There are many tours that can be taken while holidaying in Bangkok, from pleasure trips through to historical forays. We chose one that took in the well-known floating market and Elephant Village.

March 25, 2009

In part one of our look at Bangkok we concentrated on the main temples, and, with around 400 temples in the city, there are many. But Bangkok has more to offer, and after a while, we found we needed a break from temples and set out to some of the other attractions on offer.

March 24, 2009

Bangkok has built itself a reputation over the years as a holiday destination, although not necessarily one of being a place to take the family. But for a short city break, Thailand's capital offers plenty of attractions.

March 17, 2009

If you are travelling to Amman, Jordan on business, try and set aside an afternoon to visit the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. As the locals will tell you, it's a must.

January 26, 2009

Bewitching, seductive Tahiti; a name that's launched a million or more dreams of love and lust under a tropical sky; a place that's captivated sailors, movie stars, artists, writers, lovers and mere mortals looking for paradise since the Englishman, Captain Wallis 'discovered' it in 1767.

January 28, 2009

Sunset cocktails on the sands of Haad Salad seemed like an ideal way to wrap up such an exhausting day. Fresh out of energy from all the swimming, snorkelling, beach strolling and eating that had preceded the liquid orange colours of dusk, we managed to find the will to order two caiprioskas and settle into our favourite corner on the deck of the shack style My Way beach bar, traditional Thai cushions firmly planted beneath our “weary” behinds.

January 14, 2009

A whole coast of sunshine is quite a claim to fame ... but just north of Brisbane is an area which manages to deliver not just a superbly holiday-friendly climate, but also over 65 kilometres of the world's most beautiful, sun-drenched beaches and acres and acres of lush hinterland rainforest.

January 14, 2009

If you want an impressive stay in Sydney then consider the Four Seasons, overlooking the harbour in the historic Rocks district. Just a short walk from the city’s shopping and business centres, many rooms have dramatic harbour front views of the famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge.

May 14, 2008

British country hotels can be extremely expensive but there is also a second division of well run individual hotels that offer excellent food and comfortable accommodation. The Wilton Court in Ross on Wye is set in beautiful Herefordshire countryside near the border with Wales and is unbelievably good value.

May 14, 2008

Muscat may not offer the glitz and glamour of some of the other up-and-coming cities in the Middle East, but the Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa just outside the capital of Oman, is truly a jaw-dropping destination that offers all of the natural beauty one could hope for in a beach resort.

May 14, 2008

Venice remains a tourist trap with crowded main attractions at any time of year. But there is a reason why so many come, and have been coming for hundreds of years. For Venice is a very romantic old city built on canals with a unique atmosphere.

January 7, 2008

Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort was the first five-star hotel to open in Fujairah five years ago. Today, with an occupancy that reaches 80 per cent at peak times, the hotel is constantly busy. But what can guests find there besides the outstanding views of the mountains and sandy beaches?

December 17, 2007

Fifteen years ago the Grosvenor House hit the headlines as the first hotel in London to record a one million pound bill, when the Qatari royal family checked out that summer. This hotel is still popular as a summer residence for wealthy Middle Eastern guests and has just had a very necessary face-lift.

July 29, 2008

This is the newest super-luxury hotel in a European capital and brings standards of hospitality in Moscow to a higher level. The location, just behind Red Square, was formerly the site of an Intourist hotel that was demolished to make way for the 334-room Ritz-Carlton which opened a year ago.

July 6, 2008

It was a tough job but someone had to do it - review the Grand Hyatt Dubai spa, one of the most popular purveyors of full body relaxation and rejuvenation.

March 16, 2008

Many visitors get no further than the Perth Burswood Inter-Con complex and its casino. But an easy 300km drive outside Perth and you are in Margaret River country.

October 2, 2007