Two spectacular Mexican resorts, two special locations June 5, 2011 ONE is The Tides, Riviera Maya, a five star resort on Mexico’s east coast in the upmarket district of Riviera Maya, south of Cancun and surrounded by lush, tropical rainforests. The other is Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Cabo San Lucas, an equally lavish resort on Mexico’s west coast, on the Pacific side of the desert [...]
THINK ROOMS… with LateRooms.com June 5, 2011 VIVA WYNDHAM MAYA 4* Paseo Xaman-ha | Lote Hotelero No.5 | Playa del Carmen | Quintana Roo | 77710 The exclusive Viva Wyndham Maya places you right in the middle of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. And what a perfect location that is. From diving the world’s second largest barrier reef to exploring the Mayan ruins, there’s [...]
TRAVEL NOTES June 5, 2011 THE AYADA MALDIVES TO OPEN Not that you need many excuses to visit the crystal blue waters of the Maldives, but now, at least there’s an extra-timely motivation to book a flight. Ayada Maldives is a new resort set to open in autumn (pictured above), a brand spanking new 112-villa extravaganza on Maguhdhuvaa Island in [...]
On the road: It-buggies put through paces June 5, 2011 Forget the gleaming red sports cars – the four-wheeled mean machines creating the most envy on the high street right now are… prams. These aren’t just any prams though: they’re double prams – de rigeur for London parents forced to nanny share to reduce extortionate childcare costs; or, having left it later to start a [...]
Luxury’s new wave of miniature fashion fans June 5, 2011 GUCCI, Burberry, Missoni, our small but perfectly formed progeny are getting increasingly luxurious tastes. Or, more to the point, we are on their behalf. Luxury designer clothing, gadgets and home wears for children are booming as parents – even throughout a recession – lavish increasing amounts on their little darlings. According to the Datamonitor Group, [...]
Q&A: HOW TO STAY STYLISH DURING YOUR PREGNANCY June 5, 2011 Q. I am 4 months pregnant and feel like I am running out of options in my existing wardrobe. I can’t justify spending money on expensive maternity wear that I will only use for a few more months. Can you suggest any alternative options? A. As your bump gets bigger anything with a waistband is [...]
Making your kitchen fit for a master chef June 2, 2011 THERE’S barely a TV minute, or channel flick that goes by these days without a celebrity chef whipping up an organic feast or gastronomic delight amid seductive lighting and a designer kitchen. Then there’s Masterchef, which has thrilled millions with its X Factor style drama. They’ve collectively inspired a nation of amateur culinary enthusiasts, and [...]
BRENTWOOD, ESSEX June 2, 2011 ST. JOHN’S AVENUE, WARLEY Price: £425,000. This four-bedroom semi-detached house has a both a front and back garden, a dining room, living room, kitchen, four bedrooms and has recently had its bathrooms refitted. Contact: Beresfords on 01277 231515 or go to www.beresfordsgroup.co.uk THE GALLERIES Price: Prices range from £168,000 for a one-bedroom apartment to £485,000 [...]
RENT June 2, 2011 Q&A Q.We are looking into purchasing a buy to let investment. Is there a better time of year to do this? A.The central London lettings market is seasonal to an extent. Traditionally the busiest months of the year are January, June, September and October. The months to avoid if possible are December, April and August. [...]
Prequel without the X-factor June 2, 2011 Films X-MEN: FIRST CLASS Cert: 12A THE first instalment of this retro X-Men trilogy explores how the founding fathers, Professor X (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) first formed the eclectic group of mutant warriors in an attempt to thwart the nuclear plans of Kevin Bacon’s slightly ridiculous ex-Nazi, Sebastian Shaw. Taking the reins from [...]