Ibagari, Roatán

By the time we arrive at Ibagari hotel on Roatán, it has already been mentioned to us numerous times. The hotel’s reputation precedes it, and it felt like everyone on the island – from taxi drivers to people we met on neighbouring islands – wanted to recommend it to us as the luxury choice. AndContinue reading “Ibagari, Roatán”

La Maison Haute, Brussels

While Belgium may not enjoy the same worldwide renown as its European neighbours, it’s a country with a rich tradition of bold architecture and cutting-edge design. From links to the beginnings of Surrealism to hidden Art Nouveau flourishes at every turn, the country’s designers display an innovative flair (for good and for bad – we’veContinue reading “La Maison Haute, Brussels”

Le Grand Mazarin

Last autumn, the Le Marais district of Paris was illuminated in shades of purple and circus performers roamed the cobbled streets – unusual even in a part of the city that has always been synonymous with coexisting bourgeois and bohème. The celebrations were to mark the opening of Le Grand Mazarin, the most eagerly-awaited newContinue reading “Le Grand Mazarin”

Loisium Wine & Spa Hotel, Champagne

Are there any words that, when put together, evoke such feelings of joy as “wine”, “spa”, “hotel” and “Champagne”? Nestled among some of the most valuable real estate in the area of Champagne, France – vineyards belonging to the most renowned champagne houses where world-class bottles begin their life before being shipped all over theContinue reading “Loisium Wine & Spa Hotel, Champagne”

Château de la Resle, Burgundy

Just fifteen minutes outside the town of Auxerre, and surrounded by vineyards and chocolate box towns of Burgundy, sits Château de la Resle – an intoxicating blend of bold modernity and old world charm. On arrival, it has all the hallmarks of a classic French mansion: wooden shutters, turreted roofs, oeils-de-boeuf windows, and façades drapedContinue reading “Château de la Resle, Burgundy”

EALA My Lakeside Dream, Lake Garda

Imagine a hotel where every corner elicits amazement, and where every turn features a different picture-perfect landscape. Add a rooftop bar, a private beach, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, and a full-sized spa, and you’ve just about conjured up EALA My Lakeside Dream, located near the northern tip of Italy’s Lake Garda. EALA is found inside aContinue reading “EALA My Lakeside Dream, Lake Garda”

The Seven Hotel, Luxembourg

Luxembourg may not be the first destination that springs to mind for a luxury weekend break, but with just about the highest GDP per capita globally, and a regular footfall of tourists passing through every day, there is a diverse population with plenty of disposable income to cater for. Having heard many complimentary things aboutContinue reading “The Seven Hotel, Luxembourg”

Fontenille Torre Vella, Menorca

How do you choose where to stay on an island that specialises in luxury agrotourism? Menorca is a treasure trove of excellent boutique and small chain hotels, each one offering something different, from sunset bars to clifftop picnics. After much research and comparison, we decided on Torre Vella, one of two luxury hotels on theContinue reading “Fontenille Torre Vella, Menorca”

Relais Balcone di Giulietta, Verona

It’s every tourist’s dream: at 7pm every evening the crowds are dispersed from Verona’s most popular tourist attraction, the gates are locked, and you’re left in total privacy to enjoy the courtyard with Juliet’s balcony. It’s the sort of exclusive experience you might associate with endless waiting lists and an extortionate price tag. And yet,Continue reading “Relais Balcone di Giulietta, Verona”