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 in Dublin, Cork and Galway, The Dean Berlin is part of the Irish brands global expansion. Look out for openings in Munich and Miami. DECOR Housed in a 19th-century building, interior designer Rachael Gowdridge, who previously worked for Martin Brudnizki Studio, wanted to celebrate contrast at the hotel, especially between history Hotel Wilmina. and modernity, rebellion and elegance, roughness and craft. This translates as a layered interior scheme mixing architectural details, vintage furniture, colour, sculptural lighting and avant garde aesthetics. The open-plan hotel lobby erlin serves both as a backdrop and central character in the Netflix and snug library alcove create a visually appealing first impression. ROOMS series Unfamiliar. I spotted Oberbaum Bridge, a former crossing There are 81 colour-drenched, comfortable rooms in various categories (Cosy, point between the east and west Berlin and the Cube, one of the Double, Balcony, Suite). Mine had an unusual layout with tactile details wall smartest office buildings in Europe. If youve watched this twisty panelling, graphic carpet, timber flooring, Bauhaus-style headboard, a Paul spy thriller youll know it incorporates past and present history, Smith Anglepoise lamp and a ceiling light made from latex (apparently a nod just like many of the citys boutique hotels. Hotel Wilmina, a former courthouse to Berlins nightlife). Smart storage, moreish snacks and in-room bath amenities and womens prison, is now a hip hideaway in the lively Kantstrasse area, where created in collaboration with cult fragrance house DS & Durga also ticked my the cult bookshop Bücherbogen, the Rococo Charlottenburg Palace and leafy boxes. DO Check out the hotels art collection by independent curator Thom Lietzenseepark are notable attractions. Beyond the hotels Baroque facade, Oosterhof, part of a global art programme launched by The Dean supporting guests will discover romantic courtyards, secret gardens, a rooftop swimming local and emerging artists, exploring the relationship pool and sauna. Cell walls have been demolished to create between art, place and community. DINING Breakfast bright white rooms, some with window bars still in place. THIS MONTH IM ... for residents is served in Benedict, already a popular Its minimalist, vegetarian restaurant, Lovis, is another destination restaurant prior to The Dean opening. talking point, as is its bakery. www.wilmina.com. Brunch and cocktails are a forte. DO Borrow a hotel If you havent seen the citys big hitters (Brandenburg bike to explore the neighbourhoods lush parks and Gate, Alexanderplatz, the DDR Museum) its best to the grand Kudamm boulevard. DONT Miss a trio stay in the Mitte district (try the sophisticated Gorki of local restaurants: the French-inspired Bostich, the Apartments; www.gorkiapartments.com). Invest in a Viennese-style Manzini Café and Bottega Seppel, a Welcome Card, which offers significant discounts at charming wine bar. VERDICT A sassy, affordable base museums and other attractions. Take a stroll through the with intuitive staff. Rooms start from €135 per night. Hackesche Höfe, a warren of restored courtyards now a www.thedeanhotels.com. @pennymccormicked hive of restaurants and quirky fashion and design ateliers. For a cultural hit, the Brancusi exhibition at the Neue Nationalgalerie includes the Kiss and Sleeping Muse sculptures, on until August 9. For photography fans, C/O Berlin and the Helmut Newton Foundation are mustvisits, or follow in the footsteps of David Bowie and Iggy Pop with a pit stop in Schwarzes Café. In the free-spirited Friedrichshain district, Sly Berlin and Locke aparthotel at East Side Gallery both serve as stylish bases the latter has a preserved section of the Berlin Wall adorned with political murals. Nearby, the boutiqueREADING: Helmut Newton: One-off, 49, Phaidon. PACKING: Eye Want Candy eye masks, lined streets surrounding the Boxhagener Platz are good 14; www.patchology.com. BOOKING: Carlton for a browse especially for the Sundays flea market. For Hotel Dublin Airport before an early flight; The library alcove. more places to stay in Berlin, visit www.thegloss.ie. www.carltondublinairport.com. B 48 May 2026 THE GLOSS MAGAZINE 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. EDITOR JE NNIFE R STE V E NS D EP UT Y ED IT OR S Í O MHA CO NNO LLY S TYLE E D I T O R AISLI Glossip TWO UP Heating Up Gloss~ip! BALMAIN May is the perfect time to get away SEASHELL CHARMS On handbags, earrings or necklaces a rising summer microtrend. ROAD TRIPPING: Louis Vuittons Flight Mode collection features chic and comfy washed denim utility-style dresses, jackets and cargo t Fashion Spot The Trend 2 Maritime fashion is making a splash, says Aislinn Coffey 3 CELINE 1 6 4 5 7 LAUNCHMETRICS/IMAXTREE 8 9 10 SHIPPING FORECAST The nautical mood sweeping the SS26 runways feels polished, not costumey. Celine, Ralph Lauren and Dior are just a few of the fashion hou Moodboard 8 May Mood Chaotic 6 5 7 4 9 by Susan Zelouf 1 1. IM STRIPING in for festival season in Loewe. 2. IM COLLECTING work by Sarah Walker; at Oliver Sears Gallery until May 29. 2 3. IM DOFFING my feather Balenciaga cap at chaos; respect! 10 4. IM ENJOYING fringe benefits via Zimmerman Elevated Evenings IN THE HEART OF 3ARENA Discover Annual Membership Experience the pinnacle of live entertainment with annual membership to the 1878. Entertain your guests in an exclusive, elevated atmosphere with access to the most sought-after performances. membership@3arena.ie the1878.ie These Shannon belted bikini bottoms (110) are designed to elongate the leg and sculpt the torso. The Kaleigh scoop-neck bikini top (85) is both supportive and flattering; both www.laporteswim.com. Whether youre bound for sun-soaked beaches, bustling cities, or somewhere in between, a wardrobe that F I N E J E W E L L E RY AU C T I O N Live Auction Tuesday 12th May 2026 Open Viewing Days: 8th - 12th May Est.1887 ADAMS 26 St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2 +353 1 676 0261 - jewellery@adams. Catalogue online on www.adams.ie IG: @clm_adams_auctioneers Fashion POOLSIDE PANT SETS From a practical perspective, a flowy, pull-on pant co-ord offers welcome shade from the sun, or a cosy layer once the sun has gone down. H&Ms loose-leg beach co-ords (in neutral shades) are well priced and worth checking out. Lemlems hand-woven stripe Terara cotton jack THE LEGENDARY BLUE BOX new b r i d g es i l v er w a r e.c om Fashion Cher jelly kitten heel sandals, Linzi, 45; www.next.ie. Classic Ray-Bans From top: Black Mega Wayfarer II, 223; nude Wayfarer Puffer sunglasses, 173; polished tortoiseshell Original Wayfarer Classic, 213; all at Ray-Ban, 32 Grafton Street, Dublin 2. Amber brown Chloé Jelly mules, 520; www CORK LIMERICK KILLARNEY W W W. K E A N E S . I E PHOTOGRAPHS BY NAOISE CULHANE Advertorial Range Rover at The Merrion. 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. 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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. The TRUDON Carmen O P E N I N G T H I S S E A S O N O N I R E L A N DS W I L D AT L A NT I C E D G E Designed by nature. Refined for you. thehawthornhotel.ie Culture Melissa wears: Cream silk and linen lace knit dress by Dior. Melissas custom pointe shoes are by Bloch, embossed with her name on the sole of each shoe. 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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