The battle of the Christmas adverts is already hotting up – as Marks & Spencer films its festive offering in the middle of summer. The high street giant sprayed streets with fake snow to transform a London square into a winter wonderland. Our exclusive pictures show how they even brought in a helicopter packed with … Continued

Looks like Kate Moss is lining up her next husband after her toyboy love gave her a sparkler on a romantic trip to Venice. trip to Venice. Kate’s relationship with Count Nikolai von Bismarck, 29, was reported to be on the rocks. But now it looks as if they could get hitched when her divorce … Continued

The allure of Rome has cast a spell through the ages for its narrow streets, church domes, plundered treasures, and golden light. I was mesmerised, magically restored. My hotel of choice is the grand neo-Renaissance Regina Baglioni on the tree-lined Via Veneto, the glorious main drag of Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. It has that special … Continued

Perched on a cliff top, Taormina dominates all around: valleys of almond, olive and cypress trees that sink into the dancing Ionian Sea. On clear days, the view ahead is of Italy’s tip, the peninsula of Calabria, and behind, the looming smoky presence of the majestic volcano Etna. There you stand with a truly momentous … Continued

Harry’s Bar in Venice became a national monument in 2001. What’s the secret? Harry himself has a simple recipe that keeps everyone, from the famous to the fabulous, coming back. There isn’t even a sign on the door. Unknowingly, I used to jog straight past it on my morning run from the Baglioni Hotel Luna … Continued

Worship at the Grill Jamie Oliver’s parents choose the Barbecoa for the view and their famous son’s food. It even charms a hardened pescatarian. Isn’t it a bit meaty for you?’ was the universal cry when I said I was going to Jamie Oliver’s Barbecoa, an American-style charcoal grill — with me being a longtime … Continued

Frank Sinatra’s New York, New York belted out across the pub lounge on karaoke night… and a star was born. Standing alongside John Cox was stepson Harry Styles , then just nine and giving his first singing performance. The memory triggers proud and painful memories for John, who was to split up from Harry’s mum … Continued

Cape Town’s natural setting never stops changing and making its impact on mesmerised visitors as clouds sweep down the granite face of Table Mountain, Atlantic breakers crash on to soft beaches and the blazing African sun ignites towering palms and vivid hibiscus. Cape Town has soul. Africa’s most passionately creative city has become a playground … Continued