UNESCO Essentials

AlUla, in northwest Saudi Arabia, may soon top travelistas’ essentials. For now, experience this UNESCO world heritage wonder with Dubai-based private aviation leader Jetex. Fly Bombardier Global or Challenger from its dedicated Dubai terminal, direct to AlUla. Bespoke tours of heritage sites and two nights at the 79-unit tented-villa Banyan Tree AlUla, opened by Mariah Carey last October - 1,485sq ft Dune Two Bedroom Pool Villas have firepits and stunning views of the Ashar Mountains, above. Dine at Jason Atherton’s Maraya Social, a few minutes away.

The Met Karla

Karl Lagerfield is theme for New York’s annual Met Ball, 1st May - global fashionistas will unquestionably catwalk his Balmain and Chanel designs. Eternal ball boss Anna Wintour’s 2023 Co-Chairs include Penélope Cruz, Dua Lipa and Roger Federer (will he Nike, with sneakers of course?). 17 minutes’ limo away, Equinox Hotel’s Ball packages include Gold Collagen Facials by trendy young plastic surgeon Lara Devgan, Yale, John Hopkins and New York Presbyterian Hospital. There’s a 50-foot heated outdoor pool and, unsurprisingly, Equinox exercise.

Courtroom Chic

Quiet luxury is a key to trendy style. Gwyneth Paltrow’s recent real-life courtroom sitcom saw her sporting timeless and loose-fitting Céline, Prada, Ralph Lauren, The Row – and her own G. Label by Goop. ELF loves G. Label’s softest-possible leathers, black tank tops, mini skirts, taupe varsity jackets.

Tintin and Le Cheval Blanc

Tintin addicts head to Paris. L’Atelier des Lumières digital arts centre, with floor-to-ceiling visuals and immersive sound, celebrates Hergé’s cartoon character until 7th May (adjacent galleries show Chagall and Klee through January). Afterwards, take a vigorous 44-minute stroll to Hôtel Le Cheval Blanc Paris. South-facing 550sq ft Junior Suite #509 overlooks the Seine and Notre Dame. Peter Marino design, Stockinger safes with movement-control for three timepieces.

Invest In Time

Bulgari’s Octo Roma watches evolved in Rome in 2004. Its latest Chronograph, by Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, is its sleekest yet. New-look bezel black or blue hobnail-textured dials and the 42mm stainless case is water resistant down to 300 feet. Invest $13,500 in time? A used Gerald Genta OCTO Quadri Retro XXL 45mm 18K Rose Gold Box & Papers 101837 is currently offered for $25,000. 

100-mile Luxury

Serious hiking in Utah? Escape Adventures’ four-day 100-mile White Rim Trail in Canyonlands National Park includes the Colorado River, ancient Puebloan ruins, and luxury camping. Pack tried-and-tested Norda footwear, now partly Ermenegildo Zegna-owned. After, it’s worth a day-long drive for perfectly chilled Dom Pérignon at Amangiri, soaking in Utah’s 360° moonscape mountain desert.