CATEGORIES

FOR THE BIRDS

A visit to the Scottish Highlands offers one of the best bird- and wildlife-watching experiences in the UK, with the promise of rare encounters with unique species.

A river runs through it

A new generation of passionate locals is putting the bucolic southern regions of Albania on the map, offering opportunities to dine with shepherds, dip into hot springs and raft in Europe's first wild river national park

WHERE TO STAY ADELAIDE

A clutch of new design-led hotels pays tribute to the South Australian capital's landmarks

Sumitra Acharya

THE HIMALAYAN TREKKING LEADER IS PART OF A NEW GENERATION OF NEPALESE WOMEN CLAIMING THEIR SPACE AMID SOME OF THE WORLD'S HIGHEST PEAKS

IN HIGH SPIRITS

The southern Thai island of Phuket has an intriguing and distinctive identity - with an annual vegetarian festival that confounds all expectations, pastel-hued old town and Peranakan culture rooted in China

MUMBAI

Inventive chefs are sharing their stories through food in India's ever-evolving west coast metropolis, but the city's appetite for street food, thalis and Parsi dishes remains a comforting constant

17 WAYS TO SEE PARIS OUTDOORS

Pinned by the Eiff el Tower, threaded by the Seine and punctuated by grand gardens that are multiplying as part of the city’s bid to become one of Europe’s greenest, Paris is among the world’s most impressive destinations. And with all eyes on the French capital this summer for the Olympics, there’s never been a better time to visit

Scandi cool

EXPLORE THE NORWEGIAN COASTLINE’S NEW OPENINGS AND CULTURAL EVENTS UNDER THIS SUMMER'S MIDNIGHT SUN

FLINTSHIRE

Visit this North Wales county to sleep on a former prime minister's country estate, hike mountains and go foraging or wild swimming

A timeless city

Wander through artistic alleyways and along modern beachfronts in South Korea’s second city — a place where tradition and innovationgo hand in hand.

SANDS OF TIME

COVERING AROUND 800,000 SQUARE MILES, ALGERIA'S SHARE OF THE SAHARA TAKES UP OVER 80% OF THE COUNTRY - THE VOLCANIC PEAKS, CANYONS AND VAST SAND SEAS FORM A STRIKING BACKDROP TO OASIS CITIES AND UNIQUE NORTH AFRICAN CULTURES

THE EVOLVING GAP YEAR

FROM ENHANCING A CV TO BENEFITTING A LOCAL COMMUNITY OR TRAVELLING WITH PURPOSE, THE MOTIVES FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE A GAP YEAR ARE INCREASINGLY NUANCED.

VALLETTA

In Malta’s harbour-framed capital, a rich and evolving art scene unfolds among honeyed baroque facades, echoing the global influences that have shaped the city over the centuries

HOW I GOT THE SHOT

PHOTOGRAPHER MATT DUTILE ON SNAPPING THE FROZEN CONTINENT'S CHARISMATIC WILDLIFE FOR OUR MAY ISSUE

Manila's makeover

New infrastructure projects make it easier to navigate this bustling metropolis and discover the growing crop of creative districts

Spain: an evolving MICE hub

There is plenty to discover beyond the main business centres of Madrid and Barcelona

Why business isn't better

Our 'columnist' this month explains why they believe economy class reigns supreme over business class

Lima

Peru's coastal capital boasts colourful public parks, striking street art and generous plates of ceviche

Does first class have a future?

With ongoing improvements in business, first class needs to outdo itself to survive

Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore

BACKGROUND This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.

MACHINE REVOLUTION

Artificial intelligence is transforming the travel industry, with huge strides in data analysis and generative AI set to create seamless, personalised travel for passengers

UK spotlight: CARDIFF

Green fields and green tech are equal draws for doing business in the Welsh capital

Provincial Provence

As Terre Blanche marks its 20th anniversary, we experience the resort's golfing and spa facilities as well as Michelin-starred food and blush rosé

Here be dragons

For a city known for its densely packed streets and hectic pace of life, Hong Kong has a truly remarkable countryside

Philippine Airlines A321 business class SINGAPORE-MANILA

BACKGROUND Philippine Airlines operates flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, using A321ceo aircraft, which stands for 'current engine option, indicating an older aircraft than the A321neo. My flight (PR502) was a morning departure at 1035, arriving 1425 local time in Manila.

The inside scoop

We chat to the president of luxury hotel and restaurant association Relais & Châteaux, which marks its 70th anniversary this month

The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam

BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand debuted in London's Shoreditch in 2006 and is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. The brand has 16 properties across Europe and North America, including two in Amsterdam - the first opened in 2015 in the city centre, followed by this property in the Eastern Docklands in August 2023.

London Hilton on Park Lane

BACKGROUND The London Hilton on Park Lane opened in 1963 - the first Hilton property in the UK. To celebrate its 60th anniversary last year, the hotel embarked on an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment led by the GA Group.

Ruby Zoe, London

BACKGROUND Germany's Ruby Hotels launched in 2013, and operates 17 properties in locations including Amsterdam, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Zurich.

Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 business class HO CHI MINH CITY-LONDON

The bedding was nice - with pre-attached seat protector plus soft pillow and silky duvet