Get Away

Can a City Girl Become a Country Girl?

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:18:28 +0000

Take the shops and the bars away, the people and the Tube, and what have you got? The countryside. So last month, when I found out I was going on a staycation to the depths of the British countryside in one of Devon’s hidden 'gems', I welcomed an escape from the City and was looking forward to the slow pace of life and a bit of pub grub.

Go Into the Light

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:16:25 +0000

At least the rain has stopped. But it's reminded us that summer is officially over, and we need to start planning for some winter sun.

Paradise Just Off the Costa del Sol

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:20:30 +0000

This piece was going to be called Never Again, after visiting the Costa del Sol and only finding pollution and Peter Andre. But luck prevailed, and we found a jem of a place in Andalucia not far away from the maddening crowd - a luxury hotel that lives up to its claim.

Resting Banker Girl and Her Mountain Men

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:59:41 +0000

In summer, a girl’s natural instinct is to pack a bikini and sarong and follow those surfer boys. Given that Ms R is Australian and Resting Banker Girl (RBG) is from New Zealand this would make sense.

Hedgie Hangs at Duke's

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 16:23:18 +0000

Tucked away in a cosy nook in St James, Duke’s Hotel is the kind of place favoured by well-heeled, established citizens of the world - people who have effortless social graces and know how to hold a good conversation.

Resting Banker Girl Sleeps in Belgravia

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:16:26 +0000

Who are these miserable, stick figures in slut shoes? “They’re yummy mummies, apparently,” replied Resting Banker Girl. But they’re all scowling - or they would be if the Botox hadn’t stopped them.

The Desperate Bankers Club Does Paris

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:27:09 +0000

The Desperate Bankers Club decided to go away for the weekend. Our daily routine of lunching and dining quickly made us settle on Paris. And we thought back on just a year ago when we still felt rich on the Continent.

Dude Ranches Get Luxurious

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 13:56:18 +0000

Far removed from the traditional working ranch, wanna-be wranglers with a penchant for the finer things in life can partake in a wider range of activities than simply rounding up the cattle. Saddle up and check out this different kind of holiday.

If Carlsberg Made Beautiful People…

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 19:32:10 +0000

Helena Christensen isn’t the only one; there are more where she came from. And the men are just as gorgeous.

Responsible Adventure

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:48:37 +0000

The days of decadent travel are done. For now, anyway. (And we'll be sure to let you know when they're back.) In the meantime, show some responsibility - to yourself or to someone else - while still getting your adventure on.

Babes in Amsterdam

Fri, 29 May 2009 13:51:15 +0000

I used to be a babe. I used to be babe in Amsterdam, strolling along the canals, alternating between museums, coffee shops and design shops. But not anymore. On this trip, the babes dictating the day's (and night's) events were eight and 11 months of age.

Hedgie Gets Playful at the Met

Sun, 17 May 2009 13:37:12 +0000

The Metropolitan Hotel found its place in hotel folklore when Boris Becker wandered into a broom cupboard and fathered a child. Unfortunately for him it wasn’t a broom, or it would have saved him a lot of money.

Hedgie Stays at The Halkin

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 22:14:23 +0000

When Christina Ong came to London, she couldn’t find a hotel she wanted to stay in. So she created one. The Halkin is the perfect combination of Asian sensibility and Italian style, an ode to serene chic.

The Family-Friendly Fowey Hall Hotel

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:20:14 +0000

The trouble with staying at a child-friendly hotel is that you are inevitably signing up to a stay plagued by other people's children - and lots of them to boot.

Delight and Decadence at The Draycott

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:46:53 +0000

When you’ve travelled the world and you’re bored with textbook five-star hotels, you come to the Draycott: a luxurious but unpretentious bolt-hole where everyone knows your name and the biscuits are made by the general manager’s wife.

Escape to South Africa (With a Deal)

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:15:44 +0000

Hardly a week goes by without a magazine or newspaper listing ten things to see or do before you die. Or twenty. Or fifty. Here's a secret your travel agent won’t tell you: most of them are pretty uninspiring.

V-Day is on a Saturday

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:31:44 +0000

You know what this means: dinner at your favourite fall-back occasion restaurant isn't going to cut it. Good thing we have six excellent weekend breaks to inspire you. This is one reservation you will be able to get...

24 Hours in Marrakech

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 20:48:12 +0000

Marrakech is rich, colourful and full of life. Start by exploring the city’s most exotic and ancient quarter, the Medina.

One Christmas and You're Out

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:05:04 +0000

So Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughn don't get to go away for the holidays in Four Christmases, but that doesn't mean you can't. Isn't it excellent not being in the movies?

The Ultimate Honeymoon Destinations

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:28:08 +0000

Betrothed boys, read on. This is the third in HITC's mini-series about getting hitched. Madame A told you about picking the diamond, Mr Properly coached you on your role through the process, and now Black Tomato is going to help make your last big job a breeze. Booking the honeymoon.