48 hours in… Monte Carlo: Gamble at the Casino, drink at Jimmy’z and unwind at the Hermitage Hotel November 23, 2014 WHERE TO STAY If you’re visiting the heart of exclusivity and luxury, then make the most of it by staying in a Belle Epoque style palace. Built in 1900, Hermitage Hotel is a historic monument filled with classical vintage furnishings. It’s situated steps away from the Casino Monte-Carlo and has direct access to the Thermes [...]
Park Hyatt New York: First major NYC hotel in over 10 years November 16, 2014 It takes big bucks to open a new luxury hotel in Manhattan – and even bigger cojones. Clearly, the idea has not been tempting for some time. New York’s last mega-launch was the Mandarin Oriental in 2003. Eleven years and one recession later, confidence has finally returned to the Big Apple – and, [...]
Center Parcs Woburn Forest: For a weekend getaway with the kids, you can’t beat this November 16, 2014 It is 9.30am on a Saturday and the whole family is wobbling through a woodland assault course 25ft feet above ground, hooked into harnesses in case our schoolyard adventure playground skills fail us. Unexpectedly, my husband, who thinks nothing of hopping on sky-high ski lifts, says he is scared of heights, and threatens [...]
48 hours in… Bath November 16, 2014 WHERE TO STAY Savour premium whiskies in the hidden terrace gardens of the Queensberry Hotel, which is set in a quartet of historic Georgian townhouses. It’s only a short stroll from the city centre and the food is great too; thequeensberry.co.uk WHERE TO GO When in Bath, do as the Bathonians do, which obviously involves [...]
Where to spend Christmas: From Sydney to Finland, jet off to your dream winter wonderland November 9, 2014 Can’t face another Christmas trying to please the in-laws? Then make good your escape and book a festive trip far from home. Whether you’re looking for an authentic Scandinavian experience or just some respite from the cold, the ideal winter holiday is waiting for you. Here are some of our favourites: MEET SANTA [...]
Crillon-le-Brave: Cycle one of the Tour de France’s most feared routes November 2, 2014 The wonderfully named Crillon-le-Brave is a picture postcard Provencal village that lies at the foot of the Mt Ventoux. The village suffix – le Brave – was added by Henry IV in the 14th century in honour of his swashbuckling general Louis des Balbes de Berton de Crillon. He was apparently “the brave of [...]
48 hours in… Nice November 2, 2014 WHERE TO STAY For a unique experience on the Cote d’Azur, try Le Hi-Hotel, with its eye-wateringly bright interiors, private stretch of beach and roof terrace. Its 38 rooms are split into nine innovative designs, from sofas with in-built speakers to beds that turn into bathtubs. Visit Hi-hotel.net WHERE TO GO A resplendent marble landmark [...]
48 Hours in… Sydney October 24, 2014 Where to Stay Shangri-la, the Asian luxury hotel group that currently occupies The Shard, also has a home in Sydney, with breathtaking views over the harbour. Head on up to New York-inspired Blu Bar to look out over the city at night. Shangri-la.com What to Do Become a Sydney connoisseur by hopping into Richard [...]
Reviving an Aussie institution on the Great Barrier Reef October 24, 2014 Backpackers heading to Australia aspire to conquer the three Rs; Reef, Rocks, and Rock. Admittedly, it gets a bit repetitive towards the end, but if you follow the three Rs you’ll get a basic understanding of the country’s vast and extreme landscape, namely the Great Barrier Reef, The Rocks in Sydney and Ayers Rock. But [...]
The world’s most amazing photography holidays October 20, 2014 Everyone thinks they’re a photographer these days. If it’s not arty shots of coffee cups on Instagram it’s endless holiday snaps on Facebook. However, it takes real skill and dedication to take your amateur hobby to the next level, not to mention a little tuition. Thankfully, you can combine your photographic education with an awesome [...]