Desaru Coast has been described as “a sparkling gem by the South China Sea” and also as “four thousand acres of paradise along the tip of southern Malaysia”. We would have to agree with both of these sentiments, having been lucky enough to visit on a number of occasions in recent years. Being home to […]
Review: Playitas Sports Resort, Las Playitas, Fuerteventura
If your idea of a vacation is lounging by a pool doing absolutely nothing, then Playitas might not be for you. As the most well-equipped sports resort on the Canarian island of Fuerteventura, it caters best for those who like to keep active. Somehow, though, it seems to accommodate a wide spectrum of guests, from […]
Founders Lodge – Where conservation meets safari in South Africa’s Eastern Cape
It’s 6 am, and I’m not at all keen to get out of bed. I drag myself out from under the warm duvet and head to the dining room to grab some coffee and make my way to the waiting game drive vehicle. We head out on our drive, warmly tucked up under blankets and […]
Review: The Pilsley Inn, Pilsley, Peak District, UK
A traditional 18th-century pub with rooms, The Pilsley Inn is part of the Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire. It falls under the Chatsworth Escapes brand which includes the previously-reviewed – and newly-crowned AA Hotel of the Year – The Cavendish at Baslow. Formerly known as The Devonshire Inn, The Pilsley Inn takes centre stage in the […]
6 wonderful animal experiences in England
Wildlife parks have been evolving and are very different from the traditional zoo that was simply a place exhibiting exotic animals – not always making the welfare of these animals the prime consideration. Nowadays wild animals are kept in enclosures as close as possible to their natural habitats. Visitor viewing has also improved with animal […]
My favourite European Avios redemptions with British Airways
UK travellers just can’t get enough of Europe — and honestly, who can blame us? I’m the same. With so many incredible cities only a couple of hours away, it feels like the continent was made for spontaneous escapes. One weekend you’re wandering through Renaissance galleries in Florence, the next you’re dancing until sunrise in […]
An introduction to Wichita, Kansas
I landed in Wichita last night after a mammoth 20+ hour journey from my home in the UK. Having never even set foot in the state of Kansas before, I did some research on the city I’m visiting for the next week as part of TBEX Wichita, and here’s what I’ve learned so far… The […]
Machu Picchu in style: Lodges that define the experience
Luxury travel to Machu Picchu isn’t about themed suites, pillow menus, or gilt everything. The luxury is the hush, the quiet. The kind of quiet that feels heavy and so very expensive. It’s the mist that whispers secrets. The low, thrumming energy of the Apus, the mountain gods, holding the place in a permanent, dizzying […]
Top 5 luxury beach hotels in Rio de Janeiro
One of the most famous cities in the world, Rio de Janeiro has for years captivated the hearts of all who visited it. The Marvellous City lives up to its name in every sense of the word. With its beautiful beaches, mountains and bays, a daily life that revolves around the beach and lively bars […]
Spring in New Zealand’s South Island
New Zealand’s South Island provides an exceptional winter playground that rivals the world’s most exclusive alpine destinations. Spring in the Southern Hemisphere – from September through November – presents discerning travellers with an extraordinary opportunity to experience premier skiing and snowboarding in one of the globe’s most spectacular settings. The South Island’s dramatic tapestry of […]
Review: Wressle Grange Farmhouse, East Riding of Yorkshire, UK
Finding good-quality holiday accommodation for a large gathering is charming in theory, but logistically fraught in practice. Throw in guests travelling from Cumbria, Northumberland and Surrey for a milestone birthday celebration and the search becomes more challenging still. Wressle Grange Farmhouse, available through Premier Cottages, answered the brief: a beautiful period house that sleeps up […]
Bawe Island debuts destination dining in Zanzibar
A new gourmet philosophy has debuted on Zanzibar’s exclusive Bawe Island, designed to pamper guests and tantalise their tastebuds through an exciting culinary journey. Bawe’s exclusive dine-around formula invites guests to enjoy a variety of à la carte dining options, serving up both international and local dishes, in stunning locations dotted all around the beautiful […]
New Zealand’s guide to stargazing
New Zealand’s reputation as one of the best destinations in the world to view the night sky is well established. From sleeping under the stars in a glass capsule at the Lindis, a billion-star dining experience at Mt Cook Lakeside retreat, experiencing a Wanaka starset on a private lake cruise, to a starlight soak at […]
Crystal Serenity: 12 things to do on board
Crystal Serenity, from Crystal Cruises, is a 740 berth uber-luxurious cruise ship. Featuring bars, casino, cinema, gym, library, nightclub, shops, swimming pool, spa, theatre, computer university at sea and much, much more. A floating paradise of education, fun, leisure and wellness. Serenity’s first-class facilities put many a city to shame. Guests look forward to a […]
British Airways short-haul: Avios on Economy or Business?
Are you a British Airways Avios collector planning to redeem your points on short-haul European flights? Whilst it’s an easy choice when it comes to choosing between an Economy or Business Class redemption when you’re flying long-haul – the answer is clearly Business Class – things get a little murkier when you’re deciding which short-haul […]