Why Albania’s Tirana could be the city break of the future Life&Style “Tirana is like a cross between Mumbai and Las Vegas,” I was told by a teenage traveller a week before I arrived in Albania’s capital city. “I’ve never been to either place, but at least that’s how I imagine them to be.” I’m not sure if Tirana is really like either of those cities, but [...]
Francis Hotel Bath: Old-world glamour meets new-school cool Life&Style We braved the heatwave and the crowds to take a long weekend in Bath, a city that’s balances its ancient history with a tourist industry precision-engineered to meet the needs of the modern traveller – not least the newly renovated Francis Hotel Bath. As someone who lived in Scotland for more than a decade, it’s [...]
Andaz Lisbon: A long weekend in the City of Seven Hills Travel Known for its butter-yellow trams and buttery natas, Lisbon has long been one of Europe’s most popular city breaks. Carys Sharkey checks into the Andaz to gain a fresh perspective on this ancient city Lisbon is known as the City of Seven Hills, but speak to locals and they’ll joke that it feels like a [...]
Vino by the waves: The best British seaside hotels for wine June 10, 2026 English summertime means visits to the seaside, ideally with a glass of wine in hand. Having toured the coast recently here are some of the best places to drink with a view of the waves. The Terrace Rooms & Wine – Ventnor, Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight has a new destination for wine [...]
The Suffolk in Aldeburgh: Restaurant with rooms is a super seaside City break June 2, 2026 My first morning at The Suffolk, I woke not long after dawn and took a bleary-eyed stroll across the pebbled beach, where I found the majority of the staff – including owner George Pell – preparing for their morning dip. Not wanting to let the side down, I stripped off my dry robe (borrowed from [...]
Why Geneva is perfect for a long weekend getaway November 17, 2025 Geneva, nestled between the Alps and Lake Geneva, is wrapped around one spur of the largest lake in Western Europe. The city is best known for its iconic Jet d’Eau fountain and as a global hub for diplomacy and watchmaking. Surrounded by picturesque mountains and fresh Mountain Air, the “City of Peace”, as it has [...]
Take a city break in the historic northern stronghold of York November 10, 2025 Easily reached by train, York is one of the most historic and picturesque cities in the north. Renowned for its stunning York Minster, one of the largest gothic cathedrals in Northern Europe, and its remarkably preserved medieval city walls that still encircle much of the old town, the cobble-paved city makes for an ideal winter [...]