Readers of influential travel magazine Travel + Leisure gave the famed St. Lucian hotel the 25th spot in the world and number two in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas category in its annual survey.

Jade Mountain's sister resort, Anse Chastanet, was not far behind, placing number six among hotels in the Caribbean region.

"We would like to thank Travel + Leisure's savvy travelers who continue to recognize the winning combination of luxury accommodations with sustainable and responsible practices," said Karolin Troubetzkoy, the resorts' executive director, praising her team for consistently making the magazine's annual top rankings. "We're so proud of our St. Lucian staff, who are unquestionably world-class leaders in the hospitality business."

According to editor Jacqueline Gifford, "For our World's Best Awards survey, every year, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe - to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Hotels are rated on their facilities, location, service, food and overall value."

Troubetzkoy congratulated Kamalame Cay in Andros, Bahamas for taking the top spot in the region, and Nihi Sumba Island (formerly Nihiwatu) in Indonesia for being named number one in the world.

The hotly anticipated Legoland Castle Hotel at The Legoland Windsor Resort is now open and welcoming guests to enjoy a magical ‘knights’ stay.

Situated right on the edge of the theme park, the brand new hotel is home to over 2.1 million Lego bricks and 657 Lego models, bringing to life an enchanted world of brave knights, magical wizards and mischievous jesters.

Colourful Lego touches and models large and small feature throughout; from the astonishing lobby - dominated by a giant floor to ceiling Lego brick Wizard unleashing Lego magic from his staff - to the tiny 7cm high Lego dragonfly models. With Lego building stations across the Hotel, plus an á la carte Tournament Tavern Restaurant which is home to an impressive 80,500 Lego brick snoozing dragon and a Jester’s Play Den, guests are guaranteed the ultimate Lego stay inside the Castle walls.

With separate sleeping areas for adults and up to three children, the 61 magical Wizard and Knight bedrooms are brimming with Lego surprises too. As well as the bright Lego wall graphics and magical Lego models in every room, children (and adults alike) will delight in solving the special clues hidden in the carpet and walls to unlock the Lego surprises that await discovery in the safe.

Bunting, flags, Lego shields and an illuminated stained glass window above the bed bring the majestic Knight themed rooms to life, whilst the spellbinding Wizard rooms are bursting with Lego magic from potion bottles, spell books and mystical Lego creatures.

Plus there are plenty of extra surprises hidden throughout the Hotel that will enchant youngsters wherever they look - from a talking throne and a chatty Lego wizard, to magical lifts and even a snoring dragon.

With UNESCO having just awarded the Lake District 'World Heritage' status on Saturday 9 July 2017, why not discover this pristine watery landscape with the original walking holiday experts Ramblers Walking Holidays', staying at their tranquil bolthole -  Hassness Country House.

Owned by Ramblers Walking Holidays and forming the base for their popular walking programme in the region, this perfectly situated property on the shores of  Buttermere,  with wonderful lake and mountain views in all directions, makes it easy to see why the Lake District has been given this coveted status.

Remote and  unspoilt, set against  a tranquil area of dramatic fells, farms and woodland, it is an ideal spot for exploring the new World Heritage site on foot with one of the best round-the-lake walks in the Lake District right on the doorstep.  With access to numerous Lake District walks as featured in 'Walking amongst the Wainwrights' – the iconic pictorial guides  to the hills and the mountains written by the great Alfred Wainwright, Hassness Country House is the ideal base for holidays catering to all levels of fitness.  Choose from ambles around the valley floor and its three lakes,  Buttermere,  Crummock  Water and  Loweswater  to adventurous high peak challenges on the summits and ridges of the Western Fells.

Offering an  extensive on-going walking  programme, any days out are well rewarded with locally sourced home cooked meals and the promise of resident cook Ruby's superb freshly baked cakes.

It's that time of year when the sun sets late and temperatures are mild – the perfect weather to watch a sound and light show. See the façade of Rouen Cathedral come to life, this year narrating the stories of William the Conqueror and Joan of Arc, Rouen's most iconic figures, or follow ten colourful narratives celebrating France's journey to freedom during WW2, displayed on both Bayeux Cathedral and its magnificent Liberty Tree.

Venture further south to the city of Sées and marvel at the annual light show projected onto its Cathedral, a national monument and well worth a visit. And, if you fancy something off the beaten track, visit the Manoir du Courboyer in the Perche Regional Natural Park for a spectacular lightshow about the heritage of this picturesque area, famous for its Percheron horses.

Sydney shines in the latest time-lapse video, from renowned videographer Rob Whitworth, which showcases Sydney's stunning winter weather.

While winter in Sydney kicks off with Vivid Sydney, it continues to shine even when the lights are switched off, with the city on average experiencing 221 sunny days each year*. Whitworth's latest video highlights some of Sydney's top winter experiences, from exploring the harbour, to shopping and exploring the beaches and tourist attractions.

According to Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Ms Sandra Chipchase, “Sydney has a year round temperate climate, making winter an ideal time to visit our stunning harbour city. Winter in Sydney brings with it crystal clear water at our city beaches, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and the perfect opportunity to indulge in the state's great food and wine experiences.”

“Both Sydney and Regional NSW have some fantastic winter experiences, including an impressive range of new things to do, places to dine and accommodation.”

The Spanish Tourist Office and Turismo de Galicia are delighted to have been awarded Silver Gilt for their garden at Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.

Following the success of last year’s ‘Route of the Camellia’ show garden, also a silver gilt medallist, the Spanish Tourist Office once again commissioned garden designer, Rose McMonigall.

This year’s exhibit, ‘The Pazo’s Secret Garden’, celebrates the wonder, mystery and contrasts of the gardens of the historic Galician Pazos; magnificent palaces famous for their exquisite architecture and extensive gardens, where formal design meets the untamed nature of Galicia’s landscapes.

The garden also featured its very own striking human representation of a Camellia flower, in the form of body art.

Rose’s romantic design leads visitors on an imaginary journey through the vineyards, ancient camellia avenues and topiary mazes of Galicia’s Pazo gardens, towards a more intimate setting, a secret space, sheltered by the walls of the palace. By the steps up to the mysterious door to the Pazo, visitors will find a water lily-filled pool and a tranquil place to sit at a stone table. A welcome glass of Galician Albariño wine is waiting and a silk scarf, adorned with a camellia flower design, gives a nod to the richly-coloured blossoms you would find here in early spring.

“The garden preserves the formality and ornament of the Pazo garden, but nature too has claimed it, adding a certain untamed, overgrown wildness” said garden designer, Rose McMonigall.

“Vines, pompoms of colour in the form of hydrangeas, exotic arum lilies, and a selection of wild waterside plants soften the design of the garden, which also subtly refers to the larger expansive, working landscape in this beautiful corner of Spain, making the Pazo gardens so unique and fascinating.”

Known as ‘the land of camellias’, Galicia is a renowned destination for lovers of the outdoors and garden enthusiasts. Camellias have become such an integral part of the region that visitors to Galicia can follow a dedicated ‘Camellia Route’; a journey that passes from northern to southern Galicia through 12 manor houses (or Pazos) and gardens where the camellia reigns in all its glory.

Javier Piñanes, Director of the Spanish Tourist Office UK, says: “Covered in lush greenery, with some of Spain’s most idyllic, natural beaches; home to a number of buzzing, charming and characterful cities; one of the top (though lesser known) wine producing regions in Spain, famous for the delicious Albariño white wine; and offering up arguably the best seafood in the country, Galicia is a must-visit destination.

“Rose’s design has successfully captured the mystery, romanticism and intimacy of Galicia’s Pazos, their surrounds, and of Galicia as a whole, using both plant-based and architectural references. We hope visitors to the show will be inspired by her perceptive interpretation of the magic of Galicia’s Palaces and her encapsulation of the region’s appeal more widely.”