Castello di Ugento Salento, which opened recently, boasts nine contemporary suites housed in an ancient castle. Extensive renovation, which began in 2013, has restored it to its former glory and created something truly special.

Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, set to open in October on Lhaviyani Atoll, is a sustainability first in the region, as the Japanese-styled, 15-villa resort is fully powered by solar panels on a main building – The Retreat.

Paris shows: Givenchy’s British artistic director Clare Waight Keller moves on from the Markle wedding dress with an autumn haute couture collection strong on handcraft, sharp tailoring and floaty shapes.

The University Arms, Cambridge: landmark 192-key hotel set to reopen on 1 August with a John Simpson/Martin Brudnizki refurb that draws on the city’s classical architectural heritage.

The V&A’s exhibition Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up elucidates the life of the fabled Mexican artist through personal items such as medical corsets, photographs, jewellery and distinctive clothes, all shown outside Mexico for the first time.

With a living area reflecting the interior of a traditional manor house, the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire’s redesigned Royal Suite evokes the past but is forward-thinking too in its use of swish lanterns and a marble bathroom.

In a revamped space on The Mandarin Oriental, Munich’s rooftop, take in panoramic views of the dome-dotted city while feasting on Asian, Latin American and Mediterranean fare – then jump in the heated pool.

Image: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

Richard Mille’s first in-house automatic women’s tourbillon, the 71-01 Automatic Talisman, was revealed in Paris. The Cécile Guenat-designed timepieces feature fine strips of hardstone, enamel and diamonds on gold.

Image: Philippe Louzon