Topsy-turvy travel: 8 stunning new boutique hotels in Sri Lanka for an off-season escape

A flurry of new openings is happening on the Indian Ocean island, with expats running design-led spaces with just a handful of rooms 

TRAVEL. ADVENTURE. FUN. COLOUR. JOY. ICE CREAM. SAND. SALT. SEA. BEACH. HOTEL. LUXURY. PEACE. EXPLORATION. APERITIVO. LATE NIGHTS. CULTURE. HERITAGE. BOATS. PLANES. EXCITEMENT.

LIFE+STYLE

21 chic beach chairs and towels to snap up now

Because there are fewer simpler pleasures than packing up and heading to the beach 

















INSPIRATION

Exploring Arab legacies in Spain’s sun-baked south

Once ruled by the mighty Moorish empire, Spain’s southern coast is a treasure trove of Arab legacies spanning food, culture and architecture


















GREECE

14 different Greek islands to explore this summer and beyond

The best Greek islands to visit in 2025, from car-free escapes with the art crowd to whitewashed Cycladic hangouts still under the radar, and where to stay on them


















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Where we're staying

Near+Far's top, tried-and-tested, hotels, from new openings to timeless classics

EXPLORE ALL HOTEL REVIEWS

lEBANON

My Middle East: Beit Douma Lebanon, told by Elie Obeid

A charming guest house set in one of Lebanon’s most beautiful villages and capturing the essence of traditional charm


















MIDDLE EAST

A love letter to baghdad, told through the lens of Ahmad Al-Dabagh

Once ruled by the mighty Moorish empire, Spain’s southern coast is a treasure trove of Arab legacies spanning food, culture and architecture


















INSPIRATION

A Tale of Two Trips: A luxurious journey through Sri Lanka’s south coast

Sri Lanka’s south coast is a beguiling mix of historic towns and laid-back surfing spots, and one elite hotel brand manages to offer the best of both in one magical combined escape



















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Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino review: Greece’s new luxury resort destination

The brand’s big Greek debut, and a quiet luxury retreat for those who want to switch off (properly)

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best coffee shops and cafes in Istanbul

14 Stylish Coffee Shops and Cafes in Istanbul

Istanbul’s relationship with coffee is historic and nuanced. Here’s where to get the best brews, in the most interesting settings

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Swap the Med for this dreamy European city destination this summer

With long sunny days, cool coffee shops, clean waters, a new wave of design hotels with rooftop pools, and direct flights from the GCC, Copenhagen in summer is a true delight

20 June 2025

The cheapest, nicest pool days in Dubai for summer 

In Dubai’s best beach clubs, the hotter weather can mean cooler price tags and redeemable entries

19 June 2025

Bvlgari Resort & Mansions Abu Dhabi

Bvlgari to Open Private Island Resort and Mansions in Abu Dhabi

The jeweller-turned-hotelier expands its Middle East presence with an ambitious new retreat in the UAE capital

19 June 2025

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