Monocle The Escapist 2024/2025

Our editor in chief gets the show on the road.

Meet some of the writers, photographers and illustrators who helped to put this issue together.

From a round-up of the smartest new hotel openings and a look at the first viable electric passenger jet to steam power on the Alpine rails and a taste of Eurostar’s updated menu, we present a rundown of the latest developments in the worlds of transport and hospitality.

Our intrepid reporters offer sharp insights into what’s next for in-plane design, how best to shrug off jet lag, the joys of slower tourism in Santorini and a timely motel revival in the US. Plus: Monocle’s view on neck pillows and a flick through some travel magazines to inspire your next adventure.

What does luggage innovation look like? Why is Jamaica set for a big 2025? And how might a motel make Le Corbusier jealous? To find out the sector’s direction of travel, we speak to five people at the helm, including Marc Blazer, CEO of Boutique, and An Chieh Chiang on reviving his family’s suitcase business, Lojel.

From linens and local pine to low lighting and high standards, little details make a big difference when it comes to restaurant and hotel design. We meet interior architects in Paris, Sydney and Austin to find out why “hospitality is made in the inches of a table”.

What does the future hold for luxury travel – and what does Agatha Christie have to do with it? We report from the sector’s flagship trade show to find out. Plus: updates from Four Seasons and new developments in Portofino and the Finnish Lakeland.

As resort towns and villages flourish along Turkey’s once-sleepy Turquoise Coast, the Macakizi hotel has evolved with the times into a true luxury escape.

Once known to Romans as the ‘end of the world’, secluded inns and superior seafood now make Spain’s northwestern corner the beginning of an extraordinary escape.

Highway 3 is one of Thailand’s longest roads – and it tells the story of the nation’s rapid transformation. We hop behind the wheel to see how the country got into gear.

Take to the road, with pit stops in sprawling vineyards and on rocky beaches in this remote region of Western Australia. Even if you do end up on Misery Beach.

From plunging gorges to ancient settlements, the mountain region of Zagorohoria offers an elevated view of Greece’s culinary and craft traditions.

This Balkan nation has a growing reputation among folks in search of spectacular scenery, Mediterranean sun and a rugged charm. Here’s where to go.

Staying comfortable and looking stylish don’t have to be mutually exclusive for frequent flyers. Whether you’re looking for hardy workwear or smooth neutrals, let us point you in the right direction and set you on your way.

Get a taste of northeastern Thailand, check into rooms with a view on Lombok and check out the Athenian Riviera with a stay at Ace Hotel & Swim Club Athens. Plus: a bag to keep your beer cool and a clock to ensure you don’t miss your flight. We share 15 places and products to have on your radar in 2025.