Secret places for special ski breaks

December 5, 2012, 10:40 pm

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Filed under: Winter Sun & Ski

Ever been disappointed with your ski holiday accommodation? Join the club! If you're a tad fussy about where you rest your weary legs at the end of a hard day on the slopes, this one's for you. We've scoured the Alps to find convivial chalets, slope-side hotels and bargainous B& Bs that offer that little bit extra, from hot-tubs with views to blazing fires and gourmet food. For more inspiration, check out Sawdays' Special Places.

Special places to ski

• The family retreat
  <p> <strong>Mazot les Tines, Chamonix</strong>. This upstairs-downstairs little chalet &ndash;possibly the cutest in Chamonix is light and bright and stylish, with a floor-to-ceiling window that looks onto the garden. You are on the edge of pretty Les Tines and a bus brings you right in to Chamonix.&nbsp;From 800 Euros per week, self-catered (sleeps four). For more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sawdays.co.uk/special-places/france/rhone-valley-alps/haute-savoie/mazot-les-tines">Mazot Les Tines</a>.&nbsp;</p>
• The top-notch hotel
  <p> <strong>Hotel Mont-Blanc, Megeve.&nbsp;</strong>If you like chic, vintage style, <a href="http://www.hotelmontblanc.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Mont-Blanc</a> in Megeve, renowned for its illustrious guest list, has just launched new vintage suites. Drawing inspiration from the famous guests who have stayed at the hotel, the suites are inspired by the 50s and 60s heydays with English, Austrian and Savoyard interiors. Expect light woods, checked fabrics, stag's antlers and cosy sofas with throws. Be sure to indulge in top brand champagnes, caviars and foie gras in the Champagne Bar. Rooms from &euro;270 per night.</p>
• The relaxing retreat
  <p> <strong>Auberge Le Chalet des Troncs, le Grand Bornard.</strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong>This old chalet has been renovated in rustic contemporary style; in two wood-lined sitting rooms an old sledge has become a coffee table, there&rsquo;s a nice scatter of antiques and bric-a-bra and bedrooms are a joy. Cross-country ski from the door or catch a free bus for the Grand Bornand and return for a soak in the new infinity hot tub.&nbsp;From 350 Euros per room per night, half-board based on two sharing. Sole occupancy also available. Visit <a href="http://www.sawdays.co.uk/special-places/france/rhone-valley-alps/haute-savoie/auberge-le-chalet-des-troncs" target="_blank">Sawdays</a> for more.</p>
• The super-cute ski lodge
  <p> <strong>Petite Marmotte Lodge</strong>, Courchevel 1650.&nbsp;This little hideaway in the French Alps is the only chalet for two in the area. Perfect for turning your ski holiday into a romantic break, <a href="http://www.powderwhite.com/hotels/courchevel1650-1550/portetta-peit-marmotte-lodges.htm" target="_blank">Petite Marmotte Lodge</a> offers magical mountain views from its outdoor hot tub, roaring log fires and inviting sheepskin rugs. Guests at the former hay barn can have Michelin-starred food delivered to the lodge and enjoy spa treatments at La Portetta Hotel, just five minutes away. <a href="http://www.powderwhite.com/hotels/courchevel1650-1550/portetta-peit-marmotte-lodges.htm" target="_blank">Powder White</a> offers seven nights at Petite Marmotte from &euro;2,000.</p>
• The quirky chalet
  <p> <strong>La Ferme du Lac Vert, Morzine.&nbsp;</strong>Cow hides and fur, delectable canap&eacute;s and cocktails that explode in the mouth three things that will strike you at this funky chalet in the Portes du Soleil. The shuttle whisks you to the slopes and you return to three fabulous living spaces (one with a bar on runners, one with a fireplace for warming vin chaud) and a hot tub on the terrace.&nbsp;From &pound;595 per person per week, fully catered. Sole occupancy from &pound;11,900 per week (sleeps 24).&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sawdays.co.uk/special-places/france/rhone-valley-alps/haute-savoie/la-ferme-du-lac-vert">La Ferme du Lac Vert</a>.</p>
• The rustic spa
  <p> <strong>Hotel Chabichou, Courchevel 1850</strong>.&nbsp;Spa in style at Hotel Chabichou in Courchevel 1850, where the family-run rustic Alpine retreat houses the Cha'Banya, a subterranean wellness centre under the ski slope with a 51ft pool and aromatherapy-based treatments. The spa features multi-sensory experiences with a tropical-rain trail, Russian sauna, hammam, Dead Sea pool, Polar bath, ice fountain and saline cave - perfect for alternative apr&egrave;s-ski or if you prefer pampering to skiing. Powder White offers seven nights' B&amp;B at <a href="http://www.powderwhite.com/hotels/courchevel1850/le-chabichou.htm" target="_blank">Hotel Chabichou</a> from &pound;1,474 per person, including return flights from London to Geneva and transfers based on a January 2013 departure.</p>
• The spacious hideaway
  <p> <strong>La Ferme du Ciel, Samoens</strong>.&nbsp;High above the valley and pretty Samo&euml;ns, this huge old chalet-style farmhouse has been renovated to reveal soaring beams, a great woody open-plan living space, a shiny state-of-the-art kitchen, big lofty bedrooms and a fire to warm you. You don&rsquo;t have to bring a crowd but should you wish to, the chalet can sleeps 18 (four rooms have sofabeds for children) and a further four in a cute little apartment&nbsp; The whole place oozes comfort and style, for added luxury there&rsquo;s jacuzzi and sauna. &nbsp;From &pound;846 per person per week, fully catered. Sole occupancy from &pound;9310 based on 12 sharing.</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1"> <a href="http://www.sawdays.co.uk/special-places/france/rhone-valley-alps/haute-savoie/ferme-du-ciel">Ferme du Ciel</a>, Mathonex, 74340 Samo&euml;ns, Haute-Savoie</p>
• The art lover's paradise
  <p> <strong>Kristiania</strong>, Lech.&nbsp;Art meets snow at the beautiful <a href="http://www.kristiania.at/de/13/home.aspx" target="_blank">Kristiania</a> in the Austrian Alps. This cool hangout houses a spectacular art collection in a traditional ski chalet setting. Nestle yourself among more than 200 contemporary paintings, sculptures, original prints and tapestries from emerging and established artists, such as Max Cole, Roy Lichtenstein and Sam Francis. The hotel has 29 unique guestrooms, each decorated with individual artistic elements based around a particular piece of art, and the main dining room has been transformed into a gallery which rivals those in big cities! Double rooms from &euro;360 per night and &euro;210 for a single, including a bottle of champagne, complimentary minibar, WiFi and snow shuttle van.</p>
• The rambling farmhouse
  <p> <strong>The Farmhouse, Morzine.&nbsp;</strong>Start your day with a breakfast spread in the old cattle shed and end it with a slap-up dinner hosted by Dorrien, who gave up England for the oldest farmhouse in Morzine. Think big, characterful, comfortable bedrooms. &nbsp;A 'ski host' at the farmhouse is on hand to introduce you to the runs, and after a hard day on the slopes you'll return to a hot toddy in the bar and a crackling log fire. &nbsp;From 728 Euros per person per week, fully catered.</p> <p class="p1"> </p> <p class="p1"> <a href="http://www.sawdays.co.uk/special-places/france/rhone-valley-alps/haute-savoie/the-farmhouse">The Farmhouse</a>, Le Mas de la Coutettaz, 74110 Morzine, Haute-Savoie&nbsp;</p>
• The foodie's haven
  <p> <strong>Le Lodge Park, Megeve&nbsp;</strong>Gourmands will love <a href="http://www.lodgepark.com/" target="_blank">Le Lodge Park</a> in Megeve, France, as this December new steak restaurant Le Beef Lodge will open, offering guests Black Angus, Baviere beef, Iberian pork, lamb and veal from renowned local butcher, the Metzger Brothers. The stylish hotel is designed as a traditional hunting lodge with 49 spacious rooms and suites. The cosy lounge and restaurant are informal yet elegant, while the bar is a great place for apr&egrave;s-ski drinks, with its hunting trophies, roaring fire and natural stone fireplace. Rooms from &euro;270 per night.</p>
• The budget surprise
  <p> <strong>Chalet Savoie Faire, La Lachere</strong>.&nbsp;Behind the grey fa&ccedil;ade of this old Savoyard farmhouse is one luxurious B&amp;B. Friendly owners Hugh and Nikki &nbsp;(who runs cookery courses) have put everything into the renovation and each room has charming touches. The arched diner (once the cowshed) is chandelier-hung and atmospheric; the sitting room has a toasty fire; the bedrooms (one a family suite) are a delight with chunky-chic furniture. The cross-country skiing is very good, and Trois Vall&eacute;es is 30 minutes away.&nbsp;From 68 Euros per night based on two sharing, including breakfast.&nbsp; Sole occupancy fully catered from 2800 Euros per week (sleeps eight).&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sawdays.co.uk/special-places/france/rhone-valley-alps/savoie/chalet-savoie-faire">F</a>i<a href="http://www.sawdays.co.uk/special-places/france/rhone-valley-alps/savoie/chalet-savoie-faire" target="_blank">nd out more by at Sawdays</a>.</p>
• The luxury mountain retreat
  <p> <strong>Chalet Colinn, Val d'Isere</strong>&nbsp;Owners&nbsp;Myl&egrave;ne and Elizabeth have reincarnated a fallen ruin into a luxury mountain retreat. Join them for gourmet dinner under soaring, raftered ceilings in the grand living space which hovers above Tignes dam or soak in the terrace hot tub under the stars. With easy access to the the slopes at Val d'Is&egrave;re, or Tignes, or the Vanoise park.&nbsp;Half-board package with a six-day ski pass costs from 700 Euros per person. Sole occupancy also available. Visit <a href="http://www.sawdays.co.uk/special-places/france/rhone-valley-alps/savoie/chalet-colinn" target="_blank">Sawdays&nbsp;</a>for more.</p>
• The sweet little chalet
  <p> <strong><a href="http://www.sawdays.co.uk/special-places/france/rhone-valley-alps/haute-savoie/mazot-les-tines" target="_blank">Mazot Les Tines</a>, Chamonix.</strong>&nbsp;This upstairs-downstairs little chalet &ndash;possibly the sweetest in Chamonix -is perfect for a young family: it's light and bright and stylish. A floor-to-ceiling window looks onto the garden and there's a whole dedicated kids' space on the mezzanine. The balcony has magnificent mountain views, and are on the edge of pretty Les Tines. A bus brings you right in to Chamonix.&nbsp;From 800 Euros per week, self-catered (sleeps four).&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"> </p>
• The idyllic hideaway
  <p> <strong>La Ferme du Soliel, Le Grand Bornard. </strong>You can ski to the door of this classic Alpine chalet, nestled in a&nbsp;hamlet of four old wooden houses. It's &nbsp;high up, impossibly pretty, detached from the bustling world, with views to lift spirits and a deep silence in which to contemplate such beauty. You are a stroll from the top of a chair lift and a quick slide from the bottom of several, so you can stop skiing when you're ready for a blazing log fire and a delicious bite. Big, cosy, beautiful, open and convivial.&nbsp;From 700 Euros per person per week, fully catered.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.sawdays.co.uk/special-places/france/rhone-valley-alps/haute-savoie/la-ferme-du-soleil">La Ferme du Soleil</a>.</p>
• The Bond-style retreat
  <p> <a href="http://www.thehealthyholidaycompany.co.uk/trips/ferme%20de%20moudon/#" target="_blank">Ferme de Moudon</a><a href="http://www.fermedemoudon.com/" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>in Les Gets is a five-bedroom chalet tucked away in its own grounds yet ony a few minutes away from the centre of Les Gets.&nbsp; Sleeping groups up to 10, with views across the valleys towards the mountains,&nbsp; a Jacuzzi and sauna and a chalet team including a chef, butler, chauffer, chalet assistant and housekeeper, Kevin McCloud of Grand Designs described the chalet as &hellip;like something from a James Bond set.&nbsp;&nbsp;Prices for a week&rsquo;s stay full board start from &pound;18,700 per week (&pound;1,870 per person) this season.</p> <p class="p2"> </p>
• The completely over-the-top chalet
  <p> <strong>Chalet Seven, Crans Montana, Switzerland</strong>&nbsp;This &pound;15 million brand new super-luxe chalet boasts some extravagant features including an eight-metre pool, bar, spa, cutting-edge technology and a chauffeur and hospitality manager who has worked for Prince William. It sleeps up to 30: there are three four-bedroom en-suite apartments and a six-bed children's bunk room. The best bit? there's a terrace where you can relax with the outdoor jacuzzi and fire pit. Oh, and each apartment has an iPad with an app that controls the temperature, lighting and music. Prices start from a mere &pound;100,000 per week for the chalet.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.chaletseven.com/" target="_blank">chaletseven.com</a>.&nbsp;</p>
• The chocolate box chalet
  <p> <strong>Chalet Chatelet, Bonneveaux.&nbsp;</strong>The cow-belled Vall&eacute;e d'Abondance envelops this pretty pine chalet, the result of years of your hosts' creative energy. Oak floors, soft shapes and high ceilings hug reclaimed furniture and works by other members of this arty family. Warmth comes from a Finnish stove and solar panels. Find spectacular views from the hot tub, expect cultured chat (and delicious food) in the intimate dining room. From your bedroom you gaze to mountains you skied that day.&nbsp;From &pound;520 per person per week, fully catered. Chalet<a href="http://www.sawdays.co.uk/special-places/france/rhone-valley-alps/haute-savoie/chalet-chatelet" target="_blank"> Chatelet</a>.</p>

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Celebrities with place names: ideas for Kate and Wills' royal baby

December 6, 2012, 3:07 am

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Royal baby fever is sweeping the world so we couldn't resist thinking about what Kate and William will name their new bundle of joy. Will they follow the trend of naming their baby after a place, like the Beckhams did with Brooklyn?

The couple could choose Borneo where they recently took a trip, Canada - the country of their first royal tour, or Provence where the couple jetted off on holiday this summer?

Browse the famous faces who have been named after places around the world...

Celebrities with names of places

• Orlando Bloom
  <p> Although actor Orlando Bloom was born in England, he shares his name with a famous city in Florida. <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/orlando/" target="_blank">Orlando</a> was actually named after 16th century composer Orlando Gibbons but we like the idea of his parents opting for the home of Disney when deciding what to call their son!</p>
• Paris Hilton
  <p> American socialite and businesswoman Paris Hilton shares her name with a certain city of love. On why she was called <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/Paris/" target="_blank">Paris</a>, Ms Hilton once said: 'No, no, I wasn't conceived in Paris. My parents had thought of names like China and Paris for me and finally they opted for Paris.' Wow, she could have been China Hilton!</p>
• Rio Ferdinand
  <p> You may think footballer Rio Ferdinand was named after Brazilian city <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/rio+de+janeiro/" target="_blank">Rio de Janeiro</a>, which just so happens to be the host of the next World Cup, but he was in fact given the name Rio by his father after the Rio Grande. The Rio Grande is a river flowing from Colorado in the States to the Gulf of Mexico.</p>
• Bristol Palin
  <p> Ok, so the eldest daughter of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin may have been named after the Bristol Inn located in Bristol, Connecticut, where she worked when her daughter was born, but we like the idea of Bristol Palin sharing a name with our very own <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/Bristol/" target="_blank">Bristol</a> in South West England.</p>
• Brooklyn Beckham
  <p> Many people believe Victoria and David Beckham named their son Brooklyn after the city he was conceived in but this isn't true. Victoria chose it because she liked the name Brooke - although she was in the <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/New+York/" target="_blank">New York</a> borough when she discovered she was pregnant. What a coincidence! In her autobiography <em>Learning to Fly</em>, she wrote: 'I had always liked the name Brooke and then we suddenly thought about Brooklyn. I&rsquo;d always like it as a place &ndash; it&rsquo;s very multi-cultural, very grounded. And it was only afterwards that I realized how appropriate it was because it was in New York that I found out I was pregnant and where David came after the World Cup.'</p>
• Dakota Fanning
  <p> Teen actress Dakota Fanning's real name is Hannah but she goes by her middle name, which is also the name of two U.S. states (North and South Dakota), a city in Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin. At least she'll be able to choose which one she wants to share be connected to!</p>
• Egypt Dean
  <p> Singer Alicia Keys chose the <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/Egypt/" target="_blank">Egypt</a> as her son's name after taking a trip to the North African country. She said: 'I took an important trip for myself to Egypt. I was not as experienced then, so I felt close to a breakdown. I went to Egypt, and I went alone. I sailed down the Nile and I saw the temples, the tombs, and the pyramids. It was powerful. It was very Cleopatra. When we found out I was pregnant, my husband said, &quot;Egypt was such an important time for you. That really changed your life. Wouldn&rsquo;t that be amazing as a name?&quot; Once he said that, I was like, &quot;Yes.&quot;'</p>
• Ireland Baldwin
  <p> <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/Ireland/" target="_blank">Ireland</a> Baldwin, daughter of Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin was given the uncoventional name by her mum Kim who at the time of her pregnancy was conjuring up the trips she wanted to take with her daughter. The aspiring actress is nicknamed Dublin by her friends and her father Alec is known to joke about his daughter's moniker. When asked on Twitter why he chose it, Alec replied: 'Bc (sic) she's beautiful but can't manage her finances'.</p>
• Lourdes Ciccone Leon
  <p> Madonna named her daughter after the French shrine <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/tag/lourdes/" target="_blank">Lourdes</a>, famous among Roman Catholics who believe was a vision of the Virgin Mary by a local girl in 1858. Madonna once said about her daughter: 'Every time I look into her eyes, I feel healed.'</p>
• Phoenix Chi Gulzar
  <p> Mel B named her first daughter, who she had with dancer Jimmy Gulzar, Phoenix. Phoenix shares her moniker with the capital and largest city of Arizona in America and even though there hasn't been an official reason for Mel B choosing this name, there have been stories that it was the city in which it first became public when the Spice Girl was pregnant.</p>

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Will next week really be the coldest for 20 years?

December 7, 2012, 12:50 am

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Reports today have suggested Britain is in for the coldest spell of winter so far next week, with some going as far as to predict it could be the coldest period for 20 years.

According to the Express, a Beast from the East front is heading in fro Siberia, creating blizzard conditions and freezing temps, with windchill making it feel like -30C in some places.

Some parts of the country were already experiencing -13C on Wednesday night, and forecaster are warning it could be colder next week.

The Met Office has released a statement about next week's 'Big Freeze', which reads: "Strictly speaking our weather is not expected to be coming directly from the east next week, but more from the northeast, tracking across the North Sea from Scandinavia, bringing cold north to northeastly winds to our shores. As this cold air moves over the relatively mild North Sea, the air will pick up moisture and become increasing unstable, bringing showers to eastern parts of the country as shown on the chart below.

"The showers are most likely across eastern parts of Scotland and northern England on Monday, and as the week progresses they will spread increasingly further south to other parts of eastern England. At first they are likely to be a mix of rain, sleet and snow, but are expected to become increasingly wintry in nature, potentially leading to some locally significant falls of snow, especially over high ground, including the Highlands, Southern Uplands of Scotland and the hills of Northumberland and the North York Moors.

"Although next week will certainly be very cold, especially compared to a brief respite from the cold conditions over the coming weekend, at the moment it is not expected to be as cold as the bitter conditions we saw back in December 2010 when temperatures fell to -21.3 deg C on 2nd December at Altnaharra in Scotland, which was the lowest December temperature recorded in the UK since 13 December 1995.

"Met Office forecasters will be monitoring this developing weather situation throughout the weekend and will update forecasts and warnings. This will ensure the public has access to the latest weather forecasts that will help them prepare, plan and protect themselves from the impacts of the snow and icy conditions expected next week.

"Met Office Cold Weather Alerts have been issued for the whole of England as the forecast weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients."

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Video of the day: Around the world time lapse

December 7, 2012, 3:58 am

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Time is Nothing // Around The World Time Lapse from Kien Lam on Vimeo.

When Kien Lam quit his job last year, he decided to do what most of us dream of doing and take a trip around the world. Seventeen countries and 19 plane jouneys later, he put together this beautiful time lapse video of some of the many places he visited on his travels.

From the streets of Istanbul to the incredible Cafayate in Argentina, this little video is an inspiration to anyone suffering with itchy feet. Time to book those plane tickets...

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Video: Australia's Southern Lights

 

This week's best deals: Cape Verde, Lapland and Goa

December 9, 2012, 8:22 pm

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Get 31 per cent off a beach break in Cape Verde

latedeals.co.uk (0808 256 8383) is offering a seven-night escape in Boa Vista, Cape Verde from £617 per person, saving you 31 per cent. The holiday includes a stay at the four-star Royal Decameron on an all-inclusive basis, with flights departing from Birmingham on 9 January. You can also get an extra £25 off your booking (until 31 December) by claiming a voucher from its Facebook page.



Save £216 per person on a Christmas break in Lapland

Inghams (01483 791 114) is offering a Christmas holiday in unspoilt Yllas, Lapland from £549 per person (saving you £216 per person) with a stay at the four-star Akas Apartments situated in a scenic and peaceful wooded location, just 5 minutes from the resort centre. The package includes seven nights self-catered accommodation, flights from Manchester to Kittila departing 23 December 2012 and resort transfers.



Escape to Goa for winter sun from £332.54 per room

sunshine.co.uk is offering a seven-night stay at the three-star Country Club De Goa in India from £332.54 per room. The hotel boasts a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere, together with traditional Goan hospitality. The stay is from 18 December 2012 on a B&B basis. Flights from Gatwick start at £450.86 with Thomas Cook.

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Win an iPad!

December 9, 2012, 9:41 pm

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Want to try out some of Britain's Great Drives without the hassle of getting lost?

To celebrate the launch of the new BMW 3 Series Touring, we've teamed up with BMW UK to offer one lucky user the chance to win the new iPad and a £50 iTunes voucher to buy a navigation App. Two lucky runners up will win an iPod Touch touch and a £50 iTunes voucher.

Whether you are going on a multi-stop route or a direct route, navigation Apps for the iPad/ iPod Touch can offer turn-by-turn navigation guidance and also information on places to visit, helping you to get the most out of your trip. What's better is that the Technology works through GPS so you don't even need a phone signal in those hard to reach areas.

For your chance to win, enter here

 

The British Isles in pictures: Landscape Photographers of the year

December 10, 2012, 4:01 am

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A collection of images of the British Isles has been compiled for a the latest edition of the Landscape Photographer of The Year - and the results are spectacular.

Collection 6 takes you on a magical tour around the country, viewed through the lenses of some of the best landscape photographers in the world.

Published by AA Publishing, the launch of the book is being marked by aan exhibition of some of the winning and commended photos at London's National Theatre until 23 December.

To purchase the 224-page book (price £25) visit shop.theaa.com.

Landscape Photographer of the Year images

• The Humber Bridge, North Lincolnshire, England
• Embleton Rays, Northumberland, England
• Lindisfarne, Northumberland, England
• Under the Stars, Bowerman's Nose, Dartmoor, Devon, England
• Seamill in Spring, North Ayrshire, Scotland
• London City, looking West, England
• The North Harris Hills, Scotland
• A misty morning beside Loch Awe with views to Kilchurn Castle, Argyll & Bute, Scotland
• Portencross in Spring, North Ayrshire, Scotland
• The Princess Elizabeth salutes Queen Elizabeth, London, England
• Heather Management, North Yorkshire Moors, England
• XXIst century factory, London, England
• Sunset from a rooftop, London, England
• South Downs National Park, Hampshire, England
• The Cement Works & Castleton, Derbyshire, England
• Derwentwater, Cumbria, England
• Above the Clouds on Crib Goch, Snowdonia, Wales
• Welsh Gold, Nash Point, Glamorgan Heritage Coast, Wales

 

London's best secret hotels

December 10, 2012, 7:36 pm

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St Ermin's

Shhh! Away from the crowds in London's hidden spots these off-the-radar hotels are just what you need for a discreet stay in the capital. We've found London's undiscovered hotels, complete with spy histories and secret garden bars!

London's top secret hotels

• The Halkin by COMO, Belgravia
  <p> A hotel that prides itself on a discreet and elegant environment, <a href="http://www.comohotels.com/thehalkin/" target="_blank">The Halkin by COMO</a> nestled in exclusive Belgravia is the ultimate urban sanctuary, oozing understated glamour, poised service and chic interiors. As London's first boutique design hotel, it is considered a home from home for the rich and famous looking for a hideaway in the centre of the capital, while still close to all the action. The Halkin boasts Georgian-style Portland stone, arched windows and stylish rooms in calming shades.</p>
• <p> Set close to an elegant garden square, <a href="http://www.ecclestonsquarehotel.com/" target="_blank">Eccleston Square Hotel</a> is in a Grade II-listed dating back to 1835 with an interior that will surprise you - think contemporary spaces inspired by a super yacht cabin! As one of Europe's most hi-tech hotels, the 39-bedroom hotel is hidden behind a striking Georgian facade and offers state-of-the-art bedroom interiors, such as lighting, curtain and temperature controls, iPad2s and electronically-adjustable beds with massage features.</p>
• Wyndham Grand London, Chelsea Harbour
  <p> Tucked away in exclusive Chelsea Harbour, <a href="http://www.wyndhamgrandlondon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Wyndham Grand London</a> is London's only all-suite five-star hotel and is ideally placed just moments from the buzz of the King's Road and close to Westfield Shopping Centre. What we love most about the suites is their sense of space, giving you luxury and style with plenty of room in a tranquil city spot. Be sure to go for a stroll along the River Thames without the crowds of the South Bank, and when your legs can't take anymore exploring, head back to the hotel and indulge in afternoon tea at the Chelsea Riverside Brasserie overlooking the picturesque harbour marina.</p>
• The Rookery, Clerkenwell
  <p> Set in trendy Clerkenwell, the classic, warm and lavish <a href="http://www.ghotw.com/hotel/home/rookery.htm" target="_blank">Rookery</a> is the hotel gem of the area and is all about period charm. Imagine polished wood panelling, stone-flagged doors, open fires and antique furniture creating a warm and homely atmosphere that is more private members club than hotel. The Rookery's rooms are traditionally furnished and full of character, with four-poster mahogany beds and vintage bath tubs. Don't miss the conservatory, which contains an honesty bar for you to help yourself to drinks, relax and entertain friends.</p>
• St. Ermin's, Westminster
  <p> You want a secret hotel? This hotel knows all about keeping secrets and was once a hangout for spies. Tucked away behind a pretty courtyard garden close to St James's Park, <a href="http://www.sterminshotel.co.uk/" target="_blank">St Ermin's</a> boasts gorgeous white rococo decor, a dramatic two-tiered lobby with a sweeping staircase, curving balconies and roaring log fires. It is full of character with a secret tunnel, which is said to lead directly to the Palace of Westminster, and during the Cold War, the Caxton Bar was where notorious spy Guy Burgess of the Cambridge Five handed over secret files to his Russian counterpart. What's more, the four-star deluxe hotel is family-friendly and offers a Budding Bonds package to turn little guests into secret agents, with its local spy walk, code-breaking puzzles, missions and non-alcoholic cocktails - shaken, not stirred!</p>
• The Arch London, Marble Arch
  <p> The quietly glamorous <a href="http://www.prideofbritainhotels.com/the_arch_london" target="_blank">Arch London</a> is a stylish newcomer to the capital's hotel scene and is located close to busy Oxford Street but seeming a world away. Epitomising London Townhouse living, the elegant and modern hotel features British art on the walls, a cosy library and home cooked, simple and seasonal food. The 82 bedrooms and nine suites have complimentary internet access, Nespresso coffee machines, Jing tea-making facilities, a complimentary soft drinks minibar, plus most have in-bath TVs. It's just the kind of hotel we like being holed up in with our home comforts!</p>
• Adria, Kensington
  <p> A quintessentially British hotel, the <a href="http://www.theadria.com/" target="_blank">Adria</a> is situated in Queen's Gate and is a gem among London's hotel scene. Each of the 24 bedrooms is different in design and are lettered, not numbered, so you can stay in the Adria (A), Bowler (B), Croquet (C) or the Downing (D). The hotel prides itself on high standards, offering bespoke service to its guests. The Victorian townhouse, built in 1870, has a philosophy of creating a 'home away from home' and was designed as a residence while portraying British traditions.</p>
• Ibis Blackfriars, City of London
  <p> Not what you'd expect from Ibis, this budget hotel is hidden away in Blackfriars, just 10 minutes from Southwark and opened in October 2012, so it is still off the tourist radar. The super-cool <a href="http://www.ibis.com/gb/hotel-7943-ibis-london-blackfriars/index.shtml" target="_blank">Ibis Blackfriars</a> has staff wearing black uniforms with red converse shoes that they can personalise, a food menu called Fogg inspired by Phileas Fogg who went 'Around the World in 80 days' - so expect dishes from all over the world - and a Monscierge in the reception hall, a virtual concierge system allowing you to discover things to do near the hotel via a touch screen.</p>
• <p> Escape the tourist traps of the West End and book a stay at the distinctively different <a href="http://www.southplacehotel.com/" target="_blank">South Place Hotel</a> located between Moorgate and Liverpool Street. Giving a nod to its historic location, the place of a Soviet spy ring in the 1920s, South Place Hotel features peep-holes in the meeting rooms, secret bars and lounges for guests only and private rooms. Don't miss a drink in the hidden 'secret garden' atrium bar on the first floor and book a room in one of its five private rooms, which take their names from fictional spies. There's also a resident's games room, Le Chiffre, which has all the feel of a private members club with a roaring fire, well-stocked library and records.</p>
• York & Albany, Camden
  <p> Nestled between vibrant Camden and refined Regent&rsquo;s Park, <a href="http://www.gordonramsay.com/yorkandalbany/" target="_blank">York &amp; Albany</a> is a bar, dining room and townhouse with 10 rooms. With its building designed by John Nash, Russell Sage interiors and culinary offerings from Gordon Ramsay, this hotel certainly has the right to name-drop! Dating back to the 1820s and originally a coaching inn, the York &amp; Albany captures the elegance of the Regency period but with a contemporary finish. The 10 bedrooms are adorned with period antiques and a few personal touches. It has a relaxed atmosphere and if it's privacy you're after, you don't even need to leave for breakfast or dinner as your in a hotel owned by one of the world's top chefs!</p>

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Picture quiz: Guess the Christmas city

December 10, 2012, 10:00 pm

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'Tis the season to be sparkly, and metropolises all over the world are embracing the fairy light like there's no tomorrow. Seeing a city in lights can transform a familiar landscape into something rather beautiful and extraordinary, as these pics show. Put your knowledge to the test and see how many of these festive cities you recognise...

Christmas quiz: Which cities are lit up?

• Oxford Street, London
• <p> Christmas in this city is not complete without midnight mass at this famous cathedral...</p>
• Notre Dame, Paris
• <p> Talk about OTT. The tree at this famous city's landmark is lit up with more than 30,000 lights. Where is it?</p>
• The Rockefeller Centre, New York
• <p> Jim Larkin's statue looks dramatic in this Irish Christmas scene. But in which city will you find it?</p>
• O'Connell Street, Dublin
• <p> This romantic city knows how to do Christmas. Elegant light displays adorn shopping areas and historical sites, not to mention its most famous landmark...</p>
• Eiffel Tower, Paris
• <p> This German city does Christmas in style. The impressive gate at the end of this boulevard will give you a clue to its whereabouts...</p>
• Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
• <p> Talk about ostentatious! These lights are characteristic of the city they belong to: opulence in the extreme!</p>
• Monte Carlo
• <p> One of the holiest places on earth to celebrate the Christmas season?</p>
• Vatican, Italy
• <p> These lights are among the most famous in the world, drawing visitors from around the globe. Do you recognise them?</p>

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Win! Dinner and an overnight stay at a London hotel on New Year's Eve!

December 11, 2012, 12:28 am

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Celebrities on holiday 2012

December 11, 2012, 11:23 pm

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Rex / Twitter / XPOSUREPHOTOS.COM

It's a tough life, being an A-lister. All that lounging around on beaches/private yachts can really take it out on you. And it's certainly been a busy year for our most treasured stars, as this picture gallery shows....

Celebs on holiday 2012

• Gary Barlow takes in the views of South Africa
  <p> <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/03/04/gary-barlow-shows-off-his-holiday-snaps-on-twitter/" target="_blank">Gary Barlow showed us his amazing holiday snaps</a> when he went to Cape Town's Table Mountain in March. Check out that view! The X Factor judge was in South Africa filming an advert for Marks &amp; Spencer but managed to take time out to enjoy the stunning scenery.</p>
• Halle Berry's family day out at the beach in Malibu
  <p> Beach beauties Halle Berry and daughter Nahla looked like they were having a whale of a time in Malibu this April. The pair was joined by Halle's fianc&eacute; Olivier Martinez and they were spotted on beach swings, searching for rocks and flowers, running up and down the sand and playing in the sea.</p>
• Gary Barlow soaks up some culture in the Solomon Islands
  <p> A month after his trip to South Africa, <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/04/07/gary-barlow-tweets-holiday-photos-from-solomon-islands-travel/" target="_blank">Gary Barlow went to the Solomon Islands</a> to film a documentary on the Queen's Jubilee. Naturally he was keen to explore the local culture and was pictured eating exotic food and shopping on his travels.</p>
• Frank Lampard and Christine Bleakley's romantic trip to Italy
  <p> Loved up Frank Lampard and Christine Bleakley took a romantic break in Portofino, Italy in June and were spotted exploring the upmarket village by foot, swimming in their hotel pool and even watching a football match at a local bar!</p>
• J-Lo and family bury their bodyguard at the beach in Brazil
  <p> We would have loved to join Jennifer Lopez and her family on their holiday in Brazil. In June, J-Lo, her boyfriend Casper Smart and children Max and Emme were at Ipanema Beach burying their bodyguard in the sand. The singer then took a picture of the family's handiwork, showing off her toned bikini body.</p>
• George Clooney shows Stacy Kiebler his Lake Como holiday home
  <p> George Clooney has a gorgeous <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2011/05/05/celebrity-holiday-homes/" target="_blank">holiday home</a> on Italy's Lake Como, where he's frequently seen impressing his friends and the ladies with trips to the Lake. In June, he brought girlfriend Stacy Kiebler to Como and took her on boat rides and meals out in the chic holiday spot.</p>
• Jada Pinkett Smith's family holiday in Hawaii
  <p> While on a family holiday in Hawaii in July, <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/07/29/jada-pinkett-smith-bikini-body-hot-at-forty/" target="_blank">Jada Pinkett Smith hit the headlines when she tweeted a picture of herself emerging from the sea Bond girl-style</a>, showing off her super-toned bikini body. While the 40-year-old enjoyed time on the beach with hubby Will Smith, their children Willow and Jaden spent most of the time surfing.</p>
• Michelle Heaton's girly summer getaway
  <p> <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/08/04/michelle-heaton-twitter-holiday-photos-girly-break-daughter/" target="_blank">Michelle Heaton looked like she was having a great time on a girly break this summer</a>. The former Liberty X singer took a sunny holiday with her daughter Faith and BFF Katie Price. How cute does Faith look in her inflatable ring?</p>
• Terri Hatcher gets active in Croatia
  <p> Instead of hitting the South of France on a yacht or enjoying the beaches of Miami, Desperate Housewives star Terri Hatcher took her daughter on an <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/08/09/top-ten-active-holidays-in-croatia/" target="_blank">action-packed holiday in Croatia</a> in July. The pair was seen on their mother-daughter getaway rafting and making the most of Croatia's great outdoors. Of course safety came first and the duo was seen sporting helmets and life jackets as they stepped into the Cetina River near the town of Omis.</p>
• Jodie Marsh sunbathes in the Caribbean
  <p> While Team GB was celebrating its gold wins at the Olympics this summer, <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/08/02/jodie-marsh-celebrates-team-gb-medals-gold-bikini-caribbean-holiday/" target="_blank">Jodie Marsh showed her support by donning a sparkly gold bikini while on holiday in the Caribbean</a>. The body builder was in Barbados and made us very jealous when she tweeted a picture of the beautiful beach where she was sunbathing.</p>
• Rihanna hits the sun-soaked Mediterranean
  <p> We've lost count of how many holidays Rihanna took this year but in July she travelled to the Mediterranean with a group of friends and spent a lot of time on a luxury yacht. <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/07/21/rihanna-holiday-mediterranean-cruise-sailing-sardinia-luxury-yacht/" target="_blank">Rihanna took to Instagram to show off her holiday snaps</a>. In one she was enjoying watching the sunset and the night before she spent the evening in Positano, Italy. Those lucky celebs!</p>
• Jennifer Ellison's family beach break in Tenerife
  <p> In July, <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/07/27/jennifer-ellison-shows-off-bikini-body-family-holiday-tenerife/" target="_blank">Jennifer Ellison took a family holiday in Tenerife</a> and topped off her tan on the beach. Jennifer looked happy and relaxed in Tenerife where she had been earlier in the year after her appearance on ITV1's Dancing on Ice. Twice in one year - Jen must really love Tenerife!</p>
• Kym Marsh's hen party in Marbella
  <p> For her hen party in July, Corrie star <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/07/28/kym-marsh-holiday-marbella-hen-party/" target="_blank">Kym Marsh jetted off to Marbella</a> for a glamorous break with her friends. The actress sunned herself by the pool before she was decked out in the obligatory learner plates and bunny ears to hit the town in the evening.</p>
• Kelly Brook and Thom Evans' romantic boat trip in Ischia
  <p> The celebs love visiting Italy in the summer! Kelly Brook visited the beautiful island of Ischia in July with boyfriend Thom Evans, where the couple took a boat trip around the island in the Bay of Naples. While Tom showed off his muscly body, Kelly kept hers covered up in a white vest top.</p>
• Michael Caine and Shakira's glam escape in Portofino
  <p> Even after 40 years of marriage Michael Caine and wife Shakira know how to add some romance to their lives with glamorous getaways! The couple headed to A-list spot Portofino in Italy for a romantic holiday in August and were seen walking side by side on the cobbled streets and enjoying a boat ride. Michael even took to Twitter and wrote: 'Portofino and Andrea Bocelli, best part of my Summer'.</p>
• Kim Kardashian hits the beach in Miami
  <p> Reality TV star Kim Kardashian hit the golden sand beaches of Miami with sister Kourtney in September. Kim showed off her curves in a white swimsuit on the beach and in the sea before reclining on a beach cabana on her sun-soaked trip. Lucky Kim!</p>
• Halle Berry meets great white sharks in South Africa
  <p> Brave <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/10/23/halle-berry-bikini-great-white-sharks-south-africa/" target="_blank">Halle Berry got jaw-droppingly close to great white sharks when she was in South Africa</a> in October. The actress was pictured reaching out to the predators while leaning over the edge of a boat and she even managed to touch one in the wild! 'Apparently, I&rsquo;m one of the very few people who have done that,' she said. 'How did I manage it? Very carefully.&rsquo; We're not sure we would have taken the risk!</p>
• Lily Cooper goes on an exotic city break in Marrakech
  <p> <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/10/20/lily-allen-cooper-pregnant-shopping-holiday-marrakech-morocco/" target="_blank">Lily Cooper (n&eacute;e Allen) headed for an exotic shopping break in Marrakech</a> in October where she visited the city's souk. It was perfect timing for Lily, who was pregnant with her second child, to pick up some baby items for her new arrival. We hope she took time out to be pampered in Marrakech's fabulous spas too!</p>
• Lady Gaga's party getaway in Brazil
  <p> When <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/11/09/lady-gaga-greets-fans-in-her-bikini-in-brazil/" target="_blank">Lady Gaga arrived in Brazil in November</a>, we all heard about it! The singer took a trip to Rio de Janeiro where she displayed her voluptuous figure on her hotel balcony - with just a coconut covering the top half of her body at one point! Gaga also played street football with local children, dyed her hair pink and waved at her fans from her hotel room wearing nothing but a Brazilian football shirt!</p>
• Serena Williams relaxes in the Bahamas
  <p> Tennis star Serena Williams made us all jealous in November when she treated herself to an idyllic holiday in the Bahamas and tweeted the pics of the gorgeous beaches. <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/11/22/serena-williams-bahamas-holiday-bikini-pics/" target="_blank">Serena stayed at the Albany Bahamas resort</a> and looked like she was having a fabulous time on its talcum powder beaches and in the turquoise blue seas.</p>
• Simon Cowell escapes to the Caribbean for 25 days!
  <p> In January, Simon Cowell showed us that being super rich means you can take month-long holidays. The music mogul spent <a href="http://travel.aol.co.uk/2012/01/20/simon-cowell-caribbean-holiday-yacht-barbados/" target="_blank">25 days relaxing in the Caribbean</a>. He started in Barbados, where he stayed at luxury apartment complex The Sands, before flying to St Barts and spending two weeks on his &pound;30million yacht. Oh to be a millionaire!</p>

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Video: The largest iceberg break-up ever filmed

December 12, 2012, 12:06 am

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The largest iceberg carving ever filmed has been caught on camera for a new movie, called Chasing Ice.

Photographer James Balog likened watching it to seeing "Manhattan breaking apart in front of your eyes", according to the Guardian.

After weeks of waiting, the film makers witnessed 7.4 cubic km of ice crashing off the Ilulissat glacier in Greenland.

Chasing Ice, released in the UK on Friday 14 December, follows James Balog's mission to document Arctic ice being melted by climate change, after initial scepticism about the phenomenon

Want to know more about the film? Its website explains: "Acclaimed photographer James Balog was once a skeptic about climate change. But through his Extreme Ice Survey, he discovers undeniable evidence of our changing planet. In Chasing Ice, Balog deploys revolutionary time-lapse cameras to capture a multi-year record of the world's changing glaciers. His hauntingly beautiful videos compress years into seconds and capture ancient mountains of ice in motion as they disappear at a breathtaking rate.

"Travelling with a team of young adventurers across the brutal Arctic, Balog risks his career and his well-being in pursuit of the biggest story facing humanity. As the debate polarizes America, and the intensity of natural disasters ramps up globally, Chasing Ice depicts a heroic photojournalist on a mission to deliver fragile hope to our carbon-powered planet."

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Where would you go if the world was ending?

December 13, 2012, 3:57 am

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Next Friday (21st December 2012) is the end of the world according to the Mayan calendar. If nothing else, this is a littler reminder to us all that life is far too short to put off all those things we've always dreamed of doing. So if, perchance, the Mayans have got it wrong and life continues, grab your moment while you can. Here's a little beautiful inspiration to nudge you on your way...

Ten things you have to do before the world ends

• Visit the ancient city of Petra
  <p> The ancient city of Petra is now classed as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Carved into the sheer rock face more than 2,000 years ago, &nbsp;the site includes an incredible 3,000 capacity Roman theatre. <strong>Try this:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bestattravel.co.uk " target="_blank">Best at Travel</a> offers a two night/three day &lsquo;The Red Rose City of Petra&rsquo; tour for &pound;579 including return flights with Royal Jordanian, two nights&rsquo; accommodation in Petra and entrance to the site.&nbsp;</p>
• Walk the Inca Trail
  <p> The archaeological treasure of Machu Picchu at the end of the Inca Trail is one of the most trodden paths in the world - and for good reason.&nbsp;The trail can be hiked year round, but May is the best month for clear views and fine weather. From mid-June to early August, the trail is at its busiest and can be fully booked so be sure to make a reservation in advance.&nbsp;<strong>Try this:</strong>&nbsp;The <a href="http://www.adventurecompany.co.uk " target="_blank">Adventure Travel Company</a> offers an 11-day Inca Trail tour for &pound;2,159 which includes the four-day Inca Trail and a guided tour of Machu Picchu and Cusco, including flights. For more information on holidays in Peru, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.peru.travel/" target="_blank"><span class="s1">peru.travel</span></a></p> <p class="p1"> </p>
• Do the highest bungee jump in the world
  <p> On South Africa's Eastern Cape you'll find&nbsp;the highest single span arch bridge in the world (its 216 metres) - so if you're going to do one bungee jump, this is it. <strong>Try this:</strong> for the ultimate adrenaline rush<span class="s1">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.faceadrenalin.com " target="_blank"><span class="s2">faceadrenalin</span></a><a href="http://www.faceadrenalin.com " target="_blank">&nbsp;</a>for more details.</span></p>
• Climb the world's highest mountain
  <p> Always wanted to climb Everest? Then don't put it off a moment longer.&nbsp;<strong>Try this:</strong>&nbsp;Take a trek to both the base camp and Kala Patar (5643m), &nbsp;see Kathmandu, trek to the bustling Sherpa 'capital', Namche Bazaar on a thrilling tour with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.peregrineadventures.com/himalaya/nepal/everest-adventure-2011" target="_blank">Peregrine Adventures</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p class="p3"> </p>
• Sleep in a treehouse
  <p> If you've never spent the night in the branches of a tree, listening to the gentle breeze rustling the leaves and the dawn chorus in stereo, you haven't lived.&nbsp;<strong>Try this:</strong> Tree Sparrow House near Falmouth Bay, Cornwall, is close to Porthallow Beach. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.wimdu.co.uk/offers/5RF6PBFT" target="_blank">wimdu.co.uk</a>.</p> <p class="p2"> </p>
• Go snorkelling with whales
  <p> Every year between June and August, 11,000 whales visit the waters off Canada's most easterly point to feed. To find out more about snorkelling with the world's largest mammals, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.oceanquestadventures.com/">Ocean Quest Adventures</a><span class="s1">.&nbsp;</span>Prices for snorkelling start from $199 (approx. &pound;124) per person. &nbsp;</p>
• Surf like there's no tomorrow
  <p> Take to the waves on the Caribbean isle of Barbados, whose south and east coasts offer some of the world's top spots for surfers, including South Point and Brandons as well as the famous Soup Bowl. <strong>Try this:&nbsp;</strong>Elegant Hotels offers surfing lessons for around &pound;60 including beach transfers. Check out the the all-inclusive <a href="http://www.turtlebeachresortbarbados.com" target="_blank">Turtle Beach Resort</a> for perfect location an great value for money.&nbsp;</p>
• Swim with manta rays in the Maldives
  <p> If the world is ending, you may as well blow what's left of your bank account and go to the best of the best at <a href="http://www.shangri-la.com." target="_blank">Shangri-La Villingili </a>in the Addu Atoll, one of the few places in the Maldives where giant manta rays with wing spans of more than five metres can be found all year. There is also an abundance of branching turtles, corals, sea anemones, tropical fish, clams, moray eels and Oriental sweetlips. <strong>Try this: </strong><a href="http://www.trailfinders.com/" target="_blank">Trailfinders </a>offers seven nights at the five star Shanfri-La Villingili Resort with a pool villa from &pound;3,199 including flights and seaplane transfers.</p>
• See the Perseids meteor shower
  <p> At its peak, the incredible annual Perseids meteor shower rains down at a rate of about 60 meteors per hour. <strong>Try this! </strong>The clear night sky of the Jordanian desert is the ideal place to view these celestial wonders. Stay in a desert camp at Wadi Rum this August with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.onthegotours.com" target="_blank">On The Go tours</a>, which offers a star-gazing package combined with excursions to&nbsp;Roman ruins, Crusader castles,&nbsp;the Dead Sea and the ruins at the Rose City of Petra. The eight-day tour, from August 10-17, costs &pound;779 per person. Flights to Amman&nbsp;with&nbsp;<a href="http:// www.rj.com" target="_blank">Royal Jordanian</a>&nbsp;start from &pound;228 each way from London Heathrow. &nbsp;</p> <div> </div>
• See the cherry blossom in Taiwan
  <p> In spring, Taiwan's Alishan National Scenic Area completely changes colour as 19,000 cherry trees burst into bloom. <strong>Try this:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.coxandkings.co.uk" target="_blank">Cox &amp; Kings </a>15-day group tour &nbsp;takes in the highlights of Taiwan &ndash; including one day and night to take in the cherry blossom in Alishan, the sights of Taipei, snowcapped mountains, hot springs, tea plantations and a beautifully rugged coastline. Stay in luxurious hotels as well as the Fo Guang Shan monastery, where you can join the monks for prayers. Prices start from &pound;2995 per person including flights. Departures from March-November. &nbsp;</p>

 

Margate named in Rough Guide's top 10 destinations in the world

December 13, 2012, 5:28 am

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It's been a seaside destination for Brits for 250 years and now, it seems, the rest of the world may sit up and take notice of Margate.

Why? Because it has just placed at seventh in the top 10 destinations in the world in the Rough Guide Travel Hot List for 2013.

Margate, in Kent, rubbed shoulders with stunning hotspots like Dubrovnik and Stockholm, even coming in higher than Puerto Rico.

According to the Daily Mail, a spokesman for Rough Guides said: "From the Turner Contemporary gallery to the proliferation of other indie art spaces, vintage shops and cute cafes in the Old Town, Margate now offers much more than its golden sands and dilapidated seaside charm.

"The gem on the Isle of Thanet constitutes one of the highlights of the forthcoming Rough Guide to Kent, Sussex and Surrey for many good reasons."

And the deputy director at Turner Contemporary, Richard Morsley, echoed the statement, saying: "Visitors come for our exhibitions but also to experience the town, the beach, the boutique shops, cafes, Margate's amazing history and of course our Turner sunsets.

"There is a fantastic feeling of change and momentum in Margate at the moment and we are all expecting another great year for the town."

However, some locals dismissed it as rubbish, and said tourists would be "very, very disappointed" if they made the effort to visit from afar.

Richard Spires told the Daily Mail: "Margate is run down, half of the shops are closed or in the process of closing down, there are yobs on every corner and amusement arcades all over the place.

"It is not the kind of place you really want to live in, let alone go on holiday to."

The Turner Contemporary Art Gallery has, however, certainly had a big part in turning the town's fortunes around. According to the BBC, since the Queen opened it last year, it has received 750,000 visitors, a third of them making an overnight break of it,

The gallery's director, Victoria Pomerey, told the BBC: "A lot has happened generally around regeneration, but culture has been the real driver for what's happened here."

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Which city is the rudest in the world?

December 13, 2012, 10:33 pm

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The world's rudest, unfriendliest and dirtiest cities have been named and shamed in a new Tripadvisor survey - and Britain's capital has not come out of it well.

Only Moscow beat London in the unfriendliest city in the world category, and, despite its free museums, parks and attractions, the city that brought the world the 'Jubilympics' also came in the bottom five cities for value for money.

Cancun was awarded the top spot for friendliness, followed by Tokyo and Lisbon.

The latest findings come hot on the heels of a report published this month which named London as one of the worst tourist traps on the planet.

The magazine Wanderlust named and shamed the UK's capital as one of the world's 13 overrated tourist traps, saying: "... It's crowded... its transport system is notoriously slow and unreliable, people are not friendly, traffic is a nightmare, things are expensive, and the traditional tourist sites are frankly boring."

But Tripadvisor's Emma Shaw was quick to defend the UK's capital: "The popularity of London as one of the most visited cities in the world remains... Indeed, this year, it was voted the best city in the world by the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Awards. Even so, this study proves that even a great city isn't going to be perfect in every way..."

What do you think? Take our poll below, and leave your comments.

Is London an unfriendly city for visitors?

Yes

No

Vote

Tripadvisor's results in full:

Worst performers

Category	Last place	Second last	Third last
Friendliest locals	Moscow	London	Hong Kong
Friendliest taxi drivers	Moscow	Beijing	Brussels
Best taxi services	Moscow	Beijing	Kuala Lumpur
Cleanest streets	Mumbai	Marrakech	Punta Cana
Ease of getting around	Mumbai	Punta Cana	Moscow
Best public transport	Hanoi	Sharm el Sheikh	Marrakech
Best value for money	Oslo	Moscow	Zurich
Best for shopping	Moscow	Oslo	Punta Cana
Most underrated city	Punta Cana	Dubai	Sharm el Sheikh
Safest city	Punta Cana	Rio de Janeiro	Sharm el Sheikh

Best performers

Category	First place	Second place	Third place
Friendliest locals	Cancun	Tokyo	Lisbon
Friendliest taxi drivers	Tokyo	Cancun	Singapore
Best taxi services	Tokyo	Singapore	Dubai
Cleanest streets	Tokyo	Singapore	Zurich
Ease of getting around	Zurich	Vienna	Singapore
Best public transport	Tokyo	Zurich	Munich
Best value for money	Lisbon	Budapest	Bangkok
Best for shopping	New York City	Bangkok	Dubai
Most underrated city	Budapest	Lisbon	Cape Town
Safest city	Tokyo	Singapore	Dubrovnik

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And the rudest country in the world is...

Which airport has been named as the UK's rudest?

 

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Video of the day: Whales watch humans watch whales

December 14, 2012, 1:18 am

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Around 13 million people around the globe whale watching every year, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare. And it seems whales seem to enjoy a spot of human-watching, too, as this video shows.

There's definitely something magical about seeing the world's largest mammals in their natural habitat, but if you're doing it from a little boat, it can leave you feeling a tad vulnerable. The child who took this video clearly felt rather worried that they would be toppled out of their boat when a pod of whales came in for a good look at him...

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What a picture! Humpback whale sneaks up on tourists in Ireland

Amazing video: Whale's 'thankyou' dance after being set free from fishing net

 

Pictures: Incredible views from plane windows

December 16, 2012, 8:31 pm

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Charlie Gilbert

Seeing the world from the sky is one of the real joys of flying, as these wonderful photos taken from plane windows prove. We asked you to send in your best pics and this picture gallery is the spectacular result.

Click through our gallery of gorgeous views from the sky and send us your own shots to be included via our Facebook page...

Incredible views from plane windows

• Sunset over Geneva, Switzerland
• Downtown Dallas, Texas
  <p> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shnakepup/" target="_blank">jayRaz (Jacob)</a></p>
• Soufriere Hills volcano erupting on Montserrat, Caribbean
• Greenland
  <p> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/roopaw/" target="_blank">SimonM. (Simon Morris)</a></p>
• Reunion Island, Indian Ocean
• Italian Alps
• Lake Mead and Hoover Dam, Nevada
  <p> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/timothylabranche/" target="_blank">Timothy LaBranche</a></p>
• Mount Robert Baron, Alaska
  <p> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/umnak/" target="_blank">Umnak</a></p>
• Flying to Medjumbe Private Island, Mozambique
• Antarctica
• Irrigation circles in the desert somewhere north of Doha, Qatar
• Aitutaki, Cook Islands
• Ibo Island, Mozambique
• Mount Everest, Nepal/Tibet
• Peaks of Karokoram Mountains, Pakistan
• Manhattan, New York
  <p> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/specialkrb/7268458158" target="_blank">SpecialKRB</a></p>
• Flying over Quirimbas archipelago, Mozambique
• Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro
  <p> Flickr/<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19787482@N04/4712311344/" target="_blank">Yvon from Ottawa</a>. Used under Creative Commons license 2.0</p>
• London with Tower Bridge in view, UK
• Approaching Hawaii, USA
  <p> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/antony51/" target="_blank">antony51</a></p>
• Hyde Park, London
  <p> Flickr/<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/loshak/6150571488/" target="_blank">Daniel2005</a>. Used under Creative Commons license 2.0</p>
• Sahara Desert, Africa
  <p> <a href="http://benallen.ca/" target="_blank">www.benallen.ca</a></p>
• The Bahamas
• Turkish mountains
• Wellington, New Zealand
  <p> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/markdefleury/" target="_blank">Mark in New Zealand</a></p>
• Atlas Mountains, Morocco
  <p> <a href="http://benallen.ca/" target="_blank">www.benallen.ca</a></p>
• Doha, Qatar
  <p> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/charliedotgilbert/" target="_blank">charliedotgilbert (Charlie Gilbert)</a></p>

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Win! A two-night break and afternoon tea at St Ermin's Hotel in London

December 17, 2012, 2:29 am

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We've teamed up with four-star deluxe hotel St Ermin's in St James's Park, London to offer one lucky user the chance to win a two-night break and afternoon tea for two!

The fashionable and distinctive hotel in London and one of our favourite hidden hotels in the capital, has just launched a new shopping package, Holiday Shopafrolic, offering guests a stylish city break, which includes a night in a Superior Double room, free WiFi, a continental breakfast and classic afternoon tea for £175.

You'll indulge in the Holiday Shopafrolic package but will stay for two nights instead of one, giving you even more time to hit the shops in London and explore the city.

Perfectly located for a city break with bags of style, St Ermin's is a stroll away across the park to London's top shopping areas, sights and shows of Piccadilly, Regent's Street and the Strand while St James's Park Tube station is just around the corner for easy access to shopping destinations across the city.



Tucked away behind its own pretty courtyard garden for a quiet night's sleep, the dramatic and romantic Grade II listed St Ermin's Hotel is the perfect place to rest your head after a hard day's shopping, offering opulent white rococo plasterwork, sweeping staircases and curving balustrades, eclectic antique collectables, deep seated velvet couches and roaring log fires for cosy winter comfort.

The prize includes: two nights in a Superior Double room for two people with free WiFi, continental breakfast and classic afternoon tea for the winner and a friend. The prize is subject to availability and must be taken before the end of February 2013.

For your chance to win afternoon tea and a two-night break at St Ermin's, visit our Facebook page and enter your details before 4pm on Monday 24 December

 

Holiday hidey-holes for Hobbit fans

December 17, 2012, 3:26 pm

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Mount Hartman Bay Estate, Grenada

While avid J.R Tolkien fans flock to New Zealand on their Hobbit pilgimage, we've found some Middle Earth-inspired holiday homes in Europe and beyond, so you can experience a Hobbit-style holiday close to home or in a far-flung exotic destination...

Hobbit-inspired places to stay

• Sala Silvermine Mine Suite, Sweden
  <p> If going underground is your thing, how about a night in the world's deepest underground hotel room? Situated just north of Stockholm in Sweden, the <a href="http://www.salasilvergruva.se/en/logi/gruvsvit-for-tva-pers/" target="_blank">Sala Silvermine Mine Suite</a> is where you can enjoy a luxury (and romantic!) cave stay. The suite for two is 155m underground and surrounded by winding galleries and huge caverns. Upon arrival you'll receive a guided tour and be served a basket of cheese, biscuits, wine and chocolate, before spending the night in a suite fit for Bilbo Baggins! &pound;370 per night.</p>
• Enchanted Hobbit House, New Mexico
  <p> This two-bedroom ranch in San Cristobal, New Mexico, is dubbed the '<a href="http://www.homeaway.co.uk/p343022" target="_blank">Hobbit House</a>' by its owners and features antiques, custom iron beds, an outdoor fireplace, patio and tee pees. It is located 25 minutes from the Taos Ski Valley and the Rio Grande, and is just the spot for hiking in the mountains, enjoying picnics among wild flowers and rafting. &pound;118 per night.</p>
• Buckland Mill, Crickhowell, Wales
  <p> Tolkien was hugely inspired by the language and landscapes of Wales when he created Middle Earth's fantastical place names. Much of this came from the Usk Valley in south east Wales, and at <a href="http://www.breconcottages.com/cottage-details/BUCKL" target="_blank">Buckland Mill</a> you'll discover just why. The stunning 17th century mill overlooks the valley and has 200 yards of private trout and salmon fishing. The mill has retained many original features, such as oak beam and 18th century wood panelling and it sleeps 10, so you can spend a Hobbit-filled weekend with your friends exploring the delightful landscapes that inspired Tolkien to write his masterpieces. From &pound;1,080 for a week.</p>
• Hobbit House, Hawaii
  <p> This one-of-a-kind handcrafted home set high on a hillside on Hawaii's Big Island offers expansive views of the southeast side and sleeps three people. <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/VacationRentalReview-g60596-d1865869-Hawaii_Whimsical_Hobbit_House_Hideaway-Naalehu_Island_of_Hawaii_Hawaii.html" target="_blank">Hobbit House</a> is romantic and whimsical, powered by solar and wind energy, and a place where you can relax in quiet and comfort all day long. Perfect for Hobbit fans visiting Hawaii, the house's nearby attractions include Punalu'u Black Sand beach which attracts nesting green sea turtles and Green Sand beach, which is accessible by 4x4 or a two mile one-way hike. From &pound;81 per night.</p>
• Hobbit Hut, Cornwall
  <p> Fancy a camping experience with a difference in Cornwall? How about doing it Hobbit-style by spending the night in a Hobbit Hut? The huts offer a comfortable and warm alternative to sleeping outdoors and are big enough for two. Surrounded by stunning countryside, you'll want to do some exploring too, plus the wonderful Eden Project is one of the local attractions. &pound;49 per night as a <a href="http://www.buyagift.co.uk/Short-Breaks/One-Night-Stay-in-a-Hobbit-Hut-at-Acorn-Camping-BR-10918979.aspx" target="_blank">gift experience</a> from Buyagift.</p>
• Mount Hartman Bay Estate, Grenada
  <p> Gollum meets Bond at the <a href="http://www.mounthartmanbayestate.com/" target="_blank">Mount Hartman Bay Estate</a> in Grenada, a wonderfully weird curved structure that resonates with the Shire and offers guests an infinity pool, a helipad and yacht for the ultimate Hobbit stay with a luxury twist. The former private house is now a nine-suite hotel set on a private headland in the south-west of the island. There is a waterfall through the dining room and each suite has an individual theme. Nearby, you can explore lush tropical rainforests, plus dive an abundance of wrecks and reefs. From &pound;247 per night in an ocean view Cave Suite.</p>
• Hobbit House, Bellac, France
  <p> For a taste of Hobbit life in France, book a stay at the medieval <a href="http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/france/FR7398.htm" target="_blank">Hobbit House</a> in the village of Bellac, Limousin. Possibly one of the oldest homes in the village, it has a lit-clos (enclosed bed) and even an axe-proof door in case of invaders! The unique house, which sleeps seven, dates back to the 15th century and retains its original features, such as its floorboards, tiles, fireplaces and panelling. &pound;65 per night.</p>
• Hobbit House of Montana, Thompson Falls, USA
  <p> The magical themed <a href="http://www.homeaway.co.uk/p969762" target="_blank">Hobbit House of Montana</a> offers visitors a luxury lodging experience full of imagination. The home in Trout Creek, Montana is surrounded by a whole Hobbit village that comes to life at night with a fantastic display of lights and if you're lucky, the shadow of Bilbo Baggins, as he likes to stay up late drinking ale with his friends from the Shire! The cottage, which sleeps up to three, comes with a well-equipped kitchen, a king-size bedroom and a Hobbit guest bedroom. Just watch out for trolls and fairies! &pound;121 per night.</p>
• Undergound House, Costa Dorada, Spain
  <p> Perfect for nature lovers, the sustainably-built <a href="http://www.ownersdirect.co.uk/spain/S16315.htm" target="_blank">Underground House</a> in Tivenys, Spain, disappears seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Set in an ancient olive grove, the property for four people has a unique and quirky style with salvaged materials and bespoke fittings throughout. Nearby, you can enjoy the real Catalonia at good, local restaurants, lively fiestas and beaches just half an hour away. From &euro;90 per night.</p>
• Brochs of Coigach, Scottish Highlands
  <p> <a href="https://www.wimdu.com/offers/22BT6R2Y" target="_blank">Brochs of Coigach</a> is a pair of unique hobbit houses built into the Scottish Highlands with a modern twist. The arty holiday homes provide a great getaway for city slickers, with their large windows that bring about the feeling of being in the middle of nature, views across islands, the sea and mountains, plus an elegant Morso wood burning stove to watch the flames of a fire in the evening. The homes sleep four but you could rent both and make a group getaway out of it! From &pound;165 per night.</p>

 

Twenty places to blow away the cobwebs in 2013

December 17, 2012, 9:24 pm

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Scarlett Hotel, Cornwall

Surviving on a diet of Christmas pudding and sherry is all very well, but at some point you're going to time to get off the sofa. Get your year off to a flying start with a holiday you'll never forget - from spas to bootcamps, yoga retreats to detox breaks, there's something here for everyone.

20 places to blow away the cobwebs

• The Scarlet Hotel, Cornwall, England
  <p> Fancy a relaxing New Year break? Then head to the Scarlet (<a href="http://www.scarlethotel.co.uk">www.scarlethotel.co.uk</a>) an eco-hotel with Ayurvedic spa where you can recharge your batteries with classes in everything from yoga and pilates to meditation and singing. Or just take time out to enjoy the stunning coastal walks or relax by the fire. Spoil yourself with a holistic massage. Prices start from &pound;605 per person including breakfast, dinner, classes and massage.</p>
• Gleneagles Hotel, Scotland
  <p> Home to three of the finest championship golf courses in Europe and an award-winning spa, the Gleneagles Hotel (<a href="http://www.gleneagles.com">www.gleneagles.com</a>) was built in 1924 and is situated in 850 acres of Perthshire countryside, just an hour&rsquo;s drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow. The hotel hosts an array of cobweb-busting activities from falconry to off-road Land Rover safaris. And with an expert team of complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and experienced spa therapists, the hotel also offers special residential and day packages to address the stresses and strains of modern life and leave you feeling revived and rejuvenated. The Tip-Top Shape package is exclusively available from 1st November - 31st March 2013, and costs &pound;975 per person for 3 nights in an Estate room, or &pound;805 per person for 3 nights where two people are sharing.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
• Break Free Retreats, Herefordshire, England
  <p> If a strenuous bootcamp or a daunting detox isn't your cup of tea, try a Breakfree Retreat (<a href="http://www.breakfreeretreats.com/location/herefordshire-uk">www.breakfreeretreats.com</a>) - a new, luxurious health and weight-loss 'juicing' break which takes place in a private country house in Herefordshire from January throughout 2013. Founder Deborah Morgan has a wealth of experience and her clients include high profile stars and sports talent. Celeb fans include Charlie Brooks, Lauren Goodger and Lynda Bellingham. From yoga and meditation to massage, daily mentoring, personal training sessions by Paul Morgan plus goal setting and life management strategies, this 'juice only' retreat will kick-start your New Year. Expect dramatic weight loss, regulated blood sugars, reduced cholesterol, emotional stability, renewed energy, peaceful sleep, increased focus, improved health and a healthier you all round. Breakfree Retreats start from &pound;600 per person for three nights.</p>
• Champneys, Hampshire, England
  <p> Champneys (<a href="http://www.champneys.com">www.champneys.com</a>) offers year-round detox packages. Choose from the week-long Total Detox with TV nutritionist Amanda Hamilton at Champneys Tring (27th January &ndash; 2nd February and 17th &ndash; 23rd March) from &pound;1345.00 per person, or the Juice Master Detox with celebrity health coach Jason Vale at Champneys Forest Mere (1st &ndash; 3rd February). And this January Champneys is offering a 30% discount on all two night Detox in the New Year Breaks (from &pound;195.50 per person including discount.)</p> <p> </p>
• Dubrovnik Palace Hotel, Croatia
  <p> The award-winning <a href="http://www.masonrose.com/dubrovnikpalace" target="_blank">Hotel Dubrovnik Palace</a>,&nbsp;on the beautiful peninsula of Lapad below the Petka woods &nbsp;boasts an amazing view of the Elaphite islands, and it's just a short distance from the Old Town of Dubrovnik. Guests can enjoy the best of the sea and city while enveloped in luxury. Rejuvenate yourself with a three-day spa package from &pound;146 per person per night, soaking up beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea direct from your own private balcony.</p>
• Raw food and yoga retreat, Biarritz, France
  <p> Blitz your mind and body on a yoga retreat near Biarritz organised by <a href="http://www.golearnto.com/course/overview/2265/raw+food+and+yoga+retreat" target="_blank">Go Learn To</a>. The&nbsp;focus is on nutrition, beauty and wellbeing, with lots of relaxing massage treatments, entry to a nearby hammam spa, and wholesome, delicious raw food- all set in luxury accommodation with swimming pool, and close to the Biarritz coastline. Stay in the Domaine de Bassilour, an elegant 18th century mansion, or La Ferme de Basillour, a luxuriously restored 16th century Basque farmhouse.</p>
• Fusion Fitness, Hotel Aguas de Ibiza
  <p> The Fusion Fitness holiday at Aguas de Ibiza (<a href="http://www.healthandfitnesstravel.com">healthandfitnesstravel.com</a>) lets you choose no less than seven one-on-one activities and treatments &nbsp;with a personal trainer. You'll also have the chance to take part in daily group activities, get unlimited use of the fitness centre, and take time out at the Revival Spa. By the end of the holiday you'll head home feeling fitter, rejuvenated and re-energised. From &pound;1,525 per person for seven nights, including return flights and transfers.</p>
• Mandara Spa at Park Plaza Hotel, London, England
  <p> The luxurious <a href="http://www.mandaraspa.com" target="_blank">Mandara Spa</a> at the Park Plaza Hotel brings a taste of Bali to Britain. With exotic treatments and a soothing design with a contemporary Balinese d&eacute;cor, the spa offers an exotic escape in the heart of the city. Located at the foot of Westminster Bridge, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge is within easy reach of London&rsquo;s famous landmarks and the four-star deluxe hotel offers iconic views across the River Thames of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.</p> <p> </p>
• La Manga Club Detox, Spain
  <p> For 2013, the award-winning five-star Spanish resort (<a href="http://www.lamangaclub.com/Love-Spa/Spa-La-Manga-Club">lamangaclub.com</a>) is hosting a series of specialist courses and retreats focusing on cycling, detox, spa, over-60s fitness and triathlon. The five-day packages include coaching and nutritional advice. Launching the schedule is Fitness 12&rsquo;s January Detox retreat (January 10-14), &nbsp;reduced from &pound;850 to &pound;545 per person. The discounted package (based on two people sharing an apartment room) includes three meals per day, nutritional supplements and motivational talks, and a 35-day aftercare programme.</p> <p> </p>
• The Varsity Hotel, Cambridge, England
  <p> Independently owned and right in the centre of Cambridge, the <a href="http://www.thevarsityhotel.co.uk)" target="_blank">Varsity Hotel</a> boasts a spa, gym and wellness centre, making it perfect for blowing away your cobwebs. Choose from yoga classes, dance lessons and a variety of spa packages. The roof garden, boasting some of the best views of the city, and the jacuzzi in the spa looks out onto the River Cam. Expect to bump into A-list guests such as Colin Firth and Ralph Fiennes - and be sure to book a 'punt and dine' experience so you can enjoy delicious food cooked by the hotel&rsquo;s restaurant while you cruise along the river.</p>
• Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily
  <p> In partnership with Dr Nijon Eccles (an integrated medicine physicians and founder of the Chiron Clinic in Harley Street), <a href="http://www.verduraresort.com" target="_blank">Rocco Forte Hotels</a>&nbsp;has&nbsp;just launched VITA Health, a new wellness centre offering a range of specialised programmes focussing on stress management, weight loss, detox and ageing. Guests are also offered a daily exercise programme, full access to the spa facilities, and consultation and future health planning with the doctor on departure. A specific menu of nutritionally balanced meals accompanies the treatments and exercise.</p> <p> </p>
• Amazon Creek, Chamonix, France
  <p> New for this year,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.amazoncreek.co.uk)" target="_blank">Amazon Creek</a>&nbsp;is&nbsp;now offering ski yoga trips. Yoga sessions are held first thing in the morning and again in the evening after a hard a day on the slopes. Chalet Amazon Creek is a luxury chalet, sleeping up to 10 guests. There's a a cinema room and a spa with a hamman steam room, sauna, sunken jacuzzi and outdoor hot tub.</p> <p> </p>
• Limewood, Hampshire, England
  <p> <a href="http://www.limewoodhotel.co.uk" target="_blank">Lime Wood </a>is a boutique country house hotel set in the heart of the New Forest National Park. At the Herb House, the on-site spa, you can take a yoga class on the roof, or admire the forest views from the comfort of the gigantic sauna. Facilities include the Caldarium, hydropool, The Mud House, the outdoor steaming hot pool, an indoor swimming pool opening onto the garden and sun terrace, and healthy and garden-grown food and juices.</p>
• Titanic Swimming Pool, Yorkshire, England
  <p> Nestled deep within the natural landscape of Pennine Yorkshire sits <a href="http://www.titanicspa.com" target="_blank">Titanic Spa</a>&nbsp;a beautifully restored textile mill. Treat yourself and a friend to a little &lsquo;me time&rsquo; with an indulgent spa package. From &pound;109, you can stay in one of Titanic&rsquo;s serviced eco apartments where you can enjoy a breakfast hamper in the morning, healthy buffet lunch and dinner in the spa&rsquo;s bistro, with use usithe spa's extensive range of facilities including a 15m salt regulated swimming pool, hydrozone, steam and sauna rooms and a fully equipped gym.&nbsp;</p>
• The Well, Cliff House Hotel, Ireland
  <p> The Well is <a href="http://www.thecliffhousehotel.com" target="_blank">Cliff House Hotel&rsquo;s</a> intimate destination spa, offering a range of natural therapies that reflect the beautiful seaside location of this hotel. The healing power of the ocean lies at the heart of The Well&rsquo;s spa experience, inspiring treatments such as seaweed facials or a specialist bath using Irish peat. &nbsp;</p>
• Lodore Falls Hotel, Cumbria, England
  <p> The <a href="http://www.lakedistricthotels.net" target="_blank">Lodore Falls Hotel </a>in Borrowdale&nbsp;is nestled in the perfect location for a detoxifying break in the New Year. It sits on the shores of Derwentwater and has its very own waterfall in the garden. &nbsp;Lake activities include canoeing and kayaking, and the hotel supplies mountain bikes free of charge. The more adventurous, there are the trails for fell running nearby, as well as the adrenaline rush of zip wires at Honister. &nbsp;A &quot;revitalise&quot; break &nbsp;costs from &pound;195 per person and the &quot;tranquility break&quot; from &pound;385 - both include overnight accommodation, breakfast and full use of the leisure facilities including the outdoor hot tub.</p>
• Cameron House, Scotland
  <p> For a military-style fitness break with an indulgent spa treatments,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.cameronhouse.co.uk" target="_blank">Cameron House</a>&nbsp;is perfect. Its unusual approach to health and happiness is on offer this January (12th-14th) with a three-day Commando Conditioning Boot Camp. Set on the banks of Loch Lomond against the backdrop of The Trossachs National Park, this tailored fitness programme combines calorie burning circuit training, military style orienteering and commando conditioning, offset by a nutritionally balanced post-training diet and luxurious spa treatments. From &pound;600 per person.</p>
• Forte Village, Sardinia, Italy
  <p> <a href="http://www.ghotw.com" target="_blank">Great Hotels of the World</a>&nbsp;recommends the&nbsp;Spa Thaermae del Forte at Forte Village, which offers thalassotherapy in six seawater pools (each with different temperatures with varying salt concentrations, since you ask). The spa also has a turkish bath, a sauna and a health bar, as well as an Ayurvedic medicine specialist on hand to help you restore your body&rsquo;s ideal weight and energy levels. Exercises, relaxation techniques, yoga sessions and exclusive massages are all part of the experience. And there must be something in it: Dr Ali's patients include Prince Charles, the Sultan of Oman, Richard Branson and Michael Douglas. Double rooms cost from &pound;475.</p>
• Trelowarren, Cornwall, England
  <p> An ancient 1000 acre estate on Cornwall's Helford River, Trelowarren offers a collection high-spec eco-houses - think log-burners, fine art on the walls and masses of space inside and out. Tregenna, one of the bigger houses, sleeps 10 with free use of the outdoor pebble-lined ozone pool. The award-winning New Yard Restaurant in the old stable yard does a top-notch New Year feast. and the Walled Garden Organic Spa does a Detoxifying Cornish Seaweed Wrap or &pound;60 and an Invigorating Cornish Sea Salt scrub (45 minutes for &pound;40) using salt harvested just along the coast.</p>
• La Finca Paradiso, Spain
  <p> La Finca Paradiso in Spain comes highly recommended by <a href="http://www.destinationyoga.co.uk">Destination Yoga</a>. Recently opened this year, La Finca Paradiso is located on the south-east corner of Spain, surrounded by Sierra Cabrera Mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean. This eco-retreat is just 10 minutes from the beach and offers four acres of fruitful Spanish gardens, a swimming pool and meals bursting with the fresh, local produce. Yoga classes are twice daily in the light, spacious and airy yoga studio. There are four departures to choose from in 2013 with all retreats lasting seven nights &ndash; 16th May, 14th July, 14th August and 22nd August. Prices start from &pound;695 per person based on two adults sharing a Standard room, and includes all yoga classes and equipment, seven nights&rsquo; accommodation, daily brunch and dinner, and airport transfers.</p>

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