Six stages of being
Quirky decadence: the kitchen.
A wine country boutique hotel reflects the lives of its owners, writes Alison Stewart. Let me paint a picture: A discreet corner of a return verandah surrounded by myrtle trees heavy with
Six of the best: global gourmet events
The Alba International White Truffle Fair.
ALBA INTERNATIONAL WHITE TRUFFLE FAIRITALY
Held over five weekends in October and November, this festival in the Italian capital of white truffles comprises two
Frequent Flyer: Paul Bangay
Lanscape designer Paul Bangay.
Paul Bangay, landscape designer.HOTEL
Gravetye Manor in West Sussex, England. This is the former home of 19th-century landscaper William Robinson, famed for being the father
Famous Flyer
Best time: Boats anchored in Villefranche Harbour, on the French Riviera.
Kym Johnson loves to explore, whether it’s budget or bespoke.WHAT WAS YOUR BEST HOLIDAY?
In 2003 I landed a job in Monaco wor
Virgins latest conquest
Front-row seat to wildlife at Mahali Mzuri, Kenya.
Were not sure whether Richard Branson does it for his own globetrotting pleasure, but his Virgin Limited Edition portfolio of hotels and lodges - including Necker Isl
A week in Paris can be childrens play
Ice skating in front of Paris Hotel de Ville.
IN MID DECEMBER, WE ARE SPENDING A WEEK IN PARIS WITH FOUR CHILDREN FROM TWO GENERATIONS: 24, 21, 11 AND 8. ANY HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO ENGAGE EVERYONE IN THIS W
Expanding horizons: education on cruise ships
Rhapsody of the Seas.
If you like the idea of using some time at sea for broadening your knowledge (rather than just your waistline), you can find an amazing variety of expert lecturers working on cruise ships across t
Twenty Reasons to visit Cape Town
Overlooked: Table Mountain looms over Cape Town.
1 ITS THE WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL FOR 2014On January 1, Cape Town takes over from Helsinki as World Design Capital for 2014. This project, established in 1957, celebra
Mind the gap
Getting away from it all.
These days Australians of all ages are taking extended holidays everywhere with the midlife year off emerging as a hot new trend, writes David McGonigal. Once upon a time the gap year was
A look back in wonder
The colours of Valparaiso, Chile.
Our writers spend their year going places. In 2013 these were their most memorable experiences.ABU SIMBEL, EGYPT
Time waits for no man but fortunately ancient wonder
In thrall of the sprawl
New York Port Authority officials unveil the stunning view from the top of One World Trade Centre, a 360-degree eagle’s eye panorama that will instantly become one of the city’s premiere tourist attractions w
Famous Flyer: Francesca Cumani
Chyulu Hills, Kenya.
Acclaimed equestrienne and racing personality Francesca Cumani reveals her favourite getaways.WHICH WAS YOUR BEST HOLIDAY
Skiing is always the best holiday for me, as it brings b
I know this great little place ...
Margot Janse.
MARGOT JANSE Franschhoek, South Africa
Margots restaurant, The Tasting Room, in the Franschhoek wine region, regularly ranks among the worlds 50 best.See lqf.co.za.WHERES THE BEST TABLE IN F
Crossing the line
Illustration: Michael Mucci.
Dugald Jellie explains the allure of arbitrary lines on a map. Charles Darwin on the Beagle was lathered in pitch by a sailor dressed as Neptune, shaved, and dropped from a plank into the b
How to beat the queues at the worlds busiest attractions
Tourists queuing at base of Eiffel Tower, Paris, France.
Theyre monumental . . . and thats just the lines to get in. Dont let the queues at the worlds busiest tourist attractions defeat you. Julietta Jameson revea
Destinations that pack value
Morskie Oko Lake in the Tatra Mountains.
Travel in budget mode doesnt necessarily involve nights in shared dorms, fast food and backpacks. Minimum requirements are a comfortable room with an en suite bathroom, an
Everyone asks: how do I protect myself from chikungunya?
The viral disease chikungunya is one souvenir not to bring home.
Everyone asks ... do I need to take protective measures against chikungunya when I travel overseas?Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by mosquito
Vine tuned
Plaisir de Merle.
Find rambling old farmhouses, history and great wine in the Cape region, writes Rachel Olding. Long lazy lunches, huge servings of artisan chocolate and wine, lavish estates and emerging wealth a
Frequent Flyer: Ky Furneaux
Ky Furneaux.
Ky Furneaux, stunt woman and wilderness expert.HOTEL
Jacques Cousteaus eco hotel Ariau Amazon Towers in Brazil, which allows you to experience all the wildness of the Amazon from a place of l
Petals from heaven
A flower mosaic representing Big Ben and Tower Bridge is pictured in the Keukenhof.
Spring has almost sprung in the northern hemisphere, writes Brian Johnston. Springtime in the northern hemisphere puts a jaunt in
