I must admit I was a little sceptical about golf. It’s a sport I associate with portly middle-aged businessmen, sealing a deal on the fifteenth hole, not something a woman would be interested in
It’s sweltering hot outside, and much as you enjoy messing around on your yacht, it’s a long time since you had a really nice shower, a comfortable bed and a room that doesn’t move. Perhaps it’s time to check in here. Many of the rooms overlook the harbour and some have small gardens with terraces.
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David Ellams has recently been promoted to the role of head chef at Stapleford Park, where he serves a modern British menu in its fine-dining restaurant, the Grinling Gibbons room. Olivia Greenway reports
The biggest nuisance with flying is getting to and from the airport, especially for an early flight. I therefore tend to try to stay at airport hotels to avoid the dreaded shuttle bus nightmare. It probably isn’t a nightmare at all, but in my head and at some ungodly hour in the morning, my brain
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A visit to Grasse, the home of perfume, would not be complete without a trip to one of the town’s most famous perfume factories. Molinard, set in a handsome building in its own right – pinky-cream rendering with pie crust tiling and iron fretwork – was established in 1849 and much of the perfume making
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Rough Guides – Make the Most of Your Time in Britain – 500 Great British Experiences Put in your thumb and pull out a plum UK Price: £16.99 . Pros: Fresh, interesting, imaginative Cons: Some of the entries are a bit text heavy and could do with sub-headings Verdict: Ideal for
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An old ferry boat with 678 portholes makes for an oddly restful place to be pampered, finds Olivia Greenway
Sofitel is linked to the north terminal at Gatwick airport by a covered walkway; two minutes on foot will get you to the terminal. There isn’t a more convenient place to stay. Arranged around a central atrium, many of the 500-odd rooms look over the runway. It’s an airport hotel, so a slightly corporate
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With its French influences, you know that this city will not let you down as far as food, fashion and chic is concerned. But Montreal has even more to crow about – the world’s first floating spa. Handily moored downtown, the former ferry boat is entirely devoted to being a floating indulgence. Unlike many spas,
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Situated right in the middle of town, this boutique hotel – large enough to offer good facilities; small enough to be friendly – is well placed for both shopaholics and general tourists alike. A former office building, try to get a room with a view from the floor length windows that let in natural
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Olivia Greenway flew to the South of France for a few days of five star seclusion
St James’ Guest Lodge, Durban is remodelled from an Edwardian house, so the large proportions and high ceilings give it an air of grandeur. Some of the period features, such as leaded light windows have been retained. With only 16 rooms, it’s friendly, welcoming and spotlessly clean. Situated in a suburban area of Durban, I
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