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 [...]
Boardroom Uncovered: How Rachel Reeves’ Autumn Budget tax hikes are hurting businesses September 12, 2025 On this episode of Boardroom Uncovered, the chief executive of Butlin's has revealed where in the UK the holiday resort chain could open a new site in the future.
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 [...]
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 [...]
A father-daughter trip to Tokyo: Japan from two very different perspectives August 22, 2025 Tokyo is a city of dazzling contrasts — serene temples and tea ceremonies stand side-by-side with sky-high department stores crammed with bizarre electronic gadgets. In one moment, you’re bowing in quiet reverence; in the next, you’re jostling through the famous Shibuya Crossing, camera in hand, swept along with hundreds of tourists filming the human tide. [...]
A sailing holiday in the Bahamas, with perfect beaches, gorgeous food and wonderful marine life August 22, 2025 If you’ve dreamed of stepping into the world of the one percent, there’s no better way to do it than with a luxury sailing holiday in the picture-perfect Bahamas. Recently, my family and I did just that, chartering a 50-ft Moorings 5000 catamaran that came complete with its own skipper. And let me tell you [...]
Artist residences: why wealthy travellers pay to be around good art August 10, 2025 Hotel groups have caught onto the idea that corporate types like hanging around with artists. The rise of ‘artist residences’ across the capital and further afield proves artists have clout that bankers will buy their way closer to, if only for the night. Properties often house artists for free or cheap in return for them [...]