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Premier Inn London Southwark (Southwark Station)

BACKGROUND This new property opened briefly in December 2020, when I stayed, and then closed from December 24, 2020, until April 12, 2021 owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Brighter times ahead

Conditions remain challenging for Europe’s rail operators but new night services and rail-air links will provide welcome momentum

Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong

BACKGROUND Originally opened in 1991, the Island Shangri-La has recently renovated its Horizon Club rooms. I visited in March 2021 when restrictions were lifting in Hong Kong.

NEW HORIZONS

After the long months of lockdown we all need an idyllic escape. The islands of the Indian Ocean should be on your wish list

4 HOURS IN... Kaohsiung

Take in the cultural sights and waterside attractions of Taiwan’s atmospheric southern port city

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

We round up the finest watches released in 2020 – and look ahead to 2021, which may prove to be as unpredictable a year as the one that has just passed…

PEAK OF PERFECTION

Blessed with sunshine, good looks and superb skiing and hiking, Arosa is now taking the lead on sustainability, too

SAFE TRAVELS

What are airlines doing to reassure passengers about flying amidst the pandemic?

QUITE A JOURNEY

It has been an unprecedented time for the rail industry, both in the UK and across Europe. Here we look over the year’s developments.

HOT DESKING

As the pandemic moves into 2021, countries are offering options so you can set up your remote office somewhere more appealing

Go with the flow

If you have varicose veins and travel frequently, you’d be well advised to get them checked – it could help to prevent you getting DVT.

BACK TO BUSINESS

While our ways of working may have changed forever, our research shows that most of you remain convinced of the need to meet face-to-face

Ask the pilot

Our undercover captain reveals what it’s like to fly for a living

A novel time

We’ve all got one in us – and if lockdown doesn’t drive you to write that book, nothing will

4 HOURS IN... Munich

Hot-foot it around the German city’s new and historic sights

Navigating The New Normal

Robot cleaners, health screening and contactless technology – here’s how the coronavirus pandemic is reshaping the airport experience

The View From New York

Manhattan’s hotel scene is experiencing turbulence, but when travel returns, visitors will have a host of new options to try out

CHARGING AHEAD

The latest crop of electric and hybrid cars combine high performance with strong eco-credentials

British Airways Galleries First, London Heathrow

Background British Airways’ Heathrow lounges were closed from midMarch until early July. It started to reopen them on July 4 – Galleries First, followed by Galleries South and North, all at Terminal 5 – with the promise of adding more over the summer. When they reopened, they were offering a very different service. As you would expect, you have to wear a face mask at all times, removing it only when eating or drinking.

London Paddington

The bustling transport hub has plenty of options for eating, drinking and exploring

LIGHT IN SIGHT

European rail is starting to recover from the pandemic, and should pick up passengers who may previously have flown for short journeys

Rosewood Hong Kong

BACKGROUND In February, with the Covid-19 pandemic in its early stages, I stayed at the Rosewood Hong Kong, which had already instituted many of the measures that have now become familiar to us. Temperature checks were in place at the entrance, staff wore masks and there were lots of hand sanitising stations. In the past six months, further measures have been imposed in Hong Kong, with hotel guests now required to wear masks as well.

LITTLE ITALY

The lesser-known northeastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia boasts unspoiled vistas and sail-friendly waters

SHIFTING SANDS

When visitors return to the Canary Islands, they will find both the journey and the destination have changed

The Mandrake, London

BACKGROUND The Mandrake opened in September 2017 and is owned by Rami Fustok. It reopened on July 4 and I stayed a couple of weeks later. Covid-19 precautions were in place.

Ten Trains To Try In Europe

Continental rail services are expanding, with new competitors spurring existing rail operators to up their game

TOASTING OUR WINNERS

Our Cellars in the Sky wine awards were announced at a glittering ceremony at the Langham London

THE REAL DEAL

Osaka is a centre of commerce with a reputation for bright lights, a sense of humour and plenty of good food

THE OFFSET DEBATE

How does offsetting work and does it mitigate the damage caused by aviation?

Hip to be SQUARE

More commonly marketed to women, are we about to see a resurgence of square watches for men? If so then Longines is ahead of the curve