Valentine’s escapes for every taste February 2, 2010 Valentine’s Ball and Massage Lesson at Culloden Estate, Belfast First, an opulent Valentine’s Ball on Saturday, with drinks and dinner. Make a night of it and stay over – then, on Sunday, after a deluxe breakfast, learn the art of massage a deux. A personal masseuse will explain how it’s done, introduce you to a [...]
How do I stop inappropriate email banter? February 2, 2010 A colleague is starting to be uncomfortably flirtatious over email and pressuring me to engage in a similar tone. How do I stop this interaction before it goes any further? I’d rather avoid any unpleasant scenes, drama or awkwardness. Joanna, 29, solicitor THERE are two ways to deal with this kind of issue. One is [...]
Out of Office February 2, 2010 Shining City, at Camden’s Theatro Technis, premiered at the Royal Court in 2004. SHINING CITY TO OPEN IN CAMDEN John, a newly-bereaved businessman, is being haunted by the ghost of his wife. In a series of intriguing sessions with newly-qualified therapist, Ian, he explores the hidden guilt behind this strange phenomenon. Ian, however, has problems of [...]
The Volvo gets cool February 2, 2010 Kaprun, Austria, and it’s 10 degrees at village level. We, however, are considerably higher than the village. At 3,700 metres, at the very top of the cable car lifts, to be precise. To climb higher involves skidoos, for which we are waiting. It seems odd being here, standing with bags and laptops, looking incongruous against [...]
WHERE ACROBATS ARE SERVED WITH STEAK February 1, 2010 OVER the past two years, there’s been much talk from restaurateurs of “adding value” in order to entice cash-stripped punters. Great meal deals, the chance to eat at Michelin-starred restaurants without breaking the bank, free choccies at the end – that sort of thing. But recently, the value added concept has been geared up a [...]
THREE OTHER SUPPERCLUB-STYLE RESTAURANTS February 1, 2010 PROUD CABARET Modelled on a 1920s Hollywood supperclub, this City venture offers well-sourced British food from a set menu, a heapin’ helpin’ of atmosphere (think velvet curtains, gilded booths and girls in flapper dresses) and burlesque, jazz or cabaret as you eat your slow roast pork belly and Neal’s Yard cheese and sip fine wine. [...]
FOOD & BOOZE NEWS February 1, 2010 FILM NIGHT AT CINNAMON CLUB Westminster’s favourite Indian restaurant will be hosting cinema nights on Mondays, with a touch more class than a regular night at the movies. Trade popcorn for spiced lotus puffs, flat Coke for Indian inspired cocktails, and nachos for the likes of bangras sausage and mash, tandoori paneer and chicken wings with [...]
Antigua has a touch of Caribbean class January 31, 2010 GREY London Februaries can be hard to bear, which is why Antigua’s sun, sea, sandy beaches – and direct flights – make it a regular haunt for Brits in search of winter sun. This year there is a real buzz around the island, largely because of the re-launch of Rosewood’s Jumby Bay resort, which has [...]
A resort that leaves you feeling brand new January 31, 2010 NESTLING in warm Caribbean waters, sun-kissed Antigua washes over you, covers you in sunshine, and leaves you feeling as laid-back as the locals. The island is a prime wedding and honeymoon destination, but is also perfect as a place to turn over a new leaf. I’m used to spending my time off doing as little [...]
TRAVEL NOTES January 31, 2010 Venice for Valentine’s Still looking for a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Day? Kirker Holidays is offering four nights for the price of three at the four-star superior Liassidi Palace in Venice, a luxury boutique hotel a short walk from St Mark’s Square. Price from £528pp includes flights (London airports, with regional departures on request), hotel [...]