Good service and investment in people: welcome to The Escapist.

Whether it’s taking the night train, collecting fridge magnets or the surprising etiquette at French outdoor swimming pools, we’ve curated an overview of what’s happening around the world right now – from the whacky to the wonderful.

Young, fresh Jacinda Ardern has gone from unknown quantity to opposition leader in a matter of weeks – and captured hearts and minds in the process. As she outlines her strategy for a better New Zealand, it would seem ‘Jacindamania’ is running wild – will this be the Kiwi version of Trudeau’s triumph?

Nolan Giles reporting from Semmering: A mountainside fin-de-siècle resort town in Austria is being reawakened from its slumber by new arrivals who come armed with a vision – and a paint brush.

Christopher Lord reporting from the Aegean coast, Turkey: Political upheaval and terror attacks have hit tourism hard here but beach clubs are being buoyed by a homegrown crowd escaping city life and uncertainty.

Ed Stocker reporting from Columbus, Indiana: This Columbus (not its Ohio namesake) has a population of 45,000 and one of the best line-ups of modernist architecture in the world. But as the city searches for a future in which everybody benefits from good design, could Columbus be about to discover a new horizon?

This tiny town in Western Australia may have been a backwater just 40 years ago but today it’s cleaning up its act. Its unique architecture and laidback lifestyle are attractive prospects for the outside world.

Escape the city for a long weekend and discover the anti-Saint Tropez, a Thai-Skandi bolthole and a Canadian island with Japanese blossom. Only problem: leaving.

Fiona Wilson reporting from Tottori, Japan: To run a great hotel, sometimes all you need to do is leave well alone. Fortunately the owners of Toukouen have let their 1960s architectural hot property mellow with age.

Chiara Rimella reporting from Bucharest: In a city whose present has been shaped by its political past, people are taking matters into their own hands by embracing creative freedom and entrepreneurialism to inform the future.

Beyond the sunburn and sangria, what does this rowdy resort on the east coast of Spain have to recommend it? Well, there’s a sunny architectural vernacular and Unesco World Heritage ambitions to consider. With a hanky on his head and a spring in his step, our intrepid Culture editor goes in search of the full story – and a full English or two.

Nolan Giles & Marie-Sophie Schwarzer report: The laidback charms of a fine river cruise offer an antidote to our fast-paced lives. Here are the essentials for the perfect freshwater getaway, on board The Escapist’s very own vessel.

We meet three hospitality players who are shaping the future of the hotel industry. First up, we hunker down in Hong Kong with Peter Borer, COO of the renowned Peninsula Hotels group.

Kati Krause reporting from Munich: In just four years Flixbus has created Europe’s largest intercity bus network through smart strategy and strong leadership. Impressive – but the founders are thinking big. Why limit yourself to roads?

Tomos Lewis reporting from Toronto: Having worked on high-profile projects around the globe, leading railway developer Michael Schabas is applying his expertise to improving the transport needs of his hometown.

Ed Stocker reporting from Auburn Hills: Ralph Gilles, global head of design at Fiat Chrysler, has seen it all in his 25 years at the company. We find out about the journey so far – and ask what’s next for the industry.

James Chambers reporting from Bangkok: The president of Sansiri, one of Thailand’s largest residential developers, explains why foreigners are flocking to Bangkok to buy up his properties.

Our third annual awards celebrate and elevate an endangered species: humble neighbourhood restaurants, smiley staff and decent service.

We peek behind the locked doors and look in on the lobbies of this summer’s smartest new openings from Amsterdam to Hong Kong and Hobart.

'Tis the season for smart tailoring and soft woollens – and we've got a line-up of items on that very theme. Our seasonal selection is brimming with sharp tailoring, the softest of woollens and footwear that is designed to go the distance.

Our rundown of handy holiday purchases to keep your suitcase secure, beach bag brimming and media diet current. Bon voyage.

We’ve scoured the world’s real estate to find three ideal destinations in which to build a base or set up shop. From the beaches of Bali to the winding streets of southern Spain, these are places that offer a chance to live better – and feel local.

Many of us will have given serious thought to starting our own business in beautiful surroundings but how many will actually get there? We look at three case studies, each with their own experiences to share. The recurring theme? Passion.

Our favourite shops around the world are often nestled in low-key spots, such as these three strips in Hong Kong, Rome and San Francisco. Here you’ll find communities of retailers whose wares are inspired by their personal passions.