Review
Craft beer vs. real ale: who do they think they are?
Craft beer has taken the world by storm, but what exactly is it, and how does it differ from real ale?
Machu Picchu: the alternative route
He may still be up there. Darren Loucaides slogs his way to the Lost City of the Incas via the Salkantay trek.
Cape of Good Hope: Visiting a township in South Africa
Twenty years on from South Africa’s first democratic elections, Meera Dattani heads into the Gugulethu township for a tour that offers hope above everything else.
Review: Stannum Hotel, La Paz
When the world's highest capital city, La Paz, opened its first boutique bolthole some 12 floors up, we sent Darren Loucaides to discover if the Bolivian hotel scene had reached dizzyingly new heights too.
Review: Hotel B, Lima
Originally a decadent seafront retreat built in the 1920s, this former belle époque mansion in Peru’s capital is nothing short of good looking. But how does it stack up as a boutique hotel? Darren Loucaides checks in.
Review: Mahamaya, Gili Meno, Bali
Stylish eco-hotel Mahamaya is one of the newest properties on the relaxed, relatively unspoiled Indonesian island of Gilo Meno, a 90-minute boat ride from bustling Bali. Anna Smith checks in.
Review: Blue Sky Hotel and Tower, Ulaanbaatar
After a long journey on the Trans-Siberian, Anna Smith checks into five-star bliss at Mongolia's Blue Sky Hotel & Tower. A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the Blue Sky stands proud as one of Ulaanbaatar's tallest buildings, cutting curvaceously into the sky overlooking central Sukhbaatar Square.
Review: Kerry Hotel, Beijing
An offshoot of the luxury Shangri-La chain, the Kerry Hotel in Beijing had a multimillion-dollar facelift in 2011, in the hope of luring youthful business and leisure travellers keen on wellness, sports and style. Anna Smith tries it out for size.
Review: Mount Batur sunrise tour, Bali
Forget Bali's beaches. Scale its hills in the pre-dawn darkness and you'll find the island offers some of the most beautiful sunrise views on the planet. Joe Minihane pulls on his walking boots for a night walk with an incredible ending.
Review: Danna Langkawi hotel, Malaysia
Reminiscent of the majestic British Malaysian colonial era, the Danna is the only five-star luxury resort on Langkawi Island to embrace old world splendour. If majestic spaces with colonial charm appeal to you, then look no further than the Danna Langkawi, says Jasleen Kandhari.
Review: Casa Gangotena hotel, Quito
Set in the heart of Quito’s Old Town, Casa Gangotena has quickly established itself as one of South America’s finest boutique hotels. Gavin Haines certainly found it a calming influence.
Review: Lotte Hotel, Moscow
The world’s attention may currently be on Sochi ahead of next year’s Winter Olympic Games, but Russia’s capital Moscow is never far from the limelight. Anna Smith checks in and checks out the opulent Lotte Hotel, which has hosted everyone from presidents to princesses.
Review: Ametsa with Arzak Instruction
The culinary heart of the Halkin Hotel in London’s well-heeled Belgravia, Michelin-starred Ametsa with Arzak Instruction showcases inventive New Basque fare amid clinical décor, says Jonny Payne.
Review: Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel, Bath
Starting tomorrow (13 September), the Macdonald Bath Spa Hotel hosts over 70 events to coincide with the annual Jane Austen Festival, including talks, concerts, readings, dance workshops and even a masked ball. Eva Gizowska books into the stunning 5-star property for a closer look.
Review: Banyan Tree Lang Co, Vietnam
After opening at the start of 2013, Banyan Tree's Lang Co resort, on Vietnam's beach-trimmed east coast and close to heritage sites in Hue and Hoi An, is already causing a stir.
Review: Le Caprice restaurant, London
London's restaurant scene is on fire with the pace of new openings, but what of the stalwarts that have survived long beyond being the 'Next Big Thing?' Jane Duru sizes up whether Le Caprice, beloved hangout of ageing rock stars and Mayfair businessmen, has still got it after 32 years in the business.
Review: Galway and Cliffs of Moher day tour
With Galway's affluent Irish history and the soaring coastal Cliffs of Moher, Ireland's west coast boasts stunning views and vibrant culture, says Marcela Guimaraes.
Review: Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador
Tucked away in the Ecuadorian cloud forest, Mashpi Lodge might look like a Bond villain’s lair but the hotel’s owners have purely ethical intentions, says Gavin Haines checks into this lavish jungle retreat.
Review: Loews Madison Hotel, Washington DC
Opened in 1963 by John F Kennedy, Loews Madison Hotel boasts class and culture. Having undergone a multi million-pound renovation in 2012, it reopened its doors in January 2013. Lynn Houghton stays at the hotel after its major facelift to see if the Madison lives up to its 5-star billing.
Review: Trekking the Great Wall of China
Jinshanling is the best preserved part of China's Great Wall, with many of its original features dating back to 1570. Joe Minihane treks through steep icy paths along this section of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Review: Mama Shelter, Marseille
Marseille's having a moment in the spotlight as 2013's Capital of Culture so now's the time to go. Jane Duru enjoys a memorable stay at the latest outpost of designer Philippe Starck's hotel empire - the oh-so-hip Mama Shelter.
Review: 21212, Edinburgh
One of five Michelin star restaurants in Edinburgh and the only one with rooms, 21212 fronted by chef Paul Kitching offers unorthodox cuisine. Prepare to be mystified and dazzled at the same time, says Tina Banerjee
Review: Balthazar restaurant, London
Balthazar is one of the most enjoyable dining experiences to be had in London right now, says Miranda York, who discovers that restaurateur Keith McNally – beloved of the New York set due to his eatery of the same name across ‘The Pond’ – has successfully transplanted the original into London’s theatre district.
Review: Rockliffe Hall, Darlington
Dating back to the 18th century, Rockliffe Hall has been a private home, hospital and community centre and has survived two fires, neglect and vandalism before being rescued by Middlesbrough Football Club. Now a 61-room hotel, how does it score as a luxury retreat? Tina Banerjee finds out.
Review: Iceland caving and snorkelling tour
Iceland is the ultimate destination for the gung-ho - it's got more than enough glaciers and geysers, mountains and caves to keep even the most daring going. But you don't have to travel far outside the capital to find adventure, as Jane Duru found on a caving and snorkelling tour to plumb the depths of Iceland's natural beauty.
Review: Le Mas Candille, Cannes
If you want to soak up the glamour of the upcoming Cannes Film Festival (from 15 May) and avoid the heaving crowds, your best tactic is to check into the nearby 5-star Hotel Le Mas Candille.
Review: Hansar Samui, Koh Samui
Oozing style and with an understated luxury that seemingly only the Thais can pull off so effortlessly, Hansar Samui in Koh Samui’s charming Bophut village is the perfect chic retreat for trendy couples says, Jonny Payne.
Review: Lamantin Beach Resort, Senegal
Nestling on Senegal's Petite Côte, Lamantin Beach Resort is something of an oasis in this sun-scorched corner of West Africa. It's also an ideal base from which to dip a toe into this charismatic country, writes Gavin Haines.
Review: The Quay Hotel & Spa, Wales
Located in the picturesque Welsh town of Conwy, a hop skip and jump away from sailboats, hills and a medieval castle, the Quay Hotel & Spa boasts an excellent location. Ankita Mahabir takes a closer look.
Review: The Brudenell, Aldeburgh
With staycations all the rage, Jane Duru checks into a classic hotel in Suffolk's most charming seaside resort for a UK beach break that will cure those big city ailments.
Review: Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay, Bodrum
Moments from Bodrum, the bustling resort dubbed 'Turkey's St Tropez', Jonny Payne finds the ultimate space for relaxation at the Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay with its luxury Six Senses Spa and far-reaching sea views.
Review: The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
Cancun’s hotel zone might not sound like the most alluring holiday destination for the more intrepid explorer, with its stretch of tightly packed hotels and hoards of holiday makers. So how does a hotel along the popular stretch set itself apart from the rest? Caroline Cullern finds out at the Ritz-Carlton, Cancun.
Reviewed: The View from The Shard
The View from The Shard is bound to be one of London's hottest new attractions in 2013, with its unparalleled panoramic views of the capital. Our sneak peek at the amazing London cityscape did anything but disappoint.
Review: Hilton Imperial, Dubrovnik
The Hilton Imperial has enjoyed an illustrious history since it opened in 1897; it was the first hotel in Dubrovnik to have electricity; King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson danced in its gardens in 1936 and it became a refugee shelter during the 1991-92 war. But what does this grand old dame have to offer modern day city breakers? Tina Banerjee finds out.
Review: Settha Palace Hotel, Laos
A colonial oasis amidst the pulsating vibes of Laos capital Vientiane, Settha Palace Hotel offers fascinating history, gorgeous Victorian furniture and a fantastic restaurant. Ankita Mahabir beds down for the night.
Review: The Hardwick, Abergavenny, Wales
Under the stewardship of Michelin-starred chef and owner Stephen Terry, the restaurant at The Hardwick has built up quite a reputation. William David Wilson takes a winding cab ride through the beautiful Welsh countryside to Abergavenny to find out whether the hype is justified.
Review: The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales
Goliath-sized Celtic Manor Resort offers a 5-star hotel, with 330 rooms, 32 suites, three championship golf courses, six restaurants, an award-winning spa and health club. Set in 1,400 acres of parkland, this luxurious retreat hosted the 2010 Ryder Cup. But is there any substance behind the swagger? Tina Banerjee finds out.
Review: Armathwaite Hall Country House and Spa, Lake District
Described by novelist Hugh Walpole as “a house of perfect, irresistible charm”, Armathwaite Hall is a beacon of luxury in the wilds of the Lake District. Hazel Davis checks in.
Review: Continental Hotel Zara, Budapest
Budapest is a great place for a city break but with a growing list of great hotel options in the city, choosing to where to stay has never been harder. We sent Jane Duru to see whether the Continental Hotel Zara should make the cut.
Review: ITC Mughal Agra, India
Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, the historic city of Agra is a ‘must see’ destination. Once the capital of the powerful Mughal Empire, the city still retains much of its former charm and boasts wonderful forts, monuments, mosques and lush green gardens. Eva Gizowska discovers that there’s no better place to base yourself than the ITC Mughal Hotel.
Review: Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa, Sicily
Sitting amongst the olive groves and carob trees of a sprawling nature reserve near the historic town of Ragusa, Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa boasts an award-winning spa, sun-drenched golf courses and fine wines. We sent golfing guru Kevin Nash to check out the Sicilian 5-star resort.
Review: Grand Millennium, Kuala Lumpur
There are some slick hotels in oil-rich Kuala Lumpur, but the Grand Millennium has to be one of the best. Located in the famous Golden Triangle, Gavin Haines found it the perfect base for a weekend in Malaysia's bustling capital.
Review: Ceviche, London
London’s bustling Soho is awash with restaurants but the latest newcomer Ceviche is drawing the crowds. As one of the city’s few Peruvian dining spots, this tapas-styled South American eaterie appeals to adventurous tastebuds. William David Wilson drops in to find out what all the fuss is about.
Review: Parador de Jaén, Spain
A dramatic castle offering spectacular, cliff-top views, the 4-star Parador de Jaén is a mesmerizing place to stay, says Rachel Webb. Its enviable location is only part of the attraction; former French president Charles de Gaulle penned his memoirs here.
Review: Maroma Resort and Spa, Riviera Maya, Mexico
The Riviera Maya's coastline has accumulated its fair share of resort hotels, and with some of the best beaches in Mexico and lush jungle backdrop it's easy to see why. However, if you are looking for something a cut above the rest then there is only one place to stay, as Caroline Cullern found out at the luxury Maroma Resort and Spa.
Reviewed: The Mirage Spa by Louisa Kaisen, Copenhagen
Copenhagen has much to offer - fabulous architecture, a harbour so clean that you can swim in it, cool fashion brands, fabulous nightspots and wonderful restaurants. But one thing is missing in the Danish capital: a spa scene. When you factor in the cost of Danish labour, this deficiency becomes more understandable. However, all this is about to be remedied with the arrival of the Mirage Spa by Louisa Kaisen. Just don’t expect it to come cheap, says Ruth Styles.
Review: Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club, Stratford-upon-Avon
Set amid rolling parklands, the championship golf course at Stratford- upon-Avon's Menzies Welcombe Hotel Spa & Golf Club is one of many draws. Tina Banerjee tees off to find out more.
Review: Courthouse Doubletree by Hilton, London
With the best theatre, shopping, nightlife and entertainment on its doorstep, Hilton's historic boutique hotel makes it a crime not to explore London's hotspots.
Review: Hilton Liverpool
Inspired by Liverpool’s history, the new Hilton hotel is proof of the city’s renaissance. The former capital of culture is still riding high on a wave of confidence since scooping the title two years ago.
Best Western Premier Le Morgane, Chamonix
Located at the foot of the impressive Mont Blanc and minutes from Chamonix's bustling town centre is the recently renovated, stunning 56-room Best Western Premier Le Morgane.
Review: La Kitchen, Madrid
Tucked away in one of Madrid’s most vibrant medieval districts, La Kitchen offers diners a welcome relief from the usual tapas menus on offer in Spain’s capital city.
Review: Rotunda, Birmingham
Towering 81m (266ft) above the Birmingham skyline, the refurbished Rotunda offers an impeccably stylish city stay. Ruth-Ellen Davis hopped in the lift to the 19th floor for a weekend of freshly squeezed orange juice and urban panoramas in one of Staying Cool's Rotunda apartments.
