One of the French Riviera's most exclusive and storied rental properties, Villa Egerton is finally back in commission following a six-year, multimillion euro restoration project that has returned it to its turn-of-the-century splendour. With artisanal touches, classic opulence and views across the Bay of Monaco, think less 'villa' and more 'time machine'.

When it comes to enchanting, romantic destinations, a tropical idyll of balmy air and palm-fringed, turquoise waters is the ultimate fantasy scenario. A private island owned by a billionaire elevates the dream to a whole other level.

With soaring temperatures that make the Burj Al Arab seem to swim like a mirage, Dubai summers have acquired a bad reputation. But consider for a moment the city's enviable beaches and a host of high-profile (indoor) events in the coming months, like Contemporary Dance Dubai and the arrival of Chanel's Little Black Jacket exhibition, and suddenly its rep seems unfounded. The coolest place to stay? Madinat Jumeirah's Malakiya Villas.

As we reported not long ago, the art collection at Zurich's most coveted hotel, The Dolder Grand, is large. With over 130 unmarked works scattered about the huge historic complex, it's also impenetrable – or was, until now. Giving guests immediate access to troves of information about its private collection, The Dolder Grand has introduced a brigade of iPads, each loaded with a specially created app that lets guests find works according to name or position within the hotel. Now, locating the Warhols, Dalís, Pissarros and Moores, or finding out the artist behind the enigmatic artwork hanging above your bed, is as easy as the tap of a finger.

She's designed restaurants for Tom Aikens, shops for Van Cleef and Arpels, clothing for royals, and hotels for her own design brand – one of which has been said to usher in the age of boutique hotels. Anouska Hempel has applied her aesthetic intuition to many things, including her own 28-metre Turkish gulet, Beluga. For the first time ever, the London socialite is lowering the gangplank for chartered guests.

Ask anyone who is well-travelled where their personal Eden is, and a likely bulk of the answers will be the tropical paradises and verdant resorts dotted throughout the Caribbean. For us, our newfound divine destination can be found nestled among the British Virgin Islands: Peter Island, to be precise.