Il Melograno is one of Italy’s hidden treasures in the sun-soaked province of Puglia. The solid white-washed masseria is set around a large square, with giant cacti, glazed urns and ancient olive trees. Furnished with antiques, richly coloured rugs, and valued paintings, it exudes a cool airy elegance. I loved the indoor and outdoor pools, … Continued
Lord Jim’s is the place to go for a long, relaxing, fishy lunch or dinner on the river in Bangkok. It’s like being under the sea as you walk past fish tanks into the oval, glass room with it’s blue hue. The swirling lines on the carpet and ceiling glimmer like the ripples of waves. … Continued
This is a hotel that seeps into your psyche and lures you back time and again. Set amidst scented gardens, overlooking the glinting bay of Mirabello, the Elounda Mare is quintessentially romantic. The traditional whitewashed buildings are stylishly furnished with rugs, antiques, and comfortable furniture, and the overall sense is of space and privacy. It’s … Continued
It’s a hotel restaurant, but you feel as though you’re stepping into a Thai village, simple, cool and spacious, a refuge from the mad bustle of Bangkok. Thiptara, which means ‘heaven on water’, is set beside the Chao Praya River, and is so utterly dreamy and romantic that if you’re not with someone you love, … Continued
In the steaming, electric atmosphere of Bangkok, one of the world’s most exciting cities, The Peninsula Hotel is a supercool, sophisticated refuge. Reaching up 37 floors, its panoramic views are the most breathtaking in the city. All the rooms in the W-shaped glass and steel tower overlook the meandering Chao Praya River and awesome sprawl … Continued
The Blue Haven Hotel in Tobago is a perfect place to stay and soak up the island’s lazy days, lush vegetation and glittering turquoise seas. It’s stylish, intimate and welcoming – with a perfect palm-fringed beach of soft sand.
Lara and I arrived in a state of typical mother, daughter edgy tension. But the moment we turned into Chewton Glen’s sweeping drive, past the rolling lawns and glistening lake, a sense of calm descended on us. The hotel, on the edge of the New Forest, just a short walk to the beach, blends seamlessly … Continued
The moment you turn into Chewton Glen’s sweeping drive, past the rolling lawns and glistening lake, a sense of calm descends on you.The warm staff welcome was so heartening we couldn’t help smiling. And what with our car whisked away, coats taken, and before long even our dirty boots polished to perfection, we gave ourselves … Continued
