Travel more responsibly on an eco-chic holiday

Travel more responsibly on an eco-chic holiday

Would you like to travel more responsibly but don’t want to give up your creature comforts? If yes, I agree with you, that is my favourite way to travel too. Whether you are after a luxurious once-in-a-lifetime eco-safari in Africa, or a stylish European city break...

24 hours in the New Forest and a stay at the historic Bell Inn

24 hours in the New Forest and a stay at the historic Bell Inn

As a small herd of donkeys cross the road in front of us we stop the car. I wind down my window and as the group wanders by, one sticks it head in to say hello. We’re nose-to-nose. He’s completely unfazed by our giggling and cooing but soon moves on when he realises...

A night on the river in Makasutu Forest

A night on the river in Makasutu Forest

As I lie in bed I can feel a gentle movement in the decking beneath me or is it my imagination? I listen to the creaks and groans of the wood... splashes of water... silence... another splash. Getting out of bed I draw back the muslin curtains and catch my breath. A...

Samsonite Neopulse Suitcase Review

Samsonite Neopulse Suitcase Review

Once you use a quality product, it’s difficult to go back. This was the case with me and my Samsonite suitcase, which I’ve finally had the chance to replace!

Boutique Cruising for the Discerning Traveller (OR A Woman’s Prerogative to Change her Mind)

Boutique Cruising for the Discerning Traveller (OR A Woman’s Prerogative to Change her Mind)

When I was invited to join the boutique cruise liner, Azamara Journey, for a long-weekend in the Mediterranean earlier this year, I have to admit I was a little reticent. It’s no secret – I’m no fan of cruise ships. Looking into the company further, however, including their sustainability policy, I began to question my initial reaction and so on a sunny day in spring I stepped aboard the Azamara Journey to find out for myself.

The best hotels in Goa, from the finest in luxury to old world charm

The best hotels in Goa, from the finest in luxury to old world charm

A riot of colour. A gentle pace of life. Palm trees, tumbling bourgainvillea and white sandy beaches that stretch for miles. Temples and churches. Jungles to explore. And not forgetting some of the most delicious food I’ve ever tasted. Goa is a perfect holiday destination for me. Having spent a wonderful week here visiting hotels with The Goa Experience here’s my pick of my favourite 5 places to stay in this magical corner of India.

Finding my Nirvana in Mallorca

Finding my Nirvana in Mallorca

Earlier this year I spent a wonderful weekend in Mallorca, an island that I love. My visit this time may have only been brief but it was a real treat staying at what I now consider to be the best spa hotel in Mallorca, if not the whole of Spain, Hotel BonSol. A gem of...

Falling for the skyscrapers of Dubai

Falling for the skyscrapers of Dubai

Stepping out onto the viewing terrace I look up at the tower which still seems to carry on forever, up and up into the sky. There’s another 37 floors above us. Looking down the 125 floors to the ground below, the neighbouring skyscrapers take on a diminutive appearance as the city stretches out before me. The views are staggering…

Amberley Castle, the best afternoon tea in Sussex

Amberley Castle, the best afternoon tea in Sussex

Walking down a country lane, I turn a corner and catch my first sight of the 12th century, Amberley Castle, in the South Downs National Park in the south of England. I have lived all my life just 15 miles away yet had never visited before. When my mother asked me what I would like for my 50th birthday I knew straight away – afternoon tea at Amberley Castle, now an elegant hotel and restaurant.

Taking the fast route – confessions of a cruise virgin!

Taking the fast route – confessions of a cruise virgin!

In just a few days time I'll be off on the adventure of a lifetime cruising with Hurtigruten in the Arctic circle but I have a confession to make - I don't like cruises! Not that I have ever been on one you understand - I have just never liked the idea of them. When I...

Discovering Mallorca on the Isabel Maria

Discovering Mallorca on the Isabel Maria

I awoke on my first morning in the Spanish islands of Mallorca to a clear blue sky and the warmth of October sunshine. The sea outside my window was calm and inviting.  As I ate my breakfast on the Hotel Illa d'Or's seaside terrace, a beautiful vintage yacht moored up...

London Days Out: A luxury shopping spree in Harrods

London Days Out: A luxury shopping spree in Harrods

Just say the word 'Harrods' and images of stylish luxury fill my mind from Yves Saint Laurent couture to Steiff teddy bears, not forgetting, the famous food halls of this, the largest department store in Europe. Covering over 4.5 acres, spread across 5 floors and with...