This season your travel ed.’s mailbox always floods to the max, and not only with kitschy holiday cards. We get uncountable numbers of editorial appeals for coverage, and thank goodness we’re not the beauty and cosmetics desks who might be rendered unconscious with the cloud of fragrances in special packaging wafting forth from the stack of parcels. But here are two rare five-star luxury possibilities we’ve received, both worth considering.
Transformative retreat in Portugal
This first gift idea is an incredible partnering of Ananda in the Himalayas (of whom we’ve previously written) and Casa Palmela in Portugal (above), for a deluxe wellness retreat in Portugal’s UNESCO-listed Arrábida Nature Park from February 23 to 27, 2025. Guests are invited to a one-of-a-kind Ayurveda and healing retreat, a carefully curated four-night programme that blends ancient practices with modern wellness expertise, offering an unparalleled experience to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. And it doesn’t require the extreme trek to Rishikesh. Set amidst vineyards, gardens, and rolling hills, the Reset & Reconnect Retreat at Casa Palmela has got to be the perfect backdrop for an immersive retreat like this one. Luxurious five-star accommodations seamlessly merge opulence with nature in a sanctuary ideal for deep rejuvenation. This comprehensive wellness journey is designed to provide participants with a deeply personalized and transformative experience, weaving together Ayurveda, yoga, and mindfulness practices.
Ananda in the Himalayas created a mind-expanding menu offering of programmes including Ayurvedic Consultation and Lifestyle Guidance, Immersive Yoga and Meditation Practices, Ayurvedic Treatments by Ananda’s Experts, Interactive Workshops and Culinary Experiences. The all-inclusive package of five days–four nights is priced at a not-so-eye-watering price beginning at €3,000 per person for single occupancy; and €4,800 per person for twin or double occupancy (VAT included). Especially attractive if you consider that you won’t need to book that long-haul flight to India or go through the rigours of obtaining an Indian visa. The gift certificate fits nicely under the tree, and it’s an enlightened step into well-being for the new year. See hotelcasapalmela.pt/en/retreat-2025.
The Grand Hôtel des Bains Kenpinski in St Moritz plays host to Cruciani cashmere’s pop-up store
Incredible Cruciani luxury brand pop-up store in St Moritz
The second gift alternative concerns the new sweater you’re considering placing under the tree for Dad or Mom. Should your wanderings this winter season lead you to the iconic Grand Hôtel des Bains Kempinski in St Moritz, you can get in on the ground floor of the relaunch of a venerable luxury Italian cashmere brand, Cruciani. It’s the newest piece of the brand’s expansion into key luxury destinations worldwide. This is an early opportunity to see, feel and touch high-end, discreet and refined luxury, which combines Italian craftsmanship with timeless design. Cruciani’s men’s and women’s collections are defined by sophisticated yet easy-to-wear styles, tailored for the modern customer who values comfort without compromising elegance. Every piece is versatile and crafted with meticulous attention to quality. (For the moment, interested cashmere-lovers who can’t make it to St Moritz must follow the brand’s social media pages or contact Cruciani directly to receive the location of partner stores nearest to them. There’s also a showroom in Milano.) This represents an early opportunity to experience first-hand a 100 per cent authentic Italian luxury brand as it reintroduces itself to a new and younger market, excellent value for outstanding quality received.
Born in 1992 in Umbria, the brand represents the best of a long family tradition and a constantly evolving path, a symbol of cosmopolitan elegance and sophistication, contemporary, with strong national roots. Cruciani knits can be found both in Italy and internationally, in prestigious stores and department stores such as Boontheshop in South Korea. But this must-see dedicated boutique in the fashionable winter destination is an insider’s dream, a private shopping experience and a perfect alternative to the sweater with snowmen and reindeers you were thinking about.
Stanley Moss is travel editor of Lucire.
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