Category: Western Europe

Autumn in Andalusia, a gourmand's getaway

Autumn in Andalusia, a gourmand’s getaway

By on Aug 26, 2017 in Europe, Events, Food and Drink, Regions, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

There are many reasons to travel Andalusia in September and October, after the searing summer sun begins to pale, the crowds slowly dissipate, and the hillsides awaken from their summer dormancy for something of a second spring with a burst of colour. But for active culinary enthusiasts, autumn in Andalusia holds a more specific allure, […]

A perfect day in Italy's Dolomites mountains for ages 2 - 72

A perfect day in Italy’s Dolomites mountains for ages 2 – 72

By on Aug 23, 2017 in Europe, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

Located in Italy’s northeast corner just a few hours north of Venice, Italy’s Dolomites mountains are known for spectacular scenery and a distinct culture that seems more Swiss or German than Italian. When we work with self-described scenery junkies at Italy Beyond the Obvious, the Dolomites are one of the first places we recommend. In […]

5 of the best beaches in the Lake District

5 of the best beaches in the Lake District

By on Aug 22, 2017 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

The beaches along the Lake District’s western shore are sandy and shingle jewels waiting to be discovered. Whilst there may not be lifeguards and bright shops selling inflatable toys, pack your bucket and spade and enjoy a Lake District beach holiday. From seals watching to sunset horseback rides; dog walking to paddling. Lake District beaches […]

5 of the quirkiest hotels in the world

5 of the quirkiest hotels in the world

By on Aug 20, 2017 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Ecuador, Europe, Hotels, Japan, Kenya, Regions, South America, Sweden, Western Europe

These properties will make you rethink how you view hotels. They are cool, they are quirky, that have broken the mould. Stay at one of these amazing places and you’ll have dinner party conversation sorted for years to come… Benesse House, Naoshima, Japan Restaurants with rooms are de rigueur these days. For something a bit […]

6 new hotels to look forward to in 2018

6 new hotels to look forward to in 2018

By on Aug 19, 2017 in Accommodation, Asia, Bahamas, Barbados, Caribbean, Europe, Greece, Hotels, Maldives, Middle East, Regions, Resorts, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, Western Europe

Interested to hear about some of the world’s best luxury hotels that are just around the corner? Here’s our guide to some of the most exciting new hotels opening across the globe in 2018. Rosewood Baha Mar, The Bahamas – Opening Spring 2018 The Rosewood Baha Mar is part of a huge redevelopment project on […]

1818 zermatt restaurant

Top 8 village restaurants in Zermatt

By on Aug 19, 2017 in Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Switzerland, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

There are a plethora of restaurants in Zermatt village, some so-so, some so fabulous. I’ve been visiting Zermatt for years and I love food so you could call me an expert. So, without further ado, here are my top 8 superb eateries to get your taste buds tingling. Ferdinand Ferdinand is a new Swiss restaurant […]

5 of the best restaurants in Canary Wharf

5 of the best restaurants in Canary Wharf

By on Aug 18, 2017 in Business Travel, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Who would have thought? When I first moved to Canary Wharf in the late 1999, there was literally nothing. One Tesco Metro and a handful of shops and restaurants which were closing on Friday night to reopen on Monday. British friends and colleagues stared at me puzzled and slightly snobbish from their West London postcodes […]

San Giulio Island, Lake Orta

5 stops you mustn’t miss when visiting Lake Orta in Italy

By on Aug 18, 2017 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

In Northern Italy, west of Lake Maggiore, you will find Lake Orta. Though not the biggest egg in the basket, it is surely one of the most beautiful lakes. It appears as if all the charm and memories of the larger lakes are found in this small sub-Alpine lake. Definitely a place for awe-inspiring moments! […]

Luxury on the White Isle: how to do Ibiza in style

Luxury on the White Isle: how to do Ibiza in style

By on Aug 17, 2017 in Accommodation, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Ibiza has long-since been recognised as the party capital of Europe. Thousands descend on the white isle every summer for a dose of hedonism that nowhere else on the continent can rival. The Spanish island is as popular with teenagers and 20-something thrill-seekers as it’s ever been. But there is another side to this much-misunderstood […]

Short stay: Lantern & Larks glamping at Exton Park, Rutland, UK

Short stay: Lantern & Larks glamping at Exton Park, Rutland, UK

By on Aug 16, 2017 in Accommodation, Camping, Europe, Family Travel, Featured, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

On a large country estate in England’s smallest county lies a wonderfully secluded Lantern & Larks glamping site. On arrival, we were warmly greeted by June who showed us to our ‘tent’ located in a peaceful walled garden on the Exton Park estate. There’s no electricity, no WiFi and no mobile signal. To some this […]

5 of the best art stops in Mahón, Menorca

5 of the best art stops in Mahón, Menorca

By on Aug 16, 2017 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

The Balearic Islands have been a firm favourite amongst sun-seeking tourists for decades, offering the best of Spanish culture combined with the unique traditions of each island. Menorca – whose name derives from the Latin word ‘Minorica’, meaning smaller island – is known for its more tranquil atmosphere in comparison to the party islands of […]

Top 10 mountain restaurants in the Three Valleys

Top 10 mountain restaurants in the Three Valleys

By on Aug 15, 2017 in Europe, Food and Drink, France, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Skiing and eating go hand in hand and no ski trip is complete without at least one great lunch or dinner. What makes the Three Valleys special is that you can have fabulous, creative food whilst on the slopes, as well as when in resort and it’s the mountain restaurants that I want to tell […]

Is September the best kept secret in Provence?

Is September the best kept secret in Provence?

By on Aug 14, 2017 in Attractions, Europe, Events, Food and Drink, France, Going Out, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

Ahhhh… Provence in September… is there a better month to be had in this stunning region of Southern France? I am probably the tiniest bit biased but there are so many reasons why I look forward to this time of year. Reliable sunshine is just one factor that makes Provence such a great destination. Even […]

5 great reasons to visit Little Venice

5 great reasons to visit Little Venice

By on Aug 12, 2017 in Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Restaurants, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

The Italian Adriatic coast stretches along 90 kilometers of shoreline which lie on the Adriatic Sea. Mostly made up of very busy seaside towns like Rimini, we will explore the lesser touristy side of this beautiful and historical area of Italy. Little Venice The small town of Comacchio lies 3 kilometers from the coast on […]

5 of the best luxury experiences in Gstaad, Switzerland

5 of the best luxury experiences in Gstaad, Switzerland

By on Aug 08, 2017 in Accommodation, Air Travel, Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Switzerland, Western Europe

A peaceful haven for the rich and famous in the Swiss Alps, Gstaad was once described by actress Julie Andrews as ‘the last paradise in a crazy world’. The region is famous for its high net worth visitors, cultural festivals and stunning views of the mountainous countryside. We’ve discovered five of Gstaad’s best experiences to […]

5 top girls' days out in Edinburgh

5 top girls’ days out in Edinburgh

By on Aug 07, 2017 in Attractions, Bars, Europe, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Regions, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

When the girls get together they need more than just fun.  No girls’ day out is complete without the essential pampering, retail therapy, and catch-up over fizz or cocktails. Edinburgh hosts a playground of luxury experiences and indulgent places for any lady who wants to tick the days out boxes. Shopping at Multrees Walk or […]