POP-UPS & SURPRISES

Even if our screens at home have gotten considerably bigger, going to see a movie in a cinema never gets old. Maybe it’s the buttery popcorn or the extra large sodas. Or both. But what if we told you we can bring the cinema outdoors, under the stars, on the beach or in our tropical gardens? Welcome to our very own Cinema Paradiso.

Little travellers and grown-ups, keep your eyes open for a sealed glass bottle inside which is a roll of parchment. Message in a Bottle is our idea of a treasure hunt. You may stumble upon a massage at LUX* Me spa, a bottle of something bubbly, dinner for two under a starry sky… There’s only one way to find out: pop that cork and unroll the scroll.

While holidays are absolutely a time to disconnect (and possibly even go off-grid), it’s sometimes nice to stay in touch with those back home. Sure you could send a postcard, or pop inside one of our vintage phone booths and dial home (or anywhere in the world for that matter) for free. But please don’t call the office!

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! Cocktails at sunset are an essential part of a holiday. That’s why we have a wandering Aperitivo bar. The pop-up bar, loved by our bartenders whose creativity could never be contained within four walls, is the go-to spot for a delicious drink, a snack, to meet fellow travellers or simply kick off the evening in style.

We love a good book. Kindles aside, books can be pretty heavy when you’re trying to travel light. The Wanderlust Library is just that–a peaceful space where you can read books curated by us or left behind by fellow travellers. It’s quiet enough that you can check your emails and sneak in a bit of work (we won’t tell). You may check out the books and take them to your chaise-longue on the beach, because nothing beats a good summer read in the sun.

Ever heard of the expression, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? We like to collect discarded materials that would otherwise end up in landfills or the ocean, and upcycle and repurpose them into art, crafts and even everyday objects. People of all ages are invited to pop by our JunkArt studio and get creative. We also regularly host workshops. 

As you wander the grounds of our properties, keep your eyes open for a majestic tree on which you’ll see innumerable wishes swaying in the breeze. From afar, they look like flowers blossoming. Here’s what to do: Make a wish. Write it down on a piece of paper or ribbon (we keep a stock near each tree). Tie it around a branch. This ritual can be traced back to temples in Japan and China, native American tribes and even Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree art installation.

Travel = photos = memories in our books. With a smartphone in hand and an Instagram account to tend to/curate, most of us have gotten pretty good at capturing our holidays and lives. Still though, nothing compares to the professionals. That’s why we set up a PhotoFanatics photography studio where you can hire equipment, attend workshops, or flip through our PhotoInspire booklet, which we designed with the help of photographer-friend Michael Freeman. Inside you’ll find all the technical and creative tips to capture your holiday.