Ben Murphy

As the son-in-law to a second-generation Montana rancher, the Big Sky State has become my home away from home. While “Yellowstone” has brought a new wave of travelers, I find Montana’s true beauty lies in the enduring sense of community and the way of life that has existed here for decades. Truly experiencing this region involves going deeper than the private clubs and embracing the local rhythm, whether in the vibrant hub of Bozeman or off the less-trodden path in Livingston.

Piedmont is easily Italy’s best-kept secret. It’s a place where royal history in Turin meets the fog-draped hills of the Langhe, and where the wine is as legendary as the white truffles. I’ve spent time scouting the best hilltop estates and hidden lakeside gems like Lake Orta to bring you a side of Northern Italy that feels totally authentic and remarkably quiet. Whether you’re sipping a Bicerin in a 1700s café or winding through the “Underground Cathedrals” of Canelli, this region is all about the art of slow, sophisticated living.

Sicily is a masterclass in contrast, where the “electrifying masterpiece” of chaotic Palermo meets the honey-hued stillness of Baroque Noto. This journey is about tracing the footsteps of the many civilizations that conquered the island, while retreating into the isolation of a 17th-century working farm in the rustic interior. From the raw geological power of Mt. Etna to the Belle Époque elegance of coastal villas, Sicily offers a sensory depth that is both rugged and refined. It is a place to lose yourself in history and find yourself in the quiet, sun-drenched moments of the Mediterranean.

Val Gardena is where rugged Alpine adventure meets sophisticated Italian luxury, and there is no better base for this than the charming village of Ortisei. This destination holds a special place in my heart for its ability to transition seamlessly from the adrenaline of the Sellaronda to the serene, world-class wellness of the local spas. It’s a rare pocket of the world where you can experience Michelin-starred dining and traditional Ladin culture while surrounded by the most dramatic limestone peaks on earth.

St. Moritz has a certain energy you won’t find anywhere else, largely thanks to its legendary "champagne climate" that keeps the town drenched in sunlight nearly all year long. It’s a place where the air feels sharper and the scenery looks more vivid, providing the perfect setting for what is arguably the most concentrated collection of world-class dining in the Alps. For me, the real draw is how the town manages to be both high-octane and incredibly refined; you can spend a morning out in the bright mountain sun and then spend the evening tucked away in a historic dining room enjoying a meal that is genuinely artful. It is a destination that feels like a celebration of the good life, where every detail—from the service to the scenery—is held to an impossibly high standard.

The Amalfi Coast is one of the most popular places to visit this year. It attracts travelers from all over the world because it has beautiful scenery and friendly towns. However, planning the perfect trip can be challenging due to the area's popularity and the potential for overcrowding. To help you deal with these problems, I've put together a detailed guide to help you avoid the crowds and fully enjoy La Dolce Vita. With these tips, you’ll be able to experience the Amalfi Coast in a more authentic and enjoyable way.

A relaxed resort town known for its endless sandy beaches lined with colorful cabanas, Forte Dei Marmi is a special corner of Italy still primarily enjoyed by the Italians for their “villeggiatura” (a prolonged holiday in a single destination). In Forte Dei Marmi, days are lazily spent reading under an umbrella on the beach. When you have had enough sun and sand, you can ride your bike to the town’s shopping center to visit both local boutiques and designer shops such as Dior and Loro Piana.

In the evening, sip a Negroni with your feet in the sand while listening to the sound of the waves (this is the rumored location where Count Negroni fashioned the first of his namesake cocktails, after all) before indulging in one of the area’s four Michelin-star restaurants. If you are lucky, you may even hear Bocelli perform at his beach club: Alpemare, during your holiday. Forte dei Marmi is where you can enjoy the charm of life’s simple joys.

The Amalfi Coast is my favorite destination, and I enjoy sharing it with my clients. However, being a tourist hotspot, it’s important to know the best places to go to avoid the tourist traps. Here are some of my favorites throughout the region, with a mixture of fine dining and local favorites.

The French Alps have recently been chosen as the host for the 2030 Winter Olympics, drawing global attention to this iconic region. While the games are a few years away, the French Alps are already the ultimate destination for ski holidays. If you’re planning your winter getaway for 2025, here’s why the French Alps should top your list.