How to be a real king of Lyon June 1, 2022 The weekend: Tired of visiting Paris because you’re tired of, well, Parisians? I don’t like to give much credence to stereotypes, but Paris is a hard city for those who thrive on politeness. Unlike the capital, Lyon has buoyantly friendly people who, when I visited at least, mocked their Parisian neighbours in the same way [...]
Nose around a central London house for the weekend with Onefinestay May 31, 2022 The weekend: For a recent milestone birthday I decided I wanted to celebrate with an intimate group of friends – but I couldn’t face hosting a dinner party at home. A gathering in the private dining room of a restaurant was an alternative but they can lack atmosphere. So when I discovered that Onefinestay allows [...]
Japan reopens after two years: Time for that trip of a lifetime May 30, 2022 After two years of closure to tourists, Japan will welcome visitors from 10 June. Steve Hogarty takes a trip from Osaka into the ancient Japanese countryside. Osaka’s main entertainment district, Dotonbori is a kind of psychedelic, neon circus. Brilliant, colourful lights bounce off the glass-fronted buildings, and below they transform the surface of the canal [...]
Why Tenerife is the beacon of the Canaries May 27, 2022 THE WEEKEND: Many will have soaked up the sun in Gran Canaria, or had fun on the strip in Lanzarote. Tenerife, however, feels more abundant with five-star luxury. It is the only Canary Island to have Michelin Starred restaurants, for instance, with six stars spread across five eateries. WHERE? Home was the Ritz-Carlton Abama, a [...]
Uncovering Churchill’s Marrakech May 26, 2022 Asking if Winston Churchill was a hero or a villain oversimplifies the man and the historic events in which he played such controversial — but undoubtedly significant — roles. I knew of him first as a statesman, then as a historian and writer, but only relatively recently discovered that Churchill was an accomplished artist, too. [...]
Callow Hall: Laid-back charm and rural beauty in the Peak District May 24, 2022 THE WEEKEND: Found on the southeastern edge of The Peak District, Callow Hall is the first hotel from the Wildhive hospitality brand. Placing nature at its core, the owners behind the launch are aiming to champion the UK’s lesser-known spots, by offering laid-back stays in restored historic houses. What’s more, by hopping on the train [...]
On the Beach sales beat pre-pandemic levels as Brits grab suitcases and passports May 24, 2022 On the Beach saw sales soar in the first half of the year, up 322 per cent from 2021, and six per cent compared to pre-pandemic figures.
Jubilee Weekend: Cruise the Thames to toast her Maj May 23, 2022 One is not quite on the royal yacht – but I’ve certainly found my sort of gin palace as I board our hire boat to cruise the River Thames. To mark the start of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, I’ve joined a party on an eight-berth vessel to steer from Chertsey to Windsor, Her Majesty’s [...]
Ten Lifestyle posts loss due to higher costs and Omicron May 11, 2022 Travel concierge firm Ten Lifestyle has posted a 47 per cent slump in its earnings as a result of higher costs and the Omicron variant’s impact. In the six months ended 28 February, the group’s EBITDA went down £1.7m to £0.9m, while its cash and equivalents slumped to £5.1m. According to chief executive Alex Cheatle, [...]
Trekking Malaysia, from jungle to sea May 9, 2022 I stand, deep in the rainforest, and listen. Life is pulsating, filling the hot and humid air. It is pervasive, all encompassing, and almost suffocating. The leaf litter beneath my feet moves a little. It feels primeval. It is primeval: these forests in Malaysia are over 130 million years old. The air is filled with [...]