Advice

Gone are the days of dull, corporate hotels with drab interiors, little or no atmosphere, and limited amenities. New York is home to a host of innovative properties promising more than cosy beds and free Wi-Fi. From spacious, well-designed lobbies-cum-workspaces to celebrity chef-driven restaurants, not to mention ultra-convenient addresses merely a skip to the office,

With sparkling seas, silky beaches, stylish accommodation, sumptuous food and seriously fun activities, Greece holiday resorts (which are surely one of the world’s most family-friendly places) are the perfect destinations for a worry-free, all-inclusive trip – with or without the kids in tow. Food is a major plus here in the home of the Mediterranean diet

It’s no secret how much carbon footprint is generated when we travel. Yet, who can blame us all for wanting to explore the wonders of this fascinating world? There are, however, a fair few things you can do before you travel, along the way and afterwards – if you wish to go green as you

Do you know that feeling when you walk into a hotel, a restaurant, a bistro or a bar and you instantly know you are going to have a good time? “I love this place,” declared my dinner companion, one of the pickiest people on the planet, as he settled into a deep-pink velvet armchair at

Remember those two-week holidays when you wished you could’ve stayed longer? When you dreamt of spending days on end getting lost in the streets of a new city, returning to a favourite café until you’re counted as one of the locals, or having more time for day trips further afield? It seems retired travellers are

The mask is slipping. After two years of hidden faces and muffled conversations, mask rules are being discarded around the world.  Most of Britain ditched the divisive face covering back in January, sparking something of a domino effect. Norway and Denmark quickly followed suit, as did a clutch of Eastern European countries. Reticent Scotland joined

Stand between the fragrant orange trees that line the main square in Vila Real de Santo António, surrounded by charming 18th century town houses and a mosaic of bold black and white cobblestones at your feet and you could be forgiven for thinking this little town’s claim to fame lies in its looks. In many

Travel for solo travellers is on the rise, especially among those in their 50s and 60s, say tour operators that focus on guided and specialist tours. Cox & Kings, which runs small group tours worldwide, says 40 per cent of its sales this year have been to older people travelling on their own. This shouldn’t

Sydney has a reputation for being beautiful yet shallow, but scratch the surface a little and you’ll see that Sydney has a lot more going for it than just the way it looks. Beaches that bedazzle, windswept coastal walks overlooking whale-dotted waters, hole-in-the-wall bars, weekend farmers’ markets and a thriving food and wine scene are

All-inclusive holidays have changed for the better, offering greater choice, more personalised service and value for money. Whether you’re a couple seeking relaxation or a family wanting a fun-packed adventure, there are plenty of hotels in Majorca to choose from. And when it comes to all-inclusive options, it’s not about bland buffets with nothing to do

Walking, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways. There’s the sense of freedom, fresh air and forward motion; the big views and little surprises; how good a chilled post-walk pinot grigio tastes. And none of these things – none of them – require you to trek until you’re broken each day.  Soft

Barcelona combines everything that is most charming about Mediterranean cities – a relaxed pace, months of endless sunshine, unbeatable food – with the cultural and design clout of almost any city in the cold north. Its patchwork of architectural styles displays dark, Gothic façades next to the harlequin buildings of the Modernistas and the skyline-piercing

In just a decade, Majorca has proven to be a playground for many of the finest five-star hotels in Spain, the majority offering gastronomic restaurants, roof terraces and deluxe spas. Luxury comes at a price but the best hotels in Majorca provide a truly pampering experience with world-class facilities and attentive, consistently excellent service. From

Los Angeles has long been looked down on by its East Coast counterparts, but now that the rest of world has caught up with California’s green juice and wellness obsession, the city is having something of a moment. No longer deemed a cultural wasteland, LA is bursting with new art galleries and museums, a flourishing

The uniform sandstone of the Haussmann buildings, the abundance of gilded historic monuments, and the glimmering Seine and its elegant bridges have arguably made Paris the most recognisable and romanticised cityscape in the world. But though the city wears its history – of monarchy, revolution, revolt and artistic innovation – with characteristic style, it is

It’s time to give away my best trick as a hotel guest: I never – unless it can’t be helped ­ ­– stay in hotels on Friday and Saturday nights. That’s because I have long been an advocate of Sunday night stays, but then I’m lucky: as a hotel critic I’m aware of the advantages

Vancouver easily earns its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, surrounded by the sea and hugged by soaring mountains – reflected in seemingly endless gleaming glass skyscrapers. But it’s not just good looks that make Vancouver worth a second glance: there’s a dynamic culinary scene, thanks to an international blend of chefs

Croatia offers more than 1,100 miles of meandering mainland coast backed by rugged limestone mountains, along with hundreds of scattered islands and islets, of which 47 are inhabited. It is also dotted with historic and beautifully preserved harbour towns, relics of the four centuries between 1420 and 1797 when it was occupied by the Venetians. This

How quickly we forget. Not so long ago, at the start of the year, we were wondering if it was too risky to take a punt on Spain for a summer holiday. Now friends are returning from Florida and Nevis with suntans and talking about imminent trips to Mexico, the Seychelles, even Australia. So with

Venice is always an inspirational destination but the lagoon city shows visitors its very best during the international art Biennale when the city is energised by the influx of visiting art cognoscenti and curious travellers. While the industrial Arsenale and lush Giardini are the central hub for the festival’s main exhibitions, spectacular venues all around