SCHLOSS Spa, located in the elegant 5* SCHLOSS Roxburghe Golf Resort, has once again been crowned Scotland’s Best Hotel Spa at the prestigious World Spa Awards, this time taking the 2026 title. Having retained the accolade it first won in 2025, the spa’s back-to-back success is the perfect excuse for an autumn or winter getaway to the Scottish Borders.
With state-of-the-art facilities, an outdoor heated infinity pool and panoramic views over the Scottish countryside, SCHLOSS Spa continues to set the benchmark for wellness in Scotland. The award reflects the spa’s ongoing commitment to exceptional treatments, tranquil surroundings and a genuinely restorative guest experience.
Multiple major business travel destinations are set to increase their presence at IBTM World this year, including VisitScotland, which is increasing its stand size by 162%. Demonstrating the strong value exhibitors place on attending IBTM’s flagship show, more than 85% of this year’s suppliers are returning to the event, which takes place at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona from 17-19 November 2026.
Big-name returning destinations with larger representation this year include Egypt, with a 76% larger stand, and the Italian National Tourism Destination, ENIT, with a 12% bigger stand. Meanwhile, VisitScotland is not only significantly increasing its stand size, it is almost tripling the number of partners it brings to the show, from five to 14.
Anguilla is advancing its luxury yachting strategy at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 this week, engaging directly with yacht owners, operators, developers and industry leaders while gathering insights to strengthen the island’s destination and port-of-entry experience.
It feels like it’s suddenly getting darker earlier once again, and right on cue, IKEA has dropped its twinkling new STRÅLA collection, whereby more Scandi lighting styles have joined its sell-out series of cosy, festive lighting.
IKEA’s STRÅLA collection is largely known for its sell-out paper stars, which are big contributors to the biggest Christmas lighting trends. Its paper design is quintessential of classic Scandinavian design and is perfect for practising hygge in your home on cold winter nights.
This year, STRÅLA has seen some colourful and quirky additions to the range. I’ve rounded up my favourites – from pieces that will bring festive joy to your home to the weird and wonderful lights that will get your guests talking.
Alas, this is not my top pick, although it is a good one. That award goes to the Paper Petal Star (£9), whose delicate design looks like a perfect snowflake. It’s an elevated take on the typical STRÅLA star, and perfect if you want to create cosy ambient lighting. I think this would be beautifully hung on windowsills or along your stairs’ bannister, so you give the darkest areas of your home a soft glow in the evenings.
It reminds me of a more affordable version of H&M’s £19.99 paper lampshade, although I will admit the H&M version does offer more detail.
Alongside the beautiful paper lampshades, here are a few more options from the IKEA STRÅLA collection that caught my eye.
IKEA
STRÅLA Lamp Shade – Paper Petal Star/white 55 Cm
This stunning snowflake lanter has little holes throughout to allow your light to glow through – remember you need to provide your own light source.
IKEA
STRÅLA Led Lighting Chain – Battery-Operated Leaf/gold-Colour
Add a golden glow to your tablescape this autumn, winter and even Christmas. It’s LED lights are battery operated for ease of use.
IKEA
STRÅLA Led Decoration Lighting – Mistletoe Green
This mistletoe pendant lamp is one the more quirky member of this IKEA’s festive lighting collection, but I’m here for it. It’s battery operated so you can position it where you please.
IKEA
STRÅLA Lamp Shade – Paper Star/red 56 Cm
I loved this elevated take of the classic paper star. It’s bold pop of red is perfect for adding some colour to your home.
IKEA
STRÅLA Led Table Decoration – Red
This light-up table decoration reminds me of the IKEA x Gustaf Westman collaboration from last year. It’s perfect for adding glow to a table, without the risk of an open flame (especially if you have kids).
IKEA
STRÅLA Led Lighting Curtain – Star
These twinkling star lights are a great fit for your window. They’re simple yet wonderfully festive.
These IKEA lights have really got me in the mood for festive lighting, so I’ve done some more digging, and here are a few more stunning examples I’ve found that you can shop online.
Alternatives
M&S
Light Up Silver Bauble Garland
I’m ready to go full Christmas with the light-up garland from M&S. I love how the light make the baubles shine and glitter even more.
The White Company
Brown Pre-Lit Branches
These pre-lit branches are so chic. Simply add to your favourite vase for a subtle, yet festive, finishing touch.
John Lewis
John Lewis Led Paper Star Light, Warm White
This pretty paper star has flecks of gold to add extra shimmer. It also operates via plug-in LEDs so you don’t have to worry about providing your own light source.
IKEA’s STRÅLA collection is perfect for creating a hygge glow in your home – and that makes celebrating Christmas worth it.
