The idea of four nights at sea evokes relaxation, time stretching to infinity. Having done two such short cruises in the space of as many weeks, Girlahead can testify that it is jolly hard work. It's impossible to do justice to destinations, activities on board, facilities on board, food and beverage opportunities, and the networking, including meeting new people, that is essential on such a work cruise.

Maybe is the word of the moment. Maybe EXPLORA III is a ship of the future. Maybe it's an ocean state of mind. Maybe it's just a completely different way of learning more about the world and yourself. EXPLORA III was launched 10 days ago, and her first customer or guest was two-time Wimbledon champion, Jannik Sinner, cleverly signed before his 2025 win as Ambassador for this the luxury beauty of the mighty and caring MSC family company.

There was a ‘real’ troubadour on the house party that opened EXPLORA III, sailing from Rome to Barcelona last week. The word is Occitan, composition, the heritage is 11th and 12th centuries, the wandering singing poets of western Europe. EXPLORA III’s troubadour of modern times, sometimes wearing a pie hat, always carries an outline-only electric guitar and a portable foot pad to pump more air. 

The godmother of Explora III is Cristina Ozores, the renowned marine educator, diving instructor and conservationist who co-founded Vellmarí in the Balearic Islands.

The winding driveway to Four Seasons Hampshire is at least a mile long. Low hills either side. Not a building in sight until you come to this three floor brick house, square topped, 18^th century on an estate that goes back to Domesday records

Well-being at Four Seasons, Hampshire can be taken for granted, as if ia matter of course. Look at the space. 580 acres of parkland.

Not everyone should do luxury hotels. Even the greatest vendors rarely have what it takes to succeed in the art of hospitality.

A unique arrival awaited at Maybourne Riviera, the 65-key palace that floats high above Monte Carlo.

Lunch at Maybourne Riviera’s Piscine, above, was a heavenly experience, under a cloud of white umbrellas.