Saturday, July 26, 2025
Travel & Leisure

The Art of Slow Travel – Unrushed Luxury Across Continents

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From the French Alps to the Shores of Bali, Malta & Phuket

The True Luxury of Taking Your Time

In a world driven by urgency, the greatest indulgence is to slow down. Imagine sipping morning tea with views of Lake Geneva, wandering through sunlit Maltese courtyards, unwinding in a cliffside spa in Bali, or watching the sunset from a private villa on a Thai beach. This is more than just a vacation — this is the art of slow travel.

In this curated collection, we invite you to discover four extraordinary destinations across Europe and Asia — handpicked for discerning GCC travellers who value space, culture, wellness, and unhurried refinement. Each destination offers not just a luxurious stay, but a deeply immersive experience of place and pace — from alpine grandeur to oceanic calm.


Hôtel Royal, Évian Resort – French Alps Elegance on Lake Geneva
Belle-Époque Beauty Meets Wellness on the Shores of Evian

Nestled in the lush hills above Lake Geneva, Hôtel Royal is a sanctuary of peace and sophistication, just 45 minutes from Geneva. As part of the Evian Resort, this 5-star Palace property brings Belle-Époque elegance to life with frescoed ceilings by Gustave Jaulmes, intricate art nouveau design, and sprawling landscaped grounds.

For wellness seekers, the resort offers Les Thermes Evian®, a state-of-the-art thermal spa powered by natural Evian Spring water. Families are warmly welcomed with a 1,000 m² Kids Resort — offering baby, kids, and teen clubs, and expert childcare services.

Gastronomy is a highlight: dine at the Michelin-starred Les Fresques, enjoy Mediterranean flavours at L’Oliveraie, or relax with panoramic lake views at La Véranda. Whether you’re visiting for wellness, family time, or alpine air, this French gem is designed for slow, meaningful moments.


INIALA Malta – Art-Led Luxury in the Heart of the Mediterranean
A Private Seaside Gallery in the Capital’s Quietest Corner

Located in the UNESCO-listed city of Valletta, INIALA Malta is a hidden sanctuary of design, art, and personal service. With its exquisite suites, this boutique hotel blends bespoke interiors, curated artworks, and high-touch hospitality — perfect for travellers who seek culture as much as comfort.

Each suite is individually designed and richly appointed. The atmosphere is refined yet relaxed, offering views over the Grand Harbour or traditional Maltese architecture. The hotel’s aesthetic pays homage to both modern creativity and Malta’s layered history.

Fine dining and a full-service spa complete the experience, with treatments that incorporate local ingredients and techniques. INIALA Malta is an oasis for couples, art lovers, and travellers seeking a more mindful escape in the Mediterranean’s cultural heart.


INIALA Beach House – Phuket’s Ultimate Private Retreat
Design-Driven Villas, Personalised Thai Hospitality

Just 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport, INIALA Beach House redefines tropical luxury. Located on the unspoiled sands of Natai Beach in Phang Nga, the resort offers a collection of uniquely designed villas and suites — each a celebration of contemporary design and craftsmanship.

Accommodations include expansive beachfront residences, a penthouse, and three-bedroom villas — all with private pools and curated interiors by international designers. The aesthetic is modern, calming, and exquisitely detailed.

Facilities include two spas, a fully equipped gym, a beachfront infinity pool, and a creative kids’ club. Dining is exceptional: enjoy gourmet experiences at Anaala Thailand, or indulge in a chef’s tasting menu at Aulis Phuket, led by Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan.
INIALA Phuket is ideal for GCC travellers who seek privacy, elevated design, and world-class service by the sea.


AYANA Resort Bali – Clifftop Luxury at Its Grandest
A Balinese Icon with 90 Hectares of Indulgence

Overlooking the shimmering waters of Jimbaran Bay, AYANA Resort Bali is one of the largest and most luxurious integrated resorts in Southeast Asia. Just 12 km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, AYANA spans 90 hectares of tropical gardens, private beaches, and cliffside walkways.

Guests can choose from four distinctive stays: the elegant AYANA Resort Bali, jungle-chic RIMBA, ocean-facing AYANA Segara, and ultra-private AYANA Villas. Together, they offer access to 14 swimming pools, a secluded white-sand beach, and the world-famous Rock Bar, perched on natural cliffs above the Indian Ocean.

Wellness is central at the award-winning AYANA Spa, featuring the signature Spa on the Rocks — two spa villas set above the ocean — and a massive Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pool.
Dining spans 28 options, including DAVA Steak & Seafood, Kampoeng Bali cultural dinners, UNIQUE Rooftop Bar, and Sami Sami Italian. Recent renovations have introduced new villa categories and refreshed interiors — with sustainability in mind and even more comfort.

AYANA offers the perfect ending to a slow travel journey — expansive, restorative, and unforgettable.


A Journey Made to Be Savoured

This quartet of luxury escapes embodies the art of slow travel—unhurried, immersive, and lavishly enriching. Whether you’re drawn to Alpine vistas, Mediterranean sun, Andaman elegance, or Balinese splendour, each story unfolds at its own gentle pace… exactly how luxury should be.

Each of these destinations offers GCC travellers more than a luxury escape — they offer time, space, and presence.

Travelling with family? Escaping for a romantic break? Nourishing mind and body? These four properties invite you to disconnect from the rush and reconnect with the rhythm of the world — one gentle step at a time.

Ready to experience true luxury without the rush?
These timeless retreats await you.

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