Holiday & Travel

Imagine a swimming pool with views over a magnificent Gothic cathedral, a pristine Mediterranean beach, peaceful bay or spectacular LED and pyro-technic display hosting world class DJs. No need to imagine – here's a pick of Europe's best pools with a difference.

With summer now within touching distance, Brits are preparing for their holiday getaway and an increasing number have their sights set on sun-kissed Tenerife.The largest Canary Island is back on its feet post-recession with the Tenerife Tourism Board's latest data predicting over 5.3 million tourist arrivals for 2015.

Hakone Estate and Gardens' Centennial festivities continue with the upcoming April 30 debut of the latest exhibit, “Hakone Centennial: The Tilden Era.” The exhibit features photographs and artifacts from 1932-1961, the time frame Major Charles Lee Tilden owned and operated Hakone as a private retreat. He purchased it from the original owners, the Stine Family, who created the estate and gardens from 1915-1917.

Witness the incredible snow structures at Sapporo and visit the Japanese snow monkeys on the new wintery escape from Wendy Wu Tours. Asia specialist Wendy Wu Tours has unveiled a brand new tour for 2017 with an 11-day 'Sapporo & Snow Monkeys' trip that requires guests to wrap up warm and explore Northern Japan's picturesque winter scenery.

Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival descended onto Grand Bahama delivering powerful performances described by Festival Chairman Paul Major as a “celebration of Bahamian talent”.  Thousands of Bahamians and international visitors flooded Taino Beach on Friday and Saturday to amp up the music, soak up the culture and turn up the vibes with Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival presented by BTC.

Created to celebrate the beauty of the Sri Lankan wilderness combined with the artistic talents of one of Sri Lanka's greatest living artists, Laki Senanayake, Diyabubula offers a unique insight into the nature, art and culture that makes Sri Lanka a standout destination.  

Thrill-seekers are revving up for 007-style action in the Caribbean, as the island of Aruba enhances its reputation as a beach haven where you can also get up and go! The latest addition for wannabe James Bonds is Seabob, an underwater scooter which provides an effortless excursion around the marine world of this watersports idyll. Seabob is billed as the most technically advanced, eco-friendly and fastest vehicle for moving both on and under the water.

When one imagines holidaying in the Maldives, 5 star luxury comes to mind with a premium price tag. Yet there are many ways to enhance an experience on the paradise islands without having to break the bank, meaning a fun-filled summer holiday in the Maldives doesn't have to be limited to the super rich or famous.

Fishmore Hall is a former Georgian mansion, transformed into a contemporary boutique hotel and situated in one of the most quintessentially British market towns, Ludlow in Shropshire. Fishmore Hall serves as the perfect base for an active walking holiday as it boasts uninterrupted views towards the rural Shropshire landscape and the Clee Hill in the distance, with access to walking routes from their doorstep.

What better way to get through the last few weeks of a wet spring than planning a bank holiday or summer escape to the sun. With sun, sea and sand, excellent sightseeing opportunities plus activities ranging from tennis to golf, cooking to pampering spa holidays there is plenty to keep the whole family occupied, whichever resort they choose.

Blenheim Palace is inviting a limited number of visitors the chance to take a privileged peek behind closed doors at one of the country's most historic and spectacular stately homes. From Sir Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin to generations of royalty and 'Rocky' himself, Sylvester Stallone, Blenheim Palace has been hosting the rich and famous for more than three centuries.

Arizona is fast becoming an in-demand foodie destination with top chefs and top tables earning accolades and praise from across the nation and now, visitors seeking to bring home memories via their taste buds can hit the road and enjoy nearly a dozen culinary-focused attractions on Arizona's Fresh Foodie Trail.

Located in the heart of the cultural and shopping district, literally on the doorstep of Budapest's heralded historic sites and minutes away from the glittering Danube River is the much-anticipated opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest. “It is an absolute privilege to open the first Ritz-Carlton hotel in Hungary” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer, The Ritz-Carlton.

Rickshaw Travel has made it their mission to stand up for elephants by replacing all elephant riding excursions with ethical elephant experiences.  The team at Rickshaw believes travel can be a huge social and environmental benefit to the destinations they work with and they aim to maximise the benefit of tourism whilst minimising the impact, and working as sustainably as possible.

Champagne corks are popping at Eden Bleu Hotel, Seychelles as it celebrates being awarded the prestigious title of 'Seychelles' Leading Conference Hotel' at the World Travel Awards which took place in Zanzibar on the 9th April.  A group of expert representatives from the global travel industry confirmed that Eden Bleu Hotel has outstanding meetings and conference facilities and is recognised as the best in this category.

With the recent announcement of a new London Stansted to Toulouse route from Ryanair, the relatively undiscovered département of The Tarn, south-west France is being placed firmly on the UK tourist map. New flight routes are an indicator of increased visitor numbers to an area and the newly formed Languedoc-Roussillon-Midi-Pyrénées region of south west France will soon be served by three airlines from three London airports.