Whether your dreams of escaping to an expanse of white powder feature snowy slopes or sandy beaches, we’ve got a winter getaway to suit you.

Snow: wild Canada

Battle Range, deep in the rugged wilderness of southeastern British Columbia, derives its name from a legendary battle in the 1890s between a grizzly bear and a prospector (who lived to tell the tale).

The range’s jagged peaks rise to above 3,000 metres, and in the whole of its eastern half – an area of more than 100 square miles – there is only one lodge, says Tom Robbins in the Financial Times. Perched on a mountainside at 2,200 metres, it is grandly named Battle Abbey, but was built in 1978 and is modest in proportion. Recently refurbished by new owners, the brothers Tessum and Nansen Weber, it has five bedrooms and feels like “a happy blend of mountain refuge and boutique hotel”. Water comes from a local stream, but it has fine food and wine, and a wood-fired sauna.

Guests are flown from the “hardscrabble” town of Golden by helicopter: this is the only way to reach the lodge. But this is not a heli-skiing destination. People come for the ski touring (climbing the mountains on skis with grips, and then skiing down them), a rather more affordable and climate-friendly pursuit, which is becoming increasingly popular in North America, though it is arduous. My fellow guests were former heli-skiers who said they now preferred ski touring, finding it a more peaceful and satisfying way to experience the mountains, and the Webers – who come from a family of polar adventurers – are true enthusiasts.

Merely being in the lodge, with its “jaw-dropping” views, is a joy. And the skiing is superb. There’s no end of “blissfully deep, light, powder snow”, and with four guides to 10 guests – double the usual ratio – the experience can be adapted to suit all moods and abilities.

Weber Powder (weberpowder.com) has a five-day trip from £2,940pp, full-board, excluding international flights.

Snow: a secret Swiss valley

With few ski slopes and no tourist crowds, the Lower Engadine valley in “remote” southeast Switzerland is the perfect place for a peaceful winter walking holiday, says Annabel Abbs in The Guardian.

The valley’s greatest treasure, the country’s only national park, is closed to visitors in winter, but you can still enjoy “icily beautiful” views across it. In Scuol, the largest village, there are “legendary” mineral baths with hot outdoor pools, and some pleasant hotels, including the Scuol Palace (where Paul Klee and Robert Musil stayed) and the Arnica (where I did). In other villages, you’ll find “gloriously painted” churches, “chic” bistros and good modern art galleries, such as Tarasp Castle and the “stunning” Muzeum Susch, dedicated to female artists.

There’s tobogganing and excellent skiing on offer – but nothing can beat the simple pleasure of walking the valley’s well-marked trails, which “wind deep into the unpeopled mountains” to frozen lakes, waterfalls and icy pinnacles where eagles “soar in the clear blue sky”. Few things clear the mind and lift the spirits like a wild landscape “glittering” in the snow.

Snow: skiing in Turkey

Plenty of Britons head to Bulgaria for “good-value” skiing, but though Turkey is also affordable, it has not yet been widely embraced, says Ben Clatworthy in The Sunday Times.

Among its 40 or so resorts, the largest is Erciyes, in the heart of the country, where the pistes – mostly “wide, cruisy blues and unthreatening reds” – sweep down the flanks of Mount Erciyes, a 3,917-metre dormant volcano with a “near-perfect” cone. The lifts are “astonishingly” cheap, at less than £1 per ride, and in good conditions the mountain’s gullies also fill up with wonderful powder snow.

In the Alps, this would be “tracked out in 30 minutes”. Here, signs deter most skiers from going off-piste, and so the powder lingers for days. Getting to Erciyes “can be a schlep”: the nearest airport at Kayseri is a 90-minute flight from Istanbul. But the bonuses include the lovely local food (specialities include manti, a sort of “garlicky” ravioli); and the magnificent places to visit nearby, notably Cappadocia, with its rock pinnacles and ancient underground cities – which is far less crowded in winter.

The Radisson Blu Mount Erciyes (radissonhotels.com) has half-board doubles from £320.

Sun: a surfers’ paradise in Bahia

The little Brazilian harbour town of Itacaré has been popular with surfers since the 1980s. It is a “far-flung, vibe-heavy” paradise of the kind they favour – but unlike many, it has yet to be spoiled by mass tourism, says David Amsden in Travel + Leisure. That’s partly because it’s so remote – a two-hour flight from Rio de Janeiro, then a one-hour drive along a wild coast fringed with “seemingly infinite stretches of golden white sand”.

This is Bahia state, where Afro-Brazilian traditions are strong: capoeira troops perform in the cobbled streets, samba bands play in bars, and restaurants serve moqueca, a fragrantly spicy seafood stew. There’s a lively party scene in the town, and some great artisanal chocolate producers in the area – along with roughly 20 beaches, some of which are reachable only by foot through the jungle, but all of which are “astonishing” in their beauty.

Hotels are mostly simple, but for something more upmarket there is the recently opened Barracuda, a luxury resort with “elegant” suites and friendly staff.

Specialist tour operators include Dehouche and Journey Brazil.

Sun: a magical family holiday in Antigua

Antigua is not the most spectacular of Caribbean islands, but with its “idyllic” beaches and coral reefs, it’s “an easy crowd-pleaser” – and I found it ideal for a holiday with young children, says Francesca Angelini in The Sunday Times.

It helped that we stayed at two hotels with good kids’ clubs. At “stylish” Carlisle Bay, in the south, our five-year-old and three-year-old spent hours bracelet-making and reggae-dancing with the friendly and “unflappable” staff. And at “glamorous” Blue Waters, in the south, they “buzzed about” on two trampolines out at sea, while I relished the peace and the “sea-adjacent” yoga sessions.

We all enjoyed a tour of Nelson’s Dockyard, the naval base where the admiral spent three years in the 1780s, and lunch at Catherine’s Café, a “chic yet relaxed” restaurant next to a fine beach. Best of all, though, were the boat trips, on which we swam with turtles, parrotfish and more – “heaven” for children, like ours, “in their ‘Octonauts’ phase of TV life”.

Kenwood Travel (kenwoodtravel.co.uk) has a seven-night trip from £1,999pp, including flights.

Sun: the wild outer islands of the Seychelles

The Seychelles are best known these days for their many luxury beach resorts. But these Indian Ocean hideaways are located on the archipelagic nation’s Inner Islands, where 98% of its population live. The Outer Islands – six dozen small atolls and cays lying up to 700 miles south of the capital, Mahé – are mostly uninhabited, says Stephanie Rafanelli in Condé Nast Traveler – and are among the wildest places on Earth.

On a 10-day voyage through them with Reefscape Travel, I journeyed by sea plane and speedboat, staying at small but luxurious lodges established by Blue Safari, an African “eco-safari” company founded in 2012.

On islands including Astove, Alphonse and Cosmoledo, I saw giant tortoises, hermit crabs, endemic birds with “operatic” voices, and some of the world’s biggest breeding colonies of seabirds. But most remarkable were the surrounding seas.

Our boat was accompanied at one point by a 50-strong “convoy” of spinner dolphins; and closer to shore, I snorkelled over coral reefs with a “staggering” abundance of colourful fish, as well as a “squadron” of manta rays “like a parade of giant kites”.

The trip costs from £15,940pp, including flights (reefscapetravel.com, bluesafari.com).

Night buses probably bring to mind “images of cramped seats and constant jolting”, said Time Out. But Twiliner’s new offering is far more “bougie”.

The Swiss operator has launched two overnight routes – Zurich-Basel-Luxembourg-Brussels-Rotterdam-Amsterdam and Zurich-Girona-Barcelona – and is already planning more stops across Europe. Each bus is kitted out with 21 reclining seats that double as beds, plenty of USB ports, and a sizable toilet and changing room. Tickets don’t come cheap, though, with prices starting at around £140 for each journey.

While sleeper buses are popular in Asia and South America, they have been “less successful” in Europe, said Rhiannon Batten in The Guardian. Twiliner is keen to change this by offering a service that is both “comfortable and sustainable”. The buses run mostly on hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel (also known as renewable diesel), and the company claims its journeys emit less than 10% of the carbon of a similar distance flight.

Aside from the “generous luggage allowance” and “efficiency” of travelling overnight, one of the biggest draws is the “comfort factor”. The “no-children-under-five” policy and “strict guidelines” on noise make for “calm travelling”: “by 10pm I’m fast asleep”. “There’s a magic to falling asleep in one country and waking in another.” Driving into Zurich on a chilly winter morning, “the city is streaked with silver and gold as it begins to stir”.

I tried out the service as part of a “no-fly London–Amsterdam–Basel cultural mini break”, said Rachel Ifans in The i Paper. Having arrived in Amsterdam via Eurostar, I boarded the bus for the 11-hour journey to Basel. It offered a “similar sleeping experience to business class on a long-haul flight – albeit with a bumpier ride”.

The night “whizzed by”, as I relaxed with a cup of peppermint tea and watched a film on my laptop “as the miles clicked by”. Arriving in Basel at 6.45am, I set off into the “unfamiliar city” in the sun, stopping off to explore the Kunstmuseum and traditional Christmas market in Cathedral Square. As the “backbone” of my trip, the Twiliner offered a “fuss-free, efficient journey – but I was looking forward to a quiet night in a hotel bed, with considerably fewer bumps in the night.”

Ticket inspections, passport control and further checks at the gate are just three of the barriers that illegitimate plane passengers have to evade, yet some are still managing it. A man boarded a Heathrow flight to Norway without a ticket, boarding pass or passport, in one of the latest cases of sky-high stowaways.

Who has done it?

The unnamed passenger slipped on to a British Airways flight to Oslo on 13 December. Having “tailgated his way through the automatic gates at Terminal 3”, said The Telegraph, he passed through “full security screening” before reaching the gate. There, he pretended to be travelling with a family and boarded the Airbus A320. Once on board, he kept moving seats as the plane filled up. Cabin crew worked out he wasn’t a legitimate passenger and removed him.

In 2023, Craig Sturt, 46, flew on a British Airways flight from London to New York without a ticket or passport after “apparently tailgating another passenger through passport checks at Heathrow’s Terminal 5”, said The Telegraph. He was sent back to the UK, where he was charged with obtaining services by deception, being unlawfully airside and boarding an aircraft without permission.

Last year a Russian national called Svetlana Dali boarded a Delta Airlines flight from New York to Paris without a boarding pass. When she arrived in the French capital she was taken into custody and refused entry but not charged.

Sergey Ochigava flew from Denmark to Los Angeles in 2023 with no ticket, visa or passport, said the Los Angeles Times. He was sentenced to 93 days and ordered to pay $2,174 – the cost of a one-way ticket from Copenhagen to Los Angeles.

An American woman, Marilyn Hartman, was dubbed the “Serial Stowaway” after she allegedly boarded at least 20 commercial flights without a ticket, including a 2018 British Airways flight from Chicago to Heathrow.

How do people do it?

There are “bottlenecks where passenger processing occurs”, Damian Devlin, a University of East London lecturer in aviation management, told The Telegraph. The situation “creates sufficient distraction”, with staff “so focused on a particular task and on maximising passenger throughput”, that they “fail to notice tailgating taking place”.

Speaking to CBS News in 2021, “Serial Stowaway” Hartman said it was “so crazy” to be able to get onto flights without a ticket simply by “following someone”. That person “would be carrying, like, a blue bag” and security would let me through because “they think I’m with the guy with the blue bag”.

In Dali’s case, she tried to go “under the radar” on board by “moving from one bathroom to another without taking a seat”, said The Telegraph, but the cabin crew “eventually realised what she was doing”.

Ultimately, we “don’t always know exactly how it happens”, said USA Today, because if a breach involves “lapses” at security checkpoints, the “relevant agencies” might not want to “broadcast their vulnerabilities”.

Why stowaways do it is even more mysterious. Prosecutors and defence lawyers were “unable to explain” Ochigava’s motives, said the Los Angeles Times.

Will it continue to happen?

As the airport security process becomes more and more linked to advancing technology, “it will be less likely” that this “method of sneaking onto an airplane is possible”, said Thrillist.

“Technology is continuously improving and continuously making it more and more difficult for people that have ill intent to accomplish what they’re trying to do, whether it’s X-ray machines, metal detection, liquid detection, all of the above,” said Rich Davis, from security company International SOS.

Seoul is a fun and vibrant city in which towering skyscrapers and futuristic architecture coexist with quirky cafes, traditional food markets and incredible shopping. It’s fringed by breathtaking mountains, so you never feel stuck in a concrete metropolis. There are plenty of five-star hotels to choose from: Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has a prime position in the Gwanghwamun district, close to many of the main sights.

Why stay here?

After a relaxing flight via Helsinki on Finnair, on which I discovered a new love for blueberry juice, Karl Fazer chocolate and their specially designed Marimekko products, I was excited to arrive at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. The rooms are beautifully decorated with a warm and tactile look; the furnishings are in neutral shades with splashes of colour. Dark mahogany cabinets are paired with light oak wardrobes. Traditional vases, ornate boxes, and books on Korean ceramics decorate the shelves. Sleeping in the huge bed was like sinking into the clouds. The sleek marble bathroom, which contains Diptyque toiletries, features a heated toilet which even flushes itself.

The floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the view of the neon-streaked city outside, with mountains peaking over in the distance over the skyscrapers. There’s no need to switch on the TV – watching the non-stop flow of commuters and traffic down below is just as entertaining.

The hotel is close to Cheonggyecheon, a stream and public space that comes alive at night with people socialising, Myeong-dong with its delicious street food, and Bukchon Hanok Village with its quaint traditional houses. They’re all a short walk away. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul even has its own bus stop on the route from the airport.

Eating and drinking

There are several restaurants at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul offering different international cuisines. Boccalino serves polished Italian fare while Akira Back dishes up modern Japanese food with a Korean twist. I tried Yu Yuan, the hotel’s Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant. The Essence Degustation tasting menu offered a delicious journey through the best of Chinese cooking with the crispiest Beijing duck wrapped in pancakes, a comforting soup with nutritious sea cucumbers, and sweet red beans served with refreshing coconut ice cream. Even the side dishes of spicy radishes and roast cashew were overflowing with flavour, while the chilli and XO sauces provided an umami explosion.

For breakfast, the Market Kitchen offers an international buffet with an overwhelming array of dishes. In the Korean section there are spicy padilla leaves, spinach banchan (side dish), several varieties of kimchi, and pork stew. A Korean street food section offers chewy tteokbokki (rice cakes), fried chicken, and Korean street toast (a salty sweet combo of egg, ham and a sprinkling of sugar). Also on offer are shrimp Chinese dumplings, tasty sushi, a pancake and waffle station, and the usual breakfast fare of eggs and cereal. Make sure to grab a table above the glass floor which shows the excavation site of some ancient ruins below. Here, you’ll also find robots whizzing by carrying used crockery for washing up. As I piled my plate high each morning, I found the setting an unexpectedly fascinating blend of old and new.

I also had breakfast at Maru in the stylish lounge area, and tried the Korean set menu which came with a very hearty portion of hair-tail fish with a citrus garnish, seaweed soup, silky steamed eggs with a plump prawn on the top, several banchans including earthy lotus root and two types of kimchi as well as a plate of fresh fruit. It was nutritious, delicious and extremely filling.

Confections by Four Seasons is a great place to indulge your sweet tooth with its mouthwatering cakes and tarts, and, like a lot of Korean treats, they’re not too heavy on the sugar. For drinks, Charles H. is the seriously sexy basement bar; the perfect place to unwind after a day’s sightseeing. It offers some fantastic mocktails – I tried one with pear, jasmine and tea, while feasting on a buttery lobster roll and crunchy fries.

Things to do

Saunas, known as jjimjilbangs, are an important part of Korean culture. Four Seasons Hotel Seoul has wet and dry sauna rooms along with cold, warm and hot baths to submerge yourself into once the steam gets too much. The hotel’s excellent spa offers an array of treatments – I had lymphatic drainage during which I was stroked gently with a brush to eliminate toxins. It’s supposed to be good for fatigue, and helped my jet-lagged stupor. There is also a golf simulator so you can polish your handicap virtually, and three pools for those who want to get their laps in.

The hotel is right next to Gyeongbokgung Palace, the first royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, and Changdeokgung Palace, a Unesco World Heritage site. You can rent a traditional hanbok (Korean garment) and waft around both palaces (and receive free entry if you do). The changing of the guards at Gyeongbokgung Palace is a colourful affair that takes place every day (apart from Tuesday) at 10am and 2pm. Be sure to reserve in advance for the secret garden tour at Changdeokgung Palace – it’s a beautiful and serene spot that explodes into a riot of colour in autumn. Jogyesa temple is a Buddhist temple adorned with flowers and lanterns that is a short walk away, and worth checking out.

The verdict

Four Seasons is a brand that has become synonymous with effortless luxury and the Seoul branch is no different. It’s a classy hotel that offers understated glamour with attentive staff, great restaurants and fantastic views overlooking Gyeongbokgung Palace. It’s the perfect escape for when you want a break from Seoul’s many alluring attractions.

Ann was a guest of Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. Finnair flies from London Heathrow to Seoul via Helsinki with return fares from £606 in economy class, £1,127 in premium economy and £1,832 in business class; finnair.com

Running between Cape Naturaliste and Cape Leeuwin in the far southwest of Australia, the Cape to Cape Track is one of the country’s loveliest coastal paths. It is 76 miles long, but largely flat, so walking it feels more like an extended “stroll” than a trek, said Jamie Lafferty in the Financial Times – and it is even easier if you join one of Walk into Luxury’s four-day group trips, as I did last November.

This local operator puts guests up at a single hotel and drives them to the most beautiful sections of the trail for daily walks, each up to six hours long, with knowledgeable guides. From surprise picnics to dinners in high-end restaurants, the food is wonderful – and so is the wine, all of which is locally produced. The path runs the length of the Margaret River wine region, where viticulture began in 1967. Today, the region produces 2% of Australia’s wines, but accounts for 20% of its premium market.

On Walk into Luxury’s trip, guests visit several wineries, including the oldest, Vasse Felix. I loved the lunch we had there (including an excellent toothfish and miso-aubergine dish), and the Tom Cullity wine, a cabernet sauvignon and malbec blend made from grapes descended from the area’s very first vines.

Our hotel, the Injidup Spa Retreat, was also good, with guest villas and their plunge pools perched on a cliff above an often deserted beach of “flawless” pale sand. In early November, the coastal plains were “ablaze” with spring flowers, and there were lots of birds to watch during our picnics, including cockatoos, wedge-tailed eagles and superb fairywrens – a tiny species that is “unfathomably blue”. We saw a pod of playful dolphins and a pair of humpback whales (mother and calf) close to shore, and also spotted – and avoided – a dugite (a large venomous snake) sunbathing on a rock. Most magical, however, was the final day, when we walked through an ancient forest of “titanic” karri trees, listening to the birdsong and the “gentle hushing” of the upper canopy.

The trip costs from £1,855pp, excluding flights (walkintoluxury.com).

From Paris’ Gare de Lyon, hop on the train to Montreux, stopping at Fontainebleau. From there it is a half-hour walk into the town, through the grounds of the Chateau de Fontainebleau. The grand imperial palace is reminiscent of Versailles with its long, symmetrical avenue of trees, stripped bare when we visited in late November.

Fontainebleau has the feel of a chic university town that moves at its own pace. We walked slowly with our three-year-old daughter and her brown toy rabbit; we were not in a rush and nor was the town. Charming and elegant with a rich history, Fontainebleau is no Parisian suburb. This is a place with a distinctive identity – well worth the journey from the French capital.

Where to stay

We stayed at the Hotel de Cavoye, a 20-bedroom hotel a short walk from the town and chateau. It was clean and comfortable, with pared-back decor and a restaurant on site. The breakfast was hugely appealing to kids, if only for the novelty of having ham, cheese, croissants and cornflakes all in one sitting. There is a large and pleasant courtyard and some of the rooms have their own balconies, which I imagine would be lovely in the summer.

The Hotel de Londres is another charming and comfortable option. Founded in the mid-19th century, and overlooking the chateau, it has the literary claim of a visit from Marcel Proust, who sat in the dining room and wrote a few paragraphs of his great novel In Search of Lost Time. The same family have run the hotel for four generations, and have worked to maintain the feel of 19th-century Fontainebleau in the days of Proust and Napoleon.

Eating and drinking

The restaurants are fantastic, as French cooking always is. Lunch, I am told, should be a sit-down affair, with steak and, if you like, a glass of vin rouge. VivaVino is a small wine bar hidden down a side street near the centre. It specialises in natural wines, and there are just a couple of options by the glass each night. Likewise the menu stretches to a few delicious items, including the signature baked cheese with walnuts and honey, smoked trout and a very hearty dish of ricotta and spinach ravioli.

By day a butcher, by night a restaurant, Le Viand’Art steakhouse might be one of the best such places in Europe. Our little one enjoyed coquilletes (essentially macaroni cheese with ham) while we dined on all manner of meats cooked to perfection, with vegetables, salad, aligots, or frites cooked in beef dripping. The puddings are also excellent.

For a quick lunch option, I recommend queuing for a sandwich, cake, quiche or slice of pizza from Boulangerie Patisserie Dardonville, a tiny outlet whose produce is as heavenly as baked goods can be. It’s also just a stone’s throw from the best toy shop I have ever visited, Le Nénuphar, which seems to sell the most imaginative and beautiful objects that a small child (or their parent) could ever dream of.

Things to do

Having visited several chateaus with children, from Versailles to Reggia di Caserta in southern Italy, I found Fontainebleau the most impressive and interesting. It must have been spared such a looting in the revolution as Versailles, as its wonders date back to the 16th century in some rooms: friezes, frescos and tapestries created for Francis I.

The Napoleon apartments are fascinating and give visitors a palpable sense of the man who apparently identified as a bumblebee. A permanent exhibition shows Napoleon’s clothes, hat and weapons, as well as the cot commissioned for his son, who was crowned King of Rome before he was even conceived. The gardens and grounds are stunning, and you could easily spend a morning if not the whole day there.

A short Uber ride away is Barbizon, a small village where Impressionism emerged, with painters including Rousseau, Corot and Millet all coming to paint from nature in its surroundings. There is a wonderful forest to walk in and two good museums in the former houses and studios of Rousseau and Millet. Be sure to stop by at Le Gaulois for more steak and wine.

Back in Fontainebleau, the farmers’ market that takes place three times a week (Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) from 7am to 1pm, is unmissable. Unlike London’s farmers’ markets, this one seems to be supplied by actual farmers, selling fruit, veg, cheese, liqueurs, honey and spices at reasonable prices. It is where the locals do their weekly shop, and a great place to pick up something delicious to take home.

Flora was a guest at Hotel de Cavoye, hoteldecavoye.com

Whether you’re a bookworm or you just love beautiful buildings, there’s something special about libraries. The UK is home to plenty of these peaceful, book-lined sanctuaries, filled with cosy nooks for reading to your heart’s content and escaping the bustle of the outside world. These are our favourites.

John Rylands Library, Manchester

Opened to the public on Deansgate in 1900, this stunning library was founded by Enriqueta Rylands in memory of her late husband, the entrepreneur and philanthropist John Rylands. It became part of Manchester University in 1972, and is home to an array of rare books including the Gutenberg Bible and all four of Shakespeare’s Folios. The building itself is one of “neo-Gothic splendour”, said Countryfile, and the main reading room is dotted with tranquil “reading alcoves” and colourful stained glass windows.

The Bodleian, Oxford

“In terms of English libraries, this is the magnum opus,” said The Sunday Times. Founded in 1602 by diplomat and scholar Thomas Bodley, it’s one of the country’s oldest libraries and “feels like the library at Hogwarts: think domed reading rooms, gothic vaulting, stained glass and wooden shelves stuffed with books from floor to ceiling”. Consider booking a guided tour for access to the “normally off-limits” 15th-century Duke Humfrey’s Library and the Chancellor’s Court, “where students were tried for misdeeds”.

The Leeds Library

This historic spot has a “special claim to fame: it’s the oldest surviving lending library in the UK”, said The Sunday Times. Founded in 1768 by a “forward-thinking society of northern notables”, it’s a members-only library, but you can book to visit on Thursday evenings between 5 and 7pm. “Grade II listed and set around a glass-roofed atrium, framed by wooden balustrades and shelves, it’s a bookworm’s delight.”

National Poetry Library, London

Located on the fifth floor of the Royal Festival Hall, overlooking the Thames in London’s Southbank Centre, “you’ll find a warm yellow glow radiating from the doors of the National Poetry Library”, said Condé Nast Traveller. Founded by the Arts Council and opened in 1953 by TS Eliot and Herbert Read, the “cosy” space is home to more than 200,000 books, magazines and audio visual materials. Drop by to listen as poets read their work “in front of the huge, rainbow-coloured archives”, and take children to visit the Little Library, where they can “pore over picture books, play games and solve puzzles”.

Canada Water Library, London

Sitting next to the Canada Water basin, this striking library “resembles a concrete ship that’s run aground”, said Condé Nast Traveller. Designed by CZWG Architects, the aluminium-clad building was opened by Southwark Council in 2011, and won several prizes including a RIBA award. Now, it’s a community hub hosting reading clubs, writing groups and author events. “With checked carpets, sleek wood interiors and suspended giant orb lights, it’s a wonderful space to while away the day.”

Gladstone’s Library, Flintshire

This “literary oasis” in North Wales, founded by former prime minister William Gladstone in 1889, is the UK’s only residential library, said the BBC. Home to 26 bedrooms “just steps from the books”, it’s the perfect spot for “anyone who has ever dreamed of spending a cosy holiday reading, writing or focusing in silence”. The “imposing russet stone building” is home to a “150,000-tome-strong collection”, a handful of reading rooms, a wood-panelled dining room with “views over the manicured gardens”, and a “cosy study” with comfy chairs to “flop into” with a book.

Built in 1984 by a family of keen anglers from Chicago, Gangler’s is “one of the world’s finest fishing lodges”. But this outpost in the forests of Northern Manitoba offers far more than the chance to catch pike and trout, said Mike MacEacheran in The Telegraph.

Set beside the North Seal River, three hours by floatplane north of the provincial capital, Winnipeg, it is mind-bendingly remote – 230 miles from the nearest dirt road, in the heart of a wilderness that is bigger than Wales but has no other lodges. These days, many guests come simply to spot some of the area’s spectacular wildlife, including bears, wolves, moose and caribou; it is also among the best places in the world to see the northern lights. The lodge’s current owner, Ken Gangler, is an “avuncular” host who was once a touring rock musician, and despite its “modern frills” (such as Wi-Fi), the lodge itself has a homely and “nostalgic” air, with “taxidermy decor” and accommodation in waterfront cabins.

The surrounding landscape shows spectacular traces of the last ice age, including many lakes, huge “erratic” boulders, and North America’s largest concentration of eskers – deposits of sand and grit shaped as narrow ridges, up to 400ft high and 180 miles long. The eskers serve as migration routes for creatures including caribou, command panoramic views and offer good wildlife-spotting opportunities.

During my stay at the lodge earlier this year, I went on a floatplane trip to Blackfish Lake to track timber wolves up an esker, and enjoyed a thrillingly close encounter with a mother wolf and her two cubs. The area’s climatic conditions, including frequent clear skies, make it highly likely you’ll see the northern lights if you stay a few nights. The prime viewing season is in August and September, when I visited. Each evening, the sky exploded in “comet trails of red and green”, rising and dipping slowly, like “great godlike hands” clutching at the stars.

Canada As You Like It has a five-night stay from £5,420pp, including flights.

It has been more than 200 years since “Pride and Prejudice,” “Sense and Sensibility” and “Emma” were published, yet the words and wit of Jane Austen remain enthralling as ever. This is a big year for Austen fans: Dec. 16 marks the author's 250th birthday, and boutique hotels on both sides of the Atlantic are celebrating her life and legacy through special programming and events.

Henry’s Townhouse, Marylebone, London

This “charming” Georgian townhouse once belonged to Austen’s brother Henry, and it “played a pivotal role” in Jane’s life, said Elle Decor. She spent the night here during visits to London, and now you can too, as it has been transformed into a six-bedroom boutique hotel. Each room is named in honor of an Austen relative and “designed as a glamorous reimagining of the Regency period,” with rich fabrics and antique art and furniture. There are modern amenities too, like Dyson hairdryers and a mini-bar filled with Press smoothies and British artisan spirits.

The Queensberry Hotel, Bath, England

Austen called Bath home from 1801 to 1806, and the city still celebrates its most famous resident with events like the annual Grand Regency Costumed Promenade through the streets. The Queensberry Hotel, just down the road from the Jane Austen Center, is in the middle of the action. Comprising four Georgian townhouses, the property is “full of personality, without ever laying it on too thick,” said the Michelin Guide. The floor plans are a little “quirky” and the “architectural details distinctive,” leaving you to wonder how Austen herself would have described the place. To commemorate her birthday, the hotel is offering the Jane Austen Experience, which includes two tickets to the Jane Austen Center and a special 250th anniversary tote bag.

Oakley Hall Hotel, Hampshire, England

This Hampshire countryside escape was built in 1795 by Austen’s friend Wither Bramston, and the writer would detail her visits to the home in letters to her sister Cassandra. Legend also has it that the Lady Bertram character in “Mansfield Park” was based on Bramston’s wife, Mary. It’s easy to see why Austen enjoyed coming over: The manor sits on 315 acres of beautiful lawn and gardens and boasts original features like parquet wooden floors and big fireplaces.

Book the Jane Austen Experience for perks like a ticket to Jane Austen’s House in nearby Chawton, where she penned “Pride and Prejudice” and her other novels. Oakley Hall Hotel is close to many Austen sites, including Steventon, the village she lived in as a child, and Winchester Cathedral, her burial site.

One Aldwych, Covent Garden, London

Covent Garden was one of Austen’s haunts, where she attended the theater and stopped by her brother’s home at 10 Henrietta Street. Around the corner at One Aldwych, guests can learn more about the author’s time in the area through the hotel’s Curators program.

Writer and historian Dr. Matthew Green leads a spirited guided walk past the places she visited, and the tour ends with mince pies and mulled wine. This is one of several events happening over the holidays to celebrate Austen, with other highlights including special drinks at the Lobby Bar (try the Gin Austen with apricot brandy and Champagne) and a silhouette portrait artist.

Deer Path Inn, Lake Forest, Illinois

Stepping into the Deer Path Inn feels like being “transported back in time to an English countryside estate,” said Travel and Leisure. The “Tudor-style facade” and “nostalgic wood paneling” are warm and inviting and dining on bangers and mash and shepherd’s pie in the White Hart Pub is “like a vacation to the Old World.” The Austen Escape package ties in perfectly with the storybook setting, and includes an English-themed welcome amenity, English breakfast in bed, candlelit dinner with a Regency-inspired menu and nighttime turndown service with tea and sweets.

It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. With its incredible food scene, bargain shopping and vibrant nightlife, you never run out of things to see and do. Upper House Hong Kong offers a serene sanctuary amid the thrilling neon-powered chaos with dizzying views across Victoria Harbour. It aspires to be a home away from home and does this so well that it regularly appears on the World’s Best 50 Hotels list.

Why stay here?

After a relaxing flight via Helsinki on Finnair in a swish business-class seat that transforms into a super-comfortable bed, I was excited to check in. Upper House Hong Kong was created for design lovers. From the row of huge lanterns adorning the main hallway to the sculptural paintings hung from the walls in the rooms, the hotel is a work of art springing boldly to life. It was one of the first hotels designed by André Fu, the superstar Hong Kong architect and interior designer. Rooms are decorated in warm tones with oak cabinetry and sliding doors, muted furnishings, plush rugs, leather-topped tables and velvet chairs.

The hotel offers the biggest standard-size room in Hong Kong at 730 sq ft (important in a city where space is at a premium) and the king-size beds. Rooms start on the 38th floor with large windows that make the most of the amazing views out across verdant mountains and Victoria Harbour, where you can see Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, the towering skyscrapers stacked like rows of Lego blocks. Cushions are provided for the windowsills so you can sit and watch as the famous Star Ferry glides across the harbour and a kaleidoscope of lights illuminates the waterfront each night.

I stayed in an upper suite that comes with a massive lounge area and bedroom. The large bathroom has marble floors and a rain shower and features a limestone bath as its centrepiece. There’s a free maxi bar – not mini-bar – where full-sized drinks (excluding wine and champagne) are free for guests. It’s a nice touch for travellers missing the ability to raid your fridge at home.

Eating and drinking

Salisterra on the 49th floor serves elevated Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant restaurant decorated with a showstopping chandelier. Breakfast is also served there with Chinese and English among its set menus, as well as à la carte options. I tried the Chinese set menu which came with plump dumplings and fluffy baos, silky-smooth congee and a fried doughstick.

Later in the evening, I sampled the restaurant’s tasting menu and tucked into tender octopus in a rich olive sauce, pillowy-soft aubergine, creamy fried ravioli and an abalone salad. Our main was a salt-baked whole sea bass, which was set ablaze in Pernod next to our dinner table for extra flavour. It was served with crispy charred padron peppers and roasted cauliflower. Dessert was a heavenly pineapple tarte tatin and vanilla ice cream topped with pistachios and caramel sauce.

In a city with so many excellent dining options, Salisterra certainly sets itself apart. If you’re looking for haute cuisine served in stunning surroundings with fantastic views, it’s a great choice. Afterwards, pop into the relaxed cocktail bar, the Green Room, for a nightcap.

Things to do

Upper House Hong Kong has no spa but it does provide in-room treatments as well as yoga and meditation sessions. The hotel offers wellness residences held across the road. Stone & Star do crystal and tarot readings – and any scepticism I had was obliterated by the warm presence of Joyce, the founder, during my session. It’s less about fortune telling and more about highlighting areas you can work on in your life.

You can also have a fun workout at the hotel’s Family Form fitness studio, while a team of chiropractors are on hand to relieve any back or posture issues, and there’s a nutritionist, too, who can tailor a food plan for you.

The most intriguing activity on offer is The Circuit, a collaboration with 10x Longevity. The wellness session is suitable for anyone obsessed with their biological age and begins with some time in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, where you’ll breathe 97% oxygen (normally we breathe in 21%). This is believed to speed up wound healing, reduce inflammation and help with fatigue. After that, guests alternate time in the sauna with cold plunges in the pool, known as contrast therapy, which boosts circulation and muscle recovery. Finally, some time on an infrared bed stimulates collagen production and reduces signs of ageing. It’s leagues ahead of the standard wellness offerings at most hotels.

Upper House Hong Kong is located in Admiralty on Hong Kong Island, which means many of the sights on Hong Kong Island are within easy reach. I took a tram to Victoria Peak one day and went on a short walk to Lugard Road Lookout, for incredible panoramic views overlooking the city. I also visited Repulse Bay, one of the easiest beaches in Hong Kong to reach by public transport, and enjoyed golden sand and clear waters – a refreshing escape from the hubbub of city life.

The verdict

Upper House Hong Kong feels more like the super-stylish home of your dreams rather than a hotel. It’s achingly chic, taking minimalist luxury and turning it into something so artistic and impactful that you’ll be coveting pieces in the room for your own place.

Ann was a guest of Upper House Hong Kong, a Swire Hotels property, upperhouse.com; Finnair flies from London Heathrow to Hong Kong via Helsinki with return fares from £547 in economy, £1,115 in premium economy and £1,834 in business class, finnair.com

San Ysidro Ranch sits on 500 Californian acres between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, and with its gorgeous gardens, quaint cottages and impeccable service, it’s clear why people have been staying here since 1893.

Over the years, the property has welcomed future presidents (John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned at the ranch in 1953) and prime ministers (Winston Churchill stayed here multiple times, fleeing harsh UK winters), along with those who just want an escape from the every day.

The charm is evident as soon as you turn down the lavender-lined driveway. Guests are greeted by gnarled oaks, blooming arches and bright bougainvillea. Around the bend, the property’s centrepiece comes into view: a rose garden, where pink, red, yellow, white and orange flowers mingle and the mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. A stone path winds its way through, allowing visitors to become part of the scene. It looks, and feels, straight out of a storybook.

Why stay here?

Each one of the property’s 38 cottages has its own name and distinct personality. Most are named after flowers or plants – I was in Hibiscus – but the Kennedy and Churchill accommodations honour their famous past visitors.

Bungalows are decorated with antiques and art picked up from around the world, plus special touches like bespoke fabric wallpaper and stone fireplaces. The bathrooms have soaking tubs, radiant heated floors and luxe amenities like Dyson hairdryers, and all accommodations include private furnished terraces or patios, with an in-ground hot tub and outdoor rainfall shower.

The attention to detail is apparent everywhere. While walking up to the cottage, I saw my last name spelled out on a wooden sign at the front door, and on a desk inside personalised stationery declared that I was “In Residence at Hibiscus Cottage”. At night, slippers were placed on the floor beside my bed and chocolates and bottled water on the side table. Thought was even put into the design of the bathroom off the backyard, which has a glass door leading directly from outside into the shower so you don’t drip water when coming in from the hot tub.

Privacy is paramount at San Ysidro Ranch, and it’s easy to slip in and out of your bungalow without being seen (each one has an adjacent parking spot). There are also high fences around the outdoor spaces, so guests can feel completely comfortable using the hot tub and outdoor showers during the day or at night, under the stars.

Eating and drinking

Dining is included in your nightly rate (excluding alcohol), and options include eating all three meals at the Stonehouse Restaurant, having a bite and drinks while listening to live music at the swinging Speakeasy or ordering room service to enjoy in your cottage. I chose to have breakfast in the room, and it was a breeze calling in my order. Starting the day off with fresh juice, hot coffee, flaky pastries and eggs and bacon was definitely the right choice.

Lunch and dinner at the Stonehouse were just as good. Once a citrus packing house, it’s now a lovely restaurant with a terrace that looks out over the Pacific, covered in twinkling lights. Ingredients for the food and drinks are grown in the chef’s organic garden, and you can taste the freshness in each bite. Lunch was a more laid-back affair, and the Korean beef tacos with bulgogi and handmade tortillas were a flavourful way to start the meal. Several salads caught my eye but I went with the poke bowl, a mix of Hawaiian big eye tuna, brown sticky rice, avocado, daikon sprouts and sunomono, a Japanese cucumber salad. To end things on a sweet note, I enjoyed the deliciously tangy Meyer lemon tart.

Dinner took things to another level. I kicked things off with a blood orange margarita that was smoked at the table. This preparation wasn’t just for show; the smoke and wood really did deepen the flavour. For my entree, I wanted the fun to continue, and chose steak diane, an old school classic our attentive server flambéed tableside. The tender steak was a perfect medium rare, and the brandied mushroom sauce enhanced its flavour even more. As delicious as this meal was, the miso-glazed black cod I had for dinner the next night blew everything else out of the water. Sweet, savoury and slightly caramelised, this was the best fish I’ve ever eaten, and I wished I could stay one more night and have it again.

Things to do

You can do as much – or as little – as you like here. Feel like staying in your bungalow the entire time, reading in front of the fire and soaking in the hot tub? Go for it. If you prefer being outside, you can start your day off with a hike along one of the property’s trails, then hit the pool, play mini-golf and rent a bike for a ride around town.

I chose the rest and rejuvenation route, which led me to the spa. Inside this ivy-covered cottage is a salon and rooms for facials, massages and body treatments. It’s a calming space, with hand-painted birds on the walls and a roaring fire in the lobby. My massage therapist was warm and welcoming, and did an incredible job getting the kinks out of my back. The 90-minute Swedish massage went by in a flash, and I went back to my room to get ready for the next part of my itinerary: wine tasting.

San Ysidro Ranch boasts an extraordinary wine collection, with 15,500 bottles from more than 70 global wine regions. Walking through the cellar with one of the property’s sommeliers was a treat, and I enjoyed being able to see up close the extensive Chateau d’Yquem section, including a rare bottle from 1811. You can have a private wine dinner down here, but for my tasting I sat on a patio with a view of the mountains and rose garden. The sommelier selected five Californian wines to try, explaining each one as I sipped. It was a delightful – and educational – way to start the evening.

The verdict

San Ysidro Ranch strikes a perfect balance. It feels lavish yet refined, and both historical and of the moment. The service is outstanding (I especially appreciated the golf cart rides to and from dinner). This focus on ensuring each guest has the best possible experience is enough to make the property exceptional. Combine that with the lovely accommodations, decadent dining and peaceful surroundings, and San Ysidro Ranch is truly in a class of its own.

Catherine Garcia was a guest of San Ysidro Ranch, sanysidroranch.com

Spotting a travel center with rows of gas pumps and a large convenience store is a welcome relief on any road trip. You can fill the tank then stretch your legs while searching for the perfect snack and a souvenir or two. Finding a one-of-a-kind facility, like Pops 66 Soda Ranch in Oklahoma or Barack Obama Plaza in Ireland, guarantees an even better experience. Refuel your car — and stomach — at one of these unique rest stops.

Barack Obama Plaza, Moneygall, Ireland

At this “tribute” to former President Barack Obama, whose maternal lineage traces back to Moneygall, travelers can purchase gas, food and shirts that declare “Is Féidir Linn” (“Yes We Can” in Gaelic), said Atlas Obscura. Dozens of tour buses stop by the visitor’s center every day, giving sightseers the chance to pick up some souvenirs and take photos next to the bronze statue of the president and former first lady Michelle Obama. The plaza opened in 2014, three years after Obama visited the village and quipped that he was of the “Moneygall O’bamas … I’ve come home to find that apostrophe we lost somewhere along the way.”

EddieWorld, Yermo, California

If you see a giant ice cream sundae covered in sprinkles and topped with a cherry, you’re in the right place. This 70-foot sculpture (it’s built on top of a water tank) greets visitors to EddieWorld, the largest gas station in California.

Its market and food area is also massive, filled with rows of candies, chocolates, nuts and dried food and stations where you can order fresh pizza, sushi, burgers, sandwiches, coffee, homemade popcorn and jerky. Take your treat to eat on the road, or stay awhile and dine on the patio (be sure to check out the Los Angeles Lakers memorabilia on display before heading out).

Iowa 80, Walcott, Iowa

Iowa 80 feels like a mini city. Billed as the world’s largest truck stop, it offers almost everything a long-haul driver might desire, including a dental office, chiropractor, dog wash and dog park, movie theater, barber shop, museum and six fast-food restaurants. One highlight is the “famous” Iowa 80 kitchen, a family-owned buffet serving “hearty Midwest cuisine,” said the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Another is the giant store selling “necessities and oddities,” including some “quirky tchotchkes” that celebrate Iowa.

Last Exit AUH (Abu Dhabi) Bound, Dubai

This looks like the last gas station on Earth, and that’s entirely by design. Last Exit AUH (Abu Dhabi) Bound has a post-apocalyptic theme and is filled with abandoned cars, monster trucks and war rigs straight out of “Mad Max.” There’s also a paintball park, go-kart area and food trucks selling burgers, Nashville fried chicken, coffee drinks and desserts like saffron milk cake.

Pops 66 Soda Ranch, Arcadia, Oklahoma

Need a caffeine boost? Pops 66 Soda Ranch has you covered. At this “weird, wonderful roadside attraction,” visitors will find more than 700 fizzy flavors, said The Takeout. Settle in for a bite at the restaurant, which has a substantial menu featuring a dozen different burgers, sandwiches, salads and desserts like root beer bread pudding (you can also pick any of the sodas in the store for a float). Before you drive off, snap a picture or two in front of the massive 66-foot-tall soda bottle in the front, a nod to Pops’ place on Route 66.

Taste Perthshire, Bankfoot, Scotland

If you buy one item at Taste Perthshire, make it this: a bag of feed. Highland cows are the main attraction here, and while you can admire them for free, it’s much more fun to hand-feed the hairy cows. After making sure the cows eat, head to the restaurant for a meal or afternoon tea, then pick up some tartan accessories, Scottish souvenirs and a bottle of whisky from the gift shops.

Being able to work remotely opens up the world — as long as there’s an internet connection, you can turn anywhere into an office. This is especially enticing for those who love to travel or have always wanted to spend a few months (or years!) abroad. Here are six countries that offer digital nomad visas, making it a little easier to try out your expat dreams.

Costa Rica

The Costa Rican saying “pura vida,” or “pure life,” is “more than just a simple catchphrase,” said the BBC. It’s a “feeling of optimism and a uniquely positive outlook on life” ingrained in the culture that also extends to visitors. This focus on wellbeing attracts those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, especially if they want to live in a “paradise for outdoor adventure,” said Architectural Digest.

Between deadlines and Zoom meetings, explore Pacific and Caribbean beaches and hike past waterfalls and through rainforests. Affordable housing and a “robust” health care system also “boost” quality of life.

What to know before applying for a visa: Costa Rica’s digital nomad program extends a 90-day tourist visa to a full year, with the option to renew for one more year. Applicants must work remotely for a foreign company and earn a minimum of $3,000 USD per month.

Ecuador

Affordable housing and gorgeous scenery make Ecuador a “rising star” for foreigners looking to live in a new locale, said Travel and Leisure. Cuenca shines brightest, as the “picturesque” city is filled with the country’s “best colonial architecture” and boasts a “temperate, spring-like climate” during a majority of the year,” The Independent said.

Ecuador is perfect for the digital nomad who wants to experience a little bit of everything. The cities are lively, but quiet can be found in the Amazonian rainforest, the Andes and the beaches on the Pacific Ocean.

What to know before applying for a visa: You must demonstrate earnings of at least three times Ecuador’s unified basic salary per month for three months prior to applying for the visa. That total is a minimum of $1,410 USD. The visa is valid for up to two years and can be extended for another two years.

Mexico

Know that wherever you roam in Mexico, you will be eating well. Mexico is a “feast” for both the eyes and stomach, and the tacos al pastor, mole, pozole and enchiladas found in tiny restaurants and street corners are “some of the best food in the world,” said Lonely Planet.

The country beckons more than just epicures; the warm weather year-round is also a draw. Lively beach towns dot the coastlines — Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific and Playa del Carmen on the Yucatán Peninsula are both gorgeous choices — while Mexico City offers “constant action” and “surprisingly green neighborhoods” for those seeking big-city living with a side of nature.

What to know before applying for a visa: Mexico does not have a specific digital nomad visa but does offer a six-month tourist visa.

New Zealand

Being able to spend more time soaking up the natural beauty of New Zealand is one reason to “break free from the chains of our desks,” said Condé Nast Traveler. When choosing a home base, consider the climate and what you want to experience during your off-hours.

The “volcanic” and “lush” North Island is home to Auckland, the country’s most diverse city, while the “rugged, mountainous” South Island has dramatic scenery and fewer people, said Afar. Together, they offer “just about everything you could ask for in a destination.”

What to know before applying for a visa: Applicants need to be employed by a foreign company or self-employed with clients outside of New Zealand. The visa is good for up to 90 days.

Portugal

When it comes to picking a place to settle in Portugal, there are no bad choices. The country is known for its “pastoral landscapes punctuated by dazzling, old-world cities,” as well as “incredible” beaches, said Travel and Leisure.

Housing prices are more affordable compared to major cities in the U.S.; rent in Lisbon, for example, is on average 36.9% lower than in Seattle, according to Numbeo. When not at work, take advantage of the vibrant culture by seeing a fado performance at a cafe, sip local wines and enjoy pastel de nata (custard tarts) and arroz de marisco (seafood rice).

What to know before applying for a visa: The D8 visa is for digital nomads who can show proof of a $4,000 USD monthly income. The visa is good for one year but can be extended for five more years if certain requirements are met. Applications can require up to 60 days to process.

Thailand

Thailand calls to those seeking an “utter paradise,” said Travel and Leisure. It’s easy to feel at home here, thanks to the “tropical beauty” and “warm hospitality,” with the bonus of affordable housing across the country.

For a cosmopolitan experience, head to Bangkok, a “megacity incarnate” where Buddhist monasteries mingle with “towering skyscrapers” and “teeming markets,” Lonely Planet said. Chiang Mai affords a more laid-back life, as it is “blissfully calm” while still “firmly Thai in its atmosphere and attitude.”

What to know before applying for a visa: The Destination Thailand Visa, or Thailand Digital Nomad Visa, is for freelancers and remote workers employed by companies outside of Thailand. You must be able to show proof of having at least $16,000 USD in a checking or savings account and a professional portfolio. The visa is valid for five years and multiple entries, with each visit lasting no more than 180 days.

A few things to remember

Be respectful of your temporary home. In some places popular with digital nomads, like Mexico City, local residents are “resentful” that several of their “most storied neighborhoods” are viewed as “playgrounds” by people who “live with dollars and don’t pay local taxes,” said the Los Angeles Times. Show your gratitude by supporting nonprofits in the area, shopping at small businesses, donating to charities and paying local taxes if you stay long enough to qualify.

Sitting atop a hill on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, Malmesbury looks like a postcard. Pretty stone-built cottages and antiques shops line the streets, and the hauntingly beautiful 12th-century abbey still stands proudly at the centre of the quiet market town.

Next door is the wisteria-clad Old Bell Hotel, dating back over 800 years. Its owners – Kim and Whit Hanks – claim it is the oldest inn in England. So it’s something of a surprise, stepping through the front door, to be greeted by two life-size giraffes. “Don’t worry: they’re not real,” the receptionist reassures me. “Giraffes are Kim’s favourite animal.”

It’s the first of many quirky design details throughout the hotel. Each room is a riot of colours, patterns, and eclectic furnishings – a far cry from the muted shades of beige and grey that typically adorn high-end English country hotels. But then, Kim and Whit are Texans.

The American hoteliers purchased The Old Bell Hotel back in 2021; Whit knew he had ancestral ties to Malmesbury, but it wasn’t until they bought the property that they discovered one of his distant relatives had owned part of the hotel over a century earlier. The result is a striking blend of old and new, preserving the building’s storied history while adding a sense of fun.

Why stay here?

No two rooms are the same. Kim worked closely with designer Charlotte Smiley to put her stamp on the bold interiors, and each of the 34 rooms are unique, with carefully chosen hand-drawn wallpapers and intricately patterned curtains.

To soak up the history, book one of the suites in the main building (a word of warning: the hotel is said to be haunted). Named after people who have owned or leased the hotel throughout its history, these are the most spacious accommodations: some have grand four-poster beds, wooden beamed ceilings, and views of the abbey. There are also a handful of dog-friendly rooms, and a collection of smaller ‘cosy’ rooms in the adjoining coach house.

Across the road from the hotel are six freshly renovated townhouse suites, which opened earlier this year. Ideal for groups of friends or families, the sprawling apartments offer total privacy, with their own kitchens and living areas. We stayed in 52b, a two-bedroom suite set across two floors (it felt almost ludicrously spacious for two), with two sizable bathrooms and a cosy snug that’s perfect for film nights.

The interiors won’t be to everyone’s taste (there’s a wall-mounted stag’s head with a lightbulb dangling from its mouth) but it was very comfortably kitted out with plush velvet sofas and a particularly luxurious master bathroom complete with a roll-top bath. The heavenly scented Bramley toiletries were a nice touch, too.

There were some issues with soundproofing – at one point it sounded like furniture was being moved upstairs – but once our neighbours quietened down we had a peaceful night’s sleep, and it was lovely waking up to views of the rolling green hills and honey-coloured cottages below.

Eating and drinking

Even if you’re staying in one of the townhouses, dinner is just steps away at the hotel’s Abbey Row restaurant. Expect more eccentric design details from the richly patterned wallpaper to the colourful stained-glass windows and unusual antiques. The menu is brimming with local, seasonal ingredients, including vegetables grown at the neighbouring Abbey House Manor and Gardens – also owned by Kim and Whit.

We kicked things off with the maple-glazed mackerel served with a dollop of burnt apple purée and a light, refreshing salad of fennel and cucumber shavings topped with nasturtium leaves and edible flowers. Other stand-out dishes included the hearty mains: a tender slab of venison perfectly complemented by crispy potatoes and a port jus; and the salt-cured cod, served with a generous mound of silky pomme purée and a decadent champagne and caviar butter sauce.

Afterwards, head to the cosy bar for a nightcap (keep an eye out for the grand stone fireplace that is over 700 years old). Over the summer, there’s also an open-air bar with decorative monkeys clambering along the ceiling, which looks like a lively spot for cocktails.

Things to do

It’s easy to fill a morning pottering down the high street, stopping to browse in the antiques and second-hand shops or read a book in one of the cafes. As you would expect, it’s a wonderful spot for walks (guests can borrow wellies from the hotel). Consider ambling along the two-and-half-mile River Walk, which follows the River Avon through woods and meadows passing historical landmarks along the way like the Conygre Mead pond where monks from the abbey fished for carp.

The Old Bell Hotel is also a great base from which to explore the area’s picturesque villages; Castle Combe, often described as the prettiest village in England, is less than half an hour away, and well worth a visit to marvel at the medieval architecture and visit the 12th-century pub, the Castle Inn.

The verdict

If you’re fed up with pared-back hotels that look more or less the same, The Old Bell Hotel will feel like a refreshing change. The owners have dared to be different – and it’s paid off. Playful and fun without sacrificing comfort, it’s perfect for a weekend away in the Cotswolds.

Irenie was a guest of The Old Bell Hotel, oldbellhotel.co.uk

Thousands of Americans vacation overseas each year, and many of them are confronted with a key question when arriving in a new country: How do they feel about President Donald Trump? During his second term, when many of his actions, including wide-ranging tariffs, are creating global friction, some American travelers are reportedly being received in a chilly manner. And some think being American now means having, according to at least one news outlet, the “world’s most toxic passport.”

How are Americans being confronted overseas?

Americans going abroad are “hearing a lot of political hot takes from strangers these days,” said CNN. But instead of a direct query, the topic of Trump “often seems to lurk on the fringes as locals in other countries try to more delicately approach politics and discern how U.S. travelers feel about what’s going on at home.” It may only “come across as a pregnant pause after you tell someone where you’re from.”

“We were having a pleasant conversation at the hotel breakfast. They were very nice to talk to,” traveler Angie Roach, a Trump supporter, told CNN of a recent vacation to New Zealand. Then the man “sort of groaned and said, ‘What about Trump?’” You “start building sympathy because you can be a Trump supporter, but still not like, you know, the kind of bad things that come out of politics.”

It appears that many Americans are being subjected to these feelings, regardless of their political affiliation. Some travel agents have had clients “cancel or postpone travel plans” amid “fears that they will receive an icy reception in other countries that are put off by Trump, his policies and commentary,” said TravelPulse. As contempt for the Trump administration continues, a “small anxiety is emerging among Americans with wanderlust: how to travel with the world’s most toxic passport,” said Mother Jones.

What can people do when traveling?

Some argue that Americans shouldn’t change anything they do. Most “foreigners know who our president is, especially when he is as headline-grabbing as Trump,” said The Hill. But the “idea that everyday Americans are routinely shunned, judged or made to feel unwelcome abroad because of Trump is a fantasy born of our own political obsessions.” Americans are “generally welcomed abroad. And when we aren’t, it has less to do with politics than with other things.”

Others say that Americans should just be kind abroad, politics aside. Be “more empathetic to people and their surroundings. Be a little bit more soft-spoken,” travel reporter Amy Tara Koch said to Mother Jones. If “you’re going to try to capture something on your phone, then do it subtly, not with this swagger coming from the United States.”

“Any American traveling abroad right now should prepare to have confrontational conversations,” traveler Nicole Hernandez said to CNN. She could “count the amount of times on two hands that I met someone and they were like, ‘What’s your name? Where are you from? Did you vote for Trump?’” Americans should “just be ready for people to push the question. And if you’re not comfortable talking about it, have a response ready.”

With its “waist-high powder” and “slick” infrastructure, it’s little surprise Japan's Niseko ski region has become so “popular”, said Annabel Grossman in The Independent.

Skiers and snowboarders around the world have “felt the lure of Japan’s mountains”, and are increasingly “swapping European and North American resorts” for “the peaks of east Asia”. Niseko, on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, is a “far cry from the charming chalets of the French resorts” but it has its own “very special appeal”.

The region spreads between four resorts dotted around the Annupuri mountain: Hanazono, Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Annupuri. All are linked by a convenient shuttle bus and “well connected, modern lifts”. There are far fewer crowds here than at most European resorts, so you’re unlikely to have to queue for the gondolas.

On-piste, the “thick, fluffy” snow is a “dream to ski” and “the off-piste by the slopes” has “shorter sections, allowing less experienced skiers to take advantage of the legendary powder”. There is also “plenty of challenging back country for advanced skiers”.

Perhaps one of the biggest draws is night skiing. While most pistes in Europe close relatively early, a few long pistes in Niseko are open “long into the evening”. There is something “magical” about skiing on “near-deserted” slopes “below the soft glow of the piste lights”.

Niseko’s four resorts aren’t as big as those in France or Switzerland, said Damien Gabet in The Telegraph. “But a lack of acreage is offset by a skiing experience entirely novel to the European veteran”: less peaks and ravines; more “shallow valleys and sweeping tree-runs”. The sprawling Strawberry Fields powder run in Hanazono has breathtaking views of Mount Yōtei between “comfortably spaced conifers”.

And the après-ski is “incomparable”. Instead of “shots at the bar”, expect “seated sake and real-deal dining experiences”, including yakitori and sushi joints, and Michelin-starred restaurants. As for accommodation, if you really want to push the boat out, consider checking into the five-bed Tsubasa Chalet. “Few properties merit the Bond-villain-lair cliché more.”

After a long day on the slopes, Niseko’s onsens – steaming indoor and outdoor pools filled with water from geothermal springs – are “perfect for an after-ski dip”, said Aja Ng on Culture Trip. Relaxing in the “therapeutic waters” will soothe away any post-piste aches and pains: it is an experience “not to be missed”.

Kicking yourself for not spending a little bit extra on travel insurance for your next trip? You may already have it.

As it turns out, some credit cards — particularly travel credit cards — automatically come with travel insurance coverage. When you use a card with built-in coverage to book a trip, you may be able to get reimbursed in the event of cancellations, delays or interruptions; for instance, if you find out that your flight home for Thanksgiving is now not slated to land until well after the turkey dinner.

What does credit card travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance through credit cards will typically offer reimbursement “for a trip cancellation, delayed or lost luggage, rental car insurance and other travel-related expenses,” said CNBC Select. Medical-related incidents, like treatment or an evacuation, are also commonly covered.

However, the types and amount of coverage you get can vary widely. “With a higher annual fee, you’ll typically get more types of coverage and higher coverage amounts,” said NerdWallet. Almost across the board, though, the rule of thumb is that you have to have used the card with the coverage to pay for the trip to take advantage of it. Additionally, “most credit card travel insurance is secondary insurance: If your luggage is stolen, you have to file a claim with your homeowners insurance provider before your card company will pay out,” said CNBC Select.

How does credit card travel insurance compare to a standalone policy?

The major differences between the travel insurance offered through a credit card and a standalone travel insurance policy come down to cost and the amount and types of coverage provided. While you do typically have to use the card to pay for your trip costs, you will generally not face any additional costs to take advantage of the perk. For a standalone policy, however, you will probably pay “between 4% and 8% of a trip’s total value,” said CNBC Select.

Standalone policies tend to be much more comprehensive in the coverage they provide. With credit card coverage, there may be some notable exclusions. For instance, “most credit card trip interruption and cancellation insurance benefits exclude cancellations or interruptions caused by a sudden recurrence of a preexisting condition,” said The Points Guy, a credit card blog. Another thing commonly excluded are “adventure sports like base jumping, sky diving, free soloing, diving, mountaineering and paragliding.”

How can you make use of your card’s travel insurance coverage?

If you want to fall back on your card’s travel insurance for an upcoming trip, make sure to read the fine print first. “Some benefits require you to enroll — and virtually all require a formal claim process, with no reimbursement guarantee,” said The Points Guy.

Hang onto any receipts along the way, as you will likely need to provide them to file a claim. The same goes for “key documentation such as showing how a loss occurred, correspondence with travel providers proving they won’t reimburse you, doctors’ notes, police reports or any other applicable paperwork,” said Bankrate.

Keep in mind that you must submit your claim within a certain timeframe, usually “less than 60 days,” said Bankrate. You will “download a claim form from the credit card provider’s website and submit evidence of the losses or situations for which you’re seeking reimbursement,” after which your credit card provider will get in touch with their decision.

A vast high plateau in the far northwest of Argentina, the Puna de Atacama is “how the planet looked before us, almost before anything, the Earth’s skeleton laid bare”, said Stanley Stewart in the Financial Times.

It is contiguous with the Atacama Desert in Chile, but receives a bit more rain, and far fewer visitors. Covered in volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, steaming fumaroles and immense salt flats, the landscape here is “dramatic and surreal”. It unfolds across “unfathomable” distances and is wreathed in “profound” stillness and silence. It feels harsh and alien – Martian, perhaps – and yet the Puna is astonishingly beautiful, “streaked with colour as if by a child let loose with crayons – carnelian and rust reds, magnesium greys, chalky white, obsidian black, malachite green”.

The nearest airport is in Salta, a city known for its gaucho culture and for the high-altitude wines of the Calchaqui Valley. On a recent trip, my guide and I drove out in a 4x4 from there to Tolar Grande, deep in the Puna. Perched at 3,508 metres above sea level, this small settlement, home to 150 people, feels like “a Wild West town”, with its wide streets of low adobe buildings. From there, we went on to Antofalla and El Peñón, other tiny towns with “delightful” guesthouses. Among the extraordinary sights along the way were flocks of flamingos stepping “delicately” through the saline waters of the Laguna Grande; the Cono de Arita, a black pyramid of magma that seems to hover above the dazzling salt flats of Arizaro; and – outside El Peñón – blocks of pumice “the size of houses”, sculpted into “bizarre” forms by the desert winds.

Finally, we gazed up at the snow-capped, 6,739m peak of Mount Llullaillaco, where in 1999 archaeologists found the mummified bodies of three children, who had been sacrificed in an Inca ritual. They now lie in the museum at Salta – a reminder of a time when the high Andes were a divine realm, from which children such as these were believed not to have truly died, but to be watching the world below.

Retirement, at least in some form, may be possible sooner than you expect and could happen many times during your professional career. As people live longer and spend more years working, many have opted to pursue “microretirement” or take extended breaks from work without pay. This gives people a chance to rest but can also hold them back from career advancement and future stability.

What is microretirement?

Microretirement is a trend where people take regular breaks from work, usually lasting weeks or even months, with plans to return to their jobs after. This time can be used for relaxation, travel or some personal project or passion. These breaks are “not your standard PTO,” because “they’re intentional, unpaid time to rest and recharge,” said Fast Company. Microretirements can take many forms, including quitting a job and only finding a new one once you are ready to work again, “setting up a plan with your employer that allows you to take unpaid frequent work breaks” or “taking breaks from your business if you’re a business owner.” This is different from quiet vacationing, in which people still appear to be working while on a trip or out of the office.

The trend has grown popular across all age groups, and only 21% of employees worldwide describe themselves as engaged in their jobs in 2024, according to Gallup’s State of the Workplace Report. Gen Z has particularly taken to it, “using microretirement to avoid burnout, find greater fulfillment in their work and enhance their overall well-being,” said Fast Company. This is largely because of that generation’s emphasis on the work-life balance. It also makes “sense from a health perspective to do adventurous travel while you’re in peak health,” said The Independent. On the other hand, “taking a break in mid-life or later has some obvious perks, including the likelihood of better financial stability.”

Should you do it?

The concept of taking extended breaks from work is not new; professors and tech professionals have been known to take sabbaticals, for instance. Now, an “increased lifespan may be turning that luxury into a necessity for others who work much longer than previous generations,” said Forbes. “As we live and work longer, retirement can feel so far away,” said Michael Edwards, the managing director of Explore Worldwide, to The Independent. “There’s a sense of ‘why should I wait?’ None of us know what the future holds and for many, retirement might feel too late to do the sort of traveling we have our heart set on.”

There are some downsides to microretirement, especially concerning a person’s financial future. Taking time away from a job can “affect your earnings, investments and funding your retirement,” said Fast Company. It can additionally affect potential career growth. You “could also be seen as a job hopper to some decision-makers within the labor market,” said Kenyetta Nesbitt-Simmons, a senior partner at HR consultancy firm Simmons HR & Talent Advisory, to Fast Company. This may pose a particular problem in competitive fields where a microretirement could be seen as slacking off.

The people may be long gone, but what they left behind fascinates. These five ghost towns are time capsules, giving visitors a peek into what life was like in each community during its heyday. Some are more preserved than others, but behind each dilapidated building and abandoned storefront is a story begging to be told.

Bodie, California

During its peak in the late 1800s, Bodie was a rollicking place, a “classic Wild West adventure story brought to life” with dozens of saloons, gambling halls, opium dens and “houses of ill repute,” said Mental Floss. Its decline started when the gold ran out and mines closed, and was hurried along by two devastating fires that destroyed the majority of its structures.

Bodie became a state park in 1962 and since then has been preserved in a state of “arrested decay.” This makes it a fascinating place to visit, as the buildings are “stocked with the same products and furniture” that were there before the last residents left. Word to the wise: Don’t pocket anything, as legend has it “bad fortune” comes to anyone who “dares to steal an artifact” from Bodie.

Burke, Idaho

Mines and mills began popping up almost overnight after silver ore was discovered here in 1884. Before long, a railroad was bringing people to this boomtown in droves. Burke’s location in a “comically narrow canyon” resulted in “some wonderfully creative architecture,” said Atlas Obscura, including the Tiger Hotel. Due to a lack of space, the railroad tracks had to cut through the lobby, and five train cars chugged into the building every day.

The town’s slow decline began in the early 1900s, and in 1991 the final mine closed. What remains is a mix of “decaying” buildings, abandoned mining equipment and an unmarked cemetery filled with destroyed headstones.

Calico, California

Calico came and went in a flash, before its second act had barely begun. The town got its start in 1881, when four prospectors found silver. Within four years, more than 500 mines opened, a school and post office were built and the population swelled to 1,200. Once borate mineral colemanite was discovered, the population increased to nearly 4,000. When the price of silver dropped dramatically in the 1890s, businesses started to shutter in Calico, and by the early 1900s it was a ghost town.

The story doesn't end there, though. Businessman Walter Knott of Knott’s Berry Farm fame bought Calico in the 1950s and restored or recreated many of the buildings (some original structures, like Lil’s Saloon, also remain). Calico Ghost Town is now a “tourist haven for Wild West and Gold Rush enthusiasts,” said Secret Los Angeles, with mine tours, stunt shows, gold panning and overnight camping available.

Garnet, Montana

Once the gold was gone from Garnet, so were the people. In the 1890s and early 1900s, this was a bustling place, home to 1,300 residents and 13 saloons. It’s said that between 1897 and 1917, Garnet produced around $1 million in gold, but the gold soon dried up and the town was essentially abandoned in the 1920s.

Now, Garnet is one of the best-preserved ghost towns in Montana and a “wonderful place” to learn about the state’s history and culture, said Travel and Leisure. Visitors can explore Kelly’s Saloon, stop by the F.A. Davey General Store and “walk across the creaky floors” of the J.K. Wells Hotel, making it “easy” to imagine what Garnet was like back in the day.

Rhyolite, Nevada

When it was booming, Rhyolite was really booming. The discovery of gold and silver in 1904 caused a massive rush to the area, and soon a stock exchange was established, hotels and an opera house were built and a three-story, $90,000 bank building was erected. By 1907, the town had electricity and piped water, but that was also the year of the Bankers’ Panic, a major financial crisis that saw Wall Street lose half its value.

It was downhill from there, with the mines closing, mill shutting down, bank failing and power being turned off in 1916. Today, “large structures still stand, albeit without all the walls, ceilings and windows,” said the Victor Valley Daily Press, which is enough to show visitors how the town once looked. Right outside of Rhyolite is something ever-changing: the Goldwell Open Air Museum, home to several “interesting” modern art sculptures, including a recreation of “The Last Supper.”

As our train winds through the Pembrokeshire hills, the number of passengers getting off at each station dwindles. By the time we reach our stop, we’re the only ones to disembark. We’ve come to this scenic corner of South Wales to visit the Grove of Narberth: a boutique hotel hidden within a glorious green patchwork of meadows and gardens.

The whitewashed Georgian manor house lies at the end of a private tree-lined path. Neil and Zoe Kedward bought the derelict property back in 2007, and set about painstakingly restoring the crumbling house and outbuildings. The result is something that feels quite special. It’s clear a lot of care has gone into choosing every last detail, from the tapestries that hang from the walls (a nod to the woollen mills nearby) to the jug of freshly made lemonade waiting by the front door.

Why stay here?

Above all, it’s cosy. Stepping through the door on a chilly afternoon in October, the fire crackles invitingly and the delicate scent of sandalwood lingers in the air. The lobby in the main house is flanked by two living rooms decorated with soft woven rugs, comfy sofas and artfully arranged dried flowers. There’s even a – just as snug – third lounge upstairs. This means there’s always space for guests to warm up after a bracing walk or while away an afternoon curled up with a book.

The hotel has just 13 rooms in the main building, along with a handful of cottages dotted throughout the grounds. Six are dog-friendly. We stayed in Henry – a beautifully appointed signature suite in calming shades of cream and oatmeal. Furnishings are a mixture of antiques and modern pieces, and there are thoughtful touches at every turn, from the pretty vase of flowers in the living room to the leaf-printed ceramic tiles adorning the walls.

Through a set of curtains lies the bedroom, complete with a gigantic four-poster bed fit for royalty (unsurprisingly, the suite is named after King Henry VII, who was born at nearby Pembroke Castle), and a dressing table topped with colourful bobbins. In the bathroom next door, you’ll find fluffy white robes, a roll-top bath (and separate monsoon shower), along with bath salts and a collection of heavenly geranium-scented body lotions and soaps. But my favourite place of all was the twin nooks looking out over the gardens: the perfect spot to read the newspaper with a cup of tea in the morning.

Eating and drinking

Breakfast is served in the Artisan Rooms, a laid-back brasserie that also serves seasonal Welsh dishes with vegetables from the walled kitchen garden. You won’t find a breakfast buffet here: instead there’s a selection of à la carte options including classics like a traditional cooked breakfast with homemade beans and black pudding, and a tasty rhubarb crumble porridge.

For white tablecloths and candles, head to the Fernery. Owner Zoe hand-pressed the dried ferns that decorate the walls here, and the tables are topped with vases filled with water plants.

You’re in safe hands when it comes to the food. Executive chef Douglas Balish and his team have crafted an ever-changing five-course tasting menu that takes guests on a journey around Wales. The hotel’s knowledgeable sommelier, Cathryn, kicked things off by helping us choose the perfect bottle of wine, before taking us through a little map of the country, pointing out where that evening’s cheddar, lobster and eggs would be coming from.

We kicked things off with a beetroot cigar of pastry filled with taramasalata and topped with dots of lemon and wasabi gel; tiny tartlets brimming with goat’s curd and fresh tomatoes from the hotel’s vegetable garden; and delicious confit egg yolks served in their shells with freshly baked bread for dipping and a mushroom parfait with a tangy cherry glaze. But the stand-out dish was the Llandeilo fallow venison, served with a globe artichoke terrine and a tart quince jelly. There was just space for the silky Mayan chocolate ganache topped with a scoop of fig leaf ice cream before we retired to the moodily lit bar for a nightcap.

Things to do

If you like long walks, this is the place for you. Guests can head out on foot directly from the hotel, exploring the network of nearby trails, including trips to Caston Woods and Narberth Valley. The staff are particularly friendly and helpful; general manager Karen was keen to help with suggestions of things to do nearby. Around a 10-minute drive away is the town of Narberth, where you can spend the day browsing in antique shops, having lunch at one of the delis and visiting the castle ruins.

Further afield, around half an hour’ drive from Narberth, lies the seaside town of Tenby. Known as the “Welsh Riviera” thanks to its stunning beaches and colourful houses, it’s well worth visiting (especially in spring or autumn when the crowds are gone). This is a great base for exploring the Pembrokeshire coast. We followed the coastal path to Manorbier (which took around three hours), stopping along the way to marvel at the scenic views.

The verdict

For excellent food and warm hospitality, this independent boutique hotel is a safe bet. There’s no spa or gym here, but with the Pembrokeshire hills on your doorstep you won’t need them. A far cry from the big hotel chains, the Grove of Narberth feels like a home away from home. It’s well worth the journey.

Irenie was a guest at the Grove of Narberth; grovenarberth.co.uk

The cause of the deadly Nov. 4 crash of a UPS cargo airplane in Louisville, Kentucky, still has not been confirmed, but some aviation experts have pointed to the fact that the plane was over three decades old. However, while passenger planes are constantly being updated with new iterations from Boeing and Airbus, it turns out that using an antiquated plane isn’t all that rare for cargo aviation — even as UPS has now grounded the model in question.

Jet built in 1991

The jet that crashed was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F that was manufactured in 1991, according to the Aviation Safety Network. This model has been a “workhorse in the cargo industry for years, but it had gained a reputation as an aircraft that was behind the times,” said USA Today. The MD-11 started as a passenger jet, but that ended more than a decade ago “due to its high fuel and maintenance costs.” It has remained a common model for cargo companies, including UPS.

McDonnell Douglas dealt with longstanding financial issues in the 1990s before merging with Boeing. It “built only 200 aircraft between 1998-2000 before discontinuing the MD-11,” said the Louisville Courier Journal. The MD-11s are an “older design. They’re not as fuel-efficient. They require more maintenance than later-generation airplanes,” said John Cox, the founder of aviation consultancy Safety Operating Systems, to USA Today. They also “have kind of a reputation of being a hard airplane to land,” said Ross “Rusty” Aimer, the CEO of Aero Consulting Experts, to the outlet.

Following the crash, UPS decided to temporarily take the MD-11 out of service. This was done “out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of safety,” UPS said in a statement. The company “made this decision proactively at the recommendation of the aircraft manufacturer. “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees and the communities we serve.”

Aging fleets

While some might be surprised to learn that a 34-year-old plane was still flying, this is “not so unusual in the world of air cargo,” said CNN. Planes often have a “much longer lifespan than the average flyer realizes,” and older models are typically “retired due to fuel economy, rather than wear-and-tear on the aircraft itself.” This is especially true if a plane isn’t in the air as much, and cargo planes generally “fly about 30% less than passenger jets.”

This trend of aging cargo planes is not unique to UPS, as FedEx “operates a similarly-aged fleet, including MD-11s that are among the oldest still flying commercially,” said Simple Flying. These aircraft often last longer than commercial planes because “cargo operations do not require modern passenger cabins, and the economics of converting used jets are far more favorable than buying new ones.”

Even though the MD-11 has a “poor safety record” and a “reputation for difficult landing behavior,” UPS has “only retired about 30% of its historic total of MD-11Fs,” said Simple Flying. But the company does have changes in the works, as UPS announced in 2023 that it had “begun a planned retirement of aging MD-11 freighters as part of a plan to renew the fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft,” said supply chain site FreightWaves.

I’ve been a regular visitor to Nice for around 20 years. Landing at the airport only gets more exciting each time I do it. Banking down towards the Med, watching pristine villa walls glisten as brightly as the tips of the waves, brings me peace. I’m far from alone: over 10 million people fly in and out of that airport every year.

For the last few years Nice has felt a little flat. People land there and head straight out to more fashionable resorts: Monaco, Cannes, Cap Ferrat. They’re missing out. A raft of recent improvements and new openings have restored relevance and lustre to the city. Holidays to the Côte d’Azur should include a couple of days here to ease in gently, not just a quick view of passport control and the taxi rank.

Spend a few days in Nice

The Jardin Albert 1er (one of Nice’s oldest public gardens) runs through the heart of the city centre, acting like a border between the old town and belle epoque quarters. The Anantara Plaza Nice takes up a massive block on its northern side. This makes the hotel ideal for exploring either of the city’s main two identities: glamorous muse to art and high fashion, or quaint and ancient port town. Located on the rooftop, in-house restaurant SEEN by Olivier gives spectacular views across the Baie des Anges of the setting sun to accompany your dinner (fresh-grilled catch of the day is the order) or your breakfast.

While here, you could visit classic attractions like the Chagall Museum and the park on Castle Hill, but better to just float around the streets discovering how the city lives. Grab a luxurious dinner at Boccaccio just behind the hotel, or a wine tasting at La Pêche à la Vigne behind the port. Grab some vintage sunglasses at Harrison Opticien (even in winter, you’ll need them) or pause at the most relaxing coffee shop I’ve ever encountered: RU.A in the old town.

From Nice, head into the hills. It’s easy to hop on a train and float along the coast, but it’s better to rent a car and wind into the mountains. The air becomes fresher, the atmosphere distinctly more calm. The villages here seem impossible, all steep incline and polished cobbles. Most are medieval, some are famous. All are beautiful. Pick one and use it as a base from which to strike out and explore the rest. I chose the celebrated art haven of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.

Saint-Paul-de-Vence: an art lover’s dream

In the foothills below the town centre, Domaine du Mas de Pierre is discreetly hidden behind traditional stone walls. Once through the gate the estate tumbles open in front of you, with gloriously-scented herb gardens intertwining with traditional farm buildings (now converted to luxury residences) and a gargantuan spa and fitness centre. Three pools, one with a purpose-built sandy beach, offer respite from the midday heat. Doves coo gently in an aviary. Willow, the resident rescue cat, patrols the grounds. Days are easy to fill exploring Saint-Paul-de-Vence’s huge array of art galleries, or you can head further afield to find quieter, but equally picturesque, little villages.

Haut-de-Cagnes lies about 20 minutes’ drive south. The main square is host to a clutch of restaurants – my favourite was Le Village – and there are tours offered of the castle. Farther to the west is Grasse, famous as the home of perfume and filled with colourful old buildings. Any of the roads to the north and west will snake through so many little hamlets (Tourrettes-sur-Loup; Roquefort-les-Pin; Fayence; Montauroux – all gorgeous) it may not even be necessary to make a plan. Just pick a direction and drive.

After a couple of days exploring the mountains I wanted to return to the sea. I instructed my sat-nav to avoid tolls on the way to Saint-Tropez and set off. My reward was discovering even more sleepy little villages, pine-lined roads with views down to the ocean, and hidden vineyards. Eventually, but somehow also too soon, I found myself cruising along the seafront into the Riviera’s most famous party town.

A quieter side to Saint-Tropez

The competition is fierce in Saint-Tropez, but AREV St. Tropez has got ahead of much of it already, despite only opening in late 2024 as part of the Leading Hotels of the World family. An enormous pool is the beating heart of the complex, surrounded by loungers and serviced by its own bar. Interiors emulate the superyachts found in the harbour just a short walk away. The ethos of Saint-Tropez is informal elegance, and that’s exactly what is found at AREV: there’s no reception or concierge desk, but there’s a WhatsApp number which will be answered in seconds for your every whim. The hotel is open year-round, so off-season visitors can get to know the ‘real’ town, away from the insanity of high summer. This makes it an ideal place to escape autumn blues for a weekend.

Saint-Tropez itself is beautiful any time of year. Watching the locals play pétanque in the Place des Lices is an extremely mellow way to begin an evening. In the daytime, wander along the front to discover many of the tiny beaches serving the town, or get in the car for the short hop over the hills to La Croix-Valmer. Or stop somewhere else entirely – there’s just as much to discover on the peninsula as in the mountains which overlook it.

Nick Hendry was a guest of Anantara Plaza Nice; Domaine du Mas de Pierre; and AREV St. Tropez

Looking to make a trip to the nation’s capital? There may be a lot less to do than usual. The actions of the Trump administration, along with the ongoing government shutdown, have reduced the number of attractions available to the public. The biggest victims are small businesses and restaurants that are suffering from a lack of customers.

Not much to see

Washington, D.C. tourism has taken repeated blows this year. Beginning in the summer, “images of National Guard troops and federal officers stationed across D.C.” worked to “deter some would-be tourists from visiting the city,” said Axios. In October, the government shutdown caused the closure of many top sightseeing attractions in Washington, including the Library of Congress and the 21 museums that are part of the Smithsonian Institution. While some of D.C.’s attractions, like the “privately funded museums, along with its open-air national monuments and memorials and even its high-end restaurants,” are still open for business, the other closures are “acting as an accelerant” to the lack of tourism, said The New York Times.

Without tourists, “everything from the small mom-and-pop sandwich shops to the larger entities are impacted,” said Elliott Ferguson, the president and CEO of the nonprofit Destination DC, the city’s tourism marketing organization, to CNN. “We are in the prime months and weeks for convention business and tourism. So, the impact is significant.” Tourism is one of the largest contributors to the D.C. economy. In 2024, over 27 million people visited the city and spent $11.4 billion. In October alone, the revenue per available hotel room, a commonly used metric, dropped by nearly 9%.

Capital punishment

Government shutdowns have notoriously harmed the capital’s tourism industry. The previous one in President Donald Trump’s first term “cost D.C. an estimated $47 million in lost revenue,” said Fortune. This is “in addition to the harder-to-measure toll inflicted by decreased discretionary spending on hotels, transportation and entertainment.” To avoid repeating history, Destination DC has “revived its ‘D.C. is Open’ campaign, which first debuted during the 2013 government shutdown,” said the Times.

The organization is “letting people know what’s open to them and available, and that includes several museums like the Spy Museum and the National Museum of Women in the Arts,” said DC News Now. It is also “making tourists and visitors aware of incentives being offered at museums people normally have to pay to visit.” The holiday season is usually a peak time of visits to the capital. “I’m nervous about December because we usually get our last push before slow winter season with holiday travelers, and I’m not sure they are going to come now,” said Canden Arciniega, the chief operating officer of the tour company DC by Foot, to the Times.

Washington, D.C., is not the only affected city. The government shutdown has already “taken an over $1 billion toll on travel,” said Fortune. Other publicly funded destinations, including national parks, have been similarly impacted, experiencing staffing and maintenance problems. Air travel has additionally been suffering, making travel harder and more unpredictable.

What happened

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Wednesday announced a 10% reduction in flights across 40 “high volume” U.S. airports, starting Thursday. He said the Federal Aviation Administration was cutting hundreds of flights to “alleviate the pressure” on air traffic controllers, who have been working without pay since the beginning of what is now the longest government shutdown on record.

President Donald Trump told Senate Republicans on Wednesday that the shutdown was a “big factor, negative for the Republicans,” in Tuesday’s elections, and they needed to “get the government back open soon — and really, immediately.” Democrats have been demanding a negotiated settlement to the standoff, but Trump said “the only way” to end the shutdown was for GOP senators to “terminate the filibuster.”

Who said what

Trump is clearly “itching to get out of the shutdown in a way that does not require him to work with Democrats,” Semafor said, but he’s “starting to complicate what was once a simple GOP strategy: Lean on Senate Democrats until they break.” Instead, Democrats “hardened their resolve” after sweeping Tuesday’s elections, The Associated Press said. And Trump’s fruitless push for Senate Republicans to end the filibuster could actually “spur them to deal with the Democrats.”

“The election results ought to send a much-needed bolt of lightning to Donald Trump that he should meet with us to end this crisis,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Wednesday. But pressure is building on both sides, and “turmoil in the nation’s air travel system” has long been seen as “one of the biggest pain points to force a deal,” The New York Times said.

Duffy’s “unprecedented” flight cuts “could affect cargo operations as well as commercial travelers” and potentially “scramble travel plans in the run-up to the busy Thanksgiving travel period,” The Washington Post said. “There’ll be frustration,” Duffy said at a press conference. “But in the end, our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible.”

What next?

Duffy said the FAA would release the list of affected airports Thursday, after talking with airline executives. Senate Democrats are meeting today to hash out their “larger shutdown strategy, including how hard to press Republicans for an agreement on extending the expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies,” Politico said.

What happened

A UPS cargo jet crashed and exploded while taking off from Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville on Tuesday evening, killing at least seven people, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) said. Another 11 people were hurt when the plane fell on nearby businesses, and some had “very significant” injuries, he said. “Anybody who has seen the images, the video, knows how violent this crash is.”

Who said what

Footage of the crash showed the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 traveling down the runway with flames flaring from its left wing, then struggling to climb before dropping and exploding in a massive fireball. The plane, en route to Hawaii, was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, officials said. UPS runs 300 flights a day out of the Louisville airport, where its Worldport global air hub sorts more than 400,000 packages an hour.

“This is a UPS town,” Betsy Ruhe, a Louisville Metro Council member, said at a press conference. “We all know somebody that works at UPS. And they are all texting their friends, their family, trying to make sure that everyone is safe. Sadly, some of those texts will probably go unanswered.”

What next?

The three crew members aboard the UPS jet are presumed dead, and Beshear said the death toll was “expected to rise.” The last UPS air crash was in 2013 outside Birmingham, Alabama, and killed the two pilots.

If you are a chocolate fan, eating delicious truffles, fudge and bonbons should be part of any vacation. But why stop there? Take a tour of a factory to learn how bars are made, indulge in a chocolate-based spa treatment and attend a sacred cacao ceremony. Here are seven ways to incorporate confections into your getaway.

Attend a cacao ceremony at W Punta de Mita, Mexico

At the blissful W Punta de Mita in Riviera Nayarit, guests can take part in a cacao ceremony, an ancient ritual “honoring the Mayan ancestors of the region,” said Forbes. Cacao beans were sacred to the Maya, with chocolate considered food for the gods, and this ritual is meant to stir “self-reflection and spiritual awakenings.”

Led by a shaman, the ceremony takes place outside the hotel on the white sand beach, with participants drinking the cacao before relaxing with a sound bath meditation. The experience leaves guests energized and renewed.

Chocolate Laboratory at Jade Mountain Resort, St. Lucia

Chocolate is part of St. Lucia’s culture, and has been since the first cocoa trees were planted here during the early 1700s. At the luxe Jade Mountain Resort, guests can learn more about the island’s sweet side while visiting the Chocolate Laboratory. There are over 2,000 cocoa trees at the property and its sister estate, and at the lab, guests can taste the “incredible” chocolates made from those beans, said Food & Wine.

Other interactive activities include truffle making and tempering chocolate. Book the Chocolate Alchemy package for extras like a chocolate-infused spa treatment and excursion to the resort’s Emerald Cocoa Estate.

Cacao-centered spa day at Rancho La Puerta, Mexico

Rancho La Puerta, a wellness resort spanning 4,000 acres only an hour’s drive from San Diego, is a “special place,” said Travel and Leisure, and the magazine’s readers have named it “one of the best destination spas in the world” for 10 consecutive years. The legendary spa offers a native-inspired Xocolatl Skin Replenishment treatment that uses nourishing, antioxidant-rich cacao butter and sugar to soften the skin, followed by a body mask and massage using cacao-infused products. This treatment is reason enough to grab your passport and book a stay.

Lindt Home of Chocolate, Switzerland

This “shrine to sweets” also happens to be one of Zurich’s “most impressive contemporary buildings,” said The Sydney Morning Herald. The museum is dedicated to telling the story of chocolate, from its global origins to how it became a vital part of Swiss culture. Visitors can also make their own chocolate during workshops led by Lindt master chocolatiers, pick up souvenirs in the world’s largest Lindt shop and see a 30-foot chocolate fountain.

Hot chocolate from Park Terrace Hotel, New York City

Walking around New York City, seeing the sights with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, is one of the best ways to spend a winter trip in the Big Apple. At the inviting Park Terrace Hotel, the Cocoa + Go perk lets guests grab an insulated mug of hot chocolate from local favorite Chocolat Moderne, so they can have a nice, warm beverage at all times.

Park Terrace is right by Bryant Park, so you’ll be “right in the midst of all the typical NYC action,” said Time Out. The hot cocoa will fuel your walk to Rockefeller Center to see the giant Christmas tree and the sparkling storefronts of Fifth Avenue.

Hershey’s Chocolate World, Pennsylvania

The candy epicenter of the U.S. is Hershey, Pennsylvania, home of the Hershey Company and Hershey’s Chocolate World. Here, visitors can take a ride through the chocolate factory to learn about the manufacturing process; create their own candy bar; go on a chocolate tasting journey during the interactive Hershey’s Unwrapped show; and take a trolley ride around town. Taking a stroll around the nearby Hershey Gardens is a sweet way to end the day.

If the latest series of “The Celebrity Traitors” has got you hankering for a Scottish escape, look no further than these majestic castle hotels. Expect crackling fires, scenic grounds and grand historical details at every turn. These are some of our favourites.

Glenapp Castle, Ayrshire

Built in the 1870s this “remarkable” fortress is dotted with “dreamy turrets and battlements”, said The Independent. Located in the “southern extremities” of Ayrshire, it’s not easy to reach – but the journey is certainly worth it. The castle is tucked away in the cliffs with stunning sea views looking out over the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig. It underwent a “massive revamp” a few years ago, which added a four-bedroom suite on the top floor that “might be the most luxurious hotel suite in Scotland – or anywhere in the UK”. If you want to go all out, consider booking the Hebridean Sea Safari which “whisks you off to the isles in their boat to glamp on remote island shores with a private chef in tow”.

Stonefield Castle, Argyll

This spectacular “high-Victorian baronial folly” is as “castellated, crenellated and pepper-potted as any romantic could wish for”, said The Telegraph. Saved after “years of neglect”, the main living areas have undergone a subtle refurb but retain buckets of character with “crackling log fires, stags’ heads, coffered ceilings and candlelight”. The castle is in an “enviable location” too, with “heavenly views” out across Loch Fyne, and there’s a private island that forms part of the grounds: an excellent place for “wildlife spotting”.

Thornton Castle, Aberdeenshire

Nestled in the foothills of the Highlands, this 14th-century castle is both a laid-back B&B and a family home. “My bathroom alone was worth the trip: a vast, claw-foot, freestanding tub in the oldest part of the castle, a 12th-century tower,” said Joanna Moorhead in The Guardian. The roof is a great place to take in the “gorgeous views of the walled garden and surrounding countryside”. Peckish? Head to the Anchor in Johnshaven for “sublime seafood”.

Dalhousie Castle, Midlothian

As one of Scotland’s oldest inhabited castles, this is the “real McCoy”, said The Telegraph. The building has a rich history: it “withstood a siege by Henry IV in 1400”, and was besieged and captured by Oliver Cromwell two hundred years later. The drawbridge is no longer there but the “imposing entrance hall with a vaulted faux-Gothic ceiling” makes for a “grand first impression”. A short drive from Edinburgh, it’s a great option if you’re looking to combine your visit with a longer city break.

The Crossbasket Castle, Blantyre

Just 10 miles southeast of Glasgow, this regal castle hotel is another excellent option for those who don’t want to stray too far from the city. The property recently underwent an extensive revamp adding a “buzzing” restaurant and collection of new art deco-style bedrooms, said The Times. Guests can now opt for “17th-century grandeur in the castle” or bed down in the “sleeker, Twenties-style digs in the new building”. Expect a warm welcome whichever you choose – and live jazz on the weekends in the restaurant.

A trip to the mountains is a delight all year. But for maximum comfort and relaxation, the hilltops call loudest during autumn and winter. Watch the leaves change, the snow fall and the nights elongate from the leisureliness of these seven peak-season hotels.

Cloudland at McLemore Resort, Rising Fawn, Georgia

You cross your fingers and hope for sunny skies during most vacations. That’s not how it goes at Cloudland. The resort is at the top of Lookout Mountain, and when the clouds roll in, you experience the “spectacular” view from above, said Atlanta Magazine. It’s just as lovely on clear days, when you can hike along cliffside trails, hang out by the infinity-edge pool or enjoy a round of golf on either the Highlands course or The Keep course, which “integrates" streams, waterfalls and boulders.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Stateline, Nevada

The “elegant” Edgewood Tahoe Resort sits on the southeastern shore of Lake Tahoe, its design inspired by the “old school National Park lodges,” said Vogue. Guests can gaze out at the lake’s “cobalt blue waters” from the Great Room, which boasts “soaring 38-foot windows,” or walk around outside to view the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains. During winter, take advantage of the property’s proximity to Heavenly Ski Resort; enjoy a morning on the powder, then return to the resort for an afternoon spa treatment like the “grounding” gemstone massage.

Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, Whitefield, New Hampshire

This resort tucked in the “majestic” White Mountains is a “veritable wellness haven,” with an “expansive” spa and indoor and outdoor pools, said Condé Nast Traveler. Covering 1,700 acres, the property is “perfect” for guests seeking time outside, and in the fall, the foliage is “nothing short of spectacular.” Those who prefer to remain indoors can also enjoy the “picturesque” setting from their “window-filled” room or suite.

Rhode’s Motor Lodge, Boone, North Carolina

This reimagined motor inn, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, “pairs nostalgic design with modern convenience,” said Travel and Leisure. The rooms have plush mattresses, smart TVs and original art from local creatives, and ground level accommodations include parking right outside the door. Communal spaces, like the porch with rocking chairs around the fire pit, feel “cozy,” as does Over Yonder, the “beloved” on-site restaurant serving “Southern comfort fare.”

Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah

Situated at the base of Mount Timpanogos, Sundance Mountain Resort “feels like a true escape from the every day,” said Forbes Travel Guide. Because you’re in the wilderness, there are “no busy roadways” or “soaring skyscrapers” blocking the views from your “warm yet luxurious” room, but rather sweeping vistas of pines and hiking trails. It’s easy to get lost in the activities here, like jewelry- and pottery-making in the Art Studio & Gallery and lounging in the pools at The Springs. During winter, the skiing and snowboarding are “top-notch,” and on a clear day you can see all the way to Utah Lake from the ski lift.

Woodloch Resort, Hawley, Pennsylvania

Prepare to make memories at Woodloch Resort. This picturesque retreat in the Poconos is perfect for family getaways and reunions, thanks to its spacious accommodations and impressive line up of more than 30 daily events and activities. Grab your favorite cousin for a game of archery tag, entice your grandmother to join you in Bakery Wars or ask your dad to partner for a scavenger hunt. Guests can also enjoy a solo or group experience at The Lodge at Woodloch, the property’s spa offering a “mind-boggling amount of activities and amenities,” Town & Country said. Plan on spending all day here trying the fitness classes, soaking pools, snow room and Himalayan salt sauna.

The Wyoming Inn, Jackson Hole

Antler chandeliers, leather and cowhide chairs and stone hearths waiting for a roaring fire are some of the rustic charms found at The Wyoming Inn. The boutique property is adjacent to the Grand Tetons, and activities include taking a wildlife tour along the foothills; bison, elk and deer are some of the animals you might spot. Skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing and tubing on Snow King Mountain are all also available.

On a really chilly day, you might want to hunker down at the hotel, relaxing in your room before enjoying dinner at The Whistling Grizzly, the on-property restaurant known for inventive dishes using wild game.

Planning — and anticipating — a vacation for months is great, but sometimes, you need to get away now. It might seem daunting to embark upon a last-minute trip with just a few weeks’ (or even days’) notice, but it can be done. Here’s what you need to know about booking a fantastic getaway in a flash.

What are the benefits of last-minute travel?

Booking flights and hotels at the last second can be expensive, especially if you decide to travel during a holiday weekend to a popular spot. But it is also possible to score great deals and “significantly cut costs,” said AAA Connect. Rates drop “drastically” when hotels and airlines are trying to “fill vacant seats and rooms,” particularly if it’s during an off-peak season.

When planning a trip months in advance, there’s often the worry that by the time your vacation rolls around, you will have to cancel. Last-minute travel makes this less of a possibility and also boosts your mood. It can be “liberating” to “enjoy an impromptu break,” psychologist Emma Kenny told Forbes. This spontaneity “creates a ‘can do’ attitude and will remind you of the limitless possibilities that are out there.”

What are some drawbacks?

Options might be in short supply, so it could be harder to snag the exact cruise cabin you want or a flight that departs at the optimal time. It also could be more difficult to secure restaurant reservations or tickets for tours and excursions. Some destinations are out of the question — a trip to Antarctica can’t be arranged in a day — but many places are well within reach.

How flexible do you need to be?

Last-minute travelers have to be open to anything. Flexibility is “your superpower,” Dollar Flight Club CEO Jesse Neugarten told the BBC, and if you are willing to adjust “dates, times and even destinations,” you will be likelier to “score a great deal.”

If possible, fly during the middle of the week instead of the weekend; it will be easier to book a seat and doing so will likely also save you money. Research and see if there are other airports you could fly into. For example, on a trip to San Francisco, it could be more affordable to book a flight to nearby Oakland. Tools like Hopper and Skyscanner can help you find lower fares, and from there you can book through the airline.

If you have frequent flier miles, you may be able to use them, as airlines sometimes release seats shortly before a flight as “cheaper-than-normal mileage tickets,” said Condé Nast Traveler. Don't see availability online? It “may be worth” calling or chatting with an airline customer service representative who can search for these deals.

You should also consider alternative destinations. If your original idea was to go to a busy national park, look into a similar state park, or visit a beach that is within driving distance rather than one you have to fly into. While you might “end up in Cartagena instead of Capri,” this is a “great opportunity to explore a destination you may not have thought of,” said the BBC.

If you feel like cruising, sign up for Holland America’s Standby Program, which gives guests the chance to set sail at a reduced fare. Shortly before embarkation, Holland America determines how many cabins are still open, and if there is availability it reaches out to those on the standby list. This is a bit of a risk because there is no guarantee that you can get on board, but if you do, the price is right: inside and oceanview staterooms are $99 per passenger, per day, and verandahs are $129.

Can a travel agent help with last-minute travel?

Using a travel agent is a good idea when booking any vacation. They typically “receive deals directly from hotels and tour operators that you may not have access to,” said NerdWallet, and can “bargain for better deals” by reaching out to connections. Once you decide where you want to visit, you can find agents that specialize in specific regions and can “offer insight as to how you should structure your visit.” Agents receive commissions from travel vendors and typically don’t charge their customers a fee, but you should always ask.

Is travel insurance necessary for a last-minute trip?

Even if you are buying “late in the game,” it’s “still a smart move” to purchase travel insurance for your vacation, said Forbes. Policies can usually be purchased up to the day before you leave, with most covering travel delays, emergency medical evacuation, lost or stolen baggage and trip interruption.

Sometimes a relaxing beach holiday doesn’t quite cut it. Whatever the weather, the thrill of an adventure holiday is one of the best ways to make memories. Whether it’s raising your heart rate, the sense of achievement after a challenge, or the thrill of flirting with danger, if you’re looking for an active getaway, these are some of the best.

Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Everest is practically synonymous with adventure: at the very least, it is a “quintessential bucket-list” destination for anyone with an outdoors itch to scratch, said Outlook Traveller.

Whereas scaling the full summit is riddled with danger, exploring “the roof of the world” by reaching base camp lets you soak up the “incomparable” views without sacrificing safety.

Time is of the essence, however. The best times to travel are pre- and post-monsoon (March–May and September–November), “when the skies are clearer and the weather less full of surprises”.

Horse riding in the desert, Mongolia

Expect “undoubtedly epic” sights from the saddle in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, said National Geographic. Home to the world-renowned Mongol Derby, a 620-mile equestrian endurance race riding semi-wild horses, adventure is never far away.

For something a bit more laid-back (but still not for the faint-hearted), consider taking a five-day horse riding holiday, averaging about 20 miles a day. Leave the comforts of civilisation behind to visit Buddhist temples, nomadic families, and camp beneath the “starry skies with your steed tethered close by”.

Hiking in the Dolomites, Italy

The mountain range has been there for millions of years, but Italians “caught on to the joys of a Dolomites summer during the pandemic”, said The Times. You can scale up the difficulty of the challenge depending on your ability. One of the “favourite” paths, from Cortina following the Alta Via 1, “cheats” by incorporating links to bus routes and “eschewing mountain refuges for the sort of small Alpine hotel you usually see on cuckoo clocks”. For a “pinch-me combination of sheer mountains, ultra-green meadows and cool air”, you can choose more tortuous routes (although you might prefer to take the cable car).

Extreme sports, New Zealand

New Zealand has been the go-to for adrenaline junkies for years, said The Independent. On your doorstep, you can find the “crème de la crème of bucket list activities”, such as skydiving, bungee jumping, and season-dependent snow sports on both the North and South Islands. All that’s required for this adventure holiday is a “leap of faith”: try a bungee jump with 8.5 seconds of freefall, 134 metres about the Nevis River, or skydive out of a plane 9,000 feet above Queenstown. That will get the heart racing.

Canyoning and diving, Portugal

Madeira is an “unsung paradise” for adventure seekers, said Euronews. Stella Kamba, founder of active travel company More Life Adventures, said that diving is the best way to explore the “reefs, caves and volcanic rock formations”. The archipelago’s abundance of outdoor activities makes it the “ideal shoulder-season destination”. Brits are starting to take notice; there has been a 12% rise in flights to the island since 2024.

The three-and-a-half-hour “Pico to Pico” trail is a particular highlight, scaling two mountains. If you prefer the water, the island’s Laurissilva Forest is perfect for “seasoned” canyoners, though there are plenty of beginner sites available too.

If you’re looking for sandy white beaches and turquoise waters, Grande Riviere in Trinidad isn’t the place. Its beauty is wilder: rainforest pressing up against the shore, a river spilling into the sea, and one of the largest leatherback sea turtle populations on Earth. Visitors come here not for a manicured Caribbean picture postcard, but to witness an extraordinary conservation story – one in which a community once known for hunting turtles now protects them.

A miracle by moonlight

Base yourself at Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel, a simple but elegant lodge with ocean-facing rooms that place you steps from the nesting grounds. Days here are unhurried: lazy swims in the warm plunge pool, authentic Trinidadian food and the constant anticipation of the turtles’ return. During nesting season, guests can be woken in the night to watch females laying their eggs. Our call never came, but we did witness something equally magical: the hatching of baby turtles.

Community patrols now safeguard the beach day and night. Hatchlings emerging in daylight are easy prey for circling vultures, but here they are gently gathered into shaded buckets until dusk, when visitors help release them by moonlight. It’s a deeply moving scene: tiny creatures tracing silver paths towards the sea, as they have done for thousands of years.

Leatherbacks were first recorded here in the 1930s when they were hunted for food, oil and even insect repellent. Everything changed in the 1960s as scientists from the University of the West Indies began working with locals on turtle protection. Grande Riviere local Len Peters, now a conservationist who featured in “Blue Planet II”, remembers the turning point: “We had no idea these creatures, around when dinosaurs walked the earth, needed our help.” Thanks to decades of tireless work, Grande Riviere is now one of the world’s most important nesting sites.

Rainforest hikes and remarkable wildlife

While Peters and his neighbours focus on conservation, HADCO Experiences, who own Mt. Plaisir, ensures visitors see Trinidad’s wild side in comfort. Its philosophy is “regenerative tourism”: not just doing less harm, but actively doing good. It offers guided excursions, like a boat trip to Paria Waterfall past dramatic sea caves and rock formations, culminating in rainforest hikes, barbecued fish lunches and tropical downpours that feel more like a blessing than an inconvenience.

For a contrasting experience, travel two hours inland to Asa Wright Nature Centre, another HADCO-run ecolodge deep in the rainforest. Here, mornings begin with birdsong, and trails wind through lush forest alive with rare flora and fauna. Natural bathing pools and secluded waterfalls offer the chance for peaceful swims, while sustainability underpins everything. The centre even produces its own conservation research.

Walking these trails with a guide like Giselle Lares, an indigenous naturalist who grew up exploring the forest with her grandfather, brings the landscape vividly to life. She knows every tree and birdcall as if they were kin, pausing to show guests tiny orchids clinging to ancient trunks, or the flash of a blue-backed manakin darting through the canopy. “Don’t look for anything,” she says. “Everything is welcome.” It’s a reminder that here nature reveals itself on its own terms, if you take the time to see it truly.

Excursions from Asa Wright include the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, a 12,000-acre mangrove wetland and one of the world’s most powerful natural carbon sinks. Guided by Winston Nanan, a third-generation conservationist whose family has spent decades protecting the sanctuary, visitors glide through waterways where caiman and herons lurk, then watch thousands of scarlet ibis – once hunted, now fiercely protected – roosting at sunset, turning the trees crimson.

For those seeking something truly unforgettable, HADCO can organise trips to the Mount Tamana Bat Cave. As dusk falls, millions of bats pour into the sky from a cave once considered sacred, an ancient spectacle that connects you to the island’s deep natural rhythms.

A warm welcome

What makes both Mt. Plaisir and Asa Wright truly special are the people who help run them. Every member of staff is drawn from the local community, and their pride in the landscape is infectious; from the cooks who share family recipes to the guides who know the forest paths like old friends. Their warmth and knowledge make you feel less like a visitor and more like a welcomed guest.

Indeed, Trinidad’s soul isn’t only in its wildlife, it’s in its people and culture. A visit to the Musical Instruments of Trinidad and Tobago Company reveals the story of the steelpan, the island’s national instrument. Born from the resourcefulness of enslaved people who transformed oil drums, the pan is now a symbol of unity and resilience. Visitors can watch artisans tuning each instrument by hand and meet young apprentices, female tuners are still rare, carrying forward the tradition. Once dismissed as makeshift street music, the steelpan now shares the stage with symphony orchestras around the world.

The verdict

From rainforest trails and mangrove swamps to the moonlit miracle of turtles crawling toward the sea, Trinidad’s natural wonders offer unforgettable encounters. But perhaps the most powerful story here is one of transformation; of a community re-defining its relationship with the environment, of tourism evolving into a force for regeneration, and of visitors becoming part of a much bigger conservation story. On a trip like this, you don’t just watch nature at work, you become part of it.

Alexandra Genova was a guest of the Asa Wright Nature Centre and HADCO Experiences at Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel

When you make a purchase using links on our site, The Week may earn a commission. All reviews are written independently by our editorial team.

Traveling can do a number on your skin. With the low humidity in airplane cabins and drastically different climate at your final destination, dryness is all but guaranteed. Rehydrate your skin with these eight soothing, easy-to-pack items, including a plant-powered moisturizer and dewy mist.

Arcona Triad Pads

Soaked in a formula of cranberry extract, witch hazel, rice milk and essential fatty acids, Arcona’s Triad Pads keep skin “supple, smooth and conditioned,” said Allure. Use the pads as a toner, cleanser or to remove makeup. Get ready to glow. ($12+, Arcona)

Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

This “impressive” mask is worth saving for your first night of vacation — it’s meant to be worn overnight. You’ll wake up to its “radiance-boosting effects,” said Glamour. Key ingredients include oligo hyaluronic acid, low-molecular weight collagen peptide and three types of probiotics. The hydrogel-covered sheets “cling” to the face, ensuring the skin absorbs all the gooey goodness. ($19, Biodance)

First Aid Beauty Pure Skin face cleanser

First Aid Beauty comes to the rescue with this lightly foaming cleanser. While gentle, it still delivers a “thorough cleanse” that leaves the skin feeling “balanced and refreshed,” said The Strategist. The fragrance-free formula works especially well on sensitive skin. ($12+, Sephora)

Glossier Balm Dotcom

Glossier’s Balm Dotcom is a “beauty powerhouse,” said Today, keeping lips “hydrated, tinted and glossy.” Nourishing ingredients include lanolin, beeswax and castor seed oil, and if you squeeze too much you can wipe the excess on your cuticles. Choose from nearly a dozen permanent shades, including clear Coconut and burgundy Black Cherry, or a limited edition version like the glittery, baby pink Sparkling Rosé. ($16, Glossier)

Hempz Triple Moisture Herbal Whipped Body Creme

Made with pure hempseed and other natural oils, Hempz’ whipped body cream leaves users “wowed” with its “creamy, easily spreadable texture,” said Wirecutter. It absorbs quickly and locks in moisture for hours, with a “long-lasting” citrus scent that is “seriously durable.” ($7+, Ulta)

L’Occitane Shea Butter hand cream

This rich cream strikes the right balance, “neither too thick nor too thin,” said InStyle. Shea butter and coconut oil “blend together seamlessly” for a formula that moisturizes the skin “without any sort of lingering slippery feel.” Massage it into your hands, then forget about it. The cream stays on for hours, limiting the number of times you have to reapply. ($13+, L'Occitane)

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mist

Hydration is just a spritz away with Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mist. The soothing, ultra-fine mist is “instantly calming” and provides “lasting moisture,” said Allure, thanks to a blend of ceramides and plant-derived squalane. Spray it whenever you want a quick boost. ($21, Sephora)

Weleda Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream moisturizer

This one does double duty, serving as a “salvation” for “severely dry” skin on the face and body, GQ said. Rosemary, chamomile and pansy extracts combine with sunflower seed and sweet almond oils to “deeply nourish” and repair skin. This “iconic” formula has fans the world over, with Weleda stating that it sells one tube every 10 seconds. ($13.50, Amazon)

There is no shortage of ultra-luxury hotels in London and, with more on the way, competition at the top level is fierce. For the luxury traveller, this is hospitality heaven: heavyweights constantly striving to improve in a bid to stay relevant means more services and better experiences just keep coming, albeit at ever-rising prices.

For the brands, life is more difficult. Staying ahead is a difficult game, especially when the rest are so good at what they do. The Peninsula has almost a century of experience at the top of the Hong Kong hospitality pyramid, another notoriously difficult market in which to stand out, and it’s using all of that savvy to remain among London’s best hotels.

Why stay here?

The location has been perfectly chosen. Many rooms have views across Hyde Park Corner, and Knightsbridge, Hyde Park itself, Belgravia, and Mayfair are all just a few steps away. Tourists can walk to the highlights if they so wish; more seasoned London visitors will be more likely to appreciate the proximity to shopping, restaurants, and bars.

If your desired destination is within two miles of the hotel, a stand-out perk is the house car service – my fiancée is still talking about having been whisked off to the nearest Elizabeth Line station in a brand-new Bentley. A dangerously addictive luxury.

There is also plenty to keep you on-site. Rooms are exceptionally spacious, with enormous beds perfect for a lazy evening watching Netflix. With a little notice, guests can take advantage of Peninsula Time, the brand’s signature flexible check-in/check-out system which gives you all the advantages of the hotel until you’re actually ready (or forced by your schedule) to leave. As well as the in-room comforts this means added use of the spa and pool facilities, which are among the biggest in the capital.

Exclusive to Peninsula London’s spa are treatments by Ricari Studios. This cutting-edge system employs a hybrid of technology and traditional lymphatic massages to stimulate blood flow and cell regeneration, particularly useful after long flights. Arriving at the treatment room, I was a little bemused by the sight of the machinery and protective stocking I was instructed to wear, but the treatment itself really did what it promised, leaving me feeling energised and refreshed.

Eating and drinking

Breakfast is served in the sprawling lobby. A combination of continental and cooked is offered, as well as a Cantonese breakfast option which was given rave reviews by my Taiwanese partner.

Throughout the day this space serves as a drop-in area for snacks and light bites, with a pianist adding atmosphere from the late afternoon. Around the corner Canton Blue serves elevated dim sum and Cantonese cuisine while Little Blue does a fine array of quick noodles, but the crowning glory of Peninsula London’s dining is, fittingly, on the roof.

The dramatic panorama over London from the Brooklands Bar terrace is the perfect backdrop for some seriously good cocktails. The drinks themselves are delicious; creative takes on classics and some intriguing signatures blending dark fruits with dark spirits. It’s a good idea to arrive early for two reasons: you have a better chance at securing front-row seats for the view, and it’ll bring you to dinner at Brooklands by Claude Bosi that little bit quicker.

The flagship dining experience of this restaurant can last upwards of three hours – time well-spent in the care of the excellent team. An elegant sliver of Cornish squid was a highlight (menus will naturally evolve with the seasons) but all courses were brilliantly executed. The Concorde model on the ceiling may be the immediate eye-catcher (aviation references are another Peninsula signature) but when the food starts arriving your attention will be completely captured. Well worthy of its two Michelin stars.

Things to do

This is the heart of London so pretty much anything is on your doorstep. Almost on the hotel’s doorstep is Apsley House, home of the first Duke of Wellington, viewings of which can be arranged by the concierge. Alternatively, take the house Rolls-Royce Phantom to the National Gallery for an exclusive and private after-hours tour. Or just stay in; an evening of magnificent dining followed by a good night’s sleep and a day of spa indulgence never hurt anyone. There’s even a fully equipped gym if you feel a little guilty, but we won’t judge you for ignoring it.

The verdict

Peninsula London faced two major challenges when it opened: competing with some of the best hotels in the world that were already in the city, and living up to a brand which boasted some of the best hotels in the world elsewhere. It succeeds on both counts, and then some. There may be more pretenders to the throne of “London’s Best Hotel” to come in the next few years, and consensus will likely never be reached on which property actually deserves the title, but you’d be hard pressed to find many better than ‘the Pen’.

Nick Hendry was a guest of Peninsula London; rooms from £1,300 including breakfast at peninsula.com

As the cost of a skiing holiday continues to soar, it’s worth considering Austria for your next winter getaway. Generally more affordable than the big, glitzy resorts in France and Switzerland, the Austrian Alps are home to postcard-worthy villages, stunning mountain scenery and an array of tree-lined runs for all levels. Here are some of the best spots.

Obergurgl

Located at the southern end of the Ötztal Valley at an altitude of around 1,930 metres, Obergurgl is “one of the loftiest resorts in Europe”, said The Telegraph. This means you’re all but guaranteed excellent snow conditions, and a long season that typically runs from around mid-November until April. The surrounding slopes are ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers, while pros can head to nearby Vent for more “challenging” runs. It’s also well worth taking the two-way gondola to explore the neighbouring village of Hochgurgl where you’ll find a “smart mountain restaurant” and Europe’s highest motorbike museum.

SkiWelt

For an “eco-friendly” break, head to Austria’s SkiWelt region, said Kevin Rushby in The Guardian. I was sceptical that it was really possible to “ski green”, but the resort has sustainability at its core, from the solar-powered ski lift to the efficient snow-making system. It can also be reached by train: I took the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam before “jumping on the Nightjet sleeper to Austria”. As one of the country’s largest ski areas there is plenty of variety when it comes to trails, from gentle beginner slopes to thrilling black runs.

Montafon

If you’re looking for somewhere wonderfully off-the-beaten-track, Austria’s Montafon Valley is a great choice, said Bloomberg. It’s “rare” to find a quiet skiing destination these days, but this 25-mile valley “feels almost like an Alpine Brigadoon”. In total, there are five ski areas threaded with trails that dip into “cobblestoned villages, home to onion-domed chapels, dark-timber farmhouses and tiny family-run inns”. Most of the locals only speak German (you won’t find many tourists here) and remarkably “an après beer costs less than €4 [£3.50]”.

Ischgl

Ischgl, in Austria’s western Tyrol mountains, “ticks all the boxes for an action-packed ski holiday that comes in (mostly) under budget compared to other resorts”, said Time Out. There are more than 200 miles of trails “for all abilities” and “excellent” off-piste skiing. Be sure to book your accommodation as early as possible; hotels “tend to get booked up before the first powder even hits the ground”.

Kitzbühel

With its “snow-sure slopes” and “state-of-the-art lift systems”, Kitzbühel is “one of the best ski resorts in Europe”, said Condé Nast Traveller. Visitors have more than 100 miles of slopes to explore, before relaxing with “long lunches and swanky suppers in the sixty-something restaurants and bars”. It’s also a safe bet for families thanks to the Kitz Mini-Streif slope, which has been specially designed for kids.

The Union of the Comoros sees vanishingly few tourists, although this little African nation is in many parts a bona fide Indian Ocean paradise, said Kate Eshelby in The Times, with “jewel-green” forests, colourful coral reefs and white-sand beaches.

It comprises three of the four Comoro Islands, which lie midway between Mozambique and Madagascar. The fourth, Mayotte, voted to remain with France at independence in 1975, and in the 25 years after that, there were some 20 coups d’état in the Union – surely one reason that tourism hasn’t taken off here. There is also a severe lack of tourist infrastructure, but the country is now peaceful, and its food is good. For intrepid travellers willing to tolerate “terrible” roads and fairly simple hotels, it is worth a visit.

I travelled with the recently launched local operator Adore Comores. For a relaxing beach holiday, you should head straight to the smallest island, Mohéli, a Unesco biosphere reserve, but there’s also much of interest on the bigger and more densely populated pair. The islanders practise a relaxed form of Islam, and the sultans’ palaces and four old stone towns on the largest island, Grand Comore, reminded me a bit of those in Zanzibar. I was sad to find that many of Grande Comore’s “picture-perfect” beaches were strewn with litter, but the landscape is “arcadian” in places, as I discovered on a two-day camping trip to climb the 2,361-metre peak of Mount Karthala, an active volcano.

On the second island, Anjouan, I was struck by the “Moon-white” sandalwood paste that many women use to cover their faces, and I enjoyed a trip to an artisanal distillery that extracts essential oils from fragrant flowers such as ylang-ylang.

Last came Mohéli, where I stayed at a beach hotel, Laka Lodge, in the far south. It’s an idyllic place, offering walks into the forests in search of the non-native lemurs that now live here, snorkelling over coral gardens “flashing with fish”, boat trips to uninhabited islets, and the chance to watch green turtles hatching or laying their eggs.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a couple of frazzled parents in possession of two tyrannical toddlers must be in need of a cold glass of fizz once in a while. And so it is that my husband and I head to the Mandarin Oriental in London’s marvellous Mayfair to experience the hotel’s latest family offering. Mini-Mayfair is a bespoke stay designed to immerse families in the heart of London’s vibrant art, fashion and cultural scene.

Why stay here?

The Mandarin Oriental is the perfect place to depart, however briefly, from the reality of modern parenting. There may still be toddler tantrums, but set against the backdrop of this splendidly smart hotel and with a cold glass of champagne in hand, they seem so much more manageable.

The realisation that there is a bedside button to control the blinds and curtains has bought us at least 20 minutes of quiet time, as a blend of suspicion and awe dances across their faces. The hotel also sits right in the heart of Mayfair, which makes it a very convenient jumping-off point for exploring one of London’s most beautiful and treasured neighbourhoods.

It should be stated early on that this is a venture for parents with deep pockets – prices start from an eye-watering £2,790 for two nights. Yet the hotel has gone all out to create something of a children’s paradise, with plush Ben teddy bears, panda dressing gowns, superhero costumes and story books all laid out in our beautiful suite, which caused no end of excitement for the children (and adults) – not forgetting the iconic Mandarin Oriental bath duck.

The interconnecting suites, which are expensively yet tastefully decorated, means separate rooms for parents and children so that you never feel as though you’re all piled on top of one another, and the kitchen and lounge are well-appointed with a range of top-end amenities. It was a shame not to have a bath in either of the marble bathrooms, but the spa more than makes up for it.

Eating and drinking

We headed to the Atrium Restaurant for dinner – modern, chic and open-plan – for a fresh take on Mediterranean dining, elevated with Asian influences, from yellow-tail crudo with ponzu dressing to gochujang-glazed heritage beef ribeye. The food was beautifully served and the attention to detail – even on mini potato croquettes that resembled pretty petits fours – was impressive. The fusion between Asian and Italian worked well, with cacio e pepe stuffed courgette flowers and delicate tuna crudo and scallop tartare, although plates were on the modest side.

Room service offered up the classics – we enjoyed generous and tasty club sandwiches and a sumptuous breakfast of eggs shakshuka and full English. Elsewhere, the rooftop Hanover Bar has incredible views over the capital and serves seasonal and locally inspired cocktails with light bites.

Things to do

The hotel offers two experiences for children. Mini-Maestro offers families a visit to the renowned Cartoon Museum, home to more than 6,000 original cartoons and comics. There is also a create-your-own cartoon book, crayons and a copy of “Little People, Big Dreams: Yayoi Kusama” about the celebrated Japanese artist as part of the offering. Mini-Fashionista, which we thought far too sophisticated for our tiny people, offers a personal shopping appointment at Selfridges, where children can explore the dedicated children’s department and redeem a gift card to spend on toys, clothing, accessories and more.

An illustrated map – “London Block by Block” – is a really nice touch and guides families through Mayfair’s most celebrated fashion landmarks, art galleries, museums and cultural hotspots, including blue plaques and iconic sculptures near the hotel. We caught a bus from Mayfair over to South Kensington’s museum land, which was wonderfully easy and enjoyable.

The hotel has a 25-metre pool – Mayfair’s longest swimming pool – and three hydrotherapy treatments, which were of endless fascination for two toddlers and very relaxing for the adults too. Quite frankly, the whizzy see-through lifts in the hotel were all the excitement our toddlers needed.

The verdict

There's nothing mini about the Mini-Mayfair experience – it is wonderfully grand and luxurious. There were some teething problems – such as the lack of a requested cot in the room for our baby – but the hotel did assure us that these glitches would be ironed out. A few other issues could cause consternation for parents, such as the fabulous decor of our suite, which was beautiful but did comprise glass coffee tables and ornaments with sharp edges – although this wouldn’t cause a problem for older children. The menu in the Atrium didn’t come with any children’s specials, and the tempura fish sent up to the hotel room was delicious but slightly lost on our fish-finger-raised children.

Ultimately, though, this is a stylish hotel that will please exhausted parents and wow mini guests – although caution: a trip as luxurious as this could set them up with unrealistic expectations of family vacations for life.

Felicity was a guest at Mandarin Oriental Mayfair, mandarinoriental.com

Blinking as the spray hit my face, I awoke to a sky glowing pink in the minutes before sunrise. It is a magical thing to sleep under the stars, made even more so when you’re on a ship in the Atlantic Ocean, somewhere off the coast of Portugal. My Bali bed overlooked the wake of the ship, and I watched the sunrise in silence as waves lapped against the hull and dolphins played in the surf.

My view was from the stern of The World, the largest residential yacht on the planet and an exclusive playground for those who can afford to board. But this isn’t the type of cruise you can book for a week. Apartments fetch up to $15 million plus yearly fees, and range from smaller studios to almost palatial three-bedroom abodes.

There are only 165 residences, but their occupants, including Fortune 500 CEOs and celebrities, are thoroughly vetted before being allowed to come along for the ride, checking not only they can afford it, but that they will fit in. So I was getting a unique, behind-the-curtains glimpse into life at sea for the super-rich on my journey between Malaga and Lisbon.

Pushing the boat out

Unlike on a typical cruise ship, each apartment is completely different. Once you’ve bought it, it is yours to do with what you like, meaning styles can range from chic and minimal, to bright and bold. Mine, a two-bedroom apartment with a large balcony, was designed in nautical grey, white and blue, and came with art clearly collected by the owners on their travels. Bvlgari toiletries and luxurious Frette linen are provided as standard, but owners personalise the interiors into a true home away from home.

And this is what they want. It’s not owned by a faceless company, but run by a committee of the residents themselves, and the size of their apartment is directly proportional to how many ‘shares’ they have. While I’m sure that comes with its own internal politics, they vote on itineraries, and have input on what food is provided, repairs, and even which fabrics are chosen for public spaces.

“It’s a great group of people,” said Robin Edwards, 77, who has been a resident since 2015. “We have dinner with different people almost every night. Sometimes I feel so lucky, I have to pinch myself.”

A millionaire’s playground

While it may feel like a village, it’s certainly a well equipped one. There’s a tennis and pickleball court, a golf simulator with onboard pro, a poker room, a certified Yacht Club, a large library, a beauty salon and spa, a place of worship, six restaurants, six bars, and a wine cellar holding more than 15,000 bottles. Public spaces are neutral and restrained, with a grand piano in the main atrium, and spectacular flowers sourced from florists along the way.

The experience is enriched by private talks from local artists, and I enjoyed a cooking demonstration by Lisbon-based Michelin-starred chef João Sá as we sailed into the Portuguese capital.

The average resident of The World is, of course, very wealthy – reportedly they’re required to be worth at least $10 million – but as people with means they could just buy their own private yacht. By choosing to travel this way, they show themselves to be interested in learning, in having company as they do it, and in the unique experiences that are on offer.

“You come for the itinerary but you stay for the community,” said Jennifer Montgomery, 51, who has been a resident since 2016. “Some of my closest friends are on board and we travel with them off the ship, we go on ski trips, we go scuba diving. There are people going through major life events and we all support one another, whether it’s illness or divorce. It’s a truly special place.”

Stand-out service

This community feeling extended beyond the guests. While there are around 150 residents, there are also 300 staff on board. Rather than being sourced from other shipping lines, The World approaches those working at some of the best hotels and restaurants. Staff are encouraged to get to know the guests, and as I explored it was apparent that there is a more congenial relationship between them than I expected. The residents knew about their server’s lives and families; I watched as they played with and high-fived the son of executive chef Sebastian Gnida.

But this doesn’t mean it’s unprofessional. As soon as you have told one server of your preference for, say, a medium rare steak, they all know that you like a medium rare steak. I found the service to be intuitive, with staff having an intrinsic understanding of how much a guest might want to chat, of how much advice to give on the menu, or how often to offer drinks at the pool.

However, there are rules. You can’t take photos of other residents without their permission and public spaces are free of loud phone calls. There is a dress code, particularly on black-tie fine-dining nights, but bare midriffs or flip-flops are never permitted. Despite this, residents are subtle, they don’t flaunt their wealth with jewels or labels, but instead treat it like their home.

Tailor-made itineraries

The World circumnavigates the globe every three years, with tailor-made itineraries that are chosen by the residents themselves. While they go to the usual cruise destinations – the Mediterranean or the Caribbean, for example – they spend more time in each stop than is typical, often for several days. Each year they also go on two or three expedition trips to destinations that typically do not have a port to welcome large ships, such as Madagascar.

On my last morning I enjoyed a massage in the 7,000-square-foot spa with therapist Snailer. His expert hands and experience as a physiotherapist meant he knew exactly how to help my laptop-worn back. Plus, the spa’s Vichy showers, heated loungers, cold plunge pool and saunas meant I left refreshed and revitalised.

Disembarking into the dusty streets of Lisbon, I reflected on my time on The World. I had come with preconceptions of flashy clothes and a colder reception. Instead, I was welcomed into a community full of warm, thoughtful and curious people, whose wealth was the least interesting thing about them. Sadly, now I just need to figure out how to get back on board.

Jaymi was a guest on board The World, aboardtheworld.com

The Maldives’ charm isn’t just in its paradise beaches or its agreeable all-year-round climate. There’s also the colourful marine life that lurks in the ocean. Manta rays, black-tipped sharks and iridescent needlefish leisurely sauntering around the islands are a common sight. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has been a pioneer in unique underwater experiences in the Maldives; it’s one of the few hotels in the world with an underwater villa – and what has to be one of the best views ever from a toilet.

Why stay here?

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is hard to beat when it comes to natural beauty. It is one of the biggest resorts in the Maldives. Made up of two large islands, it has huge swathes of golden beaches surrounded by a dazzling lagoon that shimmers with piercing shades of blue. There is abundant wildlife; you’ll see the hotel’s resident heron, George, perching proudly on his favourite sunbed, crabs scuttling across the steps of water villas, and at night the long bridge connecting the two islands is lit up with colourful drop lights so you can see fish and manta rays indulging in their own nocturnal rave. Drop lights are also used at the over-water restaurants Sunset Grill and Mandhoo so you can often see sharks and fish floating around as you enjoy your meal. You don’t need to step into the water to enjoy the marine life (but you really should).

The resort

The two islands have a very different feel to them, although both are incredibly beautiful. The adults-only side, unsurprisingly, is more tranquil, with a focus on relaxation and wellness, while the main family-friendly island is where you’ll find most of the activities, including the dive centre where you can learn how to scuba or take a snorkelling trip to see whale sharks.

On each island there’s plenty of space to spread out and find your own private patch of sand, and it never feels crowded. Even travelling during high season, I found there were plenty of sunbeds available on the beach. The interior of the islands are a lush verdant jungle with towering palm trees and even a small banana plantation and a hydroponics garden.

The rooms resemble traditional huts with thatched roofs, dark walnut wood panelling, light grey furnishings and Byredo toiletries. I stayed in a water villa on the adults-only island. It looks out on to a very calm and shallow lagoon, which is protected by unobtrusive sea walls. The outdoor patio has sunbeds, chairs and a table along with a small pool – a great spot to watch the spectacular sunsets unfold.

Jutting out of the sea on the main island, the Muraka gleams like a sleek, minimalist marvel. It’s the Maldives’ first underwater villa (there are a few others now) and the two-storey building is seriously impressive. Upstairs is an elegant two-bedroom residence with gleaming marble floors, tasteful furnishings, bright splashes of abstract artwork, a private gym, a huge outdoor terrace and an infinity pool. There’s a fully equipped kitchen where a private chef can whip up any meal you fancy.

A spiral staircase takes you 16 feet below sea level to an underwater bedroom, decked out in stylish dark leather, that wouldn’t look out of place in a James Bond film. Surrounded by huge windows, it has a clear domed ceiling so you can lie back in bed and watch as a colourful symphony of neon-tinged fish twirl, dance and dart above you. A retractable mechanical blind covers the dome if the glare of the sun gets too much or you want some privacy from prying fish eyes.

The underwater bathroom features floor to ceiling windows, which means you can gawp at all the dazzling marine life as you shower. There’s a small living room area too to give you several vantage points in your own private aquarium. Everywhere you turn, there is the breathtaking sight of the ocean fizzing with life. On what other holiday could you say you couldn’t bear to tear yourself away from the toilet?

Once you’re ready to resurface, there are tennis courts, a 24-hour fitness centre, beach volleyball, yoga classes, infinity pools and a watersports centre to keep you occupied. The hotel’s over-water spa is a great place to recharge with a relaxing massage or facial – here you’ll be treated to another novel toilet set up, out in the open air if you dare.

Eating and drinking

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to food. Atoll Market on the main island offers a hearty breakfast spread with a sushi counter and a noodle making station. I feasted on coconut pancakes, Maldivian tuna buns and the most heavenly banana bread. Vilu on the adults-only side has a more pared down menu in a beautiful setting right by the sea.

During my stay I devoured sauteed prawns in a mango and avocado dressing at Sunset Grill, which focuses on seafood and meat, as sharks splashed around by my table outside. I ate perfectly seared scallops with a celeriac puree at Mandhoo, a restaurant offering healthy dining, and enjoyed an indulgent pina colada semifreddo at Vilu, which focuses on Mediterranean Italian cooking. My favourite, though, was Ufaa by Jereme Leung, a Chinese restaurant right by the beach. It’s a playful take on Cantonese cooking – try the juicy dumplings with sweet black garlic and gold leaf – and the freshness of the seafood shines through.

But if you want food with a killer view then you have to check out Ithaa, the resort’s intimate all-glass underwater restaurant, which has just 14 seats. I was mesmerised during my breakfast there. I watched black-tipped sharks swimming above me and schools of fish going about their morning routine as I enjoyed delectable pastries, a tasty eggs benedict royale and a colourful plate of tropical fruit.

The verdict

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is a showstopper in looks and experiences. It’s a nature lover’s paradise and wandering around the island can often feel like you’re in a Disney animation that has magically sprung to life. For those who want to splash the cash, the Muraka is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sleep underwater. Watching fish go by while lying in bed or showering is an unbeatable, pinch-me-is-this-real moment. This is the villa to book if you want to feel like a celebrity while indulging in your own “Finding Nemo” moment.

Ann was a guest of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. Virgin Atlantic flies direct between London Heathrow and Malé, the capital of the Maldives, with return fares from £757; virginatlantic.com

They say a trip to the desert may cure what ails you. The sunshine, warm weather and dry air can have that effect. And many therapists have long recommended that patients head to the Southern California desert, specifically the Greater Palm Springs area, to take advantage of its healing properties. Here, you can build your own wellness adventure or follow one of these four plans, no prescription necessary.

Savor a full spa experience at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

The beauty of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, besides the perfectly manicured grounds, lake, sparkling pools and mountain views, is that guests never have to leave — everything they might ever want or need is on-site. That includes one of the property's centerpieces: the elegant, 38,000-square-foot Spa at Desert Springs.

Here, you can relax with a customized facial, rejuvenating massage or body scrub. Anyone who books a treatment receives access to the rest of the day spa, including the aromatic hammam, Finnish sauna, Turkish steam room, outdoor heated saltwater pool and state-of-the-art co-ed Wellness Lounge. The spacious room is filled with 15 adjustable chairs offering three different wellness experiences, including the zero-gravity Mind-Sync Loungers that use vibro-acoustic sound therapy to enhance sleep and reduce stress.

The best way to end the day is by returning to your room — for a real treat, book one of the palatial suites with a balcony — and taking a nap on the plush bed before heading to dinner at Mikado. Enjoy a flavorful teppanyaki dinner and a show, complete with a glass (or two) of sake. Because of the size of the resort, Mikado might be a bit of a hike from your room. In that case, reserve a spot on the boat that takes guests on a leisurely ride from the impressive lobby and drops them at the restaurant.

Soak in sacred mineral waters at Spa at Séc-he

Mineral water has been boiling under downtown Palm Springs for centuries, used by Indigenous people for drinking, irrigation and sacred ceremonies. Today, the ancient spring is cared for by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, and the tribe allows others to enjoy the water’s healing properties at the Spa at Séc-he.

It travels up a pipeline, “absorbing minerals such as calcium, magnesium and sodium along the way,” and is then heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, the Los Angeles Times said. Several of the spa’s “pampering” treatments incorporate this water, which is said to increase circulation, lower inflammation and calm the skin, and it is also pumped into the private baths, where guests enjoy 15-minute soaks. This is a “dreamy” perk, as is having access to the menthol dry sauna, cold plunge, Vitamin C-infused showers and zero-gravity chairs.

Absorb a sound bath at the Integratron

The Integratron in Landers, topped by a 38-foot-high wooden dome, looks like a planetarium, but domes are not always what they seem. In the 1950s, George Van Tassel built the structure for the purpose of time travel and said its design was based on instructions sent telepathically from extraterrestrials. No screws, nails or metal were used in its creation, making it a “remarkable space to be inside,” said The Telegraph.

Now, the Integratron is open for sound baths, an immersive experience involving deep sound vibrations said to reduce pain, stress and anxiety and promote introspection. Quartz singing bowls are played, each targeting a different body part, and because of the structure’s shape, the acoustics are incredible. Participants say the sound moves through their bodies, leading to feelings of being “blissed out” and “brand-new.”

Sync with nature on a hike

For many, wellness involves spending time walking in the great outdoors; their battery recharged by being in the sun, connecting with the Earth. Opportunities for that are plentiful in Palm Springs, where there are hundreds of miles of trails for all skill levels. Indian Canyons is “renowned” for its “diverse” paths, including “easy nature walks” and “steep climbs,” said Locale Magazine. During the spring, winter runoff from the mountains fills the streams, and you can hear the waterfalls in Palm Canyon before you see them tumbling onto the rocks below.

When temperatures are blazing, relief is a tram ride away. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway lifts visitors up to Mount San Jacinto State Park, a refreshing 8,600 feet above the valley (this can result in temps 30 degrees cooler). In this “pristine” Alpine wilderness, expect to see a "variety of critters, woodpeckers, eagles and deer,” said Palm Springs Life. There are 50 miles of trails, including the 1.5-mile Desert View Trail along a gently-winding path. A more challenging trek awaits on the 4.5-mile Round Valley Loop, featuring an ascent through “towering Jeffrey pines and massive granite formations” and past “metates carved into rocks” by Indigenous people thousands of years ago.

Catherine Garcia was a guest of JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

No fences, no pylons, no concrete. That’s what allows the “Great Migration”, when more than a million wildebeest, zebra and gazelles cross the plains of the Serengeti in northern Tanzania, up to the Maasai Mara in Kenya in what is the biggest movement of mammals on Earth.

The untamed wildness of this East African nation came into focus at the Lemala Nanyukie Lodge. Walking between your tent and the main lodge, dodging rocky kopjes under ancient acacia trees, a Maasai guide accompanies you – with an impressive spear – at all times. I thought it was overprotective until I spent my first night listening to the sounds of harrumphing, crunching and growling outside, conscious that just a few millimetres of canvas lay between me and the natural world. The next morning, I emerged into the dew and stepped right into a lion’s pawprint.

Why visit?

Tourists might know Tanzania for beach holidays in Zanzibar, the vibrant spice archipelago, or for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. But nearly 40% of Tanzania is protected land, unscathed by humans, making it the ultimate safari destination. Without fences, the animals move freely between their natural habitat. It makes for a more authentic experience than a safari in say, South Africa, but it’s perhaps more “advanced”. (Translation: you won’t see a toilet for hours.)

Tanzania is most popular during the dry season – but we’d recommend visiting during its “emerald season”. From November to April, the rains transform the country into a verdant paradise. That doesn’t stop you from seeing the animals; on the contrary, you benefit from the cooler temperatures, watching predators hunt for their prey in the softer grass as jewel-coloured birds swoop overhead. What you’ll see less of is crowds.

Lemala Camps & Lodges is a collection of luxury accommodation across Tanzania’s best spots. But what sets the brand apart is its work with local communities – Lemala has donated hundreds of reusable sanitary pads, and offered menstrual education in schools, to tackle period stigma among Maasai communities. It has also won multiple awards for sustainability: it has no single-use plastics and offers biodegradable lunchboxes made from banana leaves by a women’s collective. Each property is comfortable but personal.

Walking on the wild side in Tarangire

Begin your journey in Arusha, a vibrant city at the foot of Mount Meru, about an hour and a half’s drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport. The gateway to the northern safari circuit, Arusha is also known as the “Geneva of Africa” for its peacefulness and its role as a centre of diplomacy, as much as the springs that run down the mountain.

The idyllic Arusha Coffee Lodge is perfect for a recharge: an oasis surrounded by tropical flowers. The lodge shares its space with a social enterprise, Shanga, that supports people with disabilities by teaching them to create crafts from recycled materials. It began with six women making necklaces – shanga is Swahili for bead – and now employs 52 people. You watch them create fabric on a loom from locally grown cotton, or turn old bottles into beautiful glassware – and you can purchase keepsakes knowing your money is supporting a sustainable cause.

From Arusha, drive two and a half hours to Tarangire National Park, known for its abundant elephant herds and almost-as-enormous baobab trees. The vast population of elephants – the largest in Africa – is a product of the diversity of the landscape. Wide, open grassland allows the animals to roam, while the dotted woodlands support their hefty appetites.

The park is named after the Tarangire River (literally: river of warthogs), the lifeblood that sustains so much wildlife and, in particular, bird life. The lilac-breasted roller, probably the most photographed bird in Africa thanks to its Pollock-esque coloured plumage, became an instant favourite. During the rainy season, the plains are also dotted with fireball lilies, as vibrant as their names.

You get a good sense of the vastness at Lemala Mpingo Ridge, perched on a high outcrop. On a clear morning, you can see the far peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. There’s no WiFi or charging plugs in the main lodge, encouraging you to socialise. Guests gather to watch “bush TV” – to sit around the firepit, gazing into the pitch-black valley as giant beetles and dragonflies dart overhead.

Tarangire is the only park in northern Tanzania to offer a night game drive – there are often too many cars in the Serengeti. It’s a totally different experience from a day drive, trying to spot animals by the torch-glare reflection in their eyes, with just the stars to pierce the velvety darkness.

Lemala also offers daytime “walking safaris”, so you can get up close and personal with nature. Andrea Pompele, an evolutionary biology grad and head of guiding at Lemala, is a professional tracker with 12 years’ experience. As we trudge through the sparkling wet grass, he shows off his skills: not only can he identify how old dung is, but he can tell you what animal it came from, and even whether it was male or female. He encourages us to interact with the landscape, scraping off bits of baobab bark for us to chew – like dry jerky with a slight cardboard taste – or handing us skulls to feel.

Meeting the Maasai

Another unique experience Lemala offers is a visit to a nearby Maasai village, Olasiti. The Maasai, based in northern Tanzania and southern Kenya, are known worldwide for their fabulously colourful cloaks, intricate beaded jewellery and traditional, semi-nomadic lifestyles. The dusty boma (commune) is lit up by the rich reds, greens and yellows of their robes.

Sitting inside the chief’s home, within dung walls and under its thatched roof, we learn more about the lives and traditions of the villages. Lobulu, the chief, tells us the story of how he won his first of three wives: by killing a lion. The women dressed us in robes and led us in a traditional courtship dance with the men of the village. No lions were harmed, but it’s possible that I am now engaged.

Soaring over the Serengeti

In the Maasai language, the Serengeti means “endless plains”. One of Africa’s most famous national parks, it’s known for its abundance of wildlife and, in particular, its massive concentration of predators.

Fly directly from Arusha to the Seronera Airstrip, taking in the vast Ngorongoro Crater below you. That’s an ancient depression, formed when a giant volcano exploded millions of years ago. It’s now a Unesco World Heritage Site: the largest intact caldera in the world, and home to more than 30,000 animals.

From Seronera, it’s an hour to Lemala Nanyukie Lodge, a collection of 15 tents with private plunge pools and views of the rain-soaked savannah. Nanyukie is named after the river, which tempts the buffalo and elephants close to the lodge with its year-round flowing water. If you wanted to get close to the big cats of the Serengeti, you couldn’t pick a better spot: there’s a resident leopard close by, known as Red Eye, and the lionesses apparently like to give birth on the rocks behind the spa tent.

But neither walking nor driving safaris can compare with a flying one. At sunrise, we lift off in a hot-air balloon to soar above the savannah. Just below the candlyfloss clouds, we lean over the basket to spot the animals below, with just the balloon’s shadow to interrupt the view. The company, Serengeti Balloon Safaris, is ranked the world’s best hot-air balloon operator: the first time an African business has won that title. After we come back down to earth, we enjoy a champagne feast to toast their success.

The verdict

Tanzania’s national animal is a Maasai giraffe, known as twiga in Swahili. As we watch them lope across the grasslands, unfenced and remarkably unbothered, it occurs to me how fitting that is. They represent ancient Maasai culture, grace, beauty and peaceful wildlife tourism. They’re also unforgettable.

Harriet Marsden travelled as a guest of Lemala Camps & Lodges and Kuoni Travel, based on the eight-night itinerary, Tanzania’s Great Migration

Perched on the sun-drenched northeastern coast of Rhodes, Grecotel Luxme Dama Dama is a resort where modern elegance meets Greek island soul.

A stay here means waking to the Aegean Sea shimmering to the horizon, with slow mornings spent drifting between a private stretch of beach and a glittering pool, and afternoons that dissolve into Mediterranean feasts, with cool cocktails arriving when you wish.

Why stay here?

The hotel is named after the dama dama deer that are native to the island, offering a nod to Rhodes’ heritage. It is an ideal base for exploring, with just a short drive separating you from some of the island’s most-visited hotspots and cultural destinations.

But perhaps the biggest draw is its totally all-inclusive concept. Gone are the worries of finding a taxi in the sweltering heat on arrival. Instead you’ll step out of the airport and straight into a plush transfer vehicle that whizzes you to the resort in less than half an hour. Once you’re there, all food and beverages are included, and your room’s minibar is regularly restocked without cost.

My guest and I stayed at the superior poolside bungalow. With two separate rooms it’s ideal for families, or simply those looking for a little extra space. Designed in soft whites, beiges and golds, the space feels light and unhurried – the ideal place to relax.

Mornings can begin with a coffee on your private terrace, while in the afternoon, the beach bar is a mere two-minute walk, where you can relax with a book and a cocktail. And of course, with the beach just steps away, it’s hard to resist taking a dip in the sparkling Aegean. Come nightfall, there is a calm stillness away from the busy hub of the main hotel. It’s an easy, peaceful way to holiday – relaxed, private, but perfectly connected to the resort’s rhythm.

Eating and drinking

Hunger is not a word in the vocabulary of Dama Dama. In fact, you should be prepared to come back slightly heavier with the cornucopia of food and beverage options available here.

The main buffet restaurant is available for breakfast, lunch and dinner serving everything from savoury to sweet options, as well as coffees, teas and a flight of juices. The table service at breakfast does leave something to be desired, and would definitely benefit from staff consistency across the board when it comes to offers of water and hot drinks. But the dinner service is attentive by comparison, and my glass of chilled rose, an ideal accompaniment to my evening meal, is regularly topped up.

But it is the à la carte restaurants that are truly the shining jewel in the resort’s crown. A must-visit is Tavernaki, the resort’s very own version of a taverna, overlooking the Aegean. It offers a wide selection of traditional food and attentive table service that offers a true taste of Greek hospitality. Start with the Greek salad, a delicious dish that proves olive oil is liquid gold. This is followed by Greek meze including stuffed vine leaves, pickled octopus and saganaki (a Cretan Gruyere-style cheese), each more delicious than the last.

While Greek highlights including calamari, moussaka and kebabs are always available, be sure to ask for the dish of the day – you might get a pleasant surprise. Ours was a creamy chicken orzo, bursting with rich flavours in a huge portion.

Also on offer from the resort’s à la carte offerings are Italian cuisine, Asian food and seafood. But make sure to book in advance, as the restaurants can be very popular.

The creperie and gelateria are equally tempting. Right next to the beach bar, you can have your pick of numerous flavours of ice cream, and fluffy, warm crepes made on demand, oozing with chocolate. A patisserie and chocolaterie are available in the afternoon for other sweet treats, while snacks are also available until midnight, to indulge any late-night cravings.

Things to do

You don’t have to venture away to keep yourself occupied. In fact, one of the best ways to get the much sought-after rest and relaxation is to head to the Elixir Fitness Club at the heart of the hotel, with an indoor pool, private sauna and a state-of-the-art yoga and Pilates studio. If you prefer to get your heart pumping, try the enclosed gym.

Grecoland, the dedicated kids’ club, which runs throughout the day, will keep the kids occupied. But once night falls, there’s much fun to be had, with entertaining shows for families, late-night karaoke and music at the bar.

Outside the resort, there is also plenty to explore. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and perfectly blends history, culture and relaxation. The hotel is happy to organise a wide range of activities, including trips to the famous Butterfly Valley, wine tasting at the local vineyard, and an island Jeep safari.

Locals say a must-see is the island’s medieval Old Town. Full of cobbled streets and ringed by stone walls, it is easy to see why this is a Unesco World Heritage site.

Of course, no trip to an island would be complete without the seaside, and nearby Faliraki is a perfect location. While perhaps most famous in Britain for its bustling nightlife, the village is also great in the day for sunbathing, taking a boat trip, or enjoying watersports.

The verdict

If you’re a holidaymaker who shivers in anticipation at the idea of rest and relaxation, look no further than this easy, breezy resort. At Dama Dama, plans can go out of the window, and it feels like your trip could last forever.

Rebekah was a guest of Grecotel Luxme Dama Dama, grecotel.com

Amateur astronomers take note: we are in the midst of a “solar maximum”, which means the Sun is getting “super energetic”, said Time Out.

This period of heightened solar activity, which only takes place every 11 years, is likely to continue into 2026. So it’s a great time to spot the Northern Lights, as the Sun is producing more frequent solar flares, triggering the dazzling displays that so many of us hope to experience in our lifetime.

The auroral zone spans several countries, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland and parts of Canada. You’re most likely to spot the Northern Lights between mid-September and April, and “as a rule, the farther north you go, the darker it is and the longer the aurora season”, said The Times. Still, there are no guarantees and you’ll “need to be patient and stay up late”.

Iceland is an excellent option for aurora hunting. There are many scenic spots but one of the best is the “flat terrain of Thingvellir National Park”, less than an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, said Condé Nast Traveller. Easily accessible with dark, open skies, it’s a popular spot for getting those “prize-worthy, slow shutter speed shots of the Northern Lights”.

Or you could “live out your ‘Frozen’-inspired Scandinavian fairytale in northern Sweden” with an overnight stay at the Icehotel in the small Arctic village of Jukkasjärvi. Drive around 70 miles to Abisko National Park, where the aurora borealis appears on a “near-nightly basis during peak season”. Flanked by two mountains, the park has a microclimate known as the “blue hole” that shields most clouds and rain, ensuring the skies are often dark and clear.

For the chance to spot the lights with “uninterrupted calm and tranquillity”, consider heading to Greenland, said The Independent. The “most sparsely populated country in the world” has low levels of light pollution, especially if you travel to Kangerlussuaq, which has a population of just over 500.

Further afield, Fairbanks in Alaska is another option. Ideally positioned right under the “auroral oval”, conditions here are “perfect” for glimpsing the Northern Lights thanks to the inky skies and “dry conditions”.

And if it’s “pure magic” you’re after, it has to be Yukon in Canada’s far northwest, said The Times. Discover the World’s three-night tour kicks off at a “cosy log cabin” near Whitehorse before giving you the chance to try dog sledding and visit the Yukon Wildlife Preserve to spot bison, moose and caribou. A knowledgeable guide is on hand to give you the “inside scoop” on spotting the Northern Lights.

Water faucets turning on and off, door handles that rattle, icy touches on the back: All spectral business as usual at these nine haunted hotels, where unexplained noises and shadowy apparitions are part of the experience.

Hotel Alex Johnson, Rapid City, South Dakota

While some hotels might shy away from a haunted reputation, Hotel Alex Johnson “fully embraces its spine-chilling notoriety,” said Condé Nast Traveler. There are so many spirits here that the show “Ghost Hunters” filmed an episode in the hotel, and perhaps the most famous visage is the Lady in White, a phantom bride said to live in Room 812. Spend the night with her by booking the Ghost Adventure package, which includes accommodations known for paranormal activity and use of a K2 meter for ghost detecting.

Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago

There are many areas where ghosts can roam in the “stately” Congress Plaza Hotel, including the “cavernous ballrooms” and “grand restaurants,” said Vogue. One of the legendary property’s most famous spirits is Capt. Louis Ostheim, a Spanish-American war veteran who shot himself in 1900, right before his wedding; today, his specter is known as the Shadow Man of the Congress. If you’re feeling really brave, book Room 441 in the south tower. Hotel security routinely takes calls from guests who say they wake up to find a “woman standing or hovering over the bed,” often “pushing or tugging on the covers,” said CBS News Chicago.

Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans

Built in 1886, the “opulent” Hotel Monteleone acts “almost as a time capsule for the Victorian era,” said the Shreveport Times. It also seems to be a hotbed of paranormal activity, as apparitions are often spotted in the hallways and lobby. One of those haunts is hotel founder Antonio Monteleone, who wanders around “donned in Victorian-style attire,” and another is a boy named Maurice Begere, who died on the 14th floor in 1890. You can conjure up more spirits at the hotel’s famous Carousel Bar, the first — and only — rotating bar in New Orleans.

Jailhouse Inn, Newport, Rhode Island

Built in 1772, the Jailhouse Inn was Newport’s jail and police station for more than 200 years. There were several escapes over that time, but rumor has it some souls never tried to leave, haunting the rooms that were once cells. The accommodations today are spacious and several nod to the building’s past, like Solitary Confinement, where the original gun safe has been converted into a closet with iron door.

The Marshall House, Savannah, Georgia

The elegant Marshall House is one of Savannah’s oldest hotels, and in a city known for its “haunted history,” this 1851 property stands out as a “hotspot,” said Condé Nast Traveler. At the end of the Civil War, it was turned into a Union hospital and “many believe that soldiers’ ghosts still roam the halls.” They aren’t the only spirits here, either — guests have reported hearing crying babies and laughing children when no one else was around.

The Monterey Hotel, Monterey, California

This cozy boutique hotel on California's central coast, open since 1904 and still featuring antique furnishings and woodwork, embraces its Victorian vibes — and its ghostly guests. You just might run into Fred, a maintenance worker who died on the job in the 1950s and now messes with the TV in Room 217, or The Architect, an apparition nattily dressed in Edwardian garb who appears in the mirror near the front desk.

Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville, North Carolina

If you see an ethereal woman in pink here, fear not — it’s just the Omni Grove Park Inn’s resident ghost. As legend has it, the Pink Lady fell from a hotel balcony in the 1920s and now haunts Room 545, but her spirit can be felt across the vast property. This is a resort that “continues to balance a rich history with modern amenities and features,” said Travel and Leisure, like six tennis courts and an 18-hole golf course designed by Donald Ross.

Read House, Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Read House is “one of the most historic properties” in Chattanooga, filled with “gorgeous 1920s details,” said Southern Living. According to lore, it also has a resident ghost, Annalisa Netherly, who was killed in Room 311’s bathtub by a jealous lover. Since then, this room has become a hub of paranormal activity, with lights flickering and shadowy figures moving around. This space is usually only open for guest tours, but for a few days in October it will be open for reservations through the Haunted Room 311 Experience, which also includes an in-room decanter of “bathtub gin” and two Annalisa Cocktails in the bar.

The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado

Spend the night at The Stanley Hotel, and you might end up writing a frightening tale — that’s what happened to Stephen King, whose visit inspired him to write “The Shining.” Guests have reported hearing children’s laughter in the hallways and eerie piano music coming from the ballroom, and The Stanley “leans into” its ghostly reputation “quite cleverly,” Condé Nast Traveler said. Learn more about the hotel’s otherworldly residents on the Spirited Night Tour, or take The Shining Tour for a behind-the-scenes look at the book’s connection to the property.

With airplane manufacturer Boeing under intense scrutiny for the better part of a decade, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been working to implement safety reforms at the company. But not everybody is satisfied with how the agency is handling things. The FAA has taken major regulatory actions against Boeing following a slew of safety mishaps, including a recently proposed $3.1 million fine, but also announced it will be letting the company have more control in the near future. While some have lauded the FAA’s oversight of Boeing, others are calling the agency’s actions a mere slap on the wrist.

‘Stamp of approval’

The FAA has been “scaling back obstacles for Boeing to deliver some of its newly produced aircraft to customers, a hopeful sign for the plane maker’s recovery,” said The Wall Street Journal. This includes allowing Boeing to “perform final safety checks on its 737 Max jets,” which the FAA had previously prohibited the company from doing itself following a string of accidents.

Boeing will be allowed to do the same with its 787 Dreamliner jets, and these airworthiness certifications “serve as a stamp of approval affirming that each new plane is designed to approved specifications and is safe to fly,” said The New York Times.

Boeing is clearly “winning more confidence from its regulator after years of safety and manufacturing crises,” said CNBC. The FAA’s decision to ease Boeing’s “regulatory burden is a sign that government officials are satisfied with the company’s progress on improving its manufacturing process,” said the Journal.

‘Too much leeway’

Not everyone is convinced that the FAA’s oversight of Boeing is strict enough. Boeing “got into trouble in the first place because it was given too much leeway on certifying its own work and ended up deceiving authorities,” said Bloomberg. The FAA has said allowing Boeing to certify its own planes is necessary to free up federal regulators, but with a Trump administration “focused on shrinking the federal workforce and cutting regulation, there’s a danger this may again go too far.”

Critics have also suggested the FAA’s penalties to Boeing are not aggressive enough given the company’s wealth. The agency’s proposed $3.1 million fine is “little more than a rounding error for Boeing,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) said in a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. For Boeing, a fine of this amount is “easily absorbed as the cost of doing business, not a meaningful deterrent to dangerous behavior.” Unless fines “rise to the level that forces the company to invest in real safety reforms, the risks to the flying public will persist.”

Blumenthal, the top Democrat on the Senate’s committee investigating Boeing’s safety issues, is looking for the agency to “explain how it calculated the penalty,” said Reuters. Fines or not, if Boeing’s “production ramp-up goes smoothly, the company will soon be rolling in cash,” said Bloomberg, but if “there’s a snag or another mishap, it would be a serious setback.” The FAA “needs to take off the leash at some point, but perhaps it still needs to be held tight during this initial effort to boost production.”

It was a journey full of firsts, as are most trips to the tiny Pacific nation of Palau. Before my first swim with jellyfish and my first leap from a paddleboard into an underwater cave, my passport had been stamped with its first entry visa that doubled as a conservation pledge. And before that, at Heathrow, I was checked in for the first time by an airline worker who had never even heard of my destination.

Why come here?

Palau consists of more than 300 islands, most of them uninhabited and many in the form of spectacular mushroom-topped domes. The unusual shape is the result of 40 million years of erosion. At sea level, between the high and low tide marks, windblown sand and waves wear away the limestone bedrock, undercutting the densely forested landscape above.

Beautiful though the islands are, the real draw lies below the waterline. Diving and snorkelling sites here include a diverse range of reefs, shipwrecks and even a downed Second World War fighter plane. The coral is in conspicuously good health too: natural variation in the local water temperature, and the acid-neutralising effect of the limestone, has made it more resilient to the bleaching events that have damaged other reefs.

Where to stay

For now, Palau is light on tourist infrastructure. Four Seasons will open a resort in the next few years, but until then it runs a floating boutique hotel aboard a catamaran that tours the islands. The Four Seasons Explorer is not only more flexible than a cruise ship – you can arrive or depart on any day of the week by speedboat shuttle – but also much smaller. With just 11 cabins, you can expect to be on first-name terms with fellow guests and crew alike.

Unless you have sprung for the Explorer Suite, spanning the full width of the boat, you will be in one of 10 small (20 square metres) but very comfortable staterooms. The beds are as luxurious as you would expect in a Four Seasons hotel, and three-times-daily housekeeping keeps everything ship-shape. High-speed wi-fi is included.

What to do

If it happens on, under or in the water, you can do it in Palau. Surfing is a bit of a stretch, given the glassy calm in the shallows around the islands, but (for an extra fee) the Explorer crew can arrange day trips out to breaks on the fringe of the archipelago. The rest of the activities are included in the nightly rate: diving, snorkelling, paddleboarding, kayaking, birdwatching and guided excursions onto the islands.

The variety of diving and snorkelling sites – and their spectacular surroundings – set Palau apart from other marine destinations. Three or four times a day, you will find yourself slipping into open water, wading onto a beach or sculling through a lazy river that winds its way through mangrove-clad fjords. With your mask on and your head under the water, you start to find the real Palau.

No two reefs are alike. At some, the main attraction is the corals and anemones that support these otherworldly ecosystems. At others, it’s the teeming shoals of fish: javelin-like barracudas skimming along the surface, giant humphead wrasse cruising deeper waters and in between, every colour, size and shape of sea creature you can imagine. The Pacific green turtles were a highlight, casting an untroubled eye in my direction as they drifted slowly past.

The jellyfish, though, were my strangest swimming companions. They’re found on the island of Mecherchar, in a highly unusual lake. Sheltered from wind by steep cliffs and almost (but not quite) cut off from the surrounding ocean, its waters have settled into two distinct layers. The upper zone is rich in oxygen and plankton, nourished by seawater that seeps in through fissures at high tide. Beneath is the dead zone, undisturbed and unrefreshed by rain or tide. At a depth of just 15 metres, oxygen levels drop to zero and clouds of deadly hydrogen sulphide drift through a lifeless world.

It’s an odd feeling to float above such treacherous waters, particularly in the presence of the football-sized golden jellyfish – even if they pose no threat. Having been cut off from ocean predators, they’ve lost almost all of their stinging power.

Eating and drinking

The food is consistently excellent, and surprisingly varied given the logistics involved. Fish is prominent – grilled, curried, steamed or served as ceviche – as are Asian and Pacific influences. The stand-out meal was a Japanese-themed menu of sushi followed by wagyu fillet, made all the more memorable for being served out on deck.

When to go

Palau is a year-round destination, with air and sea temperatures a consistent 28-30C. The wet season runs from May to December, but rain usually comes in short, dramatic showers between lengthier spells of sunshine.

Holden Frith was a guest of Four Seasons

London’s South Bank houses no shortage of iconic landmarks, but one often-overlooked gem that nods to the city’s glamorous 1970s past is Sea Containers London, an hotel overlooking the Thames, set between Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges. Once the headquarters of shipping giant Sea Containers Limited, the hotel occupies Sea Containers House, a bold, Brutalist-inflected structure that rises on the riverside like a monumental Tetris block.

Designed in 1974 by American architect Warren Platner, best known for his interiors at the Ford Foundation and New York’s original Windows on the World, the structure reflects the sleek modernism of its era. Platner was also a celebrated furniture designer, creating futuristic pieces in the 1960s for icons like Eero Saarinen and Kevin Roche. His Easy Chair, with its intricate steel wire base, remains in production today through international design giant Knoll.

Design is woven into the DNA of Sea Containers London, whose interiors draw inspiration from luxury 1920s ocean liners, a tribute to the building’s maritime heritage. That legacy continues with four new bespoke cabin suites designed by Jacu Strauss, creative director of the Lore Group, the visionary studio behind the transformations of Pulitzer Amsterdam and Riggs Washington DC.

Up on the 15th floor, each suite – the Edwardian, Art Deco, Mid-Century and Dynasty – channels a distinct design era and features collectable furniture sourced from Vinterior.

Uniquely, guests can take away more than memories from their stay, as many of the antique pieces are available for purchase.

“It felt like we were working on four entirely separate apartments simultaneously, each with its own narrative and personality,” said Strauss. “I love the thrill of tracking down unique pieces and imagining how they’ll live within a space. It’s a bit like casting actors for a film, making sure each has a strong presence but also works harmoniously with the ensemble.

“Also designing the bespoke elements, the headboards, rugs, and panelling, gave me the opportunity to interpret each era in a way that feels fresh rather than overly literal.”

Why stay here?

The Art Deco Cabin Suite offers panoramic views of the Thames and is thoughtfully divided into a bedroom area and a lounge, which features its own wet bar, complete with period glassware and a cocktail menu, perfect for mixing a Manhattan. At 47 square metres, it isn’t the largest suite, but its boxy proportions, long full-width windows, and carefully curated furnishings more than make up for its modest size.

Standout features include frozen glass chandeliers, chrome-based side lamps with architectural glass shades, and plushly upholstered walnut armchairs with aerodynamic frames. Decorative marble mantel clocks, sleek Italian and French cabinets, sideboards and dressers crafted from exotic woods, along with glamorous figurative paintings by Tamara de Lempicka and handwoven 1920s rugs, combine to evoke the refined elegance of a historic floating palace, reminiscent of RMS Mauretania and SS Normandie in their golden era.

These elegant silhouettes, with ambitious geometries and meticulous craftsmanship, are paired with timeless, effortless comfort. A boucle wool Ligne Roset sofa faces the plasma TV for relaxed viewing, with a telescope nearby for stargazing. The bedroom features billowy down bedding by Tielle, while the marble-clad bathroom boasts an oversized basin with dual faucets, a freestanding tub and plush bathrobes for ultimate indulgence.

Eating and drinking

Just a short walk away, Borough Market offers a lively food fair atmosphere, brimming with international eateries and stalls, including the famous paella stand, known for drawing long queues.

Back at the hotel, the ground-floor restaurant opens onto a sunny terrace in the summer and is a go-to destination for date nights and casual get-togethers. The menu features seasonal dishes and generous sharing plates – honest, unfussy and impeccably cooked. Start with the Exmoor Caviar, served with house-made crisps, followed by the Surrey Farm ribeye steak, accompanied by a whole charcoal-roasted cauliflower to share. It’s British fare at its finest.

The hotel also boasts two cocktail bars. Up on the roof, 12th Knot hosts weekend DJ sets where guests can dance against a twinkling riverside backdrop. Downstairs, the award-winning Lyaness, created by cocktail legend Ryan Chetiyawardana, aka Mr Lyan, offers inventive drinks that push the boundaries of mixology. Try the Atom Martini, made with Don Julio 1942 tequila, butternut squash and birch sherry – smooth, seductive, and perfect for keeping a calm head in stormy seas.

Things to do

How long do you have? The Southbank is a cultural playground, home to Tate Modern, the Hayward Gallery, Royal Festival Hall and National Theatre, alongside the London Eye and Sea Life aquarium.

But you don’t even have to step outside the hotel for entertainment. Head downstairs to the hotel’s very own Curzon cinema, where you can catch the latest films with a cocktail or glass of wine in hand. Prefer to unwind? Agua London spa offers a full menu of wellness treatments, from hot stone massages to acupuncture, the perfect way to recharge.

The verdict

Themed hotels can be hit or miss, but these suites strike a refined balance between elegance and novelty. With a dynamic lineup of events, from chef’s table dining and film premieres to disco nights and wine tastings, there’s plenty to discover, making it a compelling destination for both Londoners and tourists alike.

Sea Containers London, 20 Upper Ground, London SE1 9PD. seacontainerslondon.com

Fall is the perfect moment for a road trip. Roll down those windows, let in that cooler air and soak up the views of fiery foliage, falling leaves and changing landscapes. These seven treks have nature putting on a show around every curve.

Follow the Covered Bridge Loop Trail in Indiana

Covered bridges add charm to country roads, and Indiana has plenty dotting the landscape. The 216-mile Covered Bridge Loop crosses through six foliage-filled counties, with stops at nine historic bridges. If that’s not enough to scratch your itch, head to Parke County in western Indiana, known as the Covered Bridge Capital of the World. This rustic region is home to 31 covered bridges that were primarily “built in the 1800s and [are] still in use,” said Midwest Living.

Traverse the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina and Virginia

This 469-mile road between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia winds its way past “split rail fences, old farmsteads, mountain meadows and scenic overlooks,” said Travel and Leisure. Stretch your legs stops at farm stands and during hiking breaks — both parks have trails for all skill levels.

Make your way from Portland to Bend, Oregon

This journey starts on a high note, with a drive through the “ultra-scenic Columbia River Gorge” and “vista after vista of dramatic cliffs and rushing waterfalls,” said The Points Guy. The route goes by some of Oregon’s most beloved — and photographed — sights, including the “towering” Multnomah Falls, Three Sisters volcanic peaks and Smith Rock State Park. Here you will find “striking red rocks” alongside “beautiful” fall foliage, and the cooler temperatures ensure hiking and rock climbing are a delight.

Hit the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway in Pennsylvania

Considered to be one of the “most beautiful autumn drives in the state,” the Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway hugs the western foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, offering “unparalleled views,” said The Keystone. Carve out time for breaks in Ohiopyle State Park, where visitors can hike “among flaming fall colors and waterfalls,” as well as visit Frank Lloyd Wright’s “masterpiece” Fallingwater.

Drive the Needles Highway in South Dakota

The Needles Highway has enough twists, turns and surprises to rival any roller coaster. This “jaw-dropping” drive starts in Custer State Park and while it is only 14 miles, the highway is not “meant to be traveled quickly,” said Thrillist. Instead, go slowly through the narrow openings and snap photos of your car “barely clearing the granite walls.”

Ride the Green Mountain Byway in Vermont

Once autumn hits, the Green Mountains “erupt in color,” and some of the most “picturesque” sights can be seen from the Green Mountain Byway, Travel and Leisure said. On the journey through towns like Waterbury and Stowe, the road passes farmland and “rolling hills interrupted by church steeples,” guaranteeing a bucolic drive.

Take the Bighorn Scenic Byway in Wyoming

Short on time? A trip along the 58-mile Bighorn Scenic Byway can be done in a day, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take in views of meadows, canyons, waterfalls and spectacular aspen and deciduous trees. After gliding through the Bighorn Mountains, turn off the byway and visit Sheridan, a historic town where “New West meets Old West” and you can “embrace your inner cowboy” at spots like King’s Saddlery Museum, said USA Today.

This may be the first outpost of this London brand north of the border, but it doesn’t feel any less Scottish. Since opening in July it has become a favourite for both tourists and locals alike, drawn by the Hoxton’s signature style, high-quality food and fabulous location. With 17 other hotels around the world, Hoxton knows what it’s doing.

Why stay here?

If want to feel like you’re living in Edinburgh, rather than visiting it, then this is the place for you. The hotel has taken over a series of 11 Grade B listed townhouses dating back to the 1850s, with 214 rooms split across both sides of pretty Grosvenor Street in the heart of the Haymarket district. You will discover grand Georgian homes and winding residential streets in this part of the Scottish capital, yet you’re still only a short walk from the main New Town thoroughfare Princes Street.

Inside, guests are greeted by a striking mural by artist Verity Woolley and welcoming decor that is illuminated by a vintage amber and clear Murano glass chandelier. The lobby is stylish without being pompous, and historic while remaining modern.

Muted sage greens and dusty pinks are the vibe here, with classic details being preserved and paired with mid-century lines. You will find nooks galore, with plenty of fireplaces and plush velvet seating areas that can only be improved by a glass of wine and a good book.

Rooms are decorated with the building’s Georgian history in mind, with heritage colours, double height ceilings, sash windows, and luxe furnishings; due to the nature of the architecture no two rooms are the same. In the bathroom you will find vintage-style fixings, and full-size toiletries from eco-friendly brand Blank that will make you never want to leave the shower.

Rooms are small but the beds are large, and there is everything you need. Scottish touches within the textiles and book choices root the hotel in its geography. It has the familiarity fans want of a Hoxton, but with some Caledonian flair.

This is a city hotel, so don’t expect a pool or spa, but it does have some unexpected quirks. Just off the reception is the Hox Gallery area that I was informed will showcase a different local artist every three months, and beyond that is the 300sqm “Get Together” ballroom space.

In the bar area, you will find an intimate five-seat cinema, complete with plush burgundy velvet, popcorn machine and a curated programme by local film lovers Cinetopia. And opening this autumn are three self-contained three-bed, three-bath homes, ideal for those travelling in larger groups.

Eating and drinking

The vibe changes entirely in Patatino, which hits you with an explosion of colour and pattern as soon as you enter. Expect hearty Italian trattoria-style food, with delicately balanced flavour profiles and homemade pasta. This is a taste of Sorrento using the best of Scottish produce. The reginette with pork ragu was a standout dish, while my neighbour was raving about the haggis and nduja pizza.

The lobby bar is also a bustling spot in the evening, and welcomes hotel guests and locals for brunch during the day. I had the divine chocolate and pistachio pancakes, so it’s perhaps not the easiest place to count calories.

Things to do

This is Edinburgh so it’s easy to fill your days. Enjoy a stroll through both the Old and New Towns, appreciating their individual atmospheres and character. Edinburgh Castle is, of course, a must, but don’t miss the Palace of Holyroodhouse and St Giles’ Cathedral either. Climbing both Arthur’s Seat and Calton Hill are the best ways to see breathtaking views.

A short walk from the Hoxton are the National Galleries of Scotland: Modern One and Modern Two buildings, with pieces from artists like Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst. You’ll also find priceless works in the National and Portrait buildings of the National Galleries as well. The Surgeons’ Hall Museums and the Writers’ Museum also come highly recommended.

It’s hard to discuss Edinburgh without mentioning Harry Potter. You will find inspirations for characters, places and themes in the book all over the city, which was the long-time home of the books’ author J.K. Rowling, and there are many tours to choose from.

Get out of the centre to experience some of the city’s pretty neighbourhoods too, from the waterfront foodie hotspot of Leith, to leafy, bakery-lined Stockbridge, and the green spaces of Marchmont.

Jaymi McCann was a guest of The Hoxton Edinburgh, thehoxton.com

As the days get shorter and gloomier, a last-minute break in Morocco might be exactly what you need. With their sun-dappled courtyards, pretty tiled walls and airy bedrooms, Marrakech’s riads are the perfect setting to unwind away from the bustle of the city. Here are some top spots.

Riad Noos Noos

Set in the “mellow” old Jewish quarter of Marrakech, this “comfy” riad is a “real bargain”, said The Times. The charming guest house has just nine rooms, with “exceedingly comfortable beds”, a small spa, complete with a hammam and sauna, and a “dreamy sun-trap rooftop” where you’ll enjoy breakfast. Expect “freshly baked breads, homemade creamy yoghurt and flaky Moroccan pancakes”. Laid-back and breezy, it’s a “restful space” tucked away from the buzz of the medina.
riadnoosnoos.com

Le Farnatchi

Le Farnatchi has been a “solid success” since it opened two decades ago, thanks to its excellent location, “cosy decor” and “pleasing ratio” of courtyards to suites, said the Financial Times. The rooms are spacious and often set over two levels, with “beautiful tile-and-tadelakt bathrooms”, and in many cases a private sun terrace. With its marble hammams and shady garden patio, the spa is a “knockout”, and the hotel is home to a “gourmet” restaurant serving traditional Moroccan fare.
lefarnatchi.com

Riad Al Massarah

This beautiful riad in the vibrant Bab Doukkala neighbourhood is one of a handful “tackling sustainability”, said The Times. Solar panels are used to heat the water and the property is equipped with water-saving devices in every bathroom. With its pared-back interiors and sprawling terrace, there’s a “welcome sense of tranquillity” from the moment you step foot inside. The airy rooms, which blend “Moroccan artisan crafts with contemporary minimalism”, are the ideal base to recharge after a day spent exploring the cobbled streets.
riadalmassarah.com

Riad Dar Ahwach

Located in “pretty” Dar el Bacha, a short stroll from the antique shops and souks, this “impeccably turned out” riad is well worth a visit, said Condé Nast Traveller. There are plenty of “roomy common spaces”, including a “hidden private patio with a glistening outdoor pool flanked by plants and hemmed in by statement doors in duck egg blue”. Friendly housekeeper Saida is on hand to make breakfast, and there’s a “string of well-regarded restaurants” nearby.
dar-ahwach.com

Riad 72

This “hip hideaway” is “tucked down a quiet alley” just steps from the “colourful Bab Doukkala vegetable market”, said The Telegraph. Guests enjoy access to a “gold-hued” spa, “sizeable” pool, two additional patios and a “trendy” Italian-Moroccan restaurant. There are just 14 rooms, adorned with “plush” fabrics, traditional Moroccan furnishings and statement design pieces. But the real draw is the “super chic panoramic terrace”: a wonderful spot to while away an afternoon “beneath the fronds of tall banana palms”.
riad72.com

Royal Mansour

For total privacy, you won’t do much better than Royal Mansour. Owned by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, the luxurious hotel is home to 53 riads, “each of which offers secluded indoor and outdoor living spaces stretched across three storeys”, said House & Garden. Expect serious opulence: private terraces feature plunge pools with sweeping views out across the Atlas Mountains. The riads are dotted throughout a sprawling manicured garden with quiet courtyards, and there’s an expansive spa to unwind in.
royalmansour.com