What makes us unique?

The Palacete Severo has thrice been inspired by love. Ricardo Severo, Portuguese polymath – architect, engineer, political Republican and writer — designed the Palacete Severo in 1902, as a home for his Brazilian wife Francisca. In the library’s wood panels their initials are intertwined. Returning to Portugal from political exile in Brazil, the design of the Little Palace also paid homage to Severo’s love of his homeland’s architecture: azulejo tiles, carved wooden staircases, a loggia, black and white mosaic floors and ceiling frescoes. The Palacette Severo was a paean to Severo’s love of Portugal. Now restored, renovated and revived, as a 20 room boutique 5* hotel, after decades of neglect, the Palacette Severo is loved once more. For new owner, Géraldine Banier, the Palacette is a satellite to her Parisian Gallery. Throughout the Palacette and the gardens, art is everywhere, featured in every room. Most of it for sale. Above the tourist bustle of riverside Ribeiro, the Palacette Severo is a secluded sanctuary, exuding discrete luxury, at the heart of Porto’s creative neighbourhood of Cedofeita. It is an oasis of stillness.  Yet within walking distance of most of Porto’s charms.  The welcome As our taxi stops on the Rua de Ricardo

Africa’s wild heart beats in rhythm with the wildlife that roam its plains, forests and coastlines.  Exploring different ecosystems and conservancies across Africa allows for unique opportunities to spot different species in spectacular wildlife havens where they truly flourish. These sightings can be very memorable.  For instance, I will never forget the spine-tingling roar of lions in the Masai Mara in the dead of night, the adrenaline rush of  tracking wild dogs at great speed in Madikwe … the emotion of seeing rhinos up close in the far flung regions of Namibia …  and the awe of meeting ancient tortoises on Changuu island.  Here are a few of my favourite places to spot safaris specials… Wild dogs in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa The rugged wonderland of Madikwe Game Reserve is a unique reserve, where red earth meets acacia woodland. Elephants rule here — towering, wise, and often found quenching their thirst at the reserve’s shimmering waterholes. Just as majestic are Madikwe’s famed African wild dogs, also known as painted wolves, moving in tight-knit packs that hunt with astonishing coordination. Watching their swift, silent teamwork at dawn feels like witnessing nature’s choreography in action. Enjoy affordable, rustic charm at Mosetlha Bush Camp

Wherever Crystal Serenity sails it is a beautifully curated voyage of refined luxury: spacious interiors, impeccable service, exceptional culinary experiences and, obviously, as it says on the hull, serenity. On Crystal Serenity every day is a memorable occasion. Whether you are seeking sun-drenched decks, elegant lounges, cultural enrichment or simply the perfect vantage point to take in the adventure of another horizon, Crystal Serenity offers it all.  1. Unrivalled space and comfort On some ships you queue. Never on Crystal Serenity. Her maximum of 740 passengers enjoy a higher space-to-guest ratio than most other ships. In the bars, library and lounges you can always find a quiet corner for a book, coffee, or cocktail. Another advantage of a small ship is the ease of embarking and disembarking, no queuing for the gangway or tender. 2. Impeccable, personalised service  The guest to staff ratio approaches a luxurious 1 to 1 level. From the moment you aboard and your butler introduces himself, the level of personalised attention sets a tone of effortless luxury.  Equally, the crew enjoy having time to get to know the guests and their tastes, remembering your favoured cocktail, how you like your coffee. Clocking up years of service,

Wānaka’s biggest advantage as a South Island base is not just what you can do lakeside, but what sits within day-trip range. Mount Aspiring National Park begins on Wānaka’s western edge and quickly turns into a landscape of long river valleys, waterfalls, glaciers, and beech and podocarp forest. Conditions can change quickly here, so a little planning goes a long way. This Mount Aspiring guide for first-timers highlights the main Wānaka-side gateways, three standout walks for first-time visitors, and a few small decisions that improve comfort and safety. What to love about Mount Aspiring National Park Mount Aspiring National Park is renowned for diversity. Just one walk delivers birdsong and native forest, a swing bridge river crossing over a fast river, snowfield views and a hanging glacier. That contrast is part of the appeal, but it also means you should plan for sudden wind, rain in the headwaters, and big temperature swings between valley floor and viewpoint. You might also spot New Zealand’s native parrot and the world’s only alpine parrot, the Kea; they’re bold characters with a penchant for crumbs. Three easy gateways from the Wānaka side From Wānaka and the Upper Clutha, three gateways cover most day-walk itineraries.