The exclusive Regent Seven Seas Cruise line presents the jewel in the crown of its latest ship. It is one of the most appealing offerings in the world of travel. From an 817-square-metre suite on the high seas to a new network of gastronomic villages for the most discerning foodies. These are just some of the offerings to whet your appetite for this summer.
An ultra-luxury suite on the high seas
It is the largest suite in the history of cruises. A total of 817 square metres (344 with a wraparound balcony) with panoramic ocean views spread over two levels with ultra-luxury all-inclusive service, a floating natural stone staircase next to a private lift, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a gym, a sauna, a dressing room, a dining room with a glass-enclosed bar… This is the Skyview Regent Suite, one of the 12 types of accommodation available on the Seven Seas Prestige, the new ship in the Explorer class, the most premium class of the exclusive Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The price of this jewel on the high seas? From £22,500 per night.
Inside the suite on the new ship.
Of course, those who want to enjoy it will have to wait until the end of 2026, when the company’s latest ship will be launched, joining the select StarClass club, which brings together the best luxury cruise lines under the umbrella of the tour operator Un Mundo de Cruceros. With a maximum capacity of 822 people, the Seven Seas Prestige will have one of the highest space-to-passenger ratios in the industry, as well as seven designer speciality restaurants, unlimited excursions in each port, entertainment, free laundry service, prepaid gratuities, and a hotel night prior to embarkation for guests staying in Concierge-level suites or above.
Sleep in a French castle
The next plan takes you to the French Dordogne, one of the charming departments of the Occitanie region in the south-west of the country, known for its medieval villages, archaeological sites and spectacular castles. Not surprisingly, this proposal invites us to sleep in a 14th-century castle, a haven of peace in the heart of nature. Perched on a promontory, the Château de la Treyne seems to float on the water of a river, surrounded by a 300-hectare park, a private forest and several labyrinthine gardens. A member of the exclusive Relais & Châteaux organisation, it has 18 rooms and suites decorated with period furniture and a restaurant awarded a Michelin star. Guests can also enjoy the estate’s organic vegetable garden, guarded by Pomme, a Labrador dog.
The Network of Gastronomic Villages of Spain is born
The aim is to enjoy the cathedral of the village in question, a hike along its greenway, a wine tasting and its main museums, among other tourist experiences, with a common thread running through them all: the local cuisine and its star products. This is the proposal of the Network of Gastronomic Villages of Spain, a new club that seeks to unite the country through culinary routes through different municipalities, increasing development and employment opportunities in the area. At the moment, eight members have passed a demanding audit to become founding members of this non-profit association: Alcázar de San Juan (Ciudad Real), Almendralejo and Llerena (Badajoz), Aracena and Baena (Córdoba), Cangas del Narcea (Asturias), San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Tenerife) and Sigüenza (Guadalajara).
The aim is to increase the list — another 32 have already signed the letter of accession to the network — to create personalised routes between the nearest towns. There are already common itineraries between towns in Badajoz and Cordoba where you can enjoy a delicious salmorejo with ham and boiled egg, Extremaduran-style suckling pig, a shepherd’s stew or a traditional street slaughter inherited from the Inquisition.
Brihuega Lavender Festival
It’s a classic event when this time of year comes around. Not surprisingly, the Lavender Festival in Brihuega has become an unmissable event not only for lovers of the photogenic violet fields that dot this beautiful town in the province of Guadalajara during this time of year, but also for music lovers in general. On 11, 12, 18 and 19 July, attendees will be able to enjoy live performances by singers and groups such as Iván Ferreiro, Los Secretos, Beret and El Arrebato in the heart of nature, or the equivalent of nearly 1,000 hectares of plantations.
Portugal, from festival to festival
The last suggestion features Portugal and its most festive side, as its musical calendar is packed with a large number of festivals. These are not only a musical experience, but also a gateway to the cultural essence of the Portuguese capital. From NOS Alive in Lisbon, with a top-notch line-up that brings together international artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Muse, Nine Inch Nails and Justice in an atmosphere that combines sun, beach and music, to the Jardins do Marquês Festival in the town of Oeiras, which fills summer nights with open-air concerts and comedy shows, or the Ageas Cooljazz, which brings together renowned jazz, soul and pop artists in Marechal Carmona Park and the Manuel Possolo Hippodrome in Cascais. Another interesting event is the Sol da Caparica Festival, which celebrates Portuguese-language music and Lusophone culture in the Costa da Caparica Urban Park in Almada.
