LUXURY EUROPEAN ESCAPES

UPGRADE YOUR SOUND

Sonos extends industry-leading home theater line-up with its most compact soundbar.

Sonos has expanded its home theater line-up with a new speaker, offering listeners more ways to easily connect with the content they love. The Sonos Ray is a compact soundbar with impressive sound for its size. As with all Sonos products, the brand’s newest speaker delivers a great sound that helps you play more, hear more and feel more at home. With Ray, Sonos is bringing great sound for TV, movies, and more to a wider audience by expanding its home theater range with a more accessible price point.

“Homes have become movie theaters, fitness studios, gaming hubs and so much more, all supported by a streaming era that is no longer exclusive to just TV, music and film,” said Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos. “Ray makes it easier than ever to enhance those listening experiences, thanks to its smaller size and impressive sound.”

Blockbuster Sound from Sonos Ray Ray raises the bar for at-home entertainment with new acoustic innovations that deliver balanced sound, crisp dialogue, and solid bass.

Room-Filling Sound: Custom-designed waveguides project sound from wall to wall, and advanced processing accurately positions elements throughout your room, so you feel like you’re at the center of the story.

Precisely Balanced: A new bass reflex system with a proprietary design delivers thrilling lows with perfectly weighted bass, while custom acoustics precisely harmonize mid and high-range frequencies. Tuned to Perfection: Like all Sonos speakers, Ray was tuned with the input of the Sonos Soundboard, a collection of leaders across music, film and more. Fine tune the sound even further with Trueplay to create the ideal listening experience for any room.

Enhanced Listening: Sonos’ Speech Enhancement ensures even greater clarity, so you never miss a word, while Night Sound reduces the intensity of loud effects, so you don’t disturb anyone else at home.

Compact Design: Whether you’re placing it on your media stand or tucking it inside a credenza, Ray’s understated and impressively compact design blends into any space.

Sustainable Sound: Ray also features our most sustainable design packaging to date, with a gift box and protective cushions that are 100% post-consumer recycled paper.

Ray brings the brand’s category-leading simplicity and versatility to a more accessible price point, making it easy to build your first home theater setup or expand in more rooms. The new soundbar is compatible with all of your favorite streaming services, so you can enjoy movies, music and more with simple setup and control - just open the Sonos app and start listening in minutes. You can easily control Ray with your existing TV remote, the Sonos app, Apple AirPlay 2 and more. Add a pair of Ones to your home theater setup for surround sound or connect to any Sonos speaker for multiroom listening.

GC EXPLORES: 5 LUXURY EUROPEAN ESCAPES

Wander through the eternal city of Rome

Once considered the capital of the world, ancient Rome is steeped in nearly 3000 years of history, culminating in a backdrop of awe-inspiring architecture. The pride of the city’s ‘golden era’, caput mundi, can still be experienced through the ancient ruins of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon, all built during Rome’s defining era. Without even trying, the capital provides a comprehensive lesson in artistic heritage, dotted with beautiful fountains designed by Bernini, Michelangelo sculptures, Caravaggio paintings and Raphael’s frescoes, not to mention the trove of delights hidden away in the Vatican. As you meander through the Eternal City’s picturesque streets and shady gardens, you naturally slip into the la dolce vita way of life, soaking up the city’s effortless style, perfumed with freshly-ground macchiato. With a longstanding respect for mama’s cooking, the Italian diet caters to all with crispy, thin-based pizzas, verdant salads, simple pasta dishes and, of course, a scoop or two of exquisite gelato. Located in central Italy’s Lazio region, the nearby Frascati and Castelli Romani hills ensure a steady flow of local wines, mainly white, worth exploring, including Trebbiano, Malvasia di Candia and Malvasia Puntinata. Also a fantastic shopping destination, the illustrious Via Condotti is renowned for its designer boutiques, with glamorous Italian fashion labels such as Valentino, Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Alberta Ferretti and Giorgio Armani all calling this stylish street home. Elsewhere in the city, the most talked about opening is Colosseo Quadrato, the new Fendi headquarters at Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, housed in a striking building from the Fascist era. Opened in honour of the Italian fashion house’s 90th anniversary, the headquarters features a free-entry gallery that’s a must for fashion and design lovers.

Where to stay:

In pride of place on the Piazza della Repubblica, amongst the city’s leading landmarks, Hotel Savoy is an iconic Florentine hotel. Dressed by Laudomia Pucci and Olga Polizzi, in signature prints and Renaissance antiques, and catered by Fulvio Pierangelini, in definitive Tuscan style. Filled with character, a breath of fresh air in a city steeped in history.

The Duomo Presidential Suite is the pinnacle of luxury at Hotel Savoy, occupying its own wing and exemplifying sublime design. With two bedrooms, the stylish space is ideal for families or parties travelling together.

Large windows let natural light flood the rooms and provide splendid views of Brunelleschi’s Duomo. The spacious sitting room features chic bronze tables and gold leaf mirrors by Il Bronzetto, grand bespoke bookcases from Castorina and playful Timorous Beastie-covered cushions, while in the separate dining room, parties can be easily accommodated around a large table, enjoying drinks from the well-stocked private bar. The elegant colour palette of natural, earthy shades in the furnishings—mirrored in the use of lavish Italian marble in the large mosaic-adorned bathrooms—is offset with pops of bright sea blue in various objets d’art, like a glint of sunshine off the Mediterranean.

The sylvan wallpaper used throughout, is accentuated by the handmade blankets in fine Italian fabrics that sit atop the magnificent king-sized bed, beckoning for a deep, luxurious night’s sleep.

Discover Edinburgh’s burgeoning art scene

Edinburgh is filled with fascinating monuments to Scotland’s glorious past. Once known as ‘The Athens of the North’, the city has an incredible array of worldclass museums, grand architecture, and exciting art galleries to explore.

The Scottish Gallery is the oldest fine art dealer and gallery in Scotland, specialising in 20th century and contemporary Scottish paintings and objects. The space is a prime place to pick up artworks by local Scottish artists. Exhibitions change constantly so there’s always something new to discover.

For modern and contemporary art, head to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The complex comprises three spaces; a fantastic sculpture park set in an extensive parkland and two indoor spaces, Modern One and Modern Two.

Modern One showcases works from the National Gallery’s permanent collection, alongside special loans from around the world.

Visit to explore Expressionist and modern British art, contemporary 20th century French and Russian art collections, and paintings by household names such as Matisse and Picasso.

Modern Two, on the other hand, presents a changing programme of exhibitions by international artists, alongside several permanent large-scale projects, such as The Stairwell Project by Richard Wright.

Where to stay:

IThe Balmoral has been a city landmark since 1902 and has unrivalled views across the iconic skyline, filled with splendid facades and styles.

A welcome in bespoke Balmoral tartan; Hebridean blues, heather hues and classic Scottish art; whisky ambassadors with 500 malts – The Balmoral is a love letter to Scotland. Looking up to Edinburgh Castle, savour Michelin-starred dining, French-Scottish bistro fare, award-winning afternoon tea and a serene urban spa at the city’s most majestic spot.

Browse art over dinner at Number One at The Balmoral, a Michelin-star restaurant, which is decorated with a print of a Scottish oak tree by Adam Ellis, alongside artwork from London’s Royal College of Art.

Palatial in both inspiration and spirit, The Balmoral’s iconic Scone & Crombie Suite is named after the stunning Scottish palace of Scone in Perthshire and the historic Crombie Castle in Aberdeenshire. From the custom-made tapestry Devonshire Swans wallpaper in the entrance hall—ideal for discrete, private check-ins or private dinners—to the rich fabrics and opulent furnishings used throughout the grand and generous space, the presidential suite is decorated with a nod to the city’s royal connections. Elegantly complementing the design, the colour scheme is serene with shades of delicate blue and grey, evoking Scottish skies and lochs, and a dash of soft yellow, like wild gorse, in the bedroom. Botanical, natural accents are woven throughout, while the floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light reveal the skyline of the city’s Old Town as a compelling contrast. For added decadence, the living room has a working fireplace, and the spacious Italian marble and mosaic bathroom features a freestanding bathtub, a separate shower and luxurious Asprey toiletries. Ideal for lavish longer stays and larger groups, the Scone & Crombie can be transformed into either a two- or three-bedroom suite.

Experience exquisite dining in the moonlit piazzas of Florence

Edinburgh is filled with fascinating monuments to Scotland’s glorious past. Once known as ‘The Athens of the North’, the city has an incredible array of worldclass museums, grand architecture, and exciting art galleries to explore.

The Scottish Gallery is the oldest fine art dealer and gallery in Scotland, specialising in 20th century and contemporary Scottish paintings and objects. The space is a prime place to pick up artworks by local Scottish artists. Exhibitions change constantly so there’s always something new to discover.

For modern and contemporary art, head to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. The complex comprises three spaces; a fantastic sculpture park set in an extensive parkland and two indoor spaces, Modern One and Modern Two.

Modern One showcases works from the National Gallery’s permanent collection, alongside special loans from around the world.

Visit to explore Expressionist and modern British art, contemporary 20th century French and Russian art collections, and paintings by household names such as Matisse and Picasso.

Modern Two, on the other hand, presents a changing programme of exhibitions by international artists, alongside several permanent large-scale projects, such as The Stairwell Project by Richard Wright.

Where to stay:

IThe Balmoral has been a city landmark since 1902 and has unrivalled views across the iconic skyline, filled with splendid facades and styles.

A welcome in bespoke Balmoral tartan; Hebridean blues, heather hues and classic Scottish art; whisky ambassadors with 500 malts – The Balmoral is a love letter to Scotland. Looking up to Edinburgh Castle, savour Michelin-starred dining, French-Scottish bistro fare, award-winning afternoon tea and a serene urban spa at the city’s most majestic spot.

Browse art over dinner at Number One at The Balmoral, a Michelin-star restaurant, which is decorated with a print of a Scottish oak tree by Adam Ellis, alongside artwork from London’s Royal College of Art.

Palatial in both inspiration and spirit, The Balmoral’s iconic Scone & Crombie Suite is named after the stunning Scottish palace of Scone in Perthshire and the historic Crombie Castle in Aberdeenshire. From the custom-made tapestry Devonshire Swans wallpaper in the entrance hall—ideal for discrete, private check-ins or private dinners—to the rich fabrics and opulent furnishings used throughout the grand and generous space, the presidential suite is decorated with a nod to the city’s royal connections. Elegantly complementing the design, the colour scheme is serene with shades of delicate blue and grey, evoking Scottish skies and lochs, and a dash of soft yellow, like wild gorse, in the bedroom. Botanical, natural accents are woven throughout, while the floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light reveal the skyline of the city’s Old Town as a compelling contrast. For added decadence, the living room has a working fireplace, and the spacious Italian marble and mosaic bathroom features a freestanding bathtub, a separate shower and luxurious Asprey toiletries. Ideal for lavish longer stays and larger groups, the Scone & Crombie can be transformed into either a two- or three-bedroom suite.

Visit the Ballet capital of the world, St Petersburg, Russia

Feast your eyes on some of the most beautiful architecture, ballet and onion-domed Orthodox churches found anywhere in Russia in the beautiful city of St Petersburg. Step back to the days of Dr Zhivago and Anna Karenina in the gilded halls of The Winter Palace before delving into masterpieces of Russian art at The State Russian Museum. Gaze in wonder at the golden cupola of St Isaac’s Cathedral, the fourth largest of its kind in the world and experience the otherworldly chanting and incense inside its frescoed interior. On the edge of the city discover the Grand Peterhof Palace, summer residence of the Tsars and still one of the most dazzling palaces and gardens in Russia. Known as the Versailles of the East, this Imperial creation is certain to be a highlight of any visit to St. Petersburg. From the Mariinsky Ballet to the Bolshoi Ballet, Russia is also home to some of the most renowned and influential ballet companies in the world. Mariinsky Ballet is the resident ballet company of St Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre. Originally named the Imperial Russian Ballet (or Kirov Ballet, as it was known in the Soviet era), the company was founded in the 1740s after the 1739 opening of Russia’s first dance school. Mariinsky Ballet works with many of the greatest talents of the Russian ballet world, not just dancers, but choreographers and ballet masters, too. Ever since St Petersburg set the stage for the original Nutcracker, ballet has found a warm welcome in Russia. Considered by many to be the ballet capital of the world, the city is home to many of the greatest ballet companies, academies, dancers, and theatres on Earth.

Where to stay:

Hotel Astoria is set right in the heart of magnificent St Petersburg and also shines in its own right as a city landmark. As a guest at Hotel Astoria experience curated tours to feel like a privileged local. From behind the scenes of the Mariinsky Theatre to highlight exhibitions at The Hermitage and The State Russian Museum, as well as intimate glimpses of secret city gems, your memories will live with you long after you have flown away.

At once quintessentially Russian Imperial and contemporary European, the interiors of the twobedroom Tchaikovsky Royal Suite are truly superlative. Enter through a spacious hall dressed with vintage mirror, passing the guest bathroom and elegant library before reaching a light, airy dining area, furnished with antique chandelier, table and chairs complemented by exquisite artworks worthy of a St. Petersburg palace. A stunning balcony terrace overlooks St. Isaac’s Square, the Mariinsky Palace and St. Isaac’s Cathedral and can be set up for scenic al fresco dining in the warmer months. To the right of the dining room, discover a large, comfortable sitting room with deep blue sofas and tasteful traditional rugs, original paintings, and books by Russian composers. In the master bedroom, a four-poster bed takes pride of place, with a mirrored wall reflecting the suite’s inimitable views and a walk-in wardrobe and dressing room for convenience. The master bathroom, crafted in exquisite marble and featuring a walk-in shower as well as a bath, is the perfect place in which to savour some pampering.

Escape to an Italian palazzo in the Gulf of Palermo

Having been under the rule of great civilisations, from Greek and Roman to Arab and French, Palermo has an incredibly rich artistic legacy. From The Palazzo dei Normanni, which was the seat of the Kings of Sicily during the Norman domination (and today houses the city council), to Monreale’s cathedral, commissioned by the Norman ruler of Sicily William II, this is a city steeped in history — and a culinary whirlpool. Reminiscent of Arab souks, Palermo’s markets, from Ballarò, to Capo and Vucciria, are perhaps the best place to soak up its theatrical and vibrant atmosphere, with market sellers singing the merits of their wares at the top of their lungs and locals sourcing the freshest vegetables.

There is an endless list of things to do during your stay: Stroll down Corso Vittorio Emanuele and pass by churches, palazzi and the city’s breath-taking cathedral; Glide through the Gulf of Palermo aboard a private boat; venture out to the medieval village of Castelbuono, and sample sea-fresh fish and raw crustaceans with magnificent views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Where to stay:

A coral-hued Art Nouveau palazzo nestled at the base of Mount Pellegrino in the vibrant city of Palermo, Villa Igiea sits in a prime location overlooking the beautiful marina. Each suite has been given a contemporary twist by designer Olga Polizzi and is furnished with classic antiques and delicate fabrics. Terraced gardens surround the sparkling pool and at the Igiea Terrazza Bar, the finest aperitivos are served amid charming frescoes. Discover history, majesty and serenity at Villa Igiea: a turn-of-the-century palazzo at the perimeter of vivid Palermo, the foot of Mount Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo. A long-loved seaside-meets-city sanctuary for royalty, dignitaries and Hollywood luminaries, trace their paths through tiered villa gardens that sweep down to the port and out to the Tyrrhenian Sea; on excursions to Palermo’s bustling markets, Baroque palaces and ancient sites, or yacht trips along its picturesque coast; and through Villa Igiea’s Italian restaurants, atmospheric bars and palatial Art Nouveau interior. With smooth wooden floors, an earthy palette and resplendent with hand-stitched fabrics, curated artworks and antiques, the beauty of Sicily is reflected throughout the décor of the Suites with Sea View and Terrace. Find peace in which to read or entertain in the light-filled sitting room or on your private terrace. Make sure to savour the spectacular views over terraced coastal gardens leading down to the water. Inside, the adjacent bedroom is furnished with a super-king-sized bed with pillow menu to ensure exceptional slumber, a walk-in wardrobe, and a serene en suite bathroom, crafted from Carrara marble and exquisite handmade Sicilian floor tiles. Luxuriate in the decadent bathtub or separate walk-in shower and enjoy Irene Forte Skincare products created from local botanicals.