Colourful, hip Copenhagen is a city that’s always changing March 28, 2022 THE WEEKEND: The original Scandi city break, Copenhagen is straight out of a fairy-tale. Royal palaces, looming church spires, cobbled streets and higgledy-piggledy rainbow-bright houses punctuate the serene canals. Yet there’s nothing old-fashioned about the Danish capital, which is always changing. This hip, seafront city is as contemporary as they come, with futuristic architecture, a [...]
Complete immersion in Belize March 22, 2022 There is a human skull half-submerged in the mud at my feet. Through the damp gloom, I can just make out other bones, scattered across the floor. Luckily, I haven’t stumbled upon a gruesome murder scene, but the truth is almost as chilling. This is an ancient Mayan ceremonial cave, buried deep within the jungle [...]
Babington House in Somerset is a corner of Soho outside of the city March 14, 2022 THE WEEKEND: When you’re craving fresh air and green fields but aren’t quite ready to ditch London’s glamour and 24-hour convenience, Somerset’s Babington House is the ultimate rural idyll. It’s the original chic country retreat from the Soho House Group, the hotel and member’s club which celebrated its 20th birthday in 2018 and remains a [...]
Villa 1870 in Corfu: A villa with benefits on the Greek island February 18, 2022 The weekend: There is so much more to the verdant Greek island of Corfu than its postcard-perfect beaches. While most Brits opt to fly and flop at seafront resorts, visitors who leave their loungers will discover stately palaces and museums, tranquil mountain villages and rugged mountains blanketed in pine trees. All this and one of [...]
Santorini: How to escape the crowds at Europe’s top destination January 25, 2022 The weekend: Famous for its vivid sunsets, Santorini is now one of the most popular destinations in Europe. A volcanic island said to have inspired the legend of Atlantis, its black sand beaches, blue-domed churches and brilliant white buildings tumbling down the cliffside make it paradise for honeymooners, Instagrammers and Greek island hoppers. Though just [...]
Get into the festive spirit at El Palace, Barcelona December 15, 2021 THE WEEKEND: Escape December drudgery and head off for a festive city break to kickstart that long-neglected Christmas spirit. Skip the traditional packed Christmas markets of Northern Europe and look south to Spain instead, where Barcelona piles on dazzling decorations, twinkling city-wide lights and chocolate-box markets to tick off the present shopping. It’s also much [...]
A family-friendly long weekend at Lucknam Park, Chippenham October 25, 2021 For a thoroughly indulgent stay in the countryside where you don’t need to fret about babysitting arrangements, head to Wiltshire and be spoiled with Michelin-starred food, spa pampering and traditional English grandeur, even if you can’t leave the kids behind. Location Set down a long tree-lined drive in 500 acres of manicured parkland in the [...]
The long weekend: the Lord Crewe Arms in Northumberland October 9, 2021 The weekend Really get away from it all by escaping to the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, an area so remote its star-studded skies have legendary status yet it’s still just an easy three-hour train ride from London. A weekend in wildly beautiful Northumberland offers a better city detox than any spa: think [...]
