Visitors once just glanced over Bordeaux‘s stately 18th-century squares and harmonious architecture before heading out of town. The wine cellar at L’Intendant, a wine shop in downtown Bordeaux (Photograph by Gianluca Santoni / Sime / EStock Photo) The Route des Châteaux, running north from the UNESCO-listed city’s center, winds through the Médoc wine region, past a roster of famed chateaus—Latour, Margaux, Lafite Rothschild. But Bordeaux now uncorks more reasons to linger in the city. A revitalized riverfront makes an increasingly popular port of call for international… [Read More]
There’s More to Slovenia’s Triglav National Park Than Lake Bled
It was drizzling by the time I arrived at Vintgar Gorge, but not enough to discourage me from making the hike. Truthfully, the gorge had not even been on my radar. I had taken the bus to Lake Bohinj in Slovenia‘s Triglav National Park the day before, intending to work my way back to Ljubljana via Lake Bled, stopping for a few hours in each place. But one look at Lake Bohinj, with its encircling Karst limestone towers, emerald water, and pocket beaches, and knew… [Read More]
Would you go on holiday on your own?
I tend not to go to the cinema unless I really want to see the film. This probably happens a handful of times each year and I must say I love it. There’s no doubt in my mind that the cinema is more special than watching something on television or indeed on a plane. The big question for today though is… is it ok to go on your own? I am firmly in the yes camp. I think it’s ok to do almost everything alone. Apart from perhaps tennis and tango. And a see-saw. But… [Read More]
High five from the Cotswolds
Tamara Kaye-Honey, founder of Los Angeles interior design studio House of Honey, is our kind of traveller: intrepid and in-the-know. It’s why we tapped her as a Smith Hotel Awards judge, and to share top tips from a recent family Cotswolds escape. 1. BEST PLACE TO FIND RELIGION | AT THE CHAPEL BAKERY On the way from London, stop off for a mid-morning nibble At the Chapel bakery, a charming congregational church-turned-coaching-inn in … [Read More]
5 of Australia’s Best Glamping Sites to Soak in All of the Country’s Natural Beauty
Australia’s beauty is undeniable. It boasts some of the globe’s best landscapes and unique wildlife paired together with stunning beaches and clear blue waters. For the nature lover, this is one of those destinations that can’t be mis…via JustLuxe.com [Read More]
My Portuguese Pad with James Villas
“Is this whole place ours? The whole thing? Nah, it can’t be.” We’d followed the directions James Villas had sent us perfectly. We’d even put the address into the satnav in our hire car to make doubly sure we didn’t get lost. Yet here we were, sat outside a Portuguese mansion and wondering where we The post My Portuguese Pad with James Villas appeared first on The Travel [Read More]
Experiencing voluntourism in Cape Town, South Africa @newkidzprojects @handsupholidays
On my recent trip to which began with some days in the Winelands and Cape Town, I got to do something special: for 2 days, I got to help a local charity – New Kidz on the Block, a local organization that works to create awareness for South Africa’s 3 million orphaned, destitute and vulnerable children with their work, which includes makeovers to daycare centres in the outskirts of Cape Town. It was my first ‘voluntourism’ experience, so to say – and… [Read More]
10 Questions: Tone Adserø of Hotel Cort
In our General Manager series, we catch up with heads of hotels for personal stories and insider perspective. This week, we get to know Tone Adserø of Hotel Cort in Mallorca, Spain. Best hotel room at the property: The Plaça Suite, number 23, with its high ceiling, double shower and huge bed. The hotel’s most […] [Read More]
Geology Rocks! Basalt Columns in Iceland
Iceland is a minefield of explosive energy, and because of this beautiful shapes and patterns are formed across the landscape. As basaltic lava cools over an extended period of time, beautiful geometric forms emerge; incredible columns of hexagonal basalt rock that often form cliffs that stretch as high as the eye can see. These wondrous formations can be found all around the world, but Iceland is one of the best places for it without a doubt. … [Read More]
Italy Beyond the Bucket List
You’ve gondola-ed Venice, bicycled Tuscany, shopped Milan, art-walked Florence, and climbed the hills of Rome—that’s pretty much it for Italy, right? Not by a long shot. Just look at the map. Italy’s a boot, not a shoe, and there are lots of treasures to be discovered down around the ankle and heel, in Southern Italy. Here are five bucket-list worthy destinations in the … [Read More]
PHOTO: Slovene Square in Ptuj, Slovenia
Click on above photo to view it in large format: The Town Tower & Town Theater on Slovene Square in Ptuj, Slovenia. The Orpheus Monument, a carved marble Roman tombstone that stands in front of the tower, is probably from the second century and is considered the symbol of Ptuj. (Visited 11 times, 11 visits today)The post PHOTO: Slovene Square in Ptuj, Slovenia appeared first on Hole In The Donut Cultural Travel. [Read More]
Keeping it in the family
I’ve always loved family run hotels. Somehow I can usually tell when I’m in one within the first five minutes. It’s a range of things that give it away. The way you are greeted, the look and feel of the place, even the name of the hotel gives little clues that this place you’re staying… [Read More]
Domes of Elounda, Greece: hotel of the week
Still Googling ‘where’s sunny?’ in the hopes of a last-minute break? Crete‘s still coming up with a row of happy little suns, and with a whopping discount at pool-blessed resort Domes of Elounda, you’ll booking a trip to Elysium in less time than it takes to joyously smash a plate. STYLE Perfectly rounded resort SETTING Peaceful Mirabello Bay WHY THIS WEEK? Domes of Elounda hibernates over winter, shutting its doors from November; so that leaves you a month and a little bit to book an island break and … [Read More]
Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa: A Storied Retreat in the English Countryside
Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa is one of the most charming hotels on the south coast of England. Composed of seven medieval-style buildings with 39 rooms (an underground tunnel connects the two la…via JustLuxe.com [Read More]