Guatemala & the Cure for Your Next Flight in Economy

Today’s Happenings issue features hidden boutique hotels, a new coffee table book that screams chic, a Spotify playlist to help you survive flying coach, and why our beloved editor Luke Abrahams wants you to visit Guatemala (y’all know his taste is impeccable). Read on, friends.

OMG, good news for your passport if it’s full like mine. It’s been big news for a while that the EU is potentially phasing out passport stamps in favor of all things AI. From next week, the continent’s Entry Exit System kicks into full swing, which will see 28 European nations in the Schengen area introduce the digital border scheme between October and April 2026. What does this mean? “Third-country nationals,” including UK and US passport holders, will be required to register facial biometrics and fingerprints before entering a Schengen nation. On subsequent crossings, only a facial image will be required. Sadly, no smiles are allowed, and because I am that person, the first country to introduce the EES can be found via this clickbait. Enjoy!

Now you do know I am obsessed with all things stars and the universe. And so should you be. Next year is a big year for our sun. Despite being 4.6 billion years old, she’s looking good for her age. 2026 is a big year for our star in the sky as she will be approaching “solar maximum.” Da fuq? Every 11 years, she basically gets super energetic and blasts out all her excess plasma. The result is what we see on Earth: The Northern Lights. To see them is often dubbed a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so my advice is simple... grab your finest moon suit, a fancy scarf, and a brand new shiny AMEX to book a one-way ticket to Norway, Finland, or Iceland. Read the deep dive here.

Oh look! It’s that time of year when everything literally costs a kidney. As with everywhere in the world now, everything is damn expensive. Hec, I am surprised the UK government has not yet introduced a tax on breathing. That said, there are still ways to save some moolah, especially when it comes to the upcoming holiday season. Historically, it’s best to book your Christmas travel 51 days before you board your flight. Anything later and you’ll find yourself on bypass courtesy of your credit card bill. Thanksgiving? 39 days prior to travel according to Google. Anyhow, here’s a deep dive, and if you do save money, I want some commission.

I hate kids. especially those on long-haul international flights. The minute I clock one, I just want to cry and drown my ears out with heavy metal. While it’s not for everyone, what is guaranteed is that instead of that annoying baby screaming away in seat 16K, your ears will be bleeding courtesy of Black Sabbath. Now I know what I would prefer. Trust me, it works. Listen here.

In our latest drop of Meet The Tastemaker, we catch up with Mason Rose, founder, Tanya Rose. She needs little introduction, so I will just leave it to her to give you the lowdown on her bizz, as well as her top picks from the world of travel, shopping, and general fabulousness. Follow her here.

Luke: Hospitality is very much part of the PR manifesto. Tell us about your style and what makes you different from the rest?

Tanya: For me, it is all about Creating Connections, linking High-Net-Worth Individuals with hotel clients through a 360 approach – covering PR, Sales, Marketing, and Digital.

Luke: What has been your biggest challenge to date in PR?

Tanya: The pandemic, without a doubt. We were lucky to retain 90% of our clients by pivoting, offering online webinars, and we had to diversify, offering PR in European destinations as they opened up earlier than the UK.

Luke: Tell me one travel trend you are sick of. Why?

Tanya: I am not a fan of tasting menus. There’s always too much food for me!

Luke: You live in London. Where do you hang out most and why should people go?

Tanya: I love all Jeremy King’s restaurants, and I also frequent the River Café. The common theme here is that these places are helmed by the most wonderful hosts. Top tip – try the River Café if you're looking for a more casual dining experience. You also don’t need to book it! Petersham Nurseries in Richmond is also a favourite at weekends.

Luke: Name your top three restaurants in the world and why you love them?

Tanya: It’s so hard to narrow it down to only three, but I’ll do my best! Petit Maison in Nice has the most delicious caviar and jacket potatoes, and I always indulge in the Rose and roasted seabass and crudites at Club 55. Patrice, the host, plays a huge part in why I always go back. Café du Cerf in Rougemont outside Gstaad does the best cheese fondue and raclette, and you are serenaded by a man playing a saw.

Luke: Travel is becoming increasingly commercialized now. Ask anyone in the know and they’ll say the whole thing is about to implode. What are you doing to try and curb this?

Tanya: This is an impossible question because my whole business relies on people wanting to travel! Many guests who I interview on Travel Secrets, my podcast, are opting for slow travel and many of them spoke about the joy in taking the train.

Luke: You have visited many hotels over the years. For better or for worse, how would you say the industry has evolved, and what do you think it needs to do next to address the problems the world faces from over-tourism to climate change?

Tanya: I think that there is a problem with individuality. Too many independent and privately owned properties with their own DNA are being taken over by brand conglomerates and chains. The prioritizing of loyalty cards and points is not unique hospitality.

Luke: Name your three favourite boutique hotels in the world. Why do they stand out most and why do you keep going back?

Tanya: I adore Ett Hem in Stockholm, La Colombe d’Or in the South of France, and Dunton Hot Springs. As mentioned in the TV show Cheers, ‘you wanna go where everybody knows your name,’ and this is my mantra in hospitality. These three hotels treat me like family.

Luke: You are one of travel’s biggest tastemakers. When you are scouting for a new address for the Mason Rose portfolio, what are you looking for?

Tanya: We are always looking for the best in class, whether it is a bed and breakfast or a five-star deluxe hotel. It is imperative that the owners of the hotel understand the DNA of hospitality and that the guests are given bespoke service.

Tell me your wildest travel story. Don’t hold anything back.

I’ve arranged many a FAM Trip where people were very badly behaved! From shouting and swearing at the owners of hotels, to sneaking in unwanted guests, to inebriated antics courtesy of generous hotel hospitality. So wildness ensues, but you’ll have to wait for the book of ‘Tanya’s Personal Travel Secrets!!!’

How I do love an Assouline coffee table book. This one is ultra special because it celebrates my hometown, London! From period homes to iconic hotels, grand dame landmarks and the city’s streets, this stellar hardback deserves pride of place in your Xmas stockings (or just your usual ones). Buy London Chic here.