Swan Hellenic will explore the West Coast of Africa on two new Grand Voyages aboard SH Diana, with the cruise line already reporting strong interest.

Six Senses has unveiled plans to expand its presence in Portugal to a new community being developed in Comporta, located just outside Lisbon. Slated to open in 2028, Six Senses Comporta will comprise a 70-hotel key and branded residences as part of the Pinheirinho estate, a 400-hectare estate that was previously privately owned and accessed by invitation only. Much of the site is a protected nature reserve of pinewood forest. Under development plans, the site is being brought to life in accordance with strict aesthetic and sustainability guidelines.

AmaWaterways is boosting its inaugural ‘Soulful Experience in France’ this summer, with the luxury river cruise line releasing a new addition to the 2024 lineup of Soulful Experience river cruise and land packages celebrating Black history and culture along the rivers.

Nobu Hospitality continues its global expansion strategy, revealing it will debut its first property in Portugal in the heart of Lisbon.

Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours has unveiled a new Morocco and the Iberian Peninsula itinerary aboard Scenic Eclipse departing in April 2022.

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas is adding a second destination to its Portuguese portfolio – Six Senses Lisbon – slated to open in 2025.

Seabourn has brought forward the anticipated return of Seabourn Encore by two months, from mid-April 2022 to 19 February 2022. Seabourn Encore will operate a series of new 10- and 11-day itineraries to the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean roundtrip from Lisbon, Portugal over the northern winter and spring. The ship will be the third vessel in Seabourn’s fleet to return to service.

In room 1710, a unique Lisbon treat awaited me in the form of three really warm custard tarts. And not just any tarts but Pastéis de Belém, as made since 1837, today still fashioned by hand to a recipe that was devised by de-frocked monks after monasteries were closed during Portugal’s Liberal Revolution in 1820.