AN ISLAND WOVEN IN MYTH, MAJESTY, AND MODERN MAGIC
in,
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Bali. Scotland. Bandhavgarh. Milan. From ancient temples to rooftop pools, this issue of Travelling For Business is a celebration of dimensional destinations - the kind of journeys that balance work and wonder, strategy and stillness. And after reading this edition cover to cover (with a black coffee in London and a fresh coconut in Ubud), I can say with certainty: this is travel at its most elevated
We open in Bali, where the ‘Island of the Gods’ invites us into a world of incense, spirituality, and slow luxury. Whether you’re perched cliffside at the Bvlgari Resort or sipping turmeric tonics in a co-living café in Canggu, the editorial asks you not just to explore Bali— but to feel it . That same spirit carries through to our resort spotlight on Hanging Gardens of Bali, where infinity pools float above jungle canopies and candlelit dinners become rituals, not just meals
From Indonesia to the Inner Hebrides, our extended Scotland special invites readers to explore four distinct regions—from the epic drama of Glencoe to the whisky-slicked elegance of Aberdeenshire, from the cultural swagger of Glasgow to the wind-brushed calm of the Hebrides . We even pause, quite literally, at Wemyss Bay Station—a rare architectural moment that proves not all journeys need to be fast to be profound
In the sustainability space, I sat down with British Airways’ Carrie Harris to ask one big question: can airlines really decarbonise by 2050? Her answer is a mix of realism, reform, and a refusal to greenwash. From sustainable aviation fuel to direct air carbon capture, BA’s plans are bold and refreshingly honest .
Elsewhere, we travel to Porto, Harbour Island, Bandhavgarh, Como, and Chambéry, where our hotel reviews this month read like film scripts. Want a lakeside aperitivo in
Until next time…
Lombardy? Hilton Como delivers it. Prefer candlelit Senegalese fusion in a French château? Château de Candie has you covered. Or perhaps a Negroni in a Cotswolds snug is more your style? Try The Double Red Duke . For the oenophiles, our feature on wine tourism is a global flight through terroir—from Kent to California, Bordeaux to Te Arai. For the nautically inclined, we weigh anchor on a definitive guide to luxury yacht chartering, reminding readers that sometimes the best journey is the one where the destination moves with you .
Our interview with Pete Oxford is a standout. A photographer with the soul of a conservationist, he reminds us that travel can be a force for truth, and that storytelling - whether in pixels or prose - has power. His images from the Amazon and Galápagos are not just beautiful; they’re essential.
Finally, we close with Goa, Noyers-sur-Serein, and a Camembert-related security meltdown at Geneva Airport that I suspect many readers will relate to a little too well .
Wherever this issue finds you - on a red-eye, at a rooftop bar, or catching your breath between meetings - I hope it sparks a little longing. Not just to get away, but to arrive differently. Because in a world where time is tight and inboxes bulge, the real luxury isn’t just five stars. It’s meaning.
RICHARD ALVIN EDITOR, TRAVELLING FOR BUSINESS
Editor
Richard Alvin
Reviews & Features Editor
Andrea Thompson
Graphic Designer
Grace Moseley
Videographer
Jacob Pinchbeck
Content Sales Manager
Laura Phillips
Capital Business Media, Group MD
Richard Alvin
Business Development Director
Stephen Banks
Chief Creative Director
Stuart Hyde
Finance Director
Andrew Martin
Travelling For Business is published in London by
Travelling For Business is printed using sustainable paper sources and vegetable ink, and is PEFC certified. Copies are recycled at the end issue.
Bali An Island Woven In Myth, Majesty, And Modern Magic
Galápagos Islands Protecting Biodiversity
Scotland Explore Four District Regions
Madrid The Palace Hotel Madrid’s MICE Offering
Goa India's Sunshine State With A Portuguese Soul
The Hanging Gardens Bali
The Standard London, UK
Hever Castle B&B Kent, UK
The Double Red Duke Oxfordshire, UK
The Hilton By Hilton Brighton, UK
The Highfield Driffield East Yorkshire, UK
Radisson Collection Hotel Santa Sofia Milan, Italy
Hilton Lake Como Italy
Palacete Severo Portugal
Coral Sands Hotel, Harbour Island North America
The Oberoi Vindhyavilas Bandhavgarh India, Asia
Château De Candie Chambéry
Wemyss Bay Scotland's Architectural Gem Of The Rails
The Cult Of The Grape The Art Of Wine Travel
Anchored In Elegance Our Guide To Chartering A Luxury Yacht
Look Down The Everyday Art Beneath Japan's Streets
Extreme Day Trips Ready For A Whirlwind Adventure?
Normandy By Road A Scenic Pilgrimage
8 Street Scenes That Say More Than A Selfie
Noyers-Sur-Serein France's Medieval Village Renaissance
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Ryanair will launch five new routes from London airports this winter as the airline continues to expand its UK network.
From 5 December 2025, the carrier will begin flights from London Luton to Wroclaw in Poland, with four services a week. The airline is also adding four new routes from London Stansted. Services to Trapani in Sicily and Lübeck in northern Germany will launch first, on 27 October, with Trapani served twice weekly and Lübeck three times a week.
On 3 November, flights to Münster in western Germany will commence, operating three times a week. A day later, Ryanair will begin flying to Murcia in southern Spain, with four weekly departures.
The additions form part of Ryanair’s wider winter 2025 schedule and underline its focus on the UK market, where it already carries more passengers than any other airline. The carrier expects to pass the 60 million passenger mark in 2025, driven by strong demand for low-cost travel across Europe.
Italy has been named the world’s safest destination for teenage travellers, thanks to low crime rates, strong healthcare provision and political stability, according to a new study.
The research, conducted by student travel company Rustic Pathways, analysed a range of indicators including US State
Department travel advisories, homicide and traffic fatality rates, healthcare quality and spending, government effectiveness, and corruption levels. These were combined into a safety index to identify the best destinations for teen travel.
Italy topped the list with an overall safety score of 70.6 out of 100. Despite holding a Level 2 travel advisory, the country’s low homicide rate of 0.64 per 100,000 people and accessible healthcare helped secure its position at number one.
The United Kingdom took second place, scoring highly for its healthcare spending of $6,266 per capita and a relatively low traffic fatality rate of 2.39 per 100,000. The country also carries a Level 2 advisory but maintains strong overall safety standards.
New Zealand ranked third, benefitting from a Level 1 travel advisory and a high corruption index score of 83. It reported a homicide rate of 1.22 per 100,000 and healthcare spending of $4,754 per person, though higher road fatality rates (6.59 per 100,000) prevented a higher placing.
Iceland and Canada rounded out the top five, both scoring highly on government stability, healthcare and low crime.
Seven of the top 10 safest destinations were in Europe, with Germany, Spain, Greece and the UK joining Italy and Iceland in the upper ranks.
Rustic Pathways chief executive Shayne Fitz-Coy said the findings underlined the importance of safety in shaping travel decisions.
“The analysis shows that the safest countries to travel to combine low crime rates, stable governments, strong healthcare, and access to it as the main factors,” he said. “Countries on this list have an average homicide rate of 1.10 per 100,000 people, compared to a global average of 5.76 – making them over five times safer than the global norm.
“Safety is the foundation of good travel experiences and often dictates where we choose to go. When you travel to these destinations, you can focus on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about safety concerns. It is also striking how many European countries dominate the list, suggesting the continent is particularly well placed for teen travellers this summer.”
Emirates is continuing to expand its retrofit programme, adding its latest Premium Economy and upgraded Business Class cabins to services on four key regional routes.
From 26 October 2025, the airline’s EK903 and EK904 flights to and from Amman will be operated by Airbus A380s featuring refreshed interiors across all four cabin classes, including Premium Economy. The move ensures passengers have a consistent experience whether connecting onto Emirates’ retrofitted Boeing 777s, A380s or the new Airbus A350 fleet.
On the same date, Emirates will also introduce a refurbished Boeing 777 on its Mumbai services EK504 and EK505.
Two days later, from 30 October, the airline’s A350 will operate across all nine weekly flights between Dubai and Muscat, including the EK862 and EK863 services on Thursdays and Saturdays.
Finally, from 4 December, Emirates will roster an additional retrofitted Boeing 777 on its Bahrain services EK833 and EK834 every Thursday. This means Bahrain will be exclusively served by Emirates aircraft equipped with Premium Economy and refreshed Business Class cabins.
Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin will soon be available on more than 635 flights each week, with 68 cities across its network set to be served by aircraft fitted with the cabin by this winter. Of these, 36 destinations will be exclusively operated with Premium Economy on board.
The airline expects to offer more than two million Premium Economy seats annually by the end of 2025, up from around 1.8 million this year, reflecting rising demand for premium leisure and business travel.
Emirates said the investment in its retrofit programme underlines its strategy to “scale up” Premium Economy and meet shifting passenger expectations across its network.
The Chicago-based carrier first made history in June 2025 by launching nonstop flights from Newark Liberty International
Airport (EWR) to Nuuk (GOH), the capital of Greenland. The route was the first scheduled nonstop service between the U.S. and Greenland since 2007 – and the first ever operated by a U.S. airline.
Patrick Quayle, United’s Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances, described Greenland as a “gem of the Arctic,” announcing via Instagram that the airline would resume the service in 2026.
United’s Nuuk flights, operated by Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, run roughly four hours from the New York area. The route was made possible thanks to Greenland’s recent airport upgrades, including a new terminal and extended runway at Nuuk International, which opened shortly before United’s inaugural landing.
During the 2025 season, the carrier’s summer-only schedule gave U.S. travellers direct access to Greenland’s landscapes of icebergs, fjords and Arctic wildlife – a stark contrast to the heat of East Coast summers.
Quayle said earlier this year: “I think what we’re building at United is an airline that is
United Airlines will bring back one of its boldest network expansions for a second season, confirming it will return to Greenland in summer 2026.
aspirational and inspirational, and I think Greenland fits that designation.”
Prior to United’s arrival, travellers from the U.S. could only reach Greenland via connections through Iceland or mainland Europe.
Greenland was one of several high-profile destinations United added in 2025 as part of its push into off-the-beaten-path international markets. Other launches included Dakar (Senegal), Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia), Bilbao (Spain) and Palermo (Italy). The airline has not yet confirmed whether those other routes will also return in 2026.
United’s current Nuuk flights will finish their inaugural season on 23 September 2025, with the final southbound flight to the U.S. operating on 24 September.
The decision to return in 2026 signals strong early demand for the Arctic route and underlines United’s strategy of pairing major global hubs with unique, aspirational destinations.
Ireland has published its first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) policy roadmap, a move set to reshape the aviation landscape for airlines, airports and business travellers.
Launched on 21 August by Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien, the strategy is being positioned as both a climate measure and an economic opportunity, with the Government promising to provide the “building blocks” for SAF deployment across Ireland’s airports.
For airlines operating out of Dublin, Shannon and Cork, the roadmap signals a new era. Regulators will push for greater use of SAF in the fuel mix, in line with European Union rules under the ReFuelEU Aviation initiative, which sets mandatory blending requirements for carriers from 2025 onwards. “The roadmap recognises the important contribution that Sustainable Aviation Fuel can make toward decarbonising the aviation industry,” O’Brien said, adding that it will help create certainty for investors and operators alike.
The document, produced with input from the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Task Force formed in late 2023, sets out how Ireland
plans to encourage both greater uptake of SAF by airlines and the development of domestic production capacity. For carriers, this will mean working closely with government and fuel providers to ensure supply chains are in place and that price premiums do not undermine competitiveness.
Business travellers may begin to see the effects of these policies as airlines pass on some of the costs of using greener fuels. However, the Irish Government argues that supporting SAF now is critical to ensuring that Irish aviation remains competitive as corporate sustainability targets increasingly influence travel procurement decisions. For global companies choosing between hubs, the ability of Dublin and Shannon to offer lower-carbon flight options could prove decisive.
The roadmap also positions Ireland as a potential hub for SAF innovation, aiming to attract investment in new production
facilities that could create skilled jobs and reduce reliance on imports. Officials believe this not only strengthens the country’s aviation sustainability credentials but also provides resilience for airlines serving Ireland’s critical business and tourism links.
The Department of Transport described the roadmap as a living strategy, one that will evolve as technology advances and international policy shifts. Future iterations are expected to provide greater clarity on funding mechanisms, incentives for producers, and potential subsidies for airlines, aligning Ireland’s ambitions with global leaders in SAF such as the Netherlands and Scandinavia.
For the business travel sector, the policy represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Companies will need to adjust to the likely higher ticket prices associated with SAF blending, but they will also be able to report more sustainable travel to stakeholders, aligning with environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments.
As one aviation analyst noted, “Corporate travellers are increasingly asking airlines to show their carbon credentials. Ireland’s SAF roadmap puts Dublin and Shannon on a path to compete with Amsterdam, Oslo and Copenhagen as low-carbon gateways.”
The message is clear: for Ireland’s aviation sector — and for the businesses that depend on it — the era of sustainable flying has officially begun.
Private aviation company VistaJet has become the first international operator authorised to fly domestically within Saudi Arabia, marking a major step in the Kingdom’s aviation liberalisation.
The approval, granted by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) on August 20, 2025, follows a landmark policy shift on May 1, when GACA scrapped cabotage restrictions for on-demand charter flights. The move forms part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract investment, boost competition and cement its status as a global aviation hub under Vision 2030.
“Authorising VistaJet as the first international private jet operator for domestic operations in the Kingdom is a milestone in enhancing the general aviation market in Saudi Arabia,” said Awad Alsulami, Executive Vice President for Economic Policies & Logistics Services at GACA.
He added the change will “stimulate sector growth, and raise the quality of services for private aviation customers in the Kingdom and across the region.”
The reform is aligned with the Kingdom’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aims to position Saudi Arabia as the Middle East’s leading aviation sector by 2030 and to transform the country into a logistics hub connecting Asia, Africa and Europe.
VistaJet has operated in Saudi Arabia for more than 15 years, longer than any other international operator. Demand for its services in the Kingdom has been climbing: during the first half of 2025, VistaJet reported a 32% year-on-year increase in Program Members from Saudi Arabia.
“The approval and recognition from GACA marks a significant milestone for Vista’s
operations in the Kingdom,” said Nick van der Meer, Vista’s Chief Commercial Officer.
“By expanding our domestic capabilities, we are not only strengthening our regional presence but also amplifying the efficiency of our global fleet. We are proud to support Vision 2030 and grateful to the leadership and the GACA team for making this possible.”
The decision to authorise VistaJet comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to grow its tourism sector and accommodate a projected surge in passenger numbers. The reforms are designed to support greater choice and quality for private aviation customers, while encouraging foreign operators to invest in the Kingdom.
According to GACA, the initiative is an “important step in advancing the objectives of the Aviation Program”, ensuring the country is on track to meet its 2030 goals.
Business trips may be billed as an opportunity to build client relationships and close deals — but for many, they’re also a chance to throw caution to the wind.
A new survey by Opinium, commissioned by World Travel Protection, reveals that 79% of employees admit to taking risks on work trips that they would never consider at home.
The annual survey of 2,000 business travellers across the UK, US, Canada and Australia paints a picture of road warriors embracing out-of-character behaviour. From gambling and recreational drug use to hopping on motorbikes or scooters in unfamiliar destinations, many respondents described work trips as occasions where normal boundaries slip.
The data highlights a generational divide. Travellers aged 18 to 34 are almost four times more likely than older colleagues to engage in hazardous behaviour.
• 22% of younger travellers admitted to getting into a car with a stranger or new acquaintance.
21% said they would jump on a scooter while abroad.
15% confessed to gambling or taking illicit substances.
The findings suggest that younger employees, particularly those newer to the workforce, are tempted to treat work trips as hybrid “bleisure” escapes. Letting off steam after a stressful meeting or celebrating a major deal often blurs the line between business and leisure.
By contrast, Gen X travellers are more restrained, with 42% stating they do not alter their behaviour when travelling for work. With more life experience, they are far less likely to take a ride with a stranger
or attend risky after-parties.
Beyond generational differences, the survey also uncovered a willingness among younger travellers to ignore health advice. Respondents admitted to drinking local tap water, eating at questionable street food stalls and brushing off basic safety guidance.
While some may shrug these off as youthful indiscretions, employers cannot afford to. Companies have a legal and moral duty of care for employees travelling on business. That means ensuring their health, welfare and safety abroad — and mitigating risks that could lead to medical emergencies or worse.
Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection, warned: “While engaging in these kinds of risky behaviours may seem fun at the time, they not only endanger the traveller but also place employers in a challenging position. This data is a reminder of companies’ legal and moral obligation to ensure the safety of travelling employees. Failing to uphold this obligation can carry serious legal consequences.”
The stakes are high. No HR department wants a call saying a junior executive has broken a leg in a motorcycle accident or been hospitalised with food poisoning mid-trip.
Some destinations rest lightly on the sensessun-kissed shores, postcard temples, a cocktail at dusk and others, like Bali, root themselves somewhere deeper.
This is not merely an island but a hypnotic rhythm, pulsing through emerald rice terraces, wafting from incense-filled altars, and murmuring from ancient stone temples swaddled in moss. Here, the spiritual and the sensual are never mutually exclusive. Bali’s magic lies not in glossy perfection, but in the way ritual soaks every detail, from sunrise to shadow.
Known as the "Island of the Gods," Bali’s story is as intricate as the batik motifs handprinted in its hillsides. Its spiritual spine formed during the rise of the Majapahit Empire in the 13th century when Javanese Hindu-Buddhists fled west and seeded what would become Bali’s richly syncretic religion. Today, this fusion of animism, ancestor worship, and Indian mythology remains a central force. Daily offerings of canang sari petals, rice, and incense cradled in palm leaves dot every ledge and threshold, quietly resisting modernity with each lit match.
Though the Dutch colonial era left architectural traces and infrastructure, the island’s cultural sovereignty endured. A morning walk through any village today is still accompanied by the clang of ceremonial gongs and the distant chants of a local priest. Time, it seems, does not erode here it reincarnates.
Exploring Bali’s layers is a sensual expedition in itself. In Ubud, the spiritual heart of the island, banyan roots stretch down like earth-bound prayers, and dancers in ornate silk whisper epics through minute gestures—eyes flickering like candle flames. The Sacred Monkey Forest offers a myth-drenched sanctuary where longtailed macaques commune under towering nutmeg trees. Pura Taman Saraswati, its lotus-fringed temple, invites slow admiration and silent awe.
For the seekers of elevation, Mount Batur demands an ascent that begins under starlight, cresting at sunrise where the sky unfurls like silk over volcanic peaks. In contrast, Tirta Empul - one of the island’s holiest water temples - offers purification beneath its centuries-old spouts, where both locals and pilgrims queue to bathe in the blessings of spring-fed waters.
The southern coast, meanwhile, redefines indulgence. Seminyak and Canggu echo with the thrum of beach clubs, concept boutiques, and bar lounges that shimmer long after twilight. Yet beyond the Instagram glimmer lies the slow grace of Sidemen Valley, a pastoral Eden where rice paddies ripple in meditative green and the only soundtrack is birdsong and the rustle of woven sarongs.
For the discerning traveller, Bali reveals itself through private thresholds, curated silences, and tactile details that elevate the island’s spirit of hospitality into art. The journey begins where the ordinary ends.
A sunrise arrival at the Bvlgari Resort Bali, for instance, positions one amid Uluwatu’s cliffside theatre - an architectural harmony of hand-cut lava stone, bespoke teak furnishings, and infinity views dissolving into the Indian Ocean. Or perhaps seclusion calls in the jungled folds of Capella Ubud, where tented suites designed by Bill Ben-
sley conjure 19th-century explorer glamour with copper soaking tubs, bespoke safari trunks, and curated mini-bars that nod to the island's colonial past.
In Tabanan, Soori Bali exemplifies sustainable luxury with its own organic farm and volcanic black-sand beach where barefoot mornings begin with yoga and finish with fire rituals under stars unspoiled by city glare.
Culinary discovery is another kind of pilgrimage. At Apéritif in Ubud, guests dine beneath chandeliers in what feels like Gatsby’s tropics, a colonial mansion reimagined through the lens of modern molecular artistry. Sundara, by contrast, extends an invitation to linger on Jimbaran Bay’s golden edge, its wood-fired cuisine and beachfront fire pits a study in curated ease. For the purists, Locavore remains the gold standard—each dish a delicate nod to Bali’s biodiversity, where papaya blossoms and rainforest clove perfume an ever-evolving tasting menu.
Experiences rise to the occasion. A private helicopter tour reveals Mount Agung’s
majesty from a vantage once reserved for the gods. Traditional temple ceremonies can be arranged at dusk, hosted by a local priest who guides guests through a bespoke blessing woven with chants and frangipani smoke. And for the nautically inclined, chartering a traditional phinisi—a hand-built wooden schooner to explore East Bali or even the Komodo archipelago provides the kind of narrative one doesn’t just tell, but savours.
And yet, luxury in Bali is not strictly a matter of price - it’s in the richness of experiences. For the traveller seeking value over velvet, the island still opens wide.
Affordable charm thrives in Ubud’s artswept hostels like In Da Lodge, with its
tropical garden courtyards and daily yoga under vine-laced pavilions. In Canggu, Tribal Bali reimagines the co-working hostel as a design-savvy space with excellent coffee, artisan details, and sunset terraces. For mountain serenity, Munduk Moding Plantation remains peerless—a retreat among coffee trees and clouds, where the infinity pool disappears into mist.
Epicureans on a budget need not compromise. In the quiet village of Kedewatan, Nasi Ayam Ibu Mangku serves Indonesia’s finest chicken rice spiced, smoky, and plated with reverence for under £5. Ubud’s night market tempts with skewers of satay and banana-leaf parcels, the flavours as rich as anything plated in a white-tableclothed hall. For something lighter and laced with western flair, The Shady Shack in Canggu delivers smoothie bowls and earth-conscious fare in a setting made for meandering afternoons.
Bali’s generosity lies in its accessibility. One can learn the alchemy of batik dyeing or jewellery-smithing with local artisans for under £20, hike the Campuhan Ridge with only the sunrise for company, or snorkel
the coral-wrapped shipwrecks off Amed without spending more than a couple of pounds. Scooters open up remote coastlines; shared shuttles unlock temples deep in the jungle. The luxury, in many ways, is in proximity, Bali gives itself to you without withholding.
Bali remains one of the few global destinations that transcends cliché. Whether viewed from a clifftop villa with champagne in hand or from a hillside homestay as incense rises with the dawn, it offers not just pleasure but presence. Its power is magnetic and soft, sacred yet easy going. A place of dualities, yes but more precisely, a land of perfect coexistence. For the high-flyer or the drifter, Bali doesn't just host a holiday; it reshapes your rhythm. And that, in any currency, is rare.
FLIGHT TIME FROM THE UK
Approximately 16–18 hours with one stop (common routes transit via Singapore, Doha or Kuala Lumpur)
TIME ZONE
• GMT +8 (7 hours ahead of the UK during BST)
CURRENCY
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR): High-end travellers may wish to carry both cash and an international card
VACCINATIONS
• Recommended: Hepatitis A and Tetanus
• Depending on travel plans: Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis may be advised for extended rural stays
Consult a travel health professional at least 6–8 weeks before departure
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
UK passport holders can obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival (approx. £27), extendable once
• Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond entry date
LANGUAGE
• Bahasa Indonesia (English is widely spoken in tourism sectors)
LOCAL CUSTOMS
Modesty is appreciated in rural areas and temples; a sarong is often required when entering sacred sites
Daily rituals and ceremonies are common—photograph respectfully and with permission
Start in Ubud, Bali’s cultural heart, where traditional dance performances light up the stage at Ubud Palace, and artisans showcase intricate wood carvings and batik textiles at the Art Market. Nearby, the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary is home to hundreds of long-tailed macaques and centuriesold temples nestled in lush jungle.
For spiritual immersion, visit Tirta Empul Temple, famed for its holy spring water and purification rituals. Further east, Pura Lempuyang— known as the “Gateway to Heaven”— frames Mount Agung in a dramatic vista. The Besakih Temple, Bali’s largest and holiest, sits on the slopes of the same volcano and hosts elaborate ceremonies throughout the year.
Don’t miss Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), a mysterious 11th-century sanctuary carved into rock, and Taman Ayun
Temple, a UNESCO-listed royal water temple surrounded by lotus ponds and manicured gardens.
Bali’s coastline is as diverse as its culture. In the south, Seminyak Beach offers golden sands, upscale beach clubs, and sunset cocktails. Nearby, Canggu is a surfer’s haven with laidback vibes and black sand shores. For families, Nusa Dua Beach provides calm waters and luxury resorts. Adventurers should head to Uluwatu, where dramatic cliffs meet turquoise waves. Visit Uluwatu Temple at sunset and stay for the fiery Kecak dance performance. Padang Padang Beach, tucked between limestone cliffs, is perfect for swimming and spotting the occasional celebrity.
On the east coast, Virgin Beach offers a quieter escape with crystalclear waters and local warungs. In the north, Lovina Beach is known for its black volcanic sand and early morning dolphin tours.
Beyond temples and beaches, Bali invites exploration. Trek through the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, cycle past villages in Sidemen, or hike to waterfalls like Sekumpul and AlingAling. Join a Balinese cooking class, witness a melukat purification ceremony, or relax in a jungle spa.
Whether you’re chasing waves, spiritual serenity, or cultural depth, Bali delivers an unforgettable experience at every turn.
Nestled in the lush jungle of Payangan, north of Ubud, the Hanging Gardens of Bali is a sanctuary of serenity and indulgence.
Originally designed by architect Gordon Shaw and landscape visionaries William Warren and John Pettigrew, the resort was built in 2005 using traditional materials like Batu Chandi volcanic stone and solidified ash, blending seamlessly into the contours of the Ayung River valley.
The resort features 44 private villas, each a masterclass in Balinese elegance. Thatched
Alang Alang roofs, handcrafted furniture, and exotic textiles set the tone, while floorto-ceiling windows invite the jungle inside. Every villa boasts a private infinity pool, a king-sized bed, and a spacious bathroom with a terrazzo tub, rain shower, and luxury toiletries. Amenities include air conditioning, blackout curtains, coffee and tea makers, flat-screen TVs, and even bespoke touches like embossed logos on linens and toiletries.
The resort’s crown jewel is its two-tiered infinity pool, often hailed as one of the most beautiful in the world by Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor. Suspended above the treetops, it mimics the curves of the surrounding rice terraces and offers a surreal sensation of floating above the jungle. It’s a magnet for honeymooners, photographers, and anyone chasing that once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Beyond the villas, Hanging Gardens offers a world-class spa, open-air yoga sessions, and curated experiences like Balinese cooking classes and jungle treks. Dining is equally immersive, guests can enjoy candlelit dinners on floating decks or savour local dishes like Nasi Goreng at the Three Elements restaurant, with panoramic views of the valley and temple.
The clientele is as diverse as the landscape— romantic couples, wellness seekers, luxury travelers, and even celebrities have found refuge here. Many come for the privacy, the immersive nature, and the sense of timeless escape. It’s not just a place to stay it’s a place to reconnect, reflect, and indulge.
In short, Hanging Gardens of Bali is more than a resort - it’s a poetic retreat where nature and luxury entwine. Whether you’re floating in the pool above the jungle canopy or waking to the sounds of the Ayung River, every moment feels like a page from a dream.
Behind the calm manner and the gentle humour lies a man whose life has been driven by the lens—not as a trophy-hunting device, but as a weapon of empathy, a way of making unseen worlds visible.
Born in Britain, Oxford trained as a marine biologist before his camera began to pull him away from academia and into the immediacy of storytelling. He moved to Ecuador in the 1980s, trading the predictable rhythms of a hatchery job in Wales for the unpredictable wilds of the Galápagos Islands. “The Galápagos became too much of a temptation,” he has said. What began as a naturalist’s posting became a lifelong vocation: documenting the fragile, spectacular life of the islands and, eventually, the planet.
In those early years, Oxford’s days were consumed by fieldwork: censusing cormorants and penguins, tagging Galápagos hawks, camping among colonies of waved albatross. He scaled Wolf Volcano to collect blood samples from giant tortoises, close kin of the legendary Lonesome George. The science fed his mind, but the images began to stir something deeper. Photography, he realised, was more than a hobby. It was a tool. A way to carry the story of these places out into the world, where it might shape policy, awaken empathy, change behaviour.
Oxford is quick to warn that the Galápagos, though seemingly pristine, are not immune. “There are two sides to the Galápagos,” he has often noted. “The islands themselves are in pretty good shape, but the massive industry support system behind tourism is causing problems.” The duality—of beauty and fragility, of resilience and exploitation—became the recurring theme of his life’s work.
Dawn settles gently over Cape Town, the African sky opening into a soft wash of colour. It is here, far from the dense jungles of South America or the volcanic ridges of the Galápagos, that PETE OXFORD reflects to Richard Alvin on a career spent at the wild edges of the
world.
RAW AND THE REAL
If there is a signature to Oxford’s photography, it is its rawness. He has never been seduced by glossy perfection. Instead, he prefers what he calls “the spirit, the essence” of a subject. His images, whether of a surfacing whale shark or the lined face of an Amazon elder, are arresting because they feel honest. “If I can capture that essence,” he once explained, “it’s worth far more than a technically perfect portrait.”
That ethos has taken him from the high Andes to the Amazon, where he spent years embedded in Yasuní National Park. There, among the dripping canopies and cacophonous calls, he worked from treetop platforms and rainforest blinds, waiting, watching. In one extraordinary encounter, Oxford found himself face to face with a black jaguar for an hour, separated only by six or eight metres of humid air. He was not a conqueror but a witness, his shutter translating intimacy into permanence. The photographs that result are not simply wildlife portraits. They are narratives: about the rainforest’s struggles, the encroachment of industry, the delicate line between human and wild. His work has appeared in National Geographic, BBC
Wildlife, Time, and The Economist, but also in conservation campaigns, school programmes, and government briefings. Each image, he insists, must “tell the backstory.”
Just as compelling as Oxford’s wildlife work is his documentation of indigenous communities. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, he lived with the Huaorani, dropped in by helicopter as the only outsider in camp. He was welcomed like family, though he jokes that he had to padlock his tent to stop his computer cables being repurposed to tie up peccaries. Through his lens, Oxford captured the tribe not as an exotic curiosity, but as a living culture in a fragile ecosystem—its survival as precarious as that of the jaguar.
This intersection of cultural and ecological storytelling runs through his career. From Mongolia’s eagle hunters to African rewilding corridors, Oxford has insisted that people and nature are inseparable. “Anyone who benefits from a park or wilderness area has a responsibility to protect it,” he says. “Not just use it and leave, but use it wisely—and ask: are there issues to raise?”
Together with his wife, Renée Bish, Oxford co-founded Pete Oxford Expeditions. Their journeys take travellers into the heart of ecosystems—places where photography becomes education, and adventure becomes advocacy. From Galápagos sailings to Namibian safaris, the expeditions are structured not as voyeurism but as encounters, designed to enrich participants and, by extension, the communities and habitats they visit.
The encounters can be hair-raising. In Botswana’s Caprivi Strip, Oxford remembers being charged by a wall of elephants—refugees from neighbouring Namibia, where persecution made them skittish. “The first thing they encountered was our land cruiser,” he recalls. “And they decided to charge.” His telling is matterof-fact, but the experience underscores his career-long willingness to stand at the
threshold of danger, always as a participant, never an intruder.
The accolades have followed. Oxford was named Ecuadorian Photojournalist of the Year in 2014, awarded the IUCN/Terre Sauvage “Man in Nature” Prize in 2015, and recognised by Outdoor Photography as one of the top 40 most influential nature photographers. He is a founding fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, and his books have carried forewords by figures as diverse as E.O. Wilson, Sting and Trudie Styler, and Prince Charles.
Yet he treats awards lightly, almost dismissively. For Oxford, the true measure of success is whether an image helps foment change. Whether it makes a politician think twice, or a tourist reconsider their footprint, or a child fall in love with the natural world. “We all must do more than just shoot the perfect portrait,” he says. “There’s urgency. Habitats are failing. Species are faltering.”
Oxford’s gear is dependable but secondary. He shoots with Nikon bodies, not for prestige but for resilience in heat, moisture, and remoteness. He invokes Ansel Adams: “The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it.” Oxford embodies that maxim, his fieldwork dictated by patience, humility, and persistence. While others chase goldenhour glamour, he photographs all day, insisting that observation is what yields the rare, unexpected shot.
The images that emerge—jaguar eyes in the gloom of Yasuní, albatross courtship dances on Galápagos cliffs, a Huaorani
child playing at the edge of the forest— are fragments of a much larger story. They are stories of survival, both human and wild. His books and exhibitions, his lectures and expeditions, all echo the same refrain: that visibility is the first step toward protection.
"IF
SAYS, "THAT WILL BE ENOUGH."
At the end of our conversation, Oxford scrolls through a selection of his photographs on a laptop. A sea turtle hatchling scrambling towards the surf. The profile of a Mongolian eagle hunter, bird perched regally on his arm. The scarred trunk of an Amazonian tree, ringed by the shadows of men with chainsaws. Each image is powerful on its own. Together, they are a mosaic of the fragile beauty of the planet, and of one man’s life spent trying to preserve it.
Oxford leans back, a faint smile crossing his face. “If I can leave a positive legacy of change in the natural world,” he says, “that will be enough.”
In the end, Pete Oxford’s work is not about photographs. It is about survival— of ecosystems, of cultures, of stories too easily erased. His lens is the witness, but the message is for us all: to look, to feel, to act.
The Galápagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have long been celebrated as a living laboratory of evolution. Home to unique species such as the giant tortoise, blue-footed booby, and marine iguana, this remote archipelago off the coast of Ecuador has drawn nature lovers and scientists alike.
However, the delicate ecosystem faces increasing pressure from tourism, prompting authorities to consider drastic measures to safeguard its biodiversity.
With approximately 270,000 visitors arriving each year, the Galápagos Islands have seen a surge in human activity that threatens their fragile habitats. While tourism provides economic benefits, including employment for locals and funding for conservation efforts, it also brings challenges such as pollution, habitat degradation, and the introduction of invasive species. The delicate balance between conservation and tourism has led Ecuadorian officials to reassess their approach.
In 2023, the Ecuadorian government introduced new regulations aimed at reducing environmental impact. These measures include:
Limiting tour group sizes to minimize disruption to wildlife.
• Restricting the number of boats allowed in protected waters.
Increasing entry fees to fund conservation projects.
Despite these efforts, authorities are now considering even stricter policies, including potentially shutting the islands to tourists for certain periods or drastically reducing visitor numbers. This would allow ecosystems to recover and prevent longterm damage.
If Ecuador moves forward with temporary closures, the plan could involve:
• Seasonal shutdowns where certain areas are off-limits for months at a time.
Exclusive permits allowing only a limited number of visitors per year.
• Stronger enforcement of conservation laws, ensuring compliance from tour operators.
While such measures may make the Galápagos a more exclusive and expensive destination, they underscore the priority of preserving biodiversity over mass tourism. The move would align with global trends where fragile ecosystems - such as Machu Picchu and Venice (we are addressing this separately) - are implementing visitor restrictions to prevent irreversible damage.
The Galápagos Islands remain a bucketlist destination, but their survival depends on responsible tourism. Whether through visitor caps, stricter regulations, or temporary closures, Ecuador is sending a clear message: nature comes first. For travellers, this means embracing sustainable practices and respecting the delicate beauty of one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
Ask five travellers to define Scotland, and you’ll likely get ten answers. It’s a country of muscular landscapes and architectural lyricism, of windswept solitude and gallery chatter. For the business traveller with an eye for pleasure or the culture seeker with a calendar to fill, Scotland offers not just destinations, but dimensions.
We invite you to explore four distinct regions — each with its own tone, tempo and temptations. From the towering hush of the Highlands to the island rhythms of the Hebrides, and from the castle-studded Northeast to Glasgow’s urban renaissance, Scotland unfolds not as one story, but many. There’s whisky, yes and wool and war stories. But also innovation, intimacy and offbeat delight.
This is Scotland for the curious, the discerning, and the quietly adventurous. Whether you come for a summit or a sabbatical, be warned: the scenery may steal your schedule, and the hospitality may hijack your heart.
There’s drama, and then there’s the Highlands. This is Scotland - a landscape sculpted for legends and adored by drone photographers.
Whether driving through the cinematic sweep of Glencoe or pausing for breath on Ben Nevis (ideally before the wind decides otherwise), you don’t merely visit this region - you surrender to it.
Behind the grandeur lies a tangled tapestry of history. The infamous massacre at Glencoe, where Campbells betrayed their MacDonald hosts, still echoes through the hills like a mournful ballad. Storytellers and guides will take you beyond the facts into whispered lore - a reminder that beauty here often comes with a tragic footnote.
Highland experiences layer comfort with wildness. Boutique castle stays such as Inverlochy Castle Hotel offer firelit refinement and faultless service, while luxury lodges like The Torridon balance soft throws and spa serenity with doorstep adventure. There’s wellness in stillness too, forest bathing, stargazing retreats, even wild swimming in lochs so pure you feel they could baptise your inbox stress away.
For those drawn to more active pursuits, this is Munro-bagging country — a rite of passage for anyone keen to scale
Scotland’s famed peaks. Scenic drives like the North Coast 500 offer slow pleasures, winding past lochs, whisky bothies, and heathered mystery. Eilean Donan Castle deserves its fame: perched at a confluence of three lochs, it’s so impossibly picturesque it regularly photobombs its own postcards. Hospitality here leans into earthiness: chefs forage as part of their prep, and local provenance isn’t a tagline — it’s practically religion. Whether feasting on venison with bramble jus or sipping a 25-year-old single malt by candlelight, the Highlands show that wild doesn’t have to mean rough.
This is the land of more castles than days in the year, of Highland Games that feel less like sport and more like theatre, and of coastal drives so dramatic, they make your inbox seem insignificant.
Aberdeen itself wears a curious crown: nicknamed the Granite City, it gleams with Victorian austerity, maritime grit, and a creative pulse reborn. Once dominated by oil and shipping, the city now curates its own revival, with sustainability-focused hotels like The Sandman Signature and smart new restaurant openings that blend Scottish sourcing with global inflection. For the business traveller, the city offers direct connectivity and an underrated cultural calendar — including the Spectra Festival of Light, where granite glows with kinetic art. Venture west and the landscape begins to ripple - the Cairngorms National Park rises like a natural fortress, guarding a world of heather, Highland cows, and the occasional reindeer sighting. Aviemore serves as the region’s outdoor HQ, perfect for executive retreats wrapped in hiking boots and fleece
layers. Whether dog-sledding in winter or ziplining in summer, this corner of Scotland is as adrenaline-packed as it is postcard-perfect.
Yet Aberdeenshire doesn't rest on scenery alone. It’s also the spiritual home of Scotland’s single malts. The Speyside whisky trail invites slow indulgence, tracing heritage and craftsmanship through Glenfiddich, Cardhu, and countless boutique distilleries that offer tastings in candlelit rooms where business chat naturally gives way to flavour notes and folklore.
The royal thread runs strong here. Balmoral Castle, beloved by the late Queen and steeped in personal tradition, opens for seasonal visitors seeking a glimpse into regal leisure. The estate, nestled within wooded highlands, feels at once stately and intimate — a lesson in understatement for those who prefer their grandeur with a side of bracken.
Timing your trip with the Braemar Highland Games offers spectacle with substance: locals in kilts toss cabers, race uphill, and compete for glory while guests mingle with
Scotland’s northeast is where tradition and innovation meet for coffee, then throw a caber in celebration.
royalty and adrenaline alike. There's nothing ironic here — just a fierce pride in community and heritage. It’s the kind of scene that stays with you long after the tartan fades.
Then there’s the coastline - from the dramatic cliffs near Stonehaven to quaint fishing villages like Pennan, where red phone boxes and fresh langoustines invite lingered lunches. Culinary surprises surface here too, with chefs reviving traditional recipes and reinventing them for modern palates, often under the radar and all the more delicious for it.
Whether you arrive for business or retreat, Aberdeenshire offers a Scotland less travelled but deeply rewarding. Here, history isn’t a backdrop - it’s a co-host.
Community-led hospitality reigns here, with island guesthouses and boutique retreats that offer sincere welcomes, wind-whipped silence, and dining that sings of the landscape.
Skye plays the charismatic lead. The Cuillin range broods over postcard valleys, while geologic wonders such as the Old Man of Storr, Fairy Pools, and Kilt Rock evoke mythology with moss. The Neist Point Lighthouse, perched above crashing waves, isn’t just photogenic — it’s philosophical, reminding guests that stillness has its own power.
Accommodation here varies in style but not sincerity. Whether in a restored croft or coastal lodge, there’s a tactile warmth to hospitality: Hebridean tweeds, peat fires, and breakfasts with sea views. On Harris, expect design-forward guesthouses wrapped in serenity, while Islay pairs boutique charm with whisky heritage so deep it feels like confession.
Speaking of spirits, the islands offer a masterclass in small-batch perfection. Islay and Jura are whisky heavyweights, with peaty profiles and tasting rooms that double as cultural salons. Artisan gin is on the rise too, with distilleries like Harris Distillery blending botanicals and storytelling in equal measure. Tours often include Gaelic legends, local foraging, and spirited discussions about seaweed infusions.
Where the sea meets soul, the Hebrides deliver Scotland’s most meditative escape. Scattered like punctuation across the west coast, these islands aren’t just remote — they’re rhythmically apart.
But these islands aren’t all dram and scenery. They’re cultural keystones: Gaelic is still spoken, conservation projects thrive, and communities work together to sustain tourism with integrity. Expect to see artisan weavers, sea-foraging menus, and creative festivals that elevate local tradition to global intrigue. Whether you're visiting for leisure or lured by the rising eco-tourism conferences, there’s a refined mindfulness here — ideal for executives craving a digital detox with soul.
Access requires planning: ferries from Oban or flights from Glasgow get you into the island rhythm. Once you’re here, movement slows, and the days stretch like the shoreline itself. The Hebrides don’t cater to hustle.
If Edinburgh is the stately cousin who quotes poetry, Glasgow is the brilliant sibling who sings in galleries and dances down alleys with a camera in hand.
Scotland’s largest city pulses with creative energy: graffiti trails morph into fine art strolls, Brutalist buildings host jazz nights, and hotels turn lobbies into curated lounges for cultural cross-pollination.
The city’s art scene is expansive, accessible and witty. With bold retrospectives at the Gallery of Modern Art, pop-up studios in the Barras, and the architectural showpiece of the Kelvingrove anchoring it all. Design hotels like Native Glasgow and The Dakota offer plush beds and smart meeting spaces within walking distance of business districts and brewpubs alike. Even the riverfront, once overlooked, has been reborn as a leafy promenade dotted with eateries, cycle paths and abstract sculptures that feel curated for thinkers and walkers.
For business travellers, Glasgow is disarmingly efficient. Its compact city centre means meetings, museums and Michelin menus are rarely more than 10 minutes apart. As and when the day wraps, options range from rooftop cocktails to tucked-away whisky rooms like The Pot Still, where every bottle has a tale and every bartender knows it.
Yet just 40 minutes north, the landscape pirouettes into the wild. Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest lake, spreads across an ancient fault line. The Trossachs National Park surrounds it with forested trails, spa retreats and water
so clear it amplifies silence. Luxury lodges like Cameron House offer immersive wellness: from Lochside yoga to thermal experiences with views that recalibrate your worldview. It's an executive reset with goosebumps.
Nearby, the village of Luss feels preserved in honey and heather. Flower-decked cottages line narrow lanes where locals offer greetings with a quiet cadence. It’s the kind of place where time dilates, and where the simplicity feels deliberate.
Further afield, Stirling stakes its claim in Scottish history with the bold silhouette of Doune Castle (a pilgrimage for Outlander and Monty Python fans alike), and the climb-worthy Wallace Monument, offering panoramic bragging rights after its 246 spiralling steps. The region is also a gateway to hiking legends, the West Highland Way begins here, a trail of lochs, glens and hilltop views that eventually leads to the base of Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest peak and a name synonymous with ambition.
Add in the cinematic charm of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, immortalised in Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express, and the islands beyond with ferries to the Isle of Arran and Isle of Bute, you have a region that refuses to fit into one story. It’s where leisure meets legacy, and where a business trip can conclude with a lighthouse selfie or a hilltop whisky toast.
FINAL WORD: SCOTLAND’S SHAPE-SHIFTING SOUL
Scotland doesn’t ask visitors to choose between culture and landscapes - it simply offers both, layered and luminous. Across these four distinct regions, you will have travelled from windswept isles to urban revival, mountain serenity to castle pomp and through it all, encountered a country unafraid to wear its legacy, yet deft at reinventing its allure.
From Highland peaks that echo ancient tragedy to Northeast distilleries that pour stories as rich as their spirits, Scotland balances wildness with welcome. The Hebrides speak in whispers, inviting reflection and rare air. Meanwhile, Glasgow and Loch Lomond show that grit and glamour can coexist, and that a riverfront café might offer just as much inspiration as a clifftop view.
Whether armed with a briefcase, a camera, or a hiking pole, Scotland rewards curiosity. Its destinations aren’t just beautiful, they’re dimensional, each with its own emotional timbre.
There’s a line from Scottish poet Norman MacCaig: “Who possesses this landscape? The man who is possessed by it.” That’s Scotland’s quiet magic - it invites you in, and before you realise it, you’re part of its story.
Tucked into the coastal sweep of the Firth of Clyde in Inverclyde, this Category A-listed Edwardian station is not merely a portal between Glasgow and the Isle of Bute; it’s a wrought-iron and glass homage to the Golden Age of railways. Designed by Scottish architect James Miller in 1903, the same mind behind Glasgow Central’s redevelopment - the station sweeps and curves like a well-paced sonata. Its arched glazed roof floods the concourse with natural light, while a 60-foot Italianate clock tower presides over its gentle choreography of ferries and hourly trains.
With just over 200,000 passengers footfall in 2023 its role in the UK’s travel landscape is outsized in charm and design. The station forms part of a multimodal link with CalMac ferries to Rothesay, connecting mainland Scotland to Bute in a flow James Miller envisioned and shaped. Curved ramps lead the eye and foot to the pier in a design that prioritised motion long before urban planners gave it a name.
In an era of fast connections and seamless transitions, Wemyss Bay Station stands as a masterclass in purposeful pause - a place where architecture and atmosphere slow the business traveller long enough to look up.
Beyond its functionality, Wemyss Bay is a case study in travel spaces as civic pride. The Friends of Wemyss Bay volunteers maintain vibrant floral installations, while a bookshop, once the first-class waiting rooms, now serves as a pocket-sized cultural museum. A tiny pub and warmly reviewed café offer a welcome pause for those lingering between connections. It’s rare to find a station with a TripAdvisor score rivalling national
landmarks
Wemyss Bay offers something unexpected: a quiet intermission, a glimpse of heritage with soul, and the realisation that not all destinations must hum with hustle to inspire a stop. It's proof that great travel isn’t always about where you’re going — but how a place makes you feel while passing through.
There are one-of-a-kind trips. And then there’s shout it-from-the-mountaintops, pinch-me-I’m-dreaming incredible. And if you’re a member of our Sky High Club, that experience could be closer than you think.
Log the most bookings between now and 31st July, and you could be packing your bags for a five-night stay at Richard Branson’s private island, Necker, courtesy of Virgin Limited Edition.
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You’ll be treated to Upper Class flights, two nights at the sensational Sandals resort in Antigua and then get whisked away by private jet thanks to Tradewind to the sparkling waters and white sands of Richard’s home in the British Virgin Islands.
British Airways’ plan—launched under the banner Flightpath Net Zero—sets out how to reduce emissions by 2050 or sooner. A third of the cuts will come from efficiencies and newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft. Another third is expected from the scaling up of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The remainder will depend on carbon removals and offsets.
These targets are already shaping operations. In 2023, BA reduced its carbon intensity to 86.2 grams of CO₂ per passenger kilometre—a 10 per cent improvement on 2019 levels. It also deployed more than 50,000 tonnes of SAF, compared with just under 10,000 tonnes the year before. That amounted to around one per cent of its fuel consumption, with an ambition to hit ten per cent by 2030.
In 2025, a landmark agreement with EcoCeres gave those ambitions a significant push. BA committed to buy SAF derived entirely from waste-based biomass, enough to cut up to 400,000 tonnes of CO₂—the equivalent of 240,000 return economy flights between London and New York. Crucially, these fuels can reduce lifecycle emissions by as much as 80 per cent compared with conventional jet fuel. “This is another important step forward,” Harris says. “But the real challenge is scale.”
Scaling SAF is not enough. Harris has been blunt on this point for years: “There is no pathway to net zero for aviation without carbon removals.” It’s a conviction that drove British Airways to become the UK’s largest purchaser of carbon removals in 2024, buying 33,000 tonnes of credits via the London-based platform CUR8.
The projects span a mosaic of approaches: enhanced rock weathering in Britain, reforestation in Scotland and Wales, turning whisky-industry waste into construction materials, and biochar schemes in India that also empower local women. BA has also partnered with Climeworks, the Swiss leader in Direct Air Capture, to secure permanent carbon removal capacity.
These ventures aren’t mere offsets, Harris insists, but part of a broader strategy to fund technologies that will be essential if aviation is to balance its books with the planet.
The transformation isn’t limited to the skies. At Heathrow, more than 90 per cent of BA’s ground vehicles are now electric, hybrid, or running on renewable hydrotreated vegetable oil, cutting over 6,000 tonnes of CO₂ each year. From tugs to steps to buses, the fleet is gradually shifting to zero emissions—quiet proof that small steps accumulate into meaningful gains.
Just as important, Harris has brought BA’s workforce into the mission. In little more than two years, the proportion of employees actively engaged in sustainability initiatives rose from 17 to 60 per cent. From internal workshops to awards recognising innovation, she has made sustainability part of the airline’s culture.
None of this means the path is clear. SAF supply remains vanishingly small— less than half a per cent globally— while production costs are three to five times higher than kerosene. Regulators are pushing hard: the EU has mandated escalating SAF quotas, which some airlines warn could create cost and supply pressures. Even IAG, BA’s parent company, has urged a pragmatic balance between ambition and feasibility.
Yet Harris remains cleareyed. BA’s long-term “takeor-pay” contracts are designed to lock in SAF supply at predictable rates, potentially insulating passengers from sharp fare rises.
And as competitors
jostle to catch up, she sees BA’s early adoption as a competitive edge.
What makes Harris stand out is her willingness to confront aviation’s contradictions headon. She does not pretend that the industry can decarbonise through fuel efficiency alone, nor that carbon removals are a panacea. Instead, she frames BA’s strategy as a blend of incremental gains and bold bets—grounded in transparency.
“We know flying has a significant impact,” she says again, almost like a refrain. “And we know that to continue connecting people and places, we must change. That change has to be bold, but also honest about what’s possible and where
In an industry often accused of greenwashing, that candour feels refreshing. The challenge of decarbonising aviation by 2050 is immense. But in Carrie Harris, British Airways has a leader willing to balance ambition with realism—and to steer one of the world’s busiest airlines toward a future where connection and conscience can coexist.
In an era where travel is increasingly experiential, oenotourism — wine tourism by another name — offers a delicious confluence of landscape, culture, and the vine.
It’s the swirl of a glass under Provençal sun, the crunch of gravel underfoot enroute to a century-old cellar, the quiet thrill of knowing your vintage was bottled steps from where you now sip.
Oenotourism isn’t about quantity — it’s about provenance, process, and the slow charm of discovery. For those who treasure narrative over novelty, this is a mode of travel that rewards curiosity and a polished palate.
At its core, oenotourism is travel anchored by wine: visiting regions where viticulture is embedded in the local identity, from harvest festivals and wine blending workshops to immersive stays on working
vineyards. But the best experiences go beyond the tasting room — weaving together winemaking, terroir, gastronomy, and often a dose of history or architecture. It’s not simply about chasing labels; it’s about understanding the soul of a region through its vines. Whether it’s the whisper of sea breeze in a coastal Vermentino or the smoky intensity of a hillside Syrah, every sip reveals a sense of place.
While the world of oenotourism is expansive — spanning ancient appellations, off-grid vintners, and surprising newcomers — the following are just a curated snapshot of standout destinations where wine, culture, and landscape converge with unforgettable effect. Timing is everything in the world of the vine, so we’ve included when to go to catch each region at its most expressive.
FRANCE September to October
The grand dame of wine regions, Bordeaux is best savoured during harvest. Blend your own vintage at Château Pape Clément, cycle the Médoc’s château route, or indulge in a spa day infused with vinotherapy and vintage charm.
TUSCANY, ITALY May to October
Italy’s oenotourism scene is as layered as its wines. From the rolling hills of Chianti to the volcanic soils of Etna, Tuscany offers vineyard stays, truffle hunts, and the famed “Cantine Aperte” festival in late May, when wineries open their doors to the public. For a deeper dive, follow the “Strade del Vino” — over 100 official wine routes that pair regional wines with local culture and cuisine.
May to September
English wine has come of age, particularly its sparkling expressions. Visit Gusbourne Estate in Kent for a tasting in “The Nest,” or Ridgeview in Sussex for a tour paired with panoramic vineyard views. Hambledon in Hampshire, England’s oldest commercial vineyard, offers cellar tours and tastings that rival its continental cousins. Although too many vineyards to mention, late spring through early autumn is ideal, with harvest festivals and summer wine events drawing oenophiles from across the UK.
August to October
Napa’s harvest season is a spectacle of golden vines, alfresco tastings, and Michelin-starred pairings. Explore the Silverado Trail’s boutique wineries, sip cult Cabernets at Nickel & Nickel, or take to the skies in a hot air balloon for panoramic vineyard views. For a more intimate experience, visit during the shoulder season in early autumn, when the valley glows and the crowds thin.
September
In early autumn, the island slows to a sundrenched rhythm. The “Festa des Vermar” in Binissalem is a joyful celebration of the grape harvest, complete with parades, grape-stomping, and traditional feasts. Stay at Zafiro Palace Andratx for vineyard views and spa serenity.
September to November
Sonoma offers a more laid-back, rustic charm — think redwood groves, family-run vineyards, and farm-to-table feasts. Visit historic estates like Buena Vista Winery or explore the Russian River Valley’s Pinot Noir producers. September’s harvest festivals and the valley’s slower pace make it ideal for those seeking authenticity without sacrificing quality.
December to March
For a southern hemisphere harvest, Te Arai offers barefoot luxury and biodynamic vineyards. Helicopter to The Landing for a private barrel tasting, or sip organic vintages at Milton Vineyards between beach walks and olive oil tastings.
Wine travel, done well, engages all the senses. The perfume of sun-warmed soil. The clink of crystal against centuriesold stone. The way food, wine, and conversation stretch long into golden hours. Oenotourism isn’t a checklist; it’s a slow unfolding — part education, part enchantment where every glass tells a story of culture, connection and cultivated pleasure.
There’s a particular rhythm to life at sea - slow, deliberate, indulgent. It begins with the hush of a teak deck at sunrise, a linen robe catching the breeze, and your morning espresso delivered before you've had to ask.
For discerning travellers, chartering a private yacht isn’t simply about escaping, it’s about inhabiting a new way of seeing the world, on your own terms.
From the bleached limestone cliffs of Paxos to the pearlescent atolls of French Polynesia, a private yacht grants access to corners of the planet still measured in nautical miles and whispered secrets. In a world obsessed with acceleration, this is a form of travel that luxuriates in stillness - except when it doesn’t.
Aboard a luxury yacht, nothing is prescriptive. Routes are drawn in pencil, not pen. If a hidden cove calls your name, the itinerary yields. Want to toast sunset with vintage Champagne off the Amalfi Coast or trade Portofino’s bustle for a sleepy Ligurian inlet? Done. This is curated spontaneity with a crew.
Popular itineraries often include the well-trodden, well-dressed Riviera circuit or breezy island-hopping in the Cyclades. Most seasoned charterers know the joy lies in slipping off the radar entirely — finding that unnamed anchorage where the azure sea glows and the only soundtrack is cicadas and the gentle lap of water on hull.
Today’s charter yachts are feats of modern design - part superyacht, part sanctuary. Think infinity-edge jacuzzi, on-deck cinemas, PADI-certified dive centres, and chefs trained at Le Cordon Bleu. Interiors are all cashmere throws, Carrara marble, and diffused lighting that flatters at golden hour.
Yes - for those acquainted with “Below Deck” — the crew dynamics do exist (though generally with far less drama and infinitely more polish). Exceptional crews perform with the synchronicity of ballet: attentive but invisible, adjusting the mood of a day with little more than a recalibrated playlist or an impromptu picnic ashore.
While yacht brokers remain the go-to for tailoring the perfect escape, a new wave of digital platforms offers transparency and control for first-time charterers. Essentials to consider:
Seasons Matter: The Med shines from May to September; the Caribbean seduces from December to April. Shoulder seasons offer calm seas and better rates.
Crewed vs. Bareboat: Most luxury charters include a full crew, but the more intrepid can opt for bareboat adventures in regions like the British Virgin Islands or Greece.
The APA (Advance Provisioning Allowance): Typically 25–30% of the charter cost, this covers provisioning, fuel, mooring, and more. Think of it as your at-sea expense account - flexible and refundable. A reputable broker will walk you through every step, aligning the vessel, crew, and route with your travel style — whether barefoot and breezy, or white-tie formal.
Luxury yacht chartering is not merely about travelling in style — it’s about reclaiming privacy in a world that offers so little of it. For many the appeal is where the world falls away: there are no prying eyes, only chosen company and curated experiences. It’s long lunches, a tan acquired in seclusion, and stories shared only with those who were there. This is escapism at its most rarefied — for those who prefer their luxury unbroadcast, and their freedom afloat.
Step into The Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Madrid, and you’re not just entering a venue - you’re crossing the threshold into over a century of grandeur, diplomacy, and whispered deals beneath crystal chandeliers.
Since 1912, this Belle Époque masterpiece has welcomed royalty, revolutionaries, and raconteurs. Today, it’s rewriting the rules of business hospitality, offering a MICE experience that’s as refined as its marble columns and as forward-thinking as the city it anchors.
Set in Madrid’s golden triangle of culture and power, The Palace has long been the backdrop for pivotal moments. Its façade glows with old-world elegance, while inside, restored woodwork and leaded glass frame a space where history and high-speed Wi-Fi coexist. It’s a hotel that understands the art of diplomacy and the urgency of deadlines.
Behind mirrored doors, the hotel’s meeting rooms unfold like a private club for the world’s decision-makers. Each space is a study in discretion and design, equipped with cutting-edge AV, adaptable layouts,
and staff who anticipate needs before they’re voiced. Whether it’s a confidential negotiation or a creative brainstorm, the acoustics, lighting, and flow are engineered for impact.
After the last slide deck is closed, delegates retreat to rooms that echo the building’s storied past while embracing modern comfort. High ceilings, curated artwork, and views of the Neptune Fountain set the tone, while ergonomic workspaces, soundproofing, and plush bedding ensure productivity and rest. Suites offer added indulgence - think velvet armchairs, marble bathrooms, and espresso at sunrise. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s a place to recalibrate.
Under the kaleidoscope of a stainedglass dome, La Cúpula transforms meals into moments. From power breakfasts to gala dinners, the menu blends Spanish tradition with international finesse. Service is intuitive, the ambiance cinematic. The perfect place where deals can be toasted and teams celebrated.
The Palace understands that peak performance requires balance. A new fitness centre is on the horizon, while inroom spa treatments and curated wellness experiences are already available. Whether it’s a yoga mat between meetings or
a massage before a keynote, the hotel ensures delegates stay centred.
Valet parking, multilingual staff, and a concierge who can secure last-minute opera tickets or arrange private museum tours—The Palace is built for business, but it thrives on delight. Its proximity to Madrid’s institutions makes it a strategic base, while its soul makes it unforgettable.
The Palace Hotel Madrid isn’t just a venue—it’s a statement. For planners seeking a location that elevates every moment, from breakout sessions to breakout successes, this is where timeless prestige meets modern precision.
In Japan, the usual advice for travellers is to look up at the neon signs, the cherry blossoms, the snowcapped mountains. But those who look down may discover something just as captivating: the country’s extraordinary manhole covers.
What began in the 1950s as a modest attempt to beautify urban infrastructure has evolved into a nationwide canvas of civic pride and artistic expression. Today, over 90% of Japan’s municipalities boast their own distinctive designs, turning sidewalks into openair galleries.
These covers are more than decorative. They reflect local identity — from cherry blossoms in Tokyo to koi carp in Hiroshima, sumo wrestlers in Ryogoku to castles in Osaka. Some feature beloved anime characters like Sailor Moon and Pokémon, while others commemorate festivals, mascots, or historical landmarks. The designs are often hand-painted with resin, making them both durable and vibrant. For business travellers, especially those in hospitality or urban development, they offer a unique lens into how Japan blends functionality with storytelling.
One of the most endearing examples is Kabosu, the Shiba Inu who inspired the global Doge meme and the Dogecoin cryptocurrency. In her hometown of Sakura, Chiba Prefecture, Kabosu now has her own manhole cover — a tribute installed near a local snack shop, featuring her iconic pose alongside tulips and a windmill. It’s a symbol not just of internet fame, but of how Japan celebrates personality and place in equal measure.
The phenomenon has even sparked a subculture of “manholers” — enthusiasts who travel across Japan to photograph and catalogue these covers. To support the craze, the Japan Sewage Works Association issues manhole cover collector cards, each featuring a design, its GPS coordinates, and a backstory. With over 600 cards in circulation, they’ve become prized souvenirs and a clever way to promote lesser-known destinations.
For professionals navigating Japan’s cities, these covers offer more than aesthetic delight. They’re a reminder that infrastructure can be intimate, that civic design can spark joy, and that even the most utilitarian objects can carry cultural weight. In a country where attention to detail is a national virtue, the manhole cover is proof that beauty often lies beneath our feet.
Fast becoming the latest trend thriftly travellers jet off on early morning flights for a condensed holiday of sorts with the usual delicious sense of exploring new destinations and sampling the best a place has to offer without incurring the cost of pricey accommodation and committing to the necessary extra days that longer trips require.
With limited time and budgets some people now take it to the extreme. Whilst the majority tend to stick to the European hubs with under 24 hours it is hardly relaxing but sometimes it the only way to do it. Most trips are cheaper than buying a return train ticket between London and Edinburgh.
Obviously flying is not sustainable but you can offset your carbon footprint by donation or planting trees by calculating your flights carbon emissions using online tools or choosing airlines that prioritize sustainability and operate fuel-efficient
Our tips when booking an EDT
Do your research on the destination and make a simply schedule.
Always have a back up plan as despite these trips being completed within 24 hours there are problems that can arise such as flight delays, diversions and cancellations and this may incur an unexpected expense of a night in a hotel.
Below are Cities that are close to the airport and the approximate public transport time and costs into the City:
• Flight times
• Things to do
• Distance from airport
• Cost of transportation
Cost of food
Ideally it is recommended to take basic toiletries, portable charger, spare top and check out option flight times – just in case.
Embarking on a 24-hour day trip to a city offers a unique and exhilarating way to break free from the routine and experience something truly memorable. Exploring a new city's landmarks, indulging in its culinary delights, or immersing yourself in its vibrant culture, a day trip provides an opportunity to create lasting memories without the need for extended time off.
These trips cater to the modern travellers’ desire for quick, impactful experiences and allow for a refreshing change of scenery. So, if you're looking to inject some excitement into your life and make the most of your limited time, an EDT is the perfect solution.
From mist-cloaked sea stacks to solemn war beaches, Normandy offers a profoundly layered journey through beauty, history, and human resilience.
This driving adventure unfolds over 6–8 days, tracing a soul-stirring arc from the chalk cliffs of Étretat to the green folds of Suisse Normande — capturing the region’s natural splendour, artistic legacy, and wartime poignancy in equal measure.
Travel from the UK to Normandy is seamless, with options catering to both spontaneity and comfort:
6 hours
• By Eurotunnel: Folkestone to Calais (35 mins), followed by a scenic 3.5-hour drive to Étretat
Return via Caen, Cherbourg, or drive back through Calais. Rental cars are readily available at major ports.
ÉTRETAT: NORMANDY’S NATURAL CATHEDRAL
Start at Étretat, where plunging chalk cliffs and dramatic sea arches shape one of Europe’s most photogenic coastlines. The iconic Aiguille (needle rock) and the windswept Falaise d’Aval invite cliff walks with cinematic views and if you have time take a detour to Jardins d’Étretat — a fusion of surrealist topiary and coastal panoramas.
HONFLEUR: A HARBOUR PAINTED IN LIGHT
Follow the coast (1 hour) to Honfleur, whose narrow streets and harbour charm inspired Monet and Boudin.
Stroll the Vieux Bassin, lined with slatefronted houses
Visit the Église Sainte-Catherine, built by shipwrights
• Pop into the Eugène Boudin Museum for early Impressionist works
Taste Tip: Sample Calvados at a local cellar on Rue de la République — a sensory nod to Normandy’s apple-rich terroir.
BAYEUX: A TAPESTRY OF TIME
Drive west to Bayeux, where medieval serenity meets historic storytelling.
• The Bayeux Tapestry Museum offers an immersive retelling of the Norman Conquest Wander through Notre-Dame Cathedral — a Gothic landmark with Romanesque nuance
Pause at the Bayeux War Cemetery, the region’s largest British burial ground
OMAHA BEACH & POINTE DU HOC: LANDSCAPES OF MEMORY
A short drive leads to the solemn sweep of Omaha Beach, site of the pivotal D-Day landings.
Reflect at the Normandy American Cemetery, a powerful tribute to sacrifice
• Explore Pointe du Hoc, where bombscarred terrain and German bunkers remain preserved
Visit the Overlord Museum for tactile accounts of June 1944
ARROMANCHES-LES-BAINS: ENGINEERING TRIUMPHS
20 minutes away, Arromanches tells the story of the Mulberry Harbour, an ingenious wartime construction.
Dive into the D-Day Museum
Experience the 360° Circular Cinema, blending archival footage with modern storytelling
CAEN: WILLIAM’S LEGACY AND MODERN REMEMBRANCE
Drive on to Caen, known both for its medieval roots and post-war resilience. Tour Caen Castle, one of Europe’s largest fortified structures
• Visit Abbaye aux Hommes, burial site of William the Conqueror
Spend time at the Mémorial de Caen, an expansive museum on war, peace, and Europe’s modern journey
SUISSE NORMANDE: SERENITY BY DESIGN
Complete your journey in Suisse Normande, where the Orne River winds through emerald valleys and rocky outcrops.
Clécy offers kayaking, viaduct walks, and café-laced charm
• For dramatic views, hike to Roche d’Oëtre, a geological marvel above the valley
OPTIONAL DETOURS
• Deauville & Trouville: for beachside glamour and Belle Époque elegance
• Falaise: birthplace of William the Conqueror with a tech-enhanced fortress museum
• Mont-Saint-Michel: a possible detour for the iconic abbey-island, best visited early or late to avoid crowds
For the most rewarding experience, the ideal time to road trip through Normandy is late May to mid-June or early September. These shoulder seasons offer the perfect balance — with mild, pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and full access to outdoor sites and museums.
In late spring, the landscape is lush and blooming, cliffside paths are radiant with sea light, and towns like Honfleur and Bayeux feel freshly alive. Early autumn, on the other hand, brings golden foliage, a crisp edge to the air, and apple harvests that amplify Normandy’s rustic charm.
Both windows lend themselves beautifully to evocative storytelling, rich photography, and contemplative moments, whether gazing out from the cliffs of Étretat or walking the hallowed sands of Omaha Beach.
BY ANDREW LAUGHLAN, HEAD OF ENTERPRISE, UBER FOR BUSINESS
Sometimes when you’re travelling you just need transport you can count on. If you need to get to a train station, airport or client meeting at a set time, even a small delay can be hugely frustrating.
While Uber is well known for offering a rapid pick up service in most towns and cities around the world, there are occasions when even this isn’t fast enough. So, in response, we launched Uber Reserve to provide riders with greater certainty - and it’s proving to be extremely popular.
So much so, we’ve seen the number of trips booked via our Reserve feature rise 60% over the last quarter.
Uber Reserve allows business travellers to schedule a ride up to 90 days in advance – with
upfront pricing that locks in the fare at the time of booking, helping to avoid unexpected surcharges. But this isn’t the only advantage.
One of the key benefits of Reserve (that perhaps goes under the radar) is that it also gives business travellers up to 15 minutes extra wait time, depending on ride type. This removes a lot of worry if you get held up for any reason. If you are exiting a client meeting and it’s taking a bit longer than you expected, it’s good to know your driver won’t be rushing off if you don’t promptly turn up at your pick up spot.
This is a key reason why Reserve is often favoured by travel bookers, such as personal assistants and office managers, who are booking rides on behalf of others. It provides them with reassurances that their executives will not be left waiting.
A reliable transport service is essential but it’s not the only thing that matters when travelling for work, of course. In a survey of business travellers, conducted by Uber for Business, the participants made it clear that they also wanted greater comfort.
Alongside short wait times, comfort topped the list of ground transport priorities for travellers. This is understandable, especially if you are someone who does a lot of travelling. If you are having to constantly endure cramped conditions it can take a toll and leave you feeling far from optimum – which isn’t ideal if you then need to sparkle in a client meeting.
It is a key reason why business travellers are increasingly opting for premium transport options such as Uber’s Business Comfort, Business Exec and Lux. Rides in these higher-end vehicles have risen by 35% over the last quarter.
We’re aware that travel can be draining and to help combat that we want Uber for Business to reduce the stresses and strain involved. We are constantly looking to improve the offering you receive when you swipe across to your business profile on the Uber app.
Whether that’s providing you with the ability to access our food delivery service, gain double Avios on every ride or automate your company expenses, it can all make a big difference to the travel experience.
We don’t know for sure how user demand will shift over the next year, but we are always listening and taking steps to ensure every journey is that bit more enjoyable.
If James Bond ever needed a disco nap between missions, he’d probably book into The Standard, London.
Standard, London. Housed in the former Camden Town Hall Annexe, this 1974 Brutalist monolith once dubbed “the egg box” is now a King’s Cross icon having been reborn as a riot of retro glamour and playful irreverence. It’s The Standard’s first foray outside the US, and has cannonballed across the pond!
The hotel’s location is a commuter’s dream: directly opposite St Pancras International, with Eurostar, Underground, and caffeine all within arm’s reach. Once you step inside think Seventies Milan meets Memphis Group maximalism. Designer Shawn Hausman has gone full throttle on colour and texture: with bubblegum pinks, aubergine velvets, and terrazzo tiles that wouldn’t look out of place in Bowie’s bathroom.
There are 266 rooms, ranging from snug “Cosy Cores” (some windowless, but cleverly lit to mimic daylight) to sprawling suites with outdoor bathtubs and skyline views. Expect Bang & Olufsen speakers, Craig Green robes, and minibars that could moonlight as corner shops. The vibe is cinematic, the beds are cloud-like, and the blackout curtains mean you’ll sleep like a rockstar without the afterparty regrets.
Business travellers will appreciate the 24hour gym, high-speed Wi-Fi, and ample nooks for laptop lounging. The Library Lounge, once a council reading room is now a plush, book-lined haven for informal meetings or quiet emails. For something more high-octane, the Sound Studio hosts DJ sets, talks, and the occasional impromptu dance-off.
Dining is a headline act. On the 10th floor, Decimo serves up Spanish-Mexican fusion under the watchful eye of Michelinstarred Peter Sanchez-Iglesias. Arrive via the iconic red pill lift and stay for the pork tacos and panoramic views. Downstairs, Double Standard is your go-to for burgers and beers, while Isla offers seasonal British fare in a garden setting that’s as Instagrammable as it is edible. And if you’re still vertical by 10pm, Sweeties - the rooftop cocktail lounge delivers floor-to-ceiling views and floorshaking beats.
Why stay here? Because The Standard doesn’t just offer a bed it offers a mood. For business travellers who like their spreadsheets with a side of sass, this is where productivity meets personality. It’s bold, it’s brash, and it’s anything but standard.
Tucked just 30 miles from London in the village of Hever, Kent, Hever Castle offers a rare blend of Tudor splendour and countryside tranquillity.
Steeped in romance and political intrigue, this moated 13th-century fortress was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII and a central figure in the English Reformation. Today, the castle and its surrounding estate serve as a captivating cultural site and a refined escape for those seeking more than just a staycation.
The accommodation, known as Hever Castle Luxury Bed & Breakfast, occupies the Edwardian Astor Wing and Anne Boleyn Wing, which seamlessly adjoin the castle’s original structure. The Astor Wing was commissioned in 1903 by William Waldorf Astor as a grand family residence. While rich in heritage, the 28 ensuite bedrooms are anything but antiquated. Each is individually styled with classic furnishings, plush fabrics and contemporary touches— think four-poster beds, oak panelling, and luxurious bathrooms that whisper Edwardian elegance without feeling dated.
For guests desiring added privacy or group travel options, Medley Court—a selfcontained four-bedroom wing—offers a more intimate experience, accommodating up to eight guests and evoking the charm of a country manor.
Breakfast is served in the elegant Tudorstyle Breakfast Room, featuring leaded
windows and wood-beamed ceilings that anchor the building in its historical context. Expect locally sourced, high-quality fare that includes full English options and freshly baked pastries.
Beyond the rooms, Hever Castle itself presents a rich itinerary of things to see and do. Wander through 125 acres of
grounds and formal gardens, including the Italian Garden, the Tudor Garden, and the romantic Rose Garden. The interactive exhibitions offer insight into Tudor history, while the castle’s interior stuns with original panelling, tapestries, and Anne Boleyn’s prayer books. Don’t miss the lake for rowing in warmer months or the seasonal events, which include jousting tournaments, garden tours, and twilight castle walks.
Ideal for mixing work and leisure, Hever Castle also caters to corporate functions and private gatherings. The Astor Wing offers an oak-panelled Tudor Suite with boardroom charm for up to 60 guests, while the Guthrie Pavilion, a contemporary space in the Italian Garden, accommodates up to 200. Both venues are equipped with AV facilities and Wi-Fi, making them suitable for meetings, conferences, or elegant receptions. Paired with overnight stays in the castle’s luxury rooms, they offer a memorable setting for business retreats or client entertaining.
Whether you’re chasing Tudor lore, a serene weekend in Kent, or planning a corporate escape with historic flair, Hever Castle B&B delivers a luxury experience wrapped in centuries of heritage - perfectly pitched for high-net-worth travellers with an appetite for history and hospitality.
Tucked away in the chocolate-box village of Clanfield, Oxfordshire, The Double Red Duke is a 17th-century coaching inn turned boutique bolthole that’s fast become one of the Cotswolds’ most Instagrammed stays.
Perhaps it’s the candy-striped garden parasols framed by old trees or the filmset-worthy façade - so picturesque, in fact, that it was used during the filming of Downton Abbey.
On arrival, the charm is immediate. There’s something deliciously undone about it, the low-beamed ceilings, slightly uneven stonework, and a flickering open fire by reception create a rustic welcome that feels both cosy and curated. Interiors whisper, “country luxe,” with deep, squashy sofas, antique finds, and snugs perfect for curling up with a Negroni and a good book when the British weather rolls in.
The hotel houses 19 rooms, each a personality of its own. Expect jeweltoned wallpapers, freestanding tubs in vintage styles, plush beds you’ll sink into, and whimsical flourishes - a nod to the inn’s irreverent spirit. In mine, freshly baked cookies were waiting beside a proper GHD hairdryer and 100 Acres British botanical toiletries (proof that they truly understand their clientele). The occasional creaky floorboard only added to its character.
The restaurant is a gastro temple in its own right. Think pub classics elevated with flair: hand-dived scallops, truffled
mash, flat iron steak with garlic butter that rivalled any I’ve had in London. Across the road, sister venue The Masons Arms serves a punchy Friday-night piano set and a postroast truffle toastie on Sundays. Breakfast at the inn leans simple with a continental spread (full English at a surcharge), but it’s satisfying and well-sourced.
As for things to do, you're in prime countryside. From hiking and cycling to foraging and wild swimming, it’s a dream for nature lovers. More leisurely types can explore charming market towns nearby or indulge in a tasting at a local gin distillery. I made the short walk to the village bakery before retreating to the hotel for fireside lounging.
The Double Red Duke doesn't take itself too seriously, and that's exactly its appeal. With its perfectly imperfect interiors, sincere service, and knockout food offering, it’s not just a pretty face for social media, it’s a realdeal retreat for those craving a little rustic romance. Perfect for a countryside recharge that feels a little like stepping into your favourite period drama… only with better wine.
BY ANDREA THOMPSON
Brighton’s blend of Regency charm and seaside energy has long made it a favourite escape.
Brighton’s blend of Regency charm and seaside energy has long made it a favourite escape. The DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole, built in 1890 by Alfred Waterhouse, sits proudly on King’s Road with its red-brick Victorian façade and sweeping sea views. Following a multimillion-pound refurbishment, it now offers heritage elegance with modern flair. Inside, the décor is a calming mix of seatoned greys, blues, greens and rusts, softened by marble floors and ornate ceilings. We were warmly welcomed by the concierge with a signature warm chocolate chip cookie and a tin of Aqua Libra water, a thoughtful nod to sustainability. From the moment we arrived, every member of staff we encountered was friendly, helpful, and refreshingly attentive, striking just the right balance between professionalism and warmth.
With 340 rooms, our third-floor suite was spacious and stylish, with a wrought-iron balcony offering uninterrupted views of the Brighton seafront. Inside, the room was thoughtfully arranged, featuring a desk, dining table, and a comfortable settee in soft greys, rust and green. We appreciated the tea and coffee facilities, tins of Aqua Libra, and the raspberry gin cocktail - a welcome touch. The bathroom was generously sized, complete with a freestanding bath, separate walk-in shower, and Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. Though it lacked a fridge, the room made up for it with superb soundproofing and
an exceptionally comfortable bed - the mattress was perfectly plush, the pillows cloud-like, and together they delivered a blissful night’s sleep not even disturbed by the city’s early morning buzz outside.
Dining at the hotel can be taken at 1890 At The Met, a restored dining room serving daily breakfast with panoramic views of Brighton Beach. The elegant space features ornate ceilings and expansive windows. The Salt Room, located on the corner of the hotel, specialises in British seafood and steaks cooked over a Josper charcoal oven, while the Metropole Bar & Terrace offers all-day dining, bottomless brunch, afternoon tea, and cocktails. The terrace is a prime spot for sunset views and hosts seasonal events like the “Summer of
Spritz.” Dogs are welcome on the terrace, though not inside the bar.
We chose to have dinner on the terrace - perfect for a warm evening as Rupert wasn’t allowed in the restaurant. The menu was limited, but the DJ added a lively vibe and the terrace was buzzing. Rupert was delighted to be served with his own dogfriendly ice cream from Jude’s, part of the hotel’s new partnership with the local brand. Normally not one for room service, the next morning I decided to indulge with breakfast in bed and it turned out to be a brilliant choice. Delivered bang on time, the tray was beautifully presented, with everything piping hot and just as ordered. From the quality to the care in plating, it was a standout moment that made the morning feel effortlessly indulgent.
Amenities include the LivingWell Health Club with pool, sauna, steam room and gym. With 28 meeting rooms and 9 exhibition halls, it’s one of the South Coast’s largest conference venues. Fully accessible, dog-friendly, and ideally located near The Lanes, Brighton i360 and the beach, it’s a refined yet relaxed base for exploring the city. For a hotel of this scale, I was genuinely impressed by how impeccably clean the entire property was and no detail overlooked.
In short: a warm welcome, a sea view, and a scoop of Jude’s for all the family. We’ll be back.
Tucked into eight acres of landscaped gardens and historic parkland on Windmill Hill, The Highfield is East Yorkshire’s most refined country house hotel.
Originally built in 1864 as a merchant’s tribute to his beloved wife, the property has been exquisitely reimagined by owners Andy and Lindsey Lampard into a five-star retreat that blends heritage, sustainability, and indulgence.
Located on the edge of Driffield, a traditional market town in the Yorkshire Wolds, The Highfield offers guests a gateway to one of Britain’s most underrated regions. The house itself is a visual delight: a stately Victorian façade softened by lush greenery and framed by ancient woodland. Inside, the décor is a masterclass in “Merchant Luxury” - a design ethos that marries
locally sourced materials with global craftsmanship. Expect charred timber walls using the Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, bespoke fabrics, and upcycled antiques alongside contemporary classics.
The hotel features a range of rooms, each individually styled with thoughtful touches. The newly launched Quarters Penthouse is the crown jewel: a private sanctuary with its own entrance, lounge, games room, and super king bedroom. The interiors pay homage to the building’s working-class roots, with original artworks depicting Yorkshire tradespeople and textures that tell a story. Guests sleep on Harris Spinks
mattresses dressed in 800-thread-count Richard Haworth linens, and bathrooms are stocked with Bramley toiletries, offering a spa-like experience.
The Highfield is home to 11 rooms in total, including family-friendly options like The Quarter Loft, and welcomes pets, making it an inclusive escape for all. Beyond the rooms, guests can enjoy luxury spa treatments, explore the Merchant Stores filled with local crafts, or relax on the terrace overlooking the kitchen gardens.
Food is a highlight, with the newly opened Mill & Vine restaurant led by Head Chef Mark Langton. The menu celebrates British seasonal produce with flair, served in a warm, elegant setting. The Great Hall, a dramatic event space, hosts weddings, private dinners, and cultural evenings, drawing both locals and destination guests.
Visitors range from business travellers seeking tranquillity with style, to couples and families in search of a meaningful countryside escape. The Highfield’s blend of personal service, artistic flair, and rooted storytelling makes it more than a hotel - it’s a living narrative of Yorkshire’s industrious spirit, told with grace and charm.
For business travellers with a few hours to spare or those plotting their next out-of-office, the best way to understand a city isn’t through its conference halls. It’s at street level, in the everyday theatre of movement, murmurs, and moments. These eight scenes are living postcards, each offering a different pace, perspective, and reason to linger a little longer.
It’s Paris, but widescreen. The curve of the avenue, the clipped trees, the café tables angled just so - there’s a rhythm to the Champs-Élysées that feels unmistakably French. Wander it without aim and you’ll still hit all the right notes: high fashion, low chatter, the distant shimmer of the Arc de Triomphe. It’s at its best early in the morning or just after dusk, when the light softens and the street seems to inhale.
It’s less about where you’re going and more about how you move through it. In the middle of Tokyo’s neon-charged Shibuya district, this pedestrian scramble feels like stepping into the city’s pulse. At peak hours, thousands cross at once - a quiet storm of motion that somehow never collides. Watch it from above, walk it twice, then pause at the centre and take it all in. For a moment, you’re not just in Tokyoyou’re part of the choreography.
There’s no easing into it as Times Square hits at full volume. It’s theatre marquees blinking against 24-hour LED walls, sirens, taxis and carts steaming in side streets, a tide of people moving with practiced chaos. But linger a moment, and the rhythm reveals itself. This is Broadway’s front porch, where dreams feel lit from below and every glance has the energy of opening night. Step into the crowd and you’re not just a visitor - you’re part of the city’s performance.
Postcard colours, cobbled charm and just enough breeze off the water - Nyhavn isn’t trying to impress; it just does. Once home to sailors and storytellers (Hans Christian Andersen lived here), this 17th-century harbour now hums with clinking glasses, curling jazz notes and the slow swirl of café life. Whether you pass through on a brisk walk or sink into a long lunch canal-side, it offers the kind of quiet theatre only real places provide.
In the middle of Hanoi’s old quarter, a railway line slices so close to homes you could brush laundry as the train passes. For a few surreal minutes each day, plastic chairs are cleared, phones raised, and quiet gives way to vibration. Then it’s gone and life resumes over iced coffee and chatter. It’s a spectacle of timing and tight spaces, though more regulated now for safety. Still, if you manage a glimpse, it’s city life distilled: urgent, intimate, and entirely unrepeatable.
It’s a simple zebra crossing outside a studio in St John’s Wood - but it’s also one of the most recognisable street scenes in music history. Whether you’re tracing Beatles footsteps or watching others give it a go (often several times over), there’s a charm to the ritual. The traffic rarely stops, the poses rarely change, and yet somehow, it still feels iconic. Even the black cabbies seem in on the act.
For many European business travellers, New York remains a frequent stop. If your meetings lead you through Midtown, take a detour to Grand Central Terminal. Featured in numerous films, including The Avengers, the majestic hall’s whispering gallery and celestial ceiling connect screen magic to everyday commuter reality. Pause for a coffee, watch the flow of global commerce whizz by, and appreciate this bustling cinematic landmark.
More than a path - it’s a pause. Carved into the cliffs between Riomaggiore and Manarola, this coastal walkway is where stone meets sea, and silence often says more than conversation. Painted houses cling to the hills above; turquoise waves break below. It’s not just a romantic route — it’s a reminder that sometimes the best part of a trip is the part without a signal or wifi.
Whether you’re crossing with purpose in Tokyo or meandering cliffside in Cinque Terre, these street scenes are more than backdrops — they’re sensory moments that linger longer than lounge access or loyalty perks. For travellers who chase the soul of a place, sometimes all it takes is a pavement and a pause.
Tucked between Milan’s iconic Piazza del Duomo and the vibrant Navigli canal district, the Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan offers a compelling proposition for business travellers seeking both efficiency and indulgence.
Housed in a striking 1960s building - formerly Allianz Italia’s headquarters - the hotel has been masterfully reimagined by Studio Marco Piva into a five-star sanctuary that balances Milanese heritage with contemporary flair.
The location is a strategic win: just steps from the Missori metro and a short stroll to the city’s cultural and commercial heart. While some pavement works were underway during my visit, these minor disruptions were clearly part of broader urban enhancements and did little to detract from the overall experience.
Inside, the hotel’s aesthetic is a confident nod to “elegant maximalism.” Think bold geometric flooring, custom furnishings, and a rich palette of navy, bronze, and charcoal. The lobby and co-working spaces are visually stimulating yet functional—
ideal for informal meetings or catching up on emails between appointments.
My Collection Room on the 5th floor was a masterclass in urban luxury. Large windows flooded the space with natural light, while blackout curtains ensured restful sleep. Amenities were thoughtfully curated: a Nespresso machine, plush bathrobe and slippers, Culti Milano toiletries, and a minibar stocked with complimentary soft drinks. The high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TV with casting capabilities made it easy to stay connected and unwind.
Dining is a highlight. Breakfast at Casa Sofia was exceptional—an expansive buffet with Italian, American, and vegetarian options, served in a space that blends retro charm with modern acoustics. The Santa Hi-Fi Club, discreetly tucked within, adds a unique
audiophile twist to the morning routine. For dinner, SALI rooftop restaurant delivers panoramic views and inventive Nikkei cuisine, while the fourth-floor pool bar offers a more relaxed setting for light bites and cocktails.
The rooftop pool, though compact, is a welcome retreat after a day of meetings. Surrounded by loungers and serviced by a seasonal bar, it’s ideal for a quick dip or a sunset aperitivo. A small but well-equipped gym and sauna round out the wellness offering.
For those hosting events, the hotel’s MICE facilities are a standout. With over 500 square metres of flexible meeting space, including a grand ballroom and several breakout rooms, the venue is well-suited for executive gatherings, product launches, or private dinners. State-of-the-art AV, natural light, and dedicated event coordinators ensure a polished, professional experience.
Radisson Collection Hotel, Santa Sofia Milan is a refined choice for business travellers who value design, location, and seamless service. It’s a property that doesn’t just accommodate your schedule - it elevates it.
There’s a quiet drama to arriving at Hilton Lake Como. Originally a 19th-century silk mill, the building’s transformation into Hilton’s first Lake Como property in 2018 was both respectful and bold. The former factory now sits just above the waterline with a calm assuredness, its industrial heritage echoed in exposed steelwork, lofty ceilings and the statement Glass Cube atrium. Contemporary Italian elegance softens the edges—tall windows diffuse the lake’s shifting light, and the overall effect is one of considered restraint. It’s not simply a hotel; it’s an atmosphere - rooted in place, polished in execution, and perfectly aligned with the character of Como itself.
Set on Via Borgo Vico, the hotel is a short stroll from the neoclassical Villa Olmo and just 15 minutes from Como’s historic centre. Whether you arrive by train from Milan or as I did, via private transfer from Malpensa Airport (around 50 minutes), the journey is as scenic as the destination. The hotel’s proximity to ferry terminals also makes it a seamless base for lake-hopping adventures.
Inside, the palette is soft and sophisticated: dove greys, muted blues, and warm wood tones that echo the lake’s natural hues. The interiors are flooded with light, and the mood is effortlessly serene — a place where you can exhale and simply be.
The lake-view room offered a considered balance of design and serenity. Mornings began with the stillness of the water catching the early light, framed by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that rendered the scene almost painterly. The
Stepinside Hilton’s design-forward Lake Como property — a former silk mill reimagined with Italian elegance, rooftop dining, a serene spa, and personalised hospitality in one of Italy’s most iconic destinations.
interiors felt quietly upscale - crisp white linens, clean-lined wood and glass features, and subtle comforts such as a Nespresso machine, soft robes, and a rainfall shower. It was the kind of space that encouraged an unhurried pace, where lingering felt not only permitted, but expected.
Dinner at Terrazza 241 delivered a considered blend of refined dining and sharp atmosphere. As dusk fell across the mountains, the lake caught the evening light, casting soft reflections across the rooftop space. The menu leaned confidently into northern Italian flavours - sea bass delicately prepared, lobster pasta with depth and balance, and a tiramisu that nodded to Milanese tradition without overreach. Live music added a subtle cosmopolitan edge, while the adjacent infinity pool offered a sleek visual counterpoint to the alpine backdrop.
The Eforea spa is a sanctuary, offering a hydrotherapy circuit, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and solarium. There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre, indoor pool, and rooftop yoga sessions — including floating mat workouts in the infinity pool, which are as invigorating as they are Instagram-worthy.
What sets Hilton Lake Como apart is its evolving calendar of curated experiences. During my stay, I learned about their seasonal offerings: from candlelit classical concerts and spritz masterclasses to tennis sessions on what might be the most scenic court in Europe and the food stalls in the quadrangle. Guests can also explore the area on electric or pedal bikes, or take to the water for a private lake adventure. It’s a hotel that doesn’t just offer a stay; it offers a lifestyle.
For those blending business with pleasure, there are six flexible meeting rooms,
including the pillar-free Il Cavaliere ballroom, which accommodates up to 300 guests and opens onto a private terrace. With 548 square metres of event space, natural daylight, and sleek interiors, it’s ideal for everything from executive retreats to elegant weddings.
From the moment I arrived, every interaction with the staff was warm, intuitive, and quietly efficient. Check-in was seamless, housekeeping was discreet yet meticulous, and the concierge team offered thoughtful recommendations of the local area.
The guest list is as varied as it is discerning from honeymooners, design lovers, business travellers, and families seeking a stylish escape. The hotel’s pet-friendly policy and multigenerational appeal make it a favourite for those who want luxury without compromise.
From the hotel, it was an easy stroll to Villa Olmo and its lakeside gardens. A short ferry ride to Bellagio, Varenna, or Villa del Balbianell (a James Bond favourite). For culture, the Tempio Voltiano and Como Cathedral are nearby, while the Brunate funicula offers sweeping views from above.
Staying at Hilton Lake Como wasn’t just a luxurious getaway — it was a deeply memorable experience that blends history, design, and soul-soothing scenery with all the hallmarks of modern hospitality. It’s the kind of place that lingers long after checkout, where every detail feels considered and every moment carries the quiet magic of la dolce vita.
For anyone seeking a stay that balances authenticity with sophistication and a frontrow seat to the beauty of Lake Como, this hotel delivers effortlessly a sensory souvenir. I left feeling restored, inspired, and above all, ready to return.
Tucked discreetly into a quiet street in Porto’s Boavista district, Palacete Severo is a five-star boutique hotel that blends Portuguese heritage with contemporary luxury.
Originally designed in 1904 by Ricardo Severo - an architect, archaeologist, and writer, the palacete was conceived as a “Portuguese house” and showcases a rich tapestry of national styles. After decades of abandonment, it has been meticulously restored by a French art-collecting couple, transforming it into a refined retreat for discerning travellers.
The hotel’s façade, painted a soft ochre, hints at the elegance within. Inside, the décor is a curated dialogue between past and present: original stained-glass windows, gilded ceilings, and stuccoed cornices are offset by modern Portuguese and Spanish artworks from the owners’ Parisian gallery. The result is a space that feels both intimate and inspiring—more like a private residence than a hotel.
Palacete Severo offers 20 rooms and suites - 11 in the original house and 9 in a newly built annex. Each room is individually designed, with layouts reflecting their
former lives as music rooms, drawing rooms, or studies. The restoration has preserved the building’s architectural soul while introducing contemporary comforts: plush beds, marble bathrooms, and soundproofing that ensures a restful stay. The annex, home to the Severo Spa, offers a more modern aesthetic without compromising on charm.
Business travellers will appreciate the hotel’s thoughtful amenities. There’s a 24hour gym, a heated saltwater pool nestled in the garden, and a library for quiet reading or informal meetings. The spa is the first in Portugal to feature Olivier Claire’s plantbased skincare line, and offers massages, a Turkish bath, and wellness treatments tailored for jet-lagged guests.
Dining is a highlight. Michelin-starred chef Tiago Bonito oversees two restaurants: Éon, a fine-dining venue with Mediterranean flair, and Bistrô Severo, a more relaxed space ideal for post-meeting meals. Breakfast is a generous affair, with continental, English, and vegan options served in a sunlit room overlooking the courtyard.
Located just a short walk from Casa da Música and the Serralves Museum, Palacete Severo is well-positioned for both business and leisure. It’s also easily accessible from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, making it a convenient base for short stays.
Why stay here? For business travellers seeking tranquillity, culture, and impeccable service in a setting that feels like a well-kept secret, Palacete Severo offers a rare blend of elegance and authenticity. It’s not just a place to stay - it’s a place to belong.
Tucked on the powder-pink shores of Harbour Island, the Coral Sands Hotel marries tropical serenity with graceful design. Long a landmark in Dunmore Town, its roots trace back to the late 1960s when it first opened as an understated beach getaway by Hollywood Actor and former fighter pilot Brett King and his wife and it quickly became a beloved part of the Island community. Over the decades, it's evolved being sensitively restored by its current stewards, AJ Capital Partners - into a refined yet relaxed sanctuary where thoughtful design and exceptional workmanship are paramount.
Every inch of Coral Sands feels curated with purpose. The hotel’s design takes cues from mid-century Bahamian architecture but is elevated through a contemporary lens: you’ll find handcrafted mahogany touches, breezy linen textures, and muted coral palettes that echo the surrounding beaches. Interiors blend colonial charm with fresh, cosmopolitan influences — imagine British West Indies elegance softened by island bohemia. Artwork is locally sourced where possible, and natural materials like wood, rattan, and stone give the space an honest, tactile quality. The property includes 38 accommodations, spread across guest rooms, suites, and private beachfront cottages. Each room is uniquely dressed, some with vaulted ceilings, others with private terraces and either ocean or garden views, extra-large beds and even some four posters but all promise plush bedding, rainfall showers and the odd seashell encrusted mirror and giant clam shell sinks. Décor leans toward minimalism layered with artisanal detail: woven accents, textured wallpapers, and subtle nods to maritime heritage and the
coral pink powder
amenities
The heart of the hotel is its breezy oceanfront restaurant, where seasonal menus highlight fresh catch and Caribbean flavours with global flair. The adjacent Beach Bar is a favourite at sunset, pouring rum cocktails and chilled rosé just steps from the surf.
Guests can enjoy:
A putting green shaded by palms
A freshwater pool framed by lush gardens
• A private stretch of Pink Sand Beach with loungers and towel service
• Tennis courts nearby (via sister properties)
Complimentary beach games and snorkelling gear
Beyond the hotel, Harbour Island offers a quiet sophistication. Stroll through pastelhued Dunmore Town, charter a boat to nearby Eleuthera, or explore coral reefs with expert guides. The island’s intimacy lends itself to slow travel — ideal for those who favour substance and style.
Coral Sands is a sensory experience grounded in detail and story. It's well suited for those who appreciate the balance of heritage and modernity, who seek the softness of seclusion with just enough polish. What sets it apart isn’t just the aesthetics, but the unmistakable care in every corner — a testament to the hotel's focus on craftsmanship, comfort, and community spirit.
Nestled in the forested folds of Bandhavgarh National Park, The Oberoi Vindhyavilas opened in 2024 as a haven for wildlife aficionados and style-savvy travellers alike.
Blending sustainability with handcrafted elegance, it draws from Gond and Baiga tribal traditions, with terracotta-tiled roofs, local stonework, and timber detailing that echo both the landscape and culture.
Inside, expect organic textures and earthtoned calm — burnished brass lamps, handcrafted pottery, and decor inspired by Bandhavgarh’s most revered resident: the tiger. With over 130 wild tigers, the park boasts the highest density in India, and the hotel’s tiger emblem isn’t mere flourish
- it’s emblematic of regional pride and conservation momentum.
The lodge comprises 19 glass-walled tented suites and two villas, each immersed in private gardens with floating decks. Suites feature king or twin beds, curated minibar, natural-fibre bathrobes, and a generous 800-square-metre layout that includes stone soaking tubs, dressing areas, and panoramic views of surrounding forest.
Amenities go beyond the expected. There’s an on-site wellness pavilion offering holistic treatments rooted in Ayurvedic principles, including forest-inspired massages and breathwork rituals. The resort also provides a heated plunge pool, private yoga decks, an al fresco dining area, and tailored turndown aromatherapy. Complimentary high-speed internet, bespoke pillow menus, and in-tent fine dining ensure guests remain cocooned in comfort.
Dining at Bush Kitchen is a sensory journey. Overlooking a lotus lake, guests dine on Bagelkhandi specialties — from jungli maas to hand-ground chutneys and herbal mohua infusions. Chef Sachin Kumar celebrates culinary heritage while offering global dishes with a local twist: Neapolitanstyle pizzas might arrive with wild greens from the estate garden, and vegan tasting menus balance spice and narrative.
Wildlife excursions are led by Oberoi-trained naturalists, with sunrise and sunset safaris, curated birding walks, and starlit storytelling circles. The lodge also partners with local schools and artisans for cultural exchanges and sustainability outreach — ensuring tourism supports community as well as conservation.
Guests range from honeymooners and photographers to wellness seekers and global executives seeking quietude. Whether it’s the thrill of spotting Charger, Bandhavgarh’s famed alpha male tiger, or the hush of a lakeside cocktail at dusk, Vindhyavilas redefines safari luxury — where every experience is wild, grounded, and elegantly told.
Discover our 2025 summer schedule, now open for booking, with some of the best premium cabins in the sky and an experience that makes out of office out of this world.
Nestled on a sun-dappled hillside above Chambéry, the 14thcentury Château de Candie is a fortified manor turned boutique hotel that feels plucked from the pages of a storybook.
From the moment we were collected at Geneva Airport, Brice, our driver, welcomed us with a chilled glass of champagne and a small picnic for the scenic hour-long drive through the Alpine foothills.
Built by the noble Candie family, allies of the House of Savoy, the château has passed through centuries of aristocratic ownership. In the 17th century, it belonged to Piedmontese merchant Jean André Sarde, and later to Caroline de Saint Séverin, whose family lived there for over sixty years. The turret now a romantic honeymoon
suite has served as a dovecote, chapel, and artist’s studio.
In 1990, antique collector Didier Lhostis undertook a meticulous four-year restoration, preserving the château’s historic soul while introducing elegant interiors and whimsical flourishes. Since 2016, Purple Summer has elevated it into a four-star luxury retreat.
Set above Chambéry’s eight hamlets, the château commands panoramic views of the Chartreuse mountains and Dent du Chat peak. Its six-hectare park is a masterclass
in landscaping with century-old trees, bubbling fountains, flowering borders, and a revived vineyard producing Candie 1891 Viognier on calcareous slopes. The grounds are pristine - perfect for quiet reflection or leisurely strolls, with butterflies, bees, and mountain vistas completing the scene.
Hospitality here is deeply personal. Katie, the general manager, was warm, intuitive, and ever-present. Her passion for the château was infectious, and every member of staff reflected the same gracious, generous spirit that makes this place quietly magical.
The château offers 25 individually styled rooms and suites, each named after historical figures and adorned with antiques, plush fabrics, and curated artwork. Our Junior Suite was palatial approximately 60 square metres with a separate dressing area, velvet settee, antique writing desk, and a marble-clad bathroom featuring the largest marble bath I’ve ever seen, alongside a separate shower and L’Occitane toiletries. Amenities included a minibar, kettle, and Nespresso machine, all tucked discreetly into antique cabinetry.
The turret suite, La Tour de la Duchesse, is a triplex spread across three floors, with a
spiral staircase linking a salon, bedroom, and bathroom. It’s a favourite for romantics, evoking unmistakable “Beauty and the Beast” charm.
DDinner at La Cantine, the château’s istronomic restaurant, was unforgettable. Head Chef Badara Gueye, a Senegalese talent, masterfully fuses classic French techniques with African spices and alpine ingredients. Each dish was a work of art, from delicate fish ceviche or river char with fennel, to a steak that melted like butter. His passion for painting is reflected in the presentation, and while his artworks usually adorn the château, they were on exhibition at a nearby gallery during my visit.
Breakfast was served in a rustic dining room or on the terrace, with a generous spread of local meats, pastries, and seasonal fruit. The cheeses were a standout - creamy, full of character, and even better paired with a glass of wine.
The château offers its own trio of distinctive bars:
• Champagne & Oyster Bar: A design marvel within La Cantine, featuring a chandelier made of inverted champagne flutes. It’s the perfect spot for apéritifs
with views of the Croix du Nivolet and Bauges massif.
• Whisky Bar: Tucked behind reception, this cosy, club-like lounge invites guests to sink into deep armchairs by a crackling fireplace, with a curated selection of international whiskies and Savoie wines.
• Honesty Tiki Bar: Nestled beside the pool, this relaxed, self-serve bar offers chilled wines, beers, and soft drinks - encouraging guests to linger and unwind.
A small gym is available onsite, and massage services can be arranged on request.
Guests are invited to dine at Le Lido during warmer months, where the lakeside terrace becomes a stage for long, leisurely lunches and sunset cocktails. Situated on Lake Bourget, France’s largest freshwater lake and approximately 10 minutes by car, Le Lido is part of Purple Summer’s curated portfolio and was a sensory celebration of Savoie’s finest produce. Velvet chairs, marble tables, and sweeping lake views created a theatrical setting. Post-lunch cocktails and lakeside lounging completed the experience.
Resident sommelier Raphael Diatta offers a wine tasting masterclass. Trained in Burgundy, his exceptional knowledge and enthusiasm made for a fantastic experience.
Due to the weather, our tasting was held indoors, which had the added benefit of offering a broader selection of wines and lively insights into the region. On our final day, we were treated to a vineyard picnic. Sitting among the vines with champagne, local delicacies, and mountain views in the background. Pure indulgence!
Château de Candie is also a sought-after venue for weddings and events. The Salle des Glaces hosts up to 180 guests, while the Grilles and Château salons suit meetings and receptions. All spaces are bathed in natural light and offer scenic views.
Though close to Chambéry and the motorway, the château feels blissfully secluded. With its tranquil grounds, destination-worthy dining, and heartfelt hospitality, it’s a hidden gem that often turns a stopover into a cherished memory.
Château de Candie is more than a hotel - it’s a living narrative of elegance, warmth, and timeless charm. Every detail, from antique key fobs to handpicked wine pairings, reflects a team deeply devoted to guest experience. It’s a place where time slows, senses awaken, and memories linger.
As we waved goodbye under the golden afternoon sun, the vines glowing in its light, we knew we’d return.
Nightly rates start at €200 (B&B), with exclusive hire from €15,000.
As the summer tide of tourists’ floods Paris, Rome and Venice, a quieter rhythm pulses through the heart of rural France.
In Burgundy, where rolling hills cradle centuries-old stone villages, Noyers-surSerein is quietly emerging as a sanctuary for the business traveller in search of reflection, clarity and charm.
Officially recognised as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, Noyers-sur-Serein is more than picturesque - it’s profoundly atmospheric. Cobbled lanes curve past half-timbered houses and Renaissance
façades, each corner whispering stories of medieval life. The village’s fortified walls and Romanesque churches speak to a rich past, while the Serein River glides silently through the landscape, offering moments of stillness that feel almost sacred.
Getting here from England is a journey worth taking. The Eurostar to Paris, followed by a train to Tonnerre and a short drive, delivers you into a world that feels untouched by time. For those who prefer the open road, a drive from Calais through Champagne and Burgundy reveals France at its most poetic and for the airborne, Paris remains the gateway - just a few hours from London, and a scenic drive from the capital to the village.
Once arrived, the experience unfolds slowly. Noyers-sur-Serein is a place to wander without agenda. Its 78 classified historic monuments offer a self-guided immersion into centuries of craftsmanship and culture. The ruins of the château invite quiet contemplation, while the village’s art museum and creative centre add a touch of whimsy and modernity. Nearby, the wine village of Chablis and the Renaissance Château d’Ancy-le-Franc extend the narrative of refinement and heritage.
Accommodation here is intimate and characterful. Le Prieuré, housed in a 16th-century monastery, offers monastic calm with modern comfort. Côté-Serein’s riverside rooms blend medieval charm with gentle hospitality, while La Maison des Corporations and Le Tabellion provide warm welcomes and gourmet breakfasts in lovingly restored settings. For those seeking a countryside retreat, Le Moulin de Poilly, just beyond the village, offers riverside serenity and rustic elegance.
Noyers-sur-Serein is not a destination that clamours for attention. It doesn’t need to. For the business traveller weary of noise and novelty, it offers something far rarer: authenticity, tranquillity, and the space to think.
This weekend at Geneva Airport, I experienced what can only be described as a diplomatic dairy incident.
I wasn’t smuggling liquids. I hadn’t overpacked. I had simply - naïvely - brought a modest wedge of Camembert, vacuumsealed and tucked between a paperback and a portable charger. A farewell gift from a friend, chosen for its creamy perfection and sentimental value. I envisioned myself unwrapping it at my destination with ceremony, pairing it with wine and a smug sense of travel elegance.
Instead, I was stopped in my tracks at security.
The officer looked at the cheese. Then at me. Then back at the cheese. A pause. Then the verdict: “Soft cheese is classified as a liquid. It’s not allowed.”
I blinked. "Camembert? It’s clearly... cheese." The officer gestured solemnly. “If you can spread it — it’s a liquid.”
Apparently, Swiss security uses a “spreadability threshold” to determine if your snack is subversive. Meltiness is menace. Camembert is contraband. Meanwhile, blocks of Gruyère and Emmental were waved through like seasoned diplomats. My cheese, however, was too French. Too soft. Too suspicious.
I briefly considered a defence — perhaps citing the cheese’s texture, its aging process, or its patriotic merits. But it was too late. My Camembert was confiscated without ceremony. No farewell toast. Just a quiet thud into the forbidden bin.
Adding insult to injury, the duty-free shop just beyond the scanners gleamed with
BY ANDREA THOMPSON
identical wedges available for purchase. My cheese was a security threat at 10:45, but perfectly safe at 11:10, provided it came from a shelf inside Zone B.
So, is Camembert truly persona non grata at Geneva Airport? Technically, no. But in practice, if your cheese resembles a puddle more than a wheel, it may well be treated like contraband. The moral of the story? Either fly with a firmer fromage or be prepared to watch your beloved dairy delicacy meet its fate in the security bin— while a bemused officer wonders why anyone would risk international travel for a cheese that’s already halfway to fondue. Bon voyage, and bon appétit (just not at the gate).
Fashion, at its best, tells a story. And few brands weave a tale quite like Koy Clothing. Founded by brothers Alastair and Jimmy Scott, Koy is a menswear and accessories brand with a mission rooted far deeper than tailoring. It’s not simply about selling sharp linens or rugged duffels, it’s about transforming lives in Africa, one shirt, belt, or weekender bag at a time.
The company’s lightbulb moment wasn’t born in a boardroom. It grew from a lifetime of connection. The Scott brothers were raised in Kenya, and their childhoods were shaped by vibrant colours, bold fabrics, and a palpable sense of community. Later, while working in the UK, they saw the disconnect — fashion felt transactional, detached from meaning. What if, they wondered, clothing could reflect the culture they loved while supporting the continent that raised them?
With that vision, Koy Clothing was born. The name pays homage to the “kikoy”, a traditional Kenyan textile known for its softness, colour, and versatility. Today, Koy handcrafts this fabric into its designs - not just as an aesthetic flourish, but as a tactile link to East African heritage.
Every product is designed with classic British style and a distinctly African twist - think linen shirts, duffle bags lined with kikoy stripes, or belts that echo Maasai bead designs. But what truly distinguishes the brand is its charitable model. From the outset, the brothers pledged to donate 20% of Koy’s profits to grassroots projects in Africa. Over the years, they’ve supported clean water initiatives, school programs, and sustainable infrastructure - raising thousands for communities across Kenya, including their most recent effort to build a sand dam offering freshwater access for rural villages. FEATURE
Koy’s ethos is one of intention: design beautifully, operate ethically, and give generously.
MEETS ETHICAL DETAIL
“Which brings us to the item that sparked this review — the Canvas Weekender Bag in Tan. It arrived encased in a soft protective wrap, which revealed not just a travel bag, but something more tactile and emotive. The scent of natural canvas and leather was immediate and inviting — earthy, rich, a little sun-warmed. If bags had personality, this one would feel like adventure with a quiet sense of dignity.
Visually, it’s striking without being showy. The tan canvas is warm and neutral, with subtle texture that suggests hard-wearing longevity. Reinforced leather trims — in a mocha-like tone — add contrast and strength, while brass fittings give just a touch of vintage elegance. The proportions are generous enough for a weekend getaway, but refined enough to pass for a smart carry-on or work-trip holdall.
Inside, the lining steals the show: bright kikoy fabric in sunset hues dances across the inner pockets. It’s not just pretty — it’s a nod to the brand’s Kenyan roots and a pleasant surprise every time you reach for your charger or sunglasses. The design is perfectly practical: internal zip pocket, generous storage compartments, and sturdy side clips to reshape the silhouette depending on your packing style.
Sustainability is key to this bag’s appeal. Koy uses eco-conscious canvas and ethically sourced leather, and the entire production process prioritises longevity over mass manufacture. Nothing here feels disposable or rushed. This is a bag made to endure years of airport sprints, train commutes, or safari side trips — developing a patina along the way that adds to its charm.
From a business traveller’s perspective, the Weekender hits a rare, sweet spot. It’s formal enough to accompany smart tailoring, casual enough for denim and boots. It fits in the overhead locker, slides under a hotel desk, and feels appropriate whether you’re at a conference or checking into a boutique lodge in Nairobi.
But beyond function, there’s soul in this piece. It doesn’t shout about its credentials — it lets the stitching, the weight, and the cultural detailing speak for itself. And perhaps that’s Koy’s quiet superpower. This is fashion with feeling, infrastructure with identity.
In a sea of global brands tapping into heritage aesthetics, Koy stands apart by giving back to the heritage itself. It’s not appropriation — it’s appreciation, built into the very business model. Their charity promise isn’t a seasonal campaign or a side project, it’s a permanent commitment. And for professionals in travel, hospitality, or cultural industries, that offers alignment: style that supports, purchases that uplift.
The Scott brothers have proven that a small brand with a big heart can find loyal followers — not just for the look, but for the message. As of this writing, Koy has been featured in Macy’s, Nordstrom, and John Lewis, and continues expanding its offerings with pieces for women and unisex styling.
When I first unpacked it, I expected a beautiful piece of travel gear. What I got was a sensory experience — the smell, the texture, the colour, the story. And each time I’ve carried it since, I’ve felt connected not just to my destination, but to the journey behind the design.
These travel books won’t pack your bags, but they might change your plans. Big on ideas, light on luggage and perfect for sparking wanderlust, rerouting routines, and finding joy in your travels.
If the phrase “cycling memoir” makes you reach for your Oyster card, Go West might just change your mind. Steve Silk’s latest two-wheeled escapade - from London to the Welsh coast is less Tour de France, more “Have I Got News for You” on handlebars.
Over eight days and 300 miles, Silk swaps spreadsheets for saddle sores, proving
Rachael Martin’s “Walking in Italy” isn’t just for seasoned hikers it’s a brilliantly written, thoroughly enjoyable read for anyone who loves travel, food, and a bit of cultural colour.
From the dramatic Dolomites to the quiet beauty of Puglia, Martin guides readers through Italy’s most scenic spots, weaving in stories, local history and plenty of insider tips. She’s got an eye for a great stay, a knack for finding the best gelato, and a playful tone that makes each chapter feel like a catch-up with a well-travelled friend. Even if your idea of a walk is a gentle stroll to the café, this book delivers. You’ll find charming hotel suggestions, standout restaurants and quirky local finds all wrapped in Martin’s warm, witty storytelling.
that adventure doesn’t require a passport just a questionable sense of direction and a fondness for country pubs. His route meanders through Oxford, Gloucester, Monmouth and Carmarthen, with detours that include castles, canoeing, and the kind of B&Bs where Wi-Fi is a rumour and the loo is in the garden.
What makes this book sing isn’t just the scenery (though there’s plenty of that), it’s Silk’s dry wit, self-deprecating charm, and knack for turning a steep incline into a punchline. Even if you think a derailleur is a French cheese, you’ll be hooked. I was and I don’t even like bikes.
Perfect of course for cyclists but also those business travellers craving a mental getaway or anyone who’s ever fantasised about escaping the M25 with nothing but a map and a midlife crisis.
A must-read for anyone dreaming of Italy, whether you're planning a trip or just planning your next daydream.
BY LUKE STEGEMANN YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS, £12.99
Madrid: A New Biography by Luke Stegemann, invites readers into the layered heart of Spain’s capital, blending centuries of history with a vivid sense of place. It’s a portrait of transformation, tracing the city
Celia Dillow’s South America – An Anthology of Travel Writing offers a rich, geographically curated tapestry of the continent through eleven themed chapters spanning the Andes, Amazon, and Atlantic coast. From Darwin’s nautical musings to modern dispatches by Simon Reeve and Hilary Bradt, the collection captures both the grandeur and contradictions of South American landscapes and cultures. Whether poetic or irreverent, each piece stands confidently on its own, echoing Dillow’s restrained editorial hand.
Ideal for the discerning UK traveller, especially those drawn to immersive journeys, this anthology invites readers to observe and reflect. From altitude
from its modest Islamic origins through imperial grandeur to its present-day role as a vibrant European centre. Rather than leaning on dates and facts, the book explores how Madrid’s spirit is shaped by its people, politics, and enduring cultural pride.
Written with elegance and clarity, it offers business and hospitality travellers more than context - it delivers connection. Through carefully chosen stories and reflections, the city emerges as both complex and inviting, proud yet introspective. For professionals seeking to engage with Madrid on a deeper level, this biography provides the cultural fluency and perspective that elevate the experience beyond the itinerary.
sickness in the Sacred Valley to quiet moments in Patagonia, the writing reveals South America as a mosaic of voices and experiences. Thoughtful, literary, and grounded by a strong sense of place—this Bradt title is perfect for both the armchair adventurer and those en-route to Lima.
takes readers far beyond the expected. Packed with full-page photography and sharply curated entries, it celebrates everything from robot restaurants and snow monkeys to serene tea ceremonies and quirky vending machines — perfect for sparking ideas between meetings or on a weekend detour.
Whether you're travelling for work or weaving in leisure, this DK Travel title is a reminder that Japan excels at blending the sublime with the surprising. It’s smart, stylish, and just eccentric enough to keep you turning pages — or planning your next trip.
Straight from the volcanic soils of Michoacán, Manso Sahuayo Joven and Manso Sahuayo y Bruto Joven are smallbatch, artisanal mezcals crafted using traditional Filipino-influenced distillation. Both are made from the rare Maguey Manso Sahuayo agave - roasted in pit
Classic Wayfarer style meets subtle tech in Ray-Ban’s Meta Smart Glasses. The “Shiny Warm Stone” frame hints at circuitry, adding a modern edge. Slightly heavier than standard sunnies, they’re wellbalanced but noticeable over time.
Features include a 12MP camera, open-ear speakers, five mics, Meta AI (for translation, object ID, and queries), touch controls, prescription options, and livestreaming to Facebook/Instagram. Battery lasts ~4 hours, with a sleek case extending use to 36.
Audio is clear but not immersive; the camera is solid, though not smartphonelevel. Reception has been positive—users love the discreet design and AI tools, especially for travel and content creation. Downsides: limited battery life and reliance on Meta’s ecosystem.
Priced from £299 (£329 Polarised, £379 Transitions)
ovens, fermented with wild yeast, and distilled in copper and pinewood stills.
Manso Sahuayo Joven at 48.33% ABV and RRP £64–£75
Bright and elegant with notes of citrus, grilled pineapple and a cotton-candy sweetness.
Manso Sahuayo y Bruto Joven at 48.51% ABV and RRP £102–£110
Deeper, smokier and more vegetal, thanks to its blend with Agave Bruto and ideal for the adventurous palate.
How to Enjoy
• Neat: Best served in clay copitas.
• Cocktails: The Joven shines in a Mezcal Negroni, while the y Bruto elevates a smoky Paloma.
• Food Pairing: Think grilled octopus, aged Manchego, or sea salt dark chocolate.
These bottles are refined yet rooted in tradition - perfect for clients or colleagues who appreciate heritage and flavour. Pair with artisanal glassware or a curated tasting guide for added impact.
A foldable, dual-burner setup that weighs just over 4 kg and folds neatly into a selfcontained carry case. With Velcro-secured pockets for accessories, collapsible handles, and a compact footprint, it’s cleverly designed and easy to transport and ideal for festival goers or weekend campers.
Set-up was simple once we had the orientation right. The 5L pot and 10-inch pan nest snugly inside, and the burners ignite with a satisfying click. We liked the stability and post-meal cleanup was minimal. Performance was solid but not flawless. While Jetboil advertises a 3-minute boil time, we found it took closer to 6–7 minutes, especially in breezy conditions. The windscreen offered limited protection, and frying demanded careful attention as heat spread unevenly across the pan.
Aesthetically, it’s sleek and modern, less rugged camp gear, more outdoor gadget. The only real sticking point? The price tag around £399.
Move over, Aperol—Villa Cardea’s Limoncello is fast becoming the summer’s spritz of choice. Crafted in Bergamo using IGP-certified Sicilian lemon peel (Femminello St. Teresa variety), this zesty Italian liqueur combines tradition with trend-setting style yielding a hazy yellow liqueur that’s as evocative as it is refreshing. Why the buzz? The rise of the Limoncello Spritz—a lighter, sunnier alternative to the bitter Aperol—is driving demand. Mix Villa Cardea Limoncello with Prosecco and soda water, add ice, lemon and mint, and voilà: the drink of the season.
RRP £12.50 for 700ml (22% ABV)
The concept behind the MuchBetter ring is simple yet game-changing. Created to eliminate the need for wallets, phones, or cards, this wearable aims to streamline your life in the most elegant way possible. Available in white, black, and grey, it’s as much about aesthetics as it is functionality.
Sizing the ring is easy thanks to the comprehensive guide provided during purchase, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. Setting it up was equally straightforward - or at least, it’s designed to be. Everything runs through the MuchBetter app, from activating your account to linking the ring.
In terms of functionality, it’s flawless. Payments are processed instantly, and unlike your smartphone or smartwatch, there’s no need to worry about charging. The ring is also water-resistant, meaning it handles handwashing and rainy days like a pro and also surprisingly comfortable to wear.
In today’s business travel landscape, budgets are under greater scrutiny than ever before, with cost control now matched by a growing expectation for traveller wellbeing. Striking the right balance between saving money and showing genuine care is no longer a nice to have, it’s an essential.
Smart savings don’t mean cutting corners or compromising your travel programme’s quality. Instead, they demand a thoughtful approach that combines efficiency, flexibility, and a deep understanding of what travellers need to perform at their best.
Negotiating with suppliers and leveraging the buying power of a trusted travel management company (TMC) unlocks exclusive rates and added value. But it’s more than just price, it’s about working with partners who understand your business and travellers on a personal level, and who can deliver tailored solutions that align with your goals. Whether that means flexible ticketing options, preferred hotel amenities like a gym on site, free parking or accessible room types , prioritising sustainability or access to private lounges that make the journey smoother and more productive, these partnerships matter.
A clear and adaptable travel policy lays the foundation for cost control and value
creation by setting expectations on booking behaviours, approvals, and preferred suppliers. However, the best policies don’t just restrict, they empower. By evolving with feedback and changing circumstances, they encourage travellers to make smart, value based decisions without feeling constrained or frustrated. This flexibility drives higher compliance and ultimately better compliance to policy.
Digital transformation, accelerated by advances in AI, has changed the way of travel management from faster booking processes, real-time data, improved oversight and easier reporting. For example, our corporate suite of myTC tools harness these capabilities. Yet, technology alone can’t meet every traveller’s needs. People still matter, and now more than ever.
At Travel Counsellors for Business, we combine technology with the personal expertise of our corporate travel business owners, providing 24/7 support and genuine care. Our experts proactively manage journeys, anticipating potential issues before they arise and offering tailored advice that reflects individual preferences and circumstances. This human-led approach means travellers feel safe, informed, and valued throughout their trip. It prevents costly disruptions and saves time by resolving problems quickly and efficiently. By striking the right balance between innovation and personal service, we deliver a travel experience that’s smarter, smoother and more cost-effective.
Early planning is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save. Encouraging travellers to book in advance reduces exposure to
BY MEL QUINN
expensive last-minute fares and the risk of cancellations or changes that come with added penalties.
But savings aren’t just financial. Thoughtful scheduling can consolidate meetings and travel into fewer trips, boosting efficiency and cutting overall travel time. Opting for flexible options like refundable tickets or hotels with generous cancellation policies adds peace of mind and adaptability in an unpredictable world.
Planning with wellbeing in mind also minimises travel fatigue, helping travellers arrive rested and ready to be their best. This supports productivity and makes each trip more valuable to the business. Such focus on wellbeing is increasingly crucial, especially as younger generations like Gen Z prioritise work-life balance in their travel decisions.
Value creation doesn’t mean compromising traveller care. When done right, effective travel management balances cost control with genuine support, creating experiences that benefit both the business and the people who travel.
At Travel Counsellors for Business, we believe the best travel programmes create value intelligently and care deeply. Because meaningful success isn’t just about reaching the destination in the cheapest way, it’s about ensuring travellers feel supported and cared for at every step of the journey.
Located on the western coast of India and caressed by the Arabian Sea, Goa offers a heady mix of sun-soaked beaches, vibrant street life, and colonial nostalgia.
Once part of the Portuguese Empire until its annexation by India in 1961, Goa still pulses with Iberian echoes—from baroque churches and tiled courtyards to festivals like Carnival and São João.
It is more than just a beach retreat—it’s a state of mind. The fusion of coastal
serenity and colonial nostalgia gives the region its signature laid-back charm, felt in everything from slow Sunday mornings in Portuguese villas to spirited street parades and sunset drum circles. Locals embody a warmth that’s as vibrant as the palm-lined roads and brightly painted chapels dotting the villages. Whether you’re sipping chai at a roadside stall, browsing antique shops in Panjim, or watching fishermen pull in the day’s catch near Betim Jetty, Goa invites you to slow down, savour the moment, and embrace susegad - the art of doing everything at ease.
BEACHES & WHERE TO STAY
Goa’s beaches cater to every mood and budget:
Luxury Escapes
• The St. Regis Goa Resort, set amidst lush lagoons and tucked beside Mobor Beach, offers refined villa living and butler service.
• ITC Grand Goa in Arossim is a sprawling Indo-Portuguese property with spa sanctuaries, fine dining, and private beach access.
• In North Goa, Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa combines colonial architecture with cliff-top sea views, while W Goa in Vagator delivers sleek design, DJs, and dramatic sunsets.
Mid-Range & Boutique Gems
Beleza by the Beach near Colva charms with garden villas and direct beach access.
Marquis Beach Resort in Candolim strikes a balance between comfort, accessibility, and coastal charm.
Jungle Hostel by the Hostel Crowd in Vagator offers design-forward co-living with poolside lounges and café culture.
Palolem and Mandrem boast chic beach huts with outdoor showers, hammocks and private verandas.
Art Resort Goa and Cuba Beach Bungalows bring stylish affordability to the sand.
• Old Goa: A UNESCO-listed enclave filled with 17th-century churches, cathedrals and cloisters.
• Spice Plantations: Wander aromatic estates in Ponda where nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper vines flourish.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot deer and peacocks at Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, or dolphins off Morjim.
• Water Adventures: Try scuba diving near Grande Island, kayaking in mangroves, or windsurfing in Dona Paula.
• Festivals & Culture: Time your visit around Goa Carnival, Shigmo, or São João for parades, music and revelry.
Goan cuisine is coastal comfort at its finest
- drawing on Konkani and Portuguese traditions with bold spices, coconut milk and vinegar.
Must-try classics include:
• Kingfish Curry Rice: Creamy, tangy, and omnipresent.
• Prawn Balchão: Fiery, preserved and addictive.
• Pork Vindaloo: Marinated overnight in garlic and vinegar.
• Bebinca: Layered coconut dessert.
• Feni: Local cashew spirit, best served chilled.
For real-deal flavours, locals head to Vinayak Family Restaurant in Assagao or Avo’s Kitchen in Calangute. Meanwhile, trend-forward travellers will love Petisco, where cocktails highlight monsooninspired ingredients like sukhi mirchi and dried jackfruit.
BEST TIME TO GO
Nov–Feb for dry, comfortable weather; June–Sept is monsoon season with lush landscapes
FLIGHT DURATION
• 11.5 hrs from London (usually via Mumbai or Delhi)
TIME DIFFERENCE
• GMT +5.5 hours
VACCINATIONS
• Recommended: Hep A, Typhoid, Diphtheria, Tetanus; Optional: Rabies, Japanese Encephalitis
VISA
UK nationals require an e-Visa, available online
GETTING THERE
Goa International Airport (Dabolim); new Mopa airport also open to international flights
LOCAL TRANSPORT
• Scooters are common; hire a car with driver for more comfort
We believe doing brilliant business deserves a brilliantly di erent travel experience. That’s what the Virgin Atlantic partnership with Delta Air Lines is tailor-made for, to o er more choice, more connections and second-to-none service at every step of the journey. With plenty of delightful touches along the way.
With 86 daily nonstop flights between the UK and US, including up to 34 daily flights from London Heathrow to 14 US gateways, there’s no better Joint Venture across the Atlantic. Whether you’re heading to New York for an all-important pitch or LA for a big launch event, our extensive network ensures you have the options you need to get there on time, and in style.
Our partnership with Delta goes much further than just a flight. With seamless transfers to 220 destinations, connecting across North America is smoother than a Dreamliner takeo .
We’ve never been ones to rest idle on the tarmac. And our expanding direct network proves it, with 9 daily flights between London and New York, Atlanta 3 times a day, and a new direct Toronto service taking o in March 2025.
Priority boarding, seats for free Business travel shouldn’t feel like hard work. That’s why we o er free seat assignment, priority boarding and priority rebooking to our corporate contract travellers in all cabins as standard*
Preflight, made delightful
Our airport lounges are a destination in themselves. Glide through our Heathrow Upper Class Wing and private security before heading straight to our flagship Clubhouse, and enjoy one-of-a-kind experiences in the newly opened and achingly high-end Delta One® Lounge in New York.
*T&Cs apply
Suite dreams are made of this Our Upper Class and Delta One® cabins o er the ultimate in comfort and privacy. With entertainment you can’t wait to dive into, premium dining and lie-flat seats, and WiFi* on all flights to and from the UK, we’ve thought of everything you need to make your journey as relaxing, or productive, as you want it to be. Plus little extras like the softest sleepsuit and Delta’s Missoni-designed amenity kits take flying in style to a whole new level.
Virgin Atlantic and Delta. Ten years taking care of business. *International WiFi coverage may vary across Delta aircraft
When Shai Weiss reflects on Virgin Atlantic’s rollercoaster over the past five years, he does so with candour. “It’s been quite a ride,” he admits. The airline posted its first profit since 2016—a modest £20 million before exceptional items—after a transformation that saw costs stripped back by £300 million annually. But for Weiss, profitability is only proof of survival; the bigger story is what Virgin Atlantic is becoming.
That story is one of bold investment in premium travel, in loyalty that looks very different from the rigid systems of the past, and in a willingness to rethink what corporate travel means in a post-pandemic world. “We cut deep, we streamlined,” Weiss says, “but we stayed true to our brand ethos. Now it’s time to build forward.”
The rebuilding starts in Virgin’s most lucrative cabins. Demand for premium
travel has surged—last year, more than 90 per cent of Virgin’s Upper Class and Premium seats were filled. Weiss saw the signal clearly: double down on the front of the plane. The airline is retrofitting its Boeing 787s to increase Upper Class seats from 31 to 44 and boost Premium Economy capacity from 35 to 56, while cutting back in standard economy. “It’s bold,” he says, “but it lets us deliver a luxury experience that stands up to the best.”
Virgin Atlantic’s chief executive, Shai Weiss, explains to Richard Alvin how he has steered the airline from crisis to profit with a bold new focus on premium travel, seamless tech and a reimagined loyalty scheme that rewards even the once-a-year business traveller.
This shift dovetails neatly with the rise of the bleisure traveller—the new hybrid flyer who blends business with leisure and expects to be rewarded accordingly. “The shift isn’t new, but it’s accelerating,” Weiss notes. As far back as 2021, he predicted business travel would return in a “new format” that blurred boundaries. Now that forecast is Virgin’s reality.
Central to that is loyalty. Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club is undergoing a quiet revolution. Traditionally, frequent flyers were the only ones rewarded. Weiss wants to change that. “Even someone who flies just once a year—say London to the Caribbean—should feel valued,” he argues. The new model will reward longterm loyalty, even for infrequent travellers, by looking at multi-year flying patterns rather than rigid annual thresholds. “Think of it less like airline miles and more like a retailer’s points programme over time,” he explains. “Closer to a supermarket model— but for travel.”
For the bleisure audience—many of whom don’t clock up dozens of flights a year, but
are fiercely loyal when they do travel—that change could be transformative.
The loyalty rethink is matched by an ambitious programme of investment in the travel experience itself. Virgin is the first UK airline to commit to free, streaming-quality Wi-Fi across its fleet, powered by Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites. By 2027, Flying Club members will be able to work or watch Netflix seamlessly in the sky. The carrier is also rolling out an AIbased concierge service, developed with OpenAI and Tomoro.ai, which will offer multilingual, emotionally intelligent support directly in the Virgin app. Add to that redesigned Clubhouses, refreshed amenity kits and menus, and the airline’s trademark cheeky service, and Weiss believes the Virgin difference will feel sharper than ever.
“Our purpose is to make customers smile,” he says. “That’s as true in a lounge in Heathrow as it is at 35,000 feet.”
Partnerships are also extending that promise. Virgin’s decision to join SkyTeam in 2023 broadened its global reach and loyalty offering overnight, allowing passengers to earn and redeem miles across an alliance that includes Air France, Delta, and Korean Air. For corporate travellers who need flexibility and seamlessness, it is a tangible boost. “Partnerships let us deliver value beyond our own network,” Weiss says. “That’s what loyalty should mean.”
If the strategy sounds expansive, it is tempered by Weiss’s philosophy of “paranoid leadership.” Aviation is a
brutally competitive industry, and he makes no apologies for being watchful. “Being the underdog keeps us innovative and sharp,” he says. “We observe—BA’s results, customer trends—and we respond fast.”
That underdog mindset may just be Virgin Atlantic’s biggest asset. From the outside, the carrier appears to be surfing the same waves as the wider industry: premiumisation, sustainability, digitisation. But Virgin’s approach, shaped by Weiss’s mix of pragmatism and boldness, has its own flavour. It is less about chasing the frequent flyer of old and more about cultivating a new kind of loyalty—one that recognises bleisure travellers, premium leisure seekers, and loyalists who may not fly every week but who instinctively choose Virgin when they do.
"OUR PURPOSE IS TO MAKE CUSTOMERS SMILE," WEISS SAYS. "THAT'S AS TRUE IN A LOUNGE IN HEATHROW AS IT IS AT 35,000 FEET."
“We exist to make people smile,” Weiss repeats, almost like a mantra. For him, corporate loyalty is no longer about miles in the bank but about affection in the brand. It is, fittingly, about love—the same four letters emblazoned on Virgin Atlantic’s aircraft tails, and the same feeling Weiss wants to inspire when business travellers next step on board.
From glamour to grounded, the history of disappearing airlines offers a fascinating insight into the highs and lows of aviation.
1966–1982
Founded by Sir Freddie Laker, this UKbased airline revolutionized low-cost transatlantic flights with its Skytrain service, offering meals, movies, and a free bar. However, financial troubles and competition from larger airlines forced its closure in 1982.
1927–1991
An icon of international travel, Pan Am pioneered industry innovations such as computerised booking and jet aircraft, with routes spanning the globe. Despite its legacy, financial mismanagement and competition led to its downfall.
1967–2017
Aimed at families jetting off to European hotspots, Monarch Airlines was a favourite among British holidaymakers. It faced financial troubles from rising fuel costs and market changes, leading to its closure in 2017.
1979–2023
Serving regional UK and European destinations, Flybe faced difficulties during the pandemic. Briefly revived in 2022, it ultimately closed in 2023 due to ongoing financial struggles.
1978–2017
Germany's second-largest airline, Air Berlin thrived post-reunification but faltered after years of financial instability, leading to its shutdown.
2011–2019
This Icelandic budget airline promised affordable travel but struggled with mounting debts, ceasing operations in 2019 and leaving passengers stranded.
1958–1991
The national carrier of East Germany, Interflug operated until German reunification made its services redundant, marking the end of the airline in 1991.
2007–2018
Aimed at the US West Coast, Virgin America prioritized affordable travel with a touch of luxury. It disappeared after merging with Alaska Airlines in 2016, finally ceasing operations in 2018.
1947–2021
Once a giant of Italian aviation, Alitalia’s financial woes saw it struggling for years. After attempts to revive its fortunes, the airline ceased operations in 2021.
1934–2010
Initially a mail carrier, Continental Airlines became a leader in long-haul routes and innovation. Despite its legacy, mergers and competition saw its end in 2010.
1946–2008
A pioneer of island-hopping in Hawaii, Aloha Airlines enjoyed decades of success before financial strain from competition and operational costs led to its closure in 2008.
1937–2015
Starting as a regional carrier, US Airways expanded to international destinations. After financial struggles and mergers, it ceased operations in 2015, merging fully into American Airlines.
2003–2018
This Danish airline specialized in short-haul European routes but faltered when it overreached with long-haul ventures, resulting in its collapse in 2018.
2007-2008
UK-based all-business-class airline that aimed to redefine luxury air travel with exclusive amenities like private terminals, chauffeur-driven transfers, and lie-flat seats. Despite its ambitious vision and carbon-neutral claims, financial struggles and stiff competition from legacy carriers led to its abrupt closure after just over a year.
Each airline carries a unique legacy of ambition and challenge, shaping the aviation industry in its own way.
In an industry where lost luggage is often accepted as an inevitable inconvenience, Japan’s Kansai International Airport (KIX) has quietly achieved the impossible: not a single piece of luggage lost in over 30 years.
For business travellers especially those on tight schedules or with high-value cargothis level of reliability is more than a luxury; it’s a logistical dream.
Opened in 1994 on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, Kansai Airport was engineered for resilience, but its baggage handling success is rooted in something far more human: a culture of accountability. “We don’t feel like we’ve done anything special,” said a Kansai PR officer. “We just do our jobs properly every day”. That humility belies a system of extraordinary rigour.
Kansai’s baggage handling process is a masterclass in operational discipline:
Double Verification: Every arriving aircraft’s luggage count is cross-checked against departure records by at least two staff members. If there’s a mismatch, a search is launched immediately—whether in the cargo hold, sorting room, or apron.
15-Minute Delivery Target: Bags are delivered to the carousel within 15 minutes of touchdown. Delicate or damage-prone items are hand-delivered to passengers rather than sent down the belt.
Tech Meets Tradition: While the airport uses RFID and barcode scanning for real-time tracking, it’s the human oversight - staff working in pairs, constant communication, and a refusal to cut corners—that keeps the system watertight.
Continuous Improvement: Frontline staff are empowered to update the baggage
handling manual, ensuring that process refinements come from those closest to the work.
For business travellers, time is money and peace of mind is priceless. Kansai’s record means fewer delays, no frantic calls to baggage claims, and no risk of arriving at a pitch or conference without your materials. It’s no surprise that Skytrax has named Kansai the world’s best airport for baggage delivery eight times.
A MODEL WORTH EMULATING
In a world where 7.6 bags per 1,000 passengers are typically mishandled, Kansai’s zero-loss record is not just impressive - it’s instructive. It proves that with the right blend of technology, training, and culture, even the most chaotic systems can be tamed and for business travellers flying through Japan, Kansai isn’t just a gateway to Osaka and Kyoto—it’s a masterclass in reliability.
