Ever since I visited Six Senses Yao Noi in 2016, I’ve been a Six Senses superfan. That island property is particularly magical, but every Six Senses features thoughtful luxury blended with wellbeing, which I adore. I’ve since been to other Six Senses in India, Seychelles, and Thailand, and they all share the same features I love — expansive state-of-the-art wellness and gym facilities, sustainability efforts throughout the hotel, and gorgeous natural backgrounds.

That’s why I was very excited to be invited to both Six Senses London and Six Senses Ibiza — a dream come true. Both properties have been open for less than three years and are at the forefront of wellness, biohacking, and exercise, so I learned a lot while I was there.

Here are some things you’ll see a lot more of:

1. REHIT Technology: Working Out Harder in Less Time

What if you worked out for 10 minutes instead of 50 with similar results? Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Interval Training (REHIT) is a workout method where you replace long cardio sessions with short but maximum effort bursts.

I got to experience this in London on a CAROL bike, a pretty relaxed ride with 20-second intervals of intensely hard cycling. REHIT has been shown to improve cardiovascular fitness (VO₂ max and blood pressure) in just 10 minutes per session.

As a certified summer lover, I’ll give fall this much — it IS the best season for fashion. The rich fabrics, jewel tones, and abundance of shearling and fur really do it for me. As a travel journalist, I like to keep a mental log of brands I see on the road.

Now that fall has officially arrived, here are some labels that I’m eyeing to update my wardrobe and some that I’d love to put on your radar if you don’t already know them.

1. Nigeria: Kilentar - Ano Layered Raffia Skirt

Perfect for those last warm September and October days, this layered skirt is like a sartorial ray of sunshine. Wear it with a button-down for an early-fall soiree or keep it in your closet as a perennial vacation staple.

2. France: Balzac Paris – Striped Idole Cardigan

This French cool-girl brand is stylish and eco-friendly, with an array of cozy knitwear to carry you through fall. I love how this cardigan blends animal print with a pop of color, and the alpaca and merino blend guarantees that it’s soft.

3. Brazil: PatBO - Luma Jacquard Feather Mini Dress

This jacquard dress with feather trim is perfect for the upcoming holiday season. I love the teardrop cutout detail in the back and the pretty rhinestones around the neckline.

4. USA: Wrangler - Women’s Dallas Bootcut Fawn Jean

Okay, Wrangler isn’t exactly an under-the-radar, undiscovered brand, but I love these fawn jeans so I’m shamelessly adding them to the list.

5. Spain: Philippa 1970 - Rania Coat

I LOVE a statement coat for fall — what better way to get through a dreary day than with standout outerwear? Philippa 1970 is famous for its maximalist coats, and this one is a head-turner.

6. Türkiye: Siedrés - Lenor Jacket

A jacket AND a top — how versatile! And what print symbolizes fall more than plaid?

7. Australia: Henne - Rose Shirt

A fresh (and sexy) take on the classic white button-down. Wear with a camisole for work or without for a dinner date.

8. Switzerland: Inuikki - Classic Low Platform Boots

You knew I had to get a Swiss brand on the list. Inuikki makes cozy yet cool footwear to get you through the coldest of days.

9. Colombia: Cala de la Cruz - Amay Dress

I love this Colombian brand for its fun prints in the summer, but its fall/winter collection also has standout pieces like this blue long-sleeve dress.

10. Morocco: Marrakshi Life - The Trench Coat in Plaid

Life is just better when you have a cool coat to brave the impending cold, and this Marrakshi Life piece shows that fall doesn’t automatically mean a neutral color palette.

Which look is your favorite? Let me know in the comments.

September is here and, in my opinion, it’s one of the best months (including October) to visit Greece, specifically Athens. The weather is warm but not sweltering, the massive crowds are mostly gone, and with great hotels, restaurants, and shopping, you can end the season on a high note.

I just got back from a very short but exhilarating trip to Athens where I bought some amazing jewelry and enjoyed a lovely new hotel, a wellness oasis in the midst of Athens with direct views of the Acropolis. Here are some of my favorite places in the city:

Stay: Conrad Athens The Ilisian

Newly opened, Conrad Athens The Ilisian entices you with a sunny color scheme and unique touches like a running track that loops above the pool and around the hotel. While a lot of hotels have a nice spa and gym, Conrad Athens The Ilisian has an entire floor devoted to wellbeing, including an immersive cycling studio, gyrotonic room and indoor pool. You can also get the most incredible massage here, it’s called “Golden Light” and uses wild honey to give you a sensorial experience you won’t forget.

In just a few weeks I’ll be returning to one of my favorite travel destinations — Greece. While I’ve visited over half a dozen times I can’t get enough of the striking coastline, whitewashed architecture, and delicious food there. From late nights in Mykonos to exploring caves in Kefalonia to boating around Naxos, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of what the country has to offer.

That’s why I recently interviewed Lena Korres, founder of Greece’s most famous skincare brand KORRES to get the real inside scoop about the country. Some of the interesting tips she shared with me:

• The must-visit apothecary in Athens where you can find the best fragrances, candles, and body care celebrating Greece’s biodiversity

• The tiny island near Mykonos that’s so amazing she wants to retire there

• The IYKYK mountain sanctuary hotel that celebrates wellbeing, design, history and connection with nature

Intrigued? Read the full interview here.

One of the things that really comes through in the interview is how much Lena loves Greece — she calls herself a fanatic Greek. This passion for the country’s natural beauty and bounty is why she founded KORRES 30 years ago, distilling her knowledge into what’s now the country’s most famous beauty brand. KORRES uses Greek superfoods like yoghurt, grapes, and olives. They aren’t just tasty — they also make great skincare ingredients.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or haven’t tried the brand yet, there’s always something new to discover at KORRES. That’s because KORRES discovers, sources, and studies new ingredients every year — in fact, KORRES has introduced eight ingredients to the global INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) directory.

This year is all about “The Greek Glow” powered by Greek Yoghurt and Santorini Grapes. My personal favorite is the Santorini Grape Velvet Skin Drink, a replenishing serum that deeply hydrates skin to make it look radiant and flawless. I also love the Santorini Grape Poreless Skin Cream which blurs pores and nourishes skin. It’s ideal for glowy no-makeup skin days and also makes a great canvas for makeup coverage during hot summer days. Lastly, the Probiotic Foaming Cream Cleanser is gentle yet thorough, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed.

And now for the best part of this email: you have the chance to win all of the products above and then some. Our giveaway features the Protein Facial Kit, Sun Essentials Kit, Velvet Skin Drink, Poreless Skin Cream, Olive 3 in 1, Olive Shower Gel, and Olive Body Cream. This is a collection of KORRES’ bestsellers worth $421.

How do you enter? It’s simple:

• Subscribe to KORRES’ brand email list for 1 entry

• Follow them on Instagram for 2 entries

You can do both when you enter our giveaway here.

Giveaway opens July 28, 2026 and August 4, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Open to U.S. residents only. No purchase necessary. One winner will be selected and contacted via DM by [RANA IG OR EMAIL] only. This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram or Substack.

The winner will be announced on August 5, 2026 . Good luck!

I was there for the screening of “The Birthday Party” with Monica Bellucci. The title sounds festive but the movie is about a celebration that takes an eerie turn. Being in the same room as her was surreal and I was captivated by the film — nothing is like it seems at first glance, and I always love a twist.

Here are some things I learned from my time in Cannes:

1. Black Tie is NOT Optional

From the footage I’ve seen from Cannes, I knew that dressing up was welcomed but it’s actually a rule – you’re required to wear black tie to walk the red carpet to the Grand Théâtre Lumière. Men are required to wear a tuxedo and women must wear an evening gown or an elegant cocktail dress.

I wore a sequined Meshki dress and Schutz shoes:

2. Some Celebrities Just Walk the Red Carpet

I was under the impression that if you walk the red carpet, you’ll be watching a film too but many celebrities go through hours of glam just to walk the red carpet and don’t watch any movies at all. I saw Eva Longoria on the red carpet and was excited to see her in the movie theater but she never appeared – that’s when I learned this tidbit.

3. Don’t Even Try to Take a Selfie on the Red Carpet

You will get reprimanded — the red carpet is professional photographers only. Take pictures before you hit the carpet to capture your glam.

4. The Majestic – The Place to Be

Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes has the best possible location for seeing a movie as it’s steps away from the Grand Théâtre Lumière. I could not have been happier about staying there because walking miles in heels isn’t as easy as it looks (for me at least). For the record, my Schutz platforms are very comfortable and I ended up walking 11,000 steps that day regardless (!)

5. That Celebrity Red Carpet Moment Involved 20 People

Weeks of work go into a few seconds of a big celebrity walking the red carpet and involve a stylist, hair and make-up team, assistant, photographer, PR person, and many more people. Don’t let the “effortless beauty” fool you. The photo above is of the Dior Suite at the Majestic, one of the many Cannes beauty suites where the glam magic happens.

Growing up I would watch footage of the Cannes red carpet so being there in the flesh was an unforgettable experience. What was your favorite Cannes red carpet look – mine included?

Since our warm-weather clothes are likely still buried in the depths of our closets, let’s take a look at some pieces that will look good on us.

1. GUIZIO – Victoire Dress, $298

I haven’t delved into the butter yellow trend (although here it’s called honey butter) yet but I think I will with this keyhole GUIZIO number. Seems like the perfect piece to wear on a rooftop with an Aperol Spritz in hand.

2. Bydee - Zahana Hand Beaded Mini Dress, $999

This dress is so EXTRA, a real head-turner for your next vacation. Wear this on your next girls trip or romantic getaway to dazzle those around you.

3. Dishh – Ramie Set, $125

I’m a big fan of what I call “adult pajamas” — super comfortable summer sets in bold prints to wear at the airport or running errands. This black or white set, ticks all of those boxes in style.

4. Henne – Norella Top, $215

The ruching of this sheer top makes it look like you gift wrapped your body. Pair with your favorite jeans for an elevated summer outfit.

5. Meshki - Annette Dress, $225

Not just your run of the mill going out dress, this gold number has a unique hardware focal point. Look like a golden goddess wearing this especially once you have your first 2026 tan.

Need more inspo? Here are 27 more looks to steal here from our Australian designer summer edit and Meshki roundup. Which one are you adding to cart first?

You might have heard about the small island of St. Barths in the news in recent weeks. During the holidays, it’s a who’s who of billionaires, celebrities, and influencers all congregating on a 22 km island. There are beach parties, world-class DJs, and lots of trysts, apparently so much so that there was a Chlamydia outbreak this past festive season.

I’ve visited St. Barths five times so far and I love it! The beaches are pristine, there are lots of great restaurants, and the island truly embodies joie de vivre (they’re French after all). I’ve stayed at multiple great hotels and would return to St. Barths tomorrow if presented with the opportunity.

Read my full St. Barths guide here.

The island has a reputation that precedes it and a few people have asked me questions like the ones below.

Let’s confirm some facts and fiction about St. Barths:

Fact or Fiction

It’s Incredibly Expensive: Fact

I’m sure there’s a way to enjoy St. Barths on a budget but I would not like to take a stab at it. For decades it’s been a rich people playground and that’s reflected in the accommodations, cuisine and nightlife. This is especially true during the main season which is December to April, when Northern Hemisphere jetsetters try to flee the cold. Expect all hotel rooms to clock in at $1,000+ per night, table reservations to have eye-watering minimum spends, and a short taxi ride to cost 100 euros.

It’s Only Fun During the Festive Season: Fiction

I used to think that the above outlined season was the time to be in St. Barths and that the other times of year were quiet. The very first time I ever set foot on St. Barths was during a boat trip around several Caribbean islands in July, and it was admittedly not poppin on the island. We were able to dock in Gustavia with our small boat and the tender operator told us our boat was so small that during the festive season it would be considered a dinghy. However, I’ve since then been there in May, August, and November and had a fabulous time. In May there are fewer crowds but there’s still a good amount of visitors, in August the French are there on summer vacation, so the island has a very European vibe, and in November there’s the St. Barths Gourmet Festival which attracts a cool culinary crowd before the island descends into mayhem in December.

There’s Nothing to Do Except Party: Fiction

A lot of the footage on social media of St Barths is of bottle service and glitzy parties but there’s a lot of natural beauty on the island perfect for hiking, snorkeling, and surfing. One of the coolest things to do in St Barths is go to the piscines naturelles (natural pools) which you’ll access through walking along an ocean cliff (not a challenging hike).

It’s Very White: Fact

As someone who’s traveled to most Caribbean islands and is of Caribbean descent, there’s something noticeably absent from St. Barths — Black people. There’s a historical context for that, St. Barths had very little agricultural development and thus almost no slave trade. While it’s French now, St. Barths was a Swedish colony from 1784–1878. In 1847 when slavery was abolished on the island, the Swedish government bought and freed approximately 500 slaves.

That’s why the ethnic makeup is very different from other islands in the Caribbean.

It’s Hard to Get to: Fact

The airport is small with a landing strip that’s too tiny to accommodate large aircrafts. To get to St Barths you’ll need to fly Caribbean-based smaller airline like WinAir or Tradewind (my favorite). You can also fly private there of course.

Interested in visiting St. Barths? Here’s my guide of where to stay, eat and enjoy of the island.

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December is one of the busiest social months, so sometimes New Year’s Eve can creep up on us, especially when it comes to outfits. We’re just over one week away from the last day of the year (omg) so if you want to wear something memorable, now’s a good time to make some decisions, and I’ve done the work for you.

Whether you’re celebrating in the snow or on a beach, here are some options that will dazzle at midnight:

Cold-Weather New Year’s – Karen Millen Blazer Dress

I wore this in a certifiably chilly location: Patagonia. It was warm, comfortable yet fitted, and crystal-encrusted in a way that screams “let’s party.” I highly recommend this one if you’re going to fête somewhere cold.

Gala New Year’s – Meshki Winston Dress

Attending a black-tie event for New Year’s Eve? This shimmering sequin dress in a rich plum color is perfect for the season, and sexy yet sophisticated.

Tropical Getaway – Akoia Crochet

So, you’re celebrating on a beach somewhere. First of all, I’m jealous, and secondly, I have the perfect tropical crochet set for you to wear. Aside from being gorgeous, it’s also sustainably handmade by women artisans in Bali.

Didn’t find a piece you want? There are seven more options below:

New Year’s Outfits to Dazzle When the Clock Strikes Midnight

Find more of my recommendations on my ShopMy

The Perfect Absolutely Last-Minute Gift

As a travel writer who’s stayed at many of the best properties in the world, I know that not all bedding and bath linens are created equal. Hands down, the best towel I’ve ever wrapped my body in was a Sferra beach towel when I came out of the water at Ambergris Cay – the material was so plush, it felt like I was getting a hug. Their bedding is also exceptional so if you want to gift something guaranteed to impress, this will do the job.

Sferra Gift Card

Wishing all of you happy holidays and a great start to 2026,

Much love,

Rana

Chef José Andrés has opened dozens of restaurants around the globe, earned Michelin stars, and led amazing humanitarian efforts in places like Haiti, Puerto Rico and Gaza. When he wants to reconnect with his roots, he returns to one place— Asturias. Located between the peaks of the Picos de Europa and the Cantabrian Sea, this northern Spanish region is where he was born and where his love of food began.

Read more

Hi Friends,

It’s that time of year when some of us (ME) are still chasing summer while others are thinking about all things fall. In a lot of places, it’s still warm enough to go to the beach while others are already sipping warm drinks in jackets. This newsletter is the best of both worlds when it comes to shoulder season travel — tips on places to go that are enjoyable for summer lovers and fall enthusiasts.

If things look a little different here, it’s because I switched my newsletter to Substack. You’ll find the same content — lifestyle articles from me and other writers on Naïra. There’s also a paid tier now where I share more behind-the-scenes stories and insider tips, like that time I went to Asturias with world-renowned Chef José Andres. This under the radar destination is a must for food and nature lovers as the cuisine and landscape are both exceptional.

Whether you still want to lounge in an itty-bitty bikini or enjoy beautiful landscapes in a light sweater, these are some great late-summer and early-fall destinations:

Where to Go

1. Mountain Pool Hotels with Spectacular Views

Take a dip surrounded by mountain peaks and rock formations in Oman, Switzerland, and the U.S.

2. Luxury and Lush Farmhouse-Style Hotels

Travel to one of these bucolic properties to experience the best produce and scenic settings.

3. The Best Restaurants in Santorini

Santorini in July and August? Questionable. Santorini in September and October? Magical, especially at these six restaurants.

4. Wellness Resorts

Reset from all the rosé you had this summer at these wellbeing-oriented resorts.

5. Fireplace Hotel Rooms

Get extra cozy at these hotels where your room comes with a fireplace.

What to Pack

1. Fletcher Pant

hese turquoise pants work for both summer and fall, thanks to their tasteful floral print.

2. Cosmo Pants

Silky pants that work on a warm day but also look good with a blazer in the fall.

3. Intimissimi Modal Cashmere Ultralight Top

My go-to fall staple; the softest material in every color imaginable. It’s paper-thin yet warm, and layers perfectly tucked in.

Travel Tools

1. Point.Me

The best way to book flights with your credit card points. This search engine checks award availability across airlines and shows the cheapest ways to book available awards.

2. Timeshifter

Never get jetlag again with this app — it tells you exactly when to sleep, drink coffee, and get sunlight while en route so you sync with your destination’s time zone. I’ve used this on the way to Australia and Indonesia, and it works!

3. Inflatable Pillow

I don’t travel without this inflatable pillow, blow it up to sleep comfortably even in the smallest economy seats.

If you loved this late summer travel guide, the real magic is behind the paywall. That’s where I share the candid details from my trip earlier this year with world-renowned chef José Andrés — like the after-hours dinner he arranged at his favorite mountain restaurant, the secret cheese cave that isn’t on any map, and the scary but amazing activity you need to try while you’re there.