The first indication that you are not alone comes via the gentle shaking of branches, followed by a flurry of falling leaves and a flash of brilliant white. Muted chattering halts, hearts beat wildly, sweat floods from foreheads. Could we have just spotted the illusive Langur monkey? Another flash of white and suddenly a tail […]
Smashing San Francisco
San Francisco’s hotel scene is gearing up for summer with the opening of four properties, three of which are new, this month. 1 Hotel San Francisco, LUMA Hotel San Francisco and the historic Beacon Grand (formerly the Sir Francis Drake Hotel) and the reopening of the Hilton’s iconic, 1,024-room Parc 55 complex. This investment in […]
Sweet Shangri-La, Paris
With its black and gold stripes, translucent wings and furry body, there is no mistaking the bee. Its hum can strike fear into the hearts of many, provoking a disproportionate fight or flight response often resulting in flailing limbs and a racing heart. I am sure that’s not it’s intention. Unlike the intentions of Napoleon […]
Remarkable Hotel de Russie, Rome
Cats. They divide opinion the world over. Are they lucky or not? In Japanese culture cats are said to bring wealth and good fortune. In England it is considered good luck to present a bride with a black cat on her wedding day. Mind you in Wales, if a young woman steps on a cat’s […]
Sensational Hotel Savoy, Florence
Emilio Pucci once said ‘Gaiety is one of the most important elements I brought to fashion. I brought it through color’. He certainly did. In abundance. The feelings of joy his vibrant designs evoke are testament to what an enigmatic creator he was. First seen on the slopes of Gstaad in 1948, Harpers Bazaar published […]
Resplendent, La Residencia -A Belmond Hotel, Mallorca
As the train pulled away from station, little did seventeen-year-old Axl Ball know that his life and ours, would change forever. Engrossed in the freedom of the swinging sixties, rucksack slung over his shoulder, he had just hopped on a train in Barcelona, or perhaps it was Berlin? We can’t be sure. One thing we […]
Raffles Spa and Wellness Dubai
The recently opened palatial resort, Raffles the Palm Dubai, is perfect to relax and practice wellness. Right on time. Just when we need it most. The Cinq Mondes Spa promises a unique luxurious oasis that transports and rejuvenates the body and soul. Guests can enjoy treatments including KO BI DO, a unique and stimulating facial […]
Living la dolce vita
Orient Express makes a grand return to Italy. More than 150 years ago, Georges Nagelmackers turned a dream into a reality when he launched the first luxury Orient Express train. Soon, Orient Express will offer an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most beloved countries: Italy. From the luxury rail tourism project signed by […]
In conversation with… Howard Hastings, Managing Director, Hastings Hotel Group
Northern Ireland’s premier hotel group Dr Howard Hastings is the son of a giant in the Northern Irish hospitality sector. Yet he holds his own. Sir William Hastings founded the Hastings Hotel Group more than fifty years ago. The Hastings collection comprises six hotels in Northern Ireland, including the Culloden Estate and Spa and the […]
Charismatic Culloden
Ducks bring joy to the soul, don’t they? And if there is one thing, we all need, now more than ever, it’s a joyful lift. Their vibrant yellow downy plumage billows as they waddle, bright eyed and eager. Strength in numbers, they follow the leader and commit to leaping into choppy waters certain that they […]