Author Archive for Harriet Dedman

Harriet is a freelance travel writer and photographer, and has written for a number of online travel publications and watersports magazines. The biggest advocate of the Great Outdoors, Harriet is happiest with her wetsuit, hiking boots and very English tan, and you will currently find her cantering around South East Asia. Having lived and worked in Madrid, Sri Lanka, London and the Cayman Islands, Harriet is now based in Hong Kong.

Escape to Estepona: legacy luxury on the Costa del Sol

Escape to Estepona: legacy luxury on the Costa del Sol

By on Jun 06, 2013 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Spain, Western Europe   - Read 1891 times

Ah… wonderful Spain.  My affinity with this country runs deep, with part of my soul residing in beloved Madrilenian haunts, the wilds of the rich Andalusian hills and the chatter of evenings with olives. With the eyes of the world on Spain’s economic crisis, the strength (and importance) in its own identity continues to resound.  Even [...]

The super-yacht, the Sofitel and mad, mad Macau

The super-yacht, the Sofitel and mad, mad Macau

By on May 08, 2013 in Accommodation, Asia, Cruises & Boat Travel, Hotels, Macau, Regions, Speciality Travel   - Read 2403 times

Well, my arrival into Macau, on a racing yacht from Hong Kong, had set the weekend bar at a rather high level. One of the first boats over the finish line, we had plenty of time to glide up into the Macau marina (situated adjacent to one of the 34 ‘Inner Harbour’ piers), lazily enjoy [...]

Luxury in Lisbon: the Altis Prime Hotel

Luxury in Lisbon: the Altis Prime Hotel

By on Jan 08, 2013 in Accommodation, Business Travel, Europe, Hotels, Portugal, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe   - Read 2995 times

Lisbon is coming of age. Its former malaise has been dispelled by the vibrant post-Salazar generation, and the Altis Prime, Lisbon’s newest boutique aparthotel, is seeking to capitalize on the new brand of modernity emanating from Portugal’s charismatic capital. Resplendent with 78 suites (ranging from studios to the exclusive penthouse), this sizzling hot hotel, dazzles [...]

Kitesurf Cayman: boarding at Barkers

Kitesurf Cayman: boarding at Barkers

By on Jan 04, 2013 in Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel   - Read 4793 times

It is 10.30am in Grand Cayman, and against the backdrop of sun and sand: the palm trees are starting to sashay in the fresh sea breeze. We are sitting on the glorious sands of Cayman ‘Grand Central’; the titularly boastful “Seven Mile Beach”. For many, the dazzling aquamarine waters, the lilt of wave on sand, [...]

Rabbits, chutney and old oak beams: Broadgrove House, Somerset

Rabbits, chutney and old oak beams: Broadgrove House, Somerset

By on Dec 18, 2012 in Accommodation, Bed & Breakfasts, Europe, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe   - Read 2543 times

Nestled in sweeping green pastures, on the Somerset and Wiltshire border, Broadgrove House is chocolate-box perfect. Fresh from the grueling waters of nearby Vobster Quay, my quest for quiet, warm, comfort was complete. This is a gorgeous B&B. As we drove up the sweeping manicured drive, this old crofter’s cottage was a sight for sore, [...]

Morocco made easy: the Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea and Spa Hotel

Morocco made easy: the Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea and Spa Hotel

By on Dec 14, 2012 in Accommodation, Africa, Featured, Going Out, Hotels, Morocco, Regions, Restaurants, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel   - Read 7206 times

Agadir’s new kid on the block, the Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea and Spa, is indulgent, elegant, and oh so impressive, striking a mellow and tranquil chord against the smouldering backdrop of this dusty, Atlantic-coast city. Fresh from the exotic, piquant and chaotic haze of Agadir airport, I arrived at the cool, subtle opulence of the [...]

Heritage London: a stay at The Rookery Hotel

Heritage London: a stay at The Rookery Hotel

By on Dec 12, 2012 in Accommodation, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, United Kingdom, Western Europe   - Read 3993 times

Nestled into an unassuming corner of Clerkenwell, The Rookery is a glorious boutique London hideaway. Occupying the old houses of St Peter’s Lane, and around the corner from Old Smithfield’s Market, the Rookery is slap bang in the centre of London’s historical market heartland. The present Smithfield’s Market was established by an Act of Parliament [...]

Secret London: the St James’s Hotel and Club

Secret London: the St James’s Hotel and Club

By on Dec 10, 2012 in Accommodation, Bars, Clubs, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, United Kingdom, Western Europe   - Read 4982 times

Checking into the St James’s Hotel and Club is an understated affair. This is one of London’s most discrete, boutique hotels, proffering a sophisticated brand of urban luxury; utilized by a core group of discerning London regulars, and (increasingly) a dazzling resume of international dignitaries and global business scions. Condoleezza Rice stayed here last month. [...]

A little luxury in Colombo, Sri Lanka

A little luxury in Colombo, Sri Lanka

By on Dec 08, 2012 in Accommodation, Asia, Hotels, Regions, Sri Lanka   - Read 3831 times

“Walk down the stairs, it’s good for you”; commands the late Cyril Gardiner with refreshing disparity directed at the modern (albeit fairly antiquated, in relative terms), golden escalator cage. From an alternative placard a frank (but fair), exchange continues; with Cyril’s tart taunts against tobacco: “the ashes we find may well be yours“. A temperamental [...]

Ancient Agadir: beyond the booming beach

Ancient Agadir: beyond the booming beach

By on Dec 07, 2012 in Africa, Morocco, Regions   - Read 5327 times

Agadir is Morocco’s major south-western city, the capital of the Agadir province, and the Sous-Massa economic region. Tourism has developed in a different vein here to its popular cousin Marrakech. With a perennial climate of water, waves and sunshine, the Agadir ‘brand’ has long been associated with Northern Europeans holidaymakers, as betrayed by the concourse [...]