Travel Llafranc, Costa Brava. PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEX DUFF ESCAPE Salento, Puglia. Salento, Puglia. I Photojournalist Lex Duff selects awe-inspiring holiday destinations that are picture perfect ROUTES have always operated on a summer-only frequency. If it were up to me, Id forgo the winter months entirely, bar a singular week of skiing and silliness in the snow, in favour of a life lived in less layers and more saltwater swimming. My work as a film photojournalist is, by definition, a pursuit of the light; over the years, that professional necessity has evolved into a personal shorthand for finding the worlds most delicious corners to soak up my favourite season. What follows is not a list of fleeting hot spots or social media trends, instead, it is an edit of the places I return to for their specific rhythm, soul and aesthetic perfection. SALENTO, PUGLIA, ITALY When I first started visiting Puglia, it was still Polignano a Mare and Monopoli that were the most frequented spots by summer visitors. But head further south to the Salento region and youll find yourself in a place where hospitality is built into the DNA of these alternative towns. About two hours from Bari airport, youll find Nardò, a town so quaint, baroque and beautiful youd be forgiven for thinking youd walked onto a Fellini film set. THE VIBE: An aperitivo at Caffé Parisi in the square while you people-watch is a non-negotiable, as is the short coastal walk from Santa Maria al Bagno to Santa Caterina, ending with a dip in the Gulf of Taranto. As the home of Primitivo and Negroamaro, ensure you soak up the local viticulture a visit to a local winery is the perfect way to spend an afternoon (see below). WHERE TO STAY: Palazzo Tafuri, set just on the edge of Nardòs old town. This elegant boutique hotel quietly rivals some of Italys most beautiful stays, but without the fanfare think high palazzo ceilings, considered interiors and those small, thoughtful luxuries (Ortigia toiletries included) that make a place feel instantly indulgent. THE INSIDER TIP Theres a serene pool for afternoon dips, best followed Head to local wineries by a perfectly made negroni in the open-air foyer as Leone de Castris, Schola Sarmenti or the church bells mark the hour. In the evening, stop LAstore Masseria for a puccia (a traditional local bread) at Rendezvous for your viticultural in Piazza Salandra before dinner, or treat yourself to education. a martini at Matam to watch the sunset over the sea. 22 May 2026 THE GLOSS MAGAZINE LLAFRANC, COSTA BRAVA, SPAIN Only a short hop from Barcelona, or an even shorter one from Girona, the Costa Brava is a masterclass in Mediterranean light; its easy to see why everyone from Elizabeth Taylor to Salvador Dalí claimed this coast as their sanctuary. THE VIBE: This is a place for playa playgrounds and hidden bays. Spend your days topless on the beach (naturists will find a host of suitable secluded beaches) or walking the historically The Insider Tip star-studded coastline between Tamariu, Sa Tuna, Take the coastal Palafrugell, Begur and Llafranc. WHERE TO STAY: walk over to Isabellas on the Llafranc waterfront is the perfect Margarita in luxury beach haven a boutique hotel that feels like Palafrugell for a tapas dinner. a private residence. Make sure to book a sea-view room. Sitting on the little balcony with a coffee in the morning sun while the snoozy seaside town wakes up is true bliss. Designed to display unpretentious luxury, its the detailing in the finishes that makes this spot stand out: think your own beach house but better. DONT MISS: Cala Pedrosa, in peak summer, this little alcove has its very own taverna where the seafood is unbelievably fresh and the menu, a term used loosely, is scribbled on a small notepad by a woman who has been there as long as time itself. NORTHERN NORWAY & THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS Positioned above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands offer 24-hour daylight during the summer months, or the period more romantically referred to as the midnight sun. Often mistaken for a winter-only destination, northern Norway and the Lofoten archipelago in spring and summer are a visual feast. Here, the drama is in the landscape: jagged peaks THE INSIDER TIP rising directly from the sea, glassy fjords, and small Head up to Heimøya fishing villages that feel improbably placed. You hike, in Henningsvær for brunch at you swim in glacial water (bracing, but worth it), and Trevarefabrikken. you chase viewpoints that seem to outdo one another. WHERE TO STAY: Base yourself in Henningsvær A SWEDISH SUMMERHOUSE / DESTINATION DINING / SUNNY DELIGHTS / SMART PACKING / ANDREW SCOTT / BRINGING BALLET BACK MAGAZINE MAY 2026 with THE IRISH TIMES LETS GET AWAY SUN-SOAKED STYLE Creative Retreats o ss .i e hegl w.t ww Dream Destinations Contents IN THIS ISSUE THE GLOSS MONTHLY REMINDER SIGN UP to receive a monthly reminder by email when THE GLOSS is out so that you never miss an issue. Simply register your details on WWW.THEGLOSS.IE. 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In the Lap of Luxury Range Rover at The Merrion set a new standard in design leadership and elegance Range Rover On a special day in March, in the heart of Dublins Georgian Quarter, a memorable standard for modern luxury was s Advertorial A luxury townhouse at Chelsea Barracks by Ben Johnson. The interior of the Britannic Explorer, a Belmond luxury train, by Ben Johnson. Design Detailing and Innovation Ben Johnson in conversation with Killian McNulty. A Conversation about Modern Luxury An insightful discussion betwe Mens Style Menswear Notes 1. Cedar Green Dior Granville leather bag, Dior, at Brown Thomas. 2. Carbone eau de parfum, Balmain, 165, at Boots. 3. Green The Re-Run M suede sneakers, 169; www. themercerbrand.com. Dont forget to pack in style, says Aislinn Coffey ANASTASIIA REDKO @GENTLEMENDESIGN What makes a design last generations? Is it exceptional craftsmanship? Is it honest materials? Is it timeless design? For us, its all of these. Thats what makes a Neptune home. Over 30 stores across the UK and Europe neptune.com Explore kitchen Advertorial Living I The Dream What if you could own five beautiful homes across Europes finest destinations, with none of the hassle? Mallorca, Premium Collection. Mallorca, Signature Collection. f your idea of a holiday is a private villa rather than a luxury hotel, consider August Collection Advertorial Tuscany, Signature Collection. Paris, Pied À Terre Collection. Collections range from elegant city apartments in Paris, Rome and Barcelona to countryside villas and alpine chalets across Tuscany, the South of France, Mallorca and the French Alps each one a different way of experiencin Travel Llafranc, Costa Brava. PHOTOGRAPHS BY LEX DUFF ESCAPE Salento, Puglia. Salento, Puglia. I Photojournalist Lex Duff selects awe-inspiring holiday destinations that are picture perfect ROUTES have always operated on a summer-only frequency. If it were up to me, Id forgo the winter months Travel Lofoten Islands, Norway. Llafranc, Costa Brava. Ischia, Italy. Ischia, Italy. or plan a roadtrip of the archipelago to get the most out of the region, staying at gorgeous little Norwegian-style houses along the way from Torsken to Fredvang to Heimøya. THE VIBE: Hiking up Heston or Segla Castlebellingham, Co. Louth sales@oconnorsofdrumleck.ie +353 (0) 42 937 2625 oconnorsofdrumleck.ie Beauty Beauty Notes News & views, by Sarah Halliwell TRIED & TESTED: ELEMIS FACIAL AT ANANTARA THE MARKER DUBLIN Anantara The Marker Dublin on Grand Canal Square is an immaculate five-star hotel with a spa to match its one of the capitals finest. Make time to enjoy the 23-metre pool, sauna and s Cashmere www.lucynagle.com FAITHFULL THE BRAND Beauty FRANCE BULY is simply one of our all-time favourite beauty brands, and the epitome of French style. The body creams are superb I have one of the Louvre-inspired creams, and it doubles as a fragrance, with a beautifully elegant scent. www.buly1803.com. 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Books @PAPERBACK.PONDERINGS Reading Notes Sarah Halliwell on the best new books for May R upert Thomsons DARK IS THE MORNING (Head of Zeus, €22), is as compelling as any of his 13 previous novels. I first read the English writers Air and Fire over 30 years ago and was instantly hooked. In 2013, Books Writers Block DR KATRIONA OSULLIVAN Dr Katriona OSullivan talks home, roots and the gift of books ... Home is wherever Dave and my boys are. I am not tied to bricks and mortar I feel home with people. I was homeless when I was younger, I got pregnant and lived in a homeless hostel and this r Wine Island Hopping Julie Dupouy plans island wine tours B lue skies, white sand, palm trees and the gentle sound of the sea breeze. For many holidaymakers, this is the ultimate dream. However, lying on an idyllic beach or spending the day snorkelling in lagoon-blue water is not everyones idea o Interview With a Man THEA TRAFF I dont really mind making a fool of myself. I dont mind making mistakes. Andrew Scott Role Play Andrew Scott is an award-winning actor, born and raised in Dublin, and celebrated for roles in Fleabag, Sherlock, All of Us Strangers and Ripley. Now hes taking on a rol Interview With a Man 1,660,000 readers across multiple channels 25-34 * Interview With a Man What does it mean to you to executive produce the winning film? Its really terrific. I think any producer just listens to what the artist might need. Id definitely like to do more behind the camera. Iv Restaurants Restaurant Notes These restaurants are worth booking a short flight for, says Ciara McQuillan SIMPSONS IN THE STRAND, UK: THE TICKET Recently reopened under hospitality legend Jeremy King, London institution Simpsons in the Strand preserves its old-world charm with polished wood-pane Food Something Fishy Kitty Coles is hooked on the tinned fish trend A n anchovy draped over a buttery piece of warm bread or toast is arguably one of the best snacks you can eat especially when the sun is out and its day one of a holiday. Theres a little restaurant in London I love called Brutto Wholefoods Supplements Natural Skincare Earth Friendly Products y m a e r c is h t y r T ta lentil pas up Build your s e p i c e R Wholefood ingredients for feel-good cooking Find us in selected Dunnes Stores across Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Naas and Tralee NOURISH.IE Travel LEARNING CURVE PHOTOGRAPHS BY DOREEN KILFEATHER Luxurious retreats reflect the rise in creative tourism, says Penny McCormick. La Gonette in Provence is one of the best examples ... Jeni Glasgow in the kitchen at La Gonette. I n a south eastern corner of Provence, twelve strangers gathe Travel Harriet Davidson. Alice Nelson and Danny Shub with their son. Connecting with and contributing to our local community has been really wonderful. This all chimes with the current trend for creative travel experiences; a third of travellers now prefer to trade passive sightseeing for more me Travel The Art of Living Spaces, Provence. Guests at Fleuropean, Belgium. Château de Wodémont, Belgium. Guests at one of Ruth Ribeaucourts Faire retreats. D efined by some as a soft reset holiday, many travellers are swapping busy itineraries for intimate, all-inclusive experiences in niche loc Travel Attending a retreat once or twice a year has become an intentional ritual rather than a one-off indulgence. Bantam Cottage, Daylesford. Finca Buenvino, Spain. Rose Ferguson at Surrenne at The Maybourne Riviera. Ilias retreat in Mani, Greece. SURRENNE, THE MAYBOURNE RIVIERA, FRANCE Fashi Travel Travel Notes A double bedroom. Penny McCormick shares tips for a cultural weekend in Berlin and where to stay A balcony room at The Dean. Benedict bakery. CHECKING IN: THE DEAN BERLIN VIBE Design savvy stay in upmarket Charlottenburg, west Berlin. NEED TO KNOW In addition to its hotels