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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As well as visiting the wine lodge, walking along the levades and taking tea at Reid’s, why not spend half a day learning to scuba dive? The Divepoint PADI diving school is located at the Pescana Carlton Hotel. Go through the lobby to the lift, take it down and follow the steps to the lower
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Any visitor to Funchal should take a ride in the cable car up to Monte to appreciate the wonderful views of the port and harbour of this pretty sub-tropical island. It’s suitable for young and old alike; you just need to have a bit of a head for heights. The ride takes 15 minutes and
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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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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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Olivia Greenway flew to the South of France for a few days of five star seclusion
Delicate Arch is a spectacular freestanding natural Arch, over 50 feet tall, situated in Arches National park, near Moab, Utah. Park in the Wolfe car park and prepare for a fairly strenuous uphill walk of just over a mile, to view it. Part of the appeal of this walk, mainly over slick rock, is
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South Africa: Eight days, four stops, one incredible journey. A new tour of the Eastern Cape mixes safari with activities such as cooking and canoeing
The cookery school is situated in the Little Karoo, right in the middle of the charming small town of Price Albert. With a waterway trickling through along the road and a friendly, laid back atmosphere, it’s more a throw-back to the 1950’s than a town in the 21st century. Lead by personable head chef Vanie Padayachee,
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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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