How to Throw a Grandiose Mansion Party

There are lots of reasons to throw a mansion party: maybe you’re in charge of planning your company’s year-end party, or maybe you’re putting together a lavish family reunion for your big family, or maybe you’re a professional event planner who’s trying to add a big new something to your portfolio. But you don’t actually … Read more

France: chic, luxurious and eco-friendly

In recent times, France has established itself as the ideal getaway destination for people across the world. Visitors come in their millions every year for reasons as different as their countries of origin. For some, it is the idea of a luxurious getaway. Many just love the historical sights and artistic wonders, especially the Eiffel … Read more

Brave new world: the best-designed travel destinations for 2020

From treetop cycle paths to a micro hotel, we guide you through new design marvels around the globe

One of the most high-profile properties in the Middle East rebranded as a Mandarin Oriental hotel

With the start of the new year, the luxury hospitality group Mandarin Oriental took over the management of the iconic Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It will be Mandarin Oriental’s second hotel in the United Arab Emirates following the opening of Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai in early 2019. The luxury hotel will … Read more

Rowan Moore’s best architecture of 2019

From hemp and cork buildings to energy-efficient council housing, the climate crisis got us thinking laterally

Read the Observer critics’ review of 2019 in full here