Travel Guides
Kayaking Along the Thames Through Central London
London is usually experienced from its streets, bridges and Underground, but there is another way to see the city that puts you right in the middle of it. Kayaking the Thames gives you a completely different perspective, with London’s skyline unfolding around you as you move with the river. You pass beneath bridges, alongside historic buildings and directly past some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, all from the seat of a kayak.
Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway
The only way to do this trip is to hire a Mustang, get the roof down, put on your favourite playlist and hit the road. California’s Pacific Coast Highway is one of those journeys where the drive really is the holiday. The classic route between San Francisco and Los Angeles follows Highway 1 through the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur and California’s Central Coast before reaching Santa Barbara and eventually LA. Highway 1 stretches for more than 650 miles along California’s coastline, but the San Francisco to LA section is the one to focus on for a classic road trip.
The Best Rooftop Bars, Pools & Views in Dubai
Whenever I arrive in a new destination, my first instinct is to find the highest vantage point possible. Whether it’s trekking up a rugged mountain trail or taking a high-speed lift to the top of a skyscraper, gaining that initial elevation is essential for gathering my bearings and truly understanding the scale of a city. In a place as architectural and sprawling as Dubai, this perspective is transformative; it allows you to see how the intricate veins of the motorways connect the futuristic skyline to the vast, golden desert beyond.
The Ultimate Guide to Battersea, London
Battersea has changed dramatically over the past decade. Once an industrial corner of south west London, it has become the focus of one of the city's most ambitious regeneration projects. For years, Battersea was best known for its power station. Today, it's one of London's most exciting neighbourhoods, where historic landmarks sit alongside new hotels, riverside restaurants and green spaces.
The Ultimate Lincolnshire Guide: Coast, Country & Charm
Lincolnshire sits on England’s east coast, where long stretches of open countryside meet an uninterrupted coastline along the North Sea. It is a county defined by space rather than spectacle, where farmland, wetlands and small historic towns sit far apart, connected by quiet roads and wide horizons. Unlike more heavily visited parts of the UK, it moves at a slower rhythm, shaped by agriculture, seasonal tourism and coastal wildlife. This sense of scale is what makes it particularly appealing in summer, when daylight stretches late into the evening and the landscape feels even more open and accessible.
Review: Orient Express La Minerva Hotel, Rome
Set just moments from the Pantheon in the heart of Rome’s historic centre, Orient Express La Minerva marks the return of one of the city’s most storied hotels. Originally opened in the 17th century before becoming Hotel de La Minerva in the early 1800s, the property has welcomed writers, aristocrats and travellers for generations, occupying a privileged position overlooking Piazza della Minerva.
The Mina Seyahi Collection: One Address, Three Marriott Icons
Located on a prime 700-metre stretch of private shoreline, the Mina Seyahi collection serves as a prestigious gateway between the Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf. This sprawling estate integrates three distinct Marriott properties—the neoclassical luxury of The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, the mid-century chic Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, and the ultra-modern, adult-focused W Dubai - Mina Seyahi.
Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi – Ultimate Visitor Guide
Zayed National Museum is the national museum of the United Arab Emirates and one of the most significant cultural institutions in Abu Dhabi. Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum is dedicated to the life, values and legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE. It also tells the wider story of the country’s history, culture, environment and people, from the earliest human settlements to the modern nation.
The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Sorrento, Italy
Sorrento sits on the edge of the Sorrentine Peninsula with views across the Bay of Naples, Mount Vesuvius and the islands offshore. It has long been one of the most convenient bases for exploring the Amalfi Coast thanks to its transport links, central location and easy access to ferries, trains and buses. The town itself is known for its historic centre, lemon groves, waterfront marinas, and busy Corso Italia, which stays lively from morning to late evening. You get a mix of coastal scenery, good food and day trips without the steep prices or limited access you find in the smaller cliffside towns.
Bussola Celebrates 20 Years in Dubai
Bussola marked its 20th anniversary last weekend, an impressive milestone for any Dubai restaurant, especially in a city that moves as fast as this one. When Bussola first opened, it stood alone on the beachfront long before the current marina skyline or the new Dubai Harbour existed. Today it sits within The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, yet it has kept the same consistency and familiarity that long-term residents will recognise instantly. If you have lived in Dubai for a while, you will know it is one of the few places that never disappoints, and it is somewhere people naturally return to.
Iliana: Dubai’s Hottest New Restaurant, Pool Club & Rooftop at Marsa Al Arab
Dubai's luxury scene just got a significant upgrade with the arrival of Iliana, the glamorous new Greek-Mediterranean destination nestled within the breathtaking Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab. Inspired by the simple elegance and vibrant flavours of the Cycladic islands, Iliana first opened its doors earlier this year, quickly establishing itself as a sophisticated, three-part venue. From its chic restaurant offering authentic coastal cuisine and its luxurious pool club perfect for day-long relaxation, Iliana is already a must-visit. Yet, the final, and perhaps most anticipated, element of this concept has just been unveiled: the stunning Iliana rooftop.
Review: CitizenM Rome Isola Tiberina
Walking out onto the cobbled streets of Rome one September morning, it felt like everything was within reach. The river’s gentle hum, historic façades dripping with stories, and the promise of gelato round the corner set the scene perfectly. For the ideal base, I stayed at the citizenM Rome Isola Tiberina, part of the wider citizenM family now under Marriott Bonvoy. The hotel retains its distinctive for the people ethos while offering the reliability, reach, and loyalty benefits of one of the world’s largest hotel networks.
Positano, Italy: Complete Travel Guide to the Amalfi Coast’s Most Iconic Town
I have travelled to so many countries over the last few years, but when booking this trip to the Amalfi Coast it turned out to be the most confusing trip to plan and took far longer to understand the logistics than any other trip I have done. I visited Italy ten years ago and have explored many parts of the country, but this was my first time on the Amalfi Coast. I read so many articles warning me not to hire Vespas because they are dangerous, not to drive because the roads are too tight and there is nowhere to park, that buses are always delayed, and that ferries are the best option but sometimes do not run due to bad weather. I mean, talk about scaremongering.
How to Spend 2 Days in Dubai: An Insider’s Itinerary
If you only have two days in Dubai, planning your time carefully is essential to make the most of your short stay. The city is packed with towering modern landmarks, historic neighbourhoods, traditional souks, world-class dining, and desert adventures, meaning it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choice. This insider’s itinerary is designed to highlight the experiences and attractions that can realistically fit into 48 hours, combining the city’s most iconic sights with local favourites that give a true sense of Dubai’s character.
Top Things to See and Do in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, sits on an island along the Arabian Gulf and offers a different pace from the energy of Dubai. It is a modern city that has grown rapidly since the discovery of oil in the 20th century, transforming from a small fishing village into a hub of culture, business, and leisure. Despite its modern skyline, Abu Dhabi feels quieter, more relaxed, and family-oriented compared to Dubai’s buzz. Every time I visit, it feels like an escape from the city rush, with wide roads, green spaces, and calm beaches.