If you live in London, the charm of Edinburgh is that it has all the familiar trappings of a capital city – namely the shops! National Gallery! – is luxuriantly compact, with simply gorgeous topography. There is also the charm of its literary history, cobbled streets and beautiful architecture. If you’re planning to escape the… Read More »
Located along the Garden Route in the picturesque Western Cape, Plettenberg Bay boasts pristine beaches that attract not only local travelers but also famous faces such as Love Island host Maya Jama, Oscar winner Jared Leto and British actor Tom Hopper. Plett (as the town is known locally) remains largely undiscovered by visitors from beyond… Read More »
Garsington Opera has just opened a stunningly beautiful, light and spacious set of rehearsal studios set in the lush Buckinghamshire countryside on the sprawling Wormsley estate, the result of a £14 million appeal. The building deserves to win architectural awards for its sympathetic use of brick, flint, timber and tiles, and should attract other creators… Read More »
Giardino GiustiVerona, Italy Any list of European gardens must begin with Italy, even though their perfect form, symmetry and reliance on flowering evergreens belie the modern yearning for pollinator-friendly naturalism. The Italian garden reached its peak during the Renaissance and has remained virtually unchanged since then. Its core principles are elegance, charm and decadent comfort.… Read More »
“The railway’s return to Levenmouth, home of Robinson Crusoe after half a century, reopens this forgotten corner of Fife,” smiles Andy Duff. Leven was one of Scotland’s most popular holiday destinations. Now rail is breathing new life into this land of big skies, wide waters and close-knit communities, with direct trains (from 2 June) reaching… Read More »
Along the beach on the Thai island of Samui, vendors are busy setting up tables piled high with souvenirs and sunglasses. Staff stand outside massage shops and restaurants and gesture to passersby, hoping to attract tourists. More customers may pass through the area soon. The island is one of several locations set to feature in… Read More »
Audience reactions to Carolina Bianchi’s surprising new stage show have varied. Some left in the middle of the performance. Those who were left behind eventually burst into sobs. However, the Brazilian artist also sent messages to people telling them how his performance affected them and how they spent the whole night discussing it. Normally, she… Read More »
For all the columns, airtime, and social media outcries devoted to Taylor Swift, the woman herself remains a sort of empty space. Music’s biggest star is a 34-year-old self-made billionaire who is currently on the European leg of a stadium tour that has broken more records than a rogue elephant at HMV. Yet what we… Read More »