Michael Gallow

The Dolomiti Superski isn’t just a ski area. It’s a winter kingdom. With a single pass granting access to over 1,200 km of interconnected slopes across 12 distinct regions, it feels like a world unto itself, set amidst the dramatic, pale-peaked mountains that are a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Sella Massif acts as a colossal roundabout, around which a network of lifts and trails weave through valleys steeped in Ladin culture. While the circuit draws serious skiers, its vastness means you can always find quiet, sun-drenched slopes or a cozy mountain hut (rifugio) for a long lunch.

Puglia is special to me because of its profound sense of authenticity. It’s not a place that feels built for tourists, but a region where ancient traditions, from the shaping of orecchiette pasta to the farming of centuries-old olive groves, are simply a part of daily life. I find a deep sense of peace in its slow rhythm, whether I’m swimming in the turquoise Ionian Sea or getting lost in the sun-bleached alleys of a whitewashed hilltop town. It feels like discovering Italy’s warm, welcoming, and unpretentious heart.

Tucked away on the unspoiled southern tip of Koh Lanta, where the Andaman Sea meets lush, ancient rainforest, lies Pimalai Resort & Spa. More than just a place to stay, Pimalai (meaning “a little patch of heaven”) is an experience in serene, sophisticated seclusion. Having recently returned from a stay, I can confirm it lives up to its name and its prestigious status as a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

A breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime escape that fully immerses you in the magic and majesty of the Empty Quarter. Less of a hotel stay, more of an authentic desert expedition with five-star luxury.

For over 25 years, an annual ski trip to Alta Badia has been more than just a holiday—it’s a tradition that anchors us in a landscape of beauty, rhythm, and renewal. It combines the thrill of skiing with deep familiarity, comfort, and connection to place, becoming both a ritual of joy and a marker of time in our lives. Each visit reinforces a personal bond with the mountains, the culture, and ourselves.