Category: Western Europe
Royal Caribbean Utopia of the Seas
By Paul Johnson on Apr 19, 2022 in Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, France, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
Construction on Utopia of the Seas, the sixth ship in Royal Caribbean International’s revolutionary Oasis Class, is underway, 
5 car-free Swiss ski resorts
By Dan Frith on Apr 17, 2022 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, Western Europe
Here are five Swiss villages that might just make you consider a car-free ski trip. 
Our favourite Lake District walks with the children
By Rachael Thomas on Apr 15, 2022 in Europe, Family Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Here are just a few of our favourite Lake District walks which we’ve enjoyed with our children. So why not kit yours out with some sturdy walking boots and take them exploring? 
Review: Magnolia Hotel, Quinta do Lago, The Algarve, Portugal
By Michael Edwards on Apr 14, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Hotels, Portugal, Regions, Western Europe
Step back into 1950s Miami glamour at the Magnolia Hotel. Where it is easy to imagine Audrey Hepburn and Rock Hudson skipping through the neon time-warp of pastel pinks and turquoise hues. Tall palms vie with the Magnolia’s neon sign of an elegant swim-capped diver. Miami comes to the Algarve on the fringe of Quinta 
Review: M.Ou.Co Hotel, Porto, Portugal
By Michael Edwards on Apr 10, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Featured, Hotels, Portugal, Regions, Western Europe
The coolest place to stay in Porto. Here the hotel is reinvented as a place to “Stay. Listen. Play.” Throughout the ample public areas music plays. 
6 must-visit wonders of the Amalfi coast
Thanks to its panoramic views, picturesque landscapes, unspoiled nature and ancient palaces and gardens, the Amalfi coast ranks at the top of the most popular destinations in Italy by both Italian and international tourists.
Where to rent luxury cars in Barcelona
By Sandra Roig on Apr 07, 2022 in Europe, Regions, Road Travel, Spain, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
For those who love a bit of class and luxury, what's more luxurious than driving a supercar down around Catalonia? From Ferraris to Maseratis, for hours or days, there's plenty available. 
Travel to Spain just got easier - the latest on the SpTH Health Check Form
By Paul Johnson on Apr 06, 2022 in Europe, Health & Safety, Regions, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
There's good news for travellers to Spain! From today, the SpTH Health Check Form is no longer needed to enter Spain for all passengers, regardless of their country of departure, who have an EU Digital COVID Certificate. 
Review: The Bristol Hotel, Bristol, UK
By Michael Edwards on Mar 30, 2022 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, Featured, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, United Kingdom, Western Europe
In prime position on the waterfront, The Bristol Hotel makes a bold eponymous claim to be the place to stay in Bristol. First opening in the 1960s, the Royal Institute of British architects now recognise the hotel as a prime example of the Modern Architecture movement. 
Celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee in Jersey
By Paul Johnson on Mar 29, 2022 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, Events, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Jersey is the crown jewel in the English Channel and the sunniest spot in the British Isles, so where better to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this June bank holiday weekend? June in Jersey is all about feeling the sand between your toes and embracing Jersey's curiously Brit…(ish) culture. 
Top 13 design wineries in Tuscany: A fusion of art and taste
By Daniela De Luca on Mar 22, 2022 in Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
In Tuscany, the wine route is also an architectural trail thanks to the contribution of starchitects who have signed countless projects since the 90s, creating a real phenomenon. Stunning buildings, perfectly integrated with the surrounding landscape, designed and built with state-of-the-art technologies. These are real wine temples that have opened their doors to visits and 
Sailing the Cyclades
By Nicholas Dean on Mar 21, 2022 in Europe, Greece, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe
The beauty of chartering a yacht in Greece is the liberty to island-hop wherever the mood takes you. In the Cyclades, warm, calm waters and ribbons of sandy beaches are a big draw, alongside the cool coastal vibe found in the relaxed towns. This group of islands scattered across the central Aegean Sea is within 
Michelin star restaurants in the Lake District
By Rachael Thomas on Mar 17, 2022 in Europe, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Did you know that Cumbria now has the highest number of Michelin starred restaurants outside London and Berkshire? And while much of the news following the release of Michelin’s prestigious guide for 2022 has focused on L’Enclume in Cartmel – and rightly so having been awarded three Michelin stars – the county now boasts eight 
Top 5 afternoon teas in Scotland
By Dorothy Welsh on Mar 15, 2022 in Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Top of the list of truly outstanding experiences in Scotland has to be a traditional afternoon tea. Taken in a bright drawing room or on a sunny outdoor terrace, it should include an entirely home-made selection of delicious finger sandwiches, delicate pastries, soft scones and sumptuous cakes. Additional highlights like views over elegant hotel grounds, 
Review: Birkdale House, Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District, UK
By Paul Johnson on Mar 14, 2022 in Accommodation, Europe, Family Travel, Featured, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Vacation Rentals, Western Europe
Birkdale House is a large Victorian house set on the 470-acre Matson Ground Estate close to Bowness-on-Windermere in the southern part of the Lake District National Park. Home to a number of holiday cottages, this is very much the estate’s ‘flagship’ luxury property – as you will soon see – which opened in 2020 and 
