the land, Rogan’s seasonal menus will shift according to each route. Think locally sourced, soulfully plated—each dish a snapshot of the region it represents. A Cornish crab tartlet with coastal herbs? Lake District lamb with foraged jus? Yes, please. But it’s more than fine dining—it’s an edible map of Britain, and Rogan wants guests to taste not just the terroir, but the stories embedded in it. “For me, true luxury lies in humble ingredients grown with care,” he says. “I want every guest to feel the connection between the landscape and the plate.” It’s that very ethos—the seamless fusion of place and experience—that makes the Britannic Explorer feel so singular. From the artisan gins at the bar to the private dinner at Hauser & Wirth Somerset, every detail feels cinematic yet deeply grounded. This is not luxury for luxury’s sake, but for the sake of immersion, perspective, and a touch of wonder. With this launch, Belmond continues to polish its already glittering UK portfolio, joining the celebrated British Pullman, Royal Scotsman, and The Cadogan in a new chapter of British elegance. But the Britannic Explorer is something different—it’s not just a train, but a philosophy on wheels. A quietly bold statement that travel can still be exquisite, meaningful, and very much worth savoring. After all, in a world obsessed with arrival, the Britannic Explorer dares to make the journey unforgettable. And that is VIVANT-approved. Images courtesy of Belmond

A Summer Escape to Auberge du Soleil

Unveiling the Enduring Mystique of Montage Palmetto Bluff

A Voyage Through Mystic’s Storied Past and Promising Future

In a world where social media has turned the notion of discretion into a nearly extinct experience, people who seek out luxurious holidays without sacrificing privacy can still find solace on the Caribbean Island of Mustique; the if-you-know-you-know tropical getaway for those who value discretion over ostentation. The island boasts a deep Royal history, with the late Princess Margaret famously describing Mustique as "the only place I can relax". She frequently fled the gaze of Buckingham Palace to Les Jolies Eaux, a five-bedroom villa gifted to her by her friend and the island's original owner, Lord Colin Tennant.  Tennant purchased the island from St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1958 for approximately $126,000 to cultivate a haven for his aristocratic friends, including the princess. In the globally popular series "The Crown", Princess Margaret is depicted picnicking and partying on the island. Though paparazzi were and still are unwelcome, legendary soirees like hers drew the likes of Mick Jagger and David Bowie, who eventually both became Mustique homeowners now woven into the island's famed folklore. For the past 60 years, a glamorous array of jet setters, including royals like Prince William and Princess Kate, musicians like Jagger and Beyoncé, moguls such as Tommy Hilfiger and supermodels like Kate Moss, have continued to vacation on the island, preserving in tandem, theirs and the island's mystique. From the one (short) airport runway and thatched roof terminal to the quant Bamboo Church, it is quickly evident upon arrival that Mustique has managed to preserve the authentic minimalism that made the destination so coveted. The unpaved roads and pristine beaches remain unspoiled by resort development, and the lush greenery still is wild and natural along the roads, which guests traverse on "mules" (nee golf carts), the preferred mode of transport on the island. A-listers book far in advance to secure their favorite villa or suites in the island's one five-star hotel, The Cotton House. Each of the hundred or so exceptional homes on the 1400-acre island boasts individual history, architectural style, décor and dynamic views. The experience of renting one of the villas here truly feels like a one-of-a-kind custom experience. Each property is staffed with butlers, chefs, gardeners and housekeepers who skillfully manage every aspect of your daily life while on the island, feeling like you are in your own home sans the rigors of management. No matter what your aesthetic style, here you are spoilt for choice; one can rent Princess Margaret's Les Jolies Eaux, a traditional colonial, or Sienna, which is a pink terracotta-roofed Italian chateau with corridors punctuated by endless arches framing sea views and turning them into museum-like masterpieces. The magical tiled pool has a built-in grotto festooned with murals. At French chateau style CoccoLoba, peer straight out to sweeping ocean vistas upon entering and drink them in with lunch or cocktails in the bespoke poolside tiki hut. Conch shells line the entry to beachside La Palma, recently refurbished by award-winning design firm Paolo Moschino Inc. This white one-story residence with direct beach access from the yard boasts playful mixes of patterns and colors with blue hues in the shared living spaces echoing the ocean. A shaded set of stone steps leads up to the oasis of Serenity Bay situated fifty feet above Britannia Bay and aptly named, providing endless 360 turquoise water views. Taliesin, a contemporary Frank Lloyd Wright inspired villa feels like a Zen retreat. A freestanding bathtub sits in the main bedroom behind the master bed where sweeping views of both the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans greet you. The property has a cool compound feel with a yoga pavilion, gardens, an outdoor cinema and a large gong which is used to signal mealtime. The beauty of Mustique is that the day can be spent doing almost nothing but enjoying the tropical beauty or on the go by creating a more active schedule. Take to the water for sailing, snorkeling scuba diving, or simply floating in the ocean. Swim with the turtles at Tobago Cays or ride horses along the beaches. Mustique sits in a space between the Caribbean and the Atlantic, and each beach articulates this. The Atlantic-facing Macaroni Beach enjoys powerful waves, while the more secluded Gelliceaux Beach on the Caribbean side is a more tranquil hideaway. On the island's southwest, Lagoon Bay area is equipped with tables your staff can help you organise for over-the-top picnics staffed, furnished, and often featuring freshly prepared Caribbean lobster and rosé. A nearby shark cave and some shipwrecks offer opportunities for scuba diving. The Cotton House's Beach Café is a bucolic spot on Endeavor Bay for lunch on the deck while reggae plays, and the bartender serves rum punch with a secret ingredient "a lot of love." Charter a boat, windsurf, pedal or paddle are all available at the dock nearby. Curate your own idyllic wellness journey by checking out the numerous picturesque hikes at various levels of challenge. Wake up early to beat the heat and drive your mule to the top of Rutland Bay for a hike exploring the island's Northeastern tip. Pass the grazing horses in the Island Sanctuary with mountains and ponds in the foreground. The path leads into a glistening bay reflecting the morning sun. Follow the marked trail, wind up the hill on the clay path, and curve around the island's uninhabited, lush and rocky perimeter. You are greeted along the way by turtles, frogs, herons and butterflies; each clearing exposes jaw-dropping and expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean. Follow the hike with a yoga class held at the exercise pavilion, a plein air structure. Enjoy your practice while gazing out at the sea, a thatched roof shielding the direct sun and the sound of the waves meditative. One of the newest additions to the island is a state-of-the-art gym boasting full range of Life Fitness equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the adjacent lily pond. The full-service spa is steps away, with customized treatments also available in room or villa. For as idyllic as most days in Mustique are, evenings can be quite social and buzzy, filled with opulent cocktail parties hosted by guests and exuberantly organised by staff in the private villas or by the manager at The Cotton House. There may not be any nightclubs on the island, but that doesn’t mean Mustique regulars don’t know how to let loose. Internationally renowned Basil’s Bar, a seaside watering hole where Mick Jagger and Bon Jovi have spontaneously taken the stage, is a legendary dive where, every Wednesday, the weekly Jump Up party draws the entire island for dancing and live music from a notoriously good cover band. Infamous bartender-owner Basil Charles is still known as the king of the island and even attended the Royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Mustique truly is the definition of quiet luxury, a term that was popularized in recent years to define a lifestyle focused on refined elegance rather than ostentatious showing of wealth. Unlike its bougies sister destinations such as St Barth or St Tropez, this is not the kind of place you spot Chanel swimwear, logoed bikinis or table service where sparkler-topped champagne is served by scantily clad waitresses. It has all the glitz and glamour without being gaudy. If Mustique had a personality type, it would be an extroverted introvert, someone who is outgoing but also thrives with quiet time. To get to Mustique, you’ll head to St. Lucia or Barbados, then connect through a Mustique Airways flight—take my word for it, you won’t want to leave.

WINTER’S ICY EMBRACE BECKONS WITH PROMISES OF SNOWY ESCAPADES, ROARING FIRES, AND LUXURIOUS MOMENTS OF SELF-INDULGENCE.