What makes us unique?

Finding good-quality holiday accommodation for a large gathering is charming in theory, but logistically fraught in practice. Throw in guests travelling from Cumbria, Northumberland and Surrey for a milestone birthday celebration and the search becomes more challenging still. Wressle Grange Farmhouse, available through Premier Cottages, answered the brief: a beautiful period house that sleeps up to 14 across three floors, with ample indoor and outdoor space for a more intimate celebration rather than passing like ships in hotel corridors. The welcome Access was the no-drama, modern-country kind: a lockbox code sent ahead of our arrival and a straightforward self-check-in. But the stay was certainly not impersonal since, within an hour of our arrival, owner Claire came to say hello in person, swapping a few practicalities for local tips and giving us insights into the history of their former home. A small gesture but one that leaves you feeling that the owners care and are on hand if you need. The property Our arrival brings us in through the rear of the farmhouse and our gaze is immediately drawn to the kitchen with its sociable central island, polished worktops, and an abundance of modern appliances — from two dishwashers (surprisingly useful

A new gourmet philosophy has debuted on Zanzibar’s exclusive Bawe Island, designed to pamper guests and tantalise their tastebuds through an exciting culinary journey. Bawe’s exclusive dine-around formula invites guests to enjoy a variety of à la carte dining options, serving up both international and local dishes, in stunning locations dotted all around the beautiful private island.  This destination dining formula ensures a more immersive, 360-degree experience of taste, elegance and creativity.  Bawe’s restaurants are the beating heart of this sophisticated gastronomic journey, where each dish is a work of artistry, giving gourmet interpretations of international cuisine using only the freshest local ingredients.   Whether it’s a picnic right on the beach, lunch by the pool, or in private dinner in-suite, the culinary experience at Bawe is sure to be both sublime and unforgettable. Bawe island’s main restaurant serves up delicious breakfasts and dinners with a beachy twist for a more immersive dining experience – hence its unusual name!  Guests who appreciate barefoot luxury will love its ocean views, soft breeze and of course its delightfully soft floor of pristine white beach sand! Diners also have a lot of choice at The Sand, with a variety of bespoke live cooking stations. 

New Zealand’s reputation as one of the best destinations in the world to view the night sky is well established. From sleeping under the stars in a glass capsule at the Lindis, a billion-star dining experience at Mt Cook Lakeside retreat, experiencing a Wanaka starset on a private lake cruise, to a starlight soak at Atarangi lodge, hosted by Moana Skies. These stargazing experiences are not only memory makers, but will provoke deeper thought about our place in the universe, all while coated in luxury comfort. NZ is globally renowned for dark sky reserves and sanctuaries in both the South and North islands. Each of the stargazing locations and experiences we will be mentioning has its own charm and beauty, topped with luxury features. The following is your guide to the best of New Zealand’s stargazing experiences. Moana Skies Kaikōura One of the finest stargazing spots is Kaikōura, which is now one of the best locations in New Zealand’s largest dark sky sanctuary. In an isolated corner of the South Island, where it is difficult to detect any light pollution, the recently gazetted Kaikōura Dark Sky Sanctuary is an ideal location to stargaze and shoot astrophotos. Moana Skies is a

Crystal Serenity, from Crystal Cruises, is a 740 berth uber-luxurious cruise ship. Featuring bars, casino, cinema, gym, library, nightclub, shops, swimming pool, spa, theatre, computer university at sea and much, much more. A floating paradise of education, fun, leisure and wellness.  Serenity’s first-class facilities put many a city to shame. Guests look forward to a day at sea when they have the time to make the most of the activities on offer. On world cruises, Serenity and her equally well-equipped sister ship, Crystal Symphony, offer more than enough activities and challenges to occupy guests for months on end.  Crystal Serenity demonstrates that the days when cruising leisure meant little more than deck chairs and deck quoits are long gone. 1. Learn about your ports of call On our Baltic cruise, seven ports of call and six countries, we had cultural anthropologist Dr Jim Rowe giving us insider guides to what made up the psyche of our hosts. Dr Rowe introduced us to the Swedish concept of “lagom”, the Swedes’ key to living well through moderation. Never too much, never too little. A balanced society where the royal family reject grandeur and drive themselves, where a princess married her personal trainer. It