Tag: travel world

I booked a last-minute weekend trip to Berlin. Here’s everything I did

Next, I decided to explore Berlin’s art scene at Museum Island. I knew time was tight, so I chose the Alte Nationalgalerie for the romantic 19th-century masterpieces, but if you have more time, check out the Pergamon Museum for its jaw-dropping ancient treasures.

In the afternoon, I headed to Kreuzberg, the creative soul of the city, where I spent a relaxed afternoon browsing independent boutiques and hunting for vintage denim at Garage. Then, before heading back to the hotel, I refuelled with a traditional doner kebab from Mustafa’s Gemüse Kebap – an institution in its own right.

After a quick power nap at Sly, I headed back out for dinner at Katz Orange. Think farm-to-table dining with a chic Berlin twist, set in a fairy-lit courtyard. Everything looked and smelled delicious, but the beef brisket in particular was a real standout. For night owls, however, this is just the beginning; Berlin’s clubs start late and end whenever you want them to.

Katz Orange

Katz Orange

Day two

After a quick coffee in the greenhouse, I grabbed an Uber across town to Charlottenburg and my second hotel. From the moment you pass through its gates, Wilmina surprises. A wild garden and intimate courtyard greet you, softening the red brick façade and heavy doors that hint at its women’s prison past. Once inside, rooms offer crisp minimalism, white walls, pale woods, clean lines and large windows.

Chris Abatzis

Chris Abatzis

After settling into my room, I headed for brunch at Father Carpenter. I know it’s basic, but I cannot resist an avocado toast and oat flat white, and Father Carpenter’s are better than most. Taking one of many suggestions for friends, Mauerpark was next on my list. On Sundays, it transforms into a sprawling flea market where you can score quirky vintage finds and watch open-air karaoke, which was a sight that must be seen but possibly not heard.

After a leisurely stroll through Tiergarten, Berlin’s central park, I headed back to the Wilmina to make the most of their dreamy rooftop sauna and pool.

For my last dinner, I sought out another highly recommended spot – House of Small Wonder, a leafy hideaway serving Asian-fusion plates. With decor reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film, it’s a treat for the eyes and the stomach. To finish off my trip in style, a rooftop bar is the only answer, and Klunkerkranich, a rooftop bar atop a shopping mall, has the best sunset view in the city.

In 48 hours, you’ll touch its history, taste its flavours, dance until sunrise, and maybe even leave with a thrifted treasure or two. And the best part? No matter how much you see, Berlin will always have more secrets waiting for your next trip.

Sly Berlin rooms start from £120
Wilmina Hotel rooms start from £145

Glamour Shops: The cosiest breaks to combat winter blues

Eilidh Williamson

Source link

November 22, 2025
I stayed in Koh Samui’s biggest luxury hotel, here’s what it’s really like to stay there

My suite welcomed me with a personalised spread of local fruits and snacks, my name spelt out among the sweet treats, alongside a custom sun hat and other thoughtful branded goodies. The room itself was a highlight of the trip: an enormous sea-facing suite with an infinity pool that I basically lived in for the next few days, a living space that led into a glass-walled bathroom where a freestanding bathtub sat with private ocean views. The suite was airy and open, yet it still felt like my own little world.

Dining at The Ritz-Carlton is an event in itself. On my first night, I visited Pak Tai, where traditional southern Thai cuisine was served in a private Thai Sala. The menu was a true celebration of Thai flavours – spicy, tangy, creamy, salty, sweet, and sour. I was beyond lucky to have local staff guide my choices, meaning not even my jet lag could prevent me from experiencing a breadth of Thai cuisine in one unforgettable meal.

On another evening, I ate at the Sea Breeze Grill, a fairylight-lit restaurant perched right on the edge of the beach. I was served some of the most delicious, freshly sourced fish, which was grilled to perfection in front of me as I watched the sun set. As night fell, a fire show broke out along the beachfront, the perfect dinner entertainment. The next night, I took a buggy up to The View, a Mediterranean-style restaurant that sat high above the resort with the best views of the sea and the setting sun. Each restaurant offered its own unique atmosphere, from relaxed beachfront vibes to elevated, elegant settings, making every meal feel like an occasion.

Robyn Eugene

Source link

October 7, 2025
The most luxurious spas in the world

Hotel Valldemossa

The vibe: I loathe to write this review because as much as I want to wax lyrical about my incredible stay at Hotel Valldemossa, I’m equally desperate to preserve it as my secret haven.

Tucked high above the sleepy, pine-scented village of picture-perfect Valldemossa and with just twelve adult-only rooms (a God-send for frazzled parents seeking silence), Hotel Valldemossa is an embodiment of Mallorca’s rural charm. Formerly part of the ancient Carthusian monastery, the serene hideaway is the brainchild of IT Mallorca group that’s been reimagined as a slick yet serene adults-only retreat nestled in the lush Tramuntana mountains.

As a London dweller, the first thing that strikes you is the tranquility: birdsong, rustling olive trees, the occasional toll of the monastery bell below. With a nod to the intimate feel of a White Lotus hotel, the staff not only know you by name but quickly pick up on exactly what you need from the hotel and offer it with aplomb.

At the core of the hotel’s philosophy is healing. Enter: the Sanctuary spa, a cave-like haven carved into the hillside, complete with a private pool, sauna, and a treatment menu curated by wellness expert Amor Garzón. Amor’s treatments (from lymphatic drainage and sound therapy to acupuncture) pay homage to the Piroche method. It’s not just the treatments that are restorative, it’s the entire experience. Morning yoga takes place on the open-air deck, surrounded by citrus trees and rosemary hedges, whilst hikes begin right from the hotel’s gate, winding through ancient terraces and wildflower paths. There’s an outdoor gym with vistas of the quiet mountains and hammocks nestled into the orange groves. This is the kind of place where doing less becomes the point.

The hotel’s foodie offering matches the bucolic vistas the restaurant is set against. De Tokio a Lima takes its name—and culinary spirit—from three corners of the globe: the minimalist elegance of Japan, the bold vibrancy of Peru, and the soulful ingredients of the Mediterranean. The result? Fresh sashimi with citrusy fire, grilled local vegetables elevated with miso and spice, and a delectable red shrimp with cuttlefish and creamy rice.

Breakfast is a ritual in itself: still-warm breads baked on site and flaky, just-baked pastries are set next to overnight oats and generous platters of local cheeses and artisanal cold cuts. There’s even a DIY pan con tomate station best washed down with a glass of fizz and views of the monastery, mist still clinging to its steeples.

As you breathe in the crisp, pine-scented mountain air and glance meditatively over the olive tree-adorned hills of the Serra de Tramuntana, it’s not hard to see why Frédéric Chopin was sent to the town of Valldemossa to recover from tuberculosis. This is not just a hotel stay. It’s a full-body exhale.

Why we love it: The best spa in Mallorca, hands down
Price per night: From £950 per week
Address: Vieja de Valldemossa, 07170 Valldemossa, Mallorca
Star rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Bianca London, Sheilla Mamona

Source link

September 14, 2025
Japan is the number one destination for 2024 – here are the best hotels for a bucket list trip
Ah, Japan. That far away place, with the allure of pioneering neon-lit cities and arguably one of the best cuisines in the world. It was recently named the number one destination for 2024 by Conde Nast Traveller, and it’s easy to see why.

Of course, there’s the vibrant future-pushing capital city of Tokyo, home to thousands of contemporary sushi restaurants, underground jazz bars and an innovative gin scene. Then there’s the imperial city of Kyoto with an abundance of centuries-old Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

SIX SENSES KYOTO

There’s the ever-popular Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, that’s surrounded by blooming pink cherry blossoms between late March and early April. The city of Osaka, better known as Japan’s kitchen, is where you can indulge in authentic street food all day long and top it off by belting your heart out in a karaoke bar. Lesser known destinations like the historic city of Nara are also not to be sniffed at – a city, once Japan’s capital, only an hour away from both Osaka and Kyoto, where you can wander freely alongside hundreds and hundreds of sacred deer.

Japan is also home to some of the world’s best ski resorts, like Hokkaido, also known for its volcanoes and natural hot springs. Not forgetting, of course, Japan’s tropical sandy white beaches – unexpected I know – but Okinawa, a cluster of 150 islands has an abundance of picture perfect beaches surrounded by crystal clear azure waters that resemble Hawaii. Japan is seriously a destination that has it all.

The best hotels in Japan at a glance:
1. Best new hotel in Japan: The EDITION Tokyo Ginza
2. Best hotel in Osaka: W Osaka
3. Best hotel for ancient temples: JW Marriott Nara
4. Best Japanese beach hotel: Halekulani Okinawa
5. Best traditional Japanese Ryoka: Nishimuraya Honkan
Last year, I was fortunate enough to visit Japan. It had always been lurking at the top of my bucket list when it came to ultimate travel destinations. My trip had the biggest reaction among friends, family and colleagues – pretty much everyone is desperate to visit Japan. Evidently, it’s one of the top five long-haul destinations among Gen-Z Brits according to Tourism Australia. And travel operators like Travelsphere and Just You have seen bookings to Japan rise by 50% year-on-year. We get it, she’s popular! At the moment, the Japanese Yen is weak to the Pound, so 2024 is an opportune time to tick this dream destination off of your bucket list.

How we chose the best hotels in Japan:

Every hotel in this feature has been independently selected by our well-travelled editors who have been to Japan and either stayed at the hotel’s themselves or alternatively deep-dived into the property with research. When GLAMOUR is selecting its best hotels, we’re always on the lookout for a great location, an excellent standard of service, eye-catching design from the outside in, any facilities a GLAMOUR reader would love like a spa or wellness centre and we consider the gastronomy and mixology – and last but not least, we look into each hotel’s sustainability credentials. We are constantly updating this list as and when new exciting hotels launch or one of our editors stay at a hotel worthy of being included.

Save when booking your next Japanese adventure with promo codes from Booking.com, Expedia and Airbnb.

After another destination? Book the best hotels in Puglia, best hotels in Ibiza, best Amalfi Coast hotels, best hotels in Miami and the best hotels in the Maldives.

Ahead, we’ve reviewed all the best hotels in Japan for 2024.

For more from Glamour UK Senior Visual Editor Chelsea Hughes, follow her on Instagram @chelshughes92.
Chelsea Hughes

Source link
April 27, 2024
A group of well-travelled women weigh in on the best cabin suitcases for 2023
The Original Carry-On

Specifications:
- Size – 55.1 x 34.8 x 22.9cm.
- Weight – 3.2kg.
- Standout features? For a surcharge, it can include an ejectable USB-connected power bank for on-the-go leisure or business travel charging.
Pros:
- Includes a water-resistant laundry bag (also handy for any leak-prone toiletries).
- Only four and five-star ratings from frequent flyers in the reviews.
- The charger will boost your phone back to full battery up to four times.
Cons:
- In-built charger only available for an extra £20.
- Not Ryanair cabin luggage compliant.
AWAY recommendations: “I usually travel a lot for work, and [in pre-pandemic times] average one or two trips a month,” says Lale Arikoglu, senior editorial operations manager at Condé Nast Traveler and cohost of the Women Who Travel podcast. “In terms of length of trip, it’s been anywhere from 10 days in Colombia to whirlwind weekends in cities like Portland or Chicago.” But no matter where she’s headed, she brings her Away Carry-on. “Sure, pretty much everyone in the airport seems to have one now, but they are so well-designed that I genuinely believe that they have made me a better packer,” she says. The other piece of luggage she cannot live without is her Paravel fold-up bag. “It zips up into a small pouch when you’re not using it, and then opens up into a full-size duffel when you need it to.”

Born and raised in Australia, Molly Goddard, cofounder of the luxury sleepwear brand Desmond & Dempsey, says her dream is to walk onto a plane carrying nothing. But in reality, she’s usually lugging laptops, sample pyjamas, and the occasional painting she’s picked up for a project. She takes two big trips a year to find inspiration for her collections; destinations can be anywhere from the English countryside to Morocco and Mexico. Still, she’s a light packer and loves her Away carry-on. “I have learned the less you take, the more you can take home,” she says. “Keeping things light also means getting ready is a breeze while you are traveling.”

On her most recent trip to New York, Claire Vero, the Surrey, England–based founder of Aurelia Skincare, says she bought an Away suitcase, which she’s now in love with. “The charging function is a godsend and I love their designs. I want to add to my collection with one for each of the children, and my husband too,” she says. Although she moved from South London to the countryside a year ago, she still travels regularly for work (namely New York, Paris, Copenhagen, and Rome) and likes to leave a little room in her luggage for retail therapy.
Mayola Fernandes, Talia Abbas

Source link
April 3, 2024
I didn’t believe in magic until I visited this Maldives resort

On our first night we had a relaxed dinner at Café Umi – tuna tacos and a sweet yuzu black cod, if you’re wondering – before finding ourselves back at the all-day eatery in the morning for the most impressive breakfast spread I have ever come across.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and no one knows this better than the Intercontinental Maldives, where you can indulge in everything from sushi to shakshuka, blissfully crisp pastries and crêpes or one of their many freshly-prepared menu options. Perhaps my only regret of the trip is that there was never enough time to sample every endless option, with there truly being something for all, even the fussiest of eaters.

Each of the resort’s seven restaurant and bar offerings has its own unique charm and character. The Thai-influenced seafood restaurant Fish Market stands out in particular – if not for the delicious coconut prawn clay pot, then for the sheer novelty of gazing at angel fish as they swim beside you while you dine (be sure to ask for a waterside table!).

Meanwhile, The Lighthouse, our personal favourite, is the ultimate spot to watch the sunset, perched on the resort’s edge and offering unrivalled 360 views of the island and ocean. Book for 7pm and come half an hour early to enjoy the sunset before your meal that sees the finest seasonal ingredients transformed into delicate dishes, from zingy rainbow trout carpaccio to saffron infused seafood paella.

And that’s all before I’ve even got to mentioning The Collective’s pizza and deli offering, the Retreat’s tailored tipples, or the Pool Bar and Sunset Bar, where you can find just about any and every drink under the sun.

When it comes to keeping busy during your stay, while it would make perfect sense if you wanted to do nothing but soak up the immaculate vibes of the island on a sun lounger or in your private pool for the entirety of your stay, on the days that you do manage to tear yourself away from lazing in the sun, there’s plenty of ways to pass the time.

Lian Brooks

Source link

March 30, 2024
This tiny country is ideal for year-round sun, but often flies under the radar

On the roof of a four-storey carpet shop in Tunis, the pale afternoon sun is sinking behind the jumble of sand-coloured houses. Huge kilim and margoum rugs hang between stone arches, and two small cats tumble and play at my feet, the ground beneath us covered in hundreds of intricate tiles.

“This is the best view in the old town, you just have to know where to find it,” says my local guide, Fathi. From here, on the large terrace of Palais d’Orient, you can see right across the medina, from the white domed mausoleums to the towering minaret of Zitouna mosque, the oldest in the city. Soon, the call to prayer rings out, ushering in dusk.

Back down the tiled steps, through rooms piled high with handwoven rugs, and I’m back in the heart of Tunis medina. This ancient maze of labyrinthine streets and alleyways is packed with souks selling everything from leather bags and shoes to lanterns, jewellery and perfume. The air buzzes with the chatter of market vendors and artisans hard at work, as locals flit down the narrow cobbled streets and between the marble columns housing local hammams, mosques and madrasas (schools for the study of Islam).

usaid_abbasi

It reminds me of the joyous mayhem of Marrakech and Fez, but the difference here is the lack of other tourists. I’m used to jostling for space with visitors in other souks, lining up to haggle for brightly-coloured pottery and Berber rugs, or for a spot in the rooftop café to order a mint tea. But there are no crowds here, unless you count the bustle of local vendors, and certainly no queues. Although it’s been continuously developed over the centuries – after being founded around 698 AD, the medina as we know it today was formed under the Hafsid rule of the 13th to 16th centuries – this feels like an untouched part of the North African puzzle, a welcome contrast to its popular neighbour.

“Only 8 or 9% of our visitors are British,” explains Mehdi Belkhodja, manager at The Residence Tunis, my base for this trip and the city’s grand dame hotel. “A majority are of course French – around 40% – and the rest are mostly other Europeans.”

Ali Pantony

Source link

February 24, 2024
The most mind-blowing hotels in Phuket you won’t believe are real

As Thailand‘s well-established holiday hotspot, Phuket is blessed with a huge variety of places to call home during your visit, from boutique hotels and jungle hideouts to the sprawling big-name blockbusters perched on sugar-cane beaches. Most of the luxury hotels are found dotted around the bays on the west coast, but there’s something to draw you in no matter where you pitch up, from the quiet shores of Cape Panwa to the buzzy nightlife of Patong.

Opportunity for fun abounds in Phuket, where warm waters teem with marine life (if you’re a keen scuba diver like me, you’ll find heaven in its rich coral and clear visibility), and postcard-pretty bays attract keen kayaking tourists in their droves. Book a tour of Phang Nga Bay and its prehistoric limestone caves, also making stops at Koh Phi Phi, James Bond Island and Maya Bay (yes, the one where The Beach was filmed). Don’t do as many tourists do and bypass the cultural hub of Phuket town, where rainbow-painted shopfronts line the bustling streets and vendors sell authentic, affordable Thai cuisine.

That being said, Phuket is also a place where those drained from the weight of modern life come to rest their weary heads. When I first visited the Pearl of the Andaman post-pandemic, I was searching for a quiet sanctuary – somewhere where my tired mind and body could finally slow down – and I’m not sure I could have picked somewhere better. No one will blame you if you spend your time on this wondrous and naturally diverse island – one of rolling verdant rainforests, powdery white beaches stretching to miles of electric blue sea, and dramatic sea stacks soaring from emerald green waters – simply being. Soaking in the views, the sunshine, the culture, and the enviable laidback way of life. It will do you wonders.

The best hotels in Phuket at a glance:

How we chose the best hotels in Phuket:

GLAMOUR’s travel guides and hotel reviews are compiled by our well-travelled journalists who have an in-depth knowledge of the destination. Our writers have spent time getting to know the area and have stayed in various types of accommodation, from the grande dame hotels to the lesser-known hidden gems. As a discerning editor who has spent time in Phuket and independently reviewed various hotels, old and new, I’m well-qualified to help you find your perfect stay on the island, depending on your preferences and what you want from your trip.

After another destination? Book the best luxury hotels in Mauritius, the Riviera Maya, or these *actually* affordable Maldives hotels. Looking for something a little closer to home, but equally warm and sunny? We’ve selected the very best hotels in Lisbon, Ibiza and Mallorca, too.

Ahead, we’ve narrowed down the hundreds of places to stay in Phuket to our edit of the very best, in no particular order. All you need to do is check-in.

Ali Pantony

Source link

February 5, 2024
The best hotels in Maldives that won't break the bank
Who isn’t dreaming of a Maldives holiday right about now? We sure are — which is why we’ve compiled the very best affordable hotels in the Maldives to help make your island dreams come true.

While the Maldives – with its stunning luxury resorts, breath-taking water villas, idyllic beach villas and dreamy white sand beaches – has a reputation for being rather expensive, not every resort in the Maldives will cost you an arm and a leg. Really.

Sure, the cost of living crisis is having an impact on us all, but don’t be fooled into thinking that catching the sun while relaxing in your own beachfront villa is a privilege afforded to only the ultra-wealthy. With the Maldives dominating everyone’s travel bucket-lists, it’s no wonder why the luxury resorts and hotels in the country have diversified. No longer are we limited to stuffy, overly expensive resorts that cater only to wealthy honeymooners. In fact, world-renowned hotel groups from The Standard to Avani+, Six Senses, Conrad and Sheraton have all been making their marks in the atolls. Enter: a group of gorgeous yet reasonably-priced luxury hotels at Maldives resorts on Maafushi and Thoddoo to the Dhaalu Atoll, Hulhumale and Raa Atoll.

Here, our travel writer, who has been frequenting the sunny shores of the Maldives for many years, gives her opinion on the very best all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, cheap hotels, luxury Maldives hotels, beachfront resorts, budget hotels and guest houses so you can go on the Maldivian holiday of your dreams without having to break the bank. These Maldivian resorts are as beautiful as they are pocket friendly.

Best affordable hotels in the Maldives at a glance:
1. Best For A Girls Trip: Avani+ Fares Maldives
2. Best For Nightlife: The Standard Huruvalhi Maldives
3. Best Fro Couples: Baros Maldives
4. Best For Diving: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
5. Best On A Budget: Manta Reserve
How we chose the best affordable hotels in the Maldives

Just because the hotels and resorts on our list are more affordable, it doesn’t mean the experience is any less magical. In fact, millennial-targeted hotels such as Avani+ Fares and The Standard offer a Maldivian holiday experience that’s fun and dynamic with prices that are millennial-friendly, too. All the hotels on our list are stylish, tropical paradises with different aesthetics that cater to all kinds of vibes from thatched roof beach huts to stunning overwater bungalows. They have everything from relaxing spas, a variety of water sports, private beaches and of course and exceptional selection of restaurants and bars to make your stay truly memorable.

One of the best ways to save during your holiday in the Maldives is choosing a hotel that can be accessed via speedboat from Malé Velana International Airport, as seaplane transfers often cost somewhere around US$500 (£400-ish). Most resorts and hotels in the Maldives follow a seasonal pricing structure, so travelling during the off season delivers pretty good savings.

Ahead, the 11 best affordable hotels in the Maldives according to a travel writer.
Hannah Lynn Tan

Source link
January 14, 2024
This luxe hotel in Marrakech is ideal for a long weekend of chilled city vibes

You also cannot visit Marrakesh without a trip to the Medina – to wonder through the souk and experience the evening entertainment and street food in the main Jemaa el-Fnaa square. I love to weave my way through the narrow shop-lined lanes, marvelling at the beautiful crafts from leather to rugs to fabrics and lanterns, and enjoying the friendly encounters. There’s always something I can’t resist taking home, so leaving extra room in my suitcase is always essential!

For a coffee break, head to the Bacha Coffee Room, nestled in the courtyard of the Musee Des Confluences, which is well worth a visit. It’s my favourite coffee house on the planet. There’s often a queue, so head early and put your name on the list and wander back later on. A coffee sommelier will help you find your perfect brew and the signature lemon creme pastry confection is not to missed.

Instagram content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

After an afternoon of shopping, we watched the sunset from the rooftop bar and restaurant Kabana with a view of the Koutoubia Mosque tower. Then, it was time to tumble into a taxi and back to our luxury abode at the Four Seasons.

For dinner we headed into the Quattro, the hotel’s Italian restaurant, for a bowl of delicious pasta, before retreating to our very large and very comfy bed, ready to wake and repeat more of the same the following day.

With the best of both worlds of relaxation and city sights on offer here, we left after three nights with our stomachs and hearts full, from new experiences and memories made.

The Four Seasons Marrakech

The best times to visit Marrakech are Spring and Autumn for pleasant sunny days and cooler evenings, avoiding the heat of Summer or the cold Winter nights. Rooms at the Four Seasons Marrakech start from $590.

Camilla Kay

Source link

December 2, 2023
We tested Antler’s suitcases in Puglia, Barcelona and Barbados – here’s how they got on

“From house to car to airport to plane and then through the city, this nifty little case didn’t once feel uncomfortable to manoeuvre. It features a one-button handle collapser which was arguably my favourite feature, because it meant that I didn’t have to struggle getting it onto the security belt, into or out of the taxi at the other end. On the same note, the four multi-directional wheels were a dream. They never once got caught which meant a brisk stroll was easily achievable.

“There’s nothing more embarrassing than turning up for your holiday with a suitcase that’s clearly several years old, battered and bruised. I honestly don’t think I’ll ever experience that feeling again though with the Stamford cabin. It came home unscathed bar a couple of scuffs (which are only visible because of its pink hue), and I have no doubt it’ll stay that way for as long as I continue to use it. It also features a USB charging port, though you will need to provide your own battery, and the TSA fixed combination lock sits on the top of the bag instead of on the side – so you can easily access things without having to lay it down.

“Overall, this case is spot on for city breaks or long weekend getaways where a holdall won’t suffice. I will 100% be using it again, and my partner is already sharking after one too.”

The assignment: I took my Antler Clifton away on my first beach holiday of 2023, to Barbados. I was there for five days, but my first experience of 30+ degree heat this side of the new year meant I had a *major* desire to overpack. I needed choice; I needed options and I needed space. My Antler needed to serve me well.

The tester: Sophie Cockett, Senior Commerce Editor, Europe.

The product: Stamford medium in Black.

Pictured: GLAMOUR’s Sophie Cockett with the Stamford medium case in Black.

The verdict:

“I am *such* a fan of Antler luggage, not least because the act of having a cabin suitcase which matches your hold suitcase and weekend bag is such a luxury.

“My suitcase arrived wrapped in a sleek, grey dust bag which was such a nice touch – and my first impression upon lifting it out of the box was how lightweight it was. The large Stamford weighs just over 5kg when unfilled, which isn’t very much given the quality.

“Packing was a breeze: the extender added 5cm of space which meant I could overpack to my heart’s content, and in addition to the packing straps and zipped compartment, I found the suitcase divider a helpful feature. It meant my clothes remained flat for the duration of my travels, and creasing wasn’t too much of an issue.

“At the airport, the TSA-approved combination lock meant I could send my suitcase away without a worry, and the 360-degree rotation wheels made speeding through customs *so* easy. I was surprised by how quietly the wheels glided along the ground.

“All-in-all, my Antler Stamford was perfectly suited to a long-haul beach holiday and I can’t wait to use it again later in the year. My only disappointment was the fact that the black polycarbonate shell scratched fairly easily, so after being thrown around on luggage carousels, my case was subject to a few white marks. I’d maybe opt for a lighter colour next time so that scratches aren’t so visible.”

The assignment: Headed to Puglia for a week with my boyfriend, I needed a bag big enough to fit both mine and his clothes as we only paid for one in-hold suitcase. I’m an over-packer to begin with, let alone when the weather forecast is looking mixed, requiring me to prepare for both a sunny and rainy holiday. Also, with a walk from the car port to our Airbnb in Puglia, I’d need a suitcase that’s capable of taking on a large chunk of cobbled roads. Good luck, Antler.

Lucy Smith, Georgia Trodd, Sophie Cockett

Source link

November 24, 2023
The most magical hotels on the Riviera Maya, Mexico

If you’re dreaming of travelling to a beautiful far flung destination, you can’t get much more idyllic than Mexico’s Riviera Maya on the south-east Yucatan peninsula. It’s the stretch of Caribbean coastline that reaches out from just beneath the party resort of Cancun, down through Playa Del Carmen’s beach clubs to Tulum’s bohemian oasis. In between? There’s magical cenotes for swimming and snorkelling, peaceful beaches, vibey nightlife, Mayan ruins and a nature reserve where you can see crocs, dolphins, turtles and tropical birds, all in one spot.

And if the Riviera Maya is on your bucket list for a winter sun destination in 2023 or a spring/ summer getaway in 2024, you’re not alone. British Airways’ first-ever travel report found that Cancun has seen a 134% increase in BA searches compared to 2019, so it’s clear this beautiful part of the world is high on travellers’ post-pandemic bucket list. Scroll on, and you’ll see why.

When is the best time of year to go?

The Riviera Maya’s high season is between January to April when the weather is the most settled. It’s best for beautiful sunny days and cooler evenings, however it’s also the busiest and most expensive time to go.

From May to September you’ll experience more humidity, with hot days and brief rain showers, but it’s also a lot quieter and cheaper. I travelled in June and experienced one rainy and one cloudy day out of 10, with gorgeous sunshine the rest of the time. However, it’s worth noting that the white sandy beaches are likely backed-up with brown sargassum seaweed as the temperatures heat up between May and October, so bear that in mind if you’re seeking lots of beach days.

October is hurricane season so tends to be quietest. November and December follow hurricane season and are cooler, milder and less busy than peak season, so another good time to go.

Where are the best places to go?

Take your pick between tropical jungle, chilled-out beaches, Mayan ruins – such as the pyramid-like temple of Chichen Itza – and natural cenotes, like Grand, Dos Ojos and Ik Kil where you can swim and snorkel in naturally-occurring water caves and wells. To the north, you can tap into Cancun’s iconic night life with clubs like Señor Frog’s and Coco Bongo along the Hotel Zone strip, or indulge in some retail therapy at the malls. You can also day trip to nearby islands like Isla Mujeres and Isla Holbox.

The quaint fishing village of Puerto Morelos to the south of Cancun feels undiscovered and offers a quiet tranquility as well as gorgeous beaches. Halfway down the riviera, Playa del Carmen boasts feel-good beach clubs like Lido as well as a nightlife to rival Cancun. It also offers easy access for day trips to the cenotes and Cozumel island, or a drive to Chichen Itza to the west.

To the south, Tulum’s ancient ruins above Playa Paraiso give way to a 7-mile beach road speckled with bohemian boutique hotels and relaxed ocean clubs. The general vibe is barefoot escapism, and with everything that’s been going on in the world, it makes sense that we all want to withdraw to a sanctuary that centres on healing, spirituality, nature and peacefulness. For the social-seekers, there’s a bustling community, too, which just like the ocean beyond, you can dip in and out of as you please.

Elle Turner, Ali Pantony

Source link

November 6, 2023
PSA: The most-purchased suitcase set among GLAMOUR readers is reduced for Prime Day
Gearing up for some winter sun? The best Amazon Prime Day luggage deals may not have been the focal point of your shopping agenda initially this October, but since holiday season isn’t limited to one time of year, we’re well in favour of a suitcase upgrade. So what better a time to give your packing set-up a makeover than the Amazon Big Deals Day sale?

From luxe brands like Antler and Samsonite to the more accessibly-priced TravelPro and Coolife, Amazon are treating us to some of their best Prime Day reductions yet. Remember, though, the shopping extravaganza ends tonight at 23:59 (October 11th) so we wouldn’t wait around.

As discerning travellers, we’re in the market for either a three-piece set from a heavily discounted luggage brand, or perhaps one single piece from a more premium carry-on luggage brand (ahem, American Tourister). See, for instance, the Soundbox Spinner model: it’s reduced by 21% and offers buyers a durable hardshell makeup, double spinner wheels and a TSA lock. Elsewhere, the Coolife spinner luggage trio has certainly piqued our interests, not least of all because its design appears an affordable rival to our favourite high-end brand, Brics.

Whatever your shopping interests this Prime Day sale, be it a weekender bag or duffle, a travel backpack or extra large checked bag, Amazon are sure to have a Prime member reduction on just what you’re after. So, without further ado, we present the best Amazon Prime Day luggage deals in the October Amazon Prime Day Sale (AKA Prime Big Deal Days) – and we’ll be adding more deals as they drop.

The best Amazon Prime Day luggage deals, by discount:
More Amazon Prime Day 2023
Lucy Smith, Mayola Fernandes

Source link
October 11, 2023
Um, Important: The Antler suitcase loved by GLAMOUR readers is reduced for Prime Day
You may not have anticipated the best Amazon Prime Day luggage deals being the focal point of your shopping agenda this October, but holiday season isn’t limited to one time of year. We’re well in favour of winter sun, actually. So what better a time to give your packing set-up a makeover than the Amazon Big Deals Day sale?

From luxe brands like Antler and Samsonite to the more accessibly-priced TravelPro and Coolife, Amazon are treating us to some of their best Prime Day reductions yet. Remember, though, the shopping extravaganza is only on for two days, starting today (October 10th) and ending tomorrow (October 11th) at 23:59.

As discerning travellers, we’re in the market for either a three-piece set from a heavily discounted luggage brand, or perhaps one single piece from a more premium carry-on luggage brand (ahem, American Tourister). See, for instance, the Soundbox Spinner model: it’s reduced by 21% and offers buyers a durable hardshell makeup, double spinner wheels and a TSA lock. Elsewhere, the Coolife spinner luggage trio has certainly piqued our interests, not least of all because its design appears an affordable rival to our favourite high-end brand, Brics.

Whatever your shopping interests this Prime Day sale, be it a weekender bag or duffle, a travel backpack or extra large checked bag, Amazon are sure to have a Prime member reduction on just what you’re after. So, without further ado, we present the best Amazon Prime Day luggage deals in the October Amazon Prime Day Sale (AKA Prime Big Deal Days) – and we’ll be adding more deals as they drop.

The best Amazon Prime Day luggage deals, by discount:
More Amazon Prime Day 2023
Lucy Smith, Mayola Fernandes

Source link
October 9, 2023