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 […]
Polished Palma. Boutique Hotel Sant Jaume
The cobbles that were once prominent are now smooth. Edges rounded by feet, hooves, and wheels over centuries. Welcome to the old town of Palma, or ‘El Casco Antiguo’. They are shiny now, the cobbles. Polished new, just like the modern shopping district of Sant Nicolas, and the elegant Avenue St Jaume III, neighbours […]
Captivating Castell Son Claret, Mallorca, Spain
The vision of Lycra stretched tight as a drum over bulging biceps and lithe limbs appears to have a special place in the hearts of Mallorcans. You can’t escape them. The cyclists. Spokes whirl at a blistering speed, backs hunch over in a brace position, head down, eyes forward. Ambition and drive unparalleled. Sweat pools […]
Ca’ Di Dio, Venice Opens
There is no better time to visit Venice. Cruise ships are now banned from entering the lagoon and 2021 marks the 1600th anniversary of the Foundation of Venice. Right on cue, in steps Ca’ di Dio, Venice’s most exciting addition for 2021. The Patricia Urquiola-designed hotel is set in a building with it’s own fascinating […]
The Grand, York
When you think of the word ‘bar’ images flood in of a less than salubrious establishment selling alcoholic beverages with perhaps a pork scratching or two thrown in for good measure. All set on the shadowy backdrop of a cigar tainted fog with mutterings of locals regaling stories, animatedly exaggerating every syllable. In York, ‘bar’ […]
Unveiling The Langham, Jakarta
After years of anticipation, The Langham, Jakarta opens in Indonesia’s capital city. The new leading ultra-luxury hotel and lifestyle destination, this stylish and contemporary 65-storey hotel is strategically located within the new prestigious complex of District 8 at SCBD (Sudirman Central Business District) near the city’s most important financial, cultural and entertainment centres. “The opening […]
Secure your own slice of paradise at Cabot St Lucia
In 2004 Ben Cowan-Dewar had the idea of transforming a disused mining site on the west coast of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada into a badly needed golf resort. That idea worked. Today, Cowan-Dewar, Co-founder and CEO of Cabot and recipient of Canada’s prestigious Top 40 under 40, is credited for his growing business success […]
Ayman Gharib takes the helm of Raffles the Palm, Dubai
Raffles The Palm Dubai, part of the leading global hospitality group Accor, has announced the appointment of Ayman Gharib as Managing Director ahead of its highly anticipated opening at the end of the year. Raffles’ palatial beach resort is located on the West Crescent of Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah Island. With its stunning panoramic views […]
Mandarin Oriental opens its second property in Turkey
Mandarin Oriental’s first foray into the Turkish luxury hotel market was in Bodrum. Mandarin Oriental Bodrum was built on 60 hectares of prime waterfront land on the northern side of the Turkish peninsula at Ceynet Koyu or Paradise Bay as it is known locally. The five-star resort has stunning views over the Aegean Sea, two […]