The heat of the Atlas desert blasts anyway any dreary thoughts that might linger from the flight as the plane doors open to reveal the bustle that is Menara Airport in Marrakech. Then, you are whisked to the air conditioned comfort of the Palais Namaskar top-of-the range BMW. Of course, if you prefer to arrive by […]
The Incredible Cool, Green, Goa – Alila Hotel, Southern Goa, Hotel Review
‘Incredible India’, it wouldn’t have taken the Indian Tourism Ministry long to conjure up that slogan. One look outside the office window and it is easy to see how one word superbly compliments the other. From the cool, calm green of Goa to the brilliant sparkling white of Agra, there are no shortages of experiences […]
A Special, Five Star Peace of Mind – Aman-i-Khás – Aman-i-Khás, India – Hotel Review
Think safari and your mind tends to wander to the plains of Africa, David Attenborough, dressed in full khaki regalia, stealthily tracking wildebeest through the Serengeti. Surprisingly India has a lot to offer too in the safari stakes, albeit on a different scale. This is where Aman-i-Khás takes centre stage. Meaning ‘peace’ in Sanskrit (Aman) […]
Historic Luxury, Modern Value – The Maurya in Delhi; The Mughal in Agra; Rajputana in Jaipur
You can indulge in luxury knowing that your ecological conscience is clear and wallet reasonably untouched: the motto for ITC hotels is ‘Responsible Luxury’. Ordinarily, luxury of the level provided by ITC is such that there is bound to be an elaborate cost, for both the guest and the environment. But at the Maurya in […]
Ducasse Delights In Princely Playground
Monte Carlo, by helicopter. It’s the only form of suitable transport in the Principality of Monaco. Untouched by the world’s economic hardship, Monaco is keeping step with its reputation for elegant decadence, it’s business of course, what pleasure could one actually have in Monte Carlo? With direct flights from Nice airport running very thirty minutes […]
Castle Leslie Estate and Spa, A Great Giddy-Up!
It had been a while since I’d donned my equestrian refinery. Rummaging for my riding boots I began to feel a little apprehensive about the journey that lay ahead, but tailored in tip-top gear and I’m looking more accomplished than ever I’ll be, writes Sarah-Jayne Smith. Tally-ho! Castle Leslie Estate beckoned. The seat of the Leslie […]
Its Word Is Its Bond. Threadneedles, London
A short walk from the Bank of England’s iconic building, ‘The Old Lady of Threedneedle Street’ is a haven from the turmoil of financial markets. Refined in Victorian grandeur, and restored from its days as a bustling banking hall, this splendid boutique hotel nestles in the avenues of London’s financial district like the smooth lining […]
Megeve, All Season Alpine Pleasure
On the short drive from Geneva airport to the Alpine village of Megève, I couldn’t help but wonder how this quaint farming community could possibly be the hedonistic haven of many a tale recalled by the likes of Bridget Bardot and Sacha Distel. It was created by Baroness Rothschild in 1921 as a red flag […]
Four Seasons Hotel, Dublin – A Place of Distinction
The Time slows. The pace changes. Dublin’s Four Seasons hotel is the calm in the city and the warmth of an open fire. Situated in the Ballsbridge district, on the south side Dublin, this affluent, leafy suburb draws its name from a bridge built in 1791; this is a place of distinction, of heritage, and […]
Lough Eske Castle, Gone Fishin’ Instead of Just A-Wishin’
Eske means ‘fish’ in Irish. Apt then, that Lough Eske Castle has its own ‘Char’ fish, an almost unique local delicacy. You may need to wait until the start of November for the fishing mayhem to begin, but when the Char rise for about four weeks of the year, there are only a few lakes […]