Join Dana on her Magical Mediterranean Journey with COMO Hotels & Seabourn Cruises

“There are moments when, even as someone who has travelled extensively in the industry, you find yourself completely awestruck – and my recent journey through COMO Hotels’ European properties, combined with a Seabourn cruise, was filled with just those moments.”

Dana Michael

Our adventure began in Singapore, the birthplace of COMO. Founded by Christina Ong and her daughter, the brand is a masterclass in blending sophisticated design, impeccable service, and their signature COMO Shambhala wellness philosophy. COMO Metropolitan Singapore exemplifies this vision perfectly, with its sleek, contemporary style reflecting Ong’s fashion background. Its location, just a stone’s throw from Orchard Road and home to Cedric Grolet’s whimsical patisserie, offered the perfect introduction to COMO’s world – a place where each property feels distinct and true to its location, while staying rooted in the brand’s core values.

From Singapore, we made our way to Europe and one of my most memorable hotel stays to date – COMO Alpina Dolomites. I must admit, as a non-skier, the Dolomites had never really been on my travel radar, but experiencing it in autumn was nothing short of magical. It felt as though I was constantly walking through a masterpiece, surrounded by striking limestone peaks and burnt-orange forests. The hotel's bold architecture – all local stone, wood, and huge windows – seemed to invite the outside in, making every corner a place to pause and take in the surroundings. Even as someone who has been lucky enough to stay in many beautiful places, the combination of service, scenery, and serenity at Alpina Dolomites left a deep impression. From an exhilarating (though rainy!) e-bike tour to a leisurely hike under the clear skies, I was completely swept away by the beauty of the place.

Next came COMO Castello Del Nero, a magical 12th-century Tuscan castle, where history and COMO’s refined elegance meet. Our time here was truly unforgettable, and I’ll never forget truffle hunting with two brilliant dogs, Spritz and Breezer, through the Tuscan woods. It was such a simple joy, but one of those experiences that reconnects you to nature in a special way. Later, we savoured a ‘tartufo’ inspired dinner, with each dish more delicious than the last, made all the more memorable by the day’s finds.

Our journey continued into France, and COMO Le Montrachet in Burgundy was another highlight. This 19th-century gem, balancing old-world charm with modern comfort, offered a warm welcome. Our Manoir rooms were a perfect blend of space and style, and while COMO typically focuses on its Shambhala wellness cuisine, here the food rightly celebrated the regional Burgundy flavours and, of course, the wine. E-biking through the renowned vineyards and exploring the charming village of Beaune were incredible experiences, but it was the private wine tastings and cellar visits that truly brought the Burgundy wine story to life.

The second half of our trip saw us heading to the French Riviera, where we spent an evening at the jaw-dropping Maybourne Riviera hotel before setting sail on Seabourn Sojourn for 7-nights of Mediterranean magic. To be honest, I was a little reluctant about the cruise at first – I’m not typically a cruise person – but the Sojourn won me over completely. With only 458 passengers, the experience felt personal and intimate, much like the vibe of a COMO hotel. From exploring the picturesque ports of St. Tropez and Portofino to discovering the hidden gems of Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and Cassis, the small size of the Sojourn meant we visited places larger ships just can’t reach. Every day was a new adventure, and I soon found myself savouring the rhythm of life at sea, with the stunning Mediterranean as our backdrop.

As we arrived in Barcelona, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey. It wasn’t just the extraordinary properties or the jaw-dropping destinations that made this trip so special. It was the shared experiences with our small group, and the COMO and Seabourn staff we met along the way whose kindness and passion for what they do infused every moment with a sense of connection and purpose. For someone who has seen a lot in this industry, it was a powerful reminder of why I fell in love with travel in the first place, and why I feel so fortunate to continue to share these experiences.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. I would love to curate yours.

Until we speak,

Dana xx