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Short breaks
Relax And Be Pampered
Liz Coggins
Features Editor
Large automatic glass doors open onto a spacious vestibule, and a sign says it all – ‘Welcome to Thorpe Park Hotel’ – and nothing could be further from the truth, as a warm welcome awaits from the moment you set foot in this modern spa hotel.
P.ublished 7th February 2026
Hotels
Rome On A Budget Via Northumberland!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Slaley Hall Hotel Spa & Golf Resort
Experiencing the breathtaking wonders of Imperial Rome usually includes a few photo opps at the Colosseum or, indeed, the Trevi Fountain, however, there is a cheaper alternative but it does require thermal undies and a thick coat!
P.ublished 29th November 2025
SPA
The White Hart Hotel In Lincoln Opens First Phase Of New Aquitaine Spa
Treatment room
The White Hart Hotel, the leading hotel in the historic heart of Lincoln, has opened two new luxury treatment rooms. The new facilities offer staying guests, local residents and day visitors additional opportunities to relax, unwind and indulge right in the beating heart of the city.
P.ublished 1st September 2025
Europe
Alpine Forest Lodge Spa Escape In Italy
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Discover an enchanting land of mountain views, verdant forests and peaceful pastures in South Tyrol. In the lesser-known mountains of Northern Italy, the intrinsic power of nature encourages you to slow down and reconnect with the natural world. One blissful forest spa escape on the Alpine slopes of Ritten near Bolzano offers total tranquillity.
P.ublished 30th June 2025
Asia
Hip Hip Cooray! An Encore For Jetwing!
There’s a book entitled ‘A Man In His Time’ that sits, like a Gideon Bible, in each of the rooms of Jetwing Hotel Group’s 38 luxury properties, each scattered across Sri Lanka, however, the life story of Herbert Cooray – entrepreneur and unwitting sustainability visionary - might better read: ‘A Man Before His Time’.
P.ublished 14th June 2025
Asia
Croatia’s Majestic Islands
With turquoise waters, Mediterranean sunshine, and scenic coastlines dotted with hidden coves, Croatia’s islands present an increasingly attractive alternative to more crowded destinations in the Mediterranean.
P.ublished 23rd May 2025
Hotels
SCHLOSS Roxburghe & The Bonnie Prince Charlie Link!
The story goes that Scotland’s Young Pretender, Bonnie Prince Charlie, visited what is now the 5-star manor house hotel SCHLOSS Roxburghe, on the outskirts of Kelso, in 1745, planted a white rose bush and left Lady Chatto’s household swooning in his Royal aura!
P.ublished 17th May 2025
Europe
Award Winning Luxe Spas Without Price Tag
As wellness travel continues to grow in popularity, Lithuania is emerging as a compelling alternative to traditional spa destinations such as Iceland, Switzerland, and Germany—offering high-quality treatments, pristine natural settings, and exceptional value for money.
P.ublished 29th April 2025
Hotels
Multi Million Spa Refit For Regional Hotel
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Computer Generated Image
The Grand, York, has announced a £2.5m renovation of its spa and wellness facilities, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for relaxation in the heart of the city. The transformation, set to run from 1st May to December, will see the introduction new, state-of-the-art amenities.
P.ublished 23rd April 2025
Short breaks
Hiding In The Derbyshire Hills
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
“If that’s glamping,” said my pal John, “then I’m leaving our house, down-sizing and moving in with you!” It was not difficult to understand his point considering that I was, at that moment, simmering in an outside jacuzzi at the Longnor Wood Holiday Hideaway near Buxton in Derbyshire.
P.ublished 1st March 2025
Hotels
Cheshire's Jacobite Jewel
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Crewe is perhaps best known as a large railway junction but, on the outskirts of this once mighty 19th century town famed for its engineering innovation and design, sits a rather splendid hall that on first viewing leaves you breathless.
P.ublished 15th February 2025
Hotels
Switzerland’s Renewable Energy Ski Resort
Freeride-©SaastalTourismusAG-Filme-von-Draussen
When you picture the Swiss Alps in winter, skiing might be the first thing you imagine. But in Saas-Fee, Europe’s snowiest ski haven, the possibilities go far beyond the slopes.
P.ublished 9th January 2025
Europe
Florence City Spa Escape
Revitalise your mind, body, and soul with a luxurious city spa escape at one of Florence’s most beautiful boutique hotels, La Gemma. Located just a short walk from the Ponte Vecchio, the famous Duomo, and the Uffizi Gallery, La Gemma Hotel is perfectly placed for exploring the iconic delights of one of Italy's most iconic cities.
P.ublished 30th December 2024
Europe
A Treat Of A Retreat!
Looking for the ultimate wellness escape in 2025? Then, Mallorca’s The Deià Retreat may be worth considering. Set in the breathtaking hills of Deià, this luxury resort promises an enriching experience for those looking to reset, recharge, and reconnect with themselves.
P.ublished 18th December 2024
Asia
Radisson Bolsters Presence In Mauritius
Crystals Beach Resort Bell Mare has opened in the Indian Ocean, boosting Radisson’s presence in the area. A member of Radisson Individuals, the property, an hour from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, is located along the stunning east coast of Mauritius on a prime beach location with lagoon views.
P.ublished 10th December 2024
Europe
WOW! Porto: What A Corker!
“I didn’t recognise you with your clothes on,” I said, not quite sure how my one-liner would be received. Fortunately, my new friend, a lady from Tennessee in the USA, burst out laughing, quickly reassuring the breakfast waiter: “It’s ok. We met in the hotel spa yesterday afternoon,” she said, pausing briefly before adding her own punchline, “with our costumes on,” she grinned.
P.ublished 2nd November 2024
Hotels
Dine In Style Then The Golden Mile!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
From the Lake District’s Grasmere to Blackpool in one leap, is akin to dinner at the Ritz followed by coffee in Primark (if they had a café!). But, sometimes, it is the small extremes of life that can make for a fun day out, presenting the opportunity for a touch of class with the lure of donkey rides and kiss me quick hats beckoning after a classy, sophisticated dinner.
P.ublished 19th October 2024
Europe
Autumn Woodland Stays in Estonia
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
With more than 50% of Estonia covered in woodland, you might want to think about an escape to one of the country’s beautiful 'nature' stays this Autumn. A wide range of unique, innovative and cosy cabins, villas and treehouses can be found across the country, enabling visitors to fully appreciate the environment and rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.
P.ublished 30th September 2024
Hotels
Greggs, Coffee & A Jaw-Dropping ‘Wakefield’ Moment!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
An area of stories and history
I’d read about the fascinating story of Nostell Priory and the aspirations of the Winn family to enter aristocratic society, and I’d witnessed Ronald Moody’s brilliant sculptures at the Hepworth Wakefield, but it wasn’t until I sipped coffee at Greggs en route home that a specific aspect of Wakefield’s heritage hit me like a brick.
P.ublished 6th September 2024
Asia
Armenia – The New Health Hotspot
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
The picturesque town of Jermuk in Armenia, is emerging as a premier destination for health and recreational tourism. Known for its stunning natural beauty, mineral-rich hot springs, and exceptional wellness facilities, Jermuk offers an alternative experience for travellers seeking rejuvenation and relaxation.
P.ublished 11th August 2024
Hotels
Containing Your Excitement On London’s South Bank
Leva’s smiling face greeted us at the smart looking restaurant inside London’s Sea Containers hotel on the South Bank: little did we know that this lovely Lithuanian had just made history.
P.ublished 27th July 2024
Americas
Luxury In The Caribbean
The boutique hotel brand MGallery is opening its first property in the Caribbean. Located in the vibrant heart of Saint-Martin, The Whimsy Hotel & Spa Saint-Martin – MGallery Collection, will open in 2025 as a 165-room property including 40 suites.
P.ublished 29th June 2024
Hotels
A Golden Host The Daffodil!
To former Poet Laureate, William Wordsworth, Grasmere in the Lake District was probably the best kept secret in the land, however, mention that to Joanne Hunter and a wry smile will spread across her face: she has a better one and it’s been kept for 170 years!
P.ublished 8th June 2024
Asia
Khao Lak – A Slice of Authentic Thailand
“I love this place because there aren’t too many Brits, there’s not an English breakfast in sight and it is still very much ‘authentic Thailand.’” Angela** who was holidaying with her husband and two young children, didn’t pull her punches. After all she ran a 500-student dance school in London: clearly organisation was her middle name and she knew exactly what she wanted from a vacation.
P.ublished 20th April 2024
Asia
Bangkok’s Hidden Gems - A Three Hotel Journey
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
The huge reclining Buddha at Wat Pho also known as Wat Chetuphon
Thailand’s capital boasts countless ‘big attractions’ but move away from the well-beaten track and you will find some hidden gems: how to extract venom from a snake for example (do not try at home!) and the story of Jim Thompson, the US millionaire who disappeared without a trace leaving behind one of the biggest brands in the world!
P.ublished 13th April 2024
Weekend
Tallinn – Mediaeval City and Steven’s Domain!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Edinburgh boasts its Greyfriars Bobby legend – the dog that guarded its dead master’s grave for 14 years – and Japan’s equivalent is Hachiko, immortalised outside Shibuya Station, but none of them can steal a march on Tallinn’s Instagram superstar: Steven the Seagull!
P.ublished 9th March 2024
Weekend
In The Soup In Tartu
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Tartu: European City of Culture
“You might want to turn the roaming off on your phone,” said our Estonian host, Herling Mesi, as we sped across frozen Lake Peipsi at Varnja, just a short car ride from the centre of Tartu. “The Russian border’s only 15km away,” she continued, “right in the centre of the lake, and even though we are only 3km from the shore, Russian telecom may pick up your phone signal.
P.ublished 2nd March 2024
Hotels
Kids Go Free In Cornwall
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
A Cornwall hotel has introduced a ‘Children Should Be Seen (And Not Paid For) package to coincide with the Easter holidays. The St Moritz Hotel + Cowshed Spa, in Trebetherick, near Rock and Polzeath, already has a dedicated kids club with its unique Mini Moritz programme of daily activities.
P.ublished 28th February 2024
Weekend
Princess And The Verbier Magic Carpet!
"Are you OK?" said the Frenchman to his daughter as she skied down the nursery slope at Les Esserts in Verbier, Switzerland. "Oui," said the tiny tot moving a dummy to the side of her mouth so that she could reply. Shortly afterwards a tantrum followed as the child, rolling on the ground in the freezing snow, demanded to be carried back to the top of the slope!
P.ublished 10th February 2024
Africa
Cruising – The New Ambition
If the people you meet onboard ship, as much as the ports you visit, are a measure of a cruise line’s overall quality, then Ambassador has to sit alongside many of its more expensive counterparts.
P.ublished 5th January 2024
Africa
Grandma’s Wisdom And Globetrotting In 2024
Group Travel Editor for the P.ublished.com Media Titles, Phil Hopkins, takes a brief look back at 2023 and overviews where he’ll be visiting in the first quarter of 2024.
P.ublished 2nd January 2024
Hotels
A Winter Spa Experience In North Yorkshire
If the guilt of Christmas over-eating becomes too much to bear after December 25th, then prepare to purge at the Coniston Hotel near Skipton in North Yorkshire! Here are some New Year / Winter deals that might help ease your mind or even (marginally) reduce your calorie intake!
P.ublished 24th December 2023
Europe
Norway’s Chilled Approach To Life!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
The ladies from Voss ice bathe every week throughout the winter. Photo: Åsmund Aarsand.
Floating saunas and refreshing winter bathing have become a hot trend in several places in Fjord Norway. But did you know that the traditional Norwegian Christmas bath has a history of over 100 years? In recent years, more and more people have become interested in ice bathing in Fjord Norway, as a refreshing physical challenge and an enjoyable and social happening.
P.ublished 15th December 2023
Review
Steel Town To Spa Town in 10 Minutes!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
The lady sitting next to me at breakfast was dressed in flamboyant, vibrant colours with more than a little African fashion flair. I couldn’t help myself. “I have to say, you look fantastic,” I said, watching as her pearly white teeth stretched the width of her face. “Why thank you,” she said. But, before my curiosity could interrogate further, her follow-up sentence explained everything.
P.ublished 17th June 2023
Hotels
Sumptuous, Scenery, Splendour - The Perfect Lakeside Setting
Andrew Palmer
Group Editor
Beech Hill Hotel
The last time I was at Lake Windermere I was cycling a gruelling 150 miles coast to coast in 24 hours - as you do! Having set off from Whitehaven at 6am I eventually arrived at the Chain Ferry in Bowness. If I had known the Beech Hill Hotel was just a stone’s throw away, I would have turned right after disembarking the short ten-minute ferry and gone off to pamper myself at the hotel’s spa.
P.ublished 13th May 2023
Review
Out In The Cold At Coniston!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
There is a rugged landscape photograph mounted on the wall of room 20 in the Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa just outside Skipton in North Yorkshire. Nothing unusual about that, you might think, until you spy a small tent card sitting on the circular writing table at the other side of the room.
P.ublished 17th March 2023
Americas
Multi Million Re-Fit For St. Lucia Beach Resort
The Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in St Lucia has debuted a new look following a transformative multi-million dollar renovation to the Mediterranean style 65-acre property.
P.ublished 25th February 2023
Hotels
Istanbul’s New Luxury Spa
The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi in Istanbul, Turkey, offers guests the perfect winter wellness retreat for 2023. Part of Türkiye’s first independent carbon-neutral hotel group The Stay Hotels, the new 1220 sqm Stay Spa spans an entire floor with nine treatment rooms, an indoor spa pool, adjoining hot tub, Turkish bath, and wooden sauna, and using all vegan and organic spa products.
P.ublished 30th January 2023
Europe
Reboot, Refresh, Restart – Wellness Retreats for 2023
Been eating one too many mince pies this festive season? Then a wellness break might be just what you’re looking for in 2023! According to a recent survey by YouGov, the three most popular New Year’s resolutions were to improve fitness, lose weight and improve diet. To help make these resolutions become a reality, we have listed some of the best retreats which will help you on your quest for a mind, body, and soul reboot.
P.ublished 3rd January 2023
Hotels
Worthy Boost For Buxton - The Buxton Crescent Hotel
Historically Buxton in Derbyshire has been famed for two things: its spa waters and, since 1903, Frank Matcham’s opera house. Now, there’s a new ‘old’ kid on the block: the spectacularly restored Grade I-listed Buxton Crescent Hotel, originally two ‘spa’ hotels built in the 1780’s by the Fifth Duke of Devonshire, but only recently returned to its former glory as one beautiful residence.
P.ublished 12th September 2021
Hotels
Lake Windermere vs A 1970’s Cop Show!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
Windermere’s Beech Hill Hotel & Spa reminds me of my favourite programme from the 70’s: Starsky and Hutch! The detective duo’s sidekick, Huggy Bear, would create a ‘diversion’ so that the two main protagonists were able to apprehend the bad guys who rarely spotted the truth of what was happening. And my point?
P.ublished 17th July 2021
Hotels
Heaven’s Spa Sends Angelic Respite For Tired Travellers!
Phil Hopkins
Commissioning Editor
When faced with the prospect of a six-course ‘Discovery Menu’ containing words that you may struggle to understand, or the odd course that will raise an eyebrow, stay calm and do not panic! However, prepare yourself for a culinary experience that will remain in your memory long after the flavours of the evening have waned!
P.ublished 17th September 2020
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