Holiday & Travel

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.”

Air Seychelles teamed up with the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) to secure the charter services following a series of promotional events aimed at increasing awareness of the tropical archipelago in China, one of the fastest-growing travel markets in the world.

The national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, has announced it will operate non-stop charter flights from Chengdu, located in southwestern China, to Seychelles.

The airline will offer flights from the city of more than 14 million people every Wednesday from 19 July through to 23 August, providing six return services in total during the period.

The capital of China’s Sichuan province, Chengdu is known for its rich cuisine and teahouse culture, shrines and temples, and giant panda sanctuaries, which are home to more than 80% of the wild giant pandas in the world.

Roy Kinnear, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles, said: “Our charter flights from Chengdu will be operated on our Airbus A330s, providing a capacity of more than 1,500 seats to our islands.

“We are delighted to have worked together with STB to make these charter flights a reality and look forward to welcoming our first guests from Chengdu and treating them to our famous Seychellois hospitality.”

Sherin Francis, Chief Executive Officer of STB, said: “These additional charter flights from Chengdu will go a long way in supporting our strategic efforts to boost inbound tourism numbers from China.

“We worked hand-in-hand with Air Seychelles to secure these charter services and are eagerly anticipating the first direct flight touching down in Seychelles on 19 July.”

Roy Kinnear continued, “China has enormous potential for the Seychelles tourism industry and we are keen on continuing to work closely with a number of partners in China to attract a growing number of visitors to our islands.”

With experts forecasting a heatwave this summer, Edinburgh's five star visitor attraction, Dynamic Earth will be keeping visitors cool with a host of polar themed events for the whole family to enjoy.

Throughout the summer holidays (1 July - 27 August) Dynamic Earth is inviting youngsters to become polar explorers and see if they have what it takes to withstand the harsh environments of the poles through a range of interactive demonstrations and activities.

With the help of Dynamic Earth's much loved green screen photo booth, visitors can dress up in a genuine polar explorer kit and take a trip to Antarctica with some cuddly penguin pals. Photos from the booth will be uploaded to the Dynamic Earth Facebook page for visitors to share with friends.

As part of an admission ticket, visitors can also take part in the daily interactive family science shows which aims to entertain participants showing the difference between the Arctic and Antarctic. While drop-in activities, including polar themed arts and crafts tables, will help youngsters get creative and inspired by polar wildlife.

After a successful run over Easter, 'Penguin Nights' are back by popular demand with screenings of The Penguin Counters; a cinematic experience focusing on the research work of Ron Naveen and his team who count hundreds of thousands of penguins to track the impacts of climate change and ocean health on penguin populations, helping us understand our changing world. The Penguin Counters' treacherous, heart-warming journey poses the ultimate question in the world's fastest warming region: What can humans learn from penguins on the frontlines of climate change?

Eilidh Massie, head of marketing at Dynamic Earth comments: “We are fascinated by the poles here at Dynamic Earth. Our permanent polar extremes gallery is a firm favourite with visitors of all ages, so we always enjoy putting on extra activities for families to enjoy.

“We're extremely excited to welcome back The Penguin Counters, an important and entertaining film assessing the impact of climate change on our favourite polar birds. We expect these screenings to be a sell out so grab your tickets before it's too late!”

On top of the polar activities, regular Dynamic Earth features include Scotland's only permanent 4D cinema, a real iceberg, a bone-shaking earthquake and the Deep Time Machine which takes visitors billions of years back in time.

Regarded as the unspoilt Canary Island, La Gomera is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. From sandy coasts and deep ravines to laurel forests and volcanic mountains, there is no shortage of amazing vistas to behold. Each viewpoint has its own special charm, and their diversity is sure to leave even the most well-travelled sightseers impressed.

Mirador de Abrante – Agulo

Have you ever wanted to experience the sensation of flying? Head to Mirador de Abrante to discover what it really feels like. Perched on a clifftop above Agulo, this glass observation deck provides visitors with breathtaking views over the Atlantic Ocean and the three town centres below: El Charco, Las Casas and La Montañeta. On clear days, the island of Tenerife can be seen bordering the horizon, capped by its highest volcano, and the highest in Spain, Mount Teide.

Mirador de Abrante also has a gastrobar, so you can take in the views while tasting Canarian-inspired international cuisine. It's also a great place to see daily exhibitions of the Silbo Gomero whistling language by the restaurant's staff in the afternoon.

Alto de Garajonay – Garajonay National Park

Alto de Garajonay is the highest point of La Gomera at an altitude of 1,487 m. With a 360-degree view, it allows you to see almost the entire island on clear days, as well as the islands of La Palma, El Hierro, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. In the summer, usually in the evening, you can even see unforgettable views of the 'mar de nubes', which literally translates as a 'sea of clouds'.

What's more, there are many archaeological treasures to be found here as it was once an ancient site of worship for the pre-Spanish inhabitants. These original settlers would choose the island's highest points as symbolic sites, as indicated by the various remains that have been found in the area.

Salcombe's seaside gem South Sands has been featured on Channel 5 documentary 'Our Dream Hotel' as one of Salcombe's “most successful high end hotels” with “views to die for”. The boutique hotel inspired new hoteliers on the programme with its classy, understated beachside décor that combines timeless seaside-chic with a modern touch.

Commenting on the TV accolade hotel director Stephen Ball comments: “We are delighted that South Sands has been recognised for its interior design as this reflects the passion, care and attention to detail we ensure through all elements of the hotel – from the restaurant and bar menus, through to each individual bedroom and the estuary-facing terrace.”

Enhancing the hotel's interiors, head chef Allister Bishop's menus stand apart for their creativity blended with a level of simplicity, encouraged by knowing the lure of fresh beach side produce and divine country living. Wherever possible, Allister uses local ingredients and integrates foraged food into the menu and the food is matched with carefully chosen wines and cocktails. Bar manager Will Neal also frequently incorporates seasonal, foraged ingredients with locally produced drinks into cocktails and non-alcoholic options. The spectacular curved wall of the restaurant's pristine French windows presents a breath-taking centrepiece to the extraordinary bar and terrace area. The unparalleled views overlook the brilliant blue, green colours of the Salcombe Estuary and end result is a sensational dining experience.

South Sands' rooms range for the small but intricately designed 'Optimist' to the largest and grandest 'J-class', which is adorned with opulent features such as the decadent 8ft bed and two roll-top baths and has stunning estuary views and coastal scenery. A private balcony looks directly across the bay and provides a wonderful setting for breakfast or a glass of bubbly. There are also five Beach Suites which sit to the side of the main hotel which make an attractive venue for private functions, corporate events and business meetings. Each comprise of two large ensuite bathrooms, one of these can be set up with twin beds, a generous open-plan reception, lounge, and dining and kitchen area.

Having converted the layout of eight A330-300 aircraft, Philippine Airlines' has introduced a brand new cabin product on nine of its international destinations. This improvement comes ahead of the launch of the Boeing 777-300ER on the London - Manila route, which will also offer an enriched and innovative inflight experience across PAL's Business and Economy classes.

David Cochrane, PAL Country Manager UK & Ireland said, “As we look forward to upgrading our aircraft on the London – Manila route from December 2017, we are thrilled to have a vastly enhanced cabin product operating on our 'beyond' destinations. This means that within this year, our guests flying from London and connecting via Manila will have a completely enhanced experience from takeoff to touchdown on our key routes.”

The reconfigured A330 is now operating the Manila – Honolulu route and will begin service in July to Melbourne and Shanghai, in August to Sydney, in September to Singapore and Hong Kong, in October to Tokyo Haneda, in November to Tokyo Narita and in December to Osaka.

“At Philippine Airlines, we aim to please. This inspired us to go through the process of providing our passengers a reconfigured aircraft with meticulous seat and IFE selection. As we journey on to becoming a 5-star, world – class, full service carrier with a heart, we devote our efforts towards meeting customer needs”, PAL President and Chief Operating Officer Jaime J. Bautista said.

The Coca-Cola London Eye has been selected by the largest travel community on social media – Beautiful Destinations – as the number one most liked landmark in London captured by the Beautiful Destinations team. With more than 9 million global followers and 6,000+ posts, the Coca-Cola London Eye has beaten iconic sights including Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Oxford Street to claim the number one spot with more than 750k likes. The best performing London Eye post has received 255k likes and ranks #40 out of all @beautifuldestinations posts on Instagram.

Overall, London is ranked within the top four most-liked destinations tagged with #BDTeam on Instagram including Saxony, Paris and Santorini as places that most inspire. This hashtag became popular among travel creators during Beautiful Destinations' World's Coolest Job search last fall, now totalling nearly 140,000 posts.

Beautiful Destinations is a media company that seeks to make the world a better place through the sharing of authentic, inspirational and immersive travel stories. Since 2012, we've built the largest travel community on social media with over 15 million followers in 180 countries, who turn to us daily on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube and Weibo. Everyday, we produce and curate content that showcases the beauty of the world and inspires people to travel.

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has received a €460,000 grant from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to implement a project to increase the Caribbean tourism sector’s resilience to natural hazards and climate related risks.

“Global climate change and its impacts, including the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, pose a significant risk to the Caribbean region and threaten the sustainability of Caribbean tourism. The CTO is pleased to have the support of the CDB to implement this project which will contribute to enhancing the resiliency, sustainability and competitiveness of the region’s tourism sector. Mainstreaming climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk management (DRM) strategies in tourism development and planning is our duty to our member countries,” the CTO’s Secretary General Hugh Riley said.

The CDB / CTO partnership was formalized at a signing ceremony held on June 22, 2017 at CDB’s headquarters in Barbados. Speaking at the event, CDB President, Dr. Wm. Warren Smith, noted that the tourism sector makes an enormous contribution to the Region’s socio-economic development.

“Tourism generates high levels of employment, foreign direct investment and foreign exchange for our borrowing member countries and, given its multi-sectoral nature, it is a very effective tool for promoting sustainable development and poverty reduction. However, maintaining this critical role calls for adequate safeguards to be erected against the enormous threats that climate change and natural hazards pose to the sustainability of our Region,” said Dr. Smith.

Funding is being provided under the African Caribbean Pacific-European Union-Caribbean Development Bank- Natural Disaster Risk Management in CARIFORUM Countries programme, which aims to reduce vulnerability to long-term impacts of natural hazards, including the potential impacts of climate change, thereby achieving national and regional sustainable development and poverty reduction goals in those countries.

During the 19-month project implementation period, the CTO will support the region’s tourism entities with policy formulation, the promotion of best practices in disaster risk management and climate change adaptation, and the development of tools to enhance the tourism sector’s knowledge and awareness of disaster risk reduction strategies and the potential impacts of climate variability and climate change (CVC).

A training component will also be included to strengthen the ability of public and private sector tourism stakeholders to undertake adequate mitigation and adaptation actions to CVC. The CTO secretariat will also benefit from institutional strengthening to help provide technical assistance and ongoing support for tourism-related climate services.

The project is in keeping with 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, which has been designated by the United Nations General Assembly.

Val d'Isère, in the French Alps, is renowned as one of Europe's most popular ski destination. However, not everyone realises that it's a resort of two seasons: visitors who gather here each winter can have just as much fun during the summer. And, just because the sun's shining, it doesn't mean there's no skiing to be enjoyed…

The average temperature in July and August is 25°C; perfect for sunbathing and not too hot for hiking, biking, and the many other sporting activities on offer.

Tempted? Here's what's on offer:

SUMMER SKIING Val d'Isère is home to the Pissaillas glacier, which at 3,000 metres offers skiing until 16 July. The Cascades chair lift and the Montets T bar run from 7 am to 12 pm each day, subject to weather conditions. In winter, skiers and snowboarders leave the hamlet of Le Fornet and board the cable car and then the gondola to reach to the glacier with a total journey time of more than 30 minutes. However, during the summer, it's possible to drive or take the bus to the foot of the glacier, before clicking into your skis or snowboards and carving down the slopes.

HIKING AND BIKING Whether it's time to walk or pedal, the lifts are open free of charge from 1 July to 27 August. Head to Le Lac de L'Ouillette, which offers an ideal day out for couples, groups of friends and families. Situated above Val d'Isère at 2,500 m, the Alpine lake is the perfect place for a relaxed picnic, where visitors can drink in the spectacular mountain views. Alternatively, dine at Bar d'Altitude L'Ouillette, which has a spacious terrace with comfy seating for the sunny days. And why not take your fishing rod? The sparkling lake is stocked with trout. This summer there's also a new children's play area.

WOW air is to become the first airline in Europe to operate Airbus' new A321neo aircraft following an acquisition deal signed today at the Paris Air show between the low-fare transatlantic airline and the aircraft manufacturer.

“This is a significant addition to our fleet that will allow us to service routes of more than six thousand kilometres, a journey that the previous model of A321 has not been able to do,” says Skuli Mogensen, WOW air Founder and CEO.

The new aircraft will enter service in July, joining WOW air's current all-Airbus fleet of 17 aircraft and will operate on various European and North American routes, including the new service to Tel Aviv, announced only weeks ago.

"This first new A321neo delivery for ALC in Europe illustrates our strong and growing relationship with WOW air.  We are most honored to be associated with the success and network expansion of this consumer friendly, cost efficient and environmentally conscious airline, which in a short period of time, has become one of the most innovative air carriers serving Europe and North America,” says Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, Executive Chairman of Air Lease Corporation.

“The A321neo will ensure that WOW air can reach and serve more destinations, with its greater range, performance and economic operating cost advantages, including lower fuel consumption".

The efficient, single-aisle jetliner will have a configuration of 218 seats and advance the airline's move towards reduced fuel consumption, further reinforced by the recent addition of an A320neo to its fleet.

“The A321neo will allow WOW air to further expand its network in Europe and North America, with the most comfortable and fuel efficient aircraft in its class,” said John Leahy, COO-Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft.

“Aside from the reduced operating costs, the aircraft also provides a WOW effect for passengers with its spacious state-of-the-art cabin,” he added.

Moving away from WOW air's tradition to name its fleet after family members, the new aircraft will be christened TF-SKY and is set for its inaugral flight on 5 July 2017.

Enjoy an exciting historical jousting tournament at Blenheim Palace from 18 - 20 August. Recreating the glorious jousting matches of Britain's past, knights will take to their noble steeds in a momentous display of bravery and skill.

Expect a spectacular battle between the Knights of Arkley beneath the backdrop of Blenheim Palace on the South Lawn. Each jousting tournament will be staged twice daily over the weekend starting at 12.30 and 3pm.

Six knights will take to the stage in a joust between The Marquis de Lyons and the dastardly Black Knight. Watch skills-at-arms, medieval games, jousting and sword combat. There will be a chance for a lucky few to be shown how to use a pretend sword and try their hand against one of the squires.

The weekend will be packed with historic action and family friendly entertainment, from thrilling falconry displays to 'have-a-go' archery. For the younger children there will be Baby Dragon's to meet or come on an adventure with the Dragon Procession. Hatched from a small Dragon sanctuary in the Welsh Marshes, these delightful creatures are very friendly and well mannered, although a dragon is never entirely predictable…

After working up quite the appetite watching the battles and displays families can enjoy food, refreshments and tournament treats on the South Lawn along with a medieval stand with lots of historically themed goodies.