‘Mysterious’ COVID-19 cluster ravages Chinese region of 100 million people

Fears of a possible new outbreak in a Chinese region of over 100 million residents have escalated after two cities from the area went under Wuhan-style lockdown.  Officials from Jilin province of north-eastern China appointed two hospitals today as designated coronavirus facilities to deal with the overwhelming spike of suspected COVID-19 patients. Chinese officials have … Read more

A family road trip through France’s Burgundy wine region staying in great Relais & Châteaux hotels

‘Top up?’ inquired my husband, as we sat on the sun-dappled terrace. It’s hard to think of a nicer question. Especially when asked on a balmy afternoon in Beaune, the unofficial capital of Burgundy’s Côte-d’Or region, where we were simply doing what the good people of this dignified town do best – savouring one of … Read more

‘Oscar Seppeltsfield’ in Australia’s Barossa region set to become ‘the Sydney Opera House’ of hotels

Revealed: The stunning $50million vineyard hotel set to become ‘the Sydney Opera House’ of Australian accommodation Hotel ‘Oscar Seppeltsfield’ is set to open in 2022 and will sit in the heart of the historic Seppeltsfield vineyard The curvaceous design is influenced by the art of wine barrel-making, according to the architects Around 70 rooms will … Read more

Inside the Tivoli Evora Eco-Resort in the Alentejo region of Portugal – the world’s first cork hotel

Inside the amazing eco-hotel made from CORK – which is waterproof, fireproof and helps to keep the building at a steady temperature The dark facade of the Tivoli Eco-Resort in Alentejo is made entirely from cork  Portugal is the largest producer of cork and the hotel is full of the material  All the materials used … Read more

A sparkling good time: Sailing through France’s Champagne region

Rolling hills patched together by vineyards and everyone’s favourite fizz: Sailing through France’s stunning Champagne region on a hotel barge The European Waterways hotel barge ‘Panache’ sails down the River Marne and the Canal latéral à la Marne Guests enjoy day trips to the cities of Reims and Epernay and even visit Champagne house Moët & … Read more

Rise and shrine! Direct flights to Japan’s Osaka will put this heavenly region on the map 

Hiro raises his bare thigh and slams his foot on the ground spreading ripples across his man mountain of a body. He bows at his opponent and, in a vision of manboobs and giant wedgies, they engage in combat; wrestling, pushing, heaving and tugging until one emerges victorious. Suddenly, it’s my turn. I step into … Read more