A curated travel edit from SheerLuxe

By Sherri Andrew, SheerLuxe’s Travel & Lifestyle Editor

This month, we’ve teamed up with SheerLuxe to offer one lucky reader an i-escape getaway, worth £750. To celebrate the launch of this fabulous competition, we chatted to SheerLuxe’s Travel and Lifestyle Editor, Sherri Andrew, who shared some of her expert travel tips and trends for the year ahead – plus some of her top i-escape places for a stylish getaway.

What are your top tips for planning a holiday?

I always start with the experience I want to have – whether that’s a jam-packed city break or a restorative beach holiday. For finding where to stay, i‑escape has been one of my go-to booking platforms for years, thanks to their carefully curated edit of boutique stays. It means you don’t have to sift through endless options and can instead find properties with real character. For me, boutique hotels win every time; they offer individuality, thoughtful design and a sense of place that big‑name chains can rarely replicate.

Like most travellers, the next thing I think about is price – especially if I’m travelling with friends or family. If you’re after luxury for less, my advice is to book early or seek out newly opened hotels – introductory rates often mean you can enjoy five‑star style at a fraction of the price. And my non‑negotiables? A comfortable bed, a room with a TV, friendly service that doesn’t feel too intrusive, and a breakfast worth lingering over.

Are there any 2026 travel trends to look out for?

Travel trends are endlessly fascinating – they shape where we go, and much of that in recent years has been influenced by TV and film – think ‘The White Lotus effect’ in Sicily & Thailand. For 2026, one trend set to grow is ‘Alpine Summer’. Last year, the Dolomites dominated my Instagram feed, so we can expect to see more travellers swapping beaches for mountain air and lakeside hikes.

At the other end of the spectrum, high glamour is making a comeback: think statement hotels where the dress code feels part of the experience. Off‑grid escapes are equally in demand, with readers craving digital detoxes and places that feel truly remote. And perhaps the biggest shift is how we’re booking: AI is changing the way trips are planned, making it easier to match travellers with the right property. I’m curious to see how Gen Z are planning and booking trips with friends, increasingly turning to social media to discover destinations and hotels.

Sherri’s Favourite i-escape Stays

Elmley Nature Reserve

Kent, UK

This is one of my favourite hotels in the UK, set on its own 3,300-acre nature reserve that’s wild and beautiful. Easily reached from London, yet it feels wonderfully remote, with bell tents and shepherds huts to retreat to after a day of exploring.

Villa Alma

Austrian Alps

This chic lakeside retreat on Austria’s Lake Wolfgang offers great value for money. I’ve bookmarked this spot for an alpine summer getaway – think sunset swims, hiking in the fresh air and long lunches on the deck. The interiors are seriously chic, too.

Koyao Island Resort

Phang Nga, Thailand

Koh Yao Noi is one of my favourite Thai islands – tucked between Phuket and Krabi – and this small hotel offers both rooms and beachside villas, with privacy and relaxation at its core. Guests can hire bikes, take tuk‑tuk rides and make the most of cocktail happy hour.

The Shipton Hideaways

Oxfordshire, UK

I’m always on the lookout for cosy weekend escapes with friends, and these Cotswolds cottages fit the bill perfectly. Willow Cottage (which sleeps up to ten) has boutique interiors, inviting living areas and quiet reading nooks where you can settle with a cup of tea and a good book.

Portella

Mallorca, Spain

I fell in love with Portella the moment I stepped through its stone doorway. This 17th‑century mansion in Palma’s Old Town feels more like a private home than a hotel, with airy rooms, antique touches and a rooftop terrace that looks straight across to the cathedral. Breakfast runs until 1pm, which suits my idea of a proper holiday, and the interiors strike that perfect balance of understated luxury and contemporary elegance.

The Datai

Malaysia

The Datai is a rainforest retreat I think everyone should experience. Set against the Andaman Sea, I love it for its striking architecture, immersive nature experiences and a level of service that makes every stay feel special.

Where would you book with the £750 voucher prize?

If I had £750 to spend with i‑escape (what a prize!), I’d book a safari without hesitation. I’m desperate to experience the wild beauty of South Africa, and Coot Club on the Western Cape offers fantastic value for money – it combines adventure with style, offering river safaris, coastal walks and a sense of freedom that feels rare.

Sri Lanka is a destination I’d love to return to; the mix of culture, friendly locals and boutique stays makes it unmatched.

Chile is also firmly on my radar for 2026. From the Atacama Desert to Patagonia, it offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, and i‑escape’s boutique properties there make it possible to explore those vast landscapes without losing the sense of intimacy and design detail I value.

Closer to home, I think readers should keep an eye on underrated gems like Portugal’s Alentejo region or the quieter corners of Catalonia – places where authenticity and design come together without the crowds. For me, 2026 is about travel that feels both restorative and extraordinary.

COMPETITION CLOSED – WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED