I lived like a queen at the fabulous Raffles The Palm Dubai September 25, 2025 Dubai for the weekend? It’s easier than you’d think with direct flights from London, guaranteedsunshine and the promise of being thoroughly spoilt at Raffles The Palm. Raffles started as a humble 10-bedroom bungalow in Singapore in 1887 and evolved into one of theworld’s most legendary hotels. More than a century later, one of its newest [...]
The remote Maldives island blending local culture with luxury September 18, 2025 We all do the same thing when we arrive in paradise. Snap-happy eager beavers, scrambling to photograph the first swinging hammock, the first lopsided shell, the welcome coconut drink raised towards the sea, held out like a newborn Simba over Pride Rock. Arriving at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in the Maldives, you will undoubtedly do this. [...]
A French city break with amazing food, wine and hotels September 17, 2025 Our food columnist and restaurateur Martin Williams takes a city break to Limoges in south-west France Famous for its AOP-protected cattle, veal and lamb, along with the only apple to enjoy AOP status, the city is of Limoges is not just known for its food: it is renowned for producing some of the finest porcelain [...]
The Dominican Republic hotel where half the rooms have private pools September 17, 2025 The Eden Roc on the Dominican Republic’s luxurious Cap Cana is nirvana for those who love golf and cigars, which is about as overlapping as Venn diagrams get. I spent the whole time trying not to get ash on my shorts as I practiced my swing. Personally, I enjoy a cigar but it has to [...]
Forget Seville, Cordoba is the real jewel of Southern Spain September 8, 2025 The first thing you notice about Cordoba in spring is the smell. When the orange trees that line the streets and the jasmines that climb the walls blossom, the whole city fills with their sultry fragrance. The historic centre of Cordoba is a Unesco world heritage site that bears memories of its Roman, Moorish and [...]
More than Messi: Why Miami is a sports lover’s dream destination September 8, 2025 There was an air of inevitability about the way that Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer to have ever lived, struck a stunning stoppage time winner into the top corner for his new employers on his debut two years ago. The only surprise, really, was who it was he was playing for. Eyebrows were raised [...]
Mud, music and magic at End of the Road festival 2025 September 3, 2025 On Thursday night at End of the Road, the couple in front of me in the queue for food turned to each other and said: “We’re back in the best place in the world.” A handful of other festivals might complain, but there’s no doubt that EOTR is vying for the crown of the UK’s [...]
Lunchtime Tourism: The beautiful, elegiac Gilt of Cain at Fen Court September 2, 2025 The biblical story of Cain and Abel explores dark themes. Cain is enraged by God’s favouritism towards Abel. In his fury, he kills his brother. Jealousy, guilt, violence, forgiveness, and how we humans treat each other are themes explored in the Book of Genesis story. In Fen Court, Michael Visocchi’s sculpture is paired with Lemn [...]
A movie producer’s guide to the 82nd Venice Film Festival August 26, 2025 Even by its own towering standards, this year’s 82nd Venice Film Festival will be its most star-studded yet, as some of the world’s best filmmakers compete for the prestigious Golden Lion. VENETIAN LOVE AFFAIR Venice had a starring role in the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. Their Venetian love affair will continue as [...]
Why now is the time for a fabulously solo Maldives holiday August 22, 2025 Synonymous with romantic escapes, the Maldives may not be the first choice for a solo endeavour, yet hurtling towards 40 and the kind of long-term single that would put Bridget Jones to shame, I decided to stop waiting for Mr Right to accompany me to paradise and take myself instead. Determined not to let bucket [...]