Hotel Chais Monnet in Cognac: Stunning space off the tourist track April 12, 2023 The distillery town of Cognac lies off the tourist route, making it ideal for a weekend break that genuinely feels like a getaway. Our Life&Style editor Steve Dinneen stayed at the wonderful Hotel Chais Monnet. Where is it? Cognac, population 18,000, is one of those places whose produce is far more famous than the town [...]
Why Las Vegas’ El Cortez hotel in ‘Old Vegas’ is the city’s best stay April 11, 2023 The El Cortez hotel’s recent renovation shows how Las Vegas is finally celebrating its history, says Adam Bloodworth If you thought the Las Vegas Strip was nuts, try Downtown Las Vegas, which one local tells me has recently adopted the nickname of ‘Drowntown.’ “Growing up here, everything is crazy,” he says, his expression suggesting he’s [...]
Israel beats Scotland to win world’s best single malt whisky April 4, 2023 Israel has beaten off competition from Scotland and Japan to win the award for producing the best single malt whisky in the world. This “land of wheat and barley, of vines and figs and pomegranates, of olives, oil, and honey,” now has a thriving malt whisky industry to add to the list. Tel Aviv’s M&H [...]
Abu Dhabi is booming. We checked into the Shangri-La to get the lowdown April 4, 2023 Abu Dhabi is booming, so Olivia McEwan checked into one of the best hotels to get the lowdown THE WEEKEND: The Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri occupies a private stretch of beach on the Khor Al Maqta canal, positioned to offer views over the main island of Abu Dhabi from each of its 213 rooms. Its [...]
I went to Auschwitz with Holocaust survivors. It was shocking, but so memorable April 3, 2023 Survivors, now in their 90s, return to Holocaust sites to take visitors on tours for the annual March of the Living. Daniel Edward went along I’m not generally a nervous traveller, it would be something of a professional impediment, but I must admit to being nervous of visiting some of the most horrific sites of [...]
Unyoked lets you escape to the British wilderness in a chic cabin April 3, 2023 Unyoked lets you get away from it all in a chic cabin in the woods within easy travelling distance of London. Steve Dinneen takes a genuinely rejuvenating break in the South Downs. WHAT IS IT? The idea of getting away from it all and disconnecting from your job/social media/the relentless news cycle has been part [...]
Inside the £10,000 BVI retreat teaching ethical capitalism March 27, 2023 There are certain moments in life that you will always remember. For me, one of these is paddling out to sea at night in a transparent, glow-in-the-dark kayak, while looking up at the stars off the shores of a private BVI island. Back on land, a banquet was taking place on the beach – everyone [...]
Cork is the drinking-man’s city break a short hop from London March 21, 2023 There’s a video doing the rounds of Cillian Murphy being asked where’s the best city to go drinking. Without hesitating he replies ‘Cork’. Filled with rickety old pubs that seem to grow organically from the city’s architecture, like some alcoholic Hogwarts, it’s ideal for a weekend of enthusiastic bar-hopping. Getting there With Cork’s airport a [...]
Peace and serenity in the Italian capital of Rome March 17, 2023 THE WEEKEND: No matter how many times you have visited Rome, the Eternal City lures you back. This time for something a little different though: the plushest new swimming pool in the city centre, a rare find in the Italian capital. Sightseeing offset by sun lounging? Tell me more… THE STAY: Situated in the shadows [...]
Checking into Prince William and Kate’s getaway, Cheval Blanc Randheli Maldives March 16, 2023 THE HOLIDAY: Over-water villas and white sand beaches? Meh, I’ve heard it all before. The Indian Ocean archipelago of the Maldives can feel so clichéd, it takes a seriously swish hotel to stand out from the rest. Enter Cheval Blanc Randheli, a very French take on the postcard-pristine tropical idyll, owned by luxury goods house [...]