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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How can that quintessentially British tradition – afternoon tea – be executed so well in a hotel on the Portuguese island of Madeira? The answer, of course, is that Reid’s Palace hotel has a long tradition with the British, starting with its founder, William Reid, a Scot. Even today, over 40 per cent of the
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A week at Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 by its writer-in-residence UK price: £8.99 Pros: Intelligent, witty and well-written Cons: None Verdict: Worth reading if you find airports fascinating and/or appreciate good writing Rating: 4 Available from: Amazon Product Review If you are the sort who rushes through their reading
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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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“How do I love thee?” wrote Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “Let me count the ways.” Hopefully, the answer is enough to take your loved one to Florence for a romantic getaway. The UK is a miserable place in winter and a trip to Paris doesn’t quite cut the mustard either, as the weather is so
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Kipling Zasha wheeled duffel cabin bag UK price: £121.53 Pros: Attractive, sturdy, easy manoeuvrability Cons: More outside pockets needed Verdict: Ideal weekend and/or cabin bag Rating: Available from:Amazon.co.uk Product Review I’ve been lugging around a boring black shoulder bag for some time now and knew when I tested this that I ought to
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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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Craghoppers Pemba Jacket (Women’s) UK price: £120 Pros: A useful jacket with lots of pockets. Cons: Expensive. Verdict: Ideal for soft adventure. Rating: Available from: Craghoppers stores and online Product Review A summer walking jacket that is smart enough to double up as casual outerwear in the evening is what I was after.
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