This festive season, gift pure Italian sophistication with Gucci’s curated selection. For debonair gentlemen, find the perfect present among sleek eyewear, monogrammed wallets and stylish trainers; for elegant fashionistas, perhaps an eye-catching crystal-studded handbag with the stunning red slingbacks to match. Once you’ve made your pick, personalise it with the recipient’s initials or a meaningful message for a truly unique gift that will bring them joy for years to come. Shop online or in-store now.

Located in the New Bund central business district, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai Qiantan is strategically positioned for both business and leisure travel while providing respite from the metropolis’s buzz. Many of the spacious suites offer calming views of the Huangpu River, and further rejuvenation awaits at the spa and fitness centre. The multiple in-house restaurants serve a variety of cuisines to delight every palate, reflecting an outlook that is both international and fully embodies the city it calls home.

Ceramic Brussels, the first international art fair devoted exclusively to ceramics, is returning for its third edition from 22-25 January 2026, bringing 75 modern and contemporary galleries to the city to present works by nearly 200 artists. The fair invites attendees to explore this evolving art form and dive into the world of ceramic arts.This year’s focus nation is Spain, with seven Spanish galleries in attendance, and a group exhibition of the 2026 Ceramic Brussels Art Prize’s ten finalists will uplift new talent.

Danny Cremers' Vase 1 (image courtesy of Ceramic Brussels and the artist)

For the first time, Bonhams is set to host two serious sales of jewellery and watches on the same day. Jewellery will headline on the morning of 11 December, notably featuring pieces from Lady Glenconner, a lady-in-waiting and friend of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Look for her diamond tiara with large detachable stars (from £50,000) alongside mid-century items from fashionable-again names like Andrew Grima and David Webb. Watches will then take over the afternoon, with top lots including a limited-edition Patek Philippe Nautilus dual-time watch with innovative time zone adjustment (from £200,000) and a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow with multicoloured gem bezel (from £150,000). Consider it a one-stop shop for some cracking gifts.

Six Senses is poised to bring its renowned luxe wellness offering to the UK for the first time in early 2026. Located in The Whiteley, a chic grade II-listed former department store in the Bayswater neighbourhood of London, the 109-key hotel will feature accommodations by design firm AvroKo and a British-inspired in-house eatery. Naturally, the main draw is the spa, a 2,300sq m space that will offer innovations including a flotation pod, a cryotherapy chamber and London’s first magnesium pool inside a hotel.

For anyone who has taken a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Istria’s Adriatic coastline or explored its verdant interior, it’s no surprise that the region has become a summertime travel favourite. However, there’s also plenty to enjoy in the low season, when milder temperatures and thinned crowds let other facets of Istria’s charm shine. From tranquil cycling through the region’s countryside, exploring postcard-perfect villages as spring blossoms around you, to autumn winetasting and truffle hunting in woodlands tinged with gold, it’s a time to enjoy more personalised attention and a uniquely meaningful experience.

Visit Istria, Croatia

The Power of Play

From 15 May to 15 August 2027, over 120 countries will gather in Belgrade, Serbia, for one of the most exciting global events of the decade: EXPO 2027 Belgrade. With more than 8,000 events over 93 unforgettable days, the Serbian capital will transform into a vibrant stage upon which knowledge, innovation, creativity, music and sport will meet and inspire.

Perhaps the year’s most powerful art jewellery exhibition is taking place at the inspiring David Gill gallery until 22 December. Curated by noted author, historian and podcaster Carol Woolton, New Nature features seven highly talented independent designers known for their interpretations of nature: the figurative marvels of Michelle Ong, Christopher Thompson Royds, Fabio Salini and micro-mosaicist Maurizio Fioravanti and the modern abstracts of Dina Kamal, Mish Tworkowski and new name Philippe Vourc’h.